4: Confronting Shadows
The Magic Mobile hummed softly as it sped along the train tracks to Clover as the sun began setting over the horizon. Gray, seated at the front, had one hand on the wheel and the other glowing faintly as he channeled his magic energy to power the car. Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and casual conversation.
Jin sat across from Erza, and beside her, Lucy fidgeted with her keys, occasionally glancing at Jin with curiosity. Happy perched on the back of the seat, his tail swishing lazily, while Kageyama sat by the opposite window across Lucy, staring at the passing scenery. Natsu lay sprawled on the floor, his face a sickly shade of green, groaning softly as the car bounced over a bump.
"Gray, can't you drive any slower?" Natsu muttered weakly, his face pressed against the floor. "I think I'm gonna—"
"You're not throwing up in here," Gray cut him off, keeping his eyes on the road but with a slight smirk. "And if you do, you're cleaning it up."
"I'll clean it up later…" Natsu mumbled, before another wave of nausea washed over him, leaving him silent and miserable.
"Hang in there, Natsu," Happy chirped from his perch on the seat. "We're almost there. You've been through worse, right?"
The blue cat's attempt at encouragement did little to ease his friend's suffering, but it was met with a faint, appreciative grunt from Natsu.
Jin's gaze was fixed outside, watching the landscape blur by. It had been a long time since he'd been around this many people—far too long. The warmth and camaraderie between the team felt foreign to him, almost too good to be true. Yet, there was a small part of him, buried beneath layers of grief and guardedness, that yearned for something like this.
Erza noticed Jin's silence and turned to him. "You know, you haven't said much since we left. We'd love to get to know you better."
"Yeah…" Jin trailed off, his eyes glued to the horizon. "I was just… thinking."
"How about we all introduce ourselves?" Lucy suggested, her tone friendly and inviting. "You can get to know us better, and we can learn a bit about you too. Let's start from the top. Sound good?"
Jin glanced at them but hesitated, feeling all eyes on him now. He could feel the curiosity in their gazes, even from Happy, who was now perched on Lucy's lap. He shifted in his seat, trying to find the right words.
"Um… sure. You guys can go first."
Lucy smiled warmly, hoping to put him at ease. "Well, I'm Lucy Heartfilia. I'm a Celestial Spirit Mage. I make contracts with spirits from the Celestial World and summon them to help me out. It's... well, it's kind of my thing." She chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Sounds neat," he said, though his thoughts drifted to the nature of her magic—so different from his own ki-based abilities.
"Gray Fullbuster," Gray said from the front without turning around. "Ice-Make magic. I'd show you, but I'm kind of occupied keeping this thing running. Pretty versatile, if I do say so myself."
"You say so yourself way too often," Lucy teased, earning a smirk from Gray.
"I'm Erza Scarlet. My magic is Requip, which allows me to change my armor and summon weapons at will. I'm usually the one keeping these guys in line." She glanced at Natsu, who managed to let out a weak groan in response. "Mostly."
Happy took the opportunity to jump in. "I'm Happy! I'm a cat, but I can fly and do other cool things, like fishing. Natsu and I are best buds! Oh, and he's a Fire Dragon Slayer!"
"Aye…" Natsu managed to mutter, causing a ripple of laughter to spread through the group.
Kageyama, sitting awkwardly in the corner, seemed hesitant to speak, but Lucy's gentle prompting with a nod encouraged him.
"I'm Kage," he said quietly, tinged with regret. "I use Shadow Magic. Not the most popular kind of magic, but it has its uses. I was part of the dark guild Eisenwald… specialized in assassinations. But that was until... well, I realized there's more to life than just revenge and hate."
He shifted uncomfortably under their gazes but pressed on.
"Natsu here... he's the one who made me see that. He could have killed me after I tried to stop him back at the station, but he didn't. None of them did. They helped me, even though I was their enemy."
Jin listened carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly at Kageyama's words. The mention of nearly being killed caught his attention.
"He nearly killed you?" he asked, his tone carrying a note of concern.
Kageyama nodded. "One of my own guildmates tried to, yeah. They didn't care if I died, but Fairy Tail... they did. And now... well, thanks to them, I've started to see things differently. They even accepted you, a complete stranger, without question." He offered Jin a small, genuine smile. "So in a weird way, I guess I have you to thank as well."
Jin looked at Kageyama with a mixture of surprise and respect. "I… didn't do much, but I appreciate that."
"What about you, Jin?" Erza's voice came softly from across the cabin, drawing his attention. "We've all shared a bit about ourselves. Would you be comfortable telling us more about you?"
All eyes turned to Jin once again, and he felt a wave of unease wash over him. He wasn't ready for this—wasn't ready to dive back into those memories. He hesitated, searching for something to say that wouldn't reveal too much.
"I… I'm… just a warrior and a traveler, from really far away," he began slowly. "I've been on my own for a while now, just looking to leave my past behind and start anew."
"Where are you from?" Happy asked innocently, tilting his head as he moved closer to Jin. "You've gotta come from somewhere, right?"
Jin glanced away briefly, his mind scrambling to come up with a plausible answer.
"Rose Garden," he said finally, choosing the first place that came to mind. It wasn't a complete lie—it was near enough to where Vegeta had once stood. "I'm from Rose Garden."
Lucy exchanged a glance with Happy, her expression a mix of skepticism and empathy.
"I can relate to that," she said softly. "Wanting to leave an old life behind, I mean. I think I've been to Rose Garden once when I was younger."
"I've heard it's really pretty!" Happy added.
"Yeah, it is," Jin replied, his voice growing quieter as he felt the weight of the lie.
"You must have some serious magic to take down someone like Erigor," Kageyama added, seemingly intrigued. "What kind of magic do you use?"
Jin felt a knot tighten in his chest. His powers weren't something he could easily explain, especially not in a world where ki wasn't common knowledge. He wasn't ready to reveal the truth—not about his heritage, his abilities, or the pain that came with them. He scrambled for something, anything to say.
"It's... a unique power. One that comes from intense training. My clan—where I come from—they trained me well. A little too well, I guess."
Happy blinked in curiosity. "Can you show us?"
Jin nodded ever so slightly. "Yeah, maybe when we get to Clover. It's just... I'd rather not talk too much about it right now."
The car fell into a brief silence. The team could sense Jin's hesitation, his reluctance to share more. Lucy's curiosity turned to concern, and she exchanged another glance with Happy, who looked back at her with a worried expression. Kageyama, who had shared so much of his own story, looked at Jin with newfound sympathy.
Gray took a quick glance in the rearview mirror, his usual demeanor replaced with a hint of concern.
"You okay back there?"
Jin forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine. Just… not much to talk about, really."
The atmosphere grew a little heavier. Jin could feel the pressure mounting, the memories of his past threatening to resurface, to drown him in a tide of pain and loss. He didn't want to remember. He didn't want to talk about it.
Erza, who had been watching Jin closely, saw the subtle shifts in his expression—the way his eyes darkened, how his shoulders tensed. She recognized that look; it was one she had seen in her own reflection countless times. She knew what it meant to carry the weight of a painful past, to be unwilling—or unable—to share it.
"Let's not pry too much into Jin's past," Erza said, cutting through the silence. "If he's not ready to talk about it, we should respect that."
Lucy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Sorry if we pushed too hard."
"Yeah, sorry," Happy added, his ears drooping slightly.
Jin looked at them, feeling a surge of gratitude mixed with guilt. He hadn't expected them to back off so easily, to respect his boundaries without pushing for more. It was something he wasn't used to—kindness without strings attached.
"It's fine," he reassured them, though the words felt hollow. "I don't blame you for being curious."
The silence that followed was less tense but more comfortable, the only sound being the steady hum of the Magic Mobile and Natsu's occasional groan of discomfort. Jin shifted in his seat, uncertain of what to say next. However, he could feel Erza's eyes on him, and when he finally looked up, their gazes locked.
There was something in her eyes—something that told him she understood more than she was letting on; something that made him feel... safe. Jin felt a warmth in his chest, a flicker of something he hadn't felt in a long time—trust.
He glanced away, embarrassed by how easily she seemed to read him, but when he looked back, Erza was still watching him with a small, reassuring smile. Jin took a breath, feeling a surge of confidence he hadn't felt in a long time. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make him want to open up, even if just a little.
"That reminds me," Jin began, his voice a bit stronger now, "How did Fairy Tail get involved with Eisenwald? And what's this guild masters' conference all about?"
Erza leaned back, relieved that Jin was ready to engage again.
"It started when we learned of Erigor's plan to use the Lullaby flute to kill the guild masters at Clover. We intercepted Eisenwald at Oshibana station, but got trapped in Erigor's wind barrier. That's when you and I crossed paths, and thanks to you, we had one less thing to worry about."
"We were stuck for a while until I summoned Virgo," Lucy added. "She's one of my Celestial Spirits, and she dug us a tunnel out of the station. That's how we managed to escape and get to the Magic Mobile. And of course, the rest is history."
Erza nodded. "I also noticed a pillar of light in the distance while driving earlier... Was that you, Jin?"
Jin felt a flicker of pride and nodded, recalling how he had finished the dark mage. "Yeah, that was me. Let's just say Erigor bit off more than he could chew."
Happy's eyes widened in awe. "Wow! That's so cool!"
Jin chuckled, his attention turning to the blue cat. "And I know someone who'd certainly share that sentiment."
They continued to talk for a while longer, and Jin felt the tension slowly dissipate. The team's openness and acceptance were genuine, and though he still kept his past close to his chest, he began to feel a sense of belonging, something he hadn't felt in a long time.
"We're getting close to Clover," Gray called from the front. "Everyone, get ready."
Natsu groaned again, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "I'm… gonna die…"
Nightfall descended as the Magic Mobile came to a halt at the cliff's edge, its engine sputtering to silence. Gray, slightly out of breath, wiped the sweat from his brow and hopped out of the driver's seat. The wind was cool, brushing against his skin as he rounded the vehicle to where Natsu was lying face-first on the car floor, still reeling from his motion sickness.
"Alright, pyro, time to go," Gray grumbled, grabbing Natsu by the collar and unceremoniously dragging him out. With a thud, Natsu hit the ground as Lucy and Happy hopped out of the vehicle.
"Ugh, I hate this… motion… ugh…" Natsu groaned, his face pale as he lay sprawled on the ground.
"You're welcome," Gray muttered, smirking as he straightened up.
Jin, Erza, and Kageyama moved to the back of the vehicle, popping the trunk. There, nestled uncomfortably between the bags and crates, was Erigor. The wind mage was bound tightly, his face twisted in fury and humiliation.
"Get him out," Erza ordered as she reached for the Lullaby flute tucked carefully beside Erigor.
Jin and Kageyama each grabbed an arm, hauling Erigor to his feet. Gray joined them, encasing Erigor's hands in ice, the frost creeping up his wrists like chains. The chill forced Erigor back to full consciousness, his anger reigniting as he glared at his captors.
"This isn't over! I'll have my revenge! We'll take back what's rightfully ours—"
Erigor's rant was cut short by the gleam of Erza's sword, the cold steel hovering dangerously close to his throat.
"Save your breath," she said coldly. Kageyama grinned wickedly and promptly gagged Erigor, muffling his furious protests.
"Yeah, put a sock in it, why don't ya?" he quipped, earning a growl from the defeated wind mage.
Meanwhile, Natsu staggered back to his feet, shaking off the remnants of his nausea. As the fire in his belly rekindled, so did his spirit. He grinned, the thrill of the chase returning to him.
"I can smell Gramps! He's not far!"
With a burst of energy, Natsu took off, with Happy soaring after him. Lucy hesitated, glancing back at the group before looking to where Natsu had run off.
"Natsu, wait up!" She hurried after him, leaving the others to deal with their less-than-cooperative prisoner.
Erza watched them go before turning to Jin and Kageyama. "I'll hold onto the flute. You two handle Erigor."
Jin and Kageyama nodded in unison, while Gray let out a sigh, still feeling the strain of driving.
"I'm gonna follow in a bit. Need to catch my breath after handling that contraption," he said, gesturing to the Magic Mobile. He started after the group, his pace slower than usual.
Jin and Kageyama moved to either side of Erigor, with Jin giving him a firm shove forward. The dark mage stumbled but caught his balance, his glare venomous as they began walking. Gray trailed behind, his gaze flicking between the three of them.
An awkward silence settled over the group, broken only by the crunch of their footsteps on the gravel path. Kageyama glanced at Jin, a sly grin forming on his lips.
"So, Jin… about how you took down Erigor…" Kageyama's eyebrows shot up in a playful gesture, clearly aimed at irritating the gagged wind mage. "Care to share the details again?"
Gray caught on to Kageyama's tone and leaned in closer, clearly interested. Jin, however, didn't quite pick up on the subtext. He assumed they were genuinely asking about the battle and shrugged slightly.
"Well, it wasn't easy. His wind magic was formidable," Jin began. "Some of his spells packed a punch after getting caught in them, but the wind was more of a distraction than anything."
Erigor grumbled, his pride clearly stung by Jin's casual dismissal of his abilities. Kageyama stifled a laugh, impressed by how nonchalant Jin was about it.
"Distraction? Those wind spells nearly tore the station apart, and you're calling them distractions?"
Gray chimed in. "And that beam of light we saw earlier? I get that it came from you, but what was that?"
"That was the finishing blow," Jin said simply. "After I broke through his wind armor, I threw him upward and used that to end it."
Kageyama seemed more astounded than impressed. "You punched through his Storm Mail? That's insane! That's basically his equivalent of the wind wall he had around Oshibana station!"
Jin shrugged modestly. "I've handled worse."
Gray whistled softly, clearly impressed. "That's pretty cool, man," he said before his breath caught up with him. "I'm gonna check on the others. They might be wondering where we are. Take your time getting there."
With that, he jogged ahead, leaving the three of them alone.
They walked in silence for a bit longer, the only sounds being the crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional muffled grumble from Erigor. Then, Jin stopped abruptly, causing the other two to halt as well.
"What's wrong?" Kageyama asked, tilting his head.
Jin didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned to face Kageyama and Erigor, taking a deep breath as he searched for the right words.
"I want to ask you something," he finally said, his tone turning serious.
Erigor arched an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued himself, while Kageyama nodded for him to continue.
Jin took a deep breath before continuing. "What's the deal with Eisenwald? Why go after the guild masters for revenge? What's this really about?"
Erigor shot a sharp glare at Kageyama, as if silently warning him to keep quiet, but Kageyama simply scowled back at him. After a brief moment, Kageyama looked back at Jin, his expression turning serious.
"Well, like I told you before, Eisenwald was all about assassinations," Kageyama explained. "But after our guild master was arrested six years ago, the Magic Council branded us as a dark guild and ordered us to disband. We didn't. We were pissed, and wanted revenge. That's how the plan to use the Lullaby to kill the guild masters came about, to 'take back our rights' as Erigor puts it."
Jin's eyes darkened. His hunch was right—Erigor was just another fool who couldn't handle not getting his way. The pride, the anger, the need to prove oneself… it was all too familiar. He was reminded of the Saiyans and their destructive pride. A pride that led to nothing but ruin.
Jin's thoughts drifted to his home, to Vegeta, where power was everything and nothing at the same time. He thought about how they fought, not for any noble cause, but to prove themselves superior, to assert their dominance even among themselves. King Vegeta, Prince Vegeta—their jealousy, their constant striving to be the best, to crush any threat to their power. And here he was, seeing the same senseless pride in another group entirely.
But instead of the usual pain and loss that accompanied thoughts of his heritage, Jin felt something different—bitterness. It wasn't just the Saiyans who were cursed with this kind of pride and arrogance; it seemed to be a universal trait. Why was this trait not limited to the Saiyans? Why couldn't people just live their lives without stepping over others? Why did it always come down to pride, to power, to revenge? It all felt so… pointless.
"What's the point?" Jin muttered under his breath, more to himself than to Kageyama or Erigor.
"Huh?" Kageyama looked at him quizzically.
Jin shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. "Nothing, just… thinking."
But his mind refused to quiet down. Jin's thoughts churned as he wondered what the point of dark guilds like Eisenwald even was. Were they just there to disrupt, to cause harm without any real purpose? And what of the Saiyans? What did they really want, if not to prove their superiority while ironically living in isolation?
His mind drifted further, back to his own desires as a child—what he once wanted, amidst the constant comparisons and expectations. A normal life. But that dream had long since faded, replaced by a deep-seated need to find himself after being lost and alone for eight years.
"What do you really want?" he asked, his gaze shifting between Kage and Erigor. "Is being in a dark guild really what you want to do? Is causing harm for a petty grudge all there is to it?"
Kageyama blinked, surprised by the question, while Erigor glared at Jin, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He wasn't just asking them—he was asking himself, too.
"Does any of this make your lives better? Does it make the lives of the people around you better? Or is it just chaos for chaos' sake? I know it might sound stupid coming from me, but you need to find something you can actually be happy with. Because right now, it seems like being in these dark guilds just makes everything worse for everyone—members and victims alike."
Kage remained silent, Jin's words seemingly resonating with him in a way he hadn't expected. Erigor, however, remained defiant, though there was a faint flicker of doubt in his eyes.
"I hate the idea that no matter where you go, there's always someone, or even a whole group of people, looking to ruin others' lives just for the heck of it. It reminds me too much of... people I used to know."
Jin faltered slightly, but eventually, he glanced at Erigor, locking eyes with the wind mage. "You should find something else to do, something that benefits everyone, including yourself. Kage's already on the right track, whether you like it or not. I don't know you well enough to suggest anything specific, but I can tell you this—I know someone who loves to fight when I see it."
Erigor's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Jin's unexpected compliment.
"Maybe one day, you and I can have a real fight, no holds barred. No dark guilds, no innocent lives at stake—just a bout between two warriors. You called me a worthy opponent… and regardless of how you put it, that means a lot as someone who's trained hard for so long. It meant it all paid off, so… thanks for that."
Jin's words seemed to give Erigor pause. For the first time since their battle, Erigor's gaze wasn't filled with malice or anger. Erigor didn't respond, but Jin could see his resistance.
"I get it. I'm not trying to convince you. Just think about it, alright? I've already gone through something similar, and I'm still trying to figure out what I want, even now."
For a moment, the night was still, and Jin thought he saw a flicker of something in Erigor's eyes—hesitation, perhaps, or maybe even doubt. Erigor scoffed, turning his gaze away, but it was clear that Jin's words had left an impact, however small.
Kageyama remained quiet, his usual demeanor replaced with something more thoughtful. After a long pause, he nodded, his eyes reflecting a hint of respect.
"You're full of surprises, Jin. You talk like you've lived a thousand years."
Jin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's just stuff I've learned along the way. I'm no wiser than anyone else."
After a moment of silence, Jin stretched his arms, feeling a bit lighter after speaking his mind.
"We should probably catch up. They might be looking for us."
Kageyama nodded, and with that, they resumed their walk, but Erigor no longer resisted. The wind mage seemed lost in thought, his earlier rage replaced by contemplation as they made their way down the path the rest of the team had gone.
Makarov sat comfortably on a tree stump near the guild masters' conference hall, the moonlight filtering his almost comically small stature through the branches above. With receding white hair and a thick mustache to match, he looked both wise and mischievous as he leaned back, thoroughly engrossed in a magazine far from appropriate reading material for a guild master.
"Ah, how times have changed!" Makarov mused, his wrinkled face splitting into a wide grin as he admired the images within. "Young wizarding ladies these days—stronger and sexier than ever! Oh, what I wouldn't give to be a few decades younger…" He made exaggerated kissing noises, his tiny, beady eyes twinkling with mischief.
Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind, and he was lifted off the stump with a startled yelp.
"Gramps!" Natsu's voice rang out, full of playful mischief as he swung the old man around. "What're you reading?"
"Natsu! You little rascal!" Makarov shouted, trying to wriggle free from the embrace.
Natsu just laughed, hugging him tighter as Happy fluttered over with a giggle. "Aye, sir! What're you reading, master?"
"Nothing that concerns you, you little blue menace!" Makarov grumbled, though there was no real anger in his voice.
"Natsu, let go of him! You're gonna crush him!" Lucy scolded in the distance, though she couldn't suppress a smile.
As soon as Natsu set him down, Makarov straightened himself, quickly stuffing the magazine into his robe as Lucy arrived.
Erza and Gray followed soon after, the former walking up and crossing her arms, a faint smile tugging at her lips seeing their beloved master.
"Master, what are you doing out here at this hour?" She asked, folding her arms with an eyebrow raised.
Before Makarov could answer, Gray sauntered over, looking exhausted but content as he finally caught up. "I was wondering the same thing… but then again, with you around, who knows?"
Makarov waved off their concerns, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just enjoying the night air, that's all! But enough about that. What are you kids doing in Clover?"
Erza stepped forward and began recounting their recent adventure. "Master, we've had a situation. The dark guild Eisenwald attempted to assassinate the guild masters with the cursed flute, Lullaby. We managed to intercept them at Oshibana station, but it wasn't easy. They trapped us there and—"
"But we kicked their butts!" Natsu interrupted with a fiery grin, pumping his fist in the air.
"Indeed," Erza continued, unperturbed by Natsu's enthusiasm, "but we weren't alone. We had some help… from someone special."
She gently placed the cursed flute on the stump where Makarov had been sitting. Makarov's eyes widened slightly as he took in the sight of Lullaby, a heavy silence falling over the group.
"You've certainly been busy today," he said, a note of pride in his voice. "Good job acting quickly. But tell me, who is this 'someone special'?"
Erza didn't answer immediately, and she gestured towards the forest from where they had come. All eyes turned expectantly in that direction, waiting for Jin to emerge with Kageyama and Erigor in tow.
The team watched the path in anticipation, but as the seconds ticked by, the silence grew longer, stretching into uncertainty.
"What's taking them so long?" Natsu wondered aloud, craning his neck to look down the path.
"Oh no…" Lucy muttered, growing anxious. "You don't think Erigor escaped, did he? Maybe they're off looking for him."
Gray shook his head. "No way. I iced Erigor's hands so he couldn't cast anything. Besides, if something went down, they could handle him."
Sensing the team's unease, Erza turned to Makarov. "Master, we'll go check on them—"
"Wait," Happy interrupted, his wide eyes spotting movement in the distance. "There they are!"
All eyes turned in the direction Happy was pointing, and sure enough, Jin, Kageyama, and Erigor appeared in the distance, walking towards them.
"About time!" Natsu exclaimed, his frown turning into a grin.
"Took you guys long enough," Gray remarked, crossing his arms. "Was beginning to think you got lost."
Lucy breathed a sigh of relief while Erza's smile returned, though it faltered slightly as she noticed something different about Erigor's demeanor. The once proud and defiant wind mage now walked with his head lowered, his steps more measured, and his expression less hostile. Makarov's eyes narrowed with curiosity as he observed the trio.
"And who might these be?" he asked, looking to Erza for answers.
"This is Erigor," She began, pointing to him. "The one behind the Lullaby plot, and that's Kageyama, a defector from Eisenwald that decided to tag along after we rescued him." She then turned towards Jin. "And this is—"
To everyone's surprise, Erigor, without any prompting, knelt before Makarov and averted his gaze, as if already knowing his place. Natsu's jaw dropped slightly, Lucy's eyes widened, and even Happy's mouth hung open in disbelief. Gray, the last one to have seen them before catching up with Natsu, was the first to recover.
"I left you guys for like, two minutes," Gray said, evidently bewildered. "Whatever happened to him?"
Jin opened his mouth to answer, but Kageyama beat him to it, patting Jin on the back with a grin.
"Let's just say this guy had a lot to say when we were alone."
All eyes shifted to Jin, and he felt a familiar knot tighten in his chest from the sudden wave of attention. Even Makarov, who had seen his fair share of strange occurrences, scrutinized Jin with interest. There was something about this young man that intrigued him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"And who might this lad be?" Makarov asked, turning to Erza again.
Erza nodded and gestured to the Saiyan. "This is Jin. He's the one who came to help us and defeated Erigor. And believe me, he really did come out of nowhere."
Her tone was light, almost teasing, but her words carried the weight of truth. Jin hesitated, but then waved softly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Hello," he greeted, quieter than usual.
"Jin, this is Makarov, the guild master of Fairy Tail."
The moment Erza mentioned "Master," something clicked in Jin's mind, triggering memories of the rigorous, almost militant discipline he had grown up with. The sudden realization of who he was standing before hit him, and as if on instinct, he ran over to Makarov and dropped to one knee, bowing deeply.
"Please forgive my casual behavior, Master! I didn't realize who I was addressing!" he uttered, his voice laced with the formalities he had grown accustomed to back in Vegeta. "It is an honor to meet you, sir!"
The abrupt shift in Jin's demeanor left everyone speechless. Natsu, Lucy, and Happy exchanged bewildered glances, while even Erigor shared a confused look with Kageyama, unable to reconcile the warrior who bested him with the young man now groveling before Makarov.
"What the…?" Gray muttered in confusion. "Did he hit his head or something?"
Erza, momentarily speechless, watched Jin with a growing sense of understanding. She could sense the unease, the formality that was more than just respect—it was fear, the kind that came from strict discipline and harsh expectations.
Jin remained on his knees, his heart pounding in his chest and his mind racing with anxiety. His thoughts drifted back to his strict instructors, to Prince and King Vegeta, and the crushing expectations that had come with them. The weight of living up to the legend of the Super Saiyan loomed large in his mind, and now, faced with Makarov, he couldn't help but feel that same old fear of not being good enough.
But Makarov saw through Jin's actions. His eyes softened, his heart going out to the young man who was so clearly weighed down by the burdens of his past.
"Stand up, my boy," Makarov said, placing a hand on Jin's shoulder. "Never do that again. There's no need for any of that here."
Jin looked up, shock evident in his eyes. He had expected a stern rebuke, perhaps even a scolding for his casual approach earlier. But Makarov's words were nothing like the harsh discipline he was used to. Never had he met someone in authority who felt so... fatherly, and it left him at a loss for words.
He slowly rose to his feet, still feeling out of place, as if he had somehow misread the situation.
"I… I'm sorry," Jin apologized again, though the words felt hollow now. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I just thought that—"
Makarov waved off his apology with a chuckle. "Disrespectful? Nonsense. I'd never ask my children to be so formal with me."
"Children…" Jin murmured, his brow furrowing in confusion. The word seemed foreign, yet strangely comforting.
Makarov, sensing the misunderstanding, chuckled softly. "You see, Jin, I look at everyone in Fairy Tail as my children. Each and every one of them is dear to me."
The mention of a familial bond hit Jin like a punch to the gut. Memories of his parents, their love, their last words urging him to forge his own path, flooded his mind. He looked up to the sky, as if searching for their presence, their guidance. The thought of being welcomed into a family, after everything he had lost, was almost too much to bear.
Could he really… belong here? After everything he had left behind? The idea of being accepted so quickly felt too good to be true. The faces of his mother and father flashed before his eyes, and with them, the guilt of failing to protect them.
Makarov watched him closely, seeing the hesitation in Jin's eyes—a hesitation he had seen in countless others before. He knew that look all too well, the look of someone burdened by their past, haunted by memories they couldn't escape. And in that moment, he understood exactly what Jin needed to hear.
"Jin, I can see it in your eyes—you've been through something painful, something that still haunts you. But let me tell you something, son. You don't need to carry that weight alone anymore. "
Jin's heart pounded in his chest, every word Makarov spoke striking a chord deep within him.
"Fairy Tail is a place where we share our burdens, where we lift each other up. Whatever memories ail you, whatever you've left behind, know this—you are never alone here. Your joy is our joy, your anger is our anger, and your tears are our tears. There's no need to hide, no need to feel unworthy. Because in Fairy Tail, you are family."
The words struck Jin like a lightning bolt, resonating with every part of him that had longed for acceptance, for a place to belong. His mind flashed back to the harsh life on Vegeta, the last words of his parents urging him to live a life he could be proud of, the years of burying his guilt and pain, and training in solitude to block it all out. And now, finally, here was someone offering him the very thing he had lost—family.
For a brief moment, the forest clearing was filled with an almost palpable silence. Jin stared at Makarov, his heart and mind waging a silent battle. He could feel the old wounds within him beginning to crack, the carefully constructed walls around his heart starting to crumble.
The others watched Jin with a mix of anticipation and concern, sensing that a crucial moment was unfolding before them. Even Kageyama and Erigor, despite their previous hostility, couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. Finally, Jin took a deep breath, his body trembling slightly as he forced himself to speak.
"Master," he began anxiously. "If... if I become a member of Fairy Tail... would you really accept me? Even after everything I've done? Even if I… I failed…?"
Makarov interrupted him with a gentle smile, his eyes shining with a fatherly light.
"Jin, in this family, we don't judge each other by our pasts. We don't care where you come from or what you've done. All that matters is the present and the future. If you want to be a part of Fairy Tail, then we'll welcome you with open arms, no questions asked. You don't have to be perfect, or have to live up to anything; just be yourself. You're free to be who you are with us."
And that was all Jin needed to hear. The freedom to be himself, to no longer be bound by the legend.
Jin finally let go, the tears flowing freely as years of pent-up grief, guilt, and loneliness found their release. He covered his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs. It was a raw, unfiltered outpouring of emotion, something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in so long.
For the first time in his life, Jin cried not out of anger, not out of grief, but out of a sense of overwhelming relief and joy. The tears flowed freely, as if the dam holding back his emotions had finally broken, and all he could do was let them fall.
Erza and Lucy rushed to his sides, wrapping their arms around him, their own eyes shimmering with empathy. Natsu, Gray, and Happy exchanged knowing smiles, welcoming their new friend into the fold. They eventually followed suit, creating a circle around Jin, each of them offering their silent support. Even Kageyama felt a sense of warmth, as if Makarov's words had lifted a weight from his shoulders too.
Erigor, still kneeling, observed the scene in silence. A very small hint of sympathy flickered in his eyes, recognizing the depth of Jin's emotions and the gravity of the words he had spoken earlier when they arrived.
Jin looked around at the team, their faces filled with acceptance and understanding. It was a moment he would never forget—a huge turning point in his life.
Makarov smiled proudly at the scene before him, his heart swelling with affection for this ragtag group of wizards who had grown so close despite their differences. He knew Jin had a long road ahead of him, filled with challenges and hardships, but he also knew that with Fairy Tail by his side, Jin would never have to face them alone.
"I... I don't know what to say," Jin whispere with gratitude and a newfound hope. "Thank you."
Makarov smiled brightly, walking over and giving Jin's shoulder one last pat. "You're one of us now, Jin. And as long as you're with us, you'll never be alone again."
Jin nodded, his heart filled with a warmth he hadn't felt in years. The cold, empty void that had consumed him for so long was still there, but now there was a flicker of warmth, a small, fragile light that he hadn't felt in years. He had a place to belong—a family. And for the first time in eight long years, Jin allowed himself to hope.
Jin wiped away the last of his tears, his heart still warm from Makarov's words. A small smile crept onto his face, and his mind raced with thoughts of the future.
"So... what's the plan when we get back to the guild hall? And how does the whole joining thing work? Do I need to fill out any forms or...?"
The others blinked, slightly taken aback by his sudden mood swing, but their surprise quickly gave way to happiness. They were all relieved to see him in better spirits. Natsu's eyes lit up, and he broke into a grin.
"Forms? Nah, it's way easier than that!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "You're already one of us, especially after you kicked Erigor's butt! Right, Gramps?"
Makarov chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. No paperwork, no tests—just a family welcoming you home."
"There's no real process," Erza explained gently, still kneeling beside Jin. "All that's left now is to receive the guild mark—anywhere you want on your body, even your clothing. That's it."
Jin blinked in surprise. "That's it? Just a mark?"
Erza nodded with a smile. "Right. It's not about the process but about belonging. You're already a member in our eyes."
Jin tried to downplay it, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just happened to be there at the right time, that's all. I still need to see what the guild's really like."
Gray rocked his shoulder playfully. "Stop selling yourself short, man. You'll fit right in with everyone at the guild hall. Just wait until you meet the others—they're just as crazy as Natsu."
"Hey!" Natsu shot Gray with an indignant glare. "You're the one who strips in public, not me!"
"You really gonna keep bringing that up?! At least I'm not a pyromaniac with no control over his temper!"
The two butted heads, their voices rising as they started to quarrel, but before the argument could escalate, Erza loudly cleared her throat. Instantly, Natsu and Gray straightened up, lacing their arms around each other with forced grins.
"I mean we're just joking around!" Natsu said quickly, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple.
"Yeah, all in good fun!" Gray added, equally anxious.
Erza crossed her arms, her stern expression softening slightly. "You better be."
Jin snickered at the scene, sharing a glance with Lucy. "I'm guessing I'll be seeing a lot of this?"
Lucy chuckled. "Just wait until we get to the guild hall. You haven't seen anything yet."
"Aye!" Happy chimed in, raising his hand. "There are always fights going down at the guild hall! It's gonna be fun!"
Jin shook his head with a small smile. "Sounds like a nice change of pace."
But as they continued their banter, a malevolent presence stirred. The Lullaby flute, still lying on the tree stump where Erigor had dropped it, began to glow. Its three eyes emitted a sinister purple light, and dark smoke crackled with purple lightning as it seeped out of the flute. The amalgam of voices that came from the flute was low and threatening.
"I have grown tired of you cowardly wizards and your antics!"
The team instantly tensed, their lighthearted mood evaporating as they turned to face the source of the dark energy. The smoke rising from the flute twisted and swirled, coalescing into a towering figure as a massive magic circle formed in the sky above them. Lightning struck the ground with a deafening roar, and the purple smoke was drawn upwards, feeding into the circle.
"What's going on?" Jin asked as he stared at the ominous display.
"I can no longer hold back... I will come forth and devour you myself!"
Erza's eyes widened in realization as the magic circle crackled with lightning once more before the purple light vanished, leaving behind an eerie, pulsating aura that enveloped the area. The Lullaby flute was no longer just a cursed object—it had transformed into a massive, humanoid tree-like beast towering over the landscape.
Its body was twisted and gnarled, with three eyes, a mouth, and limbs that seemed to be carved from ancient wood. A massive hole gaped in its abdomen, exuding a dark, malevolent energy.
"I shall feast upon your pitiful souls!"
The team stared up in shock, unable to fully comprehend the sheer size and power of the monster before them.
"It's… it's so huge!" Lucy exclaimed as she took a step back.
"Way to state the obvious!" Happy quipped, though his usual cheerfulness was tinged with fear.
"What is that thing?!" Kageyama asked as he turned to Erigor. "You never told us anything about a monster! Did you know about this?!"
Erigor, still gagged, could only shake his head in denial, his own eyes wide with terror as he stared up at the monstrosity he had unwittingly unleashed.
Jin's eyes flicked to the conference building below, where guild masters and wizards were hastily evacuating. But his gaze quickly returned to Makarov, who, to Jin's surprise, remained calm amidst the chaos.
"Master," Jin called out, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "Why did the flute turn into that monster?"
Makarov's expression was grave but composed. "It seems we're dealing with a demon from the book of Zeref. This is Lullaby's true form, brought to life through Living Magic—Zeref's specialty."
Gray's brow furrowed as he tried to piece things together. "Zeref? Isn't he some kind of ancient wizard?"
Makarov nodded. "The most evil wizard the world has ever known. He was incredibly powerful in his time, and it seems his dark legacy lives on in the form of these cursed creations."
As the Lullaby's malevolent gaze fell upon them, it spoke again, its voice a twisted blend of hunger and delight.
"Which one of you delectable souls shall I dine on first?"
Natsu, Gray, and Erza instinctively stepped forward, their battle instincts kicking in as they faced the monstrous foe.
"Delectable, huh?" Natsu repeated under his breath, then turned to Gray with a grin. "Do you think souls taste good?"
Gray shot him a disgusted look. "How the hell should I know?"
"Stop thinking about food!" Lucy snapped, her nerves fraying.
Jin's mind raced, processing the information Makarov had just shared. Zeref… He hadn't come across that name in any of the records or books he had studied back on Vegeta. But something about this felt eerily familiar—a dark legacy, a figure shrouded in myth and fear.
It reminded him of the Super Saiyan, a legend tainted by bloodshed and violence, but this was different. This was real, tangible, and right in front of him. Yet Zeref's legacy was different; it was one of darkness and evil. And if this demon was just one of his creations, how many more horrors existed out there? How powerful could they be?
But there was no time to dwell on these thoughts. Innocent people were still in the area, and the guild masters were in the conference hall below. They had to stop the Lullaby before it could cause more harm.
For the first time in his life, Jin felt an overwhelming sense of duty and a rush of adrenaline. He wasn't fighting alone anymore. He was surrounded by people who had accepted him, people worth fighting for. And for the first time, he wasn't just fighting for and by himself—he was fighting alongside others, as equals, as friends.
He looked up at the sky, whispering a silent prayer to his parents. "Please watch me… Mom… Dad… I won't let you down."
"Can those three really beat that thing on their own?" Lucy asked warily as she looked at the trio.
Happy grinned smugly. "You should help them, Lucy!"
Lucy hesitated, glancing away sheepishly. "Normally, I would, but… none of my Celestial Spirits are available right now. I'd probably just slow them down."
"That's a good excuse!"
"Don't judge me!" Lucy snapped back, but her protest was cut short when she noticed Jin walking toward the Lullaby.
Erza, already brandishing her swords, turned to Natsu and Gray. "Ready?"
Natsu and Gray both nodded, their expressions fierce. "Oh yeah."
But just as they were about to charge forward, they froze as Jin walked past them, his gaze locked on the towering beast.
The Lullaby leaned in, its three eyes focusing on Jin. It let out a disdainful chuckle.
"You… I sense no magic energy in you! Not even worth consuming!"
Jin's expression hardened, unfazed by the monster's taunt, but the revelation struck the team like a bolt of lightning. Erza's eyes widened in surprise as she glanced back at Jin, her mind racing.
"No magic energy?" She whispered under her breath. "Then… how did he defeat Erigor? And what was that pillar of light back there?"
Natsu and Gray exchanged stunned glances, equally baffled by the revelation.
"Hey, you heard that, right?" Natsu muttered. "Jin's got no magic?"
Gray nodded slowly, still processing the information. "Yeah. But then… how did he…?"
"I prefer the taste of a wizard soul! And I shall consume all of—"
Jin disappeared in a blur. In an instant, he delivered a powerful kick to the Lullaby's chest with a flash of lightning, his roar echoing through the forest. The impact sent the massive creature flying backward, crashing through the trees and into the side of a distant mountain.
The team was left speechless, their jaws practically hitting the ground. Natsu and Gray's eyes were wide with shock, their minds struggling to comprehend what they had just witnessed. Lucy and Happy were equally stunned, their mouths agape as they tried to process the sheer power Jin had just displayed.
Erza, while equally surprised, felt a growing sense of admiration and wonder. She had only just learned that Jin had no magic energy, and yet, here he was, displaying a level of power that defied all expectations.
"Did… Did he just…?" Gray stammered, unable to finish his sentence.
Natsu, for once, was at a loss for words. "What… What just happened?"
"Jin doesn't have magic energy…?" Lucy uttered, regaining her composure. "But… but he…"
"But he's so strong!" Happy exclaimed, equally surprised.
Kageyama and Erigor were both frozen in place, their shock mirroring that of the Fairy Tail wizards. They had never seen anything like this, not even in their darkest nightmares.
Makarov, however, remained calm with a knowing smile. He had sensed something extraordinary about Jin from the moment they met, and this display of power only confirmed his suspicions.
Jin landed gently back on the ground, his expression hardened as he looked back at his new friends. For a moment, he maintained his serious demeanor, but seeing their stunned faces, he couldn't help but smirk. The thrill of the upcoming battle sparked something new within him—a sense of fun.
"Race you guys there!"
Without waiting for a response, Jin lifted off the ground, his aura blazing white as he shot off toward the Lullaby. For the first time in his life, he felt something beyond duty and survival. He felt alive.
Erza's smile widened as she ran past Natsu and Gray to catch up to the Saiyan.
"You heard him! Let's move!"
Gray, snapping out of his stupor, grinned and created a path of ice to surf on.
"Last one there has to drive the Magic Mobile!"
"Wha… Hey!" Natsu yelled after them. "I can't even ride that damn thing!"
With a burst of flames from his feet, he rocketed forward, determined not to be outdone.
Jin's white aura flowed around him as he glided just above the ground, following the path where the Lullaby had been blown back. The earth was scarred from the impact, greenery torn apart by the sheer force of the collision. With a grin, Jin slowed his pace, letting the rush of the battle ease for a moment. He landed lightly on the grass, feeling the earth settle as he waited for the others to catch up.
He didn't have to wait long, as Erza was the first to arrive, landing gracefully beside him. Jin turned to greet her with a smile, but the words caught in his throat. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped slightly as he took in her appearance. Erza had changed her armor. Her original attire wasn't too shabby, but this… this was something else entirely.
Her new armor gleamed, made almost entirely of metal, with intricate designs that gave it a fierce, otherworldly presence. Two large, metallic wings extended from her back, giving her an ethereal, almost angelic appearance.
But what really caught Jin's attention—though he wouldn't admit it—was how… revealing her attire was. The armor left the tops of her breasts and much of her midriff exposed, leaving him to try and process how she'd managed to change so quickly—and why she'd chosen this particular outfit for battle.
"Erza, what—what is that?" Jin blurted out, gesturing to her new attire. "And since when did you have time to change?"
Erza chuckled, finding his reaction endearing. "This is my magic, remember? Requip allows me to change armors and summon weapons at will. This one's my Heaven's Wheel Armor."
Jin nodded, his eyes still darting over the armor's design, trying to make sense of it.
"I remember you mentioning that, but…" He paused, his brow furrowing in concentration as he scrutinized the armor. "Isn't that a bit… impractical? You're exposing a lot of your upper body. What if…?"
Erza raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smirk as she caught where his eyes were lingering.
"What's the matter, Jin?" she teased, her tone laced with amusement. "Is something bothering you?"
Jin blinked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"Actually, yes," he admitted, oblivious to what she might have implied. "I just think you're sacrificing defense for offense. I've been trained to optimize both, but it seems like you're leaving yourself open to attacks. Don't get me wrong; I'm not doubting your skill, but there's a high risk in that, especially in a battle like this."
Erza blinked, her mouth opening slightly in disbelief. For a moment, she couldn't tell if he was being serious, but the look on his face confirmed it—Jin was genuinely concerned. The absurdity of it hit her, and despite the situation, she burst out laughing, trying—and failing—to cover her mouth with her hand.
Jin frowned, still entirely clueless as to what he might have said that was funny. "Um… what's so funny? I'm just pointing out what I'm seeing. I'm not familiar with your way of fighting, so I'm just offering my own observations."
Erza finally managed to regain her composure, shaking her head with a smile that she couldn't hide.
"You're adorable, Jin," she said with a genuine fondness that caught him off guard.
Jin blinked, feeling a strange warmth in his chest.
"Oh, um, thanks… I guess?" he replied, taken aback by the compliment. He scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed but also oddly comforted by her words. "My... my mom used to say the same thing when I was younger."
Erza's eyes slightly widened, noticing his voice ever so slightly tremble at the mention of his mother, but before the moment could linger, the sound of arguing drew their attention. Natsu came barreling into the clearing, propelled by a blast of fire from his feet. Gray was right behind him, sliding in on a trail of ice. The two collided, each trying to assert they had arrived first.
"I got here before you, ash for brains!" Gray snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at Natsu.
"Keep dreaming, ice block!" Natsu shot back, flames already flickering around his fists. "You're the one who—"
"Enough!" Erza's stern voice cut through their argument like a blade, making both men snap to attention. "This is your last warning. If I catch you two arguing one more time today, you'll both be severely punished! Understood?!"
Natsu and Gray quivered, saluting in unison. "Yes, ma'am!"
The ground trembled again, drawing all of their attention back to the towering Lullaby. The demon was back on its feet, its eyes glowing a sinister purple as it loomed over them.
"You dare strike me?! I will consume your souls!"
The Lullaby's roar was deafening, a gigantic magic circle forming above its head as the earth shook beneath their feet. But the four remained unfazed. Gray, still holding his ears, glanced at the others.
"So what's the plan?"
"The plan?" Natsu repeated, palming his fist with a grin. "We take it down, of course!"
Jin's aura flared brighter as he nodded. "I can work with that. Everyone ready?"
"Yeah!" Erza, Natsu, and Gray simultaneously echoed over the cacophony of the Lullaby's magic.
With a united battle cry, they charged forward, Jin, Natsu, and Erza taking to the skies while Gray stayed on the ground, creating an ice path to surf on.
Erza was the first to strike, her armor glinting as she darted by the Lullaby, her blades slicing through its wooden torso with surgical precision. Gray followed, forming a blue magic circle in front of him as he concentrated.
"Ice Make: Lance!"
He launched multiple lances of ice, each one streaking towards the demon, leaving trails of icy mist in their wake.
"My turn!" Natsu roared, his fist engulfed in flames as he shot forward.
"Fire Dragon Iron Fist!"
His fiery punch connected with the Lullaby's face, causing the monster to stagger back.
Jin followed suit, zooming in with a barrage of ki blasts. The Lullaby tried to shield itself with its massive arms, but Jin was too fast.
Darting around the demon with blinding speed, he landed a powerful kick to its face, following up with another as he spun in the air. The Lullaby stumbled, and Jin took advantage of the opening, his aura exploding as he zoomed forward for another punch that sent the demon reeling.
He landed on a patch of ground behind the Lullaby, quickly joined by Natsu, Gray, and Erza. They barely had time to compliment his skill before the Lullaby turned, its massive hand sweeping towards them. The ground shattered where they had stood as they leaped away, narrowly avoiding the strike.
"You are making me angry!"
Undeterred, they launched another attack. Erza sped by the Lullaby, slicing at it again, while Gray formed a massive ice construct that shattered into countless shards, pelting the demon's body. Jin zoomed in for another kick to its chest, using the impact to springboard away before firing another barrage of ki blasts.
Natsu leaped into the air, flames swirling around him as he launched another attack with several fiery sweeps.
"Fire Dragon Wing Attack!"
As they continued their relentless attack, Jin began to fall in sync with trio, recognizing their patterns and timing his strikes accordingly. The thrill of fighting alongside them, of working together to take down this monstrous foe, filled him with a sense of camaraderie he hadn't felt in years.
But the Lullaby was far from finished. Its fists clenched in anger, and it reared its head back, letting out another roar. The massive magic circle above it grew in size before suddenly vanishing. Purple energy began to swirl around its mouth, and the ground beneath them started to die, the grass and trees withering away as the demon absorbed the life around it.
"What the heck is going on?!" Natsu yelled over the noise.
"I think that's it's deadly song!" Gray shouted back, covering his ears.
"This is bad!" Erza added grimly. "We have to stop it now!"
"Just one note, and your souls will be mine!"
Jin's mind raced as he realized the danger they were in. This was still the Lullaby flute—a deadly instrument capable of killing everyone in the vicinity with a single tune. His eyes darted to his comrades, and a surge of adrenaline flooded his system. He couldn't let this monster destroy the new family he had just found. Not now. Not ever.
He removed his hands from his ears and powered through the noise, clenching his fists as his aura exploded around him.
Erza's eyes widened in alarm. "Jin, what are you—"
"Buy me some time!" Jin interrupted as he shot into the sky, leaving a blazing trail of energy in his wake.
Erza, Natsu, and Gray watched him ascend, then without hesitation, they charged at the Lullaby, even as the roar continued to assault their senses.
High above, Jin flew until the roar no longer hurt his ears. He gritted his teeth, bringing his hands in front of him. Curling his fingers, he rotated his hands so that both palms faced right, then drew them back to his left side, gathering his energy. His aura crackled wildly with purple ki, the energy swirling around him like a storm.
"Requip!"
On the ground, Erza's form flashed as she changed into her Black Wing Armor. The black metal gleamed in the dim light, her wings spreading out behind her like those of a dragon. She wielded a single sword, its edge sharp and deadly as she blitzed through the Lullaby, slicing at the demon's face and torso with a speed and precision that made her a blur of motion.
Gray formed another magic circle, sending a buzzsaw made of ice crashing into the Lullaby's abdomen, while Natsu launched another fiery assault, his flames searing the demon's wooden flesh. But despite their best efforts, the Lullaby stood firm, its roar growing louder as it prepared to unleash its deadly tune, forcing the trio to stop and cover their ears.
The sound that followed was not a melody, but a broken, distorted noise, like a malfunctioning instrument. The Lullaby gasped in disbelief.
"Why… Why can't I play my melody of death?!"
Natsu, equally confused, glanced at Gray. "Hey! What happened to it?!"
Gray, scrutinizing the demon, smirked. "I guess we punched so many holes in it that we messed up its song!"
The Lullaby's eyes blazed with fury.
"How dare you mock me!"
It raised its massive hand to strike, but Erza spotted an opening, turning her gaze to the Saiyan in the sky.
"Jin! Now!"
He heard her call, his eyes blazing with determination as his aura crackled around him, the purple ki swirling into a concentrated sphere of energy.
"GALICK GUN!"
Jin thrust his hands forward, and a beam shot down from the sky like a bolt of lightning, a massive wave of purple energy that zoomed toward the monstrosity. The beam tore through the air with a deafening roar, its light illuminating the battlefield.
Natsu scrambled to get out of the way, propelling himself with flames, while Erza flew clear and Gray formed an ice shield to protect himself. The Lullaby looked up, its eyes widening in terror as the beam of energy bore down on it. It tried to raise its arms to block the attack, but it was too late.
The ground shook as the Galick Gun crashed into the Lullaby, the demon's roar of pain reverberating through the forest. The beam consumed the demon entirely, the purple light illuminating the night as the Lullaby was obliterated.
The monster exploded, releasing a white streak of light that shot up into the sky before dissipating, sending shockwaves through the skyline. The purple and green aura enveloping the area vanished, bursting into a slow, soft hail of crystals that rained down upon the land. The flute returned to its original state, now lying dormant on the ground.
Jin hovered above, breathing heavily as the remnants of his attack dissipated into the air. The Lullaby's presence had been wiped out. Sighing in relief, he slowly lowered himself from the sky, the last of his aura fading.
Jin slowly descended from the sky, the battlefield below him now eerily silent compared to the chaos just moments before. The rush of battle still thrummed in his veins, but a wave of relief washed over him.
As his boots touched down on the ground, Jin exhaled deeply, feeling an unfamiliar but welcome tranquility wash over him. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt... satisfied.
Before he could fully process this new sensation, Jin heard footsteps rapidly approaching. He turned just in time to be tackled by Natsu, who let out a loud cheer, nearly knocking Jin off his feet. Gray was right behind him, grinning as he joined in on the impromptu celebration.
"We totally rocked that thing!" Natsu exclaimed, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "That big blast of yours blew it away!"
Gray was right behind him, a smirk on his face. "You did pretty well for your first big fight with us."
Jin chuckled, trying to remain modest. "It was a team effort. I couldn't have done it without you all. You're all really strong."
"Damn right we are!" Natsu laced an arm around Jin's shoulders, thrusting his fist into the air. "And don't you forget it!"
Jin chuckled, his attention drawn to Erza, whose appearance in her Black Wing Armor once again caught him off guard. He had seen her in action a few moments ago, but now, with the battle over, he took a moment to really look at her.
His eyes widened as he took in the sleek black armor, the large wings spread out behind her, and the sword she wielded with such deadly precision. He was about to say something, perhaps another comment about the impracticality of her armor, but he stopped himself. He had seen firsthand just how capable Erza was in battle, regardless of what she wore.
With a resigned laugh, he raised his hands in mock defeat. "Alright, alright. I retract my earlier statements about your armor. Clearly, I was wrong. You were amazing out there."
Erza smiled. "Thank you, Jin. You weren't so bad yourself, and now I understand how you were able to defeat Erigor."
Jin felt a warm flush creep up his neck at her praise, and he played it off with a modest shrug. "Just doing my part."
But as he looked at her, he felt something stir within him—something he couldn't quite explain. There was something different now, a warmth in his chest that he couldn't quite place. He found himself staring at her—not just at her armor this time, but at her. His mind briefly wandered, noticing more of her figure revealed by the armor, which only added to his confusion.
Erza noticed his staring, and this time, she knew exactly why he was staring. With a teasing smile, she Requipped back into her original armor, a flash of light snapping Jin out of his trance. Jin blinked, his face flushing with embarrassment as he quickly looked away.
"Uh, sorry. I didn't mean to—"
Stepping closer, Erza placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze softening as she looked into his eyes.
"You did well today, Jin. I'm proud of you."
The words hit him like a wave, the sincerity in her voice unlocking a memory he had buried deep within. He remembered his father saying those same words to him long ago. The emotions welled up, catching him off guard, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek before he could stop it. Quickly wiping it away, he forced a smile.
"Thank you, Erza. That means a lot."
Before anything more could be said, Lucy's voice called out from a distance. The group turned to see her running toward them, Happy fluttering beside her. Makarov, Kageyama, and a still-gagged Erigor trailed behind, the two Eisenwald members hanging back a bit.
"You guys were amazing! Especially you, Jin!" Lucy shouted as she reached them, her eyes wide with awe. "We watched the whole thing, and that purple blast you did was incredible!"
Happy perched on Natsu's head, nodding vigorously. "Aye, sir! I had no idea you were this strong, Jin!"
Jin chuckled softly, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the attention. "You guys are giving me too much credit. It was a team effort, remember? Natsu, Gray, and Erza were just as amazing."
Natsu grinned, nudging Jin with his elbow. "Quit being so modest already! Just take the compliment!"
"Yeah, a piece of cake!" Gray added, a grin crossing his face.
Their laughter echoed across the battlefield, the camaraderie between them palpable. Makarov approached, his eyes twinkling with pride.
"A job well done, Jin. You've more than proven yourself to be a worthy addition to Fairy Tail."
Jin felt his chest swell with emotion. "Thank you, Master. I finally have something worth fighting for, and I promise I'll protect it with all my life."
Makarov nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. I knew there was something special about you when we first met, and you've proven me right in all the best ways."
Behind Makarov, Kageyama and Erigor exchanged a look, the former hesitant before stepping forward.
"Jin, that was some impressive power you showed back there. Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Jin waved off the praise, trying to remain humble. "Thanks, but I'm just glad we all made it through."
Erigor, still gagged, made a series of grunts, using his eyes to gesture toward Jin. Kageyama frowned slightly, trying to understand what Erigor wanted, but then his eyes widened in realization.
"Erigor," Kageyama said cautiously, "do you want to say something to Jin?"
Everyone tensed at the question, their attention now fully on Erigor. Jin remained calm, his gaze steady as he waited for whatever the former dark mage had to say. Kageyama removed the gag, and Erigor took a few deep breaths, steadying himself before speaking.
"You…" Erigor began, his voice still carrying that familiar pride. "How dare you hold back in our battle?! And how dare you dismiss my capabilities?!"
Natsu and Gray growled at his remarks, but before they could move, Jin raised a hand, silently signaling them to stay back. He knew Erigor wasn't finished.
Erigor's expression softened, a hint of regret in his eyes. "But I admit… I had no idea the Lullaby could turn into a demon. I take responsibility for unleashing it upon the world, and for that… I apologize."
The unexpected apology sent a ripple of surprise through the team. Jin nodded in acknowledgment, though a part of him was still shocked that his words had actually gotten through to Erigor.
Composing himself, Erigor glanced away, gathering his thoughts before meeting Jin's gaze again. "May I ask you something?"
Jin nodded. "Of course."
"What exactly is your power?" Erigor's tone had a hint of curiosity now, no longer accusatory. "The Lullaby said you had no magic power, but we all saw what you did. What are you fighting with if not magic?"
A wave of anxiety washed over Jin, though it was less intense than before. His mind flashed to the years of training, the relentless pursuit of strength, and the sacrifices he'd made. He glanced around, meeting the curious gazes of his new companions. There was no judgment in their eyes, only genuine interest.
Erza stepped forward, sensing his hesitation. "If you're still not comfortable sharing, that's okay."
Gray, Lucy, and even Kageyama nodded in agreement, offering their reassurances. But Natsu had other ideas.
"Come on, don't be shy!" Natsu said, clapping Jin's shoulders. "Your power is awesome! You should be proud of how far you've come!"
Jin was taken aback by the sudden outpouring of positivity. After a moment of contemplation, he realized Natsu was right. Fairy Tail had accepted him so readily, and he had no real reason to keep hiding. The team had already seen him unleash his power, so there was no harm in revealing a little more.
Taking a step back, Jin raised his hand and closed his fist, before opening it to reveal a small, glowing yellow sphere of energy hovering above his palm.
"This… is ki," he began softly. "It's not magic, but a type of energy unique to my clan… my family…" Jin trailed off, his breath hitching slightly. "I've trained for eight years to master this power, and I can say with confidence that all that training paid off in the end."
The team watched in awe as the ki sphere pulsed gently in Jin's hand, its glow illuminating their faces. Natsu, Happy, and Lucy leaned in closer, their eyes wide with curiosity. Gray and Erza observed from a slight distance, their expressions more analytical but no less intrigued.
"Whoa! Can I learn how to use ki too?!" Natsu asked excitedly, his eyes practically sparkling.
Jin laughed softly. "You don't need to. Your magic already does the same thing for you, just in a different way."
"Aw…" Natsu pouted in disappointment, but Jin wasn't finished.
"But every living being does have some measure of ki, including you, Erza, and even Happy."
Lucy's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, with that being said, could you also use magic?"
Jin thought for a moment before nodding. "I suppose I could, but I've spent most of my life using ki. It would take time for me to learn how to use magic, but who knows? Combining both ki and magic could make for an interesting combo."
Erza's expression was thoughtful as she absorbed the information. "And does this ki have limitations?"
Jin hesitated for a moment before answering. "Well, like any energy source, it's finite. I can't use it endlessly, or I risk burning myself out. But with training, I can increase my ki reserves and the power of my techniques."
Gray nodded, absorbing his information. "What about that purple blast you used earlier? What was that?"
"That was my Galick Gun," Jin replied, feeling a hint of pride. "It's a technique I learned from the prince of my clan."
Happy blinked, tilting his head in confusion at the name of the technique. "But why does it sound like garlic?"
Jin shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not the one who named it," Jin added, his stomach rumbling slightly. "Speaking of garlic, I'm kind of hungry after all that fighting. What's for dinner?"
Natsu's face lit up, and clapped Jin's back. "Now you're speaking my language!"
Their laughter echoed through the air, the camaraderie among them growing stronger. Erza, watching Jin, felt a sense of happiness as she saw him truly enjoying the moment for the first time since they met.
Makarov approached, his eyes twinkling with pride. "I'll treat you all later. And Jin, that first attack you did against the Lullaby? It was brilliant. You got it away from the conference hall and prevented more collateral damage. I'm confident the guild masters will want to meet the team that saved their lives."
Kageyama, standing a bit behind, suddenly spoke up. "And we should probably get over there for Erigor's arrest…including my own."
Lucy's eyes widened as she looked at Kageyama in surprise. "Wait, are you serious?"
Kageyama nodded earnestly. "Yes, I was still involved with the whole plot to kill the guild masters, but I do want to thank you all for everything. I hope we can meet again under better circumstances."
Erigor managed a faint nod, seemingly acknowledging the truth in Kageyama's words. The situation was far from ideal, but there was a sense of resolution in the air.
Lucy blinked in astonishment, trying to wrap her head around it. "Wow, I didn't expect that. But, uh, thanks, I guess?"
Erigor's gaze shifted to Jin, and to everyone's surprise, he managed a genuine, albeit tired, smile.
"I suppose I also owe you thanks, Jin. You fought well, and maybe one day, we'll meet again… as warriors."
Jin, caught off guard by the unexpected respect, blinked in surprise but then smiled back. "I'd be up for that."
With the tension slightly eased and new understandings formed, Makarov clapped his hands to gather attention.
"Well then, let's head back to the conference hall. You all did a great job today."
The group, now in high spirits, began their journey back to the conference hall. As they walked, the conversation flowed freely, filled with laughter and plans for the evening. The Lullaby, lying defeated in the crater, began to show signs of cracking, but it was a minor detail compared to the newfound hope and unity that had emerged from the battle.
As they made their way back to the conference hall, Jin and Erza walked side by side. Their eyes briefly met, but they shared a smile that spoke volumes. For the first time, Jin felt genuinely happy and at ease among his new friends, while Erza was glad to see him so vibrant and alive, a far cry from the guarded and isolated figure he had been earlier in the day.
The future seemed bright, and Jin was ready to face it with his newfound family by his side.