Power and Betrayal: Coalition of Light (Continuation)
Chapter 19: Wendy's Rescue & Broken Seals
While Cumber, Gine, and Uruk prepared for their rescue mission, Natsu and Gray had encountered members of the Naked Mummy Guild. The dark guild members had proven no match for the Fairy Tail wizards, who dispatched them with relative ease until only Gatô and Zatô remained standing.
Meanwhile, deep within the cave system at Nirvana's base, Wendy Marvell stood frozen before the unconscious form of Jellal Fernandes, her mind a storm of conflicting emotions. The blue-haired man lay motionless in the ancient sarcophagus, his features peaceful despite the chaos his very presence created.
"You owe this man your life," Brain reminded her, his voice silky with manipulation. "Without him, you would never have found your way to Cait Shelter."
Happy, who had been captured alongside Wendy, frantically tried to counter Brain's influence. "Don't listen to him, Wendy! Jellal is a monster! He tried to sacrifice Erza! He fired the Etherion! He nearly destroyed the Magic Council!"
Wendy trembled, tears streaming down her face. "No... the Jellal I knew was kind. He saved me..."
Brain, growing impatient, suddenly made a show of attacking the unconscious Jellal. "Perhaps I should dispose of him instead?"
"NO!" Wendy screamed, collapsing to her knees. "Please... don't hurt him."
Happy continued desperately, "Jellal is evil, Wendy! Natsu had to fight him to save everyone! Please don't heal him!"
But the young Sky Dragon Slayer was inconsolable, torn between her memories and Happy's warnings. With trembling hands, she rose to her feet, moving toward Jellal.
"I have to know the truth," she whispered. "I have to see for myself."
Happy looked toward the cave entrance, praying silently. Hurry, Natsu... hurry, everyone.
Outside the cave entrance, Cumber crouched behind a massive fallen tree trunk, his ki suppressed to avoid detection. Beside him, Gine surveyed the magical barriers protecting the cave, her sharp eyes identifying weak points in the spell structure.
"Two guards at the entrance," she whispered. "Racer and Cobra, based on the descriptions we received."
Cumber nodded, his jaw tight. Thirty minutes had felt like an eternity, each second stretching as he imagined what Wendy might be going through. The rescue plan was in motion now, but patience had never been his strong suit.
"Natsu should be starting his diversion any—"
A massive explosion rocked the northern side of the clearing, followed by Natsu's distinctive battle cry. "HEY ORACIÓN SEIS! COME OUT AND FIGHT ME!"
Flames erupted along the treeline, drawing the attention of both guards. Cobra tilted his head, clearly using his enhanced hearing to assess the threat.
"That's our cue," Gine said. "Remember the plan—in and out. Find Wendy first, engage only if necessary."
Cumber nodded, but his eyes held a different promise. If Brain had harmed Wendy in any way...
They moved in perfect synchronization, two shadows slipping between the momentary gaps in the barrier as Racer darted away to confront Natsu. Cobra remained, his snake familiar Cubellios coiled around his shoulders, but his attention was divided.
Inside the cave entrance, they found Carla waiting as planned, having slipped in during an earlier patrol.
"This way," she whispered. "Quickly. I can sense Wendy's magic being used."
The Exceed led them through winding tunnels, descending deeper into the earth. The walls began to change, rough-hewn stone giving way to ancient carvings and symbols that pulsed with faint light.
"Nirvana's architecture," Gine observed quietly. "These ruins predate recorded history in this region."
Cumber wasn't interested in archaeology. "How much further?"
"Just ahead," Carla replied, her voice tight with worry. "But I sense strong magic... darker than before."
They rounded a corner and paused at the entrance to a vast chamber. The ceiling soared upward, lost in shadows, while the floor was dominated by a circular platform inscribed with intricate runes. In the center stood a stone sarcophagus, and beside it...
"Wendy," Cumber breathed, taking an involuntary step forward before Gine's restraining hand stopped him.
The blue-haired girl stood with her hands extended over the sarcophagus, golden healing magic pouring from her palms into the figure that lay within. Her small face was streaked with tears, but her expression held determination. Brain stood nearby, smiling in triumph, while Happy remained trapped in a magical containment sphere, shouting warnings that went unheeded.
"It's too late," Brain announced to Wendy. "The revival is complete. Jellal will awaken momentarily, and Nirvana's seal will finally be broken."
Jellal? Cumber thought in confusion. The name meant nothing to him, but clearly it held significance to the others. Whoever this person was, Brain's satisfaction indicated trouble.
"We need to act now," Gine whispered. "Before this Jellal fully awakens."
Cumber didn't wait for further discussion. Drawing on his ki, he burst from their hiding place in a flash of blue energy, landing between Wendy and the sarcophagus.
"That's enough," he growled, facing Brain with unconcealed fury. "Step away from her."
"Cumber!" Wendy cried, relief and shame mingling in her voice.
Brain didn't appear surprised by their arrival. "The Saiyan warriors. I wondered when you'd make your appearance." His dark eyes gleamed with malice. "You're too late. The Sky Maiden has served her purpose."
Behind Cumber, the figure in the sarcophagus stirred, eyelids fluttering.
Gine moved swiftly to Wendy's side, pulling the girl away from the sarcophagus while keeping her eyes trained on Brain. "Whatever you're planning with Nirvana, it ends now."
Brain laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally in the chamber. "On the contrary. It's only beginning." He gestured toward Jellal's awakening form. "Even in his amnesiac state, he possesses the knowledge to activate Nirvana. The dark magic that once consumed him has left its mark—a beacon that will draw Nirvana to full power."
Cumber positioned himself protectively in front of Wendy. "I don't care about your plans or this Jellal person. You took Wendy against her will, and that's all I need to know."
Something in Brain's expression shifted, calculating. "Such devotion for a girl you barely know." His smile grew cruel. "Did your brother Uruk show such loyalty before I turned him against you?"
The mention of Uruk sent a jolt of rage through Cumber, his ki flaring violently in response. "Don't you dare speak his name!"
"Cumber," Gine cautioned, "he's trying to provoke you. Stay focused."
But Brain continued, relentless. "Your brother was weak. His mind yielded so easily to my control. I wonder if the little Sky Maiden would prove as susceptible?"
That was the breaking point. With a roar of fury, Cumber launched himself at Brain, ki-charged fist aimed directly at the dark wizard's smug face. Brain barely raised his staff in time, a magical barrier deflecting most of the impact, though the force still sent him sliding backward.
"Wendy, free Happy and get back!" Gine commanded, moving to support her brother as Brain recovered.
Brain's expression darkened. "Midnight! Hoteye! To me!"
From the shadows of adjacent tunnels, two more members of the Oración Seis emerged. Midnight, with his dual-colored hair and crimson eyes, stepped forward with languid confidence. Beside him, the massive form of Hoteye loomed, his perpetual smile at odds with the danger he presented.
"Three Saiyans against three Seis," Brain observed. "Though one of you appears somewhat... diminished."
As if on cue, Uruk emerged from a side passage, looking weary but determined. "I managed to stabilize the others," he explained to his siblings. "Natsu has Racer occupied outside, and Gray joined him to handle Cobra."
Cumber kept his eyes locked on Brain. "Wendy, get behind Uruk. This is going to get messy."
Brain tapped his staff on the stone floor, dark magic swirling around him. "Indeed it will. Especially once our final guest awakens fully." He gestured toward the sarcophagus, where Jellal was now sitting up, his eyes open but unfocused.
"Who... am I?" the blue-haired man mumbled, confusion evident in his voice.
"He doesn't remember?" Wendy gasped from behind Uruk.
"Memory loss is a common side effect of prolonged magical stasis," Uruk observed grimly. "But that may not be to our advantage. An amnesiac with that level of magical power is unpredictable."
Brain seemed unconcerned by Jellal's confusion. "Your memories will return in time. For now, all you need to know is that Nirvana awaits your touch, Jellal. The great work we began years ago can now be completed."
Jellal stared at his own hands, then at the strangers surrounding him. His gaze lingered on Wendy, a flicker of recognition quickly smothered by uncertainty.
The tension in the chamber was palpable, powers both magical and ki-based charging the air with dangerous potential. Cumber could feel Wendy's fear behind him, could sense her conflict and guilt over her role in reviving Jellal.
"Whatever happens next," Cumber said, his voice pitched for only his siblings to hear, "we protect Wendy and stop Brain. Everything else is secondary."
Gine nodded, shifting into a combat stance. "Uruk, your assessment?"
Uruk's eyes narrowed as he analyzed their opponents. "Brain is the priority threat. Midnight's Reflector Magic will be problematic for direct attacks. Hoteye's Earth Magic gives him environmental advantage in these caves."
"And Jellal?" Cumber asked, not taking his eyes off Brain.
"Unknown quantity," Uruk replied. "But if Brain went to these lengths to revive him, we should assume extreme caution."
Brain raised his staff, dark energy coalescing around its tip. "Enough strategy. Midnight, Hoteye—deal with the siblings. Jellal and I have an appointment with destiny."
As the chamber erupted into battle, Cumber found himself facing Midnight, the red-eyed wizard's reflector magic deflecting his initial ki blasts with frustrating ease. From the corner of his eye, he could see Gine engaged with Hoteye, the ground beneath her feet liquefying and reforming with each step.
Uruk had positioned himself as the last line of defense before Wendy and Happy, conserving his limited energy for maximum efficiency. But Brain, cunning as ever, had other plans.
"Jellal," Brain commanded, "find the activation pillar. Your instincts will guide you."
The amnesiac wizard rose unsteadily to his feet, his confusion giving way to a strange, trance-like state. Without a word, he began walking toward a previously unnoticed archway at the rear of the chamber.
"Stop him!" Gine called out, narrowly avoiding a pillar of liquefied stone that erupted where she had stood moments before.
Cumber tried to break away from his battle with Midnight, but the reflector mage was too skilled, too precise in his attacks. Each time Cumber attempted to move toward Jellal, Midnight forced him back with twisted, redirected magic.
"Wendy," Cumber called out, desperation edging his voice, "you need to stop Jellal! You're the only one who can reach him!"
Wendy's eyes widened with fear. "I can't! I don't know how!"
"You healed him," Uruk said, his tone steady despite blocking a direct attack from Brain. "That created a magical connection. Use it!"
Brain laughed darkly. "Yes, little Sky Maiden. The bond works both ways. Perhaps you'll be drawn into the darkness as well."
Something shifted in Wendy's expression then—fear giving way to determination, guilt transforming into resolve. She looked at Cumber, still fighting against Midnight's relentless reflector magic, and nodded once.
"I'll try," she said, her voice small but steady.
As Wendy darted after Jellal, slipping through the archway into the darkness beyond, Cumber felt a surge of both pride and fear. Pride in her courage, fear for her safety.
"You're distracted, Saiyan," Midnight observed, his voice unnervingly calm. "Your concern for the girl makes you weak."
Cumber turned back to his opponent, a new intensity in his gaze. "No. It makes me stronger." Drawing on deeper reserves of ki, he pushed past his normal limits, golden energy beginning to crackle around his form. "And you're about to find out just how much."
Wendy followed Jellal through winding passages, each turn taking them deeper into Nirvana's ancient structure. The walls here pulsed with alternating light and darkness, the magic growing more palpable with each step.
"Jellal, please," she called out, her voice echoing in the narrow corridor. "You don't have to do this. You don't have to be what Brain wants you to be."
The blue-haired wizard paused, his back still to her. "I don't know who I am," he said, his voice hollow. "But something is pulling me forward. Something that feels... familiar."
Wendy approached cautiously. "The Jellal I knew was kind. He helped me when I was lost. He introduced me to my guild." Her voice softened. "If you don't remember who you were, you can choose who to be now."
Jellal turned slightly, his profile illuminated by the pulsing magic of the walls. "Why does Brain want Nirvana?"
"To turn light to darkness," Wendy answered, repeating what she had overheard. "To twist good people into doing evil things. Like what happened to Cumber's brother."
Something flickered in Jellal's expression—recognition, perhaps, or empathy. "I feel as though... I've been both light and darkness."
Wendy reached out hesitantly, her small hand touching his arm. "Then you understand how wrong it is to force that change on others."
Before Jellal could respond, the passage opened into a vast circular chamber. In its center stood a crystal pillar, black and white energies swirling within its translucent surface. The activation mechanism for Nirvana.
Jellal moved toward it as if drawn by an invisible force, but his steps were slower now, uncertain.
"Jellal, please," Wendy pleaded, following him into the chamber. "Don't do this."
He paused at the base of the pillar, his hand raised toward its shimmering surface. "I feel... I've made terrible mistakes." His voice was barely audible. "Hurt people who didn't deserve it."
"Then don't make another mistake," Wendy urged. "Help us stop Brain instead."
Jellal's hand remained suspended inches from the pillar, trembling slightly. The conflict within him was visible, painful to witness.
Behind them, rapid footsteps announced new arrivals. Brain entered the chamber first, his staff glowing with malevolent energy. Behind him came Cumber, his clothing torn from battle but his eyes blazing with determination.
"Touch the pillar, Jellal!" Brain commanded. "Fulfill your destiny!"
"Don't listen to him," Cumber countered, moving protectively toward Wendy. "Whatever he's promised you is a lie."
Brain raised his staff, dark energy crackling toward Cumber. "Stay out of this, Saiyan!"
Cumber deflected the attack with a ki shield, but the effort cost him. He dropped to one knee, breathing heavily. "Wendy, get back!"
Brain advanced, power radiating from him in waves. "Touch the pillar, Jellal. Now!"
Jellal looked from Brain to Wendy, then to Cumber. Something shifted in his expression—clarity breaking through confusion.
"No," he said quietly, lowering his hand. "I won't be used as a tool for darkness again."
Brain's face contorted with rage. "You fool! After everything I've done to revive you!" He raised his staff, aiming directly at Jellal. "If you won't activate Nirvana willingly, I'll force you!"
The dark energy blast shot toward Jellal, but never reached its target. Wendy had moved with surprising speed, placing herself between Jellal and the attack.
"Wendy!" Cumber shouted, lunging forward.
A golden shield of healing magic erupted from Wendy's outstretched hands, intercepting Brain's attack. For a moment, the two magics battled, dark against light, until Wendy's shield began to fracture under the strain.
Just as the shield collapsed, Cumber reached her, pulling her aside as the remnants of Brain's attack grazed his shoulder. The pain was intense, but he kept his focus on Wendy.
"Are you hurt?" he demanded, scanning her for injuries.
She shook her head, eyes wide. "You're injured!"
"It's nothing," he assured her, though the wound burned like fire. "Stay behind me."
Brain's laughter echoed throughout the chamber. "How touching. The Saiyan warrior and the Sky Maiden, protecting each other." His eyes gleamed with malice. "But your defiance changes nothing. If Jellal won't activate Nirvana, I'll simply find another way."
He raised his staff again, but before he could attack, a blinding light erupted from the crystal pillar. All eyes turned to see Jellal, his hand placed firmly against its surface.
"No!" Wendy cried.
But instead of the activation Brain expected, cracks began to spread across the pillar's surface, light pouring from each fissure.
"What are you doing?" Brain demanded, horror replacing triumph on his face.
"What I should have done from the beginning," Jellal replied, his voice stronger now. "Breaking Nirvana's core, not awakening it."
The cracks in the pillar widened, the chamber beginning to tremble around them as ancient magic destabilized.
"This whole place is going to collapse!" Cumber realized, pulling Wendy closer. "We need to get out!"
Brain's face contorted with rage and disbelief. "You've ruined everything! Years of planning!"
"Good," Jellal said simply, stepping away from the disintegrating pillar.
With a howl of fury, Brain lunged at Jellal, dark magic swirling around his staff. But Cumber was faster, intercepting the attack with a powerful ki blast that sent Brain crashing into the chamber wall.
"We need to move," Cumber urged, taking Wendy's hand. "Jellal, come with us if you want to live."
The blue-haired wizard nodded, and together the three of them raced back toward the main chamber as Nirvana's structure began to collapse around them.
In the main chamber, they found Gine standing over an unconscious Hoteye, while Uruk had Midnight contained in a ki-reinforced binding. Happy had been freed from his magical prison and was helping Carla tend to a minor wound on Uruk's arm.
"The whole structure is collapsing," Cumber announced as they entered. "Brain tried to force Jellal to activate Nirvana, but he destroyed the core instead."
Gine's eyes widened. "Then we need to evacuate immediately. Where's Brain?"
"Right here," came the cold voice from behind them.
They turned to see Brain in the entrance to the passage, his clothing torn and his face twisted with hatred. But something was different—the markings on his face were shifting, rearranging themselves.
"You think you've won?" he snarled, his voice distorting. "You've merely awakened something far worse."
Before their eyes, Brain's demeanor changed entirely. His posture straightened, his expression growing colder, more calculating. The markings on his face vanished completely.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the transformed figure said. "I am Zero, Brain's true personality. And unlike my weaker half, I have no interest in using Nirvana." His magic flared around him, darker and more potent than before. "I simply want to destroy everything."
Uruk stepped forward, his analytical mind quickly assessing the new threat. "His magic signature has completely changed. This isn't a bluff—he's genuinely transformed into a different entity."
"Perceptive," Zero acknowledged. "But perception won't save you."
With frightening speed, Zero unleashed a barrage of dark magic missiles, forcing the group to scatter. Cumber pushed Wendy behind a fallen column, shielding her with his body.
"Stay here," he ordered, preparing to join the fight.
But Wendy caught his arm. "Wait! You're still injured from Brain's attack."
"There's no time—"
"There is," she insisted, her hands already glowing with healing magic. "Just a few seconds."
As her magic flowed into his injured shoulder, Cumber felt the burning pain subside, replaced by warmth and renewed strength. But more than physical healing, something else passed between them—trust, understanding, a connection forged through shared danger.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Wendy nodded, determination in her eyes. "Now go help your family. I'll stay with Happy and Carla."
Cumber rejoined the battle, where Gine and Uruk were already engaging Zero, their coordinated attacks testing the limits of his defenses. Jellal stood slightly apart, his own magic fluctuating as fragments of memory and power returned to him.
"His primary attack is Dark Capriccio," Uruk called out, narrowly avoiding a spiraling beam of darkness. "Extremely penetrating magic. Don't try to block it directly."
"Noted," Cumber replied, circling to Zero's flank. "Any weaknesses?"
"His confidence," Gine suggested, deflecting a dark blast with a ki shield. "He believes himself superior to Brain. We can use that."
Zero laughed coldly. "Strategy won't save you when this entire structure collapses." As if to emphasize his point, a large section of ceiling crashed down nearby, the destabilized magic of Nirvana accelerating the cave's destruction.
"We need to end this quickly," Uruk warned. "The structural integrity is failing rapidly."
Cumber nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Gine, Uruk—standard Delta formation. Draw his attacks, create an opening."
His siblings immediately understood, years of training allowing them to coordinate without further explanation. They began a series of precisely timed attacks, forcing Zero to divide his attention between multiple threats.
As Zero focused on countering Gine's aerial assault, Cumber gathered his ki, concentrating it into his right fist. The energy condensed, intensified, taking on a golden hue different from his usual blue ki.
"What's this?" Zero mocked, noticing the change. "A new technique from the Saiyan brat? It won't be enough."
Cumber didn't waste breath responding. Instead, he waited for the perfect moment—the opening his siblings were methodically creating. When Zero twisted to avoid Uruk's precision strike, leaving his guard momentarily open, Cumber moved.
With speed born of desperation and purpose, he closed the distance, driving his ki-charged fist directly toward Zero's chest. "This is for Uruk... and for Wendy!"
Zero raised a hasty dark barrier, but Cumber's attack shattered through it like glass, the condensed ki exploding on impact. The force sent Zero crashing backward into the wall, the stone cracking beneath the impact of his body.
For a moment, Zero remained motionless, shock evident on his face. Then, slowly, he slid down the wall, the darkness fading from his eyes. The markings reappeared on his face—Brain returning as Zero receded.
"Impossible," Brain gasped, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "How could a mere Saiyan..."
"Not just any Saiyan," Cumber replied, standing tall despite his exhaustion. "One with something worth fighting for."
Another section of ceiling collapsed, reminding them of their precarious situation.
"We need to leave now," Uruk urged, supporting a weakened Gine. "This entire cave system is coming down."
Cumber nodded, turning back toward where he had left Wendy. To his surprise, she was already moving toward him, Happy and Carla hovering anxiously nearby.
"Is it over?" she asked, her eyes moving from Cumber to Brain's defeated form.
"Yes," Cumber assured her, relief evident in his voice. "It's over. But we need to get out before—"
A violent tremor interrupted him, massive chunks of stone breaking free from above. Wendy stumbled, and Cumber moved instinctively to catch her. As they regained their balance, he noticed Jellal standing apart from the group, staring at the collapsing chamber with an odd expression.
"Jellal, come on!" Wendy called out. "We have to leave!"
The blue-haired wizard turned to them, a sad smile touching his lips. "You go ahead. I need to ensure Nirvana is completely destroyed."
"That's suicide," Uruk objected. "The magical backflow alone—"
"Is something I understand better than anyone," Jellal finished. "This is my chance to atone, at least in part."
Another tremor shook the chamber, more violent than before. Time was running out.
"Wendy," Jellal said softly, "thank you for believing in me. For reminding me there can be light even after darkness."
Tears filled Wendy's eyes. "Jellal, please..."
But his mind was made up. With a last nod toward them, Jellal turned and headed deeper into the collapsing structure, toward the heart of Nirvana.
"We can't wait any longer," Gine insisted, already helping Uruk toward the exit. "We need to go now!"
Cumber looked down at Wendy, saw the conflict in her eyes. "He's made his choice," he said gently. "We need to respect it."
After a moment's hesitation, Wendy nodded, tears streaming down her face. Together, they followed Gine and Uruk toward the exit, leaving Brain unconscious among the ruins of his ambition.
They emerged from the cave just as the ground began to cave in behind them, the massive pillar of Nirvana groaning as its foundation crumbled. Outside, they found Natsu and Gray, both looking battered but triumphant, having successfully dealt with Racer and Cobra.
"Wendy!" Natsu exclaimed, relief flooding his face. "You're okay!"
As the group moved to a safe distance, they watched Nirvana's imposing structure collapse in on itself, the swirling black and white energies dissipating into the sky. A final magical shockwave radiated outward, washing over them with a strangely cleansing sensation before fading into nothing.
"It's truly over," Uruk observed quietly. "Nirvana has been neutralized."
"And Jellal?" Natsu asked, noting Wendy's tear-stained face.
"He stayed behind," Cumber explained. "To make sure Nirvana was completely destroyed."
Natsu's expression was complicated—respect mingled with old anger. "That sounds like something he would do."
They began the journey back to where they had left the rest of their injured allies, Wendy insisting on checking everyone for wounds despite her own exhaustion. As they walked, Cumber found himself by her side, an unspoken understanding between them.
"I'm sorry," she said finally, her voice barely audible. "For healing Jellal. For causing all this trouble."
Cumber shook his head. "You did what you thought was right. And in the end, Jellal chose to help us."
"Because of you," Wendy said, looking up at him with those earnest brown eyes. "You showed me how to stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult."
Cumber felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through his chest. "I think we both learned something today."
Ahead of them, Gine and Uruk exchanged knowing glances, but said nothing, allowing their younger brother this moment of growth and connection.
As they rejoined the others at the makeshift camp, where Erza was now conscious and recovering, Cumber realized something fundamental had changed within him. The mission to stop Nirvana had been completed, but more importantly, he had found something he hadn't known he was missing—a purpose beyond vengeance, beyond even rescuing his brother.
He had found people worth protecting. And in Wendy's brave, kind spirit, he had found a reminder of the light that could exist even in the darkest times.
Perhaps, he thought, watching as Wendy moved among the injured, offering healing and comfort, this is what true strength looks like.
New Beginnings
The journey back to Cait Shelter was made in companionable silence, each member of the allied group lost in their own thoughts after the harrowing battle against the Oración Seis. Wendy walked beside Cumber, occasionally glancing at the young Saiyan with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper she couldn't quite name.
As they crested the final hill overlooking the Cait Shelter guild, Wendy's pace quickened. Despite everything that had happened—her abduction, Jellal's revival and sacrifice, the destruction of Nirvana—there was comfort in returning home, even if only briefly.
"It looks just as I left it," she murmured, more to herself than to Cumber.
Cumber observed the small collection of colorful tents and structures that made up the guild. "It's... different from Fairy Tail," he offered, unsure what else to say.
Wendy smiled gently. "Every guild has its own character. Cait Shelter may be small, but it's been my home since..." Her voice trailed off, memories of Jellal bringing a shadow across her features.
Cumber, noticing her shift in mood, spoke quietly. "He saved you in the end. Whatever mistakes Jellal made, he tried to make them right."
"I know," Wendy replied, grateful for his understanding. At sixteen, she was still young, but the recent events had forced her to confront complex emotions about her past and future. "Thank you for being there when I needed someone."
Behind them, Gine nudged Uruk, a knowing look in her eyes that Uruk answered with a subtle nod.
As they approached the guild, the members of Cait Shelter emerged to greet them, led by Guild Master Roubaul. The elderly man's eyes held a mix of pride and sadness as they settled on Wendy.
"You have returned victorious," Roubaul announced, his voice carrying more weight than his frail appearance suggested. "Nirvana has been destroyed, and the threat of the Oración Seis eliminated. You have done well, child."
Wendy bowed respectfully. "We couldn't have done it without everyone working together," she replied, gesturing to the assembled wizards from Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and the Saiyan siblings.
Natsu grinned widely. "Wendy was amazing! Her healing magic saved us more than once."
"And her courage," Erza added, having recovered enough to make the journey back with them. "She showed remarkable strength in the face of difficult choices."
Roubaul nodded, his gaze lingering on Wendy with paternal affection. "I always knew you were destined for great things, Wendy Marvell." He turned to address the entire group. "Tonight, Cait Shelter will host a celebration in honor of your victory. Rest, feast, and let your hearts be light for a time."
The announcement was met with enthusiastic cheers, particularly from Natsu and Gray, who had been looking forward to proper meals after days of camping food.
As preparations for the feast began, Roubaul gestured for Wendy to follow him to his private tent. After a moment's hesitation, she turned to Cumber. "Will you wait for me?"
"Of course," he replied without hesitation.
Inside Roubaul's tent, illuminated by soft lacrima lights, the Guild Master seated himself on a cushioned mat and indicated for Wendy to do the same.
"You have grown much since you came to us, child," he began, his voice gentle. "Not just in years, but in spirit and wisdom."
Wendy lowered her eyes. "I still have much to learn, Master."
"Perhaps," Roubaul acknowledged. "But your path may lie beyond Cait Shelter now."
Wendy's head snapped up, eyes wide with surprise. "What do you mean?"
Roubaul's expression was compassionate but resolute. "I have seen how you look at your new friends, particularly the young Saiyan warrior. There is a bond forming there, one that could help you both grow stronger."
"Cumber," Wendy whispered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "He protected me when I needed it most."
"And you healed him in return," Roubaul observed. "Such balance is rare and precious." He paused, studying her face. "Fairy Tail has extended an invitation for you to join their guild. I believe you should accept."
Wendy's breath caught in her throat. "But Cait Shelter is my home. You're my family."
Roubaul's eyes grew sad. "There are truths about Cait Shelter that you do not yet know, child. Truths that will be revealed in time." He reached out, placing a weathered hand on her shoulder. "Know that whatever you choose, you have my blessing."
Tears welled in Wendy's eyes, confusion warring with the strange certainty growing in her heart. "I need time to think."
"Of course," Roubaul agreed, rising stiffly to his feet. "Join the celebration. Speak with your heart as well as your mind. By morning, I believe you will know your path."
The celebration was held in the central clearing of the guild, with bonfires casting warm light over long tables laden with food and drink. Members of all allied guilds mingled freely, the barriers between them dissolved by shared victory and survival.
Cumber sat slightly apart, watching the festivities with a guarded expression. Since their return from Nirvana, he had felt strange—lighter somehow, but also unsettled, as though something fundamental had shifted within him.
"You look deep in thought," Gine observed, settling beside him with a plate of food. "That's usually Uruk's territory."
Cumber snorted, accepting a piece of roasted meat from her plate. "Someone has to think while he's busy analyzing every magical artifact in the guild."
Sure enough, Uruk could be seen across the clearing, engaged in intense conversation with Hibiki of Blue Pegasus, likely discussing the magical properties of Nirvana's remains.
"He's recovering well," Gine noted. "No lasting effects from Brain's control."
"Physically, at least," Cumber replied, his expression darkening slightly. "The psychological impact may take longer to heal."
Gine studied her younger brother thoughtfully. "You've changed."
"Have I?"
"Mmm," she confirmed, taking a sip from her cup. "A few weeks ago, you would have been focused entirely on vengeance against Brain. Tonight, your eyes keep finding a certain blue-haired Dragon Slayer."
Cumber's jaw tightened. "Wendy was in danger. I protected her. That's all."
"Is it?" Gine pressed, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Because I've noticed how you speak to her differently. Gentler. More open."
"She's... easy to talk to," Cumber admitted reluctantly. "She understands what it means to feel abandoned, to search for belonging."
Gine's teasing expression softened. "You've found someone worth protecting beyond just family. That's growth, little brother."
Before Cumber could respond, movement across the clearing caught his attention. Wendy had emerged from Roubaul's tent, her expression conflicted as she scanned the gathering. When her eyes found his, relief visibly washed over her features, and she began making her way toward them.
Gine rose smoothly. "I should check on Uruk before he talks poor Hibiki's ear off about magical theory," she announced, conveniently departing just as Wendy arrived.
"May I join you?" Wendy asked, her usual confidence tempered by uncharacteristic shyness.
Cumber nodded, shifting to make room for her on the log he was using as a seat. "Is everything alright? You seem troubled."
Wendy sat beside him, close enough that their shoulders nearly touched. "Master Roubaul thinks I should accept Fairy Tail's invitation to join their guild."
Cumber felt an unexpected surge of emotion at her words—hope mingled with something that felt suspiciously like joy. "What do you think?"
"I'm not sure," she confessed, watching the dancing flames of the nearest bonfire. "Cait Shelter has been my home for so long. But after everything that's happened..." She turned to face him, her brown eyes reflecting firelight. "What would you do?"
Cumber considered her question carefully. "I can't tell you what choice to make," he said finally. "But I know that Fairy Tail protects their own. They fight for each other without hesitation."
"Like you fought for me," Wendy observed quietly.
"Yes," Cumber acknowledged, something shifting in his expression. "Though I think Natsu would have set half the forest on fire to reach you if we hadn't gotten there first."
Wendy laughed softly, the sound warming something in Cumber's chest. "Probably. He's... intense."
"That's one word for it," Cumber agreed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching as Lucy dragged a protesting Gray into an impromptu dance around one of the bonfires, while Erza supervised the distribution of cake with military precision.
"If I joined Fairy Tail," Wendy said eventually, her voice barely audible above the celebration, "would I still see you?"
The question caught Cumber off-guard. "I... we haven't decided where we're going next," he admitted. "With Brain defeated and Uruk freed, our original mission is complete."
"Oh," Wendy replied, disappointment evident in her voice.
Cumber found himself continuing before he could think better of it. "But we have no specific destination in mind. And Fairy Tail has proven to be... useful allies."
Hope brightened Wendy's features. "So you might stay? At least for a while?"
"It's possible," Cumber allowed, surprising himself with how much he wanted to say yes.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Natsu, who bounded over with characteristic energy. "Hey, Wendy! Gramps Roubaul says you might be joining Fairy Tail! That would be awesome! Another Dragon Slayer in the guild!"
Wendy smiled at his enthusiasm. "I'm still deciding, Natsu."
Natsu grinned, flames dancing around his fingertips in excitement. "Well, if it helps, we'd love to have you. And Carla too, of course!"
As if summoned by her name, the white Exceed approached, her expression disapproving as always. "Do try to contain yourself, Natsu Dragneel. Wendy has an important decision to make without your overenthusiastic influence."
"Aw, come on, Carla," Happy interjected, hovering nearby with a fish in his paws. "Fairy Tail is the best guild ever! And they have the best fish!"
Carla rolled her eyes. "Is that your measurement for excellence? Fish quality?"
Their bickering continued as Natsu was distracted by Gray's casual insult from across the clearing, prompting the fire Dragon Slayer to dash off with threats of fiery retribution.
"They're always like this," Wendy explained to Cumber, a fond smile on her face. "But when it matters, they're there for each other without question."
Cumber watched the Fairy Tail wizards with newfound appreciation. "Like a family."
"Yes," Wendy agreed softly. "Exactly like that."
As the celebration continued into the night, Wendy found herself observing the interactions between the different guild members with fresh eyes. The camaraderie of the Fairy Tail wizards, the sophisticated teamwork of Blue Pegasus, the disciplined strength of Lamia Scale—and through it all, the Saiyan siblings, moving with the casual grace of warriors who trusted each other implicitly.
Her conversation with Cumber had left her with much to consider. The thought of joining Fairy Tail was both exhilarating and intimidating, but what truly occupied her thoughts was the possibility of Cumber and his siblings remaining nearby.
"You appear lost in thought, child," Erza commented, approaching with two cups of sweet juice. She offered one to Wendy, who accepted it gratefully.
"I have a lot to think about," Wendy admitted.
Erza nodded, her expression understanding. "Life-changing decisions often come at unexpected moments." Her gaze drifted to where Cumber stood talking with his siblings. "He fought impressively for someone so young."
Wendy followed her gaze. "All three of them did. Their bond as siblings gives them strength."
"Much like the bonds within a guild," Erza observed. "Different, but no less powerful." She paused, her next words careful. "Fairy Tail would welcome you, Wendy. But only if that is truly what you want."
"I think..." Wendy began, then stopped, gathering her courage. "I think it is. But leaving Cait Shelter feels like leaving part of myself behind."
Erza's smile was gentle. "Growth often requires us to leave pieces of our past behind, while carrying the lessons they taught us forward."
As the night deepened, the celebration began to wind down. Guild members retreated to tents provided by Cait Shelter, their spirits high despite the exhaustion of recent battles. Wendy found herself lingering by one of the smaller bonfires, watching the flames dance as she sorted through her thoughts.
Her solitude was interrupted by the soft padding of footsteps—Carla, approaching with uncharacteristic hesitation.
"You've made your decision, haven't you?" the Exceed asked, settling beside her.
Wendy nodded. "I think so. But I'm nervous about telling Master Roubaul."
"He already knows," Carla replied softly. "I believe he has been preparing for this day longer than you realize."
"What do you mean?"
Carla shook her head. "It's not my place to say. But I will support whatever choice you make, Wendy."
Wendy reached out, gently stroking Carla's fur. "Even if it means joining Fairy Tail? With all their... chaos?"
Carla sniffed disdainfully, but there was fondness beneath her prickly exterior. "Someone needs to keep you out of trouble. And those Fairy Tail wizards clearly need adult supervision."
Wendy laughed, hugging her friend close. "Thank you, Carla."
"Now get some rest," Carla instructed. "Tomorrow will bring change, regardless of your decision."
Morning dawned clear and bright over Cait Shelter, the air filled with the sounds of birds and the gentle bustling of guild members preparing for the day. Wendy emerged from her tent, having slept little but feeling resolute nonetheless.
She found Master Roubaul waiting at the center of the guild, as though he had anticipated her early rising. The other guild members were gathering as well, along with their visitors from Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, and Lamia Scale.
"You have made your decision," Roubaul stated, his eyes kind as they met hers.
Wendy nodded, her heart racing. "I have, Master. I wish to join Fairy Tail."
Instead of disappointment, Roubaul's expression held only peaceful acceptance. "I have known this day would come, child. Your destiny lies with them now."
"I'll never forget what you've taught me," Wendy promised, tears threatening to spill. "Cait Shelter will always be my first home."
Roubaul smiled sadly. "About that, Wendy. There is something you must know." He turned to address the gathered crowd. "The time has come for truth."
A hush fell over the assembly as Roubaul stepped forward, his frail form somehow commanding absolute attention.
"Wendy, members of allied guilds," he began, his voice stronger than it had been the previous day. "Cait Shelter is not what it appears to be." He gestured to the guild members standing behind him. "These people, this guild... they are not real."
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Wendy felt the ground shift beneath her feet, Carla's paw grasping her hand in support.
"What do you mean, not real?" Lucy asked, voicing the confusion felt by all.
"I am the last surviving member of the Nirvit tribe," Roubaul explained, his form beginning to shimmer with ethereal light. "Four hundred years ago, my people created Nirvana as a means to end conflict. But the darkness it absorbed corrupted us instead, leading to our destruction."
Wendy's hand trembled in Carla's grip. "Master..."
"I remained as a spirit," Roubaul continued, "guarding Nirvana, ensuring no one would awaken it again. When you arrived, Wendy—a lost child accompanied by a mysterious young man—I could not turn you away. So I created an illusion—a guild, companions, a home for you."
Tears streamed freely down Wendy's face now. "All of them? Everyone in Cait Shelter?"
Roubaul nodded, regret etched in every line of his ancient face. "Magical projections, created to give you the family you deserved while you grew strong enough to find your true place in the world."
As he spoke, the members of Cait Shelter began to fade, smiling sadly at Wendy as they disappeared one by one. The colorful tents and structures of the guild shimmered like mirages in desert heat.
"No," Wendy whispered, reaching toward them. "Please, don't go!"
Cumber moved to her side, his steady presence an anchor as her world dissolved around her. "Wendy..."
"You are not alone, child," Roubaul assured her, his own form growing increasingly transparent. "You have never been truly alone. And now, you have found those who will stand with you through whatever comes."
He looked past Wendy to the Fairy Tail wizards, who had moved forward as one, their expressions resolute. "Take care of her," he requested. "She is a treasure beyond price."
"We will," Erza promised firmly.
Roubaul turned back to Wendy, who stood trembling between Cumber and Carla. "Thank you, Wendy Marvell, for bringing light to an old ghost's final years. Go forward now, with my blessing and my love."
With those words, Roubaul's form dissolved completely, a shimmering cascade of light that rose toward the morning sky before disappearing entirely. Where Cait Shelter had stood, only an ancient stone foundation remained, weathered by centuries of exposure.
Wendy collapsed to her knees, sobs wracking her slender frame. "They're gone. All of them... gone."
Cumber knelt beside her, uncharacteristically gentle as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Not gone," he corrected quietly. "Never really there, but also never really gone. The memory of them, what they taught you—that remains."
"He's right," Lucy added, crouching on Wendy's other side. "And now you have us. A real guild, real friends."
"A new family," Natsu added, his usual exuberance tempered by compassion.
Wendy looked up at the circle of faces surrounding her—Fairy Tail wizards, Blue Pegasus hosts, Lamia Scale mages, and the three Saiyan siblings. In their eyes, she saw concern, acceptance, and something that had been missing from the illusory members of Cait Shelter: genuine connection.
"Thank you," she whispered, wiping her tears with trembling hands. "All of you."
Gray offered her a hand up. "Welcome to Fairy Tail, Wendy."
As she rose to her feet, supported by those around her, Wendy felt the guild mark on her shoulder—the mark of Cait Shelter—fade away, leaving unmarked skin behind. A physical representation of her past dissolving, making space for whatever came next.
The journey back to Magnolia was subdued at first, Wendy processing the revelation about Cait Shelter in quiet contemplation. But as the miles passed, the irrepressible spirit of the Fairy Tail wizards began to lift her mood. Natsu's ridiculous challenges to Gray, Lucy's kind conversations, Erza's quiet strength—all served to remind her that while one family had been an illusion, this new one was very real.
What surprised her most, however, was the continued presence of the Saiyan siblings. When they had stopped to make camp on the first night, she had found the courage to ask Gine directly.
"Are you... coming with us to Fairy Tail?"
Gine had smiled, something knowing in her expression. "For now, yes. My training to master Super Saiyan abilities could wait due to..." She glanced meaningfully toward where Cumber sat cleaning his combat boots. "...certain developments that need my direct attention."
Wendy had followed her gaze, a faint blush coloring her cheeks when Cumber looked up and their eyes met briefly.
"I don't understand," Wendy admitted.
Gine's smile widened. "You will. Give it time."
Now, as they crested the final hill overlooking Magnolia, Wendy felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The city sprawled below them, bathed in late afternoon sunlight, with the distinctive silhouette of the Fairy Tail guild hall rising prominently near the harbor.
"It's beautiful," she breathed.
"Wait until you see the inside," Natsu grinned. "It's the best guild hall in Fiore!"
"It's also the most frequently damaged," Lucy added with a sigh.
As they descended toward the city, Wendy found herself walking beside Cumber once more. Since leaving Cait Shelter—or what had once appeared to be Cait Shelter—they had spoken little, but his presence had been a constant, steady support.
"Are you nervous?" he asked, breaking their comfortable silence.
Wendy considered the question. "Yes," she admitted. "But excited too. It's strange to think I've never really belonged to a real guild before."
"Fairy Tail seems... welcoming," Cumber offered, the word clearly unfamiliar on his tongue.
Wendy smiled, recognizing the effort he was making. "They do. But what about you? Where will you go after this?"
Cumber's pace slowed slightly. "I'm not sure," he confessed. "With Brain defeated and Uruk recovered, our primary mission is complete."
"You could stay," Wendy suggested, her voice barely above a whisper. "At least for a while."
Something shifted in Cumber's expression, a softening around his usually stern eyes. "Gine seems to think we should."
"And what do you think?"
Cumber was silent for several steps, his gaze fixed on the city ahead. "I think," he said finally, "that there are still things here worth staying for."
The simple statement carried weight far beyond its words, and Wendy felt warmth spread through her chest. "I'm glad," she replied softly.
Ahead of them, Gine glanced back, a knowing smirk playing at her lips as she observed their conversation. She nudged Uruk, who followed her gaze and nodded in quiet understanding.
"Certain developments indeed," Gine murmured, too low for the younger pair to hear.
As they entered Magnolia, drawing curious glances from townspeople who recognized the returning Fairy Tail wizards, Wendy felt a strange sense of rightness settle over her. The loss of Cait Shelter still ached, a wound that would take time to heal. But surrounded by her new companions, with Cumber walking steadily beside her and the promise of Fairy Tail ahead, she found herself facing forward rather than looking back.
This is what new beginnings feel like, she realized. Scary and hopeful all at once.
The Fairy Tail guild hall loomed before them now, its doors thrown wide in welcome. From within came the sounds of laughter, shouting, and the unmistakable crash of furniture—the chaotic harmony of the guild that would soon be her home.
Wendy took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and stepped forward into her future, certain only that whatever came next, she would not face it alone.
To be continued in Chapter 20: Gildarts & Teilanne; The Clive Family Reunited