Time flew by, and before long, it was once again the annual Harvest Festival—the grand traditional celebration of Fairy Tail, the Fantasia Parade.
This year, Arlen did not participate in the parade. However, Ultear, Erza, Kagura, and Ur were all thoroughly enjoying the festivities.
As a side note—
Ever since Arlen talked things through with Laxus, that guy had started dropping by his house every few days to freeload meals. Still, the gloomy expression he once carried had disappeared. Most likely, he had already had a proper conversation with Makarov.
That much was clear from the Master's sincere thanks.
—
During the New Year, Duke As and Alice did not come to Magnolia. Instead, Arlen brought Erza, Kagura, Cana, Ultear, Ur, Gray, Lyon, and Simon—a group of eight—to Crocus to celebrate.
The happiest, of course, were Duke As and Alice.
Amid the constant exclamations of amazement from Gray and the others, the New Year quietly passed.
—
X777, July 7th.
A day destined to be extraordinary.
Early in the morning, Arlen left Magnolia and headed to the Heartfilia residence.
This time, he did not bring Ultear.
Today was the day the Eclipse Gate would open—the day children from over 400 years ago would be brought to the present.
Aside from curiosity, Arlen was here to prevent any unexpected incidents.
Bringing Ultear along would have been too dangerous.
—
"Arlen, you're here."
Layla personally came to greet him at the entrance, holding Lucy's small hand.
Behind them stood a gentle, elegant woman with long green hair tied up neatly. Beside her was a little girl with short green hair, about Lucy's age, peeking shyly from behind.
"Arlen-nii!"
Lucy broke free from Layla's hand and hugged Arlen's leg with a bright smile.
"My apologies for the intrusion, Aunt Layla. It's been a while. And hello, little Lucy."
Arlen gave a proper noble's bow before gently patting Lucy's head.
"Looks like all the keys have been gathered," he said.
"Yes, thanks to you and Alice," Layla replied with a smile. "This is Grammi. I had people find her in the Alvarez Empire on the western continent. And this is her daughter, Brandish."
"Grammi, this is Arlen—Alice's son."
"A pleasure, Your Highness," Grammi said respectfully, nudging her daughter. "Brandish, greet him."
The little girl peeked out timidly.
"H-hello… big brother…"
Arlen nodded gently. "Hello."
—
"Arlen-nii, come play with me and Brandish!" Lucy tugged at him, her voice full of excitement.
"Not now, Lucy," Layla said softly, crouching down. "Mommy needs to discuss something with Arlen. Why don't you play with Aunt Grammi and Brandish?"
Lucy puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction but still nodded obediently.
"Okay… but you have to come play later!"
"I promise," Arlen replied.
Only then did Lucy happily grab Brandish's hand and run toward the garden. Grammi bowed slightly before following after them.
—
Inside the living room—
After dismissing the servants, Arlen got straight to the point.
"Aunt Layla, when does the ritual begin?"
"Tonight," Layla replied. "Using the twelve Zodiac keys, I will open the Eclipse Gate. On the other side… someone will send five children through."
After chatting for a while, Arlen went to find Lucy, keeping his promise to play with her.
—
That evening—
Once all the servants had gone to sleep, Layla and Arlen entered the underground chamber.
In Layla's hands was a book detailing how Celestial Spirit Mages could open the Eclipse Gate at a specific time using the twelve keys.
The chamber was vast and empty.
At its center stood a stone altar—and upon it, a massive, ancient gate carved with intricate runes and twelve keyholes.
"So this is the Eclipse Gate…" Arlen murmured. "Impressive."
"It was built by my ancestors," Layla said, gently touching its surface. "Passed down through generations."
She took a deep breath.
"It's time. Arlen… if anything goes wrong, I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me."
Arlen rested his hand on his sword, body tense and ready.
—
Layla opened the box containing the twelve golden keys.
Her magic surged—
A brilliant aura erupted skyward.
"Her magic is incredible…" Arlen said in quiet astonishment.
The twelve keys rose into the air, transforming into streaks of light before embedding themselves into the gate.
They resonated—
Connecting.
Power surged.
Golden light burst forth as the sealed gate slowly creaked open.
Beyond it—
Only blinding white light.
—
At the same time, 400 years in the past—
In a vast forest stood another Eclipse Gate.
Before it stood a blonde woman resembling Layla—Anna.
Behind her lay five unconscious children.
And beyond them—
Five massive dragons.
"The time has come," Anna said softly. "Igneel, Grandeeney, Metalicana, Weisslogia, Skiadrum… prepare yourselves."
She stepped aside.
Moments later—
The gate began to open.
"Take care," Anna said.
The dragons roared, their voices shaking the heavens.
Then—
They transformed into streams of light and entered the bodies of the children.
Using her magic, Anna lifted the five children and stepped into the gate—
But suddenly—
Space distorted violently.
Her magic was disrupted.
The connection broke.
—
Back in the present—
As the gate opened—
Five streaks of light shot out, soaring into the sky and scattering in different directions.
They were too fast.
Even Arlen couldn't stop them.
At that moment, Layla was completely drained, sweat covering her face as she used the last of her magic to close the gate.
Just before it shut completely—
A figure rushed out from the white light.
BOOM!
The massive gate slammed shut.
—------------------------------
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