Chapter 17: Arrival at Magnolia
The cobbled streets of Magnolia stretched before them, lively with vendors, shopkeepers calling out their wares, and children running past with sweets in their hands. The morning sun glowed golden against tiled rooftops, and the smell of fresh bread and grilled meat wafted through the air.
Lucy's eyes sparkled as she took in the bustling town. "So this is Magnolia… It's beautiful!"
Natsu stretched his arms with a grin. "Yeah, but the real show is up ahead."
Happy zipped around Lucy's head, wings fluttering. "Aye, sir! Wait until you see our guild—it's the best in the whole kingdom!"
Lucy tilted her head, excitement bubbling in her chest. "Fairy Tail… I've heard so many rumors. Crazy destructive jobs, wild wizards, the strongest mages in Fiore…"
Menma, walking just behind them with his hands in his pockets, spoke quietly. "Rumors only scratch the surface."
Lucy glanced at him. His tone was calm as always, but his crimson eyes held a glint of something—respect, maybe even pride.
The Guild Hall
They rounded a corner, and there it was.
The Fairy Tail guild hall stood tall and proud at the center of Magnolia, its massive wooden frame decorated with the crest of the guild. Even from a distance, laughter and shouts spilled out from its doors, the sound of mugs clashing and magic crackling in the air.
Lucy's jaw dropped. "Th-That's it?! That's Fairy Tail?!"
Happy puffed out his chest. "Yup! Home sweet home!"
Natsu smirked. "C'mon, let's go!" He charged ahead, pushing the doors open with both hands.
The sight that greeted Lucy nearly knocked her over.
Inside, the guild was alive with chaos. Wizards argued over jobs, a group arm-wrestled on a long wooden table, and someone in the back was breathing fire just to show off. A chair went flying across the room, narrowly missing Cana, who was already halfway through a barrel of ale.
Lucy's eyes went wide. "I-I… This is Fairy Tail?!"
Guild Welcome
"Oi, Natsu! You're late again!" Gray shouted, only to be standing in his underwear already.
Lucy blinked. "W-why is he…?"
"Don't ask," Menma said flatly, moving past her.
Cana waved lazily at them. "Yo, Menma! Natsu! Drinks are cold, jobs are hot, chaos is hotter. Grab a seat."
Makarov, standing atop the bar counter, turned his small body toward them. "You're back, brats." His eyes softened when they landed on Lucy. "And who's this?"
Lucy fumbled nervously, bowing her head. "I-I'm Lucy Heartfilia! I'm… well, I was hoping to join Fairy Tail."
The guild erupted into cheers.
"Another one, huh?"
"She's cute!"
"Hope she can handle the madness!"
Makarov chuckled, puffing his pipe. "Well then, Lucy. Welcome home."
A New Family
Lucy felt her throat tighten. Welcome home… The words wrapped around her heart like warmth she hadn't known she was missing.
Natsu slapped her on the back, nearly knocking her over. "You'll fit right in! Trust me."
Happy added, "Just don't get caught in one of the brawls. Or do, they're fun!"
Menma simply gave her a small nod, standing beside Mirajane who had just walked over, smiling kindly.
Lucy's lips curved into a bright smile. "Thank you… everyone."
For the first time in years, she felt like she belonged.