Chapter 143

The magical barriers dissolved as the royal rumble officially ended.

Laxus stood in the center of the destroyed plaza, breathing hard. His coat was torn, burns marked his arms, and for the first time in years, he looked genuinely tired. But he was standing. The last one standing.

The crowd erupted.

Cheers echoed through Magnolia as civilians who'd been pressed against the barriers rushed forward. The eliminated fighters materialized from the guild hall's healing area, drawn by the roar of the crowd.

"YEAH, LAXUS!" Natsu shouted, pumping his fist despite having been eliminated hours ago.

"That was incredible!" Lucy clapped, her eyes shining.

Even Gray managed a grudging nod. "Not bad

Laxus turned toward the guild hall balcony, where Aiden still stood with Irene. Their eyes met across the distance.

Aiden's grin was proud. He raised his hand in a simple gesture—acknowledgment between teacher and student.

Laxus nodded back, then promptly sat down on a piece of rubble. "Someone get me a drink."

"On it!" Mirajane called out, already moving despite her own exhaustion.

The four he'd just defeated approached. Erza limped slightly but held herself with dignity. Simon's darkness magic had been completely spent. Kagura gripped Enko's hilt, already planning her next training session. Cana looked as exhausted as she felt.

"That was brutal," Simon said, offering his hand. "But fair."

Laxus took it, pulling himself to his feet. "You four gave me a real fight. That's more than most can say."

"Next time," Kagura said quietly, her grip on Enko tightening. "I'll be stronger."

"Me too," Erza added. She thought of the sealed armors in her collection—the ones that required conditions she hadn't met yet. "I still have equipment I haven't unlocked."

"Then I'll just have to get stronger too." Laxus's grin was tired but genuine. "Can't let you kids catch up."

"Kids?" Cana protested. "You're only a few years older than us!"

"And yet, here we are." Laxus gestured at the destroyed plaza around them.

The guild members began gathering in the square. The magical repairs Aiden had set up activated, buildings reforming, streets mending, the fountain reconstructing itself stone by stone. Within minutes, Magnolia looked pristine again—like the battle had never happened.

"Alright, everyone!" Aiden's voice boomed across the plaza, amplified by magic. "That was one hell of a show!"

The crowd cheered again.

"Our winner—Laxus Dreyar!" Aiden's grin was visible even from the ground.

"Who proved exactly why he's one of the strongest in the guild!"

Laxus rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

"Now," Aiden continued, his voice taking on a teasing edge. "About that prize."

The plaza went silent.

Every guild member who'd participated in the royal rumble turned their attention to the balcony. Even the civilians leaned in, curious.

Laxus crossed his arms, electricity crackling faintly around his fingers. "Well? Don't keep me waiting."

Aiden laughed. "Always so impatient." He paused for dramatic effect. "Your prize, little brother, is something I've been working on for a while. Something that'll push you even further."

"Just tell me already," Laxus growled.

"Where's the fun in that?" Aiden's grin turned mischievous. "You'll get it tomorrow. After you've rested."

"Tomorrow?" Laxus's eye twitched. "You're seriously making me wait?"

"Yep."

"You're an ass."

"And yet, here you are, waiting anyway." Aiden's laughter echoed across the plaza. "Trust me, it'll be worth it."

Irene shook her head, amused. "You're terrible."

"I prefer entertaining,'" Aiden replied.

The crowd began to disperse as the sun set over Magnolia. The Harvest Festival was officially over. Three days of celebrations, competitions, and chaos had come to an end.

"Best festival ever!" someone shouted.

"When's the next one?" another voice called out.

Aiden waved from the balcony. "We'll see! Depends on how much property damage you all cause in the meantime!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

=====

The next morning arrived with fanfare—literally.

Magnolia's streets filled with people as the final event of the Harvest Festival began. The Grand Parade, a tradition that dated back generations, was the town's way of celebrating another successful harvest season.

Floats decorated with autumn leaves and magical lights lined the main street. Performers in colorful costumes danced between them. Music filled the air as bands played cheerful melodies that had the crowd clapping along.

At the front of it all, riding on the largest float decorated with the Fairy Tail emblem, stood the guild members.

"This is so embarrassing," Gray muttered, arms crossed as he stood on the platform.

"Speak for yourself!" Natsu grinned, waving at the crowd with both hands. His Charmeleon perched on the float's railing, mimicking its trainer's enthusiasm. "This is awesome!"

"You just like the attention," Lucy said, though she was smiling and waving too. Her Clefairy bounced excitedly beside her, throwing sparkles into the air.

Erza stood near the edge of the float, her posture perfect despite the previous day's exhaustion. She'd changed into a formal outfit—one of the dresses Irene had insisted she own for occasions like this. Her Lucario stood at attention beside her, equally dignified.

Kagura watched the crowd with quiet interest, her Flabébé floating near her shoulder. "It's loud."

"That's the point," Simon said from nearby. He looked uncomfortable in formal clothes, constantly adjusting his collar. His Doublade floated behind him in their twin-blade formation.

Jellal stood with them, his blue hair catching the morning light. His Metang hovered nearby, its metallic body gleaming. "It's... nice. Seeing everyone so happy."

"Yeah," Simon agreed softly. "It is."

On a separate float behind them, the older guild members rode in slightly more dignified positions—though "dignified" was relative when it came to Fairy Tail.

Cana had somehow smuggled alcohol onto the float and was already drinking. "Best parade ever!"

Her Spinda swayed beside her in its perpetual dizzy state, drawing laughs from the crowd.

"That's because you're drunk," Wakaba said, though he was grinning.

"Your point?" Cana shot back.

Ur stood with her arms crossed, looking amused at the chaos around her. Her Lapras had been given its own water-filled section of the float, gliding serenely while children pointed and gasped.

"Mom, look at Lyon's float!" Gray called out, pointing.

"I'm not competing with you right now," Lyon replied, though his Glaceon was definitely posed to look more impressive than Gray's Snorunt.

"Sure you're not," Gray muttered.

Mirajane waved at the crowd with practiced grace, her smile bright despite everything. Her Galarian Linoone scampered along the float's edge, occasionally stopping to pose for children.

"POKEMON ARE MANLY!" Elfman bellowed, flexing. His Machoke mimicked the gesture perfectly.

"Please stop," Lisanna sighed, though she was smiling.

At the very front, on the guild master's float, sat Makarov with Aiden and Irene.

"This never gets old," Makarov said, waving his mug at the cheering crowd.

"Yes it doesn’t" Aiden smiled.

The parade continued down the main street, passing shops and homes decorated for the occasion. Children ran alongside the floats, laughing and trying to catch the candy that guild members tossed into the crowd. Several smaller Pokemon ran with them—Pikachu, Eevee, and various other species that had become common sights in Magnolia.

Levy stood near the edge of her float, tossing sweets with careful aim. Her Clefable helped, using small bursts of energy to guide the candy to kids who couldn't reach.

Laxus stood on one of the middle floats, looking distinctly uncomfortable with all the attention. His Pikachu sat on his shoulder, handling the crowd's enthusiasm better than its trainer.

"Stop glaring at everyone," Freed said from beside him. "You're supposed to look approachable."

"I don't do approachable," Laxus muttered.

"Try," Bickslow suggested with a laugh.

Several kids in the crowd pointed at Laxus with excited expressions. "Laxus! Laxus!"

Laxus's eye twitched, but he raised his hand in a half-hearted wave. The crowd went wild. His Pikachu sparked with electricity in response, making the display even more impressive.

"See? Natural talent," Freed said approvingly.

"I hate this," Laxus replied, but there was the smallest hint of a smile on his face.

The parade wound through Magnolia's streets, each turn bringing new crowds and more cheers. Pokemon of all types were visible throughout—some belonging to guild members, others to citizens who'd acquired partners over the years. The autumn sun shone down warm and bright.

As they passed the clock tower—now fully repaired from yesterday's destruction—Aiden caught sight of where the crater had briefly existed. The magical repairs had worked perfectly. No trace remained.

"Everything always returns to normal," Irene observed.

"That's the magic of it," Aiden agreed. "No matter how much chaos happens, Magnolia bounces back."

"Like Fairy Tail itself."

"Exactly."

The parade reached the town square, where a massive stage had been set up. This was the traditional endpoint—where the guild master would give a speech to close out the festival.

The floats came to a stop, and guild members began climbing down to mingle with the crowd. Their Pokemon partners followed, many immediately surrounded by children eager to pet and play with them. Music continued playing as vendors set up one last round of food stalls.

Makarov hopped off the float with surprising agility. He made his way toward the stage, but paused and turned back to look at Aiden.

"Actually," the old man said with a grin. "As the current guild master, this honor should be yours."

Aiden blinked. "You want me to give the speech?"

"It's tradition. The guild master closes the festival."

"You're just lazy," Aiden accused.

"That too." Makarov's grin widened. "But mostly, I think it's time Magnolia heard from their new master."

The crowd had noticed the exchange and were now watching with interest.

Irene squeezed his hand. "You'll be fine."

"Easy for you to say," Aiden muttered, but he was already moving toward the stage.

As he climbed the steps, the crowd's chatter died down. The music faded to a gentle background melody. All of Magnolia turned their attention to the stage—hundreds of people and Pokemon waiting.

Aiden took a breath, then grinned.

"So," he began, his voice carrying across the square. "That was one hell of a festival, wasn't it?"

The crowd roared in agreement.

"Three days of celebration. Competitions, food, music, and—let's be honest—a lot of property damage." He paused for the laughter. "But that's what makes it memorable, right? The chaos, the excitement, the moments that make you feel alive."

He looked out over the guild members scattered through the crowd.

"Fairy Tail has always been about pushing boundaries. About being loud, being proud, and never apologizing for who we are. This festival was no different. We showed Magnolia—showed all of Fiore—what it means to be part of this family."

Natsu pumped his fist. His Charmeleon roared in agreement.

"But more than that," Aiden continued, his tone becoming more serious, "we showed each other what we're capable of. Yesterday's royal rumble wasn't just entertainment. It was growth. Every person who stepped into that arena left stronger than when they entered—not just in power, but in understanding."

His eyes found Laxus in the crowd. The lightning mage met his gaze steadily, his Pikachu's ears perking up.

"We learned our limits. We learned what we still need to work on. And most importantly, we learned that together—with our partners, our friends, our family—this guild is unstoppable."

Erza's Lucario stood straighter. Kagura's hand tightened on Enko's hilt. Simon's Doublade crossed their blades in salute.

"Magnolia has supported Fairy Tail for decades. Through our mistakes, our victories, our loudest moments and our quietest. You've welcomed not just us, but our Pokemon partners. You've made them—made all of us—feel like home."

Aiden's grin returned, softer and more genuine.

"So thank you. Thank you for letting us be who we are. Thank you for celebrating with us. Thank you for being part of the Fairy Tail family—because that's what you all are. Family."

He raised his fist into the air.

"To Magnolia! To Fairy Tail! And to many more festivals just as chaotic as this one!"

The crowd exploded into cheers. Pokemon cries mixed with human voices—roars, chirps, howls, and electronic beeps creating a symphony of celebration. The music swelled. Across the square, Fairy Tail members raised their own fists in response, the guild mark on their bodies seeming to glow brighter in the afternoon sun.

Aiden stepped off the stage to find Irene waiting.

"Not bad," she said with a smile.

Makarov approached, his eyes suspiciously moist. "That was perfect, my boy. Absolutely perfect."

"Don't cry on me, old man," Aiden warned.

"I'm not crying!" Makarov protested, wiping his eyes. "It's just... allergies."

"In autumn?"

"Terrible season for it."

Aiden laughed and clapped the former guild master on the shoulder.

The sun began its descent toward the horizon, casting golden light across Magnolia. Pokemon and humans celebrated together, the bonds between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges.

But today? Today was for celebration.