"No way… maybe she's like those two Exceeds," someone mused.
"Now that you mention it, that makes sense," another agreed.
Everyone's gaze shifted between Carla, Happy, and Nancy.
They remembered initially mistaking Happy and Carla for Exceeds, only for Mirajane and Elfman to clarify that they simply resembled Exceeds in appearance.
After all, Exceeds were known for their arrogance; it was highly improbable that they would associate with humans.
With this realization, the group's apprehension subsided, though their attention remained fixed on Finn.
Observing the focused gazes directed at him and the despondent expressions of Natsu and the others, Finn shook his head wearily.
He announced clearly, "Natsu, Wendy, Carla, and Happy! It's me, Finn!"
"Huh?!" Natsu and his companions were taken aback by the sudden declaration.
They quickly rushed towards Finn, scrutinizing him from all angles. Natsu even resorted to sniffing Finn to confirm his identity.
Finally, Natsu's doubts were dispelled; it was indeed his familiar friend, Finn.
"Oh~ Finn, it's really you!!" An ecstatic Natsu flung his arms open, eager to embrace his long-lost friend.
However, a swift hand shot out, intercepting Natsu's affectionate gesture with a well-aimed punch to the head.
Bang—
"What the heck are you doing?! That's incredibly gross…" Finn stated sternly, rejecting Natsu's impulsive embrace.
Natsu, nursing a rapidly forming lump on his head, mumbled incoherently, "It's… really… Finn…"
"Is he some kind of masochist?" Carla whispered under her breath, her voice laced with amusement.
"Aye, that's Natsu for ya!" Happy declared, his arms akimbo, his characteristic enthusiasm undeterred.
Wendy, upon seeing Finn, displayed an equally enthusiastic reaction. "It's wonderful, Finn! Now that you're here, our chances of success have increased dramatically!"
"Wendy, I'm so glad you're alright," Finn said, his voice filled with relief as he gently stroked Wendy's head, a warm smile gracing his lips.
Although Mistogan had informed them that Anima was incapable of affecting Dragon Slayers, a lingering sense of apprehension remained.
"Finn, what's the story with her?" Happy inquired, his gaze directed towards Nancy.
"Perfect timing, actually. Let me introduce you all," Finn announced, his tone light and friendly.
Finn gestured towards Nancy. "This is Nancy. She's a friend I made in the forest. I wouldn't have found this place without her."
This statement was undeniably true. Nancy had been the one to guide Finn through the dense forest, a feat he likely wouldn't have accomplished on his own.
Nancy, aware that these individuals were Finn's close friends, extended a paw in greeting. "Nice to meet you all. My name is Nancy. Pleased to make your acquaintance!"
"Nice to meet you too! I'm Happy, the Exceed!" Happy responded enthusiastically, introducing himself in his typically exuberant manner.
"Carla," Carla stated, her customary stoicism evident in her brief, emotionless introduction.
"Um, hello, my name is Wendy. It's a pleasure to meet you all!" Wendy offered a cheerful greeting, waving her hand shyly.
Finn pointed towards the dazed Natsu, who was still recovering from Finn's unexpected punch. "This guy's Natsu."
Then, turning to address the assembled group, Finn continued, "And all of these individuals are my closest companions."
"So, this is the Fairy Tail from Earthland that you mentioned," Nancy confirmed, nodding her head thoughtfully.
"Tell us, what's the deal with all of you?" Edolas Lucy interjected, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
She had sensed something amiss with Natsu and his companions from the moment she first laid eyes upon them, but the sudden attack by the kingdom's forces had prevented her from pursuing her inquiries.
Now, with the unfolding conversation, her suspicions had only intensified.
Recognizing the need for clarification, Finn stepped forward. "I'll explain everything."
Finn proceeded to provide a comprehensive explanation of his objectives, along with a detailed account of the situation in Earthland.
After what seemed like an eternity, Finn took a refreshing sip of water, which had been thoughtfully provided by Edolas Mirajane. "That's more or less the whole story," he concluded.
He then turned his attention towards the group, who were still reeling from the sheer magnitude of the information they had just received.
"So, what you're telling us is that you all hail from another world, known as Earthland?" one of the Edolas Fairy Tail members asked, their voice laced with disbelief.
"And that you've come to our world, Edolas, for the sole purpose of rescuing your companions?" another member inquired.
In response to their questions, Natsu, having regained his composure, nodded solemnly. "That's precisely what happened."
"And that there's another Fairy Tail in your world?" Jett, who had emerged as the strongest candidate within Edolas's Fairy Tail, exclaimed, his expression a mixture of astonishment and incredulity.
"That's essentially the situation," Carla confirmed succinctly, her arms folded across her chest.
The members of Edolas's Fairy Tail exchanged bewildered glances. "This is truly difficult to believe," one of them confessed.
"However, this Natsu is definitely different from the one we know," another member observed.
"They only share the same physical appearance," another chimed in.
"That's correct," a third member agreed.
With a general understanding of the situation finally achieved, a wave of relief washed over the assembled group, their faces breaking into smiles. As long as these individuals from Earthland harbored no ill intentions towards Fairy Tail, all would be well.
Finn also smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the Edolas Fairy Tail members. The distinct personalities of this alternate Fairy Tail held a certain fascination for him.
"Hmm?" Finn's attention was suddenly drawn to a figure discreetly retreating towards the rear of the room. He paused, his brow furrowing slightly.
The figure bore a striking resemblance to the white-haired girl he had known and cherished.
"Could that be Edolas Lisanna? Or perhaps… the Lisanna I know…" Finn murmured softly to himself, his voice barely audible above the lively chatter of the room.
Nancy, who had been quietly sipping her tea, noticed the subtle shift in Finn's demeanor and the thoughtful expression that had settled upon his face. "What did you just say?" she inquired, her voice soft.
"I think I just saw someone I recognize," Finn replied, his brow furrowed in concentration.
After a moment of contemplation, he made a decision. He needed to investigate.
Turning to address his companions, he announced, "I'm going to step outside for a moment. I'll be right back."
With that, he rose to his feet and departed from the green treehouse.
"What's gotten into Finn?" Natsu asked, his voice laced with concern.
Nancy responded calmly, her voice reassuring. "He'll be back shortly. You don't need to worry about him."
"That's true. That guy's always reliable," Natsu said, a smile spreading across his face.
Outside the treehouse, a white-haired girl frantically covered her mouth, desperately trying to suppress the rising tide of emotion that threatened to overwhelm her.
Despite her best efforts, tears streamed down her face, silently tracing paths down her cheeks and onto the ground.
"It's them… it's Finn… and Natsu… and Happy…" she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
"They mustn't find out… I absolutely cannot cause Mirajane and the others any more heartache. I must maintain my composure…" she murmured, her body trembling visibly.
A warm hand gently rested upon her white hair, startling her from her silent anguish.
"Why are you crying all alone out here, Lisanna?" Finn's voice, soft yet firm, broke through her despair.
"Finn…" The name slipped out almost involuntarily, a product of ingrained habit. Lisanna immediately clamped her hand over her mouth, realizing her slip.
Finn sighed softly. "You can't fool me, Lisanna. After all, I practically watched you grow up."
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" he asked gently, his voice laced with concern.
"I…" Lisanna shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears, seemingly unsure of how to articulate her feelings and explain her actions to Finn.
Finn moved to sit beside her, his gaze fixed on Lisanna's tear-streaked face. "My purpose in coming to this world wasn't solely to rescue our companions," he explained softly. "I also came here to bring you home."
"Do you realize how much pain Mirajane and Elfman have endured over these past two years because of your disappearance?"
Lisanna's eyes widened in shock, her expression a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "Mirajane and Elfman… what happened to them?"
Finn's gaze drifted off into the distance, his mind seemingly lost in a sea of memories. "Mirajane, overwhelmed by guilt and self-reproach, has been unable to use her magic since your disappearance.
The once envied and celebrated S-Class mage has been reduced to working as a barmaid," he explained, his voice tinged with sadness.
"And Elfman, tormented by his perceived inadequacy and cowardice, has been relentlessly pushing himself to the limits of his physical and magical capabilities.
And Makarov… the guild master… he aged at least ten years in a single night," Finn continued, his voice heavy with emotion.
"And Natsu, Happy, Erza, and everyone else in the guild…" Finn paused, his gaze locking onto Lisanna's. "Everyone misses you terribly, Lisanna!"
As Finn recounted the suffering endured by her loved ones during her absence, Lisanna's resolve to remain in Edolas began to crumble. The images of her family's pain, vividly described by Finn, flooded her mind.
"Everyone…" Lisanna whispered, collapsing weakly to her knees, her body wracked with silent sobs.
"I just couldn't bring myself to speak up," she confessed, her voice choked with emotion. "I had made a firm decision to spare Edolas's Mirajane and Elfman from any further sorrow."
A deep sigh escaped Finn's lips. "Lisanna, you're a kind and compassionate child, and I understand the turmoil you're experiencing right now. However, you don't truly belong to this world, do you?"
Finn gently helped Lisanna to her feet, carefully wiping away the tears that streamed down her face.
"Since I've found you, I won't allow you to vanish again," he stated firmly, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
"So, for the next few days, spend some time with your family here in Edolas," he suggested, his tone softening.
Lisanna looked up at Finn, her expression still clouded with confusion.
Finn offered a reassuring smile. "After I've rescued everyone else, we'll return home together. And until then, I'll keep your secret safe," he promised.
Upon hearing Finn's words, a wave of understanding washed over Lisanna.
"Yes, Finn!" she replied, her voice filled with newfound determination, nodding her head emphatically.
"Alright then, dry your tears, and let's head back inside," Finn said, turning and walking towards the entrance of the treehouse.
"Finn is always so understanding and kind," Lisanna whispered softly to herself, her heart filled with gratitude.
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