Multiversal Travel

The guild was abuzz with life as usual, but one figure sat quietly at his usual spot, observing the chaos around him. Rain leaned back in his chair, watching as Mira and Erza returned from the training field. Over the past year, the two had pushed themselves harder than anyone else. Their growth was undeniable.

"Rain!" Mira called out as she reached him, brushing her silvery hair back. She plopped down in the seat beside him. Erza followed, her expression calm but curious.

"Why aren't we training today?" Mira asked, leaning her elbows on the table. "Don't tell me you're taking a day off."

Rain smirked. "Nope. It's just that in a few days, the new S-Class Mage candidates will be announced."

Erza raised an eyebrow. "So, you think we should shift our focus to missions instead of training?"

"Exactly," Rain replied, his tone casual. "You're both strong, but raw strength alone doesn't cut it in the S-Class exam. You'll need strategy, experience, and adaptability. The best way to sharpen that? Missions."

Mira frowned slightly, tapping her fingers on the table. "I guess that makes sense. But it feels weird not training with you. You've been pushing us so hard these past months."

Rain's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "You don't need me holding your hands anymore. You're ready."

Erza's lips curved into a rare smile. "If you say so, Rain." She stood, adjusting her armor. "Mira, let's pick out some missions. We need to keep our momentum."

"Right behind you," Mira replied, shooting one last glance at Rain before following Erza to the mission board.

The two women scanned the board, carefully considering their options. Mira's eyes sparkled as she spotted a challenging quest.

"This one looks good," she said, pointing. "It's a retrieval mission in a nearby forest. Dangerous, but manageable."

Erza nodded in approval. "Agreed. It'll test our teamwork."

The pair brought the mission slip to Makarov, who inspected it with his usual careful gaze. "Not too bad," he said. "I trust you both can handle it. Be careful out there."

"Always," Erza replied with a slight bow.

As they returned to Rain to inform him of their mission, he leaned back in his chair, sipping from his cup.

"We're heading out," Erza announced.

"Good," Rain replied, his eyes glinting with pride. "Don't get reckless."

Mira grinned. "Since when are we reckless? That's more your department."

Rain chuckled. "Fair point. Stay sharp, both of you."

The two women left, and Rain watched them go with a sense of satisfaction. They're going to do great things, he thought.

Rain's moment of peace didn't last long. Cana slumped into the chair across from him, her mug of ale already half-empty.

"Rain," she said, her tone playful but with a hint of weariness. "How about a drink? You look like you could use one."

Rain raised an eyebrow. "You've been drinking since noon, Cana. Do you really need me to join in?"

"Drinking alone is boring," she shot back, swirling her mug. "And besides, everyone else is off doing missions. It's just you, me, and the old man left here."

Rain smirked. "True enough. But speaking of missions, shouldn't you be picking one? The S-Class test is coming up, and you'll need to show Makarov you're serious."

Cana's playful demeanor faded. She looked down at her mug, her fingers tracing the rim. "What's the point? Mira and Erza are going to crush it. There's no way I can compete with them."

Rain leaned forward, his voice steady but gentle. "Cana, since when do you give up before even trying? That's not the Cana I know."

She sighed. "You don't get it, Rain. It's not just about the test. It's about… everything."

Rain's gaze softened. He spoke quietly. "It's about Gildarts, isn't it?"

Cana froze, her eyes wide. "What are you talking about?"

"I know he's your father," Rain said simply.

Her hands tightened around her mug. "How… how do you know that?"

Rain leaned back, his expression calm. "I pay attention. Every time Gildarts is in the guild, you can't stop looking at him. The way you act around him—it wasn't hard to piece it together."

Cana's shoulders slumped, and her voice trembled. "Please, Rain. Don't tell anyone. I… I don't even know if he'd care."

Rain's voice was firm but kind. "He would care, Cana. Gildarts may not show it, but he loves this guild—and you're a part of it. You don't have to prove anything to him."

Cana looked away, her emotions swirling. Finally, she whispered, "Promise me you won't tell him."

Rain nodded. "I won't. But on one condition."

She glanced back at him warily. "What's that?"

"If you are selected for the S-Class test, you tell him yourself."

Cana's eyes widened. "I… I don't know if I can do that."

"You can," Rain said, his tone unwavering. "And I'll be rooting for you the whole way."

Something in his words lit a fire in Cana. She stood abruptly, walked to the mission board, and grabbed a slip. After showing it to Makarov for approval, she glanced back at Rain.

He gave her a small, encouraging smile.

The Announcement

A few days later, the guild was alive with excitement. Everyone had gathered in the hall, waiting for the announcement of the S-Class test candidates. The lights dimmed, and Makarov stepped onto the stage, flanked by Rain, Laxus, and Gildarts.

"It's that time of year again," Makarov began, his voice booming. "This year, we have three candidates for the S-Class exam. The first is… Erza Scarlet!"

Erza's eyes lit up, and she smiled confidently. "Thank you, Master." She glanced at Rain and nodded in gratitude.

"The second is… Mirajane Strauss!"

Lisanna cheered loudly. "I knew you'd make it, Mira!"

Mira smiled warmly but couldn't help looking at Rain. All that training paid off, she thought.

"And finally… Cana Alberona!"

Gasps filled the room as Cana froze, her eyes wide. She slowly stepped forward, her face a mixture of shock and determination.

"You all have one week to find a partner," Makarov announced.

Rain stepped forward next. "And this year, I'll be one of your examiners."

"And so will I," Laxus added with a smug grin.

"And me," Gildarts said, his voice calm but firm.

Cana's heart raced. Rain and Gildarts? This just got even harder.

Erza looked unfazed. "Gray, will you be my partner?"

"Of course," Gray said, nodding confidently.

"Mira, who are you taking?" Erza asked.

"I'll go with Elfman," Mira replied without hesitation.

Before Cana could speak, Natsu stepped forward. "Cana, I'll be your partner!"

She blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because there's no way I'm letting Gray beat me to becoming an S-Class Mage!" Natsu declared with his usual fiery determination.

Cana chuckled. "Alright, then. Let's do this." She glanced at Gildarts, her resolve firming. This is my chance to tell him the truth.