Born to Steal Gods ( Fairy Tail )

The twilight settled over Hargeon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple as lacrima lights began to glow in the streets. Lucius Draganov lurked in the shadows of an alley near the central square, his intense blue eyes fixed on the water mage who had caught his attention. He was an intriguing target, and Lucius felt it was time to act. His white hair, cut in a medium, slightly spiked style, showed blue streaks at the tips that faintly shimmered in the dim light. He wore an elegant black cloak with subtle details that gave a mysterious air, hands hidden in his pockets, but the black cross tattooed on his right palm pulsed faintly, as if eager for action.

In the square, the mage stood out with his imposing presence. Tall and robust, he wore a dark green cape that billowed in the salty breeze from the port, and a simple tunic underneath, with pockets full of vials that seemed to hold magical ingredients. His brown hair, cut practically but messy, framed a face with a scruffy beard. He performed a captivating show, conjuring crystal-clear water spheres that floated in the air, shaping them into dancing fish, birds of droplets, and a rippling replica of a ship. A faint blue glow accompanied the spectacle, reflecting the surrounding lights. The crowd tossed Jewel coins that clinked into an old hat on the ground, the sound of moving water mixing with soft applause.

With a slight smile, Lucius adjusted his cloak and walked into the square, his steps firm but relaxed. The crowd dispersed, leaving the mage alone. He clapped slowly, the sound echoing.

"Nice show!" he said, his tone admiring, tilting his head with an innocent look, no trace of coldness. He stepped forward, pulling ten Jewel coins from his pocket and offering them. "Name's Lucius. What's yours?"

He extended his right hand for a handshake, the palm revealing the black cross. As he touched Kaelith's fingers and squeezed, a cold shiver ran through Lucius's palm, like a subtle electric current. The cross glowed with a dark light, instantly activating [Theft]. At that moment, Kaelith yanked his hand back, the coins clattering to the ground.

"What the hell kind of magical power is that, kid?!" he said, stepping back, his hand clenched into a defensive fist. "What did you just do? I felt something weird!"

Lucius gave a relaxed laugh, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to play it off.

"Nothing, man. I'm new to magic and still can't control my magical power. Guess I let some slip by accident."

Internally, his face darkened as if a shadow took over, his eyes flashing with irritation. In his mind, the cold voice echoed.

"Designated mission activated. Target: Kaelith, water mage. Targeted ability: [Water Manipulation]. To steal the ability, you must help Kaelith win back his beloved, with whom he's facing romantic difficulties. Objective: assist him in rekindling their relationship. Deadline: 48 hours. Failure condition: If the mission is not completed within 48 hours, it will be considered a failure, and your hair will fall out completely as the designated punishment."

Lucius processed the mission in his head, his gaze heavy with disgust and fury. He cursed inwardly, his voice dripping with rage.

"What kind of bullshit mission is this? Who's the idiot who came up with this crap? Damn God, what the hell is he thinking? My charm, my hair is everything! Those bastards, I'll make them pay! Just wait, I'll nail this mission, leave it to me!"

Kaelith frowned, still wary, but relaxed his shoulders seeing Lucius's confused expression.

"Magic's no joke, kid. That flow felt dangerous. Name's Kaelith, by the way. Be careful not to hurt yourself."

Lucius nodded, picking up the fallen coins and handing them over.

"Pleasure, Kaelith. Thanks for the heads-up. Your magic's impressive, huh? How'd you learn all that?"

Kaelith gave a faint smile, but there was exhaustion in his eyes, his shoulders slumped.

"Took years, Lucius. Grew up by the sea, learned from an old fisherman. But now I'm more focused on surviving than training."

"Damn, that explains the talent," Lucius said, enthusiastic. "Ever thought about teaching someone?"

Kaelith let out a heavy sigh, his gaze distant.

"I like the idea, but I'm too busy. Things haven't been easy lately."

He hesitated, looking dejected. Lucius frowned, noticing the shift.

"Hey, man, you seem down. With magic that cool, why so glum? Come on, let's grab a beer, what do you say?"

Kaelith gave a tired chuckle but agreed.

"Alright, Lucius. A beer won't kill me. But… it's about my beloved, Elyra. Things are rough between us."

The two walked to the Anchor Tavern, laughing at small jokes along the way. Inside, they ordered two mugs and sat in a corner.

"So, tell me more," Lucius said, taking a sip. "What's up with her?"

Kaelith sighed, staring at his beer.

"I'm not married. Had a beloved, Elyra, but it's tough. She's a weaver at the market and thinks I can't support her. We fight a lot because of it. I'm trying to win her back, but I don't know where to start."

Lucius tilted his head, curious.

"Seriously? That sounds rough. Tell me about her. What does she like? Maybe I can give you a hand."

Kaelith raised an eyebrow, hesitant.

"You? You seem new to this. But… alright. Elyra loves rare river flowers and music. Problem is, I'm no good with instruments. And I missed a date recently because of my shows, which made things worse."

Lucius gave Kaelith a light pat on the shoulder.

"Relax, man, I've seen situations like this on the streets. How about a plan? Take her to dinner tomorrow. I'll help you set it up—flowers, chocolate, even a guitar player. What do you think?"

Kaelith scratched his beard, thoughtful.

"Dinner? I don't know, Lucius. She's been mad at me for weeks. I don't think she'll agree easily."

"She will," Lucius insisted, smiling. "If you show effort, she'll see it. Trust me. We'll do this right. Tomorrow night, deal?"

Kaelith hesitated but gave in.

"Fine, you're persistent. Deal. But if this goes wrong, I don't know what I'll do."

"It won't go wrong," Lucius said, confident. "I'll meet you tomorrow morning to prep."

The Plan in Action

The next morning, Lucius hit the market early. He bought a bouquet of rare blue river flowers, Elyra's favorites, and a box of fine chocolates wrapped in shiny paper. Then, he found a bard in the market and, after some haggling and 50 Jewels, convinced a skinny guy with a battered guitar to play during the dinner.

That night, Lucius met Kaelith near the square and handed over the flowers and chocolate.

"Here, take these to her. The bard will play while you dine. Just be honest and apologize again, got it?"

Kaelith took the items, nervous.

"You think she'll like this? I'm scared she'll send me packing."

"Relax," Lucius said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Show you're trying. It'll work. Go and speak from the heart."

They headed to the small tavern where the date was set. Elyra arrived, a chubby woman with glasses, looking like a puffed-up little balloon. Lucius froze, eyes wide, mouth slightly open. He thought, horrified:

What the hell kind of woman is this? What is that? An ugly chick, seriously? This guy's moping over this chubby thing?

But he kept his composure. Kaelith approached, hesitant.

"Elyra… I know I messed up. I brought these flowers and chocolate for you. I want to make things right. Can I have a chance?"

The bard began playing a soft melody, and Elyra looked at Kaelith, surprised.

"Flowers? Chocolate? Kaelith, you've never done this before…"

"I know," Kaelith said, stammering. "I'm trying to change. I lost my job, but I'll find a way. I want to be with you again."

Elyra hesitated, adjusting her glasses.

"You hurt me, Kaelith. But… I see you're trying. Let's talk more, okay?"

Kaelith smiled, relieved.

"Thanks, Elyra. I promise I won't let you down again."

Lucius watched from afar, satisfied, as the dinner continued with the soft music in the background.

The next day, with the mission still fresh in his mind, Lucius decided to check on the thugs to collect his cut and get updates. He walked to the usual alley, cloak billowing in the breeze. When he arrived, he found the three—big guy with the scar, scrawny, and shorty—visibly shaken, faces pale, eyes wide.

"Hey, boss!" the scrawny one said, voice trembling. "We were waiting, but… we've got big trouble!"

"What now?" Lucius asked, crossing his arms.

The big guy swallowed hard before speaking.

"This morning, a Magic Council ship docked at the port. Two mages disembarked, two powerful B-class mages. They're after us, boss! They said they're investigating suspicious activities. Two of our guys got caught, and these mages are strong. We're the only ones left in the city."

Lucius felt a chill down his spine, his face hardening.

"Damn it! What kind of mess am I in now?"

He cursed inwardly, rage building.

Screw this! If I fail this mission because of that balloon, I'll make sure to send both of them to hell, picking up their bones!

He clenched his fists, anger evident. He turned to the thugs.

"Listen up. Hide and keep an eye on things. If they find out you talked, it's death for you. Got it?"

The thugs nodded quickly, terrified.

"Yes, boss! We'll stay quiet and watch!"

Lucius gave them a final stern look before leaving, heart racing with the new threat.

Later, Lucius decided to spy on Kaelith and Elyra near the market, eager to confirm if the mission succeeded. He saw them holding hands, laughing, then softly kissing. Relief washed over him, but he still checked his hair in a window's reflection, worried.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind.

"Mission completed. Ability [Water Manipulation] stolen."

Lucius smiled, relieved. At dusk, he watched from afar as Kaelith tried to perform in the square, but his magic failed, the water manipulation ability gone. Kaelith stood confused, face blank. Lucius pulled his hood lower, his gaze cold and laced with sarcasm.

"Sorry, buddy, but that ability's more useful with me. Good luck now."

He gave a cold laugh and turned, walking away with firm steps.