Fairy Tail – Magnolia Town
"Isn't that the guy who tried to destroy our guild?"
"How could they let him join?"
"Huh?" Gajeel scowled impatiently at Erza and the others. But when his gaze fell on Kana, his previously arrogant expression softened slightly, and he muttered under his breath, turning his head away.
"Well, it's fine. As the saying goes, 'no fight, no friendship.' Turn enemies into allies." The Guild Master's calm voice from behind encouraged everyone to relax.
BANG!
"I don't want to work with this guy! That guy… back then…"
Natsu shot over to Gajeel and slammed his fist onto the table.
"Relax. I'm not trying to get along with you guys either—it's just work. But seeing you is… annoying enough!"
"What did you just say?"
"Hmph~ Try me!"
Gajeel stood his ground, firing back at Natsu. He hadn't forgotten that day when Natsu had swung him back and forth above the guild, making him vomit.
"All right, all right, Gajeel, enough." Juvia hurried over, sensing the tension, trying to mediate.
"Natsu, calm down. The Master already said so!"
Kael held Natsu back, preventing the inevitable explosion.
"Hmph~"
Both boys, seeing Juvia and Kael step in, glared at each other but eventually turned away, grumbling.
"Hey, what's going on? Did the power just go out?"
Suddenly, click, and the guild went dark.
A spotlight illuminated the stage. Mira in her cream-colored dress and the twin sisters, Lisanna and Lisara, held their instruments, smiling at the audience.
"Yo~ Mira, Lisanna, Lisara! I'm back!" Natsu's scowl instantly melted into a broad grin as he waved to them.
"Welcome back!"
"To celebrate Natsu's return and the completion of the new guild, we'll perform a song for everyone," Mira said gently, looking at Natsu and the others. The twin Lisannas waved happily to the crowd.
Kael held Kana's hand as they found a table to sit at. Glancing up, he noticed Laxus leaning on the second-floor railing, eyes full of anticipation.
Kael smiled, watching how well Lisanna had blended in with the others and how Mira's happiness reflected the changes he had helped create.
"Can't wait for your performance, Mira, Lisanna, Lisara."
"Yay!"
"This is amazing! I'm so happy for you, sisters! Now that's what I call being a man!" Elfman shouted from below, covering his face as he cried tears of joy.
The guild erupted in cheers for the three performers.
During their beautiful performance, Erza, Kael, and the others were completely absorbed in the music, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
Behind them, Master Makarov exhaled softly. "You've finally returned safely. Thank goodness."
"You also have…"
"You have a place to belong…"
"And someone waiting for you…"
As Mira and the twins finished their song, the guild echoed with applause and praise.
"Oh, nice!"
"Awesome! Who's next?" Makarov shouted excitedly, ignoring his son's disdainful glare.
The lights went out again. When they came back on, the crowd froze, unable to look away from the stage.
"What?!" Natsu jumped to his feet, disgusted and shocked at the sight of Gajeel.
"This is my original composition—'BEST FRIEND.' Listen up!"
"Who wants to hear this, jerk?"
"Why is he in a full suit?!"
Gajeel ignored the crowd's scowls, fully immersed in his song, fingers flying across the guitar.
"Pretty impressive."
"Go for it, Mr. Gajeel!"
His performance drew cheers from Makarov, Elfman, and other male members, though a few threw trash at the stage in frustration. The guild split into two camps, creating a chaotic but lively scene. Kael watched from the side, feeling strangely warm watching it all.
Sensing Laxus stepping outside, Kael whispered to Kana, and they quietly left the guild. Outside, they found Laxus leaning against a tree, gazing at the sun high above.
"Yo, Laxus. Long time no see. What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing, just getting some fresh air."
"Still worried about the guild? Don't worry. We've got your back—everything will be fine!"
"Hmm~"
"You've changed a lot, Laxus."
"Something going on? Want to tell me secretly?"
Kael leaned closer to Laxus' ear, whispering something that made him blush.
"No… don't be ridiculous. Let's talk later." With that, Laxus vanished like lightning.
Just then, a massive commotion erupted from the guild.
BANG~ RUMBLE~
"What the—"
"Looking for a fight, huh?!"
"My strawberry cake…"
"Real men don't cause trouble here!" Elfman stomped on the dropped cake, triggering Erza's fury.
"Enough!" Erza kicked Elfman flying out of the guild.
"Damn it, someone stop him!"
Kael sighed as he watched Elfman disappear, then dashed inside the guild. After a brilliant flash of magic, the guild finally fell silent.
"Seriously, this is too much. It's a brand-new guild!"
"Kael really takes things seriously, huh?"
"Exactly!"