Sunflower Town
The morning sun poured across Sunflower Town. The rooftops shimmered beneath its touch, dew glinting like diamonds on the crooked roofs. For the first time in days, the streets were alive again, the ringing sound of hammers, the murmur of rebuilding, and the faint laughter of children chasing each other through the alleys replaced the heavy silence that had gripped the town.
Old men sat outside their doors, puffing on pipes with relieved smiles. Women swept the dirt roads cleaning debris as it, chatting quietly about their hopes for peace. You could almost feel the town exhale.
The fear that had once clung to the air like smoke was fading, chased away by the warmth of the sun and the comforting thought that they were no longer alone.
The mages of Fairy Tail were here. Word had spread fast about the eccentric mages, a team full of beautiful women and a single male, and the giant black wyvern that followed them.
"Did you hear? They say that thing—"
"Kuromaru, I think they called it."
"Aye, that thing could level a mountain but listens to that young man's voice like a pet!"
At the far edge of the town, a group of villagers had gathered on a small grassy hill overlooking the sea. From there, they had a clear view of the creature that had everyone talking.
Kuromaru, the massive black wyvern, lay curled beside the ocean, his scales glistening like polished obsidian under the sunlight. His wings were folded neatly against his sides, the tips twitching lazily with each passing breeze. His tail flicked once, stirring up sand and salt spray.
The ground around him was scarred, cracked patches of earth where his landing had destroyed the ground, yet he looked completely at ease. His glowing golden eyes followed the waves with quiet patience. Even in rest, his presence dominated everything. (Bored!)
Two small children peeked out from behind a broken fence. Their voices were hushed but trembling with excitement.
"Papa, look! It's the dragon!"
Their father, a burly fisherman with calloused hands, paled and quickly pulled them back. "Don't get too close, you fool! That thing could swallow a horse whole!"
"But he's so cool!" the younger one squealed.
The man sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "Cool or not, I like my children alive."
A few of the braver townsfolk whispered among themselves, standing with arms crossed, torn between curiosity and fear.
"The mages of Fairy Tail really tamed that beast?" One woman muttered, shading her eyes.
A younger man laughed nervously, shaking his head. "Tamed, or maybe just hasn't eaten them yet."
"They're either geniuses…" Said an older villager, clutching his walking stick.
"…or suicidal," Finished another, and the small group shared a nervous laugh that didn't quite hide their awe.
For all their chatter, no one could ignore the sight before them.
(I wish my liege would hurry. I'm bored.) Kuromaru let out a low rumble, not a growl, but something closer to a sigh. The ground vibrated faintly underfoot, the sound echoing across the shore. Birds startled from the nearby cliffs, scattering into the sky in a flurry of white wings.
And yet, despite his overwhelming power, there was no malice in him. His slow breathing sent ripples over the ocean surface, his chest rising and falling as he wondered when he would get to see the master again.
A little girl with pigtails tugged on her mother's sleeve. "Mama, do you think the dragon's nice?"
The woman smiled faintly, her eyes softening as she watched the wyvern. "If he's with those Fairy Tail mages… then maybe."
From afar, Kuromaru's glowing eyes flickered toward them for a moment. (Ugh. The Weak.)
The villagers stiffened, caught under the beast's gaze.
But instead of roaring or moving, the wyvern simply let out a low huff through his nostrils, almost like a sigh. (That girl reminds me of the princess.) He then closed his eyes again.
The girl giggled. "See? He is nice!"
Her mother chuckled softly. "Maybe so."
—---------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Ruby the Exceed fluttered through the sky, her little wings glimmering in the morning light as she carried a small satchel of bread and milk.
"They're all gawking at him again," She muttered as she flew through the sky. "Humans… you'd think they've never seen a monster before."
Her crimson eyes flicked toward the Golden Finn Inn down the street. "Unbelievable," She muttered to herself. "The whole town's finally alive again, and they are still sleeping."
She sighed, her tail flicking in exasperation. "Lazy mages."
Banking toward the Golden Finn Inn, she landed on the second-floor balcony railing outside the team's rented room. Her tiny paw knocked sharply on the glass door.
—------------------------------
The morning light slipped through the thin curtains, illuminating a scene that could have only belonged to one man's very blessed luck.
Issei Hyoudou lay in the middle of a large bed, shirtless, a faint smile still ghosting on his lips as he slept. His body was half-covered by a tangle of sheets and several beautiful women.
Yuuka, dressed in a pale pink negligee, clung to his left arm like it was a lifeline, her face nuzzled against his shoulder.
On the opposite side, Akitsu slept deeply, completely bare, her arm draped over his chest, her soft breasts pressed firmly against his arm.
At the foot of the bed, Uzume had tangled herself around his right leg, one arm thrown over it possessively. In a naked state just like Akitsu.
And beside her, Karasuba lay with an open yukata, her silver hair sprawled across the sheets, one leg resting casually over Issei's thigh.
But the finishing touch to this chaotic sight was Yashima, who had apparently claimed the most prized position—lying directly on top of Issei's chest. She wore only his red shirt and white panties, her face buried against his neck as she murmured softly in her sleep.
Knock, knock, knock!
The sound cut through the silence.
Ruby stood outside the door, tapping her tiny foot impatiently. "Ugh, honestly… what do they do to get so tired?!"
From inside, Yashima groaned softly, blinking awake. "Mmm… Ashikabi-sama? What's that noise…?"
Issei stirred beneath her, half-asleep. "Mmm… probably breakfast…"
Another round of knocking followed, louder this time.
Uzume lifted her head slightly, hair sticking out in every direction. "If that's a monster attack, they can wait until I'm dressed…" She muttered sleepily.
Karasuba cracked one eye open,and glared. "Whoever is making that noise. I'm going to kill it."
Yuuka then let go of Issei and started rubbing her eyes and tried to stand up.
Akitsu blinked groggily, her cold hand brushing across Issei's chest. "Warm…".
"Could you—please—let me breathe?" Issei groaned as all the movement above him started to crush his ribs.
Ruby, still knocking, huffed. "HELLO? Fairy Tail mages! Are you all dead in there?!"
That was enough to fully wake the room.
Issei's eyes shot open, his mind finally catching up with reality. He took in the scene—the clothes, the limbs, the heat. "Guess it's morning," He muttered under his breath.
Yashima blinked down at him, half-asleep. "Morning… darling."
Uzume yawned. "It's too early to get up!"
Yuuka's exasperated sigh cut through the air. "Everyone up. It's about time we start our job."
—---------------------------
Outside, Ruby folded her little arms, tail flicking faster by the second. "By the gods, I swear…" she muttered. "If they make me knock one more time, I'm going to torch this door myself."
Just as she raised her paw to knock again, the windowed door slid open—and a very disheveled Issei peeked out, shirtless, hair a wild mess.
Ruby blinked twice. Then her face turned scarlet. "Why don't you have a shirt!?" She shrieked, wings fluttering furiously.
Issei held up a hand to pacify the Exceed. "Sorry! Just—uh—overslept!"
Behind him, multiple feminine groans and the sound of scrambling clothes could be heard.
Ruby's ears twitched. "…I don't even want to know." She sighed heavily and shook her head. "But what I want to know is when you will kill the swarm."
The words immediately sobered him. Issei's expression hardened. "Right. Let us just get ready first."
Ruby nodded, though her cheeks were still pink. "Try to look less like you just woke up before you go outside, please."
Issei winced. "No promises."
The Exceed then flew off down toward the entrance of the inn, Issei turned back to his half-dressed group with a sigh.
—------------------------------------
The room was still a mess of tangled sheets and half-packed gear when the faint buzzing chime of a phone broke the silence.
"...Wait, what?" Issei blinked, the sound was unmistakable.
Yuuka paused mid-buttoning her blouse, her brow furrowing. "Was that… a phone?"
"Impossible," Uzume said, tying her sash. "We're in Fiore, not Japan. Unless someone invented cell towers overnight."
The ringing continued, sharp and insistent.
Issei found his pants where his red smartphone lay, vibrating slightly. The glowing screen flashed Incoming Call – Facetime.
Everyone froze.
Karasuba raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding me."
Yashima peeked over his shoulder, towel still around her neck. "Ashikabi-sama, is that really…?"
"It can't be…" Issei muttered, picking it up cautiously like it might explode. He then swiped the screen.
The moment the image cleared, a bright, mischievous face filled the display.
"Good morning, darling!"
"Papa!" A smaller, higher-pitched voice squealed right beside her.
"Tamamo?! Sakura?!" Issei blurted in disbelief. "H-How the—?! Wait, what—?!"
The screen adjusted, revealing Matsu grinning in the background, her glasses glinting with smug triumph.
Behind her, Tamamo's tails swayed gracefully while little Sakura waved both hands energetically.
"Ta-dah~! Surprise!" Matsu declared, striking a pose. "The world's greatest scientist never sleeps!"
Uzume groaned, pinching her nose. "Oh no, she figured out how to make Wi-Fi here, didn't she?"
Matsu puffed her chest proudly. "Not Wi-Fi, my lovely Uzume! I have successfully created a communication line using a combination of my laptop, some magic, and your darling's smartphone. In simple terms—"
"Magic science nonsense," Karasuba interrupted flatly.
Matsu's eye twitched. "It's brilliant science, thank you very much!"
Yuuka crossed her arms with a faint smile. "Still, it's impressive, Matsu. Even for you."
Matsu's grin stretched wider. "Naturally. My genius knows no boundaries, neither through time, space, nor network coverage!"
Akitsu tilted her head, her silver hair still slightly damp. "Coverage…?"
"Never mind that," Tamamo interrupted gently, smiling as she leaned closer to the screen. "Darling, how are you? Did you eat breakfast?"
Issei rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "We, uh, just woke up. But yeah, we'll grab something soon."
Sakura's tiny face appeared beside Tamamo's. "Papa! You look sleepy!"
He chuckled, scratching his cheek. "Yeah, your papa's just a bit tired. A talking cat woke us up a bit early."
Uzume snorted under her breath.
Sakura's eyes started to shine. "A talking cat!"
"Yeah. She looked just like Happy!"
"Is that the only reason, Darling." Tamamo said with a smile
Issei waved his hands rapidly, panic rising. "We also overslept, I swear!"
Matsu giggled behind her laptop. "Mhm~ sure you did."
Yuuka quickly stepped in to say her greetings. "Good morning, Tamamo, Matsu, Sakura. Everything's fine here. We're preparing to head out for the day."
Tamamo relaxed slightly, her golden eyes softening. "That's good to hear. I worry when you're away." Her expression shifted back to warmth as she turned to Issei. "So, what's today's quest, darling?"
Issei sat on the edge of the bed, setting the phone upright so everyone could see. "We accepted a request to help defend a coastal town called Sunflower Town. The mayor said monsters are gathering near the mountains, but if we handle it quickly, we should be home by tomorrow."
Tamamo nodded approvingly. "Good. Just be careful, alright?"
"We will," Yuuka assured her.
Tamamo smiled at that, her tails flicking cheerfully. "Then I'll take Sakura later to meet Levy for more lessons. She's been looking forward to it."
Sakura puffed her tiny chest proudly. "I can make ten magic words now!"
Issei beamed. "That's amazing, Sakura! Papa's proud of you."
Her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Heehee! Thank you, Papa!"
The warmth in the room was palpable, even Karasuba allowed herself a small smile at the sight.
Matsu leaned into view again, winking. "Well then, we'll keep things stable on our end. I'll be making more stuff to make our life easier."
Issei laughed lightly. "Appreciate it, Matsu. You're a lifesaver, as always."
"Of course~."
Tamamo clasped her hands gently. "Good luck, my love. Stay safe, all of you."
Sakura waved both hands so hard her little ribbons fluttered. "Good luck, Papa! Beat up the bad guys!"
Issei grinned. "You got it, princess."
With that, he pressed the button to end the call. The screen dimmed, leaving the room filled with the faint hum of silence and soft smiles.
"...That was surreal," Yashima said, exhaling. "To think we can actually talk to them from here."
Uzume chuckled. "Matsu's going to learn who to create a cross dimensional tower one day."
Karasuba stretched lazily, smirking. "As long as she doesn't install a camera in the bath again."
Yuuka gave her a glare sharp enough to cut steel. "She what?"
"Nothing, nothing," Karasuba said quickly, waving a hand.
Issei sighed, pocketing his phone. "Alright, now that the family conference call is over, let's focus. Ruby's waiting for us outside."
Uzume tied her hair back. "Right. Time to play heroes again."
Yashima smiled softly, slipping her gauntlets on. "I don't mind. It feels… nice. Helping people."
Issei looked at them all, his partners, his family. "Then let's make sure Sunflower Town stays safe," he said firmly, standing tall.
—------------------------------------
When the group finally stepped out of the Golden Finn Inn. The air outside smelled faintly of salt and baked bread. Villagers passed them with cautious smiles, bowing politely or whispering to each other as they recognized the "Fairy Tail mages" that everyone in town had been talking about.
Hovering near the entrance, arms crossed and tail flicking impatiently, Ruby was already waiting for them.
"There you are!" She huffed, ears twitching in irritation. "What in the world took you so long? I thought you all overslept again!"
Issei laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry about that. We had… a small morning situation."
"Small situation?" Yuuka muttered under her breath with a side glance, her tone half-sarcastic.
Ruby narrowed her crimson eyes, glaring between them all. "Well, whatever it was, I hope you're ready to take this seriously. The mayor's scouts reported more movement near the mountains. We need to finalize a plan before—"
"Hold that thought," Yuuka interrupted politely but firmly, her hand resting on her stomach. "Before any of that, can we please eat something? We haven't had breakfast yet."
Ruby blinked. "Eat? Now?"
Uzume stifled a yawn, stretching her arms overhead. "Can't save the town on an empty stomach."
"Food first, planning later," Karasuba added casually, brushing imaginary dust from her sword sheath. "You should try it sometime, furball. Helps with the stress."
Ruby's wings flared in offense. "Furball?!"
Issei sighed with a helpless smile, stepping between them. "Alright, alright, no fighting before food. Ruby, let's grab something. We can talk strategy while we eat, yeah?"
Ruby crossed her tiny arms, tail flicking irritably. "You people… honestly. You act like you're heading on a picnic, not a battle for my home!"
Yuuka smiled gently. "If you want us to work efficiently, we need energy. You'll see, it's all part of the process."
Ruby muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Humans are insane," but finally relented.
"Fine," she grumbled. "But we're talking battle plans over breakfast!"
—-----------------------------------
The group followed her through the narrow cobbled streets to a seaside restaurant whose windows faced the glimmering waves. Inside, the air was filled with the aroma of fried fish, butter, and herbs. Fishermen occupied one corner, already halfway through their second mugs of ale despite the early hour.
A waitress recognized them instantly. "Oh! You're the mages helping us, right? Right this way, please!"
They were seated by the window, the sunlight glinting off the sea and catching in the reflection of Kuromaru's silhouette resting far on the shoreline.
Plates of grilled fish, fresh bread, and steaming soup soon covered the table.
"So," Ruby began, wings twitching with impatience as she perched at the table's edge, "let's finally discuss the plan for the swarm. I assume you've thought of something?"
Issei swallowed a bite of fish and shrugged casually. "Yup. We're just gonna hit them head-on."
Ruby froze. "...What?"
Yuuka nodded in confirmation, sipping her tea. "We'll take Kuromaru, fly straight to the swarm's direction, and cut them off before they get close to town."
Ruby's jaw dropped. "That's your plan?!"
Uzume smirked. "Pretty solid, right?"
"No!" Ruby squeaked, flapping her wings in panic. "That's reckless! You can't just charge into thousands of monsters! You need a formation, a fallback, a strategy—"
Karasuba leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Relax, kitten. We'll take care of it in an instant. You'll see."
Ruby's tail bristled. "I am relaxed! This is me being relaxed!"
Issei raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, hey, calm down. We know what we're doing."
Ruby stared at him in disbelief. "How can I calm down?! This isn't some adventure game! If you mess up, my town is gone!"
The tension hung thick for a moment. Then Issei leaned forward, his voice calm and steady.
"Ruby," He said softly, resting his hand on her small head.
Her wings froze mid-flap.
"We are taking it seriously," Issei continued, gently ruffling her fur. "But worrying about every possible 'what if' doesn't help anyone. It'll just freeze you up when you need to move most." His words carried a quiet weight that made even Karasuba glance up, expression softening.
Issei smiled faintly. "It's better to face the problem first. Once we understand it, then we adapt. That's how I've survived so far."
Ruby blinked up at him, her earlier outrage faltering. She opened her mouth, closed it again, then let out a long sigh.
"You… you're impossible."
Uzume chuckled. "Welcome to the club, kid. We get that a lot."
Yuuka set down her cup. "If you really don't trust us, you can come along and see for yourself."
Ruby hesitated. "I—"
But before she could finish, Issei shook his head. "No need. This is our mission, not hers. We can't put her at risk."
Ruby puffed out her cheeks, glaring at him. "I'm not some helpless kitten, you know! I can fight! I want to see this through!"
Karasuba leaned on her elbow, grin returning. "Fine by me. But if you come, make sure you can hold your own. We won't have time to babysit."
Ruby straightened her back proudly. "I can defend myself just fine! I have Aera Magic for flight and Transformation Magic for combat!"
Akitsu tilted her head. "Transformation… like shape-shifting?"
Ruby nodded, then added confidently, "And I can use Enchant Magic too."
Issei blinked. "Enchant magic?"
Ruby smiled slightly. "It allows me to imbue my magic onto objects or even people — increasing their physical or magical capabilities. Think of it as… able to use support spells."
Issei's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh! So basically like buffing allies in an RPG!"
From within the Dimensional Watch, Sherri's voice chimed in dryly. "Accurate, Master. She's essentially a party-wide stat booster."
Uzume laughed. "So the cat's our team buffer now? Perfect!"
Ruby's cheeks puffed, but her tail swished happily. "Don't call me 'the cat!' And I'll have you know, I'm an excellent mage!"
Karasuba smirked. "Then prove it in the field, kitten."
Ruby glared but didn't argue this time.
Yuuka stood, brushing off her skirt and then went to pay for their food. "Alright then, let's head out and get this over with."
Issei rose as well, stretching his arms. Ruby fluttered beside him, determination replacing her earlier frustration. "Fine. But when this is over, you're all buying me dinner."
Uzume winked. "Deal. Assuming you survive us."
As they stepped out into the bright noon sun, Ruby flying alongside them, Issei glanced toward the distant line of mountains where dark shapes stirred beneath the clouds.
—----------------------------
Magnolia
The Magnolia Market was alive with its usual chaos, the clatter of wooden wheels on cobblestones, the chatter of hagglers arguing over the price of apples, and the sweet aroma of baked goods mixing with salt and spice.
Tamamo moved gracefully through the crowd, her golden eyes scanning the stalls like a huntress on a mission. A woven basket rested on her arm, already half-filled with vegetables, herbs, and fresh meats. Her long tails swayed behind her, attracting more than a few curious stares from bystanders.
Beside her walked Misuki, calm and patient, clutching her own smaller bag filled with flour and rice. "Tamamo, you've been circling the same row of stalls for fifteen minutes," she said, her tone halfway between amusement and exasperation. "Are you looking for dinner or treasure?"
Tamamo gave a light, teasing smile. "Why not both? A good wife must seek the best for her family. Fresh ingredients, best prices, and maybe… a little bit of luck."
Misuki sighed softly, smiling despite herself.
The two continued strolling through the rows of colorful tents until a sudden burst of music drew their attention. A crowd had gathered near the central plaza, where a large banner fluttered overhead:
"Magnolia Merchant's Festival Raffle! Win Big Prizes! Grand Prize – A Trip for a family of Ten to the Coral Coast Resort!"
Tamamo froze mid-step, her fox ears twitching. "A trip?" She whispered, her voice brimming with curiosity.
Misuki followed her gaze, reading the sign herself. "A resort… by the sea?"
The crowd's chatter swelled with excitement as several townsfolk lined up eagerly to buy raffle tickets. The announcer stood atop a crate, waving a bright blue flyer. "Come one, come all! Try your luck! One ticket per person — only a hundred jewels each! Will you be the lucky one to win a luxury vacation?"
Tamamo's tails began to sway faster, her expression softening into one of pure, scheming delight.
"A beach… a private suite… the sound of waves under the moonlight…" She murmured dreamily. "It would be perfect for a honeymoon."
Misuki blinked. "You're not actually considering—"
Tamamo was already walking toward the booth.
"Tamamo, wait—" Misuki caught up quickly, sighing. "You do realize these things are mostly marketing traps? They make their money off people's hopes."
Tamamo waved a delicate hand dismissively. "Oh, Misuki, where's your sense of romance? Even if it's a trick, the dream is worth a few jewels. Besides…" Her smile turned sly. "A goddess of fortune should test her own luck once in a while."
—--------------------
Within minutes, Tamamo stood at the back of the line, tails swaying eagerly as she clasped her purse. Misuki stood beside her, arms crossed and brow furrowed.
"This is going to end with you disappointed and me carrying your groceries, isn't it?"
"Or it ends with me on a tropical beach with my darling," Tamamo said sweetly. "I prefer to focus on positive outcomes."
Misuki rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her amusement.
When it was finally Tamamo's turn, the announcer gestured her forward with his best salesman grin. "Alright, miss! Step right up and spin the wheel of fate! Let's see if fortune favors you today!"
Tamamo's eyes gleamed. "Oh, I think she does."
She reached for the large, colorful wheel, its surface divided into painted sections of red, blue, and green, with a single golden sliver glinting near the top. She placed her hand on the handle and gave it a powerful spin.
The wheel whirred furiously, colors blurring together as it spun. The crowd leaned in, whispering and chuckling.
"Ten jewels says she gets a red ball like the rest of us," One man muttered.
"Look at her tails! Maybe they'll bring her luck," Said another with a grin.
Tamamo closed her eyes and folded her hands, murmuring a quiet prayer. 'Let fortune favor the faithful wife today.'
The wheel slowed… slower… slower… until finally—
CLACK!
A tiny golden sphere dropped into the metal tray.
The plaza went silent.
For a heartbeat, no one spoke.
Then the announcer's jaw dropped. "...Golden ball!?"
A beat later, the man practically screamed into his microphone, "SHE'S WON FIRST PLACE! THE GRAND PRIZE IS HERS!"
The crowd erupted in gasps and cheers.
Tamamo blinked, momentarily stunned. "I… won?"
Misuki stared at the tray, then at her companion. "You actually won."
Tamamo's ears perked, her face lighting up with pure joy. "I won!"
The announcer, still recovering from shock, handed her a glittering envelope stamped with a wax seal. "Congratulations, ma'am! You've just won ten tickets to the Coral Coast Resort! A week of luxury accommodations, meals included!"
The crowd cheered as Tamamo clapped her hands together, laughing brightly.
"Didn't I tell you, Misuki? A goddess of luck always wins when it matters most!"
Misuki sighed but couldn't suppress her smile as she joined her in applause. "You're unbelievable. I guess I'll have to stop doubting you when it comes to luck."
Tamamo's tails twirled behind her as she hugged the envelope close. "Honeymoon, here we come~!"
A nearby merchant chuckled. "Lady, you must be blessed by the gods."
Tamamo smiled serenely. "I guess you can call it that."
—----------------------------
As the crowd slowly dispersed, Misuki looked at her companion, shaking her head fondly. "So what will you do with ten tickets? Planning to take the whole family?"
Tamamo giggled softly, holding the envelope up to the light. "Oh, I don't know yet. Perhaps I'll invite everyone. But first…" Her eyes softened, her voice lowering with affection. "I'll plan a night there alone with my darling. Just the two of us."
Misuki chuckled quietly. "I should've known."
Tamamo beamed, her tails swishing happily as she turned back toward the market. "Now, let's finish shopping. I have a victory feast to prepare and a husband to surprise when he gets back."
The two women walked away, the sound of Tamamo's laughter mingling with the marketplace buzz.
—--------------------
Phoenix Mountain
The wind howled across the red ridges of Phoenix Mountain, carrying with it the stench of blood and decay. Below the cliffs, an army of monsters seethed and writhed like a living sea. Various wolves of different colors, insectoid beasts the size of wagons, and grotesque creatures stitched together from scales and sinew all moved in jagged unison.
The air shuddered each time a whip cracked.
"Faster! Keep the line moving!"
Dozens of dark mages, cloaked in tattered robes, stood among the creatures. Their whips glowed with faint purple runes as they lashed at the beasts, driving them forward toward the valley below, toward Sunflower Town. Each strike released a faint pulse of corruption that sank into the monsters' flesh, forcing obedience through pain and control.
The mages' voices blended with the guttural roars of the horde, forming a dreadful chorus that echoed through the canyon.
On the highest ledge stood a single figure, tall, draped in black robes. His face was hidden behind a bone-white mask. From one hand, he held a Communications Lacrima Crystal, its surface swirling with black mist. The eerie light from it painted his mask in shades of crimson.
He lifted it to his mouth, his voice low and distorted. "Report, Commander Valt."
The voice that answered was smooth, feminine, yet cold enough to pierce bone.
"Everything is proceeding according to plan, my lady," The masked mage replied. His voice carried an almost mechanical calm. "The experimental control device has stabilized. The swarm obeys without resistance. We are currently advancing them toward Sunflower Town for the live demonstration."
A soft laugh came from the other side — silky and cruel. "Excellent. It seems your work with the Beast Restraint Array is paying off. Our investors have been very eager to see results."
Valt bowed his head respectfully, even though she couldn't see him. "The buyers will have their show, my lady. The monsters march as one. Every pulse of magic from the device reinforces their obedience."
"That's good to hear," The woman's voice cooed. "Already, our first shipments have sold out in the western territories. Imagine it, Valt, nations and guilds buying control itself. A world where control can be purchased and tamed." Her tone dripped with greed.
Valt's masked face tilted slightly upward. "Yes… the dream of Titan Fall: a world rewritten through absolute control."
But the woman's tone shifted, sharp and commanding. "Remember, many buyers are watching this demonstration through my projection. Do not disappoint them. Let the monsters ravage enough to inspire fear."
Valt chuckled under his breath. "As you wish."
She hummed in approval. "Good. Continue with the plan. The more they see our technology in action, the higher the price we can demand. Control is the ultimate currency."
"My lady," He said, voice tightening slightly, "there is… one other matter."
"Oh?" She replied, amusement in her tone. "What is it?"
"Our scouts have confirmed movement from a guild. A group of mages from Fairy Tail, one accompanied by a wyvern are flying this way."
A pause. Then a slow, delighted laugh. "Fairy Tail? Oh, how fortunate." Her voice lowered into something serpentine. "Their meddling may serve us well. If your swarm crushes even a handful of their mages, the buyers will see the true power of Titan Fall's creation. A perfect promotion."
Valt bowed his head once more. "As you command."
The woman's tone turned silky once again. "Show them, Valt. Show the world that even nature's chaos bows before Titan Fall. And remember…"
Her voice grew quiet, her words dripping with venom.
"There is no such thing as mercy in the age we are building."
The Lacrima went dark.
For a long moment, only the howls of the monsters filled the air. Then Valt turned, raising his right arm.
A spiraling black bracelet gleamed against his pale skin, pulsing like a living organ. Every pulse sent waves of shadowy energy rippling outward.
The monsters below roared in unison, their eyes glowing red, their bodies shuddering with renewed frenzy.
The commander clenched his fist, feeling the power surge through the bond between man and beast.
"Forward," he commanded, his voice echoing across the mountains. "Let the world tremble before the will of Titan Fall."
The horde obeyed. They began their march, a tide of claws and teeth, shaking the mountains as they descended toward the helpless town below.
—---------------------------------------------------------
The air was crisp and sharp against Issei's face as Kuromaru's wings cut through the sky. The wyvern's massive form glided with predatory grace, each wingbeat echoing like rolling thunder. Below them, Phoenix Mountain loomed closer.
The wind tore at his hair as Issei stood near Kuromaru's neck, hand gripping a spike for balance. The girls were positioned securely behind him, Yuuka and Uzume near the middle, Karasuba lounging with her sword drawn across her lap, Yashima clutching her hammer with a nervous smile, and Akitsu quietly keeping her balance as frost trailed faintly from her fingertips.
Held safely in Issei's other arm was Ruby. Her red fur gleamed under the sun, and a determined look filled her eyes despite her size.
"Alright, everyone!" Issei called over the roar of the wind. "We should be reaching the mountain valley in about five minutes!"
Yuuka's voice carried over the air, calm but alert. "I'm already sensing several large magic signatures ahead."
Uzume frowned, brushing stray hair from her face. "D you think someone's controlling them."
Karasuba chuckled lowly, tapping the flat of her sword against her shoulder. "Ohh. I hope so. I was starting to worry this would be boring."
"Do try not to cut down the whole mountain," Yuuka replied dryly.
"No promises."
Yashima turned her eyes toward the red peaks ahead. "The magic feels… wrong. Like it's twisting the air itself."
Ruby nodded grimly as she was held by Issei. "That's cursed magic. We need to destroy it if we want to stop the swarm."
"Good to know," Issei said, adjusting his stance as Kuromaru shifted altitude. "What kind of magic are we talking about?"
Ruby's tail flicked with agitation. "It's not simple summoning or curse binding. It's amplified enchantment magic, something that forces obedience by attacking the primal instincts of monsters."
"Then we'll have to destroy it." Issei said firmly, his voice cutting through the wind.
Ddraig's deep rumble echoed from the Boosted Gear. (Heh. I can sense that energy too, partner. It reeks of corruption. Whatever's waiting for us, it's not natural.)
"Yeah," Issei muttered. "Figures we never get the easy jobs."
(Would you want it any other way?)
Issei chuckled. "You know me too well, partner."
From behind, Uzume's voice broke through the wind. "So, what's the plan, boss?"
"Simple," Issei shouted back. "We land before they reach the town, cut off their advance, and then find the source of the control magic."
"Direct and dangerous," Yuuka remarked with a faint smile. "Very you."
"Wouldn't have it any other way!" Uzume called, grinning wide.
Ruby frowned, flying just ahead of Issei's line of sight. "You're all treating this too lightly! There are hundreds of monsters down there! If we're not careful—"
"Then we won't be," Karasuba interrupted with a grin. "We'll just kill everything that moves."
Ruby groaned audibly. "You people are insane."
That drew laughter from the group, the sound carried away by the wind — defiant and bright.
—-----------------------------------
The laughter faded as the first tremors reached them. The air shifted, heavy with the stench of sulfur and ash. The once-clear sky began to darken with the rising smoke of burning foliage.
From above, the view stretched wide and dreadful.
The horde was already moving.
Thousands of beasts crawled and stomped their way through the valleys, a black river of claws and teeth that shook the ground. The sunlight reflected off their scales, their fur, their grotesque forms. And among them, cloaked figures cracked glowing whips, herding them forward.
Yashima's hammer glowed faintly as she gripped it tighter. "There are so many…"
Ruby's voice trembled with restrained fury. "They're using whips to drive them like livestock…"
Issei clenched his fist, his expression hardening. "Not for long."
He turned to his companions, voice rising over the storm winds. "Everyone — get ready. This is where it starts!"
Kuromaru let out a thunderous roar that split the sky, the sound echoing across the mountains and valleys. The wyvern's eyes burned, his wings folding inward as he began to dive.
The air screamed around them as they plummeted like a meteor, flames trailing from Issei's gauntlet as he activated the Boosted Gear.
"Boost!"
The green emerald lit up in sequence, energy pulsing through his body as the gauntlet vibrated with power.
Below, the dark mages looked up, their formation breaking.
"Up there—! Something's coming!"
"It's too fast!"
By the time they realized what it was, the sky had already caught fire.
Kuromaru's massive shadow descended over the mountain pass. The wyvern's lightning-charged breath tore through the air, striking the first line of monsters with cataclysmic force.
The ground erupted in thunder.
Issei leapt from Kuromaru's back mid-dive, fire wrapping around his fists as he shot downward like a comet. The moment his boots hit the ground, a shockwave rippled outward, scattering ash and smoke.
He straightened, eyes blazing with determination as his group landed one by one behind him.
The dark mages stared, stunned, confronted by a beast of legend.
Ruby landed beside Issei, her wings flaring, voice sharp with authority. "You're not laying a single hand on this town."
Issei cracked his knuckles, his grin fierce and confident. "Try to be a decent warm-up."
The monsters roared in response, an ocean of rage rushing toward them.
Akitsu started to turn the ground to ice. Karasuba's blade shimmered. Uzume's veil unfurled. Yuuka took out her two revolvers. Yashima's hammer started to grow larger.
Meanwhile Kuromaru bellowed overhead, lightning arcing through his teeth.
And in that moment, surrounded by flame, ice, thunder, and the howl of monsters, the battle for Sunflower Town truly began.