Fairy Adventure: Omake Series

by Magnafeana

These are extras or omakes that will be placed separately from Fairy Adventure and the main plotline.

1. Fairy Academy

Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail nor any work professionally associated with it. All original plots and characters are mine.

---

In a land far, far away lies the kingdom of Fiore, a small, peaceful nation of 17 million, and a place filled with Magic found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace. For most, Magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, Magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds, they ply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born. A guild that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name...is Fairy Tail.

---

A bubbly giggle. "Higher!"

The grass shone jade as the sun smothered it in love. A vixen and her new mate were frolicking around in the woods in a game of cat and mouse. A frog on a lily pad was successful catching an unsuspecting grasshopper and plunked back into the pond.

A cackle. Tan hands pushing a swing. "You're gonna touch the sky if you go higher!"

Another giggle. "Yeah! Touch the moon!"

A glance back.

Crimson-ruby danced in amusement. "Sure thing, Blo—"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Birds startled out of their branch.

The sun sparkled through the trees. A family of robins began their day as the chicks chirped, hungry for breakfast. A vigilant doe watched over her young as they grazed about. Chit-chit-chit went the squirrels quarreling as they hopped from tree to tree. Two beady eyes came out of a burrow. It was a fox. The she-fox paused, tasting the air, and bounded off towards the sound of trickling water. Bzzzzzz went the dragonflies as they raced over a pond.

SNAP.

A leaf of the purest of greens fluttered onto the pond without permission. Spring was a gentle season of change just like her partner Autumn. Equal opposites they were as Spring told of the new beginnings with her blossoms and her sun and Autumn prophesized the end with his burning colors and tired animals. She let the sun have his way and peek through the clouds.

Sunlight glinted in-between the curtains of a bedroom filled with big ideas and aspirations. Calculated chaos described the room in little words. A haphazard assortment of art supplies was muddled on a desk. Boxes with no objects in them were flung, showing how the prize was much more valuable. Snores could be heard from underneath a heap of blankets.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

"Luna?" came call. "Luna, I hope you snuck out already. You already missed breakfast and your sister and brothers have all left for school."

KNOCK.

"Luna?"

A low moan.

The pile shifted.

A heavy sigh. "I'm going to assume you're gone since I know you're responsible. Your papa and I are off!" Footsteps padded away.

The pile shifted again. The blankets were pulled back to reveal dreary chocolate eyes. "Nnn… Is it time already?" A yawn escaped as a hand pushed back blonde hair. A blink. She stared up at the ceiling with no thought to it. What a weird dream…

Soft laughter, yet it was wild. A shimmer the same glint as a ruby.

She rubbed her eyes. "Un… I should probably get up."

SHHHHHHHHH…

The shower had been delightful warm this morning. She covered herself in a towel to see the misty reflection of herself in the mirror. Her skin was clearer, pink in the cheeks from the heat, and her eyes looked brighter. She felt brighter. She felt lighter.

Today's the day.

The uniform was something she took her time with. A skirt of blue plaid, her dress shirt, her white thigh-high stockings—each one made her feel slightly giddier. Her jacket fit her perfectly with the symbol she was proud of—the insignia of Fairy Tail. Her green ribbon tie was last.

Today's the day.

The braids in her hair were second nature to her. She braided up the sides of her hair to connect the loose strands into a ponytail. She primped herself in the mirror, but she could not help the smile on her face. She was ready.

This is it. This is what I've been waiting for. Her eyes strayed to the Fairy Tail pattern on her jacket. Today's the day I—

VRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

Luna snapped out of her reverie as her phone vibrated and vibrated. Frowning, she went to look at the screen and looked at the most recent notifications. Messages of a contact by the name of PRINCE SILVER appeared.

« Ugh, the wicked witch is here »

« Lulu come save me from the haaaaaagggggg! »

Luna giggled. Oh, Silver. Her eyebrows rose as another came in.

« Where are you anyways? Bell rings in 30 »

A blink. "Hm. Thirty minutes." Eyes turned to her phone to see the time. "And it's eight."

With the twitch of the ear, the doe lifted her head. In the distance, an ambitious coyote was stalking his new meal. The brook babbled along, but a fox paw disturbed it to catch fish. Wild bunnies twitched their noses as one from their colony rose up to scout the area. The two hounds of the house made themselves comfortable as they gathered on the side of the bed their mistress once slept. Five birds landed comfortably on the back d—

"Crap, I'm late for my first day of school…!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Koishite mitai wa fuwa fuwa to

Hage no supiichi ni sumairu

Miruku to panda wa shirokuma de

Sekai ga hazumu no

•

Suki to kirai wakannai

Kirai demo suki?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Crap, crap, crap! I'm going to be so late!

The day had already been started so early in the morning in Magnolia. No rest for the wicked and no rest for the working. The farmers market had opened their stands to the stay-at-home and work-from-home parents and singles alike, prepping their stock. A maid was out walking the dogs like she always did around this time of day. A baby cried as his haggard father loaded him into the car for a doctor's appointment. The canals had their fill of boats shuttling back and forth with shipments and passengers alike while a street trolley departed for its next stop.

I'm so late, I'm so late, I'm so late!

Luna hated to sweat, but this would have to be a time she sucked it up. Comical grief had struck her face as she raced down the sidewalk. How could I not wake up on time? I set my alarm and everything and now I'm late! Humorous tears streamed down her face. I'm so late!

"Watch where you're runnin', Miss!" came tease.

Luna looked over to see two boatmen grinning at her from their narrowboat. Age suited them well with few wrinkles and enviable beards. She smiled at them weakly and waved. "Good morning! And I will, promise!"

The other boatman cupped his hands on his mouth. "Don't worry too much! It's just the first day!"

"Yeah!" the other agreed. "You'll do great!"

A wink was shot at them. "Thank you! Have a good day!" Luna called. With a burst of adrenaline, she kicked herself into a higher gear to sprint the distance. Many called out to her in their amusement to see her rushing, but she was too focused on her destination to hear them. Only when her eyes saw the campus was when she was finally aware of her surrounds and felt sweet relief. I'm so close! School's almost in reach! She wriggled out her phone.

BEEP.

Her eyes turned to saucers when she saw the time changed to eight-twenty-nine. Ah, crap, now I'm officially late—Oh! She was thrown into a halt when an arm stopped her from running.

"Watch it!" came irritated snap from a woman.

Luna was about to snap back when she heard the familiar ding of the trolley. Much to her dismay, the trolley was not moving fast as it ate up the street. "Oh no…" she bemoaned. "What am I going to…?" Her eyes zoomed to a narrow alleyway.

A smirk formed.

°•°•°•°

This is so embarrassing…

Luna felt positively smushed in the alleyway, only moving mere inches per step with her butt and breasts pressed against her and her schoolbag raised in the air. She kept her eyes on the light at the end of the alley. Can't complain now. I'm almost…there… She swallowed roughly and sucked in as much as she could to weasel out the last few centimeters. So…clo—

WHOOSH.

Luna's eyes widened.

A silhouette moved past the alleyway with such precision she could barely believe it. And before it could disappear from her…

…ruby and chocolate clashed.

And then it was gone.

Luna blinked several times. "What the…?" She shook her head vigorously. "No, no, now's not the time." Grunting, she fell out of the alleyway and twisted to fall on her butt. Two stray cats were startled when her school bag nearly crushed them and hissed their dismay. "Owie…" she muttered as she got to her feet. Motivation was hard to come by, but she picked up her school bag and kept up her pace. The campus was coming up quickly and was within reach, not too far beyond. We're so close. Just a few more meters…

DING…DONG…DONG…DIIING…DONG…DING…DING…DOOOONG…

ERRRRRRRRRRRRR…

Luna hunched over, hands on her knees, pants shuttering off her lips. Students passed her in their blue and red ties and ribbons and chattered amongst themselves. Some noticed her, but no one made a move to speak to the breathless girl.

"I…made it…" She gulped in air, but the pants kept coming. "I did it… I'm here…" Swallow. Her back straightened so she could take a look at the view before her. Nature melded in with the building that had maintained its old physique and incorporate the new and the modern. The yard was teeming with students struggling to find motivation to head to class. A flying cat was one of the teachers overseeing the schoolyard and berating the students to get to class. The old clock sitting on the building still had a crack from the last battle. The student council was taking to welcoming their students

"I made it," Luna breathed, eyes sparkling, mouth beaming—the world becoming a better place. "I'm here…at Fairy Academy!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure Omake

Fairy Academy: Beauty with Blonde Hair

Welcome Back!

金髪の美女! 全ての物語はフェアリーアカデミーで始まる!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The classroom 7-5 was not a quiet one, but that was to be expected at Fairy Academy. This was a time to catch up with old friends, remember their separate schools, and start new friendships along the way. The chalkboard was pre-written with a schedule and a block already cut out for their welcome ceremony the student council was hosting. Even the hallways were filled as students tried to find old friends who moved classes. No teachers had come to calm them down yet, so it was all fair play.

Luna had settled in her seat—second desk in the second row and a seat away from the window—with her school slippers on, her bag at her desk-side, and her head on her desk with a big sigh. "At least I'm here before homeroom…"

"Nah, you're still late."

Luna raised her head for sea-blue eyes to be looking down at her. She instantly perked. "Silver! You're in this class too?"

Silver slicked back his blue hair. "Nope! I'm down the hall, but"—he pinched her cheeks—"I couldn't wait to see my Lulu…!"

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Silver Fullbuster

Year: Seven

School Status: Loverboy ⌟

Luna giggled and slapped his hands away. "Stop," she laughed off. "Sucks, though, that you're down the hall."

"Yeah, it's bummer," Silver agreed, "but…"—hearts struck his eyes and his hands clapped together—"my beloved Paige is in my class, he-he…!"

Luna sweatdropped at the love aura he wafted. "U-Um, Silver? Might want to tone it down…"

Silver snapped out of his love obsession. "Oh! The Scarlet Witch is across the hall, but she's got council crap to do, so you'll see her at the ceremony." He crossed his arms as he half sat on her desk. "Seriously, she's such a try-hard. I don't get why she's so obsessed with becoming student council president. Must be from those daddy issues."

"She does not have daddy issues," Luna chided. "I think it's cool she's in the junior council and wanting to better the school. I mean her mom was student president and so was her brother—"

A grin. "Until I dethroned him."

The entire class was speechless as Silver and Luna looked up at their newest member of the conversation. Luna could not help it when she rushed out of her seat to spring into an embrace. "Nashi…!"

Nashi gladly let her little sister hug her and did not mind one bit at the stares she received. Pink hair flowed loosely down her shoulders and her red ribbon stood out amongst the green. Her student council pin and presidential sash fit her uniform nicely. "Glad to see you actually made it to school," she joked.

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Nashi Dragneel

Year: Twelve

Status: Angel President ⌟

Luna sobbed comedically up at her sister. "How could you leave me alone, huh? Why didn't you wake me? You wanted me to be late, didn't you?"

Nashi sweatdropped. "Nice to see you too…"

"Um, Madame President?"

Both sisters turned to look at Silver, but they could no longer ignore the observers they had acquired. Students had started taking out their phones with excited whispers going around. Silver smiled big—too big—and turned the two Dragneel sisters towards the door. "Let's continue this conversation away from the fans, yeah?" Silver suggested.

Nashi chuckled as Silver scooted them out. Two twelfth years stayed in the hallway and blocked off further traffic from prying, nodding at their president. "Silver," Nashi calmed, "it's fine, really. I'm used to it by now." She turned around to face Luna, brushing back her bangs. "I just wanted to check in on my only sister and my favorite brother."

Luna's face went flat. "What did Igneel do now?"

Nashi tensed as though wanting to unleash her rage. "Let's just say I'm overjoyed this is my last year here," she muttered. "Anyways, I have to get back to the committee. I have a final walk around before the welcoming ceremony and some papers to sign and apparently"—she made air quotes—"there's some new TA that's late, so we have to go over some papers on his contract beforehand." An eye roll was completely appropriate even if un-ladylike. "Honestly, where would this school be without me?"

Luna giggled.

Nashi smiled and made sure hickory and chocolate met. "But I made sure to clear my schedule so we can have our back-to-school lunch like normal, m'kay? Luke's in and Igneel knows better than to skip."

"Okay." Luna let out a breath. "It seems like it's been so long since I've been at the academy. I don't think people remember me."

"Well, they will from now on," Nashi insured. "You're about to make your mark as a fairy, Lu." One of the twelves took a step forward and whispered words into Nashi's ear. Nashi nodded and sighed. "Well, it's back to my presidential duties." She booped Luna's nose. "See you at lunch." Her eyes strayed to Silver who oddly could not meet her gaze. An eyebrow went up. "You okay there, Silver?"

"Yeah." Silver cleared his throat. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Nashi frowned. "Hmmm… Okay then… Well, take care of my little sister, got it? Between you and Ena, someone needs to make sure she's watched." With a wink thrown at Luna, Nashi strode down the hallway with her twelves following after her.

Luna pivoted around to sear her friend with a look. "What was that a…"—she noticed students from every room on the floor were peering at her—"bout…?" Her eyes blinked owlishly. "Silver? What's going on?" She started touching her clothes. "Is there something on my clothes?"

Silver glared around the students as he took her by the hand and led her back into the classroom. "Ignore it, Lulu, they're just gossiping," he insisted. He made sure she was settled back in her seat, but the whispers crawled on her skin and into her ear.

"Is she really the president's sister?" came eager whisper.

"You think she can get us into the senior parties?"

"Check out her tits. She's definitely related to Prez!"

Luna rubbed her arm as her head ducked down. The flush of her neck and cheeks was bright red. Silver glared the male student who muttered that comment and wanted to set him straight. "Listen—!"

SCRRRRRRRRRRRR…

"If you value your pathetic excuse of a life, you will quiet yourself in the presence of someone far worthier."

All eyes went to the quaint figure of someone who never spoke. Pale red hidden behind glasses and snow-white hair down to her midback, Penelope glided to be at Luna's front. This was symbolic. Staying at Luna's side meant she was a mere friend, an equal. Staying in front of her meant she was her protector, defender. Her chin rose as she stared down the student with a vulgar tongue. "Do you hear me?"

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Penelope Strauss

Year: Seven

School Status: Soul Eater ⌟

The student pretended to dismiss her, but the gulp he took said otherwise. "Whatever."

Silver relaxed with Penelope here. "Nelly," he sighed. "Right, my beloved Paige told me you were in Lulu's class. You'll take care of her?"

"Of course." While Penelope's voice sounded dispassionate, her pale eyes burned with something as she watched her peers. "I have no intention of feeding her to the wolves."

Silver smiled. "You're a lifesaver, Nelly." He turned to Luna. "The teacher will be here to go over the schedule, but we won't be able to sit next to each other for the welcoming ceremony. We have to sit with our class, but I promise to catch you during free period."

Luna let her eyes stay on her desk as she nodded.

Silver frowned. "Don't let them get to you," he murmured under his breath. "Don't worry, Luna. This is just the hour of the first day. This is nothing."

The smile she gave was feeble. "Thanks, Silver. You should go before you're late."

Silver nodded and stroked her arm before rushing off. Luna let her shoulders sag as she kept her eyes to her desk. The whispers circulated around her, taunting her, and she did not have the courage to look up at her new classmates again. She wanted to disappear. Being the subject over everyone's gaze was nothing to be proud of. It was exposing. It made you feel unbearably vulnerable, like walls of steel need to be erected to help us out.

"Don't ever show weakness in front of these humans."

Luna looked up to see Penelope looking at her with those composed eyes.

"All of them are weak themselves but enjoy picking on the good in others to make themselves strong," Penelope reminded. "Don't let them get to you. Don't show them your weakness. And never give in." She flicked her hair. "To give in means to stoop to their level and both of us are too good for that."

Luna blinked in surprise at Penelope's words before she smiled softly. "Thanks, Penelope. I'll keep that in mind."

Penelope did not acknowledge that as she floated back to her seat.

Luna brushed back her hair. They're right. I shouldn't listen to them. I'm Luna Dragneel, a Fairy, just like them. She lifted her chin to look at the chalkboard. I deserve to be here. I'll make my mark and I'll show them.

"Hey," came hushed mutter, "how much you want to bet she's gonna be a hot piece of ass like the president?"

Luna's cheeks pinked in humiliation and her head lowered. But maybe not now…

---

Nashi walked the sky bridge with her council around her and exhaustion flooding through all of them. She was handed another iPad and scrolled through the contents. "Another request from the fashion club?"

"Yes, Madame President." Ellie was the one who handed her the iPad with her cheaters on and her uniform accessorized florally. "We have a late entry proposition for you. And, if you go to the next document, the yearbook committee needs approval for a couple of photography sessions."

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Ellie Strauss

Year: Twelve

School Status: The Fairy Princess ⌟

"There's also been a formal request for a battle," came inform from another student, holding out an iPad. "It looks like another challenge has been issued for that student."

Nashi stopped, halting her entire posse with her. "How about we review these documents after school in the War Room, okay?" She graced everyone with diplomatic smiles as she handed Ellie the tablet. "My apologies, everyone, but I just need a minute to myself before we need to leave for the ceremony if that's all right?" Everyone nodded their sympathies and went about their way, discussing school politics and affairs, while Ellie stayed behind. Nashi ignored her as she went to the railing and looked out the window. The stadium was dutifully finished and she had already done her walk around to approve of the finishing touches.

"Everything okay, Madame President?"

Nashi sighed. "Ellie…"

Ellie let her cheaters rest atop her bun and put her hand on her cocked hip. "What's wrong, hon?" she asked outright. She stepped up to be at Nashi's side. "You've looked exhausted for days, sweetie. If JJ was back in school, you know he'd be worrying about you too."

Nashi swished her hair to one shoulder. "Sometimes, I can't believe they all graduated," she murmured. "I remember when Misty was president and Lance was VP and Dazzler and Cade would have battles on school grounds… But they're gone. And we have to live with that." Her eyes closed. "We have to make them proud."

Ice blue thundering the same arctic storms.

Nashi fluttered her eyes open to give Ellie a rehearsed beam. "Anyways, give me the iPad. I have to go into the office and make sure they match the hard copy for the TA agreement." Another eye roll was made, this more unceremonious. "I'm surprised Mister Jonah is letting a TA teach his junior classes, especially one this late." She started her walk to her office.

"Need any help?" Ellie called.

Nashi shook her head without looking back. "Nope, I'm okay! See you at the ceremony!" She could feel Ellie stare at her back, but she did not dare turn around to assure her friend. She had to keep moving. She had to. She, however, did not have to bite down her scowl and let her paint her face.

I have to be strong. I have a student body to lead. I can't go dwelling on the past.

Nashi's office was nothing she bragged about. The office space housed the entire student council, but she was assigned her own special room within the room for her own meetings. The office space felt too large without her fellow students filling the room with noise as they researched and proposed and negotiated and debated. The books on the shelves contained decades worth of information and ideas and policies and proposals and events. She found herself straying to the one book she could never resist. That was why she hid it among the commoners. She traced its spine.

GRADUATION COTILLION OF XXXX

Like it burned her, Nashi retreated her hand. Get it together. Keep walking. None of them are coming back, she scolded herself. She went straight to her double sliding doors when she paused. Her ears perked and she listened closely.

RUSTLE.

Nashi's eyes sharpened. Someone's invaded my office! Without any hesitation, she let the iPad settle on a nearby desk and readied her fists. Well not without a fight…

Carefulness was her strong suit in some ways, but she was at a disadvantage here. Her doors slid open and someone had taken control of her office. So she would have to take control of herself. Gritting her teeth, Nashi gave herself a mental countdown. Three… Two… One…

BANG!

Nashi slammed open the doors. "Just who the Hell do you think you a—?"

Hickory widened.

Her words were gone.

A smirk. "Wow, Prez, do you welcome all your guests like this?"

Nashi took a step back like she had been attacked. A shadow loomed over her as cold fingers took her chin in hand.

"Or should I call you"—icy-blue and chocolate clashed in a blaze—"Angel?"

Nashi closed her mouth.

Her fists shook at her sides.

A tick mark thumped against her forehead.

Shadows covered her eyes.

"You…"

BANG.

Nashi had left a sizable dent on her floor as the invader got away. "…IDIOT…!"

The invader landed on their feet without even trying. Another smirk. "Miss me so much, Angel?"

Nashi's breaths were ragged. She drew herself up—

—and burning hickory and amused cerulean clashed.

"Gary Fullbuster"—Nashi snarled the name—"what the Hell are you doing back on my campus?"

Gary cocked his head without a care in the world. He looked good for being two years her senior. His black hair was tamed back into a simple man-bun, but he looked every bit as professional as he needed with his dress shirt and vest and a comfortable pair of slacks. He looked prepared with his travel backpack, but one thing that Nashi still noticed as that hint of tattoo that disappeared into his sleeves.

"C'mon, Angel, no warm welcome back for me?" Gary teased. "Traveling hasn't exactly been easy for me, y'know."

"I wouldn't know, remember?" Nashi seethed. "You left with no note, no text, no call—nothing. You don't get a warm welcome because you don't deserve one. Now"—she pointed to her open doors—"get out of my office and get off my campus."

"I don't think I will."

Nashi's jaw ticked. "Excuse me?"

Gary walked around the desk and was very aware of Nashi's glower following him. "No, I was told to wait here for Madame President so she could go over the paperwork for my TA position." He sat in her chair with a delighted sigh. "And I don't think I'm leaving until we do just that." He patted his lap. "Sit, Prez. We have a lot to discuss."

"We have nothing to discuss," Nashi snapped as she started to her desk. Hands slammed down as she glared at the smug bastard sitting in her presidential chair. "I refuse for you to have any position in my school."

"Well, then, it's a good thing you don't hold any power over job opportunities," Gary said breezily, each easy word angering her even more. "Reedus offered me this position fair and square when I got back. How could I refuse getting teaching experience and…"—Nashi did not even realize he had risen up until her breathing hitched at how close they were, the centimeters that held them apart—"coming home to my Angel?"

Blinking away any softness she felt at the name, Nashi hardened as she reeled back. She had to retreat. She knew that. He knew that. But she could not back down, not like this. The summer heat always blazing in her eyes dialed into the chilled winter she normally put off. "You want to work here? Teach here? Fine. I don't care. I don't owe it to you to care. You're just a teaching assistant, Mister Fullbuster, and will address me as 'Madame President' like a professional." She retrieved the iPad and tapped away until the contract came up. She took no comfort in setting it down for him. "Here is your contract. Clauses bolded in red are non-negotiable, but unmarked clauses can be negotiated. You have the right to add amendments so long as the board agrees they are fair." Bland hickory seared into unreadable cerulean. "Any more questions, Mister Fullbuster?"

Gary watched her for a few more moments. "Just one."

Nashi inclined her chin as though to tell him to continue.

"Will you ever forgive me?"

Nashi did not even flinch. "Why would I do that?" She turned her back on him to exit the room, but she paused before she could shut the doors. "There's nothing to forgive."

SLAM.

---

RIIIIIIIIIIING…

The class representative stood up first as the teacher waited patiently at the podium. "Attention!"

The entire class stood up.

"Bow!" came second command.

The entire class bowed. "Thank you for the lesson, Teacher!"

The teacher smiled and bowed back. "I'll see you all on Friday," he farewelled before exiting the room.

Relieved sighs expanded all around the room as shoulders slumped and conversation blossomed. Three girls giggled amongst themselves at their friend's desk due to the love note that appeared in one of their lockers. A couple of boys took out their Switches to continue their round of Pokémon and to Smash. Already, some of the students raced out of the classroom to make it outside for their break. Luna, however, slunk over her desk stretch.

"Wow… I forgot how tiring school could be," she muttered.

"L!"

Luna perked when she saw a familiar beam at the doorway. "E!"

°•°•°•°

It was not too long that Luna had taken to sitting under the shade of a tree at a bench with a girl at her side of scarlet-red hair and a drawing notebook in her lap. A pick-up game of baseball had instantly started and they sat right outside the cage. Student-vendor carts were littered across campus courtesy of the Culinary Club from everything from anpan to dorayaki to even selling pretz and pocky.

Luna ate another crepe and swung her feet excitedly at the flavor of it. "Mmm!" She swallowed and savored it. "I think this is my favorite flavor! Thanks for the snack, E!"

"It's no prob, L," "E" assured. "Think of it as your 'welcome home' meal!"

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Ena Fernandez

Year: Seven

School Status: The Designer ⌟

Ena openly sketched in her notebook, but she was disturbed at the loud cheering on the field. "Ugh. Meatheads—all of them." She flicked her hair over her shoulder, but she could not help the blatant disgust on her face when one of the players pointed and winked at her. "What do you think is in the space between their ears?"

"C'mon, E, don't be so cruel," Luna teased with a nudge. "They like sports just like you like fashion. Have compassion for their passion."

Ena wrinkled her nose when she saw Silver get to home plate from his home run. "Mmm, thanks but I'll pass." She turned to her best friend. "So, how's school been for you so far? Good to be back?"

"Definitely," Luna heartily agreed. "Homeschooling was nice and all, but I miss being around everyone, y'know?" Eyes drifted this way and that to see new faces, unfamiliar. "But it seems like I'm already the outsider."

"Don't say that," Ena discouraged. "You've been out of school for, what, three years? Yeah, a lot has changed, but so what? You still have me, the stalker, Penny, Paige—we're all here for you. And I'm sure everyone's going to see how much you shine." Playfully, she wrapped herself around Luna. "But they can't have you because you're all mine! Mine, mine, mine!" she jested.

Luna giggled and pushed her away. "You're crazy," she decided. With a light sigh, she turned back to the game. "I think I'm more excited for the welcome ceremony this afternoon. I went to the welcome ceremony yesterday for new students and transfers, but it'll be fun to see everything new the school has to offer."

Ruby eyes.

Luna frowned. That's right… I don't think I saw anyone like that at the ceremony yesterday… "Hey, E?"

"Mmm?"

"Is there anyone at school with, like, really red eyes?" Luna checked. "A male student, probably tall, black hair?"

Ena frowned as well. "Mmm… Nothing to knowledge, no. But," she added when she saw Luna slouch in defeat, "then again, the school is huge. I only know liberal arts students, really, so if this student is in any sports, I've probably never seen him."

Luna perked again. "That's right. The academy is big. He has to go he—"

"A Council member has been requested," the PA system announced, "to practice soccer field A for a battle. Again, a Council member has been requested to practice soccer field A for a battle."

Ena's eyes gleamed while Luna felt herself drowning in perplexity. "A 'battle'?" she questioned. "What's that supposed to me—? Ah!" Luna found herself at Ena's mercy as she tugged her best friend along. "Wha…? Where are we going? My crepes!"

"I'll buy you more," Ena dismissed as she joined the rush of students. "This, you have to see! They put a new policy in place that's definitely liked by the entire student body!"

Luna saw the eagerness splashed on the faces of her peers and now curiosity fought within her. What exactly is going on?

Ena forced her way through the crowds with a deadlock on Luna's hand. Shouldering people aside with no remorse, Ena led the two of them onto the bleachers of practices soccer field A. Students and even a few teachers crowded around the field and bets were slipping through without authority knowledge. Or they knew and did not care to tell the higher-ups. Students from the Newspaper and Broadcasting Club had taken up the box with their press badges. The pick-up teams stood off to the sides, not the least annoyed that their game was interrupted. As Ena sat Luna down, Luna glanced around at the audience gained. This is new…

"Ladies"—Luna jumped at the thundering call—"and gentlemen, let's get ready to battle…!"

Roars and claps and stomps of feet shook the bleachers and Luna gripped Ena's arm for dear life. "E, what is happening?" she whispered in a rush.

"A battle," Ena said as though that was all she needed to know.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the rules of one-on-one battles are simple," came announcement. "So long as a Council member is present, all fighters engaged are granted immunity from any damages done. Each fighter may only use legal moves. There are three rounds per battle. Should there be a draw, the Council member as Monitor will coordinate a thirty-second power battle in which whoever gets in the first strike wins the entire battle. Should any fighter be using any illegal substances, they are automatically disqualified. No extra help is given to either fighter, but each fighter is allowed one Support. The winner is entitled either a wish granted by the Council or favor or punishment from the loser. Now, everybody ready?"

The roars were back.

"Then leeeeet'sintroduuuuuce our fighteeeeeeeeers…!"

Luna shrunk into Ena's side as everyone leaped up and cheered for the arrival of their battlers. "E," she called over the noise, "explain please?"

Ena could not withhold her beam, but she informed Luna, "So Fairy Academy had some bad rep from all the violence and fighting in the school. So, before Misty left, he and the other presidents from the other schools got together for a proposition for the board of education for the county. It was called 'School Rumble', I think. Basically, students are allowed to fight other students as long as they are supervised by an impartial member of the student council or by a teacher. It's mainly one-on-one fights, but sometimes clubs can battle each other. You can only, technically, battle within your division, but sometimes, the Council makes exceptions."

Luna tried to get in another question, but the announcer beat her to it. "Introducing the flame and the brain…theeeeeeee Salaaaaamanadeeeeeer…!"

Ena stood up and Luna was dragged up with her. Much to her surprise, the Salamander was— "Igneel?!"

Igneel had darker eyes than either of his sisters and hair much more burnt gold-orange, not a trace of pink. Rage was inescapable on his face as he stepped into the end zone of the soccer field, school jacket and tie gone. He flexed his hands and cracked his neck as he waited for his opponent.

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Igneel Dragneel

Year: Nine

School Status: The Hot Nerd ⌟

"Wait, why did they call him 'Salamander'?" Luna demanded to know.

"Battle names," Ena answered with ease. "We all get battle names once we register as a fighter. Only registered students can issue challenges, so a lot of the student body registered. Once they step onto the battlefield, they are only recognized as their fight persona. Neat, huh?"

"Let's go with 'huh'," Luna muttered. Her eyes saw her other brother standing off to the side. "Is that—?"

"Luke? Mmm-hmm," Ena confirmed. "He's Igneel's Support. Essentially, he's like the coach you see in boxing matches, giving Igneel pointers between rounds and calling out moves he thinks would be good during the match."

"And noooooow introducing the Salamander's opponent…! He's a lean, mean, fighting machine holding the record of most fights won! Give it up fooooor…Geoooooooo-Dragooooooooooon…!"

STEP.

Chocolate widened.

The opponent dubbed "Geo-Dragon" stepped onto the field and the crowd went wild. He was impressive to say the least. Not too brawny and not too tall, he walked to his position dressed in full uniform and shades covering his eyes. He brushed back his hair and ignored the gush of the crowd over his appearance.

"Oh my God, I can't believe it's the Geo-Dragon!" came excited shriek from one of the sixth-year girls. "I didn't think we'd get to see him battle so soon!"

"I know, right?" Her friend giggled. "Think we'll actually see him around school this year? I've been dying to ask him out!"

Luna heard both male and female students retell their stories of Geo-Dragon, their enthusiasm for his arrival and what it meant for Fairy Academy, and even some going over his more impressive stats that had Luna blushing. "E, what's the deal with this guy?" she whispered. "Why's he such a big shot?"

Ena brushed back her hair. "Aside from him being one of the top fighters in the school, he's also related to Iron Man and Iron Maiden." She thought on it. "She might go by Steelstriss, now, I think. Those two were fighter legends at Fairy Academy, but they left to study abroad for some time. And all three of them are the kids of the Iron Dragon!"

Luna blinked. "Who now?"

Ena was about to explain what that meant, but the announcer went off, "Madame Vice President Eliana will be the Monitor of this battle! A few words from our VP!"

Luna's eyes rounded when she spotted Ellie. Whoa… I didn't realize Nashi's best friend was on the Council too!

Ellie looked between Igneel and Geo-Dragon. "I want a good, clean battle, boys," she told them. "You're interfering with first day of school Council-work and we have a welcome ceremony within the next period." She pointed at Igneel. "Salamander, you're the challenger. If you win, would you like to receive favor from the Council or from your opponent?"

Igneel kept his eyes on his rival. "My opponent," he told the crowd. "He knows my wager."

Geo-Dragon smirked. "Yeah, ditto here, Miss VP," he called. "He knows mine."

A growl tore through Igneel's lips and he hedged a step forward.

"Igneel, careful," came Luke's warning. He shared pink hair with Nashi and brown eyes with both sisters, even if his were honeyed-amber. He adjusted his glasses, gaze sharp. "He's baiting you like last time."

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Luke Dragneel

Year: Nine

School Status: The Brainiac ⌟

Igneel rolled his shoulders before sliding into his stance. "I won't lose to you." His snarl hit Geo-Dragon in the chest.

Geo-Dragon cackled as he settled into his own. "You will," he promised. "You have my word on that."

Ellie raised her hand and addressed both fighters and the audience. "On my signal, the first match will begin!" she commanded. Her eyes slid over to the academy building.

Luna followed Ellie's subtle gaze. What is she…? On the spot, Luna would recognize her sister anywhere. Nashi stood against the glass wall that oversaw the practice field with hawk-like eyes. What's Nashi doing here? Is she just watching? Luna watched her sister give Ellie a nod. What's that all about?

Ellie raised her hand even higher. "On your marks…!"

Silence befell on the battlefield, anticipation keeping everyone on their toes, everyone breathless.

Ellie dropped her hand. "Battle!"

No one moved. No one could breathe. No one could move their eyes. Onyx locked with darkness as fanged growl matched cocky grin. Igneel's eyebrow twitched as he watched how annoyingly collected his opponent was. His fists flexed. Jaw ticked.

Geo-Dragon's grin broadened and showed teasing fang.

Igneel's eyes widened in pure, unfiltered fury. "You…"—he swung low before bolting into a sprint—"bastard…!"

Geo-Dragon readied himself with a taunt of his fingers. "Bring it, Blondie."

And Luna watched in shock as the first blows were exchanged. She watched as Igneel wound himself into a kick that Geo-Dragon blocked, no problem. Geo-Dragon attempted to spin him out, but Igneel was one step ahead in bending backward to twist himself out of Geo-Dragon's hold. Geo-Dragon made his move with a sweep kick Igneel dodged, but before either could get a punch in, a lock was in order. Their hands grappled each other as both willed the other to stand down.

"You'll never touch her," Igneel gritted out.

Geo-Dragon chuckled lowly. "Conserve your energy for the fight, Salamander."

Both pushed away from the other, flipping backward until they were each a few yards away from the other. Igneel threw down an arm. "Who the Hell told you she even returned?"

Luna blinked her surprise. 'She'?

Geo-Dragon's laughter brought her back to the fight. "I have my ways," he assured Igneel, pissing him off even further. "I'm honestly shocked you kept this from me, Salamander, considering your own…issues."

Igneel cut him off with a thundering snarl.

"Touched a nerve?" Geo-Dragon's chortle was flat-out evil. "Want me to shut up? Then actually fight for once in your life. Because the sooner you try and shut me up, the sooner I win and can claim what I want from you." His shaded gaze went up to the stands.

A zing went straight through Luna. She heard the girls and guys gasping and fawning as Geo-Dragon stared up at the bleachers, but for some reason, it felt different for her. Tingles electrified her as she met Geo-Dragon's stare head-on. The swallow she attempted felt full of spit like her throat was dry and needed moisture. She looked this way and that, but when she turned to face him, she found his gaze still centered on her.

Is he…? Is he staring at me? Luna shook her head. No, that can't be possible. There's a bunch of people on the stands, isn't there? Uncomfortable still, she tugged Ena's arm. "E, can we go now? This is getting a little weird."

Ena glanced down at Luna to see the flaxen maiden was hunched over with a hand on her arm. A sigh escaped her. "Sure thing, L" She perked. "Hey! How about we go to my club room? I've got to get some stuff anyways before lunch, so I can totally show you around!"

Luna's smile might have been weak, but her eyes were certainly bright. "That sounds fun! Let's go!" The two seventh years got up and made their way down from the bleachers. Luna felt tingling on her back as she turned away from the battle. She refused to look back, however, and let Ena talk her ear off about the fashion club and her complaints to how the new uniform ideas did not pass through the Council. Weakness spread through Luna as she risked looking back…

…only to see Geo-Dragon's shaded gaze following her.

Luna swallowed again. Is he really looking at me?

"L?"

But that can't be it… Luna licked her slightly chapped lips in uncertainty. Why would he be looking at me? I don't even know him.

"L?"

Luna's gaze swung to the ground. I'm just imagining things. He's probably staring at his girlfriend? Boyfriend, maybe? He couldn't be staring at someone like me…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"L!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna blinked and noise crowded around her. No longer was she walking the fields with Ena. She was sitting in the bleachers with the rest of the junior division of the academy and Ena sat dutifully at her side. The entire gymnasium was full of students and faculty alike. One side of the gym bleacher was for the junior division while the other side was four the senior division and the floor held the rest of the grades. Decorations had been put in place to welcome everyone back with each club designing their own banner of promotion and welcome. The student council had taken the stage with a pianist from the orchestra playing contemporary like it was her job. The principal—a woman with scarlet hair and gentle eyes—vice-principal, the school counselors, and the executives were on stage as well.

"L? Hello? Are you listening?"

Luna snapped back into reality to look wide-eyed at Ena. "I'm sorry, what?"

Ena sighed. "I was talking to you about signing you up for clubs," she reminded with an eye roll. "Since Madame President is your sister, she gave you a week like the rest of the newbies to find a club for you to join. The school festival is on Saturday to show everyone new clubs and everything. But I was thinking you'd definitely like the animal club, the light music club, the dance club, or the photography club."

"Or Lulu could join the swim club and be with her actual best friend."

Ena groaned while Luna feathered a smile onto her face. "Hi Silver. And no, no swim club."

Silver plopped next to Luna with a beam. "C'mon, Lulu, you'd totally fit in with the swim club!" he insisted. "I'm in the swim club and the ice-skating club and you'd be perfect!"

"Oh, yes, listen to the lovesick poetry club idiot," Ena sassed.

Silver glared at Ena over Luna's head. "My bad, Lulu. I didn't realize you have the Wicked Witch of the West here."

"Guys, I'm still trying to adjust being back in school," Luna soothed before a fight could break out. "I'll definitely walk around the school festival to figure out what I want to join, but I really do appreciate the suggestions."

Silver waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. Anyways, did you hear about the battle between your brother and Geo-Dragon?" He hooted, slapping his knee. "I knew Geo-Dragon would win! First fight of the year and he's already going strong! My bets are gonna be good this year!"

"What's the deal with these battles and this 'Geo-Dragon' anyways?" Luna huffed. "Why's all of this a big deal?"

"Because it's a huge turn-around for Fairy Academy," Silver divulged. "My dad would tell me how bad of a rep Fairy Academy had back in the day. Students were out of control pranksters, getting into fights with neighboring schools all the time. But it wasn't until your grandpa"—he nudged Luna's arm—"donated, like, a bunch of money to revamp the school and then the witch's mother did everything she could her twelfth year to fire the school back into something better than it was. It took a couple of presidents and principals, but then Principal Fernandes and Misty came along and totally redid the school and got a bunch of alumni on board to keep donating to programs and such. They even, somehow, got a major sponsor for us to be a battle academy."

"Actually," Ena put in, "some of the students have sponsors for battling." At Luna's incredulous look, Ena nodded. "Yeah, I guess the battle academy thing became a huge hit since some of the big schools like Saber Prep, Saint Pegasus, and even Lamia got on board for battle academies. Some students were scouted for the talent, so they have sponsors."

"But for what?" Luna inquired. "It's just school. What are they supposed to do?"

"Battle." Silver took out his phone to show Luna an Instagram page. "Here, take a look."

Luna scrolled through the account titled SCHOOL RUMBLE: GRAND BATTLE GAMES. Her eyebrows shot up as she saw photo after video of students fighting it out in a stadium in flexible gear, though some more flashy than useful. Much to her surprise, Geo-Dragon appeared in the winner's circle with all-black fighter gear, a mask covering his face. GD was on the front of his battle suit in gold and red. "Goodness. What is all this?"

"The product of the consumer," Silver offered.

Ena rolled her eyes. "What Shakespeare means is that the school battles turned into a big thing across Fiore," she clarified. "So much so that we have events like this where students compete against other students across the board. Their sponsors basically give them personal trainers, a gym to work out at, even nutritionists and designers for their gear. Some students shoot commercials for brands and everything! I, naturally, am the sole designer for Fairy Academy!" she boasted.

"That's crazy, but kind of cool too," Luna admitted. "Can students even do that though?"

Silver made an eh face. "Definitely with some workarounds, but it's legal," he assured. "Minor students still need parental consent and all, but it's a pretty sweet deal. Part of the student commission still goes back to the school, so it's good revenue and the more trophies we take home, the better our school looks. Our school-wide GPA keeps increasing with us being a battle academy."

"Which is really good," Luna agreed as she handed Silver back his phone, "but I think I'll sit out from battling if that's okay. But I'm still confused why Geo-Dragon's such a big deal. And why would he pick a fight with my brother? Are they enemies or something?"

Ena tapped her chin with the butt of her pen. "Well, last time I checked, Geo-Dragon and your brother didn't have the same crew, but they had common interests and stuff." She shrugged, not too caring for the conversation. "Not really sure why they'd fight. I mean they battle once and a while, but this time around, I heard Igneel was plenty pissed off."

"Oh, he was," Silver vehemently confirmed. "Dude was ticked off and even more angry when he lost to Geo-Dragon. Geo-Dragon said something in Igneel's ear before walking away, but no one's seen the guy since."

"Hey! Silver!"

Silver looked up and waved back at a couple of boys down the bleachers. "Those guys are on the actual swim team with me," he let Luna know. "Gotta go make my rounds." He quickly gave Luna a hug. "Bye, Lulu!" A stiff nod was thrown at Ena. "Witch." And he was off.

Ena held back from whatever nasty thing she wanted to say. "Anyways," she roughly breathed, "think about which club you want to join. And if nothing else, the fashion club could always use more models," she tacked on in jest, laughing alongside her best friend. Their laughter was halted as chiming brought everyone's attention to the stage.

A representative took up the side of the stage. "Attention!"

Everyone in the gymnasium rose to their feet.

Nashi and Ellie took the stage as the representative bowed. "Bow!"

Everyone in the gymnasium took a bow.

Nashi took the podium with Ellie on her right and the secretary on her left. "You may sit." And so they did. Nashi continued with her speech: "Students, staff, I welcome you back to Fairy Academy this spring as your Madame President Nashi Dragneel. Yesterday, we celebrated the entrance ceremony for our new students with success. We celebrated how spring is a time of new beginnings and new endings. Today, we celebrate the new beginning of our new students and new staff as we remember those who have graduated onto their own new chapters in life." A glance at her outlined notes. "I'd like to take the time to thank each and every eleventh and twelfth year as well as the entire staff of the academy for making this campus home for both old and new students and faculty. The Student Council recognizes every volunteer who made today and yesterday possible and our gratitude has been extended in the formal invitations each one of you has received."

Nashi went on: "I know for many of you, today was both a confusing and chaotic day. New classroom, new classmates, new battles…" She smiled. "I'm sure many of you were taken back to the battling you saw this morning. I hear Geo-Dragon won his first battle of the season?"

Thunderous applause and whoops shook the entire gym.

Nashi tittered. "Now, now, let's not get too excited. That was my brother he was fighting." A twinkle in her eyes. "Which is why I say…congratulations, Geo-Dragon."

Ena and Luna covered their giggles behind her hand as laughter thrummed in the air. Even the teachers chortled and Principal Fernandez's lips twitched in amusement.

Nashi carried on: "Okay, I'm done, I promise. Truly, I welcome you all back to Fairy Academy. As our spring comes in…"

BZZZZZZ…

Luna looked over at Ena as she took out her phone. "What's wrong?" she fretted when Ena's face pale.

"It's from the account manager," Ena informed. "She's been in negotiation with a vegan supplier, but the deal looks like it won't be closing which is a huge no since we're in the works of designing a vegan fashion line and promoting the brand through our vegetarian and vegan battler." On her feet, she grabbed her sketchpad and pencils. "I need to step outside. I'm already getting a text from the com officer about damage control." Apology was in her eyes as she looked at her best friend. "Will you be okay? I'm sorry to leave you like this—"

"E." Luna stopped her right there. "Go. Do what you need to do."

Ena's smile was grateful. "Thank you. I'll see you after school." And she was heading down the bleachers as discreetly as possible.

Luna sat prettily and tried hard to focus on what Nashi had been saying. Nashi had been making introductions of the student council and was introducing the treasurer. However, whispers started to sprout. Luna tucked hair behind her ears as she saw people glance at her from the corner of her eyes. Several times, she heard variations of her name come up in hushed conversation. Chin lowering, her hand latched onto her arm. Whispers turned into murmurs turned into giggles. They mocked her ears and muffled the sounds of her sister's speech. Eyes shut to block the voices, but it was no use. The noise slowly compounded around her into a dissonant chord. A swallow. A shuttered exhale.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

Luna shot up so fast, it startled those around her. She ignored how loud she was possibly being as she rushed down to one of the doors on the bleachers. She ignored the students speaking about her as she shoved open the door. She ignored a piercing stare following her running form as the door shut.

°•°•°•°

Geo-Dragon watched the door shut from his spot in the bleachers only to get up himself. As he began to move, he was called out. "Seriously. You're following her?" came dry question. Geo-Dragon looked down at the guy who spotted him. Jet-black hair and violet eyes, he shuffled his deck of cards with a knowing look.

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Cane Alberona-Groh

Year: Ten

School Status: The Fortune-telling Flirt ⌟

"Mind your own business," Geo-Dragon snapped harshly. "This doesn't concern you."

Cane shrugged. "She's a family friend," he reminded. "I'd hate to see her get hurt."

Geo-Dragon bared fang at him. "I'm doing what needs to be done. I kept my word."

"You don't need to defend yourself to me." Cane held up his neat stack for a single card to emerge—the king.

Geo-Dragon threw a low growl at him and hurried down the steps. Slamming open the door, the speech was muffled and applause had followed, but he did not care about it. The hall was full of doors and silence. Chin tipping up, he scented the air. Lips twitched into a smirk, his sharp shaded stare went down the hall. I smell you…

°•°•°•°

Luna stopped her scurrying when she got to a space bridge. She threw herself onto the end of the bench lining the bridge with her heart pounding and her cheeks ablaze. Pants came off her as she clutched her school jacket. She could not calm down for all that it was worth and that stung. Her eyes closed as she remembered those whispers, those comments, those stares.

Maybe I wasn't cut out for this, Luna whimpered. Maybe I shouldn't have come back, I… Her hand pulled out her phone as her vision blurred from unshed tears. She did not waste any time calling one of the people she could always depend on. The second the call connected, she started in a quiver, "Papa?"

"Baby girl," came worry. "What's wrong? Are you okay? Did somebody hurt you?"

Luna sniffled, shaking her head. "N-N-N-No, I—…" She angrily batted away a tear. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called. You're at work—"

"Baby girl, you are more important than that," her father assured in coo. "You know I'm here for you and your mom. Tell me what's wrong. Tell me what you want to do."

Luna sniffed again and wiped away more tears. "Maybe I wasn't ready," she lamented. "I keep getting stares and people are talking about me a-a-a-and—!"

"Shhhh," her father soothed. Mutters came as he directed his next words to someone else on his end. "Okay, baby girl, how about I come and get you, yeah? We can spend the rest of the day at home. We can watch some Poko with Plue and get ice cream, eh? Your mom doesn't even have to know. We'll keep this our secret."

"I—"

Luna's eyes widened when her phone was ripped away from her.

A fanged grin. "That won't be necessary, Mister Dragneel."

Luna could not believe Geo-Dragon was crouched in front of her with his shaded gaze never leaving her frightened ones. She heard her father's growl. "Who the Hell is this? Where is my daughter?"

"Don't play dumb with me, sir," Geo-Dragon mocked. "You let your daughter back on academy property. You knew what would happen."

A bone-rattling snarl. "Stay away from her! She's—!"

BOOP-BOOP-BOOP.

The line went dead.

Luna was still frozen as Geo-Dragon slipped her phone back into her hands. He kept himself eye level. "It's funny. You used to have so much to say," he teased her.

A blink. Frozen lips turned down into pursed lips. Annoyance shot through chocolate as Luna drew herself up. "You had no right to that," she growled. "I don't even know you! And from what I do know, it seems like you're nothing more than a jerk!" She got up.

Geo-Dragon was slow to rise and easily towered over her. "Believe me, princess, your brother takes that crown with pride."

"Is that why you fought him?" Luna challenged. "Because you thought he was the jerk? Have you looked in the mirror lately? Or would it shatter if you did?"

"Oooo, sick burn," Geo-Dragon guffawed. "You really do have a mouth on you. Not that I mind. I admire that in a woman." He looked at her with a quick up-and-down. "But you're not a woman, are you, princess?"

Luna could not help but show him her own growl.

Geo-Dragon's eyebrows shot up in good humor. "Such a cute little noise. Was that supposed to scare me?"

"Back off," Luna snapped at him. "And get away from me." She shouldered her way past him. "Better yet, stay away from me and my brother." She was set to walk away when a large hand delicately caught her wrist. Chocolate glowered at the contact, then at his face.

Geo-Dragon did not hesitate to invade her personal space. "I won, princess." His reminder sounded soft and babying like he was cooing to an angered child. "Igneel lost and, deep down, he knew he would. He knew his pissy attitude didn't stand a chance against my resolve. He knew how long I've been waiting for this."

"For what, huh?" Luna spat at him. "What does that even have to do with me? To do with right now?"

Geo-Dragon bent forward for his words to hit her ears intimately. "It has everything to do with it," he hissed quietly in her ear. "He fought me and I won as it should be."

"That explains nothing," Luna retorted. "Why would you fight him and for what? And who are you?"

He righted himself and set her free from his hold. "Ask him," he delegated simply. "You think so highly of the dumbass, so why not ask him what he lost and who I am?" He turned around, hands in his pockets, and walked away from her like it was nothing.

Luna had half a mind to chase after him, but she stood her ground. "You're nothing more than a coward and a jerk and I hope we never meet again!" she called after him.

Geo-Dragon raised a hand in farewell as a chuckle escaped him. "Oh, princess… We don't always get what we want," he mocked her. "Check your phone. Your old man's been calling."

Luna instinctively looked down to see a series of miscalls and texts were from her father. He called again and she was quick to answer, eyes glaring at Geo-Dragon's back. "Papa?"

"Baby girl, are you okay?" her father rushed out. "I was so worried about you! Are you safe? Are you in trouble? That's it; I'm coming to the school—!"

"Papa, wait, no, I'm okay," Luna was quick to calm. "I'm sorry about earlier. I-I was just anxious and panicking, but I'm fine now."

"But I heard someone else on the phone—"

"A classmate." Luna closed her eyes at the lie. "He was a classmate, Papa. He saw me panicking and he helped me. That's it, okay?"

"Luna…"

"Papa…" Luna begged.

A long, tired sigh. "Just… Just please let me know if you need me to come get you, okay? You know I worry…"

"I will, Papa, I will." Luna had to put some truth into the conversation. "I love you, Papa. See you after school. Okay. Bye." She ended the call and felt fury overriding. Who does he think he is? Who even is he?

KA-PING.

Luna looked down to see a text message came in. It was from Luke.

« I saw you leaving the stands. What's wrong? You okay? »

Luna deeply frowned as she typed her response.

« Yeah, I'm fine. Can't wait for lunch. Speaking of lunch, there's something I have to ask… »

---

Nashi finished her speech with a flourish. "Thank you, students of Fairy Academy. And enjoy your year with us." She took a respectful bow as the gymnasium filled with stomps of approval and applause. She went to her council members and gave them bows before moving to the faculty. She bowed low and shook hands with her superiors, but it was the principal she saved for last. "Principal Fernandes," she greeted with an honored bow.

Principal Fernandes offered a warm smile at her. "That was beautiful, Nashi."

⌜FAIRY ACADEMY

Name: Erza Fernandes

School Status: The Iron Principal ⌟

"Thank you, Principal Fernandes," Nashi appreciated. At the principal's look, her smile widened. "I mean Auntie Erza. I was so nervous. Misty's a better motivational speaker than me."

"He is great with linguistics," Erza agreed, "but he lacks the warmth you deliver when you speak. My son is strong, but I hope he realizes strength and strictness isn't the only way to live." She inclined her head as she led Nashi off-stage. "I take it you met our last TA."

Nashi's face dropped. "I did." Voice curt. "I didn't appreciate the last-minute adjustment."

Erza hummed. "While I know my staff handles faculty applicants, but I also know the student council handles all student occupations and learning and teaching assistants. Nothing I asked was unreasonable."

Nashi knew the principal had a point, but she did not like it. "No, nothing was."

Erza brought Nashi to a halt. "I expect nothing but professionalism between the two of you." Slight warning was in her tone. "The past is in the past. Right here and right now, I expect you to at least be cordial to him." At Nashi's tight nod, Erza softened. "Don't forget you're speaking to one of experience," she added.

Hickory broke into grief. "Does it get better?" she questioned like she was ashamed of asking.

"It does." Erza brushed back Nashi's hair. "The good ones—the really good ones—leave for good reason. To protect us or someone they love. Just know that."

"I can't trust him, Auntie," Nashi whispered. Her voice cracked with something raw. "You have to know that."

"I do," Erza soothed. "But trusting and knowing are separate. Your mother would agree."

Nashi blinked in confusion. "My mama? What would she—?"

"Mon ange!"

Nashi turned to see exuberant teacher making his way towards her and Erza with Gary shadowing him. Nashi's smile was forced as she bowed. "Mister Jonah," she greeted. "How are you?"

The teacher smoothened out his curled looks before adjusting his rounded glasses. "I am well, madamouiselle, I am well." He bowed chivalrously to Erza. "Madame principale." He gestured to Gary. "I wanted to properly introduce my assistant, Gary Fullbuster. He graduated from the académie two years ago actually! You remember his père, Erza? Gray?"

"Yes, of course." Erza beamed at Gary. "Glad to see your home from your travels. You'll have to enlighten me and the others soon of all you saw at your welcome back dinner."

Nashi shot a horrified look at Erza. "Wait. What dinner?"

"Why, Nashi, don't tease the poor thing," Erza jested. "I'm sure your parents let you know about Gary's welcome home party? We're having it on Sunday afternoon so we can get reacquainted. Isn't that nice?"

Irate hickory clashed with cool cerulean as Nashi gritted out, "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Mister Jonah, Principal Fernandez," Gary stepped in, "may I speak with Madam President for a moment? There are something things regarding my contract I'd like to speak with her with."

"Then, you'll have to schedule a meeting with me during my normal business hours." Nashi took control of the conversation and had a chilling look on her face as she stared at Gary. "My apologies, Mister Fullbuster, but due to this being the first week of school, I have many meetings to attend, but you can speak with the council secretary to schedule a follow-up meeting with me."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Mister Jonah waved off. "Nashi, why not take Gary out to some of the typical student hangouts? You can show him how much the times have changed and get him reacquainted with our ville, oui?"

Nashi scrambled for an answer, but Gary put in, "That's okay. If I know the Angel President, I'm sure she has cram school to attend in prep for her university exams."

"Actually, her cram school doesn't start until next week from what her mother says." Erza's grin was sinful at the betrayal in Nashi's eyes. "If you wouldn't mind waiting until her student council session is over, she'd be delighted in escorting you around."

"Great." Gary's lips lifted into a grin while Nashi scowled. "I'm looking forward to it and to you, Madame President."

Nashi pursed her lips and looked away. At Erza's nudge, she bit, "Uh-huh." Erza nudged her harder and Nashi stumbled into Gary. Gary tried to right her, but Nashi sprang back like she was burned. And, yet, her face was flushed. "I need to go. Have a good day, all." Hurried bows followed before she scurried away with Mister Jonah adjusting his goggles, lost.

Erza stepped closer to Gary, watching him as he watched Nashi find Ellie. "I am happy you're back, Gary," she admitted. "I've missed my nephew."

Gary turned to her. "But…?"

Erza's eyes darkened. "But I also care for my niece," she put, "and she deserves someone who will stay and only leaves for good reason."

Gary did not have the strength to look at her. "I… I can't tell you why I left. I can't tell her. Not yet. It's not just my secret on the line and there's still work to do, but…" When he looked up, the locked determination was set in them. "I'm going to be the man Angel deserves. Just, please, give me time."

Erza nodded over to Nashi. "It's not me you should be saying that to. And not just her either. I'm sure Natsu would like to hear that as well." She glided away to chat with her staff.

Gary sighed and his eyes wandered back to Nashi. Please, Angel. Just give me some more time. I know I don't deserve it, but… Reserve your heart for me a little longer.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Academy

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

RIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!

"Attention! Bow!"

The teacher smiled. "I'll see you all next week," she promised as she walked out.

The second the teacher was gone, plans for lunch had been set. Some students were rushing for the cafeteria. While the elementary and middle had their own separate cafeterias (the juniors and seniors shared), the bakery was not equipped to handle every single year. Others were settling for the culinary club's carts that roamed with pre-made bento boxes, ramen, soba, and udon. And the rest had brought their own lunches to the schools. They staked their claims outside, in practice rooms, or even in classrooms.

Luna was in the process of getting ready when she heard her name at the door. There stood Luke with his lunch in hand. He graced his kohai with smiles, but he signaled for Luna to hurry. The second she was at his side with her lunch, he was escorting them to the stairs. "I don't think this is a good idea," he muttered to her.

"Why?" Luna wondered. "That jerk fights Igneel and tries to bully me and basically tells me I'm a part of whatever this is? I deserve to know."

Luke was shaking his head. "It's better that you didn't," he told her. "Seriously, Lu. He's already pissed off. You want to piss him off even more?"

Luna stomped down the steps to get away from him, but Luke kept up with her effortlessly. "Look. Geo-Dragon—whatever his name is—said Igneel had the answers I needed. So, unless you're going to come clean, I'm asking him." She flicked her hair and went even faster.

Luke groaned and followed her.

Lunch outside was not uncommon, but the shift in balance was. Newly minted eleventh and twelfth were claiming the spots of their graduated brethren. Some lunches were being intermingled with game time. Pick-up games of basketball, soccer, and baseball were going on. Even some of the teachers were outside on such a sunny day of spring. Nashi had pulled some strings as Student Council President to have her siblings sit with her in the sakura garden restricted for seniors and staff. Nashi waved at them at their outdoor table with Igneel angrily eating sticky rice.

"Last chance to back out," Luke murmured.

Luna was waving at Luke, but she said through gritted teeth. "I'm asking him, so butt out. Nashi…!" She ran ahead to her sister. Just seconds after setting down her lunch, she embraced her. "Your speech was awesome! I didn't know you could be even cooler!"

Nashi flushed and sat Luna beside her. "Thanks, Lu," she appreciated. "Honestly, it was nothing. Being on the speech and debate team really helped out too." She nodded at Luna's bento. "I was so worried you didn't get Mama's bento before you left. Her back-to-school bento is amazing!"

"I already peeked," Luna confessed as she opened her bento. "I'm so happy she put gyoza in from last night's dinner! And she even snuck me in some soboro! Mama's the best!"

"Speaking of parents…" Nashi leaned down to whisper in Luna's ear. "Papa texted and told me you had an anxiety attack? Are you okay?"

Luna's smile was forced, yet feeble. "Ye-Ye-Yeah. Just peachy. I haven't been back to school in a while, but I'll get over it. Really," she emphasized when Nashi shot her a look. "Anyways"—she turned to her brothers—"why didn't anyone tell me this was a battle academy? That was a shock."

"I mean it's not that we didn't," Luke started.

"You just never really listened," Nashi finished for him matter-of-factly. "We've been a battle academy ever since Misty was president and we've done fights, I've been to the games, but you were going through a lot at the time. Even when we spoke about it, I'm pretty sure you weren't listening."

"Oh." Luna deflated. "I see."

Luke hurried to make her feel better. "But don't feel bad. You know now and now that you're back at the academy, you can come with us to our away fights!"

"You battle?" Luna sounded as surprised as she looked.

Luke's grin was positively giddy. "Mmm-hmm, I do! I go by 'Kenshō'. I got a sponsorship from Sensei's company. It's awesome!"

"I go by 'Angel'," Nashi informed. "I got a sponsorship with Crocus Clinic, more in specific with Divinity Hospital."

Luna's eyes widened. "An entire hospital is sponsoring you?"

Nashi looked proud at the awe in her sister's voice. "Yup! Sponsorships can come from anywhere as long as they don't pertain to a conflict of interest. For example, teachers cannot be sponsors. If a family member is a sponsor, they can't be an agent for the fighter either."

"Wait." Luna dropped her chopsticks. "You guys have agents? What else have a missed?" Her hands went to her head. "I feel like I'm falling so behind! I have so much to catch up on!" Luke and Nashi were the only ones laughing and Luna noticed that. "Wh-What about you, Igneel?"

Igneel finished his rice ball in one go. "Pops' engineering firm sponsors me. Y'know. The whole fire thing and all?" he grunted. "I'm Salamander."

"Still weird to think Dad's not a full-time firefighter anymore," Luke murmured as he dug into his onigirazu. "I don't know. It was so cool at the firehouse, y'know?"

Luna giggled to herself. "At least he works there part-time," she consoled. "Some of those firefighters are hot…!"

Nashi was moaning in agreement while Luke grew flustered. "Lu, you're too young to be thinking about guys like that!" he spluttered. "You should still be drawing in coloring books and stuff!"

Luna stuck out her tongue. "I am so not that young anymore," she argued. "I'm allowed to think about boys just like Nashi can. And, besides, I'm back at the academy now." She took another bite of her gyoza. "Who knows? I might meet a cute boy here."

"No way in Hell."

Luna looked over at Igneel who was glaring into his bento. "Speaking of boys… Who was that guy you were fighting anyways?"

Luke flinched. Nashi looked away. Igneel was silent.

Luna pressed on. "I mean everybody talked about it like it was a big deal and everything. Are you guys enemies or something?"

"Lu." Nashi was shaking her head. "That's enough."

"Why?" Luna glowered at her sister. "Geo-Dragon told me—"

"He talked to you?"

Luna looked over and wide chocolate connected with furious onyx. "Um… Yeah…?" The answer came out in more of a confused question. "I was having an anxiety attack and left the gym during the ceremony when he caught up to me."

"Luna…" Luke's gaze looked so broken. "Why didn't you text us? We would've come and got you."

Luna snorted in derision. "Oh, please. You all treat me like I'm broken glass and I know Mama and Papa are having you all keep tabs on me and have my friends keep tabs on me." Accusation touched her words. "Besides, I can handle things on my own, y'know. Just like I can handle Geo-Dragon if I know what I'm up against. And he said I need to ask you." She directed her last statement fiercely on Igneel. "He said this is how it should be and you were in the exact place where he was and you'd understand why he did what he did."

Igneel relaxed his shoulders. "He said that, huh?" He got up. "All right then." He packed up his bento.

Luna worked her jaw as she tried to get words out. "Wh—? Wh—?" She watched him leave the table. "Where are you going?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Igneel's darkened gaze went back to the academy. "To find the bastard and challenge him to a rematch."

Nashi stood up. "Igneel, don't," she warned. "You know the rules. Rematches are forbidden under twenty-four hours. If you fight illegally, you could lose your sponsorship. I won't be able to get you out of this mess this time."

"I know." Igneel's hands tightened. "But this is personal."

Luna made a move to follow him, but Nashi sat her down. "Hey—!"

"Let him go, Lu." Nashi did not say this lightly as her eyes watched his retreating back. "We can't help him."

Luna shook her off with fire in her eyes. "Who's Geo-Dragon? Why does he and Igneel hate each other? What does this have to do with me?"

Nashi hesitated. "Luna… There are just things you don't understand," she began with a glance at Luke.

"Then explain them to me," Luna gnashed.

"It's not that we don't want to—"

"Then what?"

Nashi and Luke were silent.

Luna stood up. "Unbelievable." She harrumphed as she gathered her belongings.

Nashi sighed. "Luna, wait—!"

"No!" Luna snapped, though it broke and she sniffled. Angered tears showed up at the worst times. "If you guys don't want to tell me, I'll find out for myself." Refusing to meet their eyes, she stormed away the same direction Igneel went.

Nashi sank back down her seat to hold her head in her hands. "What did we do?" she whispered. "Luke, what are we doing?"

"What we promised we'd do." Guilt touched his frown and shame was in his eyes. "We promised, Nashi. We can't go back on it now. We have to uphold it."

"The Hell we do," Nashi rumbled. "This is wrong. This involves her. She deserves to know what Papa—" She swallowed down her words before her anger got the best of her.

Luke glanced over at her. "So I heard Gary was back in town." He watched Nashi freeze. "He has a lot of nerve showing his face after abandoning you like that. Do you need me to—?"

"Only seniors can battle staff," Nashi cut in. "TA's count as faculty."

"Not outside the academy campus and you know it, Nashi."

Nashi sighed. "Luke"—she said his name so sadly—"we talked about that. Battles off academy grounds are illicit with Fairy Academy—"

"Unless a licensed Monitor is present," Luke remembered. "I won't hesitate if you'd just let me. He deserves what's coming to him and I can give that—"

Nashi was already shaking her head in disagreement. "Listen. I need to go. I have Student Council work to do." As she moved and gathered her possessions, Luke's voice made her pause.

"I just can't watch you fall apart again."

Hickory connected with honeyed-amber as they basked in their shared anguish, in those memories, at that time. Nashi blinked it all away for her walls to jump back up and her mind back to the now. "I need to go," she blurted out before powering away. She could feel wind sweep around her and whip her hair, but she did not care. She just wished this wind would wipe away her memories. Why did you have to come back now? When I was this close to starting to forget you… Why?

For the first time in her life, her mind could not come up with an answer.

---

STEP… STEP… STEP…

Sun-bleached locks swayed to the beat of zephyrs and independent flower petals.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

The chew of gum. The slow birth of a bubble that was popped when its ambitions outgrew it.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

Sneakers paused right then and there. The focus tipped up as it watched Fairy Academy. It watched as the clock's hand struck a new time. It watched as students lounged outside and raced across bridges connecting on building to the next. An unimpressed noise. "This pisses me off."

"Butterfly?"

The focus turned down to a man and woman. The woman's white ponytail was swishing away as she went towards the school, but the man stayed behind. Slicked back blonde hair and a scar with his grayed emerald eyes, he looked at the focus. Warmth touched his smile even if he hated the suit he wore. "C'mon. There's an old friend we want you to meet."

A huff.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

This building's interior was nothing like the campus buildings. A large lobby had been set up with students and even a few parents waiting. The reception area was faculty with two students who worked there on their free period. The focus swung their head to see children tapping away at the aquarium. Disgusting.

CLICK. CLICK. CLICK.

A sunny grin. "Well now… Familiar faces really do seem to appear this time of year."

The focus turned to see Principal Fernandes strutting towards them from the hall. Hair pinned up and glasses in check, the principal looked like the strict mistress everyone painted her to be. The focus watched as their parents went to the principal first, their mother squealing.

"Erza…!" Their mother bounced around before embracing the principal. "Oh, it's so good to see you…!"

Erza chuckled. "Good to see you too." Her eyes sought her father. "Regretting your choice?"

"Not in the slightest," he assured. "I like my CFO job, thanks. Running my great-great grandad's archaeology firm is enough. Besides, we can catch up later." Gray-emerald turned to the focus. "Butterfly?"

The focus shuffled forward until it looked up at the principal. Erza blinked down at it and never lost the cheer. "It looks like we have a transfer student. So? Are you ready to become a fairy?"

The focus glanced away as they chewed gum. "Sure. Got nothin' better to do." The gum expanded—

POP.

---

Luna was at the back of the pack as a new class of students walked down the hallway. She tried to avoid all eye contact, hand on her arm, head down. One and a while, she would see Silver laughing with his friends and her mouth would open, but ultimately, she would close her mouth and let it be. I shouldn't bother him. He looks like he's having so much fun and I'd just ruin it. Her eyes wandered over to Penelope who strayed further back than her. The white-haired student was reading her book, but it looked like she was gliding. I'd speak to Nelly, but I know she hates conversation.

So that was what Luna was left with: her awkward silence.

It came to an end when everyone filed into the art classroom. Desks had converted into workbenches and not one inch of the room was not covered in color. Luna was content avoiding the class who seemed content in hurrying to a counter. She heard excited whispers and dreamy sighs, but it was Silver she heard most. "I still can't believe you're going to be our teacher!"

Luna looked up—

GARY?!

Luna could not believe she was seeing him after all this time. She witnessed Gary laugh and tussle his brother's hair while students crowded around to get a look of the legend of all winter sports. Gary? But… No, it can't be… He…left…

Gary clapped his hands. "All right, guys, get to your benches. I don't care who you sit with, but pop a squat, all right?"

If Luna thought to see Gary was a shock, she was even more surprised Penelope chose her as a workbench partner. She had no time to keep up with these surprises as Gary kept speaking.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Mister Jonah's teaching assistant Mister Fullbuster," Gary introduced. "I'll continue to work closely to your teacher for elementary and senior levels, but he's allowing me to teach junior levels as a student teacher to complete my hours. Eventually, he'll be back, but I wanted to start my student teaching with the juniors since that was my favorite time. The change, the gym class, the crushes…"

He chuckled when the girls giggled at him like he was the funniest man in the world, some of the boys even blushing. "Anyways, as you can see, I'm not a conventional teacher. We won't stand and bow. I expect you to immediately go to your workbenches every day…"

Luna felt herself weave in and out of the lesson. How is he back? Nashi told me he left for good. So why would he come back? Why would he return here? And why didn't Silver say anything? Why didn't Nashi tell me at lunch?

"Hey."

Luna flinched when something poked her back. She took a peek to see two uninterested boys avoiding eye contact. Her eyes went down to see a folded football-like paper had landed behind her. She scooped it up. With a quick glance at Gary to see he was nowhere near her, she folded it open to read it inside.

'I heard you're kinda new here. Wanna check out some of the hangout spots after school? My treat'

Luna whipped her head around in shock. While one of the boys was ogling at a cute girl with a blue bob, the other had a wild blush on his cheeks and made it obvious he was trying not to stare. Red crept onto Luna's cheeks as she turned forward. Is he…? Is he trying to ask me out? I've only seen this happen musicals, but I never thought it'd happen to me! She could barely suppress her eager giggle. Wow! This is…wow!

"Passing notes on the first day?"

Luna's wind was stolen from her when her note was gone. Chocolate shot up and instantly clashed with cerulean. Recognition passed between them before chocolate narrowed in fury and cerulean wallowed in guilt. Gary cleared his throat and dropped the note on Luna's part of the bench. "Let's remember, while this is a time for crushes, keep that out of my class, okay?" he forewarned. He spun around and took in his students' faces. "Actually, I once got caught passing notes in class."

The girls gasped. How could their teacher do such a thing?" You were?" one girl spoke up.

"Was it to a girl?" came another question.

"Are you married?"

Eyes went the bare hands of their teacher.

Gary laughed and showed off the nakedness of his fingers. "No ring," he assured. He laughed at the sighs of relief. "Not yet anyway."

Luna could not help her snort as her head rested on a propped hand while the girls grew dismayed.

"No, I wrote notes to this really beautiful girl," Gary narrated. "We were actually in the same CCP class and I remember the very class. Arts three-three zero – Persona." He let his gaze drift to the only girl who did not care for his story. "She was the most beautiful girl in the room… The only girl I ever loved."

Luna tensed. She risked a glance at him as though trying see how serious he was.

"What were the notes about?" a girl wondered.

Gary shrugged. "Some of it was stupid. Just about what I was thinking, which was mainly about her. Some were me telling her how beautiful she was or maybe some cheesy pick-up line." He laughed to himself. "But a lot of them were me asking her out."

The male student behind Luna nearly fell out of his seat before righting himself, embarrassed beyond belief. "Di-Di-Di-Did she say, 'yes'?!" he blurted.

Gary cackled. "Oh, heck no, I was rejected big time!"

Nearly everyone fell out of their seats (except Penelope) at that. Why does he sound so happy?!

Gary shook his head in amusement. "Hey, she was the love of my life! Yeah, the rejection sucked, but I had to my confess somehow!"

"She 'was'?" a student called. "She not anymore, Teach?"

Gary's laughter turned into a breathy sigh. "Oh, she is." He did not care if everyone saw him. He stared down Luna with all the solemnity in the world. "I never stopped loving her."

Luna's eyebrows furrowed and she looked away.

Gary clapped his hands to snap everyone out of the emotion of his words. "Well now. Anyone up for a little School House Rock?"

°•°•°•°

RIIIIIIING…

Everyone stored away their supplies for the semester as the second to last bell rang. Gary spoke over the noise, "Tomorrow, we'll start with Drawing one-oh-one, so I'd advise if we have any artists with their own sketchbooks, bring 'em in!"

Luna was doing a good job at avoiding everyone, but Silver was persistent. "Hey, c'mon, Lu, what's the deal?" he prodded. "Am I your best friend or am I your best friend."

"I don't know." Luna shot him a glare. "Are you?"

Silver was taken back. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Luna crossed her arms beneath her chest. "Why didn't you tell me he's back?" she hissed at him.

"Who—?"

"The one who broke my sister's heart," Luna pressed. "The one I specifically told you to warn if he was back—!"

Silver hushed Luna when her voice grew louder and stares were drawn to them. "Lu, listen," he hissed quietly, "I wanted to tell you—I did!—but I couldn't. An-And I know that's a horrible reason," he added when frustration backed Luna's stance, "but it's true. Okay?"

"No, it's not okay!" Luna spat. "Did he ever mention to you why he left? Why's he showing his face now after—?"

"Everything all right here?"

Silver and Luna looked up to see Gary looking down at them. He raised a curious eyebrow as Luna huffed and looked away while Silver grimaced. "Hey Gary," he greeted his brother with a glance at Luna. "Sorry. We were just, um, talking?"

"I see." Gary's eyes darted to Luna who refused to look at him. "Well, last period will be starting soon. Silver, you should get going."

Silver glanced at Luna, uncertain. "Maybe I should stay with Lu," he proffered.

"No." Cerulean darkened. "Get to class, Fullbuster."

Silver gave a bow and muttered farewell. Before he scurried off, he shot one more pleading look to Luna who refused to take the bait. When Gary heard his name called, he moved, but when he saw Luna try to slip away, he murmured lowly, "Looney, please stay."

"I haven't been 'Looney' since you left," Luna coldly remarked.

"Then stay for her."

Luna paused.

Gary took that as a win and moved on to his other students with a smile.

Luna's eyes went to the windows. She watched as some of the twelfth and eleventh years were leaving the academy grounds for their early release. I just don't understand. Why couldn't Silver tell me he was here? How is Nashi doing? Does she even know? Her eyes widened seeing her sister walk outside with a friend. Nashi! She watched as her friend sprung her farewell with a cheery beam and skipped away. Nashi's smile and shoulders sagged. Something made her perk and Luna watched as a blushing boy approached her sister.

"What's he doing?" Luna murmured. She eyed as Nashi brought the boy to the side, away from the traffic of the senior class. The boy could barely look Nashi in the eye and seemed to be stammering something. Nashi laughed at what he said, brushing back her hair.

"First"—Luna jumped as Gary went to stand beside her—"love confession of the year. Doesn't surprise me. Angel's always attracted the guys."

Luna's eyebrows shot up. "She's getting a love confession? Seriously? That actually happens at the academy?"

"Yeah, all the time. There's actually a spot everyone would go to confess their love." Cerulean softened in wistfulness. "I was there nearly every other day."

Luna tried not to tense up as she watched the boy step closer to Nashi. "She would tell me stories," she said, voice hushed. "She'd tell me how you'd confess to her every day. She thought you were just messing around. She thought you just liked teasing her." Eyes steeled. "You proved her right."

"I probably did."

Luna looked up to see Gary staring only at Nashi like she was the center of his world. He continued on: "I knew what would happen if I left the way I did. I knew she'd hate me. She'd never forgive me. Your family would never forgive me—"

"So why leave in the first place?"

Gary watched as Nashi's eyes saddened as she slowly shook her head. "There's a lot that you don't know," he told her. "A lot happens in this town. There were things I had to do—things I'm still trying to do—to be a better man to Angel."

"And now you're back," Luna stated matter-of-factly as the boy looked ashamed beyond belief and Nashi did her best to console him.

"I'm back," Gary agreed.

Luna looked down, but her eyes ricocheted to Gary. "For how long?"

Gary did not even bat an eye. "However long it takes for her to know how sorry I am, to know how much I love her, and to be the man she deserves. When I met her today to review the contract for my teaching assistant job, she nearly throttled me."

"You deserve it," Luna muttered.

Gary's chuckle was without shame. "I did and do." He would not deny that. "By now, Angel's past the point of anger. She doesn't care about me. Her anger with me doesn't exist because the guy she used to know doesn't either. I'm going to show her I'm here to stay and how much I care about her." Now he flicked his gaze down at Luna. "Are you going to go out with him?"

Luna's lips twisted. "Maybe. I don't know. I've never gone out with a guy before." Cheeks dusted in innocent pink. "I-I-I guess I never thought about it. Besides, Papa wouldn't let me go on dates anyway."

"You're probably right. Your dad kicked my ass just thinking about your sister," Gary guffawed. "Saw that whole fight between your brother and that other guy. What's his name…? Geo-Dragon?"

"Do you know what that was about?" Luna asked him. She looked up to see Gary looking behind them at the door for a silhouette to just finish passing by.

"Nope. But I know you just missed him," Gary said as he pointed at the door.

Luna's eyes widened. "Oh no! I have to follow him!" She abandoned her post to rush over to the door. Just when she was about to go, she hesitated. She tossed her next words shyly over her shoulder. "For what it's worth? If she didn't care about you, she wouldn't have kept your ring." She sprinted off and into the hallway.

Gary whipped his head back to Nashi. The boy was leaving her and she was watching him go with that twinkle in her eye gone. Angel…

Luna looked up and down the hall when she caught a glimpse of a tall figure heading towards the sky bridge. There he is! She hurried after him and bustled by groups of students heading to their next period class. She cared little about her last period, but the second she saw Geo-Dragon go onto the sky bridge, she hid behind a wall. Peeking over the side, she watched as he headed into the next campus building.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw ELEMENTARY above the building hall. Just where are you going, you big jerk?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And then…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi plopped back at her office desk with a sigh as Ellie stood beside her. "Ah… I can't wait to graduate," she breathed.

"Me too," Ellie agreed. Her mismatching eyes glanced at the doors. "Y'know… You didn't really take a lot of time off this summer for fun, Nashi."

Nashi stretched and her bones cracked in such a sweet, satisfying way. "Yeah, but university is just around the corner. Summer prep school is all going to be all the more worth it once those entrance exams come around, y'know?" She yawned before slapping her cheeks. "All right. Time to get back to work."

Ellie bit her lip. "Um, actually… There's someone here to see you, Madam President."

Confusion pinched Nashi's forehead as Ellie went to the doors. "There shouldn't be." Frantic, she checked her iCalendar. "That can't be right, I…! I know Principal Fernandes has me giving a potential new student a tour, but I—"

SLAM.

"Angel, please, here me out."

Nashi's head whipped up. Astonished hickory clashed with beseeching cerulean. Fury drowned her scowl. "Get the Hell out of my sight," she seethed.

"Angel—"

"That's Madam President." Nashi got to her feet with a phone in hand. "Help!" she started to scream. "Help, there's a psycho in my office! Hey!" she added in a snap when Gary rushed to silence her. A warning finger and a challenging stare were there to greet him from the other side of the desk. "Do not try to touch me, you sick bastard. You get away from me and out of my off—!"

"Angel—Madam President," Gary quickly correct at the narrowed glower he received, "I just came to talk. That's all. Nothing more, nothing less. Just talk about my contract with the academy."

Nashi straightened up, suspicious. "Oh." Her hands smoothened her hair all the way down to her skirt. "Well then." She gestured to one of the chairs in front of her desk. "Have a seat, Mister Fullbuster, and we'll do a standing meeting. I have another meeting starting soon."

Nashi reached for her tablet, but Gary stopped her hand with his own. "We won't be needing the contract to talk about it," Gary assured. He swallowed and took to playing with his fingers. "Actually, before we discuss that, I just wanted to let you know your sister is in my art class."

"Oh?"

"And she's…" Gary snorted a laugh. "She's definitely your sister. She looked like she wanted to kill Silver and me—"

"Yes, my sister has an instinct to attack those who betray her," Nashi drawled in high disinterest. "Your contract, Mister Fullbuster?" Before Gary could get in a word edgewise, she stood up. "Oh, look at that. I need to get to the administrative building now." Her saccharine smile could slice skin. Her iPad was tucked in its case and she bowed to him. "Have a good night, Mister Fullbuster." She skirted around her desks with strides to l—

An arm grabbed her wrist.

Warning hickory battled with solemn cerulean.

"I know you hate me," Gary murmured in near whisper. "I know you'll never forgive me for leaving—I know all that, but dammit, Angel, I…" He loosened his grip on her wrist. "I never stopped loving you even if you stopped loving me."

It was easy to see hickory turn misty at that, but the deep-seated hatred won over. "Don't flatter yourself," she whispered. She searched his eyes, but all he saw was the wall she put up. "You've told me a lot of lies in the past that's hurt me." She ripped her wrist away. "This won't be one of them."

Pink hair flipped over her shoulder as she spun away. She heard Gary curse at himself, but she was too in a hurry to get away. Tears threatened to spill out as her face varied between contracting in pain and maintaining her cool. Red coated her face as she scurried out of the Student Council room and into the halls. It was not long before she fell against a hallway door as it all became too much. Head pounding, the tears leaked out and her cries broke free. She tried to smother them with her hands as she rested against the hall. She tried and she tried, but she knew it was useless. The sobs rattled her and turned her red. Tears poured onto her cheeks and dribbled down her chin. She wiped them away as they came and tried to hush her sniffles.

Warm cerulean.

Heated icy-blue-silver.

Nashi whisper-croaked, "No. No, don't think about this asshole. He left you, remember? He left you. You're stronger than this." The pep talk eased her ears, but the sniffles and shaky inhales and exhales were still there. She stood up, wiped off her tears, and collected herself. Can't think about that now. I need to keep smiling. Her smile plastered on, she went on to her walk.

The administrative building on campus was the only campus without an aerial bridge attached to it. Nashi breezed past reception and went straight up the elevator to the top floor. The secretaries were busy, but the executive assistant rushed over to open one of the dual doors for her. Nashi went straight in with a practiced smile on her face as she saw the party in waiting. "Principal Fernandes," she greeted with a bow, "excuse my tardiness. I had an unexpected briefing before I rushed over."

The party (except for one) stood. Erza smiled and nodded. "It's fine, Madam President. We were just catching up."

Nashi's eyes lit when the parents turned around. "Oh, my gosh, hi!" She ran into the embrace of the mother. "Oh, I know this is totally unprofessional, but it feels like forever ever since he graduated!"

"I know," the mother laughed as she pulled away. "But now this one might be joining your ranks." She nudged her daughter's shoulder. "Don't you want to say, 'hi' to your cousin?"

"Oh, yes, hiya, non-blood, daughter-of-mother's-family-friend cousin," came dry hello.

The mother chuckled. "Please excuse her. She's not too happy, but I hope the tour will turn her around."

Nashi enthusiastically nodded. "Sure! I think I have some things she'll definitely like!" She turned towards the daughter. "Ready to go?"

The gum expanded.

POP.

A sarcastic smile. "Just about, sunshine."

---

Igneel ignored the crowd gathered as he bounced his basketball. Basketball club always had a gathering whenever they practiced outside. Both male and female students waiting for their club activities to start or waiting for their cram school had come out to sit in the grass. The players had switched out their school uniforms for the club practice jerseys and the game was heated. The third quarter and Igneel's team had a good fifteen-point lead on the other team. He faked right, then left, then right, then right, before going left and taking it downtown. He passed it to his point guard who made the shot no problem. The crowd gathered went crazy as the winning team exchanged high-fives.

Igneel swiped by the bench to get a drink. He ran a hand threw his hair matted in sweat before knocking back a few swallows of his sports drink. Swoons fell on deaf ears as he lifted his jersey to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Igneel!"

Igneel looked up to see Luke rushing up to the bench. "What's up, man?"

"It's Luna," Luke hurried to explain. "I can't find her anywhere and Silver and Ena said she skipped last period. Have you seen her?"

Igneel shook his head. "Nah, man, I haven't." When he heard his name called, he offhandedly shouted, "Be right there." To Luke, he went on: "You know how Lu can be sometimes. Check-in with Ma and Pops. Didn't they say they'd come and get her anyways?"

"Mom was at the school to come to get her, but Lu never showed," Luke explained in worry. "Oh, yeah, Dad's working late at the firm, by the way. I lied to Mom and told her Lu was sticking around with us to check out the clubs, but dude, I'm freaking out. Where are we supposed to look for her? I promised Mom we'd get her home."

"Igneel!"

"In a minute!" Igneel snapped. He groaned, rubbing his face. "Shit, okay, um… Look, I'll help you look for her." He took off his jersey—he ignored the whooping—to grab his duffel and his bottle. He went to one of the benchwarmers. "Yo. One of you get your asses out there as a wing," he commanded. "I gotta bounce. I'll give Coach my apologies later." He towed off his basketball shoes to put on his regular sneakers. "Luke, you're worrying about nothing. Lu probably got curious and is sniffin' out the school."

"I heard she got asked out." Luke tried not to let anger and panic control him. "What if she's on a date? What if she's with the guy right now?"

Igneel suddenly growled at that. "The Hell she is!" Steeled onyx met with honeyed-amber. "C'mon!" He stormed off without any acknowledgment of the praise he received. Bastard. If he's done anything to her… I'll kill him!

---

Luna watched closely from the adjoining hallway. Geo-Dragon looked this way than that before he opened a door and slipped inside its contents. Luna frowned as she looked up at the room's title.

ELEMENTARY LIBRARY

A library? What's he doing in there?

Luna's resolve battened down as she snuck her way to the library doors. She slipped inside just as Geo-Dragon did, but she could not stand tall yet. The elementary library was certainly built for those shorter than her with little tables and chairs. Luna could not help but smile to herself when she saw a few of the older students helping the younger ones sounding out their phonetics in their readings. Wow. This is really sweet. Everything about this place… It's so peaceful.

A guitar strum.

Curious, Luna went down a little f—

Her eyes widened. No way…

There sat Geo-Dragon with an acoustic guitar as kids eagerly waited for the song. No grin, no smirk—just a soft smile as the lyrics flowed out, a kid song about animals in Spanish. He rocked back and forth as he sang his Spanish riddle with the kids repeating after him every time he prompted them. Nothing was better than the joy in the children's eyes as they sang their little hearts out. And Luna was blown away at the performance.

Huh… Maybe I had him pegged wrong. He seemed like a mega-jerk, but… Who could be a mega-jerk and do stuff like this? She stood up and did not care if her cover was blown. This was stupid. Oh, well. Better go find Mama. Exiting the library, she turned a corner and brought out her phone. She paused and winced at all the missed calls and texts she received. When she saw the time, she groaned. Oops. My bad. Looks like I missed Mama. With a sigh, she went to the worried texts of her brothers. Maybe Igneel or Luke could—

BAM!

Luna nearly jumped out of her skin and her squeal timed perfectly with the bang of the door. Her head tossed around the corner to see—

What is he doing?!

Gale was running rampant down the hall with his guitar sheathed and strapped to his back with crazed laughter falling off his lips.

Luna pocketed her phone. Okay. This guy is definitely on my radar now. Let's go. She took off after him.

…and everything got weirder from there.

The next stop seemed to be in the higher years' building consisting of ten through twelve years. Luna had followed Gale to an abandoned room…or so she thought. Girls and guys had swamped the outside of the room to get a peek inside and all their standing around and gossiping made Luna even more nervous. She muttered her excuse me and pardon me's until she got to a window to get a glimpse of the room. The classroom had been set aside for a drum set, amps, a keyboard, two guitars and three microphones while the behind-the-scene sound engineers were off to the side. Luna's eyes narrowed as she saw Geo-Dragon set down his acoustic to trade for an overdrive guitar.

What is he doing here? Luna wondered, suspicious. Don't tell me he's part of some boy band.

She was thoroughly surprised, however, when a girl of navy eyes stormed up to Geo-Dragon with annoyance in her scowl and poked him in the chest. She seemed to be scolding him on something and he took it with ease. Isn't that Silver's sister, Julia? So…she knows Geo-Dragon? Her eyes widened when Geo-Dragon took the wagging finger and brought it up to his lips to kiss. Wait! Are they dating?

Her question was answered when Julia smacked Geo-Dragon to the ground, unimpressed.

Luna looked down to piece it all together. "Okay, so… He's in a band. That's not a bad thing, right?"

Muffled music thundered from the classroom and the crowd surged in chants and applause and roars. Luna found herself forcefully painted onto the window meaning she was forced to stare at—

Huh?!

The spot where Geo-Dragon occupied was no longer there, but the overdrive guitar remained. It looked like the bassist, the other guitarist, the keyboard player (Julia), and the drummer were playing their own set.

Luna feverishly looked around. Wait! Where did he go? He was just here! She twisted around and fought her way through the crowd until she landed on all fours, away from the people.

"Ow!" she whined. "Oh, this is definitely the worst first day back ever…" She went to stand and patted down her skirt when she felt something on her butt. She pulled it off to reveal—Huh… A sticky note?

The note read:

Are you playing chase? I'm down.

Just know I normally like to chase

To,

My Blonde Princess

RIP!

Students closer to the edge moved back in fear as a seething Luna ripped the sticky notes to shreds. "Oh, that is it! I'm totally stalking that guy until he gives me an answer!"

"We've all been there," came a sad sigh.

That was when Luna realized she had attracted a good number of students and her face tinted for a different emotion. Bowing slightly, she muttered her apologies and excuses and fled the scene. Determination made her exhale smoke. I don't know who you are, Geo-Dragon, but you're messing with the wrong blonde! I will find you!

The next stop was not as random. She found him outside playing baseball with the club. She watched as she hid in a bush (and it was so obvious that she was there, but she was so focused on her task, she did not realize other students were blatantly gaping at her) to see him step up to the plate and hit it twice with his bat. The pitcher threw a curveball, but Geo-Dragon kept his cool and knocked it out of the park. Jogging lazily, he went around the bases and gave a grin to the diehard Geo-Dragon fangirls who fainted on site. Luna bristled when that shaded gaze met her own and he made a finger heart towards her as he hit home plate. She could feel him winking. When she went to get out of the bush to confront him, she ended up taking a tumble and her skirt flipped up. Mortification shot her down and she was on the ground, skirt firmly in place and avoiding looks of the students with interest in their eyes. The only reason she moved was when she felt something on her forehead. Her eyes open to take down the sticky note.

Black panties today? Naughty Blondie.

Trying to make me think of you?

I already do.

That had her tearing up the sticky note in such a fury, she did not even realize her being hunched overexposed a little bit of her panties…until seconds later when she was red-faced when two male students tried to take a picture.

The stop after that was to the upperclassmen library. She saw Geo-Dragon weaving through bookshelves and was resolved into hunting him down…

…until, when she thought she was close, she heard moaning.

Abashed, she took many steps back with steam out of her ears. Cupping her mouth, she tried to hold in her scream. "He's so shameless!" she furiously whispered to herself. "How can he do that in a school library?"

"I know, right?" Geo-Dragon stood at her side with his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. "The nerve. People come here to study."

"Right?!" Luna let out a loud breath. "Gosh, that's so gross!"

Silence.

Three…

Two…

One…

Luna gawked. "Wait, you're—!"

He was gone.

A note was left in his place.

Raging, Luna stooped down to pick up the sticky note.

Don't worry, princess, I'd never do that to you

I'd be jealous of anyone else who heard you

I want your noises to be mine

RIP! RIP! RIP!

Luna seethed (and ignored her nosebleed) as the sticky-note-turned-confetti fluttered around her. "What kind of girl does he take me for?" she gritted out. "That jerk. Now, he owes me answers and I'm giving him a piece of my—!"

"Shhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Luna clamped a hand over her mouth when students studying lifted their heads with glares and fingers to their lips. In a whisper, she apologized, "Sorry."

The next stop was the Chess Club. Geo-Dragon was last spotted calling a checkmate. But the second Luna stepped into the club, the members swarmed her, never having such a beautiful goddess enter their domain. Nerves struck her as she tried to thank each and every one of them for their many compliments and offers to teach her chess, but when her eyes went to Geo-Dragon's table, he was gone and his opponent was slumped over and in a funk. Something was shoved into her hand and she looked down to see a White Queen with a rolled-up note coming out of it. Ignoring the Chess Club members, she took a look at the note.

Just know you're not just a princess…

You're my queen

Checkmate

The note was torn in a fit of wrath that had the Chess Club backed away in fear of their beautiful goddess.

Then was a stop at the Art and Drawing Club, but that stop resulted in Luna getting a sticky note with a silly cartoon of her riding a Dragon. Another stop consisted of the Culinary Club, but Luna was sadly distracted in that club with all the samples she was offered. Though, when she bite into a cake, she ended up spitting out another note and that note made her destroy her cake in fury. Next came the Chemistry Club, but that led to Luna being caught in one of the amateur club member's excursions and an explosion of white smoke to blind everyone. By the time Luna coughed her way out of the room, a sticky note was on her hand and she tore it up too.

Exhaustion finally hit her in the hall and she hunched over, hands on her knees. "Goodness… How does everyone work out this much?" she panted. "I feel like I'm dying…!" To settle herself, she took a break on the hallway bench and rested her head against the window.

"Redfox!"

Startled, Luna turned her head out of the—

It's him?!

A girl was a little ways' away from Luna, back to her, with a letter in hand. Eagerness brightened her face as Geo-Dragon approached, hands in pockets and shades to not give away his eyes. Realizing the situation, Luna ducked her head. Oh! This must be where everyone confesses their love! Oh, I'm going to hear a love confession to Geo-Dragon! She tried to sneak away. This is personal… I really shouldn't. But…then again…she might say his full name. With that, she stayed, unashamed, and peeked up to see what was going on.

Geo-Dragon paused a little bit away. "What's up?" he asked, boredly.

The girl flushed and looked at her letter. A bit of bravery helped her to say, "Redfox… I, um… Well, we've been in school together since I moved here back in fourth year. When I came here, you were the first person to show me kindness and helped me with my shoe locker when I couldn't get it open. Ever since that day… I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Luna (in her head, incredulous) and Geo-Dragon (flatly) said, Seriously?/"Seriously?"

The girl nodded. "Mmm. I, uh… I always wanted to tell you how grateful I was to you, but you ran off before I could. For years, I've been hoping you notice me, but…" She looked him straight in the eye. "But today, I've decided to come forward with my feelings."

Luna sweatdropped. She sounds like she came from those high school romance manga Igneel lets me borrow. So cliché. All she's given me is 'Redfox', but that doesn't really help me at all. Must be his last name. And Mama took home the student directory, so I can't look him up in that… A sigh left her as her phone vibrated. She took it out and grimaced. Yup. That's from Luke. I better go. Keeping her head ducked, she crept away from the scene…

…and did not notice Geo-Dragon's shaded gaze following her.

---

Nashi gestured to the wing she and the other student were entering with muffled music coming from the building. "This is the liberal arts wing," Nashi explained. "We have two auditoriums in here, art rooms, culinary rooms, practice rooms, a dark room, a—"

"Do the practice rooms have Steinway pianos?" came quiet question.

Nashi beamed. Finally! She asked me a question! "Yup! Mmm-hmm! All our practice room are equipped with Steinway pianos," she briefed as she opened the door. "They were a huge donation by an alumnus we call 'Vinyl'. She's a compos—"

"I know who she is." Bleached blonde swayed as the girl crossed into the music wing.

Nashi's smile tightened. And she's back to being cold again—great. She went into the wing and noticed the girl had stopped and slowly observed her new environment. "Yeah… Big, isn't it? We've had a lot of donors to this wing. The building is called the Warrod Sequen Performing Arts Center, but everyone on campus calls it 'the Greenhouse' since Mister Sequen made a point that live flora be placed in every open space." She guided the student along with a watchful eye. I think we're making a breakthrough again, she enthused.

Clearing her throat, she added, "I know you came from a performing arts school, but I can assure you. Fairy Academy transitioned in a magnet school with general curricula for the students. If you want to continue in performance—"

The girl stopped, stiff. "What part of 'transfer student' don't you understand?" The question was low, but it felt like it came out with a bark. "I'm not performing anymore. That's why I'm here. No point staying at a school that expects you to put on a show every day."

Nashi took a step back. "I… I'm so sorry." She cast her eyes down. "I didn't realize it was a touchy subject for you. My deepest apologies. Would you like to leave the building and see the rest of campus?"

A beat of silence.

"Yes." The word came out as a quiver. The next words were strengthened in coldness. "Anywhere is better than here." With a flick of blonde, the girl stormed out of the building.

Nashi's shoulders sagged as she padded after the girl. "So much for bonding," she grumbled. "Auntie Erza, why did you have to give me a hard day today?"

°•°•°•°

Igneel and Luke met at the center of the schoolyard with worry in their eyes. "You take the west of campus," Luke planned, "and I'll take the east. I have Luna's friends on full-blown alert too."

Igneel jerkily nodded. "Yeah, dude, okay, but if he has her—"

"Then, I'll signal you and wait for your arrival to kick his ass," Luke grumbled. "But let's hope nothing like that happens." He checked his watch and Igneel did the same. "Okay. Watches synchronized in three…two…one!" With a nod from Igneel, both took off in the opposite direction as fast as they could.

Igneel's ears pricked and his nose was to the grindstone as he looked high and low for his sister. "Luna…!" he shouted through cupped hands. "Lu, come on! Luna…!" Hardness covered his eyes. Where could she be? She better not be with that bastard or else we have another battle on our hands. Dammit. Better check where I'd think she'd be.

The first place he checked was a girls' bathroom. He called her name, but, in turn, he was nearly trampled as girls screamed for him to get away. The next place was the library, but he was quickly silenced when he took in a big breath and shouted for his sister. The librarian was the one to chase him out when he stood atop a table to search for her. He tried the Fashion Club, but Ena shook her head at him when he inquired about his sister's whereabouts. Silver was the same as he sat on the pool's edge and left Igneel disheartened.

That left Igneel slouched and moping as he trudged through the school. "Man…" he lamented. "This is so not awesome!"

SNIFF.

His ears twitched.

His nose twitched.

Igneel looked to the right and down the hall. Wait a sec… That smell… I know that smell! He took off down the hall. It's been a while, but my nose never forgets a scent… But it can't be… I mean Mom told me he was coming back, but he can't be here… It can't—

He was proven wrong when his eyes locked onto a person he thought he would never see again speaking with two other professors bent on catching up with their favorite former student. Jaw taut, emotion filled Igneel's eyes. "Gary."

Gary heard his name and turned, but he did not expect to see Igneel glaring at him. Politely excusing himself, he dipped out of the conversation to hurry over to Igneel. "Igneel, I—"

"Save it, man," Igneel snapped. "What the Hell are you doing back here? What, didn't get enough on your little trip? Came back to break my sister's heart a second time?"

Gary deflated. "I came back because I broke her heart," he murmured. "I'm back to make things right. You have to believe that."

Igneel crossed his arms and looked up at the man before him, the same man he knew made his older sister flustered, the same man who caused her tears. "It's not me you have to convince," Igneel acknowledged. "Nashi—"

"Hates me," Gary filled in, dejected. "No, worse. She doesn't feel anything for me."

"What?"

Gary saw the confusion in Igneel's eyes and now he was confused. "Doesn't she?"

Igneel slowly shook his head. "Nah, dude, that's not what I was going to say at all." His eyebrows rose. "You really think she doesn't feel anything towards you?"

Gary hedged. "Well… Looney told me Angel still kept my ring…"

"She told you that? No, no, no—you saw Lu?" Igneel decided to question. "When? And why are you here? I thought you were unpacking in your new house?"

"I was—I am," Gary corrected. "But I'm a teaching assistant for the middle years' art classes while I shoot for my master's degree. I saw your sister in one of my classes." A grimace. "She, uh…didn't seem happy to see me…"

Igneel went flat-faced. "Gee, ya think?" he jeered, sardonic. At Gary's pout, Igneel sighed. "Look, man, don't sweat it too much, okay? Lu got all attached and thought of you like another older brother and everything. Yeah, she's butthurt you left like that, but I know her and she'll forgive you quickly and insist you make a move on Nashi. But Nashi?" He snorted. "She's definitely not over you as much as she likes to say."

"That's what I was hoping," Gary admitted, "but I didn't want to be too arrogant into thinking she'd wait for me."

"Oh, she didn't." Igneel grinned. "She went on a couple of rebound dates to get over your ass and before you get all jealous," he added, seeing the flare in Gary's eyes and his clenched jaw, "I'm reminding you that you left her and she's kinda in the right to go on dates when she's single again. Don't ya think?"

Gary blew out a breath and messed with his hair. "Logically? Yes, she has every right to move on. But personally? Hell no"—Igneel laughed and Gary grinned—"she's mine and I'm hers. I just need to show her that again. But, uh, what about you, little dude?" He playfully hit Igneel's chest. "Nice jersey, by the way. New?"

"You bet. Varsity this year."

"Seriously? Awesome, dude!"

Igneel and Gary exchange a bro hug at that with Igneel's grin wide. "I know, right? Been waiting for that spot and Dad's been totally on my ass with training. Told me no Dragneel is about to come second to a Fullbuster with you being MVP and everything."

"Yeah, yeah," Gary dismissed with a chuckle. "You'll do fine. Why don't I come to the court after I'm done with work and we can work on your technique? We can go to West Gate Park?"

"Really?" Igneel brightened. "You serious? Because Luke never wants to come to the courts because he's too busy studying and Pops' is super competitive. Ma tries to be supportive, but I hate taking her 'cause the guys try to flirt with her." He wrinkled his nose. "She kept scolding me for starting fights. She's just lucky she didn't know what those guys were saying about her."

"Attaboy," Gary complimented. "Protecting sisters and mothers. You've really turned into a gentleman. What happened to the child klepto-slash-arsonist?"

"Long gone," Igneel promised. "Changed man. Honest."

Gary nodded, smirking. "Good to see it." He suddenly frowned. "Sorry, but I just remembered you looked a little surprised to see me, so I'm assuming you didn't come here to see me. What's going on? What's the rush?"

"Oh!" How could Igneel have forgotten? "It's Luna! She's gone missing and Luke and I can't find her! Have you seen her outside of your class?"

Gary thought about that. "Well, we spoke after class and then she was chasing after—"

"Watch out!"

SMACK!

Igneel's eyes widened when he heard the name over the noise of a ball hitting the glass. "She did what?"

Gary did look a bit puzzled. "What? What's wrong? Honestly, I've never even heard of the kid before and with Looney coming back to school, I'm surprised she has such an interest in hi—Hey!" he called when Igneel turned heel to rush off. "Where are you going?"

"I have a score to settle!" Igneel hollered back, eyes blazing. Luna… That bastard won't stay away from you. So please be smart enough to stay away from him.

---

The classroom was entirely empty when Luna trailed back to it. She finished loading all her paperwork into her bag and sighed as she closed her desk. "Oh… Well, that was a big bunch of nothing," she grumbled to herself. She made sure her bag was secure over her shoulders and hauled herself out of the classroom. She looked up and down the hall to see a few students lingering about. Huh… Are clubs already over?

With a shrug, she wandered down the hallway. Little whispers and murmurs wafted over her. She can hear cheers as a foul ball was struck. The marching band already had practice after the first day back from school and the sousaphones were diligently playing their baseline featured in the first show. A kind student was consoling her friend due to being rejected by her crush. Luna ducked her head down at that a little and hurried past them as though avoiding all eye contact.

She got rejected, huh? Her mind flashed to Geo-Dragon and the girl. I wonder if that jerk rejected the girl too. Maybe they're together. But he could be dating Julia…

Something struck her.

"Oh, my goodness!" She slung off her bag to dig around in it. She pulled out the crumpled note and wanted to cry. "Oh, no! I totally forgot to reply to him!" she bemoaned. Quickly, she gathered herself and raced down the hall. Maybe if I'm fast, I can catch up to him! Finally, a guy asks me out and I miss it stalking some jerk! Talk about bad l—

And just as she passed by a set of double doors, they opened for a hand to shoot out of the darkness.

Luna's eyes widened.

A gloved hand had covered her mouth.

And an arm roped her into the darkness.

Fright took the reigns now with fight nowhere to be seen. She stood as still as a statue as her capture hauled her into the darkness. Her back hit a wall and nothing could make her legs stop shaking. Panic clogged her throat. Was she choking? She felt lightheaded. Breathing was a hard concept. Inhales and exhales rammed together with no space in-between. Her legs shook even more. What's going on? she sobbed. What's happening? Who took me? I can't… I can't—!

"Breathe, princess," came soft command.

Luna felt tears prickle her eyes as she tried to shake her head no.

Warm breath tickled her ear. "Yes, princess. Breathe for me. In…and out…"

Shutting her eyes, Luna chanced a swallow. This voice… It sounded soothing like honey, like she was meant to follow its orders. The inhale was a bit sharp, but the exhale was slow and precise. The next inhale was a stuttering gasp and the exhale was a full-blown cry. She felt hands encircle her and her forehead hit a shoulder. Reacting on instinct alone, her hands shot out to cling to her captor…and her savior.

"That's my girl," came easy coo. "You're doing wonderful. In through the nose and out through the mouth. Inhale…and exhale… In…and out…"

Lightheadedness was still there, but nausea and panic banging together were simmering down. Her tears were shed, but they were of little few and gratitude and shame swept up within her, shoving out her anxiety.

"Do you need an inhaler?" came concerned question. "Any pills?"

"N-N-N-No," Luna stammered in a near sob. "Please, just…just hold me. Please."

The grip on her tightened and her little body pressed against one far stronger than her own. "Whatever you say, princess," came loving murmur. "I'm here for you. But how about we get you into fresh air, okay?"

"Don't leave me," Luna practically begged. "Please don't go."

"I won't." The reply was quick. "Do you want me to carry you?" This time, there was no wait and Luna was pulled into arms she never wanted to let go of her. Her face turned into a chest and she let out a horrible cry she tried to keep muffled within the shirt. A few more came as whoever had her carried her step-by-step. But the last cry was a pitiful moan and sniffle and she refused to cry anymore. Weariness was her enemy this time around. So much emotion, so much dizziness… She just wanted to rest her head.

But a question nagged her. "Who are you?" she breathed into the darkness.

A grin. "You didn't ask your brother about me, I take it?"

Luna tried to be more invested in this, get angry, but she felt so tired. "No," she mumbled. "He got all mad and stormed off. No one tells me anything. It makes me angry."

"Oh?" A chuckle. "Didn't think delicate princesses like you could get angry. What, like a mad little kitten sort of angry?"

"Shut up," Luna struggled to say, even if she nuzzled closer to him. Did he always smell this good? Was his voice really that soothing or was her panic desperate for any human comfort?

"Nice one," came tease. "Now, hold on. I'm at the door."

SLAM!

The door was kicked open and Luna turned her head. Chocolate widened as the sun swirled in her eyes. "Oh, wow…"

This was no ordinary rooftop. A park had staked its claim on the rooftops. All the buildings on campus were connected through the greenery with the sky bridges doubling as normal bridges for people to cross to another part of the park. Some students had taken solace on the rooftop with food and beverage (thanks to the Culinary Club) while others had come to study. The Yoga Club was sunning outside as they joined together in medication and the Tai Chi Club had moved to grasp that bird's tail pose. A string quintet set out to play their piece for their up-and-coming performance at a local piano bar. The trees looked healthy enough with even fountains atop each school. Birds came to the feeders and some were intrigued with the students, more than often accepting bird-friendly offerings and staying around to play.

Arms let Luna down as she tucked back a loose lock of hair to take this all in. "I didn't know the academy had a rooftop park," she breathed.

"Well, you can thank the Gardening Club for that."

"I will," she decided. "Oh, this is beautiful." She frowned. "But why did you take me here?" She turned her head. "And who are—?"

A shaded gaze met her shocked stare. "Hi, princess."

Luna's frown trashed into a scowl. "You!"

"Me." Geo-Dragon's grin could not be deterred.

Luna went back several paces to point at him. "How dare you kidnap me—!"

"And bring you to a safe haven? I know." Geo-Dragon feigned a shiver. "How dreadful of me. What a dick I am."

"Don't say that!"

Geo-Dragon cocked his head to see the slight blush on Luna's face. "Oh, I see… Blondie doesn't like swear words." He laughed. "God, you're so innocent." He took a step closer to her. "Word to the wise, Blondie. I have a sailor's mouth."

"St-St-Stay back!" Luna tried to warn, even as she shifted backward. "I mean it! Stay away from me! And stay away from my brother too!"

"Dear old big brother didn't tell you about me?" Geo-Dragon put a hand over his head. "I'm broken-hearted. If you knew me, you'd be leaping into my arms, Blondie-girl. Guarantee it."

"Stop calling me names!" Luna demanded. "My name is Luna Dragneel and I expect you to use it! Not 'Blondie' or 'Blondie-girl' or 'princess'!"

"Then, what about mine?"

Chocolate widened as Geo-Dragon's grin broadened. "Can I call you 'mine'?" Geo-Dragon asked, taking three steps forward.

Luna snapped out of her astonished trance to clamber backward. "No! Gosh, does that work on all your fangirls too?"

"No." Geo-Dragon took another step forward. "I've been waiting to use it on you."

"Why me?" Luna had to know. "You were looking at me this morning, weren't you? When you and Igneel were battling. You looked at me."

Geo-Dragon shrugged. Another forward step. Two this time. "Guilty."

"Why?" Luna pressed. She glanced back to see she had little space and to see Geo-Dragon was not stopping soon. "Why me? What's with all the secrecy and the games? I don't like games!" She turned to look at him. "You—!" She gasped.

He was right above her. "Me…?"

Luna found herself falling backward and winced when a bench sated her fall. But she did not anticipate Geo-Dragon pinning her to the bench with nowhere to run and escape. She was forced to stare into his shades and, in the reflection, she did not see the fearful little girl she assumed she would see. She saw a flustered little lady with a virginal blush and interest behind her stare.

Luna placed a hand on Geo-Dragon's chest to stop him. "You're so forward," she muttered, though she wished she said it like it was a bad thing. "Didn't you get confessed to today?"

Geo-Dragon's smile was slow to grow. "Stalking me much, Blondie?"

"More like trying to hunt you down and give you a piece of my mind." But what was I going to say anyway?

Geo-Dragon seemed to read her train of thought for he said, "Yeah. I can totally tell you wanted to chew me out. About the girl… Rejected her flat-out."

"What? Why?"

"She's not you."

Luna was stunned into a five-beat silence. This guy… Is he for real? Aloud, she had to ask, "Are you for real? Are you delusional? We just met today and I get that I'm cute, but you need to back off." Did she sound threatening? No, she sounded breathless and low-voiced and pleading for him to…stay? What was going on through her head?

A husky chuckle, the throaty kind people make when their sick and their voice gets raspy. "I don't think I want to," Geo-Dragon decided in a light tone. "I'm pretty comfortable here"—his hand covered her own on his chest to move it to his heartbeat—"with you."

Luna tried to see his eyes, but the shades were too dark. "What do you want with Igneel and me?" she finally whispered. "I don't even know you."

"No… You don't."

Surprise startled Luna when Geo-Dragon moved away from her to sit beside her. She quickly scooted over to give him room, even if she was fanning her face. When Geo-Dragon did not speak, Luna turned to him to see him looking away from her. Concern touched her and she reached for him, but then, she fell short. Instead, she softly called, "Geo-Dragon? Or should I say…Redfox?"

Geo-Dragon whipped his head to her. "How did you—?"

"I know your last name from your love confession," Luna admitted. "I didn't stick around to hear your first name. She was unbearably like every manga girl in a high school anime. You dodged a bullet there."

He chortled. "I did, didn't I?"

Silence pended between them. Luna looked at her lap as she fumbled for the right words. But nothing sounded right to her. This is stupid. What am I doing here with him? He's a jerk, remember? I shouldn't be making conversation with him. I should be arguing with him.

"I'm sorry."

Luna stiffened before looking up at Geo-Dragon. "You're…what?"

Geo-Dragon sighed. "I'm sorry." He repeated it with heavy reluctance. "I know I'm not being easy to get along with, but I never meant to confuse you this much. Actually, I was hoping you'd at least recognize me during the battle, but you ran away instead. Have to admit that hurt a little bit."

Wait a second…

The wind picked up.

Blonde and black rustled through the howls of the air.

Chocolate could not keep its eyes off the boy beside her.

Just…who is this person?

---

"And this is the campus cafeteria for juniors," Nashi explained as she stepped before the female student. The campus cafeteria on its first level looked like a casual restaurant. Students lingered as they studied with the cafeteria closed for the night. Even a couple of teachers had become out of the teacher's lounge to enjoy their dinner and some fresh banter. "It's open seven-thirty in the morning for breakfast and closes four in the afternoon, but during the holiday season, sometimes they stay open until five."

Nashi guided the student over the screens that had been turned off for the day. "Normally, the menus appear on the TV screens. We have diets that meet the needs of every student from raw keto, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and so on. A lot of our Battlers have nutritionists, so if you become a Battler, normally your lunch is pre-chosen for you."

A scoff. "Right. Keep forgetting this is a Battle Academy."

Nashi beamed. "Did you want to become a Battler?"

"Not a chance." The gum blew out before it popped. "Not exactly in the mood to wear tights and wrestle people to the ground for the pleasure of others, if you know what I mean?"

A fair blush dusted Nashi's cheek as she forced her smile. "You have full control over your fighting costume and wrestling isn't all there is to Battling. If you chose to, you'd be either paired with or find a sponsor. From there, you can choose a fighting style and technique. My brother actually uses flames in his—"

"Hold up." A raised eyebrow. "Is your brother the crazy arsonist guy that's on the news every other week?"

Nashi could not take it anymore and slumped over. "That's him…"

A snort. "Well, that makes me want to battle even more," came dry remark. "Where I'm from, it's not exactly 'normal' to burn everything to the ground. So, if it's all the same to you, I think I'll steer clear fighting and your brother."

Nashi sighed and led the transfer student away. "Oh, don't worry about him. He's harmless, I promise, just a bit of an ass. You shouldn't have to worry about him, anyways. He's always too busy with his extracurriculars. Now." She clapped her hands. "How about we get some fresh air?"

°•°•°•°

Igneel searched high and low, but with no sign of Luna, he found himself panting against a school building. "Damn," he wheezed. "Where the Hell could she be?"

A gaggle of giggles. "Hi, Igneel…!"

Igneel straightened to smooth back his hair. A charming grin caressed his lips as he turned to face a group of female students in his year all blushing and giddy. "Hiya, ladies." He leaned against the wall. "What can I help you with?"

One girl bravely stepped forward with her chin lifted. "We're on our way to a café and wanted to see if you'd come with us," she invited.

Igneel's grin broadened. "Oh, yeah? Sounds awesome! Especially if I'm in the company of you beautiful ladies." He shot them a wink and the girls were all pink-faced and finger-twirling-hair. Internally, Igneel found himself sweating bullets and about to turn blue. Pull it together, man. Remember what you learned from shoujo manga! He opened his mouth to say something debonair he remembered from another romance manga, but his eyes caught something.

TINK…

Wisps of sun-kissed blonde disappeared beyond a building.

He froze.

No… That can't be—

Without saying a farewell, Igneel grabbed his bag and sprinted away to where the blonde disappeared (effectively ignoring the whines the group of girls offered). But when he got to the spot, there was no trace a person was there.

Not a physical one…

Nostrils flared. Teeth show fang.

No… It's too good to be true.

Onyx showed flecks of emerald hidden.

But…even if it is…

Footsteps pounded against the pavement. Igneel bulldozed his way down the outdoor ground bridge and did not care if fellow peers called his name or eyed him funnily. He was a man on a mission.

…I have to take the chance!

---

Luna decided to voice her thoughts. "Listen… Geo-Dragon… Redfox… I'm sorry if you expected a different reaction from me, but did you ever think I'm not the person you're looking for?" With a frown, she looked to her other side. "There's a lot of blondes out there with brown eyes. Maybe I look like the girl you—?"

"Luna Anna Heartfilia-Dragneel."

Chocolate widened.

"Date of birth is December twenty-first," Geo-Dragon rattled off. "You like cookie dough milkshakes, but you will only eat vanilla if you can only have ice cream in a bowl. You refuse to eat from a cone."

"Wait." Luna's whisper was not a plea but a question. "How did you…?"

Geo-Dragon sat back. "You love Winnie the Pooh still and you're an avid Disney lover. In fact, every costume party, you went as a different Disney princess. You've been dancing and doing gymnastics since you could remember. Your instructor Miss Libra has been insistent you join the showcase, but you're socially anxious and suffer from panic attacks."

"Stop. Hold on a min—"

"You used to be in Fairy Academy, but you were pulled out because—"

"I said, 'stop'!"

Geo-Dragon paused.

Luna did not realize the echo her voice carried and ducked when students glanced over to her. In a hushed tone, she harshly said, "Stop it. What are you doing? Are you playing mind games? Is that it? Have you been stalking me?" Just saying the thought aloud made it all the more a possibility and she scooted away in fear. "Oh, my gosh, you're stalking me!" Quickly rising from her seat, she shakily tried to get to her phone. "I'm calling the pol—!"

Her phone was out of her hands.

"Not so fast."

Luna faced Geo-Dragon, but the ire that had fired her stare was replaced in terror. "St-Stay away from me," she pleaded in whisper. "Please, I'm sorry, but please stay away from me!" Her heel pivoted and she tried to run…

…but a hand clamped down on her wrist.

Luna shivered as warm breath fanned her ear. "Running away before the good part, Blondie?" came innocent tease.

"Please, let me go," Luna beseeched. She could not look at him. She refused to. "I-I-I-I won't tell anyone about this. I promise."

"I know." Two words that were so low and so seducing. "But, before you run off, princess, you need to hear some choice words."

Luna stumbled when Geo-Dragon pulled her away. Protesting was lost on her. She would have once been the first to open her mouth and demand he relinquished her this instant, but now, she was brought into petrified silence. Her eyes were on the ground. If she looked up, she knew other students would be looking at her as well.

Is this why Igneel fought him? To keep a stalker away? But how could he know so much about me? We've never even met before…right? Nothing about him seems familiar. Maybe if I know his name—

The thought stopped when her back was against the wall and a hand kept her from leaving. Chocolate clashed with shaded eyes and she could see her own panic.

Geo-Dragon lifted a hand.

She closed her eyes and flinched.

The hand landed on her cheek.

Luna was slow to open her eyes as she unconsciously relished the way a thumb moved over her skin. Who is this person?

"I know so much about you, but not because I'm a stalker," Geo-Dragon assured her. "Just like your friends, I learned things about you over time when you told me them."

"But I don't know you." Luna tried to find his eyes beyond the darkness, but she could not. "You don't know me."

"I do know you," came soft murmur.

"Then, why don't I know you?" Luna challenged.

Geo-Dragon stilled his caresses. "Your old man made damn sure we'd be separated is why." A gruff bitterness burned his words.

Papa did this? Luna could not believe this. "But why?" she questioned. "Are you a bad person?"

Geo-Dragon snorted. "Not at all," he soothed. "Your old man and I… We have some differences. But that doesn't matter now. You're out of homeschooling and I won against Igneel, just like I said I would."

"So what?" Luna still did not understand. "What does this have to do with anything? Why do I matter to you?"

Geo-Dragon chuckled. "Oh, princess…" His hand dipped to cup her chin. "Because the second you stepped onto campus… The moment I beat your brother… You became mine."

---

Nashi circled them back into the administrative center as she tried not to let her defeat show. "Well, that's the tour. Your parents should be wrapping up with Principal Fernandes," she informed the fair-headed transfer student. With a hearty eye roll, she muttered, "And by 'wrapping up', I mean talking about anything besides your transfer and catching up. It has been a while since they've seen each other." She tapped her chin. "Maybe…your brother and Misty's graduation, I think?"

A scoff. "Not like I really care about that, princess, but thanks."

Nashi sighed and stopped in the middle of the hallway.

The transfer student stopped with her.

"Look…" Nashi turned to the transfer student with worn-down eyes. "I understand how inconvenient this is for you. I do. Your life at your last school was free of your parents. You made your own schedule; you did as you pleased… No one likes to come home after having a life full of freedom." Her eyes cast down. "Maybe if things were different, coming here might have meant more."

A tilt of the head. Intrigue. "Who hurt you?"

Nashi snapped out of her thoughts to look wide-eyed at the transfer student. "Excuse me?"

"You know." The student gestured with her hands. "The person who came back and hurt you. Who was it?"

Stiffening was Nashi's first defense. Her second was a quick-witted diversion. But for some reason…she did not have the heart for a diversion. Instead, she murmured, "He was…someone I knew a long time ago." She fell back into walking towards the elevator and the student fell into step with her. "We were classmates, the classic freshman-junior vibe."

A raise of an eyebrow. "Age gap. Well, okay then, go on."

"It wasn't that bad," Nashi assured. "We were both legal and everything. He was… Well…" She snorted. "He majorly pissed me off."

"Preach."

"It's true," Nashi laughed. "God, he was such an annoying little shit when we were in school together. Always embarrassing me and teasing me with his stupid love confessions and trying to outshine me in our college art classes… He even tried getting on my mama's good side to have a shot with me." Shaking her head, the memories were swimming around her. "Y'know, he was a battler at the school too. Devilman."

"Like the old school anime?"

Nashi nodded. "Mmm-hmm. Exactly like the anime. Don't get me wrong. He's no Akira or anything, but he was elected the name when everyone thought of him like Akira. The hotness of a Devil with the heart of a man." She wrinkled her nose. "Geez, it was so gross. Seeing girls fawn on him all the time was disgusting."

"So he had the pick of the litter," came remark and not an unkind one. "Okay… So, how did he betray you?"

"He didn't." Hickory hardened. "I betrayed me." Jaw locked. "I let my guard down around a person. I let myself fall into the trap that people's caring is sincere, that they meant it when they say they'll stay."

An appraising stare. "Is he still here?"

Nashi tried to school her face. "He's back." Her answer carried her finality as they reached the elevator. She pressed the button to go up. "So." A new subject was in order. "Are you interested in battling?"

A snort. "Do I look like I'm in a fight club?"

DING!

The jaws of the elevator opened up. Nashi extended her arm to let them through before herself. She pressed 2. "You do," Nashi mused. "You have a toned body from what I can see. You'd make a good battler. If anything, you'd be a good trainer."

The door began to close.

Another snort. "A 'trainer'? Funny. I've never trained anyone in my life. Must be because I'm not exactly a 'people person'."

And as the doors slammed closed, neither noticed loud stomps of footfalls stop in the hall of the elevator. The focus turned and honed on the stairwell.

---

"Wait a minute," Luna whispered, still not understanding. "I'm not…anyone's, I… I'm sorry, but I'm not an object." Her fire was back. "No one should be treated like someone owns them. That's wrong. I'm not your property! Why are you laughing?"

And he was. Geo-Dragon held a fist over his mouth as he tried to smother his laugh, but he could not hide his smile. "Sorry. It's just so cute when you get annoyed." He could visualize a huffy golden retriever puppy before him. "Like a little puppy getting snippy with its master." Sobering himself up just a little bit, he told her, "You aren't property. I agree with that. I didn't buy you or win you as a prize from your brother. You being mine isn't really about you being a possession."

"Oh." Luna flipped her hair and crossed her arms. "Well. Um, then what exactly do you mean? And who are you?"

Geo-Dragon moved so they were toe to toe. Luna swallowed and her eyes instantly went to her shoes when a gloved hand tipped her chin back up for chocolate and shades to clash. "Take off my shades," came murmured command.

Luna gulped. "W-What?"

Geo-Dragon lowered his head. "Take them off, Luna."

---

DING!

The elevator opened and Nashi filed out first. "We can take the interlink back to the administrative building," she decided as she led her guest down the hall. "Like I said before, the interlink takes us through every building on campus. The teachers monitor to see why lower grades are visiting higher grades, so if you're caught in a wing you aren't supposed to be in, just make sure you have a note from a teacher."

STOMP-STOMP-STOMP!

Nashi gave paused when she saw Igneel burst from the stairwell and intercept her path. As he bent over to pant, she crossly hissed at him, "Igneel, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be anywhere but. I'm giving a tour."

Igneel put his hands on his hips as he lifted himself up. He looked around. "I…" A deep gulp of air. "I thought I saw…" When he spotted no one around outside the lingering students raring to go home, he shook his head and tried to shake off his disappointment. "Never mind." He turned his back on her. "Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt."

STEP… STEP…

A gum bubble blew out and—

POP!

"Sorry, sunshine, but I had to run to the ladies."

Igneel froze. That voice… It couldn't be…

---

Hesitation gnawed at Luna as she looked up at Geo-Dragon. "A-A-Are you sure?"

Geo-Dragon smirked as his hand smoothed against her cheek and felt her flush. "What happened to all that demanding? All that confidence?" His smirk broadened. "Did the fierce lioness shrink into a shy bunny?"

Luna's mouth moved but no sound came out. "No." A hushed word. "I just…" She flinched when she felt a hand cover her own. Chocolate watched with bated breath when her hand was guided to his shades. As he wrapped her fingers around the frame, she panicked. "You know what? I don't care. It's mean of me to demand things of you when we don't know each other and I'm sure you wear those for a really good reason."

"Not really." Geo-Dragon used her fingers to start tugging on his frames.

Luna tensed her hand to stop him. "I mean you could be blind—"

"Nope."

"—or colorblind—"

"Uh-uh."

"—or, um, maybe you have light sensitivity for migraines like my mama—?" Her words stuttered to a halt when Geo-Dragon brought her other hand so they both clasped on the frames.

"Take them off when you're ready," Geo-Dragon told her softly.

Luna blinked. I don't even know this guy. Why are his eyes such a big deal? I was being a jerk. I don't know his story. I shouldn't make assumptions, but… Her fingers feathered against black frames. I don't know… I just… I have this feeling…

Her fingers gripped the frame and began to tug.

---

Nashi turned around with an overly wide beam. "Oh! I didn't even realize you had disappeared! Sorry, my brother here distracted me, but if you're finished with the tour and have no other questions…?"

A careless shrug. "Sure. Let's bounce."

Igneel was as rigid as a brick wall when a flutter of sun-bleached hair brushed past him with no remorse. His fingers twitched like he needed to scratch something. That couldn't have been… But they would've told me… No… They don't have any obligation to tell me. She doesn't remember a thing. Why would they need to tell me anything?

Nashi strode across the bridge to turn back to her guest, arms out to show the glass walls. "But that's all there is to it! We do offer dorms here for students who don't live on in Magnolia, but I'm sure we can make an exception for you. Our music students who have dorms here are allowed to have a practice room suite, a bedroom with their own practice room attached. We should have one suite with a Steinway upright." She winked. "No promises."

A clack of gum. "Whatever you say, sunshine."

Igneel clenched his fists as he shut his eyes. "Hey, wait up!" He pivoted around to look down the bridge and see her walking away. "Stop!"

Feet came to a slow stop. An arched eyebrow. "Can I help you?"

---

The shades were easily obeying her pulls. Luna could feel the anticipation grow inside her as she was only seconds away. This is it. I find out who you are.

A final jerk.

The shades came off.

Chocolate widened.

The winds whistled as it swirled around them.

---

"Yeah, you can." Igneel took a bold step forward. Then, another. Then, another. "I've seen you run around campus with my sister. But I have to know." He stopped only five feet away from her. "Who are you?"

Nashi scowled. "Igneel," she snapped, "stop being such a little—!"

"No, sunshine, it's okay," came smooth soothe. "He wants to know who I am." Her head cocked to the side. "And what's it to you, 'Igneel'? You and I won't meet on this campus, so I don't understand why my name means that much to you."

He clenched and unclenched his fists. "I just need to know." Desperation kept out of his words. "Please."

A drawn-out sigh. "Well, if you must know…" Feet twisted around.

---

Luna felt gravity failing her. No… This can't be…

Crimson collided with chocolate.

That person in my dreams… It's…

Luna could not help it. The whisper slipped out and could barely be heard over the wind. "Who are you?"

---

Igneel felt gutted when she turned around.

Steeled cerulean crashed into unsuspecting onyx.

There she stood a few inches shorter than him with her ponytail high and her attitude a fortress to her inner thoughts. Igneel wanted to stagger back as he drank in the very sight of her, every last inch of her person. She's here… She's here…

---

Warm hands flattened against Luna's cheeks as their eyes stayed locked together.

"My name," Geo-Dragon started in a low gravelly tone, "is…"

---

"…it's Mary Jane Dreyar…"

---

"…Gale Redfox…"

---

Igneel felt so many emotions well up inside him. Pain and despair, deceit, hurt and loss. But the most dangerous one swarmed him: hope. MJ…

---

Luna took it all in. Gale…Redfox? Remembering a portion of her manners, she said dazedly, "It's…nice to meet you, Gale."

Gale smiled a real smile. No arrogance or teasing. "Nice to meet you too, Luna."

---

Mary Jane put a hand on her hip and looked at Igneel up and down with disinterest. "Now then…" Her blue eyes iced. "Who in the Hell are you?"

---

Hora saikou no kao de po-zu! (po-zu)

Hora saikou no kao de pi-su! (pi-su)

Warai-sugite namida ga dete kita dake

Aa samishiku nanka nai mai furenzu (Mai furenzu)

---

Chibi-Luna and Chibi-Nashi appear with their fake glasses. Chibi-Nashi waves. "Hi, I'm Nashi!"

"And I'm Luna," Chibi-Luna interjects.

"And welcome to fairy-pedia!" they chorus.

Chibi-Luna scuttles over to the blackboard to show the words OMAKE, FILLER, OVA, and EPISODE. "And today, we're going to about how the episodes are being handled!"

"Right!" Chibi-Nashi points to the first word. "This episode is called an 'Omake'. The author board decided there will be extras for the series. The omakes, however, aren't necessarily canonical and some may take place in an alternate universe like this one," she explains as Chibi-Luna nods approvingly. Chibi-Nashi goes to the next word. "That being said, the main series will still have filler episodes. These fillers will remain canon within the story's main timeline and will be used to break up the arcs."

Chibi-Luna takes over. "OVAs are special chapters. They may be longer than the normal episode, but that's okay! They're entirely supposed to be! They're like a mini novel in away and can be a little more serious than fillers and omakes. Just like the omakes, OVAs will be released separately, so they don't interfere with the main series' numberings."

Chibi-Nashi says, "Today's opening them is SUKI, KIRAI by GOM and our ending theme is SEISHUN PHOTOGRAPH by Little Glee Monster!"

Both sisters wave. "See you next time!"