Arc: The Journey to Fairy Tail
Location: Roadside Village → Forest Road
Month / Year: July, X775
Age:
Kaito — 10 years old
POV: Erza Scarlet
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Erza decided she didn't like Mirajane Strauss within five minutes.
Not because of the demon arm.
Not because of the rumors.
But because the girl stood with her chin raised, one boot on a broken church step, demon arm flexed openly, daring the entire village to say something again.
And because Kaito was smiling at her.
That irritated Erza far more than it should have.
---
The villagers hadn't calmed down.
If anything, they were worse now—fear mixed with shame, which made them louder.
"She's still dangerous!"
"You can't let her stay here!"
"That arm—what if she loses control again?!"
Mirajane snapped her head toward them, blue eyes sharp.
"Say it again," she growled. "I dare you."
Her demon arm crackled, claws scraping stone.
Lysanna whimpered. "Mira…"
Elfman stepped in front of his sisters, fists shaking. "Stop yelling at her!"
Erza clenched her teeth.
She stepped forward. "Threatening them won't help."
Mirajane turned on her instantly.
"Oh?" she shot back. "And what would you know, Miss Armor?"
Erza felt it—that immediate clash, like flint striking steel.
"I know discipline," Erza said coldly. "And control. Which you're clearly lacking."
Mirajane laughed—sharp and mocking. "You gonna lecture me? Or fight me?"
The villagers recoiled.
Kaito sighed. "Yep. There it is."
Erza shot him a look. "You're enjoying this."
"Not enjoying," he said lightly. "Observing."
Mirajane's eyes flicked to him—and softened just a little.
"…You gonna stop us?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Only if you break something important."
That grin.
Erza felt heat rise in her chest.
---
They moved training to the forest outside the village.
Partly for safety.
Partly because the villagers made it clear—quietly but firmly—that the "demon girl" wasn't welcome anymore.
Mirajane didn't argue.
She spat once on the ground and turned away. "Fine. I didn't like this place anyway."
Erza watched Lysanna clutch her sleeve.
"…You're bringing them with you?" Erza asked Kaito.
"Of course," he replied. "They'd be dead otherwise."
Mirajane glanced back. "You sure you want a demon tagging along?"
Kaito smirked. "I've had worse travel companions."
Her lips curved into a grin. "I like you."
Erza scowled.
---
Training started immediately.
Kaito stood back, arms folded, eyes half-lidded.
"Mirajane," he said, calm. "Don't suppress it. That's why it's unstable."
Mirajane snarled. "Easy for you to say. It's attached to me."
"I know," he replied. "So stop thinking of it as a parasite."
She hesitated.
"…Then what is it?"
> "Great Sage: Suggestion—reframing."
"Think of it as armor," Kaito said. "But one you wear inside your body."
Erza stiffened.
Armor.
Mirajane's eyes narrowed. "You saying I'm weak without it?"
Erza snapped, "You don't need it to—"
Mirajane lunged.
Not at Erza.
At the tree behind her.
Her demon arm slammed into the trunk—
—then froze.
The bark cracked, but didn't shatter.
Mirajane stared.
"…It stopped."
Kaito nodded. "Because you decided how much strength to use."
Her breathing quickened. "…Again."
She struck once more—controlled. Precise.
The arm responded.
Erza hated that she was impressed.
---
Later, when the sun dipped low, the backlash came.
Villagers approached the forest edge—but wouldn't step closer.
Food baskets were left on the ground.
No eye contact.
No thanks.
"See?" Mirajane scoffed. "Told you. Demon forever."
Lysanna shook her head. "They're just scared…"
Mirajane clenched her jaw.
Erza stepped forward, voice sharp. "Fear doesn't excuse cruelty."
Mirajane rounded on her. "And discipline doesn't excuse being cold!"
They stood inches apart.
Electric.
Kaito leaned toward Elfman. "Place your bets."
Elfman whispered, "On my sister."
Erza heard that.
Her fist connected with Mirajane's shoulder.
Mirajane punched back.
They went down together.
Rolling. Shouting. Fists and boots.
"CONTROL YOURSELF!"
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"
Kaito didn't stop them.
He watched—calculating.
> "Great Sage: Emotional outlet beneficial. Rivalry stabilizing."
They broke apart, panting.
Blood on lips.
Eyes blazing.
Mirajane laughed. "You're strong."
Erza wiped her mouth. "You're reckless."
"…Again sometime?"
Erza hesitated—then nodded. "Anytime."
Something settled between them.
Not peace.
Rivalry.
---
That night, as they camped on the road, Mirajane sat beside Kaito, legs crossed, demon arm resting openly.
"You're not scared of me," she said.
"I told you," he replied. "You're not scary."
She leaned closer. "Even if I get stronger?"
He met her eyes. "Especially then."
She smiled—sharp, dangerous, interested.
Erza watched from across the fire.
Jaw tight.
Heart… annoyed.
Very annoyed.
---
By morning, the decision was made.
They left together.
Four children walking the road toward Fairy Tail.
A demon girl.
A knight-in-training.
And a rivalry that would shake the future.
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End of Chapter
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