A Night to Remember

The cries of the terrified bandits still echoed through the ruined pass as Mirajane finally stepped back, dusting off her hands with a satisfied hum.

Yukari, arms crossed, watched the scene unfold with deep amusement.

Mirajane hadn't even touched most of them, yet the sheer psychological warfare she had inflicted left them all broken wrecks, trembling like scared children.

"Well," Yukari mused, nudging Hagan's unconscious form with the tip of her boot, "that was fun."

Mirajane clasped her hands behind her back, all smiles again. "It really was~ We should do this more often."

"Right?" Yukari agreed. "Feels like forever since we've had a good fight."

Before Mirajane could reply, the sound of horses galloping reached their ears.

Yukari turned, already expecting the arrival of the local authorities.

Within moments, a group of armored men on horseback entered the scene, led by a middle-aged officer with sharp eyes. They skidded to a stop, taking in the sight before them the utterly wrecked battlefield, the groaning bandits, and the smoldering destruction scattered everywhere.

Yukari could see the officer's brain trying to process the sheer amount of damage.

One of his men gulped audibly. "Dear god… what happened here?"

The officer turned to Yukari and Mirajane. "You two… you did this?"

Mirajane beamed. "Yes~ You're welcome!"

The officer's eye twitched.

Yukari, completely deadpan, gestured to the battered and bound bandits. "We took care of your problem. They shouldn't be an issue anymore."

The officer dismounted, surveying the scene with something between horror and gratitude. "I… can see that." He exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Thank you, Fairy Tail. These men have been terrorizing the region for weeks."

The other guards moved quickly, gathering the prisoners, though their faces visibly paled when they saw just how badly beaten the bandits were.

One soldier whispered to another, "They look like they survived a war…"

Another murmured, "I think that one might be crying."

Yukari smirked.

The officer turned back to them. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated. You'll receive your reward first thing tomorrow morning."

"Tomorrow?" Yukari raised an eyebrow. "Why not now?"

The officer cleared his throat. "Well… we need time to assess the, er, cost of the damages done to the environment…"

Yukari sighed dramatically. "Knew that was coming."

Mirajane giggled. "Aw, Yukari, we did break quite a few things~"

Yukari groaned. "Ugh, fine. Whatever. Deduct what you want. It was worth it."

The officer nodded, relieved. "Good. In the meantime, I assume you'll be staying in town for the night?"

Yukari looked at the sky. The sun had long since begun its descent, painting the horizon in deep hues of amber and violet.

She sighed. "Yeah, I guess we don't have much of a choice."

After asking around, they found the Silver Moon Inn, an elegant three-story hotel near the heart of the village.

It was easily the nicest building around, with a polished white stone exterior, ivy climbing the walls, and warm golden lights glowing from within.

"Not bad," Yukari admitted as they stepped inside. The lobby was cozy yet refined, decorated with plush chairs, marble floors, and soft candlelit chandeliers.

The receptionist a well-dressed man with neatly combed brown hair greeted them with a professional smile. "Welcome to the Silver Moon Inn. How may I assist you?"

Yukari opened her mouth to ask for two rooms but before she could say anything, Mirajane leaned forward and sweetly announced, "We'll take one room. With one bed~"

Yukari froze.

The receptionist nodded without question. "Of course, Miss. And would you like dinner service delivered to your room as well?"

"Yes, please~" Mirajane chirped.

"Perfect. We'll have it brought up shortly." The man handed them a key. "You're in Room 207 one of our luxury couple's suites. Enjoy your stay."

Yukari was still frozen.

It took her brain a few extra seconds to process what had just happened.

Slowly, she turned her head toward Mirajane.

Mirajane simply smiled, taking the key and innocently linking her arm with Yukari's.

"You—" Yukari finally managed to speak, scandalized. "Mira, why the hell did you—"

Mirajane tilted her head, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Yukari~" she purred.

Yukari shut up instantly.

Something about that look…

That soft, knowing smile…

That gentle tilt of her head…

It was dangerous.

It was the Look.

The one that immediately shut down any argument.

The one that silenced Yukari before she could even try.

So, in the end, she said nothing.

Mirajane won.

Again.

Room 207 was exactly what Yukari feared it would be.

The "luxury couple's suite" was unbelievably romantic.

Softly glowing lanterns hung from the walls, casting a warm light across the elegantly decorated space. A massive, plush bed sat in the center, draped in satin sheets with rose-pink accents.

And worst of all?

There were flower petals scattered on the bed.

Mirajane beamed. "Oh, how lovely~"

Yukari stared in horror.

"This is a trap," she muttered.

Mirajane giggled, tossing her bag onto the bed. "Oh, don't be silly~ It's just a room, Yukari."

"Just a room?" Yukari scoffed. "Mira, there are petals on the bed."

Mirajane flopped onto it, stretching out like a satisfied cat. "Mmm~ It's so soft."

Yukari sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "I can't believe this is happening."

Mirajane propped herself up on her elbows. "You're being dramatic~"

"I am being dramatic?" Yukari pointed at the overwhelmingly romantic setting. "This is literally a honeymoon suite."

Mirajane smirked. "Oh? Are you saying we should be on a honeymoon?"

Yukari almost choked. "That's not what I said!"

Mirajane giggled. "Relax, Yukari. We're just sharing a room. And a bed. No big deal, right~?"

Yukari felt her soul leaving her body again.

Mirajane sat up, stretching, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. "Anyway, before dinner arrives, I was thinking…"

She smiled, eyes full of pure mischief.

"Want to shower together?"

Yukari malfunctioned.

Mirajane laughed, enjoying every second of her suffering.

And with that, the night had only just begun.