Over the next few days, Mirajane experienced firsthand the enthusiasm of the Fairy Tail guild.
And that enthusiasm came primarily from that strange girl named Erza.
Walking down the streets of Magnolia, Mirajane suddenly turned around to look behind her.
The red-haired girl who had been following her reacted swiftly, darting to the side to hide.
"..."
Mirajane clenched her demonic fist tightly, at a loss for words.
At that moment, she suddenly felt that having this power might not be so bad—at least it would come in handy when she wanted to punch someone.
"What's wrong, Mira-nee?" Lisanna, standing beside her, also curiously glanced back but didn't spot Erza.
She turned to her sister in confusion.
"Nothing. Let's go." Taking a deep breath, Mirajane continued towards the Fairy Tail guild, ignoring the strange girl trailing her.
Ever since leaving the dormitory, that girl had been following her.
These past few days, the moment Mirajane stepped out of the Fairy Tail guild hall or the girls' dormitory, Erza would trail after her like some kind of stalker!
Several times, Mirajane had nearly lost her temper and confronted that strange girl, demanding to know why she kept following her!
Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have cared if Erza wanted to tail her—she'd simply ignore it.
What truly troubled Mirajane was that she had already decided to leave Fairy Tail, but because of Erza, she couldn't find the right opportunity to leave.
Mirajane wanted to slip away quietly—not necessarily without a trace, but at least without Lisanna and Elfman noticing.
Erza's constant shadowing was driving her mad.
If that girl found out she planned to leave Fairy Tail, she would undoubtedly tell Lisanna and Elfman.
There was no doubt about that.
Lisanna and Elfman had integrated well into the guild and Erza got along with them just fine.
'Looks like I have to talk to her.' Mirajane thought to herself.
Otherwise, with how closely Erza was watching her, she'd never be able to leave Fairy Tail unnoticed!
Bringing Lisanna along to Fairy Tail, the two met up with Elfman.
Then Mirajane handed both siblings over to Marco—today's magic lessons were still on.
Gazing at Marco's bright smile, Mirajane pressed her lips together.
Would he be able to take care of Lisanna and Elfman properly?
"Mira, is something wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Marco rubbed his cheek and asked.
Mirajane had been staring at his face so intently that it made him a little self-conscious.
Normally, this girl barely even looked people in the eye.
For her to suddenly fixate on his face like this—Marco immediately sensed something was off.
Is Mira about to leave?
Looking at her, he could already see the resolve in her expression.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Mirajane's face flushed red as she realized how odd her staring must have seemed.
"N-no... nothing." She answered softly, cheeks burning, before turning on her heel and quickly striding out of the guild hall.
"Marco-nii..."
Lisanna and Elfman exchanged glances before both looking at Marco.
Even they could tell something was wrong.
"Looks like we can't delay any longer. It's time for you two to step up." Marco withdrew his gaze from Mirajane's retreating figure and smiled at the siblings.
Fortunately, these two had been working hard—they were ready now.
Lisanna had successfully mastered Animal Soul: Cat, a relatively easier form of Take Over.
She could now fully transform into a cat girl.
Elfman had taken on Animal Soul: Black Bear, which was stronger in combat but also more difficult.
He hadn't yet achieved full-body Take Over, so he could only manifest Beast Arm: Black Bear, transforming his arm into that of a bear's.
This is more than enough.
Marco was confident.
He believed his plan would succeed perfectly.
"What should we do, Marco?" Elfman looked excited, but he didn't act on his own.
Instead, he continued to seek Marco's advice.
After nearly a month of lessons, it had become his habit to turn to Marco whenever he encountered problems.
Elfman's question made Marco chuckle involuntarily.
How could they expect him to teach them word for word what to say?
"Don't ask me at a time like this. Chase after her and speak your true feelings—express the emotions you want to share with your sister. She'll surely be moved by your sincerity."
Looking at Elfman and Lisanna, Marco gave them sincere encouragement.
Everything had already been set up—at this moment, there was no need for anything else.
Simply baring their hearts would be enough.
"Yes! Marco, we'll do our best!"
Elfman and Lisanna exchanged glances at his words, encouraging each other before chasing after Mirajane together.
Marco wasn't worried they wouldn't catch up to Mirajane, because Erza had immediately followed her after she left.
'Right now, Erza must have already stopped Mira, right?'
Marco didn't follow them.
He had done all he could—the rest was up to Erza, Elfman, and Lisanna.
If things worked out, that would be best.
If not... well, Marco going along wouldn't have helped anyway.
Some things couldn't be forced.
*****
On the street, Mirajane, walking slowly, glanced back at the guild.
The Fairy Tail guild hall shone brilliantly under the sunlight.
"What a wonderful guild... Elfman and Lisanna will definitely live happily here. They don't need me anymore..." Mirajane murmured to herself.
Her month-long stay had made her grow fond of this place, fond of Fairy Tail.
Though she had always kept her distance, she could still feel the familial atmosphere here.
Seeing the changes in her younger siblings, she was certain this was the perfect place for them.
"Magic, demons... this power... I never wanted it! Can I even be considered human now? It's only natural that humans would despise me..."
Shifting her gaze away from the guild hall, Mirajane's attention returned to herself.
The insults and disgust she had endured because of her demonic power flooded her mind, strengthening her resolve to leave.
"Mirajane! Stop!"
Seeing her like this, Erza decided not to hide any longer.
She stepped forward directly, quickly blocking Mirajane's path.
"What's wrong with this power? It's strength that can protect your family—why would you discard it? Are you being controlled by it?"
Erza looked at Mirajane seriously as she asked these questions.
She couldn't understand why Mirajane would want to abandon her own power.
Wasn't it good to have the strength to protect everything you cared about?
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