Chapter 99: Magical Parade
Freed's final assessment hung in the air, and Bickslow and Evergreen found themselves nodding in agreement.
"Don't get the wrong idea—I'm not giving up," Laxus said, his voice steady despite his injuries. "I'll keep training, get stronger, and one day I'll surpass him. Then I'll inherit Gramps's guild fair and square."
The Thunder God Tribe visibly relaxed at his words. They'd half-expected Laxus to be completely broken after his defeat at Dino's hands.
"You three should get ready for the Magical Parade," Laxus continued, waving them off. "Make yourselves useful. You're still Fairy Tail members, so you'd better participate."
"What about you, Laxus?" Freed asked.
A small smile crossed Laxus's face. "I'll watch from here. Just don't embarrass the Thunder God Tribe out there."
"Understood. We'll take our leave then." The three turned toward the door.
"Hey…" Laxus called out, still gazing through the window. "Thanks. For always having my back."
The three paused, exchanged glances, then quietly left.
Time flew by, and before long, the entire town had gathered at Magnolia's grand theater. When Fairy Tail made a promise, they delivered—the venue was packed to capacity, with magic projection crystals broadcasting the show to overflow crowds outside.
The entire guild sat together in reserved seats, having finished their parade rehearsal earlier. Now they waited eagerly for the main attraction.
As the lights dimmed, the audience's chatter faded to silence. All eyes fixed on the stage.
Soft, melancholic music filled the theater as a narrator's voice began the tale. The story unfolded with magical stagecraft that left the crowd mesmerized. Unlike the typical fairy tale romance, this was a journey from animosity to love, from isolation to connection. The audience hung on every twist and turn, completely absorbed in the protagonists' emotional journey.
The message resonated clearly: true beauty lies within the heart, not in outward appearance.
When Dino's character sacrificed himself to save Mirajane's, sniffles echoed throughout the theater. More than a few audience members openly wept.
The finale brought thunderous applause—the beautiful girl fearlessly approached the cursed prince, and her kiss of true love shattered the enchantment. As Dino transformed back into his handsome human form, the crowd erupted in cheers that shook the rafters.
Even as the curtain fell, the applause continued. The audience had witnessed more than a story—they'd experienced a magical spectacle that blended narrative and visual effects into something unforgettable.
Among the crowd sat Leon, Gray's senior from their training days on Galuna Island.
"Tch, Gray couldn't even land the lead role," Leon muttered, arms crossed. Then he glanced sideways. "And Sherry, how long are you going to keep crying?"
"Waaah~! True love is so beautiful!" Sherry sobbed dramatically. "I never knew Fairy Tail had someone who understood romance so deeply! It's just like Leon and me~!"
"How is it anything like us?!" Toby and Yuka shouted in unison, sweatdrops forming.
"Because you two don't understand true love at all~~!" Sherry's singsong tone made both men flinch—they'd heard that particular inflection far too many times.
Near the front, Makarov sat surrounded by several elderly men—guild masters from across Fiore, all old friends. Yajima from the Magic Council was among them.
"Makarov, you old rascal! Your guild members are ridiculously talented!"
"What a wonderful story! I was moved to tears!"
"That young man's wasting his potential as a mage—he should be a playwright!"
"Ah, to be young again!"
"Gwahahaha!" Makarov's laugh boomed through the theater. "Of course! My children inherited all their talent from me naturally!"
Then his expression turned slightly worried. "Though… Dino and Mira performed so well, what if they overshadow the actual Magical Parade? That won't do at all!"
Soon enough, the Fairy Tail Magical Parade commenced. The entire town lined the streets, cheering and clapping. Children ran alongside the floats, eyes sparkling with wonder.
Spectacular magical displays painted the streets with light and color, capturing the festive spirit perfectly.
On a quiet side street away from the main parade route, Laxus stood watching his guildmates pass by. His bag was packed and slung over his shoulder.
As the last float rolled past, he turned to leave—and stopped short.
Dino stood directly in his path.
"Leaving already? Without saying goodbye to everyone?"
"Shouldn't you be in the parade?" Laxus countered.
"What would I do, cause an earthquake? That'd send everyone running." Dino smirked. "I know you too well to let you slip away like this."
"I can't cause Gramps any more trouble."
Dino's expression hardened. "And you think running away solves that? You'll just make the old man worry himself sick."
"I'm not quitting the guild, and I'm not running away," Laxus said firmly. "But there are things I need to figure out on my own."
He pulled an envelope from his jacket and held it out. "I wrote everything down. Was planning to mail it in a few days, but since you're here… give this to Gramps for me."
Laxus's voice softened slightly. "Tell everyone I'm sorry. I'll apologize properly when I get back. And… take care of the old man for me."
Without waiting for a response, Laxus walked past Dino, adjusting his bag.
Dino didn't try to stop him. Some journeys had to be taken alone.
Later, at the celebration banquet following the parade, Dino approached Makarov and handed him the letter.
The guild master's face cycled through emotions as he read—anger, joy, concern, and finally resigned affection.
"That brat!" Makarov sighed deeply. "I don't know where he gets that stubborn streak. Why can't he just say things to my face?" He chuckled despite himself. "But I suppose writing a letter at all is progress. Thank you, Dino."
"Don't mention it," Dino replied. "Laxus has been part of Fairy Tail since birth. His connection to this guild runs deeper than anyone's. Even without my interference, he'd never truly cause serious harm."
"Now get down here—the celebration's starting!"
The Fairy Tail celebration party erupted into full swing. After a few rounds of drinks, the morning's tensions melted away completely. Laughter and music filled the guild hall late into the night.
The next morning, Dino barely had time to rub the sleep from his eyes before Erza appeared at his door.
"Get ready. We're taking a job together."
He knew better than to argue when Erza used that tone.