The moment the guild doors swung open, a loud, irritated voice rang out:
"Who are you calling a pervert, you idiot!"
"I'm talking about you, droopy-eyes!"
"What did you just say?!"
The sound of fists clashing "ping-pong!" echoed through the hall. Noah looked closer and saw a boy with spiky pink hair and a scaly white scarf locked in a fierce brawl with Gray. The two were throwing punches like wild beasts, their fight as heated as ever.
The guild members around them were cheering and hollering as if it were the best entertainment of the day.
"So energetic!"
"That's the spirit!"
"Yeah, hit him in the face!"
"Don't take that! Hit him back in the face!"
Standing nearby, Lyon laughed openly as he watched Gray.
"Gray's at it again he forgot his clothes. How pathetic!"
Ultear, who stood beside him, immediately smacked him across the head.
"You're one to talk, idiot! Put some clothes on yourself!"
Sorano jumped up and down, shouting "Go! Go!" while Yukino tugged nervously at her older sister's sleeve, trying to calm her drunken excitement.
From farther back, Noah caught sight of Kagura, Simon, Laxus, and Cana watching as well. The hall was truly in chaos, as lively as ever.
Wendy, seeing the wild fight for the first time, was startled. She quickly shrank behind Noah's back, peeking out timidly with just half her face showing.
Noah, meanwhile, had already noticed Erza approaching. She marched straight between the two combatants and shoved them apart with little effort.
"Stop this right now!"
Both Natsu and Gray stumbled back a few steps before regaining their balance. Natsu glared at Erza, fire burning in his voice.
"You wanna fight too?!"
Gray, caught under Erza's stern gaze, winced and muttered:
"Ah, crap…"
In the blink of an eye, both boys were smashed against the wall with Erza's fists. Gray slumped against the boards, groaning weakly.
"Why me too…?"
"No fighting in the guild. Understood?"
A dangerous light flickered in Erza's eyes. Gray immediately raised his hands in surrender.
"Y-yes ma'am!"
"So strong… so scary…"
Natsu slid down the wall, sitting on the floor and cradling the huge lump on his head. His voice trembled as he spoke.
Noah pressed a hand to his forehead. Sometimes he wondered if Erza was getting more violent with time… or if it was just his imagination.
At that moment, Erza turned and spotted Noah standing by the doors. Her stern expression melted instantly into a smile.
"You're back, Noah."
"Yeah, I'm back."
Ultear's sharp eyes quickly noticed the small figure peeking out from behind Noah.
"And who's that little sister hiding behind you?"
"You mean Wendy," Noah replied with a smile. "Someone asked me to take care of her. She also wants to join the guild, so I brought her here.
By the way… who brought in this lively boy?"
Noah glanced at the spiky pink-haired kid, grinning.
"The master did," Erza explained before turning her gaze toward him. "So, what's your name?"
The boy blushed, turning his head slightly as he answered.
"N-Natsu."
"Natsu, huh?" Erza nodded firmly. "Listen well. Now that you've joined Fairy Tail, we're all comrades, and this guild is your home. A home isn't a place for fighting. Understand?"
Natsu tilted his head in confusion at her words.
"My name is Erza. Please take care of me."
Natsu muttered under his breath, "Erza's scary…"
Gray, still rubbing his head, mumbled, "Yeah."
The two looked at each other, shared a crooked smile for half a second, then instantly huffed and turned away with matching scowls.
Behind Noah, Wendy peeked out timidly. She stared at Erza in awe and whispered, almost enviously:
"That red-haired sister… she's so cool!"
Noah followed her gaze. Erza, who had lived in Fairy Tail for two or three years now, radiated confidence, courage, and strength. Without the scars of the Tower of Heaven, her spirit shone even brighter kind yet commanding, bold yet warm. Her experiences on various jobs had only deepened her generous, straightforward nature.
Noah gently patted Wendy's head.
"You can be like that too."
"Really?" Wendy asked, her voice small and uncertain.
"Of course," Noah said with a reassuring smile. "Once you finish joining, you can ask her yourself. For now, let's get your membership formalities done."
He took Wendy's small hand and led her to stand before Makarov.
"Grandpa, this is Wendy. She wants to join Fairy Tail."
Makarov peered up at her with his kind smile.
"So, Wendy, you want to join Fairy Tail?"
"I do! I want to join!"
"Can you use magic?"
"Yes. I know Sky Magic I'm a Sky Dragon Slayer."
The moment the words left her mouth, Natsu, who had been staring at her with intense curiosity ever since she arrived, bolted over, eyes wide.
"You're a Dragon Slayer too?! Where did you learn Dragon Slayer magic?!"
Startled by his sudden outburst, Wendy squeaked and ducked back behind Noah, clinging to his sleeve.
Noah pressed down on Natsu's head.
"Don't get so worked up. Ask slowly."
Natsu forced himself to calm down and turned back to Wendy.
"Who taught you Dragon Slayer magic?"
"It was Grandeeney," Wendy answered softly. "The Sky Dragon, Grandeeney."
Natsu's eyes lit up again, his excitement surging, but just as he opened his mouth, Noah gave him a sharp smack on the head. Instantly, Natsu quieted down.
"My magic's Dragon Slayer magic too. The Fire Dragon, Igneel, taught me. How's your dragon doing now?"
At those words, Wendy's eyes began to shimmer with tears.
"Grandeeney is gone. I… I can't find her anywhere."
"You too?" Natsu muttered, his expression darkening. "My Igneel disappeared as well on July 7th."
Wendy looked up quickly, tears clinging to her lashes.
"Grandeeney disappeared on July 7th too!"
"Both dragons vanished… on July 7th?"
Erza, who had drawn closer to listen, murmured the words under her breath. Noah, however, spoke clearly to both Natsu and Wendy.
"Since they disappeared on the same day, and we've already searched without success, the only thing to do now is wait. Dragons are powerful too powerful to simply vanish. If they're gone, it means they chose to leave.
For now, let's take care of Wendy's guild registration. Natsu, you haven't officially joined yet, have you?"
"Not yet," Natsu admitted.
"Then do you want to join Fairy Tail?"
"Of course I do! This place is awesome!"
"Good. Then you and Wendy can join together."
Noah led them both through the registration, and soon the guild emblem was proudly stamped onto their bodies. The guild hall erupted in cheers.
"Welcome, little Wendy, to Fairy Tail!"
"And welcome Natsu, too!"
Natsu's face flushed red, and he shouted angrily, "Don't make it sound like I'm just 'by the way!'"
Makarov hopped onto the counter, beaming.
"Then it's settled! Let's throw a party to celebrate Wendy and Natsu joining the guild!"
"Ohhhhh!!!"
The entire hall roared in delight, the festive atmosphere exploding instantly.
Wendy, however, shrank back a little, nervous at the overwhelming energy. Noah bent down beside her, patting her head gently.
"Don't be afraid. Everyone's just excited. Look over there don't you admire Erza? Then go to her. The older sisters in the guild will be happy to welcome you."
....
Keep supporting me with you comments and reviews if you like the story please drop a power stone and your support is very much appreciated. If we reach 100 power stone I will release 5 extra chapters.
Want to read 40+ chapters ahead , share your fandom thoughts, or just fuel my translation caffeine habit? or if you want to support me please Join me on Patreon here! :
patreon.com/Keep_ItUp