The sun rose gently over Magnolia, casting golden light upon the ravaged landscape outside Phantom Lord's fallen fortress. The battle had ended. The guild that once loomed like a monstrous machine now lay in ruins—its massive legs shattered, its upper structure crumbling into debris. Smoke curled toward the sky, the aftermath of a brutal war between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord.
Inside the shattered heart of the enemy guild, silence hung like mist—thick and suffocating. Bodies of both Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord mages lay unconscious or groaning, scattered across the battle-torn floor. Some had risen, others were being helped by medics, and others still looked around in awe and disbelief.
At the center of the devastation stood Shinra, his blindfold fluttering gently in the breeze, blood dripping from a shallow cut along his jawline. His breathing was steady, though his battle with Jose had taken a toll. He stared down at the unconscious form of Jose Porla, his cloak tattered and phantom magic aura finally extinguished.
Erza knelt nearby, gripping her sword for support, her crimson hair matted with sweat. She looked at Shinra with a mixture of relief and something softer—gratitude, perhaps, mixed with admiration. Mira, covered in battle scars yet radiant in her Satan Soul form, hovered near Elfman and Lucy, who were tending to the wounded. Gray sat beside an unconscious Juvia, who was babbling incoherently even in her sleep, murmuring his name with a dreamy sigh.
Natsu, bruised and grinning despite it all, looked at Shinra and chuckled. "Man... you're somethin' else."
Shinra turned slowly, surveying his team—the team that had come to mean more to him than he'd realized. The expressions on their faces—pride, fatigue, relief—anchored something deep in his soul. He wasn't just a powerful outsider anymore. He was part of Fairy Tail.
---
Hours later, after the battlefield was cleared and healing had begun, the remaining Fairy Tail mages made their slow journey home. The streets of Magnolia welcomed them like heroes. Civilians had heard of the battle and watched anxiously as Fairy Tail returned, bruised and limping, but victorious.
Makarov stood at the rebuilt entrance of the guild hall, arms crossed, a proud but stern look on his face. He had only recently recovered from Aria's ambush, and seeing his children return safe brought a rare shine to his old eyes.
Mira was the first to speak. "We've taken down Phantom Lord, Master. Jose's been delivered to the Council for trial."
Makarov nodded. "And the Council has confirmed Phantom Lord's disbandment. You did well, all of you."
His gaze lingered on Shinra, who stood just a few paces behind the others.
"You especially," Makarov said with a smile, walking up to him. "I heard what you did… You saved them all."
Shinra offered a soft shrug. "I did what anyone would've done."
Makarov raised a brow. "No… not everyone could've done what you did. You stepped in when even my strongest were overwhelmed. You didn't just protect your comrades—you inspired them."
He paused. "You've earned your place in this guild a hundred times over. From this day forward, I want you officially as part of Team Natsu."
Natsu blinked, then shouted, "Wait, for real? That's awesome!"
Erza gave Shinra a soft smile and nodded approvingly. "It's the right decision."
Mira, who had stayed unusually quiet, stepped forward. "About time," she said, teasingly, though her eyes were serious. "He's always been one of us."
Gray smirked, "Guess it'll be harder to stand out now with him around."
---
That night, the guild held a quiet celebration—not the usual explosive party Fairy Tail was known for, but something warmer. Soft lights. Food. Gentle music. The guild members rested, laughed, and healed in each other's company.
Erza sat at the corner table, sipping her tea with Shinra by her side. They didn't speak much, but the silence was comfortable.
"Thank you," she said suddenly.
Shinra looked at her.
"For protecting us. For protecting the guild."
He offered her a rare, gentle smile. "You've done the same for me, in your own way."
Across the room, Mira was laughing with Cana and Levy, but every now and then, her eyes found Shinra's. There was something there—an unspoken recognition. A fire reignited within her after years of dormancy. She was strong again. Whole again.
Because of him.
---
Later that night, Shinra stood on the balcony outside the guild hall, looking up at the stars. He could feel Erza's strength, Mira's fire, Natsu's wild heart, Gray's loyalty, Lucy's kindness—all of them had become his.
Fairy Tail wasn't just a guild.
It was his home.
And in that moment, he vowed that no matter what storms lay ahead, he would always stand with them.
Always.
*To be continued...*