📍 Domus Flau — Underground Tunnels
đź“… July X791
Natsu and Gajeel trudged through the dark tunnels, breathing heavy, their steps growing surer with each stride. Behind them, the scars of their fight—scorch marks, crumbled stone—etched proof of a battle fought with reckless heart.
Natsu wiped sweat from his brow, grinning widely.
"Man, that was fun! Been a while since I got to go all-out!"
Gajeel sniffed.
"You're loud as hell. That was sloppy."
Natsu spun around, flame flickering at his fists.
"What'd you say, metal-face?!"
Gajeel squared up, iron-coated knuckles gleaming.
"I said you're sloppy, flame-brain!"
Magic sparked between them—but only for a heartbeat.
Then Natsu's laughter echoed off the stone. Gajeel exhaled, smirking.
"You are an idiot."
"Yeah… but you'd be bored without me."
Gajeel averted his eyes.
"Tch… Just don't go face-first into trouble alone."
Natsu punched him on the shoulder.
"Heh! Works for me!"
They rounded a bend into a vast underground chamber. Ancient lacrima in the walls filtered light in dusty streams, casting shifting shadows. Standing in the center were the last two Raven Tail mages, their cursed energy rippling like serpents in their arms—eyes hungry for battle.
"You made it this far," one snarled. "But your journey ends here."
Natsu's fire flared.
"Great! Let's get real."
Gajeel shifted as steel encased his arms.
"Bring it."
In an instant, the fight ignited.
A cursed blade lunged at Natsu—he caught it on his flaming forearm in a spark-lit clash.
Gajeel faced his opponent head-on; armor deflected the second mage's black energy pulse.
"Bad matchup," Gajeel observed flatly.
"Wrong day to go against iron."
He slammed his arm like a hammer—stone cracked—knocking his foe into a column. Across the room, Natsu grabbed his opponent by the collar and unleashed a roaring fire wave.
"FIRE DRAGON'S ROAR!!" The chamber shook violently, debris raining down. Smoke and dust thickened the air.
When the heat cleared, Natsu staggered forward, coughing.
"Guess I… overdid it."
Gajeel dragged the last mage up by his collar.
"You think?"
They stood with foes down on the cold chamber floor. Natsu's grin faded to a serious calm.
"You guys think dirt tricks give strength? Nah. Power's fighting face‑to‑face. No lies."
Gajeel folded his arms.
"Standing tall. No shortcuts. Pure grit."
Natsu looked over, eyes fierce.
"That's why I fight with you. Loud, wild, and honest."
Gajeel turned away, smirking.
"Right back at ya, flame-brain."
In the booth above, Teresa finally stirred, eyes closed in quiet reflection.
The final tremors of underground magic faded.
"They fight like beasts," she whispered. "Chaotic… but never broken. They lean on each other instead of collapsing."
Macao, standing beside her, chuckled softly.
"Loud... but effective."
Teresa's lips remained still, but a tiny ember of respect glowed beneath her cool exterior.
Back in the tunnels, Natsu and Gajeel walked side by side toward light.
"Think the others are done yet?" Natsu asked, glancing upward.
"Dunno," Gajeel replied.
"We'll catch them soon enough."
Natsu threw an arm around him.
"Let's grab something to eat. I'm starving."
Gajeel rolled his eyes.
"You're always starving."
"Burning enemies burns energy!" Natsu laughed.
Their banter echoed, fading into the distance as the exit's faint glow appeared ahead.
"Freedom," Natsu said, inhaling the fresh air.
Gajeel couldn't disagree.
Together, they stepped into the glow—two dragons roaring in different flames, yet fueled by the same unbreakable spirit.
Above, Teresa opened her eyes and looked toward the tunnel's mouth.
"Different flames… same roar," she said softly.
Her silver eyes reflected the early dusk sky. For one breath, something gentle flickered—memory, perhaps. Then it faded behind her usual stillness once more.