5: Truth
Two Hours Earlier
Alzack and Bisca walked side by side on the path leading to the Fairy Tail guild hall. Alzack, with his dark hair covering half of his face and a poncho draped over his shoulders, stretched his arms out with a groan.
"I can't believe we went out there for nothing," he muttered, his voice laced with frustration.
Bisca, with her long green hair flowing freely under her cowgirl hat, offered him a gentle smile.
"At least we know Natsu and the others are alright. And the Master, too. I'd say that's worth somethin'," she replied reassuringly. She tilted her hat up slightly, revealing more of her calm expression. "Besides, we can bring Mira the good news."
Alzack scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I just... I guess I wanted to be more useful."
Bisca chuckled softly. "Don't worry about it. I get how you feel."
The two continued in comfortable silence, the golden hues of sunset painting the path ahead. As they approached the guild hall, they spotted Mirajane standing by the entrance, her back to them as she was about to enter the building.
She had long white hair, styled in a distinct upward ponytail above her forehead. She wore a maroon dress that swayed gently in the evening breeze.
"Mira!" Bisca called out, waving her hand high.
Mirajane turned at the sound of her name, a warm smile spreading across her face as she saw the two approaching. She let go of the door and walked over to meet them.
"Welcome back! How did it go?"
Alzack was the first to respond, his tone brighter now. "The guild masters are safe. Natsu and the others managed to stop Eisenwald from using that Lullaby flute."
Mirajane breathed a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing. "Thank goodness. I'm sorry I still had to send you out there when everything turned out okay anyway. How about I make you something? Anything you'd like?"
Alzack thought for a moment before shrugging. "I'll just settle for a drink. Surprise me."
"And I'll have what he's havin'," Bisca added quickly, causing Alzack to shoot her a curious glance.
"Uh… are you sure?" Alzack asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Bisca arched an eyebrow playfully. "Is there a problem?"
Flustered, Alzack waved his hand in dismissal. "N-no, not at all!"
Both Bisca and Mirajane laughed softly at his reaction. Mirajane, still smiling, gestured toward the guild hall.
"Come on inside, then. I'll see what I can make for you."
As Mirajane and Bisca headed toward the guild hall entrance, Alzack trailed behind, his eyes catching something in the corner of his vision. He frowned, craning his head slightly to get a better look.
Something small was sticking out from the side of the building, just barely visible in the fading light. Curiosity piqued, he veered off toward it.
Mirajane and Bisca were at the doors when they noticed his detour, and they exchanged puzzled looks.
"Al?" Bisca called out. "What're you doin' over there?"
"I thought I saw something," he replied as he rounded the side of the guild hall.
They watched as Alzack stopped beside the building, his eyes narrowing as they landed on something on the ground.
"I knew it," he muttered to himself before leaning down to pick up what appeared to be a small backpack.
Bisca stifled a laugh in disbelief. "Since when was that there?"
Alzack approached them with the backpack in hand, setting it down gently against the wall next to the doors.
"Your guess is as good as mine," he replied, glancing at the bag with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
Mirajane squatted down, scrutinizing the backpack with a furrowed brow. She carefully examined the material and the design, searching her memory for any hint of familiarity.
"Do you recognize it?" Alzack asked.
After a moment, Mirajane stood up, shaking her head softly. "No... I don't. Who would just leave their pack at the side of the guild hall like that? I don't know anyone who would do such a thing."
"Dunno," Bisca shrugged. "Maybe we should look inside to see who it could belong to."
Mirajane's frown deepened, her gaze lowering to the backpack once more. "But… even so, it's still someone's belongings. We can't just go through it."
Alzack placed a hand on his chin, considering the situation. "I hate to say it, but Bisca might be right. No one just leaves their pack outside the guild hall without a reason. We should at least check inside to be sure there's nothing dangerous. If there's nothing suspicious, we can keep it safe until the owner comes back for it."
Mirajane hesitated, her heart torn between respecting someone's privacy and the need to ensure the safety of her guild. She bit her lower lip, weighing the options.
Finally, she nodded, her resolve firming despite her own unease.
"Okay, I'll take care of it."
"Alright, Mira," Alzack said. "Just be careful. It's a little heavy."
Mirajane chuckled softly, the tension easing from her shoulders. "I'll be fine. And don't worry, I'll remember to make it up to you both when I'm done."
Mirajane entered the women's locker room of the Fairy Tail guild hall, in her hand the backpack Alzack found outside the guild hall. She set it down with a small grunt, the weight of the bag surprising her. Placing her hands on her hips, she eyed the bag curiously, her brow furrowing in mild frustration.
"What on earth is even in this thing?" Mirajane wondered aloud, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.
The bag was old but sturdy, its seams frayed at the edges as if it had seen many travels. Kneeling down, she placed her hands on the zipper, hesitating for just a moment. She wasn't one to pry into other people's belongings, but the circumstances were unusual—no one knew whose bag this was or how long it had been outside the guild.
Just as she began to pull the zipper, a familiar voice called out from the doorway.
"Mira?"
Mirajane paused, looking up. "I'm in here, Levy!"
A moment later, Levy peeked into the room, her brown eyes curious and bright as always. She stepped inside, her wild blue hair tied back with an orange bandana, complementing her short orange dress.
"Oh, there you are!" Levy said with a smile, walking over to Mirajane. "Do you know when Lucy and the others will be back? I'm honestly dying to read more of her novel. I'm hooked!"
Mirajane chuckled softly at Levy's enthusiasm. "They should be back by tomorrow. Alzack and Bisca sent word that they're all doing fine, and Master Makarov is okay too."
Levy's expression shifted slightly, concern knitting her brow. "Did something happen?"
Mirajane nodded, her tone turning more serious. "Eisenwald was planning to use a deadly flute called the Lullaby to kill the guild masters at the conference in Clover, but they managed to put a stop to them. Lucy's with Natsu, Gray, and Erza, so they're in good hands."
Levy breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to hear." Her gaze then shifted to the backpack at Mirajane's feet, curiosity sparking once more. "What've you got there?"
Mirajane exhaled, her hand resting on the bag's zipper again. "Alzack found this outside the guild hall, but no one knows who it belongs to. I thought I'd take a look inside, just to be safe."
Levy's eyes widened slightly, a hint of apprehension in her voice. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, it's someone's personal belongings…"
Mirajane nodded thoughtfully. "I felt the same way, but it's better to be safe than sorry. No one just leaves their backpack outside the guild like this. There could be something dangerous in here, for all we know."
Levy pondered for a moment before nodding, a resigned sigh escaping her. "Alright, if you say so... I guess might as well stick around to see what's inside."
With Levy's encouragement, Mirajane took a deep breath and finally pulled the zipper open. They peered inside, but the first thing they saw made their eyes widen in surprise.
"Is that… armor?" Levy asked, her brow furrowing.
Mirajane nodded slowly, her fingers brushing against the material. "It… looks like it…?"
Grabbing the shoulder straps, she carefully pulled the armor out, the backpack deflating as more of its contents rustled inside. Holding it up for Levy to see, they both examined the strange piece. It was a compact chest plate, its shape and design unlike anything common in Fiore.
It was predominantly white, with a distinct yellow stomach plate. The shoulder straps, already built into the armor, were the same shade of yellow, matching the lower half of the back. The surface was marred with scratches, dirt, and even dried bloodstains.
Levy leaned in closer, examining the armor with wide eyes. "I've never seen armor like that before."
Mirajane turned the piece over, inspecting it from all angles. "Neither have I. It's... surprisingly light." She pushed against the armor's surface, finding it unexpectedly flexible. "And stretchy?"
"Wait, really?" Levy asked. "Can I try?"
Mirajane handed her the armor, watching as Levy pulled on the opposite sides. The armor stretched with ease, much to their astonishment.
"How is that even possible?" Mirajane mused, giving the armor a few knocks. It was both flexible and durable—qualities that didn't usually go hand-in-hand.
Levy shook her head in amazement. "I have no idea, but I bet Erza would love to get her hands on something like this."
Mirajane nodded, though her attention was drawn to the state of the armor—the dirt, the scratches, and especially the dried bloodstains. She frowned, a small pang of concern tugging at her heart.
"Looks like it's seen better days… maybe I can clean it later, for the owner's sake."
Setting the armor down on the bench, Mirajane turned back to the backpack. "Let's see what else is in here."
She rummaged through the bag, finding nothing out of the ordinary—water bottles, rations, a first-aid kit.
"They must be a traveler," she mused.
Her hand brushed against something solid at the bottom of the bag. Curiosity piqued, she pulled it out, only to find a picture frame. Mirajane's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the portrait of a woman with soft facial features and a gentle demeanor. She had dark hair and kind, knowing eyes that seemed to gaze right into Mirajane's soul.
"Who's this?" Mirajane whispered, her heart tightening.
Levy peered over her shoulder, her brows furrowed in thought. "No idea."
Mirajane set the picture down carefully, next to the armor, before reaching into the bag again. This time, she pulled out another portrait, this one of a man with short dark hair framing his stern face. His expression was serious, almost intimidating, but there was a certain pride in his eyes.
Mirajane showed it to Levy, who shook her head. "I don't know him either."
With a sigh, Mirajane placed the picture of the man beside the woman's. Reaching into the bag once more, Mirajane pulled out a third picture, and her heart ached as she looked at it—a family photo.
The same man and woman were there, but this time, there was a young boy sitting between the couple. He had the man's dark hair and the woman's soft features, a blend of both his parents. The family looked happy, their smiles genuine and full of life.
Levy's eyes widened in recognition. "It's them... the ones in the portraits."
Mirajane compared the family photo to the individual portraits, nodding slowly. "You're right… Could this be their child?"
"He must be. The resemblance is there." Her eyes then caught something on the back of the family photo. "Mira, I think there's something written on the back."
Mirajane flipped the photo over, her heart sinking as she read the small note written on the back:
Miss you both.
The words were simple, but they carried a heavy weight. Mirajane and Levy exchanged a look, both of them understanding the implication. The parents were either dead or missing, but Mirajane couldn't shake the feeling that it was the former. Without another word, Mirajane placed the family photo between the two portraits.
Mirajane reached into the backpack once more and pulled out an old book. Levy's eyes lit up with excitement, a small gasp escaping her lips.
"Can I see that?" Levy asked eagerly.
Mirajane chuckled, handing the book to her. "I figured you would."
Levy turned the book over in her hands, her smile faltering as she read the title.
"The Saiyans: Myth and Reality." She tilted her head to the side, unsure of what to make of it. "What the heck is a Saiyan? I've never heard of them."
Mirajane frowned. "Me neither. Can you see what's in it?"
Levy's curiosity got the better of her, and she nodded to Mirajane."Say no more."
Pulling out a pair of red Gale-Force Reading Glasses from her pocket, Levy put them on and began reading at an incredible speed. A small magic circle appeared in front of the book, with words flying through her glasses at a rapid pace. Mirajane watched intently as Levy absorbed the information, her expression growing more serious as she continued.
After a few moments, Levy closed the book with a deep breath, her mind racing with newfound knowledge.
"So… what did you learn?" Mirajane asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.
"The Saiyans are an ancient civilization, living in a hidden village located in the northern part of Fiore called Vegeta," Levy began. "They're basically an incredibly proud and isolated people, valuing strength above all else. But their pride is both a strength and a curse, so they end up constantly seeking out greater challenges even among themselves."
Mirajane listened intently, her eyes widening at the revelation. "Vegeta… I don't think I've ever heard of that place."
Levy nodded. "That's because they lived in complete isolation, hidden away by a barrier that made their village invisible to the outside world. They were masters of combat, using a power they called 'ki,' and had advanced technology far beyond what we know. They even had a royal family that ruled over them, though their power structure was based more on strength than lineage."
Mirajane absorbed the information, her brow furrowing. "So… they've been there all this time...?"
Levy shrugged, her curiosity piqued. "Maybe. There's also this legend of a 'Super Saiyan,' a warrior said to be kind-hearted but fierce in battle, and even feared by his own kind. The legend goes back five hundred years ago, so they must have been around for a very, very long time."
Mirajane placed a hand on her chin, deep in thought. "But… something doesn't add up. If they've lived in isolation for so long, why would one of them come all the way to Magnolia? To Fairy Tail? Do you think it's the child in the family photo?"
Levy nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place. "It probably is. Maybe he left Vegeta for a reason. Maybe... something happened to him there."
Mirajane glanced back at the armor and the family photos, feeling a surge of empathy for the person who had carried these items. Whoever he was, he had a story—one of loss, of a family, and perhaps, of a journey that led them to Fairy Tail.
"Let's keep his stuff safe for now," Mirajane said softly. "I'll speak to the Master about it when he returns. There might be more to this whole thing, and I'm sure he would know what to do."
Levy nodded. "And I'll be here if you need anything. Let me know what you find out."
"Thank you, Levy," Mirajane said, smiling softly. "I'll keep you posted."
As Levy left the locker room, Mirajane looked down at the items from the backpack, her heart heavy with a mix of compassion and curiosity for the mysterious traveler she had yet to meet.
The day following their battle against Eisenwald and the Lullaby, the team found themselves on a wagon bound for Magnolia. They had been traveling for most of the morning and afternoon, now leaving the bustling streets of Onibus Town behind as they made their way to the next town and their destination, Magnolia. Makarov sat at the front of the wagon beside the coachman, giving directions and occasionally glancing back at the team with a warm smile.
In the back, the team had settled into a comfortable silence, the only sounds being the creak of the wagon and the soft rustle of leaves in the afternoon breeze. Gray and Lucy sat on one side of the wagon, while Erza and Jin sat across them. Natsu lay sprawled on the floor, knocked out cold from Erza's earlier intervention to spare him the misery of his motion sickness. Happy curled up next to him, his tiny chest rising and falling as he slept peacefully.
Lucy's gaze wandered to Jin, who was slumped over and also asleep, his head bowed and arms hanging limply at his sides. She couldn't help but smile a little at the sight, remembering the previous night after they had defeated Lullaby.
"You know," Lucy began, breaking the silence. "I still can't get over the fact that Jin can eat as much as Natsu. Last night felt more like a contest between those two than a celebration."
Gray chuckled, leaning back against the wagon's wooden side. "Yeah, but at least Jin knows when to stop. Unlike some fire-breathing idiots I know."
He shot a playful glance at the unconscious Natsu, who snored loudly in response.
Lucy grinned. "True. But seriously, I'm glad Jin's starting to fit in. I thought he'd be more guarded after what happened yesterday."
Gray smirked. "Yeah, me too. And speaking of last night, did any of you actually get any shut-eye? Because I swear, this guy talks in his sleep. A lot. I was up half the night thanks to his blabbering."
Lucy's eyes widened slightly as she looked at Jin, who was now leaning back against the wagon's wooden wall, arms crossed and head slightly tilted.
"I had no idea," she said thoughtfully. "Maybe he was just really tired from all that fighting. What was he saying?"
Gray shrugged. "Couldn't really make out most of it. Just a bunch of mumbling, but it was constant. Kind of strange for someone who's usually so reserved. At least we now know to bring earplugs if he's gonna be joining us on quests."
A soft chuckle came from Erza as she glanced at the sleeping Saiyan, her expression calm but tinged with a subtle concern.
"It's been a long journey, and it's not surprising he's exhausted. But..." She trailed off, her brow furrowing slightly as if pondering something deeper.
Lucy noticed the shift in Erza's demeanor and leaned forward, lowering her voice. "Do you think he's okay? I mean, he's been really quiet on the way back. I thought he'd warmed up to us after everything yesterday."
Gray nodded thoughtfully, glancing at Jin as well. "I thought so too. But maybe he just needs more time. It's not easy to open up, especially if you've been through… well, whatever it is he's been through."
Erza's gaze softened as she watched Jin. His breathing was slow and steady, but there was a tension in the way he held himself, even in sleep.
"We can't expect him to feel at home immediately," she said gently. "He's still getting to know us, and there's likely a lot he's not ready to share."
"Maybe," Lucy said softly. "It's just… I hate seeing him like this. I thought being with us, with Fairy Tail, was what he wanted."
"I'm sure he's still happy to be with us, but everyone's different, you know?" Gray replied. "Give it some time. He'll open up when he's ready."
The wagon fell into a comfortable silence, the only sound being the soft rustle of leaves as they passed by a grove of trees. Lucy broke the silence after a moment, her tone more serious.
"There's something that's been bothering me, though..."
"What is it?" Erza asked, turning to her.
Lucy hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. "I… actually asked some of the guild masters if they knew anything about ki or if they'd heard of others like Jin from Rose Garden. But they didn't know anything. It was like... it was the first time they'd even heard of ki."
Gray's brow furrowed. "Really? Nothing at all?"
Lucy shook her head. "Nothing. Rose Garden is supposed to have a police force, not someone who can send a demon flying and shoot massive purple energy beams out of his hands. It's like… Jin's the first of his kind."
Gray considered this for a moment, then looked over at Erza. "What about you? Any ideas where Jin could be from?"
Erza hesitated, her gaze lingering on Jin's sleeping form. She had her own suspicions, her own theories, but none of them felt complete. What she did know was that whatever Jin was hiding, it wasn't out of malice or deceit. It was out of fear. Or trauma.
"I think," she said slowly, choosing her words with care, "that we should let Jin tell us in his own time. It's clear that he's been through a lot, and pushing him to reveal more might do more harm than good. For now, we should be patient."
Gray and Lucy exchanged a glance, understanding the weight of Erza's words.
"Yeah. I know, but…" Lucy said quietly. "I just feel like if we knew where he came from, we could help him out more, you know?"
"We all do," Erza replied, her tone turning contemplative. "But sometimes, the best way to help is to be there for him, and give him the space he needs. Like you said, Gray, when he's ready, he'll tell us."
The wagon fell into a comfortable silence once more, the gentle rhythm of the road almost lulling them into a state of calm. Then, unexpectedly, Jin shifted closer to Erza. In his sleep, he unconsciously wrapped his arms around hers, leaning his head on her shoulder as he murmured something that made them freeze.
"Mama…"
The word hung in the air like a delicate thread, and for a moment, the three of them stared in stunned silence. Jin, who had been so reserved and distant, now clung to Erza like a child seeking comfort. The sight was so unexpected, so vulnerable, that it left them momentarily speechless.
Gray smirked, breaking the silence. "I think Jin really likes you, Erza. Didn't take him long to get attached."
Lucy's eyes widened in surprise. "What… what the heck am I seeing?"
Erza was momentarily touched by his sudden gesture. However, she recalled the way his voice had ever so slightly trembled when he mentioned his mother the day before, and a wave of concern washed over her. It wasn't just the word that struck her—it was the way he said it, with a longing that spoke of deep love and an equally deep loss. The idea that he might be dreaming of his mother, someone he must have loved dearly, tugged at something deep inside her.
Erza gently shifted Jin so he was lying down, his head resting on her lap. He curled up slightly, instinctively snuggling closer as a soft and contented sigh escaped his lips. The sight left Gray and Lucy momentarily speechless.
"Man, he's really getting the royal treatment now," Gray said with a smirk, finding his voice. "He really is a mama's boy, huh?"
Lucy couldn't help but smile as well, a warmth spreading through her at the sight of Jin's vulnerable state. "It's hard to believe he's the same guy who took down the Lullaby alongside you guys. He's kind of adorable, isn't he?"
Erza chuckled softly, her fingers gently brushing through Jin's hair as she watched over him.
"He told me his mother used to call him that when he was younger," she murmured, more to herself than to the others. But as the words left her mouth, she felt a pang of guilt and a swell of empathy. "He must have loved her very much."
The mood in the wagon shifted, the lighthearted teasing giving way to a deeper understanding. Gray and Lucy fell silent at her words, watching Erza with a newfound respect. Erza's hand continued to gently caress Jin's head, yet her own thoughts were far away. She had never asked him about his family, but now she wondered if there was anyone left for him to call "mama" anymore.
The weight of responsibility she felt for him settled heavily on her shoulders, but she welcomed it. Jin needed someone, and if he found even a small sense of comfort in her, she would do everything in her power to protect that.
The team finally arrived in Magnolia by early evening. As the wagon came to a halt, Makarov called out, "We're here!"
"Hey, sleepyhead, we made it!" she said, giving Happy a gentle shake.
Happy blinked, shook his head, and smiled broadly. "We're back! Time for some fish!"
Gray had a different approach with Natsu, dragging him out of the wagon and dropping him on the ground. Despite the rough landing, Natsu only let out another snore, much to Gray's annoyance.
"How the hell is he still out?" Gray muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
Happy flitted down beside him, nudging his friend with a paw. "Wake up, Natsu! We're already here!"
Erza, meanwhile, shifted her attention to Jin, who was still nestled comfortably on her lap. She placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him gently.
"Jin, wake up. We've arrived."
Jin mumbled something incoherent, turning slightly as if trying to find a more comfortable position.
"Mmm… five more minutes…" Jin murmured, trailing off into a soft sigh as he tried to snuggle further into Erza's lap.
Erza blinked in surprise, her eyes widening at his words. But as she watched him, her expression softened. There was something innocent, almost childlike, about the way he nestled closer to seek comfort, and she couldn't help but smile.
Lucy and Gray exchanged glances, suppressing their laughter at the sight of Jin, who had turned into an unintentional cuddlebug.
Finally, Jin's eyelids fluttered open, and he blinked a few times, wiping the remnants of sleep from his eyes. As his vision cleared, he found himself staring up at Erza, who was gazing down at him with a curious expression. His mind took a moment to catch up, but when it did, his eyes widened in alarm.
With a yelp, Jin jolted upright and tumbled off the seat, landing on the floor of the wagon with a thud. He frantically crawled backward, his face flushed with embarrassment as he backed himself into the far corner, away from Erza.
The sound of Jin's panicked retreat was enough to startle Natsu awake. He jumped up, fists raised as he glanced around in confusion.
"Wha…? Who…? Fight me!" he shouted, looking around wildly before his eyes landed on Jin, who was practically cowering at the opposite end of the wagon.
"I-I'm so sorry, Erza!" Jin blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in his haste to apologize. "I didn't mean to— I didn't realize— I—"
"Whoa, what's up with you?" Natsu asked, utterly confused as he rubbed the back of his head at the sight. "Did something happen?"
"N-nothing happened!" Jin stammered, trying to suppress his growing embarrassment.
Lucy moved closer, trying to calm the situation. "It's okay, Jin. Really. You just fell asleep."
Erza raised a hand to calm him, her chuckle soft but reassuring. "I didn't mind. You looked uncomfortable, so I thought it best to let you rest properly. But…" she added with a teasing glint in her eyes, "...you do seem to talk a lot in your sleep."
Jin's eyes widened further as anxiety crept in. "Did I… say anything? I mean… anything weird?"
Gray chuckled softly, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "Oh, you said plenty. Like how you wanted to—"
"Gray!" Lucy cut him off, shooting him a glare before turning back to Jin with a reassuring smile. "You didn't say much, really. Just mumbled a bit."
Jin's shoulders relaxed slightly, though a hint of anxiety lingered in his expression. He still wasn't entirely sure what had just happened, but he nodded gratefully.
"What's all the commotion back here?" Makarov asked, walking over to the back of the wagon.
Natsu shrugged. "I dunno, Gramps. Jin's acting weird."
"Aye…" Happy added softly, perching himself on Natsu's head to get a better view.
Makarov turned to Jin. "Are you alright?"
Jin quickly scrambled to his feet, brushing off the dust. "I, uh, I just fell asleep and… fell off my seat. But I'm okay now. All's good."
Makarov studied Jin for a moment, then simply shrugged. "If you say so. Come along now, let's not keep the rest of the guild waiting."
Natsu and Happy eagerly dashed forward, already excited to be back home. Gray followed suit, hopping down from the wagon and turning to Jin.
"You coming? I bet you're curious to see what the rest of the guild's like."
Jin took a deep breath and nodded quickly, his heart still pounding from the earlier embarrassment.
"Yeah… yeah, I'm ready." He glanced at Erza and Lucy, who were both watching him with a mix of concern and amusement. "Please excuse me while I, uh, ignore everything that just happened."
Lucy watched Jin as he quickly hopped out of the wagon and out of sight, then turned back to Erza.
"You're gonna have your hands full with him, aren't you?"
Erza smiled softly, her eyes following Jin. "I don't mind. He needs us, even if he doesn't realize it yet."
As they walked, he took in the sights of Magnolia with a renewed sense of appreciation. The anxiety that had gripped him during his first arrival had mostly faded, replaced by a cautious optimism. He still didn't know what to expect from the rest of Fairy Tail, but he had a feeling that things would be different here—better, somehow. After a few moments of quiet reflection, Jin cleared his throat, drawing the attention of his companions.
"I… I'm sorry if I wasn't really all there today," he began hesitantly. "I've had a lot on my mind, and I'm not… used to being around so many nice people. Or any people, really.
Natsu gave Jin a playful shove. "What're you apologizing for, man? We're glad to have you around!"
Gray nodded. "Yeah, don't sweat it. If you need a second to get your bearings, take your time. And if you need someone to talk to, we're right here for you."
Lucy smiled warmly at Jin. "And honestly, everyone in Fairy Tail has their quirks. There's always someone who can help with whatever you need, so you don't have to worry about feeling lost."
Jin felt a flicker of interest at Lucy's words, reminding him of how different this place was from his old home. In Vegeta, everyone had been the same—proud, ruthless, and driven. Here, everyone seemed to stand out in their own way, and that intrigued him.
"I… I'll take your word for it," he said quietly, though he couldn't help but allow a small, hopeful smile.
As they neared the guild hall, its grand structure finally coming into full view, Jin couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. He had missed seeing it in all its glory when he first left for Oshibana, but now, it felt like a symbol of something new, something promising.
Makarov turned to Jin with a knowing smile. "Well, here we are. You ready to head in, son?"
Jin nodded, though a thought suddenly struck him. "Yeah, but… I just need to grab my stuff first."
He gestured toward the side of the building and started walking in that direction. The others exchanged curious glances, surprised to learn that Jin had left his belongings outside.
"You actually left your stuff out here?" Gray called out. "Outside the guild hall?"
Jin paused, turning back with a sheepish expression. "I was about to head inside when I heard about Eisenwald shutting down the train station because of the situation at Oshibana. I also heard a team from Fairy Tail left Magnolia using the trains, so I put two and two together and figured I'd help out. And, well… you know the rest."
He gestured to Erza, who nodded in understanding, though her eyes widened in realization soon after.
"Wait… you flew all the way from Magnolia to Oshibana?"
"I guess he did…" Lucy trailed off in disbelief. "That's… pretty far, though…"
Jin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a bit awkward under their impressed gazes. "Yeah, I guess it is. I didn't really think about it at the time, I was just following the train tracks."
Before they could comment further, Jin made his way to the side of the building where he had left his backpack. But as he approached the spot, his steps slowed, and a wave of panic washed over him. His backpack was gone.
Frantically, Jin began searching the area, his movements growing more agitated as he realized his belongings were nowhere to be found. Lucy and Erza exchanged concerned glances, while Gray scratched his head, furrowing his brow in confusion. Natsu tilted his head, watching Jin with growing concern.
"You sure you left it there?" Natsu called out.
"Oh no…" Happy muttered in worry, fluttering beside Natsu. "I hope no one stole it..."
Jin's panic only intensified as he ran to the other side of the building, desperately searching for any sign of his backpack. But it was no use—there was nothing there.
His heart racing, Jin rushed back to the group, clutching his head as he tried to make sense of the situation.
"No, no, no... It was right here! I know I left it here!"
Makarov's expression turned serious. "What's wrong?"
"My backpack… It's gone!" Jin's voice trembled with fear. "I… I left it at the side of the guild hall and it had… it had important things in it… something that belonged to my father, pictures of my family, a book… It's all gone…!"
The urgency in Jin's tone, coupled with the distress in his eyes, made it clear how much those items meant to him. The rest of the group tensed, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Makarov stepped forward. "Calm down, son. We'll find your backpack. Perhaps someone from the guild found it and took it inside for safekeeping. We can ask Mirajane about it as well."
Even then, Jin couldn't shake the fear gripping his heart. That backpack held the only remnants of his past, and the thought of losing those irreplaceable items made his heart sink. They were all he had left of his heritage, of the people he loved.
Taking a shaky breath, Jin tried to steady himself. "I... I hope so."
With that, Makarov motioned for them to follow him inside the guild hall. Jin hesitated for a moment, casting one last desperate glance at the spot where his backpack had been. Then, with a heavy heart, he followed the others inside, hoping against hope that his belongings were safe within the walls of Fairy Tail. As they pushed open the heavy wooden doors, what greeted Jin inside took his breath away.
The interior of the guild hall was far more inviting than anything he had ever known. The large space resembled a grand lunch hall. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling, supporting a mezzanine that overlooked the bustling main floor. Several long tables with benches stretched across the hall, occupied by guild members in various states of merriment. Some were sharing meals, others laughing heartily over drinks, and a few engaged in friendly brawls, their laughter echoing off the walls.
Jin felt like he was stepping into a different world. The air was thick with camaraderie, a stark contrast to the rigid, suffocating atmosphere of the training grounds on Vegeta. The Saiyans were warriors to the core, and breaks were spent in tense silence or in aggressive displays of power. Here, it felt like the guild hall itself was pulling him in, wrapping him in a comforting embrace. It was a place where people truly enjoyed each other's company, where bonds were forged not through battle but through shared joys and sorrows.
Jin's jaw dropped slightly as he took it all in, his eyes wide with awe. He could already feel the huge difference, almost forgetting the weight of his worries. Beside him, Natsu noticed his reaction and grinned, wrapping an arm around Jin's shoulders.
"Welcome to the guild hall, man!" Natsu exclaimed proudly. "Make yourself at home!"
The simple words hit Jin like a punch to the gut, and he slowly picked up his jaw, his chest tightening with a mixture of emotions.
"No one has… ever really told me that before…" he murmured with a pang of sadness. Not in his training, not in his youth—never. The words were foreign, yet they filled a void he hadn't realized was there.
"Well, get used to it!" Natsu replied, looking back at him. "You're one of us now!"
As his eyes continued to scan the hall, he couldn't help but notice the unique appearances of the guild members. There was a tall man with spiky white hair standing at the far end, and he could have sworn he was shouting something about being a real man. He also saw a woman with long, brown curly hair lounged casually, wearing nothing but a blue bikini top and holding a… a barrel? Nearby, a large, rotund man was meticulously painting a picture, his focus entirely on the canvas before him.
Fairy Tail was unlike anything Jin had ever seen. Everywhere he looked, there were individuals who stood out, each one more unique than the last. They all seemed to have their own story, their own presence. He felt speechless at how diverse and alive the guild seemed, and yet... it felt right.
The moment was interrupted as several members of the guild noticed their arrival. "The Master's back!" someone shouted, and soon, the entire hall erupted in cheers. The members raised their glasses, welcoming their return with enthusiasm. Makarov chuckled, waving them off.
"Alright, alright, settle down, kids! There's no need to make a fuss!"
The cheering died down as Mirajane approached them with her usual warm smile, her white hair glimmering under the light.
"Welcome back, Master!" she greeted warmly. "How was the conference?"
"Oh, the usual—getting bombarded with complaints about Fairy Tail making a mess of things," he said with a chuckle. "But it was nice to catch up, at least. Goldmine sends his regards."
Mirajane nodded, relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. And it's a relief that you're all back safe."
Makarov glanced at the team, pride in his eyes. "We have these kids to thank for that," he said, gesturing to Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Erza, and Happy.
Each of them reacted in their own way—Natsu and Happy grinned and gave thumbs up, Gray smirked with his arms crossed, Lucy laughed nervously, and Erza nodded with a small smile.
"And we picked up a new friend along the way," Makarov continued, gesturing to Jin. "He helped these kids a great deal, and is also looking for a new home."
Mirajane turned to Jin with curiosity, but Jin didn't notice Makarov's introduction. He was still frozen, lost in the wonder of the guild hall's atmosphere.
"Hello, there!" Mirajane's cheerful voice snapped him out of his trance. She leaned in front of him, her smile bright and welcoming as she waved. "Are you okay?"
"Ah, sorry! I—uh..." Jin stumbled over his words, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I was just... it's my first time seeing anything like this."
Mirajane chuckled softly. "It's a lot to take in, isn't it?"
Jin nodded, his worry from earlier returning as he remembered the reason he'd been outside the guild hall in the first place.
"Sorry if I'm skipping introductions, but there's something I need to ask you. I left a backpack outside the guild hall before I heard about Eisenwald causing trouble at Oshibana station. Do you... have it?"
Mirajane's smile faltered for just a moment, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes as Jin mentioned the backpack. Relief washed over her, but so did the weight of realization. This was the Saiyan she had been worried about, the one who carried the remnants of a hidden civilization. The same one she had seen in the photographs, whose race she had heard about in the book Levy read for them. And now, he was standing right in front of her.
"Oh, yes," she replied, forcing herself to stay calm. "Alzack found a backpack outside. That must be yours, right?"
Jin's tension visibly melted away at her words, and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Thank goodness... I was worried it might've been lost."
Mirajane smiled gently. "Don't worry, it's safe. Would you like to get it now?"
"Yes, please," Jin said with a hint of urgency. "Also, is there a place where I could... change clothes? I could honestly use a shower after everything that's happened."
Mirajane nodded. "Of course. We have a men's locker room where you can change and shower. I'll show you the way."
Gray stepped forward, giving Jin a pat on the back. "We'll catch you later then. Come find us after you're done freshening up."
"I'm grabbing a bite!" Natsu declared, already walking away. "Come on, Happy!"
"Aye, sir!" Happy chirped, running after him.
Lucy smiled at Jin as she walked off. "I'll probably go with Natsu—I'm a little hungry myself."
Erza, meanwhile, gave Jin a nod. "Go ahead, Jin. I still have a few things to discuss with the Master."
With that, the team began to disperse. Mirajane led Jin to the bar, where she disappeared behind it for a moment before returning with his backpack. Jin quickly inspected it, his hands moving almost automatically as he checked the contents inside. Everything was there—the armor, the pictures, the book, and he let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you so much," Jin said sincerely. "I was really worried I lost everything in here."
"Not a problem," Mirajane replied with a gentle smile. She pointed towards a door at the side of the hall. "The men's locker room is just over there."
Jin followed her gaze and saw the door, before turning back to Mirajane with a grateful nod. "Got it. Be right back."
With that, Jin made his way to the men's locker room. As he walked away, Mirajane's gaze lingered on him, the weight of what she knew pressing heavily on her chest. There was so much more to Jin than anyone realized, and she couldn't shake the feeling that revealing the truth was going to be difficult.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and turned to approach Makarov, who was deep in conversation with Erza. Before she could reach them, Levy came rushing over, her eyes wide with concern as she gestured towards Jin.
"That's him, isn't it?" Levy whispered. "The… the Saiyan?"
Mirajane nodded solemnly. "Yes... that's him."
Levy bit her lip, glancing toward Makarov and Erza before looking back at Mirajane. "Are you... going to tell them?"
Mirajane sighed, her shoulders tensing. "I… I have to. They need to know."
After a moment's hesitation, Levy nodded, her resolve firming despite her own unease. "I'll come with you."
With a shared look of determination, the two approached Makarov and Erza. Mirajane cleared her throat, lightly interrupting their conversation.
"Master, Erza, there's something important we need to tell you."
Makarov and Erza turned their attention to her, sensing the seriousness in her tone.
"What is it, Mirajane?" Makarov asked.
Mirajane glanced back at the locker room where Jin had entered before taking a deep breath. "It's about… him."
Erza's eyes widened slightly. "Jin? What about him?"
Jin stepped out of the showers in the locker room, a towel wrapped around his waist and leaving his bare chest exposed to the air. He had let his tail flow freely for the first time since leaving Vegeta, and it felt liberating, like a breath of fresh air after years of suffocation. He walked over to the bench where his bag lay, sitting next to it and opening the zipper with eager hands. Inside, he rummaged through the contents until he found a pair of skintight navy blue pants, one part of the new outfit that would soon feature his father's armor.
He quickly discarded the towel, slipping into the pants and then tugging on the boots he had worn throughout his travels. The rest of his old traveler's clothing lay discarded nearby, tattered and worn from the battles of the past two days. With his lower half dressed, he stood up and leaned against the lockers, his back against the cool metal as he let out a heavy sigh.
"Can't believe this is really happening," Jin murmured to himself, his eyes drifting to the floor as he thought about the past few days. "Fairy Tail… they accepted me so quickly. It's strange, really. I've lived in isolation for so long, never knowing what normal people were like. And even if that dragon hadn't destroyed Vegeta, I'd still have to live up to that stupid legend. But now… here I am."
As the words left his mouth, a wave of sadness and guilt began to creep in. The memories of his clan, the expectations they had placed on him to become the Super Saiyan, started to resurface. His chest tightened, and he shook his head quickly, forcing the thoughts away before they could take hold.
"No, don't go there," he told himself firmly. "Think of something else."
He took a deep breath and focused on his new friends instead.
"Natsu," he began, a small smile. "That guy's got so much energy, it's like he's got a fire lit inside him… which I guess he does." Jin chuckled softly at his own joke. "He's strong, really strong. I'd love to fight him one day, see what he's really capable of. But man, he's not the brightest, is he? Kinda funny, actually."
He shifted his thoughts to Gray, and his smile turned into a smirk. "Gray… cool guy, literally. But he seems like someone I could hang out with, you know? Doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, but I can tell he's got a good heart."
Jin's gaze softened as he thought of Lucy. "Lucy… she's nice. Seems approachable. She just joined Fairy Tail recently too, right? Nice to know we have that in common, at least."
Then there was Happy, and Jin couldn't help but laugh softly. "That cat… a talking, flying blue cat. I can't believe he's a thing, but I like how he and Natsu get along. I wish I had that kind of bond with someone back in the day."
Finally, Jin's thoughts turned to Erza, and for a moment, he found himself at a loss for words. There was a strange warmth in his chest whenever he thought of her, something he couldn't quite put into words. He leaned his shoulder against the lockers, placing a hand on his chin in contemplation.
"Erza is… different… incredible. She's strong. Really strong. Her armors are something else, and she's got this commanding presence that's… well, it's kind of intimidating, but… endearing too, in a weird way. But there's just… something about her. It's like... she's always there, or something, like she… knows me…"
"I'm sure you'll think of something."
As if on cue, Jin perked up at the sound of a voice interrupting his musings, spinning around in surprise.
"E-Erza!" he exclaimed, stepping back in shock. "Wha… how long have you been standing there?"
"Not too long," she replied, her expression unbothered. "I just got here, but I heard you talking about Lucy, then Happy, and then… me. It seems you talk a lot in your sleep… and when you're alone."
Jin fumbled for a response, trying to recover from his surprise. "That's... that's just how I think and stuff. I, uh, think out loud." His voice trailed off as he registered that Erza was standing in the men's locker room for some strange reason. "Wait a minute… What are you doing here? This is the men's locker room."
Erza raised an eyebrow, her demeanor growing stern. "Are you asking me to leave?"
Jin's eyes widened with a mix of dread and confusion. The authority in her tone was unmistakable, but there was something else that puzzled him. How could she just walk into the men's locker room without feeling any kind of shame? Did she have no modesty? But then again, this was the same Erza who could fight in such revealing armor without a hint of hesitation. He sighed internally, realizing that even someone as powerful and scary as Erza had her own quirks.
"N-No, I-I'm not telling you to leave," he quickly corrected, quickly waving his hands defensively. "You just surprised me, that's all."
Erza's demeanor softened slightly. "Good, because it seems I came here just in time."
Jin blinked. "To… see me talk to myself?"
"No," Erza replied, holding up a small magical stamp tool. "For this."
Jin's eyes widened in realization. "Oh… right. The guild mark. I completely forgot about that," he admitted sheepishly. "But… this is kind of a weird place to get something so significant, don't you think?"
Erza shook her head in amusement. "Perhaps. Now, where would you like to have it?"
Jin placed a hand on his chin, considering his options. He looked down at his bare chest, his gaze lingering over his heart.
"Here," he said, pointing to the left side of his chest. "Right where my heart is. This… this is a new beginning for me. I want this new family to always be with me, close to my heart."
"That's very thoughtful of you," Erza said, preparing to press the stamp to his chest. "What color would you like?
Jin blinked, realizing he hadn't thought about that. "I can choose the color?"
Erza nodded. "Of course. Any color you'd like."
His eyes darted around, and for a moment, he considered the colors that could represent him. He thought of his father's armor—white? Yellow? But then, his gaze landed on Erza's vibrant hair.
Red. The color that had led him to this moment, to this new life. Meeting Erza had changed everything for him, and he wanted to honor that in some small way.
"Can you…" Jin trailed off, nervously scratching the back of his head. "Can it be… red?"
Erza's expression shifted to amusement. "Is there a particular reason why you picked that color?"
Jin shook his head in embarrassment. "Nope. No reason."
"It's okay," Erza said with a soft smile. "I had a feeling you'd pick that color."
With that, Jin puffed his chest out, ready for the moment he had been waiting for. As the stamp pressed against his skin, a soft light glowed, marking him as an official member of Fairy Tail. He brushed his hand over the newly placed guild mark, a deep breath escaping him as he felt a sense of belonging wash over him.
"Thank you, Erza," he said sincerely. But then, an idea struck him. "Actually... Could you also put the mark on my armor? In the same place?"
Erza nodded. "Of course. No problem at all."
"Yes!" Jin exclaimed softly, a sense of eagerness bubbling within him as he pumped his fist. He eagerly opened his backpack and carefully pulled out his father's armor, holding it up with a proud smile. But as he examined it, his expression slowly fell. Something was off.
He began to inspect every inch of the armor, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. He knew his father's armor well; he had seen it for eight years. But now, it was clean, save for the old scratches that had always been there.
"Erza," he said coldly, suspicion rising in his chest. "Did someone go through my things?"
Erza blinked. "Huh? Jin, I—"
"Did someone go through my things?" he repeated, a steely edge to his voice.
Erza's eyes widened slightly at his sudden change in tone, but she quickly reassured him. "Mira… she found your backpack outside the guild hall. She had to inspect it as a safety precaution. I promise it wasn't meant to intrude."
The tension within Jin eased as he realized the oversight. "Right... I wasn't really thinking when I left it out there. I'm sorry."
Erza felt a sense of relief as the misunderstanding cleared. "It's okay. But, Natsu was right—you apologize a little too much."
Jin squatted down beside his armor, chuckling as well. "How could I not? I just can't help it sometimes."
He brushed his hand along the armor's surface, feeling a wave of sadness but also a glimmer of hope at the sight of clean armor, as if Fairy Tail had quite literally washed away his worries and offered him a second chance.
Erza hesitated, biting her lower lip as she recalled her earlier conversation with Mirajane. The armor had been cleaned meticulously, but what Mirajane had found in Jin's backpack had been far more revealing. She was torn—should she bring it up? Was this the right time? The right place? But they were alone, and Jin, despite his guarded nature, had shown her glimpses of trust, moments where he unconsciously let his guard down. Perhaps... perhaps he was ready. Taking a deep breath, she set down the stamp she had been holding and stepped closer to him.
"Jin," she began carefully, almost tentative. "Can I ask you a personal question?"
Jin chuckled slightly, though there was a hint of nervousness in it. He turned his gaze to her, trying to mask the emotions swirling inside him. "That depends on how personal it is. But go ahead."
He turned back to the armor, running his fingers along its surface again, as if drawing strength from the familiar feel of it. Erza hesitated, her heart pounding as she prepared herself to ask the question that had been nagging at her since her conversation with Mirajane.
"Jin... are you a Saiyan?"
Jin's smile faded instantly, and his entire being froze. The word hung in the air, sharp and painful. Erza knew. Somehow, she knew what he was, who he was. The word alone brought back the flood of emotions he had worked so hard to bury. He took a deep, trembling breath, his hands starting to twitch violently, forcing him to clench them into fists as he stood slowly, still staring at his father's armor.
"Do you… know what that word means?" He said in a low and strained manner, as if speaking the word aloud was physically painful. "What it stands for?"
Erza noticed the change in him immediately, the way his body seemed to be on the verge of collapsing under the weight of what he was feeling. She chose her next words carefully, knowing how fragile this moment was.
"Mira and Levy… they found a book in your backpack. It had information about the Saiyans... your people."
Jin nodded with a frown. "Right... I should have known they'd find the book if they went through the trouble of cleaning the armor." His voice was tight, filled with a bitterness that Erza had never heard from him before.
Erza's heart ached at the sight of him like this. Her suspicions had been right—Jin's past haunted him far more than she had initially realized. She had seen glimpses of it in their time together, in the way he distanced himself, in the moments when he seemed lost in thought. But seeing him now, it was painfully clear just how much he was carrying.
She knew she had to ask, but seeing him like this made her question if it was the right thing to do. Still, the need to understand him, to help him, pushed her forward.
"Jin... why are you really here? I believe you when you say you're looking for a place to belong, but... why leave your people? Why seek out Fairy Tail?"
Jin's emotions, already on the brink, began to spiral out of control. He turned his back to Erza, his breath hitching as tears welled up in his eyes. He covered his face with a shaking hand, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to escape.
Erza's heart wrenched at the sight. She hadn't meant to hurt him, hadn't meant to pry open wounds that were still so raw.
"Jin, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"No," Jin interrupted, waving a hand dismissively, still not turning to face her. "I get it. You… you want to know. And you deserve to know."
He knew there was no point in hiding anymore. The truth was too heavy, too painful to keep bottled up. And if there was anyone he could trust, it was Erza. Somehow, he had always felt a strange sense of comfort around her, like she understood him in a way no one else did.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and turned around to face Erza. His eyes, red-rimmed and teary, met hers. In that moment, he saw the concern, the empathy, and something more—something that made him feel like he wasn't as alone as he had always thought.
"I... I trust you, Erza," he said softly.
Erza looked into his eyes and saw everything—his pain, his sorrow, his vulnerability. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence thick with unspoken emotions. Then, slowly, Erza nodded, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
"I'm here for you. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
Jin swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. "Yes... I'm… I'm a Saiyan."
There it was. The truth, out in the open, hanging between them like a fragile thread. Erza's breath caught in her throat, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"I came to Magnolia for two reasons. You were right about me trying to find a place to start over."
He fell silent for a moment, his gaze dropping to the armor once more, his hands beginning to twitch again as memories flooded his mind. Erza's heart pounded in her chest, dreading what he might say next.
"And… the other reason?"
Jin's hands began to tremble violently again, his breath catching in his throat as the memories assaulted him. The destruction of his home, his parents' last moments, the gravesite he had painstakingly created—all flashed through his mind. Tears streamed down his face as he finally spoke the words he had kept locked away for so long.
"I'm... I'm the only one left."
Erza's heart sank, a wave of shock and sorrow crashing over her. The truth hit her like a physical blow, and suddenly everything made sense—why he was so guarded, why he kept everyone at arm's length, why he seemed to be carrying so much. She had suspected that Jin's past was painful, but this... this was beyond anything she had imagined.
"The… only one...?" she echoed softly.
Jin nodded, forcing himself to continue. "Eight years ago, a dragon slaughtered the entire Saiyan race. Everyone… my parents, my clan… they're all gone. And the only reason I'm still here is because I ran away… I ran away before it happened. But not because I knew it was coming—no, I ran because... I was afraid. I'm a coward. A failure. I wasn't strong enough, wasn't good enough to save anyone."
He looked down at his hands, shaking with the force of his emotions. "For eight years, I trained. I thought if I could get stronger, I could kill that dragon, avenge my people... But as time went on, my anger... it faded, and all that was left was emptiness. Loneliness. Training was the only thing that kept me going."
Jin looked at Erza with a heartbreaking mix of gratitude and sorrow. "Two days ago, I left Vegeta for good. I wanted to start over… to find a new purpose in life. That's what led me here… to Magnolia. To you." His tears fell faster now, but a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. "You, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Happy… when you all accepted me, a complete stranger, without question… Do you have any idea how much that meant to me?"
Erza could only stare at him, her mind racing with everything he had just revealed. It all made sense now—why he had been so guarded, why he had such intense emotions just below the surface. But how could he see himself as a coward, as a failure? He was strong, capable, and despite everything he had been through, he had reached out to them, trying to connect, to find a place to belong. The idea that he would think so little of himself... it felt like an insult to everything she knew about him in the short span of time they had known each other.
But then again, she had no idea what his life had been like before, what it meant to be a Saiyan. From what Levy had described, they were a warrior race, prideful and strong, but Jin... Jin was different. She remembered the way he had instinctively bowed to Makarov, the way he had spoken about his parents, the pictures that Mirajane had told her about. His parents were the only Saiyans he truly loved, the only ones who mattered to him.
Tears welled up in Erza's eye as she walked over to Jin without a word. Before he could react, she pulled him into a tight embrace, her armor pressing uncomfortably against him, but neither of them cared. Jin's eyes widened in shock at her gesture, and for a moment, he didn't know how to react.
But as Erza held him close, her hand gently caressing his back and the back of his head, something in Jin broke. He let out a choked sob, his body trembling as he finally allowed himself to cry. His arms wrapped around her, clinging to her as if she were a lifeline, his face buried in her shoulder as the tears flowed freely. The discomfort of her armor was nothing compared to the overwhelming relief he felt, finding solace in her embrace.
They knelt to the ground together, neither of them saying a word, simply holding each other as Jin let out all the pain he had kept inside for so long. For the first time in his life, he allowed himself to cry on someone else's shoulder, to let someone else share the burden he had carried alone for so long. Erza held him close, her own tears silently falling as she felt his pain, his sorrow, his loneliness. She wished she could take it all away, to ease the suffering he had endured for so many years.
Eventually, Jin's sobs quieted, and they slowly pulled away from each other. Erza wiped a tear from her left eye, her heart still heavy with the weight of everything she had learned. She gave Jin a warm, reassuring smile that momentarily eased Jin's worries.
"Jin... I understand now… why you came to Fairy Tail," Erza said gently. "I can't imagine what you've been through, but... you're so much stronger than you realize. Regardless of how you see yourself, you survived, you've made it this far on your own, and that takes incredible strength."
Jin let out a small, shaky laugh, a hint of his usual energy returning. "Thanks, Erza. That... that means a lot coming from you. But if I'm being honest, I had no idea about Fairy Tail or any guilds when I came to Magnolia. I just… met you by pure chance."
They shared a soft laugh, the tension between them easing as they found comfort in each other's presence. Erza grabbed the stamp and placed the red guild mark on the armor, just as Jin had requested, over his heart. Now, the Saiyan armor bore the Fairy Tail emblem—an unexpected symbol of his two families united in one.
Jin's smile returned, and he quickly put on the upper part of his navy-blue skintight suit, followed by black arm bracers with white outlines. He stretched his arms, getting used to the feel of the armor, and Erza watched him with a sense of relief, glad to see him returning to himself.
Finally, his new outfit was complete, and Jin brushed his hand over the guild mark on his father's armor, a look of pride and determination in his eyes.
"Thank you, Erza, from the bottom of my heart. I… I needed this."
Erza's smile widened, seeing the happiness in his eyes. "And we're all here for you, Jin. Always."
Jin nodded, but before they could move on, Erza's eyes caught something behind him. Curiously, she pointed at it.
"Is that... a tail?"
Jin's eyes widened as he looked at his brown tail behind him, which had been twitching and swaying during their conversation. He laughed nervously, waving it around.
"Oh, yeah… all Saiyans have tails. It's… kind of our thing."
"May I… touch it?" Erza asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Um… no," Jin replied with a chuckle. "It's just… well, it's sensitive. Not exactly something I'd want to explain."
They shared another laugh, the tension easing between them. Erza tilted her head, sensing the moment of levity was exactly what they both needed. "Are you ready to meet everyone else in the guild?"
Jin paused, contemplating her question. "In a minute, yeah. Just gonna sort my things for a second, then head outside."
"Okay," Erza said with a nod. "Take your time. I'll see you in a bit."
Erza grabbed the stamp, and as she exited the locker room, Jin took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief. He pulled out the family picture from his bag, his fingers brushing over the faces of his parents.
"Did you see all that? Mom? Dad?" he whispered softly, a sense of determination growing within him. "I'm gonna be okay."
Erza hadn't left the locker room after all. Instead, she paused at the corner just out of sight, pressing her back against the cold wall. Her breath was shallow as she listened to Jin sorting his things, her heart heavy with the weight of what he had just revealed. The words replayed in her mind, but one detail stood out with a clarity that pierced through her like a blade. It was as if that time had left a permanent scar on both of them.
Eight years ago.
Eight years ago… was when her world had been shattered too. She had been a child then, barely old enough to understand why she was being forced to endure such horrors, but old enough to remember every detail of that nightmare. The chains, the fear, the desperation to survive in a world that seemed determined to break her—she had lived through it all, carrying the weight of those memories with her every day since. She remembered the faces of those she had lost, both friends and parts of herself, buried deep in a place she rarely dared to revisit. Those memories flooded her mind like a tidal wave.
Jin's words, his pain, his sense of loss—all of it felt painfully familiar. The burden of expectations, the crushing weight of failure, the emptiness left behind by those who were gone—it was as if they had walked parallel paths, even if the circumstances were different. She had survived, she had found comrades, a family, but the loneliness Jin spoke of—the emptiness—it resonated with the girl she once was, the one who had cried herself to sleep in the darkness. The same girl who had vowed never to be weak again, even if it meant closing herself off from the world.
Erza felt her heart ache for Jin in a way she hadn't allowed herself to feel for a long time. She had always known there was something deeper behind his guarded exterior, something that drew her to him. But now, she realized it was more than just empathy. It was a shared understanding of what it meant to lose everything and still somehow find the strength to keep going. They were both survivors, haunted by the past and struggling to find their place in a world that had been cruel to them.
"Eight years ago... you too?"
Her voice was barely above a murmur, but in the silence of the locker room, it seemed louder than she had intended. She cursed herself silently, realizing that Jin might have heard her. Before she could retreat or compose herself, Jin's voice reached her, tinged with confusion.
"Erza? Are you still there?"
Caught off guard, Erza felt her face heat up with embarrassment. She hadn't meant for him to know she was still here.
"Yes, I'm still here," she replied, trying to sound casual despite the tightness in her chest. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to linger."
Jin paused, the rustling of his belongings coming to a stop.
"Were you... waiting for me?" His voice was unsure, almost sheepish. "I mean, it might look pretty awkward if we both walk out of the locker room together."
Erza let out a soft laugh despite herself, quickly covering her mouth with her hand. It felt good to laugh, even if just for a moment. Composing herself, she nodded, even though he couldn't see her.
"You're right. I'll be going now. See you outside."
With that, she finally pushed herself off the wall and walked out, leaving Jin to his thoughts. As she exited the locker room, the weight of their shared burdens hung heavily in her heart. But there was also something else—a deepening resolve to be there for Jin, to help him carry the weight of his past just as she had learned to carry hers.
Meanwhile, Jin stared at the corner where Erza had stood. His brow furrowed in confusion, a part of him wondering if she had really just been waiting for him, or if there was something else she was hesitant to leave behind.
"What was she even doing there...?" he muttered to himself, his thoughts trailing off into uncertainty. "Oh well."
With a shrug, he finished packing his things, his mind still lingering on the conversation he had just shared with Erza. He placed a hand on his backpack before glancing around the locker room, shaking his head with a wry smile realizing where exactly he had just let out his sorrows.
"What a weird place to open up, huh?"