A Bandit's Welcome

The train rocked gently as it continued its journey toward Twin Peaks Pass, the landscape outside shifting from rolling green fields to rugged mountain terrain. The sky had begun to deepen into soft hues of orange and gold, signaling that the afternoon was settling in.

Yukari remained still, mindful of the sleeping weight against her shoulder.

Mirajane had been asleep for at least an hour now, her breathing steady and soft.

Yukari could feel the warmth of her against her side, the way her silver hair tickled her neck whenever the train jostled slightly. She had thought about waking her up, but…

She looks peaceful.

Mirajane didn't get many moments like this moments where she wasn't behind the bar at Fairy Tail, laughing, serving drinks, and keeping up the bright, cheerful image everyone expected from her.

This?

This was Mirajane in her quietest form, and Yukari didn't want to disturb it.

The train's whistle blew in the distance, signaling that they were approaching their destination.

Yukari sighed. Guess I have to wake her up now.

She shifted slightly, murmuring, "Mira."

Mirajane hummed sleepily, snuggling closer.

Yukari froze.

This woman was dangerous.

Clearing her throat, she tried again. "Mira, we're almost there."

Mirajane made a soft noise of protest but slowly opened her eyes, blinking drowsily. Then, much to Yukari's suffering, she smiled.

"Mm… you're warm," she murmured, rubbing her eyes.

Yukari felt her face heat up. "Don't say things like that."

Mirajane chuckled, sitting up properly and stretching. "Sorry~ I forget how easy you are to fluster."

Yukari huffed. "I am not flustered."

"Sure~"

Yukari ignored her and focused on the landscape outside. The mountains were much closer now, their jagged peaks cutting against the sky. The Twin Peaks Pass was famous for its dangerous terrain—narrow roads, sudden drop-offs, and steep cliffs that made it difficult for travelers.

It was also the perfect place for bandits to set up ambushes.

As the train slowed, the conductor's voice rang through the cabin.

"Now arriving at Twin Peaks Station. Please gather your belongings and exit carefully."

Yukari stood, adjusting her coat. "Come on. Let's see what we're dealing with."

Mirajane followed, looking much more awake now. "Hopefully, it won't be too much trouble."

Yukari snorted. "When is it ever that easy?"

Mirajane giggled. "Fair point."

The train station was little more than a wooden platform nestled between the mountains. Beyond it, a small village sat at the base of the cliffs, its stone pathways winding upward toward the main trade route.

The moment Yukari and Mirajane stepped off the train, they noticed something off.

The atmosphere was tense.

Merchants were hurriedly packing up their stalls, guards patrolled the streets in pairs, and the few travelers walking around kept their eyes lowered, moving quickly.

Yukari crossed her arms. "Well. That's not suspicious at all."

Mirajane's gaze swept over the town. "It looks like people are afraid."

They didn't have to wonder why for long.

A man, clearly a local trader, hurried past them only to stop abruptly when he spotted Mirajane. His eyes widened. "Y-You're from Fairy Tail, aren't you?"

Yukari immediately tensed. "Yeah. Why?"

The man swallowed hard before glancing around nervously, as if checking for eavesdroppers. Then, he stepped closer and whispered, "You need to be careful. The bandits… they know you're coming."

Mirajane frowned. "How do they know?"

The man shook his head. "I don't know. But ever since your request was accepted, they've been preparing. They're stronger than you think, and they aren't just regular thieves. They—"

A sudden CRASH echoed from the other side of the village.

People screamed.

Yukari's instincts kicked in instantly. "Mira!"

Mirajane was already moving.

They sprinted toward the noise, dodging fleeing villagers. When they rounded the corner, the sight before them made Yukari's blood boil.

A group of armored men stood in the middle of the street, weapons drawn. One of them had just kicked over a merchant's stall, spilling fruit and supplies onto the dirt road. A woman clutched her child, fear in her eyes as the bandits sneered at her.

"Well, well," one of them drawled, lazily spinning a dagger between his fingers. "Looks like we've got some visitors."

Yukari cracked her knuckles.

Mirajane, standing beside her, tilted her head. "Are we sure they're bandits? Because they look more like morons."

The leader scowled. "Watch your mouth, lady. You don't know who you're dealing with."

Yukari's smirk was sharp. "Oh? And who exactly are we dealing with?"

Another bandit chuckled darkly. "We're the Grave Hounds. And this pass? It belongs to us now."

Yukari let out a mock gasp. "Wow. I'm so intimidated."

Mirajane giggled. "Truly terrifying~"

The bandits snarled, clearly not amused.

The leader raised his sword. "You should've stayed out of this, Fairy Tail."

Yukari's flames ignited in her palm. "Buddy, I was praying for a fight."

The battle began instantly.

The leader lunged first, his blade swinging toward Yukari's side—but she dodged effortlessly, twisting her body and slamming her foot into his gut. The impact sent him flying backward, crashing into a stack of crates.

Another bandit charged at Mirajane, swinging an axe.

Big mistake.

With a flick of her wrist, Mirajane's hand transformed, her fingers sharpening into demonic claws. She caught the axe mid-swing and crushed the metal handle like it was nothing.

The bandit paled.

Mirajane smiled sweetly before backhanding him across the street.

Yukari let out a low whistle. "Still got it, huh?"

Mirajane giggled. "A little rusty, but yes~"

The remaining bandits hesitated, clearly realizing that they had made a mistake.

Yukari rolled her shoulders. "Alright, boys. Last chance run, or burn."

The bandits ran.

Mirajane dusted off her hands. "Well, that was easy."

Yukari snorted. "Too easy."

And she was right.

Because before they could celebrate, a deep, mocking laugh echoed through the pass.

From the shadows of the cliffs, a new figure emerged.

He was tall at least a head taller than Yukari clad in dark, heavy armor. A massive battle-axe rested against his shoulder, and his crimson eyes glowed beneath his helmet.

Unlike the others, he didn't look afraid.

Instead, he smirked.

"So," he rumbled. "You're the Fairy Tail mages causing all this trouble."

Yukari's flames burned brighter.

Mirajane narrowed her eyes. "And you are?"

The man chuckled. "Call me Hagan. Leader of the Grave Hounds."

Yukari grinned. "Perfect. I was hoping for a challenge."

Hagan's smirk widened. "Then you won't be disappointed."

The real fight was just about to begin.