Hey, I hope yall enjoy this chapter. I'd say in about 5 to 10 chapters I have something planned that I think y'all will really enjoy.
As always please ask questions and give feedback to help improve the story. I would really appreciate it if you did. I enjoy interacting with y'all and getting ideas to further the story. I have literally changed parts of my plans already due to suggestions. So feel free to give ideas anywho enjoy.
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Varion finished the last bite of his sandwich and set the plate aside with the remaining sandwich with a satisfied sigh. The kitchen was peaceful, the morning light streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow over the wooden table. Lucy sat next to him, her chair close enough that their knees brushed occasionally, a soft blush on her cheeks as she watched him eat.
They heard soft, cautious steps from upstairs—light and hesitant, like someone testing each creak of the wood. Varion sat up, turning toward the sound, and Lucy followed his gaze. Coming down the stairs was Meredy, the pink-haired little girl from last night, her small hands clutching the railing tightly. She looked scared, her big eyes wide and darting around the unfamiliar space— the polished floors, the cozy furniture, the smell of breakfast still hanging in the air. Waking up in a strange place had clearly rattled her, her lower lip trembling as she paused halfway down.
Varion's expression softened immediately. He gestured for her to come over with a gentle wave of his hand. "Hey, Meredy—it's okay. Come here."
Meredy hesitated for a second, then hurried down the last few steps and over to him, grabbing the edge of his sleeve tightly with her tiny fingers. She looked cautiously at Lucy, the unknown blonde girl sitting next to him, her body half-hiding behind Varion's chair.
Varion smiled warmly, ruffling Meredy's pink hair lightly. "This is Lucy. She's a friend of mine—she lives here too. Lucy, this is Meredy."
Lucy leaned forward with a kind smile, her voice soft and welcoming. "Hi, Meredy. It's nice to meet you."
Meredy nodded shyly, still clutching Varion's sleeve. Varion asked gently, "How are you feeling? Better?"
Meredy looked up at him, her voice small. "Hungry…"
Varion chuckled softly, picking up the last sandwich from the plate. "Here—eat this. It's good."
He handed it to her, and she took it tentatively, nibbling at first before sitting in the chair next to them as he pulled it out for her. She ate quietly, her small bites growing more confident as the hunger took over, the warmth of the food helping to ease her fear a little.
After she finished, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Varion leaned down to her level. "Meredy… we're in Magnolia now. This is my home—and yours too, for as long as you need. You'll be staying here a while. There are other kids your age—they'll be excited to meet you. And I'll keep you safe, okay?"
Meredy looked at him with wide eyes, then nodded slowly, a small smile breaking through her caution. "Okay…"
"Well," Varion said softly, standing up and extending his left hand to Meredy. "How about we head to the guild? There are more people there who'd love to meet you—and some kids your age to play with."
Meredy's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, slipping her tiny hand into his without hesitation. The grip was firm, seeking security, and Varion gave it a reassuring squeeze. Lucy stood too, looping her arm through Varion's free right one, pulling it close between her chest with her fingers wrapping around his forearm in an affectionate hold. She leaned in a bit, her ponytail brushing his shoulder, a soft blush on her cheeks as they started toward the door.
The three of them stepped out into the morning sun, the streets of Magnolia alive with the usual bustle—vendors calling out, mages hurrying to jobs, the distant hum of the guild drawing them forward. Varion pointed out a few spots along the way to Meredy, keeping his voice light. "See that bakery? They make the best sweets, strawberry cake is Erza's favorite. And over there, that's the park where the kids like to play tag sometimes. The guild's just up ahead, it's like a big noisy family but it's always fun."
Meredy looked around with wide-eyed curiosity, her hand still clasped in his, occasionally squeezing tighter at a new sight or sound. Lucy chimed in here and there, adding little stories to make it feel welcoming.
They finally reached the guild hall, the familiar wooden doors creaking open as Varion pushed them wide. The usual chaos greeted them—laughter echoing, a few minor scuffles in the corners, the scent of beer and fresh bread mixing in the air. Meredy hesitated at the threshold, but Varion gave her hand a gentle tug, leading her inside.
He spotted the kids clustered at a table near the back—Wendy chatting with Lisanna, Natsu and Sting arguing over a game, Rogue quietly watching, Gajeel munching on iron scraps, Elfman sniffling over something. Varion guided Meredy over, kneeling down to her level as the group turned curiously.
"Hey, everyone," Varion said with a smile. "This is Meredy—she's going to be staying with us for a while. Meredy, meet Wendy, Sting, Rogue, Natsu, Gajeel, Lisanna, and Elfman. They're all like little siblings here."
The kids' faces lit up instantly. Wendy beamed, reaching out a hand. "Hi, Meredy! Your hair is so pretty! Wanna play with us?"
Lisanna nodded excitedly. "Yeah! We can show you around!"
Meredy glanced up at Varion for reassurance, then nodded shyly, her small smile returning. Varion ruffled her hair. "Go on—have fun. They'll look after you, okay. Make sure everyone plays nice."
"We will!" Natsu shouted, already grabbing a ball from under the table. The more energetic ones of the group agreed with cheers, pulling Meredy into their circle as they dashed off toward the backyard.
Varion straightened, watching them go with a warm swell in his chest. His gaze shifted across the hall, landing on Mira and Erza in a quieter corner, sitting at a table with drinks in hand, chatting softly but glancing around as if waiting for something—or someone.
He headed over, Lucy released his arm then grinned with a knowing smile. Before Varion could even open his mouth to say "hey," Mira was on her feet, her blue eyes locking onto his with a mix of relief and longing. She stepped forward, her fists balling into his shirt as she pulled him closer, rising on her toes to press her lips against his in a sudden, fervent kiss.
Varion's surprise melted instantly, his instincts kicking in as he kissed her back, his hands sliding down her back to rest on her butt, pulling closer. The world narrowed to that moment—the warmth of her, the faint taste of sweetness of her lips—until they pulled apart slowly, a thin string of saliva connecting their lips for a heartbeat before breaking.
Mira's cheeks were flushed, her tsundere mask cracked wide open. "I missed you," she murmured, her voice soft but intense.
Varion smiled, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I missed you too," he replied, leaning in for a quick, tender peck on her lips.
He looked past her then, catching Erza's gaze. She was blushing deeply, her serious expression softened, eyes averted slightly as if embarrassed to admit she wanted the same. But the longing was clear in the way she fidgeted with her mug, her red hair framing her face making her look even more beautiful in the moment.
Varion didn't make her wait. He stepped over, his hand finding her waist and pulling her in gently, her chest pressing softly against him. Their kiss was much softer, more tender—his lips brushing hers with care, drawing a happy, contented noise from her throat, like a quiet hum of satisfaction. She melted into it for a moment, her hands wrapping around his neck, before they pulled away, her blush deepening but a small smile tugging at her lips.
They settled back into the table, the guild's noise a distant hum around them. Then Mira leaned forward, her eyes sharp with curiosity. "So, what happened out there? Brandish said you looked like you went through hell and you also brought that little girl back? And who's the woman in the infirmary?"
Erza nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yeah, we've been worried. Details, Varion. Was it thatbad?" lucy nodded along with them
Varion exhaled, running a hand through his crimson hair. "I appreciate it, really. But I can't say anything yet—not until I talk to Master Makarov. It's… sensitive guild business."
They exchanged glances, understanding flickering across their faces. Mira crossed her arms with a huff, but her tone was accepting. "Fair enough. Some things are just like that."
Erza placed a hand on his knee under the table, a subtle show of support. "We'll wait. Just come back soon."
Lucy squeezed his arm gently. "Yeah. But we're here if you need anything."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a familiar booming voice echoed from above. Master Makarov appeared on the balcony overlooking the hall, his small frame leaning over the railing as he scanned the crowd. His eyes locked onto Varion. "Varion! Up here, lad—my office, now!"
Varion stood, giving the girls a reassuring smile. "I'll be right back in a bit. Promise."
He leaned down first to Mira, pressing a quick, soft kiss to her lips—she returned it with a playful nip. Then to Erza, who tilted her head up to meet him, her kiss gentle and lingering just a second longer, drawing another happy hum from her. Finally, to Lucy, who blushed but smiled brightly as their lips met in a tender peck, her hand cupping his cheek briefly.
With that, he hurried up the stairs, the wooden steps creaking under his feet as he made his way to Makarov's office. The door was ajar, and he pushed it open without knocking, stepping into the dimly lit room filled with stacks of papers, and the faint scent of beer.
There, on a worn couch against the wall, sat Ultear. She looked a little better than the night before—her dark hair combed, her clothes clean—but the devastation lingered in her eyes, hollow and red-rimmed from the weight of all the truths she'd uncovered about her life, her magic, and Grimoire Heart. She glanced up at him briefly, then away, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, trembling slightly.
Makarov sat behind his desk, his expression grave but thoughtful. He gestured for Varion to sit in the chair opposite. "Close the door, boy. We've got decisions to make."
Varion did as asked, then took his seat, his gaze shifting between the master and Ultear. "What have you decided, Master? About her."
Makarov leaned back, rubbing his chin with a sigh. "I've questioned her this morning, thoroughly. And I'll be honest, lad… some of what I learned ain't pretty. Less than pleasant things, dark deeds tied to that cursed guild of hers. But…" He paused, his eyes softening as he looked at Ultear, who lowered her head under the gaze. "She's not beyond redemption. Pain like hers twists people, but it doesn't have to define 'em forever. I've decided she needs a second chance. Here, in Fairy Tail, under our watch. We'll help her find her way back—if she's willing."
Ultear lifted her head slowly, her dark eyes meeting Makarov's for the first time since Varion entered. The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a long moment, she said nothing, her fingers twisting in her lap as fresh tears threatened to spill. But beneath the devastation, a flicker of something—hope, perhaps, or desperate relief—stirred. She swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I… accept. If Fairy Tail will have me, I'll join. I'll do whatever it takes to right the wrongs I've committed."
Makarov nodded solemnly, his expression softening just a fraction. "Good. But there are conditions, girl. You'll be watched closely—no lone wanderings, no secrets until you've earned our trust. Privacy is a right you'll have to prove yourself worthy of. And if you step out of line…" He trailed off, the implication clear in his stern gaze.
Ultear nodded quickly, her shoulders slumping in acceptance. "I understand. I won't… I won't betray this chance."
Makarov leaned forward, his small hands folding on the desk. "Then it's settled. I've decided Varion here will be your primary watcher—he's strong, fair, and he's got a good head on his shoulders. Wakaba and Macao will keep tabs when he's on jobs, and Gildarts'll pitch in when he's around. They're veterans; they know how to spot trouble."
Varion nodded having no issue with this then glanced at Ultear, his expression neutral but not unkind. "I'll hold you to your word. And like I told you before, you can stay with me at the house. There's room, and it'll make watching you easier. But remember—this is your one shot. Don't waste it."
Ultear met his eyes briefly, a mix of fear and gratitude flashing across her face. "Thank you… both of you."
Makarov cleared his throat, shifting gears with a more serious tone, his gaze hardening as he leaned back in his chair. "There's one more thing that needs cleaning up immediately, and it involves you, Ultear. The Tower of Heaven—that cursed place you helped twist. You manipulated Jellal, filled his head with lies about Zeref, turned him into a puppet for your guild's schemes. There are still people trapped there—slaves, innocents—and some brainwashed fools who've stayed behind, guarding it like fanatics."
Ultear's face paled further, her hands clenching into fists as the guilt crashed over her anew. She didn't deny it, just bowed her head in silent shame.
Makarov turned to Varion, his voice firm. "I'm assigning this to you as an S-class mission, lad. Go to the Tower, rescue anyone who's still held there, and capture the brainwashed ones—bring 'em back so we can help them. I want this done cleanly with no loose ends. And… I'd recommend taking Erza with you. She's got the strength for it, and she'll be a good fit for the team."
He didn't elaborate on Erza's past with the Tower—the slavery, the trauma, the unresolved pain—but the suggestion hung heavy. Makarov hoped it would give her a chance to confront her demons, to find some closure, but he kept that to himself, trusting Varion to handle it.
Varion nodded thoughtfully, already piecing together the plan. "Understood, Master. I'll handle it. And I'll take Ultear along so she can help undo some of the damage she caused. It'll be part of her redemption."
Makarov raised an eyebrow but nodded approvingly. "Smart. Use her wisely."
Varion continued, his mind set. "I'll bring Mira, Lucy, Erza, and Brandish as well. I promised them I'd take them on an S-class mission when the time came. They've been training hard, and I'll need the extra hands to deal with all the people there. Rescues, captures… it's going to be a lot."
Makarov chuckled softly, a spark of pride in his eyes. "Aye, that it will. You've got a good team there, boy. Just make sure everyone's prepared, this ain't a picnic. Get it done, and report back when you're through."
Varion stood, giving a respectful nod. "We will, Master. Thank you."
As he turned to leave, Ultear rose shakily from the couch, following him out at a distance. The office door clicked shut behind them, the weight of the new mission settling over Varion like a mantle. Downstairs, the girls waited—and now, he had a lot to explain.