Chapter 39
Fairy Tail, Makarov's Office
"So that's why you looked like Jellal…" Laxus muttered, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. His sharp gaze flickered between Mystogan and Naruto, his mind still processing everything laid bare before him.
They stood in Makarov's office, the air heavy with the weight of revelation. Naruto and Mystogan had finally revealed the truth behind their origins, their presence in Earthland no longer a mystery. Around them, the other S-Class mages—Gildarts, Erza, Laxus, and Mirajane—stood as Makarov debriefed them all on the recent Tartaros subjugation.
"I still can't believe you managed to get the founding master—err… resuscitated," Gildarts remarked, rubbing the back of his head. His usual carefree grin was missing, replaced by something more contemplative.
"Technically, she was never truly deceased," Makarov corrected, a weary sigh escaping him. "Master Purehito encased her in a lacrima, buying time until a way could be found to break her curse." The old man slumped slightly in his chair, decades of burdens suddenly feeling much lighter. A solution that spanned generations had finally come to an end.
"...And now she's leaving with Zeref of all people," Laxus said, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"She has a complicated past with him," Makarov admitted, his expression unreadable. "If she chose to go with him back to his empire, then there must be a reason."
Mirajane, who had been quiet for most of the discussion, finally spoke. "Do you really think she'll be safe with him?" There was a hint of concern in her voice. Though she always carried an air of serenity, those who knew her well could sense her unease.
"I cannot say," Makarov admitted, his gaze falling to his desk. "But this was her decision. And after everything she's been through, we must respect it."
Erza stepped forward, refocusing the conversation. "Master, what about the mission?" Though they had defeated Tartaros and freed both Zeref and the founding master, the official mission had not been completed—at least, not in the way it was originally intended. Their hasty return to Magnolia was due to Zeref's sudden attack on the guild, which left many injured, including Makarov. If not for Naruto's intervention, the situation could have been far worse.
"I'll see what I can do…" Makarov stroked his white mustache in thought. "For now, all of you should rest. You've done more than enough."
A collective nod passed through the room before they began making their way out.
As Naruto and Mystogan exited, a firm hand grabbed Naruto's shoulder.
"Naruto, wait," Laxus called out.
Naruto turned, his blue eyes meeting Laxus' intense gaze. Mystogan paused beside him, curious but silent.
Laxus exhaled, his usual rough exterior softening for just a moment. "Thank you… for saving Gramps." His voice was low, sincere.
Naruto blinked, then grinned. "Anytime."
The night had settled over Magnolia, the streets bathed in the soft glow of lanterns. The lively sounds of the guild had long faded into silence, leaving only the occasional rustling of parchment and the creaking of an old wooden chair.
Makarov sat alone in his office, hunched over his desk, deep in thought. Before him lay stacks of documents—official reports, mission logs, and bureaucratic formalities that needed to be addressed in the aftermath of the Tartaros subjugation. The situation was anything but simple.
Tartaros, the once-feared dark guild, had surrendered. Yet, rather than facing immediate judgment, they had requested time—a few more weeks—to assist their true master and creator, Zeref , in one final task—constructing the means to return Naruto and Mystogan to their rightful worlds.
Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples. " What a mess... "
"Hm… what to do…" he murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, a sudden breeze swept through the room, rustling the papers on his desk. His sharp eyes flickered toward the window—ajar, though he was certain he had locked it.
Then he saw them.
Two figures stood silhouetted against the moonlit sky, their presence both familiar and unsettling. One was clad in black, his dark robes billowing gently in the night air. The other, bathed in soft luminescence, bore an ethereal grace that transcended time.
Makarov's breath hitched. He pushed back his chair, rising to his feet.
"Zeref! Founding Master! " he exclaimed, his voice laced with both shock and urgency.
The three spoke deep into the night, their conversation veiled in complexity—of past, present and future.
The Next Day
"WHAT?! CANCELLED?!"
The collective outcry shook the walls of Makarov's office, echoing down the halls of the guild. Nearly every wizard who had participated in the Tartaros subjugation mission had gathered, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief.
Makarov sat calmly in his chair, his fingers steepled as he observed their reactions. Around the room stood Laxus, Fried, Bickslow, Evergreen, Mirajane, Elfman, Gildarts, Cana, Juvia, Gajeel, Levy, Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Happy, Mystogan, Wendy, and Carla—now in her human form.
Only a handful remained unfazed by the revelation—Naruto, Mystogan, Erza, and Mirajane—who had likely anticipated this outcome.
"Figures…" Natsu muttered, arms crossed. He had a gut feeling this would happen. Beside him, Mirajane, Erza, Gray, Lucy, Happy, Wendy, and Carla shared the same sentiment.
Makarov sighed before addressing them.
"I'll put it simply. Tartaros was never just a dark guild—it had deep ties to the Alvarez Empire. A full-on subjugation would have risked drawing the empire's attention, and that could have led to diplomatic entanglements far beyond our control," he explained, his voice firm. "However, do not misunderstand me, brats—Tartaros is no longer a threat. That's how I'll be settling the mission in the official documents."
A heavy silence settled over the room. The tension, however, was short-lived.
Makarov exhaled, his expression darkening. "But the truth… is far more complicated than that."
He went on to reveal what truly transpired behind the mission—an orchestrated trial, carefully arranged for Natsu to make a breakthrough. It had been a test, a means to strengthen him for the inevitable battle against Zeref, arranged by both Mard Geer and Naruto.
But that was merely the surface of the grander scheme.
As expected, the battle with Tartaros had been a distraction—one designed to send Fairy Tail's strongest wizards away from Magnolia, leaving the guild vulnerable. In their absence, Zeref had made his move, intending to seize the Lacrima that encased the Founding Master, Mavis Vermillion, for his own purposes.
"Had he succeeded, the consequences would have been catastrophic," Makarov continued gravely. "But thanks to Naruto and Natsu, his plans were thwarted. And as an unexpected bonus, the Founding Master was finally revived."
The room remained silent, the weight of his words settling over them.
"This decision… was given to me directly by the Founding Master herself," Makarov concluded.
No one argued further. The mission was over, but the implications of what had transpired would linger far longer.
"Still… for the mission to be arranged by Naruto… this isn't just a mission…" Fried muttered, his brows furrowing as he processed the implications. "In the grand scheme of things, it looked like a joint trial between light and dark guilds, catered specifically for Natsu's breakthrough." His voice carried a weight of realization, as if the pieces of a much larger puzzle were finally coming together.
Laxus, standing with his arms crossed, let out a small scoff. "Well, I knew there was something up about the old man when we arrived here a couple of days ago…" He shifted his gaze briefly to Naruto and Mystogan before continuing. "Aside from those two… there was also this."
Evergreen narrowed her eyes at him, sensing there was more to his words. "Is something else going on here, Laxus?" she asked, her voice edged with curiosity.
Bickslow, standing beside her, turned to Laxus as well, his expression unreadable. His gaze flickered toward Mystogan and Naruto for a brief moment before returning to Laxus, silently urging him to continue.
Laxus exhaled sharply through his nose before giving them a knowing smirk. "I'll tell you guys later…" he said, his voice low but firm. He had already received permission from Makarov, Naruto, and Mystogan to disclose the truth—that they were men from another world. But for now, he would wait until the time was right.
Elfman let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back against the wall. "All that effort… just for the mission to be cancelled," he muttered, shaking his head. His muscles still ached from the battles they had fought, and the sheer intensity of what they had gone through made the decision feel almost absurd. But deep down, he couldn't deny it—he had grown stronger. More than just in raw strength, this mission had forced him to push his limits as a wizard, to rise beyond what he thought he was capable of.
Levy, standing beside Gajeel, crossed her arms and let out a small breath, nodding in agreement. "I know, right? We faced them head-on, fought with everything we had… and now it's as if it never happened." Her voice was laced with frustration, but there was also a quiet understanding beneath it. Even if the mission was officially cancelled, she had gained invaluable experience. She had seen her own progress, realized her own potential. That was something no document could erase.
"Tch." Gajeel scoffed, arms crossed, his sharp red eyes narrowing. "What a pain. I nearly got my ass kicked for this so-called mission, and now it doesn't even count?" He clicked his tongue in irritation, but despite his gruff demeanor, there was a certain satisfaction in his stance. He knew he had improved. He had faced some of the toughest opponents of his life, and he came out of it stronger. Official or not, that growth was real. That was all that mattered in the end.
Juvia, standing a little apart from the group, lowered her gaze, her expression conflicted. "Juvia understands that this was more than just a mission… but even so, to see it dismissed so easily…" She sighed softly, fingers clenching the fabric of her sleeves. This mission had been different for her. More than just a fight, it had been an emotional trial, a journey alongside Gray through something deeply personal. She had been there when he faced his past, when he inherited the legacy of his father. Every step of the way, she had fought beside him, supporting him, witnessing his pain and his resolve. To have that struggle written off on paper felt almost insulting.
Cana leaned back, balancing a massive barrel of alcohol on her shoulder before tipping it back and taking a deep chug. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and let out a satisfied sigh. "Bah, it was easy," she said with a lazy smirk, waving off the whole ordeal like it was just another day in Fairy Tail. "Still pisses me off, though—no rewards, damn it." She slammed the barrel down beside her, already eyeing another one.
Gildarts, sitting cross-legged nearby with a half-empty mug in hand, chuckled at his daughter's antics. "Yeah, yeah, real shame," he mused, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Guess we did all that work just for the experience, huh?" He stretched his legs out, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just helped take down a dark guild.
Cana groaned, lazily spinning her empty mug in her hands. "Experience doesn't pay for booze, old man."
"True," Gildarts admitted with a lopsided grin, raising his mug. "But at least we got a hell of a story out of it."
Cana scoffed but clinked her mug against his anyway. "I'll drink to that."
Lucy and Gray leaned in toward Natsu, keeping their voices low but their teasing sharp.
"So, flame brain," Gray whispered, smirking, "you think those guys are gonna follow you around now? Ain't you their lord and savior? Master God Lord Natsu?" He waggled his eyebrows, nodding toward the remnants of Tartaros—once mighty Etherious demons, now reduced to Natsu's personal entourage.
"Don't call me that!" Natsu shot back in a hushed yell, his face scrunching up in frustration.
"Aye, Lord Natsu," Happy chirped with a cheeky grin, a fish hanging from his mouth.
Lucy giggled, nudging Natsu with her elbow. "Why the change, Lord Natsu? You were enjoying the royal treatment just a few days ago~" she teased, her voice laced with playful mischief.
Natsu gritted his teeth, about to retort, but before he could—
SMACK!
A heavy fist landed squarely on all four of their heads.
"Ow!" they yelped in unison, rubbing the fresh bumps forming atop their skulls.
Standing over them, arms crossed like a fearsome disciplinary committee chairwoman, was Erza. Her glare was sharp, her presence even sharper. "We're still in the middle of the meeting!" she scolded, her voice low but stern enough to make them all stiffen.
Mirajane, watching from the background, giggled behind her hand, finding the whole scene far too amusing.
With everything settled, Makarov leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long, weary sigh. The weight of the discussion, the mission, and all the tangled fates intertwined with it pressed heavily on his shoulders. At least for now, things had reached a conclusion—on paper, at least.
His eyes drifted to the pile of official documents before him, the ink barely dry on his decision to classify the mission as cancelled. A convenient truth, one that spared Fairy Tail from unnecessary political entanglements with the Alvarez Empire.
Still, one matter remained.
Makarov steepled his fingers, glancing toward the window, as if expecting a shadow to slip through it at any moment.
Now, all that was left was for Tartaros and Zeref to fulfill their end of the bargain—the agreement made with Naruto and Mystogan. Their passage back to their respective worlds.
With Naruto and Mystogan set to return to their own worlds, the dynamics within the guild were bound to shift once more. Change was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier. Makarov sat in quiet contemplation, the thought of losing two guildmates leaving a somber weight in his chest. The guild was a family, and farewells—no matter how necessary—always carried a sting of loneliness.
"Looks like I won't be retiring anytime soon..." he mused, a weary smile tugging at his lips.
Mystogan had been his top prospect for the next Guild Master, especially now that he had finally come out of his shell over the past half-year. He had the strength, the wisdom, and most importantly, the heart to lead Fairy Tail into the future. But fate had other plans, and the brat was leaving.
And then there was Naruto. A handful, without a doubt—his antics with Mirajane and Elfman often left Makarov with headaches—but despite the trouble he caused, there was no denying the mark he had left on the guild. His energy was infectious, his spirit unwavering, and his bonds with his comrades ran deep.
But what concerned Makarov most were Wendy and Carla.
Naruto and Mystogan had been their caretakers, their big brothers in all but blood. Wendy, with her gentle nature, had found strength and confidence under their guidance. Carla, sharp-tongued as she was, had slowly begun to let her walls down. No matter how much those two kids tried to put up a strong front, Makarov knew—their departure would be devastating.
Change was coming. And it would hurt the two no doubt.
Fairy Tail, magnolia - Year X785
Morning.
Natsu was staring.
So were Erza, Gray, Lucy, and Happy.
Their gazes were fixed not on Mirajane herself, but rather the three figures standing behind her—figures that should have been impossible to see within the walls of Fairy Tail, let alone assisting behind the bar.
Mard Geer stood at the forefront, exuding his usual composed and enigmatic air, his sharp eyes scanning the guild members before him. Flanking him were Kyoka and Seilah, clad in neatly pressed bar uniforms, the sight of which made Mirajane sweat—not from exhaustion, but from pure, undiluted shock.
Three of Tartaros' most dangerous members were now… serving Fairy Tail.
"You have arrived, Lord Natsu… and the rest," Mard Geer greeted smoothly, his voice as refined as ever.
"The rest?!" Gray recoiled, his irritation flaring. Had he really been reduced to an extra in this absurd scenario?
"Be at ease, son of Silver," Kyoka said, approaching with the grace of a seasoned hostess. "Eat. We have prepared your breakfast." With a practiced elegance that made Gray even more uncomfortable, she set a plate before him.
Lucy and Happy hesitated but ultimately followed suit, taking their seats as Kyoka and Seilah moved fluidly to serve them.
"Kyoka…" Erza muttered, her jaw slack in disbelief. Just days ago, they had been locked in a brutal death match, exchanging blows that shook the very foundations of their battlefields. And now? Now Kyoka was standing before her, a barmaid of all things, awaiting their response with eerie calm.
Meanwhile, Seilah had taken a different approach. With a small, elegant smile, she pulled Natsu toward a separate, more lavishly prepared table.
"Over here, Lord Natsu," she purred, guiding him down—onto her lap.
"Oi! What the hell?!" Natsu barked, squirming at the unexpected contact.
"Love rivals, rrrr!" Happy teased, his tail flicking mischievously as he glanced at Lucy.
"Shut up, you stupid blue cat!" Lucy snapped, her face heating up as she swung at him.
The chaotic scene only grew stranger as another group entered the guild.
Naruto, accompanied by Mystogan—still donning his ridiculous fake mustache—strode in with a calm but inquisitive expression. Wendy trailed behind them, looking curiously at the unfamiliar atmosphere, while Carla, in her human form, kept a keen eye on everything.
Mard Geer turned his attention to them as Naruto approached.
"Mard Geer… what's the meaning of this?" Naruto asked, walking side by side with him toward a separate table. Mystogan, Wendy, and Carla followed, quickly finding themselves being served by Kyoka.
"T-Thank you," Wendy stammered as Kyoka placed a dish before her, still struggling to process what was happening.
Mard Geer sat down smoothly and folded his hands. "We were given instructions by Lord Zeref and Master Mavis to settle here," he explained. "Lamy, Jackal, and Tempester—though mostly Lamy—are assisting Lord Zeref with finalizing your mechanism. Jackal and Tempester have been relegated to running errands for her."
Naruto furrowed his brow. "Huh…"
Beyond Magnolia, hidden just at the outskirts, an imposing yet invisible force loomed above the forest. Concealed by illusion magic, the floating fortress of Tartaros hovered, its structure an ominous reminder of the past. Within its depths, Zeref, Mavis, and Lamy busied themselves, working tirelessly on Naruto and Mystogan's mechanism. Meanwhile, Jackal and Tempester, once feared as ruthless demons, were now reduced to errand boys under Lamy's enthusiastic command.
Back in the guild, Mard Geer continued his explanation.
"We told you before," he said smoothly, his piercing gaze unwavering. "We, the remaining members of Tartaros, have chosen to submit to the light guild."
He paused for a moment before adding, in a quieter, more deliberate tone, "Or, to be precise… we have sworn ourselves to Lord Natsu."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"We were fully prepared to bear the weight of Lord Zeref's sins and face judgment," he continued, his voice unwavering. "However, Master Mavis had a different fate in mind for us. Now that we have achieved our original goal—liberating Lord Zeref—we find ourselves… without direction. Without purpose."
Mard Geer's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his sharp eyes.
"And so, Master Mavis offered us a new path—to learn more about humans."
His words hung heavy in the air.
A new path? The demons of Tartaros, serving drinks, preparing meals, and running errands? Even for Fairy Tail, this was absurd.
Natsu looked around, eyes darting between his guildmates and the former enemies now seamlessly blending into their daily routine. He scratched his head, completely lost.
"Uh… so does this mean I get free food?"
Mard Geer chuckled lightly. "If that is what Lord Natsu desires."
Lucy slammed her head against the table. Erza pinched the bridge of her nose. Gray groaned.
Fairy Tail had gotten even weirder.
Cana and Gildarts approached the bar with knowing grins, each carrying their own stock of alcohol—Cana with a massive barrel rolling at her side, and Gildarts effortlessly lugging two more over his shoulders.
"So, wanna get smashed, eh?" Cana smirked, already pouring herself a mug.
Mirajane, still staring in stunned silence at the sight of Seilah dutifully tending to Natsu, sighed deeply. Just days ago, she had been locked in a brutal deathmatch with the demon, and now here she was—playing the role of an elegant, attentive barmaid.
"Yeah," Mirajane finally muttered. "I think I'm gonna need those."
Up above, perched atop the hall's balcony, Laxus stood with his arms crossed, observing the insanity unfolding below. Beside him, Makarov sat with his usual bottle of booze, shaking his head at the absurdity.
"You expected this, Gramps?" Laxus asked, his tone somewhere between amusement and resignation.
"Yes," Makarov answered simply, taking a long sip of his drink.
Laxus exhaled sharply through his nose, already figuring out the rest. "Lemme guess, the founding master told you she was sending those three from Tartaros here?"
Makarov took another sip. "Yes."
A pause.
Then Laxus chuckled, shaking his head. "This is gonna be one hell of a rowdy guild…"
He could already imagine the fights, the destruction, the sheer absurdity that would unfold in the coming days. Fairy Tail was already a magnet for chaos, and now they had Tartaros of all people in their ranks? At this point, the guild had long abandoned any notion of normalcy.
Laxus let out a hearty laugh, reaching over and smacking the old man on the back. Hard.
Makarov nearly spat out his drink.
"Man, sucks to be the master!"
The old guild master coughed violently, slamming his bottle down on the railing. "Go get a job, ya damn brat!"
SMACK!
"OW!" Laxus yelped, rubbing his backside where Makarov had just whacked him. "That hurt, you damn old geezer—YEOWCH!"
Chapter End