Hey, I hope you enjoy this chapter. also do yall want Gajeel to join fairytail early here like within the next chapter or have him stay in phantom until like in cannon so he gets his redemption arc yall have till tuesday night to vote.
Fairytail Gajeel early
Yes
no
Ps. Pole for harem from previous closes Wednesday 1/7/2026
Varion lingered in the courtyard for a few more minutes, letting the cool evening air dry the last traces of tears from his face. He took a deep breath, composing himself—shoulders straightening, expression settling back into its usual calm. The kids needed him strong; the guild was new, but it was home now. Time to move forward.
He pushed open the back door and stepped into the warm chaos of the guild hall. The noise hit him immediately—laughter, clinking mugs, a fresh argument brewing somewhere in the corner. His eyes scanned the room, spotting Wendy, Sting, and Rogue near a table with Cana and Levy. They were laughing at something Cana had said, cards scattered in front of them. Natsu was back at it with Gray, the two trading insults over a new plate of food, but Natsu glanced up as Varion entered, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Varion walked over to the kids first, kneeling down to their level. They turned to him immediately, faces bright with excitement from the game.
"Hey," Varion said softly. "Stay here for a bit, okay? I'm going to find us a place to stay tonight."
Wendy's eyes widened. "We're not going back to the woods?"
Varion shook his head with a small smile. "No. We're staying in Magnolia now. This guild—Fairy Tail—is our new home."
Sting pumped his fist. "Awesome! No more camping!"
Rogue nodded, a quiet relief in his expression.
Varion's gaze shifted to Natsu, who had wandered over, flames dying down as he eavesdropped. "You'll be staying with us too," Varion said to him. "But only if you want. No pressure."
Natsu grinned wide, scarf bouncing as he nodded. "Heck yeah! Sounds fun!"
Varion ruffled Natsu's hair lightly. "Good." He looked back at the group. "If you're hungry, ask the person working the bar for food. They'll take care of you."
The kids nodded eagerly, already turning back to the table with excited chatter. Varion stood, watching them for a second before heading to the bar.
The bartender was a woman in her late 40s, still strikingly beautiful with blonde hair tied back and a warm smile that lit up her sharp features. She wiped down a mug as he approached, her eyes kind but knowing.
"What can I get you, new kid?" she asked.
Varion placed a small pouch of jewels on the counter. "I need to leave the kids here for a bit while I find a place to stay. If they order food or anything, really use this to cover it. They might eat a lot."
She glanced at the pouch, then at the kids laughing across the room. Her smile softened. "Don't worry about it. New members eat free on their first day. But I'll keep an eye on them."
Varion bowed his head slightly. "Thank you."
He turned and left the guild, stepping out into the cooling streets of Magnolia. The evening lamps flickered on with magic, casting a soft glow over the cobblestones. He walked purposefully, asking a passerby for directions to the nearest real estate office. It wasn't far, a modest building with a sign reading "Magnolia Homes" swinging in the breeze.
Inside, the agent, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard, greeted him warmly. "Looking for a place? We've got listings for every budget."
Varion nodded. "Something with enough rooms for a family. Space to roam, not too close to town where kids might cause trouble. But near the Fairy Tail guild."
The agent pulled out a thick book of listings, flipping through pages of sketches and descriptions. Varion scanned them carefully, small apartments (too cramped), fancy estates (too expensive), until one caught his eye.
"This one," Varion said, pointing to a 8-bedroom 2 story house on the outskirts. Large, with plenty of open land around it—fields for running, trees for climbing, far enough from neighbors to avoid complaints about the guaranteed crazy antics they would get up too, but close enough to walk to the guild.
The agent nodded. "Good choice. Let's check it out."
They walked over—the house was a short hike away, sturdy brick with a wide wooden porch, big windows letting in the last light of day and a second floor with a balcony. Inside, the rooms were spacious, the kitchen massive, and the backyard stretched out like a private grass area for many activities. Varion liked it immediately, room for everyone, space to train without destroying the town.
"I'll take it," he said.
The agent handled the paperwork quickly. Varion handed over almost all the jewels Jude Heartfilia had given him as a parting gift, grateful for the generous sum that barely covered the purchase. When it was done, he had 100,000 jewels left, enough for basics, but he'd need jobs soon.
Keys in hand, Varion headed back to the guild, the weight of a real home settling in it felt like a big step for him. Tonight, they'd sleep under their own roof.
Varion stepped back into the Fairy Tail guild hall, the new house keys jingling lightly in his pocket. The place was as rowdy as ever, someone had started a arm-wrestling contest in the corner, and laughter echoed off the walls. He spotted the kids quickly: Wendy chatting animatedly with Levy, Sting trying (and failing) to impress Cana with a light trick, Rogue quietly observing from the side while reading, and Natsu mid-argument with Gray again, flames and ice clashing harmlessly.
He walked over, raising his voice just enough to cut through the noise. "Wendy, Sting, Rogue, Natsu—come here for a second."
The four kids paused, turning to him with curious looks. They gathered around, the guild's chatter dipping slightly as a few members glanced their way.
Varion smiled broadly. "I found a place. A big house on the outskirts, plenty of space to run around. It's ours now."
Wendy's eyes lit up like stars. "Really? Our own house? With rooms for everyone?"
Sting whooped, pumping his fist. "Yes! No more sleeping on the ground!"
Rogue's quiet smile grew, a rare spark of excitement. "Sounds… nice."
Natsu grinned wide, scarf bouncing. "Awesome! Does it have a yard for training? I gotta get stronger for Igneel!"
Varion nodded smiling happily. "Big yard. You'll love it."
The kids cheered, high-fiving and jumping around in a mini celebration. The outburst drew more attention from the guild, older members like Macao and Wakaba pausing their drinks, eyes widening in surprise at the news.
Macao leaned over to Wakaba. "Kid's 14 and already bought a house? That's more responsible than half the adults here." Nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
Wakaba nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, and look how good he is with those little ones. It's kinda making us look bad in comparison." He chuckled awkwardly.
A few women at a nearby table overheard, exchanging glances. One, a mage in her 24 with long brown hair, sighed dramatically. "He's a good catch for the younger girls. Responsible, good with kids, and easy on the eyes? If only the men around here stepped up like that."
Another giggled. "Right? I'd take a guy like him over these rowdy fools any day."
Varion caught snippets but kept his focus on the kids, a faint flush creeping up his neck.
Erza, who'd been polishing her sword at a corner table, overheard the whole thing. She sheathed her blade and approached, her armor clinking softly. "A house already? Impressive." She paused, then added, "If you need help moving in or finding places to buy furniture, I can assist."
Varion looked at her, surprised but grateful. "Thanks, Erza. That'd be helpful, I still need to buy beds, furniture, and food."
Gray, who'd been eavesdropping while pretending to ignore Natsu, wandered over, hands in his pockets (his shirt somehow missing again). "Eh, I'm bored. Mind if I tag along? Could use a walk."
Varion raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Sure. More hands make it easier."
The group headed out Varion, Erza and the excited kids plus gray in tow. Magnolia's streets were lively in the late afternoon, shops bustling with customers. They hit a furniture store first, picking out simple beds and tables that fit the house's rooms. Varion paid carefully, jewels dwindling but enough left for essentials. Erza helped lift the heavier pieces with ease, her strength impressing the kids.
Next, a market for food—fresh fruits, bread, meats, and basics to stock the kitchen. The kids pointed out treats, and Varion indulged a little, smiling at their joy.
As they passed a bakery on the way back, Varion noticed Erza's gaze lingering on the window display showing a perfect strawberry cake, layered with cream and fresh berries, glistening under the shop lights.
"What's that?" Varion asked, nodding at it. "Looks… fancy."
Erza turned to him, eyes widening in playful shock, her mouth opening slightly in mock horror. "You've never had strawberry cake? That's… unacceptable. We must rectify this immediately."
Varion blinked. "Never came up. What's so special about it?"
Erza's expression turned serious, though her eyes sparkled. "It's the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Light, fluffy, with fresh strawberries. You haven't lived until you've tried it."
The kids overheard, crowding around. "Cake? Can we have some too?" Wendy asked, eyes pleading.
Varion chuckled. "Alright. Afternoon treat it is."
They went inside, Erza insisting on the best slice for Varion. The baker sliced up a whole cake, and they found tables outside the kids at one, piling into their pieces with messy glee, laughing as Natsu burned his slightly by accident. Varion and Erza sat at another nearby, close enough to watch but with a bit of space.
Varion took a bite, the flavors bursting, sweet cream, tangy berries, soft sponge. "Okay… this is good."
Erza smiled triumphantly, savoring her own slice. "Told you."
As they ate, passersby noticed, Magnolia was a small town, and Erza was a known face in her armor. A group of older women walked by, giggling behind their hands.
"Oh, look at Erza with that handsome redhead," one whispered loudly. "Is that her first boyfriend?"
Another laughed. "They look cute together! Young love, how sweet!"
Erza's face turned as red as her hair, fork freezing mid-bite. Varion felt heat rise to his cheeks, coughing slightly on his cake.
"It's not—" Erza started, voice stern but flustered.
Varion rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes. "Yeah, just… cake."
The women giggled again as they passed, leaving the two blushing in awkward silence, the kids too busy with their treats to notice.
-Later that evening-
The group made their way to the new house, the evening air cool and crisp as they walked. Erza and Varion carried the heavier bags, groceries bulging with food, bundled bedding, and basic furniture pieces they'd picked up, while the kids lugged lighter loads like pillows and snacks, chattering excitedly the whole way. Erza's cheeks still held a faint pink tint from the bakery gossip, and Varion felt his own face warm whenever he caught her glancing sideways, but neither mentioned it.
The house was perfect up close, a spacious two-story brick home with a wide porch, a balcony and a big backyard, just far enough from town to feel private but close enough for an easy walk to the guild. Varion unlocked the door, and they piled inside, the kids immediately exploring the rooms with whoops of joy.
"Let's get everything set up," Varion said, rolling up his sleeves. "Food in the kitchen first, then beds."
They worked together efficiently. Erza helped Varion haul the mattress frames upstairs, her strength making light work of the heavy pieces while she directed the assembly with precise commands. Gray had headed home earlier, complaining about "needing to find his shirt," leaving just Erza to assist. The kids stocked the pantry, Wendy carefully organizing fruits and bread, Sting and Rogue stacking cans with surprising care, Natsu tossing things around until Erza shot him a stern look.
By the time the beds were assembled with fresh sheets put on them, the sun had set, and the kids were yawning, their energy finally waning after the long day. Varion guided them upstairs, tucking Wendy into her room first with a soft goodnight, then making sure Sting and Rogue settled in theirs. Natsu crashed last, mumbling about "training tomorrow" before snoring almost immediately.
Varion headed back downstairs, the house quiet now except for the creak of settling floors. In the living room, he paused, Erza passed out on the couch, her armor requipped away into a simple white blouse and skirt, one arm dangling off the side. She looked peaceful, exhausted from the day's labor.
He approached quietly and nudged her shoulder gently. "Erza?"
Her eyes snapped open, body reacting on instinct,she bolted upright, a sword materializing in her hand in a flash of light, pointed at him before she fully woke.
Varion froze, hands raised. "Whoa—it's me."
Erza blinked, the sword vanishing as quickly as it appeared. She lowered her hand, face flushing with embarrassment. "I… apologize. I was startled."
Varion shook his head, lowering his hands. "It's okay. Happens to the best of us. You can take the bed in the guest room if you want, it's made up."
She hesitated, then nodded, standing with a slight stretch. "Thank you. I didn't mean to fall asleep here."
"No problem," he said, leading her to the room. "Get some rest. And… thanks for helping today."
Erza gave a small smile as she stepped inside. "You're welcome. Goodnight, Varion."
"Goodnight."
Varion lay in his new bed that night, the house quiet around him except for the soft creaks of settling wood and the distant hoot of an owl outside. The room was simple, bare walls, a single window letting in moonlight, but it felt like a start. He stared at the ceiling, hands behind his head, mind already turning to the next step.
Gajeel. The iron dragon slayer's magic signature was faint but steady, farther east than Natsu's had been. He'd been alone too long a week and a few days at this point, far too long in an unknown and possible dangerous environment. Varion's chest tightened at the thought. Gajeel was tough, stubborn, but no kid should be out there without family for so long even if they don't remember . He needed to move soon, tomorrow, if possible. Get him back, bring him home. Then… they'd all be together. Safe. He would continue to keep his promise to the dragon. He would keep what remained of his family safe.
'I will protect them even if it costs me everything.' he thought with conviction, arm raised above him as if trying to grasp something no one could see.
He rolled over, closing his eyes. Sleep came slowly, but it came.
Morning light filtered through the curtains, waking Varion early. The kids were still asleep as he slipped downstairs, but by the time breakfast was ready—simple eggs and bread from the market—they stumbled down, yawning and excited.
After eating, they headed to the guild together, the walk short and filled with the kids' chatter about exploring Magnolia more. Varion listened with half a smile, but his mind was set.
Once inside the bustling hall, mages already starting jobs or nursing hangovers, Varion gathered the kids at a table. "I need to talk to you about something."
Wendy's eyes widened. "What's wrong?"
Varion knelt to their level. "Nothing's wrong. But I have to go get Gajeel. He's been alone too long. I'll be back soon, but you four need to stay here at the guild while I'm gone. Makarov and the others will watch out for you."
Natsu frowned. "Gajeel? That name… sounds familiar?"
Varion nodded. "Yeah. You'll like him once you remember."
Sting crossed his arms. "You sure you don't need help?"
"I'm sure," Varion said. "Stay safe. Listen to the master. I'll bring him back."
Wendy hugged him tight first, then the others piled on, Sting and Rogue awkwardly, Natsu jumped on his back and nearly knocked him over. Varion hugged them back, the warmth lingering as he stood.
He headed to Makarov's office, knocking lightly. The master looked up from his paperwork, Gildarts lounging in the corner.
"Varion? What's on your mind?"
Varion explained quickly that he needed to fetch Gajeel and that the kids were staying behind. "Can you keep an eye on them while I'm gone? I won't be long. I'm headed north for about a day's travel by train."
Makarov nodded thoughtfully. "Of course. They're family now." He rummaged in a drawer, pulling out a mission slip and a small pouch of jewels. "Here, an official job: 'subjugate wild beasts in the kuja mountains.' Here's a small Advance on pay for travel. Should cover what you need. Also be aware its near oak town where the guild phantom lord is located we have a small amount of issues with them at the moment nothing you should worry about"
Varion stared at the pouch, then bowed his head. "Thank you. Really. This means a lotand ill be careful."
Makarov waved it off with a grin. "Go get your brother. We'll hold down the fort."
Varion pocketed the jewels and mission slip, gratitude swelling in his chest. He stepped out of the office, gave the kids one last wave, they were already playing with Cana and Levy, and headed for the door.