I quickly walk through the bustling town of Magnolia. There are so many people out shopping in the marketplace, picking up groceries, looking for books and gifts for their loved ones. The sound of people chatting turns to white noise that is both welcoming and overwhelming at the same time. I continue my way, watching as people move out of my path and I don't know if it is because of the hood that covers my face or the wolf whose shoulder reaches my hip at my five-foot-two-inch height.

'Are you sure you want to go back? Az asks me, turning his purple eyes on me, 'What if it isn't safe? What if they find you?'

"Az, you can read my thoughts. You already know those thoughts have crossed my mind as well as hundreds of others. Gramps needs to know so he can protect the guild. They will attack because they know how much Fairy Tail means to me," I reply, "Yes, even at the cost of Gramps kicking us out. You I can't stay away for too long. I miss our family."

Az huffs at me as I lightly trace my fingers over my purple guild mark. I pick up my pace as I see the building looming over the houses, passing ours in the process. We arrive at the steps of Fairy Tail and I freeze. All my fear, guilt, and regret flooding to the surface and I doubt my decision. I left during a crisis. I left when they needed me. They're going to hate me. What am I doing here?

Az stops halfway up and looks back at me. All my thoughts and feelings being read by him. 'Lilli,' Az says, 'You know they will welcome you home with open arms. You decided to come back. We are so close. Let's go home'

He comes back down the steps and nudges the back of my knees, forcing me to take the step forward. I begin walking with my protector at my side gently encouraging me with nudges to the hand when I begin to falter and let my thoughts take over. I pause a few steps from the doors to listen, the guild is as loud as I remember, so full of life, happiness, and love. I remember when it wasn't and sadness was overwhelming, it could almost suffocate anyone nearby. The loss of Lissana.

Natsu and I were fighting when Elfman and Mira entered the guild, their heads hung low. Mira's arms bandaged and held tight to her side. Her head and left cheek bandaged as well. Elfman's right eye bandaged and looking more horror-struck than anything else. The guild is instantly silenced by the air that they brought in. Natsu was the first to break the silence.

"Where's Lissana?"

Mira instantly fell to her knees as sobs racked her body. Elfman covered his face as tears made their way down his face. The two launched into their tale. Elfman had tried to protect his sisters by attempting a full-body Beast Soul Takeover. The beast's soul proved to be too strong for so Elfman ended up going on a rampage. He ended up striking Lissana, who was trying to protect Mira and talk Elfman down, killing her instantly and leaving no trace. The guildhall was silent as everyone processed what had been said, the two remaining Strauss siblings crying and using each other for support. Tears flow down my face as I hold a crying Happy against my chest. Az leaning against my legs for support and comfort. Natsu is unable to process what had been said, his eyes were wide with pain, surprise, and anger. The guild was no longer full of life. No one would look at me. Anytime Mira saw me or Natsu she would break down into tears and tell us how sorry she was. Elfman avoided me, never looking at me or in my general area. After two weeks I wrote my note and left with Az.

I gain my courage and gently push open the wooden door. Inside are Wakaba and Macao sitting and drinking together, Romeo is running around from table to table talking with anyone, Cana was guzzling a barrel of booze on a table. I see Erza lecturing Gray about stripping, Laki and Levy are talking about a book, while Jet and Droy are fighting over Levy's affection. Behind the bar is a white-haired woman in an ankle-length dark pink pleated dress with lighter pink accents. Natsu is nowhere to be found which is both makes me happy and slightly disappointed. I take a deep breath and begin walking to the bar, the hood of my cape still covering my face. After a few steps in, silence falls upon the guild as they watch me walk across the guild hall. Az sticks close to my side as I grit my teeth and force my legs to continue forward. Once I reach the bar I ask the white-haired woman, in a quiet voice, "Where is master Makarov?"

"He is up in his office currently. May I help you with something?" Her voice is light and cheery and so welcoming.

I take a deep breath and remove the hood causing my white hair to fall around my face and down my back, as I say, "Can you tell Him Lilliana is home?"

The girl drops the glass she had been drying and it shatters on the ground at the same time as everyone gasps. The girl looks at me with tears in her blue eyes. "Lilli!" she yells as she pulls me into an awkward hug from over the counter.

I'm slightly taken aback and stand frozen in my spot. Az is bristling next to me. The girl releases me with an apology and says, "Oh, my. It has been two years and I have changed since then, so I do believe your reaction would be normal. I'm Mirajane."

"Mira?" Az and I yell in unison. Mira laughs at our reaction, "Yes, it is me. Az, you really have grown quite big since the last time I saw you."

Az beams at the praise, Mira continues, "Let me take you to Master before you both get bombarded."

She gives a pointed look behind us as she turns and heads up the stairs to Gramps' office. Az and I follow behind her silently. Mira goes up to the door and gives two sharp raps against it.

"Yes?" comes a gruff reply from the other side of the door.

"You have someone who wishes to see you, Master," Mira says politely.

"Let them in."

Mira turns to me with a sweet smile and an encouraging nod before she turns to head back down the stairs. I put my hand on the doorknob and gently turn it. I push open the door with Az at my side. I look in to see a short man with receding white hair sitting on his desk with a sour look on his face as he looks over a report. He looks up as I take a step inside. His eyes well up with tears of happiness and he breaks out into a smile, "Lilli."

I feel a smile tug at my lips, "I'm home Gramps."

"Welcome home."