Forest Outside of Magnolia, Fiore
The ground still steamed. Frost clung to charred bark. Craters pocked the earth where fists had landed and swords had slashed. But the chaos… had quieted.
Now all eyes were on Makarov Dreyar, still in his colossal form, his hand firmly holding Natsu in place like a misbehaved child, and to the strange group of otherworlders standing just behind a wall of ice.
Issei let out a slow breath, brushing ash from his singed jacket. His body still ached from the clash with the fire-crazed pink-haired boy, and his arm stung where Natsu's flames had nearly broken his Boosted Gear. But all that mattered now was de-escalating this mess before someone got seriously hurt. "Alright," He muttered as he started walking towards the large group. "Someone's gotta talk to them and explain what happened."
Beside him, Tamamo stood tall and poised, her golden tails waving gently behind her, her sharp eyes fixed on the enormous figure towering across the clearing. "Not alone." Tamamo, ever graceful and deadly, moved beside him in perfect sync. "I'll make sure he doesn't pull a fast one. And if he does I'll make him regret not listening."
Issei gave a nod, appreciative of her strength at his side. "Thanks. If they have someone that strong, I'd rather not be alone."
They stepped forward together, leaving behind the cautious group of family and allies. Behind them, Yuuka watched silently, arms crossed, brows tight with concern. Matsu had already started taking magical readings of Makarov trying to figure out how he got so big. Karasuba simply leaned against a tree, already looking bored and slightly annoyed that the fight ended prematurely. Miki and Gorou continued to hold Sakura with worry in their eyes for their son. Miya and Uzume continue to watch the large group just in case they do something.
On the Fairy Tail side, all eyes were on the advancing pair. The sheer beauty of the woman walking beside the brown haired boy was enough to make some of the male guild members flush and whisper among themselves.
"Wow…" Gray murmured. "Is it just me, or is she… glowing?"
"She has fox tails and ears." Lucy whispered. "Are those real?"
Even Makarov, though composed, narrowed his eyes looking at the two in suspicion. Especially at Tamamo. She was ethereal. Long pink hair, regal kimono swaying in the breeze, with beauty eclipsing any woman he had ever seen. But it wasn't her looks that unnerved him, it was her power. This woman wasn't ordinary. He wondered, very briefly, if Gildarts and himself could best her. And the boy? He'd taken multiple hits from Natsu and stood up again. That alone warranted caution.
The guildmaster slowly began to shrink down, golden magic receding as he returned to his normal, small size. He soon gave a command to Gray to restrain Natsu. His stern gaze never wavered from the approaching duo.
They were dangerous but they also hadn't attacked them yet except for his two children. That counted for something.
Issei cleared his throat awkwardly as he and Tamamo stopped a few feet away. "Uh… hi. Sorry about… everything." He gestured broadly at the chaos around them. "We didn't mean to cause all that."
Tamamo gave a shallow bow, her eyes never leaving Makarov. "Forgive us for the earlier chaos. One of ours tends to... act before thinking." Tamamo spoke in Japanese but none could understand her.
Erza stepped forward, swords lowered but still ready. "Your companion, the one in black, she nearly killed Natsu."
Issei simply scratched his head in embarrassment. "Yeah. I feel pretty bad about that and all I can say is sorry. She's kind of the loose cannon in the group. We'll try to keep her in line. But in her defense we sensed something hostile approaching us and Karasuba went to deal with it."
Makarov approached, arms behind his back, squinting at Issei. "Your language… it's foreign to us. But your words, somehow, reach me. How?"
"That would be thanks to this." Issei says, showing his watch. "It's very advanced technology that has a universal translator that allows me to speak with others. Unfortunately I'm the only one who has it."
"Hmm…" Makarov studied the watch with a scholar's eye before nodding. "I am Makarov Dreyar, Guild Master of Fairy Tail. And you two are?"
"My name is Issei Hyoudou," He said, tapping his chest. "This is Tamamo-no-Mae. My wife."
Tamamo smiled politely. "A pleasure."
A murmur rippled through the Fairy Tail guild. Did he say wife?
Lucy blinked. "Wait, she's his wife? But he looks like a teenager?"
Even Erza's brow twitched. "Impressive…"
Makarov tilted his head slightly. "And the rest of your group?"
Issei looked over his shoulder at the assembled collection of powerful and ordinary women, and two concerned parents holding a yawning little girl.
"…That's my family and my other wives."
Silence.
Gray blinked. "Wait! How many are your wives?"
A single bead of sweat rolled down the side of Issei's head. "Yeah… it's complicated."
Makarov exhaled, impressed and jealous. "Clearly." Shaking his head to clear his mind, he asked another question. "Issei," Makarov said, voice firm. "Who are you?"
"We're simply travelers that came to this place for a vacation. Unfortunately we're lost and don't know where we are. If it's not too much of a hassle could you tell us. We were simply walking in this direction to reach the town we saw in the distance. But then Karasuba and the pink-haired guy started fighting."
Makarov then signaled Gray to release Natsu and gave a look to him to explain himself.
"I smelled Igneel," Natsu muttered, half to himself, half accusing. "I know I did."
Issei held up both hands. "I don't know who or what Igneel is. I've never met him. But what do I smell like for you to confuse him for me."
"He is a dragon. I've been searching for him since I was a kid."
"A dragon. Well I'm a completely normal human but if you smelled a dragon, maybe it's because of this."
He raised his gauntlet—the Boosted Gear—and allowed its red glow to flare.
Ddraig's voice echoed from within. (Hello boy.) The ancient dragon rumbled. (You must have quite the nose to be able to smell me. How quaint.)
Natsu's eyes widened. "That voice…"
"That is a dragon." Issei explains. This brings a shock to the members of Fairy Tail at the voice coming from his arm.
Makarov's brows furrowed. "A… dragon? Inside your arm?"
Issei sighed. "It's a long story. "
While this exchange happened, the rest of the guild members of Fairy Tail slowly approached.
And as their gazes swept over the rest of Issei's group… jaws dropped.
Whispers rippled through the guild members.
"Are they really all his wives?" Cana whispered as they all heard Issei say they were his wives.
"Who are these people…?" Levy breathed, eyes wide.
"Is it a harem?" Happy asked innocently, fluttering by Lucy's shoulder.
Tamamo, at the center of attention, seemed to glow in their eyes. Her aura is radiant and mysterious.
"…I don't think even Mira's that pretty," Whispered Jet, causing Droy to nod dumbly.
Tamamo simply smirked.
"Careful with those stares," She said silkily. "My darling may get jealous." Though the large group had no idea what she said but felt like sighing from pure bless at her voice.
Issei sputtered. "I—I don't get jealous!"
Makarov chuckled, rubbing his beard. "You're certainly not what I expected… but I've seen stranger. I'd like to hear your full story."
Issei nodded. "We'd be happy to share."
Makarov returned his gaze to Issei. "If you truly mean no harm, you'll come with us to the guild. We'll talk further there."
Issei looked back to Tamamo, who gave a tiny nod.
"Alright," Issei said. "Lead the way."
With that, Fairy Tail turned to head back toward Magnolia—Issei's strange, dimensional family trailing behind.
—------------------------------------------
Magnolia
The cobbled roads of Magnolia stretched beneath their feet, winding between concrete and timber-framed buildings. Morning sun danced across rooftops and shop signs. And amidst it all, a very unusual procession made its way down the main street.
The citizens of Magnolia, already used to the chaos of Fairy Tail's daily life, still found themselves slowing to a halt as they saw the group approach.
At the head walked Makarov, flanked by Erza, Gray, Lucy, and the rest of Fairy Tail. But behind them came the real spectacle: a group of breathtakingly beautiful women—each completely different from the last—and a young man at their center with a strange red gauntlet on one arm.
And none of them looked like they belonged.
Their clothes, for one, were completely alien. Some were traditional, like Tamamo's regal kimono or Miya's miku outfit, but others wore modern jackets, miniskirts that clashed oddly with the rustic charm of the town.
Even more suspicious was the way the group moved—like tourists, yes, but with a childlike wonder that was a little too wide-eyed for comfort.
"Whoa," Issei muttered under his breath as he looked around. "It's like stepping into an anime. I wonder if this is how Isekai protagonists feel."
"With how many times you go to other worlds, technically, you are an Isekai Protagonist." Matsu whispered beside him, holding up a tablet and furiously recording everything. "But more importantly—look at that energy source! Oh my god, those crystals could revolutionize the world's energy crisis! Is that a magical plumbing system? Do they—"
"Stop. Talking," Yuuka hissed through gritted teeth as she grabbed Matsu's collar to stop her from practically crawling into a street vendor's cart.
Onlookers watched with curiosity and growing murmurs.
"Who are they?"
"They with Fairy Tail?"
"Are they new recruits?"
"No way—did you see the one with the pink hair and tails?"
"Her ears are moving—are those real?!"
Even the local shopkeepers paused to stare. One baker's tray of steaming bread nearly tipped over as he tripped on his own feet watching Akitsu's silent form.
Makarov didn't miss the stares or the surprise that appeared on the travelers faces. As if they never saw most of the things that were quite common in the world. Especially the orange-haired girl with glasses—Matsu—who was far too enthusiastic for a supposed tourist.
'Not normal, he thought. Not travelers, at least not in the usual sense.' And yet, despite everything, they didn't feel like enemies.
Behind him, Sakura skipped along happily, holding hands with Gorou, pointing at the various stalls and whispering questions to her grandpa, who answered in awe just as much as she asked. Tamamo, walking at Issei's side, kept her head held high. While Uzume and Miya clung onto Issei' arms, selling the idea that he really had multiple partners.
Soon, the towering silhouette of the Fairy Tail guildhall came into view, Its warm wooden doors were open, laughter and noise spilling out into the street—until they arrived.
The moment the group stepped onto the stone steps leading into the hall, the noise inside came to a halt.
Every member within looked up. Cups paused mid-sip. Dice stopped rolling. Brawls froze mid-swing. Then came the crash of chairs and the sound of clattering trays, as everyone surged forward to get a better look at the parade of otherworldly beauties entering behind their guildmates.
"ARE WE GETTING NEW MEMBERS?!" Someone shouted.
"BACK OFF—I SAW THE ONE WITH THE RIBBONS FIRST!"
"She's got three tails!"
"Is that a kid? Are we becoming a nursery now?!"
Makarov pinched the bridge of his nose and grumbled. "And they wonder why we have a reputation…"
But before he could say more, a trio of Rune Knights in silver armor approached from the side entrance, stopping just short of the guild's master.
"Guildmaster Makarov," One said urgently. "We need to speak with you immediately. It's regarding Erza Scarlet and a recently postponed council summons—"
Makarov turned toward them with an exasperated sigh. "I'm a little busy keeping a problem child from burning down a forest. I don't have the time to hear what the council wants now."
The Rune Knight blinked. "But—"
"Later," Makarov waved them off. "This takes priority."
He then turned to Issei and Tamamo, motioning for their group to follow him inside. "Let's get off the street and come into my office. We've got a lot to talk about."
Issei nodded, gently guiding Tamamo and the others behind him. "Let's go, everyone. Try not to break anything."
Matsu already had her camera lens out.
—--------------------
Makarov's Office
The room was cozy, lined with bookshelves, dusty maps, and mementos. A massive window behind the desk let in sunlight, illuminating the table where Makarov Dreyar, Erza Scarlet, and Natsu Dragneel now sat across from Issei, Tamamo, and the members of their group.
Makarov leaned back into his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin as he studied the boy before him. His face was thoughtful—but not unkind.
"So," He began, his voice steady, "Are you really just tourists?"
Issei blinked. "Uh… well—"
But Makarov didn't let him finish. "Because with the way your group acted in town, and the way your magic feels." He gestured to the windows. "It's almost as if none of you have ever been to Earthland."
Erza blinked, sitting up straighter. "Master, are you sugesting… they're not from any known continent?"
Makarov gave a slow nod. "Exactly."
Issei scratched his cheek sheepishly. "Well… to be honest… We're not from this world at all."
That made Erza's eyes widen slightly. Even Natsu stopped glaring just long enough to blink.
Standing near the corner, Gorou, Miki, Misuki, and the rest of the girls who hadn't spoken yet exchanged confused looks. Sakura, curled up beside Yashima, looked up at Issei with innocent curiosity.
"Mamas?" She whispered. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," Yuuka muttered. "I can't understand a damn word they're saying."
"Hopefully it's nothing serious." Misuki says.
Erza looked up at the group of women, frowning. "Not to mention how they can't understand us?"
Issei sighed and turned to face his group. "Yeah, sorry. The translator function from the Watch only works for me."
Yuuka stood then, arms crossed, clearly irritated. "Okay, can we please fix that? This whole 'watch them talk while we sit here dumbly' thing is getting old."
Tamamo glanced at Yuuka, then at the Fairy Tail trio across the desk. "Fair enough."
Without a word, she reached into the air—her fingers forming a mudra as magic swirled around her palms. With fluid, delicate movements, she conjured a series of glowing paper talismans, each inscribed with golden runes and fluttering lightly as if caught in a phantom breeze.
The magic in the room thickened like honey. Even Erza and Makarov stiffened slightly, sensing the quality of the spellcraft.
With a gesture, Tamamo sent a talisman fluttering to each person in Issei's group. "Carry it on you," She said simply. "It will attune to your mana—however faint—and translate all foreign tongues you hear or speak."
"Like subtitles for life," Matsu whispered in awe as her talisman settled onto her chest.
The talisman flared once with light, then melted away into invisibility—leaving only a warmth behind.
Makarov raised a brow. "Impressive."
Erza looked from Tamamo to the others. "That's high-tier spellwork. I've never seen that form of enchantment before."
"Of course you haven't," Tamamo said with a small, sly smile. The two are now astonished at being able to hear them. "I'm just that amazing."
Issei coughed awkwardly. "You're not helping our 'we're normal tourists' argument…"
"Wait… I can understand the rest now!" Natsu suddenly exclaimed,
"So this is how you guys' sound like. It's slightly accented, but it's… clear." Yuuak said.
"Same," Miya said, her tone cool but intrigued.
Miki clasped her hands together. "Oh, thank goodness. I thought I was going to have to start drawing pictures to be able to understand each other."
Gorou gave a low whistle. "Magic sure is handy."
Tamamo looked smug. "You're welcome."
Makarov gave her an appraising glance. "You're quite talented."
Natsu finally spoke again, leaning forward. "So if you're not from Earthland… then where are you from?"
Issei hesitated. "It's complicated. But the short version? We are from another world or rather multiple worlds. I possess the Dimensional Watch, a futuristic device that allows anyone easy access to travel to other worlds. I have been to more than one and there I have met my wives. Now they live with me and we decided that we should take a small vacation with my parents and daughter to a brand new world to relax."
That earned a collective intake of breath.
Erza's gaze sharpened. "Traveling to other worlds. Isn't that dangerous?"
"Kind of, the process to travel is safe but the world we enter could be dangerous." Issei muttered. "Especialy if the destination is set to random. Who knows where we could arrive."
Tamamo nudged him. "It has been quite a journey, hasn't it Darling?"
He flinched. "I mean it has and I wouldn't change it for the world." Causing the girls to blush.
Erza coughed into her fist, not hiding the amused twitch of her mouth.
Makarov leaned back in his chair, folding his hands, his expression no longer stern—but contemplative. "I see," He finally said, voice soft with the weight of understanding. "So you truly are from beyond this world."
Tamamo nodded gracefully. "As we said."
Makarov exhaled slowly and looked at Erza and Natsu. "In that case, I believe we can forgive your... dramatic arrival. You didn't come with hostile intent, and you fought in defense."
"Thank you and we apologize for Karasuba attacking your friends." Miya says with an elegant bow. "We will make sure that she behaves." Miya gives a glare at Karasuba for causing this mess. But she simply ignores it.
Erza gave a firm nod of agreement. "Apology accepted."
Natsu, however, didn't seem convinced. His narrowed eyes hadn't left Issei since they sat down. The tension in his shoulders had softened, but he leaned forward slightly, voice rough with the fire barely contained in his chest.
"Alright… now tell me." He said, staring at the red gauntlet on Issei's arm. "What's with that thing?"
Issei opened his mouth, then hesitated. He looked down at the Boosted Gear. The green jewel on its surface pulsed. Then, before he could answer—
(I suppose I can explain myself.) The voice echoed in the room. The jewel glowed brighter.
"Ughh. You just love to tell this story." Tamamo complains as she heard it before.
(I am Y Ddraig Goch, the Welsh Dragon, once known as the Heavenly Red Dragon Emperor of Domination. One of the two Heavenly Dragons who shook the foundations of the world.)
This was the second time the members of Fairy Tail heard him. But that didn't stop the awe and shock at knowing a dragon was in their presence.
"An emperor." Makarov took note of what he just said.
(Long ago, there was a great war between angels, devils, and the fallen. Unfortunately during that time I was in battle with my rival the second heavenly dragon, Albion. While in the middle of our battle we entered and interrupted their war. Causing the three sides to turn their swords on us to be able to continue. Of course that resulted in us being furious at them and starting a battle that killed many. But in the end we were defeated and our souls were bound to sacred gear by God. Now I have lived for generations as a weapon, passed down through the ages… until I came to my current partner, Issei Hyoudou.)
Makarov rubbed his chin. "So this god sealed your soul in an artifact… fascinating."
Erza kept her eyes on Issei. "So when Natsu said you smelled like a dragon…"
"...He was smelling Ddraig," Issei finished. "Not me."
Natsu slowly sat down again, still staring. "That's... awesome."
Everyone blinked.
He grinned wide. "You have a dragon sealed in your arm! That's like the coolest thing ever!"
Issei blinked. "You're not… mad?"
"Why would I be mad? It's disappointing to know that the scent I followed wasn't Igneel. But it's super cool to know other dragons exist." Natsu's grin dimmed slightly. "I just… I thought maybe… maybe he could help me find Igneel."
Issei's expression softened. "I'm sorry. But we've never met Igneel. I didn't even know that name until today."
Natsu nodded once, slowly. "Yeah. I get it now. I just got too excited."
(The name Igneel means nothing to me.) Ddraig confirmed. (But I do wonder why you are so invested in finding him.)
"Igneel. He was," Natsu said softly. "He is my dad. But one day he just disappeared and I've been trying to find him."
Tamamo and the others fell respectfully silent. Especially Issei at knowing Natsu's story.
Now that the mystery has been solved, Makarov was in deep thought and looked at them all, then gave a firm nod. "You all seem like good people," He said. "But you are also completely unknown—in power, in origin, and in motive. And while I do not believe you mean harm... I can't, in good conscience, let your group wander Earthland unchecked."
Issei blinked, stiffening slightly. "Wait—are you saying we're under arrest?"
Erza stepped in before the tension spiked again. "No. The master is not accusing you of any crime. But he does want to keep what we found out a secret. As this world is dangerous and what you just revealed could be dangerous to you."
Tamamo raised a brow. "So, what do you intend to do?"
Makarov smiled, gently. "I would like to formally invite you to stay with us. As honored guests of Fairy Tail. Until we determine a long-term solution—for your safety, and for ours."
The room was quiet.
Misuki tilted her head. "Fairy Tail…?"
Yuuka gave Makarov a sidelong look. "Is that a place or a group?"
Erza stepped forward, placing a hand to her chest with pride. "Fairy Tail is one of the most powerful and well-known magic guilds in all of Fiore."
"A guild?" Miya echoed.
Makarov decided to explain. "Guilds are organizations where mages gather, take on jobs, develop their skills, and work under a shared banner. We're officially recognized by the Magic Council, and most mages join one."
"It's like a club," Natsu offered, crossing his arms behind his head, "but with adventure and explosions."
Makarov chuckled. "Not... entirely inaccurate."
Matsu's eyes lit up. "So it's a mix between a workplace, mercenary base, and social network?"
Tamamo looked around at her companions. "So… this guild takes in strays?"
Makarov smiled. "We take in the lost. The lonely. The wild. We don't always ask why you came. Just whether you're willing to stand by your family when it matters."
A moment of silence passed as that sank in.
Issei's group exchanged glances. Some uncertain, some amused, and some—like Uzume, Akitsu, and Yashima—curious but eager.
Yuuka whispered to Issei. "They'd at least give us a roof. And it's not like we have a better plan right now."
"Plus," Tamamo added, brushing her hair back, "they don't seem eager to dissect us."
"Which is a refreshing change," Matsu mumbled.
Issei looked at Makarov, then at his group… and nodded.
"Alright. We'll accept your offer. We'll stay."
Makarov smiled warmly. "Good. Then welcome to Fairy Tail."
—---------------------------------
Back in the main hall of Fairy Tail, the atmosphere had shifted from its usual brawling, bickering chaos into a buzzing hive of gossip.
Half-empty mugs of ale sat forgotten on tables. Cards lay unplayed. Dice games paused mid-roll.
Instead, clusters of guild members huddled together in small groups, whispering in tones that fluctuated between amazement, envy, and unabashed curiosity.
"Did you see the one with the fox tails?" Whispered Cana, resting her elbow on a barrel while sipping from another. "I swear she looked like something out of a painting."
"And what about the white-haired one?" Jet added, gesturing wildly. "She moved like a predator ready to kill. Gave me chills."
"The orange-haired one with the glasses. That brainy type? That's my kind of girl…" Nab grunted.
"You say that about every girl." Cana muttered.
At the front of the hall, Mirajane, ever the gracious barmaid, leaned over the counter with her usual sweet expression. But her eyes sparkled with intrigue as she listened in.
Just then, the doors creaked open—and in came the team that had accompanied Makarov and the trio.
Lucy, Gray, Happy, and Elfman stepped inside, only to be instantly swarmed.
"Tell us everything!"
"Where are they from?!"
"Are they joining the guild?!"
"Do they really all belong to the brown-haired guy?!"
"Was it true that Erza was fighting the silver haired one?!"
The questions flew like arrows in every direction.
Gray scratched the back of his neck. "Alright, alright. Calm down. One at a time."
Happy zipped up beside Lucy. "The guy's name is Issei. And he's got a dragon living in his arm!"
"What?!" several people gasped at once.
"Yup," Happy confirmed. "Said his name was Ddraig. Gave Natsu a real scare."
Lucy stepped forward, her hands raised to keep the crowd at bay. "Okay, here's the quick version. They're travelers from distant lands that came here on a vacation."
The guild erupted into fresh murmurs.
Cana leaned back against the bar and raised an eyebrow. "And apparently that scrawny guy with the red gauntlet is the husband to all those stunning women."
"I saw one of them call him 'darling'," Elfman muttered, folding his arms. "It was... manly."
Biska blinked. "Wait. All of them?"
"Yup," Gray confirmed. "Every single one of those girls is involved with him. I don't even think he knows how he ended up in that situation."
"The little girl was his daughter.," Lucy added.
"Wait, that adorable little girl is his daughter?!" MiraJane blinked. "She's so cute."
"Yeah, she was with the silver-haired woman," Droy chimed in. "The one who fought Erza."
That drew a hush.
"Wait... she fought Erza?" Macao repeated slowly.
Elfman nodded, jaw clenched. "And not just fought. Matched. Blow for blow. Erza switched armors three times before Master had to end the fight."
That sent a ripple through the guild like a shockwave.
The idea of anyone going toe-to-toe with Titania and not dying was practically blasphemous.
"Holy crap," Warren whispered. "Think they will be joining Fairy Tail?"
Lucy crossed her arms, still thinking. "Honestly, who knows. But they sure are strong."
"Especially the scary one with the sword," Jet muttered. "She looked like she wanted to kill everyone."
Cana snorted. "So does Erza, on a bad day."
Everyone chuckled nervously.
"Fairy Tail always finds the weird ones…" Mira mused, looking toward the master's office.
Soon the great double doors of Makarov's office creaked open.
Every head in the guild hall turned as Erza Scarlet stepped out first, her posture e and her tone sharp and clear. "Attention, everyone!"
The din of conversation died in an instant. Mugs were set down. Elbows dropped from counters. A few poorly concealed gasps escaped as all eyes turned toward the crimson-haired knight, who radiated an aura of command that made even the rowdiest guild members sit up straight.
Behind her, Makarov walked at a slower pace, hands folded behind his back. His expression was calm but resolute.
Issei emerged next, flanked by Tamamo, Yuuka, Matsu, Karasuba, and the rest of the group. Sakura skipped ahead of them, tugging playfully on Akitsu's hand, entirely unbothered by the tension in the room.
Every Fairy Tail member stared. The room buzzed with barely-contained curiosity.
The fox woman. The graceful maiden. The swordswoman with the cold eyes. The shy hammer girl. The ice maiden. The tech wiz. The little girl. The parents. And the brown-haired boy who, somehow, seemed to be the glue binding them all together.
Makarov stepped up to the center of the guild's main hall and raised a hand.
"Ahem, these guests," He began, gesturing toward the newcomers, "Are not from Fiore and are lost travelers. While powerful, they have shown restraint. Curiosity. Kindness. I have decided to invite them to stay here in Magnolia. To be watched over by Fairy Tail until they can find their footing. I expect them to be treated with dignity and hospitality." His gaze hardened slightly. "And I expect you all," He added, "to be on your best behavior."
A moment of dead silence.
Then—
Mira clapped her hands together with a bright smile. "Let's prepare rooms for them and make sure they're comfortable. They'll need help adjusting!"
A flood of chatter followed, the kind only Fairy Tail could unleash.
Issei, still adjusting to the sheer noise level, leaned toward Tamamo. "I'm starting to understand that this place is quite chaotic."
Tamamo grinned. "But this kind of chaos has a certain charm, doesn't it?"
Karasuba, behind them, scoffed. "So… we're being babysat."
Erza, overhearing her, shot a sharp glance. "We're offering protection, not surveillance. Don't mistake hospitality for weakness."
Karasuba met her gaze—and grinned. "Careful. I might start liking you."
Yuuka looked over the crowd and then back at Issei. "I guess this is our life now…"
Sakura tugged on Issei's sleeve. "Papa, does this mean we live here now?"
He chuckled, ruffling her hair. "For now, yeah."
Makarov sighed but smiled watching his family start to get lively. "Welcome to Fairy Tail," He muttered under his breath as he headed outside to talk to the knights that came with a message from the council.
The members descended like curious wolves on fresh territory.
"Hey there, silver-haired beauty!" Jet was the first to shoot forward, flashing a grin at Karasuba, who blinked once… then slowly, deliberately reached for her sword. Jet saw this and stopped mid-stride. "Uhh—cool sword! Big fan of blades. Very cool. I'll… just be over here."
Droy and Macao were next, aiming their attention toward Tamamo and Yuuka, who stood with arms folded and eyes sharp.
"So, what's a pretty girl like you doing with that guy?" Droy asked, nodding at Issei.
Tamamo's lips curled into a smirk. "Sharing a bed."
Yuuka chimed in without blinking. "Raising a child."
The two men paled instantly.
"O-Oh," Macao stammered. "That's, uh… that's nice."
From nearby, Cana sipped from her barrel and laughed ie. "Boys really thought they had a chance…"
Issei, at the center of the growing commotion, shifted from foot to foot as the guild's attention circled around him like a shark tank.
The men who had failed to flirt were now staring at him like he was a living, breathing cheat code.
"That guy?!" Jet whispered, stunned. "He's got all of them?!"
"What's his magic?! Hypnosis?" Droy muttered.
"Is he rich?" Macao asked, eyes narrowing.
"Nope," Matsu called out as if on cue. "He's just stupidly honest and too selfless for his own good."
Tamamo smirked. "Also, the best cuddler I've ever had."
Yuuka sighed. "And infuriatingly honest."
Karasuba added flatly, "And surprisingly strong."
Elfman walked up and gave Issei a firm clap on the back that nearly knocked him over. "Having that many strong women around you—that's manly."
Issei wheezed.
Mirajane, ever the graceful hostess, approached next with her usual gentle smile. She turned to Miya, Misuki, and Miki.
"I hope our guild isn't too overwhelming," she said warmly. "We're a loud bunch… but we protect our own."
Miki chuckled, taking in the energy around her. "It's like a warzone."
Misuki nodded thoughtfully. "Still more stable than my daughter's high school from the last time I visited."
Miya simply smiled, eyes half-lidded. "I've fought in wars quieter than this."
Sakura, still clinging to Akitsu's hand, wandered up to Lucy and Happy. "You're a talking kitty!" She gasped.
Happy puffed up proudly. "Aye, I am!"
Lucy crouched with a warm smile. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
"I'm Sakura! Papa and Mama brought me here on a magic trip!"
Lucy looked over to Issei and Tamamo, then back to the child. "You've got a big family, huh?"
Sakura beamed. "The best!"
The atmosphere in the guild hall was buzzing. Filled with laughter, introductions hovered on the edge of being made, and Issei's group began relaxing—until Natsu Dragneel cracked his knuckles and turned with a wide, fiery grin toward the newcomers.
"Well!" Natsu shouted, stepping forward, arms raised high like a festival host. "Since we've got new guests—what better way to welcome them than with a real Fairy Tail celebration?!"
The cheer that followed was like a war cry.
"Oh no…" Lucy muttered from the bar, facepalming.
Gray was already halfway out of his shirt. "Let's gooo!"
"Wait, what kind of celebration—?" Issei started to ask, just before a beer mug flew past his head and shattered against a post behind him.
"Of course it's a fight," Matsu deadpanned, slowly stepping behind Tamamo for cover.
Sakura looked up in awe. "Mama, is this normal?"
Tamamo didn't flinch, her expression unreadable. "For them? Apparently."
A flying table narrowly missed Misuki, who was too stunned to even scold anyone yet. Gorou, meanwhile, calmly picked up Sakura and stepped back toward the wall with a grunt. "Your old man sure knows how to pick his friends."
"WOOOOO!" Elfman roared, clothes already torn, wrestling with Jet and Droy simultaneously. "THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MAN!"
Issei turned to run—only for Natsu to grab him by the collar and drag him straight into the center of the melee.
"C'mon, Dragon Bro! Let's spar while everyone's watching!"
"No! I'm not a Dragon Bro! I'm a lover not a fighter!" Issei screamed as Natsu launched a punch, which he dodged just in time—only to get tripped by Gray sliding across the floor mid-brawl.
Karasuba's eyes lit up. She had been standing off to the side, arms crossed, until now. But watching the chaos, the flames, the shouts—the battle lust surged up like a geyser.
"…This," she whispered, grinning madly, "looks fun."
With a flick of her wrist, her sword slid into her hand. Erza immediately took notice.
"Stop right there," Erza barked, already changing into her Heart Kreuz armor.
Karasuba's grin widened. "Make me."
The clang of their blades echoed above the chaos, drawing gasps as the two most terrifying women in the room clashed again—with no hard feelings, but all the intensity of a duel.
Tamamo and Yuuka slowly took seats at a table that had somehow survived.
"Should we… help?" Yuuka asked hesitantly, watching Issei flail through a brawl between Cana and a half-naked Gray.
Tamamo sipped tea from a small cup she had conjured. "No. I want to see how long our dear husband survives."
Akitsu tilted her head. "One minute. Maybe two."
Yashima, caught between pushing a couch upright and shielding a bowl of soup from being spilled, whispered, "Is this… is this a welcome or a riot?"
"Yes," Matsu answered, ducking under a flying barrel.
The Fairy Tail brawl raged on—Mirajane giggling while tossing trays like frisbees, Levy hiding under a table with a notebook, and Sakura clapped like she was watching a festival.
And then a shadow fell across the room. Cold and terrifying. A presence more chilling than any Ice-Make spell.
Miya stood, silent, motionless, as she had enough at the chaos around her. A Hannya mask started forming on her face.
The room froze.
Gray stopped mid-punch. Natsu's flame flickered out. Even Karasuba paused, her blade inches from Erza's face.
Karasuba whispered, "Fuck."
In the deathly silence, Miya's voice rang out with unnatural calm.
"Enough." No one moved as each syllable was heavy with the weight of doom. The mask glowed faintly. The air thickened with dread.
Even Erza took a step back, afraid.
Karasuba raised her sword… then slowly, very slowly, sheathed it with a hiss of steel.
Natsu sat cross-legged on the floor. "Yes, ma'am."
Gray saluted instinctively.
Sakura clapped again. "Yay! Mama Miya wins!"
Miya removed the mask. Her usual gentle smile returned. "Now then… clean this up or else."
The entire guild nodded in sync like scolded schoolchildren.
Issei crawled across the floor to his group. "Is this… what Fairy Tail is always like?"