Fairy Tail: Lost One

Rudra pushed open the doors to the Fairy Tail Guild, stepping into a scene of vibrant energy and noise. Conversations echoed across the spacious hall, punctuated by the sound of clinking glasses and the occasional burst of laughter.

Members of the guild were scattered around—some seated at tables enjoying their meals, others sparring or lounging with their companions.

As Rudra made his way toward the counter, a noticeable change swept through the room. Conversations hushed, and heads turned.

The lively atmosphere dimmed as the guild members stared at the newcomer, their curiosity palpable. Rudra paid them no mind, his focus fixed on the counter ahead.

Behind the counter stood a young woman with violet-colored hair, bright green eyes, and a warm smile. Her round face exuded a friendly demeanor as she busily served food to the guild members.

"Excuse me, miss," Rudra said, his voice calm but firm.

The woman turned toward him, momentarily startled by his presence. "Yes? Welcome to the Fairy Tail Guild! How can I help you?"

"I'd like to meet the guild master, if possible," Rudra replied.

The woman, who introduced herself as Kinana, glanced over her shoulder at a slightly older man seated nearby.

He had dark blue hair, linear eyebrows, and a thick mustache. His demeanor carried an air of authority, though his posture was relaxed.

"That's Master Macao Conbolt," Kinana said with a warm smile. Turning toward the man sitting at a table near the bar, she called out, "Master! Someone's here to see you."

Macao glanced up, setting down his drink, and rose to his feet. He approached the counter, his sharp gaze scanning Rudra with quiet interest. "Who's looking for me, Kinana?"

She gestured toward Rudra. "This gentleman here."

Macao's eyes narrowed slightly as he appraised Rudra. "How can I help you, young man?"

Rudra met his gaze evenly. "I was hoping we could have a private conversation."

Macao studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Follow me."

He led Rudra toward the guild's office, a quieter space tucked away from the noise of the main hall. Inside, Macao gestured toward a chair opposite his desk.

Once they were both seated, he leaned back slightly, his posture relaxed but watchful.

"I'm the fourth guild master of Fairy Tail, Macao Conbolt. What brings you here?" he asked, his tone straightforward.

Rudra leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees. "Well, Master Macao, my name is Rudra. I believe I was once a part of this guild."

Macao froze, his eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, he seemed unsure of what he'd heard. Then recognition dawned, followed by disbelief, and finally joy. A broad smile spread across his face.

"Rudra… is it really you?" he asked, his voice tinged with emotion. "Where have you been? We thought… we thought you were dead."

Rudra hesitated, his expression guarded. "To be honest, Master Macao… I don't know."

Macao's smile faltered, confusion replacing his initial excitement. "What do you mean?"

"I've lost my memory," Rudra admitted, his voice steady but subdued. "I can't remember anything about my past—only my name. That's why I'm here. I was hoping you could tell me who I was."

Macao leaned back in his chair, his expression softening as he took in Rudra's words. "You've lost your memories… that must have been a tough burden to bear."

Rudra nodded silently, his eyes steady as he waited for Macao to continue.

Macao rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "Alright," he said finally, his tone resolute. "I'll tell you what I know."

And with that, Macao began recounting Rudra's past, weaving together fragments of memories long forgotten.

As the two spoke, back at the counter, two women approached Kinana.

The first was a slim young woman of average height with straight, pale lavender hair styled in a bowl cut. She was Laki Olietta.

The second was a young woman with long, straight green hair that cascaded to her lower back. She wore a cowgirl outfit and carried herself with confidence—her name was Bisca Connell.

Laki was the first to break the silence as she walked into the guild hall. "We've completed the quest," she said with a satisfied grin, brushing some dust off her sleeve.

Kinana, polishing glasses behind the counter, looked up with a welcoming smile. "How was it?"

Bisca let out a small laugh. "Not too difficult, honestly. Although it feels like we've only been getting the lower-tier quests lately."

Kinana chuckled softly, her gaze warm. "Maybe Master Macao is just being cautious. He's in his office right now, by the way. Do you need to speak with him?"

Bisca waved her hand dismissively. "If he's busy, it can wait." She glanced around the hall before asking, "Speaking of, where's Asuka?"

"Oh, she's sleeping upstairs in one of the guild rooms," Kinana replied.

Bisca sighed in relief, a mother's worry momentarily eased. "Good. I'll go check on her soon."

Laki placed a comforting hand on Bisca's shoulder. "It can't be easy juggling guild life and motherhood."

Bisca chuckled, the sound both warm and weary. "You've got that right. But it's worth it."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the office door creaking open. Macao stepped out, followed by Rudra, whose steady steps and calm demeanor drew a few curious glances.

Macao approached the counter, his voice brisk but friendly. "Kinana, could you prepare the guild stamp?"

Kinana nodded, quickly retrieving the magical tool from a nearby drawer. As she set it on the counter, Macao turned to Rudra. "Go ahead. It's time to officially welcome you into the guild."

Rudra stepped forward, his expression unreadable but composed. Kinana held the stamp, her tone cheerful. "Where would you like your guild mark?"

Rudra raised his right arm, pointing to his shoulder. "Here."

With practiced ease, Kinana pressed the stamp against his shoulder. A faint glow accompanied the process, and when she pulled it away, the Fairy Tail emblem shimmered proudly on his skin.

"All set!" Kinana declared with a smile. "Welcome to Fairy Tail!"

Rudra nodded, his gaze briefly lingering on the mark before meeting hers. "Thank you."

Macao clapped a hand on Rudra's shoulder, his tone fatherly. "Since you don't have a place to stay yet, you can use one of the guild quarters for now."

Turning back to Kinana, he added, "Could you show him to his room?"

"Of course," Kinana said brightly, gesturing for Rudra to follow her. "Right this way."

As Rudra and Kinana walked away, Laki and Bisca approached Macao.

"It's rare for us to get a new member," Laki commented, crossing her arms.

Macao chuckled. "He's not exactly a new member. He's someone who was lost... and now, he's found his way back home."

Laki tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Macao didn't respond directly to her question. Instead, he turned to face the rest of the guild, raising his voice to get their attention. "Listen up, everyone! Rudra has returned to us."

Gasps and murmurs spread through the room as members reacted to the unexpected news.

Rudra followed Kinana in silence, his steady steps absorbing the muffled hum of the guild hall that slowly faded behind them.

"You'll find the quarters cozy," Kinana said as they walked. "Not extravagant, but comfortable. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Rudra nodded, his tone measured. "Thank you. I appreciate the help."

Kinana offered a warm smile as they stopped in front of a modest wooden door. "Here we are. Welcome to Fairy Tail, Rudra. I hope you'll feel at home here."

Rudra paused for a moment, catching her gaze. A faint, rare smile touched his lips. "I think I will. Thank you."

After Kinana left, Rudra stepped inside the room and shut the door softly behind him. The quarters were simple but functional: a small bed, a desk, and a window overlooking the courtyard.

He sat on the edge of the bed before lying back, staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled in his mind.

His hand instinctively went to his temple, massaging it as he replayed the conversation he'd had with Macao.

The old Rudra… what a mess.

Macao's recounting of his past left him feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. According to the guild master, the previous Rudra had been, in no uncertain terms, a hopeless romantic. A simp, to put it bluntly.

He groaned, recalling Macao's words: how the old Rudra would bend over backward just to get a girl to notice him, confessing to nearly every female guild member—only to be rejected each time.

"Why did I have to inherit this body?" Rudra muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

As he lay there, his internal grumbling was interrupted by a familiar chime. A system notification appeared in his mind.

Quest Completed: "Embarrassing Past"

Reward: Forgotten Memory

Rudra's face darkened as he muttered under his breath, "Now you're making fun of me, you damn system."

The system remained silent.

Rudra rolled his eyes. "I can tell you're laughing."

Finally, the system replied in a monotone voice, "Sorry, host."

"Tch," Rudra scoffed. He accepted the reward with a mental command, his curiosity mixed with hesitation. Almost immediately, a wave of warmth flooded his mind, and his body grew heavy with exhaustion.

He closed his eyes, falling into a deep sleep as the room around him faded into darkness.