Time had a way of changing things sometimes for the better, but often in ways that left scars. It was now X784, five years since Yukari had first stepped into the Fairy Tail guild as a budding mage. So much had happened in those years, the guild itself transformed by both triumphs and tragedies.
The loss of Lisanna Strauss in X782 was a turning point for everyone. The atmosphere of the once-boisterous guild had shifted, the lighthearted chaos dampened by grief.Elfman began to carry the weight of guilt for what had happened. Mirajane had been impacted most of all.
The fierce and fiery Mirajane of the past was gone, replaced by a soft-spoken, almost motherly figure. Her once-frequent fights with Erza became a thing of legend, now replaced with peaceful smiles and kind words. Though she retained her magic, Mirajane had stopped taking S-class missions entirely, the trauma of losing her sister leaving a wound that even time struggled to heal.
Yukari, Erza, and the others had tried their best to support her, but the change seemed permanent. It was painful to watch, especially for Yukari, who couldn't help but feel a pang of helplessness whenever she saw Mirajane's melancholy eyes.
Yukari herself had grown immensely during those years. By X784, she had earned the right to undertake SS-ranked missions, a rare privilege that only the strongest mages were granted. Her skill with fire magic, bolstered by Hinote's relentless training, had become legendary. She was powerful, respected, and often called the guild's rising star.
Hinote, meanwhile, had become a force of nature in her own right. The phoenix-woman was now as feared as she was admired, her destructive tendencies only outshone by her brilliance in battle. People whispered her name alongside that of Gildarts, though Yukari couldn't help but laugh at how her fiery companion often caused more damage than necessary.
But even with her successes, Yukari never forgot where she came from. The guild was her family, and no amount of accolades could replace the bonds she had forged with her friends.
Yukari's return to Fairy Tail after two months away on a grueling SS-ranked mission felt surreal. The streets of Magnolia looked much the same as they always had, but the subtle changes in the air the laughter of children playing, the warmth of the sun reminded her how much she had missed home.
Pushing open the familiar wooden doors, she stepped into the guildhall. It was like walking into a memory, the bustling energy washing over her in waves.
"Still as loud as ever," she muttered with a grin.
The first person she noticed was Cana, seated near the entrance with a massive barrel of beer in her lap. Her long hair fell in waves down her back, and she exuded the same easy confidence that Yukari remembered. "Yukari!" Cana called out, raising her mug.
"Cana," Yukari replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Still glued to your booze, huh?"
"Hey, it's part of my charm," Cana shot back, grinning.
Yukari's eyes scanned the room, landing on Mirajane standing behind the bar with Makarov. The sight of her always gave Yukari pause. Mirajane's once-commanding presence had softened into something gentler. She wore a kind smile as she polished glasses, her long white hair cascading over her shoulders.
Makarov, on the other hand, looked anything but calm. The small guild master was pacing on the bar counter, his expression fraught with panic.
Before Yukari could approach, a loud cheer erupted from the guild.
"Yukari's back!" Macao called out, raising his glass.
"Did you bring us anything cool?" Wakaba added, puffing on his pipe.
"Tell us you fought a dragon this time!" Romeo piped up eagerly.
Yukari laughed, waving them off. "No dragons, but I've got plenty of stories."
Making her way to the bar, she leaned against the counter, her grin fading as she took in Makarov's frantic pacing. "Master, what's got you so worked up?"
"Yukari, thank goodness you're back!" Makarov exclaimed, his voice rising with urgency.
"Good to see you too," Yukari replied, arching a brow.
"It's Natsu!" Makarov said, throwing his hands in the air.
Yukari sighed. "Of course, it's Natsu. What did he do this time?"
"He stole an S-class mission!" Makarov blurted out, his tiny fists shaking. "And he took Lucy Heartfilia the new recruit and that infernal cat, Happy, with him!"
"Lucy who?" Yukari asked, frowning.
"She joined while you were away," Mirajane explained softly. "She's... ambitious, but she's not ready for an S-class mission."
"That's putting it mildly," Makarov grumbled. "Gray went after them to bring them back, and now he's missing too! And Erza—"
"Let me guess," Yukari interrupted, pinching the bridge of her nose. "She went after Gray and hasn't returned either."
Makarov nodded, his face pale. "I need you to go after them, Yukari. You're the only one I trust to bring them back safely."
Yukari sighed, crossing her arms. "Alright, I'll handle it. But first, I need a moment to breathe. Two months of non-stop fighting doesn't exactly leave you refreshed."
As Makarov walked off muttering to himself, Cana sauntered over, her grin wide. "Look at you, big hero. Off to save the day again?"
"Someone's gotta clean up Natsu's mess," Yukari replied, shaking her head.
Cana leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Speaking of messes... when are you gonna confess to Mirajane?"
Yukari froze, her face heating. "What?"
Cana rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't act surprised. You've been pining for her forever. It's written all over your face."
"You're imagining things," Yukari muttered, looking away.
"Am I?" Cana grinned, poking Yukari's cheek. "You were staring at her like she hung the stars just now."
"I was not!"
"You totally were." Cana's voice softened slightly. "Look, I know she's been through a lot. But maybe you're exactly what she needs. You ever think about that?"
Yukari hesitated, her gaze drifting back to Mirajane. She was laughing softly at something one of the guild members said, her smile warm but fleeting.
Cana nudged her playfully. "Come on, you're a fearless SS-ranked mage. What's scarier fighting dragons or talking to her?"
Yukari groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Why are you like this?"
"Because I'm your best friend," Cana said with a wink.
The two of them shared a laugh, but Yukari couldn't help but think about Cana's words. Maybe it was time to stop running from her feelings.
But first, there were dragonslayers to rescue.