Mira, Elfman, and Lisanna did not live in the Girls' Dormitory.
Since Mira had to take care of her siblings, the three of them rented a small house in the suburbs. It was quite close to Raizel's home—about a kilometer away.
The Strauss siblings gradually integrated into the Guild.
Lisanna, being an adorable and kind little girl, was loved by everyone.
Elfman was often teased by the older men to "act more like a man," but the teasing was always well-intentioned.
As for Mira...
After starting her training in Take Over Magic, she gradually reverted to her "Punk" personality.
She frequently beat up Natsu and Gray when they caused trouble, and she often clashed with Erza.
Mira practiced the orthodox form of Take Over: Satan Soul.
Her raw power was immense. At this point, neither Natsu nor Gray was a match for her.
However, she was no match for Erza.
Satan Soul consumed a massive amount of Magic Power.
In her fights with Erza, Mira often ran out of gas before she could secure a win.
Still, her speed and destructive power were undeniable. Although they argued constantly, Erza respected Mira's strength.
Erza actually felt sympathy for Mira.
She often thought that if Mira had been born in Rosemary Village instead of suffering discrimination, she wouldn't wear such a sorrowful expression when she thought no one was looking.
Although Mira seemed happy in the guild, Erza sensed that she was hiding her true self—masking her trauma with aggression.
By fighting her, Erza felt she was helping Mira vent her emotions.
The scars of being treated like a monster for months would not heal overnight.
...
December 15, X777
A grand expedition was forming.
Leaders: Raizel, Ur, Laxus.
Members: Ultear, Erza, Kagura, Cana, Natsu, Gray, Mira, Elfman, Lisanna.
Mascot: Wendy (riding on Raizel's shoulders).
With this lineup, as long as they didn't provoke a dark guild alliance like the Balam Alliance (Grimoire Heart or Tartaros), they could pretty much walk anywhere in Ishgar without fear.
But they weren't looking for a fight.
They were going on a vacation!
They set off separately and planned to regroup at Hargeon Port.
"Just so we're clear... I'm not getting on that ship. I'll find my own way there."
Laxus stood on the dock, watching the Fairy Tail ship bobbing in the water.
His face was pale, and his lips twitched. He crossed his arms and turned away.
Cana and a few others covered their mouths and chuckled.
They knew his secret: Motion Sickness.
Wendy's magical power wasn't strong enough yet to cast Troia on a Dragon Slayer of Laxus's level.
"Fine, suit yourself," Raizel replied.
He didn't want to provoke him further and decided to save him some face. Raizel always made sure to respect Laxus in public, which was one reason they got along so well.
"I'll go with him. Let's not have him get lost alone," Cana sighed, stepping off the gangplank.
Laxus had led them astray multiple times in the past. Nowadays, it was always Cana who read the map during missions.
"Alright. Meet us there," Raizel nodded.
He turned to the captain. "Head to Galuna Island."
Now that Galuna Island had established shipping routes, it had gradually started attracting tourists.
However, the outside world still didn't know the villagers were actually Demons.
This was Raizel and Ultear's first visit since X774.
Raizel chose this destination for a specific reason.
Mira still had deep insecurities about her Take Over being a "Demon Soul."
While normal mages took over beasts or animals, she was unique.
"Demon" wasn't a positive word in human society. Raizel hoped a trip to Galuna Island would give her a new perspective.
The three Strauss siblings gazed at the endless ocean.
This was their first time at sea.
Natsu was excitedly running around the deck.
'Enjoy it while you can,' Raizel thought, watching the energetic boy.
Natsu didn't have motion sickness yet, but Raizel estimated that within a year or two, the Dragon Slayer side effect would kick in.
Raizel docked the ship at the pier.
Laxus was already sitting by a rock, looking bored, with Cana seated nearby. Raizel had deliberately sailed slower to let Laxus arrive first.
...
"Everyone! It's Raizel!"
The gatekeeper saw them approaching.
"Oh! Raizel! Long time no see!"
Dang—Dang—Dang—
Bobo rang the bell three times, signaling the arrival of honored guests.
The wooden gate creaked open.
Raizel entered first, with the massive Fairy Tail group following behind.
"Chief Moka! Uncle Bobo! Everyone, long time no see!"
The villagers gathered quickly.
"Raizel, Ultear! It's been too long!" Chief Moka beamed.
Moka had followed Raizel's advice years ago.
He opened the island to the outside world, and life had improved. Since it was close to Christmas, there were no other tourists around, so the guild had the island to themselves.
"These are our guild members. We came to Galuna Island for a vacation," Raizel introduced everyone.
"Welcome! Let's have a bonfire party tonight!!" Moka shouted, tapping his cane.
Raizel smiled.
Moka was just like Makarov—always ready to throw a party.
...
Night fell and a massive bonfire roared in the center of the village.
"Bonfire!!! I want to eat fire!!!" Natsu danced around the flames, his face beaming with joy.
They arranged tables in a circle. Everyone ate, drank, and laughed.
"Chief Moka," Raizel said during a lull in the conversation. "You can all return to your original forms. We are Mages. We don't mind."
Moka paused as he looked at the group.
Mira pricked up her ears.
'Original forms?'
"I'd like to see what real demons look like too," Laxus said, propping his chin on his hand. He sounded casual, but he was curious.
"But... aren't there children here?" Moka looked concerned, glancing at Wendy, who was sitting in Ur's lap eating a fruit.
"Don't worry about it," Raizel shook his head.
Wendy probably didn't even know what a "demon" was supposed to look like. She hadn't shown any fear of Mira's hand, after all.
"Very well!" Moka stood up and tapped his cane on the table. "Everyone! Release your disguises!"
POOF.
Smoke filled the area.
"Oh!!!"
The villagers transformed.
Wings sprouted, horns grew, and skin turned various colors. Some of the villagers who were already drunk fluttered unsteadily into the sky like intoxicated bats.
The Fairy Tail members watched with wide eyes.
But because Raizel and Ultear had prepared them, no one screamed.
No one ran.
Instead, Natsu looked excited. "Cool! Spike-head!"
Wendy just blinked and continued eating.
Mira looked around at the villagers.
She saw families laughing, children playing, and demons drinking with humans. They looked monstrous, yet they were so... normal.
'So these are demons...' she thought. 'They aren't monsters. They're just people.'
For the first time, the word "Demon" didn't feel so heavy.