Month: September
Year: X775
Ages:
Kaito / Erza / Mirajane / Juvia — 10
Elfman — 9
Lysanna — 8
---
The smell of salt reached them before the city did.
Juvia was the first to stop walking.
"…The sea," she whispered.
The road opened wide, sloping downward, and there it was—Hargeon Port, sprawling and alive. White sails dotted the harbor like resting birds, ships creaked against wooden docks, and voices layered over one another in a dozen accents. Fish, spices, oil, metal, laughter—everything mixed into a single, overwhelming breath.
Mirajane's eyes lit up. "Woah. This place is huge."
Erza straightened instinctively, posture sharpening. A city. Her fingers twitched, already cataloging exits, crowds, threats.
Kaito smiled softly. We're close now.
Closer than ever.
---
They entered the port city together.
Not as strays.
Not as survivors.
As a group.
Shops lined the streets—weapon stalls, magic trinkets, clothing racks fluttering in the sea breeze.
Mirajane immediately dragged Kaito by the sleeve. "You. With me."
Erza crossed her arms. "Why him?"
"Because he has taste." Mira leaned closer to Kaito. "And money."
"I feel used," he said calmly.
"You love it."
Erza huffed and turned away… then paused. "…I'm coming too."
Mira smirked. "Of course you are."
---
Shopping became chaos.
Mirajane tried on a black jacket with metal trims. "Thoughts?"
Kaito tilted his head. "Intimidating. Suits you."
She leaned closer. "You saying you like scary girls?"
"I'm saying I like you."
Erza coughed loudly. "That jacket is impractical for combat."
Mira laughed. "You just don't like that he's staring."
"I'm analyzing," Erza snapped.
Juvia stood quietly near a stall of blue scarves, fingers brushing the fabric.
Kaito would look good in this…
Her face flushed immediately.
Lysanna nudged her. "You should get it."
"J-Juvia doesn't need—"
Elfman nodded seriously. "Be a woman."
Juvia malfunctioned.
---
By evening, they were exhausted—and happy.
They sat together in a small harbor restaurant, wooden tables polished smooth by years of sailors' elbows. Plates filled the table: grilled fish, bread, stew, steaming rice.
Kaito ate easily, relaxed. Great Sage confirmed nutritional balance optimal, echoed quietly in his mind.
Mirajane watched him chew, amused. He acts like this is normal. Like he's always belonged anywhere.
Erza focused on her meal—but her eyes kept drifting to the window, where the sea reflected lantern light. Fairy Tail… it's close. Am I ready?
Juvia stirred her soup slowly. Juvia has never eaten like this… with people. Her chest felt warm. Juvia doesn't want this to end.
Lysanna swung her legs under the table, smiling. I like them all together.
Elfman puffed his chest. This is manly.
---
The inn was modest but clean.
Two rooms. Enough beds.
As they settled in, the noise of the port softened into distant waves.
Kaito lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. Tomorrow, we move again. Magnolia is near.
Mirajane turned on her side, watching him. "You excited?"
"A little."
Erza lay rigidly in her bed. "A guild isn't a game."
"I know," he said gently.
She relaxed—just a fraction.
Juvia hugged her pillow. Juvia will follow. Even if it rains.
---
Outside, ships rocked gently.
Inside, six children slept—each carrying their own hopes.
And somewhere beyond the sea road—
Fairy Tail was waiting.