"Laxus! Laxus!"
The Thunder God Tribe rushed forward the moment Laxus collapsed, his body badly burned and completely unresponsive. Makarov was right behind them, panic plain on his face. No matter how furious he had been, Laxus was still his grandson. Love did not vanish so easily.
The rest of Fairy Tail followed, anxiety spreading through the crowd. They fought each other all the time, sure, but no one had ever wanted this to end in death.
"Relax. I've got this."
Rowan descended from the air, and a collective breath was released. Everyone knew he possessed rare healing magic. At the very least, Laxus wouldn't be left to die on the battlefield.
Rowan placed a paw gently against Laxus's forehead, preparing a healing spell. Then his expression shifted dramatically.
"…That's bad. I think I went too far. His internal organs are burned through. I'm not sure he'll—"
"What?!"
The color drained from every face.
Makarov's eyes went red. He pulled Laxus close, tears spilling freely. "Hold on, Laxus. Grandpa won't let you die. We'll go to Porlyusica, right now. She can save you. This is my fault… I should have told you the truth about your father sooner. I'm sorry."
The guild went silent, eyes stinging.
Then Rowan's wand glowed blue.
The burns on Laxus's body healed at a visible speed, skin knitting back together as if time itself were reversing.
"I'm kidding," Rowan said calmly. "He's fine. Mostly."
Laxus's eyes snapped open, red-rimmed and wet. "Grandpa… I was wrong."
"You idiot…" Makarov choked, tears falling even faster.
Above them, Mirajane hovered with her microphone, voice ringing out across the lake.
"The winner of the tournament, and Fairy Tail's next guild master… Rowan!"
Cheers exploded from the shoreline. The final battle had been overwhelming, especially the sea of fire that painted the sky. For many watching children, local and visiting alike, something was born in that moment. A dream of becoming a mage. A dream of joining Fairy Tail.
With a casual wave, Rowan restored the shattered island, stone and earth flowing back into place.
The tournament wasn't quite over yet. According to the rules, second and third place still had to be decided.
To Rowan's surprise, second place went to Lucy.
Erza had collapsed after her fight with Laxus and couldn't continue. Laxus himself had no strength left, and no desire to keep fighting his friends. By default, Lucy advanced.
Final results:
Champion, Rowan.
Runner-up, Lucy.
Third place, Laxus.
Watching Lucy bounce around the guild hall later, clutching her prize money and grinning ear to ear, Rowan stroked his whiskers thoughtfully.
"Is she the real protagonist of this world?" he muttered.
He had always assumed it would be Natsu, or Gray, or Erza, maybe even Laxus. But Lucy's luck bordered on absurd.
That evening, Makarov addressed the guild.
"Two announcements," he said. "First, Rowan will be taking on the Hundred-Year Quest. When he returns, he will officially succeed me as guild master."
The hall erupted in murmurs. The legendary quest that even Gildarts had failed. And yet, after what they had seen today, no one doubted Rowan.
"Second," Makarov continued, voice heavy, "due to his actions involving the Thunder Palace and endangering civilians, I am expelling Laxus from Fairy Tail."
Laxus lowered his head. He accepted it.
Protests broke out immediately.
"That's too harsh!"
"He didn't really mean it!"
"He's still one of us!"
Rowan stepped forward.
"The decision stands," he said calmly. "But when I return from the Hundred-Year Quest, I'll be guild master. And my first decision will be to approve Laxus's return."
Silence.
Makarov looked at him, a mix of resignation and gratitude in his eyes. "When that time comes, it'll be your call."
Laxus lifted his head, staring at Rowan. "…Thank you."
Laughter and noise slowly returned to the hall.
"Prepare for the parade tonight," Makarov said. Then he turned to Rowan. "You're coming with me. It's time you learned a few things only the guild master is allowed to know."
They descended into the basement, stopping before a massive sealed door.
Rowan's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So this is where the guild's greatest secrets are kept," he thought. "Including the three ultimate spells of Fairy Tail."