Finn smiled slightly, stroking Erza's scarlet hair. "Erza, you were the last one standing. So now…you're an S-class mage."
Erza closed her eyes, seemingly enjoying the moment, a small smile playing on her lips.
"Get some rest," Finn said, deciding to leave and not disturb the two girls. He'd only come to check if they were awake.
Mirajane was still asleep, but her even breathing indicated she was fine.
Finn withdrew his hand. "I'll go now."
"Wait…wait…please," Erza opened her eyes, watching Finn stand. "Don't take your hand away."
"I want to enjoy this feeling of security a little longer," Perhaps because they were alone, the usually queen-like Erza showed a vulnerability never seen before.
Essentially, she was a fifteen-year-old who'd experienced a nightmare. She couldn't always be strong. She cried alone, like now.
Finn paused, looking at Erza's shining eyes. He sat back down.
He stroked Erza's hair.
Feeling the familiar sense of security, Erza closed her eyes.
"Such a child," Finn chuckled.
…
Fairy Tail Guild. A month had passed since Erza became an S-class mage. After recovering, she immediately took her first S-class mission.
Finn and Erza were a team, but she refused his offer, wanting to complete the mission alone.
Finn reluctantly agreed. He wasn't worried; they'd done many S-class missions together.
A few days later, Erza returned safely, though she'd apparently caused quite a bit of destruction, making Makarov shake his head. Another destructive force in the guild. He worried about his future.
Mirajane was the most unhappy about Erza becoming an S-class mage first.
Upon waking, she'd frantically asked, "Who became S-class first? Me or Erza? It must be me!"
Learning it was Erza, she was furious. She couldn't lose to Erza.
Finn explained that their strengths were similar, but Mirajane's was more offensive. Erza's Adamantine Armor and anti-fire armor had given her greater endurance.
But Mirajane remained unhappy.
Early that morning, she confronted Finn.
"Finn, where's Erza? She came back yesterday. I want to duel her!!" Mirajane said aggressively.
"Erza took a mission and left," Finn recalled Erza leaving after accepting a mission.
She was probably at the station by now.
Erza was diligent as an S-class mage.
Finn, incredibly lazy, took a sip of milk.
"Finn, you've been slacking off," Makarov said.
"What? It's only been a month," Finn protested.
Makarov's cane hit Finn's head. "A month? Your last mission was one I forced you to take—examining Mirajane and the others. If you were half as diligent as Erza, I'd be laughing in my sleep."
"Yes, yes, I know," Finn said dismissively. He enjoyed his relaxation.
Before becoming S-class, he'd worked hard because he needed money. Now, one S-class mission paid more than many regular missions.
He enjoyed lounging around the guild.
"Finn, take me on an S-class mission," Mirajane grabbed Finn, serious.
"Mirajane, what's wrong?" Finn touched her forehead, then his own. No fever.
Mirajane had never teamed up with him before.
Mirajane slapped his hand. "I'm serious. Erza's been showing off."
"Really?" Finn didn't remember Erza showing off.
"Yes! That stick-in-the-mud keeps saying, 'I completed another S-class mission! S-class! What about you, Mirajane? Oh, right, you're not S-class yet, so you wouldn't know, hahaha!' It's infuriating!"
Mirajane mimicked Erza.
Finn facepalmed. "I'm tired. Let's rest for two days."
"The milk-drinking slacker is tired?" Mirajane looked at him skeptically.
Makarov said, "I think Mirajane's right. Take her on an S-class mission."
"Sigh, fine," Finn agreed.
Just then, Finn felt his eyelids getting heavy.
"Yawn~~ So sleepy," Macao yawned.
"You drunk?" Cana, who'd been drinking with Macao, teased him.
"Haha, did you do something last night?" Wakaba chuckled, exhaling smoke.
"No! I'm not that kind of person!" Macao said.
"I'm sleepy too," Wakaba said.
"Mirajane, are you okay?" Mirajane, beside Finn, held her head and his shoulder, swaying.
"I'm sleepy," Mirajane shook her head.
"Bang—" Someone fell, and others followed.
Finn sensed a magical wave, and everyone fell asleep.
Finn, with his strong magic, resisted the drowsiness.
Mirajane, lacking that power, swayed, and Finn caught her.
Someone entered the guild.
"Who are you?" Finn glared at the strangely dressed person.
The person was completely covered, even their face, and carried five staffs.
Finn gently placed Mirajane on a seat. He checked her; she was just asleep.
He asked, ready to fight if they'd harmed anyone.
Finn's tone was harsh, his magic surging.
"Someone's awake besides Master Makarov," the masked person said, surprised.
They entered, and Finn's sword appeared.
Finn, holding Ryūjin Jakka, pointed it at the person. "What did you do? You put the whole guild to sleep."
"Finn, this young man means no harm. Listen to him," Makarov said.
Finn paused and lowered his sword. "Explain yourself, or you're not leaving."
The masked person, sensing Finn's coldness, knew he was serious.
They nodded. "I know putting everyone to sleep wasn't kind."
"But I had to. Please understand." They bowed.
"I want to join Fairy Tail," They looked at Makarov.
Makarov shook his head. "I won't let someone mysterious join Fairy Tail."
He put down his beer. "I refuse. But since you didn't harm anyone, leave."
The masked person considered it, then removed their mask.
Finn's eyes widened. He recognized the face—from the Magic Council. Finn was a frequent visitor due to the destruction he caused. One of the council members looked exactly like this person.
"Zeref?" Finn asked.
The masked person shook their head. "That's why I hid my face. I'm not him."
Makarov thought. "Are you Zeref's twin brother, the dark mage Gerard?"
The masked person chuckled. "I'm neither. I'm Mystogan. I don't want to be associated with them or mistaken for Gerard."
Makarov nodded, looking intently at Mystogan, who met his gaze.
Makarov said, "I accept. Where do you want the mark?" He held out the Fairy Tail mark.
"My hand," Mystogan showed his hand. The mark appeared. He stared at it.
"Just like in my memories," he whispered. "Can I take a mission now?"
Makarov pointed to the mission board. "Choose one and register it with me."
Mystogan nodded and went to the board.
"Master, are you sure?" Finn asked. "I won't question your decision, but why?"
Makarov looked at Mystogan's back. "I saw only pure kindness in his eyes. This child has a tragic past."
He looked at the sleeping guild members. "Like the other children, those who suffer need support and guidance, or they'll go astray."
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