The Forgotten One

Back From Training

*2 years later*

I stood on top of the hill, looking over Fairy Tail and all of Magnolia. The breeze blew around my messy black hair. The black cloak flapped in the wind against my back, the collar blocking the wind from my face.

A lot has changed in the last three years. Not just for me, but I could tell it has for Fairy Tail too. My Magic has spiked in strength, and I've learned how to control my Demon Sage Magic with ease. I still fight the urge to go Demonic Dragon Force every now and then, but life's never easy. I decided that I needed a new appearance; I no longer wore the vest, but a skin-tight dark grey shirt that's sleeveless. I switched out the black trousers with dark navy blue cargo pants and instead of sandals, I chose black military boots. The wristbands got too sweaty, so I wrapped bandages from my knuckles to my elbow, covering the dragon symbol and Japanese marks. Strangely, my ears stayed pointed after the incident, so I wear a white bandana that covers the tips of my ears.

Val walked up beside me, hugging my arm. "Are you ready?"

I nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Val has changed too. She's become stronger with her Elemental Magic, and her combat skills. Her hair grew over the time, but she cut it to be right below her shoulder blades and she looks more mature, even though she still has her innocent complexion. She didn't really change her style, though.

I pulled out of my pocket the ring that was in the box from my first mission. I never put it back on since Lucy's death, but now it's time to put it behind me. I slipped it on my left ring finger. Even though it had nothing to do with her, every time I saw it, it brought back sad memories.

I grinned as Val placed her hand in mine. With a nod, we both headed down the hill, heading for Fairy Tail. I wondered how the guild has held up for all these years? Did me being gone effect them at all? What did Makarov say when I left? How's Team Natsu doing? I hope Fang did okay with Natsu and Happy. Damn, it's been 2 years since I've seen my little buddy.

"What're you thinking about?" I looked over and saw Val looking at me curiously.

I laughed. "It's just...I'm wondering what's changed since we've been gone, how's everyone doing, those simple things."

Val smiled and kissed my cheek. "It'll be fine."

I chuckled and stopped when I noticed we were right in front of the double doors of Fairy Tail.

This is it, the moment of truth.

I felt Val give one last squeeze of encouragement before she let go of my hand. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. What first hit me was that it wasn't as loud as it use to be. As I stepped in I noticed that everyone seemed to be here, but they weren't as active. I turned to face the walls, everything looked the same. But the atmosphere was somewhat depressing.

When I faced the front again, I saw someone get up from their table and look at me.

It was Natsu.

I smiled and started to tear up at the sight of my brother. I think he knew who I was because he took a step forward and his features softened.

Natsu tilted his head. "Lycas?"

I felt tears of joy roll down my face as I nodded. "It's me, bro."

Natsu ran and tackled me in a bear hug. "Lycas, You're back! You're finally back!"

I laughed and cried at the same time. "I'm home."

That wasn't the end of it, though. When I got up, Gray and Erza were standing in front of me.

Erza smiled as her eyes teared up. She grabbed me in a hug that hurt because of her armor. "Lycas, it's so good to see you again!"

Gray got in on the hug and started crying, giving me a pat on the back. "Things haven't been the same since you left."

I sighed when they released. "I can tell."

I smiled wider when Mira spotted me from behind the bar. "LYCAS!" Then I was on the ground again faster than I could think. Mira was wrapping me in a hug while crying about how it was sad around and that nobody was happy. The weight got a bit heavier when Lisanna and Levy landed on top of Mira, crushing me a bit. It was nice to see everyone again.

I got up and saw Gajeel standing beside Gray. I walked up to him and grinned. "How's it going, metal head?" Gajeel scoffed them patted me on the back. I was greeted by Romeo and Wendy, who were both crying their eyes out. It was cute to see those two hanging around each other all the time.

I saw Happy hanging with Lily and Carla. I grinned when I saw Fang talking with Lily, until he saw me.

"Fang!" I exclaimed as I held out my arms.

"Lycas!" Fang gasped as he flew over to me and hugged me tight. I missed the Exceeds, it was different not having them around.

"I missed ya buddy!" I laughed as more tears rolled down my face. Then Happy knocked me back a bit with his hug, and so did Lily causing me to fall on my butt. Carla only came up and gave me a hug, not tackling me even more.

After the reunion, I introduced everyone to Val and they greeted her willingly. I led her up to Makarov's office and knocked.

"Come in." A voice replied.

I opened the door and heard a gasp as I closed it behind me. I looked up to see Makarov tearing up as I smiled. "How are you doing, Master?"

He sniffed and wiped his nose with a tissue. "I'm doing better now that you're here." Makarov laughed.

"I'm back from my training and I'd like to rejoin the guild along with a new member." I stated proudly.

"What color and where?" Makarov smiled as he got out the stamp.

I tapped on my left shoulder. "Same place and black outlined in purple, please?"

He stamped my arm and looked at Val. "What about you miss?"

She smiled as she tapped on her left shoulder. "Here and blue, please?"

He stamped her arm and I took her down to meet the rest of the guild. It was funny to see her reaction to the Exceeds. She immediately loved Happy, typical, but she was iffy about Carla. Something about Val being 'too exposed' for Carla's taste. Lily smiled and nodded his "hello" while Fang was a bit protective.

"What do you plan on doing to my bud?" He questioned as he pulled the scythe from its sheath.

Val smiled nervously. "I-I don't know what you mean."

I chuckled and shook my head. "Fang, she's fine. She ain't the enemy."

Fang eyed her suspiciously as he put away his scythe. "Okay, if you say so."

It turns out that while I was gone, Natsu and Lisanna became a permanent couple while Gray and Juvia are somewhat a thing. Jellal is no longer a wanted criminal and has made Crime Sorciere a public guild. Fairy Tail and Sabertooth have became closer allies than before. Master plans to resign soon and Erza seems to be the best option for the job, even though there's Laxus to come into play. Gildarts comes around more often while Cana tries to avoid the "over-thinking father" he was.

Everything was going to be normal again, and it'll be good. The guild had no problems with Val and she fits perfectly with us.

It couldn't be better.