Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail, any work professionally associated with it nor any pop culture or classical references. 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.
PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure, looks like our band of heroes got pulled back into Spriggan Castle, but Naseer isn't an ally anymore to their cause and is looking to stir up some trouble. Meanwhile, poor Silver had a bit of an awakening and, well, ended up smelling a towel. But don't fear! Ena's got it handled…in the right way, but it's so not the way Silver is looking for! Gale's heart-to-heart with his parents makes it even more suspicious about his connection to Emma, but he has no time to think about it when he's off to get his reward money for his job-gone-wrong only to find out that…Bleu is the culprit? Carlisle and Dante finally have a date planned, but Carlisle's brother is bringing in a few guests that might shake things up. Still, Carlisle decides to shake it to the beat, and man, can he dance! Mary Jane has finally gone on her first job ever since Margaret Town and it goes so well until it doesn't and Mira has to save her. With some help from a professor who may or may not hate him, Peter finally has access to the van Helmont's history, but will he find what he's looking for? Speaking of finding, Spencer and his team are tracking down villages and tribes caught in this mess between the Council and the Faction and have the perfect guide to help them. Naseer and Nashi's private dessert reveals two things. One, Naseer has a sweet tooth and, two, he will not stop o get what he wants. But when Invel says their overseeing Demon has a change of plans, nothing about that sounds good.
"After all, we all know you'll do what you have to do."
I do not like the sound of that! And yay we finally found Mystogan, but who is Hunter? And who is this Scarlet Warlock, anyway?
Chibi-Nashi appears. "Hi, guys! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure! Author-san wanted to refresh your memory about time zones, so here you are!"
Abbreviations – Time Zone Name • — • — •— • — Location • — Offset
MCDT • — • — Melandian Central Daylight Time – Melandia • — • UTC +7
CIT • — • — • – Central Ishgaran Time • — • — • — Bellum • — • – UTC +2
CMT • — • — • – Charring Mean Time • — • — • — Minstrel • — • – UTC +1
FST • — • – Fiore Standard Time • — • — • — • Fiore • — • — • – UTC - 0:00
ADT • — • — • – Alvarez Daylight Time • — • — • – Alvarez • — • — UTC - 2
AT • — • — • – Amazone Time • — • — • — • — • — Valchestria • — UTC - 4
EST • — • — • – Eastern Standard Time • — • — • – Meidiland • — • UTC - 6
"Make sure when you're reading on the screen, you have on some low lighting to protect your eyes!" Chibi-Nashi waves. "See you at the end of the episode!"
The condo was silent, and that was a good thing. Clean as a whistle, the white light from the sun poured into the windows to touch every surface. Dishes had been cleaned and put away. The refrigerator had been cleaned out and restocked. Laundry was done. Though the condo owned by one person had come to share many possessions from another. The bathroom counter shared hair products and make-up, but they had all been organized. The walk-in closet now housed his clothes and hers with their shoes stacked on the shoe shelf.
The digital clock on the side of the bed read 8:41 AM.
A Mallow Coon snorted like a lion as he laid stretched out on the foot of the bed. Clothes hampered, Nashi and Gary forewent anything with them both under the covers. He had turned onto his side with his messy bedhead and she had turned on her side to face him, hair back to her natural pink and scrounged up into a bun. She sighed.
Her eyes cracked open, dull.
Quietly, she sat up and did not care about her nudity. She slipped out of bed with light feet and retrieved some panties and one of Gary's shirts before she tiptoed out of the room.
Býleistr and Gary stirred.
Nashi went down the hall, but she stopped twice. She stopped once to check in on the guest bedroom. She opened the door and laid eyes on Luna. Her sister had not wanted to sleep under the covers, and Nashi did not blame her. Icarus had taken his Natural Form to provide her warmth, and Luna was curled into his stomach. Nashi shut the door to check the office. The couch had served as a pullout bed Luke took up. Black hair with pink-roots, he slept on his stomach with his glasses placed on the desk and he was dead to the world.
She shut the door and moved on.
Like clockwork, Nashi went to the kitchen to make coffee and tea, but her hands felt weak and she struggled with the teakettle.
"I've got it, Princess."
Býleistr in his Natural Form had come to her side and nudged her out of the way. "Please go sit on the couch," he murmured. "I'll bring you your tea when you're ready." He watched as Nashi offered a muted nod for abandoning him. He sighed as he brought out the teakettle and got to work. Oh, Princess…
It took minutes until Býleistr moved to the living room with a mug of freshly brewed coffee. His tail drooped seeing an emotionless Nashi sitting on the couch as she stared at the LV, but he sat by her side and put the mug on a coaster on the coffee table. "Your tea is done, Princess."
"Thank you." Words barely above a whisper.
Býleistr nodded and looked at his hands.
Silence birthed between them.
"Whatever that Changeling did to Icarus and I worked." Býleistr's words started low and rough. "It's possible to Curse Star Spirits into the Void, but it's incredibly rare for a mortal to cast it. It means they had outside help to learn the Curse. Normally, the Void is meant to cut us off from ever using our powers in other realms. Spirits of all kinds are subjected to eternal silence and cold. I'm sure both Changelings were well aware Icarus and I could tell something was off with your tea and Little Moon's food, but whatever was given to you cut our mental link to you to prevent us from taking action."
"I see."
"We can assume since you have demonic blood and Little Moon can breakdown Demons, both of you resummoning us early this morning pulled us out of the Void," Býleistr continued. "But a Crux would have more information than me on that theory and could give you facts."
Nashi hummed, absent.
Býleistr clasped his hands together. I don't know what else to say. Apologize again? I don't know where to start. We've failed them both from being their protectors. The memories I received from her once we were connected again were hard for me to swallow, but Icarus… I've never heard his howl that mournful before. He wouldn't even let Princess touch Little Moon when she threw-up. Whatever memories he received from her must have been horrifying. His hands shook. We failed them. We failed them all.
"Don't blame yourself."
Býleistr closed his eyes. "I can't," he rasped. "The vow I pledged to you was to protect you. And I couldn't protect you. You had to go through this all alone."
"Býleistr, I wasn't alone," Nashi softly said. "I was never alone through all of that. In the end, I wasn't the one to suffer. Because of me, Luna suffered. And because of me, I broke my promise to her because…"—her hands clenched—"I did what I had to do."
Býleistr opened his mouth to comfort her, but he could not think of the words. Instead, he shrunk down to his Cat Form to step into her lap and rub against her, purring. He urged her hands to stroke his fur and purred louder when her hands went through the motions of petting his back. We'll find a way to save them, Býleistr promised her. We can still save them. They're all still alive.
They aren't alive, Býleistr, that's just it. They aren't alive. Nashi's hands trembled. It doesn't matter. What Luna predicted came true…and it was because of me. A glisten filmed over hickory. All of their souls… It was like a blackout. I've never seen anything like it. It doesn't matter what Invel said. They're gone. And that's all because of me.
Býleistr looked up at her in sadness. Princess…
"Angel."
Nashi could not look at him. "Good morning." She heard his steps close in on her and ducked her head. "Gary, please, I just—"
"I know." Gary knelt before her in a pair of shorts and sad understanding in those blues. He touched her cheek before reaching up to kiss her forehead. "I know, Angel. You don't have to say anything else." He came onto the couch as Býleistr leaped out of Nashi's lap. Gary sat on the cushions and Nashi crawled into his lap to curl up against his chest and into his arms. He stroked her legs.
"How do you do this?" Nashi whispered. "How do you just…live with yourself after this?"
"I asked myself that a lot," Gary confided to her. "But I learned away to pay my respects to every person I killed in the Bureau. To honor them, the first summer when I visited the house given to me in Caracole, I lit lanterns. Now, the island has a sky lantern festival around that time every year. I wanted their souls to find their way to a happier place and to find peace." He kissed her temple. "Their souls aren't gone," he told her as she closed her eyes. "But you'll still find a way, Angel. If you'll let me, we can find a way together."
Nashi's lips trembled. "I'm sorry—"
"Don't be," Gary hushed. "Never be sorry, Angel. We'll find a way to bring them back. I promise you."
Nashi faintly nodded. "Thank you…for everything."
"Of course, Angel," Gary murmured.
"It's almost nine," Býleistr told the couple. "The announcement from Alvarez should be coming on the news any minute now. Should we watch it?"
"Yes." Nashi was the one to consent to this. She opened her eyes and reached for the LV remote. Hesitant, she peeked up at Gary, but when he nodded, she turned on the LV and put in for FNN. She shifted in Gary's hold as they both saw John and Yoko on the screen dressed in their Sunday best.
"And this is the moment we've all been waiting for, ladies and gentlemen, King Ajeel is confirmed to be sighted in front of Spriggan Castle in Vistarion, Alakitasia with First Prince Naseer to personally give the update about the possible heirs as well as the future of Alvarez," John informed.
"That's right, John," Yoko added. "He'll be reciting his speech in Arafushā, the official language of Alvarez, with real-time translations in Alkyztik on the screen and with an Arafushān Sign Language interpreter available, but the speech will be dubbed in Minstrish for those of us around the world to tune in." She shuffled her papers. "Let's take a look."
The LV screen changed to a camera close up to Ajeel in his royal robes of black and gold at a podium with the crest of Alvarez and a dozen microphones patched into it. The Royal Guard surrounded him with the Council of Elders Three, some royal administration staff, and Prince Naseer all behind him. Ajeel looked around before he began his speech in Arafushā, but the Minstrish voice over translated: "I speak to you today as both the king of Alvarez and a citizen of Alvarez. Around thirty years ago, I mourned with you when it was confirmed His Late Majesty had died. Like you, I grieved the loss of His Late Majesty. He served as a beacon of hope, a symbol of wisdom, a man of change and freedom to us all. While other countries fought for resources, His Late Majesty united countries and states to give us a utopia where our differences are celebrated and our wealth is shared.
"I was chosen as your king upon his death to lead Alvarez into its next era of peace and prosperity, but I cannot deny the people the answers they have longed for," Ajeel continued. "Over the course of the past three decades, we have learned and confirmed His Late Majesty…did have extended blood relatives."
Nashi tensed, and Gary tightened his hold on her.
"What the people of Alvarez may not know is that the rumors of His Late Majesty's heirs have not been truly brushed off. We have witnessed countless greedy beings who have tried to claim the throne of His Late Majesty, but during the DNA confirmation test, they failed," Ajeel informed his people. "Not a single person has passed the DNA confirmation test." A pause.
"As of recent, you might have heard rumors and read articles about a potential heir residing in the palace. I can confirm the young woman was housed in Spriggan Castle as a potential heir to His Late Majesty. She displayed his ideals, his keen intellect, his disposition, and bore a resemblance to His Late Majesty with a compelling story as the reason she never came forward. The investigators confirmed her backstory was true. The Federation of Mystic Arts then stepped in to both sample her blood and hair and to sample her soul wavelength to see if she could be the missing heir to Alvarez. The results were delivered to us a little after midnight with utmost urgency and I am here to tell the people of Alvarez that the young lady who proclaimed to be His Late Majesty's heir and presented the more empirical evidence towards it…"
His eyes darkened. "…was nothing more than a fraudulent claim.
"The young lady has since forth been escorted out of Alvarez and returned to her home country," Ajeel confirmed, "but what does this mean for Alvarez? For you and for me? I understand the transition of power has not been pleasant. His Late Majesty still lives with us all even decades after this death. And I have come to tell you as your king that I can no longer ignore the people's cries. As of this moment, every effort will be put forth into finding the true heirs of His Late Majesty. This throne is not mine. I was not the one to take the hands of the current district leaders and to unite them into our Empire. I was not the one to secure a profitable future for our Empire. His Late Majesty did and, therefore, it is his bloodline who should stand proudly on this throne and lead us all into the future.
"Once the verified heir of His Late Majesty has been confirmed, First Prince Naseer Raml and myself will step down and abdicate from the throne. We will assist in the new heir to transition into the role of your Emperor or Empress," Ajeel vowed. "We understand your worries and we have heard your cries. We agree with you. His Late Majesty's blood should continue to sit on the throne. We believe in the rumor His Late Majesty has an heir in the world and we are imploring you to give us time to find them and bring them home." He looked directly into the camera. "We are willing to ensure Alvarez's future and will do what we have to do for it." He beat his fist over his opposing shoulder and everyone around him did the same. "For Alvarez!"
The chant broke through the speakers as the cries of thousands of citizens echoed.
Gary was the one to take the remote from Nashi to mute the channel and set the remote down. He picked her up into a bridal carry and shuffled them both back to the master bedroom, shutting the door with his foot. He laid Nashi down and his heart broke seeing the scores of tears on her face. Quietly, he undressed her and she let him, numb to everything outside of grieve and self-hatred. He took off his shorts before laying at her side. She fell into his chest as she sobbed and he rubbed her back, cooing sweet assurances. He felt the connection between them and swathed her in steady winter against her erratic summer.
"What did I do?" Nashi cried.
"You did what you had to do, Angel," Gary whispered. "This was the only way everyone could still be alive."
"But they aren't alive," Nashi sobbed. "Luna was right, and I did that to them. I did."
Gary knew there was no amount of comfort he could bring to make her see otherwise. "Tell me what you need from me, Angel, and I'll give it to you," he promised. "I'm here for you now and always. Whatever you need from me is yours."
Nashi sniffled before she picked up her head for bloodshot hickory to crash into solemn cerulean. Her trembling hand cupped his cheek as she pleaded, "I need you."
"Angel—"
"Pl-Pl-Please, I just…" Nashi swallowed back another cry as she straddled him. "Don't say, 'no'. Please, Gary, I-I-I just…" She sniffed as her body shook. "I just n-n-need you, and…"
Gary softened as his hands came up to capture her jaw. "Okay, Angel." He brought her down to kiss her forehead then her nose and combatted the heavy grief she fed in their connection with his own love. "You have all of me."
When people spoke to you about grief in a relationship, what did they speak about? They spoke about what to say or what to do. They reminded you your partner might have an emotional chasm with you or they might become emotionally dependent. They advised you with the proper grief speeches, the proper etiquette, how to ensure your partner continued to live healthy, etcetera, etcetera.
But, sometimes, Tesla's words spoke true.
Being around death made one start to think about life.
Grief was such a powerful and persisting emotion. Because to grieve, you had to have felt a kinship, a love, a concern towards the one you lost. You had to have cherished life in order to grieve about death. That was why grief was the mightiest of emotions. In order to grieve, you had to have cared for both life and death, the fundamentals of your existence that rooted you to where you were now.
No one shared a relationship with grief the same way. Some withdrew, isolated in this world now, and grief persistent to remind them caring too much always lands them back to being alone. Some had a delayed start into grieving as they went through life and grief would hit them and needed to be processed right then and there. And some need to bring back that feeling of cherishing life. They yearned for that feeling they had before and clung to the illusion of normalcy and went to attain it however they could. Some chose to throw themselves into work or perhaps partying and drugs or drinking. Some chose sex. They grieved in a way that they could understand. They grieved life. They grieved love.
Because what was grief, if not love and life persisting?
Their lovemaking was a slow and crying affair. It was pure desperation and pain and instinctual between the two of them as she mourned and he ached. It was raw and wet and intense and their final throe of passion had her torn between relief and despair as she held onto him as tightly as she could as though he was the physical tether that stopped her from remembering her choices.
He carried her into the bathroom and drew a bath for both of them, but before that, he had her stand as he wet a cloth and cleaned every inch of her, pressing soft kisses and whispering his affection as she held her chin high and tears stained her cheeks and she choked back her whimpers. When he was done, he guided her into the tub and placed her between his legs, her back to his chest. She hid her face from him, ashamed, guilted, gutted, alone, but he did not force her out of her shell, not now, not when everything was so fresh. He served as a presence for her to rely on when she was ready. He was the reminder she was never truly alone. He encompassed her with his arms as he kept whispering his love for her while she grieved.
A tear for a promise broken.
A tear for her choices.
A tear for the innocent.
A tear for their fate.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
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Fairy Adventure 079
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SHUKUMEI
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宿命
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Jaxton's Apartment
Sororia City
Fiore, Ishgar
9:31AM FST
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The bedroom was Tesla's and she was not alone.
She woke up with a dry mouth and sleep in her eyes, but she knew she was in her own bed and she knew someone else was with her, awake. The soreness between her legs reminded her she had not been alone the moment she was back in her apartment and she dropped the protection she had put around herself. A glass of milk was by her bedside and she did not hesitate to take a healthy swig of it. "It's different," she murmured.
"You don't need the other brand anymore."
Tesla sipped some more before she licked her lips and set the glass back on her nightstand. "Right." She turned onto her other side—
Jaxton was wide-awake as he propped his cheek on a fist and he stared down at her, eyes giving away very little. She searched his eyes while his hand came out to brush her cheek, and he rumbled, "Good morning, baby girl."
"Good morning," Tesla murmured. "If I wasn't sore, I'd say this was a wet dream."
Jaxton hummed a negative. "Not a dream."
"I know." Tesla swallowed. "Because in this reality, we need to talk. I…need to talk," she amended. She took his hand into her own and laced their fingers together. "Would it be okay if I talked? Would you listen?"
Jaxton nodded.
"Okay. Here goes." Tesla blew out a breath as she watched their fingers. "These past few days have been an…enlightening experience," she told. "I hid from you because I just needed to be away and figure everything out. I had to focus on what I was doing, but I can't tell you what that was. Even so, I met some people who knocked some sense into me, and I…" Her voice hitched. "I… I'm sorry. Wǒ cuò le, Jang-ta."
Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. "I'm beginning to understand how you have to make these hard choices. I watched people make these decisions, and I know it's not easy. They're forced to keep secrets from the world and from each other. And I can't imagine that sort of pressure or stress on anyone, let alone you," Tesla said. "I know there are things you can't tell me, but I understand that now. I understand you're not doing this because you want to—you're doing this because you have to. And it was wrong of me to think you were manipulating me because of my powers. It was wrong of me to compare you to my sperm donor. And it was wrong of me to tell you you don't love me."
A tear streaked.
"I know you love me," Tesla promised him. "I was angry and hurt, but I know you love me. You see more of me than I'll ever see. I'm sorry for the past three weeks you've been living in this stasis of not knowing what I was going to do. I should have let you go instead of held onto you if I was that unhappy. I shouldn't have just pretended. But I don't want to pretend anymore, I want to make this clear." Her eyes flittered when Jaxton brought her hand closer to kiss the back of it and she laughed a little. "I'm trying to be serious, Jang-ta."
"I'm listening," Jaxton assured.
"Then listen closely."
Determined steely grays clashed with unreadable darkness.
"I'm fucked up," Tesla told him. "I have issues that I'm trying my best to work through. I cope by watching kids shows and overworking myself. I have panic attacks and episodes that really suck, and there are some nights I can't even sleep. I'm the daughter of the worst Magic Hunter known to man, and I'm an enemy of the entire Magic Community. And I want to adopt a cat." Her lips twitched when Jaxton showed his displeasured frown at that. "But if you'll have me—every screwed up, Magia-loving part of me—then I'm yours and yours alone. I know you'll have your secrets to protect me, and the same goes both ways. We'll be like the before-marriage relationship of those two parent spies from that Spy Kids movie. "
Her eyes softened. "But I'll love you like an idiot anyways," she promised him in soft breath. "Until the day you've had enough of me."
Jaxton searched her eyes. "Eres mi todo," he told her, voice husky. "Te quiero con todo mi alma."
Tesla's eyes widened. "Jang-ta…"
"Soy feliz de compartir cada instante de mi vida a tu lado," Jaxton continued as he kissed the back of her hand. "Tu amor me inspira, tu ternura me conmueve y tus besos me enloquecen. Y me llevará toda una vida poder olvidarte."
Tesla did not know whether to laugh or cry. "Oh god…"
"I can repeat that in any language you ask of me," Jaxton promised her, "but Sinnish was the first language you truly began to speak and love, and I know how much it means to you when someone speaks it with you." He rolled her on her back with him on top of her, dark eyes intense. "I knew how to speak basic Sinnish before my mission with you. But your mother speaks Northern Sinnish, and I wanted to perfect that dialect. Because I plan to repeat my vows to you in your first language."
"'Vows'?" Tesla choked as another tear peeked out. "What happened to no marriage talk until we were twenty-five? We're still young, y'know." She caught something in his eyes and frowned. "Jang-ta? What is it?" She cradled his jaw. "Tell me what's wrong."
"I know I hurt you," Jaxton told her. "I made you cry, something I never wanted to do to you. I made you doubt my feelings for you. And I know how you feel about me now, but my family in Zhōnguá…" He kissed her palm. "I'm taking you to the compound because I want as little secrets between us as possible. But I'm worried how you'll receive them."
Tesla stretched up and eyebrow. "I have survived things on a scale hitherto undreamt of, and yes, I'm using that, I loved that line," she said flatly when Jaxton gave her a look. "Jang-ta, you should know me by now. There's very little I won't be receptive to. Stop worrying so much. Everything will be fine."
Jaxton sighed. "But—"
"Aht-aht!" Tesla put a hand on his mouth. "Unless you're going to tell me your family is all Dawn werewolves and you're worried I'll, like, dump you for your hotter cousin or some stalker Vampire who is your family's sworn enemy, I'll be fine meeting your family, okay?"
The moment Tesla removed her hand, Jaxton reluctantly consent, "Okay." His eyes fluttered closed when she combed through his hair with her hands. "Was I too rough last night?"
Tesla snorted. "You're the one with my claw marks on your back. I should ask you that. I was the one who was getting excited."
"Yes. You were. I didn't expect to be attacked the moment I came through your mirror," Jaxton deadpanned. "I had thought you wanted me to talk."
"Mmm, sex first, ask questions later," Tesla told him. "I know we have a lot more to discuss. I can't tell you everything that necessarily happened, but I can tell you a few things that directly happened to me." Like Mason. "But I just want to enjoy you a little longer before I have to face the reality that my sperm donor is…" She stopped. "That he's…" She stopped again. A snorting laugh betrayed her. "He's out of jail. He's free."
"I'll protect you," Jaxton swore to her. "He won't ever touch you."
"Can I hire you as witness protection?"
"I already am," Jaxton murmured. "My job isn't just to report you activities. My job is to offer protection from any intruder and that extends to him too. Whether he is free or not, that will never change. I will protect you."
Tesla hummed. "I guess I just feel so numb," she supposed. "It'll hit me later, but right now, I just feel…nothing. No panic, no need to cry, no fear—just empty about him."
"Which is normal." Jaxton thumbed her bottom lip. "Everything you feel is normal, tián xīn. Any anger, panic, fear, nothingness—there is no right or wrong emotion for you to feel regarding him."
Tesla sighed. "You always know what to say." She shot him a suspicious look. "Hold up. You always know what to say," she repeated as though something was donning on her. "Are you naturally this emphatic of a person or were you trained or something?"
"I have three levels of mental health training and a background in psychology for trauma victims."
Tesla gawked. "How?"
"I can't answer that," Jaxton furthered added when Tesla's face changed in a don't-test-me-boy expression, "until after you meet my family. Honestly, most of the questions you have will be answered after you meet my family."
Tesla's eyes narrowed as she assessed him. "Okay… But you should know if I don't get answers, don't expect me to be so gung-ho about sending you any titty pictures. Because I won't."
"We wouldn't want that, would we, baby girl." Jaxton kissed her button lip and tugged at it. He chuckled when Tesla's groaned.
"You play so dirty," Tesla grumbled when he pulled away. "All the Selan-ness and sexiness and ooooh, it's just not fair." She gave him the stink eye. "But you have nothing on my J-Drama actors." She smiled sweetly when Jaxton looked disgruntled. "Yeah. Yeah, that hurts, doesn't it? The truth hurts."
"You are a cruel woman," Jaxton told her. "The only person who can bring me to my knees and make me go against orders. You're a dangerous one, baby girl."
Tesla's eyes gleamed. "Can you do that line?"
Jaxton's face went flat. "No."
"Please…" Tesla whined as she cupped his cheeks. "Do the line…!"
"I hate that we watched One Year. You always laugh at me when I say it," Jaxton mumbled, a little pouty.
Tesla schooled her features into a serious expression and dropped her voice as she swore, "I won't laugh, but I need you to say it." When Jaxton did not look touched, she gave a dramatic sigh and tossed her head. "I've just… I've just been through so much lately. Found out my boyfriend has been illegally stalking me—"
"Fine." Jaxton refused to look at her as he started, "Are you—?"
"No, no, look at me when you say it."
Jaxton handed her an intense look. "I should spank you for this."
"Later." Tesla smacked his pectorals. "Do the line."
Jaxton sighed. He cleared his throat and gave her a look full of want. His tone dropped into a throaty rumble as he purred, "Are you lost, baby girl?" His face went flat when Tesla burst into loud laughter. "I'm taking a shower."
"No, no, don't go!" Tesla guffawed as she clung to him. "Don't go, please!" It took her a minute to calm her laughter down until she was grinning while Jaxton looked unamused. To others, maybe he looked angry, but she knew he was pouting like a kicked puppy. "Te amo, mi cariño."
Jaxton sighed and pecked her lips. "Wǒ ài nǐ, tián xīn." He gave her a deeper kiss she responded to before he pulled away after a few moments. "We have a lot to talk about."
"We do," Tesla agreed. "And we will. But can we stay like this for a little longer?"
Jaxton opened his mouth when his Compact went off. He reached for an answered it with a huff when he saw the caller ID. "Shénme, Weiwei." His hips jerked when Tesla raked her nails through his hair. "Dàizài nàli. Wǒ huì jǐnkuài sòng nǐ." He ended the call and set his Compact down before he laid down his head to kiss Tesla's neck.
"Mmm, who was that?" Tesla asked through a moan.
"Weiwei." Jaxton seared a kiss under her jaw. "She went to get coffee, and she got lost. I'll have to go find her." His hand went to her breast to give it a healthy squeeze.
"Ah-ha-ha…!" Tesla's back arched. "How are you going to find her if she's in Zhōnguá?"
"She's not." Jaxton nipped her ear. "She arrived at my apartment yesterday."
Tesla froze then she forced Jaxton away as she gave him a wide-eyed look. "Your sister is here in Fiore, and she's lost?"
"Yeah." Jaxton cupped her chin as his lips brushed against hers. "But we can—"
SLAM!
A highly-unamused Jaxton was on his back as Tesla got up to flit about her bedroom. "Oh, sweet Jesus, we need to find her!" she fretted. "She could be anywhere! What if she gets kidnapped? Or if she gets flashed or something? What if she gets roped into some tax scam?"
"She'll be fine." Jaxton sat up. "She has her Compact, and she's an adult. I'm sure she can handle herself." Quietly, he added, Then again, she tends to talk to strangers… She was a nightmare to live with because of all the times I had to save her. How is she engaged… He shook off the thought as Tesla bent over to rummage around her drawers for pants. His eyes darkened as he got off the bed to stand behind her as his hands went to her sides. "But we can—"
WHACK!
Tesla shot up, aghast. "Oh my god, what if one of those racist whites thinks she's an illegal citizen or something? We have to look for her, and…" She turned around and huffed when she saw Jaxton on the ground, holding his nose, dazed. "The fuck are you on the floor for? Move your ass. Your sister is out on the street. This is not the time for us to be lazy."
Jaxton made sure his nose was not bleeding as he sighed. "She gets lost constantly, baby girl. She's a capable adult with a Compact." He stood up to stop Tesla from moving away and cradled her cheeks in his hands. "She'll be fine," he soothed. "She's only gotten kidnapped a few times, but they were accidents—" He blinked, dazed, when he realized Tesla had abandoned him and he was holding nothing but air.
"We need to find your sister!" Tesla declared. "And we won't stop until she's safe! Come on! We need to shower!"
Jaxton perked—
"Actually, just go after me, I'm taking a thirty-second shower because we're on a time crunch." Tesla did not catch the disappointment on her boyfriend's face as she sprinted out of the room. "Find some clothes, Jang-ta, we gotta move!"
Jaxton sighed. "Of course we do." He moved to find some pants in his own drawer when his Compact rang again. He saw it was coming from an unknown number and answered, "Hello?"
"Hi, little brother. Guess who?"
Jaxton's eyebrow twitched in minor annoyance. "What now, Weiwei?"
Weiwei's awkward laughter came over the line. "Well, my Compact died, so I asked these very nice people for some directions, but I, um, might have run into a little trouble."
"What sort of 'trouble'?"
Three beats. "They want money, and they won't let me go until someone gives them money."
Jaxton's jaw clenched in frustration. "Then why didn't you give them money?"
"Well, I was just in such a rush to see you that I might've forgotten to let my bank know I was in another country and all the money I brought with me hasn't been converted to Jewel, so…"
Jaxton's eyes went to the ceiling, and he closed them when he pinched the bridge of his nose. "How much do they want?"
"Excuse me?" Weiwei called away from the line. "How much should my brother pay for me?" Three beats. "They said I was worth five-hundred thousand. Is that a lot of Jewel? Aren't you a poor college student? Are you sure you can pay it?"
"I make more than that in a day, Weiwei," Jaxton said dryly. "Tell them I'll bring the money. Please don't talk to them and annoy them. I'll be there soon."
"Thanks, little bro! You're the best!"
Jaxton glared at his Compact when the call dropped. No wonder our parents wanted her out of the house and married. How is she engaged?
"Hey, look alive."
Jaxton turned, and he blanked when Tesla came bustling in naked as she toweled off her braids.
"Get dressed," Tesla barked. "We need to go now." She bumped past him to get a new set of panties and a bra. "God, she's probably cold and trembling or something, the poor woman." She wrestled out a bra from her drawer and turned to face Jaxton only for an eyebrow to go up when she saw where his gaze was pointed. "Your sister is missing," Tesla stressed.
"It happens all the time," Jaxton dismissed as he closed in on her. "I haven't touched you in three weeks."
Tesla narrowed her eyes in thought for several moments when a lightbulb went off. "You're horny?"
"Yes."
"Sexually frustrated?"
"Yes."
"You want to flip me over and go at it?"
"Yes."
"Probably go at it for hours like animals?"
"Yes."
"Huh." Tesla shrugged. "Later. Your sister is missing."
Jaxton restrained himself from touching her when she brushed past him and glared down at his Compact. You're going to wish you never came to Fiore for this, Weiwei.
("Achoo!" A tied-up Weiwei sat in a rickety chair in a dinky apartment with thugs surrounding her. She sniffled and gave her captors a pleasant beam. "Does anyone have a tissue? This is prime flu season, and I'd hate to not take care of myself and come down with something. Oh, but I only use forest facial tissues. Regular tissues are a lot more damaging to you than you'd think. Did you know that…?"
Her captors just glared at her and one face-palmed. How was their hostage making them feel imprisoned?)
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Fullbuster Residence
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
9:59 AM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The Fullbuster House was not necessarily full this time of day. Parents out, Julia gone, Silver was left all alone, and he preferred it that way. He sat determined with his polka dot spa headband on to keep his hair out of his face (he did not care how much Julia teased him for having a "make-up headband", Lulu said it was a spa headband and he would die on that hill) and had the Rainbow Rose in its container on the left side of his desk, knitting needles on the center of his desk, the sketch from the kind old man beside him, a fresh parchment on an easel before him, and his brushes, paints, and a towel by his side.
(Ignore that his paint apron looked like a housewife apron; his mother promised him he looked fine in it, even if Julia cackled seeing him.)
"Okay!" Silver fisted his hands as sparkles of determination went off around him. "Today's the day I start my project to Ena for Heart's Day!" He adjusted his headband. I can do this. Ena said I didn't have to come and assist her and I even stayed up all night last night finishing my homework so I could have the entire weekend to paint and then do my other project for her. He pulled out his Compact to look at the schedule he set for himself. I'll be redrawing the sketch to make it bigger which is pretty easy to increase the scale ratio. Painting it should take me this weekend alone, but I'll have to pull all-nighters so I have time for my other project. Mom said she'd help me get started and bought what I needed since I picked out the colors.
He looked at the parchment in resolve. If I stick to my schedule, I'll finish on the day before Heart's Day. It'll be a lot of work and I'll be really tired, but I can do it. I want to show her how I feel. He sighed, smitten. And then, maybe she'd tell me…
"Oh, Silver, these are beautiful," Fantasy-Ena gasped. "You're the sweetest person ever and way better than Jasper. You're so talented and handsome and smart! You can smell me whenever you want! I totally want to come to your swim meets and laugh at all your jokes and cuddle with you at night!" Fantasy-Ena puckered her lips. "Now, kiss me, Silver…"
A fresh blush on his cheeks, Silver had his hands on his cheeks as he swayed. "I'm getting more excited just thinking about her kissing me back! Why are fantasies so much better than reality? I bet she'll taste like vanilla and sweetness again and—"
A chime went off.
Silver glanced down at his Compact. "Who is—?" His eyes bulged as he fumbled with his Compact when he saw Ena was calling him. Oh my god, she can sense when I think about her, crap! He got a hold of his Compact and cleared his throat before he answered in a deep voice, "Hey."
"What's wrong with your voice?"
Silver coughed. "Um, nothing, nothing." Inwardly, he was crying. She couldn't even say I sounded cool. I'm so pathetic.
"All right. Well, I'm sorry to call on your day off, but this isn't about work," Ena promised. "I just wanted to let you know on Monday, Gigi and I will be meeting his niece so I can take her baby's measurements. You don't have to come, so you have the morning off."
"Oh, I'll go!"
Ena chuckled. "Silver, I'm not grading you on your willingness to do your job," she soothed. "Please take the morning off. Do something you enjoy. I'll be back in the afternoon, and we can pick up from there, but please enjoy the extra time. You can even sleep in."
Sleep in? Silver salivated at the thought of being able to sleep into eleven and he sighed dreamily, "Just hearing those words from you make me love you even more." His eyes widened, and he chucked his Compact out of sheer panic. Why did I say that? Why did I say that? He tore at his hair. I'm cursed! This is my punishment for being creepy yesterday!
"Silver? Silver?"
Silver dove for his Compact and tried several breathing techniques to calm down before he could speak. "I'm here…"
"I was just saying you're going to fall desperately in love with me after this," Ena purred (she more said in in a tease, but Silver was sure she was purring). "Our pre-order sale and projected target sale goal is going to exceed all expectations, so everyone is getting a nice bonus. And I was thinking…"
"You were thinking…?" Silver eagerly prompted.
"Well, I just thought since it was you who suggested we revamp Heart's Day with Jasper's photos, I thought I should…take care of you."
"Yes," Silver instantly agreed.
Ena laughed. "Well, you haven't even heard what I—"
"I want it," Silver cut in. "I want you." Scrambling, he hurried to add, "To take care of me! Right! I want you to take care of me! That's what I meant!"
"All right…" Ena dismissed her suspicion to continue, "I wasn't necessarily sure what you liked, so I asked around. What do you say to attending a hockey game? I heard they're quite popular. I don't understand the appeal, but that idea was the most suggested."
Silver grimaced. "Hockey, huh?"
"You don't sound like you love the idea."
"No, no, I…!" Silver sighed. "I mean I like swimming and all, but I'm not that big of a sports person outside of it… Hockey's more Gary and Julia's thing."
"Oh. That's a non-issue. What would you like to do?"
Silver blinked as he thought about it. "What would I like to do?" he repeated. Go on a date with you and make you laugh and then you'd kiss me and cuddle me… But I can't just say that. You'd murder me in cold blood. His eyes caught a poster on his wall. It was a poster for the Contemporary Art Museum in New Azalea. A new collection had come in from some New Azalea University students. "What about the Contemporary Art Museum?"
"Is that something you want to do?"
"Yeah, um… I had planned to go to it with Gary, but he'll be out of town for a while, so I guess I just forgot."
"Well, now you have me and I'll make sure you go."
Silver's heart soared. "Really?"
"Yes, of course, I told you I'd take care of you." Tapping happened in the background. "I'll make sure to reserve a car and two tickets for you and Paige to attend the museum together."
Silver froze. "M-M-Me and…Paige?"
"I'd like to reserve you both dinner or lunch reservations too," Ena continued. "Let me look at the surrounding area, but I have dozens of recommendations for dining in New Azalea. Oh, let's see here. So XOX has…"
Why? Silver's hand clenched. Why is she doing this? I don't want this. I don't want Paige; I just… I just want… He blurted, "I want you to go with me."
Silence.
"Me?" Ena sounded reasonably surprised. "Silver, are you sure?"
Silver looked over at the Rainbow Rose. "Yes," he affirmed. "I want you to come with me."
"Oh, Silver, I don't know. This is your day and I'm treating you for your hard work. This is supposed to be about what you want—"
"Then you have to come with me too," Silver determined. "That's the only way I'll accept it."
Ena sighed. "Silver—"
"You promised me you'd stay," Silver brought up. "And I'm asking you to stay. Please."
"You really are dramatic," Ena grumbled. "I suppose if I shuffle my schedule around I can join you, but it has to be on a Sunday. Sundays are my lightest workload days."
Silver smiled, giddy. "You'll really come with me?"
"It's not like you left me much of a choice," Ena sighed. "But we're not eating at a seafood restaurant, and I expect you to look sharp. You'll have to match me so we don't clash color schemes. Don't even think about wearing the color red. I know you won't have the same red that matches my hair."
"Right. Okay." Silver glanced again at the Rainbow Rose. "Do you think we could go February thirteenth to the museum?"
"Silver, that's the day before Heart's Day. I'll be extremely busy for the flash sale and—"
"You said Sundays are your lightest workdays," Silver smartly reminded. "And it's my day. I want to go then."
Three beats. "Since when did you get this demanding?" She sounded half-annoyed and half-amused. "What, did you rehearse sounding this assertive or are you more confident because we're not face-to-face? But I suppose the thirteenth could work. Perhaps a half-day—"
"I want the entire day with you."
Ena gave an exasperated exhale. "The entire day at the museum? Why not a half-day?"
"Because you said this is what I want. I want an entire day with you," Silver demanded. "And I'll plan everything else out that we can do. But from the morning until midnight, I want you to be mine."
Three beats. "I suppose I can't negotiate with you when you sound this stubborn," Ena figured, tired. "That will be acceptable. From morning until midnight, I'm in your care."
"I change my mind. I want you from twelve-oh-one to midnight."
"Silver."
"This is my day—"
"Oh my goodness, I'm starting to hate those words," Ena growled. "And just how are we supposed to spend time together that early in the morning?"
"I'll sleepover."
"No."
Silver feigned a crack voice and mumbled, "But you said this was whatever I wanted…and I work so hard under you…"
Whatever words Ena said next were in a foreign language, and they did not sound like nice words. "From twelve-oh-one in the morning to midnight, I'm in your care," she gritted out as though the words tasted horrendous. "I think I liked it better when you were a stuttering fool who barely talked back. You were cuter then."
"I can be cute," Silver promised, tone serious. "I can be really cute."
"That's not what I…" Ena forced a breath. "Never mind. I trust your planning skills will keep us both entertained. Don't expect me to ever offer this again. I did this to be nice and now I ended up in this position stuck to you for twenty-four-hours. Next time, find someone else to play your pet dog or get a dog."
The call ended.
One…
Two…
Three…
"Holy crap, that was terrifying!" Silver was on all fours as he clutched the material over his heart and tried to keep himself from hyperventilating. 'I want you to be mine'? Did I actually just say that? When did I get so bold? I held my ground and everything. I should get a freaking medal. And she even agreed! I should get a prize for that! He looked at his Compact like it was the Holy Grail. Either way, she's going to spend twenty-four-hours with me. I can't screw this up. I need to make this day perfect. I'll have to ask Justin and Ellie about how to look. Julia would just laugh at me, and I can't tell Lulu yet because she'll start thinking this is a date.
Mayan blues gleamed. But this isn't a date. This is an unofficial non-date date, he decided. He looked at his projects before him. I'll use my day with her to show her how I feel. Time to get all fired up!
(Lucy was playing with Natsu's hair in their hotel room, and he resigned himself to a blissful cuddle session when he suddenly shivered, eyes wide and alert. Lucy regarded him in worry. "Natsu, what's wrong?"
"I can feel someone using my catchphrase, Lucy," Natsu whispered, fearful. He looked at her with those big onyx eyes. "Are you gonna replace me with them?"
Lucy's face went flat. Why am I married to this goof again?)
"Oh, yeah!" Flames of determination fired in Silver's eyes and burst all around. "I'm making the thirteenth the best non-date date of your life, Ena Fernandes, so you better watch out! I'm going to show you just how much I like you, and you'll finally kiss me!"
(Ena was sketching out her burst of inspiration for a cardigan in her living room, merry as can be, when something tingled down her spine and she shuddered violently. Slowly, she brought her sketchpad to her chest as her eyes glanced around, wary. I don't know why, but I feel like someone is threatening my life in a very cruel way…)
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Strauss Condo
Myosotis Island, Fiore Isles
Fiore, Ishgar
10:31 AM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Christmas decorations gone, Veronika's condo was restored to its normal clean state which was questionable when you had the hyper Lisa-Jane around who frequently wanted to do many things, but she would drop them midway and, thus, would leave them until Veronika or Miss Chelsea could get them. With it being Saturday, everyone was home as they kept on their lazy day pajamas rather than get all dressed up when they were not going anywhere. Ivan was gaming in his room and most likely would not be leaving for a while. Miss Chelsea had weekends off (more like Veronika would nudge her out of the condo unless she was working overtime), so she was out and about on her weekend.
That left Veronika to host for her mother and Mary Jane. The three kept their conversation in the living room dresses in sweats and joggers and comfortable long sleeves and some sock-slippers and sipping on dole whip mimosas. It was always time somewhere for a mimosa.
"I'm so proud of you for landing such a big client," Mira praised. "And he was willing to pay all of that for a birthday?"
Veronika nodded and sipped her mimosa. "He and his son share a birthday, but I guess it's both a family and business affair," she explained. "It's in the second week of June, but the specifications the client gave me are a lot to handle. Six months will give me plenty of time to handle it all, and money isn't an option." She rolled around her mimosa in its glass. "It looks like it'll be a masquerade party. Apparently, the son has a secret girlfriend, and the client wants to meet her, but she's a shy one."
"That's nice of him to do," Mary Jane said. "At least she won't be embarrassed."
Veronika sighed and shrugged. "I suppose. The venue they chose requires six months in advance for notice, but everything else will be a good challenge form." She nudged Mary Jane with her foot. "And what about you, Sprite? You both came in exhausted, so I never got to hear about the job."
"It was great!" Mary Jane enthused. "We got done earlier than expected, so Mom and I got a bonus." She pouted and doused her mother with a sour look. "But Mom put my bonus in my savings."
"And you'll thank me for it later," Mira told her. "The job was high-paying enough. You should always save as much as you can. And you'll be thanking me when you want to do something big like getting your own place or if you want to go to college."
Mary Jane huffed while Veronika laughed. "Mom's right, Sprite," she said. "I might not have thought so when I was your age, but I get Mom's point now. Ivan and Lisa-Jane have their own savings accounts, and it's the best thing I could do."
"You're supposed to be on my side," Mary Jane grumbled. "What happened to being sisters?"
Veronika quirked an eyebrow with an amused twitch of her lips. "We're still sisters, but I think for this issue, you might relate more to your niece a little more on this subject." She and Mira chuckled when Mary Jane groaned. "But I'm happy the job went well. Do you feel a little more confident with your powers?"
"A little," Mary Jane confessed, "but I'm still nervous going out on my own."
Veronika sighed. "Yeah, I remember that feeling. Es and I always teamed up for jobs. Why not get yourself a partner or a couple of teammates? Oh!" She snapped her fingers. "What about Luna? You spoke about her before and you both seemed like good friends. Why not ask her?"
Mary Jane blinked. Huh… A partner… She held her chin by her thumb and forefinger. But… Would Luna even want to be my—?
Onyx flickered to emerald. A fanged smile.
Mary Jane touched the acorn button charm. "Thanks, but no thanks. I think I'll be okay going solo for a little while longer. Besides, it'll help me get stronger." And it wouldn't feel right being someone else's partner.
"Suit yourself," Veronika supposed. "Man, sometimes I miss those days of being in Fairy Tail." She grinned as she wriggled her fingers. "The fighting, the drinking, Es and me going on adventures, the training." She laughed to herself. "I miss being called Electra sometimes and hearing my opponents tap out. Everyone was just so much weaker than me. It wasn't even a fair fight. For them, at least. Crushing them and watching their faces was the most beautiful thing in the world."
Mary Jane sweatdropped. You sound like you're reminiscing about being more of a school bully than being in Fairy Tail… She paused when her Compact lit up to see a call from Peter was coming in. He's calling. She frowned when she touched her heart. I should miss him. My heart should be beating faster. But I just feel normal… She got up. "Is it okay if I take this call to my room?"
"Yeah, that's fine." Veronika watched Mary Jane leave them behind as she headed to the staircases. "Young love, huh? She certainly sounded distracted."
Mira hummed. "How is your relationship going?"
Veronika paused, then she stared into her mimosa. "It's going, Mom," she supposed. "We made promises, but now it's a measure of keeping those promises." Her hand came up to finger the S on her necklace. You better keep your promise to come home…and then maybe we could try… She banished the thought for another sip of her mimosa. "Speaking of young love…"—cerulean shrouded in orange examined Mira—"what aren't you telling me about the mission?"
Mira set her mimosa on a coast. "So you noticed."
"The look when you and Mary Jane made it in." Veronika's eyes softened. "I know that look. It's a mother's worry for her child." When her mother to did not answer, Veronika pushed, "Does it have anything to do with…what happened years ago?"
Ceruleans widened. A deep breath. The close of eyes. A long exhale.
"Your father and I thought we were doing the right thing back then," Mira explained, timbre quiet, regretful, contemplative. "As you remember, no one could control such a violent reaction. We had been warned of it, but to see it in action…"
A blaze of scarlet. Glowing blood-red eyes.
Mira's nails scrapped her joggers.
Veronika sipped more of her mimosa as the memories surfaced again. Right. It was like watching the apocalypse. Her eyes reflected angry red eyes and the silhouettes of lesser men crumbling while desperate cries muffled her ears. No one could have known. We had just thought she was frail and sick, but… "What happened on the job?" she asked her mother. "Mary Jane seems in high spirits, so I doubt she remembers if something happened." Her head tilted. "Let me guess. She's finding herself again amongst all the noise. She's finding herself…"
Vibrant reds. A little body as blood dripped from the corner of cracked lips. Fervent flames. Smoke and ash and tears.
"…amongst the chaos."
Mira dipped her head. "The Magic we enchanted inside her is gone," she revealed. "The powers she has are here, however, she has no control. From what Lance explained when he watched her meditate, the red inside her tried to consume her, but she was strong enough to fight back. But as it stands, she's similar to me. Without a constant awareness, in the weakest of moments, the red inside her will take its chance to consume her."
"And the job?"
"She thought she saw Igneel."
Veronika sat up, eyes wide, as she took in the despondent smile on her mother's face and the grief in her eyes. "What? How long has this been doing on?"
"I can't pinpoint it, but I'm assuming since he left. She can't help but feel at odds with herself. And the more she finds herself among the noise, the more she remembers him, the more that power will try and consume her before Mary Jane realizes." Mira brushed her cheek.
Veronika felt sympathy on behalf of her mother. "You couldn't have known things would turn out like this," she murmured. "You did the best you could—"
"We did what we felt was right, not what we knew was right," Mira countered. "I admit we made a mistake that they have to pay for. In the end, we couldn't contain her abilities. We just delayed what was the come." She shook her head. "I don't understand how she can ever forgive us. Either one of them."
Veronika moved to sit beside Mira. "I don't think it's the forgiveness you're worried about, Mom," she softly said. "We both know she won't blame either of you. What are you really afraid of?"
Mira shook her head, and Veronika thought her question would go answered with silence. But after many moments, Mira confessed in a low tone, "I'm afraid the moment we lost Mary Jane to herself, everything we were told about will come true. It's in her destiny. She won't be leaving because she's angry with us. She'll leave…"
From her room, Mary Jane nodded to what Peter told her as she tried her hardest to listen with rapt attention. But as she stood before her bedroom window, she could not help but thumb her acorn button charm.
"…because she has no need for any of us."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Wilson Antiques and Violins
Ketchum City
Bellum, Ishgar
12:47 PM CIT
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
DING-A-LING!
"Kom alsjeblieft nog eens!"
"Dat doen we! Bedankt!"
Kyler winced as he adjusted on his stool. The antique shop had been resorted to its full glory with the combined efforts of him, Mirella, Talia, and Mammon. Ketchum City itself had regrown with the help of Wizards who responded to the call for reconstruction and, while lives could not be replaced, they could be remembered. A slight reprieve was welcomed as the shop had emptied out. The Staff of Miracles rested against the counter, and Kyler feathered the staff with a hand.
Little sister, Kyler sighed. His eyes closed. You're learning the true face of The Enemy far too soon. I wish I could have protected you from the truth of sacrifice for a little longer, but, well… He remembered those majestic wings. At least I can rest easier now that your wings have been returned to you.
"Kyler."
He opened his eyes as he watched Mammon finish phasing through the floor to arrive before him. He retained his Human Form, but he carried with him a jade statue of a Zhōnguánese warrior from ancient times. "I found the order placed for Tuesday. Shall I bring it to the backroom?"
"Yes, thank you, Mammon, but please remember you can't phase," Kyler reminded yet again.
Mammon did not understand. "I sensed there were no mortals and no incoming mortals," he explained. "And phasing is the most efficient method of travel."
Kyler sighed again. "Please try to get used to the stairs so you don't accidentally phase in front of a human. They're already nervous enough around you."
"They should." Mammon blinked. "I could kill them all by just breathing."
"That's not…" Kyler laid a hand on his temple to prevent a headache. "Please put the order in the back room with the invoice attached. The client is a Wizard, so they'll be adding it to their stock once they pay it in full."
Mammon nodded. "Of course." He walked over to the hallway…
…but Kyler had to bite his tongue when Mammon phased through one of the walls. Why do I even try? He brought up his PAL as he was working through a program regarding the finances of the antique shop and his violins. I promised Nashi once the poison was out of my system, I would come to visit. I was planning to return to Fiore soon.
Scared sea-greens dashed with violet.
Kyler frowned as a sadness went through his eyes. He's scared. That's reasonable. He's the only one of his kind. His mother could be killed, but he's a different story. Even if we both have fathers from the same race, I inherited more power from my mother. But Carlisle inherited an even power from both his parents, and his mother shouldn't have been able to conceive him. She's the only known case who could conceive. And combined with his father's powers… Turquoise darkened. He has a right to be afraid for his life. His combined powers are the tether needed to make this realm another Garden. His hands tensed. But if I could just get him to trust me… I could protect him and show him how his powers work. He's well-versed in his invisibility and shifting, and his Magic is powerful. But I could tell his other power goes majorly unused. If he could learn more about it, he could resist The Pull.
Kyler looked at the ceiling. Maybe introducing him to Nashi may help. She has Magic, but she'll turn into a fine Agent. I'd just have to warn her to go against The Command when he drops his shields to show her who he is. If she can't resist that order, I'll have to stop her myself. But if she's already learned that Demons are just like mortals in their differences, then she'll have no problem with Carlisle.
"Kyler." Talia stepped off the second-floor railing to drift down to the floor. She examined her father with those blank eyes. "How are you feeling? Do you need to rest?"
Kyler smiled. "I'm fine," he assured her. "I don't need to rest. The poison will be out of me soon enough, as long as I keep drinking Nashi's tea. How's your homework from school?"
"Fine." Talia lifted her chin. "Do I have your permission now to hunt down the one who did this to you?" She slowly flexed her wrist as toxically black and emerald glitter danced around her hand. "Mammon and I can take care of them easily for you."
"No." Kyler shook his head. "Not yet."
Loathing tangerine oranges.
"Something about that Sinful who aimed for me… I don't know what, but they didn't try to go for my vital organs," Kyler described. "I'm certain they were unaware of my staff, and the poison did damage to me but not enough enter my bloodstream to kill me outright. They used daggers rather than Leviathan Bullets which tell me they wanted me to come with them barely alive." But the question is… Why did they need me alive? Sinful make sure to stay away from Agents. My mother told me about The Command all Agents face against Sinful who turned their back on the oath they took. Granted, I'm not a full Agent. It took me time to undo The Command on me. His eyes narrowed. Is that the reason I was made to be taken alive? Do they know I don't follow that order?
Talia dismissed her glitter, but she did not stop staring at Kyler. "Still, please be careful if your assassin is still out there." Her hand balled into a fist. "I… I don't want you to die."
Turquoise widened. Talia…
"I had Mirella… No… I had Mommy before Lynn took me away." Talia touched her face. "The memories are still fuzzy. But I have glimpses of her. I had a mother. But…" Her jaw tensed. "I have never had a father before."
Kyler's lips parted, but he closed his mouth in the hand. His hand went for the Staff of Miracles. "You have one now, Talia."
Talia's eyes cut and a flash of emotion went through her stare. "Then please allow Mammon and I to track down your assassin. We can find this person, and we can make sure you aren't hurt again because…"
Turquoise hair fluttered.
"…because I like having a Daddy now," Talia spoke, words muffled as Kyler knelt and embraced her. Her hands tightened on his shirt. "I like having…family. So please be careful, Daddy."
Kyler smiled as he held her tighter. "I'll be careful, pr'olprcht," he murmured. "Thank you for choosing me to be your father." He pulled away to touch her cheek. "And you be careful too. No running off to hunt down this assassin yourself."
Talia did not look happy, but she nodded. "I won't."
"Thank you." Kyler kissed her forehead. "And about school… Are you sure you want to keep attending?"
Talia nodded again. "I want to learn how to fit in with humans. The children have odd tendencies, but I like them. They're so naïve and weak and know nothing about the world. It's quite adorable."
That's what you like from your classmates? Kyler sighed. "Just make sure not to show too much of your power. We enrolled you in a Magic School since it was more appropriate, but revealing what we all are could pose some more problems. I don't want to answer another call from your gym teacher about your speed or strength. Try to make sure you fit in between the average mortals and the above-average mortals."
"I'll try," Talia supposed. "Can Mammon pick me up from school this week? I don't want you to."
Kyler felt like he had been hit with a Demon's sword. "You…don't?" He grew even more disheartened when Talia shook her head. "Why not?"
Talia's eyes slid to the side. "Every time you came to pick me up, all my classmates wanted to speak to you. But you're my Daddy." She added in a mumble, "I don't want to share you when I already have to share you with Mommy."
Kyler blinked in surprise. "Oh." I guess I didn't realize. It's natural for Agents to attract people to them, but I guess I forget about that effect. But he remembered holding back a bristling Mirella as she scared off other women during their time living together in other realms. Well… She certainly gets her defensiveness from her mother… "I suppose Mammon can pick you up as long as he takes the car. He can't fly in."
"Why not?"
TICK!
Kyler had to hold back his agitation when Mammon phased in from one of the walls. "Because we're trying to blend in with other humans, and humans don't normally fly without using transportation or armor," he gritted. And they don't walk through walls all the time.
Talia held up a hand. "I've heard of something called a 'license'. Apparently, it permits magical folk to use their powers as transportation. If Mammon gets his license to fly, could he fly me home?"
Kyler had no way to argue that. "Well… He…" He felt a throb in his head as his Compact started ringing.
"Mammon." Talia moved to the Daemon. "Come. We need to begin researching how you can apply for this 'license'."
"Wait!" Kyler grunted as he used his staff to get to his feet. "I didn't say—!" He groaned when Mammon took Talia's hand and phased them upstairs. "Maybe I am getting too old to be this stressed," he muttered as he shuffled to his Compact. He saw it was Mirella calling and answered. "Hello, Arezodi. How are the negotiations?"
"Are we positive murder isn't an option?"
Kyler chuckled as he settled into his stool. "No." He retrieved his tea mug as Mirella cursed in Dark Tongue. "Are they going that bad? I'm sorry I'm letting you go through this alone."
"No, don't apologize. You had more important things to handle and besides, you're too nice to people. I'm not afraid to play dirty. You're a little too squeaky clean for this line of work."
Kyler sipped his tea. "I suppose I am." Another sip. "So tell me. How bad is it?"
Mirella shifted the Compact. "The attorneys are drawing back on Nashi, but they aren't budging on my client. In their eyes, he's considered a Magic Creature over a person, and their goal is to preserve any and all creature bloodlines for those on the brink of extinction."
"Meaning they want to breed offspring they can eventually control."
"Right." Mirella shifted again, but it sounded like she locked herself somewhere. "But their unusual pushiness for legacy over longevity sets all sorts of alarms. I even mentioned the possibility of him going sterile, but they made it clear they would still expect 'breeding attempts'. Based on the digging I've done, the Ministry normally bypasses the want for legacy once they learn about any infertility a creature has."
"And it leads right back to the questions we were asking ourselves before," Kyler murmured. "How does the Bureau factor in?"
"They've done a good job keeping the Bureau out of their discussion. All they said was any of his offspring would still be tested for their abilities, but they never mentioned a concrete location. However, if these attorneys are blind about the truth of my client, they have no reason to keep the Bureau out of the conversation. For all intents and purposes, saying the Bureau would conduct research on the magical development of his kids would make sense. So that either tells me the attorneys are privy to the truth or…"
"Or a laboratory outside the Bureau is involved," Kyler finished for her. "I always found truth to those rumors of secret laboratories, but finding their location won't be easy. I'm sure they have intense safety measures similar to whatever section of the Bureau Gary was kept in to ensure if someone did find them, they wouldn't be able to provide evidence of their work."
Mirella huffed. "I understand the legalities and diplomacy, but I hate them." She let out a long sigh. "Either way, Pazuzu and I will keep digging around about the Bureau."
"And Invel?"
Mirella snorted. "He's considered a high-level prisoner with no visitors allowed, ironically. No one knows their prisoner resides someone where else. He's been locked in a sealstone solitary confinement prison, so it's impossible for him to use Magic or so the file states."
"So our theories about the Changelings are right," Kyler observed. "But the last Changeling… She disappeared a few centuries ago if I remember correctly, and she had no other heirs."
Mirella thoughtfully hummed. "As much as we can sense this realm is evolving, I don't think Changelings are part of that evolution. But if Changelings are appearing, it means they stole their power from a Changeling. And with the last Changeling having disappeared…"
"It means she's still alive, and she's being held as a blood source"—Kyler's hand tightened on his Com—"or a new Changeling exists, and they stole their blood."
"Right. Changelings could shape-shift into their target, but many changelings were unable to mimic powers since they didn't carry a Magic Spirit," Mirella recalled. "Insofar, we have yet to see Changelings use Magic. But still, it makes me wonder…"
°•°•°•°
Porlyusica's hut always smelled like an assortment of herbs, and that brought an innate comfort. On Saturdays and Sundays, she took the time to restock and replenish her herbs and potions with Wendy alongside her. But they had a secret helper with them now. Wendy laughed as Porlyusica snapped when their new helper over their handling of the burdock, and he bowed profusely as he tried to move the burdock in a gentler fashion.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"…if this realm is evolving with Demons who give a damn, full-fledged Dragons, and even the gods interacting with their Slayers, could it be possible that…?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
A door swung open as a holler came, "I'll take the bad herbs out to the compost pile!"
"And don't you dare breathe in those fumes, man-beast!" came crotchety command.
"Yes, ma'am!"
He stepped outside into the chill of winter weather with a tied cloth bag in his hand full of shriveled up and dead plants. He sighed as he shed his jacket and his scarf and folded them neatly before taking off his shoes and socks. The change came still a little painful, but he was on all fours as a massive wolf with lavender fur. His head stooped down to pick up the bag with his teeth.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"…a new Changeling has both the Therian Spirit and a separate Magic Spirit?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The wolf padded forward when it stopped and sniffed. Its eyes cut to the trees to watch two tree squirrels flee from tree to tree.
Its blue eyes.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Houdini Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Alexandria College of STEMM
Minstrel, Ishgar
12:13 PM CMT
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
On Saturdays, students dressed however they wished. Even though there were weekend classes, the uniform policy was no longer enforced. Most students took their weekends seriously as they all went down to the closest towns and big cities to party and drink while others stayed in a vain attempt to catch up on assignments. Magical education required basic knowledge in Spiritless topics and applied magical theory on top of it, so it was easy to get left behind if you did not consistently stay ahead.
Dressed down in jeans and jacket over his coat, Peter headed to HR with his gold gaze somber. Why? He fisted his hands in his jacket pockets. Why?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
SLAM!
The focus was overwhelmed at the chamber before him. The door was the gateway to the family bloodline, but he no longer saw doors within this cavernous chamber. He saw portraits. As odd as it was, yes, he saw portraits. But it was even stranger when the portraits looked alive. The people painted looked so realistic with eyes that followed you and chests that heaved as they took their breath.
'What…? What is this? Are these paintings actually alive?'
He took a tentative step as the focus swept up and down, side to side. Only a handful of the portraits paid him any mind. Most of them dozed off while others, much to his shock, traveled from their frame to go to another frame. 'I heard about this from reading books about Magic Schools, but I thought the authors were just writing a fantasy book. I didn't actually think things like this existed.'
"You there, boy."
He froze and gulped. 'Do they know? Do they know I'm their relative?' He took the leap, and the focus swept over to find a rather old man in regal robes and a lithium stare frowning at him. "Um. Me?"
"Well, yes, you, student, who else would I be speaking to?" the portrait groused. "We don't have students who come into our chamber."
"Oh, um, well…" The focus skimmed the plague of the portrait and it read:
MERCURIUS VAN HELMONT
OCT 20 XXXX – DECEMBER XXXX
"Yes? 'Well'?" Mercurius adjusted his robes. "Are you going to answer me, boy?"
"Oh, um, yes, sorry." Peter came closer to bow in respect. "My name's Peter. I'm doing a paper for Doctor Flammel, and he gave me access to the chamber." He flinched when several portraits took notice of the name, and all looked disgruntled.
Mercurius grunted. "That Flammel, huh? Disgraceful boy." He shook his head. "As he is, unfortunately, a professor at Alexandria College, I suppose it does give you the right to the van Helmont chambers."
'Unfortunately?' Peter bowed. "Thank you, Mister van Helmont." The focus glanced around. "Would you be able to help me find someone I'm looking for?"
Mercurius lifted his chin. "Hmm? And who are you looking for, boy?"
"Jean van Helmont."
"We have a few Jean's in our bloodline. Can you be more specific? Do you know what year this 'Jean' was born?"
'I didn't even think about that,' Peter realized. "Um… Some time in this current century?" he guessed. "I think she'd be in her forties by now."
Mercurius straightened. "Oh. You mean that Jean." He waved a hand in dismissal. "She isn't here, boy, so you might as well keep searching. I thought that much would be obvious, but of course, that Flammel gave you faulty information of her location."
"What do you mean?"
"That girl is no longer considered a 'van Helmont' due to her egregious betrayal marrying that bastard child," Mercurius informed him with a waft of disgust. "As such, she has no portrait in this hall." He tilted his head. "Honestly, boy. Don't you know anything about the van Helmont bloodline at all?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
DING!
Peter boarded the elevator and swiped his student ID. The elevator door closed, and he began to ascend. Why then? Why give me access to the van Helmont bloodline, Professor Flammel, if my mom isn't even there anymore? What was the point? For me to meet my other relatives? He leaned against the back of the elevator. I don't even know why I'm going back. What I understand is that Jean and Alex's marriage was the cause of them being disowned. But I can't figure out why. Mom said Jean didn't mention her home life. If her marriage was that big of a deal to get her disowned, was she supposed to marry someone else? How could I even find out?
DING!
He sighed. Well, maybe if I ask around, one of my relatives might let something slip. They were all pretty tight-lipped yesterday. The doors opened, and an angry woman's voice made him pause getting out.
"But I'm an alumnus here," she insisted. "My father is one of your most prestigious graduates here, and my mother was a White Witch. How am I barred seeing my own blood's chambers?"
"And again, Miss Lafayette, I apologize for the inconvenience, but we have a strict process for access to bloodline archive—"
"I went through the process, so let me see my family's archives!"
Swallowing, Peter exited the elevator to go into the lobby of the archives. His eyes swept over the frustrated woman arguing with the librarian. Raven hair wavy and laid down past her shoulders and a cute headband with a top hat, she had come in heeled boots and trench coat. A black cat was sitting at her side, disinterested as his mistress looked ready to spit fire. Woah, she's… A blush feathered his cheeks. …really hot.
The librarian pushed up her glasses. "Miss Lafayette, you should know by now your mother and father left strict instructions regarding your entering of their archives. You already have the portrait of your father if I remember that right. Ask him for permission, and I'll gladly let you in."
"But he's—!" The young woman took a step back, gripping the counter. "You're making a mistake."
"I'm not, Miss Lafayette." The librarian noted Dazzler's expression and took off her reading glasses. "Dazzler, I understand your frustration, but your parents' wishes are absolute. We are not to permit you into their archives until the appropriate time."
"And when the Hell is that supposed to be?" Dazzler spat. "When I'm ready to have my portrait taken?" She snapped her fingers to create sunglasses and shoved them on. "Thanks for nothing. Gladstone, we're done here."
Gladstone the black cat meowed.
Dazzler strutted over to the elevator and her eyes flashed over to Peter. "Excuse me."
"Oh, right, of course." Peter slowly moved away, but he kept watch of her as she and Gladstone entered the elevator and allowed it to swallow them. He approached the counter, curious, and asked, "Who is she?"
"Dazzler Lafayette," the librarian explained. "She's the daughter of a powerful Magician and a White Witch. Quite powerful, she is. If only she put her powers to good use." She shook her head. "It's a shame what happened to her family."
"What happened?" Peter asked.
"Claire, her mother—bless her soul—died in a fire," the librarian explained. "Her father's death was ruled a suicide. Some people think he couldn't take the grief over losing his wife in that fire. It happened out of nowhere."
"A fire?" Peter echoed.
The librarian nodded. "Yes. Back then, a serial arsonist was setting fire to various powerful Wizards who came from strong bloodlines. Her mother was one of the last White Witches to exist." She shook her head. "Though the arsonist was never found, those serial fires did come to a stop."
Peter had become dazed. A serial arsonist targeting powerful Wizards. If that's the case… Jean and Alex… Were they…?
The librarian blinked in surprise when Peter sprinted away. "Are you not coming in today?"
"No! I, um, just remembered I had some homework to finish!" Peter rushed into the elevator, but he managed a polite wave to the librarian. "Have a good day, ma'am!"
"You too, dear!" the librarian called in confusion.
Peter swiped his student ID and hit the ⟪ Down ⟫ button. Mom said she thought the fire was part of something bigger. A serial arsonist targeting powerful Wizards would make sense. But I still think my relatives were involved. Still, they all had solid alibis, and I doubt that they'd know where Jean and Alex lived. So outside of disowning, how else would they fit in?
DING!
Peter darted out of the elevator. Where did she go? He caught Dazzler and Gladstone across the way and made a beeline for them. "Excuse me!" he whisper-shouted, ducking his head when a few students offered him annoyed looks. "Miss Lafayette! Please wait!"
Dazzler paused when she heard her name, and she turned her head to see a student running towards her. Before she knew it and before the young man could get too close, Gladstone unleashed his billow shadow formed and growled at the student, "Who are you?"
The student yelped, properly frightened, and stuttered, "I-I-I'm P-Peter, um, sir. I j-just wanted to talk, I-I-I, um…!"
Dazzler blinked and looked at Peter with an intensely observant gaze only for it to dawn on her. "Ah! Are you the Peter dating Uncle Laxus' daughter?"
Peter gave a quick nod to Dazzler, but he kept a nervous stare on Gladstone. "Y-Y-Yeah. I'm Mary Jane's boyfriend…"
"Small world." Dazzler rolled her shoulder. "Gladstone, he's cool."
Peter let out a breath of relief when Gladstone reverted to an innocent black cat. "Thanks, Miss Lafayette."
"Dazzler." She cocked her head. "You wanted to speak to me? I'm a little surprised. Uncle Laxus explained you're a late bloomer, so I didn't think you'd know my reputation." She smiled as she pushed her shades into her hair. "Have I met a fan of the mischief my friends and I caused here?"
Peter shook his head, flustered. "N-No, it's not that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I, um… Well, I was hoping if I could talk to you. It's about your parents, uh…"
"Ah. You're a fan of my dad's." Dazzler's tone fell flat as she rolled her eyes. "Typical." She put her sunglasses back on. "Look, kid, I don't give any interviews about my dad or his death, so—"
"I think you're misunderstanding me." Peter took a deep breath and lowered his voice. "My biological parents… They were killed in a fire when I was still a baby," he admitted.
Dazzler's eyes fell heavy with sympathy. "I lost my mother to a fire."
"Yes, I know. And, well…" Peter's hands clenched. "The fire that killed your mother." Serious gold connected with silver. "Could you tell me about it?"
°•°•°•°
TSSSSSSSSS…
HRRRRRRRR…
The café was at the end of the street and parted with a flower shop. It was old with a homey feel to it. The menu was a one-page lamented paper, and customers constantly smelted black coffee coming in, but students and workers came in, regardless. An elderly lady and her date sat by the window with her Nikora dressed in overalls and a farmer's hat happily munching on some ham. A group of secondary students had come together to feast on brunch to recover from their collective hangovers. A family of five said their prayers before digging in.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Café Bella, known for its baps and baguettes with any filling you could think of, hot or cold. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Peter blinked at the plate put in front of him with eggs sunny side of up, toast, sausage and ham, beans, and sauteed mushrooms and tomatoes, and a side of hash. It looked like Dazzler had gotten eggs, tomatoes, and spinach on toast, and Gladstone had his own bowl of cream. "Uh…" What's going on?
"I figured while I'm on campus, I might as well have some decent food," Dazzler supposed as she picked up her eggs on toast. "Please dig in. The least I can do is offer a meal to my junior, and the young man who pisses off my uncle."
"O-Oh, um." Peter swallowed. "Thank you." He carefully took his fork and knife and cut into his sausage.
"So you're an Alchemist, right?" Dazzler scanned him up and done. "No offense, but the aura you give off says you have something else in you."
Peter froze. "Is that so…"
Dazzler narrowed her eyes and hummed as her Magic glowed in her eyes. She must have found it for she blinked the glow away. "I see." She took a bite of her food. "You're a special one. Not too many Wizards can use two different Magic systems without heavy exhaustion or a price to pay."
"Yeah, well, apparently, I was born like this," Peter murmured.
Dazzler could hear a note of bitterness in Peter's tone and softened. "Yeah. Being born with powers like ours isn't something we can go around telling others. I get it. To be honest, I hate school. They treated me like royalty because of my dad, and my mom, well…" Her eyes shimmered. "Being the last descendant of a White Witch meant I had remedial courses day in and day out."
"Right?" Peter took a bite of his eggs and sausage. "I have to study with Professor Flammel every day except for weekends. Though, I'm pretty sure he hates me…"
"Adrian?" Dazzler burst into laughter that had Peter surprised. "Oh god, how is the sourpuss anyway? Is he still emo and hates everything?"
"You knew him?"
Dazzler snorted. "Yeah. He's a professor now? He was a teaching assistant back when I went to Alexandria and such a pain in the ass. He thought I was 'wasting my talent' since I hung out with the quote-unquote 'wrong crowd'." She shook her head. "That guy always had a stick up his ass." She sighed. "But he did come to my dad's funeral. So at least he can be respectful." She caught Peter's puzzled look and smiled. "Sorry. You wanted to talk about parents. Is that why you were in the archives?"
Peter nodded. "Yes. Professor Flammel gave me permission to go to the archives for the next two weeks in order for me to research the van Helmont bloodline."
"The van Helmont's?"
Peter's eyes widened, then he groaned. Shit. I'm not supposed to bring up my blood family. Now look what I did. Doctor Mothersbaugh is going to be so angry with me.
"So you must have been her son. You're her son, right? Jean's son?"
Peter peered up and became bewildered seeing the joy on Dazzler's face. "Um… I am, yes…"
"Wow…" Dazzler breathed. "My parents would have loved to meet you."
"Your…parents would have?" Peter echoed.
Dazzler chuckled and waved a hand with Magic glittering off her fingers. "Just a little Illusion Spell," she told Peter when he eyed her hand. "But yes, my parents. You might have known my father. Robert Lafayette was a famous Magician in both the Spiritless Society and the Magic Society. My mother Claire was a White Witch, and she was the last remnant of covens. Both of them had reputations and a lot of friends." The memories came back to her. "Jean van Helmont. She was a friend of my mother."
"A friend of your mom?" Peter repeated.
Dazzler hummed. "Yes. The memories are hazy, but I remember meeting Jean a handful of times before Mom's death." She grabbed her mug of coffee with a tightened hand. "I remember going to your parents' funeral too. I'm so sorry for your loss."
"I'm sorry for yours," Peter murmured. "Your mom… She died in a fire."
Silvers saddened. "Yes," Dazzler affirmed. "Dad and I weren't home. We had planned to stay home, but my cousin Circe had wanted me to come over at the last minute, so Dad decided to take me while Mom stayed behind."
Flames beyond measure. A smoke that wreaked of death. A house that was swallowed in a sea of fire.
"We only came back to the house because I forgot something. I can't remember what." Dazzler shook her head. "And when we came back, we saw the saw the fire." Her hand shook. "I was frozen," she breathed. "I'd never seen anything like it. I could barely think straight. But my father hit the ground running. Fire and Rescue showed up soon enough, but Dad threw himself into the flames to find Mom." Silvers hollowed. "He carried out what was left of her."
A pit of despair nestled in Peter's stomach. Oh god… His eyes fell to his plate, appetite gone. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have brought this up. I didn't mean to remind you of something like this."
"No." Dazzler closed her eyes. Inhale. Exhale. "No, it's okay." Eye open, she regarded Peter with a soft smile tinged in melancholy. "Neither of my parents would want me moping around whenever I speak about them. And Laxus wouldn't like it either."
Peter dipped his head. "So, um… What brought you to the archives?"
"I was hoping to speak to my mother about something," Dazzler confessed. "A friend of mine set himself on a self-destructive path, and nothing I can do would save him, but my mother would know more. I've been trying for years to visit her, but each time, I've been denied."
Peter's brow furrowed. "I see…"
"Were you looking for your mother's portrait too?"
That brought back Peter's agitation. "Yeah, but… She's not even in the van Helmont chambers. From what an ancestor told me, since she was disowned, she's not welcome into their bloodline chamber."
Dazzler hummed. "Before my father died, weeks before his death day, he had his portrait taken. For Wizards, we have a lot of ways to keep track of family bloodlines. For example, it's rumored the original coven of Celestial Spirit Mages and Spiritwalkers would meet their ancestors in the Spirit Realm. Wiccans have their Summerland. But for Magicians, Alchemists, and Alkahests, our portraits are the ghosts of our pasts." She sipped her coffee. "My father's portrait was told to be in the chambers, but it was a fake. The real portrait has been hidden in the Enchanted Estate." Her eyes darkened. "However, my father's been missing from his frame for years now."
That's right. Peter remembered watching the people walk from frame to frame. Those portraits could move from frame to frame. "Do you think you know where he could be?"
Dazzler sighed. "Not a clue. But without his permission, I can't visit the van Sinclair bloodline chamber and see my mother." She studied Peter. "While Jean might not be in the van Helmont chamber, I wouldn't give up so soon about the chamber itself. More than likely her portrait hangs somewhere else. But I'm sure one of your relatives would know."
"I don't think that." Peter's half-smile was frail. "When I mentioned her, the entire family didn't look too happy. I'm sure they couldn't care less about her. I came to the chamber because I hoped something would slip about the fire my parents died in, but…" He shrugged. "Maybe I'm aiming too high."
"I don't think so."
Peter shot Dazzler a confused frown.
"I can't say that I know the whole story; however, I'm certain one of your relatives knows more than they are letting on. Both about the fire and about your parents," Dazzler claimed.
"How do you know?"
Dazzler snorted. "A hunch. But I'm the descendant of a White Witch, so hunches are pretty much my thing." She nodded to him. "Don't give up too easily. Families can get stuck up about bloodlines, but not all of us are like that. To disown a Wizard from a powerful bloodline isn't something as simple as paperwork."
"Really?" Peter leaned forward. "How is it different?"
"When a powerful bloodline disowns someone from the family, their last name is stripped, but also, the power that bloodline gave them is stripped away."
Peter reeled back, eyes wide. "Wait, you're serious? You're stripped of your powers?"
"Yes." Dazzler stared into her coffee. "The practice is barbaric, though. When someone is truly disowned, the power stripped from them is dispersed amongst all living relatives and, sometimes, the disowned forget their relations and everything about themselves. Covens who forged blood packs and other power bloodlines would root out their weak using disownment and steal their powers away. The one disowned is left in a horrendous mental state. Most are driven mad. A crucial part of them is gone and recovering from that is difficult." She looked at Peter. "Your mother being truly disowned isn't possible because you still have her power inside you."
"Yeah, but…" Peter still did not quite understand. "Doctor Mothersbaugh and Professor Flammel know I have both Alkahestry and Alchemy—" He stopped himself. "But no one else here knows," he realized. "I'm registered as an Alchemy student…"
"Sounds like people think your mother truly was disowned." Dazzler took a gulp of her coffee. "But it also sounds like there were people who know the truth about their disownment. The question is, why would they lie about Jean being disowned?"
"And why did my parents die in the fire?" Peter questioned. This just gives me more questions than answers, and I don't even know where to start. If disownment truly didn't happen to Jean except in-name-only, then it's quite possible the van Helmonts just told everyone that's what happened. Jean was out of the picture at the point. But why did they lie? And why was she killed? Dammit. This would be easier if I knew Alex's—
Gold widened.
Peter looked at Dazzler in undeniable urgency. "Dazzler, I—!" He held his tongue. No, wait… What if she took the vow regarding Jean and Alex? Even so… It can't hurt to ask.
"What's up?" Dazzler perked an eyebrow. "As much as I'd like to say I haven't got all day, I do. My friend and my ex-guildmate are on a hunt, and this was pretty much my entire Saturday afternoon."
Peter swallowed. "Do you…?" His hands tightened. "My father, Alex. Would you happen to know his last name?"
Dazzler cocked her head, confused. "His last name?"
"Yes." Peter cleared his throat. "For some reason, no one can speak about Jean or Alex to me. I found out about Jean from Doctor Mothersbaugh and my adoptive parents. But Alex is a different story. I don't really know a single thing about him outside of the photo album I have of my parents that has some weird recipes in them."
"Wait. You said 'recipes'?"
Peter nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"Well, it's theorized great Alchemists hid their alchemical notes in very odd crypts." Dazzler tucked her hair behind her ears. "And one of those cryptograms were recipes."
Peter's gaze rounded. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's true." Dazzler added sheepishly, "Well, more theory than anything, but it does hold some merit. There was this famous Alchemist named…" Her brow furrowed. "Ugh, I can't remember, but it was something-something von Hohenheim. Anyway, when he died, people tried to get their hands on his alchemical notes, but they were all really complex recipes. To this day, no one can get it right, but it did lead the search about Alchemists hiding their notes. The von Hohenheim bloodline was pretty famous for making a bunch of different Alchemy types." She ticked off a finger as she listed, "Flame Alchemy, Biologic Alchemy, Blood Alchemy, Ice and Water Alchemy… I mean, I don't blame people for wanting in on the secrets."
"But we learn about that sort of Alchemy in school," Peter pointed out. "What's so special about them?"
"Because the von Hohenheim's weren't conventional Alchemists," Dazzler explained. "I'm sure you've been taught about Affinities?"
"Um, yeah, yes, we have," Peter remembered. "Once we get to a specific level, we have a semester of independent study where we found out which type of Alchemy we have an Affinity for—Elemental Alchemy or Mechanical Alchemy—and we go from there. During our capstone, we go through this crazy, intense process so our Sigil matches our Alchemy."
"Exactly. But the von Hohenheim's didn't require a different Sigil for their Alchemy," Dazzler revealed. "They could do any type of Alchemy by this crazy technique that seemed to pass down from generation to generation, but no one can figure it out. That's why their notes are treated like gold. If another Alchemist could find out how the von Hohenheim's did it, that could unlock some serious power."
Peter took that into consideration. "So where are the von Hohenheim's now?"
"No one really knows," Dazzler confessed. "I guess a couple of decades ago, some big scandal happened with them. They're still high up in Magic Society, but they're a lot more closed off. No one even knows where they live anymore. The matriarch of the family attends the bigger social gatherings, but she disappears afterward." She shrugged. "That entire family is a mystery, but it is what it is."
"I see…" Peter forked in some hash. The von Hohenheim family…
"About your father," Dazzler brought up with a note of apology, "I'm sorry, but I don't know his last name. Sorry I couldn't be much help."
"Oh, no, you've been plenty of help, Dazzler, I promise," Peter assured. His face turned grim but determined. "Regardless of what I don't know, I do know I'm on the right path. I want to find out what really happened with Jean. And I want to understand why they died in that fire. I'm going to find out the truth, no matter what."
Dazzler smiled. "You do seem like you've made up your mind. The youth of today, always so determined," she teased. She reached into her trench coat. "Well, if you're going to that extent, you might need this." She pulled out a business card and gave it to Peter.
"Um…" Peter flipped the card, but… "It's blank."
"It'll be blank until you truly need the help," Dazzler let him know. "The people it'll take you to are some of the wisest people I know. Keep that safe with you. It's spelled so it doesn't slip into the wrong hands. Since I've referred you of my own free will, the card will always find its way back to you. Even so, try not to lose it."
Peter nodded and pocketed the business card. "I won't. Um, thank you."
"No problem. Now." Dazzler beamed. "Why don't we eat? All this talking has made me hungry."
°•°•°•°
Empty dishes taken away, Peter and Dazzler sat across from each other, satisfied. Gladstone curled up beneath Dazzler's chair and let out a young before turning onto his back for his belly to be exposed.
"That hit the spot," Dazzler sighed. "My cooks are always amazing, but there's something about living like a broke college kid that makes you more appreciative." She nodded to Peter. "Full?"
"Very much so," Peter laughed. "Thanks for the meal."
Dazzler waved off the gratitude. "I have to look out for my juniors. It's no problem." She stretched as she got up. "But we'd better go. I need to get back to the estate to do some more research." Her eyes gleamed. I'll find you wherever you are. I made a promise to her that I'd find you…and let you know the truth. "Gladstone, wakey-wakey."
Gladstone reluctantly rolled to his feet and stretched.
Peter stood up as well. "So, um… What exactly is Gladstone?"
"A Familiar Spirit," Dazzler explained. "He's tied to the estate and whoever owns it. When my father died, I became the sole owner of the Enchanted Estate. Therefore, he's mine now." She stopped to scratch Gladstone's back which arched and his tail curled. "He looks dangerous in his true form, but he's a harmless little black cat. Very cliché for a witch to have a black cat, I know, but this is the form he thought suited me. He used to be a bird for my father."
"That's so cool." Peter followed Dazzler to the door.
Dazzler shot him a grin. "You might want to take a step back." When he did so, Dazzler tapped her top hat and a slew of silver Magic coated her hands. She drew a star in midair before she forced it upon the door and chanted, "Enakuxe maka tin pórtāea…!"
To Peter's disbelief, the glass door transitioned into a wood one, regal and well-crafted. The door automatically opened to reveal a warmly lit living room with a fireplace. Woah…
Gladstone darted in as Dazzler turned to give a mock-salute to Peter. "Thanks for the conversation, Peter. Have fun in school. Don't do anything I'd do. And, uh, don't worry about Uncle Laxus. He's a lot softer than you think."
I very much doubt that. Peter bowed. "Thank you for everything, Dazzler." He tacked on before she could retreat to her home, "U-Um, wait! Your friend! Uh, I hope you're able to find him and help him. You seem like a really nice and kind person, so…"
Dazzler smiled. "You never know. Witches like me might look nice and kind on the outside, but"—she winked and literal sparkles burst—"we also have selfish sides to us too, kiddo."
Peter blushed. She's so hot…!
"But thanks. I do hope I find him." Dazzler turned back to the door. "And tell Professor Flammel his favorite little witch says she's a grown woman now." She let Peter see her smirk. "And she's right where she wants to be." She crossed the threshold into the Enchanted Estate and let the door shut behind her. Adrian. There's a name I haven't heard in a while. Jean and Alex too. What an interesting kid he is.
Gladstone transcended into his Shadow Form. "To the library?"
Dazzler shook off her thoughts. "Yeah. Let's give those location spells another try. From the intel we drummed up, there's a god rumored to be hidden on Earth Land." She strutted forward, and her trench coat left her to reveal a black dress and stockings. "If anyone can track him down, it would be a god." I know you've been lusting for death all these years, but I can't let you do that.
She reached out and took off her headband for her top hat to emerge in its full form. I might have been trying to find myself all these years, but I'm back now. You won't have just John hunting you down. You'll have me…
She peered into her top hat to see an old photo had replaced the bottom of it. A photo of her and John, young and dumb, with an ebony beauty close to a flustered boy, and a meek ginger with bifocal glasses, but his eyes held a deep love for the girl beside him.
…Mason.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Gary's Condo
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
11:50 AM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna softly groaned as she turned over, but she could feel the strings of sleep leave her. White blurred her vision, but she would always remember that soft fur that brought her comfort. A smile lit her face as she hugged Icarus again, eyes raw from last night. "Icarus," she whispered, "I missed you so much."
I have missed you too, Pup, Icarus burred as he nudged her close. I will never leave you again.
Luna hummed before giggling when Icarus licked her forehead. "Gross!" she laughed. Eyes wide open, she sat up only to hug his neck and bury her head into his fur for a few moments then pulled back. "I really missed you."
I know. Icarus sniffed her face before nuzzling her cheek. I'm so sorry I failed you, my cub.
What happened? Luna asked him. How come I couldn't feel you?
Icarus sighed. Both Býleistr and I suffered from quite a powerful spell that threw us both into the Void—a place where Spirits go where it is eternally dark and cold and we have no way to communicate with an outside realm. You and your littermate were able to pull us back, but a lesser Star Maiden would not have been able to do so.
I'm glad we could. Luna kissed his snout. I'm sorry about what happened.
Never apologize, Icarus sternly told her. Not for this, Pup. I apologize for my actions. I was…distraught seeing your memories. He shifted as a whine came out. I will never leave your side. Never will you have to be put through that again. I will protect you. And I will ask a Dream Spirit to send you good dreams to shield you from nightmares.
You can do that?
I might not have been the Spirit I once was, but the Moon Spirit I am closest to works with Dream Spirits. Icarus nosed her cheek. I will make sure you receive good dreams if I can help it. I don't want that creature to take up any more of your thoughts.
Luna swallowed. Thanks, Icarus. Promise you won't tell anyone? I don't mind if you know, but… She rubbed her arm. I don't want anyone else to find out.
Of course I won't tell, Pup, Icarus promised. Your truth is your choice. As your Spirit, I defend your right to choose. His eyes softened as he raised his chin to nuzzle the top of her head. And I will love you, Pup. You are very much loved.
Luna sniffed. I love you too, Icarus. Her stomach rumbled.
Do you think you can eat something? Icarus asked. Even if it's just a broth, you need to eat. You've had a long couple of hours.
"I can eat." Luna got from beneath him to get to the edge of the bed while Icarus shrunk down into his Dog Form. She wobbled on her feet when she made to stand, but Icarus was there for her to lean on. They abandoned the guest room to hear the LV on and murmuring taking place, so it did not surprise them when they emerged to see breakfast had been made with Gary doing dishes and Luke slowly eating some eggs and potatoes. "Good morning."
"Morning," both men chorused.
Luna looked around and frowned as she got onto a stool. "Where's Nashi?"
"Right here." Nashi came down the hall with her hair up and had stolen another of Gary's t-shirts with her own shorts. She kissed Luna's cheek. "Morning. Did you sleep okay?" She watched as Býleistr approached Icarus in his Cat Form, tail up and a low purr, and Icarus bent his head for Býleistr to rub it. "Did you both sleep okay?"
"We slept fine," Luna told her. She paused, then added, "Icarus says he's sorry about snapping."
"No worries." Nashi's eyes softened as she met Icarus' guilty gaze. "I understand."
Icarus dipped his head to her.
Luna observed Luke and did not hesitate to touch his pink-rooted black hair. "What's with your dye job?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Luke grumbled. "I'll have to ask Uncle Cancer to give me back my natural hair. I look ridiculous." He pushed up his glasses to shoot Luna a concerned look. "How are you doing?"
For a moment, panic seized Luna. "What do you mean?"
"Nashi and Gary explained the rundown of what happened while I was under," Luke explained, frowning when he scented Luna's rising anxiety and fear. "They said you were pretty sick from the heavy Magic use. I'm so sorry I couldn't help you."
"No, that's okay," Luna rushed to assure. "Do you, um…remember anything?" Did he see anything in the Spirit World? Does he know about being bonded?
Luke's frown deepened. "That's just it. I don't remember anything." He rubbed his temple. "I keep trying to remember what happened, but I can't really remember anything." His nose twitched. "But there was this…scent." His brow furrowed. "I've smelled it before, though. I think I'm just going crazy."
"A 'scent'?"
"Yeah." Luke shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I'm sorry I didn't protect you when we were taken. I should've smelled something off with the food, or at least felt something wrong in the air, but I didn't. And you paid the price for that."
Nashi shook her head. "You couldn't have none, Luke. None of us could have known—"
"But we did know," Luke argued. "Mom and Dad asked us to stay in Magnolia, and what did we do? We left, and we got abducted. We should have just listened to them."
Luna bowed her head. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I was the one to suggest we go to Nevereverland—"
"No, no, I'm not blaming you, Lu," Luke hushed her. "Trust me. I'm not blaming you for any of this. What happened, happened. We can't change that. We can just move forward from it." He met Nashi's stare. "Right?"
"Right." Nashi laid her hands on Luna's shoulders and gave them a squeeze. "One breath at a time, Lu."
"I know." Luna inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth. "One breath at a time." Her stomach rumbled again.
"And how about one meal at a time?" Gary came over to give Luna a lukewarm bowl of broth and a spoon. "Here's your breakfast. I didn't want to take a chance on your stomach quite yet, but when you're feeling up to it, maybe around lunchtime, we can try solid food."
Luna shot him a smile. "Thanks, Gary." She started spooning it in.
"So I know we went from Alvarez to here," Luke brought up, "but I'm still confused how we're back here. Nashi, you said that you took some sort of deal?"
Nashi stiffened, but it was Luna who gave an urgent hum and swallowed her mouthful before she claimed, "Actually, that was me. They told me they'd let us all go, but I had to do one thing for them…"
"You want me to what?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna's suite in Alvarez had been invaded. A locked-jaw Naseer, a coldhearted Invel, and an uncomfortable Nashi had come inside, but Tesla made a show that the two Warlocks were not to approach Luna as she kept her hands on Luna's shoulders and her eyes glaring.
"Aamon requests a meeting with you, Your Highness," Invel told her yet again. "He was intrigued by you, and he wants to speak to you more. He has assured, however, that he has no desire to give any of his power in exchange for a contract."
"Bullshit," Tesla called. "Everyone wants something."
"And Aamon just wants to talk." Invel kept his eyes planted on Luna. "If you agree to meet with Aamon, he has ordered us to release you all from Alvarez and to not pursue you in the meantime. That being said, as you are the future of Alvarez, from time to time, we will be checking in to assure your health and wellbeing."
Luna's brow furrowed. "How?"
Invel inclined his head. "Her Majesty is aware of our check-ins," he said in vague.
"It's okay, Lu," Nashi murmured, voice hoarse. "It won't be anything big or spectacular with any check-ins."
Luna still brought up, "But if we leave, what about everyone else here?"
"They will remain in the castle," Invel told her, "and they will remain unharmed. We have no desire for bloodshed."
Luna was not convinced. "So no one will get hurt?" she wanted to check. "If we leave, everyone will still be able to live here and have jobs and be with their families. No one has to give that up?"
"I'm afraid my word isn't good enough for you to believe." Invel gestured to the stiff Nashi. "Perhaps you can explain the terms, Your Majesty. After all"—dark blues feathered in winter—"Her Highness trusts you."
Nashi thickly swallowed. "Yes, of course."
Luna searched her sister's eyes when Nashi came over and took Luna's hands. 'Nashi, are they threatening you?' she had to know.
'No, Lu, they aren't, ah…' Nashi squeezed Luna's hands. 'Remember the promise I made you? The promise we would find a way out without anyone being harmed?' When Luna nodded, Nashi continued: 'This is it. This is now the only way for us to leave, and everyone stays unharmed. This is our way home, and we…' She forced an exhale. 'We have to do what needs to be done in order to leave and protect everyone.'
'I just don't understand,' Luna whispered. 'Why do you feel so sad?'
Nashi feigned a smile. 'I'm not sad. I'm just tired and done. And I hate that you had to go through all this, and now I'm asking you for another favor.'
'Don't worry about that. I'd do anything for my friends and family.' Luna smiled. 'You're my big sister. I trust you and love you, Nashi.'
Hickories widened.
Luna staggered when Nashi suddenly hugged her, but she embraced her sister back. "Nashi?"
"Nothing," Nashi croaked. "Thank you for trusting me, Lu." She squeezed Luna once before her eyes peeked up to the question in Tesla's eyes, but Nashi's eyes went downcast. Pulling away, Nashi searched Luna's eyes. "Are you ready to meet Aamon?"
Luna nodded, somber. "Yeah." Her eyes went to the waiting Invel. "I'll meet Aamon."
"Perfect." Invel adjusted his glasses. "He's excited to meet you, Your Highness."
°•°•°•°
Luna did not understand where in the castle they were, but she had a feeling that was deliberate. Invel and Tesla were the only ones who had come with. Tesla had not asked for permission, but Invel had wisely not spoken on her choice to join them. Invel stopped both young women in front of a normal door. Nothing grand about it.
"Aamon is in there," Invel explained as he bowed to her. "Lady Tesla, you will have to wait outside."
"I will." Tesla gave Luna a firm look. "But if you need anything, I'm right here."
Luna swallowed and nodded. "Okay."
After a deep breath, her hand went to the knob, and she twisted the door open. Before her was a small sitting room with tea and snacks made, but she paid little attention to detail and more attention to the occupant who stood up in their all-black suit. A blue-feathered anthropomorphic owl with round yellow eyes was her company this late into the night (or this early in the morning).
"You must be Aamon," Luna supposed.
"I am," Aamon confirmed as he scanned her. "And you are Luna Heartfilia-Dragneel, the daughter of the last Star Queen and a Demon raised in a human world to become the Dragon King and Demon King." He gestured to the couch in front of him. "I've been eager to make your acquaintance, Your Highness. Please have a seat."
Luna sat on the couch provided to her with her spine straight and her hands in her lap.
"Are you hungry? Thirsty?" Aamon gestured to the spread. "I am told mortals need consumption, and it is considered polite to offer an esteemed guest snacks and a hot beverage."
"I'm okay," Luna declined.
Aamon cocked his head in a very owl-like way. "You are uncomfortable around me," he declared. "I understand. You have encountered previous Demons who sought you for your power, and you think I am like them." He blinked when Luna ducked her head, awkward. "Forgive me. It would appear I've made you more uncomfortable."
"No, um, it's okay, it's just…" Luna played with her fingers. "Why did you want to talk to me? Invel said you're not going to make me a Warlock."
"No, I'm not," Aamon affirmed. "It was wrong of me to try to do so. For that, I apologize."
Luna's eyes widened. "You're…sorry? But I thought Demons…wanted to make people into Warlocks?"
"Not all Demons. A Demon's purpose varies from Demon to Demon just as all purposes vary from mortal to mortal," Aamon said. "Your sire is the Demon King with the same power to create Warlocks, yet he chooses not to."
'Papa can do that?' Luna thought, bewildered. "But then… Why did you make Warlocks? They're doing evil things—"
"Are they?"
Luna was taken back at how blasé Aamon's tone was.
"Demons, Dragon, Gods, Agents, those with longer lives—we're far more removed from the ways of mortals than you would think, Your Highness," Aamon said. "I have little concern for the lives taken, or the deeds done for those who contract to me for a fraction of power."
"So why make contracts with them?"
"In the event I require a service done." Aamon's head shifted to the other side. "Warlocks become assets the same way some view their children. I provide them with power. They provide a service in return. A fair trade. What they desire from using the power I give them is of little importance. All that matters to me is they diligently work any task I give them."
"If you're so powerful, why would you need them to do things for you?"
Aamon blinked. "Why do you have a Celestial Spirit?"
Luna's brow furrowed. "What?"
"Why do you have a Celestial Spirit?" Aamon repeated. "Why do beings form connections, breed offspring? Why the need for such things if you have power? Why ask another being to do something for you?"
Luna understood. "I ask for help when I can't do something…"
"Even a Demon has limitations on their power," Aamon said. "That is our balance. To exist, to sustain, to venture—we must create contracts with lesser beings. Like a Spirit, unless someone summons us to a realm, we cannot freely roam and, therefore, are stuck in our own realm. Some Demons are reclusive and prefer the solitary. I am not one of them."
Luna's brow furrowed as she considered this. 'So those seals summon Demons here, and Warlocks serve as their connection just like a Celestial Spirit Mage…'
"May I ask a question now, Your Highness?"
"O-Oh." Luna blinked in surprise at Aamon's manners. "Sure. Yes, of course."
Aamon cocked his head again. "Why did you not use your full power against those who aggressed you?"
"I couldn't if I didn't want Luke and Nashi to get hurt," Luna said.
"But your power exceeds boundaries and limits," Aamon pointed out. "By using your full potential, any worries of harm befalling your loved ones would become nonexistent."
"I was using my full power," Luna explained, "but I overused my Magic, and that's why I got sick."
Aamon hummed. "You're still in your state of mortality. Interesting. Most are not born with that. Perhaps that is why I take such fascination with you. You truly are a rarity."
"A-Ah…" Luna tensed. "Thank you, I think, but I'm not that special."
"I disagree." Aamon leaned forward. "And this is why I would like to extend my services to you without a contract."
Luna's eyes widened. "What?" She sputtered, flustered, "B-B-But you've been trying to hurt us—!"
"As I said before, my Warlocks do not reflect my personal beliefs," Aamon stated. "Their affairs, acts of vengeance, ethics—none is of importance for my own interests. If they fight amongst themselves, commit massive slaughter, or use their power to wake the dead, I have no care. What other Demons do is of little matter to me as well."
"Wait," Luna stopped him. "You're not…working with the other Demons?"
Aamon blinked. "You live amongst humans, but you do not work alongside every human. Am I correct to say this?" When Luna nodded, Aamon went on: "Demons are not so different and neither are our counterparts, Agents. We may belong to a specific race, but our needs are not a collective. We have individual thoughts, morals, and interests. And, as with humans, Demons can band together under a joint cause or fight amongst each other due to conflict. Your father is a Demon King, but he does not adhere to my practice."
"I guess I never thought about it that way," Luna confessed. "I forget a lot of the time that Papa is a Demon, and we're all half-Demon."
"That's not necessarily true."
"What do you mean?"
"It is true your sire fathered you and his other offspring, but that does not grant you all equal access to his demonic blood," Aamon informed. "Your sister is on her way to becoming an Agent. The demonic blood in her is weak. Your brothers were given a split of your sire's prowess, but neither one has the other's power in any sense. And you…"
Luna swallowed. "And me?"
Aamon blinked. "I offer my services to you, Your Highness," he said again. "As of now, you carry with you two Demons. Am I correct?"
Panic hit Luna, and she could not hide it. "H-H-How did you—?"
"Both Demons were part of a collective cause, which is why others will come to look for them," Aamon continued. "I have no interest in this cause. I have my own interests as my main concern. However, you intrigue me, Your Highness, for being so rooted to mortality, and I would prefer other beings part of the cause to keep away from someone who intrigues me. As it stands, those Demons in your possession are not meant to be yours to control. Your power is too limited. But the Demon Prince will have little problem summoning those Demons under his control."
"The Demon Prince…" Luna's eyes widened. "Wait, you mean my brother Luke? Luke is a Demon? But…! But…!"
"Your sire fathered two princes—a Dragon and a Demon. Your brother Igneel had already discovered that. Your brother Luke, however, used a Magic that counteracted the Curse he had inside him. Invel, however, pushed Luke to become a Demon."
"Th-Th-That can't be right," Luna refused to believe. 'Luke can't be a Demon. He can't right? We're just half-Demon.'
"It is," Aamon confirmed. "There's no need to grow despaired over his change. Whether he liked it or not, he would have been unable to suppress his true heritage."
Luna was still processing this all. "So then… Luke's Cursed now? He can't ever practice Magic again? He's changed?"
"I didn't say that."
Luna looked at Aamon for an explanation.
"During his first trial, Luke exhibited primal behaviors as those were his orders. Through Invel, I was able to sense Luke and sample his prowess. But I also felt when Luke could no longer be sensed."
"He was bonded—" Luna closed her mouth, horrified at her misstep.
"I assumed so," Aamon said. "The only way to counteract a Demon's Claim would be through a strong bond. I'm not certain of the effects that the bond will trigger, but I can guarantee Luke will not be a Demon like myself or like your father. He will be a different breed. And other Demons will both fear him and want to kill him. Even I displayed caution with him."
Luna's head began to ache. "Okay, so… Because Invel forced Luke to become a Demon, Luke can control other Demons?"
"In theory, yes. He is a prince of Demons, and his Curse rivals in power many other Demons. Should he exercise it, Luke could have dominance over me."
"He wouldn't do that," Luna said, still dazed. "He doesn't want to control anyone." But her mind forced her back to when a rogue Luke was ready to enact the ultimate punishment on Gale. 'He doesn't…right? He's just Luke. He wouldn't…' "Why are you telling me all of this?"
"You intrigue me, Your Highness, and I wish to see you at your full potential. Not only that, but it is common knowledge that change is upon the mortals."
Luna's brow scrunched up. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means the mortals are evolving in order to meet the requirements for survival." Aamon waved a hand and several symbols populated. One had the head of a Dragon, one was a monster with horns, another was a chalice and a tome, another showed a seven-pointed-star, one showed a skeletal hand, another showed a pair of wings, and the last showed the same symbol Luna had seen with Icarus in her future vision. "These powers were drastically different in previous incarnations of mortals. As times changed, powers fluctuate. Some powers fade to extinction and others live thin lives. But now, the mortals are being given a second chance as extinct and endangered power through evolution and reformation."
"For what, though?" Luna shook her head. "I don't really understand."
Aamon dismissed the symbols. "You'll understand," he promised her. "As to what this is all in preparation for, tell me, Your Highness, what normally incites severe preparation amongst mortals? What forces a collective to change their ways?"
"When something bad happens to them," Luna answered. "A fight, maybe, or a battle."
"Yes, but you are still thinking far too small," Aamon said. "An individual changes after a battle. But a collective changes in preparation before another war."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"…and that's what Aamon told me," Luna finished.
Out of everyone, Luke looked the most disgruntled and rightfully so. "How do we know he's not lying?" he pointed out. "He said I was a Demon. A Demon, Lu. And a war? Are you serious? How are we supposed to trust him?"
"He didn't feel like he was lying…" Luna tried to counter with a wince. "But, yeah, I know what you mean. Maybe we shouldn't trust him."
"We shouldn't," Luke put down, stern. "We aren't going to trust a word he told you. We have to assume everything he told us was a lie."
Luna rubbed her arm. "But what if it is…true?" she murmured, uneasy. "It could be…"
"No." Luke got up from his stool. "I'm not a Demon. I'm a human." His hands fisted. "I'm a human."
Nashi tried to calm him down. "Luke—"
"This is bullshit," Luke snarled, eyes painted in fury. "I'm not a Demon. I'm a human, I'm not… I'm not like them. I'm not evil. I'm just a human."
"Being a Demon doesn't make you evil—"
"How are you believing this?" Luke demanded of Nashi. "You think I'm a Demon too?"
"I'm not saying you are or aren't," Nashi tried to tell him. "But if you were, that doesn't make you evil. Being something doesn't make you evil, Luke—"
"Like you're one to talk," Luke snapped as a flicker of red assaulted his honeyed amber. "You have it easy. You're a literal Angel, Nashi, so you're always going to be one the side of good and justice."
"That's not true," Nashi said sharply. "It doesn't matter about powers, Luke, it matters about personal morals—"
Luke snarled as his eyes flashed blood-red. "Shut up! Don't talk down to me like you suddenly know everything, and I don't!"
"I'm not saying that," Nashi argued, "but I am saying Demon or not, human or not, you're still you—"
"But I'm not!" Luke shouted, unhinged. "I'm not me if I'm a Demon! How do you not get that? Look at all the Demons we've faced! You even said yourself you were forced into becoming an Etherious, and you went ballistic—!"
"But I calmed down—"
"By turning into an Angel!" Luke cried. "Demons are mass-murderers and manipulators—!"
Luna tried to pipe up, "But Papa is a Demon—"
"I know that, but it's just…! It's just…! It's…different," Luke struggled to get out. He shook his head. "No. No, I'm not a Demon. I'm a human. I'm just a human. They didn't do anything to me; I just… I just need to remember."
Luna saddened when she heard the desperation in Luke's tone. "Luke, we—" Her heart broke when he stormed off. "Luke, wait!"
"Let him go," Gary murmured, not even flinching when a door slammed. "He just needs time."
"Can you sense it?" Nashi asked of him. "Do you know what he is?"
Gary nodded and said, "Yes, but I think Natsu should be the one to sit down with him. It's not really my place to have that conversation with him."
"Right," Nashi agreed.
Luna looked at her lap. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make him upset. I just didn't want to stay quiet." I can't tell him he's bonded if he won't listen to me. I'll just have to wait until he isn't mad anymore.
"You did the right thing telling the truth," Gary assured her. His eyes flickered to Nashi. "But we're doing to need to come up with something to explain to Natsu the reason behind Luke's transition."
"What do you mean?" Luna looked at Nashi and Gary. "We have to tell them everything, don't we? So they know what happened?"
Nashi brushed back Luna's hair. "One of the rules outlined in us coming home was making sure we never spoke about being abducted in the first place to anyone—including our parents."
"Why?" Luna demanded. "Nashi, we have to tell them—!"
"Lu." Firm hickory connected with disbelieving chocolate. "We do what we have to do. I know this isn't right, but this was the only way we could all come home."
"But…!" Luna huffed through her nose. "I don't like it, but I won't say anything." A realization donned on her. "And you won't tell Mama and Papa about…?"
"That's your choice," Nashi promised. "But I'm here if you need me, Lu."
Luna's eyes shimmered. "Yeah, I know." She climbed down from the stool. "Thanks for breakfast, Gary, but I'm not really hungry. Is it okay if I take a shower?"
"Sure. Towels are in the closet."
"Thank you."
Luna moved away with Icarus following her closely.
Nashi slouched against the island counter, mentally drained and still physically exhausted. "We have to prepare for my parents tomorrow," she told him. "Invel assured those Machias copies of us wouldn't be there when we got back to the house, but I just…"
Gary moved to her side and rubbed her back. "One breath at a time."
"Right." Nashi leaned against his shoulder. "And do the next right thing." A pause. "When do you have to go back to Arcticados? When are you making the announcement?"
"The Chairman and I negotiated I could return on Monday."
"What about your vasectomy?"
"I'll be getting that in two weeks, but I'll still have six weeks of waiting to make sure I'm sterile."
Nashi's lips tugged into a small smile. "So condoms for the next couple of months?"
"Yes, and after." Gary dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I want you to feel comfortable, Angel."
Nashi hummed. "Once I'm finished with my IUD, I plan to do tubal litigation." She turned to crane her head to kiss his cheek. "Will you be okay with that?"
"Even if I wasn't, I respect your choice on your body, Angel," Gary murmured. He smiled as he teased, "But it does mean sex without a condom, right?" He laughed when Nashi smacked his chest. "To be fair, you mentioned condoms first."
Nashi rolled her eyes and shook her head. "I can't believe I can even laugh at a time like this." Her eyes went sullen. "After everything I did."
"We'll bring them back," Gary vowed to her. "Every last one of them."
"We will," Nashi agreed. "We have to. But I just hate that—"
"Angel, you're going to have to live," Gary cut in. "You're going to have happy moments. And it's okay to feel guilty for those happy moments. Thankfully, all of them are still safe. Even if they aren't the same, they don't know imprisonment because to them, it isn't imprisonment. They can all go back to their normal lives, and we'll make sure it happens. But I won't let you stop living because you did what you had to do. Even if that's selfish of me."
Nashi sighed. "You are selfish." Soft hickory connected with loving cerulean. "But I love that about you. Thanks for trusting me with part of you."
Gary shook his head. "Thank you for giving me a second chance. You helped me find me again, Angel." He brought his forehead to touch hers. "It's my turn to help you find you."
Nashi opened her mouth to say the words, but something stopped her and guilt followed.
"Don't do that."
Nashi winced. "I'm sorry."
"It's not the right time yet," Gary soothed. "Just like every time before. But there's no rush. I want you to say the words when it's the right time."
Nashi sighed. "You really are stupidly naïve sometimes. Someone could break your heart because of that." Her fingers combed through his hair. "It's a good thing I plan to treasure your heart instead if you don't mind."
"Never." Gary kissed her nose. "I love you, Angel. And it's okay that it's not the right time for you to say the words. I feel it."
Nashi bit her bottom lip before she threw her arms around Gary and hugged him. This man, this Devil—he understood everything unspoken. Every trickle of guilt, drop of doubt, flicker of fear—there were no words needed to convey them. But he understood what even allowed him to understand those unspoken words.
He understood her love.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Fairy Adventure
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Outskirts of New Azalea City
Fiore, Ishgar
12:34 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
When you had one mother who was a principal ballerina and another mother who was a successful anesthesiologist, their combined prowess and finances earned them a nice ranch-style house that was a blessing keeping track of childish chaos. Dressed in earthy colors of tan and dark brown with wide windows, the ranch-style house was still in the outskirts of New Azalea City just barely. The inside of the house, however, was not filled with art collections and heirlooms or whatever tickled their fancy.
The inside of the house was messy as Hell.
Fabrics and glitter and colorful paper and accessories were haphazardly everywhere, and if you moved one thing in an attempt to clean, you would be met with death stares from everyone in the family. It was not like it was dirty with food everywhere or dust or dirt, but the clothes, the hair supplies, and the materials made it looked like utter chaos stepping inside.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is the Justino Ranch, home of Carlisle and his family. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Carlisle's room was not messy, thank you very much. But that was more because of Aphtan than him, and he was man enough to admit that. His medals and trophies from figure skating and other activities had been tucked into a different room where all the other awards from the family were on display, but that did not mean he had not decorated his room. Colors painted in a calming silver, he dressed his wall with signed posters he had gotten over the years and a large bulletin board with his favorite pictures, postcards, and other things. His bed looked untouched since it had been, but he was proud of his stuffed animal collection, just like he was proud he did not have to share a bathroom with Christophe anymore since their bathrooms connected.
But when your older brother comes back from college, all that happiness you felt just goes away in the blink of an eye.
Aphtan and Mellow had done their wingmen due diligence as they set up in the bathroom with Carlisle showered, primed, and prepped for their divine intervention. Aphtan was monitoring Carlisle's face mask while he sifted through Carlisle's clothes, while Mellow was working on his hair and Carlisle had his nails done earlier. "I feel like we're doing a lot for one date," Carlisle brought up from beneath his face mask.
"Since when do you not like dressing up for dates?" Mellow teased him.
Carlisle sighed. "I just don't want to look like I'm trying too hard," he admitted. "And Dante doesn't care about how I look."
Mellow snorted. "Didn't you say the second you guys got back to his place, he mauled you because of how you looked last night?"
"Shut up," Carlisle grumbled, embarrassed. "That's different. He told me to dress casual and doing a whole treatment doesn't feel casual." He flexed his feet since he could not wiggle his toes with them still being in the foam toe divider. "You guys just like dressing me up as your favorite doll."
"Carlisle-po." Aphtan came out with three different jockstraps and a blank face. "Do you want the black and white jockstrap, the disco jockstrap, or the tie-dye jockstrap?"
"Tie-dye," Mellow answered on Carlisle's behalf. "The harness is psychedelic, so the tie-dye will be a perfect fit."
Aphtan gave a short nod. "Should he wear a choker?"
Carlisle choked. "Hold on! I should get a say in this!" he cried. "Why are you picking out my lingerie in the first place? We never did this for my other dates!"
"Because none of them made the cut," Mellow sang as Aphtan set down the tie-dye jockstrap and retreated to the closet. "Plus, you never really needed our help with lingerie whether you topped or bottomed. You pretty much had it handled." He patted underneath Carlisle's chin. "You do not have a handle on your current partner, baby." He chuckled when Carlisle's hands twitched. "And you were never this shy and shrine maiden before. We had to go with you when you'd buy your girlfriends' lingerie." He made a face. "Girl lingerie is so boring. They might have lace, but we have to do geometry for our shit."
"Lingerie is hot regardless," Carlisle sighed. "But, really, I think we're doing enough."
"Shush your mouth," Mellow silenced. "It's already too late." A ding! went off and he called, "Aphtan, I think the face mask is done." As Aphtan came out, Mellow told Carlisle, "Honestly, I'm so jealous that you don't even grow hair outside of the hair on your head. I don't hate my leg hair, but I hate my armpit hair so much."
"I wish I could grow chest hair," Carlisle groused. He held still when Aphtan began the process of removing the face mask with a damp cloth and waited until all of it was off him to continue, "My exes loved that I had no hair, but I hate it."
"Hair's overrated," Mellow dismissed. "You look perfect the way you are."
SLIDE…
"Aw, thanks, Meadow."
Aphtan's face pinched, Carlisle rolled his eyes, and Mellow looked downright murderous. "Oh, great," Carlisle muttered, "the king of incoming beer bellies is back. Allow all of us to bow in his disgusting presence riddled in sweat and STDs."
"Don't be such a douche, Carlisle."
"Don't be such a you, Chrissy," Carlisle sneered back. "Get out. We're busy." Much to his dismay, the mirror he was sitting in front of got taken up by a new presence with a sharp jawline, thick lashes, wavy hair, and light brown eyes and lightly dressed in a basketball sweatshirt. "Did you hear that? I think the mirror is cracking."
Christophe snorted. "You're such a fucking drama queen." His eyes wandered to Mellow, and he grinned when he caught the irritation written on Mellow's face. "Hey, Meadow. Still growing out your hair? Trying to pass for a grown woman this time?"
⌜UNIVERSITY OF CLEMATIS
Name: Christophe Justino
Age: 20
Occupation: Year 2 Student (BA (Hons) Advertising and Marketing)
Likes: football Dislikes: karaoke
Special Note: Christophe attends the University of Clematis under his football (soccer) scholarship! You can tell he and Carlisle have an, um, interesting brotherly relationship…⌟
"Still alive?" Mellow shot back. "Still trying to kill yourself by alcoholism?"
Christophe pretended to be wounded. "Ouch. I thought you'd be happy to see me, Meadow." He tugged on Mellow's curled strands. "And maybe straighten out your hair."
Mellow looked like he was holding onto fraying strings to withhold his anger. "Carlisle," he gritted, "I'm going to commit murder in less than ten seconds."
"Stop being a jerk, Christophe," Carlisle snapped. "You're home for all of five seconds, and you're already upsetting everyone around you. Can't you stay—I don't know—anywhere else than here?"
"Maybe Hell," Mellow muttered. "But I feel like that's too good of a place for him."
A new voice drawled, "Christophe, stop pissing off people." Preston peeked in with yellow-lens in his sunglasses. His dirty blonde hair was swept into a man-bun, and his tacky shirt was as bad as ever with headphones hanging from his neck.
⌜UNIVERSITY OF CLEMATIS
Name: Preston Lates
Age: 20
Magic: Archive
Occupation: Year 2 Student (BSc (Hons) Health and Exercise)
Likes: funny t-shirts Dislikes: rap music
Special Note: Preston is the little brother of Spencer and older brother to Morgan, and also Christophe's frat brother! But he has a strange taste in style. ⌟
"I thought we were gonna play Cyber Wars?" Preston's eyes went to Carlisle and quickly skittered away. "Hi, Carlisle."
"Hi, Preston," Carlisle said, tone tight. "Yes, please, take Christophe with you. We all insist. No one wants him here. Go play lacrimagames, Chrissy."
Christophe snorted. "You're just pissy because you can't play lacrimagames."
"Is this another one of your micro-aggressions or are you saying I suck because I'm pretty sure I've beat you at a bunch of games," Carlisle reminded. He clapped his hands when Christophe gave him a middle finger. "Oh, big brother maturity for the win."
"Uh, hey, Christophe?" A new person joined them with a dust of freckles, muted greens for eyes, and a subtle mohawk. "One of your moms is looking for you."
⌜UNIVERSITY OF CLEMATIS
Name: Calcifer "Cal"
Age: 20
Occupation: Year 2 Student (BSc (Hons) Nursing)
Likes: heated blankets Dislikes: sushi
Special Note: Calcifer is Dash's stepbrother and is a familiar face! One of the known chefs of the frat house, Calcifer aspires to be a hospice nurse!⌟
Aphtan came to a stop from working on Carlisle's face as though something bothered him. His eyes darted to assess Cal before his stare fell to Cal's watch and his eyes narrowed.
Carlisle could sense something was off within Aphtan and murmured, "Tantan?"
"It's probably wanting to know why you gave her all your dirty laundry to clean," Mellow jeered. "We all know you're not the type to pick up after yourself."
Christophe flushed before retorting, "It's not like I invited you to see."
"Like I'd even think twice about accepting any invitation from you," Mellow sniffed. "You're just fortunate you're my best friend's brother."
"And what would you do to me, Meadow, pride me to death with your rainbow flag?"
"Your homophobia is showing again, asshole," Mellow snapped. "You do realize you have two moms, right? And both of them are women. Your parents are in a homosexual relationship. Please tell me that sinks in for you."
Christophe was a good three-fourths of a foot over Mellow, and it showed when he went toe-to-toe with him to stare him down. "Does it sink in for you that you're never going to be anything other than a cat-boy?"
As Mellow snarled back something, Preston's eyes flashed to Carlisle before he swallowed and he ducked out of the bathroom. Calcifer sighed and was ready to go back when a hand touched his watch. His eyes darted down to Aphtan. "Ah, hi there."
"Your watch," Aphtan murmured. "It's interesting."
Calcifer touched his watch out of instinct. "Ah, yeah, it's from my dad." He jammed his hand in his pocket and nodded to Aphtan's ring. "Nice ring."
"Family heirloom," Aphtan said airily. "Where did your father get the watch?"
Calcifer swallowed, "Um, it's…"
"I don't need this." Christophe's loud sneer cut through the conversation, and he angrily turned away from Mellow and stormed away. "Come on, Cal. Let's leave the princesses to get ready."
"If you're going to insult us, we prefer 'queens'," Carlisle called after him, though he added in a mutter the moment Calcifer and Christophe abandoned the bathroom and slid the door shut, "but we have plenty of names for people like you."
"I hate your brother." Mellow went back to styling Carlisle's hair, eyebrow twitching. "I can't be civil whenever he's around."
"Don't let him get to you, Mellow," Carlisle sighed. "He's just doing this to rile you up. But he acts like a little Angel in front of Mom and Maman." He snorted. "I'm secretly hoping he's gay, and that's why he's such a…well, you know."
Mellow huffed. "Please let some twink top him if that's the case." He smirked at the mere thought. "Let a white gay top him."
"I wouldn't wish that upon anyone." Carlisle noticed Aphtan's distant look and asked Mellow, "Baby, can you get my Compact so I can sext Dante, pretty please?"
Mellow chuckled as he went for his hand towel to wipe his hands. His lips brushed Carlisle's ear as he murmured, "Only you can get away with calling me 'baby' and I won't do anything about it." He snickered when Carlisle snorted and moved out of the bathroom.
Carlisle waited a few moments before he lurched to tug Aphtan close to him. "What is it? What's wrong?" he asked with urgency. "You have that look on your face, Tantan."
"Nothing to worry about for now," Aphtan told Carlisle. "You have a date, Carlisle-po. You should focus on surviving that."
Carlisle frowned. "Tantan…"
"We'll talk later, Carlisle-po," Aphtan promised, still a little absent. "Please concern yourself with your date. I know you, Carlisle-po, and I sincerely doubt you'll make it through two movies without your lover pouncing you. Please prepare yourself."
Carlisle gawked. I'm not some rutting bull!
Aphtan went back to Carlisle's facial routine when Mellow came back with Carlisle's compact and teased Carlisle with dirty deeds he and Dante could do during the movie that had Carlisle blushing like a fool. But as Aphtan spread the screen, his mind drifted. That watch… It looked like… His eyes darkened. I can't tell Carlisle-po. Not until I know for sure.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Redfox House
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
1:14 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gale laid on his bed with his ukulele across his being absently strummed as he stared at the ceiling. He was in that state where he was tired and wired all at the same time, where no thought came to him and yet he was thinking at everything at the same time.
"Do you want to figure things out?" Kang sat in his chair with those intense eyes. "Look, kid, everyone has problems and situations that they're living in. But the best thing about being human is that you get a choice in whatever you do about them. It doesn't matter what other people expect from you. You have to have your own expectations for yourself."
What am I supposed to expect from myself? Gale wondered. That I can be fixed? People don't get fixed; we just…break. And we break and we break until there's nothing left of us. Until there's nothing left of me outside the bad parts.
"I know what happened with Emma stays with you to this day." Natsu's voice echoed in his mind. "Your fight with Bluenote is still fresh. Your fight with Demons is still fresh. You could have lost everyone."
Gale heaved a sigh. There are nights I can't even sleep. I remember being underneath all that rock. Being torn apart. Getting my scar. I remember watching Igneel being electrocuted right next to me, and how I couldn't do a damn thing about it.
Furious eyes. "I wish you would die! You stole everything from him!"
Gale closed his eyes. Whether I like it or not, it seems like everyone I get close to ends up hurt or almost on their deathbed, he recognized. I could have lost Blondie in the summit. I could have lost Igneel to Forneus. Igneel…
Wild emerald. Feral flames. The vision of a Phoenix. The growl of a Dragon.
He always knew something was off with me, Gale remembered with a snort. God, he hated me when we were younger. Such a feral child. Always angry as Hell, and he was never afraid of a fight. Out of the Dragon Slayers and Leo and Livy, he was the only one who could smell me. And he was the only one I could count on… He strummed his ukulele. …when I…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
SNIFFLE…
Darkness sat all around him. Maybe some kids would be scared of a dark forest, but he took sanctuary of it. He sniffled, the focus blurry with tears, as he hid against a tree. Several times, he tried to touch his swollen leg, but he hissed in great pain. 'It's broken. What do I do? I can't tell Mom and Dad.' He sniffled again as he tried to keep himself warm. 'I'll tell them I fell down the stairs. She didn't mean it.' He let out a pained whine when he had to shift his leg, and sparks of agony shot up his body. 'She didn't mean it.'
RUSTLE-RUSTLE.
He rubbed his nose and tried to scent the air, but whatever it was moved downwind. "Who's there?" he demanded to know. He conjured three rocks and levitated them in his head. "I'm not afraid of you!"
RUSTLE-RUSTLE.
"You're such a liar." Igneel came from behind a tree, eyes green, and dressed in shorts and a shirt with an irked scowl on his face. "What are you even doing out here?"
Gale dismissed his spell and looked away. "Nothing."
Igneel grunted. "Didn't sound like nothing when I heard your stupid whining. You sounded pathetic."
"Shut up," Gale snapped. "Why do you care, anyway? Here to attack me again?"
Igneel growled as he approached Gale. "I was going to a friend's house when I heard your dumb baby-whining." He crouched down and sniffed Gale's leg. "Huh." He poked his leg.
Gale shivered in pain. "Quit it!" He tried to smack away Igneel. "Go away!"
"Your leg's fucked up," Igneel put bluntly. "What'd you do?"
Gale swallowed. "I fell down the stairs."
Igneel's eyes flashed dangerously. "Why are you lying?" he snarled. "You're such a dirty liar."
"I'm not lying," Gale argued. "I did fall down the stairs." 'Why can't he believe me? I did fall down the stairs, I just didn't…'
Igneel snarled as he drew to his full height. "Quit lying," he commanded. "You don't smell weird this time. I know you didn't just fall by yourself."
The focus widened, and Gale scrambled for an excuse. "It was an accident," he reasoned. "She wasn't looking—"
"Then why are you out here all alone like some stupid baby crying to yourself?" Igneel sneered. "If it was an accident, she'd take care of you."
Gale tried again. "She's going to. She went to go get Mom and Dad."
"Then why are you out here and not inside?"
Gale tried to come up with an answer, but he was stumped.
Igneel rolled his eyes. "You're such a fucking baby," he grumbled. "I was supposed to see my friend since she's lonely without me, and now I have to take care of your dumb ass." His eyes gleamed in rising anger. "Because of you, she'll be lonely tonight."
Gale pressed himself against the tree, not wanting to fight, and he lowered his eyes instinctually and made himself smaller. "Then go," he mumbled. "I'm fine out here. Leave me alone. You already hate me."
Silence.
The focus rounded, and Gale howled in pain when Igneel suddenly moved him. "Stop! It hurts…!"
"Shut up and stop whining, you baby." Igneel grunted as he put Gale over his shoulder. "Ugh, you're so fat. Not as fat as Nashi, but you're pretty close."
"Put me down!" Gale shouted, angry and flustered. "What are you doing?"
Igneel started a casual trudge into the forest. "What does it look like I'm doing, idiot? I'm taking you to Granny Porlyusica's."
"No, you can't!" Gale felt panic war with him. 'She'll start asking—'
"She won't ask questions," Igneel grumbled as though he knew where Gale's worries lie. "She never asks questions when I come back from a fight. I can't just let you sit there. You'd probably get eaten. Two coyotes were circling you until I came along."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really, dumbass. What, falling down the stairs broke your nose too?" Igneel adjusted Gale with a huff. "So just shut up, okay? The second you're in Granny's, I'm leaving. My friend needs me so she's not lonely tonight."
Gale fell into quiet. For a while, it was just Igneel's quiet footsteps through the grasp. Then Gale mumbled, "Thank you."
It took Igneel a while to respond. "Don't worry about it."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gale laid his ukulele at his side. We might've fought pretty much all the damn time, but… He never did tell anyone about that night. And he didn't try to fight me as much afterward. He didn't like me around Blondie, but he became a little more tolerable to be around. He had my back, and I had his. He touched his shoulder when… His eyes popped open to look at his barren arm. My armband. Dammit. It must've gotten lost in the forest. Part of my blacked-out memory. He laid his head back on the bed. I'll make a new one. It's fine.
Rubies blinked, tired. Sometimes, I wonder how he's doing. When he said he was leaving, I thought he was out of his mind.
"You're not serious, are you?"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gale's sickbed at Porlyusica's hut was cold and darkened by the blustering storm outside, but that did not matter to Gale. He sat up on the bed to stare straight at Igneel who stood before him in his cloak that was dry as a whistle as though he had never stepped outside.
Igneel nodded. "I talked to Master about it and Pops. It's…" His hands went to fists. "It's time for me to go."
Gale shook his head. "Dude, you can't just leave. What about your family? What about your friends, or…? Or her?"
Emeralds flashed, but Igneel kept his cool. "It's because of them all that I have to do," he confided. He raised a hand to make his reddish-orange flames. "My fire… My anger… I can't control anything anymore. I thought I could, but I was wrong. Tonight proved that to me." He extinguished his flame. "Tonight proved a lot of things." He closed his eyes. Tensing, his eyes shot open and glowed pure green. The crest of Igneel burned orange on his chest as he growled.
Gale's instincts took effect. Eyes glowing sanguine, he growled back as the crest of Metalicanna glowed on his chest in a furious gray.
Igneel let the power go. "You can feel it, can't you?" he asked softly. "That you're a Dragon Slayer, but…not quite like our dads." When Gale said nothing, Igneel settled in the chair by Gale's bedside. "I always knew I was different," he told. "My anger was out of control, but I get it now. My powers enhanced my anger. With my ADHD, it helped me a lot whenever I was in such a rage and I started fighting. I had more focus than my opponent. But I could multitask like no problem. But my focus became something unhealthy." He conjured his flames again, but his flames shaped into a phoenix.
"What are you?" Gale had to ask.
"I don't know." Igneel watched as the phoenix flapped its wings. "I felt that crack into my true power again. I'm like you, but I'm something else." He clenched his hand, and the phoenix was gone. "Master sat me down for a one-on-one."
"Yeah? What'd she say?"
Igneel let his hands intertwine. "During their one-hundred quest mission, they met a man in Giltena. He's been around for a long time. She told me he's been waiting for me." He glanced at Gale. "And for you."
"I'm not leaving," Gale cut in.
Igneel chuckled, but it was weary and dry. "Yeah, I figured. You might be a pretty shitty person, but you're not as fucked up as me."
"Probably not." Gale's lips twitched. "But that's what makes me your second, right? You being the more fucked up one."
Igneel let out a genuine laugh. "Yeah, man, guess so." His laughter died down after a moment.
"So Giltena." Gale swallowed. "Pretty far. You sure this man is legit?"
"If Master says so, then he is." Igneel clenched his hands together. "This isn't the first time I changed. Back when I…" He could not say it. "Back then, I changed once. This time, I changed into a phoenix. I need to learn how to combine them both. I need to figure out what I am."
"And your family?" Gale questioned. "Mary Jane?"
Igneel's shoulders dropped. "I've seen my mom cry so much over me," he confessed. "She's tried so hard with me, but I treated her like crap when I was younger. And Luke—" He sucked in a breath. "He can't live his life while he's worried about me. I did that to him. I made him focus so hard on controlling me. I can't hold him back. I want him to worry about himself." He shook his head. "Pops already knows. He understands. Nashi will understand it too. But Lu…" His shoulders tensed.
Gale looked away.
"I never wanted her to be that to you," Igneel got out in a trembling voice full of anger. "Even now, it still pisses me off. You have the chance to love her and stay with her, and you let it go to waste. She's far from perfect. I admit that."
"But so am I." Gale sighed and ruffled his hair. "I know it won't mean much, but I am sorry."
"You're right. It doesn't mean anything to me."
Gale flinched.
"But I know you. And I know you don't know how to love someone." Igneel ignored Gale's look at him. "The love you got from Emma… It was toxic, Gale." Sad emeralds connected with anguished rubies. "She hurt you, Gale," he said. "She hurt you in the cruelest ways, and then she said she loved you." He shook his head when Gale opened his mouth. "Don't defend her. Not now. Not to me. Not after all we've been through, Gale, don't do that to me."
Gale shut his mouth.
"We're both messed up, you and me," Igneel sighed. "I did shitty things. You were treated like shit. We have all this power, but…we're not using it in the right way. For me, tonight was the last wake-up call I'm going to get until something worse happens." He looked at Gal. "So tell me. What will it take for you to have your last wake-up call?"
Gale did not know how to answer that.
Igneel rubbed the back of his neck, jarring his necklace. "Mary Jane has a life to live. But she can't with me being so close. I can't either. Leaving will be good for the both of us. She can figure out what she wants without me being in the picture. And me? I can learn control. The next time she and I meet, I honestly hope she's happy with herself—Nnngh." He locked his jaw as his hand fell to his side.
"What's wrong?" Gale worried.
Igneel let out a shaky breath. "It's nothing," he puffed. "I'm fine." Swallowing, he went on: "But as my second, you'll have to do me a solid and keep an eye on her and Peter for me. Make sure she's happy. If she's not"—a fanged grin—"I'll have to visit her window when I'm back."
"Yeah, I'll watch over her," Gale agreed.
"Thanks. Seriously, Gale. Thank you."
"It's whatever," Gale dismissed. "Shit's not gonna be the same without you around, though, man. So try not to take too long coming back home." He smirked. "I can't promise Blondie and I won't be together if you take too long—Ow!" He curled over from the hit Igneel dished him. "Asshole. The Hell are you hitting me for when I'm injured?"
Igneel rolled his eyes. "Don't talk about my sister, dumbass." His eyes turned serious. "And don't try anything with her until you learn how to take care of yourself," he said in low threat. "I mean it, Gale. Don't mess around with her when you're like this. You'll hurt her this way."
Gale coughed and wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist. "Yeah," he muttered. "I got it."
Silence.
Gale sighed. "Well, you go on ahead and get stronger. I'll be nice and give you a little head start since I already have Sycaña on my team. Right, Mama S?"
Sycaña's amulet appeared with a brief glow in power. 'I wish you well on your journey of discovery, My Prince,' she said, tone respectful and warm. 'May the winds carry for your wings on the swiftest of breezes.'
Igneel smiled. "Thanks." He looked at Gale and softened. "Once you figure your shit out, I'll be waiting for you, Gale." He held out his hand. "So don't take too long, second."
"Yeah. Back at'cha." Gale gripped Igneel's forearm with a grin. "Prince."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gale sighed again and put an arm over his eyes. What have I been doing since Igneel left? I feel like I tried moving one step and got thrown back ten. It's not like I don't want to figure everything out, but it's just…
"Once you figure your shit out, you start figuring out how to handle every other relationship in your life."
"Focus on yourself, and everything else will figure itself out when it needs to."
"And from where I'm standing, you don't have the strength to be by her side the way you are now."
"I want to do it," Gale admitted in the confines of his room. "I want to…to talk about it. I want to talk about everything. I don't want to get to my last wake-up call. No, my wake-up call was almost attacking Blondie. My past merged with my present. For a split moment, I couldn't even see Blondie. I just saw…"
Furious eyes.
Gale's jaw locked. The way I'm going, it'll be worse. I can't let it get worse. I don't want it to get worst; I just want…to get better. But it's like I don't even know where to start.
You start where you're able, Sycaña told him. There's no need to start at the beginning. You can start at the middle or the end. You already started with the admittance you were hurt. You can keep going from there. And I will be with you every step you take.
Gale shuttered out a breath. Am I really doing this? Do I even have a choice?
"You always have a choice… So, do you want to be here?"
Gale reached for his Compact. He unlocked it and brought up Doctor's Orr's contact. "I have a choice," he told himself. "This is my choice."
He hit the call button and put the Compact and the air. He waited.
The call picked up, but not a word was said.
"Hey, Doc, it's me. I…" Gale swallowed. "I made my choice. And I'm ready to try."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Bluebird
Clover Town
Fiore, Ishgar
1:35 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The restaurant looked cozy and posh at the same time. Muted yet bright walls with open windows and a private room for other affairs, the staff looked in a good mood today. The wood came from the Traditionalists in Infiorata Town, which meant the owner had money to spare for the quality of their restaurant. The restaurant looked like it flowed into two sections, with one level risen a few steps than the other. The ground level housed regular booths and tables and a privatized room, popular for families and bigger groups. The raised section housed a bar and high-rise booths and tables and stools. It was populated more with secondary, college, and university students alongside adults. Some poor daughter was being sung happy birthday after begging her parents to not mention her birthday. A man and his partner clinked their Bellini in a toast to a successful week.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is a restaurant known as Bluebird, a hotspot for breakfast and brunch. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Jaxton's eyebrow twitched as he sipped his tea while Tesla had eggs on her fork as she watched Weiwei's growing stack of plates. Weiwei finished her last mouthful and sighed. "So good…!" she cheered. "Almost compares to my future hubby's meals."
"A-Ah… I'm sure…" Tesla did not know what to feel. I thought I ate a lot, but Weiwei… I don't know if I should be impressed or worried. "So, um… You're sure you're okay? I mean, you were just ransomed not too long ago…"
Weiwei waved a hand as she gulped down some coffee. "Oh, that's nothing! It happened to me all the time when I was a kid!"
And you say that like you're proud?! Tesla cried.
"Besides, nothing bad ever really happens to me," Weiwei assured. "My little bro always bails me out. He's been doing it since we were little." She snorted. "Well, I was little. He was littler than me. Just like now."
Jaxton's eyes closed as he kept his cool. I will not give her back to the men who ransomed her. I will not give her back to the men who ransomed her. Sipping his tea, he murmured, "Weiwei had a knack for getting into trouble. Our parents weren't amused."
"Oh, no, they weren't," Weiwei agreed, nodding seriously. "They stopped responding to ransom calls when I was a teenager because they didn't think I was worth the trouble."
Oh my god. Tesla's eye twitched. "I… I see…" She smiled as she gripped Jaxton's thigh and spoke without moving her lips, "Jang-ta, your parents didn't want to save their own daughter from ransom. Did you just hear what I heard?"
Jaxton sighed. "Weiwei, you're going to scare Tesla into thinking our parents were negligent."
"Oh, no, no, our parents weren't negligent or anything like that," Weiwei rushed to assure. "Ba just got sick of coming to my rescue, so he made Jang-ta do it instead." She reached over to stretch Jaxton's cheek. "My sweet little brother always coming to my rescue. Isn't that cute? You'd always follow me around."
Jaxton deftly smacked Weiwei's hand away and rubbed his cheek. "Because the second I stopped watching you, you'd be abducted," he muttered. "I had to be your bodyguard on top of my studies."
"Well, you didn't do such a great job since I kept getting kidnapped."
TICK!
Jaxton clenched his teacup. I will not give her back to the men who ransomed her. I will not give her back to the men who ransomed her.
Tesla cleared her throat. "Okay… Well, I'm learning so much about this exciting family dynamic." She held up a finger. "Let me just go to the bathroom really quick—" She flinched when she felt Jaxton's heavy hand bare down on her thigh to make her stay put. "I have to pee."
"You were going to run," Jaxton deadpanned.
"Psh…" Tesla feigned a laugh. "Ha… I wasn't… Pfft…! No… I wasn't… I wasn't going to…" She turned away from Jaxton's stare and focused on Weiwei and her alarming eating habits. "So, Weiwei, how long do you plan on being in Fiore?"
Weiwei swallowed her food. "My fiancé made sure to get me a flight back tomorrow. I came to Fiore since Jang-ta didn't sound okay over the Com, and I just wanted to make sure he was okay."
Tesla blinked. "You flew all this way just because Jaxton didn't sound okay?"
Weiwei nodded. "Of course! If someone you loved didn't sound okay, wouldn't you want to make sure they're doing okay?"
"Well, yeah, but…" Tesla had a new level of admiration for Weiwei. She dropped everything just to check on her brother. Most people would just stick to a text or a Com call, but she flew all this way. That's incredible. She patted Jaxton's leg. "Jaxton, go to the bathroom."
Jaxton raised an eyebrow.
Tesla sweetly smiled. "I want to talk about you without you being here. Leave us alone." She caught the look in his eyes and pouted. "Pretty please?" She broke into a smile when Jaxton slow kissed her.
"Don't let her out of your sight," Jaxton rumbled. "You could blink, and someone kidnaps her." He pulled away. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes." He cut Weiwei a glare that froze her. "Do not wander off," he warned. "I will not find you if you do."
Weiwei waved a hand. "You will. Bye."
Jaxton grunted, but he got out of the booth and left both women behind.
Tesla watched until he turned a corner. She said, "So, Weiwei—"
"Tesla."
She turned to see the hard look on Weiwei's face. "Yes?"
"Please be honest with me." Weiwei set down her utensils. "I know I have no right to ask this, and you don't have to answer. You don't owe me an answer. But I just wanted to ask…"
She's probably going to ask me if I'm going to stay with Jaxton? Tesla supposed. It makes sense. I'm sure they're close enough where Jaxton would have told her we hit a rough spot. "Go on and ask."
Weiwei took a deep breath. "You and Jaxton…"
Tesla held her breath.
Weiwei's mouth set. "Is Jaxton treating you like his sex maid?"
Tesla blanked.
Three.
Two.
One.
Tesla's head cocked. "Huh?"
"You see…" Weiwei held her chin with her thumb and forefinger. "When I visited Jang-ta's apartment, it was clean. Normally, that wouldn't surprise me. He was annoyingly tidy back when we lived under the same roof. But then I noticed touches all around the apartment that a woman lived there." Her eyes closed, deep in thought. "And on top of that… He has actual cooking supplies and a full refrigerator. He never really cooked at home. I know he said he learned, but I had my suspicions. But then it gets worse. You see…" Her eyes open, dark. "I saw he had a stripper pole in his bedroom."
Tesla blinked. I knew that was going to bite us in the ass. Her eyes widened when Weiwei grabbed her hands.
"If Jang-ta is using you in any impure way, please let me know," Weiwei said, tone low and resolved. "He might be strong, but I have enough material to blackmail him to stay away from you."
Tesla awkwardly laughed. "Oh, no, Weiwei, it's not like that! Jang-ta and I both love to cook. And about the stuff in his apartment, he let me decorate it. I insisted it needed some style in it since it looked like he barely lived there. And, um, the pole in his room…" The Hell am I supposed to say to that? I can't just tell her I use it or her little brother is into BDSM and we love doing intense Tarzan and Jane. She'd probably blackmail me into leaving him. Well, if Jaxton isn't around... "I-I-It's, um, not for me! Jang-ta uses it for, um, core-strengthening?"
Silence.
Weiwei retreated as she considered Tesla's words. "I see… Pole exercising is an intense workout."
Oh, thank god she bought it. Tesla suddenly shivered and shifted. But why do I foresee a future I'm not going to be sitting for a while? "Yes! He's great at, um…pole exercising," she cheerily added. "It's quite the noble sport. And art, one would say. Jang-ta's just a brilliant artist on a pole. Ha-ha…" She shivered again. He's not even around, but I can feel myself digging a deeper hole for myself…
"Well, that's good to know." Weiwei smiled, eyes gentle. "I'm happy Jang-ta has you and his friends. He always sounds so happy over the Com. Thank you for making him that way."
Tesla frowned. "He wasn't happy before?"
"Not in the conventional way, no." Weiwei sighed. "It's not my place to explain everything, but he was just…different at home. Our parents were hard on him the most. Our mother cared for Jang-ta's social life and education. Ba was hard on Jang-ta with everything else." Her eyes looked sad and wistful. "I never truly saw his smile or heard his laugh. And then…"—her eyes found Tesla—"you came along."
Tesla blinked. "Me?"
Weiwei nodded. "I could hear it in his voice every Com-call how much he loves you," she confessed. "I could hear his smile when he talked about you. So when he spoke about you and I couldn't hear his smile anymore…"
Tesla licked her lips, then swallowed. "It's been a rough month," she conveyed, "but we're getting back on the right track." Steely grays shimmered. "I don't plan to leave your brother for a long time. I know it might sound stupid. We're still young. It's way too soon to be thinking timespans of 'forever'. But I do love Jang-ta. And I hope to stay with him for as long as he has me."
Weiwei watched the look of adoration in Tesla's eyes and her smile, and her own eyes shimmered. "I want you to know Jang-ta wouldn't bring you back home if he didn't think of a forever with you," she admitted. "For you to meet our parents…"
"He's never done so with anyone else?" Tesla questioned. "He's told me point blank he's never had exes—which made me suspicious if he was a secret yandere or something because he is a walking wet dream—but if he really hasn't…"
Weiwei chuckled and shook her head. "No, he hasn't," she confirmed. "He told my parents and me he wanted to bring you to the compound and introduce you to our entire family."
"Mmm, and I'm getting nervous thinking about it," Tesla tittered as she took a swig of her mimosa.
"Tesla…" Weiwei hummed as she thought of the words. "Our family is very…unique…in many aspects. It's our parents' fear if you see everyone for who they are, you may want to leave."
Tesla softened. "Yes. Jang-ta more or less said the same. He's scared I'll run, but… I just don't understand it." She stared into her mimosa. "Does he think I'm that much of a bigot that I won't want to be around you both and your family?" she wondered.
"No, we don't think that at all," Weiwei soothed. "Like I said, our family is…unique. We don't allow people outside the family to come to the compound for that reason. But for him to push for you to come and be introduced to the family… It's a testament to his love for you, Tesla, not his doubt."
Tesla swallowed. "I hope so," she said heavily as she raised her glass to her lips. "And he better love me," she muttered. "I'm a knockout. I'm a damn eleven."
Weiwei freely laughed. "I feel like I already met you with how much Jang-ta talks about you. Always so proud of all your accomplishments. You'd think he was a proud daddy or something."
Tesla internally sweated. Yes, he is Daddy, but just not like that… "Speaking of talking about people, now that we're alone, there are a few things I'd like to know about Jaxton, and I'm pretty sure you could be my source of information. May I ask you, my fellow eleven?"
"I'm a twelve but continue," Weiwei quipped.
"So Jang-ta's pretty serious," Tesla started, "but I'm looking for times when he wasn't as a serious."
Weiwei's eyes danced in mischief. "Which story do you want to hear first? A bedwetting story, his first drunk moment story, or the time some sexual awakening while the entire family was watching a movie?"
"Oh, girl, that last story obviously," Tesla cheered. "Tell me more, tell me more!"
But Weiwei could not get anything out when Jaxton slid back into the booth on Tesla's side with an irate expression on his face. Tesla pretended to be offended. "Good sir, it has not been fifteen minutes." Her eyes widened then shut tight as she suppressed a groan.
"It was cruel of you to send me away," Jaxton rumbled, slightly more relaxed. He shot a cheeky Weiwei a glare. "And I wanted to make sure Weiwei was being appropriate."
Weiwei grinned. "This is payback for all the times you've ruined past boyfriends and fiances by running your mouth."
"I wasn't running my mouth," Jaxton calmly countered. "I was forewarning them you're a flight risk and a beacon to danger."
Weiwei gaped. "I am not!" she protested. "And don't you dare scare off this fiancé either. You have a girlfriend now, and it'd be very easy for me to let a few stories slip."
Jaxton narrowed his eyes. "You wouldn't dare."
"You chased away more fiances and boyfriends than I have fingers and toes." Weiwei narrowed her eyes back. "I so would."
Tesla suddenly started and shoved herself into a corner of the booth, wide-eyed. "We-heh-hell… This has been a lovely brunch, but maybe all parties should start getting to-go bags and take this conversation on the road and back to the be—Apartment! We should take this back to the apartment!"
Jaxton sat back, not breaking eye contact with his older sister. "Weiwei, I'll drop you off at my apartment," he determined. "Tesla and I have errands to run. Try not to get lost."
"Try not to run into glass doors," Weiwei snarked back as she slid out of the booth. "Get me to-go boxes. I need to head to the ladies. Tesla, do you want to come with me?" She smirked at Jaxton's dark look. "I have so many stories to tell."
"No!" Tesla blurted, flustered. "No, no, I'm good here! We can talk about them later!"
"Whatever you say." Weiwei ruffled Jaxton's hair before she abandoned them for the bathrooms.
Jaxton sighed, then his eyes drifted to Tesla, and his lips twitched. "Something wrong, baby girl?" He chuckled when Tesla came over to him and kissed his jaw. "We're in public," he chided.
"You're a twisted man," Tesla whispered against his skin. "And I'm a sick woman who loves you being so"—kiss!—"fucking"—kiss!—"twisted."
Jaxton turned his head to give her a placating kiss. "Later," he promised her in low tones. He chuckled when Tesla groaned. "You denied me this morning. You can wait a little longer." His eyes were filled with mirth when Tesla shoved him away and huffed. "Don't get pouty. You know what I have to do when you pout."
Tesla mimicked, "'You know what I have to do when you pout'."
"Tesla…"
She pointedly looked away and hmphed.
Jaxton itched to pull her back when he felt his Compact vibrate. He saw it was an unknown number calling him, but he still answered it. "This is Jaxton."
"Ha-ha, so, um… Funny story, little brother…"
TICK!
Jaxton felt a migraine coming on and buried his face into his hand to hide his frustration. Goddammit, Weiwei.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
East Forest
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
2:14 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The walk back home was quiet between Gary and the Dragneel siblings. While Býleistr could have teleported them, Nashi insisted they all needed the walk to help with their thoughts. Luke hung back, hollow. Luna kept close to Icarus, solemn. Nashi and Gary were hand in hand. The moment they got close to the house, Gary stopped them all. "Stay here," he told.
"No." Nashi squeezed her hand. "We'll go in together."
Gary nodded. To Luke and Luna, he told them. "We'll be right back."
Luke nodded while Luna mumbled, "Okay."
Býleistr shifted into his Cat Form, and he trotted ahead of Nashi and Gary to get to the house. While they went to scout around the house, Icarus sat down, and an uncomfortable silence spewed between Luna and Luke. Luna fisted Icarus's fur, eyes downcast. I don't know what to say to him, Icarus. I made him mad.
Not mad, Pup. I don't feel or smell his anger.
Then what is it?
He's desperate.
For what?
Icarus sighed. To be a human.
Luna swallowed. Right…
The screen door swung open, and Nashi appeared. She called to her brother and sister, "Everything is clear! Come on in!" She frowned when both of them nodded and quietly filed to the house. Ever since Luna's reveal about Luke being a Demon now, neither one of them has talked. Their auras… Luna's feels anxious and upset, but Luke's is dense with despair. I can't Calm them. Not for this.
Nashi stepped aside for Luke and Luna to come and take off their shoes, Icarus transforming down into his Dog Form. "The Machias who impersonated are gone. Nothing was really touched, so we should be okay."
Luke nodded, but he went for the stairs. "I'm going up to my room."
"Oh." Nashi watched him go. "Okay." This always happens. He'll explode, but then he just withdraws. But I can't force him to talk about it.
"Nashi."
She looked down at her little sister. "Yeah, Lu?"
Luna rubbed her arms. "Do you think…Luke will ever talk to me again?"
"He will," Nashi soothed. "He just needs some time to himself." She rubbed Luna's shoulder. "Want to watch a movie? We could make snacks or—"
"That's okay." Luna moved out of Nashi's hold. "I think I'm going up to my room too."
Nashi swallowed. "Right. Of course." She watched as Luna drifted up the steps with Icarus and tow. Cupping her elbows, she sighed, and she welcomed Gary's embrace when he came to join her at the entryway. She waited until she heard respective doors close to murmur to him, "Papa will know the second he sees him. He'll want answers. Just like my wings. But I can't tell him anything."
"I know." Gary rested his cheek against the side of her head. "I know."
Nashi took a breath. "We'll figure this out together, right?"
"We will." Gary kissed her cheek and squeezed her. "Together."
Nashi closed her eyes at his next kiss before she pulled out of his embrace to slide a hand up his chest and the other pulled out her Compact. Her lashes fluttered when Gary kissed her forehead. "We'll have to make sure we go through all our text messages. Invel said that the Machias were still in a learning phase, so they didn't leave the house. But it doesn't mean they didn't say things on our behalf." She unlocked her Compact to go through her messages when she felt Gary leading her. "Where are we going?"
"Your living room," Gary told her. "You need to sit. Býleistr can handle inventory."
Nashi hummed as she opened her messages. She put up no resistance when Gary sat on the couch and drew her into his lap. When she got to her messages with Justin and Ellie, she groaned. "Ugh, I forgot."
"What?"
"Justin and Ellie wanted a triple-date last night," Nashi told him. "My impersonator gave them a good reason I couldn't go and everything, but…" She shook her head.
"Do you want to go?"
Nashi swallowed. "I don't know," she murmured. "I'm still numb from everything else." She gripped her Compact. "Do I even have the right to go? See their faces and smile? Pretend everything is fine?"
"You can't change the past," Gary told her. "The past can hurt you in ways you never thought. But your past insofar never stopped you from seeing your friends. Don't let it stop you now."
Nashi leaned into him. "You always know what to say."
"Not always. Sometimes," Gary supposed. "The choice is yours, Angel. If you want us to go, we can go."
Nashi chewed on her bottom lip. "I promised Mama we'd stay in Magnolia. I know we can go to a restaurant here, but… Now that everything that could happen did happen, I just…" She looked up at the ceiling. "But I don't want to leave Luke and Luna alone. Not like this. Not when they're like this."
We'll be okay.
Nashi's eyes widened. Lu…
Sorry, I just… A pause. Please go, Luna insisted. We'll be okay here. This was supposed to be your weekend with Gary. We'll be fine here. If Mama calls, I can handle it. I won't tell her or Papa either.
Are you sure?
Yeah. We'll be okay. Please go.
Nashi flinched when she felt Luna cut the cord between their telepathic connection. "Lu says we should go."
"And you?" Gary prompted. "What do you want, Angel?"
Nashi snorted, humorless. "To drink and forget the last few days even happen." Her eyes emptied. "To pretend for a night I'm not a monster." She blinked when Gary tightened his hold on her.
"Call them and see if they're willing to go out tonight," Gary suggested. "A numbing night of normalcy might be something we need. But I suggest we eat something here and order light wherever we go just to be safe."
Nashi raised an eyebrow. "You think an enemy would try something while we're in a group?"
"No, but we can't be too careful. In a group, we can relax a little bit. But we'll need to keep our guard up alone or with each other." Gary turned Nashi to face him and understanding cerulean connected with sober hickory. "I know this isn't fair, but this is our reality."
"I know," Nashi whispered. "I just hate that it is." She caressed his cheek. "I want a world where you and Luna and Luke and Igneel don't have to keep looking over your shoulder. I just want a world where we can just…be. But it just seems like the world's broken."
"The world has always been broken," Gary said. "You can't fix the world, but… You can change it." He brought up her hand to kiss her fingertips then her palm. "You changed mine. And I know you'll change others too. You'll be an amazing representative, Angel."
Nashi hummed. "I'm terrified I'll screw up."
Gary shook his head. "You won't. You'll be speaking from the heart. There are thousands to millions of people out there in our situation. They have to look over their shoulder. They can't love who they want to love without heavy criticism or even imprisonment. They fear death just because they were born different." He thumbed her bottom lip. "And you'll be speaking on their behalf to have the freedom to choose the lives and the love they want and deserve."
"No pressure," Nashi mumbled.
Gary smiled. "The world wasn't built in a day. And it wasn't built alone. You'll have all of us at your side."
"I'll have you." Nashi twisted so she could put her arms around Gary. "I can't believe you stayed with me even after I forgot it all. Just months ago, you'd be chasing me down, and I'd be running away and cursing your name." She slid her hands to splay on his cheeks. "But you stuck to me like a loyal dog, you know that? You earned that name fairly."
Gary hummed. "I guess I did," he laughed. "I couldn't just let you go. You had given me so much. You were the one to take the leap first. It was my turn to take the leap first."
"Yeah…" Nashi smiled. "But you were such an asshole when we were kids." She laughed when Gary groaned and rested his head on her chest. "You were! I always wanted to kick that stupid smirk off your face. You were just such a cocky little shit, and you picked on me all the time."
"I told you. When a guy picks on a girl…" Gary weakly defended. He pouted up at her. "I'm sorry for being so mean to you, Angel. Forgive me?"
Nashi's eyebrow twitched all she saw was a husky puppy whining with those big blues. "Ugh…" She turned away, huffy, with pink cheeks. "I guess I can forgive you."
Gary was fully restored with a flowery aura glitzing about him. "Yay! Angel forgives me!"
So I traded a cocky little brat for a clingy husky puppy? Nashi sweatdropped. What a tradeoff. She looked down at her Compact and looked at all the messages her Machias had sent on her behalf. "I never thought Machias could exist like that," she murmured. "The Petra who stole me… I wonder if she was one of them."
"She might have been," Gary supposed. "But we'll have to look at this a lot more carefully. Trust is fragile, and we need trust to survive. Lack of trust makes it easier to separate power, and we'll turn on each other."
"Right, but we still need to have something so we can always identify we're the real ones," Nashi proposed. "We have our connection, but I feel like we need something physical too."
Gary took that into consideration. "I'll think about it. Call them."
"Okay." Nashi decided it was better to call Justin. He picked up on the third ring, and she started, "Hi—"
"Young lady, you have a lot of explaining to do!"
Nashi winced and pulled the Compact away from her ear which she thought was going deaf. "Yeah, I know I do, but I'm really sorry about triple date night!" she insisted. "And since Gary is in town until Monday, I was hoping we could do a redo, maybe?" She winced at Justin's volume. "JJ, please don't make me go deaf, I've had a very long weekend."
As Nashi spoke to Justin, Gary frowned. A physical confirmation that we're who we are…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Fullbuster Residence
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
3:45 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gray shuffled into the house with his duffel bag and dressed just barely for winter since the season was his element. For a few moments, he heard silence and hollered, "Anybody home?"
"I'm in my room, Dad!"
Gray took off his shoes in exchange for house slippers. "Your mom stopped by to see your uncle Gajeel, but she'll be home in a bit," he called to Silver. "Where's Lady J?"
"She said she was going out."
Probably with a boy, Gray determined with a sigh. He moved up the steps when he smelled fresh paint hit him. "Painting something today?"
"Yeah, I am. Do you want to see?"
"Sure. Let me put down my bag first." Gray made quick work of setting down his duffle on the velvet bench at the foot of his and Juvia's bed before he moved across the wall to Silver's partially closed door. He knocked twice before pushing the door open. He had to smile seeing Silver in his apron and hairband. "Got inspired today? Your mom told me about the gift you want to make."
Silver flushed as he put his brush in his jar of water with his other brushes. "I want to make sure everything gets done before Heart's Day," he confessed. "I finished scaling up the sketch I got in New Rosemary, so I started painting, and I've been in the zone ever since." He moved over. "What do you think?"
Gray came over, and he softened when he saw the image of Silver and Ena and the flower between them. He clapped Silver's back. "I think it looks pretty damn good. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, though, who it's for."
Silver scratched his cheek. "Yeah… Guess not…"
"And I guess I shouldn't guess whose house you went over in the middle of the night?" Gray questioned with a quirk of his eyebrow.
Silver paled, then he scowled. "Julia's a snitch."
"Nah. She was looking out for you like we asked her to." Gray noticed Silver look down and shuffled his feet. "What's goin' on, Silver? It's not like you to go out without telling us. You're normally more responsible than that. You know we don't care whenever you need to leave. We just want you to let us know."
Silver winced, guilty. "Yeah, I know, it's just…" He sighed. "I guess I got distracted," he confessed. "I'm sorry, Dad."
Gray ruffled Silver's hair. "It's fine. Just let us know where you're going in the future." Silver nodded, and Gray crossed his arms, grinning. He teased his son, "So… Should I ask if anything happened with you sneaking into a girl's bedroom at two in the morning?"
Silver went red all over. "Wh-Wh-Wh-What?!" He flailed his arms. "N-N-N-No! I'm not—! I mean we're not—! N-Nothing happened, I swear!" But then he blurted, "But she got really close—like really, really close—and then she was on top of me and she started making all these noises—!"
"Silver," Gray calmed. "It's okay. I'm just messing with you." He scanned Silver when he fidgeted. "But maybe I was right to ask," he murmured. "Did something happen between you two?" He tacked on when Silver messed with his apron, "I'm not asking to scold you later. It's okay if something did happen, Silver."
Silver swallowed. "Are you sure?"
"I'm positive." Gray gestured to the floor. "Let's sit and talk, yeah?" He and Silver sat crisscrossed on the floor, and he watched Silver keep his gaze on his apron and shift. "What do you feel comfortable about telling me?" he started. "You don't have to tell me anything. I don't want to force you. But I'm here to listen."
Silver fidgeted. "And you won't judge?"
Gray shook his head. "No, I won't."
Silver sniffed. "Well…" he hedged. "I… I didn't…" He clutched his apron. "I had…thoughts about Ena," he confessed, ashamed and guilty. "But they weren't nice thoughts about her; they were…dirty ones." He added quickly, "But I didn't do anything!" He shrunk. "But I…thought about things…" He sniffled and rubbed his nose. "I didn't want to think about those things."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. I just feel gross and dirty," Silver mumbled. "And Ena deserves to be thought of differently."
Gray conceded. "What do you think of her now?"
"I think she's amazing," Silver said, honest. "She's talented and intelligent. She doesn't hesitate to put someone in their place when they're wrong. And, sure, she can be harsh sometimes, but…" Mayan blues sparkled. "But she's also really kind and beautiful," he continued softly. "She cares a lot more than people think. And when she gets a new idea or gets excited? She has the most beautiful look on her face, Dad. And I know she hides a lot of herself from others, but… It means a lot to me when she lets me get a look at her—all of her. It's like"—his hands relaxed—"she's trusting me to look at all of her. And I want to keep seeing all of her. I want to be someone she can be proud to have by her side. I want to keep being there to help her with her dream, so she can smile more. Even if she doesn't smile because of me…I still want her to be happy."
Silver glanced at his father, and his blush intensified. He hastily said, "Or whatever. Something like that."
Gray chuckled. "From the way you're talking, I don't think you like Ena."
Silver turned fearful and a little hurt. "You don't?"
"No." Those raven darks softened. "That sounds like the beginning of love to me."
Silver opened his mouth to say… What could he say? He did not know what to say. Abashed, he looked down at himself and wrung his apron. "I thought I loved Paige, but I didn't, and I accept that," he murmured. "But I've never had other thoughts like this before." He tightened his hold on the cloth.
"When you have those thoughts, do they make you feel good?"
Silver snapped his eyes up to his father. "What?"
"Do they make you feel good?" Gray repeated. "The most important part about having any thoughts like that—about intimacy—is if they make you feel good. Even if it's a weird good, what do you feel with them?"
Silver gulped. "Th-Th-They feel…" he added in a mumbled, "good. A good weird."
"Okay. Here comes a more important question." Gray lifted his chin. "If you could act on them, would you?"
Silver thought long and hard about the question. "Ena once told me…that 'men serve a purpose'. She doesn't really care about who she would do it with. And that she doesn't want anyone in her life." He shifted. "I know she wasn't being mean, and I don't have the right to judge her. But… I'd rather be with someone who loves me and wants me." He passed his father a hesitant look. "Is that okay?"
"Of course it is," Gray encouraged. "It's Ena's right to be intimate with whoever she wants. And it's your right to be intimate with someone you love and, in turn, they love you back. Wanting something like that doesn't make you gross or anything like that. It just makes you want to have a deeper connection."
"Even if the person I want doesn't want me back?"
Gray nodded. "It's not a crime to want something you can't have. But being intimate means you and your partner or partners have to all want the same thing. You all have to consent. It's okay to think about Ena in that way. As long as you continue to be respectful to her boundaries and your own, there isn't anything wrong with it."
Silver's brow furrowed. "My own boundaries?"
"Right." Gray rubbed his neck. "Sometimes, in relationships or without them, people compromise when it comes to intimacy. You want to be with someone you love, right?" When Silver nodded, Gray asked, "If Ena wanted to be intimate with you and she didn't love you, would you still want to be intimate with her?"
"No." Silver hesitated. "Maybe…?"
"And that is your boundary," Gray explained. "In the heat of the moment, when you and your partner start getting intimate, you might not care about the want to be loved by your partner. You're sacrificing something important by being with them. And it can lead to something worse when you stop being intimate with them, and you realize it. So before you become intimate with anyone, make sure you think things through about the aftermath, okay?"
Silver nodded. "Okay." He hesitated again.
"What is it?" Gray gently prompted.
Silver hemmed and hawed before he could get a word out. "Do you ever, like…"—his face reddened—"smell something that calms you down?"
Gray's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I, um…" Silver fidgeted. What am I supposed to even say? I can't just tell him I was smelling Ena's dirty towel. He'd definitely judge me then. Steam left his ears as he bared his shameful face into his hands (and Gray had question marks going around him). I should be arrested for this. "Never mind," he decided. "Thanks for the talk, Dad."
"Of course." Gray got to his feet and helped his son up. "I know talking to your parents isn't 'cool', but we're here for you for things like this. Any questions and we'll answer them for you."
Silver sucked on his bottom lip in thought. "Would you be able to answer one more for me?"
"Sure. What is it?"
Silver went to retrieve his tablet. "I keep seeing this place in my dreams, but I can't tell what it is." He tapped into Adobo. "Ena told me to write down my dreams, but I drew them out instead. I just don't understand this." He offered the tablet to his father. "Here. I drew a few more pictures after that too."
Ravens widened. Is this…? They gleamed. So. He's having the dreams.
Gray tapped to the next picture. "This is impressive," he told Silver. "You've always been quite the artist." He softened when he saw the underwater temple. So it's come to this, huh? We should have known.
"Thanks." Silver peered at the temple and the tribal symbol. "I keep seeing that temple, but I don't understand why or what it is or even where it is. I've never been underwear, but the dreams are just so clear and…" He sighed. "Maybe I'm just going crazy."
"No. I don't think you're going crazy." Gray gave the tablet back to his son. "Tell me. Did I ever tell you about the hundred-year quest I went on with Master, Natsu, Lucy, Wendy, Happy, and Charla?"
Silver shook his head. "A little but not really."
"Then let me tell it now." Father and son sat on the edge of Silver's bed. "We were pretty young when we went on the quest. Gildarts couldn't even handle it, but we thought we were up for the challenge. And that quest was to seal away the remaining Dragons who resided in Giltena."
Silver's eyes rounded. "'Dragons?"
"Yes." Gray nodded. "But they were different Dragons than the ones in stories. They were humans who had used their powers too much and turned into Dragons. And the first Dragon we encountered while in Giltena was none other than the Sea King Dragon Mercuphobia."
"'Mercu…phobia'…" Silver echoed. "What was he like?"
"A tortured soul," Gray remembered. "He had a healthy conscience to him. He might've done a lot of wrong in the past, but he spent the rest of his life trying to make it right. As a Dragon, the beast was gigantic. As a human, though, he looked like us—for the most part, anyway." He crossed his arms. "And his people loved him. In fact, that temple you drew was a temple in ode to him."
Silver could not believe it. "I drew the temple of a Sea King Dragon?"
"He was a Water Dragon God back in the day," Gray reasoned, "but, yeah. The symbol and that temple represent Mercuphobia."
Silver let that sink in as he looked at the temple. This is the temple of the Water Dragon God… A Sea King Dragon named…Mercuphobia. But then… Why would I see it in the first place? I've never even heard about him or his temple until today. Maybe I have and just didn't realize it?
"Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, Dad."
"Your dreams." Gray glanced at the temple. "If you get any more of 'em, can you let me know?"
Silver was taken back. "Oh, um. Sure, Dad. But why?"
"It's good practice to take any dreams you see seriously," Gray told him as he pushed off the bed. "Dreams might be the starting point you need to realize where you need to go. Always take note of your dreams and what you hear and see. Because that dream might be the key to something bigger."
Silver watched, perplexed, as Gray went to the entryway. Dad…
Gray paused at the doorframe. "Your mom will be back soon, but I'm going to get a head start on dinner. Keep up the good work with your painting," he encouraged. "And remember, kid. Any question about your dreams or thoughts you're having—I'm here for them."
"Yeah." Silver softened. "Yeah, I know, Dad. Thanks."
Gray hummed and left, closing the door behind him.
Silver looked down at the temple. Mercuphobia… His hand feathered the tribal symbol. The king of the sea…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Dash's Apartment
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
5:16 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
It was common knowledge that when you had a pet who loves you, they wanted to be with you all the time. It did not matter that you could be in the bathroom, making dinner, or trying to sleep. Your pet made it a point to be there for you even if it was not necessary, and Wally the Belnich Shepherd was not an exception and neither was Kore the Hellhound-turned-common mutt. He laid in a fluffy ball at the foot of Dash's bed while Dash and Julia were vaguely awake and cuddling. Kore was more respectful and settled on the floor. She practically growled Wally away when he wanted to lay near her, and she ignored him staring at her as though he was waiting for approval to sleep at her side.
Julia yawned. "What time is it?"
"Probably close to five or after it," Dash mumbled. "Why? Do you need to leave?"
Julia shook her head. "No. I told my parents I'd probably be out for the weekend." She rubbed her eyes. "But I promised Kat I'd come over sometime tonight since you're stealing her boyfriend to go to the flats."
"I'm not afraid of her when I steal Miles, but I sure as Hell am afraid of Tesla." Dash cleared his throat. "Tesla made it clear when I asked Jaxton if he wanted to come that they had a lot of making up to do."
Julia frowned. "She's back?"
"Yeah. Guess she got in early this morning from her trip." Dash looked down at Julia. "She didn't tell you."
Hurt filtered through Julia, and her eyes drifted down. "No," she murmured. "She didn't."
Dashi shifted so he faced Julia. "What's been going on between the two of you?" he wanted to know. "Before, you two were pretty much inseparable. As in I'm sure Jax saw you as some serious threat to his relationship. But now, it's like you two don't talk anymore."
"Things change," Julia supposed in vague.
Dash did not believe it. "Yeah, but not without a good reason. We both know Tes. She goes out of her way to check-in with everyone and makes sure we all hangout." He caught Julia pressing her lips together and sighed. "I don't want to pry. I was just worried and curious."
"No, it's fine." Julia brushed back her bangs. "Our last conversations didn't end on a high note. Jax promised me she'd open back up to me when she's ready, but then she just disappears days before her sperm donor's trial…" She waved her hand in vague gesture. "I don't know. Maybe…it was time for us to stop being close."
"Eh, I don't believe that," Dash said. "Fights happen, but I know this isn't the end for you and Tesla. Give her a little time. With her sperm donor out of jail, I'm sure she's going to be feeling a lot." He brushed Julia's cheek. "Just be there for her. Let her see that. She'll come around."
Julia looked at him. "And if she doesn't?"
"Keep being there for her until she does."
Julia gave a soft snort through her nose, smiling a little. "For an ex-con, you have a lot of wisdom, Eiji."
"I am not an ex-con," Dash laughed. "Relationships are just tricky, Peaches. Being friends with a man-slut, a quiet Dom, a pit-bull, a silent but deadly fighter, and a puppy is hard enough to navigate. And women?" He made a noise. "Even worse."
Julia snickered. "You just say that because the first time you and Cane met Tesla, she turned you down in the smoothest way possible."
"How did Jax get her?" Dash complained. "How?"
"Dunno, dude, opposites attract," Julia jested. "And speaking of opposites…" She paused. "Screw it. What's the deal between you and Amber now?"
Dash's brow furrowed. "There isn't a deal with her and me. She crossed a line. I haven't seen her since December, but I'm pretty sure she went to stay with her dad. Why?"
"Well…" Julia splayed her hands on Dash's chest. "You and Amber had a deal, but it wasn't a relationship deal." Her eyes met his. "And we don't have that sort of deal, right?"
Dash lifted an eyebrow. "We don't have to," he supposed. "Peaches, I'm not going to chain you to me if that's something you don't want. We don't have to think about a relationship deal or we can." His lips twitched. "But just so you know, if Gary and your dad start gunning for me, I'm running."
"Wouldn't that be a sight to see," Julia snickered. She sighed out her mirth. "Let's…not make this a relationship deal quite yet," she decided. "Just not yet, okay? We can talk about it soon, but I just need a little more time."
Dash shrugged. "That's fine. It's whatever." A grin feathered his lips. "Does this still mean I still get to fuck you?" He laughed when Julia smacked his side.
"It does, but you're so crass," Julia grumbled. She smiled back when Dash roll on top of her and kissed her deeply. "When are you guys leaving for the flats again?"
Dash kissed her neck. "Probably—I don't know—maybe around ten or something like that." He kissed her throat. "So we have a few hours for a few rounds if you're okay with that."
Julia hummed. "I need to get out of her by seven to go see Kat," she reminded, eyes falling closed when Dash kissed a sweet spot. "And if you don't want to piss off Gale, you'll need some time to shower." She could feel Dash pulling a face on her skin. "Don't be like that. He's just protective. He wouldn't kill you."
"You've never seen the dude fight at the Purgatory," Dash mumbled. "Jax and Gale are predators, but Gale is more aggressive." He shuddered. "And god, don't get me started on Igneel. He was a complete monster."
Julia gathered Dash's cheeks in her hands. "Well, since you don't want to get chewed up by an apex predator, how about we compromise two rounds and then a very long shower that makes Gale think all we did was cuddle?"
"Is that what we're calling it these days?" Dash grinned while Julia laughed, but he had no time to say much more when his Compact rang. He frowned and reached over to get it. "Ah, that must be Cal." He answered the call to let Cal into the building. "Guess he came over early."
Julia sat up when Dash got off her. "Your stepbrother, right?" Right. The step-brother who's a Warlock…
"Yeah. Like I said, he came up from his university with two guys from his fraternity," Dash informed as he went to put on a shirt. "I've never met his frat brothers before, but he told me they're chill." He wrangled on a t-shirt. "If he's early, then we'll probably get dinner and I'll show him around. Did you want to come with?"
Julia slipped out of bed. "No, that's okay. Thank you, though. I better get home and change. Maybe I'll head to Kat's early." She smoothened out the hoodie Dash had given her due to her complaints of the cold, but she smiled when Dash came to hook his arms around her waist.
"Even if we're not doing a relationship deal," Dash started, "how about an exclusive deal?"
Julia pitched up an eyebrow. "Afraid Cane will finally break me, and I'll go out with him?"
That had Dash snort. "We both know you wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole." He shook his head. "But, no, not that. We're not in a relationship, and I respect that. But if I'm having sex with you, I just want to have sex with you." He shrugged. "You know, be smart. Have only one fuck buddy. Diminish chances of an STI."
"Ah, yes, it's always good to be smart and safe," Julia agreed, nodding along as she held back her amusement. "I'm fine with us being exclusive. I hadn't planned on sleeping with anyone else." A beat. "I mean if Tesla was available—"
"Stop before you give me a hard-on just thinking of that," Dash groaned
Julia shrugged. "What can I say? Back when it was just Dante, Tesla, and me, I got to see all kinds of sides to her, and she's a very frisky drunk. Jaxton's just stingy."
"Didn't Dante and Tesla kiss once?" Dash remembered.
Julia's brow furrowed until she burst into laughter. "Right! We were at some bar and this person wouldn't take a 'no', so Tesla just said she had a boyfriend and Dante was right there." She remembered Dante subtly hiding behind Tesla out of protection, Tesla being highly nervous, and the dark look on Jaxton's face. "I don't know what happened after that night, but Dante and Tesla were oddly silent. It's normal for Dante to be silent. For Tesla?" She shivered. "Yeesh, I don't even want to think about what happened."
"Agreed." Dash's eyes gleamed. "How much you wanna bet it was something ridiculously dirty?"
The front door knocked, and Julia pushed Dash away. "Go answer the door, you perv," she commanded, lips twitching. "We just said we were exclusive and you go off and fantasy about another woman?"
"Please. Like you haven't," Dash called as he exited the bedroom.
Julia chuckled as she found her stocks and pulled them out. But as the laughter faded, reality set back in. Calcifer is a Warlock. I can't believe it. If I hadn't seen him in the mall… She saw Kore approach her and held out a hand to take her muzzle. Yeah, I know. But we can't say anything about him for now. Having a Warlock this close could be of value.
Kore fed understanding through their link, but it turned into annoyance when Wally jumped off the bed to approach her. She showed her teeth, and Wally lowered himself, but he did push his luck coming closer.
"Let the poor doggo near you, you big baby," Julia teased.
Kore huffed, but she let go of her aggression. She just barely turned her head away when an excited Wally came to sniff her all over, tail wagging. Kore tensed when Wally tried to sniff her rear, but Wally decided to sit down next to her instead of trying his luck again.
"You two would make such a cute couple," Julia cooed. She snickered when Kore looked unamused. Wally did not look like he had a clue what was going on. He was just happy to be here.
"Julia…!" Dash called. "Come meet Cal!"
"Sure!" Julia chirped, feigning a lightness. She got up and patted Kore on the bed before she moved out of the bedroom and down the hall. She saw Dash and Cal and tried not to tense up when she caught a glimpse of Cal's watch. "Hi," she greeted. 'You must be 'Cal'." She held out a hand.
Cal shook it with a warm smile. "You must be 'Julia'. It's nice to meet you." He dropped her hand as he adjusted his bag. "Sorry for coming so early," he apologized to both of them. "Preston went back home to see his parents, and Christophe has some work to do at home." He shook his head. "I know we don't have the perfect relationship," he said in reference to him and Dash, "but the way he and his brother Carlisle fight is something else."
"'Carlisle'?" Julia echoed. "What's Christophe's last name?"
"Justino."
Both Dash and Julia gave each other surprised looks. "Sorry, we just know Carlisle," Julia explained. "He's seeing a good friend of ours."
"He was preparing for a date, I think, with his friends when I saw him," Cal remembered. "I'm assuming that was with your friend, then? The date?"
Dash nodded, folding his arms across his chest. "That'd be Dante. They have a date tonight." He huffed a laugh. "Who knew your frat brother was the brother of our friend's boyfriend?" He shook his head. "Anyway, don't worry about coming early. We can get something to eat, and I can show you around before we had to the flats.
"Sounds good." Cal noticed Julia take interest in his watch. "You're the second person to stare at my watch today."
Julia tilted her head. "Oh, yeah? Sorry. It's just a pretty interesting watch." She nodded to the item. "Where did you get it?"
"My dad," Cal explained, shifting. "When he died, it got passed down to me." His eyes flashed to his step-brother. "Speaking of, Mom wants to know if you'll be coming to the house soon."
Dash groaned. "I know she said we're still family even after my dad divorced her, but it's just weird," he complained. "And no offense, but I don't want to see your sister anytime soon after last time. She's psycho."
"She can be…a lot," Cal agreed with a wince. "Just think about it."
"I will." Dash looked at Julia. "Cal, why don't you set up in the guest room? I'm taking Julia home since she has other plans."
"Sure." Cal flashed Julia a smile. "Nice to meet you, Julia."
"You too, Cal," Julia agreed. She waited until Cal was done the hall, but her eyes narrowed in observation. He doesn't give off the same vibe as a Warlock. He seems pretty nice if a little awkward. But that watch. He said it got passed down to him from his dad, but… I wonder…
"Peaches?" Dash twirled his keys. "You ready? We can take my car and have some fun before we get to your parents' house."
"Yeah, that's fine." Julia decided to ask, "Is it okay if I come back here and spend the night?"
Dash cocked his head. "Yeah, you know I don't care. But are you sure? I won't be home with Cal until probably three in the morning."
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
"All right. I'll give you the spare keycard to get in." Dash leaned to kiss her cheek and whispered in her ear, "Now let's get going so I have some time with you before I'm surrounded by drunks."
Julia laughed and let Dash guide her away, but her eyes slid to the hall. If that watch really came from his father, then I need to confirm one more thing before I'm sure. Dammit. Zelda won't like this.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Justino Ranch House
Outskirts of New Azalea
Fiore, Ishgar
6:05 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
It was not that Dante had never seen Carlisle's home, but when he picked up Carlisle, Carlisle was already out the door and kissing him before Dante could get a word in and, well, his thoughts about asking to pick him up at his door flew out the window, admittedly. But as he parked his truck in the driveway, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath—
"Are you wiggin'?"
Dante had to chuckle. "Who even says that anymore?"
"Me. I do. I'm bringing it back," Tesla declared. "And I know you're totally buggin' out because you're about to meet your future boyfriend's lesbian parents." A pause. "And, like, you'll tell me if they're even hotter in person, right? Because both of them look like MILFS and I'm being really generous."
Dante shook his head as he shut off his truck. "I'm not rating Carlisle's moms for you."
"What are you good for, then?"
"How about everything Jaxton does except for the sex and romance part?"
"Eh. Touché," Tesla supposed. "But, seriously, Dante, how ya feelin'? Nervous? Excited? Your exes and you never got to this stage, so this has to be both anxiety-inducing and also pretty freaking awesome."
Dante unbuckled himself. "Yeah, pretty much. My parents are fine to meet him whenever—"
"Gasp! I just thought of the perfect way they could meet each other and, better yet, it has me involved!"
"You don't have to say 'gasp'—"
"Invite Carlisle to the neighborhood block party!"
Dante's brow furrowed. "Tesla, that's in spring."
"Oh. Shit. Right. Well, invite him anyway. If Jaxton won't dance with me, I'm stealing your boyfriend—Oh! Jesus Christ, don't sneak up on me, you little shit, I am speaking to the most important man in my life while he is going through a crisis!"
Jaxton gave a noncommittal mutter that ended in a SMACK!
"Dante, he spanked me," Tesla whined. "Please take me with you. I'm being oppressed by a white man."
"He's Selan. You're both oppressed."
"Goddammit. Jang-ta, Dante says we're both oppressed, so you should stop spanking me—Ah-ha! Ah, yes…!"
Dante sighed. "Jaxton, please stop trying to fuck your girlfriend, so I can speak to her," he deadpanned. He grinned when he caught Jaxton's irritated grumble. "If you don't step away now, I am taking her to a shelter and getting her a cat."
Tesla's mad cackle came over the line. "You pissed Daddy off, and he's going to murder you…!" she sang.
"He can do it later." Dante leaned his head against his window. "Tell me everything is going to be okay."
"You'll be fine," Tesla soothed. "You met an entire Andu-Sinnish family two hours after you met me. You're going to meet his parents, take him to dinner where you're going to wine and dine him, and then take him to the movie where you're definitely going to grope him—"
"Tesla."
"Oh, shut up, you hide it better than the rest of us, but we all know you're a panting werewolf underneath all those muscles and quiet." A pause. "I said what I said, Jang-ta, let it go! If you can't be my hot werewolf, Dante can—Aht-aht! Do not touch me or I'll scream for Weiwei." Two beats. "Anyway," Tesla continued like nothing had happened, "try to make it through at least one movie before you jump him, yeah? Don't be like me. Do better."
Dante chuckled and glanced at those ominous front doors.
"Dante…!" Tesla's voice crooned a softness. "Everything will be fine. They'll love you just like we all do." Two beats. "And if they don't, kidnap Carlisle anyway."
"Tesla."
"What? I like him when we drink. He'd be quite a dom. He's all authoritative, and you know that's my shit. Plus, he makes you happy, and I love that for you, obviously. You look all glowy nowadays because of him. If you don't kidnap him, I will. I'll even use scarves to cuff him to—Ah-ha…! O-Okay, I gotta go-ho, yes, ah…! Jang-ta, wait, I—! Yes…!"
Dante shook his head as he ended the call. I look glowy, huh? He pocketed his Compact and patted himself down for his keys and wallet before he abandoned his truck. He had dressed as casual as he could in winter. A button-down, slacks, and he traded his boots for sleek black shoes with an overcoat to pull it together, but he picked at his shirt as he approached the door.
One inhale. One exhale. All right. Here we go.
He raised his hand to knock—
WHAM!
Silver hair tugged into a high bun-ponytail combination, the woman standing before Carlisle was nothing less than a stunner with toned muscles showing beneath her athleisure and her eyes a shining gold. Before Dante could say anything, the woman looked like tears festered in her eyes and she shouted for the entire neighborhood to hear, "Le petit ami de mon petit lutin est là!"
⌜NATIONAL BALLET OF FIORE
Name: Diana Justino
Occupation: Principal Ballet Dancer
Likes: reality LV Dislikes: N/A
Special Note: Diana is the principal dancer of the NBF which is the highest rank in a dance company! She's Carlisle's blood mother, but she's the step-mother of Bobbi and Christophe! ⌟
Dante swallowed and got out, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Dante."
"Yes, yes, Dante! How wonderful!" Diana enthused. "I'm Carlisle's mother, Diana! It is so wonderful to meet you, Dante!"
"Is that him?" Another woman joined in the doorway in some joggers and a cardigan. Hair pulled into a ballerina bun, she examined Dante with razor-sharp greens. "He's the one who's been stealing our son from us for the past month?"
⌜CROCUS CLINIC – MAIN CAMPUS
Name: Magdalena "Maggie" Justino
Age: 49
Occupation: Anesthesiologist
Likes: newspaper comics Dislikes: cocktail shrimp
Special Note: Maggie runs a tight ship both in the hospital and at home! Although, she has a hard time saying, "no" to her adorable wife… ⌟
Dante humbled himself and bowed. "I apologize for keeping him away from home," he said in sorry.
"Hmm." Maggie crossed her arms. "Why bother introducing yourself to us for just a first date?"
"My parents taught me if I care about the person I'm with, I should introduce myself to their parents and introduce that person to mine," Dante answered honestly.
"And you do this for all the people you've dated?" Maggie challenged.
Dante shook his head, but he would not stray from her cutting stare. "No, ma'am. My dates in the past would have rather we meet somewhere. I was the one who insisted I should meet you, and I want Carlisle to meet my parents too."
"Curious," Maggie murmured to her wife. To Dante, she asked, "You care that much about our son to meet us on the first date? That's quite bold of you and risky."
"Carlisle's worth the risk," Dante said. "I've gotten to know your son over the past month, and I have feelings for him. I want him to know that, and I want you to know that too. I want to date Carlisle." He remembered Aphtan's words haunting him. "And I like him for the person he is, regardless of anything else."
Diana's eyes flashed.
Maggie stared Dante down.
Dante did not back down.
Maggie opened her mouth and… "You are the first person to actually want to meet us." She cooed at Diana, rubbing their noses together, "Isn't that right, my love?"
Diana giggled like a schoolgirl. "Yes, ma moitié." She beckoned excitedly to Dante. "Come in, come in, please! Carlisle will be ready shortly!"
"Thank you." Dante took off his shoes before he came in the house and set his pair down with the doors.
"He even took off his shoes before coming inside!" Diana loudly-whispered, all enthusiastic. "He's perfect for mon lutin!"
Dante found himself being led to a vaulted ceiling living room that was full of pictures, pillows, wigs, and art supplies. His stare lingered in curiosity when he saw a few of the wigs had been given choppy cuts, but the other wigs looked ready to be worn at a moment's notice.
Diana noticed Dante's traveling stare and explained, "Our daughter Bobbie is passionate about cosmetology, so she's been practicing on these wigs."
"Carlisle's friend mentioned that," Dante remembered.
"Please sit anywhere," Diana insisted. "Would like anything to drink?"
Dante took a seat on one of the couches. "No thank you, Misses Justino, but thank you for the offer."
"My love, could you get me some tea?" Maggie asked with a frisky grin. "Make it strong for tonight."
Diana giggled again and kissed Maggie's nose. "Ma moitié, you play dirty." Her giggles increased when Maggie whispered something in her ear and she lightly hit her wife. "You are dirty," she teased. "I'll be right back." Light on her feet, Diana padded away. And the moment she was out of sight…
Maggie swiveled to Dante, posture stiff, and stare biting once more. "What's your full name?"
"Dante Princeton-O'Neill," Dante replied.
"Age?"
"Eighteen."
"In secondary or graduated?"
"I graduated."
"College?"
"Morelle Institute of Magical Technology."
Maggie raised an eyebrow, but she suppressed any inkling of impression. "Current occupation."
"I'm an Enchanter."
"And college?"
"My bachelors in Magi-Engineering will open more doors for me."
"Any traffic tickets?"
"No."
"Imprisonment?"
"No."
Maggie leaned back. "Anything else to add?"
"Forgive me for speaking of turn, Misses Justino," Dante started, "but I'm going to date your son."
"Without our permission?"
"I'd like it, but Carlisle's his own person," Dante reminded. "If he doesn't feel comfortable dating me because you disapprove, I understand."
Maggie hummed.
Dante stared back.
Maggie nodded, and a flicker of approval went through her eyes. "Very well. Carlisle can make his own choices." She held out a hand to him. "It's nice to officially meet you, Dante."
Dante shook her hand. "The pleasure is mine, Misses Justino."
"You can call me 'Miss Maggie' or 'Maggie'," she told him. "Something tells me you're going to be with us for quite some time."
Dante smiled. "I hope so."
STOMP-STOMP-STOMP.
"Mom…!"
Maggie sighed. "Here we go again."
"Mom…!" A little girl was the culprit with horrible bangs and twin buns, scissors, and overalls came storming over to Maggie. "Mellow won't let me give him bangs!"
⌜WELLINGTON PREP
Name: Barbara "Bobbi" Justino
Age: 11
Occupation: Student
Likes: styling hair Dislikes: people hating bangs
Special Note: Bobbi might seem a little pushy, but she really does want to give your hair the makeover it deserves! And maybe not deserve… ⌟
"Not everyone wants bangs, Bobbi," Maggie patiently reminded her daughter. "Did Mellow ask for bangs?"
"Well, he'd look—!"
"Did Mellow," Maggie sounded out, "ask for bangs?"
Bobbie huffed. "No…"
Diana came back in with fresh tea for Maggie, but the second she saw Bobbi, she smiled and teased, "Were you trying to get Mellow's attention again, Bobbi?"
"No!" But Bobbie flushed and skittered away.
Diana passed Maggie her tea as she sat on the armrest. "You'll have to excuse Bobbi and keep watch of your hair," she sighed. "But it conveniently seems that while she respects our hair, Mellow's hair is a different story."
"That's okay," Dante assured. "I'll keep watch of my hair, though."
"Maggie…! Diana…!" Mellow trilled. "If the hairstylist isn't out there, then we beautified your son, and he's ready for his date!" He came into the living room after peeking left and right, then he breathed a sigh of relief. "Are you ready?" He pointed at Dante. "Are you ready?"
Dante rose to his feet. "Yeah. Is he?"
"No…!" Carlisle howled from a distance.
"Ignore him," Mellow whispered to the group. "He's just nervous."
Diana called in Perench, "Sors, mon lutin. Ton petit ami t'attend!"
Carlisle groaned. "Maman…! Est-ce que je dois le faire?"
"Oui ou on demandera à Bobbi de lui donner une coupe de cheveux!"
"Ah, no, no, I'm coming out, don't chase him away!" Footsteps approached the living room. "Dante, if I look too much, just tell me, and I'll change, okay? Mellow and Tantan don't know the meaning of casual."
Dante slid his hands into his jacket's pockets. "You'll be fine," he promised. "I don't think you…" But he lost the words he was meant to say and ended up breathing, "You look…amazing."
"Yeah?" Carlisle messed with the silk choker Aphtan had strapped on him. His hair had been tussled over with a stray lock curled onto his forehead. The button-down had been black with white flowers, but he had a black sweater on top. Pants folded up to reveal his white and black high-tops, he shuffled his feet as those sea-green freckled in violet looked down then back into Dante's eyes. He offeed a small but affectionate smile. "You look amazing too."
Dante moved before he could think, but he stopped just before Carlisle. "I'd kiss you, but I'm not sure if—"
"I don't care." Carlisle took the jump as his hands cupped Dante's cheeks and brought him down for a searing kiss.
Do you remember your kiss with that very first person you liked? Not "like" as in a crush. Not "like" as in a we-mess-around. But a person you liked from the inside out without reservation. Love was not there—not yet—but that something was there between like and love. Like a budding flower, it was in its beginning stages. It had not chosen its final physical testament, its name, but it was growing and rooted. Do you remember kissing someone when you were past a simple "like"? Do you remember that warmth that hooked your chest and the euphoria that dizzied your mind and drugged you with bliss?
Some called it forelsket, this euphoria that warmed you from the inside out.
Do you remember that?
Dante's arms drew around Carlisle's waist. He should have let go. He normally did with previous exes. It was respectful to keep kisses short in the presence of other company. But that hook in his chest, that warmth… He wanted more.
CHIME…
It was Carlisle who pulled away first, but when Dante opened his eyes, he might have had his guesses about what Carlisle's face would look like, but he never expected a look of horror over Carlisle's face. "Lips?" Dante whispered. "What's wrong?"
"I…" Carlisle took a step back, and he winced when he saw Diana's expression. "Maman—"
"Carlisle."
He swallowed. "Dante," he said shakily, "I'll be right back, okay?"
"Yeah…" Dante's brow furrowed as Carlisle followed his mother out of the living room and down the hallway. "Did I do something wrong? Should I not have kissed him?"
Maggie waved a hand. "Don't mind Diana. She's just overprotective of Carlisle at times."
"Right…" Dante nodded, but he was not convinced.
Mellow clapped Dante's shoulder. "Don't worry about it," he murmured. "Like Maggie said, Diana's just protective of Carlisle." His brow furrowed, troubled. "Though, she's never been like this before. But maybe she senses your different."
"Maybe…" Dante cleared his throat, and he shifted his attention to Maggie. "May I use your bathroom, please?"
"Of course. Just head down the hall and to your left."
Dante murmured his thanks, but as he left the living room, he caught Aphtan's mutinous stare and decided to ignore it in favor of heading to the hall. He meant to find the bathroom just to cool down and adjust himself, but his ears picked up…music. It was not a conventional orchestra, no, and it was not anything from today's modern music. An assortment of chimes pitched high and low and, in return, a soft bell sound replied in a series of sharp and flat melodic rhythms. But something in the music felt upset. Not agitated but disturbed.
I've never heard music like that before, Dante thought. The bell sounds…sad… I didn't think bells could sound sad. He wanted to disregard it and moved to the bathroom when a door abruptly opened with a distraught Carlisle leaving before his troubled mother.
Carlisle sniffled and rubbed his nose only to pause when he saw Dante.
"Sorry," Dante dropped in apology. "I was just trying to find the bathroom, and…" The concern in his stomach grew when he saw a redness in Carlisle's eyes, and he gravitated towards him to cradle his jaw. "What's wrong?"
Carlisle shook his head. "It's nothing—"
"Carlisle, please," Diana called on the cusp of her voice breaking. "Tu n'es pas encore prêt, mon elfe. S'll te plaît, laisse-moi t'expliquer ça. Tu ne peux pas laisser tes boucliers tomber à nouveau."
"Je peux le contrôler, Maman." Carlisle turned to give his mother a beseeching look. "Je promets, Maman," he whispered. "Please, Mom."
Diana cupped her elbows as she approached her son, but she lovingly touched his cheek. "Je te fais confiance. On n'aura pas à s'enfuir. Mais nous devrons parler s'il est votre moitié." She kissed both of Carlisle's cheeks. "Pour ce qu'il vaut, vous le cœur a choisi un bon, mon lutin. Ton père serait fier."
Carlisle's lashes fluttered, and he mouthed words of gratitude to her.
Diana looked on at a confused Dante with a soft smile. "Take care of him for me, Dante. My apologies for startling you."
"No, Misses Justino—"
"Diana," she lightly corrected.
"Diana," Dante started, "thank you for the apology, but I understand. You're protective of him."
"I am." Diana rubbed Carlisle's back as a sweet sadness took to her eyes. "He is all I have left. But you feel like a strong and smart young man capable of greatness." Her eyes gentled as they rested on Dante. "Keep doing what you're doing, Dante, because you are living your life beautifully."
Dante dipped his head. "Thank you, Diana." His eyes flickered to Carlisle. "Are you okay to go?"
"Yes." Carlisle slid his hand into Dante's and offered a smile. "You did promise me a first date, remember?"
°•°•°•°
Dante had helped Carlisle into the truck before he rounded onto his side. But rather than start the car, he allowed both of them to sit there. Silence placed itself around them with a certain sort of tension. Nothing that was caused from a fight, but the tension was there, nonetheless.
"Lips," Dante rumbled. "Are you okay?"
More silence.
"No."
Dante did not hesitate to scoot over on the bench and hug Carlisle. "We can go home," he murmured in good faith. "We don't have to go out tonight until you're feeling up to it. We can go lay in bed and watch a documentary."
Carlisle snorted. "You'd let us watch a documentary in full? No sex until afterward?"
"Would that cheer you up?"
"No." Carlisle hugged Dante back. "I like it when you're a brute and can't keep your hands off me. But I was promised a date, and I want that date tonight."
Dante hummed. "If you're sure."
"I am." Carlisle released him to offer a pretty smile. "And if you're good on the date, you can see what Tantan and Mellow forced me to wear underneath."
Dante fingered Carlisle's choker. "Does it go with your pretty collar, baby?" His eyes darkened. "Like a leash?"
"Or a harness," Carlisle purred, but he broke into a laugh when Dante buried his nose in his neck to groan. "There, there. Dessert comes after a date you promised me. Unless you plan to maul me like last night."
"The second we step into the house, I'm doing so repeatedly." Dante reluctantly pulled away to adjust himself and slide back into the driver's seat. As he started his truck, he shifted and muttered, "If I knew you liked collars, I would have brought a leash."
Carlisle arched an eyebrow. "Ah, so you're that sort of a person. Does the reverse hold true? I can collar and leash you too?"
"You'll find out later." Dante sent him a heated look that lingered on Carlisle's choker and he bit back a noise when Carlisle shifted under the weight of his gaze. "But not too much later." And he backed them out of the driveway.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Casetta del'paradiso
Leekwood
Fiore, Ishgar
8:07 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The round tabled seated all three of the couples with a smorgasbord of food between them all. They had chipped in to get handfuls of appetizers, but the entrée sizes were portioned out so that two or three people could eat your food. Steak, salmon, pizza, pasta, and loads of sides—everyone had something and plenty of it to share. A lute and accordion-heavy song played in the background with the atmosphere of Casetta del'paradiso bright and cheery. For a Saturday night, it was a popular location for many dates and drinks. An older couple smiled as the staff came to sing them a song about their anniversary. Someone was celebrating their first true job with a friend, but two shots had their eyes swirling.
"So will you be back in Fiore in time for the exhibition hockey match?" Ines asked Gary. "It's all over social media about it, and I'm a diehard hockey fan."
Gary sipped his wine. "Did you play?"
"Hell yeah," Ines said with a grin. "A right wing."
"Nice." Gary shifted. "I'm not sure if I'll be back for training, but I should be back home for the match with it towards the end of May. I'll be training up north individually, but training with a new team will take time, so I might just sit on the bench. But who knows?"
"I still think it's pretty awesome you get to train in Arcticados to begin with," Ellie inputted. "I know Mages due terrain training, but you're taking it to a new extreme."
Gary smiled, humbled. "I'm just lucky. My dad's old master has a house up there that I'll be staying while I train and work, so it's not like I'll be putting in any money for housing."
Justin did not look all that impressed. "Still, being away all those months… I'm surprised you'd want to be away from everyone for so long considering, you know, one of us was in the ICU for a little while."
"Justin," Nashi hissed, appalled.
"It's okay, Angel," Gary murmured to her. He stared Justin in the eyes without a shred of deceit and replied, "I know you're worried about Angel and I'm thankful for that. I'm happy she has such caring friends. Angel and I talked about what happened. I wasn't there for her. I admit that. But I'm going to do my best to be there for her now."
"Even with you being in another continent?" Justin challenged.
Gary nodded as he held Nashi's hand. "Yes. We talked about it. We're going to make it work. But while she's here, I trust you and Ellie to be there for her when I physically can't be." His eyes softened. "I do love her, Justin. Distance isn't going to stop that."
Justin's eyes went from a sincere Gary to a nervous Nashi before he sighed and raised his glass. "Well, then, we should have a toast," he decided. As everyone picked up their glasses, Justin claimed, "A toast to strong relationships and"—his eyes went to Nashi—"a toast to strong love." He raised his glass higher. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone chorused as they clinked glasses before taking a healthy sip.
Ace studied Gary. "I did meet your friend Jaxton," he mentioned. "He seemed interesting. So did his girlfriend." He sipped more of his cocktail. "Where'd they go to school? I think I know them from it, but I can't remember the name…"
Gary understood and looked at Ace through new eyes. "Just an academy somewhere. Quite prestigious."
"I remember that much." Ace's eyes flickered to Nashi, but Gary subtly shook his head. "But you missed a little bit with the Christmas even at the Pleasure Palace. I think you would have enjoyed it."
"I know I would have," Gary chuckled. "Angel showed me the pictures. It looked like a blast." He smiled at Justin. "You looked beautiful."
"Of course I did. I'm me." Justin gestured around Gary. "Your flattery isn't going to make me trust you anytime soon, sir."
Gary laughed. "Of course not," he agreed, diplomatic. "But from the pictures, your event looked spectacular. The ball must have been exquisite. I'm impressed you managed it all so flawlessly."
"Didn't I though?" Justin boasted. "Honey thought I was out of my mind wanting to do a ball instead of cabaret, but I told him we have to go big or go home and I delivered results and…" His smile faded into an angry pout. "That was dirty."
Gary blinked innocently and looked like he could be fitted with a halo. "What do you mean?"
Justin gave him the stink eye. "Nashi, be careful with this one," he warned. "He doesn't play fair."
"I don't?" Gary gave Nashi that puppy-eyed look. "Do I not really play fair, Angel?"
Nashi was crossed between blushing and sweating at her eyebrow twitched at the ironic angelic light Gary blinded with her even though he was a Devil. No, he looked more like a cute husky. "Y-Y-You… You…" She sagged, dreary. "You play fair," she grunted, defeated.
Gary was all flowers and sunshine. "Thank you, Angel!"
The rest of the table sweatdropped. How was she supposed to even say, "no" to that?
"Oh!" Justin clapped his hands. "Gary, if you can, you should come back to Fiore for the burlesque show. Everyone is encouraged to look like a slut, leather daddy—take your pick—and we'll be giving out some really pricey but good quality sex toys at the end of the show."
Gary raised an eyebrow while Nashi pretended like Gary was squeezing her hand. "Really…?" he drawled. "Angel didn't seem to mention that to me at all."
"W-W-Well, we were busy," Nashi weakly defended. She swallowed at Gary's tampered smile. "And I figure you wouldn't be able to come back home, so…"
"Oh, don't blame Nashi," Ellie laughed. "She said she didn't want to wear any lingerie to the show, anyway."
"Oh, really?" Gary was back to flowers and sunshine. "That's a shame. But more of Angel for me!"
Nashi let out a deep sigh of relief and internally wept. Thank you, Ellie, you're a true best friend.
"Though, Angel is right," Gary supposed. "I don't think I'll be back home in time for the burlesque show."
Ellie chirped, "That's okay! Nashi can just give you a private showing instead like a true woman!"
Nashi gawked when Ellie gave her a subtle thumbs-up and Justin nodded his agreement as though they were passing a law. How are you both my friends?!
"Angel giving me a private show…" Gary blushed, a dreamy look on his face. "Angel dancing for me… Heh-heh…" He started to drool as he could imagine it.
Nashi shivered when she felt Gary's perversion and blurted out, "Justin, why don't you tell us about who's going to perform at the show? I'm sure that's a lot more interesting!"
"Of course, sweet girl," Justin tittered. "So local drag queens will be performing and of course Honey and me. But we went to Nine-Dollar last night and managed to convince Superia to come out of retirement for one night to perform for us her best song 'Cuz I Love You." His eyes gleamed in delight. "I'm so excited!" He pouted at Ace. "But I'm still disappointed we couldn't convince Carlisle and Mellow to dance in the showcase. Their dance last night…" He fanned himself.
"Right?" Ines agreed. "The entire club looked like it was going to turn into an orgy after their performance."
"What happened?" Nashi asked. "Who are Mellow and Carlisle?"
"Two of our newest friends," Justin explained. "Well, them and Dante, obviously. We met them at Nine-Dollar. Carlisle and Mellow gave this off-the-chart hot dance last night, but I recognized Carlisle as a figure skater. He's the first openly pan figure skater, so I just had to meet him." He pretended to pant. "Honey, you should have seen it. I was too thunderstruck to get a video, but they can move."
"They were so amazing," Ellie praised, bouncing. "You'll actually get to meet Carlisle soon enough, Nashi. He speaks Perench—"
"And you've been wanting us to learn Perench to go to Pergrande," Nashi groaned. "But why…? I barely speak Minstrish that well, and I'm still learning the basics of Josean, Ellie!"
Ellie rolled her eyes. "Stop being dramatic. It'll be good for us to know at least basic to intermediate Perench before we go and visit Esme," she reasoned. "And you promised me you'd learn with me."
"I'm never making another promise ever again," Nashi decided darkly.
Ellie beamed, knowing she won. "You'll thank me later." She turned to Ace. "Have you decided if you're going to…?"
As conversation chattered on, Gary leaned down to murmur to Nashi, "A private show?"
"Get your head out of the gutter," Nashi grumbled.
"But Tesla told me you bought all kinds of lingerie," Gary told her. "Can't I see them?"
Nashi froze. Tesla, you bitch, I hate you.
("Achoo!"
Jaxton stopped and pulled his head up from under the sheets when Tesla sniffled and rub her nose, his lips wet. "Something wrong? Are we yellow?"
"No," Tesla breathed, voice hoarse. "Keep going. We're green." And the moment Jaxton disappeared, her eyes rolled to the back of her head.)
Nashi cleared her throat. "While I did buy new lingerie," she gave to him, but she flinched back when those puppy eyes were back with a vengeance to sway her. "While I did buy…lingerie," she tried again. Her eyebrow twitched. No… I'm…strong…
Cerulean shimmered.
Nashi swore she heard a whine.
Defeated, Nashi put her head on the table and was thoroughly drained, and Gary happily munched on another slice of pizza, innocent and merry as can be. "Come on, Angel, you need to eat since you're going to need to keep your strength up tonight." He gathered some salmon on a fork. "Say, 'ah', Angel."
"I hate you," Nashi moaned. "I need a drink."
°•°•°•°
Carlisle sat back and looked at the finished dishes on the table between him and Dante, check already paid for and the tip being weighed down by the salter and pepper shakers. "That was fantastic!" Carlisle exclaimed. "You picked an amazing place for dinner, Prince!"
Dante sweatdropped due to the reality that Carlisle had gone through more plates than he thought. "Well, I'm happy you like it. You can really eat."
"Oh, yeah, I have a huge appetite!" Carlisle dabbed his mouth with his cloth napkin. "Most of my meals are portioned out so I hit a certain number of calories every day, and I don't go over my diet. It's been so long since I could eat this freely. Even at home, Mom and Maman make sure I have enough food so I don't have seconds, but I got to eat whatever I wanted this time!"
THUD!
Carlisle blinked in confusion at a dreary Dante with his head down.
Aphtan is going to murder me and try to ward me off from Carlisle, Dante realized with a twitch of his eyebrow. I ended up giving into making him cheat from his diet.
"So for dessert—"
"No," Dante instantly shut down. "No dessert. You're hyper enough as is. I don't want you on a sugar high, and then you crash when we get home."
Carlisle pouted. "I won't crash." His pout furthered when Dante was unconvinced. "So I crashed twice!" he cried. "Big deal! I'll just eat slower!"
"No." Dante sighed when Carlisle looked so broken-hearted. "It's still a 'no', but that was a nice try."
Carlisle scowled. "Evil man," he muttered. I knew I shouldn't have said anything. Now he probably won't let me get popcorn at the drive-in. He salivated at the mere thought of buttery popcorn. But it's so good…and so addicting…
What the Hell is he thinking? Dante wondered flatly when he caught Carlisle's drooling. He sighed as he got up. "I'm going to go to the bathroom before we leave. We have some time to kill before the double feature, but the drive is still long." He pointed a stern finger at Carlisle. "Do not order dessert."
"I won't," Carlisle promised sweetly. He faltered when Dante's eyes narrowed and huffed. "Fine. I won't. Are you happy now? The date is ruined." He pointedly turned his head away when Dante came over to his side and kissed his cheek. "I'm not falling for you being suddenly sweet to me, you brute."
"And I haven't been a perfect gentleman to you all night?" Dante challenged in a low tone. "I've kept my hands to myself, and I let you eat whatever you wanted. I think that's sweet."
Carlisle hmphed. "Well, you'd be sweeter if you'd let me get some gelato." He shivered when he felt Dante's hand slide onto his thigh.
"We can get ice cream after the movie if you're good," Dante whispered in his ear, "and lick it off each other."
Carlisle blushed and twisted to face Dante and his intense eyes. "You are an evil man," he breathed. "Go. I'll be right here." He squawked when Dante pinched his side and broke the tension. "Hey!"
"No dessert," Dante warned as he left Carlisle's side. "I'll be right back."
Carlisle pouted as Dante left. "I feel abandoned." He pulled out his Compact to check the time when he saw Mellow had harassed him with a slew of text messages. What the…? His brow furrowed as he scrolled through until he found the last message.
⌜Messages
Mellow
Now that was hot⌟
Carlisle opened the message and decided to look through them closely.
« Is he getting you appetizers? »
« Wow, that's a lot of food »
« Aww, you two are feeding each other »
« Keep your drink close, you never know »
« OMG he did the thing »
« Why aren't you eating your food? »
« NVM you full on cheated on your diet »
Carlisle's eyes widened, and he texted Mellow:
« Did you FOLLOW me on a date? »
Mellow texted back:
« Aphtan came too lol he was convinced something bad was going to happen, but we're gone now »
« Have fun! I'm going to try to convince Aphtan to let me take him out »
Carlisle groaned. Sometimes, I love them both, but then they do this… He sighed as he looked at his background which was a selfie he had taken of him beaming, Mellow with the devil's grin, and Aphtan between them, unamused. These two… It's nice to have friends like them. I wish I could have them forever. He locked his Compact to show a picture of Dante trying to cook and you could see him glare as he tried to shield himself.
Carlisle smiled, sad. Him too. He blinked when he saw Bleu was calling him and instantly declined. I'm not ready to face Lucy. Just a little longer. He relaxed when he felt a hand slide onto his shoulder. "That was fast."
"You ready to go?" Dante asked. He held out a hand to help Carlisle out of the booth. "If you want to sleep on the way there, it's fine. But I figured you'll want to be awake for the double feature."
Carlisle shook his head and kept his hand locked with Dante. "No, that's okay." His smile was tinted in mischief. "I doubt you'll make it through both movies, anyway."
"Let's go before I do something you'll regret," Dante sighed as he tugged Carlisle along and steered them through the throng of tables, people, and staff. They passed by a large table with three couples. "And since you ate more than a person ever should, no, I'm not getting popcorn."
Carlisle pouted. "You're no fun."
"Yes, but I'd rather be no fun alive than six-feet under for letting you break your diet," Dante muttered. They both stopped to thank the host and wished him a good night before they left for the unforgiving winter cold. "And I told you if you're good, we can get ice cream after the double feature."
"But that's such a long…!" Carlisle complained. "I want it now!" He jumped up in down and chanted, "Ice cream! Ice cream! Ice cream!"
Dante's eyebrow twitched. Be patient. Don't attack him in public. Be patient. Don't attack him in public.
°•°•°•°
Gary stretched out with a pink-cheeked Nashi leaning against him and her three cocktail glasses empty. He chuckled as she clumsily fumbled for his hand. "I told you to go easy on the drinks, Angel. Now you're tipsy."
"I am not tipsy," Nashi argued with a drunken smile. She squished his cheeks. "You're so cute…" She giggled as she kept squishing him. "Like a puppy. It's so not fair you're so cute."
Justin snorted into his next drink. "Nashi, calm thyself. We haven't even made it out to the bars, and you're pregaming. You'll be drunk as a skunk before we even leave."
"I'll make sure she eats a little more before we head out anywhere," Gary assured. "Ellie, could you watch her while I go place a to-go order?"
Ellie nodded. "Sure!" She tugged Nashi over to her. "This way, Nashi—"
"No!" Nashi clung to Gary and shot Ellie a nasty look. "I'm his, not yours! So back off!"
Gary blanked.
Ace looked like he was controlling his laughter, Justin facepalmed, Ines wisely took another sip of her drink, and Ellie rolled her lips to keep from grinning.
This… Inwardly, Gary was ascending. …is what Heaven is like! He patted Nashi's hair and cooed, "Of course you're mine, Angel. In fact, since you're mine you should live with—" He changed the subject when he felt Justin looking downright murderous, "But I have to go do something really quick. Can you please stay with Ellie for a little bit?"
Nashi sniffled. "And then…"—hickory shimmer—"you'll come back to me?"
An arrow of a love god shot through Gary. "Of course, Angel," he promised.
"Okay." Nashi slowly let him go, but she turned her sour look on Ellie. "Keep your hands to yourself. My body is his."
"JJ, get your Compact, it takes better videos than mine," Ellie urged. "We have to record this for evidence!'
Gary chuckled and pushed in his chair before he moved away from the table—
His nostrils flared.
Skade surfaced, and both of them shared a disbelief and a twinge of hope. The presence, Gary whispered. They were…here. Hastily, he waded through the restaurant as he followed the scent. The one who took care of me… They were right here. Cerulean flashed with icy-blue. I can't let them go. Not this time.
°•°•°•°
Dante closed the door to his side of the truck with Carlisle already comfortable in the passenger seat. He turned on the truck, but he kept it in park as he pulled Carlisle to him for a deep kiss that thawed them both from the inside out. His tongue went to the seam of Carlisle's lips and the moment they were open, Dante dominated the kiss and rendered Carlisle submissive in his arms.
Dante was the one to pull away, both of them flushed, eyes hooded. "We're going to the drive-in," he murmured, tone pitched into a husky rumble. "We're going to cuddle. And we're going to wait to get home to finish this."
"Dante—Mmm…" Carlisle's mind was fuzzy when Dante pulled away from a heated kiss.
"Don't say my name like that," Dante grunted. "We still have a date to finish. I want to take you out properly."
Carlisle panted. "We had dinner, you took me out, now take me home." He whined when Dante tried to pull away and clung to him. "Dante—"
"Don't." Dante covered his face with a hand. He gently nudged Carlisle away and adjusted himself. "Later," he promised. "We still have the rest of our first date left, Lips." He saw Carlisle's yearning and reached over, not to touch him, but to buckle Carlisle into the truck and his hand grazed over Carlisle who shivered. "You'll be fine."
"You're so evil," Carlisle whimpered.
Dante pulled back to strap himself in and took hold of the gearshift. "I know." And he pulled them out of their parking spot.
°•°•°•°
Gary was not normally a rude person, but blind desperation made you forget your manners. He did his best to avoid people and darted across the lobby. I know it's them. I know it. It has to be. I remember how they smell.
He burst through the first set of doors and rushed through the second to sprint in the nippy air. His eyes flashed wildly before he found himself drawn to an empty parking spot that was cloaked in exhaust. No… He looked around, but he could not see any cars that had just made their leave. No, no, no… They were here. They were… They were… He tussled his fingers in his hair.
I just wanted to see you, Gary whispered. I just wanted to thank you for everything you did for me. And I wanted to ask you…
°•°•°•°
Dante merged the truck into city traffic, tensed and jaw-locked. Carlisle tried hard to cool himself down and lay his head on the glass, but no matter how many breaths he took, no matter how much he touched the cold, the feeling he had was too much. A blush covered his cheeks as those sea-greens dotted with violet reflected the lights outside.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
'…why did you leave me alone?'
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Dragneel Residence
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
9:01 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna's stomach rumbled from the confines of her room. She had changed into comfier clothes, but she had not gone downstairs to eat anything in quite some time. Snuggled into Icarus in his Dog Form, she had decided to sleep much more of the day away.
But that did not change the fact that she was hungry.
You should eat something, Icarus advised. Just a little something.
Luna sighed. I guess. Do you want anything?
No. This is for you. A beat. But if there is any bacon left…
Luna smiled. Well, let's go take a look. She giggled when Icarus leaped off the bed and start prancing, tail wagging. They used the staircase going into the kitchen, and Luna flicked on the light. The kitchen was spotless. She noticed even the sink had been cleaned and the oven. Wow. Our doubles did a better job at our chores than us.
They would have learned you all are a messy litter.
Luna pushed Icarus away as he chuckled. Shut up. She adjusted her ponytail and went for the refrigerator. Right. Before Mama and Papa left, we went grocery shopping to make sure we had a full refrigerator. She'll probably ask questions why we didn't really eat anything… She sighed. I guess we'll have to lie and say we had takeout or something. Another lie. She took out a package of bacon for Icarus' sake. I don't know what to make that's quick. Her eyes swept around the kitchen then to the stairs.
Luke won't probably come down for a while, but I still want to make him dinner. Luna checked the pantry and scoped out ingredients. "Well, if we have some time, and I can find something to snack on. Maybe I'll make Luke's favorites." She found the tins of beans and the baked potatoes. "Black bean chili and baked tatties it is."
°•°•°•°
TSSSSSSSSS…
Cooking in the kitchen was always an easy and difficult task, especially when you could not clean as you go because everything relied on being made at the same time. Luna was one of those cookers who liked to put on music while she cooked just to have something in the background, and she would hum along when she saw fit. The bacon had been easy to make in spades, but she left Icarus to his own devices for that and opted for grapes instead.
Rosemary, onion, pepper, and chili past were the most prominent smells in the kitchen. The black bean chili was the longer of the two recipes and would need to be in the slow cooker. Pans oiled, the ground spices, diced and sliced vegetables, and chipotle paste had come out beautifully and just needed to boil. With that, Luna made quick work of pricking the potatoes before letting them into the preheated oven. While the tatties normally had lamb mince, Luna took out the meat alternative Luke preferred instead and seasoned and fried it with the vegetables, flour, and ground spices before letting it simmer in the vegan Worcestershire sauce they had premade a week ago.
Luna bounced along not that she could let the filling simmer and began the process of moving the black bean chili into the slow cooker when…
STEP… STEP… STEP…
Luna tried not to look over her shoulder, but she knew Luke had come downstairs. It hurt when he did not say a word to her, but she just kept to her own. He moved about the kitchen, opening and shutting things, and she finished transferring the chili into the slow cooker. An hour and a half left with the beans on high, Luna checked the tatties filling before she set to work trying to get a head start on dishes.
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP.
Luna checked to see Luke was preheating the second oven before moving away. Oh… I guess he doesn't want anything I make. She turned back to the dirty kitchenware and sniffed. It's not like he has to eat what I made or anything.
Luke pulled out pudding rice, cardamom pods, sugar, milk, and butter, and a circular ceramic dish before he went to retrieve apples, cream, the last brioche loaf, eggs, cream, vanilla, muscovado sugar, and calvados and set it all with a dish and pan.
Luna found her curiosity overriding her hurt. I wonder what he's making? He doesn't normally cook dinner… I'd ask but… Her scrubbing faltered. I should leave him alone. It doesn't matter. He's mad at me.
Both siblings worked in silence. Luna got two pans done when she washed and dried her hands to tend to the boil and set it on low to keep it warm. After checking the potatoes, she went back to cleaning while Luke was peeling and slices apples. He finished his last apple, peeled and sliced, when his oven was finished. The ceramic dish buttered down, he tossed in ingredients and put them in the oven before going back to his other recipe.
Silence.
A song came on over Luna's Compact that started with electric bass and a funky beat.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Chotto yogoreta suutsukeesu wo motte
Nani mo shirazu ni sora kara orita
Chizu no mukou, koko ni sanjou
Yume ni mita akogare no basho
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna hummed along with the pre-chorus that added another electric, a back-beat, and a tambourine as she scrubbed out a deeper pan.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yea Yea Yea (Yea Yea Yea)
The Rock City Boy (The Rock City Boy)
Yea Yea Yea (Yea Yea Yea)
The Rock City Boy (The Rock City Boy)
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna's head bobbed from side to side as she mumbled along with the chorus.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Oh baby janjan kabe norikoeyou with my guitar
Todoku made Oh yeah! Utaou!
Just music sore dake de
Kimi ni sasageru yo! Oh yeah!
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna went to go into the next part of the chorus when she heard someone else quietly singing along. Luke kept his eyes focused on his recipe, but he was singing along.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Maji de kyoutsuuten no hou ga ooi nchau no with my guitar
Sagashinagara Yeah! Utaou!
Just love tada sore dake de,
Oikake be free!
My perfect dream!
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna pushed her luck and jumped in, "I wanna believe the singing on beat most recently is like recess for me…!"
Luke's eyes filled with amusement as he rapped back, "Pretty, pretty please, no birds and the bees, but ecstasy with extra cheese…!"
Luna used her soapy dish wand as her microphone and chanted with the rapper, "Rhyming rhino sounding like bono, all smacked up with a black jack bottle…!"
"When I say, 'ho'…!"
"You say, 'hey'…!"
Both siblings chorused: "Nani itteru ka wakaranai yo ne…?"
Luke grinned as the beat carried on and he crooned with the artist as he came over to the stove with his pan and muscovado sugar, apple slices, and butter, "Let me tell a little story about someone…!"
"Hanasu no wa anmari umaku wa nai…!" Luna sang back.
"Sore demo saundo ni awaseruto…!"
"Aratana sekai ga mieru yo…!"
Luna went: "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" She held the wand to Luke to parrot, and she giggled when he did so. "The Rock City Boy!" She snort-laughed at the weird accent Luke tacked on echoing her as he added apple slices to the melted butter and sugar. "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Luke mimicked her, and she carried on, "The Rock City Boy!" And he repeated.
Together, they sang with the artist.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Music can save the world maybe kotoba wa iranai
Kuchizusami La la! Utaou!
Tsutaetai What else can I say?
Egao ni nareru yo ne Oh yeah!
•
Toku ni setsumei nante iranai with my guitar
Kanjiru mama ni Yeah! Sakebou!
By myself sore demo ii
Volume agete mi?
My Japanese dream
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
As the instrumental came on, Luna and Luke broke into laughter, matching beams and shining eyes. "I can't believe I forgot about that song," Luke admitted. "I haven't listened to it in a while, but we still learned in, anyway."
"In Cipanguese too." Luna's eyes gleamed as she rushed over to her Compact and stopped the song. "Remember that OP from that skateboarding anime we watched last week, and we both went crazy over it?"
Luke groaned. "No…! I can't resist dancing to that one."
But it was too late when Luna turned on the song.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
One, two, three, four…
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
It started with claps and a groovy downbeat. She started mimicking the main protagonist's dance from the theme before gesturing to Luke once the repeat came in and Luke, reluctantly, did the awkward dance that followed it that had Luna going into peals of laughter.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Take me to the top
I'm sliding through the dark
tokihanate
Nobody knows I'm burning like a fire...
•
Alright yononaka ni bokura
korosarete shimau mae ni
tomaranakunaru kono shoudou no mama
asufaruto wo keru...
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Let's go together! Agetteku Meter!" Luna and Luke sang along. "Rojou kara Paradise! Let's go together! Omae no souzougoto haruka ni tobikoeteku…!"
That was how they spend the next hour or so. Songs they both remembered from the shows they had both watched together and a few Magia songs squeezed in (with Luke reluctant when Luna excitedly put on a duet from one of her favorite MCOM movies about a music camp). Luke managed to put his mixture of apple slices brioche slices and his milk and vanilla mixture into the oven as well as stir the rice in his other dish and helped Luna out when she had to halve the potatoes and scoop out the middle and continue on with mashing and filling the shells.
All in all, it was just hitting over a quarter to ten when everything had been cooked, and Luna realized what Luke was making. "You made rice pudding and apple-brioche pudding?"
"Those are two of your favorite desserts," Luke reasoned. "I figured I should since you made my favorite food." He gestured to the cooling-down tatties and black bean chili. "Shall we eat?"
"Yes, please!"
They wolfed down their food with any reservation with Icarus dozing off on the floor. Between both of their bottomless pit stomach, they finished off every dish to themselves with no leftovers and satisfied stomachs. Luna had brought out some sweet tea for them to wash it down with.
They both sighed, content.
"That was really good," Luna murmured.
"Yeah, it hit the spot." Luke sipped his tea.
More silence.
"I'm sorry."
Luke turned to Luna, confused.
"I didn't mean to make you upset," Luna continued, tone remorseful. "I just… I didn't want to lie to you about what he said. And I know he could be lying, but… I just didn't want to not tell you in case…" She trailed off.
Luke stared into his tea.
"Even if you were a Demon," Luna ventured, "you'd still be you. You'd still be a vegetarian. You'd still be my brother. You'd still be you, Luke."
Three beats.
"Would I?"
Luke looked at her older brother.
"I can't remember what happened to me in Alvarez, but the memories from December are hazy but there," Luke confessed to her. "I could tell I slipped. I wasn't me, Lu, I was…whatever this stupid power wanted me to be. I wasn't myself. I took sparring with Gale to a place I shouldn't have. I acted immoral. I didn't act like me." He gripped his glass. "What if that happens again? What am I supposed to do?"
"You rely on us."
Luke closed his eyes, sighing. "Lu, it's not that simple."
"It is." Luna held back for a moment. Should I tell him about his bond? "Well, um… You might have a point there."
Luke's brow furrowed, and his eyes opened to give her a wary look. "Why are you agreeing with me?"
"Because…" Luna tucked hair behind her ears and shifted. "This is going to sound crazy."
Luke groaned as he put his head in his hands. "Just tell me so I can get all my freak-outs out in one day."
"Okay." Luna braced herself. "So… When I passed out, I woke up in the Spirit Realm, and…you were there too." She gauged his reaction as she went on: "And Mama Faven and Auntie Faven had something to tell me about you that was pretty serious…"
Luke shot Luna a fearful look. "They told you about my otome game addiction?" He grabbed a wide-eyed Luna's shoulders. "I didn't mean to take it so far, but Yuuma got me addicted and now I can't stop!"
"Uh…" Luna gently took Luke's hands off her and patted them. "No, they didn't tell me that…" Yeah. Demon or not, that's my brother.
"They didn't tell you about it?" Luke looked relieved, then nervous. "How much do I have to bribe you not to tell anyone else about it?" His eyes narrowed. "How many milkshakes will it take for your silence?"
Luna salivated. Milkshakes… She shook her head. Stay focused, stay focused! "This isn't the time to talk about that," she negated. "This is going to sound really crazy, but our ancestors told me this—"
"Wait." Luke pointed at himself. "I was in the Spirit Realm?"
Luna nodded. "Yeah, but you were sleeping—"
"Why didn't you wake me?"
Luna huffed. "I couldn't wake you—"
"Did you try? You could have at least woken me—"
Luna had enough. "Luke, you're married!"
Silence.
The wind blew.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Wow ~
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna watched as Luke looked board-stiff. Oh, no, I broke him. She cleared her throat. "Maybe I should explain some things," she supposed. "You're not…married-married, I think, um… It was just explained to me that some lady Mama Faven doesn't like bond you guys together with Magic while you were sleeping and now you can't ever love anyone else, I think? Oh, and you should be able to still do Magic, so." She offered an awkward smile. "Yay…"
Silence.
The wind blew.
Icarus, Luna whispered, I think I broke him.
I think you might have, Icarus agreed.
Luke twitched.
Luna and Icarus froze.
Luke reached for Luna's Compact and began typing.
"Luke…" Luna called. "What are you doing?"
"I'm calling the Guard," Luke said simply. "Because some deranged woman married a minor." Though, he did not get far when Luna swiped her Compact back.
"She's not deranged," Luna challenged. "She's just… I mean… This is just…just…" More and more of Luke's reaction made sense, and Luna sat back. "Yeah, I guess this was illegal." She saw Luke twitch again and hurried to assure, "But they told me your marriage bond thing couldn't be done without some sort of feeling there."
"Luna, I was married in my sleep," Luke stressed. His eyes went wide and crazed. "I'm not even an adult! I don't turn seventeen until next May and I'm married! What am I supposed to tell Mom and Dad? I'm still in school! How was this okay? How did anyone think this is okay? I was married in my sleep!"
Luna swallowed as Luke twitched. Oh, no. I have to deal with Luke's Panic Mode.
"I don't even have a ring! Is this legal? This can't be legal!" Luke started talking faster. "What if she's crazy? She has to be crazy for doing this to me! What if she forces me away from home like Vikings did? What if she is a Viking? I'm too young! I can't do this!" He fanned himself. "Oh, I think…" He wheezed. "I think I'm having a panic attack."
"Luke." Luna placed her hands on her brother's arm. "Now is not the time to panic."
"That's not what you say to someone having a panic attack," Luke squeaked.
"Luke, look at me." Luna took a deep breath in and a deep breath out. "Breathe with me, okay?" She nodded when Luke shook his head. "You can do it. Come on. In…" She drew in a loud inhale. "And out…" She exhaled through her mouth. "In…" She nodded encouragingly when Luke did it with her. "And out…" They both sighed. "In…" Deep inhale. "And out…" Long exhale.
The moment Luke got his breathing back down, he took a few large swallowed of his tea.
Luna rubbed her brother's back and smiled. "Feel better?"
Luke jerkily nodded. "I'm married?" he whisper-shouted. "Luna, please tell me this is an early April fool's joke or something." But he knew she would not lie about this and put his head in his hands. "What is happening? Is this my punishment? Karma for the manga I read?" He tore his hands away from his face when he realized something. "Did we consummate the marriage in my sleep?"
"No!" Luna blurted. "No, she wouldn't have done that to you."
"But what if we need to?" Luke started hyperventilating again. "I'm not ready for that—!"
"No, no, shhh, you don't have to do that," Luna tried to calm. "Come on, breathe nice and slow—"
Actually, it is common practice for two mates to bond through ritual and through mating, Icarus brought up matter-of-factly. In fact, it was expected of the bonded pair to stay together until they had conceived a child and… His ears flattened when he saw Luna's glare and Luke's eyes. I have…made it worse, haven't I?
His question was answered when Luke spiraled and Luna was trying very hard to pull him back into breathing exercises.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And then…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"So let me see if I have this all correct."
Luke laid on the living room couch with Luna on the accent chair like he was a psych patient and Luna was his shrink. He lifted a finger. "While in Alvarez, I was turned into a Demon." Another finger. "And then I got magically married to a strange woman." Another finger. "And I was in the Spirit Realm."
Luna nodded. "Yes."
Luke ran a hand down his face. "Is there any other life-altering things I should know about myself?"
"And you remembered you can probably control other Demons?" Luna sighed when Luke turned on his side and curled into a ball. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I know nothing about this is okay. And I'm sorry I can't make you feel better. But I just wanted you to know the truth."
Silence.
"In a way… I knew I would be a Demon someday."
Luna blinked as Luke rolled onto his other side to face her. "Luke?"
He rubbed his face and adjusted his glasses, honeyed amber dampened with sad memories. "When I learned we were part-Etherious Demon, I asked Sensei for help about understanding genetics. I wanted to know if it was true. If Dad was a Demon but Mom was a human, were we really all split fifty-fifty? I didn't say it was about Mom and Dad, but I'm sure now he knew what I was asking."
"And what did he say?"
Luke shook his head. "That it's not that simple." He let out a deep exhale. "What we inherit isn't always going to be a clean fifty-fifty. Some things are suppressed, other things are shown, and some things don't get transferred at all. That's just how it works." He flexed his hand. "Igneel and I are fraternal twins. We're not identical in the slightest. And normally, when twins or triplets are born from Magic parents, it's like insurance Magic types will be passed down. More often than not with twins, they'll both get separate Magic. It's more common in triplets to have the same Magic type. And for a while, I thought it meant, even though I chose Zen Magic, that I'd become like Mom and maybe one day become the new Star Queen or King of the Heartfilia Clan."
He shook his head. "Even though I showed a lot of potential in Celestial Spirit Magic, I couldn't travel to the Spirit Realm. And slowly, things started to add up, and… When I saw Igneel… I somehow just knew we both got parts of Dad's power. Igneel just got the better half."
"Don't say that," Luna admonished.
Luke gave a self-deprecating smile. "You wouldn't say that then?"
Luna went to sit on the free cushion on the couch Luke occupied. "No, I wouldn't," she softly disagreed. "I might not understand everything, but if anything, I learned power doesn't really matter." She messed with her ponytail. "Igneel has a lot of power… And he looked so heroic sometimes, but…" She remembered Magnolia set on fire. "But he could have destroyed Magnolia." Her eyes fell. "The Spiritless can be right, sometimes, you know? We can be dangerous. It doesn't matter who it is. We're all dangerous. But even though we can all be dangerous, we do a lot of good." She tapped Luke. "You can do a lot of good."
"I lost control," Luke whispered. "I could have killed Gale if it wasn't for you."
"Then I'll keep being there for you and so will everyone else if you lose control," Luna decided.
"And what if I don't listen to you?" Luke looked at her with raw emotion in his eyes. "We made a promise and he just…he broke it like it was nothing." He laid on his back. "I tried my best to keep him in control, but I wasn't enough. We'd go out, and he'd get triggered, and I'd do everything I could to keep him from starting a fight, but he just…" His eyes closed. "It was like watching my fight with Gale. He just…wouldn't stop. And even when I was trying to calm him down, he'd hit me on accident…" His face pinched. "I can't let you or anyone else be responsible for me if I get out of control. I can't risk…hurting you."
Luna shook her head. "You'd never hurt us—"
"Luna, you don't know that—"
"Okay, so, maybe I don't know that," Luna conceded. "But I know you. And I know Igneel. And I know Nashi. I know things happen. Igneel started the fire. Nashi tried to kill Gary. Gary hurt Nashi. You nearly killed Gale. I nearly gave in to a Demon. But you know what stopped everything about that?" She did not wait for his answer. "Because even though we thought we were alone, we weren't. Not really." She sighed when Luke shook his head. "You don't have to believe me. So I'll show you."
"How?"
"By being here," Luna simply stated. Her fingers knotted her sweats. "And not leaving you alone."
Luke made a noise. "You have your own life to live, Lu. You can't babysit me. I'm a monster. You saw that. You saw me nearly beat Gale to death. Luna, I nearly beat Gale to death. How can you even want to be around me after that? After what I did? After knowing what I am?"
Quiet.
"Would you still love me if I did something terrible?"
"Of course I would, Luna, I—" Luke's nostrils flared. His eyes opened, and he sat up to witness Luna try to wipe away tears. "Lu?" He sat crisscrossed and moved her hands from her face. "Hey, what's wrong? I'm sorry if I upset you—"
Luna shook her head. "You didn't. I just…" She squeezed her sweats. "It's nothing," she dismissed after sniffling. "I know Igneel leaving hurt you, Luke, I know that. I know you guys think I didn't notice anything, but I know how Igneel treated everyone. I know he could be cruel, sometimes. I know he burned your books. He yelled at everyone. He was mean, and he stole things. But we stayed with him, anyway."
"We weren't going to leave him just because of his ADHD—"
"That's not why we stayed with him," Luna cried. "You know that, Luke, so why can't you just admit that?"
Luke felt stifled. "B-Because it's different—"
"It's not different!" Luna exclaimed, hitting his chest. "It never mattered that Igneel had ADHD and other things going on, Luke, and you know that. You're saying that like it's an excuse. It's not an excuse. None of that is an excuse! No, we stayed with Igneel because we loved him."
Luke felt his eyes sting. "I know that—"
"Then why can't you see that we love you too?" Luna demanded to know. "W-W-W-We're not going to just abandon you if you mess up because we love you—!"
"Maybe I don't deserve that!" Luke finally snapped, voice cracking. "You don't understand—!"
"No! You don't understand!" Luna retorted as the tears streamed down. "Everyone thinks I don't understand, but I do! You have no idea what it felt like to be trapped inside this stupid down for years! All of you—all of you!—got to leave! You got to practice Magic and make mistakes and see the world, and I—! I was trapped here, Luke, and I was always alone! Always alone! It didn't matter that you all lived here, and I'd see you—! I felt like no one wanted me! I felt so cold and alone that it didn't matter how much you guys said you loved me—I couldn't tell if you all did or not! An-An-And then I finally get Magic and leave and everything goes wrong! Bad people are tormenting people, Igneel nearly died, I dragged Gale to another country and we could've died—! Nashi! Oh my god, I saw her die so many times that I still get nightmares! An-An-An-An-And then—And then this happens! Because of me, you and Nashi were in danger and I couldn't protect you! I have all this power and these stupid future visions and I couldn't protect you without—! Without him t-t-touching me and he just wouldn't stop and I just—! I-I-I just—!"
Luke wrapped his arms around Luna when she broke down into sobs. "Shhh… I'm so sorry." He kissed her hair and rubbed her back. "I'm so sorry, Lu, shhh… You don't have to say anymore, okay? You're not alone, and we love you so much—"
"No!" Luna forced herself out of Luke's arms, eyes glistening and frenzied. "You can't love me after he did that to me!"
Luke's heart broke. "Luna—!" The second she ran with Icarus on her heels, he gave chase. "Luna, wait! Please!" With Icarus acting as a deterrent as he ran after Luna up the steps, he could not catch up. By the time he did, Luna slammed the door in his face and he was a hair too late. He knocked on the door with his hand. "Luna, please!" he begged. "Please come out!"
"Leave me alone!" Luna shouted through her weeping. "Just go away!"
Luke stopped his knocking, but the salty scent of her tars and the heaviness of her grief and fear hurt his chest. He tried one last appeal. "Luna—"
"Luke, please," Luna beseeched. "Please, just…just go away."
Luke swallowed. He glanced down at Icarus before he took a reluctant step back from the door. "I'll be downstairs," he softly told Luna. "I'm here for you, Luna. Whatever you need, I…" He blinked towards the ground. "I love you, Luna." He turned away from the door and trudged away. His ears twitched when Icarus scratched at the door. Luke heard Luna let her Celestial Spirit inside before she shut the door.
Luke went back downstairs and to the living before he collapsed on it, staring at the ceiling. She felt this alone…and she was assaulted. His eyes closed. What the Hell have we been doing?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Level 2 Aut-O-Rama
Cypress Township
Fiore, Ishgar
11:36 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
An indoor drive-in movie theater might not seem possible, but it was when the owner had a ridiculous amount of money. The entire drive-in had two levels to it. During March through August, the drive-in above ground was the preference. On the outskirts of a commercial district, the summer months especially would host special fireworks that everyone in the city would come watch. But from September through February, the drive-in was moved underground. Thousands of square feet and the vulcanized rubber flooring with indoor amenities of a concession stand and bathrooms, it offered everything the above around the drive-in theater offered.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is the Level 2 Aut-O-Rama, a popular drive-in theater that also offers dinner. It rents out its facility to private events such as graduations, proposals, and other events! »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The first movie was a black and white motion picture with a predominantly black cast as the family shuffles away from city life. A Raisin in the Sun was a classic drama film, and everyone who had joined for tonight's selection appreciated the cultural undertones.
Carlisle and Dante laid in the back of Dante's truck with a thin mattress, pillows, and a blank between them. While Dante had refused popcorn, he could not resist when Carlisle begged at least for fries ("I promise I'll let you eat most of them! I'll just have one or two!") and he had to chuckle when Carlisle realized Dante did eat most of the fries and grew pouty.
Carlisle yawned and snuggled closer into Dante while Dante glanced down at him. "Sleepy?"
"Not yet." Carlisle laid a hand on Dante's chest. "I knew you liked black-and-white TV, I just didn't know it extended to films. A man after my own heart."
Dante smiled. "My mom loves them. We'd watch I Love Lacy, Terry Mason, I Dream of Genie, Galligan's Island—even all the cowboy stuff."
"Do I sense seeing you in cowboy boots in my future?" Carlisle teased. He smiled when Dante's chest vibrated as he laughed. "That's sweet, though. You and your mom sound close, and it's obvious she has excellent taste."
"We are close," Dante said. "I moved out the second I turned seventeen, but I still try to send my parents money when I came and call them."
"How come you moved out so soon?"
Dante sighed. "Eh, we had a big fight, my parents and me," he explained. "So I left home and didn't look back. I had worked fast through my apprenticeship as an Enchanter and earned a lot of money, so the second I got my license, I didn't really have to worry about money. The extra certifications helped."
"That's good, but I'm sorry you and your parents fought," Carlisle offered. "You guys are okay now?"
Dante nodded. "We are. Took a while for me to pull my head out of my ass to realize they were making some valid points, but we talked it out. They wanted me to come home, but I was doing pretty well for myself at the garage and with my townhouse. So I stayed, but I made sure they were set." He added, "They're excited to meet you."
"I'm nervous to meet them," Carlisle admitted. "I, uh… Well, whenever my exes did introduce me to their parents, it was more of a bragging contest to show them they landed someone like me." His eyes turned sad. "But I stayed because I thought…"
"That they might change and see you for you," Dante finished.
Carlisle swallowed. "Yeah…" His eyes closed when Dante kissed his forehead. "But I know you're not like that. You're different. And I know I've said that I lot, but…"—his eyes opened for sea-greens bespeckled with violet to clash with darkness—"I know it's true. I can feel it." It's different this time, Maman. I promise I'll make you see that.
Dante thumbed Carlisle's side. "You said…I was the second person to make you feel like this." He felt Carlisle tense. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"
"No, it's okay." Carlisle sighed as those sea-greens dulled in unfortunate nostalgia. "You are the second person to make me feel like this. Hunter was the first."
Dante hummed. "Aphtan said I remind him of Hunter. But it sounds like Hunter isn't someone you want to remember."
"He isn't. And you aren't like Hunter, but I get why Tantan said it," Carlisle said. He licked his lips. "I met Hunter a long time ago. It wasn't anything special when I met him. I'd gone out too far from Maman and… Well, I ended up in a place I shouldn't have been, and I met Hunter there. He was…" His hand tensed. "He was…different. And kind. He wasn't like the other people Maman had spoken about."
Loving tangerine oranges.
"He didn't see me as everyone else saw me," Carlisle remembered. "I thought he saw me for me. So when he asked me to be his partner, I agreed. Lucy and I had a big fight about it."
"Your cousin."
"Yeah." Carlisle's eyes fluttered. "At the time, I didn't listen to him or Maman. I stayed with Hunter, anyway, and…in the beginning, it wasn't all bad. He knew how I was, so he adjusted for me. He let me stay with him, and he protected me. In some ways, maybe he did love me. Or maybe…he tried to control me. In the end, it didn't matter."
Gray feathers. A heat that made you sweat until you passed out. Vague pleads.
"He hurt you," Dante concluded.
Carlisle nodded. "He wanted something from me that I couldn't give him," he whispered. "It drove him crazy. I had to leave, but I didn't know how. So I pretended everything was fine. He had to leave for some contract job, so I did what I normally did. Showered with him, had breakfast with him, promised him whatever he wanted…and the second he was gone, I reached out to Lucy. We hadn't spoken in a long time, but he was my last hope." A shuttered exhale. "He helped me escape, but it wasn't enough. Hunter didn't want to give up. I couldn't endanger Maman, so Lucy and I ran, and…" He sniffled.
"You don't have to continue, Lips," Dante whispered. "I'm sorry for making you remember that."
"It's okay," Carlisle promised. "Because I have to remember because of what I did…"
Dante held Carlisle closer. "What happened?"
"Lucy and I found an uninhabited place to stay in. A village was nearby, but we didn't really have to worry. As long as we kept to ourselves in the woods, I'd be okay. Occasionally, Lucy had to leave for things, but I was okay on my own. But I…" Carlisle's lip trembled. "There was this…boy… He was in the woods. I know Lucy told me to stay in one place, but I just couldn't, and…"
DRIP
A tear shed.
DROP.
"That's enough, Lips," Dante murmured. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything anymore." He glanced up and slowly let go of Carlisle. "But I think you need the right person to comfort you."
Carlisle reached for him. "Wh-Wh-What—?"
"Carlisle."
Carlisle's eyes widened, but he held onto Dante. "No." He gave Dante a teary stare against his gentle look. "No."
"Carlisle—"
"Don't." Carlisle sniffled. "Don't…look at me like that, like you just…forgive me for everything I put you through." He felt Dante slid away from him and someone else take his place. "You should have just left me. Why…? Why didn't you leave me?"
"Because you're my family, Carlisle," came murmur of explanation. "It doesn't matter what Father thinks. It doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. You are family."
Carlisle sniffed. "But I… I'm not… You risked everything for me." Despaired sea-greens sparkled in violet clashed with soft light. "I should have stayed where you told me to, and I didn't," he whispered. "Hunter… And that boy…"
Bleu shook his head. He had come reasonably dressed down for the night. "Don't worry about Hunter," he told. "Don't worry about anything. I made a promise to you and your mother. You both deserve to be seen as I see you." He added softly, "As Kyler sees you."
"I'm sorry—"
"No, I am. Kyler is a good man," Bleu complimented quietly. "His wife Mirella and his daughter Talia are both powerful. And the Daemon they are sheltering is docile and neutral. They'll help you. I should've known better. You didn't sense him, not because he was like the others, but because he wasn't." He touched Carlisle's shoulder and searched his eyes. "Accept his offer. Show him who you are."
Carlisle was still hesitant. "But… I've been slipping—"
"You've only slipped because of one common factor." Bleu turned.
Carlisle peeked in the direction Bleu had pointed. The movie paused, the people halted, and Dante stood outside of the truck, hands in his pockets, as he watched, frozen in time.
"You'll figure it out with time. Time"—Bleu looked back at Carlisle—"that I'm going to make sure you have. So don't worry as much in the meantime. I gave you my word you and your mother would have free will. I shouldn't have yelled at you, stressed or not. My job keeps me busy. That's to be expected. But you're only job—yours and your mothers—is to find love and to live." His eyes saddened. "I know Magdalena can't replace your father, for you or for your mother. I'm sorry I couldn't prevent his death. But she's found someone she deeply cares about." He glanced back at Dante. "And so have you."
Carlisle sniffled. "It's too soon to tell."
"No." Bleu shook his head. "It isn't. Trust me." His eyes sparkled. "I would know."
Carlisle dipped his head. "Thank you, Lucy." He hesitated. "About the boy…"
"You'll have your chance," Bleu promised him. "One day when it's safe. But not now. It's better this way."
"Right." Carlisle launched himself to hug Bleu. "Thanks for not giving up on me."
Bleu hugged him back. "I could say the same to you." He pulled back and smiled. "You have a good man. Take care of each other. I'll be gone for a little while for work, so please comply with him while he's training you to fight. Kyler will be a valuable asset to you and the Daemon."
"Where are you going?"
"Business trip." Bleu waved off the concern Carlisle displayed. "I'll be fine. Don't worry. I'll keep in contact when I can."
Carlisle still could not drop it. "And her?"
Bleu sighed. "Nothing for you to worry about." He raised a hand. "Are you ready?"
Carlisle glanced at the frozen Dante. "Yeah." His stare flicked back to Bleu. "I'm ready."
"Showtime." Bleu snapped his fingers.
The world went back to normal. The movie continued to play, popcorn was eaten, people shifted—as all should be.
"See you soon," Carlisle told Bleu. "Be careful, Lucy."
"I always am." Bleu climbed out of the truck bed to shake Dante's hand. "Thanks for that, Dante. Please take care of him and yourself."
"It was no problem. You do the same." Dante nodded as Bleu nodded back and drifted off with his hands in his pockets. Dante expertly climbed back into the truck, and he had to chuckle under his breath when he saw Carlisle's narrowed eyes. "He pleaded his case. I couldn't say, 'no'." He extended an arm. "Come here."
Carlisle huffed, but he snuggled into Dante's side. "I suppose I can forgive you if we still get ice cream after the move." His eyes danced in mischief. "Or we can have dessert now."
"We are in the back of my truck in public," Dante liked to remind. "No."
"But we have a blanket," Carlisle whined. "Just a little bit?"
Dante sighed. "No." He kissed Carlisle's cheek when he pouted. "We still have another movie left. Then we can go home." He fingered Carlisle's choker. "You don't train until the afternoon, right?"
"Right." Carlisle shivered when Dante feathered his fingers down his throat. "Not until late afternoon."
"Perfect." Dante kissed Carlisle's temple then the bridge of his nose then his lips. He meant to keep it chaste, but Carlisle kept him steady and parted his lips for Dante to take charge. He slowly released Carlisle as heat boiled in his veins seeing Carlisle's flushed cheeks. "Is this you trying to seduce me into a make-out session?"
Carlisle slowly sunk his front teeth into his bottom lip before he released it and his tongue darted out. "Is it working"—his hand crawled up Dante's chest at a dragging pace—"Dante?"
"I love that you drive me crazy," Dante got up before he yanked Carlisle to him for a smoldering kiss. He sloppily drew up the blanket over him and Carlisle as both of them went down, Carlisle a mess and Dante crazed.
But in the echo of Carlisle's heart, he thought about those words. Maybe he would say them now, months from now, maybe a year down the line. But he thought them.
I love you.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
The Amazone
Valchestria
8:05 PM AT
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The rainforest was quiet. By which means, the bugs were out and the nightly predators were on their way for a feast, but nothing too heavy. The humidity was lesser at night and the same to the heat, but caution had to be made with frequent hydration. The tribespeople had made sure their grounds were near one of the smaller rivers that pillaged through the Amazone and had night watchers of young men to be warriors who guarded entrances and exists to their tribe with their spears and bows and arrows. The people had a pecan-caramel skin to them with a few who were darker and others who were a tint lighter and their hair a thick and beautiful black. The men dressed half-naked with jeans or other slacks on with traditional armbands while the women wore skirts. Some wore shirts, but it was not compulsory and a few nursing mothers wore cloth slings for their babies. Most of the adult hunters wore necklaces with claws or teeth while the gathers had beaded necklaces.
One of the chief healers was teaching one of their own about the shift in medicinal properties in a patch of flowers they were growing. Three wild boar were on spits and portions had been passed around while the rest would be offered to their deities and the ones they lost. Two young men guarded the main fire, but tonight and tomorrow were auspicious occasions. The atabaque were different toned drums that were made from hand and passed down and laid a traditional, earthy beat with the shekere (a dried gourd with a net of woven beads atop), pandeiro (a hand drum tambourine), a woodwind instrument, an agogô (a double bell), a reco-reco (a wooden scraper), and berimbau (a single string musical bow) gave into the engolo beat.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is the Topétine Tribe, one of the many tribes that live in the Amazone. They are one of the few contacted tribes in the rainforest, but like many tribes in the Amazone, they do not have land rights to their home and suffer from external forces trying to push them out of their home. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Spencer surveyed his team. Only a few of them had entered the tribe with Tigerlily as their acting interpreter. His heart saddened at the injured, but the medics brought with them had done a beautiful job evaluating and bandaging those wounded. He sat a little away from the fire, but his eyes turned back to the tribespeople as they sang their song as a few men and women danced along with those younger in the tribe. Thankfully, the chief of this tribe was open to meeting us because of Tigerlily. They weren't too receptive of us at first, but that was to be expected. I can't imagine how much they've seen with the Faction and Magic Council running around.
"How are you holding up?"
Spencer blinked when a mug had been offered to him of an earthly beverage. He took it as Tigerlily sat down beside him and sipped her own drink. "I'm fine. This isn't the first mission I've been on to be like this."
"I know." Tigerlily glanced at him. "But I still wanted to ask, Captain Lates."
"Just 'Spencer' is fine," Spencer insisted. "I'm not going to lie. I didn't think they would welcome us considering all that has been happening. From the information I read about Amazonen tribes, while they aren't as aggressive in keeping foreigners away as those who live on North Island, they don't have good experiences with too many outsiders."
"You'd be right," Tigerlily agreed. "Many tribes don't have rights to live on their land, even though they've lived here for generations. Many tribes were built from runaway slaves, while others have been here in the dawn of time. But the governments around the rainforest and entrepreneurs see the people as a hindrance." Her eyes softened as she watched a father pick up his little girl during the song and dance. "It's bad enough civilians are threatening these tribes. But with both the Magic Council and the Faction trying to instill their laws on these people, it's even worse. The tribes were already endangered, but if this war spreads, they'll be extinct."
"I take it you don't agree with the Faction or the Magic Council," Spencer suggested.
Tigerlily shook her head. "I don't, but I see the merits in both. In older times, the Magic Council was a necessary evil. Mages could not be held on the same standard as Spiritless because of the dangers presented through them. However, the Faction's message that the Magic Council is a militant totalitaristic government is true as well. Times have changed. National borders have been set. But the execution of the Faction is beyond atrocious."
"They certainly are making a statement, though," Spencer added. "Governments around the world and their people are reassessing Magic and think there is a power imbalance. Not to say that there wasn't a power imbalance in the first place; however…"
"Stripping the magical of their rights and freedoms just creates another power imbalance," Tigerlily completed.
Spencer nodded. "Right."
Tigerlily hummed, and a hush thrummed between them as the music played on. She sipped her drink when a little one came up to her with a wide smile and tugged at her hand whilst saying, "Curujagua! Curujagua!"
Tigerlily smiled and shook her head before responding in a way Spencer construed as a rejection when the little one pouted but accepted her answer. Still, he had to ask, "I've heard them all call you that. What does it mean?"
"From Anambe to Minstrish, it means 'shifter' or 'spirit' of a tiger or jaguar," Tigerlily explained.
"You can change into a tiger?" Spencer asked, surprised. "But you can fly. Are you a Chimera?"
"No." Tigerlily's yellows saddened. "I'm not a Chimera. Just a lost warrior."
Spencer looked at the crescent moon on her headband. "Is your band a representation from where you're from if you don't mind me asking?"
"Yes, it is." Tigerlily held her mug with two hands. "It was a gift from my mentor. He taught me everything I know now. When I passed becoming a warrior, this was his gift to me. It was to remind me where I came from. You could say I was blessed by the moon." She sighed. "I hope to find him again when the dust settles. Him and…someone else who I used to know."
"When you do find them, what do you plan to do with your life next?"
"Honestly, I don't know," Tigerlily replied. "The wars never seem to stop wherever you are. But if I could find my mentor…" The flames reflected in her eyes. "I'd want us to visit the old house he raised me in," she decided. "I'd want to repay him for the kindness he gave to me."
"And the other person?"
Tigerlily's hands clenched the mug. "He is a different story." Yellows inflamed with anger.
Gleaming red eyes.
Spencer blinked as Tigerlily got up and set her mug aside. "I'd better hunt while I can and do a quick sweep," Tigerlily said. "Make sure you check in with your team every hour. I've warded off the larger magical creatures and dismantled as many traps set as I can."
"I'll have two on my team join you on your patrol," Spencer decided. "We have the area covered, but we can spare two."
"That's okay." Tigerlily flexed her hands. "I work alone."
Before Spencer could argue, he was blinded in Magic for a mere moment. He blinked away the glare to see Tigerlily was trotting away, but she was no longer a human. A powerful tigress, was she, with sleek fur and claws in. What amazed him was she held her head high and the tribespeople all gathered to touch her as she passed them, murmuring what sounded like a ritualistic prayer as they cupped their hands before pressing their hands to their foreheads. Even the chief had come to her as she went to the exit. She stopped for him and allowed him to kneel and touch her head before he cupped his hands and touched his forehead. Tigerlily moved past him to exit the tribe and clawed her way up a low-hanging branch before disappearing deep into the forest.
Spencer touched his earpiece and murmured, "Keep an eye out for a tigress. She's one of ours. Watch her six." He did not need affirmations, and he stared at the musicians and the dancers and the roaring fires. Now I see why the tribespeople look at her like that. She isn't just a friend to them. She's their protection. They treated her like a goddess. He pulled out his necklaces and rubbed Veronika's charm. A tigress…
°•°•°•°
As the black and white featured moved into a full-color movie of a nanny, a widowed father, and his children and the different sorts of love formed through grief, through connection, and through song played, a white tomcat lazed about from his place hidden in the rafters. He yawned and sat up to scratch his neck, but he watched over the young couple in the back of the truck with caution. His eyes cracked open to reveal those alert grays.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
'…blessed by a moon…'
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
°•°•°•°
Spencer sighed and finished off his drink. His eyes glanced up at the moon and watched its glow outshine the stars in the sky. What a world we live in…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Gary's Condo
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
2:34 AM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi groaned as she rubbed her temple. Clinging to Gary's side, he brought the both of them inside his condo and turned on the lights. Býleistr poofed into existence in his Cat Form and trotted ahead while Nashi groaned even more. "Ugh… Thanks for cutting me off and making me eat."
"Of course, Angel." Gary locked up and reset the protective enchantments. "Come on. Let's get you to bed." He picked Nashi up in a bridal carry and smiled when she buried her head in his chest. He crossed into the master bedroom and set Nashi down. He knelt before her as he started to unlace her boots.
Nashi watched him through sober eyes. "Thank you," she murmured. "For letting me have this. I'm sorry you saw me so sloppy."
"I understand." Gary took off one boot and went for the next. "I've had those times too."
A spark of surprise burst into Nashi's stare. "You get drunk? I don't think I've ever seen you actually drunk."
"It's because I keep the drinking to a minimum." Gary got off her other boot and went for her socks. "I stick to two or three drinks, and then I'm finished. I don't like how I act when I'm drunk." He went to her jacket and unzipped it.
Nashi shrugged off her coat. "How do you act?"
"Not that great." Gary fingered the edge of her sweater. "Arms up, Angel." She did as he asked, and he fluidly removed her sweater before helping her out of her long sleeve. "The first time I truly got drunk was when I was with Ezra and Orochi. Orochi was still learning the ropes of mixology, so Ezra and I said we'd taste test." He brought Nashi to stand to help her out of her pants. "The first drinks, I didn't feel much. But then I started to the more we drank. While I was tipsy, I was pretty lucid. But when I was drunk…" He paused, sighing. "From how Orochi described it, I turned…dark. Like I couldn't find happiness."
Nashi turned, and Gary unclasped her bra. As she got out of it, she haltingly asked, "Did he tell you if you told them about the Bureau?"
"I didn't." Gary took a step back to undress while Nashi got off her panties and collected her clothes. "I was just in a dark mood for the rest of the night, and nothing could cheer me up. I'd prefer it if I didn't go to that place again, so I don't drink. Though, Sparkles did try to have me eat an edible." He shook his head as he folded his long sleeve. "I'm not a fan of the concept, and with Skade, I didn't want to risk it."
"I understand." Nashi put her clothes in the hamper before draping her coat on the chair in the room. "I'm going to start the shower, okay?"
"Sure."
Nashi went into the bathroom and fiddled. She had to admit. If she had not known Gary, she would have thought he was similar to a chaebol heir considering his shower came with the option of being a rainfall, wall mount, or with a detachable sprayer and he had a porcelain bathtub on top of it. She winced when she felt cold water at first, but it was not long for the temperature to be just right. She stepped in and sighed as warm water hit her skin.
But the shower could not do away with the guilt and pain.
'Don't let people die because of me or Luke. They don't deserve to die.'
They aren't dead, Nashi whispered. I didn't…technically break my promise. They aren't dead, they're just…
The shower door opened. "Is it okay if I come in?"
"Yeah… Sure."
Gary came in and settled himself under the spray, but he kept his eyes locked on Nashi even when she looked away from him. He moved strands of wet hair from her face. "We'll bring them back," he vowed to her. "We'll bring them all back."
"I know we will." Nashi blinked up at him. "It feels like everything is starting to hit me. Like I'm processing everything a second time. Just like before…"
Gary reached for her soap and loofah. "Come on, Angel. Let's get you clean."
He lathered the loofah before he made gentle soapy circles along her skin. Nothing sexual about the touch, nothing promising. He did careful strokes and avoided between her legs, but he scrubbed her from head to toe before he rinsed her off. He went to wash himself, but Nashi surprised him when she stopped him and used his own soap and loofah to wash him down. She even took care of his face before hers and delicately wiped their faces clean with a hand cloth. Once they were clean, Gary dipped down to pull Nashi into a sweet kiss under the spray before he turned off the water and helped her out.
Getting ready for bed was easy between them. After their days spent in Arcticados, the put-together routine stuck with them now. Lotioned up and hair dried, they preferred to sleep naked, so there was no need for clothing. They slid beneath the comforter with Nashi's head on Gary's chest and they let out a sigh.
A comfortable quiet.
"You know…"
Nashi shifted at Gary's words.
"A wise person once told me that she would stay by me. As long as I showed her my solvable problem, together, she'd do the hardest part with me." Gary's words came out calm and lilting. "Through whatever happened in the past, to whatever happened now or in the future, we'd have each other. And someday, somewhere, somehow, I'd be found again. And I want you to know those words mean the same in verse. No problem is impossible. I'll do the hardest part with you, Angel. But it's more than that."
His hand loosely tangled with her own. "You've lost sight of yourself. You've lost touch with yourself. You lost yourself. But when you can, take a moment to remind yourself to be kind to yourself. You made a choice, yes, but you made the only choice which kept everyone alive." He brought her hand up to kiss her fingertips. "I know I can't be here every second with you. Maybe there will come a day you can't look at me and smile. But I still want you to be kind to yourself. I want you to live, Angel. I promise we'll do the same. We'll keep living for those of us we've lost and those who are counting on it. We'll be independent together."
"You always know what to say," Nashi whispered.
"No, I don't," Gary negated. "And if I do, it's because that Angel I met in the woods that day gave me the inspiration."
"You waited so long…"
"And I'd wait even longer," Gary murmured. "I'd still live, but I'd keep waiting for an Angel to come back to me. It doesn't matter how many times you leave. I'll still be in that forest waiting for you."
Nashi sniffled. "You're such a naïve romantic, you stupid dog."
"I know." Cerulean glinted. "But people do stupid things when they're in love."
For a minute or two, all was well between them. The Moon let her clouds drift over her sight. The stars were as silent as a church mouse.
"I can feel it."
Gary blinked as Nashi sat up, her hand over her heart. "Angel?"
"I can…feel it," Nashi said again. "It's just right there. It's so…familiar. But it's just out of reach." She curled in on herself. "I want to feel it again. I want to know why it feels familiar to me."
Gary sat up. "Angel…"
"I want to… I need to know why it's so familiar. I want it back in reach."
Shimmering hickory collided with soft cerulean.
"Can you help me?" Nashi asked of him in a timbre barely above a tremoring whisper. "Can you help me remember?"
"Are you sure?" Gary saw her shaking hands and took them into her own. "You're trembling… Are you scared of this?"
Nashi shook her head. "No." She pulled her hand to touch his cheek and let her nose brush against his. "Because it's you." She tipped up her chin to softly kiss him. Gary responded in kind before he nudged her down on the bed.
Do you know what the predominant difference between sex and making love is?
The term "making love" is scoffed at and ridiculed, but do not laugh at it. There is a difference between fucking, having sex, and making love, even if you do not believe there is one. Straight fucking is an emotionless affair, selfish and unkind. You were meant to be detached with the kiss rare, the grunts just barely there, and the satisfaction was a blip in your life. Maybe you were lucky and had a partner who preferred longer sessions in bed with more rounds and delivered on their promise of multiple orgasms, but fucking was something you spoke to your friends about with who lasted five seconds and who had to fake it. It was an end, not a means to it. You got off and your partner did. End of discussion.
Having sex was a step above fucking. You merged your physical needs with intimacy. Less selfishness and more selflessness. Nothing was ever fifty-fifty, of course, but rather than rapid fucking, you took a little time. You toyed and teased each other until the bands of your control snap. You drew out pleasure with the play forehand. Maybe it was as simple as biting and sucking a sensitive nipple or adjusting your hips for them to go harder, deeper, faster. It left your heart racing, your body flushed, and you were joined in body alone with the deliriousness of your passion making your head dizzy. You shuttered, your back arched, and your body came alive. The kisses were firmer, the touches were from a giver, and the released tension had you making that vulnerable face as you forgot everything.
But making love was different.
It was not good sex. In fact, what made making love different from sex—even good sex—or fucking was that the predominant part of it was not physical. Oh, no. Making love was not a physical act. It was a means to pleasure. It was not an end. It was not harder, deeper, faster. The language and the thought behind it was nothing like sex or fucking. There was no more you and your partner. There was unity. There was us.
Pant to pant.
Skin to skin.
Pink and blue.
Winter and summer.
Violet.
Yes, of course, you need someone with you to make love, but the act of it transcended above a need of a distinction between you and your partner. It was surrender with no reservations. It was sexual coalescence without objectification. It was trust in absolute. And it was not easy for this to happen. Far from it, actually.
Because to make love, you had to feel the true kind of love that was rare to find.
You had to have a love that transcended the need for you to be together. You had to be independent together. A love that cut the cloth of "You complete me" and sewed on a new patch of "You add to me". A love that valued self-worth, but it nurtured another's self-worth. A love that did not confine someone to relying on solely you for strength. A love that had two people grow together and apart. A love that made them better versions of themselves for their sake and for the sake of each other.
I have a crush on you.
I like you.
I adore you.
I… I…
That feeling. That familiar feeling. That familiar feeling that ached and soothed itself, that was hot and cool, that was fact and fiction, that made you a genius then suddenly a fool. You were independent, but you were together. You were apart, but you were united. You were you and me, but you were us. A question. An answer. A contradiction.
Doesn't it have a name?
I care for you.
I want you.
I need you.
I… I…
Moonlight bathed over them in reckless abandon, but it was because the Moon approved of this union and blessed it so. Connected in body and soul, they were a contradiction. Winter and summer. Cold and heat. Lost and found. Darkness and light. Black and white. Devil and Angel. But they stayed joined, flushed and raw, with their emotions painted on them.
"I know why it's familiar." A tender hand splayed across Gary's cheek. "I can feel it." Hickories shimmered as emotional tears gathered, but she stared into Gary's eyes. "Gary…" She smiled. The relief, the happiness—it showed. "I love you."
Cerulean sparkled. "Angel…" He pressed his forehead against her as tears gathered in the corners of his eyes, happy as could be. "I love you too." And he tilted his head to show the Angel who showed him kindness the first kiss she would receive while she was in love.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
I had felt love before, but it was different. Even with the memories back, I couldn't say I loved Gary right away. We'd grown and things were different. The feeling was in reach, but I couldn't reach it.
But after that night… I knew why it was familiar. I could feel it again.
Through the bad and good, through everything…
I loved him. I loved my Devil. I had loved him once, and I loved him again.
I love him.
I love him.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The next morning…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The sun was up, and the sky was awake. Magnolia Town was in business. The Fairy Tail Guild had been open. The indoor market had a slow but steady crowd. Kardia Cathedral was in service as they went through their hymnals. The library was getting ready for its adjusted Sunday hours. Uncle Ben whistled as he came to the restaurant to open it up. Double Trouble had a light breakfast crowd that would only get busier.
Býleistr had dozed on the cat bed he insisted he never needed (but then he grew to love) with his belly up and his tongue hanging out. His leg twitched. Perhaps he was having a good dream.
Exhausted but bodies humming, Gary and Nashi had fallen asleep with Nashi splayed on his chest. A few markings from their passion remained, but a healthy glow fed their skin, and peace was written on their faces. It was Gary that stirred first. Nothing in particular had roused him, but nonetheless, he went through the process of waking up. His eyes blinked away the sleep and peered down to see Nashi against him, sighing in her sleep. Gently, he brushed back her hair, but she stirred regardless.
"Sorry," Gary told her. "I didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay." Nashi yawned and rubbed an eye. She turned to face him and a mutual understanding settled between them. "Good morning."
"Morning." Gary touched her cheek. "Was last night a dream? Did it really happen?"
Nashi nodded and cupped her hand around his. "It did," she murmured.
"Then… Can I be a little selfish?" Gary asked. "Could you tell me it again, please?"
Nashi drew herself up until she and Gary both turned onto their sides to face each other. She searched his eyes, his expression, his soul. "Yes. As many times as you want me to." She pulled him closer and thumbed his skin. "I love you," she confessed. "I love every part of you." She smiled at the vulnerability she caught through their connection and hugged him. "Gary Fullbuster, my precious Devil…" Her smile widened. "I love you."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Shinzō kara afuredashita koe de
Utau merodii furimuita mirai
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver let out a deep sigh. He had meant to take a quick nap with his headband on and his apron off, but that nap last night had turned into a few hours of sleep. He slept on his desk as the sun beat against his curtains. Knitting needles sat close to him and his hands were paint-touched, but the watercolor painting had come along nicely. He had matched a muted red for Ena's hair perfectly and the sparkle in her eyes. The Rainbow Rose blossomed healthily from its glass protection and even crafted another bud.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kimi kara afuredashita koe to
Awasatte hibiita gunjō no sora no shita
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The bath was heated and smelled of calendula flower and eucalyptus, which made it heavenly to be in. Dante relaxed in the tub, eyes closed, while a flustered Carlisle sat in front of him in the bath. It was not until Dante wrapped an arm around Carlisle and pulled him back to rest against him that Carlisle tensed at first. But gradually, he closed his eyes and relaxed in the bathtub with him.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yume ja nai yume ja nai namida no ashiato
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
A world with absolute freedom and peace doesn't exist.
It's ideal, but…it just doesn't exist.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Aphtan sent his morning in the personal library of the house with his hair clamped and his gloves off. The library was nothing too special, but it was filled in texts of both Minstrish and Perlagog. Today, he read a Perlagog book on one of the reading chairs with his legs crossed. But as he turned the page, he stopped to look at the budded cross on his ring.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Uso ja nai uso ja nai dorodarake no egao
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
People have free will. That will never change.
And because of that, people will have their own flaws, ideas and executions, likes and dislikes…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
In Arcticados, in the house of the Shaman, Uki dressed herself for the day. Pain marred her face when she saw the Curse had spread and solidified onto her arm, but that made her decision to put on her Anti-Ether clothing that much stronger. And as she did so and stumbled from the energy, her L-Pad screen glowed with her research on Exorcists and an olden church that followed practices of Exorcism located in the Nácarlines.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yume ja nai yume ja nai kata o kunde sakebitai
Bokura no omoi
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Many had thought the answer to such conflicting personalities and minds and cultures was to conquer those different.
Others had argued respect be a right, but they argued respect for their community and not for others.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Kyler was handling business as a young musician and his parents came by to test the violin they had ordered, and the young musician was delighted at the sound he produced. Kyler smiled, pleased, but it turned to utter dread when, unbeknownst to the family, Mammon was phasing down from the ceiling to ask him a question.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Todoke kiseki ja nakute ii utsukushikunakute ii
Ikigai tte yatsu ga hikari kagayaku kara
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
People speak about life, but they don't respect it, not really.
They slander someone from their own community for not fitting in.
They fight for equality, but only with their definition of equality.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luke stood in the bathroom as he picked at his pink-rooted black hair. He sighed, ready to give up, when his ear twitched. Luna stood at the door with hair products and a tentative look on her face as though scared he would not want her around. Luke smiled, and Luna smiled back.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kirenai batterii tamashii no kagiri
Shukumei tte yatsu o moyashite abaredasu dake nanda
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
What is justice if it's a social perception?
What is freedom if it's an unshared reality?
What is life if it is invalidated and disrespected?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Lance heard the doorbell ring and frowned. Aine and he had gotten up to eat breakfast and skipped the sermon today for a much-needed day to themselves to enjoy each other and relax to cartoons. He abandoned her, however, to tend to the front door. He swung it open, but the deliverer had moved on. He looked down at the package he had received and picked it up. While it had no sender information, the stamps on it indicated…
…it was from the USM.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
We live in a world where these ideas have been so perverted that they are embedded into our society, into us.
The steps the different have taken to move forward are shoved back.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Pearson yawned, covering his mouth, as he walked through Jasmine's apartment. He had taken off his shoes and jacket and set down his bag. Automatically, when he did not see her in the living room, he set off to her bedroom, but he stopped at the entryway. Pale reds softened, and a smile lit his face.
Jasmine was snuggled into her pregnancy pillow with her eye mask and satin scarf. But Pacer had stayed at her side, dead asleep. He had not taken the bed. Instead, he had pulled up the rocking chair Jasmine kept in her room and laid his head on his arms on top of the comforter.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The different fight amongst themselves.
A freedom promised stands on hinges.
And every day, the Truth of Life is being crushed by those who wrongly died due to twisted morals.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The dorm room Marek and Peter shared was cleaned because of Peter's intervention (and do not let Marek tell you otherwise). They shared a large LV and a bunch of gaming systems between them, but Marek had stocked piles on knickknacks and pop figures whereas Peter had not brought too many personal items. He worked at the desk the school provided on a homework assignment when Marek barged into their dorm room with that booming voice of his and Peter grew wide-eyed when Marek beckoned an Aberrant who had been born with cat ears, whiskers, and tail, a scrawny black boy who held a mirror with him, and a tall woman, all who merrily surrounded Peter with words of greetings and questions. Peter was taken aback by the attention, but he gradually smiled back.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Chinmoku ga tsuzuita iyafon
Jibun no yowasa ni tōsagatteku mirai
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Adrian spent most of his time in his office, even on weekends. The other professors muttered he was a workaholic and kissed up to the board, but that was not true. He escorted two students who had come for help out of his office and nodded at their appreciation. He went back to his office—organized beyond the belief and even color-coded—and decided to settle down to finish grading papers when his eyes drifted to the two photos he kept in his office. One photo had him socked underneath the arm of Robert Lafayette with John Winters while Dazzler was the one taking the photo, her eyes and the top of her head visible. But another photo had been burnt and displayed him, young and carefree, in a garden next to a boy… But because the picture was burnt, the boy's face was unknown.
But he would know.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Daijōbu ya ganbare tte kashi ni
Iradatte shimatta sonna yoru mo atta
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla had decided to take care of the dishes in her mother's home. She looked over her shoulder and softened as she saw her mother and Weiwei on the couch as Adrienne uprooted all the photo albums she had to proudly show Weiwei who looked as interested as could be with each story Adrienne told her. Tesla smiled when Jaxton's arms slipped around her midsection and her eyes closed when he kissed her cheek.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yume ja nai yume ja nai ano hi no kuyashisa to
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Cal finished dressing for the day, slightly hungover but that could be changed. He headed out of his room as he adjusted his shirt, then his watch, but his eyes lingered on the watch for a moment too long. But when he heard his name being called, he hurried out of the hall where Dash and Julia awaited him with breakfast ready.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Wasurenai wasurenai te no hira no tsumeato
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Bleu sat back in his chair with his monitors still going strong, but his eyes and his mind needed a break from all the reading and processing he had been doing for the past few hours. Work was never finished. Still, he took a moment to go into one of his drawers and dug through it until he got to the bottom. He unlatched the false bottom he had installed and pulled out what he coveted.
A gray feather.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Muda ja nai muda ja nai
Sore mo subete tataetai
Mō ato sukoshi
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The council meeting with all the representatives from each district was being moderated smoothly. It was forbidden for anyone to sit on the throne reserved for the true heir to Zeref's blood, but Naseer and a blank Ajeel took the thrones to the right and left of the royal throne. It was Naseer who led the meeting with questions, comments, and concerns, and the council responded in kind.
Mozah watched the meeting with sadness in her eyes. She glanced over at Invel, but his face gave nothing away as he watched the proceedings. She pulled her hands out of her robes to look at a small wooden carving she had kept hidden all these years. A symbol unrecognizable to those who could not see Life.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Negai no atsusa ni asemamire ni nattari
Kitai seotteitatte omosa ni okubyō ni naru kedo
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Veronika, Ivan, and Lisa-Jane saw Mira and Mary Jane off at the docks. They would be ferrying to the mainland and traveling by train back home. Mary Jane had an emotional Lisa-Jane cling to her and even Ivan hugged her leg, not wanting his favorite aunt to go so soon. Mira watched the three in shining affection, but it surprised her when her name was called. She turned, and those blues widened when Veronika offered her a fierce hug.
Cerulean shimmer.
Mira closed her eyes and hugged her daughter back.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Bokura no senbangō sore wa senaka ja naku
Hitomi no oku no Answer
Kasanatte terashiatteku Forever
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The entire team traveled by gliding from tree to tree. While traveling by vehicle would be more efficient, it would also pose a problem due to the narrow pathways of the jungle and the noise it would deliver. So they used their flight to glide from tree-to-tree in relative silence. Spencer took point as he looked at the internal map his system provided him, but he saw orange and black stripes. He glanced to his right to see Tigerlily going through the tree in her Tiger Form and keeping pace.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
In a world where absolute freedom existed, respect would have to coexist with it.
There is no freedom without mutual respect.
For us to be equal but fight amongst ourselves what constitutes as "equality" is not equality.
For us to fight to have freedom but to fight amongst ourselves which race and community deserve "freedom" is not freedom.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The Engeki dormitory was co-ed, but that did not matter to Mellow or his roommate. The studio dorm they shared was big enough for the two of them with a little kitchenette, large closets for them both, and even a provided couch and coffee table. Between him and his roommate, they had spruced up their dorm room with hanging lights, posters from their favorite fandoms, and had pitched in for an LV, lamps, and bookshelves.
Mellow was in the living room on his Compact, but he ignored the knocking on the door since his roommate said it was most likely for him. But a minute later, Mellow heard a voice he could not believe. He sat up and looked over the couch to see an embarrassed Christophe had come to visit him.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Shinzō kara afuredashita koe de
Utau merodii furimuita mirai
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Diana sat patiently as Bobbie tried hard to braid her hair through the instructions Diana gave her. For a moment, Diana was in the present, in this life, where she had a wife, where she had a daughter and another son. But she blinked, and she was back in the past. She was back where a little Carlisle played with her hair. She was back where she had a dutiful man at her side with that smile. She blinked away the memories as a wistful smile touched her lips.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kimi kara afuredashita koe to
Awasatte hibiita gunjō no sora no shita
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Pantherlily chuckled to himself as Gale and Galileo voiced their complaints to their parents acting like teenagers in love. He left them to their own devices as he retreated upstairs and to his room. Admittedly, he did not keep too many possessions in his rooms that were not his favored oversized weapons. But he sat on his bed and pulled open the drawer from his nightstand. Those burnt red eyes glinted as he carefully retrieved what he had kept close. A golden headband with an opal waning moon.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yume ja nai yume ja nai namida no ashiato
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
As a street cat to the human, Muta wandered around where gullible humans fed him and pet him, though he slipped away when one ever tried to pick him up. He was making his rounds when—
A flash of black and orange.
A burst of energy hit Muta as he gunned down the alleyway, breathing hard. But his tail drooped when the black cat and orange tabby he had seen hissed viciously at him with no recognition in their glares.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Uso ja nai uso ja nai dorodarake no egao
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Aurinia sipped her coffee with her crocheted shawl around her shoulders. The lack of sleep was evident in her eyes, but she did not care. Her Compact showed confirmation the package she had sent had made it to the recipient. So she had other things to worry about. And her eyes stared at the worldwide map in front of her that was magically marked in a series of colors in every contact. But two bright markers were in Fiore.
One was traveling in the direction of Magnolia.
And the other…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yume ja nai yume ja nai kata o kunde sakebitai
Bokura no omoi
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
A young man walked the streets in a high-waist printed plaid big swing long skirt with his black long sleeve tucked in. A bucket hat hid most of his hair, but he carried an oil-paper umbrella to block out the sun. He wandered around, a little dazed, a little thoughtful, when he heard his name. Down the street, three people were waiting for him. The one who called his name was the most exuberant and merrily yelled for him. The other two were a pair of a tall man with his bangs over his eyes, hunched over and awkward, while the other young man might have been on the short side, but he had loads of confidence.
The young man turned, and his pink lips pulled into a smile.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Negai no atsusa ni asemamire ni nattari
Kitai seotteitatte omosa ni okubyō ni naru kedo
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The dust bowl was violent.
The desert was an unforgiving bastard and a right arrogant one at that. Sand and wind whipped around, bullying everyone in their vicinity. But he did not care. He moved through the shifting sands without an ounce of fear. He passed those who had perished. Their skeletons remained as a testament to how far they traveled in this desert that made it a point to decimate everyone who tried to cross it. Animals, people, plants—none were spared from such a cruel fate. A lonesome way to die.
Except him.
In the distance, in the heart of this storm, a temple waited patiently for the worthy to cross the desert and enter it.
With a face halved between that of a human with freckles and an auburn eye and that of the unknown with bone showing and the other eye black with an opal iris, Mason crossed the uncrossable desert to get to the temple. He might not have been worthy…
…but he was alive.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Bokura no senbangō sore wa senaka ja naku
Hitomi no oku no Answer
Kasanatte terashiatteku Forever
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Dazzler read by the fire. A new book about the gods had come in and she needed to pour all her energy into examining every single world. Gladstone rested by the first, dozing off, but his ears twitched when he heard someone approach. Dazzler paid no mind when John had come over, haggard and scruffy, with Ghost. John sagged into the other chair while Ghost floated between, nervous.
It surprised John when a rock glass of whiskey came his way, but he looked over at Dazzler who said not a word nor look at him. Still, he smiled and toasted to her before taking his sip. Dazzler's lips twitched, and Ghost relaxed.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
No one should have had to have their freedom controlled by another.
No one should have their lives, their culture, who they are be disrespected.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The yellow-green-eyed woman with curves for days and a choker around her neck rolled her eyes as her flirtatious companion with those magenta eyes followed her in the teasing hope she would spare him the time of day. She got to her hotel room and swiped open the door before she sped inside and slammed the door closed at an inhuman speed. Her companion chuckled, ruffling his hair, but he called his good night as he retired to his own room.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Because, at the end of the day, we're people who deserve respect...
…who deserve fairness…
…who deserve to live as we are…
…who deserve love…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Ricky was listening to a catchy tune in his room. With the storyboarding finished for the project he was on and the pre-vis had gone over well, it was up to him and production to go through the animation. The layout was crafted, but he was character modeling and animating, and this particular character was one with flowing golden-white hair that had to stand out. But even as he worked, he bopped along to the beat going through his headphones until he began to mumble along with the lyrics.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kinchō kara fuan ga mebaete
Ne wo haru mitai ni bokura o shihai suru
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Working from home had its perks. For starts, you could sit in a chair that made you feel comfortable.
Sharon yawned, and she took off the glasses she specifically used for work. Muscles a little sore, she stretched them out as she eyed the email again about her coming to the Nácarlines for the iAIM and sighed, only to perk when she heard a knock. She twisted in her chair in time to see Maddox come in with a tray of snacks for her with his tail carrying two mugs of tea, and she flushed under his serene smile.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Sonna mono ni makete tamaru ka to
Ima shukumei tte yatsu o
moyashite abaredasu
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Sundays with the Shuusei family meant everyone was getting together after church. Jinn blissfully ran away from her grandmother, who was trying to cover her up since she chose to wear a profane shirt. The Old Lady Gang was there to make sure everyone was fed and well looked after. Bowie had Eloa close as he discussed the latest political news with Uncle Logan, while Eloa was busy trying to answer emails from her boss until she got fed him when he used that annoying moniker for her. She exited her emails, but she stopped.
Her background screen.
Her eyes softened when she saw the picture in her background screen held her and Jean as fresh-faced graduates.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Todoke kiseki ja nakute ii utsukushikunakute ii
Ikigai tte yatsu ga hikari kagayaku kara
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Cana woke up with a large headache and very little motivation to do much because of it. But still, her work was never done. Wincing, she got out of bed to dress in an old sweater, sweats, and slippers when she heard someone else going through the kitchen. She shuffled out, surprised, but she softened when she saw Cane in the kitchen making enough breakfast for two.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kirenai batterii tamashi no kagiri
Shukumei tte yatsu o moyashite
Abaredasu dake nanda
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Hisui strut across the hall with her royal guards around her and her personal assistant at her beck and call. Madelia walked a little behind her, but she was reminding Hisui of the schedule for the day and what was next on the docket. As they rounded a corner, Aaron and Arcadios were in the line of sight.
Aaron and Hisui locked eyes for a brief moment.
But the Queen walked on by as Defense Minister and acting-Prime Minister bowed in her presence.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
But where there is free will, there will always be those on the side of Anti-Life and Chaos.
They will abuse their free will in exchange for power and control.
They'll tear down those different in order to make equality and freedom in their image.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Jura Kneekis needed no announcement about his entrance, but he made it a point to be a little more delicate to an easily startled Iris who had much on her plate keeping up with an eccentric enigma of a man as her job. He bowed to her in respect before he crossed the threshold to the next set of doors and opened him. Wolfheim and Warrod were already seated, waiting and ready. Draculos turned around to greet Jura with a serious frown.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
How can we stop that? We have flawed justice ruled by people with agendas.
We have equality that is not meant to be truly equal.
We fight and we fight, but as we fight against those of Anti-Life and Chaos, we fight with each other.
How can we stop that?
How can we live in a world with freedom and peace with no restrictions, no agenda—just purity?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Orochi held back in his seat as he watched Mara teach advanced sign language to those who attended the deaf and mute school on Saturdays and Sundays for remedial lessons. It was a healthy mixture of adults with children who were born or became deaf or mute, students who took MSL classes, and those who had become deaf or mute and were still learning the language themselves to accommodate their new life.
Orochi himself went back to his sketch for a new tattoo.
The tattoo of a butterfly.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Shinzō kara afuredashita koe de
Utau merodii furimuita mirai
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The infamous Strauss-Dreyar Sunday brunch was upon Lisanna and Bixslow this time around, which meant the triplets were much more excitable and bound to break something. Liberty knew the best way to make everyone comfortable around her, so she clung to Ace (with James the black cat clinging to her) and she asked him all sorts of questions about his interest. Ace answered them with ease with Justin pitching in every moment or so when he looked over his shoulder. He saw his adoptive father watching the three of them with teary eyes. Justin excused himself from Liberty and Ace's conversation to get up and sidled up to Freed to give him a side hug. And Freed hugged him back.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Sonna mono ni makete tamaru ka to
Ima shukumei tte yatsu o
moyashite abaredasu
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The nieces and nephews farthest from home did their due diligence to call in during brunch. Eve had FaceCalled, but she gave a mock-outcry when Liberty demanded to see Ola and brag about how her baba did her braids this morning. Esme was crying because she felt fat, so Ye-ji had to take over the FaceCall while Guil cradled his wife. But Ines and Ye-ji hit it off about the new product Ines had bought from her, and Evergreen looked like she could faint and Ellie sprouted a dozen roses. Elfman was already shouting "Man!" and Laxus looked like he was ready for a cold one. Elvin had tried to keep to himself, but that was impossible when Penelope found him and forced him to sit between her and Paige. But Paige's instant teasing to their aunts and uncles about Elvin meeting a hot girl had him flustered beyond belief.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Todoke kiseki ja nakute ii utsukushikunakute ii
Ikigai tte yatsu ga hikari kagayaku kara
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The bar was packed, but it was the place the genetic technologists and their friends liked to gather on their off days. Ezra looked ready to die on the spot when Asako was laying into him about his exhaustion and the desire he transferred departments, but Chace, the charmer he was, got back her attention the second he touched her arm and she shivered. Hacker somehow still brought his sleeping back with him and him within it, occasionally opening it to chug some beer. A drunk Teddy was trying their luck yelling at a bear of a man while Rain tried to restrain Teddy before their butt was kicked.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Kirenai batterii tamashi no kagiri
Shukumei tte yatsu o moyashite
Abaredasu dake nanda
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The yurt was cleaned from top to bottom, although it was thanks to Magic and not the actual occupants. The two owls dozed on their perches since they had not much to do today. The lithe woman fed the fire some bacon which, rather than burn, the fire actually swallowed the bacon. She bypassed another woman with curly black hair with a few silvery-white streaks as she cursed in her native tongue as she pressed the buttons on her controller to the lacrimagame she played with the intent to demolish her opponents. The lithe woman decided to retire, but she stopped at a room and looked up at the ceiling.
A ceiling that had been completed with a field of bleeding-hearts and a castle that stood in the distance.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
There is no such thing as a perfect world with unlimited peace and prosperity.
Where one problematic chapter closes, another will open with a different theme.
There will always be those who abuse their free will in exchange for control.
There will always be those who fight for themselves, but never for you.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Lucy sighed as the taxi backed down the driveway. Natsu was the one to do the heavy lifting, but he did not mind. Although, whatever he chirped to his wife made Lucy blush like a maiden and smack him. She fiddled with her keys while Natsu pouted, but it looked like she did not need to unlock anything. The doors tore open and Luna poured out to hug her. She staggered back, but she hugged back her youngest daughter with a smile. Nashi came out, and Lucy extended her arm for her other daughter to join.
Natsu dropped the bags in time when Luke came out of the house to embrace him. Luke never saw a flicker of red cross his father's eyes, nor the way Natsu's nostrils flared. A sadness set in him, but he closed his eyes and hugged his son.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Some have given up.
Some have fought this war long and have no more energy to spare.
And they have fought valiantly in the name of Life.
But what about the rest of us still fighting?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Juvia was knitting in the living room as she watched a wedding reality show when she heard the door open. She called her greetings to the one who opened the door, but she frowned when she received no greeting back. She paused in her knitting to wipe her hands on her pants and she stood up—
Gary was in the living room, eyes glassy, and he murmured his hello.
Juvia's eyes watered, but she wasted no time launching herself into Gary's arms and letting out a cry that her son was home.
Gary hugged her back, but he started when he felt another presence. He looked to see Julia and Silver had joined them and he ruffled Silver's hair to which his little brother sniffled and he and Julia exchanged knowing looks.
A familiar winter joined them.
The three let Gary go as he turned. He saw Gray standing there—his father, his mentor, his support—with pride and happiness glistening in his eyes. He did not know who moved first, him or his father. But they embraced each other like they had done years ago.
Because he was home.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
What do we do in a world that sees races, genders, cultures, communities, religions as good or bad, black and white?
What do we do in a world where an imbalance forces those who are different to fear for their lives?
To be conditioned they are what people say they are?
To be treated like they are a diseased, flawed, abandoned…
…alone?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Lamia Scale was open for business on Sunday for any and all. Leo took a drag of a cigarette, but he was scared out of his mind when the little Rose Vastia scolded him and he quickly put it out. Sir Briocoso tried to drink his tea in peace, but it was hard when Mikazuchi was riding around a bumper car he created without any care who he pumped into it. Toby had lost his sock and was going through an emotional breakdown to Yuka who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. Ultear sniffed at one of the patron's advances. Meredy was trying to calm down Master Ooba while she was in a spinning fit. Lyon was trying to look dignified when a few fans had approached him, but they sweatdropped when Toby's bawling cut him off and he started shouting at Toby. Linus kept to himself as he looked at the unknown number that he missed on his Compact.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Does that mean we let go of our ideals of peace and freedom?
Do we let those on the side of Anti-Life and Chaos win?
If we can never achieve absolute equality among us, absolute respect do we just…
…give up?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Margaret Town flourished even in the winter months. Tourists had come to see the Guardian Duo of Margaret Town and oohed and aahed as a very tired staff member took them through their museum. Mayor Sabozai approved for increased protection of the underground resources. Andy and her guide dog were at the main clinic of Margaret Town today as she used Alkahestry to help spiritually heal children in the cancer wing. Church had just let out, so everyone had gone into the main town square. The magical creatures of Margaret Town thoroughly enjoyed their home and the care the human companions gave them.
In that hidden garden where Gale and Luna met Syra, the shadows of the Guardian Duo flew overhead.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
No. We don't.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Magnolia Town was full-steam ahead. The mayor was taking his Sunday afternoon stroll with his assistant to see Magnolia as a citizen and listened to the complaints shopkeepers and small business owners had for him. Gigi had on his glasses as he worked on repairing a torn blanket. Uncle Ben had everyone singing a famous Stellian love song as he and another chef tossed pizzas. India and a few friends decided to go to the indoor market for a meal, laughing all the way. Thirteen was in the park with his hyper corgi and his Cadejo Mountain Dog guiding him, but everyone looked afraid of him to ask to pet his dogs. Genius stayed locked within his house in the mountainside as he played an EMPHASIS video in the background, but he was researching rental homes in the Nácarlines.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
We will never give up fighting for the side of Life.
We will never give up to make it a right for absolute equality and respect.
And our strength to fight is not a weakness like they say it is. It's not a flaw.
We are not flawed. We are not diseased.
We are people on the side of Life.
And we will fight against those against us with everything we have for balance—a balance they fear.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Mirella sighed from her hotel room as she reviewed more and more documents that needed to be looked at before her next conference with the Ministry of Magical Creatures. Doctor Noah Mothersbaugh finished checking on a patient with his Aceso before he decided he needed a smoke break.
Yuuma was in the middle of playing a racing game when Kei pounced on him and immediately regretted it when he could feel Yuuma's anger. Majesty was working on her 3D Lacrima Printer as she set it to print out the sword she had designed based on one of her favorite series. Izzy collapsed onto her bed from the all-nighter she pulled as her roommate giggled at her. Cullen the Shadower peeked back into Mystogan's underground laboratory as he skimmed the bookshelf before he plucked a book.
Kyary stayed in the small room she had been allotted for her alone, but she hugged her pillow with a dull look about her. Kat had come to join Miles and his family for Sunday brunch, and she laughed behind a hand as Miles got scolded on his manners. Lane Laughter found their adopted children dragging them out of the house to conveniently treat them to food.
Officer Kimbley and Sergeant Anbessie spoke in her tented off as Kimbley wrote every word down. He stopped when Anbessie gave him an envelope with a knowing look about her. Kang took a walk with Florica in a nature park with Wolf acting like a puppy as he rolled around and yipped. Block had decided to hit the gym this morning to keep up with his weight-training. Aryal lounged in a cozy grandfather chair as he read a volume of the Lost in Time: Creatures of the Dark Ages.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
For those of you who have fought for this long and are tired of the fight, I thank you.
You gave hope for a better future.
You have done so much.
But you can rest now.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The Fairy Tail Guild was always open for anyone who wanted a warm meal and good conversation. With Mira still on her way back, Kinana manned the bar with the servers and bartenders. Fights broke out, and it got rowdy, but it was home. Ena had come to the guild, but she deemed it a mistake when the loud noise was interrupting her thinking and she drew her sword. Bruno and his massive paws were everywhere as he tried to steal some food. Vinyl was working hard on a new mix for a party she was hired to DJ at. Romeo was ready to take on a new job, or so he said drunkenly after he had accidentally drunk not just his but Asuka's drink too. Constantine joined Macau and Wakaba for a quick-handed game, but it was unfair once the Lacroid had cleaned them out. Coeus was at the bar as he listened to someone on his hidden Communications Radio Lacrima. Erza sighed as she leafed through her notes, but she had a smile of appreciation when Number Five set down tea in front of her.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
I'll carry you on our way towards a world of balance and Life.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna was curled up in her room, quiet and withdrawn, when she heard a knock. She got up to tend to it to see Nashi waiting for her with Býleistr. For a moment, Luna did not understand, but when Nashi extended her hand, Luna took it and let Nashi lead her away with Icarus in tow.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Why do I fight?
Why do I give everything for this?
Why am I taking your tired hand into mine and pulling you along with me into this balanced world?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Paws pounded on the snow.
Býleistr in his Lion Form led Icarus as their mistress rode their backs. It was about time for Nashi to have her own saddle, and it made riding so much easier. The Lion Spirit led the Canis Minor through the woods, leaping over frozen narrowed streams and fallen logs. They sprinted hard like they were being chased. Luna kept hold of Icarus, but the spark in her eyes was still dull and subdued.
But as they kept running, Icarus bark made Luna looked up. She squinted when she saw the four of them were approaching some sort of light. They broke into and…
Chocolate widened.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Because I am an Agent of Life.
And that…
That world of balance, of love and life…
…that world is my destiny.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Flowers.
Everywhere, there were flowers. Flowers that could survive the chill of winter and live with their beautiful petals of gold and pink and violet and blue. But the snow and ice had been done away with to see the grass and dirt. A meadow was alive in well in the dead of winter, underneath the blue sky and the white sun.
Luna dismounted from Icarus and took slow steps into the meadow. The flowers brushed her legs as though in welcome. The grass tickled her feet as though in a hello. She did not even feel the cold. She felt…warm.
Feet stepped.
Luna turned to ask Nashi for an explanation, a reason why they were here, but she could not when Nashi had approached her with a glowing white butterfly that hung onto her finger. Hickories full of affection and understand gazed at Luna as Luna gazed at the butterfly, and it hit her.
That day in the meadow when she could not stop crying until…
Luna stiffened as her bottom lip trembled.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And I promise you…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The tears came like a storm, violent and overwhelming.
Luna's legs buckled, but Nashi did not let her fall alone. Sisters fell together in a meadow that had been cleared of winter for this moment of summer. This place where Nashi had brought Luna long ago where she could cry her little heart out and know she had her big sister there for her. This place where Luna latched onto Nashi as her mouth opened and she wailed. She screamed. She cried. And Nashi willingly took in all her pain because she knew what it was like when no one was there to help you with your pain. She held onto her sister for as long as she needed to, and she would for all of their lifetimes.
Icarus sat on the edge of the meadow while Býleistr went back to his natural form to lean against a tree, arms crossed. But both Star Spirits could feel the merged emotion of their mistresses and had nothing to fear except feeding them support.
And another party joined them.
Just like it was that day, Gary watched from the distance with his hands in his jacket pockets, those blues soft and loving.
Nashi's eyes opened.
Hickory and cerulean connected.
Gary gave her a soft nod.
Nashi's eyes watered. She gripped onto Luna as she wailed with her. For her guilt. For her promises. For her grief. A breeze misted over both sisters as they bore their anguish into the world with the Star Spirits and a Devil as their sentinels, but they had each other. They always had each other.
And that was enough.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Tada shukumei tte yatsu o
Kazashite tachimukau dake nanda
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And in Luna's room, on the back wall, she had reinstated her board that she had pinned photos she had taken of the past and present. There was no theme or rhyme or reason to where the pictures were. She had just wanted them back on display to see the work she had done over the years and to add more pictures in her newest collection. But for a moment, the present did not matter. Because one photo—an old photo—had been pinned to her board. A polaroid that had not been dented by time yet.
It was the photo of a little Nashi as she tackled a younger Gary to the ground to kiss his cheek, but the photo did not capture just his surprise at her gesture. It captured that moment of vulnerable softness. It captured the Angel Girl and the Devil Boy.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
… I will take you to that world.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance
— • — • — • —
Býleistr – Josh Tomar
Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa
Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns
John Winston – John Michael Higgin
Yoko Cox – Lyrica Okano
Ajeel Raml -
Tesla Greer / Hylia Lynk – Galena wite
Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeung
Weiwei Yang – Suzie Yeung
Silver Fernandes – Yuri Lowenthal
Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh
Mirajane Dreyar – Monica Rial
Veronika Strauss – Hilary Haag
Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Lindbeck
Kyler – Ray Chase
Mammon – Paul St. Peters
Talia – Serena Varghesa
Mirella – Edie Mirman
Elvin Strauss – Micah Solusod
Porlyusica – Linda Yong
Peter Shuusei-Thompson – Joe Zieja
Mercurius van Helmont – Jerry Russell
Dazzler Lafayette – Kristi Rothcock
Gladstone – Ben Diskin
Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill
Icarus – Christopher Sabot
Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee
Invel – Clay Wheeler
Aamon – Héctor Elizondo
Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer
Mellow – Lucien Dodge
Aphtan Ángel – Adam Gibbs
Christophe Justino – Eric Stuart
Preston Lates – Chris Patton
Calcifer "Cal" – Benjamin McLaughlin
Li Kang (voice only) – Crispin Freeman
Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn
Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes
Gale Redfox (child) -
Igneel Dragneel (child) -
Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook
Sycaña – Christine Auten
Justin Justine – Ian Sinclair
Gray Fullbuster – Ryan Reynolds
Julia Fullbuster – Michelle Ruff
Eiji "Dash" Ackermann – Leraldo Andzaldua
Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw
Diana Justino – Kristin Hvan
Magdalena "Maggie" Justino – Anastasia Muñoz
Barbara "Bobbi" Justino –
Ines Sharabi – Michelle Hendley
Eliana "Ellie" Strauss – Alexis Tipton
Ace – Billy Kametz
Lucifer "Bleu" Demiurge – Xander Mobus
Spencer Lates – Christopher Wekhamp
Tigerlily – Patricia Duran
• — • — •
Additional Voices
Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn
— • — • — • —
⌜INSERT SONG 1
⟪ The Rock City Boy ⟫
JAMIL
Lyrics by
Jamil, Satori Shiraishi⌟
•
⌜INSERT SONG 2
⟪ Paradise ⟫
Rude-α
Lyrics by
Rude-α and Lauren Kaori⌟
•
⌜ENDING THEME
⟪ Shukumei (Acoustic Ver.) ⟫
Cover Artist
Tak Kato
Original Artist
Official HIGE DANdism
Lyrics by & Composed by
Satoshi Fujiwara⌟
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TALES OF HEART'S DAY WEEKEND