The town's finest healer was pouring all of her strength into the spell, brows furrowed in concentration.
After a long moment, she slowly lowered her hands, releasing the magic.
"What's her condition now?" Kael forced down the anxiety clawing at his chest and glanced at Lisanna, still asleep, before turning to the exhausted healer.
Mirajane and her siblings stood nearby, their faces pale with worry. They didn't speak, but the tension was clear as they huddled together for comfort.
After treatment, Elfman's robust body allowed him to move, and he gently cradled his sister and Lisanna in his arms.
"I'm sorry… my magic can only do so much," the healer said, catching her breath. "This seems to be a soul issue. You'll need a higher-level healer—otherwise… in less than a day, she—"
She didn't finish.
"No! Lisanna, no matter which world you come from, you're my sister! Open your eyes and look at Nee-chan—Nee-chan is right here!" Mirajane leapt onto the bed, cradling Lisanna's face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks, voice trembling.
The Lisanna from this world collapsed into Elfman's arms, crying. Elfman's tears fell freely as he held her tight, afraid she might vanish too.
"Natsu… this can't be real, right?" Happy tugged at the corner of Natsu's sleeve, his voice shaky with fear.
Natsu clenched his fists, jaw tight, head bowed, tears dripping onto the floor. "Lisanna…"
Yes, no matter which world she came from, Lisanna was Lisanna—their family. How could one not grieve?
"There's still hope," Kael's voice cut through the despair, like a lifeline. "Porlwska can help. We have to get back to the guild immediately. I'll go ahead first."
Before anyone could respond, Kael enveloped Lisanna in Holy Light Magic, and their figures vanished.
"But… the guild is so far away… even by train it would take three days," Happy murmured, looking at the empty bed.
"Don't worry. I believe Kael can do it," Natsu said firmly.
"We need to move too," Mirajane added. The group quickly gathered themselves, finishing their preparations before catching the earliest train back to the guild.
Kael soared through the skies, pushing his Observation Magic to its limits. Each teleportation reached the outermost bounds of his perception, requiring intense concentration. On top of that, he had to sustain the Holy Light Magic shielding Lisanna. Every spell drained his magic and stamina, forcing him to momentarily absorb light from the environment to replenish himself—though it was barely enough.
Just as he was one magic circle away from Porlwska's cabin, his energy nearly depleted. He barely managed to position himself over the streets of Magnolia.
The magic circle appeared on the street, and Kael and Lisanna materialized above it.
Kael planted one hand on the ground, gasping for breath, his mind buzzing like a hive of bees. His other hand remained outstretched, channeling magic to sustain the defensive barrier.
The townsfolk were startled by the sudden appearance of two figures. Seeing Kael's exhausted state, they rushed toward the Fairy Tail guild for assistance.
"Don't give up. Just a little further," Kael muttered, forcing himself to recalibrate his perception.
With another flash of light, the duo appeared in front of Porlwska's cabin.
"Save… Lisanna!" Kael's last words fell before he collapsed into exhaustion.
Porlwska rushed forward, catching Lisanna as she descended, sensing her body. Shockingly, Lisanna had no magic left.
"Could it be… from another—"
Back at the Fairy Tail Guild…
"Something's wrong! Master Makarov! Kael and Lisanna… they suddenly appeared in the street… Kael looks like he's in terrible pain, Lisanna is lying in a glow, motionless… you need to—"
A man ran in, breathless, struggling to relay the scene.
Before he could finish, two figures—one crackling with lightning, another with long flowing hair—shot out of the guild. At the entrance, the long-haired figure stomped the ground, leaving a crater. The wind from her card-powered wings propelled them faster than Laxus toward the eastern forest cabin.
Kanna and Laxus had sensed Kael and Lisanna's injuries through Observation Magic. Though not as strong as Kael's, they quickly pinpointed their location and sped toward them.
"Kael… Lisanna… Mirajane… what happened?" Kanna and Laxus thought furiously while accelerating. Normally calm and proud, Laxus's face was filled with concern.
"Impossible…" Erza, Gray, and other guild members couldn't believe it either. Without hesitation, they rushed eastward toward the forest.
When Kael awoke again, he saw the guild members gathered around, seated on the ground. Master Makarov dozed lightly on a tree stump, while Laxus leaned against a tree, gazing off into the distance.
"Kael, you're awake! How are you feeling?" the Master exclaimed, hopping forward.
The guild members crowded around, eyes full of concern. Kael felt a warm glow in his chest, seeing their worry mirrored in identical expressions.
"What about Lisanna?" he asked.
"She's fine," Erza replied. "Porlwska's treatment was timely. Kanna and Levy are watching over her. Don't worry."
"I'm fine now," Kael said, hopping off the ground energetically. Porlwska had helped him recover by letting him lie in the sunlight, replenishing his magic.
"Looking strong~" Erza clapped him on the shoulders repeatedly, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Kael?" A voice called. He turned to see Kanna at the doorway, beaming with joy.
The guild members parted, letting Kanna rush into Kael's arms. She pressed tightly against him, and Kael held her firmly.
"I'm fine now. Sorry to worry you," he whispered, kissing her forehead lightly. Kanna said nothing, simply nuzzling his chest, soaking in his warmth.
The guild members smiled at the touching scene. Even Porlwska observed from the side, smiling gently.
"All right. Once Mirajane and the others arrive, we'll start the feast," Makarov said cheerfully. He had already used the influence of the Holy Ten to confirm Mirajane and the others were en route, though the details of their mission were still unknown.
Unbeknownst to Kael, his Observation Magic had surpassed multiple limits, now reaching a terrifyingly advanced level.