𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐘 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐔𝐒

2

━━✦━━

Natsu and his companions had successfully made it to Earthland after enduring a series of chaotic events in Edolas. Their triumphant return to the guild met with unbridled excitement as the master and fellow guild members were thrilled to see Lisana again.

It was a moment of pure joy and celebration that reminded everyone of their bond as a guild.

Gildarts conversed with Makarov while eyeing another brawl triggered by Natsu. However, the salmon-haired mage was not participating in the fight. Instead, he revealed to the master his true identity in Edolas.

"You were the king!"

Gildarts grinned. "What about me?" Natsu thought for a moment. "Well, they didn't even mention you. You were probably unimportant or just some fish."

"That's mean!" Gildarts complained.

Erza and Pantherlily joined the conversation just as it ended. "Master, aren't you worried about Y/n?" Erza asked, voicing her concern.

Makarov grunted at the thought of letting one of his children go on a dangerous quest.

"I certainly do worry about her, my child. Ever since she's left us," he replied, his voice laced with emotion. "Y/n always crosses my mind. It's hard to believe it's already been five years since she embarked on her hundred-year quest."

Natsu furrowed his brow and crossed his arms, his eyes blazing with passion. "But master," he implored, "why did you allow Y/n to leave for such a journey at ten years old?! I'm eighteen, yet you won't let me go on a hundred-year quest."

Makarov let out a deep sigh and rubbed his forehead, clearly annoyed. He was about to explain something to Natsu, but Gildarts interrupted him, his voice stern and unwavering.

"Despite the age gap, Y/n is still much stronger than you. If you can't understand that, go get some help," Gildarts said, his eyes fixed on his drink. "You need it for lots of things."

Natsu clenched his fists, and flames surrounded him as he screamed in determination. He had always been competitive, but Y/n's strength had become a constant reminder of his shortcomings. He was determined to reach her level, even if it meant training every day from dusk until dawn.

However, he knew that he couldn't do it at that moment. He would have to bide his time and wait for the right moment to prove himself.

He took a deep breath and relaxed his fists, his flames extinguishing with a hiss.  "I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU, Y/N!"

"I can't believe you envy a ten-year-old. Pfft, she's already fifteen." a voice taunted.

The voice caught Natsu off guard, causing him to turn around and face the open doors of the guild.

His eyes narrowed when they fell on the figure. The guild members fell silent as they recognized the cloaked silhouette. Being a dragon slayer, Natsu could identify the person through their scent.

The figure taunted Natsu, asking what was wrong since he seemed to have lost his voice. Natsu felt a wave of grief wash over him, but he tried his best to stay composed.

He quickly ran to the entrance, "HOW DARE YOU!"

His fist, engulfed in flames, was about to collide with her face, but she jumped over him and kicked him from behind. "Still an idiot, I see," she muttered. "and ugly."

Natsu stood up and tried to hide his happy face with a fierce look. "You left without me and broke our promise! It's been months, and you haven't responded to my letters!"

The cloaked person removed her hood and greeted everyone. "Hey, y'all. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Happy flew over to the woman and engulfed her in a hug. "ZOEY! YOU'RE BACK!"

Makarov smiled and jumped down from the bar. He made his way to the woman and grinned. "Welcome back, my child. How did your mission go?"

Zoey chuckled and scratched her nape. Her failure to complete the task caused Makarov to exclaim angrily.

"Yet another who has ruined our name!"