A Fairy Tail reincarnation fanfic: Krampus in Earthland

The Bureau of Magical Development. A name Krampus now held in pure contempt.

The moment Ultear pointed out its location, Krampus wasted no time. With Laxus flying in beside him on a bolt of thunder, the two descended upon the hidden complex buried beneath a remote mountainside. The facility was camouflaged by a forest illusion spell and protected with sound barriers meant to keep any screams from reaching the outside world.

The raid itself took fifteen minutes.

Fifteen.

Laxus struck like divine retribution, arcs of lightning tearing through reinforced steel doors and vaporizing magical turrets. Krampus stalked the corridors like a spectral executioner, and considering that since this cramp space ain't too friendly to his long sabers, his claws humming with magical resonance grew to the size of long daggers as he activated Disconnector—a spell made to resemble the Operation Devil Fruit in function, leaving behind a bunch of dismembered body parts, still alive, but incapacitated and very much in pain.

They moved in tandem. Laxus obliterated the outer security and summoned a storm overhead, crashing thunder through every ventilation shaft. Children, once imprisoned in cages and containment tubes, were liberated first—each cradled in a Gift Box made of Krampus's Rule of Christmas, one of the few applications of the rule outside of Christmas, which flooded their senses with warmth, safety, and silence. The weeping stopped. Some even smiled.

Then came the retribution.

The facility's inner sanctum became a symphony of screams and ruptures. Laxus channeled his magic through his fists and feet, punching through reinforced walls and melting entire rooms in a single surge. Krampus danced through the chaos, a predator unbound. One researcher tried to surrender.

Krampus's voice was like razors dipped in honey. "You beg now? After experimenting with children?" His claw glowed. "Disconnector."

By the time the Council's investigators arrived, all they found were twitching remnants—scattered limbs, disembodied hearts still spasming, and magically bound, labeled packages containing still-living body parts. Each one had a scroll stapled to it listing the criminal's name, role, and crimes courtesy of Krampus's Eyes of Revelation (Krampus finally named his eyes, thank god).

The children were all intact. Enveloped in memory-softening barriers, they were teleported to safehouses, hospitals, or loving foster homes under the Council's watch. Krampus made sure of it. He even slipped candies and toys into some of the Gift Boxes.

When Ur, Gray, Lyon, and Ultear were finally told the truth, the air was heavy with grief and vindication.

Laxus, arms crossed, his expression grim, spoke first. "The Bureau was banned by the Council years ago. Illegal experiments. Unforgivable stuff. But after of cleaning them out, the Council buried it instead of publishing it. Covered it up to save face. Only a few of us knew they were still operating underground."

He scowled. "They then targeted isolated families in remote places. Tricked doctors and hospitals into handing over 'experimental materials.' That's what happened to you, Ur. You didn't fail your daughter. You were played."

Ur's knuckles whitened, her fists trembling in her lap. She sat beside Ultear, brushing her daughter's hair, trying to soothe both of them. "I... I thought I was protecting her. I didn't see what was really happening..."

Krampus stepped forward, cracking his neck. His voice was rough with restrained fury. "Don't blame yourself. The blame's on the monsters I shredded. But one of them escaped—their leader."

"Brain," Ultear whispered. "That's what he called himself."

Krampus's eyes narrowed. "He ran before I got there. Covered his tracks well. Not even Trace Relation could find him. Either he has no real emotional connections—or he's erased himself from the weave somehow. Either way, next time I see him, I'm cutting off his balls."

Ultear blinked. "That... is kind of comforting."

Krampus let out a small snort, then turned to the group, dusting off his clawed hands. "But enough grim business. Time for something better."

He stepped forward, crimson cloak swirling behind him, arms wide. "You four have survived pain. You've shown courage. You've faced fire not of your own making—and emerged with your hearts intact."

Placing a hand on his chest, his voice deepened. "In the name of camaraderie, of second chances, and of the bonds that make us more than just magic users—I invite you to join Fairy Tail. There, your past won't define you. It'll empower you. There, you will never be alone again."

He let the words settle. "Fairy Tail doesn't seek power. We seek family. And all of you are already part of it."

Ur hesitated. Ultear's eyes were shining. Gray leaned in, excited. "I don't know," Ur murmured. "A guild... after everything, I don't know if I can go back."

Ultear looked up. "But... wouldn't it be nice? A place to grow stronger? Together?"

Gray nodded eagerly. "Come on, Master Ur! It won't be the same without you. It's not just about jobs—it's about family. You're part of ours."

Lyon smirked, folding his arms. "Besides, someone's gotta keep you two in line. And I'm not letting Fairy Tail get famous without me."

Ur looked between them—her daughter, her two students, and Krampus. Slowly, her guard began to drop.

But she frowned. "What about Ultear? Her body… that's what started all this. What if she can't keep up again?"

Krampus took a step forward, his crimson cloak billowing theatrically as snowflakes danced around him. His expression shifted into something proud, almost mischievous.

"Then allow me to unveil one of Fairy Tail's most celebrated internal arts!" he announced with a showman's flair and gesture towards Laxus. "Behold—Bodybuilding Magic! The cornerstone of physical mastery, magical balance, and aesthetic perfection!"

Laxus cooperated enthusiastically and stepped forward, lightning crackling from his arms as he flexed into a sculpted side-chest pose. Muscles rippled beneath his skin as if carved from storm-forged steel. Due to Dragon Slayer Magic and bodybuilding magic both enhancing his physique, he's not bothered by the hot or cold weather and has since gotten used to wearing a black tank top and some military camo pants and boots that imitate Krampus's style. Either way, Laxus's muscular physique is on full display in this outfit. 

Gray gasped, practically bouncing. "WHOA! That's so cool! You look like a grown-up superhero!"

"How old are you, mister?!" Lyon added, wide-eyed.

Laxus smirked, brushing his thumb under his nose. "Thirteen."

Ur blinked. "Thirteen?! You're still a kid?!"

Even Ultear looked taken aback, eyebrows raised. "But you look like one of those gold statues in noble gardens... only bigger."

Lyon clenched his fists. "That's not fair! I wanna be that buff too! I bet I could punch through a glacier!"

Gray nodded eagerly. "Me too! I'm gonna do all the training! I'll be like a super knight or something!"

Krampus chuckled, gesturing toward Laxus as the boy struck a rear lat spread. "Bodybuilding Magic works through focused magical stimulation of muscle tissue, bones, and even internal organs paired with disciplined exercise and nutrition. It enhances stamina, strength, and magical resilience. Your body evolves toward its fullest potential—and beyond."

Ur, still processing, nodded slowly. "That... sounds incredibly effective."

Krampus turned to Ultear with a more serious tone. "But its true value—especially for you, Ultear—is in harmonizing the body and magic core. Your body won't strain against your overwhelming magic anymore. This art will help you grow into your power instead of suffering under it."

Ultear hesitated, glancing at her arms. "Will I... get all huge too? I don't wanna look like a beefy ogre."

Laxus gave a toothiest grin. "Hey, I look great!"

Krampus nodded in agreement as Laxus looked amazing, but then turned to Ultear, his voice gentler now. "There's a version tailored for girls—focusing on magical control, flexibility, and proportional growth, making you look like a professional model while packing quite a punch. Unless you want the brawler build, of course, it's your body. But either way, the pain will stop."

Ultear's eyes welled slightly. "Really...? That means... I can use my magic freely? And not hurt anymore?"

Krampus bowed his head solemnly. "You'll be free, child. Free to grow, to learn, and to smile."

Ultear turned to Ur. "Can we try...? Please?"

Ur placed a hand on her daughter's cheek, heart brimming. "Yes. If it helps you live without pain... then yes."

Gray whooped. "I'm so pumped! We're all gonna be jacked!"

Lyon scoffed. "Don't think muscles alone make a master. I'm gonna have brains and biceps."

Ur laughed softly, a sound warmer than any magic. "Well... if my kids are all this excited, I guess I'd better keep up."

Krampus pressed a hand to his heart, voice rich with ceremony. "Then it is my honor to welcome you—Ur Milkovich, Ultear, Gray Fullbuster, and Lyon Vastia—into the family of Fairy Tail. May your strength and bonds flourish."

Laxus struck one final pose with a flex and a wink. "Welcome aboard."

Gray and Lyon whooped.

Ultear smiled shyly. "Thank you."

Ur stood tall, finally ready to start anew. "Let's pack our things."

Krampus nodded. "Laxus and I will deliver Deliora's remains to report to the Council. Once that's done... we head home."

As the sun rose beyond the mountain peaks, the cold silence of their past was shattered—replaced by the promise of a louder, warmer, and stronger future.

Fairy Tail was about to grow stronger.

Later that day, as Krampus handed Deliora's beheaded corpse to the horrified Council representatives, he muttered to Laxus under his breath, "The top dogs might be shady, but the Rune Knights... they've got heart. Justice still lives in the lower ranks. We just need to feed the truth to the right hands."

And Laxus, ever the storm's edge, gave a smirk. "Then let's make sure they never go hungry again."

Then later, with a ripple of space and the hum of golden chains tightening through the air, Krampus conjured a shimmering portal using his Rule of Binding—a divine authority over space derived from the golden chains of connection between all things. The portal flared open in a halo of radiant runes, and in a flash of golden distortion, the group—Ur, Ultear, Gray, Lyon, Laxus, and Krampus—reappeared at the gates of the Fairy Tail guildhall. Snowflakes clung to their cloaks and boots, but the warm noise and golden lights of the guild inside beckoned them in.

Krampus drew in a deep breath, squaring his broad, furred shoulders. His halo pulsed gently. "Alright," he declared, his voice solemn yet warm. "Let us return home."

As the great wooden doors opened, chatter fell silent. Every head inside turned toward the door. The return of Krampus and Laxus always drew attention, but today, the four strangers in tow—especially Ur Milkovich—stirred gasps and murmurs.

Makarov approached quickly, his tiny legs moving with surprising urgency. Despite being dwarfed by Krampus's towering, leonine form, he exuded calm authority. "Report."

Krampus inclined his head in a formal bow. "Mission complete. The threat of Deliora has been neutralized, the affected region secured. Furthermore... we have acquired four new prospective members. But first—"

He turned, gesturing to Laxus, who stood proudly at attention.

"Laxus Dreyar," Krampus announced, his tone shifting to reverent pride, "performed with remarkable precision and heart. He protected the team, adapted to chaos, and wielded his power with both strength and mercy. The boy is a lightning-bolted pillar among men."

Laxus beamed. He stepped forward, hands confidently planted on his hips, chest puffed out like a victorious gladiator. "Heh. Thanks, Krampus," he said, golden eyes gleaming with pride. A smug grin tugged at his lips, and his stance was unmistakably proud—an honest, glowing pride in his performance. Makarov chuckled, folding his arms with a wide, grandfatherly grin.

"The other matter?" Makarov asked, his tone now graver.

Krampus's halo dimmed briefly. "We uncovered a concealed branch of the Bureau of Magical Development. Though banned several years ago by the Council, they've remained hidden and continued their illegal human experimentation in secret. We located their facility, and prioritized rescuing the children first—freeing them from their cells and sending them to the nearest Rune Knight garrison for immediate therapy and relocation."

His voice grew colder, every syllable laced with righteous fury. "Once the innocent were safe, judgment followed. The researchers and enforcers were dealt with using extreme prejudice. Laxus's lightning storm pinned down the facility and disabled their barriers, while I invoked my spell, Disconnector, severing limbs and magic alike. The remnants of their bodies—still alive, twitching, and clearly labeled with each crime—were sent to the Rune Knights."

Makarov's face darkened, nodding grimly. "Well done. The Council's top brass will likely sweep this under the rug again to protect their image, but the Rune Knights—the real ones doing honest work—will take care of those kids."

Krampus's eyes narrowed in agreement. "Precisely. The Council's upper ranks often rot in self-preserving secrecy, but the lower echelons—the Rune Knights on the ground—embody justice. I trust them to do what's right."

He paused, his tone turning more serious. "That said, we must remain alert. The mastermind behind the Bureau, a man known as Brain, managed to escape before our arrival. His trail is cold, obscured even from my Trace Relation spell. Whether his mind is so warped it denies all connection, or he's found some method to erase his ties entirely, I cannot say. But rest assured—when we meet again, I will personally separate him from his manhood."

Makarov grunted with both disapproval and grim satisfaction. "We'll inform all branches to keep an eye out. A snake like that doesn't stay hidden forever."

He stepped aside, spreading an arm in presentation. "And now, allow me to introduce our new family: Gray Fullbuster and Lyon Vastia, two bright young mages brimming with potential. Ultear Milkovich, tempered by suffering and ready for growth. And Ur Milkovich, former master mage of the north—now reborn under our banner."

Makarov raised a brow, eyes twinkling. "Ur, didn't I ask you to join Fairy Tail back in X760?"

Ur smirked. "I had my reasons."

From behind her, Ultear peeked out with shy, violet eyes. Ur gently nudged her forward, resting a protective hand on her shoulder. "Now I've got a better one."

Makarov's gaze softened as he looked between mother and daughter. "Well then. You're all welcome. Fairy Tail is your home now."

No more words were needed.

The ceremonial bell rang out. Cheers exploded like fireworks. Tables rattled with laughter. Music burst from the enchanted phonograph. Fairy Tail had entered party mode.

Krampus leaned against a support beam, arms crossed, watching the revelry unfold with a stoic but warm expression. "I forget how loud they are."

Laxus, now fully relaxed, took a massive mug of root beer and clinked it against a table. "Beats paperwork," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Moments later, a familiar crashing sound heralded the arrival of Gildarts. The guild doors creaked on their hinges before slamming open with signature flair. Gildarts strode in, tankard already in hand, his roguish grin faltering into disbelief when he locked eyes on a familiar face.

"Ur?! You finally join now, after all these years? I asked you back before my daughter could even say 'mama!'"

Ur raised an eyebrow, amused, her smirk lazy and confident. "Life's full of surprises, huh?" She turned to glance at Krampus, then flicked her gaze toward Gildarts with a hint of teasing fire in her voice. "By the way... when exactly did you get a daughter, Gildarts? Last I checked, you were all fists and flings."

Gildarts blinked, caught off guard. "Wha—oh! Right! Yeah, that's... that's a whole saga. Long story short, I met someone amazing, things got complicated, and now I've got the best kid in the world. Her name's Cana. She's somewhere in here, probably winning a drinking contest—don't worry, it's juice for her age."

Ur chuckled, amused. "You? A dad? Hah, the world really does change fast."

She stepped aside, and from behind the sweep of her cloak emerged a girl with striking violet eyes, hiding half her face behind her mother's side. Ultear peeked nervously at the man with the wild orange hair and the friendly, flabbergasted energy. Gildarts blinked a few more times, still adjusting to the emotions swirling around him.

Gildarts blinked several times, as though trying to adjust his vision. "Is that... Ultear?"

Krampus, who stood regally beside them, gave a solemn nod. "They've been reunited. A family healed."

Gildarts ran a hand through his already-messy hair, then chuckled in defeat. "Well... damn. Alright, Krampus. You win this one."

Krampus allowed himself a single, satisfied nod, folding his arms as his halo glowed faintly behind him. "I usually do."

Across the room, tables had been moved to the sides to make space for chaos, as Gray and Lyon had engaged in an impromptu arm-wrestling match atop one of the long wooden tables. A small crowd of older guild members gathered, mugs in hand, cheering and laughing.

"I'm not losing this time!" Gray grunted, teeth bared and cheeks flushed with effort. His tiny fingers were clenched tightly around Lyon's, knuckles white from the strain.

Lyon laughed back, his face gleaming with confident mischief. "You're three months behind me, Fullbuster! That's three more months of muscle magic—you can't compete!"

Veins popped, their tiny arms trembling, and the crowd whooped as the match swayed back and forth, their shouts rising with each second of the deadlock.

Nearby, Ultear stood awkwardly by the wall, arms wrapped tightly around herself, her violet eyes darting uneasily between the wild chaos and the unfamiliar faces. She looked like she wanted to disappear into the stone walls.

Cana, never one to let someone stand alone, wandered over with two tall mugs of fizzy fruit punch. She held one out wordlessly, offering a crooked but warm smile.

Ultear stared at the mug, startled. She looked up at Cana, unsure whether to reach out.

"First party?" Cana asked, her tone casual but undeniably kind.

Ultear nodded timidly, her voice barely a whisper. "Mhm."

Cana's grin widened as she tilted her mug up in a light toast. "To new family."

Ultear blinked, surprised by the phrase. Slowly, with hesitance that melted into something warm and unfamiliar, she raised her own mug and clinked it gently against Cana's. "To family," she whispered.

As she took a tentative sip, her eyes widened at the bubbly sweetness that tickled her tongue. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

At that moment, Krampus stepped into the center of the hall, raising a clawed hand high. Magical threads of golden light shimmered into existence above him, catching the attention of all the partygoers.

"Before the night drowns in drink and cheer," Krampus began, his voice projecting with a formal grace that echoed throughout the guildhall, "permit me to offer our newest members a tour worthy of their future."

With a sweep of his arm, he gestured for Ur, Ultear, Gray, and Lyon to follow.

They passed by the training rings first—various platforms enchanted with defensive glyphs, elemental control runes, and terrain-altering commands. "Each ring is specialized for tactical growth," Krampus explained. "For instance, this one replicates the cliffs of Mt. Hakobe. Ice mages will find it most familiar."

Gray and Lyon exchanged grins. "Can we test it?" Gray asked.

"Of course," Krampus replied, and with a flick of his claw, the ring flared to life.

Gray conjured a frozen spear with surprising precision, while Lyon molded a leaping ice panther that prowled in place. The watching guild members clapped.

Next, they entered the lab, where Krampus presented a sleek crystalline orb embedded in a complex magical apparatus. "This," he said proudly, "is the Magic Talent Quantifier. It evaluates affinity toward every registered magic form."

Each child stepped up in turn, excitement and nervousness tingling in their fingertips as they approached the Magic Talent Quantifier. The crystalline orb shimmered with latent energy, its surface pulsing softly.

Gray went first. The orb flashed bright blue the moment his palm touched it, followed by a swirling silver undertone. The machine clicked, and a magical inscription unfurled in the air above the orb:

"Primary Affinity: Ice Element. Secondary Affinity: Demon Slayer Magic. Strong potential for Cryomancy and Structured Combat spells."

"Predictable, but impressive," Krampus mused with a pleased smile. "Your bond with ice is more than elemental—it's structural. You have a talent for creating stable, complex forms. Excellent for both offense and defense. And there seems to be an extra affinity for anti-demon magic that's worth cultivating in the future."

Lyon followed, and his orb flared with a deeper azure and a spark of stormy gray. The machine produced another glowing report:

"Primary Affinity: Ice Element. Secondary Affinity: Weather Manipulation (latent). Strong potential for Beast Constructs and area control techniques."

Krampus's brows rose slightly. "Weather affinity? Fascinating. That explains your ice creatures. With training, you could evolve into a storm-sculptor."

Then Ultear stepped up. As her fingertips brushed the orb, it surged with brilliant violet and a shadowy indigo. The machine whirred for a long moment before releasing a complex projection of text:

"Primary Affinity: Ice Element. Secondary Affinity: Temporal Magic. High compatibility with Support, Chrono-Synergy, and Restorative Fields."

Everyone leaned in at the word 'Time.' Ultear's jaw dropped slightly.

"You have an unawakened affinity for Time Magic," Krampus said gently, placing a warm, clawed hand on her shoulder. "This confirms what I suspected. The Arc of Time is a rare and formidable art. You have not yet learned it, but that will change. I will search the forbidden archives and bring back a tome on the Arc of Time—an investment in you and in Fairy Tail's future."

Ultear swallowed hard, overcome by a cocktail of emotions—shock, hope, longing. "Th-Thank you... I won't waste it."

Krampus smiled. "I know you won't."

Ultear blinked, stunned. For the first time in weeks, her shoulders relaxed.

Then came the underground training arena, a vast subterranean space reinforced with unbreakable seals. There, Krampus handed Gray and Lyon small runed bracelets.

"These will activate the beginner sequence of Fairy Tail's bodybuilding magic," he announced. "Observe closely. Laxus!"

Laxus stepped in with his usual swagger, already shirtless, flexing his massive arms with theatrical flair. "Let's give 'em a show!"

Gray and Lyon's jaws dropped.

"He's really only thirteen?!" Lyon gasped.

Gray stared, then nodded with fierce resolve. "I wanna be that big!"

Krampus chuckled. "You will be—if you train, eat, and follow the program. And for our young ladies..."

He turned to Cana and Cornelia, who stepped forward holding a pair of engraved bracelets. "The female variant enhances tone and inner strength. You will not lose your grace—only gain power."

Ultear took hers slowly, eyes wide.

Finally, Krampus handed Ur and the three children a set of shimmering talismans. "These are Spatial Anchors. Place one on Mt. Hakobe. It will allow portal access for optimal ice magic training."

Ur held the talisman reverently, gratitude glistening in her eyes.

"We're not just a guild," Krampus said, his voice full of purpose. "We're a home. We grow together. Welcome."

The phonograph in the corner roared back to life, magical instruments humming and thumping in joyful rhythm. Plates of food appeared with comedic speed, and the entire hall filled with cheers, jokes, and song.

The children laughed. The lights glowed. The warmth of Fairy Tail wrapped around its new members like a second skin.