Mira didn't know what had happened, but for the last few days, there was a strange tension in the Fairy Tail guild—and somehow, it was all because of Rudra.
She sat quietly, watching her brother Elfman at a table with a cast on his hand. Lisana was beside him, chatting happily with Evergreen, who gently fed him with a smile. It was such a normal, peaceful scene. Yet inside her, confusion stirred—an unease she couldn't shake.
All she could clearly remember was the moment Rudra walked into the guild. Her magic had snapped. Her Demon Soul had screamed, shouting a name—Sparda—and urging her to run. Then... everything went black. She lost consciousness. The next thing she knew, she was awake, screaming.
Others had told her what happened while she was unconscious, but she still didn't fully understand it. Ever since then, the guild had been split in opinion. Those who had disappeared on Tenrou Island didn't trust Rudra. There was something off about him. Something wrong. But those who had stayed treated him like one of their own. Some even seemed to admire him. Apparently, he'd helped them a great deal over the years.
Mira's gaze wandered to the corner of the guild. Rudra sat alone, reading a book as if none of the tension around him mattered. He looked so calm. So distant. Yet seeing him like that brought back a flood of memories.
Before Tenrou Island, Rudra had been different—loud, goofy, always smiling. He would propose to every girl in the guild—herself included. Every time, he was rejected, and every time, he laughed it off.
Back then, he had jet-black hair and black eyes. Now, his hair was stark white. One eye glowed red with strange patterns, while the other was a haunting purple with eerie rings. His left arm was no longer human. It had become something twisted and demonic.
It reminded Mira of her own struggles when she couldn't control her Demon Soul magic. Her arms had once looked just like that.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lisana, who had walked over and gently touched her shoulder. "Are you alright, sis? Why are you looking at Rudra?"
Mira blinked and looked away quickly. "Oh, I was just thinking... nothing else."
Lisana tilted her head slightly. "Thinking about what?"
Mira opened her mouth, a response ready to leave her lips—but she stopped halfway and shook her head. "Nothing."
Lisana gave her a small nod, sensing it wasn't the time to push. "Alright," she said softly before returning to the table.
Mira sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, and turned her attention back to her paperwork, though her mind was far from at ease.
******
At a table far in the back of the guild hall, Rudra sat reading a book he had found in the Fairy Tail library. He ignored the usual commotion around him, flipping through the pages with mild disinterest. After a few moments, he sighed.
After a moment, he exhaled heavily. "This book is painfully dull," he muttered, snapping it shut with a soft thud. He leaned back in his chair and stretched with a lazy groan. "Man, I'm bored."
His system chimed in his mind, its voice smooth and amused. Then why not take a job, host? It's been ages since you stretched those limbs.
Rudra rolled his eyes. "Yeah, no thanks. Master Makarov told me to stay put until he gets back from the guild masters' meeting. Something about me causing 'unnecessary excitement.'"
Well then, the system replied, mockingly patient, I suppose we must wait like good little boys.
Rudra groaned again and let his head fall back against the chair. "You're not helping."
Minutes drifted by, the ambient noise of the guild serving as a backdrop to his slow descent into a nap. Just as he was beginning to nod off, he felt a small tug at his sleeve. He cracked open one eye, annoyed.
Standing in front of him was a girl—small, barefoot, with long, flowing golden-blonde hair that trailed to the floor. Her eyes were a brilliant green, but strangely lacked irises, giving her an ethereal look. She stared at him with an almost childlike curiosity.
"Is there something you need, kid?" Rudra asked, voice low and gravelly with disinterest.
The girl puffed her cheeks and jabbed a finger at him. "I'm not a kid! The name's Mavis Vermillion."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Right... and I'm the King of Fiore. What do you want, midget?"
Mavis flared up instantly. "I am not a midget! I just happen to be petite! There's a difference!"
Rudra smirked and yawned, resting his head on his hand. "Fine. Petite girl ghost. What do you want from me? I was trying to enjoy my boredom in peace."
Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer, clearly undeterred. "I've been watching you for a few days now. You don't act like the others. You're... different. Intriguing."
"Sorry to disappoint, but I don't do fangirls," Rudra replied flatly. "Especially the flat-chested, nonexistent-ass variety."
Mavis turned crimson, her mouth falling open. "Wh-what did you just say?! I am NOT flat!" She threw a punch at him in fury—only for her hand to pass clean through his chest.
Rudra blinked and looked down at the intangible arm. "...Huh. I'm being haunted by the ghost of an angry child. This day just keeps getting better."
Mavis crossed her arms, cheeks still red. "For your information, I am the first Guild Master of Fairy Tail!"
"You're also transparent, literally," Rudra deadpanned. "So unless you can possess someone and bring me coffee, you're not very helpful right now."
Mavis ignored the jab, stepping back and tilting her head. "You're not completely human, are you?"
Rudra hesitated, then shrugged. "No point in hiding it. Half-human, half-demon."
Her eyes lit up in triumph. "Knew it! I could sense something off about you! My detective senses never fail!" She struck a pose, grinning proudly. "Detective Mavis always cracks the case!"
Before Rudra could offer a sarcastic retort, she vanished into thin air with a small shimmer of light.
He stared at the spot she had just occupied. "that was random as fuck."
The system chuckled. Congratulations. You've just been psychoanalyzed by a centuries-old ghost detective.
With another sigh, he leaned back and closed his eyes again, hoping to finally get some rest.
A few hours later, the gates of Fairy Tail creaked open.
"WE'VE COME TO SEE FAIRY TAIL!!!" shouted a chorus of voices.
The guild members turned toward the entrance as a group from Lamia Scale stepped in, led by a very enthusiastic Lyon Vastia and a flustered Sherry Blendy.
Behind them, Master Makarov entered, walking with his hands behind his back and a small smile on his face.
"Yo!" Lyon waved dramatically. "We heard you guys were having all the fun without us!"
"Lyon, please don't embarrass us," Sherry sighed.
"Master!" Lucy called out. "Welcome back!"
The atmosphere brightened in an instant as members rushed to greet their returning master and the guests from Lamia Scale.
Makarov chuckled. "I see things are still lively here."
"Did the meeting go well?" Erza asked.
"We'll talk about it later," Makarov replied with a nod. "For now, let's enjoy the company of our friends."
At a table inside the Fairy Tail guild, members of Lamia Scale and Fairy Tail were gathered, laughter and chatter filling the room like music. After so many years apart, it was like a reunion between old classmates—chaotic, nostalgic, and just a little competitive.
Sherry leaned toward Lucy with a sly grin. "Things have really gone bad while you guys were taking your seven-year siesta."
Lucy blinked. "Siesta? We were trapped on Tenrou Island!"
Sherry shrugged dramatically. "Details, details. The point is, Lamia Scale climbed the ranks to become the second-best guild in Fiore. No hard feelings, right?"
Lucy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Is Blue Pegasus number one now?"
Before Sherry could answer, Toby slammed his fists on the table. "Oh yeah, real funny! Those lame guys? No way! Sabertooth got cocky, and Blue Pegasus is just... glitter and cologne!"
Yuka Sakazuki, seated nearby, sighed and rubbed his temple. "Here we go, Toby... You're embarrassing yourself again."
Toby blinked, confused. "What? I'm just sayin' the truth!
Gray chuckled while shaking his head. Jura, ever the calm presence, smiled and placed a hand on Gray's shoulder. "Regardless of ranking, we're truly glad to have you all back with us. Fiore wasn't the same without Fairy Tail."
"That's right!" Toby added, then leaned in with a wink. "Also, your food is way better than Lamia Scale's. Just sayin'."
Gray smirked and raised his mug. "Well, it's good to know we're useful for something."
Across the table, Lyon was staring at Juvia with a dreamy look in his eyes, his cheeks tinged red. He slowly stood, walked to her, and placed both hands gently on her shoulders.
"Juvia," he began, voice soft and trembling with emotion, "I never believed in true love... until now."
Juvia blinked. "Eh?"
Lucy covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. "I don't think he's joking."
Gray rolled his eyes. "He has no idea what he's getting into."
Juvia took a hesitant step back, her eyes darting between Gray and Lyon. "No... the love triangle has become a love maze."
"What a healthy imagination," Lucy muttered.
"It's anything but healthy," Gray sighed.
Nearby, Happy whispered to Carla, "Love triangles. Love mazes. Next it'll be a love octagon."
Carla groaned. "Don't give them ideas."
Meanwhile, Jura, along with Master Makarov, made their way to the bar where Kinana and Mira were cleaning glasses. As they approached, both Mira and Kinana greeted them warmly, receiving a polite nod in return as the two men took their seats.
Makarov cleared his throat, the sound cutting clean through the chatter and laughter filling the guild hall.
The noise died instantly.
Everyone turned their attention to the guild master, who now stood atop the bar counter, his expression calm but firm.
"Listen up, everyone," Makarov began, his voice carrying across the room. "We've received a special assignment from the Magic Council. This one's different. We'll be working in direct cooperation with Lamia Scale."
A few surprised murmurs broke out.
"Jura Neekis is here on behalf of the Princess Hissui to select a team for this mission. And," Makarov added, pausing for effect, "he may choose any mage from our roster to accompany him."
That got the room buzzing.
Natsu jumped to his feet, eyes blazing. "Alright! Finally, something worth punching!"
Gray rolled his shoulders and leaned against a pillar with a smirk. "Let me guess… a mountain-sized monster or some ancient seal breaking loose?"
Gajeel snorted, cracking his knuckles. "Doesn't matter what it is. I'm in."
Jura, standing beside Makarov, offered a polite smile and a respectful nod to the guild before he spoke.
"I thank you for your enthusiasm. The mission is of high importance… but it comes with a specific request."
He turned slightly, facing Makarov directly. "Master Makarov… if I may ask—where is Rudra?"
The shift in the room was immediate.
The casual buzz vanished, replaced by a thick, tense silence. You could've heard a pin drop.
Eyes flicked toward the far end of the hall, where Rudra sat in the corner, arms folded, head tilted down, apparently asleep.
Those who had returned from Tenrou Island glanced at each other, unease in their expressions. Mira stiffened. Erza's eyes narrowed slightly.
Elfman stepped forward, frowning. "Why do you want him?"
Jura remained calm. "This is a direct order from Princess Hisui. She requested Rudra's presence, specifically.
All eyes turned toward the back corner of the guild hall, where Rudra sat slouched against the wall, arms crossed and fast asleep.
Makarov narrowed his eyes and raised his voice. "Rudra! Wake up and get over here!"
Rudra stirred, his golden eyes flickering open. He yawned loudly. "Oh, Master... you're back."
In the blink of an eye, he appeared before them, startling several guild members with his sudden speed.
"Yo, Jura," he said with a lazy grin. "You here to investigate the guild again?"
Jura gave a respectful bow. "Not this time, Rudra-dono. The matter is of grave importance. Princess Hisui believes recent disturbances in the capital may be tied to the Dark Guild Island incident from a few years ago."
The moment Jura said those words, Rudra's expression darkened. His grin vanished.
His voice dropped several octaves. "Are you sure about that? You know what happened there."
Jura gave a solemn nod. "Those were the only details she was willing to share. She asked specifically for your eyes and insight."
Without another word, Rudra turned to leave. His footsteps echoed ominously across the wooden floor.
"Hold it right there, Rudra," Makarov called, his tone firm.
Rudra paused, half-turning his head. "Something wrong, Master?"
"You're not going alone. You might not care about what happens to you, but I do. And I won't have you go on dangerous mission without backup."
He faced the guild. "So? Who's joining Rudra on this mission?"
Silence.
Then, a strong, confident voice cut through the stillness.
"I'll go."
Erza stepped forward, her scarlet hair swaying behind her. Her tone left no room for argument.
Lucy's eyes widened as she stepped up beside her. "Erza, are you sure? After what happened a few days ago... I mean, are you really ready to go on a mission with him again?"
Erza didn't hesitate. "It doesn't matter what happened. If Rudra's involved, and this mission is as serious as it sounds, then I'm going."
From behind the bar, another voice followed.
"Count me in, too."
Elfman spun around, shock on his face. "Mira? You can't go with him. I won't let you—not after what he did to you."
Mira stepped out from behind the counter, already untying her apron. Her eyes burned with resolve. "This isn't your decision, Elfman. I appreciate your concern, but I'm not just your sister—I'm an S-Class mage.
"But you know what he's capable of!" Elfman argued, desperation thick in his voice.
Mira met his eyes—gentle, but unwavering."And I also know what I'm capable of, Elfman. Rudra doesn't scare me. Not anymore."
At that, Rudra finally turned, his gaze falling sharply on her.
Mira's composure wavered just for a second as she instinctively looked away.
His eyes shifted to Erza next. She too, avoided his gaze, her jaw tightening ever so slightly.
Neither woman met his eyes.
Rudra scoffed. "Fine. I don't care who comes. Just don't slow me down." the corner of his mouth twitching with something unreadable— amusement, or perhaps disappointment.
He turned to Jura. "Let's move."
But then he stopped.
With a quick hand seal, a puff of smoke exploded beside him—a shadow clone appeared.
Rudra looked toward Makarov one last time.
"Master, I know we didn't get to have that conversation... but this guy can answer your questions. Anything you want to know, just ask him."
Makarov exhaled slowly, nodded his head.
And with that, Rudra and Jura walked out of the guild hall, Erza and Mira close behind.