Two weeks had passed since the great battle between the two major guilds of Fiore. At last, the Magic Council had reached its final verdict on the conflict.
Inside the Council chamber, Kael stood beside Makarov, both present to hear the results. Thanks to the solid evidence Kael had provided — proof that Jose Porla, master of Phantom Lord, had deliberately provoked the war and conspired with dark guilds — the outcome was already clear.
This was not a trial, but rather a routine meeting of the Ten Wizard Saints and the Council members to formally announce their findings.
The official notice was read aloud:
"1. Jose Porla is hereby stripped of his title as one of the Ten Wizard Saints. The guild Phantom Lord is officially dissolved."
"2. Fairy Tail is declared innocent of all charges."
"3. All damages are to be compensated using the remaining assets of Phantom Lord."
When the meeting concluded, Kael and Makarov made their way toward the Council's main gate. Before they could leave, they were stopped by Yajima, one of the Council members — and one of Makarov's oldest, most trusted friends.
Kael nodded respectfully to the elder mage, then quietly stepped aside, giving space for the two old men to speak privately.
"Yaji, I owe you one," Makarov said sincerely. "You spoke up for Fairy Tail in there more than once. Once the guild's rebuilt, I'll treat you to a proper visit — you'll see."
"Hah. There's no need for that between us, old friend," Yajima chuckled softly.
"Oh, come on. When you visit, I'll buy you ramen — with twelve whole slices of char siu pork! How's that for luxury?"
Makarov grinned widely. It was his way of showing gratitude — a friendly promise between comrades who had seen much together.
"Sounds extravagant enough," Yajima smiled. "But, Makarov… don't go getting reckless again."
"Eh?"
"We're not young anymore. You haven't forgotten Rob, have you?"
Makarov's smile faded into nostalgia. "Yeah… Rob. Back then…"
"You, me, Porlyusica, Rob — we were wild in those days," Yajima said wistfully. "Crazy, but happy."
Makarov nodded slowly. "Yeah… happy."
For a moment, both men were silent, lost in their memories. Then Yajima's tone turned serious again.
"There's been a lot of talk lately — some people in the Council want Fairy Tail disbanded altogether. Makarov, it's time you considered stepping down. The next generation is ready to take your place, isn't it?"
Makarov fell silent, thoughtful. His gaze drifted toward Kael, waiting for him in the distance, and then he pictured others — Laxus, lounging around the half-rebuilt guild; Gildarts, still away on a distant mission; Erza, carrying the spirit of the future.
He sighed quietly. Maybe I really am getting old…
A Guild Reborn
Thanks to everyone's tireless effort, Fairy Tail's new hall was finally taking shape. The streets of Magnolia were nearly repaired, and townspeople had begun to return home.
A temporary stand had been set up for job postings so the guild's missions could resume as usual.
"Laxus! Fight me!"
Since Laxus had returned, Natsu hadn't stopped pestering him for a duel. But Laxus always refused, coming up with one excuse after another — until Natsu finally lost his temper and attacked outright.
The whole area erupted in chaos. Every single time, though, Laxus floored him with a single punch. Natsu had yet to win once.
Still, Laxus always ended up laughing afterward — clearly enjoying every second of it.
Lucy sat at the makeshift bar counter, watching the two bicker and fight. She sighed, exasperated yet amused.
"Lucy, Natsu, Gray, Happy!" Erza called as she strode into the temporary guild grounds, her voice commanding as always. "Let's form a team and take a mission together!"
And so, Fairy Tail's strongest team was officially born that day.
Lucy was overjoyed to be part of it — though she didn't yet realize that her new teammates were also the guild's three biggest destroyers. If they came back from a mission without owing repair money, it would be a miracle.
Watching from nearby, Kael smiled warmly and used his magic to capture the moment — a memory to keep forever.
He even took a shot of Natsu sprawled face-first on the ground, completely KO'd, and stored it proudly in his photo collection.
Nightfall Over Magnolia
By evening, the rebuilt guild glowed beneath the moonlight.
Makarov sat atop a half-finished wall, drinking sake quietly. Yajima's words from earlier echoed in his mind. Step down… let the next generation lead.
He thought of Kael, Laxus, and Erza — the three who stood out most. Others, like Mystogan, were too aloof; Gildarts was rarely around; Ur had already said she would retire with Ultear once her duties were done; and Mirajane had long lost interest in leadership.
Each had strengths — but also flaws that made the decision difficult.
Later that night, when Erza and her team returned from their mission, the amount of collateral damage they caused nearly made Makarov faint. Watching the bill pile up, he sighed heavily and made a decision in silence:
I will never let any of the chronic destroyers become guild master.
Under the Moonlight — Kael and Loke
Meanwhile, Kael had followed Loke up the hill behind the guild. Loke clutched his chest, trembling from the pain that wracked his body. Below them, laughter from the guild echoed faintly in the night.
A sorrowful smile tugged at Loke's lips. "I don't want to leave them… but maybe this way, I can atone for my sins."
Kael broke the silence. "If you don't want to leave, then stay. You're not just Loke, are you? You're Leo, the Celestial Spirit of the Lion."
Loke's eyes widened in disbelief. "Kael… how do you know that?"
"Sorry, Loke. I've known for a while. I should've helped sooner." Kael's voice carried deep regret.
He had intended to resolve Loke's situation right after returning from Galuna Island — but hadn't expected it to worsen this much.
Loke's face twisted with emotion. Covering his face with both hands, he shook his head as tears streamed through his fingers.
"I'm a sinner… It's my fault Karen died. My fault! I deserve this punishment!"
He dropped to his knees, choking back sobs as he told Kael everything — the story of Karen and his guilt. Kael stayed beside him silently, listening with patience and compassion.
Finally, Loke whispered hoarsely, "There's no way around it. It's the Celestial Spirit King's rule. I'll accept my fate."
He wasn't afraid of death — only heartbroken to leave Fairy Tail and the friends he cherished.
Kael knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This isn't your fault, Loke. And the one who can save you… is in the guild. A Celestial Spirit Mage — Lucy."
Kael's palm glowed faintly as he channeled holy light magic into Loke's body.
The energy surged through Loke like water through a cracked vessel — it couldn't stay, but it eased the pain for a moment. The radiance of Kael's magic stabilized him, if only a little, buying precious time.
"Your story… I'll tell everyone," Kael said softly. "Like the Master says — one person's pain is the pain of the whole guild. We're family, Loke. Don't ever forget that."
Loke's tears glistened in the moonlight as he watched Kael walk away, his voice echoing in his mind like a promise.