Bonds (1)
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"Good morning, brother!" an annoyingly cheerful voice sounded right on top of him. "Morning, morning, MORNING!!!"
Shanks woke up, rubbing his eyes slowly as he adjusted to the light filtering into the room. Beside him stood Cana, shaking him eagerly with both hands, a huge grin stretched across her face.
"Morning, Cana," he mumbled, still half-asleep.
From the corner of his eye, Shanks caught a glimpse of the clock hanging on the wall.7:00 A.M.
He let out a silent sigh. He had asked Cana to wake him up at this exact time every day—something he now slightly regretted. But even as the regret crossed his mind, another part of him was already moving, already ready. Once his eyes opened, there was no going back. That was always how it had been. Just like in his previous life. Waking up had been a struggle, but once he was up, once he was moving, no one could stop him.
"Let's go train!" Cana said excitedly, practically bouncing in place.
"Breakfast first, Cana," Shanks replied with a stretch and got up from bed, walking toward the washroom to freshen up for the day.
A while later, Shanks stood in the small kitchen of their apartment, apron tied loosely around his waist. He was multitasking—scrambled eggs cooking in one pan, bacon sizzling in another. The toaster popped up slices of golden-brown bread, and nearby, a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice rested beside a couple of glasses. The aroma of breakfast filled the air.
He carefully plated the food, adding a handful of fruits in a small bowl, then placed everything on the table.
"Thank you, big brother!" Cana beamed as she took her seat and started eating without hesitation, her enthusiasm evident.
Shanks sat down across from her and quietly watched her eat. A small, content smile played on his lips. He didn't mind cooking. In fact, he liked doing it, especially for someone he cared about.
He thought about Makarov, who had offered to take care of Cana himself. The old man had made it clear that just because Cana and Shanks were half-siblings didn't mean Shanks had to shoulder the burden. Shanks was only twelve, a boy who had lost his mother not too long ago. Expecting him to raise another child, even one related to him, wasn't fair.
But Shanks didn't think of it as a burden.
He was kind. Not the foolish, naïve kind—but a solid kind of kind. The kind that endured. In both his lives, he had carried that trait. He couldn't abandon family. Not now, not ever. That was just how he was wired.
After breakfast, they rested for a short while before heading outside to train. Shanks dove into his usual morning routine, a mix of physical exercise and magic control. Cana, young and energetic, tried to copy his movements, even if she couldn't quite keep up. She would laugh when she fell, then get back up and try again.
Shanks always encouraged her.
After training, they returned home briefly, cleaned up, and made their way to the Fairy Tail guild together.
The massive wooden doors of the guild creaked open as Shanks pushed them, Cana standing right beside him. The hall wasn't crowded—most of the wizards were either out on jobs or still resting. The morning hours were generally quieter, filled with casual chatter and the occasional clatter of mugs.
Shanks and Cana were greeted by familiar voices as they stepped in. Smiles, waves, and casual hellos came from all around.
"Hey~" Shanks cheerfully greeted the lady working at the bar.
"Good morning. Shanks, Cana." The black-haired woman said with a warm smile on her face.
"Good morning! Miss. Clira." Cana cheerfully greeted the woman. They conversed for a while before Shanks questioned-
"So, are there any monster subjugation quests?"
Clira nodded her head. "Yup, already took one out for you."
Shanks smiled brightly. "Thanks for that!"
Clira nodded her head and took out the Quest from behind the counter. Shanks looked at the Quest and he narrowed his eyes.
"At some desertic areas huh."
Clira nodded. "Although the monster that is to be subjugated are just some Slaad tadpoles."
Shanks nodded. 'Slaads were snakelike monsters and were generally quite strong, but the tadpoles were very weak.'
He thought but the location was quite far. It would take at least two days to reach there.
"Well, I accept the quest."
Shanks said and Clira nodded. "Alright. I will register it to you."
Shanks nodded. "I will get going then."
Clira nodded and Shanks took the quest from her. He stood from his stool and directed Cana to follow him.
"Cana! I will be going to the quest, alright?" Cana nodded her head.
"I can manage but make sure to bring me some gifts alright?"
Shanks nodded his head at Cana.
"You should stay here. I will be going home and heading out straight from there."
Cana nodded her head. "Alright big bro. Take care."
Cana stretched her hand for a fist bump, smiling smugly. Shanks smiled softly and fist bumped her.
And with that he headed out to his Quest.
[New Mission Available.]
Shanks smirked.
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