Two days had passed, and the morning of our departure was finally here. The guildhall was a hive of activity as usual, but there was a clear buzz of excitement surrounding our small group. Makarov stood near the entrance, puffing on his pipe like this was just another day, while Macao was busy triple-checking his bag like we were embarking on some kind of epic journey.
"You know," Macao said, holding up a pair of socks like they were sacred relics, "I've heard Clover Town is colder than you think, especially in the mornings. Always better to pack spares."
"Spare socks?" I raised an eyebrow, fighting back a smirk. "I didn't know that was the secret to surviving high-stakes missions."
"Laugh all you want, kid," Macao shot back, stuffing the socks into his bag. "You'll thank me when your feet aren't freezing halfway through the trip."
Makarov chuckled, his pipe smoke curling lazily around him. "He's not entirely wrong. Comfort's important, though I doubt socks are what's going to save us if things go south."
"Unless the bad guys have a foot fetish," I muttered under my breath, earning a snort from Macao.
We made our way to the train station, and as soon as the gleaming steel engine came into view, I couldn't help but pause for a moment. The train looked so sleek and advanced, almost out of place against the rustic cobblestone streets of Magnolia.
"The tech in Earthland is all over the place," I thought, glancing between the industrial train and the medieval wagons rolling by. "One minute, you're in the middle of a fantasy novel. The next, you're boarding a machine straight out of a steampunk dream. Make it make sense."
"Don't just stand there gawking, Aiden!" Makarov called, snapping me out of my thoughts. "The train's not going to wait for you to admire it."
As we climbed aboard, Macao found our seats and immediately began trying to stuff his oversized bag into the overhead rack. "Whoops. A little more packed than I thought."
"That's what you get for bringing a dozen pairs of socks," I teased, leaning back in my seat. "What are you planning to do, open a sock shop in Clover Town?"
"Hey, don't knock it," Macao said, finally managing to shove the bag into place. "You'll want a pair when yours get soaked in some magical downpour."
Makarov settled into his seat by the window, chuckling. "Enough about socks, you two. Aiden, do you know much about Clover Town?"
"Not really," I admitted. "What's it like?"
"It's a beautiful place," the Master said, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Surrounded by mountains and greenery. Peaceful, at least on the surface. But don't let the scenery fool you. The Guildmasters Meeting is anything but quiet. Everyone's got their own agendas. Some are friendly... and some aren't."
Macao leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table between us. "Not to mention, with all these reports about villages being destroyed and people disappearing, there's a good chance someone might try to stir up trouble. Dark guilds have been getting bolder lately."
"Destroyed villages, though?" I said, my brows furrowing. "That's not just bold—it's terrifying."
"It is," Makarov agreed, his tone more serious now. "Entire communities have vanished, leaving nothing but ruins. If the dark guilds are involved, it could mean they're building something—or someone—is making big moves. That's why this meeting is so important."
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "Guess I'd better be ready for anything, then."
"That's the spirit," Makarov said, his usual warmth returning. "Just remember your role. You're there to observe and protect. Nothing more."
"Got it," I said, sitting back as the train began to move. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels filled the cabin, and I glanced out the window as the countryside rolled by.
"So," Macao said, breaking the moment of quiet. "What's the over-under on Aiden throwing up before we even get to Clover Town?"
"Why would I throw up?" I shot him a look.
"Train motion gets to some people," he said with a mock-serious nod. "And you've got that 'rookie traveler' vibe. I'd give it ten minutes before you're clutching a bucket."
"Ten minutes?" I rolled my eyes. "I can handle a train ride, Macao. I'm not some—"
The train suddenly lurched, and my stomach did a tiny flip. Macao burst out laughing before I could even recover.
"Uh-huh," he said, smirking. "You were saying?"
Makarov chuckled but said nothing, letting Macao enjoy his moment of victory. I groaned, already regretting letting him have that win. Unlike in the modern times the technology here is still unsophisticated.
As the train picked up speed and the banter between us continued, I found myself relaxing just a bit.
I found my gaze drifting out the window, watching the world blur past. Mountains rose in the distance, towering over vast forests that stretched out toward the horizon.
Clover Town was far from Magnolia, nestled deep within the eastern mountains. It was known as neutral ground for guilds across Fiore. No fighting. No disputes. Just politics and alliances.
But beneath that peaceful façade... something darker was brewing.
After about an hour of silence, Macao spoke up again, his tone more serious this time. "You nervous, kid?"
I hesitated before answering. "A little."
Macao nodded. "Good. Means you're not stupid. Only fools walk into situations like this without fear."
"I remember, the first time I accompany master in this meetings I was so nervous I forgot my luggage at the train! Haha!" He continued
I looked over at Makarov, who seemed lost in thought as he gazed out the window. For a moment, I wondered what kind of weight he carried. How many Guildmasters Meetings had he attended? How many enemies had he faced over the years?
I may be strong but I am still a rookie... still I wasn't going to let Fairy Tail down.
The train hissed to a halt at Clover Town's station, steam rising as the doors slid open. I stepped out onto the platform, my eyes immediately drawn to the towering mountains that surrounded the peaceful town. There was a strange air here—calm on the surface, yet heavy with tension beneath.
"Ah, Clover Town," Makarov sighed as he stepped off the train. "Where words hold more power than fists... though that rarely stops anyone."
Macao snorted. "Yeah, and half the guilds here would rather throw hands than talk. Typical Fiore politics."
I followed closely as we made our way through the streets. The town was elegant, with stone-paved roads and magic-infused lanterns that floated gently above the streets. Mages from different guilds filled the area, each radiating unique magic power. Some exchanged greetings. Others merely exchanged glares.
"Oi, Makarov!"
An elderly woman, barely taller than Makarov, hobbled alongside him. She wore extravagant robes with the symbol of Lamia Scale embroidered in gold and carried a cane that clacked against the stone with each step.
I blinked. "Wait... that's—"
"Lamia Scale's Guild Master," Makarov muttered with a sigh. "Ooba Babasaama."
"MAKAROV, YOU OLD SHRIMP!" the elderly woman bellowed, her voice echoing through the square. "STILL ALIVE, I SEE!"
Makarov groaned. "Why must you shout every time we meet, Ooba?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE DEAF, YOU TINY FOSSIL!" she snapped back, hobbling closer.
I exchanged a confused glance with Macao. "Is... is this normal?"
"Completely," Macao replied with a smirk.
Makarov said warmly. "Anyways is this young man?"
"This is Jura Neekis," Ooba said with a proud smile. "One of our most promising mages. I've brought him along to observe and learn, just as you've done with your young recruit."
Jura stepped forward, bowing politely. "It's an honor to meet you, Master Makarov."
Makarov chuckled. "The honor is mine, young man. Your reputation is already growing, I hear."
Jura's expression remained humble. "I still have much to learn."
I couldn't help but stare. He carried himself with such maturity that I felt a little embarrassed standing next to him. Compared to me, this guy looked like he'd already figured out the world.
Ooba's eyes landed on me next. "And who might this be?"
Makarov patted my shoulder. "This is Aiden. One of our newer members, but he's shown great promise."
I quickly stepped forward, offering a respectful nod. "It's nice to meet you, Master Ooba. And Jura."
Jura gave me a calm smile. "Likewise."
As the conversation between the masters continued, I found myself standing beside Jura, unsure of what to say. There was something about his aura that made him feel... solid. Like he was already rooted in his path as a mage.
"So... uh," He started awkwardly. "Is this your first time at the Guildmasters Meeting too?"
I glanced at him and nodded. "Yes. Master Makarov thought it would be a valuable experience to understand the dynamics between the guilds."
"Same here," He said with a nervous chuckle. "Though, between you and me, I'm just hoping I don't embarrass myself in front of all these powerful mages."
My expression softened. "There's no shame in being here to learn. Every mage starts somewhere."
Before he could say more, another voice called out from behind us.
"Well, well, if it isn't Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale."
Turning around, I saw two figures approaching. One was a tall, suave man dressed in elegant white robes with a signature rose in his hand—Bob, the eccentric Guild Master of Blue Pegasus. Beside him was a short, stout young man with an oddly shining nose and spiky orange hair that curved outwards. He walked with a dramatic flair that matched his guild's reputation.
"Master Bob," Makarov greeted with a smirk. "Still as... flamboyant as ever."
Bob giggled, twirling his rose. "You know I was born to shine, darling."
The stout young man stepped forward, striking a rather... unique pose. "I am Ichiya Kotobuki. The future symbol of manliness and elegance for Blue Pegasus."
I blinked. This was... not what I expected from a Blue Pegasus rising star.
Jura raised an eyebrow but remained polite. "It's an honor to meet you, Ichiya."
Ichiya dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "The honor is mine, my young friend. And who might this... radiant soul be?" His eyes turned to me, and I felt a strange shiver run down my spine.
"Aiden," I replied awkwardly. "Fairy Tail."
"Ah, Fairy Tail!" Ichiya exclaimed. "A guild full of passion and beauty. How fitting that such a young man would come from there!"
I couldn't tell if he was complimenting me... or flirting.
Jura leaned closer and whispered, "He's... unique."
"Understatement of the year," I muttered.
As the Guild Masters began to head inside, Jura, Ichiya, and I lingered behind.
"Looks like we're all the youngest ones here," I said, trying to ease the awkwardness.
Jura gave a calm nod. "It's a rare opportunity for rookies like us to be part of something this big."
"And we shall seize it with elegance and... exquisite masculinity," Ichiya added, striking another ridiculous pose.
Jura and I exchanged glances.
"Well," I sighed. "At least things won't be boring."
As we followed our Guild Masters toward the meeting hall, the tension between the guilds was thick in the air. But between the three of us… things were already getting weird.
"So," I started, trying to break the awkward silence. "What made you join Blue Pegasus, Ichiya?"
Ichiya raised his head proudly. "I was drawn by the allure of elegance and true beauty. Blue Pegasus is a guild that values style and charm. It is where a true gentleman, like myself, can flourish."
Jura and I stared at him blankly.
"...But you're kinda... short," Jura blurted out/
I shot Jura a look of disbelief while trying to hold back a chuckle.
Ichiya froze mid-stride, eyes wide with shock.
"You wound me, my young Lamia Scale friend," he said dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "True beauty... is not measured by height! It is measured... by the heart!"
He struck a bizarre, dramatic pose, one leg lifted and arms spread wide as if he was about to take flight.
I blinked. "...Right."
Jura pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is going to be a long day."
Ichiya suddenly turned to Jura, pointing dramatically. "What about you, men! What brings you to Lamia Scale?"
"I'm here to grow stronger and protect those who can't defend themselves," Jura replied simply.
Ichiya nodded sagely. "A noble goal indeed... but can you protect your heart from the flames of passion?"
"...What?"
"From the fiery eyes of a beautiful maiden who gazes upon you from across the room!" Ichiya added with a flourish.
Jura's expression went blank. "I think I'd rather fight a dark guild."
I snorted, trying to hold back laughter. "Dude, you're killing me."
Ichiya turned to me with sparkling eyes. "And you, Aiden. Have you found... your destined love within Fairy Tail?"
"Uh... no?" I said awkwardly. "I just... haven't really figured that out yet."
Ichiya leaned in even closer, making me step back. "Ah... a soul still searching for its purpose. How... magnifique."
I blinked. "Yeah... sure."
Jura sighed heavily. "Are all Blue Pegasus members like this?"
"I'm not sure but," I said. "He's... one of a kind."
"Ichiya!" Bob's voice echoed from ahead. "Stop flirting with the boys and get moving!"
"I'm not flirting!" Ichiya cried dramatically. "I am simply appreciating the beauty of youth!"
Jura looked at me. "Do we... leave him behind?"
I shrugged. "I think if we run now, we can make it to the meeting without him."
"I can hear you!" Ichiya shouted as he dramatically jogged after us.
As we walked toward the grand hall, Jura muttered, "I was hoping to meet strong future wizards... not get stuck with idiots."
"Hey, that's rude," I said.
"I'm talking about him," Jura replied flatly, pointing at Ichiya, who was already posing in front of a statue, admiring his own reflection.
"Fair point," I admitted.
This was going to be a long day...