The guild hall was its usual chaotic self barrels of laughter mixed with arguments over spilled drinks and unpaid tabs. But amidst the usual uproar, Erza sat in her corner, sharpening a blade she had summoned with magic, exuding an air of unapproachability. Her fiery red hair glinted in the sunlight streaming through the windows, and her cold, one-eyed gaze seemed to pierce through anyone who dared get too close.
"She's like a walking icicle with a sword," Yukari muttered, leaning against the bar. Gray and Cana were beside her, their faces similarly etched with curiosity and exasperation.
"More like an angry tomato with a grudge," Gray quipped.
Cana snorted into her drink. "You're both terrible at metaphors."
Yukari smirked, her violet eyes narrowing. "She's been here for days and hasn't said more than two words to anyone. What's her deal? Does she think she's better than us?"
Gray puffed out his chest, rolling up his sleeves. "Maybe she just needs someone to knock some sense into her. Watch and learn, amateurs. I'll show her that we don't tolerate cold shoulders in Fairy Tail."
Before either Yukari or Cana could stop him, Gray strutted across the hall, his overconfidence practically radiating from his every step. He stopped a few feet away from Erza, who was still polishing her blade, unfazed by his presence.
"Hey," Gray began, cracking his knuckles. "How about a little sparring match? Show us what you've got, new girl."
Erza didn't look up. "Go away."
Gray blinked. "Excuse me?"
Her single visible eye flicked up, her tone icy. "I said, go away. I'm not interested."
"Oh, come on," Gray pressed, now smirking. "What's the matter? Afraid you'll lose?"
Erza sighed and stood, her sword materializing in her hand. "Fine. But don't cry when this ends badly for you."
The hall quieted as guild members cleared a space for the impromptu duel. Yukari crossed her arms, watching with mild amusement. "This should be good."
The fight began with Gray lunging forward, summoning ice shards in his hands. Erza sidestepped with practiced ease, slashing through his magic like it was nothing more than paper. Her movements were precise, calculated, and utterly merciless.
"Is that all you've got?" Erza asked, her tone flat as she knocked Gray flat on his back with a single swing.
Gray groaned, sprawled on the floor like a defeated ragdoll. "Ouch."
Yukari clapped slowly, her smirk widening. "Impressive. But let's see how you handle someone who actually knows what they're doing."
Erza turned to Yukari, finally showing a hint of interest. "You're challenging me?"
Yukari stretched her arms, summoning a blade of golden flames that shimmered in the air. "Someone's gotta put you in your place. Might as well be me."
The crowd roared with excitement as the two girls squared off, their weapons glinting in the light. Yukari's sword radiated heat, while Erza's steel blade gleamed cold and sharp.
The clash was immediate. Erza lunged, but Yukari met her halfway, their swords colliding in a burst of sparks and flame. Despite Erza's skill, it was clear she was struggling to keep up with Yukari's ferocious speed and precision.
"You're not bad," Yukari admitted, dodging a slash and countering with a fiery arc that Erza barely blocked. "For someone who fights like a robot."
Erza scowled, her movements growing more aggressive. "And you're obnoxious."
The duel continued, their blades a blur of fire and steel. Yukari's training with Hinote was evident in her fluid, almost dance-like movements. She parried Erza's strikes with ease, her flaming sword leaving scorch marks on the floor with every swing.
"Is that all you've got?" Yukari taunted, stepping aside as Erza's sword narrowly missed her shoulder. "Come on, I thought you were supposed to be intimidating!"
Erza growled in frustration, launching a desperate flurry of attacks. But Yukari was ready, sidestepping the final swing and knocking the blade from Erza's hand with a well-placed strike.
The guild erupted into cheers as Erza stumbled back, her eye wide with shock.
"I… lost?" Erza muttered, staring at her empty hand.
Yukari rested her flaming sword on her shoulder, smirking. "Guess you're not as untouchable as you thought, huh?"
Erza glared at her, but there was no malice in her expression only a grudging respect. "You're strong."
"And you're stubborn," Yukari shot back, extinguishing her sword. "But you'll fit right in here. Everyone in this guild is a little insane."
Erza huffed, crossing her arms. "Don't get used to winning."
"Sure, sure," Yukari said, waving her off. "Just don't challenge me again until you've learned how to handle a real fight."
As the crowd dispersed, Cana and Gray approached Yukari, the former grinning and the latter nursing his bruised ego.
"Not bad, Yukari," Cana said, clapping her on the back.
Gray groaned. "I could've beaten her if I'd been serious."
"Keep telling yourself that," Yukari replied, smirking.
In the corner, Erza watched them quietly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. Perhaps, she thought, this guild wasn't so bad after all.