That night, the sky above Magnolia shimmered with sparkling stars, creating the perfect atmosphere for the celebration unfolding at the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. Once the Master approved Cana's membership, the news spread like wildfire among the members. Before long, the vast hall was filled with music, laughter, and uncontrollable joy.
Ren sat at the bar, watching young Cana, who still looked awkward amidst the guild's chaos. The little girl wore a simple blue dress, her dark hair falling over her shoulders, her large eyes darting around with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Moments ago, in the Master's room, Ren and Cana had shared a silent agreement—a heavy pact. Ren had chosen to protect Cana's secret: that she was the daughter of Gildarts, one of the most powerful mages known to man.
Without needing words, Cana's worried eyes had said everything. Ren understood. She was afraid. Afraid her secret would be exposed before she was ready to face it. Afraid of how others would perceive her if they knew who her father was. Afraid that perhaps she would be accepted for her name, rather than for herself.
Ren had quickly provided a plausible answer for the Master. Makarov hadn't pressed further, though Ren knew the Master realized there was a part of the story left untold. However, the Master was a wise man—wise enough to grant privacy when it was needed.
Now, in the frenzy of the party, Ren's responsibility had shifted. The Master had given clear instructions: look after Cana and escort her to the girls' dormitory.
"Come on, Cana," Ren said, walking over to her and extending his hand. "You haven't had dinner yet, right? It's better to eat before we head to the dorms."
Cana lifted her head, looking at Ren with lingering hesitation. Even though she had entered the guild and been approved by the Master, it all still felt overwhelming. A few hours ago, she hadn't even known she would come to this place. Now, she was an official member of Fairy Tail. Her father had been here once, and perhaps one day, she would meet him.
"Yes," Cana replied in a small voice, taking Ren's hand. "I'm hungry."
They walked toward a table laden with food and drink. Ren picked out several dishes suitable for a child—bread, warm soup, and some fresh fruit. While Cana ate, Ren stayed by her side, occasionally telling her stories about the guild, the different members, and their traditions. He spoke of how everyone here, despite their eccentricities, was family.
Cana smiled slightly, and Ren felt a wave of relief seeing the tension in her face slowly dissolve. Bit by bit, she began to adapt to the noise and joy surrounding her.
As the night grew late and the party's energy began to wane, Ren decided it was time to go. He led Cana out of the Guild Hall into the cool night air. The city of Magnolia stretched out beneath them, the streetlights creating warm paths leading in every direction.
The Fairy Tail girls' dormitory was a large, comfortable building designed to provide a safe and supportive home for the guild's female members. When they arrived, a senior woman greeted them—a guild member appointed to manage the dorms. Ren explained Cana's situation, and the woman smiled warmly at the little girl.
"Welcome to your new home," the woman said. "My name is Mirabel. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything."
Cana nodded, beginning to feel comfortable in her new environment. Mirabel took her to a small room that had been prepared—simple but clean. Ren helped organize Cana's meager belongings, though she brought almost nothing but a change of clothes.
"Ren," Cana said softly. "Thank you. For... you know. Back there, with the Master."
Ren nodded. "It was the right thing to do. Your secret is yours to share when you're ready. No one will force you."
"But what if they find out who my father is?"
"Then they will love you for who you are, not for who your father is," Ren answered firmly. "In Fairy Tail, we are family. A true family accepts people for who they are, not for what they can offer or who their parents are."
Cana stared at Ren, her eyes glistening with tears she refused to let fall. She offered a small smile. "Thank you, Ren."
After Ren left to let her rest, the little girl sat on the edge of her bed with Shiro—her white dog—curled in her lap. She gazed out the window into the dark night. Today had changed her life forever. She had a home now. She had a family. And maybe, one day, she would have her father back.
Under the moonlight, she pressed her hand to her chest, whispering a promise to herself. She would work hard. She would study magic with all her heart. One day, she would be strong enough to stand beside Gildarts as a mage of Fairy Tail.
Meanwhile, back at the still-boisterous Guild Hall, Ren returned to the party. The Master raised a glass, looking at Ren with a meaningful gaze. Makarov knew there was more to Cana's arrival, but like all things in Fairy Tail, those stories would reveal themselves in their own time. For now, there was a little girl starting a new journey, and this guild would ensure she never walked that path alone.