The Demon of Destruction (1)
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Shanks Pov
"Deliora, eh," Gildarts said with a smirk. "But why does my brat have to come with me? I can do it alone."
He made a valid point.
Makarov smiled.
"You won't just be taking Shanks. Take Laxus as well. Both of these brats, though young, have become two of Fairy Tail's strongest. Before they take that next step, I want them to truly see the levels of this world."
He was right.
Aside from Gildarts and Master himself, I doubted anyone in the guild could challenge me or Laxus and we were still twelve.
Laxus had changed a bit compared to canon. I'd humbled him a few times now. He wasn't as arrogant as he could've been, though he still preferred to stay away from the guild most of the time.
"I heard he was on a job. Has he come back yet?" I asked.
Master shook his head.
"Nope. He'll be back in an hour or so."
I nodded.
"So, I have to babysit two brats?" Gildarts sighed, though he had a smile on his face.
Makarov nodded, and Gildarts already looked tired.
"Let's forget this and enjoy!" Macao suddenly shouted, raising his mug. Wakaba followed immediately after.
Makarov and I deadpanned at the same time.
Gildarts just grinned and joined them.
Before we knew it, Laxus had arrived at the guild. He was only a bit shorter than me, around 6'0" already tall for a twelve-year-old.
He still operated solo for now, though I knew that would change in a few years once he formed the Thunder Legion.
"Yo. Lightning Princess." I waved lazily.
He grunted.
"Shut the fuck up," he spat, before glancing at Master.
He gave Gildarts a short nod, which Gildarts answered with a smirk. Some sort of acknowledgment, I guessed.
"You're going with Gildarts and Shanks," Makarov said. "There's a demon sighted up north—Deliora. Dubbed the 'Demon of Destruction.' This'll be an S-Class, maybe even SS-Class job."
Laxus nodded and dropped onto the stool beside me.
"So, how was your job?" I asked casually.
He ordered a juice before looking at me.
"Completed it."
I nodded.
"You three should move out today," Makarov said seriously. "The demon's already been sighted. You'll have to be quick."
We all nodded.
Cana wandered over, tugging at the sleeve of my cloak.
"You're heading out for a job?" she asked, peering up at me.
I smiled and picked her up, sitting her down on the table.
"Yup. Don't worry though."
Cana nodded and looked at Gildarts.
"Take care of big brother," she said seriously.
Gildarts immediately looked hurt.
"What about me? Who's gonna take care of me...?"
Cana smirked.
"You're super-strong, da—old man!"
She copied me perfectly. Everyone nearby chuckled while Gildarts fake-cried, wiping imaginary tears.
"My own daughter... calling me an old man..." he whimpered dramatically.
Suddenly, one of the women who had been circling him all morning slid up beside him.
"You're not old, Gild~ Arts~," she purred.
I narrowed my eyes.
'Gold digger. For sure.'
I let a tiny pulse of Haki leak out toward her. She froze—and bolted for the door like her life depended on it.
It's safe to say she wouldn't be approaching him again.
"So, Laxus. How is life treating you?" Macao said with a huge smile clearly drunk. Laxus merely glared at the fire-mage.
I could physically feel, Laxus was going to explode now.
"SHUT THE-"
Just like I predicted.
..
…
"Magnolia Train Heading out in 5 Minutes! Magnolia to Brago!" came the Announcement.
We hopped onto the train.
Laxus and Gildarts each carried a bag with them. Though the bags looked normal, they were magical item which could fit many things.
I did not carry one because I had put my bag inside Gildart's.
His one was one of the most expensive ones on the Market. So, it could fit my bag and unless the limit of storage was called. The weight of the bag remained light.
We sat down on our seats.
"When do you think we'll get there?" Laxus asked, glancing at Gildarts.
"I forgot," he said casually.
I chuckled. Honestly, it was expected.
Laxus deadpanned and sighed.
"What can I expect..." he muttered.
"How strong do you think the demon's gonna be?" I asked, turning to Laxus.
"I don't know. Never fought one," he said, then looked at Gildarts. "You?"
Gildarts nodded. "Yeah. I've fought a lot."
Me and Laxus both nodded, waiting for more. Gildarts continued-
"Demons are a species. They vary. Some look human. Some are more like monsters. Just because something's a demon doesn't mean you should attack it right away. Assume they're enemies but always keep your head clear. Same goes for humans—or anything else."
We nodded. There were times when Gildarts would drop pure gold when it came to advice.
The journey in the train was rather uneventful. It was the usual for me. Gildarts would keep on rambling about his stories and how he would destroy everything during his earlier years.
His stories were something that Laxus listened to. I swear I saw stars on his eyes as he listened to his stories.
I internally chuckled.
The train ride continued and before we knew it. We had arrived at the nearest train station.
But even without using observation Haki. I felt the demon.
CHILLS
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