Kai took place onto a wooden bench. Guild members gathered around, pulling up chairs and settling onto nearby tables. Natsu plopped down cross-legged on the floor while Lucy perched on a nearby stool. Even Gajeel leaned against a pillar within earshot.
The rowdy atmosphere of the hall faded into curious silence. Kai's hands twisted together on the table in front of him. His leg bounced beneath the table, betraying his nerves.
His blue eyes swept across the gathered faces - some curious, others concerned, all waiting. The terror of exposure clawed at his chest, but he'd made his choice. No more running. No more hiding.
Kai cleared his throat, still feeling some pain from his injuries. "I want to explain everything," he said, "From the beginning." His fingers clenched tighter. "Let me finish before asking questions. There's... there's a lot to cover."
He appreciated the respectful silence that followed, showing everyone's agreement to his terms.
Kai's eyes dropped to the table, focusing on a small knot in the wood. His fingers traced around it as he prepared for what was coming.
He sighed, then spoke in a low voice. "Everything started when I was young. Can't remember exactly how old. Just me and Finn, my brother. Always alone, but together."
His jaw tightened. "No parents. Nothing. Or at least, we had no memories of them."
The guild members stayed perfectly still, hanging on every word.
"Then one day," Kai's voice grew softer, "someone found us. Aelis."
A few people shifted in their seats, but no one dared break the silence.
"Aelis found us in the forest. Just two kids." His voice grew distant, lost in the memory.
"Then she took us home." A ghost of a smile crossed Kai's face. "That's where we met Kirin. They became our parents - the only ones we'd ever know."
Lucy's eyes softened at the mention of family, while Natsu leaned forward, completely absorbed in the story.
Kai's hand moved to his collar, adjusting it nervously. The next words stuck in his throat. He knew what came next would change everything - how the guild saw him, how they'd understand his powers.
His mouth opened, then closed. Erza watched him with understanding in her eyes, while Makarov gave an encouraging nod from his spot at the bar.
Kai's fingers gripped the edge of the table. "The truth is... Aelis and Kirin, are not humans."
A few gasps echoed through the guild hall. Natsu's head snapped up, his eyes wide. Gajeel straightened, while Wendy's hand flew to her mouth.
All the dragon slayers stared at Kai with a new understanding showing on their faces.
The rest of the guild members exchanged confused glances. Kai drew a shaky breath. "Aelis and Kirin were in fact... Birds. Hawks, to be precise."
The hall erupted in confused whispers. Natsu jumped to his feet. Even Erza's composure cracked as her eyes widened.
Makarov remained still at his spot by the bar, arms crossed - he'd already figured that out, but seeing the room growing with agitation, he decided to intervene.
"Silence!" Makarov's voice cut through the hall. Makarov hopped down from his bar stool and walked to the center of the room. "Hawks, and many different birds species, descend directly from phoenixes hundreds of years ago." He paused, "Remember the phoenix stone."
Recognition flashed across Natsu's face as Lucy's eyes widened as she connected the dots.
"Unlike their ancestors," Makarov continued, "Those species chose a different path. Most live as normal birds, but some grew larger, and…" He glanced at Kai. "And were born with unique magical abilities."
The guild members exchanged looks. Levy pulled out a small notebook, her pen flying across the page.
"In all my years," Makarov's voice grew softer, "I've never heard of them bonding with humans. Phoenixes were always considered too dangerous. And they were. Their descendants kept that reputation." He stroked his chin. "This is unprecedented."
Sweat rolled on Kai's forehead as he listened. Everything Makarov had said, was pure truth. Every single emotions he had, were now replaced by the terrifying vulnerability and fear of exposure.
This was the point of no return. The truth was out there now, and he could not go back.
Kai forced himself to continue, "I know it's hard to believe. Dragons left their mark in history. Everyone knows about them. But birds ? Hawks?" He shook his head. "Nobody ever heard anything about them"
Mira leaned forward, her eyes growing more and more curious. "Kirin..." Kai's voice softened. "He was a thunder hawk. Blue wings that sparked with electricity. His magic could light up the entire sky."
A small smile tugged at his lips. "And Aelis - she controlled wind and sky magic. Her feathers gleamed silver, and she could soar higher than any other creature alive."
Wendy's eyes sparkled at the mention of sky magic.
"That's where our magic comes from. Kirin taught me everything I know about lightning magic. Finn learned wind magic from Aelis."
Natsu bounced on his heels, "But wait - if you both got magic from them, why doesn't Finn have any powers now?"
Lucy's hand whipped out, smacking the back of his head. "Let him finish!"
Natsu rubbed his head, shrinking under Lucy's glare.
Kai tensed. "Hawk magic..." Kai's voice dropped lower, "It works like dragon slaying magic. It's the only power that can truly harm the ones who teaches it." His eyes met Natsu's. "Finn wanted more than just wind magic. He wanted both."
The dragon slayers shifted uncomfortably.
"We'd spent years learning, growing stronger. Then one night, when everyone was sleeping..." His voice cracked. "Finn used his strongest spell. Aimed it right at Kirin."
A collective gasp rippled through the guild hall. Mirajane's hands covered her mouth in horror. A low growl rumbled in Natsu's throat as his fists burst into flames. Even Makarov's expression darkened with concern.
Kai's hands trembled as he continued. "Kirin took the full force of it." His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "Hawk magic... it tears through their own kind like nothing else. Doesn't matter how powerful they are."
He rubbed his face, "Kirin's damage was... severe. And it was too late"
The hall remained deathly quiet.
"That's when Aelis stepped in." Kai explained. "She knew there was only one way to save him."
His hand moved to his chest, pressing against his heart. "She sealed Kirin inside me. His essence, his power - everything that made him who he was."
"Then she turned to Finn." Kai's jaw clenched. "She stripped every bit of magic from him. She sealed it away. That also took... everything she had."
Each word was harder than the previous one, but he continued. "She poured all her power, her vital energy, into sealing his magic into those scrolls, the ones Finn's hunting now, before spreading them as far as she could."
"But she didn't stop there. She altered his memory too. Made him forget what, and who they really were. In his mind, they became ordinary human parents who taught him magic."
The dragon slayers sat in stunned silence. Gajeel's red eyes fixed on a distant point, remembering Metalicana, while Wendy's hands clutched her chest.
They understood more than anyone the weight of carrying dragon magic, of having that power sealed within.
Gray's hands gripped the edge of his chair. His mind took him back to his own past, to Ur's sacrifice. She sealed away Deliora to protect him and Lyon, just like Aelis had sealed away Finn's power.
The ice mage's throat tightened. Two mothers, two different kinds of magic, but the same desperate need to protect their families.
A gentle weight settled on Kai's shoulder. He turned to find Makarov standing behind him, his face and eyes filled with understanding.
"Those scrolls aren't just magic - they're pieces of your mother." Makarov said.
Kai's throat tightened.
"Every scroll contains a fragment of Aelis's power, and her own soul." Makarov's grip tightened on Kai's shoulder. "And if you lose your lightning magic..."
"I lose the last part of my father," Kai finished, his voice low.
"That's why Finn can't get those scrolls." Makarov's eyes narrowed. "If he regains that power..."
Kai nodded. "He'll mostly remember everything, if that not already the case. What they were. What he did." His jaw clenched. "He could become an absolute danger. And he'll try to take my magic too. Take Kirin from me."
"The scrolls," Lucy breathed, "You're not only collecting them to keep the power from Finn. You're gathering every pieces of your mother you can find."
Kai's shoulders slumped. "I won't let that guy get any close to Aelis. Regarding her form. She gave her life to seal it up. I won't let that be wasted."
Erza lifted her hand to her chin, "It makes more sense now - why your magic felt different from Laxus's dragon slayer lightning. Why you move differently." She glanced at the bandages still visible beneath Kai's collar. "Why Finn's people were so determined to break you."
Kai nodded, a silent confirmation to her words. Without warning, chairs scraped against wood as guild members rose in unison. They gathered around Kai's table, forming a tight circle. Their expressions shifted from shock to determination, eyes locked on him.
Mirajane stepped forward. "Thank you, Kai. For trusting us with this." Her hands clasped in front of her. "You didn't have to tell us everything, but you did. Now we understand - and we'll help you by any means."
"She's right." Erza crossed her arms, "This isn't your burden to carry alone anymore."
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu punched the air.
Kai's shoulders tensed, waiting for the fear and rejection he was expecting. Instead, excited chatter broke out among the guild members.
"That's why his lightning moves so smooth!" Romeo bounced on his toes. "Like it's alive!"
"Makes sense now," Levy tapped her chin. "The way it flows through the air - almost like wings"
"Pretty cool if you ask me," Cana lifted her mug. "Having a hawk in Fairy Tail."
Kai couldn't believe it. His magic did come from the grace of a bird, but being a phoenix descendant, he wasn't expecting those kind of reactions.
His thoughts scattered as Laxus's heavy boots thumped across the wooden floor. The lightning dragon slayer towered over him, but this time his face showed something different.
Laxus thrust out his open hand. "Now I get why your lightning felt so weird." His lips curved into a rare smile. "Happy to finally know who Blue Bird really is. I want to see the real you from now on."
Watching the exchange between the two lightning users, everyone quietted down. Kai stared at Laxus's extended hand, remembering their first clash at the guild entrance.
His hands rose to his face, and to everyone's shock, he slapped both his cheeks hard enough to leave red marks.
When he pulled his hands away, his eyes blazed with an intensity Erza hadn't seen since his sparring match with Natsu.
Kai grabbed Laxus's hand in a firm grip. a genuine smile showed on his face. "Whatever comes our way" His voice carried across the hall, strong and clear.
"PARTY TIME!" Natsu's voice exploded through the guild hall, followed by the sound of tables being shoved aside.
Weeks melted away after Kai's revelation about his magic, and FairyTail continued on with its usual atmosphere. But now Kai found himself pulled into conversations instead of avoiding them.
Max wanted to know about his travels. Levy peppered him with questions about his parents. Even Warren shared stories about his own days as a lone wanderer.
"Still no word from Finn," Erza mentioned during a quiet afternoon. She sat at the bar, where Mirajane leaned against the counter.
"The council heard words about what happened, Valaris and Finn's liberty of action has been restrained you know, I'm guessing that's the main reason" Mira suggested, sliding a drink towards her.
From his perch on the second floor, Kai watched the guild's daily rhythms unfold, noticing more and more the bonds within it. Lucy sat close to Natsu, laughing while pretending to work on her novel. Across the hall, Levy read aloud from a book while Gajeel pretended not to listen. Juvia kept hugging Gray, though he didn't seem to mind that much.
"Your magic's fully back," Wendy noted during one of her check-ups. She'd gotten into the habit of bringing tea and coffee when she visited him at his usual spot.
"Thanks to you," Kai said, accepting the cup.
Wendy beamed. "I'm just glad you're better. Carla was worried too, though she won't admit it."
Mirajane joined them, carrying a plate of food. "You need to eat more than just coffee and toast," she scolded, setting it down.
To his surprise, Kai found himself looking forward to these moments. Wendy's kindness and Mira's gentle fussing had become bright spots in his days.
Meanwhile, Makarov worked tirelessly with the Magic Council, slowly untangling the web of accusations against Blue Bird. Recent reports of Kai's good deeds began outweighing the complaints and accusations against him.
The evening came to life as another spontaneous Fairy Tail party kicked off. Mira and Kinana darted between tables, delivering mugs and plates piled high with food. Laughter and music filled every corner of the guild hall.
Kai leaned against a wooden pillar. A month ago, this kind of revelry would have sent him running. Now he found himself hiding a smile as Elfman declared the party "manly" for the tenth time that night.
"Want another drink?" Kinana called out, balancing a tray of mugs.
Kai shook his head. These parties happened so often, he'd stopped asking what they were even celebrating. Sometimes it was a successful mission, sometimes just because someone felt like it.
Slipping away from the commotion, he pushed open the heavy guild doors. Feeling the fresh cool air of the starting night was all he needed right now. He walked a few steps forward, tilting his head back to look at the moon hanging full and bright above Magnolia.
Sharing the truth about everything - he'd expected judgment, fear, maybe even rejection. Instead, the guild had simply absorbed this new piece of him.
The doors creaked open behind him. He turned, spotting Mirajane's silhouette against the warm light spilling from inside.
"There you go again, with your lone wolf attitude." She crossed her arms "You know, the party's inside."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Kai's mouth. "Just needed some fresh air."
Her mock stern expression melted into a genuine smile. "You know what? I like seeing you like this." She leaned against the doorframe. "Smiling suits you better than that brooding face you used to wear all the time."
Kai flinched at Mira's words, "Thanks, I guess," he mumbled, tucking his hands deeper into his pockets.
Mira's chuckle broke through the moment. She stepped forward, joining him in the moonlight. "You know what I love about Fairy Tail?" She tilted her head back, watching the stars scatter across the night sky. "Everything. The chaos, the fights, the way everyone jumps in to help each other without thinking twice." Her voice softened. "Even the quiet moments like this."
She turned to face him, her eyes bright with warmth. "And one day, I hope you'll love as much too, Kai"
She then swiftly grabbed his arm, pulling him back inside. "Come on, let's get back to the fun"
The next morning, Fairy Tail's guild hall looked like a battlefield aftermath - minus the actual combat. Bodies sprawled across various surfaces, occasional snores and mumbles breaking the silence. Empty mugs and plates littered every available surface, trophies to another legendary Fairy Tail celebration.
Kai sat at the bar, swirling a cup of coffee around while watching Natsu sprawled across a table below. The dragon slayer's snores came out as small puffs of smoke, making Lucy's hair flutter where she'd fallen asleep nearby.
The peaceful morning shattered as Jet, who looked like he just woke up, burst through the guild doors. His sudden entrance startled several sleeping members awake, including Gray who nearly fell off his bench.
"We're under attack!" Jet's voice cracked with panic. "And not only us - the entire city ! they're everywhere!"
"What kind of attack?" Makarov demanded urgently.
"Creatures - I don't know what they are," Jet shot, trying to catch his breath. "They're climbing buildings, breaking into homes. It's complete chaos !"
A distant explosion punctuated his words, followed by screams from the direction of the marketplace. Kai stood up, heading for the exit.
He was the first to reach the exit, taking in the surroundings. The end of the main road was on fire, buildings crushed and demolished, people running away, chased by horrendous creatures of all sizes.
The rest of the guild members caught up to Kai at the entrance, their faces contorting with horror at the scene before them. Erza had already requipped. But Kai's arm shot out suddenly, blocking the doorway.
"Don't move," he commanded, confident. "None of this is real."
"What do you mean it's not real?" Lucy exclaimed, watching as another building seemed to crumble. "People are getting hurt out there!"
Kai shook his head firmly. Natsu, who had been weirdly quiet, stepped forward and took a deep breath through his nose. His usual excitation to charge into battle was replaced by concentration.
"Kai's right," Natsu finally declared, his face serious. "This smell..."
The guild members exchanged confused looks, but some still lowered their guards.
"But the screams sound so real," Wendy whispered anxiously.
"That's exactly what makes this magic so dangerous," Kai replied, still blocking the doorway. "It feeds on fear and panic, on emotions. The more people believe it's real, the stronger it becomes."
He stepped forward onto the small path leading to the guild. He raised one hand, gesturing at the chaos around them - the fires, the screaming civilians, the monstrous creatures scaling buildings, nothing was happening close to the guild building.
"Look," he called out to the guild members behind him, "we're in an illusion bubble." To demonstrate his point, Kai picked up a small stone and tossed it ahead. The moment it crossed an invisible boundary about thrirty feet away, it seemed to transform into a burning chunk of debris.
"Marcus," Kai called out. He tilted his head to one side, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "This is getting us nowhere. Your magic won't work on an entire wizard guild."
The screams began to fade slightly, like a radio being turned down. Some of the fires flickered uncertainly, their edges becoming less defined.
"Besides," Kai continued, tucking his hands into his jacket pockets, "you already tried this on me once." He shook his head slowly. "You have to work on new tricks man."
The chaos around them started to waver. The monstrous creatures became translucent, their forms growing indistinct. The fires replaced by tiny flames, and the screams reduced to whispers.
Kai's blue eyes scanned the surroundings, searching. "Come on, Marcus. Stop playing."
Slow, deliberate clapping echoed around them. A figure materialized near one of the buildings - Marcus Vale, his aristocratic expression set in an amused smile.
"Well done, Blue Bird. Or should I say, Kai from FairyTail now?" Marcus's form shimmered slightly in the morning light. "I must say, your recovery has been quite impressive. I wasn't sure you'd be able to stand so well after our... last encounter."
Natsu's fists burst into flames. "You bastard!" He charged forward, his face filled with rage. "This time I'll-" His punch went straight through Marcus's form, causing Natsu to stumble and nearly fall.
"Natsu, stop," Kai sighed, running a hand through his blond hair. "It's just another illusion. He's not actually here."
Marcus's projection gave a mock bow. "Indeed. Consider this a little test, if you will. I needed to see how our favorite lightning mage was faring after his... treatment in our care."
"You mean after your torture," Gray spat, his hands clenched into fists.
Marcus's image flickered slightly. "Such harsh words. We merely had some questions that needed answering." His smile turned predatory.
"Where are you ?" Erza demanded, her sword at ready despite knowing it would be useless.
"Now, now," Marcus chided, his form beginning to fade. "That would spoil all the fun, wouldn't it?"
Kai just stood there, hands still in his pockets, watching with cold blue eyes. "Where's Finn. And what's his planning" Knowing full well he wouldn't be getting any answers.
Marcus maintained its calm still mocking attitude. "Prince Finn is currently occupied with some... personal matters." He adjusted his illusory sleeve with elegance. "Though I must say, he's quite frustrated about what happened."
"Cut the act," Kai said. "What's he planning?"
"Planning?" Marcus raised an eyebrow, tone dripping with false innocence. "The prince is simply busy with some personnal affairs. But rest assured, I'm confident you will get to reunite soon enough"
The projection faded more after each passed second. "Consider this morning's entertainment a courtesy call. A reminder that we haven't forgotten about you or your new... family."
With those words, Marcus's image dissolved completely. The remaining illusions - the damaged buildings, the scattered fires, the chaos - all melted away, revealing Magnolia's peaceful streets underneath.
Natsu's fists slammed together with a sharp crack, his teeth gritting in frustration. "Next time I see that bastard for real, I'm gonna kick his ass !"
"That bastard is just playing with us," Kai growled.
Rain pounded against the guild hall's windows, and thunder rolled across Magnolia's skies. Kai sat at the bar, absently turning a glass between his hands while watching droplets race down the windows.
Just weeks ago, he'd walked through those doors for the first time, soaked to the bone. Now here he was, a guild mark on his arm.
Across the hall, Natsu paced like a caged animal, clearly frustrated by the weather keeping him from his outdoors.
"Come on, someone fight me!" he shouted, flames flickering around his fists. "I'm getting rusty just sitting around!"
A few guild members shifted away from his wild gestures, protecting their drinks and conversations from his enthusiasm.
"Natsu," Erza's voice cut through. "If you cannot behave indoors-"
"Fight me then, Erza!" Natsu whirled toward her, grinning widely. "Just one quick-"
The rest of his challenge was cut short as Erza's fist connected with the top of his head. Natsu dropped like a stone, a small groan escaping him as he hit the floor.
Laughter rippled through the guild hall. Kai found himself smiling slightly at the scene too. However they were interrupted by the heavy wooden doors opening.
The guild hall fell silent as everyone turned to look at the entrance, expecting Wendy, who left to gather something at her dorm. And Wendy was there indeed. But not as anyone expected. Through the doorway, a hooded figure held her limp and unconscious form, as well as Carla's. Water dripped from both of them onto the wooden floor.
Kai's glass shattered in his grip. Natsu shot up from the floor, previous antics forgotten.
"Put. Them. Down." Natsu's voice was deadly quiet, flames dancing across his fingers.
"As you wish," the hooded figure's voice rasped. Without hesitation, he threw them down the entrance stairs like objects.
Kai vanished from his seat at the bar. In a flash of blue sparks, he materialized beneath Wendy's falling form, catching her and Carla securely in his arms before they could hit the ground.
Mirajane rushed forward, Kai carefully transferring them into her arms, his eyes never leaving the hooded figure at the top of the stairs.
Kai stood up, his eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists. Erza, Gray, and Natsu moved to flank him.
But the figure simply took a backstep into the rain. His form blurred, then vanished completely into the downpour.
"They need help," someone called from inside the guild.
Guild members lowered their combat stances, turning their attention to her. Mirajane cradled Wendy gently, checking her state while others gathered around with concerned expressions.
Before anyone could react, blue sparks erupted around Kai's form.
"Kai, wait!" Erza called out.
"Don't go alone!" Mirajane's voice joined hers.
But he had already disappeared, leaving only the mark of burned wooden floor at his feet as guild members exchanged worried glances.
It was only an hour later that the guild doors opened again. Everyone tensed, ready for another confrontation. But this time, it was Kai who stepped through, his eyes fixed on the wooden floor.
Mirajane approached him carefully, reaching out to touch his arm. The gentle contact seemed to ask all the questions no one dared voice aloud.
Kai gave a slight shake of his head. The message was clear - his pursuit had came out useless. His jacket clung to him, completely drenched, and she could feel how cold he was through the fabric.
His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, knuckles white with tension. "I'm getting tired," he muttered, his voice low and harsh, "of all these people wanting me to go down." He raised his head slightly, jaw tight with anger. "And using Fairy Tail as targets instead of coming straight for me."
Even Mira took a step back, meeting Kai's rage filled eyes. At that exact moment, Kai looked like he could have destroyed anyone. His cold and calmer attitude had shattered, replaced by something looking far more dangerous. The blue of his eyes had darkened, small sparks dancing inside them.
"Kai," Mira whispered, but he didn't seem to hear her. The wooden floorboards beneath his feet began to char in perfect circles where the electricity grounded itself.
But everything stopped when Mira gently touched Kai's hand. The warmth of the contact made him relax instantly. The electricity vanished, and calm came back inside the guild hall as Kai lowered his head again in shame.
The charred floor still smoked slightly, but the oppressive feeling of magical energy dissipated. His shoulders slumped, and the storm in his eyes cleared, returning to their usual clear blue.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Mira's hand remained on his, steady and reassuring. "Your magic," she said softly, "Use it to defend the ones you care about, not for revenge"
Kai gave a slight nod, still not meeting her eyes. A drop of water fell from his soaked hair onto their joined hands, but neither moved away.
"How is she?" Kai whispered. Mira's expression softened. "Wendy's extremely tired, but otherwise she seems okay. No physical injuries. We can't be entirely sure what they did to her, or why they targeted her specifically." She squeezed Kai's hand gently. "But she seems absolutely fine, and she'll be back up very soon enough. Porlyusica is with her now."
Some of Kai's worry lines around his eyes eased at the news. Natsu stepped forward, fired with serious determination. He placed a firm hand on Kai's shoulder, getting his attention.
"Listen up," Natsu said, his voice carrying through the hall. "Nobody gets away with hurting one of us. Doesn't matter if they're targeting you or anyone else - when they mess with Fairy Tail, they mess with all of us." His grip tightened on Kai's shoulder. "We'll make them pay for what they did to Wendy. And for what the did to you. Mark my words."
The fire in Natsu's eyes matched the conviction in his voice, before Kai managed a nod of acknowledgment.
Everyone turned to the two mages standing now side by side. The rest of Fairy Tail felt it - that raw, pure power radiating from both mages. Every member knew, without a doubt, that these two were ready to take anyone, anywhere. They stood as equals, as Fairy Tail wizards prepared to protect their own.