Ch1

The lively hum of the Fairy Tail guildhall filled the air, a familiar comfort to Romeo as he sat quietly at one of the tables, watching the older wizards interact. The sun streamed through the tall windows, casting golden patches of light on the well-worn floorboards. The sound of clinking mugs and laughter was like background music, a rhythm that pulsed through the guild every day. The guild is lively as always. He had lived in this guild for most of his life, in many ways it was a second home to him, and its members were a second family to him. However, the sound of people arguing caught his attention. His gaze drifted towards Natsu and Lucy, both caught in what seemed to be a heated discussion.

Natsu's voice, louder than most, carried through the hall. "I'm telling you, Lucy! We've got to move fast on this one. We can't waste time."

Lucy frowned, her hands on her hips. "I know, Natsu. But Wendy's still out there, and we haven't heard from her. It's been too long. I'm worried."

His heart skipped a beat at the mention of Wendy. She was younger, like him, but had always seemed so capable with her Sky Dragon Slayer magic ad she had always been nice to them since they were among the younger members of Fairy Tail.

Natsu waved his hand dismissively. "She's tough. She'll be fine. But we've got our own quest to handle, and we're already behind schedule."

Lucy didn't seem satisfied. "It's in the woods outside the city. I know Wendy's capable, but something feels off about this. She shouldn't have gone alone."

Curiosity go the better of him as he got up and approached the two. "Wait… Wendy hasn't been heard from?" he asked/

Lucy turned to him, her face softening. "Yeah, she went on a mission a few days ago, and there hasn't been any word. I'm just worried… but Natsu and I have something we need to take care of and we c can't do both."

His stomach churned. The idea of Wendy, alone in the woods with no word back—it didn't sit right. He hadn't been on many missions by himself, but Wendy had more experience. If something had happened to her… no, he couldn't think that way. He had to do something. He couldn't sit idly by while others took care of things, not this time.

"I… I'll go," he blurted out, surprising even himself. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as he met their eyes. "I'll find her. I can handle it."

Natsu's gaze turned toward him, sharp and assessing for a moment, before softening into a grin. "You'll do a good job," he said with a nod, his confidence in him unwavering. "I know it."

Heat rushed to his face at the praise, and he nodded quickly, swallowing down the flutter of nerves in his chest. He always admired Natsu, he was always strong, cool, and protective of those he loved. I hope one day I can be as strong as you.

"Thanks," he muttered. "I'll uh head out as soon as I can."

Lucy gave him a small smile. "Be careful, okay? Wendy's strong, but if something's up, you'll need to be ready."

"I will," he replied, his voice firmer than he expected. Alright first quest alone. I can do this. He had done smaller tasks alone but if Natsu and Lucy were putting so much hope in him he didn't want to let them down.

As he turned to leave, a spark of determination lit inside him. This was his chance. No more watching from the sidelines. It was time to prove that he wasn't just a kid in the guild, but a Fairy Tail wizard ready to stand on his own.

The morning air was cool, a quiet contrast to the buzzing energy inside the guild hall. His father stood by the door, arms crossed, with a small smile on his face. "Good luck out there," came the calm, steady voice, filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "I know you've been wanting to go on your own for a wild, but be safe ok."

He nodded, trying to hide the excitement building up in his chest. "I've got this," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else, and with a final glance back at his father, he stepped outside.

The sky was overcast, heavy gray clouds swirling above as if promising rain. The slight breeze carried a chill, cutting through the usual warmth of the city streets. His footsteps echoed against the cobblestone as he walked away from the guild, but the usual spring in his step felt subdued. He glanced up at the clouds, feeling a prickling unease crawl across his skin. The whole morning felt off. His thoughts flickered to Wendy. Where is she? From what he gathered she was supposed to go on a quest to deal with some ruffians, nothing too big.

A rustle to his left snapped him out of his thoughts. His body tensed, instinct kicking in as his eyes darted toward the sound. The bushes along the side of the road shook slightly, and before he could react, figures jumped out—three, no, four men, each armed with crude weapons. Bandits. They surrounded him in a half-circle, blocking the path ahead.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a little wizard," one sneered, twirling a rusted dagger in his hand.

His pulse quickened, but not from fear—there was something else rising inside him. His fingers twitched as he felt the magic surge, heat swirling beneath his skin. His mind went blank, instinct taking over as the years of training he took kicked in.

I won't embarrass the guild here.

The first bandit lunged at him, knife aimed straight for his chest. He stepped back, fluid and quick, his body moving on its own. Fire ignited in his palm, and he sent a burst of flame directly at the man's arm. The dagger clattered to the ground as the bandit yelped, stumbling backward, clutching his burned sleeve.

He thought of Natsu, Lucy, Erza, and the countless other guild members who he considered family. He was a mage of Fairy Tail and he had to live up to that reputation.

Another rushed from behind, but he was ready. He ducked low and shot a stream of fire at the ground in a sweeping motion. The flames flared out in an arc, forcing the attackers to leap back, their movements frantic as they scrambled to avoid the heat. "You'll have to do better than that," he said with a grin.

One of them made a desperate charge, swinging a wooden club. He sidestepped it with ease, feeling the wind of the swing brush past his cheek. His hand shot out, grabbing the man's wrist mid-swing and, with a sharp twist, sent him crashing into the ground. The club slipped from the bandit's hand as he groaned, clutching his arm.

The last one hesitated, eyes darting between him and his fallen comrades. His hesitation cost him. He raised both hands, conjuring a small but intense fireball in each palm. With a flick of his wrists, they shot forward, crackling through the air. The bandit stumbled back, arms flailing in a desperate attempt to shield himself, but it was too late. The flames struck his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.

He stood there, chest rising and falling with the fading adrenaline. The bandits lay scattered around him, groaning and beaten. He let out a deep breath, the last remnants of his magic fading from his fingertips.

"What's their deal?" he muttered, stepping over the unconscious bodies and continuing down the path. His heart was still pounding, but not from the fight. He hadn't hesitated. He hadn't faltered. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as he walked.

Maybe, just maybe, he was ready for this after all. Yeah I got this. As he looked up at the sky he thought of Natsu. I want to be as strong as you one day.