X779, December — Clear SkiesFairy Tail Guild Hall...
"Hahaha! Alright, everyone—let's have a banquet!"
"Oh yeah! Let's do it!"
Master Makarov stood on the bar counter, raising his mug high with a booming laugh. The entire guild followed suit, cheering and clinking mugs, their eyes shining with excitement.
The guild was once again filled with noise and laughter.
"Master, the debt's finally cleared," Erza said, smiling faintly as she watched the lively scene. Her sharp eyes swept across the room—just before Makarov could respond, two familiar voices started arguing from a nearby table.
"I did more jobs than you!""Yeah, but my jobs earned more money!""Then let's settle this—one-on-one!"
A mug slammed against the table.
"Fine by me! Fire Dragon's Roar!""Ice-Make: Ice Cannon!"
Before either spell could go off, Happy fluttered nervously between them."Natsu, maybe don't! Look over there…"
He pointed with a trembling paw. Both Natsu and Gray froze when they saw Erza walking toward them—hair floating slightly from her magic, eyes glowing with murderous intent.
Happy immediately zipped away in terror, hiding behind Lisanna, who stood up in a panic.
"W-wait, Natsu! Gray!" she began—but Mirajane gently pulled her back into her seat with a mischievous smile.
"Let them learn their lesson," Mira whispered playfully, while Elfman, caught under her arm with his mouth covered, could only give the two combatants a helpless look of pity.
Boom! Boom!
Before either spell could be released, Erza dashed forward and landed two explosive punches, slamming both Natsu and Gray flat onto the floor. Smoke curled from her fists as she crossed her arms, eyes sharp and voice full of restrained fury.
"You two—enough already!"
"Yes, ma'am…" the two groaned weakly from the ground.
The entire guild erupted into laughter.
"Hahaha! Those two never learn," Kael chuckled, shaking his head with a helpless smile.
"Idiots," Laxus muttered, arms crossed with an unimpressed sigh.
"Ah, but that's what keeps the guild lively," Macao said drunkenly, hiccupping as Wakaba rolled his eyes beside him. The two soon broke into a lighthearted argument of their own.
The party carried on until the afternoon, filling the guild with warmth and cheer.
Later, on the way back to his quarters, Kael found himself deep in thought about what Master Makarov had mentioned earlier—the upcoming Ten Wizard Saints selection.
Laxus had dismissed the idea outright, uninterested in such formalities. But Kael… Kael had other thoughts. He wanted to stand among the Ten Saints—to take part in the Council's decisions, and maybe, just maybe, make some real change.
"Kael, what are you thinking about? You didn't hear a word I said!" Cana pouted, puffing her cheeks in mild annoyance.
"Ah, sorry, sorry!" Kael laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. "I was thinking about what Master said. What were you saying again?"
Cana blushed slightly, lowering her gaze as she fidgeted with her fingers. "I… I was saying I'm not sure I'm ready to live with you yet. I'm still young… and, um, Erza and Mira might misunderstand…"
"Hahahaha! Cana, you're overthinking it!" Kael burst out laughing. "I just meant sharing a house—two rooms, that's all! What were you imagining, huh? No wonder you were staring at me funny during the party!"
Realizing what he meant, Cana's face turned crimson. Steam practically rose from her head as she punched Kael square in the gut with a fist wrapped in magic and Armament Haki.
"Baka! Idiot! You pervert!" she yelled as Kael flew into the sky, disappearing as a tiny speck of light in the distance.
Makarov, who had been watching from the guild's entrance, chuckled softly to himself."Ahh… youth really is wonderful."
The Next Morning
A slightly bruised Kael and a still-flustered Cana carried their belongings into a newly renovated house on the outskirts of Magnolia.
Kael had chosen a cozy two-story home with a small garden. As he stood before it, a warm sense of satisfaction spread through his chest.
"This will be our home…" he said with a sheepish grin.
"Pfft," Cana giggled softly at his dorky expression. Her embarrassment melted away, replaced by gentle laughter. She wrapped her arm around Kael's and leaned against him, smiling at their new home.
Kael blinked in surprise, but seeing her so calm, he smiled too and pulled her gently closer. The two stood together in peaceful silence, enjoying the moment.
At Fairy Tail Guild
"What?! They're living together?!" the guild roared in unison.
"It's not like that!" Kael protested quickly, hands waving. "We're just sharing a house! Separate rooms!"
But it was too late. The guild split into two curious groups—girls and boys—each bombarding them with teasing questions and wild assumptions.
Flustered and red-faced, Kael and Cana tried desperately to explain, but the teasing only grew louder.
At the bar, Makarov simply sipped his wine, his eyes glinting as he shot a knowing look toward Laxus.
Feeling that gaze, Laxus stiffened awkwardly, muttered something under his breath, and turned away.
Eventually, Kael and Cana managed to escape the guild, breathless from all the teasing.
"We'll host a dinner party at the new place!" Kael shouted over his shoulder as they fled. "Everyone's invited!"
The guild cheered behind them as the two disappeared down the street—already planning what gifts to bring.