Arriving at the vine-woven treehouse, Kanna's eyes sparkled as she rushed over.
"Good job today, Kanna."
Rayne smiled warmly, ruffling her silky hair.
When they'd first encountered the two kidnappers, he'd anticipated more might emerge from the hideout. So he'd instructed Kanna to stay hidden—ready to intervene if the children inside were taken hostage.
Had she not been there to block the brainwashed kids, Lyle's threats might've actually worked.
His gaze shifted to the treehouse interior, where pairs of timid eyes peered out.
"We're mages from Fairy Tail. Oak Village hired us to find their missing children."
Straightforwardness worked best in these situations.
"I'm from Oak Village!"
One of the older boys sprang up, pointing to two others.
"And so are they!"
The remaining children wilted, their hopes visibly crumbling. Before their stifled pleas could form, Rayne continued:
"The rest of you, come with us to Oak Village. We'll arrange your return home from there."
Nightfall meant prowling beasts and monsters. Letting them wander back alone was as good as serving them to predators.
"Thank you, Mage-sir!"
Tears welled in their eyes—relief transforming their faces. Whether due to this world's dangers or village upbringing, these kids carried a resilience beyond their years.
After regrouping with Laxus (who'd retrieved the last child), the group began the trek to Oak Village.
Moonlight draped the land in silver, illuminating the path.
At the village outskirts, figures still stood vigil.
"You should rest. The mages will return when there's news," urged the village chief.
"No news is good news! Maybe they're tracking leads!"
A husband gripped his wife's shoulder. "If you collapse before our child returns—"
"Just a little longer," she whispered, eyes never leaving the forest edge.
Then—
"Do you hear that?"
A faint melody threaded through the rustling leaves:
"Black skies hang low, bright stars aglow..."
Children's voices, clear and sweet.
"That's—that's Bell's voice!"
"And my Junes is singing too!"
Like dawn breaking, desperate faces turned toward the woods.
Golden light flickered between the trees—fireflies dancing around a floating orb of white light. At its center walked Rayne, Kanna's hand in his, the rescued children singing behind them.
Bringing up the rear, Laxus scowled, arms crossed.
"Mama! Papa!"
Three children broke ranks, sprinting into waiting arms.
Rayne let the light in his palm dissipate. The fireflies, now chasing fading motes, ascended like embers toward the stars.
Kanna tilted her head, watching the tearful reunions. Her grip on Rayne's hand tightened.
"You've done Oak Village an immense service," the chief bowed.
"A job worth doing is worth doing well."
Rayne's smile faded as he noticed the other children's longing stares.
"These ones are from nearby villages. It's too late to send them home tonight—"
"We'll handle it at first light," the chief assured. "Please, stay as our guests. Let us repay you properly."
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