During the Seven Years

Chapter 34

The enforcer and his knights filed out of the guildhall, leaving behind an unsettling stillness in their wake. Lahar lingered for a moment, casting one last glance at the subdued members of Crimson Blood before he turned and exited, the heavy doors swinging shut behind him.

"I can't believe we did it," I said, a smile breaking across my face. "I actually summoned Cosmo! The spirit of Pluto!"

Jellal's expression lit up with genuine joy. "You did what we thought was impossible. It's incredible, Lucy."

Meredy clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I knew you could do it! You've always been so determined, and now you've proven that even the most challenging summons can be achieved."

Ultear stood next to us, her usual stoic demeanor softening. "You've come a long way, Lucy. This will surely help in your quest for the other planet spirits."

I felt my cheeks flush at their praise. "Thanks, guys. But I only tried to summon her once before this. I never thought I'd actually be able to do it now."

"Your spirit shines brighter than ever," Jellal said sincerely. "And Cosmo is no ordinary spirit. She's a powerful ally."

As I basked in their encouragement, I felt a swell of pride and camaraderie. It was more than just relief; it was the thrill of having accomplished something I had longed to achieve, and to share it with these incredible friends who believed in me despite our pasts.

Then, in a spontaneous moment of unity, Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear exchanged glances and nodded. Slowly, they reached for their cloaks, pulling them off to reveal themselves completely.

Jellal's hair fell back, the light catching the deep blue and purple hues. Meredy's bright outfit was vibrant against her youthful energy, and Ultear's striking blue, black, and silver ensemble gave her a regal air. Each of them wore expressions of triumph mixed with relief, as if shedding the cloaks represented a new beginning.

"I'm so glad we can finally celebrate without hiding," Meredy said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "We're free to be ourselves now!"

Ultear crossed her arms, a satisfied smirk on her face. "It feels good to drop the act, doesn't it?"

Jellal smiled warmly at me. "We're in this together, Lucy. No more shadows."

Just as I was about to respond, the guild doors creaked open, and Lahar strode back in with an air of authority, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene.

"Lucy!" he called out, his voice booming across the hall. "What are you doing with these three? They're known criminals, a threat to the magical world!"

My heart sank as Lahar approached, his expression filled with deep suspicion. "You've put yourself in danger by associating with them. They've caused chaos before, and now you're—"

"Lahar, wait!" I interjected, desperate to defend my friends. "They're not like that anymore! They want to make amends for their actions. They helped me take down Crimson Blood!"

"Make amends?" Lahar's voice was incredulous. "You think I can just overlook their past? You've seen what they're capable of."

I felt frustration boiling inside me, but I kept my tone steady. "Yes, I know their pasts, but people can change! They risked everything to help me when I needed it most."

"They may have helped you, but it doesn't erase their crimes," Lahar retorted, crossing his arms defiantly. "They should be locked up, not wandering free in the magic world."

"Lahar, please," I pleaded, my voice trembling with emotion. "Without them, I would be dead! They saved my life. How can you turn your back on that?"

He hesitated for a moment, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. "You really believe in them that much? You'd risk everything for them?"

"Absolutely," I said, my voice firm. "I trust them completely. They're not just criminals; they're my friends, and they've proven that they're on the right side now."

Lahar sighed heavily, rubbing his temples in frustration. "You're making this more difficult than it needs to be, Lucy. Do you have any idea how dangerous it is to let them go?"

"Please, Lahar," I pressed, my heart racing. "If you take them away now, you'll be breaking apart something that's just starting to heal. We can help each other, and together, we can make a difference. You have to trust me."

After a long pause, Lahar's expression softened slightly. "You really believe in them, huh?"

"I do," I insisted, my heart pounding. "They're good people now. Just give them a chance to prove it."

With a resigned sigh, Lahar finally relented. "Fine. I'll trust your judgment this time, but know that I'll be watching. If they step out of line, I won't hesitate to act."

"Thank you!" I exclaimed, relief flooding through me. "You won't regret it, I promise."

As Lahar turned away, he pulled out a pouch from his cloak and handed it to me. "Here's your reward for taking down Crimson Blood. You earned it."

"Thanks," I said, feeling a mix of pride and gratitude as I accepted the pouch. I could feel the weight of the guild's trust on my shoulders, and I was determined not to let anyone down.

Once Lahar left the guildhall, the atmosphere shifted back to one of celebration. I turned to Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear, my heart brimming with excitement. "I can't believe we pulled this off!"

"Neither can I," Jellal said, his eyes shining with genuine joy. "This is just the beginning for you, Lucy. You're going to do great things."

"We're all in this together," Ultear added, a proud smile breaking through her usual calm demeanor. "Let's find those other planet spirits together."

"Yeah! The adventure has only just begun!" Meredy chimed in, her excitement infectious.

With that, we made our way out of the guildhall, ready to embark on the next chapter of our journey into the forest. The weight of our pasts felt lighter with each step, and I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had friends who believed in me and were willing to fight alongside me.