I watched as everyone cradled their eggs, inspecting the patterns and colors with a mix of curiosity and excitement.
The eggs weren't the only surprise I had brought back from the Pokémon world, though.
"NIMO," I called quietly, "Is everything in place?"
"All installations are complete, sir," NIMO confirmed. "The Pokémon Center healing station has been integrated into the guild's infirmary. The food dispensing system is operational in the main hall. And the Poké Mart vending machines have been placed in the designated locations throughout the building."
"That's good."
I cleared my throat loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Hey, listen up! The eggs are just the beginning. You'll need to care for the Pokémon that hatch from them, and that requires special equipment."
I snapped my fingers, and throughout the guild hall, a row of healing pods similar to those found in Pokémon Centers materialized, their domed tops gleaming under the guild lights. Near the bar, a sophisticated food dispenser appeared, loaded with specialized Pokémon food for different types. And scattered throughout the hall, several vending machines blinked to life, displaying Poké Balls, potions, status healers, and other necessities.
The guild erupted in gasps and excited chatter.
"What the hell?"
"When did you install all this?"
"While you were all distracted by the battles," I explained, unable to keep the smug grin off my face. "Consider it my homecoming gift to Fairy Tail."
"These machines," Makarov said, eyeing the equipment with a mixture of interest and concern. "What exactly do they do?"
I walked over to the healing station, patting one of the domed machines. "This is basically a Pokémon hospital. When your Pokémon gets injured or exhausted, you place their Poké Ball on this pad, and the machine restores them to full health in seconds."
I moved to the food dispenser next. "This produces specialized food for different Pokémon types. Fire-types need more spicy components, Water-types need more moisture, and so on. The machine analyzes your Pokémon and creates the perfect nutritional mix."
Finally, I gestured to the vending machines. "And these provide everything else you'll need—capture devices, medicines, training aids, grooming tools. Everything's free, by the way. I've programmed them to dispense items on request to any Fairy Tail member."
"Man, you really thought of everything," Gildarts said, examining one of the vending machines.
"It's basic Pokémon Trainer necessities. You'll need it once those eggs hatch."
Why do things halfway? If Fairy Tail was going to raise Pokémon, they deserved the best setup possible.
Just as I finished explaining things, the guild doors swung open with a bang, causing everyone to turn.
"We're back!" a young, cheerful voice called out. "Sorry we're late, the mission took longer than—"
The voice cut off abruptly as a young girl with short white hair froze in the doorway, her blue eyes widening at the sight of Rayna, my Tyranitar, who was standing near the entrance. Behind her were two older teens, a tall, muscular young man with spiky white hair, and a girl with long white hair styled in a gothic fashion, complete with a dark dress and intimidating scowl.
The Strauss siblings.
They'd joined Fairy Tail during my absence.
"Lisanna, Elfman, Mirajane," Makarov called out, gesturing them forward. "Come meet Aiden. He's just returned from a long journey."
The youngest, Lisanna, recovered first, her initial fear giving way to curiosity as she approached cautiously. "What kind of animal is that?" she asked, pointing at Rayna.
"Not an animal," I explained, stepping forward to introduce myself. "She is a Pokemon."
"Pokemon?"
"They are creatures from another world." Lissanna widened her eyes with wonder.
Returning to my bag, I pulled out three more eggs: a white one with pink accents for Lisanna, a gray one with red markings for Elfman, and a deep purple one with white zigzag patterns for Mirajane.
"Here," I said, handing them out. "When they hatch, you'll each have a partner from the Pokémon world."
Lisanna accepted hers with barely contained excitement, while Elfman took his carefully, as if afraid his strength might damage it. Mirajane, though, hesitated before taking hers.
"Well then," Makarov said, clapping his hands together. "I believe we've had enough excitement for one day. Everyone, take your eggs home and care for them well. Tomorrow, Aiden and I have matters to discuss, but for tonight, let's celebrate his return properly!"
The guild cheered, and soon the usual Fairy Tail chaos resumed—drinking, fighting, laughing. I found myself surrounded by guild members peppering me with questions about the Pokémon world, which I answered as patiently as I could.
Throughout the evening, the guild celebrated in typical Fairy Tail fashion. I found myself surrounded by guild members peppering me with questions about the Pokémon world, which I answered as patiently as I could.
The Strauss siblings had integrated into the party in their own ways. Lisanna was already showing her egg to Happy, while Elfman was engaged in conversation with Gray about the proper way to care for their eggs. Mirajane kept to herself mostly, sitting at the bar with her egg carefully placed beside her.
As the celebration continued into the night, I found Makarov gesturing me toward his office. The old man had that look in his eyes, the one that meant serious business was about to be discussed. With a nod, I followed him, leaving my Pokémon to entertain the guild members.
The master's office was the same as I remembered it, cluttered with paperwork, most of it damage reports and complaints from the Magic Council. Makarov settled into his chair with a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of all his years.
"Sit, my boy," he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.
I complied, leaning back and crossing my arms.
He poured two glasses of what I recognized as his special sake—the one he only brought out for important conversations. Sliding one across the desk to me, he studied my face with those wise old eyes of his.
"How are you, Aiden?"
The question caught me slightly off guard. A simple, genuine inquiry about my wellbeing.
"I'm... better," I answered honestly, taking a sip of the sake
Makarov nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. "Good. The guild hasn't been the same without you."
"So I gathered from the welcome," I replied with a small smile. "Though I see you've added some new members in my absence."
He smiled.
We lapsed into comfortable silence for a moment, each sipping our sake and letting the familiar camaraderie settle between us. But I could sense there was more, something weighed heavily on the old man's mind.
"What is it, Master?" I prompted gently. "What's really troubling you?"
Makarov set down his glass, his expression growing grave. "We've received disturbing intelligence over the past few months. The Alvarez Empire is preparing for an invasion of Ishgar."
I straightened in my chair. The Alvarez Empire, the massive military nation to the west, ruled by an emperor whose identity remained a mystery to most. But not to me. I knew exactly who sat on that throne.
"Our sources indicate they're building up forces. War ships, enhanced magical weapons, recruitment of powerful mages from across their territories. All signs point to a major military operation in the planning stages."
"And their target?"
"Fairy Tail, specifically," Makarov said grimly.
"How soon?"
"Uncertain. Months, perhaps a year. Their movements suggest they're still in the preparation phase." Makarov looked at me intently. "I've been worried, Aiden. Even with all our strength, facing the full might of Alvarez..."
"You don't need to worry about that anymore," I interrupted, my voice firm with conviction. "I'm here now."
I wasn't being arrogant—just stating facts. The Alvarez Empire, as powerful as it might be, wasn't beyond my ability to handle.
Some of the tension eased from Makarov's shoulders.
Makarov swirled the remaining sake in his glass, seeming to contemplate his next words carefully. "There's something else I wanted to discuss with you, Aiden."
I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I want you to become the next Guild Master of Fairy Tail."
I opened my mouth to refuse immediately, it was the same offer he'd made before I left, and my answer hadn't changed. But Makarov held up a hand to stop me.
"Don't refuse straightaway. Hear me out first."
Reluctantly, I closed my mouth and nodded for him to continue.
"I'm not asking for a lifetime commitment," Makarov explained, his voice earnest. "Just a few years. Until the younger generation is ready to take on the responsibility. They have the potential, but they need more time to grow, to mature."
I leaned back in my chair, considering his words.
"I don't know, Master," I said honestly. "Leading was never my ambition. Fighting, exploring, those things I understand. But being responsible for an entire guild..."
"You already are, whether you accept the title or not," Makarov said gently. "The guild looks to you, Aiden. They trust your strength, your judgment. The title would merely formalize what already exists in practice."
"Can you give me some time to consider it."
Makarov nodded, seemingly satisfied with this compromise. "That's all I ask. Take the time you need."
He raised his glass. "To your return, regardless of your decision."
I clinked my glass against his. "To Fairy Tail."
As we drank, my mind was already racing through the implications. Guild Master, even temporarily... it wasn't a role I'd ever envisioned for myself, but perhaps it was worth considering.
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