The day started like any other in Fairy Tail—loud, chaotic, and filled with flying fists.
Inside the guild hall, Natsu, Gray, and Elfman were in the middle of a brawl that had long stopped making sense. A broken chair spun through the air as Natsu roared, "You're the one who started it, Ice Cube!"
Gray shot back, already shirtless as usual. "You threw the first punch, Flame Brain!"
Elfman slammed his fist down on the counter. "A real man never backs down from a fight!"
"Then stop getting hit in the face, you idiot!" Gray yelled, narrowly dodging a flying table.
Cana, sipping her drink on the sidelines, just sighed. "And it's not even noon yet…"
Keal leaned casually beside her, watching the chaos unfold. "Morning entertainment, huh? Should I join in or enjoy the view?"
Cana smirked, swirling her drink. "If you jump in, the guild might collapse."
"Then maybe I should just flirt instead." He gave her a teasing grin.
Cana chuckled, trying to hide her blush. "Careful, handsome. Keep that up and I might start flirting back."
"Promises, promises," Keal said smoothly, making Cana shake her head with a smile.
Erza arrived just in time to see Natsu and Gray tackle Elfman through a table. "Enough!" Her voice sliced through the noise like a blade.
The three froze mid-motion, sweat dripping down their faces.
Before she could lecture them, a silent presence filled the room—a silent wave that made everyone feeling dizzy. One by one, the guild members below S-Class strength slumped over, falling into deep sleep.
Cana slumped over her mug. Even Keal blinked heavily before collapsing backward in his chair.
Only the S-Class mages and Makarov remained standing.
Moments later, the door slammed open, a cloaked figure walked Mystogan. He moved quietly, face covered, staff glowing faintly as he approached the request board. He took a paper from the top row—a mission of considerable rank—and then walked toward Makarov.
The master nodded, approving the request with a simple gesture.
Mystogan turned, walking toward the door. His steps were silent, almost unreal.
The moment the door closed behind him, the magic lifted. Everyone groaned, slowly waking up.
"What happened…?" Gray mumbled, rubbing his head.
"Ugh… feels like a dragon sat on me," Natsu groaned.
Erza frowned, glancing toward the door. "It was Mystogan. He came for a mission."
Cana yawned. "That guy really needs to learn how to say hi."
Keal stood up, stretching lazily. "At least he didn't knock the guild out this time."
Mira rubbed her temple. "He always does that…"
From the upper level Laxus smirking as his lightning crackled faintly. "What's wrong, fire-brat? You look like you lost to air."
Natsu's fists clenched. "Say that again, spark plug!"
"Oh please." Laxus looked bored. "Face it. You and Ice Boy here will never reach S-Class."
Gray's temper flared instantly. "You wanna test that theory, tough guy?"
Laxus didn't even glance at him. "Nah. I'd rather fight someone worth my time."
The atmosphere grew tense, but Makarov's voice cut through. "Enough, Laxus!"
The lightning mage only shrugged, smirking as he turned toward the stairs. "Whatever you say, old man."
Erza crossed her arms, annoyed. "He hasn't changed."
Keal's lips twitched. "Some people never do. But one day, someone will shut that arrogance down."
Erza gave him a side look. "You're not thinking of challenging him, are you?"
He smiled faintly. "Tempting, isn't it?"
Her eye twitched. "Don't."
Mira chuckled softly from the counter. "Careful, Erza. You sound worried about him."
Erza froze. "I–I'm not!"
"Sure you're not." Cana joined in with a grin.
Erza blushed slightly, glaring at both women. "You two…"
Keal leaned closer to her, his tone smooth and teasing. "I didn't know you cared that much, Erza."
She turned red, stepping back. "I—I don't! Stop teasing me!"
"Then stop making it so easy," Keal said with a playful wink.
Cana smirked. "Careful, Erza. He's already taken."
Mira smiled at that, resting her chin on her palm. "And very loyal too."
Keal walked over to her and placed a quick kiss on her forehead. "Can't help it if I have good taste."
Mira's cheeks pinked. "You're impossible sometimes."
"And you love me for it," he replied smoothly, earning eye rolls from Cana and Erza.
The day went on as usual—until night fell.
The guild had mostly cleared out, with only Happy wandering curiously near the second floor. He looked up, tail swishing. "Aye, this is where the S-class requests are, right?"
A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. "Maybe if I grab one, Natsu can show everyone how strong he really is!"
He flapped his wings and quietly flew up, scanning the board before grabbing a glowing request sheet. "Hehe! Got it!"
Outside, Natsu and Gray were still arguing about who could beat Laxus first.
"I'll prove it! I'll take an S-Class job and show him I'm not weak!" Natsu declared, punching the air.
Gray sighed. "You're insane."
Happy flew out of the window, waving the paper. "You don't have to! Look what I got!"
Lucy, who had just arrived, blinked. "Wait—what is that?"
Happy grinned proudly. "An S-Class request!"
Lucy's eyes widened. "You what?! You can't just—"
Natsu snatched it from Happy's paw, grinning ear to ear. "Perfect! We'll show them what we're made of!"
"Hold it!" Lucy said, panicking. "That's against the rules!"
Gray folded his arms, scowling. "He's right. The old man will beat you up."
But Natsu's determination didn't waver. "I'm sick of everyone saying we're weak! We'll just finish the job before they even notice."
Lisanna who overheard what they said stepped up, biting her lip nervously. "You're crazy, Natsu…"
He smiled at her. "So you're coming too?"
Her heart skipped. His grinning face was too close—too bright. "O-of course! Someone has to make sure you don't burn the island down!" she said quickly, face red.
Lucy sighed. "You're all going to get expelled…"
Then she noticed something written in fine print: Reward—30 million jewels and a Celestial Spirit Key.
Her eyes sparkled. "On second thought… I'm coming too!"
Gray groaned. "You're all idiots."
"You're coming too," Natsu said, pointing at him.
Gray blinked. "What? Why?"
"'Cause you're my rival," Natsu said with a smirk. "If you're not there, who'll keep things interesting?"
Gray gritted his teeth but smirked back. "Fine. But if you die, I'm not helping you."
"Same to you, Ice Princess."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY FLAME BRAIN!"
As their argument echoed, the group boarded a boat under the moonlight.
The next morning, Mirajane entered the guild early—and froze. One of the S-Class requests was missing.
Her face went pale. "No… oh no."
She rushed to Makarov's office. "Master! One of the S-class requests is gone!"
Makarov's eyes widened. "What?! Which one?"
"The Galuna Island job!"
The guild fell silent as the others overheard.
Makarov slammed his staff down. "Who took it?"
Laxus, leaning against the wall, shrugged. "I saw a cat with wings take it."
"YOU WHAT?!" Makarov thundered. "And you didn't stop him?!"
Laxus looked away, uncaring. "Not my problem. I don't deal with weaklings."
Makarov's face darkened. "You're still as arrogant as ever…"
Mira wrung her hands. "Master, what should we do?"
"Send Erza," Makarov said immediately. "Bring them back. Before something happens."
Erza stood, serious as ever. "Understood."
"Take backup," Makarov added. "Cana and Keal will go with you."
Keal smirked. "Guess it's time for a little adventure."
Cana stretched. "Hope they didn't get too far."
As they prepared to leave, Mira approached Keal, worry flickering in her eyes. "Be careful, okay?"
He leaned in, kissing her softly. "Always. You know I can handle myself."
She smiled. "Still. Come back safe."
"Can't promise I won't miss you too much," he teased, making her blush.
Erza, watching, felt something strange in her chest—an odd twist she couldn't explain.
Cana caught it instantly. "You okay, Erza?"
"I—I'm fine," Erza said quickly.
Mira grinned knowingly. "Jealous, maybe?"
"What? No!" Erza snapped, face red.
Keal chuckled, stepping close enough to whisper. "If you are, you're even cuter than usual."
Erza's composure cracked, and she looked away, flustered. Cana laughed softly.
"Let's just go," Erza muttered.
As both teams left Magnolia—Team Natsu heading by boat toward Galuna, and Team Scarlet Heal setting out soon after—the sun already resin over the city.
Makarov stood by the window, looking out toward the horizon.
"Those reckless brats…" he sighed softly. "Don't get yourselves killed."