Chapter 116 - New Flames, Old Shadows

Date: July X788 — Three Months After the Chimera Forge

The valley near the old forge had grown quiet. Grass started pushing through the cracks left by the chimeras, as if the land was finally healing. Small green shoots wrapped around broken glyph stones, slowly covering the scars.

Teresa stood on a high ridge, her cloak moving in the morning breeze. She closed her eyes and took a slow breath. For the first time in a long while, the air felt clean. The warmth on her face felt like the world was breathing with her.

Behind her, The Edge gave a low hum before disappearing back into her Requip space. She lowered her hand. Her energy finally felt calm again.

She turned and started walking toward a small camp hidden at the forest's edge.

Forest Edge Camp — South Ridge

Romeo stood by a campfire, holding his new sword. Even without flames, the blade shimmered in the sunlight, its runes catching the light. He moved slowly, careful with each step and swing, just like Teresa had taught him.

Nearby, Macao watched with crossed arms. He looked proud but also worried, like a father always does.

"You're thinking too much about your shoulder," Macao called out, voice firm but kind.

Romeo stopped, looked at his stance, then took a breath and tried again. This time, he moved more slowly and more balanced.

Macao nodded and stepped closer.

"That's better. Let it flow. You don't force the flame — you guide it."

Romeo blushed a little but looked determined.

"I just want it to feel right."

Macao softened and put a hand on his shoulder.

"It already does, son."

Romeo looked down, swallowing hard as he held back tears.

Flashback — Two Months Earlier

In a forge hidden in the eastern hills, orange light filled the room. Sparks flew as a blacksmith finished the final runes on a thin, curved blade.

Macao stood nearby, clutching an old Fairy Tail emblem.

"Are you sure he can handle it?" the blacksmith asked.

Macao sighed.

"He's got a teacher now. Someone showing him control… more than I ever learned."

The blacksmith nodded and handed over the blade.

"Then it's ready. Strong enough for his fire. Light enough so he learns patience before power."

Macao took it carefully, hands shaking. The blade felt alive, already waiting for Romeo.

Present — Forest Edge

Teresa approached without a sound. Romeo sensed her before seeing her and stood straight.

"Master," he said, lowering his sword respectfully.

She looked at the blade, then at Romeo's stance. She gave a small nod. No words — just approval.

Macao let out a relieved breath.

"Thank you," he said softly to Teresa, though she didn't reply.

She turned away, her eyes drifting toward the far horizon where the spires of Crocus could be seen.

Crocus — July X788, Capital Arena

In the capital, cheers filled the streets. The 4th Grand Magic Games had begun, with people from all over Fiore watching.

Fairy Tail entered without its strongest Tenrou Team, but they fought bravely. Under Macao's leadership, they used a careful, defense-first style — inspired by Teresa's calm, precise approach.

Romeo stepped into the arena for the first time. His new flame sword rested on his shoulder. When he drew it, a blue-white flame glowed softly along the edge.

The crowd gasped.

"That flame… It's so quiet," one person said.

"No… It's sharp. It looks like it's thinking before it burns," another added.

Romeo moved carefully. Every step was slow and balanced. He blocked an ice mage's attack, then countered with a smooth, sweeping cut. The flame left a thin line, controlled and focused.

He earned the nickname "The Young Flame Blade" by the second match. His careful style inspired the whole team — Bisca and Alzack moved as one, Max held strong sand barriers, and Laki's wooden shields were solid.

Fairy Tail made it to the final round against Sabertooth. In the end, they lost — Sabertooth's aggressive style finally broke through.

After the Games — Back at Camp

Romeo returned to camp at sunset, his new blade on his back. Kinana met him first, smiling warmly.

"You moved beautifully," she said, ruffling his hair.

Romeo laughed shyly, his face red.

"I didn't win… but it felt like I was me out there."

Kinana nodded.

"That's more important than any trophy."

Macao stepped forward and gave Romeo a hard pat on the shoulder.

"I saw every move. You honored that blade and yourself."

Romeo looked down, eyes shining.

"Thanks… Dad."

Teresa — Watching from Afar

Teresa stood hidden in the trees, watching quietly.

Romeo had moved with calm, each step chosen. He didn't copy her; he found his way. In that moment, he had found his center.

Her eyes softened slightly. Then she turned and disappeared deeper into the forest.

Beyond the trees, the mountains stood tall and silent. The Sealed Monastery waited — a place calling to her in the wind.

End of July X788 — Southeastern Range

A faint glow lit a hidden path as Teresa approached the monastery ruins. The old walls and sealed gates were covered in ancient curses. The air felt heavy and sacred.

She stopped under the archway, her hand resting lightly on her sword. Her energy reached forward like a silent question.

Behind her, the memory of Romeo's steady flame stayed in her mind, quiet, but strong.