11

Chapter 11: The Emerald HeroSummary:

Recalling two key events of his past, Ben takes some solace in the wake of Jose's accusations. Meanwhile, Makarov is terrified of the potential destruction that Natsu, Gray, and Erza's team will cause. Lullaby reveals it's true form and Ben gives the world a glimpse of who he is!

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Ben wandered aimlessly through the lush courtyard adjoining the conference hall, his steps heavy with the burden of uncertainty. Each word Jose had uttered echoed in his mind, weaving a net of doubt and fear. 'Could I have been a bad person?' he pondered, his gaze fixed on the ground. 'Is that why my memories are sealed away? Is that why I woke up in the middle of the Worth Woodsea? I was just dumped there…'

He slumped onto a secluded bench, overshadowed by a sprawling tree, its leaves rustling in the wind. The turmoil within him deepened, a battle between the unknown truths of his past and the unsettling possibilities of his present. 'Someone went to great lengths to seal my memories away. But why? What am I hiding from myself?'

As he grappled with these thoughts, the air around him suddenly shimmered with magic. His eyes widened as green vines rapidly sprouted, winding around him and blossoming into beautiful flowers. A pleasant surprise replaced his earlier despondency.

As the floral spectacle unfolded, the brunette master of Roses Dawn, strolled up to him with a warm smile.

The middle-aged woman had gentle features and emerald eyes that seemingly radiated kindness. She had long, chestnut hair that gracefully flowed to her mid-back and was adorned with small colorful flowers. Her attire consisted of a simple yet elegant robe with earthy tones and floral patterns. Around her wrists, she wore botanical-themed bracelets, and in left hand was a staff constructed from twisting vines.

"Nature has a way of brightening even the gloomiest of days, don't you think?"

The master of Iron Ignis joined the scene, adding his own perspective in his gruff voice. "But remember, not all of nature is comforting. Some parts are harsh, like thorns, storms, and mosquitos, to name a few."

He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a rugged, robust appearance. He had short dark brown hair, streaked with silver, and hazel eyes. His was draped in durable, fire-resistant clothing, with a heavy leather apron with pockets filled with various tools. He sported a pair of thick gloves while a pendant hung around his neck.

Ben looked between the two masters, a realization dawning on him. "You two helped cast the spell earlier."

Both nodded, and the floral-themed master spoke first, "I'm Rose Liberty, master of Roses Dawn. Pleasure to meet you."

The man followed suit with a nod, "Pitt Ferrous, Iron Ignis guild master. Likewise."

After the pleasantries, Ben couldn't help but question their presence. "So, why are you both here? No offense…but I'm not really in a talkative mood."

"We understand, Ben," Rose said, her voice filled with compassion. "But something happened during the spell that you need to know about. I witnessed a fragment of your memories."

"What?" Ben perked up, surprised.

Pitt's voice was stern but not unkind. "I saw a fragment too, kid. It was definitely not something I've ever experienced in my lifetime."

Ben's eyes, clouded with confusion and a flicker of hope, met theirs. "But how? I thought the spell failed."

Rose stepped closer, her presence warm and reassuring. "When the Introsia spell was cast, your memories formed a chain. They should have reintegrated with you."

"But that seal broke the spell," Pitt continued. "And in that moment, some of those memories reached out to us. Well, me and Rose at least. I can't speak for the other four masters."

Intrigued yet apprehensive, Ben leaned forward, his heart pounding with a mix of dread and curiosity. "What did you see? Is there any truth to what Jose said about me?"

Rose and Pitt exchanged a glance, the weight of their discovery evident in their expressions. Rose took a deep breath before speaking, "Well, this is what I saw…"

…

Ben strolled away from Mr. Smoothy's counter, balancing a tray with three playful cups adorned with animated faces. The aroma of nectarine smoothies filled the air as he announced cheerfully, "Nectarine smoothies for everybody!"

His mood quickly soured when the tray was abruptly knocked from his grasp, drenching his green jacket and black t-shirt in the sticky orange liquid. "Ah, should've said 'on' everybody," Ben lamented.

The sound of mocking laughter drew his attention to two familiar figures peeking around the corner. The taller one, with short black hair, snickered, "Whoops! Looks like someone had an accident, JT."

JT, a boy with curly brown hair and black-rimmed glasses, joined in. "Yeah, Cash! Do I need to get you a sippy cup, Ben, or maybe a diaper?"

As the two bullies continued to mock him, the other customers, seated on outdoor benches, frowned at the juvenile antics. Among them, Ben noticed a familiar black-haired young man approaching, seemingly ready to intervene. Ben gave a subtle wave, indicating he could handle the situation.

When JT and Cash's laughter subsided, Ben, still smiling, shrugged off the incident. "Okay, you got me. Good one."

Cash's smirk grew. "Well… What are you gonna do about it, huh?" He pushed Ben in the chest, leaving a smoothie handprint on his shirt. Realizing his hand was now covered in the mess, Cash grimaced in disgust.

The onlookers burst into laughter, finding humor in Cash's misfortune.

Angered, Cash leaned in. "Now look at what you made me do!"

Ben's hand hovered over the Omnitrix, contemplating a response, but then he withdrew. "You know what, you two aren't worth it."

JT and Cash looked puzzled. "Huh?"

Ben continued, wiping himself with napkins. ""It's ridiculous. Could you at least try being original for a change? You've been pulling the same old bully routine since the second grade, Cash. It's tired. Spilling my drink? Seriously? I can't believe I used to be afraid of you. Look around, Cash!" He motioned to the other teenagers in the parking lot, who were in full agreement with Ben. "We're all grown up. But you're still the same pathetic loser who has to torment others just to feel good about himself. You're just sad."

With that, Ben walked away, ignoring the bullies completely. His actions earned him a round of cheers from the other teenagers, who were glad to see Bellwood's notorious troublemakers finally put in their place.

…

Ben listened intently as Rose vividly recounted the scene she had witnessed. Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, the memory flooded back into Ben's consciousness. A smirk played on his lips. "I…I remember that moment now. It felt really good to finally tell those jerks off… even if I don't remember them all that well."

Rose nodded, her smile warm and understanding. "I'm sure. It takes a big person to say no to violence."

Pitt chimed in with a playful scoff. "That's all you saw, Rose? Pft. What I've seen definitely tops yours."

Ben's expression shifted from relief to curiosity as Pitt's comment hung in the air. "Oh yeah? What did you see?" he asked, leaning forward.

Pitt scratched his chin, recalling the vivid imagery. "Well, it was nothing like a teenage spat. I saw you saving some monster."

Ben blinked twice, bemused. "Saving a monster?"

…

Ben reclined by a campfire in an expansive, desolate desert, his gaze fixed on the star-filled night sky. The tension between him and his Highbreed "companion" was palpable; the Highbreed had made it clear he'd eliminate Ben when no longer needed him. Determined to stay vigilant, Ben resolved to keep watch through the night, though exhaustion eventually claimed him.

As sleep overtook him, a looming shadow interrupted the firelight, startling Ben awake. He braced for an attack from the Highbreed but was surprised to see his companion engaging a large, insectoid creature instead. In a swift motion, the Highbreed swatted the bug away.

The creature retaliated, biting the Highbreed and severing his hand. The white-and-gray skinned giant collapsed, clutching his bleeding wrist and howling in pain.

Ben hurried over, concern evident in his voice. "Can you regenerate it?"

The Highbreed, pain and anger mixing in his response, retorted, "I am not some lowly Florauna!"

"But it can be healed?"

"Not from such an injury as this. Not in these conditions!" the Highbreed spat.

Unwilling to accept defeat, Ben had a moment of inspiration. Activating the Omnitrix, he morphed into Swampfire and retrieved the severed hand. He approached the Highbreed, reattaching the hand with vines that acted as a natural bandage. To the Highbreed's astonishment, his hand functioned perfectly, free of pain.

Reverting to his human form, Ben inquired, "Better?"

The Highbreed, bewildered, asked, "Why would you help me?"

Ben echoed the question with genuine curiosity, "Why would you help me?"

The Highbreed rose, his voice laced with pragmatism. "It was in my own best interest to stop that creature from harming you."

"Yeah?" Ben smiled, a light of altruism in his eyes. "Well, it's in my best interest to help anyone who needs it."

The Highbreed, visibly taken aback by Ben's selflessness, silently distanced himself from the fire, his back turned to the young hero.

Settling back by the campfire, a small smile graced Ben's face, reflecting a sense of satisfaction and a glimmer of hope for understanding between them.

…

Ben sat with a pensive look, his gaze fixed on the ground as he processed Pitt's recounting of his memory with the Highbreed.

Pitt shuddered, breaking the silence. "That creature... a Highbreed, you called it? Nightmarish. And this all happened in a desert?" he questioned.

Ben nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension in his voice. "Yes, I remember. His name was Reiny...or at least that's what I nicknamed him. His actual name was too long if you include his lineage. We were stranded together on a desert planet. We had to cooperate to survive."

Rose and Pitt exchanged glances, their expressions a blend of confusion and disbelief. "Another world?" Rose echoed, her brow furrowed.

"Y-yeah…" Ben confirmed, his voice trailing off as he sensed their skepticism.

Pitt rubbed his neck, his disbelief clear. "No offense, kid, but this sounds far-fetched."

Rose, however, offered a different perspective. "Yet, Pitt, you witnessed this memory. It's not just a tale."

Pitt conceded with a grunt. "True, but it's hard for a blacksmith like me to wrap my head around such things."

Ben, trying to lighten the mood, changed the subject. "You're a blacksmith? Aren't you a wizard?"

In response, Pitt materialized metal gardening shears in his right hand, trimming back encroaching vines, eliciting a slight frown from Rose. "I'm both, kid," he replied, stuffing the gears in his apron pocket. "I use Steel-Make Magic, perfect for blacksmithing. Iron Ignis is considered a magical blacksmithing and carpentry guild. Our members take on a lot of construction-related jobs that other guilds don't have the skills for."

"As for Roses Dawn," Rose chimed in, "we specialize mostly in landscaping-related quests. Most of our members have magic and skills related to Mother Earth, such as mine, which is Flower Magic."

"Huh…I see. I guess there's more to magic guilds than I thought." Ben said thoughtfully. 'Makes sense. I mean, Cait Shelter mostly does textile-related stuff.'

Rose then turned to Ben, her expression softening. "Ben, despite not remembering your past fully, one thing is clear."

Intrigued, Ben looked at her expectantly.

"You have a good heart," she stated, her smile gentle and reassuring. "Telling off those two bullies without resorting to violence. Helping this Reiny, even in a hostile environment. Both of those things speak volumes about your character."

Pitt nodded in agreement. "I doubt some criminal would do the same. You're not what Jose suggested."

Ben mulled over their words, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Thanks. That means a lot to me."

Pitt nodded in acknowledgment before checking his watch, turning to Rose. "We should head back. The afternoon session's starting soon."

Rose stood up, her enthusiasm for the meetings evidently lacking. "Indeed. Will you be alright here, Ben?"

Ben nodded, grateful for their concern. "I'll stay here a bit longer. Need some time to think. Also, I'd rather not sit through that snooze fest again."

Pitt grumbled. "Lucky you. I'd rather stay out here too."

"Duty calls," Rose sighed, then smiled at Ben. "Take care, Ben. What we shared with you may only be fragments of yourself…but you can be assured of who you are at your core."

With that, the two masters bid farewell and returned to the conference hall, leaving Ben alone with his thoughts, the seeds of self-assurance newly planted in his mind.

Ben then took a moment to appreciate the floral beauty that Rose had summoned in the courtyard. "Magic really is something else," he wistfully commented.

As he admired the floral display, his thoughts drifted to the memories shared by Rose and Pitt. The incident with the smoothies brought a cringe to his face. 'What a waste of smoothies. I wish I could remember their taste.' The thought was fleeting, soon replaced by reflections on his time with Reinrassig III, the Highbreed he had nicknamed "Reiny."

Ben chuckled dryly. 'Reiny...Reinrassig III, seventh son of the Noble Highbreed House of Di Ralla, direct descendant of the Pure Blooded High Order of Rasecht. I remember all those details about your lineage, yet my own past is a blur.' The recollection of their survival in the otherworldly desert stirred more profound questions. 'Was I really traveling through space? Could I actually be from another world?'

This line of thought left him momentarily stunned. 'If I'm not from Earthland, then how did I end up here?' His mind raced with possibilities. 'Maybe…Maybe Jose was onto something; not the criminal part, but that someone wanted to get rid of me.'

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice. "Ben!"

Looking up, Ben saw Makarov hurrying towards him, a mix of urgency and concern on his face.

"What's wrong, Makarov?" Ben asked, sensing the gravity in Makarov's demeanor.

Makarov, panting slightly, exclaimed, "I've just received alarming news!"

Ben tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the Ultimatrix. "What's the situation? Where's the danger?"

"Natsu, Gray, and Erza have teamed up!"

The amnesiac blinked in confusion. "And that's bad because…?"

Makarov, fidgeting with his hat, elaborated, "Those three are among the most destructive members of Fairy Tail! Together, they could cause unimaginable chaos!"

"Alright, let's slow down," Ben suggested, trying to understand the concern. "Why don't you start from the top?"

As they sat down on the bench, Makarov relayed the contents of Mirajane's letter. It seemed that Fairy Tail's three powerful wizards had formed a team, which worried Makarov greatly.

"So, you're freaking out about what kind of damage they might do on a mission?" Ben inquired, piecing together Makarov's concerns.

"Exactly. Mirajane was too excited about this 'Strongest Team' to give any details. I can only imagine what sort of mission requires those three," Makarov said, a hint of dread in his voice.

Ben nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds serious then. Titania Erza, Natsu, and Gray… That sounds like a formidable team."

Makarov sighed. "Yes, they are. But we need to get back to the guild. Who knows what damages they could cause."

"Are we leaving the conference early then?" Ben asked, hopeful.

"Not yet. The conference ends tonight, so we should be able to leave–" The elderly mage abruptly stopped mid-sentence as his eyes widened.

Ben arched a brow, looking at Makarov questioningly. "Makarov?"

Makarov didn't immediately respond, and his surprise then morphed into seriousness. "I see… So that's what Erza was concerned about." He then hopped off the desk, placing his hands behind his back. "Come with me, Ben. I'll explain inside. I'm sure the other masters felt it too."

Ben tilted his head, bemused. "Uh, what?"

Unaware of the magical undercurrents Makarov sensed, Ben simply followed after Makarov.

…

As evening cloaked Clover in shadows, an ominous undercurrent of Black Magic seeped through the air, sensed by the gathered guild masters. The unsettling aura disrupted the meeting's agenda, prompting a shift in focus to safeguarding the town and preparing for an unknown threat.

Makarov, sensing the urgency, had offered Ben the option to return to Magnolia, assuring him of the masters' capability to handle the situation. Yet Ben, driven by a sense of responsibility and an unwillingness to abandon those in potential danger, insisted on staying. His resolve earned a nod of approval and a hint of pride from Makarov.

Later, positioned on a hill with a strategic view of the conference building, Ben and Makarov prepared for the encroaching threat. Makarov, seemingly relaxed, was engrossed in a magazine, while Ben, leaning against a tree, stared thoughtfully at the star-laden sky.

The twinkling lights reminded Ben of the enigmatic ten gems from his dreams. Recalling the three gems that shone brightly before his intimate encounters with Lucy, Mirajane, and Cana, he couldn't help but wonder about their significance. 'What does it mean? And how does it relate to me?'

Makarov, noticing Ben's deep sigh, looked up with concern. "Something on your mind, Ben?"

Ben nodded, his expression a mix of reflection and unease. "Just... a lot to process."

Makarov nodded in understanding, expressing sorrow. "I can imagine. I'm sorry the spell didn't work."

Ben shook his head, managing a small smile. "It's not your fault. You guys did your best." His gaze returned to the sky, where the full moon cast its soft light through the trees. "It is what it is…"

Setting aside his magazine, Makarov's perceptive gaze met Ben's. "Though something else is troubling you?"

Ben hesitated for a moment before exhaling deeply. "Yeah… There is."

"Something you feel comfortable sharing?"

"Well… It's difficult to explain, but I'll do my best." Ben then shared with Makarov his depictions of the ten gems from his dreams and his evolving relationships with certain people, omitting names and explicit details.

"So yeah, I've had some unique experiences lately, and I can't help but wonder why things have been developing so quickly between me and several other people," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't understand what it means. And…I'm worried if I'm possibly forcing others to form bonds with me against their will, yah know?"

He didn't admit it aloud, but his worries also stemmed from Jose's insinuations regarding his past.

Makarov absorbed Ben's words, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he offered a perspective grounded in his years of magical wisdom. "Magic can indeed influence others, Ben, but it doesn't create genuine emotions. Your bonds with others are real. Those gems you see in your dreams might be a sign that your connections with these people are being amplified, not fabricated."

Ben's frown deepened, still grappling with the concept. "But what about manipulation spells like Charm? They force feelings, don't they?"

Makarov shook his head, frowning. "Charm is a hypnosis spell." He corrected. "When the ones being affected by the spell are made aware, it is broken. It is not a true bond."

He continued. "You can think of it like this, Ben, it's like blowing air on a fire; it can make it burn brighter, but it can't start the fire itself. The connections between people are genuine and heartfelt, and magic simply adds its own unique flavor to them."

Ben considered Makarov's words. "So you're saying that magic can make the bonds stronger but can't initiate them?"

Makarov nodded with a reassuring smile. "Precisely. You have genuine connections with the people you've met, and magic is simply amplifying the strength of those bonds. It's not hypnosis, and it's not forcing anyone into anything against their will."

Relieved, Ben exhaled, feeling reassured by Makarov's words. The old master's explanation lifted a burden from his heart, easing his fears of unintentionally coercing others.

Still, Ben's thoughts lingered on the peculiarities of his situation. "This magic... could it be linked to my amnesia?"

Makarov, intrigued, pondered the possibility. "It's a mystery worth exploring. Magic has many facets, some still unknown. Your case is unique, and with time, more answers may surface. For now," he pulled up his magazine and resumed reading it, "focus on the present and the relationships you've built."

Ben lowered his gaze to the grassy ground, considering the old master's advice.

"Heh-heh," Makarov practically drooled over the featured female wizard photospreads. "So sexy…"

Ben sweat-dropped, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Before he could comment though, Makarov spoke with a serious edge, "It's coming."

Realizing what Makarov was referring to, Ben stood up and adopted a serious look. "How far?"

Makarov remained calm. "Roughly a mile away; the Black Magic is getting stronger." He glanced up from his magazine. "You should find a hiding spot alongside Bob and Goldmine. I should be able to handle this."

"I don't doubt you can, but," Ben pulled up his sleeve and activated the Ultimatrix, "just in case."

…

In the heart of a dense forest, a young man gasped for breath, weaving through the trees with urgency. Of average height, he possessed dark eyes and black hair fashioned into a spiky ponytail. Clad in blue pants and black shoes, his torso was wrapped in bandages. A peculiar wooden flute, adorned with a three-eyed skull, was tightly gripped in his right hand.

Reaching the crest of a hill, the panting mage leaned against a tree, wincing from the pain that shot through his abdomen. Shaking off the discomfort, he glanced down to see the lights of Clover's conference hall in the distance, signaling that the guild master meeting was still ongoing.

Above, concealed within the branches, a distinctive blue-and-white jellyfish-like creature observed the scene. Sporting six tentacles as limbs and two green eyes on a featureless face, the Ultimatrix dial proudly adorned its chest.

Ampfibian, as Ben called it, narrowed his eyes, fixating on the black-haired wizard. 'Alright… Let's see what's on his mind…' Employing Ampfibian's innate electromagnetic abilities, the creature delved into the man's thoughts.

'So, his name's Kageyama… a member of Eisenwald… a dark guild…' Going deeper into the man's memories, Ampfibian sought to understand the circumstances that had brought him here.

The revelations were surprising. 'Natsu, Gray, and Titania were trying to take down this guy's guild, huh? And… Lucy was with them?' Ampfibian pondered the reasons behind her involvement in such a perilous mission. Questions for later; he needed more context on the situation. 'Aside from this guy, it looks like the rest of Eisenwald was defeated.'

Further probing into Kageyama's recent memories unveiled the sinister plot of Eisenwald, revolving around the eerie flute in his possession. Horror filled Ampfibian's eyes. 'Makarov, do you hear me?' he called out telepathically.

'I do. I must say, it's impressive that you have a form capable of reading minds and speaking telepathically,' Makarov mused. 'And also a bit disturbing… What am I thinking right now?'

Ampfibian sweat-dropped. 'The girls from Sorcerer Weekly's photo spread…'

'Wow! You really can read minds!'

'I don't need to read minds to know that,' Ampfibian retorted. 'Listen, that creepy flute that guy is holding! It's called Lullaby. If he plays it, it'll make a song that'll kill anyone who hears it. He intends to use it on the guild masters!'

'So the flute is the source of the Black Magic…' Makarov sounded serious. 'Does he truly intend to use it?'

Ampfibian's gaze remained fixed on Kageyama below, noting the bandages wrapped around the man's torso. From his memories, it was evident that he had barely survived an attack by a guildmate, saved only by Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Lucy.

Following that, he replayed the scene on the Clover Canyon bridge where Kageyama had stolen the Fairy Tail team's magic-mobile and Lullaby, leaving them behind with his intentions clear. He also didn't miss how Lullaby's eyes had briefly glowed purple.

Though he seemed determined to fulfill Eisenwald's mission, Ampfibian could sense some lingering doubt in the young man's psyche.

Ampfibian replied to Makarov, 'He does intend to use it, but… There is some hesitation.'

'I see… Well, remain on standby. I'll handle things from here, Ben.' Makarov said.

'Okay…' Ampfibian locked his sights onto Kageyama. Though he trusted Makarov, he remained on guard in case Kageyama attempted to use the flute.

"Yeah, this'll work…" Kageyama muttered under his breath. 'Those geezers should be able to hear the Lullaby song from here. The time has come.'

The sound of kissing caught Kageyama off guard, prompting him to turn and spot Makarov sitting on a small rock with a magazine in front of his face.

"There's some hot numbers in this week's issue," Makarov commented, wearing a derpy smile. "Young wizarding ladies are much more powerful than they were in my day. And sexier too!"

Both Kageyama and Ampfibian couldn't help but sweat-drop at Makarov's pervy nature. 'Well… At least he's acting natural,' Ampfibian dryly thought while making a mental note to never read Makarov's mind.

When Makarov noticed Kageyama's presence, he feigned shock and hastily hid the magazine, attempting to explain away his questionable reading material.

"I don't care what you were doing…" Kageyama sighed heavily.

Makarov paused, observing Kageyama's bandages. "You've been hurt badly, boy. You shouldn't be wandering around the woods in your condition."

"Yes sir, you're right." Kageyama replied, realizing that the man before him was none other than Makarov, the master of the Fairy Tail guild. 'Why do I keep running into these flies?' A devious thought crossed the dark mage's mind, something Ampfibian immediately picked up on.

'Makarov, he's going to ask you to listen to a song,' Ampfibian reported.

"Excuse me, sir. I don't suppose you would like to listen to a song?" Kageyama asked innocently. "They wouldn't let me play my flute in the hospital."

Makarov outwardly remained inconspicuous. "No offense, but I can see why. That's one creepy flute."

Kageyama chuckled sheepishly. "Y-yeah…but I swear it has a beautiful sound!"

Makarov hummed thoughtfully. "Well, I should be going… But one song couldn't hurt."

"Oh thank you!" Though Kageyama outwardly expressed innocent excitement, internally he was feeling smug. 'We win.'

"Be sure to listen carefully, sir." Kageyama brought the flute up to his mouth, making Ampfibian tense up. If Ampfibian had a mouth, he'd be scowling. He was tempted to fire off lightning bolts and just stop Kageyama. Nonetheless, out of respect for Makarov, he held back for now. He'd only intervene if things were about to go sour. 'Hopefully Makarov's plan works…' He eyed Kageyama hard. '...for your sake, dude. This is your only chance to do the right thing.'

Ampfibian continued listening in on Kageyama's thoughts. 'This is it.' Kageyama mused, his heart pounding in anticipation as he was on the cusp of accomplishing Eisenwald's plan. Various deriding statements from his guildmates about legal guilds, Fairy Tail especially, then swirled through his mind.

"Who'd want to join a legal guild anyway? They suck!"

"Those Fairy Tail guys are too weak to be talking so big!"

"The Lullaby song will be our revenge against those who stripped us of our rights and forced us to live in the darkness!" Erigor's passionate, aggressive declaration echoed in Kageyama's head.

However, just when it seemed like Kageyama was about to go through with it, Lucy's voice cut through the darkness swirling in his mind; much to Ampfibian's surprise. "Killing innocent people isn't going to help you get your rights back!"

A statement from Gray then echoed in Kageyama's mind: "There's a whole lot more to this world than just life and death, ya know. You should try and look for the positives. You and your Eisenwald pals."

"Kage! We really need your help right now!" Titania desperately cried out.

"He was a member of your guild! He trusted you and you tried to kill him!" Natsu angrily shouted.

Kageyama paused, hesitancy flashed across his expression.

Ampfibian narrowed his gaze and re-established his telepathic link to Makarov. 'Makarov, he's having second thoughts. I'm going to transmit what he's thinking to you. So act cool.'

'Understood.' Makarov internally replied, closing his eyes.

"Well," He spoke up, "I can't wait all night, young man."

As Kageyama battled his inner turmoil, sweat beading on his forehead, he clung to a desperate thought. 'Just one song on the flute, and everything changes!' But his resolve was wavering, the weight of his actions pressing heavily upon him.

Hearing this thought, Makarov opened his eyes and fixed Kageyama with a piercing gaze. His voice was firm, yet not unkind. "Nothing will change."

Kageyama's eyes widened in shock, a mix of confusion and disbelief flashing across his face. 'He knows what I'm thinking?'

Makarov, with hands clasped behind him, turned slowly to face Kageyama. "Strength and weakness are not measures of good and evil. We all begin weak, vulnerable. It's the fear of being alone that brings us together, that creates guilds."

Kageyama stood motionless, captivated by Makarov's words. From the trees, Ampfibian remained vigilant, silently observing the unfolding scene.

Makarov continued, his voice resonating with sincerity. "In a guild, we find strength in unity. Yes, we falter, we stumble, but we keep moving forward, believing in tomorrow. That journey, with all its trials, builds true strength."

He smiled wryly. "That flute? It's unnecessary. What you need is already within you and around you - in your friends."

Kageyama's hands trembled, his resolve crumbling under the weight of Makarov's insight. The flute slipped from his fingers, landing with a soft thud on the ground. Kageyama, overwhelmed by the realization of his folly, collapsed to his knees, head bowed in defeat.

"I surrender…"

Makarov, observing the young man's surrender, nodded approvingly. A sense of relief and pride filled him, knowing Kageyama had chosen a wiser path.

"Well…" Ampfibian descended gracefully from the trees, his green eyes fixated on Kageyama. "...Looks like that's sorted out."

Kageyama's eyes widened, tension coursing through him at Ampfibian's sudden appearance. "W-what are you?!"

"That's… hard to explain. But, long story short, I'm the guy who was going to fry you to a crisp if you decided to use that flute." Blue electricity crackled around one of Ampfibian's tentacles, emphasizing his point.

"I-I see…" Kageyama stammered nervously.

"You made the right decision."

Bob and Goldmine emerged from their hiding spots, both wearing proud smiles. "Makarov talks his way out of another jam," Goldmine remarked, folding his arms over his chest. "Just like old times."

"Young man," Bob knelt by Kageyama, suddenly pulling him into a hug and comically rubbing his face against Kageyama's, "we should get you to a doctor soon."

"I can feel your stubble!" Kageyama shouted, horrified.

Ampfibian shuddered, feeling a touch of empathy for the dark wizard's plight. 'Well, crime has a price to pay, I guess,' he rationalized.

Unbeknownst to everyone present, Lullaby rolled on the ground to face the group; its three eyes glowing an ominous purple.

Tapping the Ultimatrix dial, Ben transformed back into his human form, much to Kageyama's shock.

Ben turned to Makarov. "Natsu, Gray, Erza, Lucy, and Happy defeated the other Eisenwald members in Oshibana. Kageyama stole their car on Clover Canyon's bridge and left them behind. That's how he got here first."

'Huh?! How'd he know that?' Kageyama internally yelled in shock.

Makarov hummed, processing the information. "They'll likely arrive within the hour; sooner if they don't stop running."

"Too bad for them that the show's already over," Goldmine commented.

Makarov sighed in relief. "That's for the best actually..." He then shifted his gaze to Kageyama, who was still receiving unwanted attention from Bob. "For now, let's get this young man to the hospital. Then, we can let the other guild masters know that the threat has been—"

"RRRAAGGGHHH!"

Everyone went stiff at the ear-splitting roar that echoed from nowhere.

Their eyes followed the sound to see the Lullaby flute lying on the ground, its eyes glowing purple and purple smoke pouring out of its mouth.

"All of your friendship drivel sickens me!"

A massive purplish-black magical circle appeared in the sky, shooting off erratic purple lightning. The area was blinded by purple light and black smoke as the flute shot off into the sky. The earth trembled with an enormous wave of Black Magic spanning across the landscape.

When the ominous lightshow faded, everyone was left in shocked horror by what they saw.

Towering at a staggering 40 meters (~131 feet) was a humanoid, hunchbacked monster made of wood. The earth trembled with its massive four-clawed feet hitting the ground; flocks of squawking birds immediately started flying away while forest animals fled in terror. Branches twisted up its wide, thick legs akin to muscle tendons to form a torso with four openings and a wide chest with long slits. Wooden spikes protruded from its wide shoulders and hunched back. Its nightmarish head featured two long horns extending out of its forehead, a black gaping smile of horror, and three glowing purple eyes.

"I will feast on your souls myself!" The wooden beast declared.

Ben was left speechless as he stared up at the monster. 'All THAT came from a flute?!' A bit of sweat raced down his face.

"What the hell is that thing!?" Kageyama panicked. "Erigor never said anything about a monster!"

"Seems like a pretty BIG detail to leave out," Ben remarked.

Bob held a hand over his mouth, his smile unwavering. "Oh my! We're in a pickle."

Throughout Clover, people screamed in terror, scrambling to find refuge. Even the guild masters at the conference building were left dumbfounded by the sight of the beast.

Inside the conference hall, Rose Liberty and Pitt Ferrous exchanged uneasy glances. "Um… that thing looks like it's made of wood. Shouldn't you do something about it?" Pitt asked Rose.

Rose peered out the window, her nervousness apparent, "My magic would have no effect on that thing." She narrowed her eyes at Pitt. "Shouldn't you do something? You can create weapons!"

"My back kind of hurts, so…I better not." Pitt lamely replied, before shaking his head and adopting a more serious tone. "But we can evacuate everyone here and get them to safety!"

Rose nodded in agreement. "Let's move then!"

As they began to guide the other guild masters away, they noticed Jose standing calmly outside in the courtyard, observing the demon with a peculiar interest.

"It's not every day you see one of the Black Wizard's creations in the flesh. Remarkable..." Jose murmured, his eyes reflecting a mix of fascination and creepiness.

Rose and Pitt exchanged a glance, both disturbed by Jose's eerie calmness in the face of such danger. Without another word, they continued their efforts to lead the guild masters away from the conference hall, eager to put distance between themselves and the unsettling sight.

Meanwhile, Ben leveled his gaze up at the three-eyed flute-monster towering over the conference hall. "Someone wanna fill me in on how a flute can turn into that!?"

"That's… a demon from the Book of Zeref," Goldmine said, nervousness present in his voice.

"Zeref?" Ben repeated, confused.

"Zeref the Black Wizard," Bob elaborated. "He was the most evil wizard the world has ever known. He was very powerful in his day. But in my wildest dreams, I never thought his dark legacy would pop back up again."

"This is Lullaby's true form," Goldmine added, glaring up at the beast through his sunglasses. "It's forbidden Black Magic… Living Magic. Zeref's specialty."

Lullaby leaned down, a creepy smile stretching across its face as its menacing purple eyes fixated on the group atop the hill. "Now, which of your souls shall I devour first with my song?"

Turning to Makarov, Ben spoke with determination, "I'll handle the demonic woodwind. Make sure everyone stays a safe distance!"

Makarov scrutinized the brunet. "What do you intend to do?"

"Something big." With that, he rushed down the hill, making a beeline for the demon.

"What is that guy doing?" Kageyama asked, bewildered. "Does he think he can take on that monster alone? Is he crazy!?"

Concern crossed Goldmine's face. "Makarov, are you sure he'll be okay?"

"This is one of Zeref's demons… Is he only a guest of your guild, right?" Bob added, sharing in the worry.

"Hmph. No need to worry." Makarov turned back to the group, flashing them a confident smile. "You fellows are in for a surprise."

"I know!" Lullaby opened its mouth wide, purple magic swirling within its black maw. "I'll eat all of your souls at once!"

As Ben sprinted down the hill, he swiftly activated the Ultimatrix. Scrolling through his holographic playlist, he located the transformation he sought. 'Didn't think I'd ever have to use this guy, especially after how bad it scared Cait Shelter. But I'm pretty sure this situation calls for it!'

Slamming down the core, Ben's body was engulfed in an emerald flash much larger and more intense than his usual transformations. Even the fleeing townspeople stopped in their tracks out of curiosity. When the radiance subsided, jaws dropped, and eyes widened in astonished disbelief.

Facing Lullaby now stood a white humanoid, towering at a colossal 60 meters. A large fin adorned its head, red at the front and black at the bottom. Red blade-like growths protruded from its shoulders and waist, while longer, sharper ones extended from both elbows. Two-toed red feet peeked out from under white sandal-like coverings. The Ultimatrix dial adorned its chest, surrounded by a red stripe that circled around and pointed downward.

"WAAAAAAAAAY BIG!" The massive creature boomed, its voice echoing for miles around.

Kageyama screamed girlishly as his eyes went comically white.

Goldmine took a step back, his usual composure shaken by the sight. "He has a Take-Over like that?" he muttered, disbelief coloring his voice. Turning to Makarov, he saw a twinkle in the Fairy Tail master's eyes.

Bob fanned his face dramatically, his usual smile broadening into a look of excited astonishment. "Oh my! This is certainly a shocker!" he exclaimed, unable to hide his enthusiasm.

Rose's eyes widened as her hand flew to her mouth, shocked amazement etched on her face. "Incredible..." she whispered. "Such a massive form... and it came from a single person?"

Pitt initially stumbled back in disbelief, his eyes darting between the towering Way Big and the menacing Lullaby. "Are we sure this kid isn't a monster himself?"

Jose, meanwhile, stared at the titan with a mix of surprise and intrigue. A creepy grin slowly spread across his face as he observed Way Big's imposing stature. "My, my. Such an incredible display of power," he mused, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and dark fascination. 'Perhaps there's more to this boy than I gave him credit for.'

Lullaby's three eyes widened as it gawked at the taller titan now standing before it, taking a step back. "What are you? Where did you come from?!"

Way Big cracked his knuckles, a confident smirk on his face. "You're not the only one who knows how to grow in size. I just happen to be bigger."

Snarling angrily, Lullaby lunged at Way Big, closing the distance between them in just a couple of steps, its talon hands slashing menacingly.

Way Big skillfully parried the slashes, engaging in a fierce grapple with the wooden demon. With a burst of incredible strength, he twisted his colossal form, lifted Lullaby off the ground, and hurled it with tremendous force toward the distant mountain range.

A shocked roar echoed as Lullaby crashed into the mountain side, creating an explosive cloud of dust and rock.

Way Big pursued after the demon with a powerful leap, unintentionally sending shockwaves that reverberated through the area, uprooting nearby trees and damaging the conference hall. The windows shattered and cracks raced across the bricks. Fortunately, all the guild masters had evacuated the building, fleeing toward the safety of the woods where Makarov, Bob, Goldmine, and Kageyama were positioned.

Growling angrily, Lullaby pulled itself out of a mountain, its wooden body visibly damaged. Way Big landed ahead of Lullaby in a crouch, his impact creating a mild earthquake that triggered rockslides and avalanches nearby.

"Looking a little roughed up there. If you transform back into a flute, we can forget this ever happened," Way Big suggested casually.

"You dare mock me?! A demon from the Book of Zeref!"

Way Big remained unintimidated. "I'll mock anyone who uses the word 'mock.'"

In a fit of rage, Lullaby snarled, "I'll start by eating your soul first!" Opening its fanged maw, a purple magical seal appeared in front of it, unleashing a volley of purple energy blasts.

Moving surprisingly fast for his colossal size, Way Big dodged the initial attacks before crossing his forearms to shield himself from the rest. While the impacts stung slightly, Way Big remained unharmed by the blasts. However, he felt a foreign sensation coursing from his core through his veins and into his arms.

With energy projectiles still reigning down on him, Way Big couldn't dwell on the strange sensation. Lifting his right leg, he kicked up a wave of rocks and uprooted trees that slammed into Lullaby, forcing it to cease its energy attack.

Seizing the momentary distraction, Way Big sprinted and lunged forward, ramming his chest into Lullaby–his larger mass and momentum sending the wooden monster hurtling back into a mountainside.

"Sorry, souls aren't on the menu tonight. But I have plenty of knuckle-sandwiches hot and ready!" Way Big declared, proceeding to unleash a barrage of powerful punches on Lullaby.

The hillside overlooking the conference hall buzzed with a mixture of awe and tension as the guild masters watched the colossal battle between Way Big and Lullaby. The enormity of the fight was almost incomprehensible, making the term 'battle' seem like an understatement.

Bob, unable to contain his excitement, beamed, "My, my, this is indeed a delightful surprise!"

Goldmine, equally impressed, added, "He's making Zeref's demon look like a joke."

Kageyama, still on his knees, stammered in disbelief, "How... how can someone possess such strength?"

Makarov, observing with a mix of pride and satisfaction, kept his hands confidently behind his back.

As the guild masters discussed the unfolding events, a familiar voice rang out. "Master!"

Erza, followed closely by Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Happy, ascended the hill, their eyes wide with urgency.

Makarov greeted them casually, "Ah, you kids finally made it."

Natsu's attention immediately shifted to Kageyama. "There's that jerk! Get him!" he shouted, ready to pounce.

But before Natsu could act, an enormous hand descended, halting his advance. "Calm down, Natsu. He's already surrendered," Makarov informed.

Confused and slightly out of breath from their run, the Fairy Tail wizards joined the group of guild masters. Their attention was quickly drawn to the epic battle in the distance.

"What in Mavis' name is happening?" Erza exclaimed, her eyes locked on the giant figures.

The others reacted with a mix of astonishment and disbelief.

"Holy crap!" Natsu's jaw dropped. "Those monsters are freaking huge!"

"Way to state the obvious," Happy remarked.

Goldmine provided some context. "The wood monster is Lullaby's true form, a demon from the Book of Zeref. As for the second one, well, that's your guild's guest, Ben."

Lucy, upon recognizing the Ultimatrix symbol on Way Big's chest, gasped, "B-Ben?!"

Erza, along with the others, was shocked. "Wait! That's Ben? He can transform into a giant?"

Kageyama, still kneeling, admitted, "It took me off guard too."

Makarov chuckled, amused by his "childrens" shocked reactions. "You kids must be tired from running here. Take a breather and watch the show. It should be coming to an end soon."

Erza, puzzled by Makarov's trust in Ben, voiced her concern. "Master, why are you placing so much trust in a guest to handle this?"

"Why indeed."

Before Makarov could respond, Jose strolled toward the group with his calm demeanor.

Erza, recognizing the man, narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Jose..."

Lucy shuddered at the sight of Phantom Lord's master, his presence sending chills down her spine. She could've sworn he had glanced in her direction. Maybe her eyes were playing tricks on her?

"An interesting turn of events, I must say," Jose mused aloud. "But Titania raises a fair point. Why allow a non-guild member to handle a threat of this magnitude; especially one who's an amnesiac?" He quirked a brow, maintaining his smug smirk. "It's quite the gamble, Makarov."

Makarov, pausing to contemplate his response, turned to address the assembled wizards, his voice exuding confidence. "The true measure of a person lies not in their past, but in their actions in the present." His eyes then shifted back to the colossal duel between Way Big and Lullaby, a silent testament to the truth of his words. "And Ben's actions are speaking much louder than any memory ever could."

The group of guild masters and Fairy Tail members exchanged knowing looks, resonating with the wisdom in Makarov's statement.

Erza, typically poised and unflappable, found herself momentarily taken aback by Makarov's unwavering trust in Ben. She watched the battle intently, her keen eyes analyzing every move and strategy employed by Ben. Her expression was one of serious contemplation, reflecting on Makarov's faith in the young man.

In contrast, Jose, with his arms crossed and an air of disdain, let out a scoff. 'What drivel. But what else should I expect from Fairy Tail,' he thought dismissively, his gaze lingering on the distant confrontation with a mix of curiosity and contempt.

Lucy, standing amidst the onlookers, clenched her fists in silent support. She gazed toward the battle with unwavering determination in her eyes, mentally rallying behind Ben. 'Master's right. You're a hero, Ben. You can do this!' she thought, her belief in Ben's capabilities as strong as ever.

In the mountains, Way Big held his ground, effortlessly parrying the lashes from Lullaby's thorny arms with a confident demeanor. "You're not hitting the right notes there."

"Don't insult me!" Opened its mouth at close range, attempting another energy volley.

Way Big swiftly countered with a powerful uppercut that broke off Lullaby's chin spikes, sending it hurtling back. "You've already got that covered, dude."

Lullaby, looking utterly beaten with broken horns and spikes, cracks, and holes across its body, struggled to recover. Way Big stood over the fallen demon, cracking his knuckles. "Had enough? I can give you an encore if you want?"

In a fit of rage, Lullaby roared and summoned another purple magical seal, firing a powerful energy beam directly into Way Big's face.

"Awk!" The sudden blast made Way Big flinch, providing Lullaby an opportunity to roll onto its hands and knees. Digging its branch-like fingers and toes into the ground, a much larger purplish-black seal appeared above the demon, causing a black wave to expand and wither all the forests in the vicinity.

"What's going on?!" Lucy cried out. "All the plants are dying!"

"Lullaby's sucking the life out of them!" Happy shouted back.

Jose looked around at the withering forest with a mad glint in his dark eyes. "Fascinating…"

Recovering from Lullaby's surprise attack, Way Big returned his attention to the demon.

Lullaby stood up and threw back its head, unleashing a loud, terrifying roar that forced even those watching from a distance to cover their ears.

Natsu, with sensitive hearing, collapsed to his knees, shouting in pain.

"NATSU!" Happy cried out, concerned.

"It's hurting my ears!" Lucy screamed.

Standing close by, Rose, realizing the danger, warned everyone. "If it's taking this much energy, it must be preparing to use its final attack!"

"Everyone cover your ears!" Pitt bellowed out, his voice barely managing to cut through Lullaby's scream. "Lullaby's getting ready to play its death song!"

Nearly everyone hastily complied, except for Makarov, Bob, Goldmine, and Jose.

Makarov maintained a confident smirk as the battle played out.

Jose, however, looked on with intrigue.

"Prepare to be lulled into endless slumber as I feast on your souls!" Lullaby declared, placing its hands together as it finally unleashed its death song.

…

WHEEZE!

…

Instead of a menacing melody, a cringy wheezing sound resonated, akin to a musical amateur playing a recorder.

"What happened?" Lucy exclaimed, wide-eyed.

Happy, equally shocked, yelled, "Nothing happened!"

"NO!" Lullaby shouted angrily. "What happened to my melody of death?!"

Way Big knowingly smirked. "Looks like you hit a sour note."

"Hold on, what happened?" Kageyama asked, confused. "Why didn't Lullaby's song work?"

"All the damage that Ben caused to its body must have screwed up its song." Happy said.

Lucy's raised an eyebrow, remarking, "Hold on, so even though this thing is a demon of Zeref's…it still works like a flute? That's kind of underwhelming."

Happy agreed. "Aye. Talk about a letdown."

Jose silently agreed with Happy, exhaling in frustration. 'What an utter waste of time.'

Lullaby's three eyes shone brighter as power exuded from its built-up rage. "You'll pay for ruining my beautiful lullaby!"

Way Big replied casually, "Sorry about that. How about I tell you a bedtime story of my own?" In an incredible burst of speed, he rushed forward.

Lullaby responded by unleashing another volley of magical beams from its mouth. However, the bigger titan remarkably dodged most of the attacks, and the ones that managed to hit did little damage against Way Big's metallic skin. Closing the distance, Way Big delivered a powerful haymaker that utterly decimated half of Lullaby's face, sending a shower of splinters flying and cracking it badly.

"Once upon a time, there was a demon flute," Way Big grappled with the smaller titan, lifting it off the ground with his impressive strength, "who thought it could take on an awesome hero." He then spun in place several times to build up momentum. "Spoiler alert: it didn't end well for the flute!"

"Let me go!" Lullaby demanded.

"That's the idea!" With a mighty heave, Way Big hurled Lullaby high into the sky with such tremendous force. A sonic boom was produced as Lullaby was sent flying away. It was moving so fast that it shockingly broke through the planet's gravitational hold and was destined for outer space.

However, Way Big wasn't satisfied with just ending it there.

'Maybe I don't know who I am…'

Keeping his eyes locked onto Lullaby, which was becoming smaller in the distance, Way Big crossed his arms in front of his chest to form an 'X'. That strange sensation welled up from his core, coursing through his veins and into his arms.

This time, however, he recalled what this feeling was.

Green cosmic energy began to amalgamate around the center of his arms.

'...But I know WHAT I am!'

Flashbacks of his time since awakening in Fiore played through his mind. All the bonds he had formed, the people he had saved, and the handful of memories he could recall. Even without the knowledge of his past, everything pointed to one conclusion.

"I am…A HERO!"

Way Big unleashed an immense emerald beam of energy skyward.

An awe-struck silence fell over the spectators. Even from their vantage point, they felt the surge of incredible power emanating from the colossal figure's attack.

Jose, typically composed and reserved, lost his usual demeanor. His eyes widened dramatically, and his jaw dropped in an exaggerated, comic fashion as he witnessed the spectacle. Internally, he couldn't contain his astonishment, thinking to himself, 'Such power…!'

Makarov, watching the same scene, held onto his characteristic confident smirk. His eyes followed the trajectory of the cosmic beam as it ascended into the stratosphere, eventually homing in on its intended target.

Far above the planet's surface, Lullaby, caught in a helpless state of recoil from being hurled into space, suddenly displayed a look of sheer terror. The demon's roar, which would've been full of dread and futility, went unheard in the vacuum of space as the overwhelming force of the cosmic energy engulfed it, effectively eradicating its existence from the universe.

…

Across Fiore, those who were still awake found themselves bewildered and captivated by the cosmic beam unleashed by Way Big, reaching into the vast night sky.

In Cait Shelter, where the guild members had gathered for dinner, all eyes turned towards the horizon as the distinctive green ray painted the distant sky. The guild members exchanged puzzled looks and engaged in discussions about the mysterious phenomenon.

Pepel, however, watched with a glint in her eyes, a sense of recognition in the spectacle. 'You sure know how to make a statement, don't you, stud?'

Wendy, curious about the spectacle, approached Pepel. "Pepel, do you know what that could be?"

Pepel cast a knowing smile down at the bluenette. "I have an idea."

In Oak Town, Juvia, about to close her bedroom window, caught sight of the vibrant green streak piercing the sky over a distant mountain range. "Odd… What is that?" Her gaze lingered on the ethereal sight, and her thoughts drifted to a certain man who had been on her mind lately. "Green… Just like my darling," she sighed contentedly.

In a secluded mountain range, Kagura sat beside a crackling campfire, with a tent pitched behind her, diligently tending to her blade. A subtle glint of green caught her attention, causing Kagura to turn her head and gaze at the emerald beam ascending into the heavens. "What in the world is that?" she wondered, her eyebrow cocked in bewilderment. As the mysterious ray's color struck a resemblance to Ben, a cute blush illuminated her face. 'I mustn't entertain such thoughts!' Kagura scolded herself, though her attempts proved futile.

In the Blue Pegasus courtyard, Jenny exited the guild hall with a handsome young man trailing behind her. Concerned, Hibiki expressed his worries. "I'm just a little concerned for you, Jenny. You've been pushing yourself hard ever since that Beast Tamer kidnapped you. Are you sure you're okay?"

Jenny, tired but resolute, replied, "Hibiki, trust me, I'm fine. I just need to train smarter from now on." However, both were interrupted by the unexpected sight of the emerald beam in the distance.

"What is that? Some kind of spell?" Hibiki questioned.

As Jenny gazed at the green light, a warm smile graced her beautiful face at the thought of the hero who had rescued and inspired her. The model had a sneaking suspicion that he may be the cause of this phenomenon. 'Wait till the public hears about this,' she mused.

In Magnolia, after closing the guild hall, Mirajane walked home with Elfman. As they discussed Elfman's latest job, their conversation was interrupted by the discovery of the emerald line on the horizon. "Huh? What could that be?" Elfman inquired.

"I'm not sure…" Mirajane tilted her head, puzzled. "It looks like a shooting star."

"But…it's going in the wrong direction," Elfman pointed out.

Across town, Cana, stumbling toward Fairy Hills, couldn't ignore the emerald beam even in her inebriated state. "Huh…" She blinked twice. "I must be really hammered right now."

In Crocus, at the Flower Light Palace: Mercurius, Princess Hisui stood on her bedroom balcony, admiring the starry sky. Her joy was evident as she observed the emerald light ascending in the eastern horizon. "Amazing. A shooting star that's going up…" Hisui marveled, smiling happily. "It's like it's returning to where it belongs."

…

Way Big ceased firing his cosmic beam and lowered his arms. Surveying the night sky, he was gratified to see no trace of his adversary.

"Nighty-night, Lullaby. Don't ring me up for an encore," Way Big quipped while whipping the dust off of his hands.

…

Later, after stepping over the mountains as if they were small hurdles, Way Big returned to Clover's conference hall. There he was met by an eruption of cheers from all of the guild masters. A proud smile adorned Way Big's face as he acknowledged the applause.

Tapping the Ultimatrix dial, Ben resumed his human form in a brilliant emerald flash.

"Well done, Ben," Makarov stated proudly, his gruff voice carrying genuine respect.

Goldmine chimed in, "Impressive. You made defeating Zeref's demon look easy."

Bob added to the chorus, "It was such a spectacular show!"

Natsu approached Ben with starry eyes. "That was so freaking cool, man!"

"Aye sir!" Happy enthusiastically chimed in, joining the applause.

"Dude! We need to have a rematch when we get back to Fairy Tail. Please?!" Natsu begged.

"Uh…" Ben was baffled. 'He seriously wants a rematch after all that?'

"You didn't learn your last from last time, flame-brain?" Gray remarked. "Besides, I thought you were fighting Erza."

"Who says I can't fight both?" Natsu retorted.

As the fire and ice mages bantered, Ben's attention was drawn away when he spotted Lucy rushing towards him. "Lucy—" he began, but before he could finish, she wrapped him in a warm, heartfelt embrace.

"That was incredible, Ben!" Lucy's voice trembled slightly with a mix of excitement and relief. "You're truly amazing!"

Ben's cheeks tinted with a blush as Lucy nestled her head under his chin and her massive chest was pressed into his pecs. 'So soft…' Not wanting to get excited, Ben cast off those inappropriate thoughts and gently returned the embrace. "Thanks, Lucy. That means a lot."

Happy, never one to miss a teasing opportunity, floated nearby, sing-song voice in full effect. "She looooves you!"

Lucy, still embracing Ben, shot a kick backwards, landing a firm hit on the blue cat.

Erza, usually the epitome of composure, was caught off guard. Her eyes, wide with awe, were fixed on the spot where Way Big had stood. 'That power... it obliterated Lullaby. Could it surpass the Jupiter Cannon?' she thought, a bead of sweat trickling down her temple. 'Such formidable strength at his command...'

As Lucy released Ben from her embrace, his gaze naturally shifted to the nearby Erza. Her scarlet hair and armor made her an impressive figure. Intrigued and eager to make a good impression, Ben approached her. "You must be Erza, right?"

Erza, usually composed, seemed momentarily caught off guard. "I–I am," she stuttered, a rare occurrence that didn't go unnoticed by Natsu, Gray, and Happy, who exchanged puzzled glances.

Ben offered a friendly smile and extended his hand. "We haven't met. I'm Ben Tennyson. Nice to meet you."

Regaining her composure, Erza shook his hand with a firm grip. "Erza Scarlet. The pleasure is mine, Ben."

Ben tried not to focus too much on the cold touch of her gauntlet. "I've heard a lot about you – Titania, Fairy Tail's strongest woman?"

"That's what they say," Erza replied nonchalantly. "But please, just call me Erza."

Ben nodded. "Well, the papers didn't do your image justice. They certainly didn't mention how pretty you are."

Erza's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the compliment. "P-pretty?!"

"Um, yeah," Ben hesitated, worried he may have overstepped. "Sorry, was that too forward?"

Erza, uncharacteristically flustered, averted her gaze. "No, it's...it's fine. Thank you... Excuse me." She quickly walked away, leaving Ben slightly bewildered.

Natsu, Gray, and Happy stared in disbelief. 'Since when does Erza act like a shy girl!?' they wondered, sharing a look of utter confusion.

Turning to Lucy for answers, Ben found himself facing her stern glare. "Lucy, what's–"

Before he could finish, Lucy grabbed his ear and started pulling him away. "Ow! Lucy, what did I–"

"You and I are going to have a long chat about TACT, mister!" Lucy interjected, her tone implying no room for debate.

As Lucy led a puzzled Ben away, Makarov, Bob, and Goldmine observed the scene with amusement.

"He's quite the charmer," Goldmine remarked. "Defeating Zeref's demons and charming the ladies, all in a day's work."

Bob, still watching Kageyama, couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm so jealous! Oh, Kageyama, let me help you to the doctor."

Kageyama, caught in Bob's embrace, protested, "No, please, let me go!"

As Bob whisked Kageyama away, Goldmine turned to Makarov. "Where did you find this kid?"

Makarov smirked. "He found us, actually."

Goldmine shook his head, smiling. "Fairy Tail, always attracting the powerful ones."

Makarov nodded, recalling his own youth. "Whether he joins us or not, I'll respect his decision. He came with me to cure his amnesia, but since that didn't pan out, he's free to choose his own path."

Standing near a withered tree, a casualty of Lullaby's destruction, Jose observed Ben from afar. A smug smirk played on his lips as he contemplated the scene. "Such a fascinating individual," he mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. His gaze fixed intently on Ben, he added, "And not a hint of magical power detected during his transformation. Quite intriguing..."

…

In the early morning light at Clover's train station, Ben stood with a thoughtful expression, holding a bag containing a bottle of local liquor and a box of Kuzumochi. He recalled Cana's playful request for souvenirs before he left with Makarov for the conference and smiled, pleased to fulfill it.

As he waited for the rest of Fairy Tail's team to return from the ticket kiosk, his mind wandered back to the previous night.

The townspeople's praise and gratitude for defeating Lullaby had been overwhelming, stirring a sense of familiarity within him. Despite the accolades, which brought a sense of familiarity to the amnesiac hero, Ben remained humble and insisted that he hadn't acted alone. He credited Fairy Tail's Strongest Team for their pivotal role in subduing Eisenwald, acknowledging that their victory had prevented a far worse outcome.

He then pulled out a couple of cards from his jacket pocket; one was pink and decorated with flowers with Rose's Dawn's emblem, the other was practical with a white background and Iron Ignis's emblem stamped in black. After expressing their gratitude to Ben for stopping Lullaby, Rose and Pitt both gave him their contact information–stating that if he ever needed their help or expertise, contact them.

'Two favors from a construction and landscaping guild, huh? I wonder…' Lost in his thoughts, Ben was jolted back to the present when Lucy approached, handing him his train ticket. "Here you go, Ben," she said with a bright smile.

"Oh, thanks." Ben gratefully accepted the ticket and placed Rose and Pitt's contact cards back in his jacket. Remembering something, Ben then handed Lucy a newspaper clipping from the previous day. It detailed her, Natsu, and Happy's successful mission against Duke Everlue, particularly highlighting Lucy's prowess. "Here. Figured you'd like a memento for your first mission."

"Thank you! That's really thoughtful." Lucy smiled brightly, making Ben's heart flutter a bit.

"Looks like you took him down with just a flick of your wrist, huh?" He teased lightly.

Lucy's cheeks flushed as she glanced at the article. "Well, it wasn't exactly like that…" She then pulled out her key ring and eagerly showed Ben a new Gold Key. "But hey, I got a new spirit out of the whole ordeal! Virgo the Maiden!"

"How'd you manage that?"

"Long story short, Duke Everlue was a Celestial wizard too. After he was arrested, Virgo's contract with him was broken. She then wanted to form a contract with me!"

"That's pretty cool," Ben commented, genuinely impressed. "So, what can Virgo do? Since she's a Zodiac, I'm assuming she doesn't just act as a maid."

Happy flew in and answered, "She's really good at digging! It really came in handy when Erigor cast his wind barrier on Oshibana's train station. She dug a tunnel to the other side."

"That's neat." Ben commented, noting that Virgo's ability reminded him of Armodrillo.

Happy went on. "She can also change into a gorilla, uses chains as weapons, and is a masochist!"

"..." Ben turned to Lucy questioningly.

Lucy sighed and slumped her shoulders. "He's not wrong…"

"Well, quirks aside, it sounds like Virgo has some useful skills." Ben offered.

"Yeah…" Lucy, shifting topics, then addressed Ben with concern. "So... were you able to cure your amnesia?"

Ben shook his head, a resigned yet hopeful look in his eyes. "No, but it's okay. I'm sure the memories will come back in time."

Though Lucy was disappointed that Ben's attempt to restore his memories ended in failure, she was relieved that he hadn't given up hope entirely.

Their conversation was cut short by Natsu's groans. "Ugh… Why do we have to ride the stupid train?"

"Because it's the fastest way back to Magnolia, idiot." Gray mocked.

"Gray, put your clothes back on." Erza sternly ordered.

Realizing he was in his boxers, Gray fumbled for his clothing scattered on the floor.

Erza turned to Natsu. "If you want, Natsu, I can put you to sleep like before?"

Natsu paled, hastily replying, "N-no it's okay!"

Ben shook his head in sympathy for Natsu's plight. 'Too bad there isn't a spell for curing his motion sickness.' He blinked twice, considering that idea. 'Or is there? I mean, why wouldn't there be one?'

"Still," Natsu groaned, sounding frustrated. "I'm ticked I didn't get a chance to fight that demon."

"What? Taking down Erigor wasn't enough?" Gray retorted.

"Trust me, you didn't miss much, Natsu." Ben reassured the Dragon Slayer. "Lullaby wasn't as tough as it looked."

"This coming from the guy who threw it into space AND destroyed it with a massive energy beam." Gray pointed out.

"Fair enough… But I'm serious. Even if I wasn't there, I'm sure all of you guys working together could have taken it down without any issue too."

Erza nodded, acknowledging Ben's assessment.

"Natsu, Gray, and Erza, sure." Lucy, however, looked uncertain. "But I don't think I would've been any help in that fight."

"What are you talking about?" Ben asked. "You have four Zodiac Spirits. They could've done some serious damage to Lullaby; Taurus, especially, what with his super-strength and giant ax."

"Maybe…" The blonde still seemed unsure.

Ben seized the opportunity to boost her confidence. "Hey, if you're feeling insecure about your strength, maybe we could train together?"

Lucy's eyes lit up, but she then hesitated. "But aren't you planning to leave Magnolia soon? I mean, you weren't able to cure your amnesia…"

Ben paused, pondering her question. "I still need to find out who I am, yeah… But I also need to make the most of the present." He turned to Makarov, who was standing nearby, with a decisive look. "So, Makarov, is your offer still on the table?"

Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Erza, and Happy looked between their guild master and the Ultimatrix bearer with curious expressions.

There was a glint in Makarov's eyes as a wide smile spread across his wrinkled face. "Of course, my boy! That is…if you're certain?"

Ben nodded, smiling determinedly. "I've had plenty of time to think about it…and I am."

"Well then," Makarov extended his hand out, which Ben accepted, "welcome to Fairy Tail, Ben Tennyson!"

"Thank you, sir."

Needless to say, the others were shocked by this development.

"Hold on," Natsu jumped back to his feet, "are you serious? You're really joining?!"

Ben looked back with what could be considered his trademark smirk, nodding. "I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't."

The excitement amongst the group became palpable: especially for Lucy, as her brown eyes brightened. Unable to contain her excitement, the blonde couldn't help but wrap Ben in a tight hug; unintentionally squishing her breasts against his chest, much to Ben's embarrassment.

"Alright!" Lucy cheered. "I'm so happy you're staying!"

"Someone's excited," Happy teased.

Realizing how close she was, Lucy yelped and backed away; her face turning beet red. "Y-yeah… Welcome to the guild."

Before Ben could respond to her, Natsu came over and patted Ben on the back. "Awesome! Welcome to our guild, buddy!"

"Aye," Happy agreed, flying over the teen hero.

Gray came to Ben's other side and added, "Yeah, welcome aboard. I'm sure you're really gonna enjoy it, man."

Ben smiled. "It certainly won't be boring, that's for sure."

Erza approached Ben, offering her own unique congratulations. "Welcome to our family, Ben." She then unexpectedly slammed Ben's head into her armored chest. "We're happy to have you!"

Ben winced from the impact. "Uh, thanks." He pulled away, his head reeling slightly, but still offered Erza a smile. "I look forward to getting to know you, Erza." He then looked around at the group, "all of you."

As this played out, around a corner, Jose Porsla watched with a scowl, fury and frustration boiling within him. 'Another powerful mage in Fairy Tail,' he thought bitterly.

As he stalked away, a dark energy swirled around him. "Fairy Tail." He spat the name out as if it were a bad drink. "I won't stand my guild being compared to you trash for any longer."

Notes:

And that's a wrap on the Eisenwald/Lullaby arc! Very little was covered outside of the original content, and that's what I intend to do going forward. No sense in covering something if it's not altered from canon in any way.

For those wondering, I used the Omniverse design for Way Big. I've been a fan of the UAF design for the longest, but I have come to appreciate the OV's nods to the Original Series design; particularly the extra set of eyes facing downward. With no official height for Way Big, I decided to set his height at 60 meters. In the show, they portrayed his size inconsistently a lot.

Also, I originally intended for the Way Big and Lullaby battle to be longer, but realized that Way Big would utterly crush Lullaby. So, I'm satisfied with how it played out.

One thing is for certain, there is no way Ben's identity can remain a secret after all of this! Oh the consequences that will ensue!

I also addressed the sudden development in Ben's relationship with the other girls. I do intend to be mindful about how relationships progress moving forward, but if you're expecting slow-burn relationships that take dozens of chapters to develop…that's not happening. Still, I'll write things out in a believable manner as best as I can.

Credit to Insane Dominator for his helpful input!

Hopefully you fine readers enjoyed this chapter! I felt it was a good conclusion to the first phase of this story. The second phase will cover how Ben adapts to life as a Fairy Tail wizard as well as the alterations that will be made from canon moving forward up until the Tenrou Island arc.