[Fairy Tail Guild]
Suigetsu, you're truly amazing to have taken down Laxus... While I'm leisurely eating snacks, a figure about my age with brown hair and light blue eyes suddenly plops down beside me, striking up a conversation. This is none other than Cana.
I can't help but stare at her blankly, my mind racing as I try to figure out how to handle this. Everyone already introduced themselves earlier when I finished fighting Laxus. I also remember everyone's name. However, while I'm accustomed to speaking with men, it's different when it comes to women. I don't have PTSD, nor am I a misogynist... I just feel awkward talking to women due to a small issue from my past.
I silently recall the events that led to the resentment I harbored toward both of my sisters. Memories resurface, running so deep that I often entertained the thought of ending their lives with my own hands and dancing around the pool of their blood. I wanted to stomp on their corpses and smear their minced flesh across the ground as my canvas—to showcase my art. That would be my ultimate pleasure!
I steady myself, suppressing the hunger that stirs within. This won't do... If I start a massacre, no one in this guild will survive. I take a deep breath, forcing the dark urges to subside. I'm not an irrational person. Killing is addictive, but I don't kill without reason. As a matter of fact, I am reasonable. A sigh escapes me as I push those thoughts aside and turn my attention back to Cana.
Get to the point. I begin. I know you're not here just to make small talk. You want to ask about Gildarts, don't you?
Ugh!! Uhm... My words strike her like a lightning bolt. Cana jolts back, staring at me in disbelief.
I know what you're thinking... I say, intentionally cutting myself off, waiting for her to process it. By your own standards, you're not qualified to talk to him, right? I already know about her past. She wants to become an S-Class Mage before facing Gildarts and sorting everything out. But before that, she wants to learn everything she can about him. And you're using me to gather intel... However, I'm not so easy! I'm not a tool for that! I enunciate each word with emphasis, making sure she understands. If you want to know more about him, ask him yourself! With that, I stand up and head toward the commission board.
Regardless of the circumstances, people always approach me for one thing—benefits. It's always the same... I mutter to myself. Back in the day, I was constantly approached by girls asking about my sisters. Those two were basically tomboys! They had always been admired by many. Sometimes, I even received love letters and chocolates from girls. Not only that, they would give me bouquets of flowers—just to ask about my sisters! I'm not an errand boy. I swear I will never let myself experience such a thing again.
I'm about to take another step when someone grabs my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. Instinctively, I glance back to see who it is—Cana. Damn, girl. Can you let me go now? I think to myself. When it comes to things like this, I easily lose my composure.
Still refusing to meet her gaze, I lazily extend my index finger and tap her forehead with just enough force to nudge her backward. I already told you—I'm not a tool for this. If you want to know something, ask him yourself. That is, if you're even qualified...
Uhm... I can see it in her eyes—the way they shimmer with the threat of tears.
Oh? Going to cry? Then cry to your heart's content. Bullying kids is my specialty! I declare inwardly, feeling proud.
But then, the thought arises.
How childish... Yes, how childish. Just like Ainz from Overlord, my emotions sometimes feel suppressed. Well, that's a good thing.
On the other hand, just as Cana is about to open her mouth to say something, a voice slices through the air, full of righteous indignation.
Hey! You're going too far!
I instinctively glance toward the source. The self-proclaimed hero? None other than Gray Fullbuster. Raising an eyebrow, I shoot him an unamused look. What, are you going to play the hero now? Maybe you should put on some costumes—no, some clothes first.
Ah!? When—
I tune out his blabbering, shifting my attention back to Cana. Her eyes still glisten with unshed tears, though she does her best to hold them back. Her small hands are tightly clasped over her chest, as if trying to shield herself from whatever emotions threaten to escape.
If you're not going to say anything, can you let go of my hand now? I might catch some strange disease from you. I say.
Out of nowhere, Gray appears.
Hey! Don't ignore me!
I sigh. This guy keeps interrupting us... I mutter, clearly annoyed. I can already see where this is going, and it's my fault anyway. Of course, this isn't going to end well. I might as well accept it.
Are you asking for a fight? I ask him, a large magic circle forming in my hand. I'm quite strict when it comes to rules. Now that I've joined Fairy Tail, I'll at least abide by one—not fighting seriously.
Seeing this, Gray unknowingly takes a step back. What's wrong? Getting scared?
!?
Perhaps unable to stand my provocation, Gray takes a fighting stance, clenching one hand and pressing it against his palm—his signature pose for casting Ice-Make...
Not to be outdone, I stretch out my left hand. But instead of using magic, I casually throw a backhand, striking his face before he can react. I don't apply much force, but it's enough to send him flying to the center of the guild, where he quickly becomes a laughingstock.
Hahaha! Gray got defeated!
Of course! Suigetsu even took down Laxus—Gray didn't stand a chance.
Hey, kids! No fighting inside the guild!
Makarov's voice rang out, carrying a mix of disbelief and annoyance as he watched the entire exchange.
Then, my attention shifts back to Cana. What do you want? I ask her for the third time. If you're still going to inquire about him, then I'll send you to the abyss as well. I threaten, but she simply shakes her head, her expression turning serious.
Can we do quests together?
No. A firm rejection.
But she tightens her grip on my wrist, staring at me with glossy eyes. Please... Can you reconsider?
No.
But then, she starts shedding tears. Her cries draw sympathy; everyone stops what they're doing and stares at me in silence. Even Gildarts looks at me with pity.
Suigetsu... I know you're evil, but I didn't think you'd go this far.
What's up with this scumbag? Do you even realize this is your fault? I snort inwardly. More importantly, why does it look like I'm the villain here?
I'm annoyed, but there are still things to consider. Fine, you win. I say, raising both hands in surrender. Let's team up and do some quests.
The moment she hears my approval, Cana lifts her head in an instant. Although her voice still sounds like she's crying, there are no actual tears. And she even pokes her tongue out while giving me a wink.
Huh? So she was just pretending? This girl... Her behavior leaves me speechless, but I've already calmed down and decided not to pursue the matter any further. Like father, like daughter. Both are scumbags.
As for the reason she wants to team up with me, I can only think of two. One is Gildarts, and the other… is also Gildarts. I scoff inwardly, then head toward the quest board.
Veteran guild members wouldn't take ordinary missions; even if they did, they wouldn't bring children along. Missions can be dangerous, and they don't want to put kids at risk.
Even if she's desperate to climb the ranks and become an S-Class mage, there's little she can do. She's weak, and no one wants to team up with her. By clinging to me—someone strong and somewhat close to Gildarts—she's trying to take a shortcut. I let out a tired sigh. Well, she's practical, though not exactly logical. At least she deserves some credit.
Anyway, I shove the thought to the back of my mind and start scanning the posted missions. Most of the jobs are high-paying, but the money doesn't interest me. I could easily make a fortune by raiding dark guilds.
What's this? Monster subjugation, guard duty, deciphering magic items, slaying apes, boars, and wolves… There are so many quests ranging from D to A rank, but I notice something odd. What is this? I ask, staring at the quest.
Cana, standing next to me, also looks at it. It's a log-gathering quest. She says.
Aren't magic stones used for everyday purposes? I ask.
Yes, but not everyone can afford them.
Hmmm... That's what makes it strange. The price should be more affordable compared to quest rewards. I murmur to myself. How long does a magic stone for daily use last?
Cana thinks for a moment. I think about a month, until it's completely depleted.
A month, huh? I mutter. I see that's why they gathered wood instead of purchasing an actual stove.
Why are you asking that? She asks. Isn't that common in most households?
I simply shake my head. No, I don't have a home, and I never had one, so I'm not aware. I say in a casual tone.
Oh... Sorry... I didn't know. She says, looking down, guilt evident on her face.
Thanks, Captain Obvious. I remark. Of course, you wouldn't know since I've never told anyone.
Uhm... Are you upset? She looks at me, dumbfounded by my reaction.
No, I don't really care. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was nothing but darkness. I spent most of my time alone; I never saw my parents. I didn't know them, and they probably didn't know me either. So it's pointless to think about those things.
I'm only stating the facts about my life. She has nothing to say about it, but somehow, Cana feels a weight in her chest.
Although her mother passed away, she still has a father. Suigetsu, on the other hand, has no one. His parents were probably alive at some point, but he never knew them.
Then, Suigetsu, are you lonely? She asked, leaving me speechless.
To be honest, I don't know how to answer such a sudden question. Am I lonely? I don't know. I stopped paying attention to those feelings long ago because I consider it a normal part of adult life.
Growing up is lonely. There will always be silent struggles you have to face alone. You win and lose without anyone by your side. No one knows your struggles or how you overcome them. Even if you tell someone, nobody really cares because they have their own problems to deal with. No one is going to help you, so you should help yourself. I shake my head and push the thoughts aside. It might affect my mission.
In order to stay on track, I decided to focus back on the quest.
Well then, let's take this quest first. It was a simple D-rank quest—log gathering. An easy task, but I didn't see it that way. Things don't always go according to plan, and to make the right decisions, one must have an immense amount of experience.
Taking on this quest would also count as experience. Those who disregard the fundamentals are bound to suffer—underestimating the world and overestimating themselves.
I picked up the commission, my fingers brushing over the paper as I made my way toward the receptionist.
President Makarov's gaze followed my every movement—sharp and knowing. Perhaps he understood my intent.
President, I'm taking this quest. I presented the D-rank mission I'd chosen, my voice calm.
Makarov studied both the quest and me in weighted silence before finally nodding his approval.
Go ahead. And be careful on your way.
I nodded in return, the words settling in my mind. With a brief glance back at the guild, Cana and I turned and walked out. I guess this is my first mission. I wonder what's going to happen.
On our way to the commission, I decided to take the initiative to clarify things. One wrong decision could put both of us in danger, so it's better to make her understand: even though we teamed up, I'm still the leader.
Cana, listen. I started. She stopped exploring the area and turned her attention to me. Although we're teaming up, I will take the lead on this commission. It's only gathering wood, but whenever we're in the forest, we might encounter something unexpected, such as wild beasts or dark guilds. If such an event happens, then you must obey my orders without questioning them.
She simply nodded in approval. You're amazing, Suigetsu. No wonder you're acknowledged by Gildarts. She said, her voice carrying a hint of soft melancholy.
I don't need acknowledgment from a scumbag like Gildarts. I replied, giving her a sidelong glance, trying to gauge her reaction.
Scumbag...? Hey, don't say that! She yelled, clearly frustrated. Oh... I'm sorry... I didn't mean to raise my voice. She added, sounding a little regretful.
Well, you seem pretty attached to Gildarts. Is he your father? I asked bluntly.
…
Cana remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ground. How... How did you know? She asked, but I ignored the question. Instead, I used it to back up my claim about him.
See, that's why he's a scumbag. He fools around with women here and there and didn't even know he had a daughter. From the way you look at him and inquire about him, it's clear you've probably tried your best to get close to him. Yet, for some reason, you postponed it.
Cana raised her head and smiled at me bitterly. You're right... But please, don't call him a scumbag, okay?
Well, sorry about that, but I do think I have the right to call him a scumbag. I said, shrugging.
...What do you mean? She asked, confused.
I'm sorry I lied to you before. I said. My father is actually Gildarts. So, we're half-siblings.
Hearing this, her eyes widened in shock. She involuntarily took a step back. Are you serious!? It was almost unbelievable, but when she thought about it logically, it was definitely possible.
Of course.
Then, the reason you're hiding your face is because you don't want him to recognize you? She asked excitedly, as if thinking we were on the same boat.
Nah, I'm not really Gildarts' son. I was just fooling you. I only wear this mask because I don't want to be recognized by the council. In fact, I'm a wanted criminal, and I'm here to abduct you to lure Gildarts out and eliminate him. Now that we're alone, I'm going to attack you. I threatened her, half-jokingly.
You... Are you serious? Cana asked, taking a step back, her caution evident. My tone had been just serious enough for her to think I might actually be planning to use her to lure Gildarts.
However, I ignored her and proceeded on my way. Did you really think I was planning to do that? If so, then that explains the quality of your brain. I said.
She was taken aback. ...Suigetsu...She called my name.
What is it? I asked, not looking at her.
You're a scumbag. She said, then walked in front, stomping the ground as she left me behind.
Thank you for the compliment. I said, then followed after her.
Cana was probably trying to start her career as a mage, desperate to do so, but she was still too young, and the president likely didn't want her to start taking commissions.
It's not like I don't understand it. I, too, once wanted to prove something at a young age. Since joining Fairy Tail, I often find myself reflecting on my past life. I let out a tiresome sigh.
Maybe it's because I've been procrastinating, knowing that I could easily resolve things but not acting on it. I've lacked the decisiveness I need... But I'm different now. When I finally came to understand that what I once considered threats were really just trivial matters, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Frustrated with myself. As someone with pride, it was hard to accept how much time I had wasted.
That's just the way the world works, though. If you don't take advantage of opportunities, you'll end up getting taken advantage of. It's survival of the fittest. Growth doesn't start with physical action—it starts in the mind.
I shook my head and turned my attention to Cana. By the way, Miss Alberona, what kind of magic can you use? I asked.
Miss Alberona?She glared at me, but I ignored it. I'm not going to tell you! She said, frustrated.
Well, it's not like I really wanted to know, but since you're keeping it a secret, it's probably useless magic. I said bluntly.
Useless? Her magic was clearly something she was proud of, and my comment left her speechless for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated halfway before continuing.
My magic is much better than yours! She declared proudly, crossing her arms.
Oh? It's card magic, right?
She stumbled, taken off guard by my remark.
Looks like I hit the nail on the head. I asked.
You... How did you know? Are you stalking me? She turned her gaze away, looking at me with disdain.
Of course, I'm not the type to back down in this situation. Girl, look in the mirror first. I said. According to my standards, you are not beautiful.
Then there must be something wrong with your taste. She retorted.
Not really; you're just being a narcissist.
Oh!? Cana exclaimed. Then what's considered beautiful by your standards?
Hearing her question, I scanned the area for something that could support my argument. Then I noticed a mother and child from a distance. The woman was about 30 years old, with shoulder-length black hair and light green eyes. She had a gentle smile and a slight blush on her face. At the moment, she was breastfeeding a baby.
I stopped walking and pointed in their direction. If I'm going to call someone beautiful, then I think that should be enough.
Cana looked in the direction I was pointing, and by coincidence, the lady repositioned her baby, causing her chest to be visible for just a moment. It was brief, but enough for Cana to make an assumption.
Suigetsu, you... You call that beautiful!? She said in disbelief. While the lady was indeed beautiful, Cana's eyes widened as she realized what had caught my attention. You were just staring at her chest! You pervert!
I was completely oblivious to her thoughts. It's true I was staring in the direction where a mother was breastfeeding her child, but what truly caught my attention was the plant behind her. The flower was blooming, and that's what I was admiring. Now that's what I call beautiful. I said, still focused on the flower.
You...! Cana couldn't bear it anymore and smacked my head. Stop being such a pervert!
Huh? Why are you stopping me? I'm just appreciating the view. I said, feeling dumbfounded.
Shut up! She said, dragging me away.
I was still oblivious to what was happening, but I had already memorized the scene. So, I decided to just imagine it and replay it in my head to appreciate the beauty, without anyone interfering.
-[Beneath the Hammer of Fate]