The morning in Magnolia was as generous as ever, the sunlight illuminating the Fairy Tail Guild's doors with a sparkling glow.
The clamor inside the Guild, like a beehive awakened by the sun, was already buzzing.
"Natsu! Those are my sausages!" Gajeel's roar was accompanied by the grating sound of metal.
"Whoever gets it first, it's theirs!" Natsu, his mouth full, retorted indistinctly, fiery flames dancing on his fists, about to ignite the mountain of iron nails Gajeel had just set on the table as his "breakfast."
"Fire Dragon's—"
"iron dragon's—"
"Both of you, stop it!" Erza's sharp cry was like thunder, instantly freezing the impending conflict between the two. She was in casual clothes, but her eyes were as sharp as knives. "If you damage any more Guild property, your training will be doubled today! And Gajeel! No eating nails at the dining table!"
Gajeel grudgingly put away his iron nails, muttering, "Tch, stingy..."
Natsu took the opportunity to stuff the last few sausages into his mouth, triumphantly making a face at Gajeel.
Lucy and Wendy sat at a table a little further away. Lucy was patiently telling Wendy some interesting facts about the Celestial Spirit World, and Wendy's big eyes sparkled as she listened.
Carla elegantly licked her paws, occasionally interjecting with a sarcastic remark.
Levy was buried in her thick magic book, her quill scratching softly.
Cana and Ezreal sat at the bar, Cana's fairy cards spread out before them.
The two chatted idly.
Max sat in the corner, his emerald eyes holding a hint of imperceptible fatigue, manipulating a small ball of gold sand, trying to repair the window frame that Elfman's "manly power" had cracked yesterday.
The gold sand flowed like a living liquid, precisely filling the cracks.
He occasionally looked up, his gaze sweeping over the lively scene in the Guild, finally resting on Cana and Ezreal, a slight smile on his lips, before returning to his work.
Mira flitted like a butterfly between the bar and the tables, a gentle, signature smile on her face, delivering steaming cups of milk and juice to Wendy, Lucy, and others.
Yuumi was curled up in a corner of the bar, lazily dozing.
Just then, the Guild doors were gently pushed open.
Creak—
The sound was soft, yet it seemed to carry a certain magic, causing the noisy Guild to quiet down a few notches instantly.
Everyone's eyes, without prior agreement, turned towards the doorway.
Two figures stood at the entrance.
In front was Yukino, whom everyone knew.
She was still in a simple white dress, her silver-white hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, and her ice-white eyes were clear and serene.
But on her face was an unprecedented sense of ease, a mix of relief and hope.
And standing half a step behind her was a woman who resembled her in appearance by seven or eight parts, yet had a completely different temperament.
She also had long silver-white hair, but the ends had a hint of imperceptible dryness, simply tied back.
Her eyes were also ice-blue, but they were as deep as a cold pool, filled with an indescribable weariness, a sense of having lived through much, and a lingering wariness, like a startled bird.
She wore a faded grey dress, her figure slightly thin, as if a gust of wind could blow her over.
Most striking was the silver metal ring on her left arm, shimmering with a faint magical light—that was a magic power suppressor specially made by the Magic Council, marking her "parole" status.
It was Yukino's older sister, the former Oración Seis member, Angel, now restored to her real name—Sorano Agria.
"Yukino!" Lucy was the first to exclaim in surprise, standing up.
"Sister Yukino! You're back!" Wendy also cried out happily.
"Yukino!" Cana, Levy, and others also greeted her.
Everyone's gaze then fell on Sorano, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and a hint of complex emotion.
After all, the infamous reputation of the Oración Seis, and her brutal sisterly duel with Yukino, everyone knew more or less something about it.
Yukino took a deep breath, holding Sorano's somewhat cold hand, and walked into the Guild.
Sorano's body visibly stiffened. Her gaze quickly swept over the unfamiliar faces in the Guild. When she saw Natsu, Gray, and Erza, who had exuded powerful auras in the final battle, her wariness intensified, and she instinctively shrank behind Yukino.
"Everyone," Yukino's voice was clear and calm, carrying a sense of announcement, "I'm back. This is... my sister, Sorano Agria. From today onwards, she will join the Fairy Tail Guild with me."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even Natsu's chewing of sausages stopped.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on Sorano, and the atmosphere became somewhat stagnant.
Sorano could feel the weight of those gazes—scrutiny, doubt, and perhaps even... hostility?
She lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her dress.
The cold touch of the magic power suppressor reminded her of her past, making her feel a suffocating shame and unease.
She didn't even dare to look into Yukino's eyes, afraid to see disappointment.
Just then, a short figure peered over the railing on the second floor.
"Oh? Little Yukino is back? And brought a guest?" Master Makarov's booming voice broke the silence.
He walked slowly down the stairs with his hands behind his back, a kind smile on his face, his gaze gently falling on Sorano.
"Master!" Yukino bowed respectfully.
Sorano's body trembled, and she instinctively wanted to bow as well, but Yukino gently held her hand.
Makarov walked in front of the two, looking up at Sorano. Due to his height, he had to look up at everyone.
There was no judgment or disgust in his gaze, only a peace and tolerance that came from having seen much of life.
"Sorano Agria?" Makarov's voice was very gentle.
"...Yes." Sorano's voice was very soft, with a hint of hoarseness.
"Yukino told me about you." Makarov nodded. "The darkness of the past is not solely your fault. Brain was the root cause. No one can be sure that their life won't go in the wrong direction, but fortunately, life is long, and it always gives people a chance to return to the right path."
"Those who carry darkness also have the right to yearn for light. From now on, even if it's to atone for past mistakes, live bravely towards the light!"
Sorano suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief.
She hadn't expected Makarov to mention her past so directly, and even less that he would... accept her?
She had thought only scorn and rejection awaited her.
"Fairy Tail," Makarov's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable authority and pride, "is a family! Here, there is no absolute good or evil, only companions who have strayed and found their way back! As long as you are willing to change, willing to protect your companions, and willing to contribute your strength to this family, then the doors of Fairy Tail will always be open for you!"
He extended his small hand, palm up, towards Sorano: "Welcome home, Sorano Agria. Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
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