The sun was barely rising over Magnolia when Peter opened his eyes to the chorus of squeaks, laughter, and panicked shouting from the living room. The previous day's chaos in the forest seemed to have followed them home, settling into every corner of the house. He rubbed his face, attempting to summon some semblance of patience, but the sight that greeted him as he stepped into the kitchen made his stomach knot. Milk had congealed into sticky puddles, a trail of glitter marked the path of an invisible battle, and a small chair teetered precariously under Milo's ambitious climb.
"Good morning, Peter!" Axel called cheerfully, his wand aimed at a slice of toast that levitated lazily in the air. "Want me to do magic for breakfast?"
Peter groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. Magic for breakfast? At this hour? In this kitchen? "Axel, no! Not again!" he shouted, rushing forward, only to step on Kaito's ninja slippers, which had been left strategically as a trap by the boy, his expression gleeful. "Ow! Seriously?!"
Lyria and Celestia had already joined forces, attempting to enchant the fruit bowl so that apples would float into their mouths, an effort that sent oranges rolling across the floor and narrowly missing Nina, who shrieked as she leapt aside. Milo, not to be outdone, grabbed the family cat and levitated it with a spell of his own invention. The feline yowled, somersaulting in midair before landing on its feet with dignity, glaring at Peter as if he were the true culprit.
Peter groaned and dropped to his knees to salvage the situation. "Okay, okay, deep breath. Focus. Step one: survive breakfast without injury."
From the doorway, the mothers observed, a mixture of amusement, exasperation, and silent judgment on their faces. Erza's arms were crossed, sharp eyes scanning every child as if preparing to eliminate the chaos with sheer willpower. Mirajane smiled serenely, hands clasped. Lucy's eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged Celestia. Sakura adjusted her hair while maintaining a meticulous count of the children's movements. Ino leaned against the wall, smirking. Hinata looked hesitant, silently offering encouragement. Temari's stance radiated impatience, while Juvia's eyes brimmed with excitement and a little worry.
"Peter," Erza said, voice calm but laced with authority, "are you attempting to control breakfast?"
He straightened, waving his hands helplessly. "I'm attempting to survive breakfast without chaos! That's… control enough."
"Chaos is their nature," Mirajane whispered, smiling. "Accept it, and you'll find peace."
Peter exhaled. Peace. Right. That's the new family motto, apparently.
Hana toddled over, balancing a spoon like a sword, looking at Peter with wide eyes. "Can I help?" she asked softly.
Peter's heart softened for a fleeting second. "Yes, Hana. But no magic, please."
The morning unfolded like a series of small explosions. Axel attempted to levitate a plate of scrambled eggs toward his mouth, misjudged the trajectory, and sent it spinning across the room. Kaito, in a show of ninja acrobatics, tried to intercept the eggs midair, landing on Milo and Nina's makeshift trampoline with a thud. Lyria and Celestia's enchantments caused apples to fly upward, bouncing off the ceiling before sticking to a chandelier.
Peter darted back and forth, arms flailing, shouting, "Stop! Everyone, focus! Teamwork, remember?"
Erza stepped forward, levitating a chair to shield Peter from a flying apple. "I suggest a structured approach," she said. "Divide responsibilities. Assign tasks."
Peter nodded, relief flooding him. "Yes! That's—wait, you already started cleaning?"
"Of course," Erza said. "Lead by example."
Peter coughed, waving his hand. Maybe I'm already failing as the example.
Lucy and Celestia had climbed onto the counter, giggling as they enchanted a loaf of bread to dance. Milo and Nina were in full mischief mode, casting small sparks at Kaito, who retaliated with a smoke bomb. Hana tried to place a flower on each child's head as a "peace offering," and Peter found himself ducking under a rain of petals.
Once the breakfast battlefield had been momentarily stabilized, Peter sat heavily at the table, wiping sweat from his brow. "We need routines," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "We need a plan."
Sakura leaned forward, glancing at him thoughtfully. "Then make one. You want to be a model for them, right? Show them structure and responsibility."
Peter exhaled. Right. Responsibility. Maybe I can do this.
After breakfast, the next challenge awaited: the journey to the Academy Magi-Ninja, a sprawling institution combining the finest elements of Fairy Tail and Konoha training. The children chattered excitedly in the carriage, already imagining duels, spells, and missions. Peter tightened his grip on the reins, glancing at each face. Axel's red hair gleamed in the morning sun. Lyria and Celestia whispered together, scheming. Milo and Nina bickered over the seat near the front. Kaito crouched in silent focus, while Ryuji, ever serious, folded his arms and stared straight ahead. Hana leaned against Peter, a tiny hand resting in his, her eyes trusting.
"I'll try not to lose anyone this time," Peter muttered, more to himself than the children.
Erza and the others had volunteered to ride alongside, keeping a watchful eye. Juvia's excitement was palpable, while Temari looked ready to issue orders at a moment's notice. Ino waved energetically. Hinata's quiet encouragement soothed Peter's nerves.
The journey began smoothly — until the first magical demonstration. Axel, inspired by yesterday's forest mission, attempted a levitation spell on the carriage itself. The vehicle lifted two feet off the ground before tipping dangerously, sending Milo and Nina screaming while Celestia tried to cast a stabilizing charm. Peter barely managed to hold the reins, sweat trickling down his face.
"Axel! No! Not on the carriage!" he shouted, heart racing.
"Too late!" Axel laughed. The carriage wobbled, leaned perilously, and then crashed lightly into a tree. Thankfully, the tree absorbed most of the impact. The children tumbled out, laughing, while Peter dusted himself off, glaring at Axel.
"This is why we need rules," Peter muttered. And perhaps a miracle.
Once the Academy came into view, the chaos intensified. Children shouted greetings, magic and chakra energy spilling around. Peter attempted to organize a line, only to have Milo and Nina launch a minor water spell, soaking Ryuji and Axel. Lyria and Celestia conjured illusions, confusing some of the teachers. Axel performed a small levitation trick, lifting a stack of training manuals that toppled onto Kaito. Hana simply giggled, untouched by the chaos.
Peter ran after the children, dodging sparks and smoke bombs, shouting, "Focus! Teamwork! Remember the mission!"
By the time they arrived at the central courtyard, Peter was exhausted, hair disheveled, robes torn slightly. Yet, when he looked at their faces — flushed with excitement, eyes shining with achievement and mischief — he felt an unexpected warmth. They're happy. They're alive. They're… amazing.
Erza approached, handing him a cloth to wipe his face. "You handled that well. They are challenging, yes, but they respect your guidance."
Peter blinked, surprise flickering across his features. "They… respect me?"
Mirajane smiled softly. "In their own way, yes. They trust you to lead them, Peter. That's more than most could hope for."
Peter exhaled, his chest tight with emotion. Trust. Responsibility. Being a model. This… this is why I wanted to find an adequate job. To provide. To set an example.
Later that day, once the children had been placed in their classes, Peter wandered to a quiet bench near the Academy gates, thinking. He had responsibilities now — more than just keeping children alive in the forest or the kitchen. He wanted to contribute, to support the household, and to set a strong example.
I need a job, he thought. Something stable. Something worthy. They're watching me. They deserve a father who can provide, who can guide.
The idea took hold like a spark igniting a fire. Peter began planning, reviewing what skills he could offer: missions combining ninja and magical expertise, protective services, tutoring in magical combat, even running a small business in Magnolia. Every thought he had circled back to the same conclusion: he had to do this not for himself, but for the children — for Axel, Lyria, Celestia, Milo, Nina, Kaito, Ryuji, and Hana — and for the mothers who trusted him with their greatest treasures.
He looked over at the Academy gates, watching his children rush into classrooms, each glowing with excitement and energy. One day, I will be the father they deserve. One day… and I will start today.
As he rose from the bench, determination steeling his movements, a faint smile curved his lips. Today had been chaotic, exhausting, and nearly impossible, but somehow, it had been perfect.
The path ahead was uncertain, full of magical mishaps, ninja misadventures, and comical disasters — but Peter felt ready. For the first time, he embraced the madness, the laughter, the responsibilities, and the unexpected joys of being the father of nine extraordinary children.