Okay, so I really wasn't satisfied with the way this story was going so I decided to rewrite it and implement some ideas I had recently. Currently, I'm reworking my plans for the GMG. There are some parts I'm more than likely going to keep but other than that, I want to make it better. So here goes!

Romeo walked down the street away from the guild, fists clenched in frustration.

Seven years had passed since the events at Tenrou Island and things had been terrible since then. Acnologia had destroyed the island and none of their missing members had made it. His father and the others kept telling him that they couldn't be dead but he didn't understand how they could believe that. There wasn't any proof and holding on to faith like that was pointless. How could they be alive after what happened over there? And if they were, why hadn't they come back?

But when he pointed this out, the others would simply insist that there had to be a reason and it wouldn't deter their belief. He'd just given up after that, deciding that they would have to come to understand on their own.

The situation at Fairy Tail was disheartening to say the least. The remaining members had done all they could to find the others, even getting help from Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale but Tenrou Island was gone. Things had just gone downhill from there. He wondered if it was proof of how much his father and the others relied on the missing members that the guild's standing dwindled as it did. They had lost the old building and most of the guild members were gone. Now it was only him, his father, Wakaba, Laki, Alzack, Bisca, Kinana, Warren, Max, Vijeeter, Jet, Droy, Nab and Reedus there.

He had been wanting to join Fairy Tail ever since he was little, and he'd worked hard to learn magic to that end. Thus, seeing what happened to the guild he'd loved and the members he'd admired was terrible. He hadn't even smiled once for the last seven years but frankly, he just didn't find much to smile for.

Though, the reason Romeo was really disappointed with his father and the rest of them wasn't just because of the way they handled things. No, as bad as things were, he could understand that managing Fairy Tail was hard and none of them was prepared for it. The issue had everything to do with a new guild that had come to settle in Magnolia over the years. His expression darkened as he glanced at the big building nearby which displayed the guild's name for all to see.

Twilight Ogre.

They turned out to be a bunch of creeps who decided to become Magnolia's main guild. A bunch of them occasionally showed up at Fairy Tail just to mess around with them. Sure, they pretended it was because Macao borrowed money from the guild every now and then but they clearly just got a kick of taunting them. What really left Romeo irked was that Macao and the others seemed to just take it lying down. It was a disgrace.

Romeo couldn't help but wonder if there was anything he could to make the situation improve. Was there even a way for things to finally start looking up?

Michael frowned as he passed a few men he knew to be Twilight Ogre members strutting about. Acting so high and mighty...what did they even have to be proud about?

They were a bunch of blowhards who tended to bully those weaker than them. Fairy Tail was far from the only group who they gave a hard time. They might have tried to keep their actions under cover but said actions wound causing them a nasty reputation which they were still trying to deal with. He found it rather telling that many in Crocus had no intention of hiring the guild at all because of said reputation. That was satisfying. At least people could see the truth sometimes...

He grimaced as the thought brought up another irritating issue for him. He hadn't gone home for a while after the Scorpion Blade incident, mostly because he helped with the trade buisness that was run by his mother's side of the family. But when he did go back, he explained what he learned after meeting Fairy Tail. That had gotten a bit of a mixed reception. There were those who understood and were just as disappointed and guilty as he himself felt for treating Hope like they had but there were still those who wouldn't listen to him and kept thinking the worst of the boy, most wouldn't even consider that he was alive, sounding glad that he died. Frankly, it had taken a lot of restraint for him not to lash out at those idiots.

It was so unfair and stupid! How could they all still condemn him for something he had no control over? How would they feel if it had been any of them in Hope's shoes? He'd heard accusations that the people of the capital used Hope as a scapegoat for their helplessness and anger after Demon Fang's attack but it was only then that he understood how true that was. Even then, the ones who believed him hadn't done anything. Sure, he knew a long time had passed but he didn't understand how they could just leave things as they were.

At least they were those who truly cared. A bunch of the people who were helped by the White Paladin in the past offered their support to Fairy Tail as a way to show gratitude to Hope and he knew that had been a big help.

He had visited Magnolia a couple of times over his travels and was surprised to see how many of them, including Hope, had warmed up to him and even considered him a friend. It was a very welcome surprise.

But then things took a turn for the worse with Tenrou.

Michael made a point of helping the search for the missing Fairy Tail members as much as possible. Others like Marco, Elena and her family also did what they could and they also didn't want to give upp. But all their efforts amounted to nothing. As much as he admired the majority of the guild's faith in them, he was torn. Were they really alive? And if they were just what exactly happened seven years ago for them to disappear like this?

A large shadow passed over him, making him stop in surprise and look up, his eyes widening at the sight of a big airship flying towards Fairy Tail.

The airship, which was actually Blue Pegasus' Christina, had come with surprising news.

Tenrou Island hadn't been destroyed like many believed, it had suddenly appeared out of the blue. Blue Pegasus wound up picking up on the magic it exuded and thus decided to tell Fairy Tail, all aware of what this could mean.

Ravi exhaled, praying that they could finally get answers over this mystery. Above all, he wanted to see the missing members safe and sound. A feeling that had was shared among his family, so Michael, Henry and Drake joined the Fairy Tail members who had immediately headed off to Tenrou. The only reason he hadn't was his father asking him to stay to help Elena. He had been too young to remember it but Drake had told him how their mother was devastated when she heard of Deliora's attack and what became of her older sister (Gray's mother) and her family. The fact that Gray survived left her delighted and she made sure they could stay in touch.

It had been a bit awkward for them since neither sibling was familiar with their cousin but they soon got along well. Ravi thought Gray could stand to loosen up a little but when he did, he was plenty of fun. The stripping habit had really weirded him out but they learned to take that in stride. Even the rest of Fairy Tail treated them like family by extension and they had some good times all around.

The boy recently discovered that he had the ability to use magic and he wanted to make the most. He was still deciding what type he should learn but Lyon (who they had gotten to know over the years as the Lamia Scale mage had been pleasantly surprised to hear that Gray had family here) had offered to teach him Ice Make magic. Ravi was considering it as creation magic sounded nice but he wasn't sure it was for him. He wondered what Gray and the others would think of this news...

He could imagine how nervous Elena must be with anticipation as they had no way of knowing what really happened back then. The boy really didn't want to think of the possibility but what if they had died? Acnologia was known to be a huge threat and he took down anyone he saw. In fact, Ravi was pretty sure that Gildarts had been the only one who survived that monster.

Ravi glanced through the shop's window to find his mother sitting down with a distant expression. The boy made to head over, knowing it wouldn't do either of them any good to be stuck in their own heads now. All they could do was wait and wish for the best.

The group that had left Magnolia was now well on its way to Tenrou Island. Some, like Jet and Droy, were excited at the prospect of getting their friends (in their case especially Levy) back. But others were troubled as the possiblity that their friends really had been killed was there too. All in all, the one thing they could agree on was that it was time to get to the bottom of this.

Things took a turn for the strange as they drew close to the island's location as most of the group spotted a girl with long blonde hair and emerald eyes floating above the water.

''Wha-who're you?'' Max asked.

The girl smiled warmly and raised her hands. Something flashed, and in a second they could all see a familiar island surrounded by a translucent golden sphere which quickly faded.

''Is that...?'' Drake started.

''Yeah...Tenrou Island.'' Warren started, his eyes widened when the girl headed over. ''Let's follow her!''

''So...I'm confused. Just who exactly were you talking about back there?'' Michael wanted to know as they walked through the forest. He was really confused, once they disembarked from their boats, Jet had rushed into the forest while saying something about catching up with someone.

Droy gave him an odd look ''The girl who was standing on the water just in front of us. How'd you miss her?''

''Uh, maybe because there wasn't anything there?''

The response made the Fairy Tail contingent stop and look at him in surprise. ''What're you talking about? We all saw her!'' Warren stated.

''Ah, not quite.'' Henry corrected, seeming just as puzzled while Drake nodded in agreement.

Alzack raised an eye ''Weird. I wonder why...''

''Well, seeing all the stuff magic can do I'd say stranger things have happened.'' Drake stated. Confused as they were, none of the three saw any reason not to believe them. ''Guess it means we'll be counting on you guys to lead us. There's no way that girl isn't tied into this situation somehow.''

The gunner nodded ''Let's keep going then-Jet went this way.''

It didn't take them long to catch up, finding the speed mage staring at something in shock. Following the girl lead him to discover none other than Natsu deep in the forest.

When they caught up to Jet, it was to find him trying to wake the dragon slayer, who woke up after a few moments.

''What the heck? Why're you making so much noise?'' He grouched, pulling himself up. The teen blinked upon noticing who was there. ''Wait, Jet? Wha...''

''Natsu!'' Jet, Droy, Max and Warren hugged him.

He yelped ''Gah! Ease up, why're you all being so weird?'' He blinked twice. ''Whoa, you guys grew up! Droy, you're fat!''

Henry chuckled while the rest looked on with growing smiles ''You've got some catching up to do. But first...''

They were able to find the rest of the group with some effort and were left overjoyed to know that they had all survived. Jet and Droy had effectively glomped Levy, while a happy Bisca and Michael were hugging Mira and Hope. Drake and Henry were the same with Gray while Warren hugged Makarov.

The Tenrou group was just as happy to see them, albeit understandably confused. But any attempts at explanation were put on hold when Drake pointed out someone who as far as the arriving Fairy Tail members knew, shouldn't be there.

''Laxus?!'' Jet and Droy cried.

''What the heck are you doing here?!'' Max added.

Alzack seemed just as surprised ''So that's what happened to you...?''

This definitely explained a few things though. They had actually tried to get in touch with the blond over the seven years, if anything just to see how he fared and if he knew what happened at the island. It had always struck him as odd that they had absolutely no luck finding the blond. Really though, given his situation, they never would have guessed he had come here.

''What're you gawking at? Laxus is one of us!'' Evergreen snapped at Max, Jet and Droy, who seemed cowed.

''Give it a rest, Ever. I know I shouldn't be here. That reaction's justified.'' Laxus stated.

''Hey, chin up. That may have been true but you being sure wound up being a big help.'' Gildarts offered.

''Heck yeah,'' Natsu grinned and Hope smiled and nodded. ''Besides, you owe me a fight. You trying to weasel out of it?''

Laxus knew he was referring to their exchange before he left the guild but he wasn't about to let him get away with that one ''If I was, I'd be doing you a you can handle me now?''

''You bet!'' Natsu returned, always ready for a challenge.

''Oh, brother...'' Lucy rolled her eyes.

Cana smirked ''Somethings never change.''

''As he usual, he just charges in, guns blazing.'' Carla sighed.

''Anyone else wanna bet he's going to get creamed?'' Gray asked flatly.

''Sucker bet.'' Lucy and Cana returned.

Natsu was about to argue but then Max spoke up ''So you guys were all sleeping here the whole time?''

''About that-going by your reactions earlier I think it's safe to say we're missing something. Just what happened on your end?'' Makarov inquired.

''Well...'' The sand mage started to explain.

''Seven years?!'' Several voices cried out.

''The island just up and vanished-we were sure it was destroyed for a while.'' Henry admitted. ''Blue Pegasus picked up on some magic signs from this area so we came to check. Also, the others said something about this girl...''

''There she is!'' Warren exclaimed, seeing the aforementioned individual standing by a tree. Little did he realize that the non Fairy Tail members still couldn't see a thing.

''But who is she?'' Happy wondered.

The girl smiled warmly at them ''My name is Mavis Vermillion, the founder of Fairy Tail.''

Now that answer certainly blew them out of the water. Of course they all knew the name but to think they would meet her like this...

''What?!'' Natsu and Gajeel cried.

''Oi, oi, are you for real...?'' Elfman's jaw dropped.

''So you came through for us again...'' Cana trailed off, smiling as she thought back on what happened at the grave.

''To think the First master herself would appear...'' Makarov looked on in awe.

But the girl shook her head ''I'm just an ethereal body. All I did was use everyone's faith and strong emotions to boost your power and create a shield. It was one of the guild's grand spells, Fairy Sphere. So you see, you're the ones who made it possible.'' Her smile returned as she saw some of them exchange glances as they processed. ''It worked well but I'm afraid it took seven years for the spell to wear off.''

While that was plenty to swallow, everyone knew that they likely couldn't have made it out otherwise. Makarov smiled ''Thank you, First. You saved us.''

''I'm the one who wants to thank you.'' Mavis returned, she began to float as golden light surrounded her. ''You've done an excellent job as Master. I couldn't be more proud of the guild. Fairy Tail has grown wonderfully.''

Giving them one last bright smile, the girl faded away.

Everyone was in a jubilant mood. Especially the arriving group, who couldn't be happier with what they found. A few of them were already planning the celebration for their return.

While both groups were filling each other in on what happened on their end, Carla and Lily filled Michael, Henry and Drake in on the earlier exchange.

''So the guild's founder was here here as a ghost and she gathered up enough power to save you guys...'' Drake looked amazed.

''That about sums it up.'' Lily affirmed. ''I don't understand why none of you could see her so this might be hard to believe.''

''Yeah, but there's no reason we shouldn't believe you.'' Michael returned. ''To be fair, we did see the sphere before and I can't see any of you making all this up. Magic just brings up all sorts of possiblities.''

Henry nodded ''For all we know, it might just be that it's only Fairy Tail members who can see her. That's about one of the major common point between you all. Either way, you're all safe and like Michael says, we saw the sphere. I think that just gives the whole situation credence.''

''True...'' He agreed.

''So I guess we missed out on a lot, huh?'' Elfman mused.

''Yeah, but no worries-you can catch up.'' Warren offered. Both paused as they saw Natsu and Gray arguing heatedly nearby, looking puzzled. ''What happened?''

''Jet-san was wondering about what happened in the exams but I think that might have set them off.'' Wendy informed. ''Natsu-san is insistent that he could absolutely pass the exam and beat everyone...''

''And of course Gray's never going to leave that one be.'' Bickslow guessed, to which the girl nodded. ''Typical.''

''Honestly, would they just grow up?'' Evergreen huffed.

Henry sighed before going to grab his nephew by the ear ''Gray, just stop it.''

''But he...!'' The ice mage tried to protest.

''Enough.'' He said firmly.

''...Fine.'' Gray grumbled.

Natsu snickered ''Serves you right.''

Gildarts slapped the back of his head ''Don't make fun-you're equally at fault. Why are you picking fights when everyone's so happy?''

''Hey, he's the one who...!'' Natsu grimaced at the pointed look the crash mage gave him then, making him harrumph and look to the side.

''Nice.'' Cana smirked.

Freed's lips twitched, he was about to comment but then he noticed Wendy's pensive expression ''Is something wrong, Wendy?''

''Ah, no!'' She said quickly. ''I was just thinking...well...what should we do after all those years...''

''Whatever we can.'' Hope offered. ''I'm not goint to say not to think about it because I doubt any of us can help that now. There's no point dwelling on the time we lost. We can make sure things work out.''

Wendy nodded with a smile and Freed then spoke up ''Agreed. It's going to take some adjusting but remember that we managed through rough times in the past, we can way I see it, the best is yet to come. Remember one of Fairy Tail's rules, we have to live with all our power.''

''Right.'' The two returned in tandem.

Moments later, both looked at Hope curiously when he stopped walking, only to see him take out the pendant. This let them see that the artifact was glowing brightly. What was going on?

Distracted as they were, none noticed the Corona Crest appear on Hope's hand then as a second later, the glow intensified making everyone nearby look away while the rest stopped in surprise.

Happy rubbed his eyes ''What was that?''

''It was so sudden...'' Freed looked back at Hope, his eyes widening as he immediately saw what effect it had. ''...how...?''

'What in the world...?' Endymion uttered, just as bewildered.

Hope was about to question this but then Natsu wound up voicing the issue ''Hope, you look like you did before!''

He blinked ''What're you talking about?''

''In short...'' Gray formed an ice mirror and held it up for him to see. Hope's eyes widened as he saw his reflection.

His hair was now a vivid caramel brown. His eyes were now heterochromatic, one being silver and the other purple.

The sight reminded Lily strongly of Hope's edolas counterpart. It had always struck him as odd that the boys seemed different this way when the other members of Fairy Tail appeared as if they were reflections of each other.

''What does this mean...?'' He uttered while the rest were staring at Hope, similarly bewildered.

''How did that even-wait, Natsu, you mean that's what Hope looked like when you first met?'' Levy clarified.

He nodded before looking at Michael ''It's the same for you, right?''

''Yeah...but then...'' He was wondering if the pendant did this when Hope lifted his hand, noticing that the Corona Crest was visible for all to see. ''...wait, that's the mark you guys mentioned before, right?''

''Yes, that's the Corona Crest. This can't be a coincidence.'' Carla stated.

''Why would it happen now though?'' Bickslow wondered.

'I think it might because of that crest's nature. We still don't know much about it other than it possibly being connected to Hope's past. And given what happened years ago, I think Hope's different appearance had to do with Demon Fang's experiments.' Endymion informed. It was something he hadn't really thought of in a long time. The phoenix could tell that his charge was confused by this but he reasoned that Hope simply didn't remember. Which, knowing the consequences of their fusion, really wasn't much of a surprise.

''Come to think of it, if the pendant was helping Hope get his memories back then it would make sense for it to revert other changes those monsters caused too.'' Lucy remarked. She also hadn't missed Hope's confusion at this but given how badly their fusion hurt him, it was to be expected.

''I think so too. The crest is still an unknown but the pendant was made by one of the best templars after all. It probably just reversed the effect because it's finally stabilized...'' Victor paused, noticing Hope's expression as the boy lay a hand on his chest. ''...you all right?''

''I...think so. Something feels...'' He trailed off, unsure of how to explain this.

'Something seems different about your magical core. I think you're feeling it now.' Endymion informed, leaving them to wonder what it meant.

''Hey, that just means Hope's rid of another lousy side-effect from what those bastards did, all the more reason to celebrate!'' Max exclaimed.

''Sounds good to me. How about it Hope?'' Bisca asked with a smile.

He smiled back ''Sounds great.''

Unfortunately, things weren't going nearly as well back at Fairy Tail's HQ.

While they were waiting for news, a group of Twilight Ogre members crashed in. Thibault, the group's leader had come demanding money Macao had borrowed from their guild's master. Macao reminded him that the payment had been taken care of but the guildmaster seemed to have decided to extract interest given how long it had taken to get the money back.

As they wondered what to do, Thibault mocked the present members, wanting them to give up on Fairy Tail. This served as the last straw for Romeo.

''Where the heck do you creeps get off?'' He demanded.

''What was that?'' Thibault sneered.

''Romeo, don't!'' Macao started but the teen ignored him.

''I'm sick of this, my old man and the rest are cowards for letting you get your way. This stops here!'' He snapped, his fist igniting with flames. ''At this rate, Fairy Tail's name will be disgraced!''

Thibault easily blocked his fist, even blowing out the fire, leaving the teen stunned. ''Where've you been living? That name's been disgraced a long time ago. You're not getting away with this disrespect, brat.'' He hefted his spiked club. ''You're going to learn your place!''

''Stop!'' Macao cried as he hurried towards his son but the man was already swinging his weapon, he was too far...

Just then, the door was slammed open before someone kicked Thibault into the wall, to everyone's shock. Then, the rest of the group was struck by a fiery wave, an ice blast, some swords strikes and a few lightning blasts.

As they looked towards the door, they saw Natsu, Happy and Alzack leading the groups inside. Their comrades smiled widely, delighted to see that all their missing friends were safe and sound.

''We're back!'' The first two announced as Macao's group immediately hurried to welcome the new arrivals.

''You made it!''

''I knew it, I knew you guys were all right!''

''This is amazing!''

''You all look so young!''

''What happened?''

Makarov merely chuckled ''All right, all right, slow down-we'll fill you in.''

Erza then noticed Romeo staring at them in shock and smiled ''Well, look who it is.''

Natsu followed her line of sight and grinned ''Hey, Romeo! You sure grew up!''

The boy smiled at long last, not paying the tears in his eyes any mind as he spoke ''Natsu-nii, everyone, welcome back.''

Soon, the planned celebration kicked off and a big party was thrown to celebrate the reunion of Fairy Tail's members. Many were shocked to learn of what went down on Tenrou but were no less pleased to see that the lost fairies were finally back...

Ravi and Elena were happily catching up with Gray, who was surprised to learn of how much things changed. Especially when it turned out that Drake was being trained to become a mercenary just like Henry and that Ravi was a mage.

''Never saw that coming. So what magic do you want to learn?'' He inquired.

''I don't know yet, but your friend offered to teach me.'' Ravi stated.

''Who?''

''Lyon from Lamia Scale, he said he'd be willing to teach me Ice Make magic!''

Something about that rankled with Gray ''Fat chance, if anyone's going to do that, it'll be me.'' He raised an eye upon noticing how this left Drake's amusement. ''What're you smirking about?''

''Oh, nothing. Lyon said you'd react like this-so you really are close.''

''Yeah, right. He's just a pain!'' Gray huffed.

Romeo was showing off his skill with Rainbow Fire magic to Natsu and Gajeel ''I can make blue fire that's really cold, a smelly yellow fire and a purple flame like Dad's.''

''Neat!'' Natsu exclaimed.

''Hey, that sounds like...'' Gajeel blinked. ''...where'd you learn that, kid?''

''Well, uh...'' The boy lowered his voice as he explained. ''...don't tell Dad, but I go to Totomaru-sensei's magic classes.''

''Huh, imagine that.'' Gajeel grinned. So this what his former guildmate had been up to...

Erza's eyes widened as she stared at Alzack and Bisca ''You got married?''

''Yup!'' Bisca smiled brightly. ''We have a little girl too, her name's Asuka.''

''That's great news!'' Rebecca had been one of those who thought that both gunners would be well suited for each other. They used to be so shy that she wondered if they would ever get together though...

''W-wow...'' Erza stuttered. ''...I feel a little inexperienced now.''

''She's adorable. I think you'll like her.'' Laki remarked.

''Yeah. We told her a lot about you guys, we'll bring her over later.'' Alzack promised.

Marco was looking at the pendant with interest ''You know, I always wondered about this thing...so that's what it's really like, huh?''

Hope nodded and the man hummed ''No wonder it's such a special artifact. I can really tell that there was a lot of thought put into making it. Good for you though, I'm sure it'd be all the more helpful now.''

''Mm, I think so too...'' Hope began to smile as he glanced at the item around his neck.

''Oh, that's right-did they tell you? A bunch of the people who offered Fairy Tail did it for your sake.'' Marco added, noticing the boy's surprise. ''They did it as a way to show gratitude for all the White Paladin did for them. The years don't mean anything, they're not about to forget someone as good and kind as you are soon.''

'Well, that's nice to hear.' Endymion remarked.

''Yeah...'' Hope smiled, touched by the gesture. It really meant a lot to him. ''...I'll have to thank them soon.''

''They're rowdy as ever, huh?'' Rebecca mused with a smile.

Wendy, who was sitting next to her laughed a bit as she nodded ''I can't imagine them any other way though.''

''Same here...''

''Hey, girls?'' The two looked at Macao. ''What's going on with them?''

He pointed at Gildarts and Cana, the first was holding up the latter and gushing over her. Cana tried to push him off, embarrassed as she was by his antics but that ultimately failed. Frankly, the whole thing just looked comical.

''Ah, that. He's been emotional around Cana for a while now...'' Rebecca started.

''Gildarts-san is Cana-san's father.'' Wendy elaborated, leaving the man surprised. ''He didn't know either and Cana-san told him on Tenrou. I...think he's just expressing his joy.''

''Huh...well, how about that?'' Macao looked at the pair with new understanding. ''He's always liked kids. Can't say I'm too surprised he's thrilled to be a dad.''

He thought Gildarts could stand to tone it down though. Judging by Cana's expression she was more than ready to let him have it...

''As lively as ever.'' A new voice remarked, bringing their attention to some visitors at the entrance.

It was a group of Lamia Scale members, Lyon, Sherry and Jura along with their friends Toby and Yuka. Along with them came Ichiya and the Trimens.

Laki smiled ''Hey, come to join the party?''

''We couldn't stay away after we got the word.'' Sherry returned.

Natsu cocked his head ''What're you all here for?''

''Don't be so rude, they're here to see everyone.'' Marco chided. ''They helped us look for you all for a long time.''

''Exactly. So show a little respect.'' Lyon said.

Mira smiled ''Well, as they say the more the merrier, come on!''

''You're engaged?'' Lucy smiled. ''That's great!''

''Isn't it?'' Sherry seemed pleased as she began reminscing. ''The day Ren proposed was one of the best in my life...I'm always so grateful we met...''

''Aww...''

The Trimens had wasted no time, all hitting on the girls. Hibiki's attention was on Laki, who seemed willing to ignore them while Eve was talking to Cana, who was uninterested. Though this proved to be a bad idea as the snow mage ran into Gildarts, who stopped his flirting with a dark look that promised him nothing be trouble.

Eve wisely back off ''...Is he Cana-san's father or something?''

''Yup!'' Happy returned.

''That explains it...'' He trailed off.

Hibiki paused on his way to the bar for a drink when he saw Happy and Carla ''Ah, I just remembered...we happened to come across a couple of settlements near Aetheria. They were inhabited by Exceeds.'' The blue and white cats shared surprised looks. ''It was really something-I was under the impression that your species was quite a rarity. Do you know about them?''

''Ah, yeah...'' Happy trailed off, wondering how to even start explaining.

''It's a long and strange story.'' Carla stated.

Hibiki looked curious ''You'd be surprised at how often we hear of those.''

''Well...we all actually came from another world that didn't have magic and a bunch of the people here have counterparts there?'' Happy offered.

''What?'' Both Blue Pegasus mage stared at him in shock.

''...Nice, Happy. Nice and direct.'' Carla deadpanned. It was times like this that she was reminded how much he took after his partner.

''We were going to say it anyway.'' He returned, looking sheepish. Still, it was a surprise to hear about the Exceeds from Edolas. It sounded like they were doing well, that was good to know.

Lyon paused in his tracks as a certain person caught his eye. ''This feeling...is it love from first sight?''

''Eh?'' Juvia was bewildered as he approached her.

''My lady, would you kindly tell me your name?''

She blinked twice but answered ''It's Juvia...''

''A lovely name! I'm Lyon Vastia, would you please join me for a drink?''

''Well, how about that...?'' Sherry looked amused as Lyon. Lyon hardly ever paid attention to girls before so seeing him act like this was both surprising and entertaining.

Elena began to smile ''Looks like Juvia-chan's got herself a fan.'' She noticed Gray observing the two. ''You want to join them?''

He bristled ''Heck no! Why would I want to?''

Natsu and Hope were talking to Jura and Yuka nearby, having just learned that Jura had become one of the highest ranked wizard saints from Toby.

''Congratulations.'' The latter offered.

''Yeah, that's pretty cool!'' Natsu added, to which Jura thanked them with a smile.

''So, how're wizards saints ranked anyway? Never heard about that.'' The first admitted.

''That's not surprising. It's not exactly something definite for the most part.'' Yuka stated.

''Yeah, Grandpa said that it depends on the person and their abilities. I think the strongest are known as the Four Gods of Ishgar.'' Hope stated.

''Right. And now Jura's ranking places him just below them.'' Yuka informed.

''Oh, good for you!'' Natsu looked impressed. He wondered what those four were like-they had to be crazy strong to be known as the best in the entire country...

''Well, I only worked to the best of my ability but I have a long way to go.'' Jura returned. Though since we're talking about change, Hope-dono, just what happened to you?''

''Ah...'' The boy looked a bit sheepish, knowing this was about his appearance. ''...this kind of just happened on our way...''

''Interesting.'' Jura mused when they finished explaining things. ''It would be understandable for time magic to cause such a thing but it's impressive.''

''I'll say.'' Yuka agreed, taking a closer look at the pendant. ''So this is one of the Altair's works huh? Talk about big things in small packages.''

The celebration continued for three days. The mood in Fairy Tail had never been this upbeat in so long-it was as if the guild was returning to the way it used to be. Many were glad to see things were looking up.

All in all, Fairy Tail was in for a turnaround after seven years. And this celebration would be the herald to a new beginning...

Well, that's that.

I hope it was good. I really felt the rewrite could be a way to improve the story over all though a bunch of the newer ideas I had start down the line. Correct me if I'm wrong but last I checked the only wizard saints who were effectively ranked were the 4 gods, Jura and God Serena. It kind of seems like a shame that they Exceeds from Edolas are hardly ever mentioned again so I thought I'd put that little idea there.

Anywho, thanks for reading. For now I mostly intend to focus on preparing my plans for all my stories. Till next time!