Infirmary
Kael leaned back slightly on the edge of a bed. A few scratches can be seen from his face and sleeves. His eyes were closed, and he seemed to be in a world of his own.
Around him, three other people are present. Makarov Dreyar, the 3rd master of Fairy tail was beside him, unconscious. Attending him was the guild's personal nurse, and Laxus' grandmother... At least, as the others proclaim. It was Porlyusica. And lastly, Laxus, who was deep in slumber across his grandfather's bed.
A quiet scene was maintained in this ward. However, it was soon invaded by the noises from outside.
Laughter, shouting, and above it all, Natsu's voice was heard.
"Kael's gonna give me one of his artifacts! Just watch!"
A plethora of protests followed after, voices rising in jealousy and disbelief. And a few minutes later, crashing of furniture and rubble joined the noise, signaling the start of yet another guild-wide brawl.
Hearing this, Kael seemed to snap out of his own world as he sighed softly, lips quirking into the faintest of smiles. "As rowdy as usual," he murmured.
Porlyusica, standing by the guild master, snorted. "Rowdy, reckless, and brainless. I don't know why I bother with any of you."
At that moment, Kael opened his eyes. He turned beside him and met the gaze of his master.
Makarov had finally stirred awake.
A few seconds pass and the silence except for the brawl stayed in the infirmary. Then, the master finally spoke with noticeable difficulty.
"Thank you, Kael."
Kael tilted his head slightly in response before shifting his gaze to Laxus, lying unconscious on the nearby bed, still asleep. He was now free from the chains that bound him as he just lay there.
"No need for that," Kael replied simply, brushing away his master's previous words as he spoke without pride or arrogance. His eyes just lingered on Laxus.
Then, with that, silence once again enveloped the room... Except for the noises from outside of course.
However, this silence didn't sit for long.
"Will he be expelled?" Kael asked suddenly.
The question seemed to strike Makarov like a blow. His expression changed, shadows settling across his face. However, he said nothing, only pressing his lips together, as though even forming the words would wound him too deeply.
"Hmph. Just top tearing yourself apart. Just retire already. You're far too old to be carrying this burden." Porlyusica advised, surprisingly in a neutral tone and without any of her usual comments.
Makarov meanwhile, just shot her a weak glare.
"Retirement..." The old man muttered as memories surfaced in his head.
"I've long wished for that... However, who would take my place? No one is rea-" He continued speaking before suddenly taking an abrupt stop.
He froze. His eyes locked on Kael. A thought seem to take shape in his mind.
However, before he could even voice out his thoughts, the answer was already given.
"No."
The single word cut through the room like a blade.
Makarov blinked at the sharp rejection. There was no hesitation, and no room for persuasion.
For the first time in a long while, Makarov looked smaller than his stature, as though the single word had struck him deeper than any blade could.
He slumped back against the pillows, sheepishly scratching the side of his cheek. "Hmph… I see." His voice softened, almost fumbling as he tried to steer the conversation away from the wound Kael's answer had left.
"Then… tell me. How did that job go? The SS class mission you were on for so long?"
Kael's expression shifted, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It went well," he said simply.
Makarov nodded, though the silence that followed carried all the words left unspoken.
Scene Break
Outside the medic ward, the guild hall had devolved into its usual chaos. A pile of rubble, upturned tables, and broken mugs littered the floor as a full-blown brawl unfolded. At the center of it all, Natsu stood proudly on top of a table, fists clenched, shouting at the top of his lungs.
"I told you! Kael's gonna give me one of his artifacts and none of you are gonna change that!"
The declaration sent a wave of outrage across the room.
"No way, why you?! Why not me?!"
"Like hell you deserve it, flame brain!"
"If Kael's giving out artifacts, I'm first in line!"
The jealousy quickly transformed into fists, chairs, and magic flying in every direction. It was as if none of them was injured to begin with.
Meanwhile, at one of the still-intact tables, a group of women sat together, watching the aftermath. Mira rested her chin in her hand, smiling faintly at the commotion while her eyes drifted toward the closed door of the medical ward.
"He handled himself well against Laxus," Mira said softly, her tone carrying both admiration and memories only she and Kael shared. "It's been years since I last saw him fight. He hasn't lost his touch."
Levy, seated beside her, nodded with bright eyes. "Not all of us experienced that Mira! I mean... It was my first time seeing him fight. And that butterfly thingy? I had no words... I'm telling you it was even better in person" She clasped her hands together, looking almost starstruck. Afterall, unlike the rest of the guild, she was able to sneak in and peek back to the battle, so, she was able to witness the end of the battle first hand.
Juvia, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "Juvia only knew him as the 'Sorcerer Supreme' before today… but watching him, Juvia realized he is just as the rumors describe... If we was present during that..."
Her voice trailed, the light in her eyes dimming as her thoughts drifted back to Phantom Lord. For a moment she looked small, almost guilty, her fingers tightening together. She lowered her head, as if to avoid eye contact.
"Phantom Lord wouldn't have stood a chance…" she then muttered under her breath.
The table fell quiet.
Lucy was the first to lean forward, her tone soft and sincere. "Hey… Juvia, you don't have to carry that anymore. What happened back then wasn't your fault. You're with us now, and Fairy Tail doesn't care about your past."
Levy reached out as well, giving Juvia's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Lucy's right. You've already proven where your heart belongs."
Juvia blinked at them, her expression wavering between surprise and gratitude. Slowly, a small, relieved smile touched her lips. "Thank you…"
Lucy exhaled, sitting back with a thoughtful look. Her voice softened. "Kael really is… incredible, though. My father thought so too. He trusted him more than any mage... Probably even more than me... Every job he had, he would specifically request Kael."
The others turned toward her, surprised.
"You actually knew Kael personally before joining the guild?" Levy asked, tilting her head.
Lucy hesitated. "…Kind of but not really... I saw him a few times when he meets with my father. My father…" Her voice tightened, and her gaze drifted downward. "He'd always compare me to Kael. Said I should have his composure, his grace, his strength. He made me feel like… I'd never measure up."
The air grew heavier. Lucy bit her lip, her next words bitter. "…And once… he even considered arranging a marriage between me and Kael. He thought it would 'elevate' our family. Thankfully, Kael declined without hesitation. I don't know what I would've done if he hadn't…"
The table went still, eyes widening at the revelation. But before anyone could comment, Cana suddenly stood, scoffing as she reached for her drink. "Tch. Typical. Kael's the golden boy everyone wants a piece of. Can't say I'm surprised your old man tried to tie you to him, Lucy."
Her words cut through the air and without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away from the group, her expression unreadable.
Lucy frowned slightly, watching her leave. Mira and Levy exchanged uneasy glances, while Juvia's gaze lingered on Lucy, as though seeing her in a new light.
Then, quietly to herself, Juvia's eyes widened, a sparkle suddenly returning as her thoughts took a dramatic turn.
'Wait… if Lucy became interested in kael-sama… or the other way around… then… then Gray-sama would be free!'
Her hands clasped together under her chin, cheeks reddening as she let out a tiny squeal. "Juvia would finally have Gray-sama all to herself…!"
Lucy blinked, staring at her with suspicion. "...You're thinking something strange again, aren't you?"
Juvia stiffened, whipping her head side to side too quickly. "N-no! Juvia was only thinking about… um… how warm the guild feels today!"
Mira laughed softly behind her hand, Levy shook her head fondly, and Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose.
Then silence came. But not for long as Erza stepped forward from where she had been standing nearby. Her armor clinked softly as she set a hand on the table, her voice firm and steady.
"Cana may speak harshly, but she is not wrong about one thing," Erza said, her scarlet gaze thoughtful. "Kael is extraordinary. He is not only a powerful mage, but a true leader. In all of Fairy Tail, he is perhaps the only one the Magic Council likes."
Lucy's eyes widened slightly. "The Council? Likes a Fairy Tail wizard?" She couldn't hide her surprise.
Levy leaned forward, nodding eagerly to explain. "It's because of Kael's results, Lucy. Every job he takes, even S class jobs, it's always completed perfectly. No unnecessary destruction, no complaints, and always with results that even the Council can't deny. He's… reliable in ways most of us could never manage."
Lucy blinked, recalling how often missions with her own team spiraled into chaos and property damage. "No destruction…? That's… very unlike Fairy Tail."
Mira chuckled warmly, resting her cheek in her palm. "That's Kael for you. The Council even tried to get him to work directly under them once. Offered him all sorts of incentives and privileges. But he turned them down without a second thought."
Juvia tilted her head, curiosity sparking. "He… refused the Council? Why?"
Mira's smile softened, almost nostalgic. "Because Kael chose Fairy Tail. No amount of titles or authority could pull him away from here. This is his home. Always has been."
Erza nodded firmly. "It's a decision worthy of respect. Few could resist such an offer, but Kael did so without hesitation."
Lucy stayed quiet, digesting all of it. Part of her was impressed, but another part couldn't shake the memory of her father's words, the comparisons, and the near-arranged marriage Kael had walked away from. She lowered her gaze, her thoughts caught somewhere between admiration and discomfort.
But before she could dwell on it further, the infirmary doors creaked open.
Kael stepped out, his expression calm despite the noise of the hall. His gaze swept across the brawl that's still ongoing, his gaze lingering briefly on Natsu. Then, a tick mark appeared faintly on his forehead, though all he did was sigh before beginning to walk towards the exit.
Mira, seeing this, leaned forward, a bright smile lighting her face. "Kael! Where are you heading?" she called cheerfully.
Kael's gaze fell on her, and he replied without slowing his pace, "I'll handle the destruction Fairy Tail has caused today… and I'll also announce that the Fantasia Parade will be delayed until tomorrow."
Mira nodded, her expression softening, but before she could respond, Kael paused mid-step, tilting his head slightly. His eyes sharpened as he studied the guild members around him. "There seem to be new additions to the guild," he said, his tone measured. "Particularly… the Rain Woman, the Black Steel, and the Heartfilla heir."
Juvia, who had been watching Gray with dreamy admiration earlier, froze. "Y-you… you know Juvia?" she stammered, a mixture of shock and embarrassment in her voice.
Lucy's face also change, though it fell slightly, a tinge of disappointment in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but found no words immediately, realizing that Kael had recognized her not as Lucy Heartfilla but as the heir of the family.
Meanwhile, Kael's eyes lingered on Lucy for a moment before he continued walking, the tick mark fading as he moved. "I'll make the announcements after I handle the mess," he said simply.
Mira's smile didn't falter, though there was a faint curiosity in her gaze. "He sure notice everything," she murmured, almost to herself.
Lucy remained silent, the mixture of admiration and quiet frustration lingering as she watched him move.
Meanwhile, the man in question, reached the exit of the guild hall, the noise of the brawl fading slightly behind him. But them, he paused once more, turning his gaze back toward Mira.
"Once the brawl is over," he said, his voice quiet yet firm, "tell Natsu to go to my sanctum and pick up his item." He hesitated just a beat, as though considering the implications, then added, "He can bring his friends as well."
Mira's eyes lit up with understanding. "Understood, Kael," she replied cheerfully, nodding. "I'll make sure he gets the message."
Without another word, Kael stepped out.
The moment his figure disappeared from sight, the group of girls watching from their table reacted.
Gossips immediately resumed while the chaos around them raged on.