Earthland, Magnolia, Fairy Tail Guild.
Makarov sat cross-legged on the bar counter. His gaze went through the guild doors, looking out at the lively streets bathed in the evening sun.
"Chase and the others should be back soon. I wonder how the negotiations with the King of Edolas went..." His voice sounded worried.
With Chase, Erza, Mystogan, and Gildarts there, there was no need to worry about the Edolas team's safety.
On the contrary, what worried the old man was whether the capital could withstand the damage those brats would cause. Would the city be demolished? What excuses should he prepare for the Council?
Ah, no. Edolas did not have a Council like that.
Then it was fine.
Makarov relaxed. He reached for the fine wine on the counter.
"Master!" Mirajane was wiping the counter. She frowned and shot him a stern look.
"Ah ha, ahahaha. The sunset is beautiful today~"
Makarov coughed lightly and pulled his hand back. Damn it. She noticed. Even with the distraction about Chase and Edolas.
"Mirajane, two more barrels of beer," Cana said.
"Coming right up."
"Let me do it, Mirajane." Éclair walked over with an empty tray.
After spending time in the guild, the once isolated Phoenix Priestess had adapted to her job as a waitress. From being cheated by Macao and Wakaba to now making them pay with just a look. She had learned from Mirajane.
"Thank you, Éclair." Mirajane took the empty tray.
Then, a yellow duck flapped its wings and landed on the counter.
Momon stared at them. "Mirajane! Macao and Wakaba are bullying Kinana again!"
Kinana had joined the guild two days ago. She had a innocent face and a very big heart.
Her real identity was Cubellios, the purple snake that followed Erik of Oración Seis. She had been cursed into snake form as a child.
At the trial of Oración Seis, Makarov noticed her condition. He broke the curse and let her join the guild as a trainee waitress.
"Those two. Always bullying new girls."
Mirajane walked toward Macao's table.
Makarov's eyes lit up. He looked at the wine again.
"Momon, watch the master. Do not let him drink," Mirajane said.
"Roger!" Momon stared at Makarov.
"Ahem. Momon. Good Momon. Can you look the other way? Just one small sip."
Makarov's old face was full of smiles. "I will ask Lucy to buy you something tasty."
"NO!" Momon crossed its wings.
Éclair and Momon. They are both corrupted by Mirajane. When they first came, they helped me hide!
Mirajane was scolding Macao and Wakaba. Éclair brought Cana her beer.
"Thanks, Éclair." Cana seemed down. She drank heavily.
Éclair noticed. "Everyone is working hard lately. Even Nab. Are you not going to take more quests?"
This time of year, everyone worked hard. The S-Class Mage Trial was coming.
To qualify, everyone worked like crazy. Especially the old-timers like Cana.
A few, like Macao and Wakaba, had given up. But most had not.
From what Éclair could see, Cana wanted to be an S-Class mage. As much as Nab and Max.
Cana's eyes dimmed for a moment. Then it was gone.
"No hurry. There is time. Let me finish my drink first."
She was a mess. But she was worried.
She could not focus on quests. Not until she saw Gildarts come back.
The old man had been gone for three years. He came back hurt. Missing limbs. Who knew what would happen this time?
She knew the Edolas team was strong. But she still worried.
"Speaking of which, Cana. There is a good quest for you. Do you want it?" Mirajane asked.
Cana was about to answer. The guild door opened.
Familiar figures appeared in the sunset.
The Edolas team was back.
Cana sobered up. She saw Gildarts. He looked fine. She relaxed.
"Hey! We are back!" Natsu shouted.
"Welcome back~" Mirajane smiled.
Then her smile froze.
The girl with short white hair standing next to Chase was...
"L-Lisanna?!" Mirajane covered her mouth.
A heavy thud. Elfman had dropped his weights. He walked toward Lisanna.
The older members were frozen. Makarov had something in his eyes.
"Mirajane. Elfman. Master. Everyone..."
Lisanna walked toward them. Faster and faster. She ran into their arms.
"I am back!"
She had told herself to stay calm. But she could not.
"Lisanna! This is wonderful!"
Mirajane held her tight.
"Am I dreaming? Is it really you? I am sorry. For what happened. I am sorry!"
Elfman was crying.
The three siblings held each other.
***
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