The moment the trio pushed open the guild doors, a loud BANG echoed, and a shower of colorful confetti and glitter rained down like a dazzling storm.
Almost every member of the guild was crowded at the entrance, their faces beaming with bright smiles, erupting into cheers and applause!
"Congrats to Roger and Erza for completing their first mission!!"
"Huh?" The sudden, over-the-top welcome left the three at the door completely stunned. Even Plue flinched, scooting closer to Cana's feet.
"Roger-bro! Erza-sis!" Kagura zoomed over like a tiny fireball, her face flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling like stars.
"You guys are so awesome! Like, ridiculously awesome!!"
Roger, thrown off by the commotion, scratched his head. "Why the sudden praise? Didn't you already know we took a C-rank job?"
"It's not just a C-rank job!" Kagura's heart was practically leaping out of her chest. "You guys completed a B-rank mission!!"
"B-rank?" Erza blinked, just as shocked.
"Not just B-rank," a calm yet amused voice cut in. Makarov, hands behind his back, strolled to the front of the crowd.
"Just moments ago, we got new info from the Magic Council," he said, his gaze sweeping over the group before landing on Roger and Erza.
"The mission you tackled was tied to a plot by the dark guild Oración Seis!"
The crowd fell silent, gasps rippling through the air. Oración Seis? One of the three major dark guilds in the Baram Alliance?!
Makarov continued, "Thanks to your stellar work, you not only foiled their plan to steal the last batch of magic crystals, but those two goons you nabbed—" he pointed vaguely toward the Magic Council's branch office, "—were so spooked they spilled the location of their hideout! The search team followed the trail and seized a ton of illegal potions!"
His face lit up with genuine pride, his voice booming, "Well done, kids!"
"Woof!"
A sharp bark cut through the quiet after the cheers, standing out like a sore thumb.
Everyone's attention shifted to the small figure hiding behind Erza. A panicked voice followed, "Shh! Plue, not now!" Cana quickly covered Plue's mouth, her face turning beet red, wishing the floor would swallow her whole.
"Hm? Who's this?" Makarov's curiosity piqued as he noticed the shy girl with a yellow bundle on her back.
Erza stepped behind Cana, gently nudging her forward while whispering just loud enough for the two of them, "Don't be scared, Cana. Just introduce yourself like you did with me. Take your time—no one will mind."
Under the weight of dozens of curious, friendly stares, Cana's heart pounded like a war drum. She nervously twisted the hem of her clothes, staring at her shoelaces, her mouth opening and closing several times before she finally squeaked out, barely louder than a whisper, "H-Hi… I'm… I'm Cana…"
She squeezed her eyes shut, her long lashes trembling. Oh no, I messed up. My voice was so quiet, they probably didn't hear me. They're gonna think I'm weird…
"Oh! Cana, is it?" A warm, kind voice rang out, clear as a bell, chasing away her fears like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Cana's eyes snapped open to find the short, elderly guild master smiling at her, his gaze free of impatience or judgment—just pure, welcoming warmth.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
Those words worked like magic, loosening the tight knot in Cana's chest. A wave of enthusiastic voices followed, washing over her like a warm tide:
"Wow, what a cute kid!"
"Cana? That's a great name!"
"Is that little white dog your buddy? What's its name?"
"Hey, don't be shy, little one! Want some juice? My treat!"
There was no coldness or mockery like she'd feared—just an overwhelming rush of warmth, kindness, and curiosity.
Every word felt like the milk candy Erza had given her—sweet and comforting.
Cana's clenched fists slowly relaxed, and a shy but genuine smile bloomed on her face.
"It… it's called Plue," she said, her voice growing a little louder.
"Um, I'm really happy to… visit the guild."
BOOM—CRASH!
A sudden, deafening crash came from the northwest corner of the guild hall, startling everyone.
All eyes turned to see a sturdy wooden table crumpled like it had been crushed by an invisible giant, splinters scattered across the floor.
Standing beside it was Gildarts, the guild's powerhouse with his signature pompadour, frozen in place. The mug in his hand had shattered on the floor, unnoticed, as he stared wide-eyed at the small figure by the door.
"You…" His voice was hoarse, trembling with disbelief. "Did you say… Cana?" He took a deep breath, as if summoning every ounce of strength, and asked slowly, "Cana… Alberona?"
Cana's eyes locked onto him—the face she'd seen countless times in the photos she carried on her journey. She nodded instinctively.
Shock in Gildarts' eyes melted into overwhelming joy and a desperate, almost painful hope. "Your mother…" His voice broke. "Is her name… Cornelia?"
Hearing that name, etched deep in her heart, Cana felt her nose sting as years of buried longing and pain surged like a flood.
She paused for a few seconds, then nodded firmly, her voice quivering with a faint sob. "…Yes."
The moment that word left her lips, Gildarts was in front of her in a flash, like he'd teleported.
A faint scent of ale mixed with the reassuring presence of a grown man enveloped her.
In the next instant, Cana's world went dark as she was pulled into a strong, yet impossibly gentle embrace, wrapped in warm, powerful arms.
"I finally… finally found you! My daughter!!!" Gildarts' voice shook with emotion, thick with tears.
"Daddy—!" All her fears, loneliness, and pain poured out in that single cry.
Cana couldn't hold back anymore. Hot tears streamed down her face, soaking Gildarts' shirt as she reached out with her small arms, clinging tightly to the father who was both a stranger and achingly familiar.
The entire Fairy Tail guild froze, as if time itself had hit pause.
Everyone looked like they'd been struck by lightning, mouths agape, eyes practically popping out.
The air was still for a full three seconds.
"D-Daughter?!" Macao was the first to snap out of it, pointing at the embracing father and daughter, his voice cracking like he'd discovered a new continent.
"No way!!"
Wakaba rubbed his eyes furiously, then pinched his thigh hard. "Ow! It's not an illusion?! Gildarts has a daughter?!"
Watching this unbelievable yet heartwarming scene, Makarov's smile was brighter than ever.
He nimbly hopped onto the bar counter, raising his arm and bellowing with all his might, "Alright, you lot! What are you standing around for?! It's time to—PARTY!!!"
"Let's celebrate Roger and Erza's first mission success! And let's celebrate Gildarts finally reuniting with his precious daughter!!!"
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