The Demon Arm That His Family Did Not Fear

Inside the cave, the warm orange firelight drove away the chill.

Mirajane stared blankly at the broad hand holding her demonic right hand.

The burning sensation she had expected never came, and he didn't recoil in disgust. Lu Chongwei's fingers even gently brushed over the cold black scales. His eyes held nothing but curiosity and calm—no fear at all.

"Take... Take Over Magic?"

Mirajane murmured to herself. The term was completely unfamiliar to her.

"That's right."

Lu Chongwei released her hand and sat back down on the rock, legs crossed. His tone was certain.

"It's an ancient form of magic that lets you absorb the power of monsters or demons and turn it into your own strength. Your arm changed like this because, in a moment of crisis, you unconsciously absorbed the power of some kind of demon. But you either didn't have enough magic or couldn't control it properly, so you couldn't undo the transformation."

As he spoke, Lu Chongwei pointed at the grotesque claw.

"So this isn't a curse, and it's certainly not some kind of ill omen. It's a talent—a sign that you're a Mage."

Mirajane froze.

For the past few days, all she had heard were words like "monster," "demon," and "go die." For a time, she had believed she was no longer human. She had even thought about ending her own life to protect her younger siblings.

But now, this powerful man was telling her it was just magic?

"R-really?"

Mirajane's voice trembled, and tears welled in her eyes.

"Can I... really change back?"

"Of course."

Lu Chongwei nodded, giving her a reassuring smile.

"I'm not very good at transformation magic like this, but there's a little old man in our guild who's an expert in all kinds of magic. Once you learn how to control your magic, you'll be able to undo this partial Take Over whenever you want."

"That's wonderful, Big Sis!"

Lisanna, who had been holding her breath as she listened, cheered and flung herself into Mirajane's arms.

"I knew it! You're not a monster, Big Sis! You're the greatest Mage ever!"

"Lisanna..."

Mirajane instinctively raised her right hand to hug her sister, but stopped halfway.

Those sharp claws. Those pitch-black scales.

She still didn't dare.

"What if... what if I hurt you, Lisanna..."

Mirajane shrank back, trying to hide her hand behind her.

Just then.

A slightly rough, trembling little hand firmly grasped the demonic claw.

It was Elfman.

Her usually timid, timid younger brother was now blushing as he clung tightly to his sister's frightening hand.

"S-Sis..."

Elfman stammered. His teeth were still chattering, but his gaze was unusually resolute.

"I'm not afraid! No matter what you look like... you're still my sister!"

"I wanna hold it too!"

Lisanna reached out with both hands and wrapped them around the claw, which was bigger than her face. She pressed her cheek against the cold scales and rubbed it against them.

"It's not scary at all! This hand changed to protect us. It's the warmest hand in the world!"

Watching them, Mirajane finally burst into tears.

She had thought this arm would become a chasm between her and her family, making the people she loved most fear and distance themselves from her.

But...

Her brother's hand was trembling, yet he held on so tightly.

Her sister's cheek rested against the scales, and she smiled so sweetly.

"Waaah..."

Mirajane lowered her head and began to sob, releasing all the pain she had held inside.

Lu Chongwei quietly watched the touching scene without interrupting.

He knew that, for Mirajane, her family's acceptance meant more than any explanation ever could.

It was a long while before Mirajane's emotions finally began to settle.

Lu Chongwei spoke at just the right moment.

"Now that we've cleared up the misunderstanding, I'll get straight to the point."

He looked at the three homeless children and extended an invitation.

"Mirajane, Elfman, Lisanna. Would you like to join Fairy Tail?"

"Huh?"

All three of them froze.

"Join... a guild?" Mirajane asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

"That's right."

Lu Chongwei stood up and brushed the dust off his coat.

"You definitely can't go back to that town. Besides, Mirajane, you need proper guidance to learn to control your magic. Elfman and Lisanna have plenty of magical talent, too. You shouldn't have to waste it out here in the mountains."

"Fairy Tail is a lively place. There are plenty of idiots like me, and plenty of powerful people, too. Most importantly, we value our companions above everything else."

Lu Chongwei walked to the mouth of the cave and looked up at the night sky outside. Then he turned back with a smile.

"Where we're from, there's no discrimination or prejudice. Once you walk through that door, everyone is family."

"Family..."

Mirajane savored the word.

She looked at her younger siblings. Lisanna's eyes were full of hope, and Elfman looked just as eager.

Then she looked at Lu Chongwei.

When everyone else had despised them, this man had stepped forward. He had shielded them from the rocks, driven off the mob, and told her that her arm wasn't a curse.

If it was him... if it was the guild he belonged to...

Mirajane wiped away her tears and stood up.

She looked at Lu Chongwei. The eyes that had been filled with despair now held a glimmer of light once more.

"I'll join."

Mirajane's voice was still a little hoarse, but it was firm.

"But I have one condition."

She clasped her younger siblings' hands tightly, shielding them behind her like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and stared straight at Lu Chongwei.

"Lu Chongwei, you have to promise me."

"Promise that my brother and sister will be completely safe there, and that no one will ever bully them again."

Lu Chongwei looked at the girl, who was still trembling herself but was doing everything she could to protect her family.

His smile faded, and he nodded solemnly.

"I swear on my name as an S-Class Mage of Fairy Tail."

"As long as I'm here, no one will lay a finger on them."