Chapter 7 – Welcome to Fairy Tail
Three days had passed since they left the village. Erza and Arthur walked side by side, the sun casting golden rays over the road ahead. The path had been long, but their spirits were high. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as the towering gates of Magnolia City appeared in the distance, bustling with life and color.
Erza's eyes widened with awe as she took in the sight of the city. Buildings lined the streets in intricate formations, markets overflowed with lively merchants and customers, and the air buzzed with energy.
— "Is this where Fairy Tail is?" Erza asked, her voice filled with wonder as she gazed at the vibrant city.
Arthur gave her a reassuring smile, his silver hair glinting under the sunlight.
— "Yes… we're almost there."
Without hesitation, he gently took her hand, guiding her through the crowd. Erza followed closely, still mesmerized by the city's atmosphere. They passed shops, performers, and children playing on the streets until they reached a modest shop on the corner.
Arthur stepped forward and politely asked the shopkeeper, "Excuse me, sir, do you know where we can find the Fairy Tail guild?"
The man raised a brow, then smiled. "Of course! Just follow this street, turn left at the large clock tower, and you'll see it right away. You'll hear it before you see it, trust me."
Thanking the shopkeeper, Arthur and Erza resumed their walk. Before long, they stood before a large, impressive building. Shouting, laughter, and crashing sounds could be heard from inside. A chair suddenly flew out of one of the windows, causing Erza to flinch.
— "Arthur... are you sure this is the place?" she asked cautiously, her eyes fixed on the chaos inside.
Arthur looked at her, amused, and nodded confidently.
— "Yep. This is definitely it."
Taking her hand again, he pulled her toward the entrance. As they stepped through the door, they were immediately hit by the chaotic yet oddly comforting scene within. The guild was alive with movement — tables overturned, food scattered across the floor, and a group of wizards in a wild brawl. Yet through it all, laughter echoed in every corner.
There was something... warm about this place.
Arthur scanned the room until his eyes landed on a small figure sitting atop the information counter, calmly sipping from a large mug despite the madness around him. The man was small in stature, elderly, with a distinctive presence and a twinkle of wisdom in his eyes.
— "Thank goodness," Arthur thought, recognizing the guild master from the anime. "He looks exactly the same. That makes things easier."
Arthur approached, still holding Erza's hand. As they neared, the old man noticed them and tilted his head in curiosity.
— "What do two little kids want with a place like this?" Makarov asked, peering down at them with mild confusion.
Arthur stepped forward confidently, standing tall despite his youth.
— "Me and my girlfriend would like to join the Fairy Tail guild!"
Makarov choked on his drink and sprayed a mouthful of beer back into his mug. Erza, cheeks flushed with embarrassment, squeezed Arthur's hand tighter but said nothing.
Arthur, meanwhile, smirked inwardly.
— "In this life, I don't waste time. If you want a wife, you'd better start early — before someone else swoops in and takes her."
Clearing his throat, Makarov jumped down from the counter, suddenly serious.
— "Joining a magic guild isn't a game. It's dangerous business. Do either of you even know magic?"
Arthur raised his hand, summoning a vibrant flame that danced over his palm.
— "I do," he answered firmly.
Makarov nodded slowly, his eyes now turning toward Erza.
— "What about her? If she can't use magic, she'll be a burden. You'll only be putting her life in danger if you insist on dragging her along."
Arthur's expression turned solemn.
— "We don't have anyone in this world. But Erza has mana inside her. She can learn. That's why we're here. We want a chance. We want a family."
Makarov looked at them for a long moment. Something in their eyes... their determination, their pain, their bond... it resonated with him. After a deep sigh, he cracked a soft smile.
— "Fine… you win. Where do you want the guild mark?"
Before Arthur could answer, Erza gently tugged on his shirt and whispered something in his ear. Arthur nodded, then turned to the master.
— "Master, could you place my guild mark on my arm? Make the top half silver and the bottom red. For Erza, do the opposite: top red, bottom silver."
Makarov glanced at their hair — Arthur's shining silver, Erza's bold crimson — and chuckled with understanding.
— "I see… symbolic, huh? Nice touch."
He lifted his hand and cast the marking spell. The magic symbols shimmered into existence, settling on their arms with a gentle glow.
— "There. You're officially part of the guild."
He opened his arms with pride.
— "Welcome to Fairy Tail!"
The chaos inside the hall paused for a brief moment as the guild members turned to look. Then, as if on cue, the room erupted into applause and cheers.
— "Welcome, kids!"
— "New blood!"
— "Party time!"
Arthur bowed respectfully.
— "Thank you, Master."
Erza, eyes glistening, mirrored his gesture.
— "Thank you... truly."
And in that noisy, chaotic hall full of strangers, Erza felt something she had never known before — a sense of belonging. For the first time in her life, she had a home.
---