Happy New Years! Hope everyone had safe and fun holidays.

Holy hell is this story loooong! You all make this story, and keep me going, so thank you :D

You know the routine: RxR! Happy Reading! Enjoy!

PS: there will be more NaLu, don't fret. Soon.


~OoOoO~


"What do you want? Did he send you here, Gajeel-chan?" the dark-haired man asked, stroking his neatly trimmed beard and eyeing the newcomer with visible curiosity. His demeanor held a sort of haughtiness that could get under Gajeel's thick skin, which was no easy feat.

"I just told you, were you listenin'?" the dragon slayer calmly replied, his voice a low growl as he hid his annoyance.

He used his tongue to twirl his lower labret piercing as he studied the two mages with equal vehemence. His eyes darted between them, searching for the likeness between father and son, though it was few and far between. The only thing he could find that they really had in common was their cowardice, and he had no time for cowards. Had he not given his word that he would deliver this message, he would be keeping his promise to Levy.

"Ah, so the old man desires our company, does he? He finally wishes to draw upon my power—our power!" Ivan threw his head back, his laughter deep and somewhat maniacal. This continued for a few minutes—far too long for Gajeel's taste. The dragon slayer stood his ground, cracking his knuckles as his eyes flickered over the blonde mage standing against the far wall. The latter averted his eyes, trying his best to look cool and collected at his old nemesis' unexpected appearance.

Laxus.

Gajeel had battled Makarov's grandson alongside Natsu—Laxus lusting for the power to control Fairy Tail. It was ironic, as his own power was false—a result of the lacrima his father had put into his body at an early age. Ivan had feared his son's weakness, hoping for the chance to use the stone at a later date, or so he shared with Gajeel when the dragon slayer had resigned himself to being a spy for Raven Tail. Gajeel wondered if Laxus was aware of his father's intentions or past reasoning. He risked another glance at the blonde man, doubting his earlier thought very much. It was apparent to Gajeel that Ivan had no regard for anyone, not even his own flesh and blood—his own son.

Gajeel's upper lip drew back in a contemptuous sneer, "I said what I needed to say about the guild, now what are you gonna do about it?"

"Do about it, Gajeel-chan?" Ivan's eyes grew round as his lips twitched upward in a cruel smirk. His dark gaze darted to his son, "Do about it? Laxus-chan, what arewe going to do about it?"

Laxus shrugged, though Gajeel could sense his overwhelming discomfort. He could smell the faint perspiration and odd scent of fear mixed in with regret—but for what? The blonde man avoided Gajeel's steely glare, clenching his jaw and making the scar over his eye ripple.

Finally, Laxus cleared his throat, "Nothing, Father. Why should we?"

"So that's how you two are gonna play it? You're gonna sit in this poor excuse for a fuckin' guild and twiddle your goddamned thumbs while your father—" he gestured with his hand, turning his gaze on Laxus, in particular, "your grandfather—is out there fighting for his life and his guild?" What would have been your guild!

Ivan chuckled some more, tangling his long beard as he twirled the ends around his thick fingers,"I suppose that is what we're going to do, yes, dragon slayer-chan."

"Stop fuckin' addressing me like that, you worthless—" Gajeel snarled in frustration.

I am Hibiki Laytis...

"What the hell is that?" Laxus bent forward, throwing his headphones from his ears. They no longer worked, but he kept them as a reminder of his days at Fairy Tail. Of his carefree childhood. His hands cupped his ears as he wore an expression of bewilderment.

The long-winded transmission continued, and the three men were silent as it played out. Gajeel hid his anxiety as he watched Ivan and Laxus react to the unfamiliar magic. When it was abruptly halted, Gajeel folded his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Well? Did that convince you of what I said?"

"You work for me," Ivan replied, though his tone was filled with caution as he continued to twirl his beard. This time, however, it seemed to be more a nervous habit than out of his musings. "You don't ask mequestions, Gajeel-chan!"

"Wrong, asshole," Gajeel responded, his voice a guttural hiss as his temper flared, "I work for Makarov. Always have, always will. That's who I work for. I'm a member of Fairy Tail, not this shit excuse for a guild that you built out of your own wallowing self pity. You can sit here and plot your revenge all you want, I could care less."

Both father and son seemed shocked at his response, though for different reasons. Gajeel didn't give either the chance to speak. "I don't know what you did to get kicked out, but I know what he did," he pointed at Laxus, "Right now, Makarov needs your help, even if it's just you two morons. I don't know what's going on, but I have a bad feeling about it—and I can't say that about much. I came here to give you two a real message, despite my own sense of duty to ask you to help your flesh and blood. I'm gonna do my job, whether either of you girls give a shit or come with me anyway. At least, then, I can say my conscience is clear."

Ivan's mouth twisted into a contemptuous sneer, "Ah, I suspected you were a double agent-chan, of course. I know the old man too well, and I trust no one."

"Not even your son?" Gajeel was pressing Ivan's patience, and he knew it. He could see Laxus lean forward, obviously interested in his father's answer. Gajeel's eyes shifted back to Ivan, a rueful smirk on his face, "Choose your words wisely, Dreyer."

Ivan waved his hand in dismissal, his lip curling as his tongue ran along it, "I stand by my words."

Gajeel could see the defeat in Laxus' expression, and he felt slightly sorry for the exiled mage. Poor kid only wants to please his father. "Fine, have it your way, Ivan—" he began, his eyes narrowing.

"You said you had a message," Laxus took a step forward, his eyes flashing his interest. He wouldn't admit it in front of Ivan, but he was concerned for his grandfather's well-being."Spit it out, already!"

The iron dragon slayer looked at him pointedly, his lips twisting in an ironic smile. His words were directed to both father and son, "I was instructed to tell you, by the woman—Porlyusica or whatever her name is—that it's time to come home. Her exact words."

His eyes darted to Ivan so he could gauge the man's response. From the corner of his eye, he could see Laxus looking somewhat disappointed in Gajeel's words as he glanced expectantly at his father. Both awaited the senior Dreyer's response, neither sure of the message's meaning.

Ivan sucked in a deep breath, his face betraying nothing, though the slight tremor of his fingers told Gajeel that the message had reached his mark. "So...so she told you this, did she?"

"The old woman in the woods?" Laxus looked between Gajeel and Ivan, his brow knit in confusion. The former nodded his head.

"That's what she told me, though I have no clue about its meaning," he admitted. "She found me and insisted I tell you two this. I suspect he knows what it means," he pointed at Ivan.

"What is it, Father?" Laxus asked, his voice slightly cracking with his concern.

"Bah!" Ivan flicked his hand in the air, haughtily, dismissing Gajeel's ominous message, "That old woman has lost her senses! Not like we haven't known that for some time!"

"Seems she knew who she was directing the message to when she told it to me," Gajeel's' eyes flashed. He wasn't a gambler, but he was willing to bet something deeper was going on below the surface of Ivan's disinterested exterior. Ivan watched him carefully, his jaw clenching in anger. Gajeel continued, "She specifically gave me your name and your son's."

The muscle in Ivan's jaw rippled with annoyance. His eyes grew dark as Laxus pressed the issue again, "Father—"

"The old woman is your grandmother," the Raven Tail leader replied quickly, his eyes widening as if he had not meant to blurt that information.

"My...grandmother?" Laxus looked confused. It was apparent he had no knowledge of this.

Ivan continued to stare at Gajeel. The dragon slayer did not balk at the bearded mage's annoyed glare, "Go on, tell him the rest, why don't you, Daddy Dearest."

He was still playing the game, as he had no idea of Porlyusica's relationship to Makarov or his son. He suspected that they had been close, but in what respect, he had no clue. She had always come to the guild master's aid, despite her obvious dislike for the magical world. Gajeel had thought she was just an angry old coot who hated life, and had been shocked when she sought him out to deliver the cryptic message. It was her ominous prompting that forced him to find the Ivan and Laxus, as it was the least he could do for the woman. Though he would never admit it, he felt he owed the healer much thanks for her help in boosting Levy's confidence. Gajeel remembered the promise. His promise...

Ivan bared his lower teeth in resentment, "She was your mother's mother."

Laxus' coughed, surprised by the news. He knew very little about his mother, as he could remember next to nothing. He recalled her pale, beautiful hair and her lovely voice. She could sing like an angel—and he thought, at times, he could still hear her singing if he was quiet enough.

"My mother..." Laxus repeated his expression falling as his voice grew softer, "You never told me this."

"It's not important, Laxus-chan," Ivan attempted to regain his composure, his usual strange manner of speaking suddenly returning. Gajeel could tell that this particular topic was not welcome conversation.

"You're Makarov's son, and Laxus' mother was Porlyusica's daughter, eh?" he pieced it together slowly, "And now she's telling you to come home, why?" What did you do to be kicked out of the guild?

The muscle under Ivan's right eye twitched as he cast a hate-filled glare at the dragon slayer for his meddling presumptions. Gajeel ignored it, not phased in the least by the angry look. This was getting good. When Ivan did not answer, Gajeel attempted to grasp at his own theory. "She's forgiven you...but for what?"

He saw the slight widening of Ivan's eyes, and he knew he was close. Very close. Laxus looked at the older Dreyer in expectation, "What is he talking about, Father?"

"Nothing!" Ivan hissed, his eyes narrowed. "He doesn't know what he's talking about! Ignore him."

"I don't?" Gajeel pressed, "Then why do you look like you're ready to piss your pants? There is obviously something between you and the old woman, after all this time. Her daughter doesn't seem to be around—"

"Enough."

"Why? Did I strike a nerve? Do you still care about her?"

"I said ENOUGH!" Ivan snapped at Gajeel's words. His voice was filled with venom as it wavered slightly, "Don't you dare speak about her!"

"Then tell your son the truth," Gajeel pressed, his arms folding over his chest.

"There is nothing to tell. Nothing! Now get the hell out of my guild, you mangy dragon slayer!" He cast his arm aside, his tie blowing in an invisible breeze as he pointed toward the exit. "I will not listen to her words, nor will you speak this filth to me! If that old man wants to kill himself, then so be it!"

Gajeel glared in return, his own anger boiling over by the untruths weaved throughout. He had noticed the younger Dreyer flinch ever-so-slightly at his father's vehement words. The dragon slayer's next comments were directed at Laxus as he spoke, "I don't know what your father's deal is, but if you want the truth, you know where to find it. It'll be waiting...if this war leaves anything behind. It may be your only chance, kid."

"OUT!" Ivan roared, "Makarov is making his own grave, and I'm not responsible for the fall of his precious guild or its members! We will not help! Now don't make me remove you by force!"

"No need for violence. Besides, " Gajeel shrugged his shoulders in disdain, "I already fought your son." He turned on heel to exit the tiny hovel of a guild. Before he could disappear from their sight, he spoke over his shoulder, "You are both cowards. Such a disappointment from Makarov's family."

Laxus said nothing, glancing at Ivan. Unlike his father, he was not proficient at masking his feelings. His obvious concern was evident on his face, and Gajeel hoped he had at least penetrated one thick skull. His footsteps echoed through the empty corridor as he chuckled to himself, annoyed at Ivan's arrogance. He had yet to see anyone else in this self-proclaimed "guild", and he doubted its true existence. Gajeel had a feeling that whatever had occurred for Ivan to be exiled from the guild, it had something to do with Laxus' mother and the lacryma he placed in his own son.

"His own son," Gajeel softly scoffed, shaking his head disgust.

He had been walking for some time, his mind replaying his interaction with Ivan and Laxus. He had an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach at Hibiki's message, as he wasn't entirely convinced Makarov would allow that sort of transmission if something hadn't gone terribly wrong in Magnolia. His thoughts suddenly shifted to a particular blue-haired mage.

Please be OK. I'm so sorry I'm taking much longer than I told ya. I didn't expect for that old woman to request this of me. He looked at the sky; the sun was beginning to set.

"Gajeel!" he heard his name called. Then again. He turned toward the voice, watching the hooded figure wave frantically at him. The newcomer began to jog as Gajeel waited along the road, tapping his foot impatiently and crossing his arms over his chest in annoyance.

Gajeel raised an eyebrow in expectation. "Well? Change your mind?" he asked as the visitor caught up to him, finally.

The newcomer pushed back his hood, his gaze sure as his blonde hair blew in the wind, "I want...to go home."

Home. Gajeel knew that feeling, and he understood Laxus' words. "So Ivan let you go, eh?"

"Not so much," Laxus looked away, his mouth twisting into a frown. There was sadness in his voice as he spoke, his shoulders squared, "But I'm my own person. And if my grandfather needs my help, I'm coming with you. I owe him at least that."

"And there's the part where you want to know more about your mother? And your father's exile, no?" the dark-haired mage studied Laxus curiously. This was not the arrogant young man he and Natsu had battled. No, he appeared somewhat...changed. More mature, perhaps?

"Those as well," Laxus agreed, "But mostly for my grandfather. I figure, if this hermit wanted my father to come home so badly, things must be in the dumps. I've lived this long without knowing, what's more time?"

Time. Gajeel said nothing, his thoughts fleeting back to Levy. He turned on foot and began to walk again; he waved for Laxus to follow, "Come on! I've got no time to waste."

"What's your rush all of a sudden?" Laxus asked lightly, as if hoping to make things less awkward between them as he fell into step beside the dark-haired man.

Gajeel continued to stare ahead as he replayed Hibiki's message in his head. His voice was low as he spoke, though more to himself than his companion, "I made a promise to someone...and I intend to keep it."


The main hall was aflutter as Mirajane shouted commands, giving organization to the disheveled guild. Lucy was in awe at the woman's transformation, and attempted to find Natsu to ask what had happened in the guest room. She had yet to see him after he carried Hibiki back to his confinement. At that point, the young man was sporting a definite bruise over his right eye and cheek. The spirit mage grumbled her frustration when she failed to find either Natsu or Happy. Her former anger at his earlier disappearance was beginning to come back, as well as her fears of his abandonment. Makarov's door was closed and Lucy thought it best to not disturb whatever was occurring in that room. Levy was mourning with Droy, and the Stellar Spirit mage suddenly felt very out of place. From the corner of her eye, she caught Adie silently exiting the main hall, her expression empty. Lucy stood there for a few minutes, finally deciding to follow her.

"Adie?" Lucy called softly as she squeezed between the heavy wooden doors.

The blacksmith never answered, and Lucy found her seated on the steps, staring out at the war-torn city. Lucy quickly wondered the state of her apartment, and made a mental note to check later. She knew parts of the town were left untouched, and felt guilty for hoping her apartment was within that realm.

"There you are," she spoke aloud as she took a seat next to the pale-haired demi-spirit. The woman was slumped forward, her eyes on the ground as she interlaced her fingers, resting them on her knees.

"You alright?" Lucy asked, her voice a delicate whisper as she carefully gauged her companion's reaction.

"Yeah," Adie replied, her leg shaking nervously. She chewed on her bottom lip, saying nothing as she continued to stare.

"How's you arm?" Lucy attempted to make small talk.

"Fine, I guess. There's no mark left," Adie quickly answered, her hand absent-mindedly reaching up to trace over the fabric of her shirt. Lucy thought it best to not press the subject. She was glad that Porlyusica was able to help, though she could still remember the healer telling her that Adie's prognosis was grim. She wondered if the pink-haired mage had been entirely wrong in her diagnosis.

"I'm sorry."

"Huh?" Lucy's mouth fell open as she looked at the demi-spirit in wide-eyed wonder. "You didn't do anything wrong!"

"I could have stopped this far before it began," Adie confessed, her lower jaw thrust out in anger as her eyes remained intently focused on her hands.

"Yeah, right," Lucy sighed, "If you'd have stopped your sister, then Ultear and Grimoire Heart would have found another way to cause problems."

Adie said nothing, and Lucy thought her comment had made some impact. She heard the blacksmith sigh her frustration, waving at the town around them. "But at least we wouldn't have all this...destruction...and death..." Her voice was barely audible as she trailed off, her eyes misting over. Her body slumped in ragged defeat.

"No," Lucy shook her head, patting Adie's arm empathetically, "I'm sure it would have been the same, with or with out Lilith."

She allowed a comforting hand to rest on Adie's forearm, realizing that the pale-haired woman was cradling something in her palms. She leaned forward to see what it was, quickly recognizing the lion's-head key with its sparkling ruby eye. Every hair of the lion's mane was etched in the solid metal, the eye glimmering as it was slowly turned between Adie's fingertips. Lucy nearly gasped in awe at the intricacy of its design.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to touch it.

Adie stared at it, her unshed tears dried. Her jaw was clenched tightly as she tried to collect herself. Her nostrils flared as she inhaled deeply. When Adie spoke, her voice was hoarse and her eyes filled with a depth of sadness Lucy couldn't comprehend, "It's caused so many problem. So very many. It's more of a hindrance than anything."

"But I'm sure it can also bring happiness," Lucy assured her, chocolate eyes drawn to the key. Her fingers screamed to feel the metal beneath them.

Adie shrugged, "I never asked for this stupid thing!"

"I don't think anyone ever asks for the cards dealt to them, do they?" Lucy hypothesized, hoping to lessen Adie's guilt. Her words were honest. No one desires responsibility thrust upon them, and Lucy was sure that Adassandra has had plenty of that to guilt her for a lifetime and then some. She couldn't fathom the life the demi-spirit has had, though she knew that if Adie had been willing to open up to others...then maybe it would have been that much better.

"I know I sure didn't. Lilith didn't mind it so much, but I think it made her feel special. Father's death and Mother's disappearance was tough on her—on both of us. Neither wanted to make friends, only to suffer those loses as well."

Lucy felt oddly special that Adie was sharing this information with her. She wished she could empathize, but it was impossible. She had the life that Adie coveted. Despite her inability to feel for the woman, Lucy could share the pain at losing a parent. She gently squeezed Adie's arm, "I suppose I'm lucky in that I know my mother's fate. I watched her pass away."

Adie's head snapped around and she looked at Lucy in shock. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean—"

"It's OK," Lucy offered a smile, lowering her head, "I said my goodbyes. There were no regrets."

Adie glanced down at her key, her eyes misting over once again. She slowly turned it in her hands, saying nothing as Lucy watched, once again mesmerized. As silly as it would sound aloud, Lucy felt as if the key was calling her. Beckoning to her.

"Do you know what it does?" she asked carefully, feeling somewhat defeated as she saw the brief movement of Adie shaking her head. "Have you ever tried it?"

Another shake of Adie's head.

"Why don't you?"

"I'm afraid," Adie whispered, her voice filled with sadness as is broke. "I've seen what Lilith's does and I don't want to carry that burden. Or risk that chaos."

"I don't think it'll be anything like your sister's," Lucy answered honestly as she recalled Barsky's earlier inferences about Adie's key. She thought it best not to bring that up, "I think it's more for good."

Adie looked somewhat surprised by Lucy's ardent hypothesis, but she remained silent, the key in her palm. Chocolate eyes watched the sparkling ruby as it lolled over between Adie's slender fingers.

Her curiosity finally got the better of her. "Can I...touch it?"

Adie remained silent and all movement ceased. Lucy took that as a welcoming sign. She felt herself oddly drawn to the key, and the idea of holding it brought an odd sense of satisfaction—of triumph. She stretched her fingers toward the golden artifact, watching the crimson eye sparkle in the fading sunlight. She noticed the stone in her ring glowing brightly—a deep golden red. She cried out in surprise as Adie's key suddenly and silently disappeared.

"W-What happened?" Lucy cried out, shocked.

Adie's icy blue eyes were on the pulsating ring on Lucy's finger—the ring she had never taken off since Barsky put it in her possession. The ring she knew very little about, save for what she was told, which, was not very reassuring. She followed Adie's gaze to her finger and her brow furrowed at the bright glow. It pulsated a few more times before quickly flickering out.

"Huh?" Lucy murmured to herself as she lifted the bejeweled finger closer to her face for inspection. It was back to its sultry milky color. Her eyes darted to Adie's hands, her expression falling as she realized that the key had disappeared.

"I-I'm sorry! I should have had your permission!" Lucy blurted, feeling horrible at her selfishness and hoping she hadn't upset Adie.

"It's...OK," Adie whispered, glancing at Lucy's hand one last time. She blinked rapidly and glanced away.

"Adie?" the spirit mage asked after a long period of silence.

"Hmm?" she replied lazily, enjoying the comfortable ongoing silence between them.

"Would you teach me to ex-quip?" It was something she was thinking about for a while. She may never be skilled at other magic types, and she had accepted that possibility. If she could gain expertise at using magics relevant to her needs with her Stellar Spirits, then that would be enough. Ex-quipping things like her keys would be useful, and she should have the magic reserves for such a small space. She had long ago suspected that the amount of space available for ex-quipping was proportional to a mage's magical capacity.

Adie cocked her head to look at Lucy in surprise. "Me? Why?"

Lucy shrugged, resolute in her decision, "Everyone else is busy." Adie raised an eyebrow in question, and Lucy giggled sheepishly, "That sounded bad, didn't it? I just meant that—"

"I know what you meant," Adie answered with a curt nod. Her usual abrasive and direct way of speaking would upset others, but not Lucy. She glanced at Lucy from the corner of her eye,"I'm not sure I'd be the best to teach anyone anything, but I'll try."

Lucy's mouth hung open for a few moments as she blinked stupidly at Adie. That was easy. "O-OK! Great!"

She smiled radiantly and Adie wished she could be as positive as Lucy and her friends. It would be nice to be carefree for once, to forget her responsibilities. Who she was...

The blacksmith looked skyward, "It's for your keys, I assume? I think we have a few days, at least, so how about we start tomorrow or something?" She met Lucy's excited gaze as the blonde nodded vigorously, her lips pressed together so as not to look too eager.

"Good," Adie stared ahead, as if satisfied. The corners of her mouth twitched upward. Lucy glanced over at the blacksmith. She definitely looked ill. Weak, even. She wasn't sure how the woman would put up much of a fight in this state. Her skin was pale and she had an aura of defeat about her. Lucy silently wondered how she could cheer Adie up—or at least, make her feel as if she were not alone.

"Here," Lucy reached into her pocket, holding out the soft fabric given to her earlier, "Taurus gave this to me. I instantly recognized it as yours."

Adie glanced at the glove, her eyes quickly darting ahead again."You can keep it." She clenched her jaw. "You won't know when you'll need it again," she cryptically added.

"But it's yours! I-I can't use it. Not very well, at least!" Lucy was unsure of what to make of the exchange. She cradled the glove in her hand. It didn't look like anything special, but she knew the power she possessed when she wore it. Of course it wasn't as much strength as, say, Erza could muster, but it had served its purpose. Lucy could still recall the raw power she felt as she had heaved the weighty axe. As much as she wanted to learn to fight like Erza or Natsu, she had began to realize that it was not her style. Sure, she could do something to protect herself, but it wasn't like Lucy Heartfilia to be able to crush monsters in one blow.

"Ok, thank you." Lucy rubbed her fingers over the fabric, somewhat surprised. She stuffed the glove into her pocket. It wasn't much, but it had saved her life, earlier.

"Don't mention it.

"Where do you get these things?" Lucy wondered aloud.

Adie stared at the darkening sky thoughtfully, "Most came from Freya herself—my mother. She had a penchant for collecting odd relics of this world. Some was created by Hephasteus, as well." She tapped her chin, casting a sideways glance toward Lucy, "He makes the weapons you see carried by your spirits. He's actually Taurus' father."

"Taurus?" Lucy breathed in shock. "I-I had no idea about this!"

Adie nodded, "You wouldn't. Most of this isn't in your books. But, it's helpful for you to know."

"Taurus." Her voice was filled with sadness as she thought back to her spirit's injuries. "I hope he's alright."

Adie nodded, her expression grim, "He will be fine. Shaken, I'm sure. But, fine." She turned her face toward Lucy, her mouth opening and closing—as if she were thinking of how to form her words. Finally, she spoke.

"Sometimes injuries for their summoners is not unexpected. Your spirits are connected to you, Lucy. I've never seen anything quite like it. I had always wanted to free spirits from their human owners, but you," Adie's head fell and the key was once again in her hand, being turned back and forth between calloused fingers, "You have managed to make me see the errors in my thoughts. You are truly special, Lucy Heartfilia. I wish I could be half as brave as you." Adie's face turned pink by the time she had spoken her last praise.

Lucy felt the tears sting her eyes at the eloquent speech. She did love her spirits—all of them! "I do care about them. They are living beings, as well."

Adie smiled sadly, "I know. I can see that." She closed her eyes, her face lit by the fading sun. "And I believe in you, Lucy."

They sat in silence for some time, Lucy's fingers tracing over her keys and her whip handle as she felt a warmth inside of her from the kind words that had just been offered. It felt good to have someone say she was worth believing in, and she hadn't realized that it was a feeling she craved. A smile stayed on her face as she sat there for some time, staring off into the distance.

"Can I ask one more question?" Lucy meekly asked after a few more moments of silence. She chose her query wisely. It had been bothering her for some time...

Adie shook her head softly, "Would you actually let me say no?"

"Nope," Lucy admitted, sucking in a deep breath, wasting no time. "Do you—or did you—love Loki?"

She didn't know why she wanted to know this so badly, but she did. She could still remember the sadness about him when he was living amongst humans. Even after being returned to the Spirit World, it had still lingered about—and this piece of knowledge felt like the missing piece to Loki's puzzle. If Lucy could only know the truth, maybe she could help...

"Loki?" Adie repeated, confused. Her eyes flickered over Lucy's face, as if trying to predict where Lucy was going with her question.

"Leo," Lucy corrected herself, clearing her throat, "He was Loki while he was a part of our guild."

She watched Adie repeat the name a second time, before the blood began to rush to her face. Her eyes grew round with realization, and Lucy suddenly felt sorry for asking such a personal question.

"L-Love?" Adie whispered, her face crimson. Lucy nodded softly, leaning forward and awaiting the juicy answer. Adie croaked, her mouth agape as she searched for words. "Who told you—"

The soft plopping before them drew Adie's attention away from Lucy and vice versa. Lucy leaped to her feet, recognizing the tall spirit standing in front of them, "Veleda?"

The ruddy-skinned spirit nodded her head, smiling smugly. Her hair was in a simple coif of red ringlets, "Yes, dear." She glanced at Adie, "You are well, I see?"

Adie nodded curtly, her face still flushed. She looked somewhat bewildered as she studied Veleda, most likely resounding shock from Lucy's earlier inquiry. It was Lucy who spoke next.

"Is something wrong?"

Veleda glanced at Lucy, questioningly. "Adassandra did not tell you?"

"I didn't have a chance," the demi-spirit sighed, visibly annoyed at the seer's intrusion.

"Tell me what?" Lucy looked between them.

"Don't summon Morpheus," Adie quickly answered, her eyes shut as she rubbed her temples, "He's, er...busy, so to speak."

"Explain, please!" Lucy furrowed her brow. Had something happened?

Adie turned toward her, "Faux attacked us at Porlyusica's—"

"Oh no!" Lucy quipped, covering her mouth.

Adie raised a hand, "It's fine. Levy had found a way to free him of the binding magic, but he was weak. Too weak. I released him to the Spirit World, but can only imagine the condition of the other spirits. I think he was one of the first to be imprisoned, though his magic is much stronger than most."

Lucy nodded, she had seen Adie release Loki when they were battling the Adze at Wisteria. She had wondered about the ability. She opened up her mouth to ask the question, but Adie continued, "He's going to rally more spirits to help save the others and us, as well. Morpheus took his place, borrowing Faux's appearance to garner information about Grimoire Heart. Hopefully he is convincing enough, and can send us word."

"I have no doubt he will be," Veleda answered smoothly, though Lucy could detect the slight wrinkle of her forehead as she spoke. Lucy had often wondered about the relationship between the two, as well.

"So you see," Adie glanced at Veleda, "Calling on him would risk blowing his cover as well as a danger to Faux."

"And your sister," Lucy whispered, glancing at Adie.

"And my sister," the demi-spirit agreed.

Lucy shivered, "I understand. But, how...how did Levy break the spell?"

Adie nodded that she understood the question, "I'm no good with magic, but even I can tell that she is gifted. She had found a way to counter whatever binding dark magic is being used."

"Oh," Lucy replied, feeling somewhat dumb. A smile lit up her face,"So she can free everyone, then? The spirits can go back to the Spirit World!"

"I don't think it'll be that easy for us," Adie replied carefully, her eyes narrowing. "I'm not sure the number of spirits we are looking to free. It will require a lot of magic on Levy's part."

"Dozens, at best, " Veleda answered. After receiving bewildered gazes from both women, she elaborated, "We had a meeting with the Royal Council, and the numbers were determined to be substantial."

Adie nodded, "So it'd be easier to kill the summoner?"

"Yes," Veleda replied. "But...there is something else."

Lucy and Adie looked at the spirit expectantly. Veleda pressed her lips together, "His Majesty is threatening Extreme Punishment for any and all spirits who actively help in freeing Zeref, as they have violated the Laws."

"He's going to punish the Celestial Spirits who where captured—who had no choice?" Adie choked, her eyes bulging from her head. She leaped to her feet, lurching forward in anger. "H-He can't do that!"

"He is doing that," Veleda replied softly, her eyes closing briefly. "I argued against it, as did others, but he did not budge on his stance, I'm afraid. Even Faux's persuasive argument has fallen on deaf ears. He is now being imprisoned by the Guard—to be dealt with at the end of this war."

If there is an end to this war! Lucy recalled the battle—ages before—where spirits had fought alongside humans, though it had always been referred to as lore. It was no lore, Lucy knew, it was the truth. Though this time, spirits were being pitted against one another. Lucy had a feeling that the King was torn between his duty to upkeep his promise to Veleda's father and to protect his subjects.

"What's Extreme Punishment?" Lucy asked carefully. Normally she would be leaping to protect the innocent spirits, but she needed to remain calm—to take in everything being exchanged. Then she could think of a plan. Despite her calm exterior, she was as riled up as Adie was showing herself to be.

"Execution," Adie spit the word vehemently through gritted teeth, "He intends to simply slaughter the poor spirits who are being used against their wills!"

"He intends to kill them?" Lucy was horrified, her hands covering her mouth as she shivered. She sat on her hands to hide their angry tremor, "But that's not right!" Your sister!

"No, it's not," Veleda replied, watching Adie corners of the seer's mouth turned downward in displeasure, "But there is more, yet."

"Great. Do share," Adie grunted, her fists clenching.

"He wants you to return."

"No chance in hell!" Adie roared, turning to cast a wild-eyed stare at Veleda. "First he wants to kill my sister and the others, now he wants me to just idly go back to there?" Her face red with anger as the vein in her temple bulged.

"Careful," Veleda warned, her voice low and calming. "And remember, he can no longer use my power to find you."

Adie spun around, her eyes wide with realization, "Y-You! You saw this?" She glanced at Lucy, raising a finger in accusation and jutting it in the spirit mage's direction, "And you predicted her as well, which is why my mother had known that Barsky would meet Lucy! You knew this the entire time! That's why she had him—and you knew that the damned thing would—"

She began to sputter incoherently as Veleda's face lost some of its color and she bowed her head in defeat, understanding Adie's ramblings.

"I would have been used by Faux to find your key or by your uncle to find you. This was the only foreseeable way to prevent it. It was a risk, and my death wouldn't have been so unwelcome, trust me."

"You manipulated this entire scheme!" Adie's voice was climbing higher as she spoke. She quickly spun around, storming a few feet away and cursing under her breath. "Next thing I know, you'll be responsible for this entire war!"

"She had no choice!" Lucy interjected, suddenly coming to Veleda's defense. "It's not Lilith that they are after. It's you, can't you see that? That's why the King wants you to go to the Celestial World. Whatever the reason, they want you!"

"Me?" Adie's mouth fell open in shock as she stared at Lucy. How had the spirit mage caught this and she hadn't? She looked at Veleda, her eyes searching for clarification.

"Lucy is correct, it's true. Lilith is just a pawn to get to you, I think. A trap," the seer admitted, "You are the key to all of this and Zeref's minions have come to this conclusion as well. You are more level-headed where your sister is impetuous, making her an easier target. They had tried once, and failed."

"Me?" Adie echoed, confused. "I've done nothing—nothing!"

"You still haven't figured it out?" Veleda seemed flabbergasted as she watched Adie carefully shake her head. Lucy could see the faint shrug of the seer's bare shoulders, "It doesn't matter, you will soon, my dear. "

"I'm not following you. Spit it out, already, dammit!" Adie demanded, her voice was growing more frustrated. Lucy half-expected her to stomp her foot and whine.

"You are integral to finding Freya."

"That's what the King is trying to prevent," Lucy breathed, her hand gently covering her mouth as the pieces fell together.

"I can't, and you know this! Even you couldn't find her, remember?" Pale eyes grew round at Veleda's speculation.

"It doesn't matter that you haven't. What matters it that you may be able to do so. It's not your mother that is important, it's her key."

"Why?" Lucy interrupted. She could see the defeated slump of the blacksmith's shoulders.

"Because, child," the auburn-haired spirit slowly answered, her eyes on the Adie, "It was her key that locked the final gate of Zeref's prison. If—"

"If that key's found, then all hope of keeping him imprisoned goes with it," Lucy nodded, turning to watch Adie stare helplessly at her hands. "Then the war is lost before it begins." Veleda said nothing, confirming Lucy's suspicions. The blonde mage continued, "And the King suspects that Adie can find Freya, as does Grimoire Heart. But how did the guild acquire that knowledge?"

"You are not an idle mage, are you, Lucy Heartfilia?" Veleda raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed.

"Thank you," Lucy replied, wanting to ask a million questions, though she knew there was no time.

Veleda turned to Lucy, "Use your spirits wisely, my dear, we're at your disposal. You can be stronger than most mages if you know your spirits' abilities." Her eyes glanced past Lucy, toward the source of the elongating shadow that had spread past them. Adie said nothing, her back to them as she rigidly stood in the setting sunlight.

Veleda opened her mouth to say something, quickly closing it—as if she had thought better of it. Her deep red lips spread into a sad smile as she glanced around the village. She waved, "It seems that Faux's story is sound. I should go back, let the others know."

She disappeared before Lucy could respond, leaving a bewildered Lucy still sitting outside the guild hall. Inside, Lucy could hear the clamoring of the members as some reconstruction commenced. She was sure Laki would be participating, as she had done during the first rebuilding of the guild, over a year earlier.

"I never wanted this, and now it's escalated so far!" Adie whispered, kicking the ground in frustration as Lucy carefully approached. "I've never felt so helpless!"

Lucy wrung her hands, thinking about what Veleda had confided in her. Despite her tumultuous thoughts, a sudden idea came over her. "That's it! More than one Wendy!" Lucy quickly stood, her face beaming with triumph. "I can help!"

"Huh?" Adie was confused by the sudden outburst.

The blonde mage shook her head, "Intentional or not, she just gave me inspiration! And I have an idea of how you can help everyone, but that can wait!" She placed a hand on Adie's shoulder, "Don't worry, we will get your sister back as well as the others. I saved Loki from the same punishment! Everything will be alright in the end. Not one spirit will undergo this punishment, I promise."

Her words were filled with so much confidence and so much hope, that all Adie could do was stare with her mouth hanging open in an unladylike manner. A bewildered Adie was left standing in the setting sun as Lucy muttered to herself, turning on heel and charging into the guild hall for the second time that day.