Makarov's office was dimly lit. . A bottle of whiskey sat on the desk between two glasses, one half-empty, the other untouched.
Gildarts Clive leaned back in his chair, boots propped against the edge of Makarov's desk. He had just returned from a three-year mission—one that had taken him far beyond Fiore's borders, into lands most mages wouldn't dare to tread.
Makarov sat across from him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "So? What did you find?"
Gildarts exhaled, running a hand through his messy hair. "A lot. More than I wanted to."
Makarov remained silent, waiting.
Gildarts dropped his feet to the ground and leaned forward. "Alvarez is preparing for war."
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating.
Makarov's eyes narrowed. "How certain are you?"
"As certain as I can be without seeing their battle plans myself." Gildarts poured himself a drink, swirling the liquid before taking a slow sip. "They're stockpiling weapons, training soldiers, expanding their reach. At first, I thought it was just standard military buildup, but it's too much. Too deliberate." He set the glass down. "They're not just getting stronger, old man. They're getting ready."
Makarov leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping against the armrest. "How long do we have?"
Gildarts shook his head. "Could be months. Could be years. I don't know what they're waiting for, but it's not just posturing. When they move… it's going to be a nightmare."
Makarov's grip tightened slightly. War. A full-scale invasion from the most powerful empire in the world.
"And their emperor?" Makarov asked.
Gildarts frowned. "Didn't see him. Didn't even hear his name. It's like he's a ghost—no public appearances, no statements. The Spriggan Twelve run the show from what I could gather, and those bastards?" He let out a dry laugh. "They're on a whole different level."
Makarov crossed his arms, his gaze thoughtful. "Strange indeed… I've never even heard his name."
Gildarts nodded. "Neither had I. But if he's powerful enough to rule over that empire, he's not someone we can take lightly."
Silence settled over them for a moment, heavy with unspoken worries. Then Gildarts smirked, shifting the conversation.
"Enough about war. I want to talk about him."
Makarov raised a brow. "Aiden?"
Gildarts scoffed. "Who else?" He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. "When I left, I knew the kid was strong—no doubt about that. But I didn't think he was this strong. And back then, he was polite, y'know? Didn't throw his weight around, didn't try to stand out too much."
Makarov chuckled. "He's still polite. Just… less reserved."
Gildarts snorted. "That's one way to put it. Everywhere I went, people talked about him. Oberon, King of the Fairies. Some see him as a hero, others as a storm that rolls through and changes everything in his path." He shook his head, amused. "It's almost annoying."
Makarov grinned. "Jealous?"
Gildarts smirked. "Not in the slightest. Just impressed." He took a sip of his drink before setting it down. "But the kid's changed. He's not just some strong brat with good instincts anymore—he's got presence. People follow him. They believe in him."
Makarov nodded, pride evident in his expression. "He's grown into himself."
Gildarts exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Saw him with Cana. She sticks to him like a big brother." His smirk softened. "Hell, half the guild probably does."
Makarov smiled knowingly. "Aiden's family now. To all of us."
Gildarts studied him for a moment before leaning forward. "You trust him completely, don't you?"
Makarov didn't hesitate. "Of course. He's my child."
Gildarts leaned back, staring at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a slow breath. "Yeah… I can see that."
Makarov's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Gildarts. "Still… it makes me wonder."
Gildarts raised an eyebrow. "About?"
Makarov smirked. "Who would win? You, or Aiden?"
Gildarts was silent for a moment before he let out a booming laugh, slapping his knee. "Now that is a good question." He leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And there's only one way to find out."
Makarov chuckled. "You planning on challenging him?"
Gildarts grinned. "Oh, definitely. I'd be a fool not to. He's strong, no doubt about that. But I wanna see just how strong."
Makarov leaned back, watching him. "Just don't break the guild, will you?"
Gildarts laughed. "No promises."
—
The journey back had been smoother than expected—if you ignored the chaos of eight-year-olds discovering what turbulence felt like. But now, as Avalon descended toward Magnolia, the sight of Fairy Tail's grand hall came into view. The town stretched along the riverbanks, warm and inviting under the morning sun.
"Whoa…" Erza breathed, wide-eyed. Jellal, Simon, and the others pressed up against the windows, just as mesmerized. Even Kagura, who had spent most of the trip stuck to my side, was staring in awe.
"This is Fairy Tail?" Simon asked, barely blinking.
I grinned. "Yup. Get ready, kids. You're about to meet the loudest, rowdiest bunch of weirdos you'll ever call family."
The airship landed just outside the guildhall, steam hissing as the doors opened. The kids hesitated at the entrance, nerves kicking in now that we were actually here. Rob, standing beside me, placed a reassuring hand on Erza's shoulder. "Go on," he said gently. "This is your home now."
She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped forward. The others followed close behind.
And then, the doors to Fairy Tail slammed open.
"AIDEN'S BACK!"
I barely had time to react before a stampede of guild members rushed forward.
"OI, BRAT, TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH!"
"Did you bring souvenirs?!"
"How many buildings did you destroy this time?"
I spread my arms dramatically. "Ah, it's good to be loved."
Before anything else could happen, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor made everyone turn. Makarov had stood up from his usual spot, his expression serious but not unkind.
His eyes settled on Rob.
For a moment, the old mage was still, his grip tightening around his staff. Rob, equally silent, met his gaze.
No words were exchanged at first. But then, Makarov exhaled deeply, his expression softening.
"It's been a long time," he said. His voice, usually full of boisterous energy, was quieter now.
Rob smiled slightly. "Yes… it has."
"You damn fool," Makarov muttered. "We thought you were dead."
Rob chuckled weakly. "I almost was."
The silence stretched, but then Makarov walked forward and placed a firm hand on Rob's shoulder. "I'm glad you made it back."
A quiet understanding passed between them.
The guild remained still, watching the exchange. Even the rowdiest of members knew when to shut up and let a moment breathe.
Then, as if shaking off the weight of the years, Makarov turned to the group of kids standing by my side. He scanned them briefly before nodding to himself.
"Alright, listen up!" His voice carried through the hall, instantly commanding attention. "These kids are part of the guild now. Treat them like family."
A murmur ran through the room, but no one objected.
Erza stiffened. "Wait, just like that?"
Makarov smirked. "What, did you think we had some kind of initiation ritual?"
Sho raised a hand. "That would be cool, though."
Makarov rolled his eyes. "No, we do not throw new members into a pit and see who survives."
"…Shame," I muttered under my breath.
Alma shot me a look. "Please don't encourage them."
The guild erupted into cheers, and just like that, the kids were swept into the madness.
Sho and Wally got pulled into a game of cards, Millianna found a cat to cuddle, and Simon stood in awe at the sheer chaos of it all. Jellal, ever cautious, stayed close to Erza, who was quietly watching everything, taking it all in.
Rob let out a deep sigh beside me, this time one of relief. "They'll be safe here."
I nodded. "Yeah. They will."
"Aiden!"
I turned to see Alma behind the counter, arms crossed, an amused glint in her eyes. She arched a brow at the group behind me.
"Are you going to introduce me, or do I have to guess?"
I chuckled. "Right, right. Everyone, this is Alma. She runs the bar, keeps things in order, and—most importantly—she's my girlfriend."
Alma rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "And the only reason this place hasn't burned down because of you."
I grinned. "That too."
Alma turned her gaze to the kids, her sharp eyes assessing them with quiet curiosity. "So, who are they?"
I gestured to the group. "This is Erza, Jellal, Simon, Sho, Wally, Millianna, and the tiny one clinging to Simon is Kagura."
Alma leaned forward slightly, tapping her fingers against the counter. "So, you're the strays he picked up this time."
Jellal frowned. "We're not strays."
Alma smirked. "If Aiden dragged you here, you are. Welcome to Fairy Tail."
Kagura peeked up at her from behind Simon's sleeve, tilting her head. "Are you Aiden's wife?"
Alma stiffened slightly, while I just laughed.
"Not yet," I said, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "But don't worry, she's stuck with me either way."
Alma sighed, shaking her head. "Great. A whole new batch of troublemakers, and you're already corrupting them."
Simon, watching the exchange, simply muttered, "This place is… lively."
Alma snorted. "You have no idea."
Millianna, however, wasn't listening. Her eyes lit up as she scanned the room.
"This place is huge!" she gasped, spinning in a circle. "And loud!"
"That's Fairy Tail for you," I said.
Laxus stood at the back, arms crossed, looking as grumpy as ever. "Tch. You're loud as always."
Laxus shot me a flat look before scanning the room, his sharp eyes settling on the unfamiliar faces gathered near the bar. He exhaled through his nose, then made his way over, his boots thudding against the wooden floor.
The kids immediately stiffened at his approach. Sho narrowed his eyes, while Simon subtly shifted in front of Kagura, who peeked out from behind him. Jellal and Erza, though wary, held their ground.
Laxus pulled up a stool and sat down across from them, resting his forearms on the counter. He didn't speak right away, just observing them with his usual unreadable expression.
"You're the new kids," he finally said.
Jellal nodded. "Yes. My name is Jellal, and this is Erza, Simon, Sho, Wally, Millianna, and Kagura."
Laxus hummed. "Hmph. Guess Gramps really did take you guys in."
Sho frowned. "Why do you say it like that?"
Laxus raised a brow. "Like what?"
"Like we don't belong here."
Laxus scoffed. "I didn't say that. I just know how Gramps is. Picks up strays like it's a hobby."
From behind the bar, Alma smirked. "Sounds like someone else we know."
Laxus shot me a glare, but I just grinned. "She's got a point."
Millianna leaned forward, tilting her head. "Are you really the Master's grandson?"
"Yeah."
"But you don't look like him," she pointed out bluntly.
I chuckled. "That's a compliment, honestly."
He turned to the others. "You settling in okay?"
That surprised them. Jellal, who had been tense, relaxed slightly. "Yes… It's different, but not bad."
Laxus nodded. "Good." He glanced down at Kagura, who was staring up at him with big, curious eyes.
"You're tall," she observed.
Laxus huffed. "You're small."
Kagura pouted. "I'm four!"
"Exactly," Laxus said dryly.
A chuckle escaped me, and Alma smirked as she continued wiping down a mug. Cana, who had been watching from a nearby stool, giggled into her juice.
Kagura narrowed her eyes at him. "You're grumpy."
Laxus blinked, then exhaled through his nose. "I'm not grumpy."
"You are grumpy," she insisted.
The guild had gone quiet, everyone listening in on this exchange. Sho looked like he wanted to laugh, while Wally and Simon just watched in amusement.
Cana leaned in. "He's always grumpy," she whispered loudly, like it was some kind of secret.
Laxus groaned, rubbing his forehead. "I'm not grumpy."
Kagura crossed her arms. "You sound grumpy."
Alma grinned. "She's got you there."
I smirked. "You do have resting grump face."
Laxus gave me a flat look. "You're not helping."
I clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I'm always helping."
He sighed, then turned back to the kids. "Anyway, if anyone gives you trouble, let me know."
Erza blinked. "You'd help us?"
Laxus shrugged. "You're part of the guild now. That's what we do."
That seemed to put the kids at ease. Jellal nodded, looking thoughtful, and Erza straightened up slightly. Even Sho, who had been ready to snap earlier, seemed to reconsider his stance.
Kagura, however, wasn't done. She pointed at him. "You still need a nap."
Cana giggled again.
Laxus groaned. "I'm leaving."
I laughed as he stomped off, muttering under his breath. He might be blunt and rough around the edges, but he meant well.
And now, even the new kids knew that.
Across the room, a few of the older guild members chuckled. Wakaba and Macao—two of the long-standing members—watched with amusement.
"This bunch got energy," Wakaba noted.
"Fits right in," Macao added with a smirk.
Erza, however, wasn't paying attention to any of that. She stood stiffly, hands clenched into fists, staring at the scene around her as if struggling to believe she was actually here.
Jellal was quieter than usual, standing slightly behind the group, his eyes sharp and thoughtful. Simon, always observant, was doing the same.
I nudged them both. "Relax. You look like you're about to be interrogated."
Jellal blinked at me. "This place is… different."
"Yeah," I said with a grin. "You'll get used to it."
As things settled, the kids naturally began exploring the guild at their own pace.
Erza stood near the job board, scanning the different requests with narrowed eyes, treating each piece of paper like it held the secret to ultimate strength.
"Erza," I called, leaning against a nearby pillar. "You do know you can't take jobs yet, right?"
She barely looked up. "I'm just… familiarizing myself with the requests."
Jellal, sitting at a nearby table, smirked. "She's already planning her career."
Erza crossed her arms. "It's important to be prepared."
Sho and Wally, on the other hand, were already ignoring the rules.
"Hey, I heard the second floor is off-limits!" Sho whispered conspiratorially.
Wally grinned. "Which means we gotta check it out!"
The two were halfway up the stairs when a mug flew past their heads, landing with a loud THUNK on the wooden steps.
"Oi!" One of the older members, Wakaba, called out from the bar. "Get down from there, you brats! Only S-Class mages are allowed up there!"
Sho and Wally shared a look before quickly scampering back down.
"S-Class mages?" Sho whispered. "What's that?"
"Dunno, but I bet Aiden's one," Wally said.
I shot them a look. "You guys sure are bold for people who just got here."
They grinned like they didn't hear me.
Meanwhile, Simon and Kagura had wandered over to Cana.
Cana, only six years old, was sitting on a barstool, legs swinging as she sipped juice from a cup. She eyed the two newcomers, then tilted her head.
"You guys look weird."
Simon blinked. "…Thanks?"
Kagura, however, pouted. "You're small."
"I'm six," Cana said proudly.
"I'm four," Kagura countered.
Cana gasped. "You're a baby!"
Kagura frowned. "I'm not a baby!"
"You're totally a baby," Cana said, taking another sip of juice.
Simon wisely decided not to get involved.
Nearby, Millianna had found her way to a large couch and was currently lying across it like she owned the place.
"This place is awesome!" she cheered, kicking her legs in the air. "And the chairs are so comfy!"
"That's because you're supposed to sit on them normally," I pointed out.
Millianna ignored me.
Just then, Macao and Wakaba approached the group, both looking vaguely amused.
"So, Aiden," Macao started, arms crossed. "You're really just bringing in a whole bunch of kids, huh?"
I shrugged. "What can I say? I collect people."
Wakaba chuckled. "They'll fit right in." He turned to Erza. "You ever thrown a punch, kid?"
She lifted her chin. "I can fight."
He grinned. "Good. You'll need to, in this guild."
Across the room, Wally and Sho were poking at the barrels stacked near the counter.
"I wonder what's inside," Wally murmured.
"Only one way to find out," Sho whispered back.
Before I could stop them, they popped open a barrel—and were immediately hit with a blast of strong alcohol fumes.
Sho reeled back, coughing. "Ugh! What is that?!"
Macao snorted. "Gildart's special stash. Don't mess with it unless you wanna get thrown around."
Wally and Sho quickly backed away.
Simon, meanwhile, had turned to me with a questioning look. "So, what do we do now?"
"Now?" I stretched lazily. "Now you get used to being part of the best guild in Fiore."
Erza, arms still crossed, huffed. "Prove it."
I grinned. "Oh, you'll see soon enough."
And with that, the newest members of Fairy Tail had officially begun their journey.
After most of the excitement had died down, I found Erza sitting alone on the balcony, staring up at the sky. The moon cast a soft glow over the guildhall, bathing everything in silver light. The sounds of laughter and chatter still carried from below, but up here, it was quiet—peaceful.
I leaned against the railing beside her. "You doing okay?"
She was silent for a long moment before finally answering. "I don't know."
"That's fair."
She exhaled, her shoulders rising and falling with the motion. "Fairy Tail… it's different."
I tilted my head. "Different how?"
She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she fidgeted slightly, her hands clasped together in her lap. "The people here… they argue, they fight, but it's not like before. It's not… cruel."
I nodded, understanding what she meant. "It's chaotic, but it's home."
Erza hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. But I don't know what to do now. I've always had to be strong, to fight, to protect everyone… but here, it's different. No one's expecting me to do that."
"That's because you're not alone anymore," I said simply. "You don't have to carry everything by yourself."
She glanced at me, searching my face for something. After a moment, she let out a quiet breath, almost like she had been holding it in for a long time. "It feels strange."
"You'll get used to it."
She looked back up at the sky. "I hope so."
A voice came from behind us. "Mind if I join?"
We turned to see Jellal standing in the doorway, hands tucked into his pockets.
I gestured to the railing. "Go for it."
He walked over and leaned against it, mirroring our positions. For a moment, none of us spoke. We just stood there, looking out at the night sky, the distant stars twinkling above like scattered pieces of a shattered dream.
Jellal was the first to break the silence. "I don't know what to do either."
I looked at him, waiting.
He frowned slightly, his fingers tapping against the wooden railing. "We were prisoners for so long. Every day was about survival. There was always something to fear, someone to fight, somewhere we had to escape from. But now, we're free… and I don't know what comes next."
Erza glanced at him, her expression softer than usual. "We figure it out together."
Jellal blinked at her, then gave a small, almost hesitant nod. "Together."
I smirked. "Sounds like a plan."
Down below, a sudden burst of laughter echoed from the guildhall, followed by the unmistakable sound of something crashing. Someone—probably Wakaba or Macao—yelled in protest, while the rest of the guild howled with laughter.
Erza and Jellal both turned their heads at the noise. I could see the corners of Erza's lips twitch slightly, and Jellal's tense posture eased, just a little.
"This place is loud," Jellal muttered.
I grinned. "Yeah. Get used to it."
Erza exhaled a quiet chuckle. "I think I will."
----
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