Morning sunlight spilled through the stained-glass windows of the Fairy Tail guildhall, scattering patches of gold and red across the floorboards. The air hummed with its usual chaos: laughter, brawls, the crash of furniture, and Mirajane's cheerful scolding somewhere behind the counter.
After the events of Erza's arrest passed, the guild had returned to its natural state — a perfect storm of noise and warmth that somehow felt like home.
At one of the corner tables, Erza sat across from Master Makarov, a steaming cup of tea placed between them. In front of her, on a small porcelain plate, rested a perfectly sliced strawberry cake — her favorite, the soft pink cream glistening under the morning light.
Her armor caught the sun in faint gleams, while Makarov, hands folded on the table, rocked slightly in his chair with the calm of a grandfather completely used to chaos surrounding him.
"So," Makarov said, eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "the Council still doesn't know much about this 'Shadow Garden,' hm?"
Erza shook her head, calm and direct. "No. Even the councilors seemed puzzled. The one who spoke to me the most about them was Ultear Milkovich herself."
Makarov's brows rose, surprise flashing across his features. "Ultear, you say? Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while."
He reached for his tea cup, lifting it with both hands the way he always did when something serious caught his interest. "That woman's a prodigy. The most talented mage I've ever seen — and I've met plenty."
At the next table, a young voice piped up.
"Wait—Ultear? You mean the Ultear Milkovich?"
Levy McGarden had spun around in her seat, eyes sparkling behind her glasses. The little pile of books beside her wobbled dangerously.
"Master, is it true she actually mastered the legendary Time Arc magic?" she asked, half-whispering, half-squealing.
Makarov nodded sagely. "Yes. I've never seen it myself, but that's what they say. If anyone could control time, it'd be her."
Erza exhaled softly, her expression thoughtful. "When I met her at the Council, I could feel it. That power — it wasn't just strength. It was depth. Standing near her… I felt small."
The old man gave a gentle laugh. "And that's saying something, coming from Titania Erza Scarlet. But you're right. Ultear's far stronger than you — for now, at least. And even stronger than me."
The guild fell quiet for half a heartbeat. Then—
"EH?! Who's stronger than you, Gramps?!"
Natsu's voice cut through the air like a firecracker as he burst into the conversation, flames practically flickering in his hair.
Makarov winced. "For the love of—don't yell in my ear, Natsu!"
"Tell me, tell me!" Natsu pressed, slamming both hands on the table.
Erza folded her arms. "Her name is Ultear Milkovich — a member of the Magic Council. She's incredibly powerful."
Before Natsu could reply, another voice joined in — one filled with a mix of awe and giddy excitement.
Lucy Heartfilia had followed right behind him, eyes wide and sparkling. "Wait, you met Ultear? THE Ultear? The Ultear Milkovich?!"
Erza blinked, startled by the sudden enthusiasm. "…Yes?"
Lucy clutched her cheeks, nearly trembling. "Oh my gosh! She's my idol! Strong, confident, beautiful and smart — and rich! She even founded the biggest company on the continent with her best friend! Even my somewhat rich father talks about her!"
The room went silent at that last sentence.
Natsu blinked. "Wait—your rich father?"
Lucy froze. "Eep!" She waved her hands nervously, sweat forming on her forehead. "I-I mean—uh, my father's just a small businessman! He just… uh… admires her work ethic! Yeah, that's it!"
Droy smirked from across the room. "Smooth save, princess."
"Shut up!" Lucy snapped, turning scarlet.
Happy fluttered past her head, giggling. "Aye, Lucy likes rich people!"
"Do you want to die, Happy?!"
Laughter rippled through the guild again, the tension melting into their usual, noisy warmth. Even Makarov chuckled, shaking his head. "You lot never change."
Though the guild appeared cheerful, at that moment, Gray was far from that. His expression shifted the moment Ultear's name surfaced. His shoulders stiffened, and for an instant the lively noise of the guild seemed to fade around him.
Ultear… Ur's daughter. The thought pressed down on him like fresh snow — cold, heavy, quiet.
If only Ur knew she wasn't dead…
His jaw tightened. He stared into his drink, watching the liquid ripple slightly from his grip.
I don't know what really happened back then… I never had the chance to meet her. A bitter exhale escaped him.
But would she even want to talk to me? After what I did to her mother…?
His mood darkened, the familiar guilt curling around his chest — a shadow he never fully managed to shake. For a moment, he looked smaller, isolated even in the warmth and noise of the guild hall.
Then he pulled himself together, crossing his arms with a stubborn sigh.
Whatever happens… I'll face it when the time comes.
--
Meanwhile, at a distant corner table, away from the commotion, Cid quietly set down his teacup.
Unlike the others, he didn't join the laughter. He sat alone, legs crossed, a newspaper held mobishly in one hand. His eyes moved slowly over the text, though his attention was elsewhere.
So, Ultear's become quite the figure now…
He folded the newspaper slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
You've grown up well, Alpha. Truly. Councilor of the biggest organisation in the light, master of time magic, and the co-founder of a world-renowned enterprise. And your 'best friend'… that must be Gamma, of course. Only she could turn a business venture into a global empire.
He took another calm sip of tea, the faintest gleam of amusement in his eyes.
You've both played your parts well, playing in the shadows with me while still being that busy. I suppose I should be proud of having friends like you.
He set the cup down with a quiet click, folded his newspaper neatly, and rose from his chair.
As he passed the guild's main floor, laughter still echoed. Cid paused at the doorway for just a moment, the sunlight catching on his calm expression.
Yes… this is the perfect mob environment. Exactly what I needed.
He stepped outside, the door swinging shut behind him with a soft creak.
The warmth of Magnolia greeted him — the chatter of merchants, the clatter of hooves, the hum of magic in the air.
He tucked the newspaper under his arm and smiled faintly to himself.
But still… the world moves quickly. Perhaps it's time for the mob to take a little walk into the shadows again.
And with that quiet thought, he disappeared into the sunlight-drenched street, leaving behind nothing but the faintest ripple of presence — like a shadow that never lingered long enough to be noticed.
--
Author's note : As some of you may know, I'm quite sick recently (got some heavy GERD due to a hiatal hernia). So it was a bit complicated to write. I've made some adjustments to my lifestyle, so it's becoming better and better. And so, I'm back my brosisreaders ! (Too many so in my sentences, but whatever)