`"Alright," Roger said, releasing the button and letting out a long breath. "That's the end of it. All settled."
He turned, his gaze landing on Simon and Ultear. "It won't be long before the Magic Council reaches out to you about your appointments."
Happy tilted his head, puzzled. "Weird, how come I still remember it was you who took care of everything, Roger?"
Roger explained, "Anyone who experienced the full event won't have their memories altered. But for everyone else on the Ishgar continent, their memories have been automatically adjusted to match the 'story' I told."
"Sweet!" Mira clapped her hands with a smile. "Everything's wrapped up here, so we can finally head back and relax."
"Tomorrow, we've got one more day to enjoy the sun and beach before we return to the guild!"
Simon glanced back at Millianna and Wally, then said to Roger, "I'd like to take Millianna and Wally around the area to get familiar with it. We'll meet up with you guys when we head back to the guild."
"Sounds good," Roger agreed readily. With a wave of his hand, a spacious, comfortable yacht appeared on the calm sea.
"Let's head back to shore."
The group boarded the yacht, which cut through the water, leaving a white trail as it headed toward land.
Ultear leaned alone against the railing at the stern, the salty breeze playfully lifting her hair. Her lips pressed together, her gaze distant, fixed on the faint line where sea met sky. Thoughts swirled in her mind: If I become a council member… will Ultear hear about it and come find me?
The thought carried a bittersweet hope, like waves gently lapping at her heart.
Soon, the yacht reached the shore, where Roger's phantom was waiting, surrounded by unconscious cultists.
Using Lyra's key, Roger summoned the Celestial Spirit to cleanse the cultists' minds of their fanaticism and control. Once done, he instructed the phantom to escort the now-normalized teens back to the guild, leaving them in Makarov's hands for further arrangements.
The group spent another carefree day at the beach before boarding a train back to Magnolia the next morning, joined by Simon, Millianna, and Wally, who arrived right on time.
The rhythmic clack-clack of the train wheels echoed as they rolled along the tracks.
When the train finally pulled into the station and the group followed their familiar route to the guild, they froze in shock.
Behind a shiny new iron gate stood a massive, luxurious building gleaming in the sunlight. Compared to it, they felt like ants next to a giant.
"This… this is our guild, right?" Lucy stammered, pointing ahead, her voice full of uncertainty.
Gray tilted his head back, scratching his chin. "Pretty sure it is. Look, it's got our guild emblem up there."
"What are you guys doing, just standing at the gate? Don't recognize your own guild?" Macao's teasing voice came from the side.
Lucy pointed at the extravagant building, turning to Macao with hesitation. "This is… our guild?"
"It's changed a lot, huh?" Macao grinned proudly, pushing open the iron gate and striding in. "Plenty of folks coming back from missions circled around a few times before they dared to step inside."
The group exchanged glances and followed him through the gate.
They walked along a path of carefully laid cobblestones, flanked by countless white lounge chairs and benches, each shaded by a white umbrella. Vibrant flowers bloomed all around.
Erza's eyes lit up. She rushed to a white table and chair, slapping the tabletop excitedly and calling to Roger, "Look, Roger! This is the outdoor café I suggested! And a garden! It's even better than I imagined!!"
She pictured it in her head, her voice growing more excited. "We can sit here later and eat strawberry cake together! It's gonna be so much fun!!"
"Sounds great," Roger said with a warm smile. "There's probably a bakery inside too. Wanna check it out, Erza?"
"A bakery!" Erza's eyes practically glowed. She darted toward the guild like a gust of wind.
Lucy watched her go, a bead of sweat rolling down her forehead. "She really loves cake."
As they pushed open the guild's doors, the group was stunned by the vast interior.
The once-cramped hall was now incredibly spacious. Even with the same number of guild members scattered around, it felt almost empty. But the familiar sounds of clinking glasses, laughter, and bickering echoed through the high ceilings, making it feel livelier than ever.
"So… so big, meow!" Millianna gulped, her cat-like eyes scanning curiously. "This is Fairy Tail? It's super impressive, meow!"
"Lucy-chan, welcome back!" Levy ran up, beaming.
"Levy-chan! I'm back!" Lucy grabbed her hands happily.
Levy winked playfully. "So? Shocked by the new guild, huh?"
"Shocked doesn't even cover it!" Lucy nodded vigorously. "We almost thought we were at the wrong place! How'd they build it so fast? It was barely a framework when we left!"
"Hehe," Levy lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Word is, the Master shelled out big bucks for Fiore's top architects and used only premium materials!"
"Now our daily brawls won't wreck the place so easily, and it's got great soundproofing too."
"You didn't notice? You couldn't hear a peep from inside when we were at the gate."
Now that she mentioned it, Lucy realized, "You're right! It was totally quiet outside."
"And that's not all," Levy said, pointing to the second floor. "The second floor isn't just for S-Class wizards anymore. Anyone can go up now."
"Of course, you still need the Master's approval for S-Class missions."
"Plus, the guild's got tons of new stuff—underground arcade, wine cellar, bakery, swimming room, you name it. The Master basically added everything we ever wanted!"
"That's amazing!" Lucy said, awestruck, but then frowned. "But why make it so huge? It feels kinda empty like this."
Levy leaned in and whispered, "Supposedly, it's so when guild members fight, they're less likely to smash the walls."
"Some folks also say the Master's been wanting to expand for ages but never had the funds. Now, with those 8 billion jewels, he went all out."
Lucy's mouth twitched. "Seriously? That's why?"
Levy stepped back and added, "Oh, and it might also be because the Harvest Festival is coming up."
"The guild's getting more popular, and if we didn't expand, the festival crowds would probably burst the place at the seams."
"The Harvest Festival?" Lucy thought back. "I've heard it's a big deal across the continent, but… it can't be that crazy, right?"
Levy's expression turned serious. "Oh, Lucy-chan, you're underestimating it."
"If the guild was still its old size, you'd probably be stuck outside during the festival, staring at a sea of heads."
"No way," Lucy said skeptically, about to ask more when Makarov approached, addressing the group solemnly.
"I've heard about what happened this time."
His face grew stern. "I never would've guessed two council members were traitors trying to revive Zeref."
He turned to the unfamiliar faces behind them. "You must be the new members Roger mentioned."
The three nodded in unison. Millianna and Wally, intimidated by the serious old man, stayed quiet.
Seeing their silence, Makarov assumed they were still shaken from the Zeref revival ordeal. His gaze settled on the one with the strongest magic power. "You're Simon, right? Thanks to you and Ultear, this whole thing was resolved."
"The Council's already sent word. You two should head there this afternoon to discuss the next steps."
Lucy's heart skipped a beat. It's just like Roger said! Their memories really changed!
Simon stepped forward politely. "You give me too much credit, sir. It was Roger and everyone's teamwork that stopped Zeref's revival."
"They all say Fairy Tail is an incredible guild, and now I see it lives up to its reputation."
"Please allow me and my companions to join Fairy Tail."
Makarov's lips curved into a grin. He tried to keep a serious face for the newcomers, but—council members! Actual council members wanted to join the guild! If Simon joined, Fairy Tail would have two council members—a first! Other guild masters would be green with envy. And maybe, just maybe, he'd have to write fewer incident reports.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he got, letting out a goofy chuckle and a creepy grin.
Roger and the others watched the Master's unabashed glee, sweatdropping in unison.
Mira gently nudged him. "Master, Simon's waiting for your answer."
"Huh? Oh!" Makarov snapped out of it, coughing to cover his embarrassment. "Ahem! Welcome to Fairy Tail! We're thrilled to have you!"
Millianna and Wally finally relaxed. Millianna jumped excitedly. "Yay! We're in the guild, meow!!"
"Let me take you to get your guild marks," Mira said with a warm smile. "I recommend the arm~" She led the excited trio to the bar.
As they left, Makarov suddenly remembered something and smacked his forehead. "Oh, right! While you were gone, we got more new members. One's a really sweet girl."
"New members?" Roger's mind flashed with two vague figures just as a shy girl in a blue dress with wavy, water-blue hair approached.
She stopped in front of them and spoke softly. "H-Hello, everyone. I'm Juvia, Juvia Lockser. Nice to meet you all."
"Whoa!" Gray stared, shocked. "You actually joined our guild?!"
Happy looked confused. "Gray, you know her?"
"Yeah," Gray said, scratching the back of his head. "She was one of Phantom Lord's Element Four—Water. We fought before, but I could tell she wasn't a bad person, so we talked a bit."
"Exactly!" Juvia nodded eagerly, her cheeks flushing as she looked at Gray with starry eyes. "Gray-sama told Juvia that her rain-making magic isn't bad—it's a powerful ability that can change the environment!"
"He said after Phantom Lord disbanded, I could join Fairy Tail, where I might learn to control my weather magic better."
She clasped her hands, her smile radiant. "So Juvia asked Master Makarov to let her join Fairy Tail!"
Lucy squinted at Gray with a sly look. "Gray-sama?"
Happy's eyes widened in realization. "No wonder you took so long fighting Jose, Gray. You were busy chatting."
"There's one more newbie," Makarov said, pointing to a lone figure sitting at a table nearby. "Why don't you say hi?"
Lucy followed his gaze, and her eyes widened. "That guy— isn't he the Iron Dragon who attacked us?!"
Gray shouted, indignant. "Hey, old man! That guy trashed our guild! Why'd you let him join?!"
"W-Well," Juvia waved her hands nervously. "Juvia recommended him. After Phantom Lord broke up, Gajeel was all alone, and Juvia was worried about him, so…"
Afraid Gray would misunderstand, she quickly added, "B-But it's not because Juvia likes him or anything!!"
"Now, now," Makarov said, hands behind his back, squinting. "Let the past stay in the past."
"The guild's bigger and sturdier now, isn't it? Besides, his heart's not bad."
"It's our job as the older generation to guide youngsters onto the right path."
"Exactly!" Natsu laughed, charging over and slapping Gajeel's back so hard he nearly choked. "This guy couldn't even beat Levy or Lucy. If he tries anything funny, I'll take him down easy!"
Lucy, Levy, & Gajeel: "HUH?!"
"Natsu/Fire Dragon! What's that supposed to mean?!"
Natsu leaned back casually, hands behind his head. "Just sayin' he's weak. No need to worry."
"You fire-breathing jerk!" Gajeel's veins bulged, his anger flaring. "I'll show you what this 'weak guy' can do to flatten you!"
Roaring, he raised his right fist, his arm instantly covered in black iron scales. A dark green magic circle appeared in front of it.
Iron Dragon's Steel Fist!
Natsu grinned at the incoming iron fist, his own hand igniting with dark red flames as he swung back.
Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!
The fists collided with a heavy thud.
Gajeel's eyes widened as a searing force hit him. The iron scales on his fist shattered instantly, and he flew backward, crashing toward the guild wall.
Just before impact, a pale blue magic circle appeared on the wall, bouncing him back to the ground in a heap.
Gajeel stood, clutching his throbbing arm, staring at the smug red-haired figure in disbelief. "Damn it! My scales broke in one hit?! How's he so strong?!"
"Wahaha! I'm the strongest!" Natsu crowed, hands on his hips, laughing loudly.
Lucy gaped at the wall, which was back to normal. "Did… did I just see a magic circle on the wall?!"
"I'm not imagining that, right?!"
"Nope," Makarov said proudly, stroking his mustache. "That's the high-grade material I paid a fortune for, complete with powerful defensive magic."
"Now our daily brawls won't wreck the guild."
"Really?" Natsu raised his fist eagerly. "Let me test it!"
"Idiot!" Makarov's mustache bristled. "The magic circle is for defense, not for you to play with! Repairs are expensive!"
Levy's eyes glinted mischievously. Her hand glowed as she rapidly wrote in the air.
Solid Script: Carriage!
A small cart made of letters appeared, smacking Natsu behind the knees. He stumbled, plopping into the cart with a thud. As it rolled forward, he wilted like a deflated balloon, dry-heaving.
"Who ambushed me—urgh!" Natsu groaned.
Levy smirked, hands on her hips. "That's what you get for underestimating Solid Script, Natsu. You've got a lot to learn."
"Wanna fight?!" Elfman charged over, muscles bulging. "Natsu! Be a man and get up!"
"Urgh… shut up…" Natsu mumbled weakly.
"Tch," Gray scoffed, closing his eyes with a smug shake of his head. "Typical flame-brain, taken out in one hit."
Smack! A wooden chair hit Gray square in the face.
His mouth twitched, a vein popping on his forehead. His clothes vanished, and he roared, charging into the fray. "You two idiots want a fight?!"
Lucy sighed. "Yup, there it goes again."
Chairs and tables flew as more people joined the brawl.
Wally watched the chaos, three question marks over his head. "How'd things get like this?"
Millianna, clutching Happy tightly, shouted excitedly, "So much energy!!"
Happy blinked. "Huh? How'd I end up here? Wasn't I eating fish a second ago?"
Makarov, far from stopping the chaos, jumped onto the bar, raising his mug and bellowing, "To celebrate our new members and the new guild—let's party!!"
"WOOO!!" The guild erupted in deafening cheers.
Erza, holding a uniquely decorated cake, rushed to Roger. "Roger! Look at the cake I just made! Isn't it gorgeous?"
Happy, freshly escaped from Millianna's grip, grinned mischievously and shouted, "Erza! Lucy was saying your cake looks like a monster!"
Erza's smile turned menacing as she glared at Lucy. "Oh? Is that so~?"
Lucy flailed in panic. "I didn't say that! I swear! Don't make stuff up!!"
"Erza, listen, that dumb cat's framing me!"
Mira chimed in with a teasing smile. "Oh my~ Lucy's so bold, telling it like it is~"
"I didn't say anything!!" Lucy wailed. "Happy, get back here and clear this up!"
Happy flew off. "Meow~" (playing dumb)
Lucy fumed. "Don't pull the cute cat act now, you jerk!!"
Seeing Millianna searching nearby, Lucy grabbed Happy and shouted, "Millianna! He's over here!"
Millianna's eyes sparkled as she ran over. "Found you! Kitty, come let me cuddle you!"
Happy squirmed in terror. "Lucy, you traitor!! Let me go, or my beautiful fur's gonna get rubbed bald!!"
"Hehe," Lucy smirked, holding him tight. "That's what you get~!"
The sounds of clinking glasses, laughter, bickering, and someone's spontaneous singing filled the guild, echoing through the lively chaos.
--