The Accidental Savior

The Fairy Tail guild hall was its usual symphony of chaos—flying tankards, roaring laughter, and an occasional explosion that nobody seemed concerned about. Nick Romero sat at a corner table, sketching designs for his cabin in a small notebook, when the guild doors swung open with a dramatic creak.

A girl, no older than Nick, stood in the doorway, dragging an oversized bag behind her. She had long dark hair, wide, curious eyes, and an expression that screamed both determination and nerves.

"Who's the newbie?" Nick muttered, glancing at Wakaba, who was nursing a drink nearby.

"She says her name's Cana," Wakaba replied, blowing a puff of smoke. "Here to join the guild."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "She's my age. Does she even know what she's signing up for?"

"Does anyone?" Wakaba asked with a smirk.

Cana strode up to the bar, her bag thumping along the ground with every step. She looked around the room with wide-eyed excitement, the kind of look Nick hadn't seen since he'd first arrived two years ago.

"This place is awesome!" Cana exclaimed, slamming her hands on the counter.

"Welcome to Fairy Tail!" Macao said cheerfully, handing her a mug of juice.

Nick couldn't resist. "You're a fan of chaos, huh?"

Cana spun around, spotting him for the first time. "And you are?"

"Nick," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Been here for a while."

Cana's eyes narrowed playfully. "Well, Nick, don't act like you're too cool. I'm going to be the best mage in Fairy Tail."

Nick snorted. "Good luck. The bar for 'best' here involves surviving flying furniture and Gildarts'... everything."

As Nick and Cana exchanged banter, the Wives System chimed in, its glowing screen appearing at Nick's side.

"Potential partner detected!" it announced cheerfully.

Nick froze, his face going red. "Oh, for the love of—NOT NOW!"

Cana blinked. "Not now what?"

"Uh, nothing!" Nick said quickly, glaring at the screen. "Just... motivational thoughts. You wouldn't understand."

"Cana Alberona exhibits compatibility for long-term partnership," the AI continued as if Nick hadn't spoken.

Nick gritted his teeth. "Stop. Talking."

Cana tilted her head. "You're weird."

Nick forced a laugh, trying to wave the system away. "Yeah, well, I hear that a lot."

Despite the rocky start, Cana was quickly accepted into the guild, and Nick found himself spending more and more time with her. She was bold, outspoken, and absolutely convinced she could take on the world, which Nick found both impressive and exhausting.

"So, what's your magic?" Cana asked one afternoon as they sat outside the guild, watching a particularly dramatic brawl unfold inside.

"Music magic," Nick said, holding up his flute.

Cana's eyes widened. "Whoa! Can you play something?"

Nick hesitated. "It's more... functional than entertaining."

"Come on," Cana said, grinning. "You've got to have some cool tricks."

With a sigh, Nick raised the flute to his lips and played a soft tune. Faint lights swirled around them, forming a gentle shield that shimmered in the sunlight.

"That's so cool!" Cana said, clapping. "You're like a bard from one of those old stories!"

Nick frowned. "You mean the kind that gets eaten by a dragon while everyone else is fighting?"

"Better than being boring," Cana shot back, laughing.

As Cana and Nick's friendship grew, so did the Wives System's unrelenting commentary.

"Cana's bond with you has increased by 5%," it announced one evening as they trained in the forest.

Nick groaned. "This isn't a video game!"

"What bond?" Cana asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" Nick said quickly. "Just... motivational thoughts. Again."

The AI continued undeterred. "Shared activities such as training and mission participation strengthen compatibility."

Nick clenched his fists. "I'm going to throw you in the river."

"Nick," Cana said, smirking. "You're really bad at keeping secrets."

One quiet evening, as they sat on the porch of Nick's cabin, Cana stared up at the stars, her usual energy replaced with a rare moment of calm.

"Why are you here, Nick?" she asked suddenly.

Nick blinked. "What do you mean?"

"In Fairy Tail," she said, turning to face him. "Why'd you join?"

Nick hesitated, his gaze dropping to the flute in his hands. "It's... complicated. Let's just say I have to get stronger so I can go home."

"Where's home?" Cana asked, her voice soft.

"Far away," Nick said, his grip tightening on the flute. "And I can't get there until I'm ready."

Cana nodded thoughtfully. "Well, if you need help getting stronger, you've got me. Fairy Tail's all about having each other's backs, right?"

Nick smiled faintly. "Yeah. Thanks, Cana."

"And maybe you can teach me that sparkly music thing," Cana added with a grin. "It might come in handy."

Nick laughed, shaking his head. "Deal."

As the weeks passed, Cana became an integral part of Nick's daily life. They trained together, tackled missions, and traded banter that kept the guild in stitches.

But through it all, the Wives System never stopped its teasing, much to Nick's eternal frustration.

"Bond progress: 10%," it announced one day as they returned from a mission.

Nick groaned. "Why me?"

Cana smirked. "Still talking to yourself?"

Nick sighed. "You have no idea."