The first day at Fairy Tail felt strange to me.
The guild was noisy from morning until night. People were joking, throwing chairs, shouting, challenging each other to duels…some even drank until they passed out at the table.
I just sat in the corner, watching.
"Partner, they are completely different from what you know. But I can feel… beneath this chaos, there is a genuine warmth."
I didn't answer. I just stared at the glass of juice I'd ordered.
—
"Hey! Are you still alone in the corner?!" a loud voice broke through my reverie.
I turned around. Natsu, the pink-haired one, was standing in front of me with a big laugh. Lucy followed behind him, looking a little embarrassed.
"Come join us!" Natsu exclaimed without further ado, pulling my hand.
I politely declined. "I prefer it here."
"Eh? Why is that?" Natsu frowned.
Lucy smiled kindly. "Don't push him, Natsu. He might need some time." Then she looked at me gently. "But… if you want, you can come sit with us anytime."
I just nodded briefly. Lucy's words felt strange but reassuring.
—
The following days, the guild routine started to become my habit.
Gray always challenges me to duels, even though I refuse.
Natsu keeps trying to get me to fight or eat together.
Lucy often made small talk, even though I only gave short answers.
And when I saw Erza Scarlet , the entire guild was silent in fear.
I watched everything from afar, like an outsider. But slowly… I grew accustomed to the warmth.
—
At night, I often sit on the guild roof, gazing at the stars.
"Ddraig…" I whispered. "Do I deserve… to stay here?"
"Partner, you're holding back too much. Your past wounds are indeed heavy, but I can feel… a part of you longing for family. Fairy Tail can be your home, if you're willing to let it in."
I fell silent. The night breeze blew gently. For the first time in years, I felt… maybe I wasn't so alone anymore.
—
The next day, Makarov gave me my first mission.
"Just a simple mission," he said, handing over the paper. "To expel a small monster in the forest near the village. But this will be your first experience with the other members."
I read the paper. A low-class monster. Not dangerous.
"Who will come?" I asked briefly.
"Hmm… what about Natsu, Lucy, and Happy? They're used to this kind of mission."
I nodded.
Ddraig chuckled inside my head.
"Heh, looks like your real adventure has just begun, partner."
I held the Boosted Gear in my left hand. Although I was silent, although my heart was still covered in wounds, I knew one thing:
From now on, I no longer walk alone