The morning sun cast a warm glow over Magnolia, but the path leading to the Fairy Tail guild felt heavier than usual. Dust still lingered in the air, wood and stone from destroyed buildings scattered across the road like forgotten memories. The closer they got, the more silence surrounded them.
Two figures stood at the edge of the clearing where the once-proud guildhall used to dominate the skyline. In its place stood a half-reconstructed building—scaffolding wrapped around fresh beams, a tarp covering part of the roof. Some members could be seen working, sweat on their brows and tools in hand.
Y/N's green eyes narrowed as he stopped in his tracks. Beside him, Masumi let out a long, low breath.
Y/N: "…This isn't how we left it."
Masumi: (quietly, arms crossed) "No. Not even close."
The two of them stared at the damage—no longer smoldering, but still raw. Painfully recent.
Y/N: "We were only gone for three—maybe four months."
He took a slow step forward, boots crunching against gravel.
'What the hell happened while we were gone?'
Masumi's fingers crackled with static as his jaw tightened.
Masumi: "A Dark Guild did this. Has to be. No way Fairy Tail took damage like this without a fight."
Y/N: (frowning deeply) "We should've been here…"
Masumi: "Yeah." (his voice low) "We would've ended it before they laid a finger on our home."
For a moment, neither said a word. The weight of what could've been hung between them like storm clouds. But then Y/N's fists clenched.
Y/N: "Enough regrets. We're here now. Let's go see who's still standing."
Masumi: (nodding with a grim smirk) "Let's make an entrance."
They marched forward, step by step, toward the rebuilt doors. Though new, the iron handles still bore the burn marks of past battles. They paused before it.
Y/N: "On the count of three?"
Masumi: "You even gotta ask?"
Y/N / Masumi (in unison): "THREE!"
The doors burst open with a boom, wind and sunlight pouring into the half-finished hall.
Inside, what remained of the Fairy Tail guild was gathering—members working together to repair the structure, others resting after long nights. There was no music, no laughter this time. Just quiet conversation, determination… and the sound of wood being nailed in place.
But when the door slammed open, all movement froze.
Two familiar silhouettes stood framed in the doorway. Green flame licked faintly at Y/N's boots. Sparks of lightning danced around Masumi's shoulders. They weren't just mages returning home—they looked like walking storms.
Y/N / Masumi (grinning, voices loud): "We're back in action."
Silence.
Then, all at once—
Fairy Tail Members (except Lucy): "Y/N!!! MASUMI!!!"
The room erupted—not in chaos, but in joy. Even in the pain of rebuilding, the sight of their two long-missing powerhouses sparked hope. People rushed over: some hugging them, some cheering, some barely able to believe it.
Gray: "I knew you two weren't dead!"
Wendy: (eyes wide with tears) "Y/N! Masumi! You're really back!"
Mira: (smiling through dust-covered cheeks) "You came home right when we needed you."
Erza: (placing a hand on Y/N's shoulder) "It's good to see you both… truly."
Happy: "You missed a lot of fighting, but I'm glad you're okay!"
In the corner, Lucy—holding a stack of building plans—watched the celebration in confusion. She turned to Levy, who was wiping her eyes with a dirty sleeve.
Lucy: "Uh… so, who exactly are they?"
Levy blinked, stunned, as if Lucy had just asked who Natsu was.
Levy: "You're joking, right?"
Lucy frowned, genuinely puzzled.
Lucy: "No? I joined just before the attack. Everyone's been so busy rebuilding, I haven't heard their names."
Levy turned to the rest of the guild and raised a finger.
Levy (loudly): "SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHO Y/N AND MASUMI ARE!"
The entire guild stopped.
They all turned, some still holding tools, some mid-hug, now gaping at Lucy in disbelief.
All of Fairy Tail (except Lucy): "YOU DON'T KNOW WHO THEY ARE?!?!?!"
Lucy shrank under the intensity of their reaction, blushing as she waved her hands defensively.
Lucy: "Okay, okay! I get it—they're a big deal! Just… someone fill me in, please?"
Gray chuckled, clapping her on the back.
Gray: "Y/N's the Green Fire Dragon Slayer. Masumi's a Thunder God Slayer. They went on a long-term mission before you joined. The two of them together? They've taken down entire fortresses."
Mira: (warmly) "More than that—they're family. And now that they're back, things are going to be alright again."
Lucy looked back toward the two men being swarmed by guildmates, their smiles genuine despite the wreckage around them.
Lucy (softly): "Guess I picked a good time to join after all."