When Kyros first found himself in this new world, his mindset mirrored that of any ordinary traveler, filled with curiosity and a desire to explore everything it had to offer.
Over time, however, that initial sense of wonder waned, and he gradually relinquished the notion of understanding it all.
Among the members of Fairy Tail, Kyros had spent the most time alongside Erza and Mira.
There's an old saying: Love matures with time, a truth not lost on someone as captivating as Mira.
Reflecting on it now, many occurrences seem almost fated. Upon joining the guild, his initial challenge was presented by Mira, and it was Mira who stood by his side during the S-level assessment.
"If you're harsh on yourself, you'll surely succeed next time," she had encouraged.
"What's amusing you?" Mira inquired of Kyros.
With a smile, Kyros replied, "Just reminiscing about our youthful antics. The fierce girl who boasted of her strength back then has transformed into this."
Mira blushed at Kyros's words, memories of her more headstrong days flooding back, now seen through the lens of maturity and regret.
Observing Mira's bashful reaction, Kyros couldn't help but feel content.
Suddenly, a group of elegantly dressed women approached, seeking Mira's attention.
"Is Loke around?" one of them inquired.
"Loke?" Mira served as the guild's information hub, akin to a modern receptionist, secretary, and waitress rolled into one.
Guild members turned to Mira for inquiries and quest requests alike.
"Loke went too far," another woman chimed in. "Last night, he suddenly announced his intention to break up with me."
"Oh, though it pains me, perhaps it's for the best. Why else would he utter such words? Has he found someone else he truly cares for?"
"Who could it be? Amongst someone in the guild?" Mira wondered aloud.
Lucy, intrigued, asked, "What's going on with them?"
"It's the girls from our town. They're all calling themselves Loke's girlfriends," Levy explained.
"...Loke!"
In Lucy's perspective, Loke appeared nothing short of a flirt. From the moment she stepped into the guild, she witnessed Loke's penchant for cozying up to others.
However, upon learning of her identity as a Celestial Spirit wizard, Loke began avoiding her as if she were a beast of misfortune, causing Lucy to feel somewhat ostracized despite her long tenure in the guild.
"Loke... Is it time?" Kyros furrowed his brows. Loke had integrated into the Fairy Tail guild three years prior and shared a strong bond with Gray during weekdays.
His relationship with Kyros wasn't strained either. Kyros harbored a faint impression of Loke, recognizing him as the Celestial Spirit, specifically, the Celestial Spirit, Leo.
Recognizing the complexities surrounding Celestial Spirits, Kyros believed it wise to leave such matters to those equipped to handle them.
"Lucy!"
"Huh? What's up?" Lucy approached Kyros, curiosity piqued.
"Could you assist me in locating Loke?"
"Hmm? I'm not keen on it. That man's a bit of a womanizer. Probably off gallivanting on multiple escapades. Besides, he goes out of his way to avoid me, painting me as some sort of menacing figure, so I've refrained from seeking him out."
Kyros smiled reassuringly, "He's dealing with his own issues. If you approach him for help, consider it a task I'm assigning you. The reward? Your rent for next month."
"Really?!" Lucy's eyes sparkled with excitement. She'd recently embarked on a mission with Natsu, and though they'd completed it successfully, the compensation barely covered their expenses.
Lucy had been fretting over next month's rent, knowing how difficult it was to find a place as affordable and comfortable as hers in Magnolia Town.
Kyros nodded, "Absolutely."
"Yes! Fantastic! Rent for next month is secured! Mission accomplished!" Lucy exclaimed jubilantly before darting off to find Loke.
The following morning.
"A Celestial Spirit?!" Natsu circled around Loke, inspecting him closely.
Loke scratched his head bashfully, admitting, "Yeah, that's right."
Having located Loke the previous night and rescued him, Lucy brought him to the Fairy Tail guild this morning, unveiling his identity as a Celestial Spirit.
"I didn't pick up on that at all. How did you figure it out, Kyros?" Gray, being Loke's closest companion, had spent ample time with him, yet remained oblivious to his true nature.
"Ah, well, it's all about experience and intuition. There's a subtle distinction between Celestial Spirits and humans. Initially, I just sensed that Loke wasn't quite human. Then, upon encountering Lucy's Celestial Spirit, I detected a similar aura emanating from Loke. Hence, I deduced that Loke must be a Celestial Spirit." Kyros's explanation held some truth; while he had known about Loke's Celestial Spirit status for some time, there indeed existed a discernible difference in Loke's aura compared to that of a human.
"Absolutely not! But you're neither a cow nor a horse," Natsu remarked, having witnessed Lucy summoning Taurus and Sagittarius, finding the Celestial Spirits somewhat grotesque in his mind.
Lucy clarified, "Loke is the Celestial Spirit Leo."
"A lion—!!" exclaimed Natsu.
Happy chimed in cheerfully, "The lion is just a big cat, right?!"
Loke chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed."
Lucy interjected with a complaint, "That's not exactly accurate!!"
Gray inquired, "So, what are your plans for the future? Will you remain in the guild?"
"I am now under Lucy's care, tasked with assisting in emergencies when Lucy is in danger. I'll appear as the dashing Prince Charming and protect her. Let's discuss our future together," Loke declared, sweeping Lucy off her feet.
Once, I avoided Lucy out of fear of revealing my identity as a Celestial Spirit. Now, I no longer need to concern myself with the past blunders.
"Hey hey! Put me down," Lucy protested.
Natsu, lounging in a chair, expressed his envy. "I wish I had a Celestial Spirit too."
"What kind of Celestial Spirit?" Happy inquired, intrigued.
"Obviously, a dragon! Since I've mastered dragon slaying magic, it's a shame not to face a real dragon," Natsu proclaimed.
Lucy, sweating with exasperation, lamented, "Celestial Spirits aren't meant to be pitted against you!!"
"That's correct. Celestial Spirits symbolize love," Loke added.
"You'd better return," Lucy urged, producing the Leo Zodiac key and preparing to dismiss Loke.
"Wait a moment," Loke interjected, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing several pieces of paper. "Here."
"What's this?" Lucy asked, puzzled.
"I can't linger in this world for long. These are vouchers for the holiday hotel I had planned to take my girlfriend to. You've taken care of me a lot, so consider this a token of my appreciation. Enjoy yourself," Loke explained with a smile.