The stars above the island shimmered like a velvet quilt of scattered diamonds. The night breeze carried the salt of the sea and the silence of sorrow. Beneath this quiet sky, Escanor Dragneel, boy warrior of Fairy Tail, stood across from a trembling girl, her eyes red, her soul unraveling.
And for the first time in his life, defeating a dark force hadn't required a blade—but truth.
"Ultear."
Her name trembled on his lips like a sacred chant.
The girl knelt before him, shoulders shaking. Her defiant shell cracked, and the truth Escanor revealed spilled through the gaps in her heart like warm sunlight.
"Your mother never abandoned you. She cried for you every night. She thought you were dead."
Escanor extended his hand—bathed in golden radiance. "Sunlight Memory: Reminiscence."
A soft orb of light shimmered in his palm. Hesitant, Ultear reached out with pale fingers. The moment she touched the magic, images poured into her mind:
You're clutching a baby wrapped in blankets, whispering,
"Tiya… You'll be better soon. You'll live."
You're screaming in agony before a hospital window.
"What do you mean she's dead?! Where is my daughter?!"
You're alone by a grave, sobbing in silence, tears falling onto cold stone.
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't protect you…"
And lastly—Ur, weakened and dying, whispering her final words to Escanor:
"Please… bury these crystals next to my Tiya. That way, we'll never be apart again…"
Tears fell soundlessly down Ultear's face as she clutched the light to her chest.
"Mama… I'm sorry… Mama… I was wrong…"
She collapsed forward, burying her head in Escanor's chest, sobbing like a lost child who had finally found home. Escanor could only pat her trembling back, the warmth of his magic wrapping around her like a blanket.
Time passed—measured in heartbeats, not minutes.
Eventually, Ultear wiped her face and pulled away, her cheeks flushed pink. Escanor awkwardly stood frozen in the half-hugging pose.
"T-Thank you… Escanor. I… didn't know."
"No need to thank me. You saved me once, too. She gave me everything."
Ultear's eyes lingered on his. "You're different from anyone I've ever met."
Escanor coughed into his sleeve, looking away. "W-Well… you're welcome."
But the moment of peace ended when Ultear's voice hardened.
"Even so… I can't leave. Not yet. I'll stay in Grimoire Heart. What they did to my mother… they'll pay for it. Every last one of them."
Escanor frowned, but he saw it in her eyes—conviction, not vengeance. And he knew there was no swaying her now.
"Then at least promise me one thing. Don't lose yourself."
He pressed a sunlight crystal into her palm.
"If you're ever in danger—break this. I'll come."
Ultear's eyes glistened again. She bit her lip and nodded. Then, just as she turned to leave—
"Oh, right… Jellal."
Escanor blinked. "What about him?"
"He's alive. I only knocked him out. But the Master's hypnosis—it's already taken root. It's not something I can undo."
Escanor sighed. "I see… I'll keep an eye on him."
They exchanged magical frequencies. Ultear looked back several times as she disappeared into the sky.
"Escanor… thank you."
Back in the cells.
Erza lay curled up in her corner, her body trembling with fatigue—but her ears perked up at the familiar voice:
"I'm back."
She turned. He was there.
She smiled softly. "Welcome back."
Escanor sat beside her, leaning against the cold iron bars. The glow of his "Sun" magic gently warmed the chilled air between them. Erza shuffled closer, resting near him—drawn to his warmth.
"What's your name?" Escanor asked softly.
"Erza… just Erza. I don't know my last name. I don't remember anything about my family."
Her voice was small, hollow.
Escanor tilted his head in thought.
"Then… let me give you one."
She blinked. "You can do that?"
"Of course. If you don't mind."
"Please… I'd love that."
Escanor looked at her closely—her fierce amber eyes, the fire in her heart, and the crimson curtain of hair cascading down her back.
"Scarlet," he said finally. "Your hair… It's beautiful. From now on, your name is Erza Scarlet."
She froze. Then she repeated it aloud like it was the most precious name she'd ever heard.
"Erza Scarlet… crimson hair… beautiful…"
Her voice shook. For a girl who'd only been called weak, defiant, or trouble—it was the first time someone had called her beautiful.
A small blush crept up her cheeks. Her body leaned gently against Escanor's arm, her lips curling into a small smile.
That night, in a dark prison cell full of sorrow, a single light bloomed.
As Erza drifted to sleep, her head resting on Escanor's shoulder, she whispered his name in a breath softer than the sea breeze.
"Escanor Dreyar… Erza Scarlet…"
And the stars above the island shone just a little brighter.