Orick's Mountain is quite a distance from Magnolia. When Fairy Tail went there before, it took them a long time by train.
However, under the speed of the Red-Eyed Black Dragon, this distance was covered in no time at all. Within an hour, the bustling city of Magnolia came into view.
Seeing this familiar sight after so long, Calvin's eyes filled with tears.
"Finally, home."
Yes, this long journey had taken seven years.
As usual, Calvin didn't land outside the city and walked back to the guild. Instead, he landed right outside the guild's door. Both factors in this decision were his impatience and the fact that Fairy Tail's guild was now quite secluded.
Looking at the old, dilapidated tavern proudly displaying the Fairy Tail emblem and his supportive companions beside him, Calvin suddenly felt that the seven years of fear and anxiety were insignificant.
He gently pushed open the worn-out door. The small hall, the scattered request forms, everything looked so lonely. It was clear that Fairy Tail had not had an easy time over the years.
"It's gotten so much smaller," Calvin said softly. Despite his low voice, Macao heard him and, feeling embarrassed, scratched his head and said with shame, "It's all my fault. I completely failed my duties as guild master."
Calvin shook his head and didn't respond. He knew that Fairy Tail's decline wasn't Macao's fault.
Back in the day, Fairy Tail was incredibly powerful. Suddenly, with the core members and the guild master missing and presumed dead, it was no wonder that other jealous guilds would seize the opportunity to suppress them.
"Tell me in detail about the Grand Magic Games in half a month, Master," Calvin said, indicating his intention to participate.
"Are you sure you can handle it? You've been locked up for seven years. How much of your strength do you have left, Calvin?" Laxus sneered, his tone full of arrogance and defiance.
"Heh, it seems you want a lesson, Pikachu. Do you think I've made no progress in seven years?" Calvin retorted, not backing down. Sparks seemed to fly between their eyes as they stared each other down.
Everyone else was used to this; it was no secret that these two had never gotten along. Even if they fought, it wouldn't be a big deal. After being expelled from the guild years ago, Calvin's steadiness was well-known, and Laxus had learned to be more measured. They wouldn't come to blows, or at least not seriously.
As the evening wore on, people started heading home. The first to leave was Alzack, who now had a daughter. His father, Macao, took away young Romeo. After all, as a growing boy, he needed to sleep early.
Everything felt just like old times. Despite the years apart, there was no awkwardness among them.
After the celebration, members left one by one. Calvin, accompanied by Cana, also left to go home.
They walked quietly through the streets. Magnolia's night wasn't particularly beautiful, but it had a certain charm, especially for these two, who had a lot on their minds.
For some reason, neither of them felt like talking. Usually, Cana was the one who would chatter away. This uncharacteristic silence made Calvin uncomfortable; he didn't know how to break it.
The two of them, friends for over a decade, had never experienced such awkwardness. They walked silently until they reached the fork in the road where they would part ways. Still, they hadn't spoken.
This strange feeling was unsettling even for Calvin. This wasn't how things usually were between them.
"Cana... is something wrong?" Calvin finally asked, stopping her at the fork in the road.
Cana paused, but she didn't turn around.
After a moment of silence, her soft voice finally came.
"Nothing, just a bit tired."
"Are you really tired? You didn't seem to drink much earlier. Don't you always say alcohol is the best cure for fatigue?"
"You're so annoying. Aren't you the one who always tells me not to drink so much?" Cana chuckled, her voice carrying an unusual, ethereal quality. Hearing it, Calvin was stunned.
This tone was different from her usual self; it was very womanly.
After a while, he recovered and smiled. "If you did drink less because of what I said, I'd be very pleased."
His words implied he didn't believe her reason.
Cana sighed softly. "You're so nosy. I'm a woman, after all. There are days when I just feel down."
"Won't you share with me?"
"No, I don't feel like it. You should focus on your date with Mira tomorrow. It's a rare opportunity, so make the most of it."
"Thanks for the advice. Get some good rest," Calvin said after a moment, deciding not to press further. For some reason, he felt it best not to delve into it.
"Yeah, you too. You've slept for so long; be careful not to get insomnia. Don't show up with dark circles under your eyes when you see Mira tomorrow."
Even after their conversation ended, Cana didn't turn around. She stood there until Calvin was out of sight and then, still unmoving, let the rain start to fall on her. She raised her face, letting the raindrops mix with her unnoticed tears.
"How embarrassing, Cana."
Smack! Cana slapped her face hard several times, making her cheeks turn red. She brushed her hair back and regained her bright-eyed, spirited look, transforming into the cheerful, lively Cana.
Her smile was radiant, her actions bold, and her laugh louder than before.
Stretching lazily, she said, "I need to buy some booze. It's my best friend, after all!"
...
Calvin returned to his home, full of emotions. This house, which he had bought in his teens, had not changed much except for becoming slightly older.
Entering the house, he immediately noticed something off. He went to the table, swiped his finger over it, and inspected it closely.
"No dust. Someone has been cleaning for me?"
Only one person had a key to his house: Cana. Realising this, Calvin smiled brightly.
There was something wonderful about coming home to find that someone had taken care of your place. It was deeply satisfying.
"Cana, you know me well."
In high spirits, Calvin went to his wine cabinet to open a bottle and enjoy the rare quiet night accompanied by the sound of rain.
But he was greeted with a bitter smile when he opened the cabinet.
The cabinet was empty.
There was no need to ask; it had to be Cana who drank all the wine.