Chapter 44: Birthday
Moen's birthdays were always a lively affair. Thanks to his warm personality and his beloved, almost mascot-like status in Fairy Tail, everyone was more than happy to celebrate him properly.
Early in the morning, after washing up and getting dressed, Moen hadn't even stepped out of the house when a neatly wrapped box came flying at him.
"Happy birthday,"
came an awkwardly muttered greeting along with it.
Looking up, Moen caught a glimpse of Laxus's figure disappearing from the doorway at lightning speed—like someone fleeing after doing something embarrassing.
"Awkward teenage boy energy."
Moen couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at Laxus's behavior as he picked up the gift and opened it on the spot.
Inside was a sleek black Sound Jar music player. Compared to the flashy model Laxus used himself, this one was more modest—its design resembled a simple pair of over-ear headphones, with no spiky decorations on the sides.
"And it's the latest model too,"
Moen muttered, impressed. He placed the headphones over his ears and hit play—what followed was a thunderous, driving classical melody.
This was Laxus's favorite genre, which he dubbed: "rock-style classical."
"Yikes..."
Moen winced and quickly removed the headphones. Maybe it was just his lack of musical taste, but he really couldn't appreciate it.
"I should remix some kind of 'execution theme' for this... Next time I fight, I'll throw on the headphones and let the BGM set the tone."
Moen thought to himself. After all, what's a proper battle without epic background music?
And luckily, this music player had an external speaker mode too—perfect.
So when the time came, he could just blast the music out loud. Cue the dramatic theme, and bam, enemies would fall before the sheer atmosphere.
Though... that execution theme kinda has the same vibe as this rock-classical stuff, doesn't it?
With the Sound Jar around his neck, Moen left his house and made his way toward the Fairy Tail guildhall. The place was already decorated top to bottom. After all, today was the perfect excuse for everyone to throw a proper party.
Sometimes, Moen suspected they weren't even celebrating his birthday so much as using it as a convenient reason to party. His birthday just happened to be a great excuse—even Master Makarov approved of it.
On the way to the guild, Moen received many warm wishes. Some people handed him small gifts, others gave flowers and handmade cards.
A ragged little flower seller, Phil, had even woven him a flower crown just for today and carefully placed it on his head.
With the blessings of Magnolia's citizens upon him, Moen arrived at the guild.
The moment he stepped inside, he saw Master Makarov perched on the bar, holding a mug nearly as big as his head, happily chugging away.
"Pah! That hits the spot!"
Makarov let out a satisfied sigh after downing a gulp, already a bit flushed from the alcohol. The old man was always like this—relaxed and approachable when in the guild.
"Moen's here!"
"Get over here! Today's your day, kid!"
As soon as Moen entered, all eyes turned toward him. Gildarts waved him over with a booming laugh.
Moen walked into the main hall, which had been transformed by magic into a sparkling party space. Glowing magic crystal orbs floated along the ceiling, and a glittering banner reading "Happy Birthday, Moen! " hung above the bar.
Erza danced barefoot atop a table, to the cheers of the crowd—after all, who didn't enjoy watching a beautiful girl in revealing clothes dance?
Long tables were stacked with three-tiered cakes, platters of food, fresh fruits, and barrels of honey mead.
Banners, delicacies, music, dancing, desserts—everything was there.
Moen took his seat at the center table, with Gildarts beside him.
"Moen! Time flies, huh? Another year older already!"
Gildarts laughed heartily as he clapped Moen on the back so hard it nearly knocked the birthday boy apart.
Everyone in the guild had watched Moen grow up, so this celebration was deeply heartfelt. The entire hall was buzzing with laughter and joy.
Even in a corner, Laxus—usually so aloof—was smiling as he glanced at the Sound Jar now hanging from Moen's neck.
Amidst the cheerful chaos, Natsu and Gray approached, each holding a gift box. Of course, they were jostling and shoving each other the whole way, both determined to be the first to give Moen their gift.
Just as Natsu and Gray were about to present their gifts, Erza suddenly stepped in and pushed the two aside.
"Clang!"
A large box landed on the table with a heavy thud.
Erza was wearing her "Party Edition" armor—a cute, custom-designed pink set—and her usual hairstyle had been replaced with playful twin-tails. She looked vibrant and energetic, much more youthful than usual.
"Moen, this is my gift to you—a full set of armor,"
she said confidently.
It was custom-made at a specialty armor shop and perfectly tailored to Moen's measurements—measurements Erza had secretly asked Master Makarov for.
"Thank you, Erza. This is... this is a really generous gift,"
Moen said, clearly surprised. He hadn't expected something like this. Perhaps Erza had been inspired after seeing him wear the "Cloth" from his Saint Seiya system?
"It's nothing," Erza replied casually.
"I have plenty of armor, but they wouldn't fit you. So I had no choice but to order a new one made."
Her armors were obviously tailored for her, and being of a different build (and gender), Moen wouldn't be able to use them. Unlike the Saint Cloths from his system, Erza's armor didn't auto-adapt to the wearer, so if she wanted to give Moen armor as a gift, custom-made was the only option.
Once Erza was done presenting her gift, Gray and Natsu started jostling again, both trying to go next.
But before either could get the upper hand—
"QUIET—!"
Master Makarov, already slightly drunk, leapt onto the bar with a foam-spilling mug in one hand, raising it high above his head.
"Let's all wish Moen a happy birthday together!"
he shouted, getting the crowd fired up.
"Cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses in response. The adults toasted with ale and mead, while the younger ones clinked glasses of fruit juice.
The whole guild burst into cheer, loudly wishing Moen a happy birthday before diving back into their drinks. The festive energy was contagious—everyone wanted to drink a little more today.
"Moen! Here's my gift!"
One after another, guild members came up to hand Moen presents.
Natsu and Gray, unfortunately, kept getting cut in line, mostly because they were too busy tripping each other up to act fast.
It wasn't until the party was nearly over that Moen finally received their gifts—both boys bruised and battered, faces swollen and puffy.
Clearly, they had been beaten up by Erza, still in her Party Edition armor.
Moen couldn't help but laugh.