https://youtu.be/siqfMisN-Fc

Third POV

Wendy and Carla sprinted through the streets, their footsteps echoing in the cool morning air as they rushed toward the guild. Wendy's face was lit with excitement, her pace quickening as they neared their destination.

"I can't wait to see Ms. Anna," Wendy said, her breath coming in small gasps. "It's been a while since she decided to stay in our era."

Carla nodded, her eyes thoughtful. When she had first met Anna Heartfilia, it had been shortly after the defeat of Acnologia, a time when Wendy and the other Dragon Slayers had learned more about their origins. Anna's story had left her in awe; not only had she witnessed and helped shape history, but she had also played a pivotal role in the fight against Acnologia. Carla had never expected to become so close to the enigmatic celestial wizard.

As the guild hall came into view, the two saw a familiar figure standing just outside. It was none other than Anna Heartfilia, waiting for them with a warm smile.

"Ms. Anna!" Wendy called out, waving her hand energetically.

Anna turned toward them, her expression softening at the sight of the young sky Dragon Slayer. "Hello there, Wendy and Carla," she greeted warmly.

Wendy beamed and quickly closed the distance between them, wrapping Anna in a tight hug. Anna chuckled and returned the embrace. After a moment, they pulled apart, and Wendy glanced up at her with a smile. "We got your letter, Ms. Anna. You wanted us to help clean out the Heartfilia Mansion today, right?"

Anna smiled back, but there was something unreadable in her eyes. "That's correct. But there's another reason I asked for you and your team."

Wendy and Carla exchanged curious glances. "Another reason?" Wendy asked. "What is it?"

Anna lowered her gaze, her expression turning more serious. She hesitated for a moment, as though debating whether or not to share. Finally, she met their eyes again, a reassuring smile on her lips. "Don't worry about it for now. I'll explain everything in due time."

Though still puzzled, Wendy and Carla decided not to press further.

Just as they were about to head inside the guild, a familiar sound broke the moment of calm. A shrill voice rang out from the door.

"HELP!! ERZA WANTS TO KILL ME!!" Happy's frantic cry was quickly followed by the blue cat zipping past them, hiding behind Wendy's head with an exaggerated flair.

Without missing a beat, a figure in purgatory armor emerged from the guild doors. Her crimson hair flowed behind her, and her eyes were locked onto Happy with a dangerous glint.

"Come here...Happy." Erza's voice was calm but dripping with menace.

Happy's eyes widened, and he tried to bury himself further into Wendy's hair. "But Erza, I was only trying to add more flavor to your strawberry cake!" he protested weakly.

"By putting raw fish in it?" Erza's voice was deadly calm, and Happy flinched at the tone.

Anna, watching from the side, couldn't help but chuckle. "Now, now, Erza. Calm down. I'm sure Happy won't make the same mistake again," she said with a soft laugh.

Erza turned to Anna, her fierce expression softening slightly. With a quiet sigh, she relaxed her posture and, with a final, warning look at Happy, returned to her usual stance. "You're lucky she's here."

Happy let out a sigh of relief, stepping out from his hiding spot and straightening his fur. "I'm never trying to help with baking again..."

"So, I'm assuming it's time?" Erza asked, turning to Anna.

Anna nodded. "Yes. Let's get going."

Erza turned around and raised her voice. "Natsu, Lucy, Gray, it's time to go!"

Moments later, Natsu, Lucy, and Gray emerged from the guild. Natsu was fist-pumping the air, clearly excited about something.

"Wow, Natsu," Gray said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "I never thought you of all people would be excited about cleaning."

Natsu grinned widely. "Only because I get to see all the rich stuff Lucy had when she was little. Like her scrapbook of all her embarrassing moments!" he declared proudly, his grin widening.

Lucy's face immediately flushed a bright red. "LIKE HELL YOU WILL!!" she shouted, chasing after Natsu and delivering a karate chop to the back of his head.

"Alright, alright! I'll behave!" Natsu yelped, rubbing the spot on his head where Lucy had struck him.

Timeskip, on the train

The group was now aboard the train to the Heartfilia Mansion. The atmosphere was quieter than usual. Gray stared out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Erza, ever composed, was quietly savoring a slice of strawberry cake. Lucy and Happy were staring at Natsu, who had his head comfortably resting on Anna's lap as she gently stroked his hair, trying to comfort him. Carla was sipping her tea with a quiet air of serenity, and Wendy, ever the bookworm, was absorbed in a novel.

The train rocked gently along the tracks as the group fell into an easy silence—until Natsu's groan broke the calm.

"Uggg...Are...We...There...Yet?" Natsu whined, looking absolutely miserable as he lay sprawled out.

Anna chuckled softly, her fingers brushing through his hair. "Very soon, Natsu, very soon."

Lucy, watching Anna with a faint smile, felt a surge of warmth. It was a comfort to see Anna taking care of her friends. She turned her attention to Wendy, who appeared to be perfectly content, her nose buried in her book.

"Hey, Wendy," Lucy called out, curiosity piqued. "I was wondering... What's that book you're reading? You seem to be really enjoying it."

Wendy looked up from her book, beaming. "Oh, I am! It's one out of thirteen books about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table," she said excitedly, clutching the book to her chest.

At the mention of King Arthur, Erza suddenly shot up from her seat, her eyes wide with excitement. "Did you say King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table?!" she exclaimed, her voice practically vibrating with enthusiasm.

Wendy nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Yes! I've always been fascinated by them."

Erza immediately began gushing, "They were the greatest knights to have ever lived! King Arthur ruled a kingdom called Camelot, and he wielded the legendary sword Excalibur. The Knights of the Round Table were known for their unparalleled bravery!"

Gray, clearly unimpressed, turned to Erza and asked, "Who are King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table?"

Erza blinked, stunned by the question, before narrowing her eyes at Gray as if he had just asked something utterly incomprehensible. "Only the greatest king to have ever lived! He ruled a kingdom called Camelot here on Ishgar and was known as the King of Knights!" she replied passionately. "Excalibur! The Knights of the Round Table!"

"That's all correct, Erza," Wendy chimed in. "But my favorite Knight of the Round Table is Sir Percival, Knight of the Dove. He was the second in command and wielded the holy lance, Longinus."

Before Erza and Wendy could dive deeper into their discussion, the train gave a sudden jolt, and the whistle blew, signaling their arrival at the Heartfilia Mansion.

Ten Minutes Later

The team stood outside the grand gates of the mansion that had once belonged to the Heartfilia family. The house loomed before them, large and imposing, its windows reflecting the cloudy sky.

As Lucy gazed at the mansion, memories of her mother, Layla, flooded her mind—the times they had spent together, Layla's untimely death, and the cold distance between her and her father, Jude. Her heart ached as she stared at the windows of the study. She could almost see her father's figure standing there, watching her.

Before she could lose herself in the weight of her past, she felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder. She turned to find Anna standing next to her, a sad but understanding smile on her face.

"I know what you're feeling right now, Lucy," Anna said softly, her voice full of warmth. "But rest assured, your parents are always with you, in your heart."

Lucy smiled through the sadness, finding comfort in Anna's words. "Thank you, Anna. I know Mom and Dad wouldn't want me to dwell on them like this." She squared her shoulders and, with a determined grin, turned to the group. "Alright, everyone, let's get to work!"

The group cheered in unison, fists raised in the air. "Aye!" they shouted, then walked toward the mansion, ready to begin their task.

But little did they know, they were being watched.

From the shadows of a nearby house, a figure observed the group's every move. Her lips curled into a wicked smirk.

"It seems those pathetic humans have fallen into my trap," the demon whispered to herself, her voice dripping with malice. "As soon as they find the lance, I'll kill them and take it to the Queen."

Stepping into the light, her long, wing-like strands of hair framed her face, revealing her sinister smile.

"Erza Scarlet... I can't wait to see the agony on your face as I destroy everyone you love. This will be fun."

https://youtu.be/hlSZau07zdU