Ok yall sorry for not putting out a chapter friday. I have been hella busy with work basically working 14 hour days 5 days a week so I'm a little tired. I promise I'll try and get a chapter out tomorrow if I can to make up for it. I got home friday and decided to play some CoD zombie Origins and do the easter egg for nostalgia then passed out. Soooo yea my bad.
Also in a few chapters I'm thinking about having a time skip to canon timeline x784 or x782, yes lisana is going to "die" here as well. But this will happen after certain events happen in our current time period. Also how do yall feel about dropping brandish as one of the love interests and adding virgo instead? I have never seen her used and she's hot and no I'm not just going to add her unless it gets overwhelming support to do so (20 comments wanting it, and maybe a review if you're feeling generous, review not required tho).
Chapter 24: Return, Surprise, and Start of the Exams
Three and a half weeks had passed in a blur of brutal training, mountain peaks, endless spars, and missions. Varion and Gildarts walked back toward the Fairy Tail guild hall side by side, the older mage's massive frame casting a long shadow as the afternoon sun dipped lower. Varion looked noticeably stronger—his movements sharper, his aura more controlled, the lessons from Gildarts etched into every step. His clothes were dusty and torn in places, but his eyes burned with quiet confidence.
Gildarts clapped him on the back with a booming laugh. "Not bad, kid. You actually made me sweat a few times. Keep that up and the S-class exam will be a joke."
Varion smiled faintly. "Thanks for the training. I needed it."
They pushed open the guild doors, and chaos greeted them immediately.
A wooden table came flying straight at Varion's face. He caught it effortlessly with one hand, the impact barely registering as he set it down to the side like it was a chair.
In the center of the hall, Erza and Mira were at it again—throwing real punches this time, their rivalry having escalated during his absence. Erza's armor was partially requipped, her fist connecting with Mira's demonic arm in a clash of metal and dark energy. Sparks flew as they traded blows, their voices loud and sharp.
"Take that, you over-dramatic cloak-wearing drama queen!" Erza shouted, swinging a requipped greatsword that Mira dodged by a hair.
Mira countered with a dark energy blast, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, look at the tin can trying to act all high and mighty! You probably polish your armor more than you talk to people!"
Erza parried the blast with her shield. "At least I don't look like I crawled out of a bad Halloween costume every time I use my magic, you walking goth nightmare!"
Mira laughed mockingly, her demonic arm glowing as she charged. "Goth nightmare? Says the girl who thinks red hair and metal is a personality! You probably sleep standing up just so your precious armor doesn't wrinkle!"
The guild watched with a mix of amusement and bets flying—some cheering for Erza, others for Mira, a few just enjoying the show. Natsu and Gray were even pausing their own fight to watch, Natsu yelling "Get her, Mira!" while Gray rooted for Erza.
Varion sighed, rubbing his temple. "They're at it again…"
Gildarts burst out laughing. "Welcome home, kid!"
Varion and guildarts sat there watching for a few minutes.Then the fight between Erza and Mira was reaching its peak—Erza swinging her requipped sword in wide arcs, Mira countering with bursts of dark energy from her Satan Soul form, both girls shouting insults and pushing each other harder. The guild was fully invested, cheers and bets flying left and right.
Then, Wendy spotted Varion from across the hall.
"Varion!" she cried out, her voice cutting through the noise like a bell.
Without hesitation, she launched herself across the room in a full sprint and leaped into his arms. Varion caught her easily as she giggled happily, her arms wrapping around his neck in a tight hug.
"Varion! You're back!" Wendy exclaimed, burying her face in his shoulder for a moment before pulling back with a bright smile. "I missed you so much!"
The entire guild seemed to freeze for a split second. Erza and Mira stopped mid-punch, their rivalry forgotten as they turned toward the door. The kids—Natsu, Sting, Rogue, Gajeel, Lisanna, and Elfman—all whipped around, eyes lighting up.
"Big bro!" Natsu yelled, flames flickering in his hair as he charged over first, nearly tackling Varion in a hug. "You're finally back! We trained like crazy while you were gone!"
Sting was right behind him, grinning wide as he grabbed Varion's arm. "Yeah! I got so much faster—you should've seen me flashing around the yard! Rogue and I even came up with this new combo move that's insane!"
Rogue nodded quietly, but his eyes were sparkling as he stepped closer. "It worked really well. We practiced every day."
Gajeel smirked, crossing his arms but walking over quickly. "Tch. About time. I made my iron way stronger. Took down a huge boulder with one punch yesterday."
Elfman nodded. "It was… manly training."
The group swarmed him, talking over each other in their excitement, their words tumbling out naturally as they tried to tell him everything at once.
Wendy, still hugging him tightly, looked up with shining eyes. "We missed you every day! But we trained really hard so you'd be proud when you came back!"
Varion laughed warmly, his arms wrapping around as many of them as he could reach in a big group hug. "I can tell. You all look stronger already. I'm really proud of you."
Erza and Mira stood a little ways away, their earlier fight completely forgotten. Both were watching the scene with soft expressions—Erza's usual sternness melting into a small smile, Mira's tsundere pout fading as she crossed her arms but couldn't hide the warmth in her eyes.
The guild hall, moments ago full of chaos, now felt warmer, the kids' genuine excitement and Varion's return pulling everyone into a moment of family.
As the guild hall quieted as Makarov hopped onto the bar, his small frame somehow commanded attention. He cleared his throat, his voice carrying through the room with authority.
"Listen up, everyone!" he announced. "Tomorrow marks the start of the S-class trials! The selected contestants will be heading to Tenrou Island to begin the tests. You will meet at the port in Hargeon tomorrow morning by 8 o'clock sharp, or you will be automatically disqualified. No exceptions."
The nominated mages that were therenodded in understanding, their expressions a mix of determination and nerves. The rest of the guild erupted in supportive cheers and well-wishes, the excitement palpable.
Varion glanced at the clock on the wall and decided it was time. "Alright, kids," he said, turning to the group of young dragon slayers. "Let's head home. We've got an early morning tomorrow."
The kids scrambled to gather their things—Wendy grabbing her small bag, Natsu and Sting racing each other to the door, Rogue and Gajeel following more calmly, Lisanna and Elfman hurrying to keep up. They waved goodbye to the guild members as they filed out, the hall still buzzing with energy.
As Varion stepped outside with the group, Erza, Mira, and Lucy finally got a moment alone with him. They walked a little ahead of the kids, who were already chattering excitedly about the upcoming trials.
Erza was the first to step closer, her usual stern expression softening as she pulled him into a quick but firm hug. "Welcome back," she said quietly, her voice warm. "You look stronger. I'm glad you're safe."
Mira followed, her hug a bit more hesitant at first, but she squeezed him tightly, her white hair brushing his shoulder. "We missed you" she muttered stubbornly, but her voice was soft.
Lucy was last, her hug the longest and warmest, her arms wrapping around him as she rested her head against his chest for a second. "I'm happy you're back," she whispered. "The house wasn't the same without you."
Varion hugged them back, one after the other, a gentle smile on his face. "Thanks. I missed you all too."
The kids caught up, and the group continued walking home together, the evening sun casting a golden glow over Magnolia as they moved as one big, noisy family.
The next morning, Varion stood at the front door of the house, his bag packed and slung over his shoulder, ready for the journey to Hargeon and then Tenrou Island. The kids and the girls gathered around him, the air thick with a mix of excitement and nervousness for the S-class trials.
"Be safe, big bro!" Natsu said, punching the air with a fiery grin.
Sting smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Kick their butts!"
Rogue nodded quietly, a small smile on his face. "Good luck."
Gajeel grunted, arms crossed. "Don't embarrass us out there."
Wendy hugged him tightly, her small arms squeezing as hard as she could. "We'll be waiting for you! Promise you'll come back soon!"
Lisanna and Elfman waved enthusiastically, Elfman sniffling a little but smiling through it. "Y-Yeah! Come back safe!"
Erza, Mira, and Lucy stood a little apart, their expressions a blend of support and hidden tension.
Varion smiled at them all, his voice warm. "Thanks, everyone. I'll be back soon."
As he turned to leave, Lucy suddenly rushed forward, her cheeks bright red. She stood on her tiptoes and quickly kissed him on the cheek. "Good luck," she whispered, her voice shaky with embarrassment, then bolted back into the house, the door slamming behind her.
Erza and Mira froze, their faces flushing with shock and anger. They fumed for a second, stunned at what had just happened. Then determination set in—they weren't going to let Lucy get ahead of them like that.
Erza stepped forward first, her usual composure cracking as she leaned in and kissed Varion on the other cheek, her face burning as red as her hair. "Good luck," she said firmly, then quickly stepped back and turned her back to him.
Mira followed immediately, her tsundere side in full force as she kissed his cheek too, her blush even deeper. "Don't lose or anything," she muttered, then turned away, arms crossed.
The kids watched the whole thing in confusion, their heads tilting.
Wendy blinked, then looked up at Varion with innocent curiosity. "Should I do the same?"
Before anyone could answer, she happily skipped over, gesturing for him to lean down. Varion, still a bit stunned, crouched slightly. Wendy stood on her tiptoes and planted a quick, cute kiss on his cheek, pure and innocent, like a little sister wishing her brother well. "Good luck, big brother!" she said brightly, then skipped back a few steps.
But she stopped halfway back, she suddenly turned around, ran back over, and gave him another quick kiss on the other cheek. "Just in case!" she declared, then skipped away again, leaving Varion standing there completely flustered but smiling happily, his cheeks now sporting three different kiss marks.
Varion rubbed his cheeks, chuckling despite the embarrassment. "Thanks… all of you. I'll see you soon."
Varion flew low over the countryside toward Hargeon, his silver-blue wings cutting cleanly through the morning air. The wind was crisp and carried the faint scent of salt from the sea as the port town came into view—docks bustling with ships, sailors shouting orders, and the distant cry of gulls overhead. He landed just outside the main harbor area, retracting his traits seamlessly before walking the rest of the way.
At the designated meeting spot near the docks, Makarov and Gildarts were already waiting. The master was perched on a wooden crate, casually sipping from a small flask, while Gildarts leaned against a post, his massive frame relaxed but radiating quiet power. Laxus stood a little apart from them, arms crossed over his chest, his expression dark and brooding as usual—lightning faintly crackling around his shoulders like he was already irritated by the wait.
Varion approached, nodding respectfully. "Master. Gildarts."
Makarov looked up with a warm smile. "Ah, Varion. Right on time. You look rested. Ready for this?"
Varion nodded. "As ready as I can be after the training."
Gildarts grinned, pushing off the post and clapping him hard on the shoulder. "You did good out there, kid. Remember what I showed you—control first, then power. Don't go blowing up the island trying to show off."
They talked about how his training went with guildarts laughing and clapping an embarrassed varion when gildarts told makarov about something stupid varion did. Laxus remained silent the entire time, brooding in the background with his usual intense glare fixed on the horizon. He didn't acknowledge Varion at all, but the tension in his posture made it clear he was aware of his presence.
After waiting for about an hour, the last of the S-class candidates finally arrived. Macao and Wakaba stumbled up the dock together, looking slightly hungover and disheveled, their clothes rumpled from what was clearly a late night. A few other veteran guild members joined them trickling in behind.
Makarov, perched on a wooden crate near the gangplank, checked his pocket watch and nodded. "Alright, everyone's here. Let's get moving. The ship's waiting."
The vessel was a sturdy, mid-sized ship with reinforced hulls and sails marked with the Fairy Tail emblem. The group boarded in relative silence, the only sounds being the creak of the gangplank and the slap of waves against the dock. Varion stood at the bow as the ship cast off, the sea breeze tugging at his cloak. He watched the horizon, his mind already turning to the trials ahead. Gildarts lounged against the railing nearby, arms crossed, occasionally glancing at him with a knowing grin. Laxus remained at the stern, brooding as usual, his arms folded and frowning he was irritated by the very idea of waiting.
The voyage to Tenrou Island was relatively calm, the sea breeze carrying the sharp scent of salt and the distant cry of gulls.When they finally made landfall on Tenrou Island's rocky shore, the air felt heavier, charged with ancient, untamed magic. The jungle loomed behind them like a living wall—dense, ancient, and teeming with unseen threats. Massive trees twisted toward the sky, their roots snaking across the ground like veins, and the canopy above was so thick that only slivers of sunlight pierced through, casting everything in a dim, emerald glow. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth, exotic flowers, and something wilder—something primal.
Makarov gathered them all on the beach, The contestants stood in a loose semicircle, the waves lapping at their boots as he spoke.
"Listen up," Makarov said, his voice serious and carrying easily over the sound of the surf. "Your goal is to reach the center of the island without using magic. The last 5 to arrive will be automatically disqualified."
The contestants exchanged glances. A few shifted their weight, murmuring quietly. Secretly, the real test: whether they had the reasoning to realize they didn't need to fight their way to the center through each other. They just needed to make it there.
Varion took off immediately, his insane physical stats as a Star Dragonoid allowing him to move at incredible speeds. He weaved through the jungle like a shadow, leaping over thick roots that snaked across the ground, ducking under low-hanging vines, but Varion simply ran using the environment to propel himself forward without breaking stride. His breathing stayed steady, his body moving with effortless grace—pure agility and strength carrying him deeper into the island's heart.
He arrived at the center first—a massive, ancient tree at the heart of the island, its trunk wider than the guild and its branches reaching toward the sky like the arms of a giant. He barely broke a sweat, his cloak fluttering slightly as he came to a stop at the base of the tree.
Laxus came sometime later, his speed carrying him through quickly enough to get second, though he looked slightly more winded than Varion, his coat torn in a few places.
Macao and Wakaba arrived after that, both slightly winded and complaining loudly. "Too many damn trees!" Macao grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow. Wakaba nodded, panting. "Yeah, and I'm too old for this crap."
Makarov waited at the center of the clearing, the ancient tree towering behind him like a silent sentinel. He looked around at the remaining contestants—only Varion, Laxus, Macao, and Wakaba had made it in time. The other guild members had been eliminated for arriving too late, their exhausted forms slumped on the ground nearby.
With just four left, Makarov stroked his mustache thoughtfully for a moment, then clapped his hands together.
"Since there are only four of you left," he announced, his voice carrying easily over the wind, "we're going to settle this a faster way than normal. No more running around the island. We're doing a battle royale until there's only one man standing. After that, that person will take a final test!"
The contestants' eyes widened. Macao groaned, wiping sweat from his brow. "A battle royale? Right now? I'm too old for this…"
Wakaba nodded, panting. "Yeah, and I'm too hungover for this crap…"
Varion stood calm, but his muscles tensed in anticipation, scales faintly rippling under his skin. Laxus smirked, lightning crackling around his fists as he cracked his knuckles.
Makarov grinned, his small frame radiating authority. "The rules are simple: no killing, but anything else goes. Last one conscious wins. Begin!"
The clearing erupted into chaos almost instantly.
Laxus moved first, lightning exploding from his body as he charged straight at Macao and Wakaba, his speed a blinding blur. Macao summoned a wall of fire in panic while Wakaba tried to obscure the field with thick smoke, both veterans scrambling to create distance.
Varion held back letting laxus take out macao and wakaba quickly. Then laxus turned to varion with a glare ready for their fight that he's been itching for for a while.