Figured I'd just post these every few days/week or so so I don't bombard people with these joke-pieces and make you all hate me. I'll say it now, these prompts are all going to be fairly loose, and pretty much just going to be the first thing that comes to mind when I start writing them.
Paradigm
"Example, pattern; especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype"
"But, why?"
Freed sighed as Bickslow pressed once more. Sometimes it was like talking to a brick wall. "I've told you why. It's just the way it is," he said, ignoring Evergreen's snickering as he collected the dinner plates from the table. "I don't make the laws, Bickslow."
Bickslow pouted, sifting back in his chair and folding his arms. "It's stupid."
"I agree, but..." Freed shrugged. "You know how some people are with mages. People are worried about their kids being hurt. It's the same as it always has been. Everyone is still scared, as they've been for decades. Nothing will change until the people start trusting us again."
"Most kids aren't even showing signs of magic at that age anyway," Evergreen chimed in.
"Yeah, well, mine is. And you try telling a four-year-old that they're not allowed to go to school to play with the other kids."
"You know, I'm with Bicks on this one," Laxus said, earning odd looks from his dinner companions. "What?"
"Nothing," Freed said, surprised and shaking his head slightly. "You just don't usually have an opinion on these matters, is all." Even Bickslow was a little confused, but he was no doubt feeling smug over Laxus agreeing with him.
Laxus shrugged. Sure, he didn't have his own kids, which was fine. But half the guild did, and his closest friends all did, and he was quite fond of his nieces and nephews. "I think it's dumb," he said. "Shouldn't stop kids from learning shit just 'cause they got magic in them. They'll all end up like this fool."
Bickslow was about to nod in agreement until he realised Laxus had gestured to him. "W-Wait, hang on!"