At the entrance of the Fairy Tail Guild in Magnolia, Erza, Kagura, Simon, and Rob all stood still, gazing up at the massive banner and the sign reading FAIRY TAIL.
Erza and the other two were stunned, their expressions mixed with awe and a trace of unease, while Rob had clearly fallen into nostalgia.
After handing over the rescued victims to the nearest branch of the Magic Council and explaining everything that had happened, Arlen left the aftermath in their care. While the higher-ups of the Council could be somewhat rigid, they were still reliable when it came to handling such matters, so Arlen felt at ease.
As for the children, Arlen gave each of them a slip of paper with the address of an orphanage—the very one he had previously helped—which was now funded by the Viviamilio family.
Once everything was settled, Arlen set out for Magnolia together with Ultear, Erza, and the others.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail." Cana stood at the guild's entrance, smiling as she extended a hand toward Erza, Kagura, and Simon.
"Ah—yes… excuse us," the three replied stiffly in unison.
"Hehe, relax," Ultear said gently, taking Erza and Kagura's hands. "Everyone here is really easy to get along with. The Guild Master is kind too, so there's nothing to worry about."
Even so, how could they not be nervous? Alongside their excitement at joining Fairy Tail was a deep fear—what if they were rejected?
"Ah… it's been so long since I've returned to Fairy Tail. I really do miss the old days," Rob said with a smile, hands clasped behind his back.
"Let's go in," Arlen said as he pushed the doors open.
"We're back!" Cana shouted.
"Oh, Arlen, Ultear, Cana—you're back!"
"How was the journey? Everything okay?"
"Welcome home!"
"Hey, three new kids? Are they joining the guild?"
"Huh? There's an old man too… looks kind of familiar."
The guild erupted into chatter as members greeted them warmly, questions flying from every direction. It was noisy—chaotic, even—but every single smile was genuine.
Meanwhile, Cana and Ultear were quickly surrounded by Macao and the others. Cana had already climbed onto a table, animatedly gesturing as she spoke.
Erza, Kagura, and Simon stayed close behind Arlen, nervous but unable to stop their curious eyes from wandering around.
"So this is the guild Brother Arlen belongs to… it's so lively," Kagura whispered.
"Yeah… and everyone seems really nice," Simon added.
Erza said nothing, but her gaze moved between Arlen and the guild members, her eyes shining.
Arlen led them to the bar, where Makarov sat cross-legged, holding a cup.
"You're back," Makarov said, his eyes full of concern. "Seeing you all return safely puts me at ease."
"Sorry to worry you, Master," Arlen replied. "But this time, I've brought back an old friend of yours."
He stepped aside, revealing Rob.
"Y-you… you're Rob?!" Makarov leapt to his feet, disbelief written all over his face.
"Long time no see, Little Ma. You haven't changed at all," Rob said with a warm smile.
"It really is you! Where have you been all these years? Why didn't we hear anything from you? And how did you come back with Arlen?" Makarov fired off questions like a barrage, completely abandoning his usual composure.
"Alright, alright," Rob chuckled, waving his hand. "I'll tell you everything later. There are more important matters right now."
He stepped aside, revealing the somewhat nervous Erza, Kagura, and Simon.
"Oh? You three… you want to join the guild?" Makarov asked kindly.
"Yes! Please let us join!" Erza said, clenching her fists with determination.
"Please," Simon added, bowing his head.
Kagura clutched Simon's sleeve nervously, but her eyes remained firm.
"Master, they're from Rosemary Village," Arlen explained. "I sensed magic within them, so I took the liberty of bringing them here."
Makarov nodded, sensing their magic. His gaze lingered on Erza—within her slept an immense power, even greater than Ultear, Laxus, or Cana. Kagura came next, then Simon.
Though his expression remained calm, Makarov was practically overjoyed inside.
"Well then," he said with a smile, "since Arlen recommended you, I welcome you to the Fairy Tail family."
"Brats! To celebrate our comrades' return and the arrival of new members—let's throw a party! Drink, laugh, and enjoy yourselves!"
"OOOH!!!"
"Party time!!!"
Cheers erupted across the guild. For Fairy Tail, nothing was more fitting than a celebration—though, to be fair, every day here felt like one.
The tension in Erza and the others slowly melted away amid the laughter and joy.
"Come here," Arlen said, holding the guild stamp. "One last step—your guild mark. Tell me the color and where you want it."
"Blue… on my left arm," Erza said after a moment.
"Black, also left arm," Kagura added.
"I'll take black too—on my chest," Simon said, tapping it.
"No problem."
Arlen adjusted the stamp and marked each of them in turn.
"There. From now on, you're officially members of Fairy Tail. Go on—join the celebration."
"Come on, Erza, Kagura, Simon! Let's go get desserts!" Cana called, pulling Ultear along.
"Me too?" Simon asked, confused.
"Of course! Unless you want to go drink with the adults? Kids aren't supposed to drink… though, technically, maybe you could," Cana said thoughtfully.
Watching them leave in a lively group, Arlen smiled faintly. With Cana and Ultear around, Erza and the others would fit in quickly—after all, Fairy Tail was that kind of place.
"Here, have a drink. You were gone quite a while," Macao said, handing Arlen a cup.
Arlen eyed him suspiciously, then glanced at the cup with clear distrust.
"You bastard, it's juice! Juice!" Macao snapped, feeling wronged.
"Hahaha! That's what you get for swapping his juice with alcohol last time," Wakaba chimed in, laughing.
"The hell did you say?! You were in on it too!" Macao shot back angrily.
"Alright, alright—cheers," Arlen said, clinking cups with them. "You two really start arguing at the drop of a hat."
That was just how they were—partners who bickered, fought, and laughed together. In Fairy Tail, it was all part of the bond.