"What do we do now?"
On the train back to Magnolia, Fairy Tail's mages sat in uneasy silence, eyes drifting again and again to the unconscious Makarov. Without their Guild Master, they looked like a flock without a shepherd. The energy that had carried them through battle was gone, replaced by doubt and fear.
Rowan watched the mood sink and sighed. They were fearless fighters, every last one of them, but when the fighting stopped, strategy rarely followed.
He raised his voice, amplifying it with magic.
"Jose won't stop here," Rowan said calmly. "He's probably already calling in mages from every Phantom Lord branch. If he moves fast, they could attack by tomorrow morning."
The cabin went still.
Without Makarov, who could stop Jose and an army of Phantom Lord mages? The thought pressed down on them like a weight.
Rowan continued, steady and deliberate.
"So here's what we do. First, we heal the Guild Master. That's our top priority. Second, as soon as we're back, we fortify the guild. Barriers, defensive formations, every magical tool we have. Third, we report Phantom Lord's attack to the Council immediately. An investigation buys us time. Fourth, we recall all Fairy Tail mages, especially Laxus and Mystogan. If we can bring Gildarts back too, even better."
He paused, then smiled.
"And let's not forget. We already escaped right under Jose's nose. We even killed one of his Element Four. If we stand together, and they dare attack us again, we make sure they don't leave."
"Yeah!" Natsu shouted, flames practically sparking as he floated midair. "That's more like it! What's there to be scared of? We're Fairy Tail!"
Confidence spread through the carriage, replacing despair with resolve. They'd taken a hit, but they weren't beaten.
"There's a healer in the East Forest," Erza added. "Porlyusica. She's an old friend of the Guild Master and one of the best healers around. She can restore him."
"Good," Rowan said with a nod. "That's our first move."
Mirajane stepped in next. "I'll write to Councilor Yajima. He used to be one of us, and he's always supported the guild. I can also contact Laxus and the Thunder Legion with a magic crystal."
"Perfect," Rowan said. "Then we prepare. When Phantom Lord comes, we'll be ready."
The train buzzed with renewed energy. Fear was gone. Determination had taken its place.
Watching Rowan rally everyone with a few clear decisions, Mirajane couldn't help smiling. "You really put people at ease," she said softly.
Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Happy all nodded in agreement. Between Rowan's actions in battle and his clarity now, he'd earned the trust of everyone present.
Rowan felt it too, and a small smile crept across his face.
If this keeps up, he thought, and once I master proper transformation magic… becoming Guild Master might not be impossible.
Seeing Makarov use Fairy Law had sealed it for him. If he wanted to learn magic like that, he needed to stand at the top. And the first step was winning the guild's full support.
After arriving in Magnolia, everyone moved at once. Alzack and Bisca escorted Makarov to Porlyusica in the East Forest. Mirajane handled the Council and tried to reach Laxus. Veterans like Macao and Wakaba hauled magical weapons and defensive tools from storage. Levy led every rune-capable mage in raising a massive barrier around the guild.
Rowan pulled Natsu aside briefly to test an idea of his own, then rejoined the others.
By nightfall, preparations were complete. The guild rested, waiting for Phantom Lord's next move.
Later, Mirajane approached Rowan, eyes red with frustration.
"Laxus refused to come back," she said quietly. "He said he'll only help if the Guild Master position is handed to him."
Rowan raised an eyebrow. "That's his condition?"
"I can't believe it," Mirajane said bitterly. "At a time like this… and he's the Guild Master's grandson."
Rowan's expression hardened. "You don't become Guild Master by demanding recognition. You earn it first. Only then does the title mean anything."
Around them, several mages nodded in agreement.
"If he won't help now," someone muttered, "then I won't accept him as Guild Master later. Blood or not."
Fairy Tail had never been about inheritance. Every Guild Master had earned the position through belief, action, and trust.
And unless Laxus changed, that door would stay firmly closed.
...
Read up to 100 chapters ahead and access exclusive novels by joining my Patreon!
patreon.com/Zyxxar