"You, a Fairy Tail wizard?" Natsu growled, glaring down at the so-called Salamander.
The man pushed himself back to his feet, a smirk twisting across his face. "And what if I am? Get them, boys!" he barked, snapping his fingers.
"Right!" his crew shouted, charging forward.
"Take a good look at our faces," Kari said calmly. She and Natsu tossed off their cloaks, revealing lean, battle-toned bodies. Both carried the confident fire of true Fairy Tail wizards.
With a single strike each, they sent waves of goons flying across the deck. When the dust settled, the two stood side by side, glaring down at the imposter.
"We are Natsu Dragneel and Son Kari of Fairy Tail!" they declared in unison, proudly flashing their guild marks. "And we've never seen you before!"
Natsu cracked his knuckles, fire flaring around his fists. "Now, it's time to finish this! We've taken down all your lackeys—now it's your turn, faker!"
"Dragon Slayer Magic!" Natsu inhaled deeply, heat radiating from his lungs.
Kari stepped forward, cupping her hands together as a bright blue glow formed between them. "Ka… me…"
The imposter's confident grin faltered. "Wait—what are you—?"
"Fire Dragon's—ROAR!!"
"—HA!!!"
A blinding blast of red flames and blue ki shot forward, colliding with explosive force. The Salamander was hurled off the cruiser and into the ocean below, his screams fading into the night.
As the smoke cleared, Natsu and Kari stood triumphantly, grinning at each other before slapping a victorious high-five.
"Guess this wasn't such a bust after all!" Kari said proudly.
"Aye!" Natsu laughed.
"That was amazing!" Happy cheered, gently lowering Lucy beside them.
"Wow…" Lucy's eyes sparkled in awe. "You two are incredible."
Kari smiled, brushing her bangs back. "We should get out of here before the Magic Council shows up."
"Right as always!" Natsu agreed, already glancing toward the horizon.
Lucy looked down, her expression softening. "It was really nice meeting all of you… but I guess this is goodbye." She turned to leave, only for Kari to catch her wrist.
"Hey—didn't you say you wanted to join Fairy Tail?" Kari asked with a warm smile.
"Well, yes, but—"
"Then come with us!" Kari said brightly. "Fairy Tail's not just a guild—it's family. And we always have room for one more."
Lucy blinked, surprised. "You… you mean it?"
"Of course we do!" Kari grinned.
"Yeah!" Natsu added enthusiastically. "Everyone will love having you with us!"
Lucy smiled, tears threatening to spill. "Then… I'll come."
"Good!" Kari said cheerfully, then pointed behind Lucy. "Because we really need to go right now."
Lucy turned and saw a squad of Magic Council soldiers running their way. "R-right!"
"FLYING NIMBUS!!" Kari shouted, raising her hand.
From the night sky, a golden cloud swooped down. The group jumped aboard—Lucy clutching Happy tightly as the Nimbus shot into the sky, leaving Hargeon far below.
{Meanwhile — Planet Frieza 419}
Far across the galaxy, on a desolate world under the rule of the tyrant Frieza, a lone Saiyan warrior stepped from his landing pod.
His name was Turles, one of the few Saiyans who had survived the destruction of Planet Vegeta seventeen years ago. As a child, he'd been off-world with Raditz, Prince Vegeta, and Nappa during the planet's annihilation.
Now, as an adult, vengeance burned in his heart.
He gazed into the dark alien sky, fists tightening at his sides. "Raditz should be with her by now…" he muttered. "Our little sister—the one they sent to some weak, backwater planet called Earth."
He smirked, his tail curling behind him. "Once she's found, we'll rebuild our legacy… and destroy Frieza."