The Fairy Tail bathhouse had worked its usual wonders, washing away the mud, grime, and a good portion of the day's exhaustion from the newly christened (by Katsuki, at least) "Ground Zero Agency." Now, clean, clad in fresh (if still borrowed or hastily purchased) clothes, and gathered around a large table in the guild hall, Katsuki, Touka, and a surprisingly cheerful (if still occasionally sighing for Gray-sama) Juvia were devouring a massive dinner Mirajane had prepared for them.
The initial, almost manic energy of their training session had subsided, replaced by a comfortable, if still slightly charged, camaraderie. And as they ate, the other Fairy Tail members who weren't currently out on missions – Levy, Lisanna, Macao, Wakaba, Cana, Elfman, and even a curious Makarov and a silently observing (from a distance) Laxus – found themselves drawn to their table, their curiosity piqued by the small, white Exceed who was now tentatively, shyly, beginning to open up.
With Katsuki's (surprisingly non-threatening, for once) encouragement, and Juvia's gentle prompting, Touka began to speak of her home world, Elentear. Her voice was small at first, hesitant, but as she spoke, a wistful, almost reverent light entered her blue eyes.
"Elentear…" she began, her gaze distant. "It is… a very different place from Earth Land. Or even Edolas, from what you guys have described."
She took a small, fortifying sip of warm milk. "Elentear… it has the most overflowing amount of Magic Power. More than you can imagine. It's so rich, so potent, that the very air hums with it. The land itself is… saturated with magic essence."
A murmur of awe went through the listening guild members. A world overflowing with magic? It sounded like a mage's paradise.
"But…" Touka continued, a shadow crossing her small face, "that much magic… it can be dangerous. Our world's Magic Power… it has expanded to a point where it is almost always on the verge of erupting. Exploding. If it were to happen, it would destroy Elentear, and perhaps… perhaps even affect other nearby worlds."
Gasps of shock rippled through the listeners. Katsuki frowned, his earlier thoughts about weaponizing her teleportation momentarily forgotten, replaced by a new, more serious consideration. An entire world constantly on the brink of magical self-destruction? That was… problematic.
"So, for generations," Touka explained, "the inhabitants of Elentear have employed… priestesses. We call them Whiteout Mages." She shivered slightly, a flicker of fear in her eyes that Katsuki didn't miss, connecting it instantly to Faris's talk of a 'Great White Purification.' "Their duty… their sacred task… is to erase Elentear's overabundant Magic several times a year. They perform a ritual, a Great Whiteout, that siphons off the excess Ethernano, preventing our world from exploding."
"Whiteout Mages…" Levy murmured, her eyes wide, already making mental notes. "A magic specifically designed to… erase other magic on such a massive scale? That's… unheard of here in Earth Land, except perhaps in the most forbidden of ancient texts."
Touka nodded. "It is a very special, very demanding kind of magic. And those who wield it… they are both revered and feared."
She then brightened slightly. "But Elentear is not just about Magic Power. We also have… Spirit Arts."
"Spirit Arts?" Katsuki interjected, his curiosity piqued again. "What the hell is that? Different from your regular magic and those 'Curse' things that Zeref asshole was into?"
"Yes, very different," Touka confirmed. "Spirit Arts are created through the use of Spiria, not Ethernano. Spiria is… like the life force of the world itself, the spiritual energy that flows through all things. And Elentear… just like with Magic Power, our world is also rich and overflowing with Spiria."
She looked around at their fascinated faces. "Spirit Arts… they are immune to Magic, Bakugo-san. Or magical weapons. They cannot be dispelled or countered by Ethernano-based abilities. Only another Spirit Art, or someone or something that has been enchanted with Spiria, can affect them."
A new silence, this one filled with a dawning, almost strategic, understanding, fell over the listening mages. A power source completely separate from Ethernano? Arts that were immune to magic? The implications were staggering.
Laxus, who had been listening with a rare, focused intensity, finally spoke from his shadowy corner. "So, this Faris bitch… if she's a Whiteout Mage from Elentear, or connected to them… she can erase magic. And if she also has access to these 'Spirit Arts'… that makes her a whole different kind of threat. She could potentially nullify our magic, then attack us with something we can't even touch."
Katsuki's mind was racing. Spirit Arts. Immune to magic. This changed things. This made Faris, if she could wield such power, infinitely more dangerous. But it also… it also presented possibilities. If he could somehow learn to use Spiria, or get his hands on a Spiria-enchanted weapon…
His thoughts were a whirlwind of new tactical considerations, of potential counters, of the sheer, mind-boggling complexity of this interdimensional, magic-and-spirit-art-wielding, possessing-entity problem.
Makarov just stroked his chin, his ancient eyes thoughtful and grave. "Elentear… A world of overflowing magic and spiritual energy… Whiteout Mages… Spirit Arts… It seems, my children, that our understanding of the cosmos, and the threats that lie within it, is far from complete."
As Touka continued to softly answer their questions, painting a picture of her beautiful, powerful, and dangerously unstable home world, Katsuki Bakugo felt a familiar, almost exhilarating, sense of challenge rising within him. This Faris wasn't just some run-of-the-mill villain. She was from another dimension, wielding powers beyond their current comprehension. This was going to be a real goddamn fight. And he, somehow, had to find a way to win it, even if it meant learning a whole new set of rules for a game he hadn't even known existed until today.
His gaze drifted towards Mirajane, who was listening intently, her expression serious but resolute. Their earlier romantic entanglement, the teasing, the kisses… it all felt like a lifetime ago, overshadowed by this new, existential threat. But the connection, the strange, undeniable bond that had formed between them, was still there, a silent, unspoken promise of support in the face of the coming storm.
Meanwhile, far to the north, on the perilous continent of Guiltina…
Team Natsu – Natsu, Lucy, Happy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Carla, and their newest, still somewhat bewildered, recruit, Izuku Midoriya – were pressing on, deeper into the untamed wilderness. They were facing down monstrous beasts, navigating treacherous terrain, and slowly but surely, deciphering the cryptic clues left behind by Elefseria, the ancient Dragon of Law, that would lead them to the heart of the 100-Year Quest. They were entirely unaware of the new crisis unfolding back in Magnolia, their focus consumed by the immediate, life-threatening challenges of their legendary undertaking. Wendy, the enchantress whose skills were so desperately needed, was worlds away, both physically and in terms of information.
And on a dusty road, heading south towards Magnolia…
Gajeel Redfox and Pantherlily were not alone. Their earlier, discreet inquiries and a fortuitous encounter had borne fruit faster than they had anticipated. Riding beside them, his expression grim but resolute, his aura radiating a controlled, powerful celestial magic, was Jellal Fernandes. And flanking him, their own expressions a mixture of wary curiosity and a grudging respect for the Iron Dragon Slayer who had sought out their former Master, were several prominent members of the Sabertooth Guild, including their current Master, Sting Eucliffe, and his Exceed partner, Lector.
Jellal had listened intently to Gajeel's urgent, if somewhat crudely delivered, report about the entity named Faris, her stated intention to steal his magic, and her connection to an Exceed named Touka within Fairy Tail. The name Faris, and the concept of a 'Whiteout Mage,' had clearly struck a chord with him, a flicker of something – recognition? concern? – in his usually guarded eyes. He had immediately agreed to accompany Gajeel back to Magnolia, recognizing the potential gravity of the threat, not just to himself, but to Fairy Tail, and perhaps, to the wider magical world. Sabertooth, ever the loyal allies to Fairy Tail since the Grand Magic Games, had insisted on providing an escort.
The road to Magnolia was still long, but a new, powerful set of players was about to enter the unfolding drama. And the information Jellal might possess about Faris, about Whiteout Mages, about ancient threats from other worlds… it might just be the key that Fairy Tail so desperately needed. The stage was being set for a confrontation of epic, and likely very explosive, proportions.
———
Katsuki's mind, still reeling from the revelations about Elentear, Whiteout Mages, and Spirit Arts, suddenly latched onto a horrifying, chilling implication that made his blood run cold.
They had been openly discussing Faris, her plans, her weaknesses, Touka's own abilities – all of it – right here in the guild hall, with Touka present. And Touka had explicitly stated that Faris could sometimes see and hear through her, especially when she was emotional or her guard was down.
"OH, FUCK!" Katsuki roared, leaping to his feet, his chair clattering backwards. The sudden outburst, filled with a new, raw urgency, shocked the listening guild members into silence. Touka, startled, let out a tiny, frightened squeak and nearly fell off her stool.
"We've been feeding her information!" Katsuki snarled, his crimson eyes blazing with a mixture of fury and self-recrimination. He jabbed a finger towards the trembling Exceed. "I forgot! That bitch, Faris! She's inside Touka! She's been listening to every goddamn word we've said! Our theories, our plans, our goddamn weaknesses! She knows we know about her! She knows we're trying to figure out how to stop her!"
A wave of horrified realization washed over the assembled mages. Mirajane's hand flew to her mouth. Levy's face went pale. Makarov's eyes widened in dismay. They had been so focused on understanding the threat, on comforting Touka, that they had completely overlooked the most glaring, dangerous fact: their enemy had a direct line into their strategy sessions.
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Katsuki paced back and forth like a caged tiger, cursing himself for his stupidity, for his momentary lapse in tactical awareness. "We've basically handed her our playbook on a silver goddamn platter!"
He whirled back to face them, his expression grim, resolute. "Alright. New plan. Or rather, an addendum to the old, now probably compromised, plan." His voice was sharp, commanding. "From this moment on, we operate on a need-to-know basis with the cat." He looked at Touka, his gaze still intense, but now also holding a flicker of… not apology, exactly, but a grim necessity. "No offense, furball, but until we can get that parasite outta your head, you're a walking security risk."
Touka nodded miserably, fresh tears welling in her eyes. She understood. She didn't like it, but she understood. She was a danger to the very people who were trying to help her.
"We only tell her what's absolutely necessary for her immediate safety and cooperation," Katsuki continued, his mind already shifting into damage control mode. "Basic instructions. Where to go. What to do. No more deep dives into Elentear lore, no more brainstorming about Faris's weaknesses, not when the bitch herself might be taking notes."
He looked at Levy, then Makarov, then Mirajane. "Our plans to actually separate them, to find a way to exorcise Faris without hurting Touka… that stays strictly between us core group. We discuss it in private. Secure locations. No leaks."
Laxus, from his corner, grunted his approval. "Smart. About time someone around here learned the meaning of operational security."
"But… how do we do that, Katsuki-kun?" Mirajane asked, her voice troubled. "How do we find a way to separate them without Wendy-chan? We have no way of knowing how to contact her, or Team Natsu. They could be anywhere in Guiltina by now, completely out of reach of any communication lacrima we possess."
That was the crux of the problem. Their best solution was unavailable. And now, their enemy was likely aware of their intentions, of their predicament. Faris would be expecting them to try something. She might even be planning her own counter-move, using the information Katsuki had just so helpfully (and infuriatingly) provided by making them all discuss it openly.
Katsuki scowled, running a hand through his hair in frustration. This was a goddamn mess. They were fighting a two-front war – one against a powerful, magic-absorbing entity, and another against their own lack of crucial resources and their recent, monumental security blunder.
"We figure it out," he finally bit out, his voice a low, dangerous growl. "We find another enchantress. We find some ancient, forgotten magic. We beat the damn solution out of one of Levy's dusty books. Or…" A predatory glint entered his crimson eyes. "…we find a way to lure Faris out of Touka, make her manifest physically, even if it's just for a few damn seconds. And when she does…" He clenched his fists, sparks crackling around them. "…I'll introduce her to a level of 'Plus Ultra' pain she won't ever forget. Magic absorption or no magic absorption."
He didn't have a concrete plan yet for that last part. But the thought of a direct, physical confrontation with Faris, of being able to unleash his full power without having to worry about the innocent Exceed host, was a deeply satisfying one.
The atmosphere in the guild hall remained tense, but now it was tinged with a new, grim resolve. They had made a mistake. A big one. But Fairy Tail didn't back down. And Katsuki Bakugo, for all his flaws and his recent blunders, was not about to let some interdimensional parasite win. He would protect Touka. He would find a way to deal with Faris. And he would do it with or without Wendy, with or without a perfect plan. Because that's what heroes – and members of this stupid, infuriating, and surprisingly resilient guild – did. They adapted. They overcame. And they blew shit up. Preferably, the right shit, this time.
———
Just as the grim reality of their predicament – a compromised strategic position and no immediate way to contact their best hope for a solution – began to truly settle upon the core group in Makarov's office (Katsuki, Mirajane, Makarov, Levy, and Laxus, with a very small, very quiet Touka huddled nearby), the main doors of the Fairy Tail guild hall burst open yet again.
This time, however, it wasn't a panicked Katsuki or a returning quest team. It was Gajeel Redfox, striding in with an air of smug, almost theatrical, triumph, Pantherlily perched on his shoulder looking as coolly composed as ever despite the speed of their journey.
And behind them, looking weary from travel but radiating an aura of controlled, potent magical power, were Jellal Fernandes and a contingent of Sabertooth's strongest, including Sting Eucliffe himself, Rogue Cheney, and their Exceed partners, Lector and Frosch.
"Well, well, well," Gajeel boomed, his metallic grin stretching from ear to ear as he surveyed the surprised faces of the core group. "Looks like the Iron Dragon Slayer delivery service has arrived. And we brought… guests." He jerked a thumb towards Jellal and the Sabertooth mages.
Makarov's eyes widened in surprise, then a look of profound relief washed over his face. "Jellal! Sting! My dear boys! What brings you all to Magnolia with such… urgency?"
Jellal stepped forward, his gaze serious, immediately locking onto Makarov, then sweeping over the others, his eyes lingering for a moment on Katsuki with a flicker of curiosity before settling on the small, trembling form of Touka. "Gajeel and Pantherlily found us near Sabertooth's guild, Master Makarov. They spoke of a grave threat. An entity named Faris, possessing an Exceed, targeting Fairy Tail, and… seeking to steal my magic." His voice was calm, but underscored with a steely resolve.
Sting Eucliffe, Sabertooth's exuberant White Dragon Slayer Master, grinned. "Yeah! Gajeel here was pretty convincing! Sounded like you guys were in a real pickle! Couldn't let our Fairy Tail buddies face down some world-ending psycho bitch alone, could we? Sabertooth's always ready for a good rumble, especially if it means protecting our friends!" Lector, perched on his shoulder, puffed out his chest in agreement. Rogue and Frosch offered quieter, more stoic nods of assent.
Katsuki stared at the newcomers, his mind rapidly processing this unexpected development. Jellal Fernandes. He'd heard the name, heard the whispers, the stories of his power, his past sins, his quest for redemption. And Sabertooth, Fairy Tail's former rivals, now staunch allies. This was… a significant reinforcement. And Gajeel, that damn metal-head, had brought them. Katsuki had to admit, grudgingly, it was a pretty impressive move. Smug bastard.
"Well, you damn well got here just in time," Katsuki grunted, cutting through the initial pleasantries. "We were just discussing how we've probably fed all our plans to the enemy thanks to a certain possessed furball having a direct line to her psycho spirit-mama." He shot a glare at Touka, who flinched and tried to hide behind Lisanna, who had re-entered the office with a fresh tray of tea.
The core group quickly, efficiently, filled Jellal and the Sabertooth mages in on everything they had learned: Touka's origins in Elentear, the nature of Aqua Aera, the Whiteout Mages, Faris's ability to absorb magic, her goal of 'purifying' the world, her connection to the Magic Deficiency Disease, and their current predicament regarding the lack of an enchantress capable of safely separating Faris from Touka.
Jellal listened intently, his expression growing increasingly grave as the details unfolded. The mention of Elentear, of Whiteout Mages, and particularly, the name 'Faris,' seemed to resonate with him deeply, a flicker of grim recognition in his lone visible eye. Sting and Rogue, too, listened with a seriousness that belied their usual laid-back or stoic demeanors. This was clearly far more than just another dark guild causing trouble.
When they had finished, Jellal was silent for a long moment, his gaze distant, as if searching through ancient, painful memories. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and filled with a heavy certainty.
"Faris…" he murmured, the name tasting like ash on his tongue. "Yes… I have heard whispers of such an entity. An ancient being from a world consumed by an overabundance of magic, one who believes herself to be a cleansing force, a 'White Flame' destined to erase what she deems impure." He looked at Touka with a new, profound sadness. "And Elentear… its priestesses, the Whiteout Mages… their power to erase magic is indeed legendary, and terrifyingly real. If Faris is one of them, or possesses similar abilities, and can also absorb the magic she erases…" He trailed off, the implications clear.
Sting slammed a fist into his palm, his face set in a determined grin. "So, she's a super-powered magic vacuum cleaner with a god complex? Sounds like fun! We'll just have to hit her harder than she can suck!"
Rogue, ever the pragmatist, added, "Her ability to possess an Exceed, to move between worlds using this 'Aqua Aera'… it makes her incredibly difficult to track, to contain."
Jellal nodded, his gaze returning to the Fairy Tail mages. "Your situation is indeed dire. And your hunch about the Magic Deficiency Disease, Bakugo-san…" He looked at Katsuki with a newfound respect. "…is likely correct. Faris's 'purification' would indeed leave its victims drained, their magical essence effectively erased."
He then focused on Makarov. "The absence of young Wendy is a significant blow. Her unique enchantment abilities would be invaluable. But… there may be other avenues. Other magics. My own research into ancient texts, into forbidden lore, during my time… away… I may have encountered references to rituals, to artifacts, that could potentially aid in a spiritual severance, or at least in containing such a possessive entity." His voice was hesitant, but held a sliver of hope.
The atmosphere in the room shifted again. The arrival of Jellal and Sabertooth hadn't magically solved their problems, but it had brought new knowledge, new power, and a renewed sense of hope. Jellal, with his dark past and his deep understanding of forbidden magics, might just hold the key they so desperately needed.
Katsuki listened, his arms crossed, his expression still grim, but a spark of his usual aggressive determination had returned. This Jellal guy seemed to know his shit. And Sabertooth… well, they were a bunch of flashy idiots, but they were strong idiots. They could be useful.
"Alright, pretty-boy," Katsuki said, addressing Jellal directly, his tone still abrasive but lacking its usual overt hostility. "You got any actual ideas, or are you just gonna stand there looking mysterious and broody? If you know something that can help us get this damn parasite out of the cat without killing her, spit it out. We ain't got all damn year."
The alliance had just expanded. The stakes were higher than ever. But with Jellal's knowledge, Sabertooth's strength, and Fairy Tail's indomitable (if chaotic) spirit, they might just have a fighting chance against the ancient, world-purifying threat that was Faris. The real planning could now begin.
———
Jellal Fernandes, his expression grave and his gaze distant, began to speak. He confirmed much of what Touka had revealed about Elentear, the Whiteout Mages, and the terrifying potential of Spirit Arts. He spoke of ancient legends, of worlds consumed by their own uncontrolled magical energies, of entities that sought to impose their own twisted order upon the multiverse.
But then, his narrative took a darker, more personal turn.
"This entity, Faris…" Jellal said, his voice low, his visible eye clouded with a grim memory. "Her methods, her stated goals of 'purification,' her ability to absorb and erase magic… it is not just theory to me." He paused, and a heavy silence fell over the room. "Approximately one year ago, during my pursuit of lingering Zeref cult remnants in a remote region of the northern continent, I… encountered her. Or rather, an individual who wielded powers identical to what you describe. A woman of ethereal beauty, cloaked in white, who called herself the 'Hand of the Cleansing Flame'."
A collective gasp went through the Fairy Tail and Sabertooth mages. Makarov leaned forward, his expression intent. Mirajane's hand flew to her mouth.
Katsuki stared at Jellal, a cold knot forming in his stomach. A run-in with Faris. One year ago.
"She was… formidable," Jellal continued, his voice tight with the memory. "She didn't fight with conventional magic. Her attacks seemed to… bypass my defenses, to drain my energy. And she spoke of a 'Great Whiteout,' of a world needing to be cleansed of its magical 'impurities.' She sought to… to recruit me, or failing that, to absorb my Heavenly Body Magic, believing it to be a key catalyst for her grand design."
He clenched his fist. "The battle was… difficult. I was fortunate to escape with my life, and my magic, intact. She vanished after our confrontation, and I believed her to be a localized, if powerful, anomaly. I never connected her to… to an Exceed, or to another world like Elentear." He looked at Touka, who was trembling, her eyes wide with a horrified recognition. "But now… now it all makes a terrifying kind of sense. The woman I fought… it was Faris. Operating through a different vessel then, perhaps, or in her own form, if she can manifest one."
The grim realization settled over them all. Faris wasn't just a new threat. She was an old threat, one that had already clashed with one of Fiore's most powerful mages and lived to tell the tale. And she had been planning, scheming, for at least a year, if not longer.
Katsuki felt a surge of cold fury. This bitch had been active, hurting people, stealing magic, all while hiding inside an innocent kid. He looked down at Touka, who was now sniffling again, looking utterly lost and terrified, no doubt imagining the horrors Faris had inflicted, the horrors she might still inflict using Touka's own body.
Without thinking, without conscious thought, driven by an unexpected, almost overwhelming surge of protective instinct, Katsuki reached out his hand, the one with the orange Fairy Tail mark, and gently, almost awkwardly, patted the top of Touka's small, fluffy white head.
His touch was surprisingly soft, a stark contrast to his usual explosive demeanor. Touka looked up at him, her large blue eyes wide with surprise, a single tear tracing a path through her fur.
"I'll find a way, Touka," Katsuki muttered, his voice a low, fierce growl, but his gaze, for once, was not directed at her with anger or impatience. It was fixed on some distant point, his mind already racing, his resolve hardening into something akin to tempered steel. "That psycho bitch isn't gonna win. She's not gonna use you. She's not gonna hurt anyone else." He paused, then, so quietly that only Touka and perhaps Mirajane, who was watching them with a soft, knowing smile, could hear, he added, "You're… you're my dear friend."
The word 'friend' still felt a little foreign, a little awkward on his tongue, especially when applied to a crying, interdimensional, shapeshifting cat. But in that moment, looking at her fear, understanding the true extent of the violation she had endured, he meant it. She was innocent. She was caught in the middle of something terrible. And she was, however bizarrely, now under his protection.
Of course, a small, ruthlessly pragmatic corner of his mind, the part that was always calculating, always looking for an advantage, immediately added, she's also a potentially devastatingly useful, teleporting, interdimensional weapon, my very own fluffy white Kurogiri. So, yeah. Protecting my valuable assets is just good strategy.
But even that cynical internal justification couldn't entirely erase the genuine, surprisingly fierce protectiveness he felt for the small, trembling Exceed on his shoulder. He would find a way. For Fairy Tail. For this strange, new world. For Mirajane (a thought that still made his ears burn). And yes, damn it all, for Touka. His new, weird, and unexpectedly important… friend. And tactical teleportation device. The lines were getting very, very blurry. And Katsuki Bakugo, much to his own surprise, found he didn't entirely mind.
———
As Katsuki awkwardly patted Touka's head, his gruffly muttered promise of protection and declaration of friendship (however pragmatically justified in his own mind) echoing in the suddenly quiet office, Mirajane Strauss felt her heart do a complete, ridiculous, and utterly delighted somersault.
She had to physically restrain herself from actually cooing out loud. She pressed her lips together, her sapphire eyes sparkling with an almost unbearable amount of suppressed affection and amusement. He was just… too much. This fierce, explosive, arrogant boy-man, who could level mountains with a glare and terrify dark guilds into submission, was currently being so awkwardly, endearingly gentle with a traumatized, fluffy white cat. And he'd called her his "dear friend."
Oh, Katsuki, her mind sang, a symphony of delighted, possessive warmth. My Katsuki!
The thought, the sheer, unadulterated possessiveness of it, hit her with the force of one of his own explosions. Her Katsuki? When had that happened? When had he transitioned in her mind from "Bakugo-san, the intriguing and volatile newcomer" to "Katsuki-kun, the surprisingly sweet and fiercely shy firecracker" to… to "my Katsuki"?
Kami-sama, she thought, a wave of giddy, almost hysterical laughter bubbling up inside her, mixed with a genuine, heartfelt plea. I am so, so sorry for laying claim to such an amazing, explosive, and thoroughly bewildering man. But also… thank you?
He was, of course, still infuriatingly dense in some ways. He was a tactical genius, capable of dissecting complex battle situations and formulating brilliant, if often reckless, strategies in a heartbeat. He could analyze magical theory (when forced to) with a surprising, aggressive acuity. He could even, apparently, cook a Mapo Tofu that could make angels weep.
But when it came to emotional intelligence, particularly of the romantic variety, Katsuki Bakugo was, to put it mildly, a beautifully crafted brick.
Mirajane replayed the events of the past twenty-four hours (or was it forty-eight? Time had become a rather fluid concept around him) in her mind. Her stolen kiss in the dead of night. His confused, dream-like recollection. Her playful teasing. His explosive, accusing realization. Her flustered confession. Her second, far more possessive, kiss. His utterly bewildered, shyly whispered conditional acceptance – "If you'd be willing…"
And then… nothing.
Well, not nothing. There had been the breakfast incident, the cake catastrophe, the battle of the wills over his wardrobe, his surprisingly astute deduction about Faris, and now this unexpected, heart-melting display of gruff tenderness towards Touka. All of which were, in their own way, incredibly revealing and deeply endearing.
But the gazes… Oh, the gazes she had been sending him for the past few hours, ever since their world had tilted on its axis at the bar! Gazes filled with affection, with amusement, with a dawning, possessive love that she was making less and less effort to conceal. Gazes that should have, by all rights, either made him spontaneously combust from renewed embarrassment or prompted some kind of… reciprocal acknowledgment.
Instead, Katsuki had been… Katsuki. Oblivious. Dense. His focus entirely consumed by the immediate crisis (Faris), his own internal processing (the armor, the mission, the overwhelming weirdness of it all), or his newfound responsibility for Touka. He hadn't seemed to register the shift in her demeanor, the new depth in her smiles, the way her hand sometimes lingered a fraction too long when she passed him a cup of tea. He hadn't connected her earlier, bold declarations with her current, softer, more overtly affectionate regard.
It was, Mirajane had to admit, slightly frustrating. But also, in a strange way, incredibly endearing. He was a creature of absolutes, of black and white, of explosions and silence. Subtlety, especially of the romantic kind, was clearly a foreign language to him. He understood direct action, bold declarations (like her "You're MINE!"), and perhaps, if his sleepy confessions were anything to go by, the scent of strawberries and the imagery of pretty fireworks. Nuance? Not so much.
She watched him now, as he awkwardly tried to reassure Touka while simultaneously looking like he wanted to blast a hole in the wall out of sheer social discomfort. His brow was furrowed in concentration, his crimson eyes focused on the small Exceed, completely missing the soft, loving, and slightly exasperated smile Mirajane was directing his way.
Oh, Katsuki, she thought again, a fond sigh escaping her. You magnificent, explosive, beautiful, and utterly, wonderfully dense idiot.
It didn't matter. She was Mirajane Strauss. She was patient. She was persistent. And she had claimed him. He might be slow on the uptake when it came to recognizing the full extent of her affections, but she had seen that flicker of terrified, hopeful acceptance in his eyes. She had heard his sleepy, heartfelt "Okay."
He was hers. He just didn't quite realize the full implications of that yet. But he would. Oh, yes. She would make sure of it. In her own time. In her own, delightfully Mirajane, way. And it was going to be so, so much fun watching him figure it out. Her dense, adorable, explosive Katsuki. Her very own.
———
Around 100 years prior to the year X793, Athena was created as a living weapon through Alchemy by Elefseria's supposedly late apprentice, Duke Barbaroa, in order to slay the Five Dragon Gods, though was stated by Elefseria to have been made for the self-defense of persecuted Mages.
But when she escaped the seal placed on her by Elefseria due to her great power and left to Ishgar in hopes of finding feelings, she became known as the White Wizard and attracted followers. This eventually led to the formation of Rebellious, a White Magic-based cult seeking to turn the world into a "white nothingness" to prevent the threat of congregating powerful Magic, seemingly in response to Avatar.
During her time as head of the cult, Athena considered recruiting White Dragon Slayer Sting Eucliffe.
Recently, the Gold Dragon God Viernes's proxy, the fake Duke, found Athena in Ishgar and returned her to his Alchemist Guild Gold Owl in Guiltina's city of Filan. Duke Barbaroa hoped to find materials to use to complete her "imperfections" and help her be human.
In Athena's absence, a Whiteout Priestess from Elentear named Faris, who was under orders from the Moon Dragon God Selene to Whiteout the other Dragon Gods, took over the Rebellious cult and the identity of the White Wizard. Over time, Faris became warped by the "White Creed," leading to some personality disorders.
As a result of her warped beliefs and power, Faris used her Whiteout ability on various Mages in X793. These actions unintentionally resulted in deaths due to Magic Deficiency Disease, gaining the attention of Jellal Fernandes.
At some point, Faris was requested by Karameel, Mercphobia's (the Water Dragon God) attendant, to Whiteout Mercphobia in hopes of allowing him to live a normal human life. She then infiltrated Fairy Tail (or attempted to use its members indirectly) due to their Mages being quite powerful when gathered together. Her aim was to fulfill Selene's plan of using Aldoron, the Wood Dragon God, against the other Dragon Gods, though this infiltration and plan had ultimately been a trick orchestrated by Selene.
After her homeworld of Elentear was saved by Fairy Tail (during Team Natsu's 100-Year Quest activities), Faris stayed in Elentear, assumingly leaving her post as leader for Rebellious.
This will happen in the coming future!
———
Jellal's chilling accusation – that Faris was not just a possessor but the manipulative head of the Rebellious cult, bent on global magical annihilation – hung heavy in the room. The weight of his words, backed by his own harrowing encounter a year prior, lent a terrifying credibility to the theory.
Katsuki had unconsciously patted Touka's head, a gruff promise of protection and a startling declaration of friendship escaping him. His mind, however, was already processing this new, even more monstrous scale of threat. This wasn't just a rogue spirit; this was an organized, ideological enemy.
Levy was pale, her fingers already flying through ancient texts, searching for any corroborating information on 'Rebellious' or the 'Great White Mother.' Makarov's face was etched with a profound gravity. Laxus's scowl deepened, his fists clenching. Mirajane watched Katsuki with a mixture of pride at his protective instincts and deep concern for the storm they were clearly heading into. Sting and Rogue exchanged grim, determined looks. This was far beyond a simple request for aid Jellal had initially received.
Touka, still nestled under Katsuki's surprisingly gentle hand, trembled, the full weight of Faris's insidious nature and the terrifying scope of her ambitions crashing down on the small Exceed. To be the unwilling vessel for such a devastating entity… it was a burden too heavy for one so small.
The atmosphere in the office was thick with unspoken fears and the grim resolve of those who knew a terrible battle loomed. The fight against Faris was no longer just about saving Touka; it was about preventing a catastrophic 'White Nothingness' from consuming their world. And the White Wizard, whether Athena or the Faris who had usurped her title, was an enemy unlike any they had faced before.
———
Meanwhile, in the distant, perilous lands of Guiltina…
Team Natsu, now eight strong with the unexpected but increasingly invaluable addition of Izuku Midoriya, had been facing trials that would have broken lesser mages. The 100-Year Quest was living up to its legendary difficulty, throwing challenges at them that pushed each member to their absolute limits and beyond.
Their journey had led them first to the domain of Mercphobia, the Water Dragon God. The battle had been titanic, waged both above and below the waves of a vast, churning ocean. Mercphobia, conflicted and suffering from a loss of control over his immense powers, had been a formidable, almost tragic, opponent. Gray's ice had clashed with the Dragon God's torrential water attacks, Erza's myriad armors had been tested against crushing aquatic pressures, Lucy's Celestial Spirits had fought valiantly in the alien, underwater environment, and Wendy and Carla had provided crucial support and healing.
Izuku, despite his quirklessness, had proven his worth time and again. His keen analytical mind, honed by years of studying heroes and Quirks, had allowed him to spot weaknesses in Mercphobia's attack patterns, to devise strategies that exploited the terrain, and to coordinate Team Natsu's diverse abilities with surprising efficiency. His physical prowess, the result of two years of relentless, quirkless training, had allowed him to hold his own in close quarters, dodging attacks and creating openings for his more magically-inclined teammates.
But it was Natsu, as always, who had delivered the decisive blows. In a desperate, climactic confrontation, with Mercphobia threatening to drown them all in a colossal tsunami, another Dragon God had unexpectedly intervened: Ignia, the Fire Dragon God, son of Igneel. Ignia, arrogant and powerful, had sought not to help them, but to test Natsu, to stoke his flames, to see if he was truly worthy of the Dragon Slayer legacy. He had "enhanced" Natsu's fire, amplifying it to an almost uncontrollable, incandescent level.
Fueled by Ignia's volatile power, Natsu had unleashed a Fire Dragon King's Demolition Fist of such overwhelming, superheated intensity that it had not only dispersed Mercphobia's tsunami but had also managed to break through the Water Dragon God's defenses, shocking him back to a semblance of his former, more controlled self. Victory, hard-fought and almost catastrophically costly, had been achieved. Mercphobia, his power somewhat stabilized (and his dangerous 'Whiteout' by Faris, unbeknownst to them, having been previously addressed), had reluctantly acknowledged their strength and provided them with the next clue on their quest.
Their journey had then taken them to the colossal, continent-sized Wood Dragon God, Aldoron. This was a battle of an entirely different scale, a war waged not against a single entity, but against a living, moving, world-sized ecosystem, and the immensely powerful "God Seeds" that were Aldoron's core sentinels.
Once again, Team Natsu had been pushed to their breaking point. Erza had carved paths through forests of colossal, sentient trees. Gray had frozen entire rampaging root systems. Lucy had summoned multiple powerful spirits simultaneously, her magical reserves strained to their utmost. Wendy's enchantments and healing had been crucial in keeping them alive against Aldoron's overwhelming regenerative abilities and the constant barrage of attacks from its defenders. Izuku, navigating the treacherous, shifting terrain of the Wood Dragon God's back, had become their eyes and ears, his strategic insights and quick thinking allowing them to target Aldoron's vital weak points, the Orbs that sustained its consciousness.
And again, Natsu, his power still residually, dangerously amplified from Ignia's earlier intervention, had been the tip of their spear. He had burned through Aldoron's magically resistant bark, battled against the God Seeds with a ferocity that bordered on the insane, his flames raging with an almost sentient hunger. The final confrontation, atop Aldoron's massive, tree-like head, had been a cataclysmic inferno.
They had won. Against all odds, against two of the legendary Five Dragon Gods of Guiltina, Team Natsu had emerged victorious, battered, bruised, their magical reserves scraped to the absolute bottom, but undeniably triumphant. They had saved countless lives who were being unknowingly drained by Aldoron, and they had taken two massive steps forward on their epic, seemingly impossible quest.
They were unaware of the crisis brewing back in Magnolia, of Faris and Touka, of the threat to their guild and their friends. Their focus was entirely on the immediate, life-or-death struggle of the 100-Year Quest. They were growing stronger, their bonds tightening with each new impossible victory, Izuku Midoriya slowly but surely carving out his own unique, quirkless place amongst these legendary mages of Fairy Tail.
But Guiltina was a vast, dangerous continent. And the remaining Dragon Gods, and the ancient secrets of the 100-Year Quest, still lay before them, promising even greater challenges, and perhaps, even greater rewards. Their journey was far, far from over.
———
———
———
Votes:
MIRAJANE ONLY!
MIRAJANE + ERZA HAREM!
OTHERS!
Choose wisely, I'd consider the amount of comments, and won't include repeats of users! Vote wisely, readers!