A Dino Tamer In Fairy Tail

The Fairy Tail guild hall was quieter than usual. Though the members of Fairy Tail had quickly resumed their brawls and laughter after Erza and Kael's arrival, a tension lingered beneath the surface. The sight of Kael's strange implant and Erza's wary demeanor had sparked whispers.

"Who is he?" Macao murmured, leaning over to Wakaba. "And what's that thing on his arm?"

"Some kind of magic, obviously," Wakaba replied, puffing his cigar. "But it's not like anything I've ever seen."

From across the room, a voice broke through the murmurs. "What if he's dangerous?"

The guild members turned to see a burly man named Harith step forward, his expression grim. "We don't know who this kid is, or where he came from. That glowing thing on his arm… it could be a threat to the guild."

"Harith," Makarov's voice cut through the murmurs like a blade. The small Guild Master stood with an uncharacteristically serious expression, his gaze fixed on the larger man.

"Fairy Tail is a home for those who need it. We don't turn people away because they're different, or because we don't understand them."

"But Master," Harith persisted, "what if whatever's on his arm puts the rest of us at risk? You saw the way it pulsed. What if it's a curse? Or worse, a weapon?"

Makarov's eyes softened, though his tone remained firm. "I understand your concerns, Harith. But that boy is unconscious, vulnerable, and clearly in need of help. I won't stand for suspicion turning into cruelty. If he proves to be a danger, we'll handle it. But until then, we give him the same care and trust we would any other member of this family."

Harith's jaw tightened, but he said no more. The room settled back into uneasy quiet, though the tension was far from gone.

---

Kael stirred on the cot, a soft groan escaping his lips as the warmth of consciousness began to return. His body felt heavy, like he had run for miles without rest, but it was the dull ache in his arm that brought him fully back. Slowly, he opened his eyes, squinting against the soft glow of the room.

"Kael!" Erza's voice was the first thing he heard, sharp with concern but edged with relief. She was at his side in an instant, her crimson hair catching the light as she leaned over him. "You're awake! I was worried..."

Kael blinked at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile despite the fatigue etched into his features. "Erza…" His voice was hoarse, but steady. "What… happened?"

Before Erza could answer, a loud squawk cut through the air, followed by the unmistakable pitter-patter of small feet. A familiar, fluffy dodo came barreling into the room, wings flapping wildly as it launched itself onto Kael's chest.

"Bobo!" Kael exclaimed, wincing slightly from the impact but laughing nonetheless. The dodo chirped happily, nuzzling against his face with a surprising amount of affection for a creature so notoriously simple-minded.

Erza crossed her arms, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Bobo's been causing trouble ever since we got here. He tried to eat someone's sandwich earlier and ended up stealing a basket of bread instead."

Bobo squawked indignantly, as if to protest the accusation, but the crumbs on his beak betrayed him.

Kael chuckled weakly, scratching the dodo's head. "I missed you too, buddy."

As Kael sat up slowly, wincing from the residual stiffness, the door creaked open, and Makarov stepped in, accompanied by Porlyusica. The elderly healer glanced at Kael with a critical eye before nodding in satisfaction. "You're lucky you're young and resilient. That thing on your arm nearly had you on the brink."

Kael's gaze dropped to his arm, where the glowing triangular implant pulsed faintly. He frowned, turning his arm to study it. "This… It wasn't here before, what is it ?Wait... I know exactly what this is. It's the ARK Specimen Implant, why did it only appear now ?"

"That's what we'd like to know," Makarov said, his tone gentle but probing. "It's not magic as we understand it, but it's deeply connected to you. It kept you alive, but at a cost. Do you remember anything before you collapsed?"

Kael's brows furrowed as he tried to piece together his fragmented memories. "I heard a voice. It said something about… survival and adaptation...? Like it was… choosing me for something."

Makarov exchanged a look with Porlyusica, his expression thoughtful. "It sounds like this is more than just an accident. Whatever this thing is, it's part of you now. But it also makes you a target. People fear what they don't understand."

Kael's gaze flicked to Erza, who was watching him intently, her arms still crossed. "I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just… wanted to help Erza."

"You didn't cause trouble," Erza said firmly, though there was a softness in her voice that hadn't been there before. "You saved me, Kael. And I brought you here because I knew I couldn't lose you too."

Bobo squawked again, pecking at Kael's hand as if to say, "Me too!" The dodo's antics lightened the mood, earning a chuckle from Porlyusica and even a small smile from Makarov.

"You've got a loyal friend there," Makarov said, gesturing to the dodo. "Even if he's a bit of a rascal."

Bobo puffed out his chest proudly, letting out a triumphant chirp.

Kael smirked, shaking his head. "He's not just a friend. He's family." Erza is his only friend so he took the time to bring her here, but Bobo has been his brother for a very long time now. Seriously, this dodo is just goatish.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps and murmurs from outside the room. The door swung open, and several Fairy Tail members poked their heads in, curiosity written all over their faces.

"Is he awake?" one of them asked, a young man with spiky hair.

"Yeah, and he's got a weird glowing thing on his arm!" another chimed in, pointing.

Kael instinctively pulled his arm closer, his expression guarded. Erza stepped in front of him, her glare silencing the group instantly. "He's recovering. Leave him alone."

The guild members backed off, though their murmurs didn't cease. Kael mentally sighed, these guys have every right to be suspicious. A complete stranger shows up with an artifact implanted in his arm, even himself would be scared if he didn't know what it was.

Makarov raised his hand, his voice carrying over the chatter. "Enough! Let the boy rest. He's under Fairy Tail's protection now, and that's final."

The room fell silent, the authority in Makarov's tone unquestionable. The members slowly dispersed, though a few lingering glances were cast Kael's way.

As the door closed again, Kael exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thank you," he said quietly, glancing at Makarov and Erza.

Makarov nodded. "You'll need to prove yourself, lad. Fairy Tail welcomes everyone, but trust is earned. Take your time to heal. And if you ever decide to stay, the guild could use someone with your heart."

Kael hesitated, his eyes darting to Erza. "I only accompanied Erza to this guild. I never planned to stay in one place..."

Erza frowned but didn't push him. "You don't have to decide now. Just focus on getting better."

Porlyusica huffed, gathering her tools. "He'll need to stay off his feet for a day or two, at least. And keep that bird out of trouble!"

As if on cue, Bobo hopped off the cot and waddled over to Porlyusica, nipping at the edge of her robe. She swatted at him with a scowl, though there was no real malice in it. "Shoo! Go on!"

Kael chuckled, watching the dodo scamper back to his side. "I'll keep an eye on him. Promise."

Looking at his left arm, he couldn't help but think about the moment before he fainted. Knowing a little bit about ARK lore, he didn't want to get into this stuff about Elements, ARKs and all. Damn, if all this was going to happen one day he's going to have to become strong faster than expected.

Deep in his chest, a nagging unease remained. Whatever the implant was for him, the person behind it had chosen him. That's exactly the problem, he's screwed.

Bobo, oblivious to the weight of Kael's thoughts, hopped onto the bed and promptly tried to eat the edge of the blanket, earning a soft laugh from Erza.

"You really can't take him anywhere," she said, shaking her head.

Kael smiled faintly, stroking the dodo's feathery head. "He's perfect just the way he is."

He'll think about it later, now that he brought Erza here, he had to leave. He didn't plan on staying here just because he was in contact with a girl for 1 month. He did it willingly and because he considers her a friend, but that's all. He had to get stronger by hunting and taming dinos, staying here won't change anything.

---

A full day had passed since Kael had been taken to the infirmary, and in that time, the guild's atmosphere remained lively, though whispers about the newcomers lingered in the air.

From across the guildhall, Cana leaned on the bar, her gaze fixed on Erza, who sat alone at a table tucked into the corner. The crimson-haired girl quietly ate her meal, her back straight and her eyes unwavering, as though the bustling noise around her didn't exist.

Erza joined the guild directly without waiting unlike Kael who planned to leave as soon as he recovered. The fact that he stayed a little longer is due to his arm, when Porlyusica saw the poor healing of his arm she forbade him to move it until his wound was closed. Even if he didn't have to listen to her, he didn't see the point in not doing it so he just took advantage of his bed. Leaving her all alone in the guild because she wasn't going to stay next to him all day, she's not her mom obviously.

"She's always by herself," Cana muttered, her voice tinged with pity. "It's kind of sad, don't you think?"

Beside her, Gray was sprawled across a barstool, lazily twirling a mug in his hand. He raised an eyebrow at Cana's words. "Then why not go talk to her? You are the same age too. Sitting here doesn't change anything."

"I've tried," Cana replied with a shrug. "She acts like I'm invisible. The only thing she seems to care about is that boy upstairs. Guess it's none of my business." She was having fun moving her cards at the same time.

Gray smirked and cracked his knuckles. "Maybe she just needs someone with a little more charm. You know, exactly like me!" He thought Erza was pretty so he wanted to try to be friends with her for good causes.

Cana groaned audibly, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're seriously unbearable sometimes, you know that?"

"Hey," Gray retorted, grinning. "Confidence is part of the package."

Before Cana could retort, Gray slid off his stool and began strolling toward Erza, his steps deliberately loud to announce his arrival.

When he reached her table, Gray leaned forward, resting his elbows on the wood. "Yo! Why're you sulking over here all by yourself? You're part of the guild now, you know."

Erza didn't even glance up. She continued eating, her posture rigid, completely disregarding his presence.

Gray blinked, momentarily stunned by her indifference. His expression darkened as irritation replaced his grin. "Hey! I'm talking to you!"

Still no response.

With a growl of frustration, Gray slammed his hand on the table, rattling her plate. "You're not gonna get very far here if you keep staying alone! And why are you wearing that armor?"

She had changed her clothes when she came here, borrowing money that she would pay back later. Armor suited her very well, and she felt safe in it.

But this time, Erza paused. Slowly, she lifted her head, her sharp gaze locking onto Gray. Her voice was low but steady, carrying a weight that made him flinch. "And you think parading around half-naked makes you better?"

Laughter erupted from nearby tables, and Gray's face turned beet red of embarrassment. He was completely unaccustomed to being humiliated by the entire guild.

Macao leaned against the wall, chuckling. "She's got you pegged, kid!"

Wakaba nodded, smirking. "Careful, Gray. Looks like you've met your match."

Gray clenched his fists, embarrassment and anger boiling inside him. "What did you say?!"

Erza calmly rose from her seat, her plate untouched now. "If you're looking for a fight, I suggest you think twice. You won't like the outcome." After living as a slave and dealing with a reptile that was dangerous to her, it was nothing to worry about.

Her words only fueled Gray's temper. "Oh yeah? Let's see if you're as tough as you think you are!"

With a shout, he lunged at her, fist cocked back.

The guildhall fell silent as Erza sidestepped his punch with ease, catching his arm mid-swing. Before Gray could react, she twisted his wrist, forcing him to his knees.

"You were saying?" she asked, her tone cold and devoid of amusement.

Gray struggled against her grip but quickly realized it was useless. The room erupted in laughter again, the sound stinging more than Erza's iron grip.

"Man, she's not messing around," Wakaba said, shaking his head with a grin.

"Better luck next time, streaker," Cana added, smirking from her spot at the bar.

When Erza finally released him, Gray slumped to the floor, rubbing his sore wrist. He glared up at her, his pride more wounded than his body. "This isn't over," he muttered, dragging himself to his feet.

Erza didn't bother responding. She turned her back to him and began walking away, leaving Gray seething.

But before she could take more than a few steps, Gray charged at her again, shouting with magic forming on his hands, "I'm not done with you!"

Gray's magic, Ice-make, allows him to create ice at his will and shape it into objects.

The guild braced themselves for round two, but the outcome was already clear. The use of magic was restricted so when someone wanted to use it, they usually got interrupted. But this time, no one seemed to stop Gray.

Even though Erza didn't master magic very well yet, her inhuman strength made up for this problem.

Despite this, Kael went down, when he saw the mess, he went next to Erza and stopped the fight only by his apparence. He ignored the attention that he was receiving.

"We need to talk Erza, follow me."