Fairy Tail: The Journey
Chapter 11
After a few days of travel, Kai finally arrived at the Heartfilia Estate. The massive gates stood tall, guarded and elegant, with sprawling gardens stretching far beyond what the eye could see.
Kai let out a quiet sigh as he looked around.
"Every time I come here… I can't help it," he muttered. "Just how much do they earn to own a place like this?"
A well-dressed butler approached him and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Mr. Kai. Please, follow me."
Kai nodded and followed as they moved deeper into the estate.
After a few minutes, they reached the grand entrance of the mansion.
Standing there was a young blonde girl, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Brother Kaiiii!"
Lucy waved enthusiastically as she ran toward him.
Kai smiled warmly and waved back.
"Looks like little Lucy has grown."
He looked at her carefully.
"You're going to be breaking many hearts in the future."
Lucy immediately blushed and covered her face.
"Stop making fun of me!"
Kai laughed softly as the two began walking together.
They chatted casually while heading toward Layla's room.
As they reached the door, Lucy stopped and smiled.
"You can go inside. I'll be back."
She waved and ran off down the hallway.
Kai knocked lightly on the door.
"Enter."
A gentle female voice came from inside.
Kai opened the door and stepped in.
"Miss Layla, it's Kai."
Layla Heartfilia lay on her bed, her body weak but her smile still warm.
"Oh, Kai… come."
She gestured softly.
"I wanted to talk with you."
Kai sighed quietly.
It seemed… the time was approaching.
Layla looked at him calmly.
"I know my time is ending."
Her voice was soft but steady.
"I'm grateful to you. Because of you… I was able to see Lucy grow up."
Kai shook his head lightly.
"Well, I just happened to have something that helped you."
He leaned against the wall.
"And Mr. Jude already paid me for it, so no need to thank me."
Layla smiled gently.
"Not many people can give medicine like that so freely."
She paused before speaking again.
"I wanted to ask you something."
Kai looked at her.
"Please… look after Lucy."
Her eyes softened.
"With her personality… I wouldn't be surprised if she runs away from home to join a guild."
She laughed softly.
Kai smiled slightly.
A mother truly understood her child.
"Don't worry," he said calmly. "I'll look after her."
He crossed his arms.
"And I'm pretty sure she'll join Fairy Tail."
Layla's eyes brightened slightly.
"Fairy Tail…"
Kai nodded.
"In that guild, everyone is family."
His voice was firm.
"So you don't have to worry about her."
Layla smiled warmly.
"That's true."
She looked toward the window.
"I always wanted to live as a Fairy Tail mage…"
A small laugh escaped her lips.
"That chaotic… but warm guild."
Kai stayed silent for a moment before speaking again.
"So… about the escort mission?"
Layla waved her hand dismissively.
"It was just an excuse."
Kai sighed.
He had expected that.
"Please… no parties this time."
He rubbed his forehead.
"I can't handle another one."
Layla chuckled softly.
"No, there won't be any this time."
Then she looked at him with a teasing smile.
"So… how is your life going?"
Her eyes narrowed playfully.
"Any progress with Erza and Mira?"
Kai's ears instantly turned red.
"Ahem… what are you talking about?"
Layla smiled like someone enjoying gossip.
"You can't expect me to believe nothing is going on between you three."
Kai scratched his head awkwardly.
"Can we… not talk about that?"
"Fufufu… fine."
After chatting for a few more minutes, Kai took his leave.
He later met with Jude Heartfilia in a private room.
Jude's expression was serious.
"Is there really no way to save her?"
His voice was heavy.
"I can give you more money."
Kai shook his head slowly.
"Mr. Jude… the damage to her magic core isn't something we can heal."
His tone was calm but firm.
"As far as I know… there is no method to save her."
He paused briefly.
"Even Master Makarov tried to find a way… but failed."
Silence filled the room.
After a few more words, Kai turned to leave.
As he stepped outside, he saw Lucy waiting for him.
Her eyes looked uneasy.
"Can mom… really not be saved?"
Kai sighed softly.
"I'm sorry, Lucy."
He shook his head.
"I really don't have a way."
Lucy lowered her gaze and stayed silent.
"…Thank you."
Her voice was quiet.
"For giving her more time."
Kai gently patted her head.
After that, he left the estate.
Soon he was sitting inside a train, heading back toward Fairy Tail.
The scenery outside passed by quietly.
Kai leaned against the window.
"I'm sorry, Lucy…"
He muttered softly.
"I really don't have a way to heal her."