"So cute!" Happy exclaimed at the sight of the newly shrunken Pantherlily.
"It seems our Earthland bodies aren't the same as in Edolas," Carla remarked. "Are you okay, Lily?"
"I'm fine," Pantherlily assured her. "I promised I'd join the guild that took care of the Prince all these years. Gajeel, let me in."
Gajeel rushed over and hugged the small black cat, grinning from ear to ear. "Of course! Partner!"
…
At the Kardia Cathedral graveyard in Magnolia, most residents who pass away are laid to rest here, the idea being they ascend to heaven. Amidst a gentle rain, Elfman shielded Mirajane with an umbrella.
"Time to go, Sis," Elfman said softly.
Mirajane lingered, gazing at a certain grave marker. "Just a minute more. I want to spend a bit longer with Lisanna." Once she left, she'd have to face her daily life with a smile for everyone, so each time she came here, she tried to pour out her feelings, saying goodbye to her little sister, whose grave stood before her.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the quiet:
"Sis Miraaaa! Elfman!"
Mirajane and Elfman spun around—and froze. The umbrella slipped from Elfman's grasp. Both siblings stared in disbelief as tears began streaming down their faces.
"Lisanna!!!"
Lisanna ran up, burying herself in Mirajane's embrace. She breathed in her sister's familiar scent and whispered, "I'm home."
For a while, Mirajane couldn't speak; she pressed her hands to Lisanna's cheeks, tears continuing to fall. Finally, her lips curved in a trembling smile. "Welcome home."
…
Back at the Fairy Tail guild, Lisanna looked around in wonder. "I feel like the guild and even Mirajane have changed a bit."
Mira smiled gently. "Have we? Maybe so. Still, Fairy Tail is Fairy Tail."
The entire place was brimming with celebration and cheer.
"Lisanna's back!"
"Day off for everyone! Eat, drink—enjoy!"
"Welcome home, Lisanna!" Jet and Droy rushed forward, trying to give her a big hug.
Elfman stepped in with a stern look. "Watch it. You two better behave."
Nearby, Freed and Bickslow of the Thunder God Tribe also greeted Lisanna warmly.
"It's good to have you back safe," Freed said.
"Thunder God Tribe in the guild—this is rare!" someone exclaimed.
Evergreen shrugged. "Well, I am a Fairy Tail wizard now."
Meanwhile, Natsu was already causing chaos—tipping tables, knocking chairs over in his excitement.
"Whoa, it's so noisy!"
"Knock it off, Natsu!"
"I bet the other world's Natsu acted the same!" someone joked.
Lisanna burst into laughter. "Ha ha ha! Actually, Edolas Natsu was the one getting pushed around by Lucy over there!"
Everyone howled at her impression of the alternate Natsu.
When Su Yan and the others had first returned, they explained the entire Edolas adventure, but most guild members didn't believe it at first. It wasn't until time had fully caught up and Lisanna's return was undeniable that they realized it was all true.
Naturally, they were overjoyed about Lisanna, who'd been presumed dead and even given a grave in the Kardia Cathedral. Her return brought tears and celebration all around.
Pantherlily perched on a table, observing the festivities. He was curious about the guild the Prince had called home for seven years. "What a rowdy place."
Carla smiled wryly. "I said the same thing when I arrived—everyone's so loud."
"But they sure look happy," Happy said between bites of fish.
"It's amazing to think everyone here naturally has magic," Lily murmured, swallowing hard at the thought. Back in Edolas, Exceeds were basically the only ones with inherent magic, and even that was mostly flight.
Erza approached, and Lily stared in mild shock. "So you're the Erza from Earthland… You really do look just like the Captain from Edolas."
Carla nodded. "They were both called Erza, after all."
"I'm glad we can meet like this." Erza gave a gentle smile. "I hear my counterpart's life was driven by fear and hatred. But, in the end, magic itself isn't what matters—it's the heart of the one using it, wouldn't you agree, Lily?"
Pantherlily bowed his head, feeling strangely at ease in this new environment.
Master Makarov walked over to Su Yan and the others. "All of you did an excellent job. I hope Mystogan finds happiness in Edolas."
Su Yan flashed a small grin. "He will. After all, he's also Fairy Tail."