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, Tesla and Jaxton had smooth sailing as they arrived in the Sīchóu Province of Zhōnguá and man oh man does Jaxton have a nice house or what! Secret's out that Jaxton's family runs a Cultivation Sect, something no one else in the world knows about, and explains Jaxton being a little older than he might appear. But just when Tesla was ready for the surprises to be over and done, so she could enjoy her time with Jaxton's sister Weiwei and her fiancé Elijah, their night out gets crashed by… Hold on. Is that Cajun from the people Jaxton works with? Bastien from Julia's episodes? And now his name is Beau? Well, whatever his name is, he definitely has something against Jaxton and vice versa. And something tells me we won't see the last of him…
'Don't make me worry about you, Bái Láng.'
Good to see Gary and Jaxton's friendship has gone on strong all these years. Now, maybe Jaxton can work on wanting to hang out with Gary without doing Tesla a favor…
Chibi-Nashi appears. "Hi, guys! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure! Author-san wanted to refresh your memory of time zones, so here you are!"
Abbreviations – Time Zone Name • — • — •— • — Location • — Offset
MCDT • — • — Melandian Central Daylight Time – Melandia • — • UTC +7
SST • — • — • – Sīchóu Standard Time • — • — • — Zhōnguá • — • – UTC +3
CIT • — • — • – Central Ishgaran Time • — • — • — Bellum • — • – UTC +2
CMT • — • — • – Charring Mean Time • — • — • — Minstrel • — • – UTC +1
FST • — • – Fiore Standard Time • — • — • — • Fiore • — • — • – UTC - 0:00
ACT • — • — Arcticados Central Time • — • — • – Arcticados • — • — UTC - 1
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!"
Being wide away when dawn helped the sun start its rise made Tesla feel like crap.
South-facing rooms mean you received a lot of sunlight throughout the duration of the day. Your room was sun-drenched come winter to summer, which could be just as good as it could be bad. Tesla never minded waking up warm. The opposite seemed vile and crew. But she laid in this bed—in Jaxton's bed—her eyes peeled, heart steady, and mind slow. It was crap she was awake so early in the morning but sleeping any later proved difficult.
Yellow-ambers.
Tesla made a pathetic grunt as she rubbed her eyes. This isn't helping me at all. She grabbed her Compact off the charger and checked the time.
5:49 AM
"Son of a bitch," Tesla muttered. Her Compact registered her Face ID and swept her inside, but her eyes focused on her screen. When she had set it, she was unashamed and proud she had gotten Jaxton as he was coming out of the pool all wet and masculine and hers. But…
Yellow-ambers.
Tesla growled to herself, I said I'd sleep on it, and I slept on it, but all I'm doing is dwelling on it. She flipped to ⟪ Messages ⟫ and hesitated when she saw Julia's contact. Shaking it off, she went to Dante's contact and started a new message.
« Can I call you? »
Dante responded a minute later.
« Go for it »
Tesla called him, and he answered not a second later with a gruff, "What's wrong?"
Tesla offered a weary sigh in reply. "I'm surprised you answered. I thought you and Carlisle would be yuckin' up for his spring half term holiday whatever."
"He's in bed with our new cat."
That made Tesla's eyebrows go up as she stretched. "You got a cat, and you didn't tell me?"
"The cat sort of…chose us," Dante explained. "Carlisle's pissed because the cat follows him everywhere, but it's this fat white cat. He's pretty friendly, but he clings to Carlisle even when he hisses at it. It doesn't have a collar, but I made an appointment with a vet to see if it has a chip or a spell on it. If not, we'll keep it." He chuckled. "And I'll send pictures if he officially becomes out cat."
"You better," Tesla sniffed. "But why are you not in bed with your boyfriend?"
Silence. Then… "He kicked me out."
Tesla snorted and joshed, "What, did you try to cop a feel?" When all she heard was silence, she gaped. "Jaxton and I have rubbed off on you!"
"Shut up. He kicked me out and said I can come back in after he gets his beauty sleep. He even locked the door." Dante sounded both amused and frustrated. "Not like I don't have a spare key to my own room. But I love his temper. He's sexy when he gets pissy."
"Hey, now, let's not get turned on," Tesla chided.
Dante laughed. "Seriously. Are you okay? I thought something went wrong yesterday, but you texted me everyone was fine, and you'd call later. Meet his parents yet?"
"No, but I met up with his sister and her fiancé. They're a cute couple," Tesla remarked as those yellow-ambers haunted her mind. "I just had a mini-freak out, but I kept my cool."
Silence.
"Are you sure about that?"
Tesla shifted to lie on her side. "How do you know when I'm having issues?"
"Because I'm psychic like that," Dante supposed. "What's going on? Wait, hold on." His voice sounded far as he worriedly called, "Princess, come here. No, it's fine, come here. I've got you, baby." A lot of shifting and sniffling and shuffling happened until Dante said to her, "Go on."
Tesla hesitated. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Carlisle came out, but he's already dozing off in my lap. It's fine. What's wrong?"
Tesla sat up and propped up the pillows so she could relax. "Nothing monumental," she assured him. "Zhōnguá has been a blast. A little overwhelming at times, but it's been great to see Jaxton's home, y'know? I'm learning a lot about his culture. It's incredible. And I'm happy to be here."
"But…" Dante prompted.
Tesla rubbed her cheek to get off the drool. "I just…" She looked up at ceiling. "It's…" She licked her lips and noted they were a little chapped. "I'm just trying to keep an open mind," she settled on saying.
"Did you two fight? Or are you learning things about him you didn't know before?"
"The latter." Tesla rearranged her twists. "It's nothing big. Honestly, I'm not put off by anything. Initially, I was surprised, yeah, but that's not what's gotten me all keyed up. I'm not freaking out or afraid or anything like that. No running for the hills or something stupid."
Dante murmured softly, "Is he the one afraid?"
"He was shaking," Tesla whispered like it was a broken secret. "I've never seen him like this, Dante. I…" She shut her eyes. "I said we needed to talk, but when I remember him shaking like that…"
"I want you to love all of me, but I'm afraid. You might not want to be with me when you figure out that I'm not…normal."
Yellow-ambers.
"I want him to know nothing he says will change anything for me," Tesla relayed. She played with one of her twists. "I hate that…that he thinks I'll leave if he says something. I know I struggled with our fight back in January, but I won't leave him over this."
"And you told him this?"
"Yeah."
"What did he say?"
Tesla remember feeling his trembling as he murmured, pained, "Don't… Don't give me hope or make a promise like that until you know the whole truth. I'll believe whatever you say afterwards, but for now, don't say anything."
She summarized for Dante as she buried her hurt, "He basically doesn't want me to say what I don't mean. He still thinks it's a very real possibility I'll walk out on him." She frowned when Dante said nothing back. "Well?"
"I'm understanding both sides," Dante told her. "Because I do get both sides. You want to be there for him, but he's rejecting that because he's afraid of getting hurt and his rejection hurts you. I understand that."
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.
"Then, what do you recommend?" She pulled the Compact away to softly chime, "Come in." She watched as one of the doors opened to reveal a shirtless Jaxton in shorts and a loose robe on his back.
"Do what I'd do," Dante advised as Jaxton crossed through the wing. "Answers are nice when it's something that involves you or the both of you. But if those answers are solely about him, don't push. Be patient with him. The more patience you show, it might help ease his anxiety."
Tesla kept her eyes locked on Jaxton as he came to the edge of the bed, but he did not get on it. "You think it will?"
"Pushing someone to talk about themselves when they're not ready can be used effectively," Dante supposed. "But tell me this: do you think pushing Jaxton to speak about the subject will be good for the two of you?"
"No." Tesla dropped the word quietly. "I think telling him I'll wait until he's ready would be better for us."
"There's your answer."
"I guess so."
Dante hummed. "I'll leave you guys to it." He somehow knew Jaxton was near her. "I need to carry Carlisle back to bed. I love you. Call me when you can."
"I love you too." Tesla ended the call and dropped the Compact on her bed, but those steely-grays did not leave Jaxton. "Good morning."
"Morning." The greeting was thick and rough. He continued to hover, respectful of her space, her Choices. "Everything okay with Dante and Carlisle?"
"I'd like to think so." Tesla swirled a hand on the spot beside her. "Come lay with me, Jang-ta."
Jaxton rounded to the side and settled onto the bed. He dropped a kiss on her temple as he took her into his arms. "I figured you'd be awake. I didn't mean to cut your conversation with Dante short."
"No, you didn't." Tesla leaned against him as she closed her eyes. "Last night was a lot." She felt him tense and soothed, "But it's nothing that's screwing up with my mind now. I told you we would have dinner with Weiwei and Elijah, and I'd sleep on it. I slept on it."
"And…?"
"And…" Tesla opened her eyes to nuzzle his jaw. "I think Dante said what I've been thinking," she decided. "Look, I came here to meet your parents, sure, and seeing your sister and her fiancé, fine. And, yes, I came here for answers—answers you've been giving me left and right." Her hand slid into his own. "But this is one answer I don't need to know right away."
"But—"
"Let me finish," Tesla hushed him. "I…got a lot of information yesterday that I'm still unpacking. I need to process that before anything, and I'm sure it's going to hit me later down the line. If you're ready to share another answer with me, I'll listen. But if you aren't ready, I can wait."
"I don't want to lie to you anymore," Jaxton told her, conflicted.
Tesla shook her head. "This isn't a lie, Jang-ta," she promised him. "This is a matter of if you're ready or not. I know what it's like to speak about things before you're ready. And I know how it feel when someone lets you talk about something on your own time. You told me everything I need to know that involves me, right?"
"Yes."
"Then, that's it." Tesla shifted to sit between his legs, lands smoothing onto his shoulders. Warm steely-grays connected with uncertain darkness. "It hit me. You spied on me all my life, and you know all these things about me…but you still waited for me to tell you. And, sure, I'm still processing that, and I keep going back and forth about how to feel, but if I take out the spying, you never pushed me to talk."
Jaxton tried to reason, "Because you shouldn't be forced to talking about things like that—"
"And neither should you."
Jaxton still shook his head and argued, "This isn't the same thing—"
"This is exactly the same thing." Tesla refused to budge when he looked at her and kept her tone firm. "I love you, and yeah, I want to know everything about you. It's like a nosy, predatory, relationship instinct." She lowered her chin but kept her eyes locked on his. "But I love you enough to be patient. Am I freaked out about last night? It's pretty much fifty-fifty at this point. But I can deal. This isn't about me freaking out and demanding you spill your deepest darkest secrets to me and hand over your dream journal."
She shook her head. "This is about you being ready to share something deep with me." Each word covered in significance. "And I'm ready and willing to wait for you to be ready and willing."
"But you'll leave." Sorrow filled Jaxton's eyes as he dropped them. "I need to tell you, so you can have that choice."
Tesla reeled back, face scrunched. "Okay, so if I try to run, tackle my ass down, like…?" She shrugged. "Did we not go over this yesterday that I'm wrongly and severely into you chasing me down? Like, what, you think I actually want to leave you when you're stupid hot and I'm stupid in love with you and then…"—she gestured wildly to the bed chamber—"you own all of this?" She made a disbelieving noise. "Hell no, my gold digger ass is sinking her claws into you. If I freak out over what you tell me, then—I don't know—lock me in a room or something until I've calmed down to be rational. But do not under any circumstances allow me to run when I've snagged a ten-out-of-ten daddy."
Jaxton threw back his head and laughed with all his tension gone. "Gods…" His eyes sparkled with mirth, and he cradled her chin with a hand. "What am I going to do with you? You really are dangerous."
"And so are you." Tesla circled a finger around him. "All of this is dangerous. I know there are probably a lot of people who will take my place and snap you up if I dip. So, no this, no laughing in public. It's way too attractive."
Jaxton smiled. "I don't normally laugh unless you're around."
"Good." Tesla nodded approvingly. "Don't smile either because that smile is dangerous. Better yet just wear a bag over your face—"
Jaxton snickered, and he let his hands slid to her waist, but he promised her, "I'll try to make myself unattractive to people everywhere if that's what you want."
"Eh…" Tesla thought about it. "No, keep being hot. That way I can flaunt my trophy boyfriend around."
Jaxton quirked an eyebrow. "So, now I've been reduced to a prize you brag about?"
"Pretty much."
Both shared a chortle that phased out into an amicable sigh.
Jaxton flicked Tesla's twists over her shoulders. "I promise I'll tell you."
"But you need time." Tesla rubbed her hand along his shoulder. "And I understand that. I'm also aggressively trying to not overthink the info-dump you gave me yesterday, so I'll be preoccupied with that for a while."
"I warned you I didn't want to overwhelm," Jaxton reminded. "You should've listened to me."
"If I had a jewel for every 'could've', 'should've', and 'would've' that I could've, should've, would've done, I would be rich enough to buy you," Tesla jested. She bounced a little on the bed. "So, if I remember correctly, I think today's supposed to be a shopping day, but I could be wrong…"
"Today is shopping," Jaxton agreed to Tesla's delight.
But her delight plummeted when she remembered those magenta eyes. "And, um…" She shrugged, making a vague motion. "Just out of curiosity, are we…expecting any company on this shopping trip, or…?"
"If we do run into any company we don't want and no one is around, feel free to use your abilities."
That stunned Tesla. "Seriously? Are you sure?"
Jaxton nodded. "Your powers are a part of you. Use them to defend yourself when unexpected company catches you when you're not out in the open," he instructed. "Don't worry about the damage or consequences. I'll take care of them. I only want you safe."
"Oh, it pays to have a boyfriend in miscellaneous high places," Tesla purred. "Here I thought you'd tell me you'll protect me, and I have nothing to fear."
Jaxton's eyes darkened. "As much as I'd like to say that, the reality is is that there are going to be enemies. I can't defend you every second, even if I wanted to." He scanned her once, but the next time, he deliberately slowed his once-over. "But you're strong. You trained in martial arts, and Dante and Zelda have been a great sparring partner. I know you're more than capable of defending yourself."
"Words to get horny by," Tesla breathed.
Heat surged in Jaxton's stare as his hold tightened around her. "We have to be down the mountain by ten." His words were saturated in desire. "Which means when it hits eighty-thirty, we need to leave." He slipped his hands inside her shirt with light touches along her skin. "No asking for more after that."
"Jang-ta, you wound me." Tesla let her lips hover close to his and she dangerously whispered, "I'd beg for it."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Itsu datte kimi no sono-te wa
Itsu demo sekai o kae reru yo
Tsudzukete ku koto yamecha dame datte
Kon'na mon janaidaro? Susume!
Mukuwarenai sono doryoku wa `kabe' o `tobira' ni kaerukara
Kowagarazu ni sa~a nokku shite
It will be OK
Let's go sonosakihe!
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Preparations for the festival of the Lunar New Year beautified the ancient streets. Red hanging lanterns with their golden tassels and calligraphy infested almost every corner of these streets, but they were not the only lanterns. Yellow and green hanging lanterns sprinkled into the mix, and some shops were dedicated to selling uniquely shaped lanterns, like Báihǔ lanterns and even lanterns of the other Guardian Spirits.
Every building had been preserved to the conception of these ancient buildings. When you walked down one alley, you could see that it was dedicated to show the day-to-day of people from ancient times and offered an imitation of the folk culture with tea houses, an Apothecary shop that had been restored, and tourist centers to show how the people of ancient times ate and slept. Native demonstrations took hold every day as people dressed in traditional robes and acted according to the manners of the before times. Some dressed as warriors and recreated sword battles, to the amazement of the crowd, while a showgirl in traditional dress played her zheng (a 21-stringed instrument). Shadow play entertained children and adults, and many were fascinated to see the native magical silkworms and buy fabrics, robes, and embroidery from the silk that could only be produced in this province.
Another alley way showed the courtyard culture of Ancient Zhōnguá and was heavily artistic. A guó huà artist was using the xiěyì (freehand brush work) style and guided their brush to dedicate this piece to the great White Tiger of the West. A tai chi class was open to all in one of the protected gardens. Some modern art and western cuisine filtered through the alley, and the alleys over had brought a modern-and-ancient dynamic with nightclubs, dessert shops, retail stores, and even a villa that could be used for weddings. A local secondary school percussive unit had come with their traditional tanggu drums and small cymbals to perform, much to their nervousness.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Gǔchéng (Lit. Old City) which has several alleys and over 40 courtyards between them and is a district within Xiùhuā. Gǔchéng is known for its Lunar New Year traditional temple fair and celebrations as it is between the Hǔbáiwěi (Lit. Tiger's White Tail) Temple and the Hǔhēiwěi (Lit. Tiger's Black Tail) Temple. On the last day of Zhōnguánese New Year celebrations, during the Lunar Parade, the monks will cross the temples in sacred ceremony and light the first lanterns to honor the Year of the Rabbit and Báihǔ. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla ooh-ed and aah-ed as she and Weiwei leafed through the Apothecary Shop. Traditional herbs and other medicines and candies could be bought here, and someone portraying an Apothecary ran the shop, but binders and signs were out of what combinations to buy for what you were looking to cure.
Tesla had to snort as she found an ailment. "An ancient herb compound the equivalent of revatio?" She grinned and rubbed her gloves together. Emerald-blue and red suited her today with her jeans and coat and her rabbit ear muffs (though, since it was the Year of the Rabbit, she was glad she checked with Jaxton wearing her earmuffs would not be an insult). "Part of me wants to buy this for Jaxton as a late Heart's Day gift." She looked over her shoulder to see Weiwei seriously studying the stock. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah." Weiwei beckoned her over. Once Tesla was close, Weiwei explained, "I like to check out Apothecary shops to feel out their herbs, but it looks like they got these herbs from any herbs they could find."
Tesla's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Actual stock from an Apothecary has to have spiritually cleansed supplies," Weiwei informed her. "We can't just buy supplies or pick it. At least, not with our traditions here. We have to present them to Báihǔ for him to cleanse before we can use them." She gestured to the shop. "Nothing here has been properly cleaned."
"And you can sense that?"
Weiwei nodded. "Sensing spiritual energy is something that you don't forget," she answered with meaning.
"I see," Tesla murmured with a nod.
Weiwei had sympathy in her eyes as she linked armed with Tesla. "Feeling a little better from last night? You looked a little shaken, and Jang-ta looked twitchy, but this morning, you both seemed to be in a better place." She searched Tesla's eyes. "Something happen again? Are things repeating?"
"I'm not running." Tesla found herself defensive and her skin itched with those questions. "I'm handling it better—"
Weiwei abruptly shook her head. "No, it's not that," she soothed. "I wasn't asking it like that." She steered Tesla out of the shop and back onto the busy streets of Gǔchéng. "I was saying I know you've had a lot of culture shocks this year," she mentioned cryptically, "on top of your own personal shocks. I'm just checking to see if you're okay."
The tension rolled out of Tesla's shoulder. "I don't know," she laughed lamely. "I'm not sure if 'okay' is the right word. Just…processing."
"If it helps, I think you're taking this better than most people."
Tesla snorted as she caught the sight of Elijah and Jaxton in the distance. "How do you figure?"
"Well… You could have ran," Weiwei supposed. "You could have wanted to leave, which we would have respected. Maybe fainted."
"Well, if the bar is that low, I'm doing pretty spectacular," Tesla dryly said, much to Weiwei's chuckling. "To be honest, if I was any more dramatic, I probably would have fainted seeing the house." She looked at Weiwei in sudden terror. "There are no more surprises, right? Your parents' house isn't like some mansion, right?"
Weiwei rolled her lips.
Tesla groaned and rubbed the side of her nose. "I'm done with any and all surprises after this," she decided in a mutter. "The only surprise I'll consider is if I get a cat."
"Oh, Jang-ta hates cats." Weiwei rolled her eyes. "Both he and my dad have a huge animosity against them which is ironic considering our guardian is just a very big cat." She smiled when Tesla giggled, then rubbed Tesla's arm. "You're doing great," she murmured, "and especially for someone so new to our culture."
Tesla's smile faded. "I wasn't prepared for this," she said softly. "I don't even know if I am, honestly. I don't know how much I can handle until it hits me. But…" The vivid and exhaustive memories of Alvarez crept through. How frantic and unhinged Gary had become and his fight to keep himself together. How Kyler laid on the ground of the crippled cavern, deathly pale. How Luna had waded through her own blood, fatigue, and nausea to help her. How Nashi was forced to be paraded to protect them.
And then…
Auburn-opal.
She remembered Mason.
Tesla stopped.
Weiwei stopped with her.
"I have a lot of things going on in my mind that I don't think I'll forget," Tesla confessed, timbre low and haunted. "But, to sum it all up, I know there are people out there who have gone through more shocks than they could handle in a lifetime…and they couldn't run from them. They didn't have a choice in it." Steely-grays softened as she remembered how tormented Gary had been. "And with the advice I've given and have been given… I don't want to be disrespectful or a hypocrite."
"No one blames you if you need time to think—"
"I have time to think," Tesla assured. "I have all of my life to think. But I know me. I get all twisted in my head for weeks. I can't do that again." She shook her head. "Spiritless have the luxury to sit back and overthink about everything. I don't think I can count myself as one of them anymore. I can think about all this later. I can think about all these culture shocks and changes later. I lost a lot of time thinking and not doing anything. And if those people I admire can do this, then so can I."
Weiwei studied her. "You're different," she remarked. "Late-bloomers normally have a harder time getting to the point where they accept reality and question it later. Spiritless culture is a lot more…relaxed. You get the time to handle things on your own time. But our culture isn't the same. Things happen no matter what you do, so you don't have any choice but to accept what's happening. I'm impressed you adapted so well."
"I wouldn't say I adapted 'well'," Tesla refuted. "I'm just learning from the people around them and trying to live up to what they think of me."
Weiwei smiled and led Tesla back into a stroll. "I'm sure they're very proud of you."
"Yeah." Tesla looked up at the blue sky. "I hope so…"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Fairy Adventure 092
•
Colors
•
色は私に話します。でも、彼らは何と言いますか？
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Like a woman on a mission, Weiwei charged through the packed crowd with her fingers intertwined with Elijah and her arm wrapped around Tesla's. She let Jaxton keep up and had absolute faith he would. But she pulled everyone to a stop at a modern shop with glass doors, and it was clear this shop sold sultry lingerie.
Weiwei let go of Elijah, but she kept hold of Tesla as she whirled around and bluntly told Jaxton, "Go away. I'm taking her shopping the proper way." She smiled sweetly at Elijah. "Kitten, can you stay with my little brother so he doesn't get lost considering he's so small?"
"I'm a few centimeters shorter than you," Jaxton growled, vexed.
"Hence you being my little brother," Weiwei quipped, pleased she annoyed him. She ignored his grumbles and Tesla's amusement as she looked at her fiancé. "Make sure he doesn't get lost. Oh, I know! You could get him a leash!"
Jaxton muttered, "Cheap shot."
"Are you sure?" Elijah looked awfully nervous at the prospect of being alone with Jaxton. "You don't want us to come with you? But what if you get kidnapped again? Or lost?"
Jaxton snorted. "She will. She gets lost in her own home."
Weiwei narrowed her eyes. "Cheap shot," she repeated. "No to worry, Kitten, my sister-in-law"—Tesla choked—"can keep me safe." She saw Elijah's worry and cooed, "Don't worry, my darling kitten, I'll be fine. Keep Jaxton company since all he does is hump Tesla's leg. I promise he won't bite." She shot Jaxton a smirk. "If he does, you can muzzle him."
"Again. Cheap shot," Jaxton gritted out.
"No, no, she does have a point," Tesla said, amused when Jaxton looked a little betrayed she sided with Weiwei. "What I mean is, we can't go proper shopping with you two around. And I'd personally like to surprise you." She tilted her head in question. "If I can surprise you if you can overlook this?"
Jaxton shook his head, much to Tesla's disappointment, but then he said, "I can overlook some things to still be surprised, but I'll still know where you are."
Tesla beamed. "Perfect!" She shooed him. "It's settled. Go away and play outside while we shop." Her nose wrinkled. "Ew, things that are pointlessly gendered."
Jaxton shook his head as he stepped closer to Tesla, but he did ask his sister, "Do you have a pen?" He chewed out his wallet from his pocket to pull out a crumpled, old receipt. "I'll write down the ingredients for the jiaozi just in case you forget."
"Sure." Weiwei unloaded a fountain pen from her pocket to him. "Here."
"Thanks." Jaxton clicked the pen and made an attempt to write, but the pen would not work. He huffed and handed the pen back. "It's out of ink." He slipped the receipt back into his wallet, which he stuffed into his pocket. "Forget it. I'll text it to you."
Weiwei shrugged. "Fine." She beamed at Elijah. "Come here, my darling kitten." As Elijah flushed, he bent down and looked adorably happy when they rubbed noses as Weiwei cooed sweet nothings.
"Gross," Jaxton grunted, but he smiled when Tesla willingly stepped into his arms. "Be careful and alert," he warned her quietly. "Zhōnguánese New Year attracts a lot of foot traffic, and Gǔchéng has a lot of back alleys and ladder streets."
Tesla nodded. "Thank you for trusting me."
"I've always trusted you," Jaxton assured, words for only her and him to hear. "I know you can defend yourself, and I trust Weiwei too. I'll see where you are in vague, but that's it." He kissed her forehead as he slipped a card from his pocket and into hers. "And take this."
Tesla smiled against his touch. "I love this game. What am I buying this time?" She felt Jaxton's grin before her chin was raised so their lips brushed.
"Surprise me." Jaxton slanted his lips over hers for an intimate kiss, but he reluctantly pulled away first. He caught Weiwei looked pouty she had to draw away from pink-cheeked Elijah, but he cut in before Weiwei could descend upon her fiancé for more. "How about we meet at the villa in an hour for a late lunch?"
"Make it two," Weiwei compromised. She jabbed a threatening finger at Jaxton. "And don't scare Elijah off. He's delicate."
Tesla and Jaxton (who both sized up how monstrous Elijah was to the point natives and tourists eyed him) and an abashed Elijah thought, 'Delicate'?
"I'll be fine, Weiwei," Elijah fumbled to assure. "Please be careful." He fiddled his hands. "I just need you to stay safe and sound. I don't think anyone of us want you to get kidnapped."
"I'm fine with it."
Jaxton averted his eyes from Tesla's narrowed-eyed glare while Weiwei smiled at her fiancé. "I'll be on guard at all times, Kitten," she promised. "I want you to enjoy Gǔchéng, okay?" She winked and purred, "And think about all the naughty lingerie I'm about to buy just for my kitten's eyes."
Jaxton looked disgusted while Elijah turned red and mumbled his whine, "Weiwei…"
"No more teasing, I know," Weiwei laughed. She got up on her tiptoes, but Elijah still had to hunch over so she could kiss his cheek. Whatever she whispered to him made him look like he was going to pass out, but he mumbled something back that had Weiwei pleased as punch. Back on the soles of her feet, she stole Tesla from Jaxton and stuck her tongue out when he sneered. "Screw off, dìdì. You can live without panting after her for two hours." She wiggled her fingers at Elijah. "See you later, Kitten! I love you!"
"I love you too," Elijah said back.
Tesla could only give a hapless wave and blew a kiss as Weiwei dragged her away.
And that left Elijah and Jaxton alone.
Elijah cleared his throat and awkwardly broached, "U-Um… Is there anything you wanted to do?"
"Not really."
Elijah drooped and shuffled his feet. "Oh. Okay."
Jaxton sighed. He does seem like the better choice outside of all of Weiwei's ex-lovers. I can't have him walking on eggshells around me forever. He suggested, "There are a few toy shops if you want to see those. Is that oh…?" He blinked when he saw a bright aura haloing Elijah to the point where he was certain he would need sunglasses. Great. Another puppy just like that pissant.
"Achoo!"
Gary rubbed his nose. Oh, great. I hope I'm not coming down with something. The office had been swarmed with his work, and he had been extremely grateful he was able to transfer all of his hardware and hook it up. His father and uncle had done a great service making sure their late master's late parents' house had been able to handle the modern world, and now Gary could work in comfort with his own DAL and all his files. They had been digitized, but he worked better when he could touch the material.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Ur's Parents' Home
Outskirts of Adelie City
Arcticados
7:47 AM ACT (Arcticados Standard Time)
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gary looked out the curtain to see Uki had come with her mandated escorts, but he frowned when he saw her clothing. It's been almost two months, and she's still wearing Anti-Ether clothing. Even when I tried to tell her it was unhealthy, she wouldn't listen to me. He let the curtain shut. Not like I blame her. I wouldn't want to listen to the person who Cursed me either. He blinked when he felt comfort wrapped in summer and smiled as he touched his chest, right over his heart.
"Thanks for giving me strength, Angel," he murmured as he hoped she could feel his love in his winter. "I hope I make you proud today."
DING-DONG!
Gary locked his DAL and abandoned the study to tend to the front door. He fell back as Skade took control with those icy-blue eyes and white hair before he swung open the door. Per usual, a disgruntled Uki was on the other side with a Magic Council sentry beside her with an L-Pad and, as always, a Guard stood a little away as they nonchalantly flashed their weapon.
Skade showed his teeth in a grin. "Your Guard likes to watch, does he not?" Icy-blues gleamed in dark delight as he stared down at the cocky Guard and drawled loudly, "Staring at me this long is a challenge, mutum. It either means you wish to fight me or"—he made a show of licking his lips—"you wish to fuck me."
The Guard, disgusted and uncomfortable, looked away.
Uki looked downright nauseated. "Can't you have any tact?" she sniffed as though sparing Skade any words was beneath her. "Do you talk to Miss Dragneel with that disgusting mouth?"
"I do." Skade shifted as his unsettling grin broadened and he hissed mockingly, "Malã'ika loves my mouth and everything else I have to offer to fulfill her desire." He took great pleasure when he smelled Uki's revulsion and underlying hatred and decided to test her further. "I can still taste her sweetness on my—Nnngh!"
Skade, Gary pleaded. Drop it. She's uncomfortable.
Annoyance filtered through Skade. Why should I care? She is always uncomfortable around me, he snapped back. We should only be concerned if Malã'ika is uncomfortable.
Don't give Uki any more reason to be uncomfortable, please, Gary begged. You promised Angel you would behave, remember? And we want Angel to be happy, right? And remember how she said she'd visit you only if you were on your best behavior?
Skade huffed and begrudgingly agreed, Yes, I want Malã'ika pleased so she will visit me. Icy-blues pinned onto the nervous sentry who looked like a newbie who had been thrown to the wolves (bless his soul). "Give me that thing to sign," Skade demanded.
The sentry gulped and shakily handed over the tablet. With Gary's help (and Nashi's consistent rewards), Skade had been able to crudely master his penmanship enough for signatures and putting down dates and his printed name, but beyond that, he refused to learn anything else (unless Nashi offered him the one thing something she blushingly refused).
The sentry's voice cracked as he said, "Pl-Please remember that the Ministry of Magical Creatures will be making their scheduled visit to assess you—" He squeaked when Skade's eyes pinned back on him. "Ah-ha, w-w-well, you'll receive a l-l-letter about the reminder."
"Fine." Skade handed back the tablet. "Take this, human."
Remember to smile, Gary whispered. Use your manners.
Skade ground his teeth, but his lips parted in what he thought was the practiced smile his Malã'ika had been thrilled to see and gritted out a bone-chilling, "Have a pleasant day."
The sentry stumbled over his farewell as he took the tablet and sped off to the comfort of the uncomfortable Guard and both hurried to the vehicles waiting for them.
Uki removed her shoes before she came inside and passed Skade a glare as he shut the door and locked it. "You didn't have to scare him."
"I was being polite," Skade growled at her. Agitation made the winter beneath his skin burn. The animosity between him and her was too thick and palpable to be cleared away. "Malã'ika has taught me human 'etiquette'. I smiled and my goodbye did not include me hoping nothing kills him on his way home. That is polite."
Uki balked. "That's being polite to you?"
"Malã'ika said so," Skade defended. "She said she would reward me for using your stupid manners."
Uki placed her boots with the other shoes with a displeased huffed. "A monster reduced to a puppy. How cute."
Skade smirked and crooned, "And this pup of a monster is eager hump her leg and obey her every command."
Uki was careful as she unloaded her satchel. "And you do anything she tells you? Roll over? Fetch? Anything at all?"
"She is my Light." Skade snorted frost. "I will do what I have to to make her happy and safe."
As Uki removed her parka, she commented, "It doesn't matter what is it, does it? Your court case made it clear if someone had your girlfriend, you'll do anything to get her back." She paused. "Is that true, though? If anyone had her, you'd do anything to get her back? Keep her safe?" She removed her gloves. "They can ask for anything and you'll do it like that for her?"
Something in those words made Skade's hackles raise. Winter stormed in those icy-blues. "If you plan on even attempting to use Malã'ika to get me to do your bidding…"—in two steps, he had Uki cornered into the wall as frost fell from his mouth in his fury and her fear scent drifted into his nose—"I will make sure you cannot think at all." His eyes glowed—
Uki clutched her head as she wreathed and coughed frost. Winter stormed her mind in obvious chaos. Her Curse whimpered. It could not withstand the might and dominance of its sire and squealed when a tundra that numbed you from your heart to your head blundered it. "Stop…" she moaned as more frost came out. "Stop…doing this…to me… Ah…!" Her thoughts were no longer her own as winter channeled through them.
"You were planning to use Malã'ika to sway me," Skade snarled with his chin eye and glare vicious.
Uki choked as black seized her veins and winter spasmed in her heart, "I… I… I'm…sorry…."
Maybe Skade was not ready to let her go and accept her apology, but Gary furiously took control. Murderous icy-blues and wintry locks exchanged for fretting ceruleans and shadowed hair. Without that cataclysmic winter spearing her into a numbing nightmare, Uki could barely stand, and Gary caught her when she buckled and sagged with feverish apologies leaving his lips.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered to her. "I've got you." He swept her off her feet and hurried her to the living room. She was like a doll as he placed her on the couch and set himself down on the coffee table, full of worry. "You're colder than normal." He placed a hand on his forehead and saddened. "Way too cold." He stood. "I'll make you some hot tea."
Uki had nothing left in her to fight him as she tried to breathe.
Gary sought sanctuary in the kitchen and got out the ingredients and his teakettle, but his jaw set. What the Hell was that? he snarled at the Ice Devil and did not hide his fury. He filled the kettle with water. We talked about this, Skade. You can't control her like that.
You know where her questioning was going, Skade snarled back. Her Curse easily gave up what her intentions were. She thought about using Malã'ika against us. She would hurt our Light.
Gary set the teakettle onto the stove and put the burner on ⟪ 100 °C⟫. His jaw tightened as two different angers raged inside him. He carried his anger towards Skade for such volatile actions, but he carried anger towards Uki. He's right. He hated to admit that. Her Curse told us her ambitions. I could feel it. His hands fisted until his knuckles whitened. She's been thinking about using Angel as a bargaining chip against me. She's been waiting for an opportunity. His eyes closed when he felt summer try to soothe the blustering winter inside him.
"Morningstar."
Winter's Truth.
Venomous dark blues.
"Meet Eveningstar."
WHIIIIIIIIIIIIII…
Frost shakily expelled from his mouth.
Ceruleans opened up. Gary managed the task of adding in the crushed mint leave and turning off the heat, so the tea could steep. Fifteen minutes were needed for a strong brew, and he had a feeling he would need those fifteen minutes to get himself under control. The warmth of summer massaged away some of his burdensome tension and pain and the memories of The Room, but he stubbornly clung to that anguish that he carried.
Invel used Angel to make sure I stayed in line.
More frost.
A heavy breath.
Gary looked down at his hands. He could see the blood that painted them. The blood of so many people had stained his hands and drenched the floor. A grief saturated his skin and unadulterated disgust at his sin, his shame, his time as the Executioner. Their pleas of mercy, don't kill me, I'm sorry, I don't want to die—every single word might have fallen on deaf ears in the perspective of his victims, but he had heard them. He heard them when he was alone, and no one was there but Skade so they could remember each and every face who had him as the last face they saw before death—
RIIIIIIIIIING…
Gary blinked away the blood on his hands when the HCL summoned him. He saw who was calling and softened before answering it. "I'm okay, Angel," he soothed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
"Are you sure?" Nashi demanded to know, a little out of breath.
Gary sighed. "I just remembered something from our childhood is all." At her silence, he murmured, "But I'm better now. I might not be okay, but I'm better now."
"Okay." Nashi took his word for it, but she gently added, "Take a moment to find yourself. I'm right here."
"I'm not falling apart," Gary promised her. Though, he could not help but smile a little when he felt a subtle surge in his chest with all the warmth of an embrace. "I'm here too." His smile widened hearing her sigh. "Thanks for calling me, Angel. I'm sorry I bothered you that much."
It sounded like Nashi was shifting before she said, "I told you I'll do all the hardest parts with you, and I meant that. I'll always be here when you need me and when you don't. And you didn't bother me. I came by the house today for some two-against-one training with me going up against Papa and your dad. We finished our warm-ups, so we're battling."
"Oh?" Gary settled against the counter as he crossed an arm. "How's it going?"
"Not that great," Nashi admitted. You heard the grimace she gave. "They start breaking into their own fights. Mama has a lecture at Saint Layla's, so I'm left to be the ringleader. Part of me just wants to let them have at it, but I know they can go on for days without stopping."
Gary chuckled. "Best to stop them before they get too wound up."
"I guess so." Three beats. "I love you."
Gary could feel embarrassment and adoration nestle in his chest. "I love you too, Angel." He rubbed over his heart. "Thanks for calling. Go back to training. If you manage to break up their fight, maybe I'll reward you with a new bottle of wine."
"Oh, no. I am not getting wine-drunk ever – again," Nashi growled. "White Mom Wasted Nashi just caters to your sick perversions, you perverted dog! Who do you think I am?" Suddenly, her voice turned frantic as she blurted, "N-No one, Papa, I'm not talking to any—! No, no, go back to fighting with Uncle Gray! Don't come—! Oh, no." She whispered furiously, "I need to go. Papa's coming over. I love you! Bye!"
Gary looked down at the HCL in amusement that he and Skade could share. Angel's so cute when she gets flustered. I can't wait to see her again. He grimaced. Though, I did promise Mom and Aunt Lucy she and I would go to dinner with them when I come back to Fiore in March. He remembered holding his head while Lucy and his mother started crying over the Compact. Jaxton's right. Tears really are weapons.
Fifteen minutes had come and gone in the blink of an eye. He let it steep for another minute or two while he got out his peppermint abstract, honey, and lemon. He brought out two teacups, but when he saw the design, he had to chuckle. This is from the tea-set Ena gifted me as a thank-you when she sent out personal gifts to the investors. He placed the cups on their matching saucers. Silver would've talked for hours about his non-date friend date with her the other day if I let him. An affectionate gleam entered ceruleans. She seems good for him. He even bought make-up. I'm proud of him. If she can get him to be comfortable in his own skin again, I hope it works for the best.
He noted his feathered tattoo on the inside of his bicep. The rugged dark feather and the pure white feather crossed together, fated, with his chosen inscriptions. Maybe he's found his own Angel if he can finally live his truth.
He placed the full teacups and saucers on a tray with the kettle and the works before he left the kitchen. Uki had pulled herself together, a little haggard and sluggish, but she kept her eyes to the ground as Gary pushed the tray onto the coffee table.
"I made peppermint tea to help warm you up," Gary told her as he placed her cup and saucer before her. "I wanted to apologize to you, Miss Uki."
Uki took the cup and saucer, but she did not drink. "Why?" She looked up at him with her feline eyes ashamed (and a little disoriented) before they flitted away. "Why are you sorry when I was…?" She gripped the teacup's handle.
"Drink up. Get warm," Gary encouraged as he took to his own tea. After a few sips and a handful of silent moments, he said, "I'm sorry because you didn't deserve that sort of violence on you. We had no right to control you or invade your mind like that. You could have been seriously injured. That's our fault. I'm sorry for that." His jaw set. "However…" Ceruleans slammed her with outright warning. "You have to know it's wrong to manipulate someone innocent to our situation."
Uki tensed as though she was ready to snap at him like she always did—
"That would make you the monster you say I am."
And just like that, the fight in Uki left as she set down her saucer and cup and held her head in despair. "I wasn't going to do it," she whispered to him, as though it were any consolation. The guilt of her actions bled through and the shame, but apologies were hard for her to come by. "I just…thought about it. It just seemed so easy. No one listens to me about Exorcism. Everyone keeps shoving me to use this Curse and turn into one of your kind. And that Devil"—she spat the word like it was acid—"is the reason I'm like this. He should be helping me fix this, so I can live my life and be an actual Shaman."
"What was your plan?" Gary left no emotion in his question. "Allow me to guess. You've been working directly with me since December, on and off with Skade. You hate Skade with everything you have. You find him disgusting and revolting and, sometimes, you want him to fail, so he would suffer a fraction of the pain you've been in. But you worked with me, and you saw I was the weaker one out of us. I was nice and friendly. Surely, I would help you, but the evil Skade would talk me out of it. After all, you had convinced yourself that maybe I was a kind man and Skade was my parasite—my disease—and he would control me the moment I wanted to help you. But you knew one thing both of us would die for that you could reach—our Angel." He did not care that Uki flinched.
Gary went on: "That's when you started plotting. Don't think I didn't notice you always asking questions about Angel's visitation rights. Do you know why I made sure that in my contract with you, if Angel visited me, you were not allowed any contact?" When she did not answer, his voice darkened. "Ask me why Miss Uki."
Uki swallowed and asked, "Why?"
"Because I know people like you," Gary said with icy in his tone. "I've known people like you since I was ten-years-old. People who would latch onto any weakness I showed and use that to make sure I fell in line with what they wanted me to go." Winter flared, but the heat of summer kept him from freezing himself. He clasped his hands together tightly. "Time and time again, they used everything against me until I was just a shell of myself. And when I thought they didn't have anything less to use against me, they used Angel against me. Because I would do anything for her. I would let them test me, treat me like an animal, sacrifice me to a breeding program"—he made sure Uki heard every syllable and took no pleasure at the nauseated expression on her face—"if it meant she was safe."
Uki's bottom lip trembled. "I'm sor—"
"I have every idea of what you might do to push me into helping you 'get rid' of your Curse," Gary continued, tone hard. "I'm not naïve. I'm hopeful, yes, but I'm not naïve. I made one mistake of being too complicit when I was thirteen, and that mistake cost me years of living and dying because I crippled the one I love. I don't get the luxury to be naïve anymore, Uki. I don't get the luxury to live my life freely anymore because I'm being hunted down since I'm the last of my kind."
Uki's hands trembled.
"I am sorry that I Cursed you. I truly am," Gary continued. "I would never want anyone to live with this Curse. But I Cursed you. That's happened and done. You live with a fraction of the power I have to control every single day. And I understand more than you could ever know how much it takes out of you to have this power, but I am trying to make sure you never have to go through what I went through when I was ten. I'm willing to teach you everything I know, so you don't have to be afraid anymore. So that you can live your life. I use my powers for good. You can to."
Ceruleans chilled. "But I'm not about to play mind games with you so you can figure out how to exploit Angel against me. She's innocent in this. This is between you and me." His lips curled to show his teeth. "And if you try to bring anyone innocent into this, I'm not above doing what needs to be done to make sure you don't become the monster you call me as. And I'm sure the Chairman will turn a blind eye."
Uki swallowed again, hunched over. Regret rolled over her in pungent waves and stewed in her eyes. With a deep breath, she gathered any shreds of dignity she had left and straightened up. "I'm sorry for thinking about bringing someone innocent into this." A quiet apology tinged with remorse and sincerity, but they both knew it would not be enough. "As a Shaman, I'm well-aware that the innocent should be preserved and protected, and it was wrong of me to think Miss Dragneel was an exception. No one is an exception."
Cattish yellows clashed with cold ceruleans.
Gary nodded. "Thank you." Not acceptance. Not forgiveness. But a confirmation of words received.
"It's…hard for me to think of that De—Skade any differently," Uki told him. "I don't know how to feel about you, either. You're right. I did think you were just some naïve man who had Skade controlling you. And maybe I did think I'd be doing us both a favor if I found us an Exorcist." Her hands clenched. "I can't say I like either of you, but you're the lesser of two evils."
"I don't mind that you think I'm the villain in your story," Gary cut in. "I'm a villain to a lot of people."
"I don't think you're a villain," Uki tried to explain. "It's just…complicated. I think Skade is a monster and cruel, but I don't think you're that way. You've been kind and patient." She hesitated, but she did ask, "The Chairman allowed me to schedule an appointment with a Shaman a few towns over to ask the Spirits to send me a sign if you were evil, but she said the Spirits said you weren't. Even so, it's just complicated."
Gary softened. "Did you enjoy your visit?"
"I did." Uki had something of a smile on her face as memories swept her away. "She's an older Shaman. The Spirits haven't guided her to find an apprentice, but she isn't worried. She knew my mentor well, and I saw her often when my mentor and I would travel up the mountains during the new moon with the other Shamans and apprentices to sing to the Spirits." Her smile increased a little. "My mentor sung beautiful songs. My mother and I would throat-sing together but singing with my mentor was always special. She had this…way about her that made the Spirits come out."
"I often hear that it's difficult for Spirits to cross from the Spirit Realm to here," Gary relayed. "Is that true?"
Uki sagely nodded, though she looked a tad eager to share her knowledge, as though she had no one to speak this with before. "Yes. My mentor told me that in ancient times, the Spirit Realm was closer to this world, and many Spirits enjoyed living here alongside people. While the Gods distributed their powers to their Champions and to their children, the Spirits helped bring power to those they took pity on or were devoted to." Her eyes darkened. "But then the Second Black War happened," she explained. "My mentor said the devastation was unfathomable. Spirits were killed, died because they used up their energy, or were too injured."
"How did the Spirit Realm separate from Earth Land?"
"It's hard to say," Uki replied. "From what my teachings told me, the Gods sealed off their realm and didn't call upon Champions or claim their children to become Demigods. Demons and other creatures they brought with them were sealed away or hunted down. Many Spirits retreated."
"Maybe it was because the war scarred them that none of them want to return to Earth Land."
Uki shook her head. "My mentor never thought that, and I don't either. It feels like a cheap explanation even though it's the most viable."
"Like you have half the answer? The puzzle's perimeter is complete, but now you need to figure out the middle?"
"Exactly!" Uki blinked as though she understood what she was doing when Gary softly regarded her. Her excitement traded for guarded contemplation.
Gary's lips twitched when he noticed her mental retreat. "It's okay to have complicated feelings about me." Ceruleans flickered. "I have complicated feelings for the man who not only turned me into a monster, but he was the one who…perfected me." He rolled his shoulders to shake off his anger. "I understand your relationship with Skade is tumultuous. You two might never be able to stand each other. Neither of you have to like each other. But for both of us to have normal lives, we all have to respect our positions at the very least."
Skade instantly refused. I respect no female outside of Malã'ika. You deal with her.
Uki spat at the same time, "I will never have any respect for that creature. I'll deal with you, not him."
Gary winced. He felt a headache coming on. To Uki, he tried to appeal, "He can help you concentrate and train a lot more detail than I can, though. You did agree we would keep our situation between all of us." And to Skade, he reminded, You respect Loony and Aunt Lucy.
Gary winced again when both of them barked, That is different! / "That's different!"
Skade fired, Both females are blood to Malã'ika. Oñeaña is Little Light while Uwa is Mother Light. They deserve my respect and protection. This 'Shaman' deserves nothing but my claws on her throat.
"I won't drag any innocents into this, and I'll continue under your direct tutelage," Uki growled, "but that Devil is disgusting and doesn't deserve my respect after all he did to me."
Gary sighed. I can't fight them like this. "We'll continue with me as your primary teacher. Skade will be training with you once a week." His eyebrow twitched when both of them growled at him and hurled their protests. A tick mark pounded against his head at all the noise, internal and external. Fed-up, he roared, "SILENCE!"
Uki and Skade fell quiet, shocked and a little fearful.
Gary sat back and massaged his temples. "This is happening." He kept his voice firm. "I've been nice, and I've been trying to be a middleman, but I warned you, Uki, that this would be happening." He shot her a look when she looked ready to protest and, agitated, she held her tongue. "Once a week, your lessons will be with Skade. I'll take over the other days. Once you two are comfortable, we'll shift it to twice a week, then three times a week, and then Skade and I will be dividing lessons with you equally."
"But I don't—!"
I do not want to—!
"This is not a democracy!" Gary thundered. "This is a dictatorship, and I'm the dictator! Do you both understand that!"
Skade (irked) and Uki (unhappy) begrudgingly chorused, For now. / "I suppose."
"Thank you." Gary gracefully brought his teacup up and took a few calming sips. All of this middleman-ing is bad for my health. And I don't want Angel to worry. He cleared his throat as he put his teacup back on the saucer. "Miss Uki, I apologize for losing my temper," he said diplomatically. "I recognize you are older than me, and I don't want to be disrespectful. But besides that, I'm here as your teacher and you're my student. Please respect my decisions as your teacher."
Uki huffed. For someone older than him, she could throw a tantrum that could rival Eloise Strauss. "I'll go along with whatever you have planned." The words might have been loathsome, but she did mean what she said. She eyed him and asked him haltingly, "Will you report me to the Chairman for this? And if I don't listen to you in the future?"
Gary swiftly shook his head. "No." His lips quirked when Uki looked relieved. "I'm not a snitch, Miss Uki. I understand what it's like to be under someone's thumb. Slip-ups happen. My only reports to the Chairman and to your leader are my weekly updates about your progress and I keep them short and brief." He added, "However, at the end of March will be our halfway point. I'll have my interview with the Ministry of Magical Creatures and we'll both have a meeting with the Chairman. We'll need to work on your confidence, so you're not reliant on that Anti-Ether clothing."
"No!" Uki turned, pleading as she looked at him. "No, please, you can't take that away! It keeps me in control! I-I-I can't be around people if I don't have it on—!"
"Okay, okay," Gary soothed. "We'll start smaller, then, okay? Would you be comfortable keeping that off around me from when you step into the house to when you leave?"
Uki hesitated.
"Keep in mind your Curse is practically the daughter of mine," Gary reminded. "It's weird to think about, but if in the event you grow out of control around me, I can easily control your Curse for you and calm you down. You have nothing to fear about hurting me."
Uki still looked conflicted. "I-I don't know…"
"We'll work on it," Gary promised her. "Miss Uki, if you need longer than six months to work with me, we can take longer than six months."
That effectively stunned her. "But your freedom… You could go home to your girlfriend and your family…"
Gary smiled. "My family and Angel will understand." He sipped his tea. "Of course I'll miss them, but it's normal for Wizards to rarely be home."
Uki studied him for a long moment.
Gary smiled into his next tea. "I can feel you trying to probe me. Even with control, you'll never win against me."
"You're too calm about bringing this up," Uki accused. "Say I were to fail that means you fail and you're stuck here. How can you be okay with that?"
Gary cocked his head. "Miss Uki, do you know what they tell you when you're given a contract to sign?"
Uki's brow furrowed. "You should always have an attorney."
"That's right." Ceruleans gleamed in mischief. "And I have a brilliant lawyer who thought of everything." Another few sips of his tea and he finished cup. "Now, then, Miss Uki…" He checked the time on the antiqued grandfather clock in the living room. "We still have plenty of time for our session today." His amusement grew when it looked like she was sulking hearing the news. "But I was hoping we could try a different lesson that you might like."
Uki's eyes flashed to him in suspicion.
Gary poured himself another cup of tea. "I'd just like for us to talk."
Uki did not trust it and mocked, "'Talk'?" Gary's positive hum prompted her to press, "About what?"
"Anything. Everything. Maybe nothing." Gary added his lemon and honey to his tea. "We've been hitting the ground running since December. As a teacher to any of my students, I like to make it a point to sit down with them and just talk. We can talk about progress or where you want to be or goals. Sometimes, my art students like to tell me what's going on at home or about their friends or their favorite hobbies." Perplexity shone in Uki's gaze, so Gary asked her, "Did your mentor never just let you talk? Whenever you two were working side-by-side, did she engage with you?"
That softened Uki on the spot. "She did," she murmured. "We used to talk all the time." She fidgeted a little. "My parents were proud when my mentor told me the Spirits had chosen me and the Gods blessed me to become the next Shaman. But when you become the apprentice of a Shaman, you give up your life with your parents and take a vow of abstinence. I befriended other apprentices from other villages and towns and met with them during our new moon ceremonies, but it was often just my mentor and I."
"But you were never lonely," Gary presumed.
Uki shook her head, and the love for her mentor was apparent. "No, my mentor never made me feel lonely." She reached for her tea as she settled in her seat. "On my first night into my apprenticeship, I missed my parents and my siblings so much that I started crying. I tried not to cry too loudly because I didn't want my mentor to think I was ungrateful being her apprentice, but she heard me. And then she…"
Gary listened to every word Uki had to say with a slight smile and an inclined head. Ah… So, this is what it was like… He sipped his tea. Jaxton… I understand what you mean now. Maybe I have learned something from you, Old Man. And he took another swallow of his tea as the woman across from him who had iced him out from her pain thawed only just to show him a glimpse of the woman she once was.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Yīhúxū Alley (First Whisker Alley)
Gǔchéng District
Xiùhuā City, Sīchóu Province, Zhōnguá
12:59 PM SST (Sīchóu Standard Time)
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Elijah looked like a kid in a candy store when they visited a toy shop where traditional toys were bought and sold. Already, he had struck up a conversation with the toy maker's son. The craftsman did not speak a lick of Minstrish, but he understood it. The son, however, was halfway fluent with Minstrish and served as a reliable translator for them.
Jaxton was content to hang back as he watched Elijah earnestly listen to every word the craftsman's son said and did not seem to notice how many natives and tourists alike glanced over at him for his size. I can see why Weiwei likes him. He's pure of heart. I think he's my favorite. His heart went to his older sister. And I think he's her favorite too. And we both know Ma won't be willing to… He sighed. It's not worth thinking on. Not when we have dinner tonight with them. He tensed at the thought of his mother. I wonder what sort of game she'll play this time.
His Compact vibrated, and he pulled it out to see a message from Tesla. He smiled to himself when she had sent him a picture of her and Weiwei as they tried on funny tourists' shirts for the year of the rabbit. And this year was even more auspicious as it fell on Báihǔ's innate element—earth. I was never worried Tesla and Weiwei wouldn't get along. He thumbed the picture. She's perfect. And if my research is right and I could just confirm it by going to those ruins in Andüsa… He let out a deep sigh. I won't get ahead of myself until Checkmate approves my search. She's already too good to be true. I don't want to get my hopes up.
His eyes narrowed when a call came through that only displayed a demonic Ankh cross. He debated on answering it and decided to take his time. "Elijah," he called, "I'll be outside."
Elijah offered him a quick nod, but his attention was captured back into his conversation.
Jaxton parted from the toy shop, but he stood off to the side of the entrance. The call had been missed, but he answered when another call came through. "Marlow."
"Is she okay?"
"She was shaken up, but she's fine." Jaxton's voice lowered into a growl, "Get Beau under control, Marlow, before I do it for you. Cut him loose—or I will."
Marlow let out an exhausted noise. "I'm sorry. I really am." Remorse steeped her tone. "My hold on anyone is ironclad. You know that. But he got past me with his powers."
"You know what that means, don't you?"
"Don't start."
Jaxton huffed through his nose. "Whatever is going on between you two is something I don't care about. But if he steps on my territory or comes too close to Tesla—"
"He won't," Marlow was quick to assure. "We came to an understanding last night, and we're leaving Zhōnguá. I can't promise he won't try to attack you again. But he knows better to go after anyone else after our conversation."
Jaxton grunted. "Good. Anything else?"
Silence.
"She's very young."
Jaxton growled, hackles rising. "Don't start."
"Just be careful," Marlow warned without any softness. "We'll be gone before your dinner with your parents. But stay alert. I smelled black blood. It was faint, and the trail disappeared, but it was there."
Jaxton sharpened. "Matsumoto?"
"No. But you don't know who knows you and Weiwei are home. He's not stupid enough to disrespect Immortal Yang. But his underlings are stupid enough to try to suck up to him. I just wanted to warn you."
Jaxton nodded even if she could not see it. "Understood. Have a safe flight." He ended the call, but those dark eyes scanned person from person. Miya Matsumoto needs to get his dogs in line if they keep sniffing here. Mom won't hesitate to take them out if they keep pushing their luck.
"Jang-ta!"
His focus on the matter faded away when Elijah came lumbering over like a Great Dane puppy. Adorable, yes, but massive and people went out of their way to avoid being accidentally clobbered. Elijah was happy enough to show Jaxton all the notes he took.
"Mister Wanning is amazing!" he cheered. "I told him about my interest in becoming a toy maker, and his pointers were wonderful!" His smile turned rueful. "I wish I knew Zhōnguánese to talk with him directly, but his son was nice enough with the translating." He looked at his notes like he was carrying a religious text. "This makes me want to become a toy maker even more!"
Jaxton hummed. "That's good to hear." He swept them into the current of the crowd. "What made you decide to become a toy surgeon in the first place?"
"I-It's okay. You can just call me a toy repairman," Elijah bashfully laughed as he scratched his wrist. He looked ahead as something in his eyes shifted. "Bulukiya isn't exactly at peace," he explained in soft tones. "When I was a kid, I was born just after Emperor Zeref had passed. King Ajeel's placement was a messy affair all around for Alakitasia. A lot of the countries started getting flooded with empire immigrants, and it caused a lot of grief. Especially with religion."
Elijah's eyes dropped as though the memories were too much. "I'm not sure if you know it or not, but do you know about the Holy Revolution that happened in southwestern Alakitasia?"
Jaxton offered a somber nod.
"Bulukiya was starting to become infected with the Holy Revolution," Elijah sighed. "I'm all for immigration, but the Empire immigrants treat their late Emperor like he was a god. And them trying to tear down other religions and establish theirs to worship the emperor wreaked havoc. I tried to do the best I could with my family and with people who lost their loves one in all the chaos." He rubbed his shoulder. "It was silly, honestly. A little boy had come to our house."
Sadness rained in his eyes. "His house had been destroyed during the Holy Revolution. He didn't have any parents. The only thing he had were the clothes he wore and this broke toy car." Elijah's hands twitch as though the memory of his past came to his present. "We couldn't do much. I felt so terrible for him. He told me that car was something his dad had gotten him. He said his dad wanted to buy a car just like that for them someday when they could move to go to his mom. She lived in the USM."
Jaxton connected the dots. "You fixed the car."
Elijah offered a pathetic smile. "I wasn't that good back then," he confessed. "I just was hoping I could make him feel a little better and my older brother had the tools. He, uh… He passed away a few months into the Holy Revolution."
"You sound like you admired him," Jaxton said. "I'm sure he was a good man."
"He was." Elijah cleared his throat. "I started helping kids who were affected by the Holy Revolution fix their toys. My parents had surprised me with enough money to go to school in the USM, but they would send me toys to fix. A friend of mine helped me get a lot of customers in the US for toy repair, and I stuck to it." He sighed. "I'd like to go back to Bulukiya and continue the work there, but I can't stand that Alvarez is trying to take my homeland…and my family is okay with it."
Jaxton offered his opinion. "Nothing excuses the devastation you faced, but Alvarez in itself is a prosperous empire."
"Maybe. I'm not too sure."
"Nothing wrong with that," Jaxton conceded. "You should live somewhere that makes you and my sister happy. If that's in Bulukiya or in Pergrande, then that's that." His nostrils flared. The darkness in his eyes intensified as they darted around. She was right. A fading scent of black blood. Matsumoto really should keep his dogs on a leash. He scanned everyone person who passed as he gave Elijah one ear to listen. But I already knew little planted spies probably reported back to his dogs Weiwei and I are home and outside of the compound. And I'm certain they'll try something during the Luna New Year Celebration now that they think it's easy enough to kidnap Weiwei.
Darkness gleamed.
Weiwei… We might be able to restore your name in the Te Sect.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Liùhúxū Alley (Sixth Whisker Alley)
Gǔchéng District
Xiùhuā City, Sīchóu Province, Zhōnguá
1:23 PM SST (Sīchóu Standard Time)
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Sixth Whisker Alley was a treat for everyone. It had more interactive events for anyone to participate in as people guessed proverbs, solved riddles, and even tried their hand at eating competitions with glutinous rice balls, wonton, glutinous rice cakes, and longevity noodles. White Jade Rabbits and White Jade Tigers were popular sells at shops. Folk artists dressed in rabbit costumes were doing a dance down the alley, and larger-than-life lanterns gained notoriety for their designs with people eager to take selfies with them.
Armed with bags, Tesla and Weiwei bowed as they left the purse shop and flowed seamlessly into the pedestrian traffic. Tesla looked longingly at the newest bag in her possession. "Thanks for convincing me I need this bag, but I think I'm feeling shopper's remorse. It was a little expensive…"
"You didn't pay a single wen for it, so no need to feel any regret," Weiwei dismissed. "And its good luck to buy red. Plus, I got you a great deal for it."
Tesla twisted her lips. "I know, but still…" She sighed heavily before she smiled. "Honestly, it's been a while since I've had a girl's shopping trip. Shopping with Jang-ta is great, but it's nice to shop with another lady." Her eyes dimmed. "I haven't had fun girl talk in a while…"
Weiwei shot Tesla a sympathetic look. "You don't have a lot of lady friends?"
"No, I do, but…" Tesla made a vague gesture. "I'm a little at odds with my best lady friends right now," she explained. "She's my oldest and best lady friend, and we used to talk about everything, but things just…changed so fast. I'm not too sure how to talk to her anymore…" She rubbed her wrist. "Maybe I'm waiting too long to start things up again, and she tossed me out of her mind since I've been avoiding her…"
"It's never too late to rekindle any relationship," Weiwei advised. "If she's as dear of a friend to you as you say, I'm certain things can work out. But you shouldn't force yourself. Let it happen naturally."
Tesla offered a wan smile. "Yeah, I know. Thank you, Weiwei."
Weiwei frowned, still worried, and grabbed Tesla's hand. "Come on. Let's take a quick break and get a snack and some tea, and then we can hit the shops again." She toothily grinned. "I want to buy something precious for my kitten, and I still haven't found the right gift yet."
"Sure, sounds good," Tesla chirped. She strained to keep her voice light and chipper, but as Weiwei guided her down the street, her energy faltered. It was like at the snap of a finger, fatigue wore down her mind and all she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep. The brights of the reds and the yellows and the greens and the whites dulled all around her as though she were sucking the life out of everything she passed. They passed by a wind chime shop and the breezed forced such delicate instruments into a flurry of song.
CHIRIN…
I feel like I'm losing my mind. Even her thoughts had turned sluggish and lethargic. I want to talk to Julia, but I don't know what to say. I don't even know if she'd want to stay friends with something like me. Her eyes lazed about to take in the now-dim world she was seeing around her. People rushed by in blurs, but an absent space filled her head and numbed her body. I just…need to not think about it. I don't want to ruin a fun day for everyone. It's better if I just don't think about it.
Weiwei had brought them up to a busy snack shop. Tesla was aware she was excitedly speaking about the goods the shop sold and her personal recommendations, but focusing on each word proved impossible. Steely-grays went half-lidded as Weiwei's excitement faded into a dial tone. Her eyes swept from side to side, but the blurs took up her vision. A step forward had her swaying. A step backward had her buckling.
Don't think about it, Tesla tried to tell herself. Just smile. Pretend everything is fine. Keep calm. She closed her eyes when dizziness made her want to groan. Gravity felt untrustworthy when she vaguely felt she was being pulled to move forward. Just keep it together. Keep calm. Her body swayed with nothing to keep it grounded and centered. Head lolled, she could feel herself slipping, but she had no idea where. Keep calm. I don't want Jang-ta to worry. I'm… I'm okay. I'm okay.
CHIRIN…
Tesla forced her eyes to crack open as the blurs of people passed on by, and that dial tone infected her ears. I'm okay…
CHIRIN…
She struggled to keep her eyes open. She struggled to keep herself from slipping. I'm oh…
CHIRIN…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
CHIRIN…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Her eyes opened, but that vague sense inside her never left. The sway in her body was subtle, and a breeze could knock her over. But the vagueness suppressed any panic or fear when the blurs of people had vanished. Gǔchéng District surrounded her—that was for certain—but the majesty and glow the district had faded into hues of gray. The lanterns that were strung across buildings, the decorations—all had turned gray. The shops had closed down, abandoned, forgotten—gray—and yet the streets had been swept and cared for. But nothing existed. Nothing outside of herself existed in the desolate district.
She walked among the gray.
CHIRIN…
Her head turned and those emotionless steely-grays pinned down on a rabbit with fur white as snow. It was busy cleaning its face, but its ear twitched as though it recognized it had company. It stopped its cleaning to look up at Tesla with piercing blues that looked too bright to be real.
Tesla swayed, but she did nothing else.
The rabbit's nose tweaked before it turned its back on her. It hopped away, but with each time it passed underneath a lantern, the lantern lit. But it was not just that the lantern had lit. The lantern had turned into a blatant scarlet. It no longer walked among the gray.
Tesla swayed. But after a moment, she followed with numb steps.
There was no telling where the rabbit was taking her, but it was obvious the rabbit wanted her to follow. It hopped among, but it would scurry, stand, sniff, and swivel its head to look back at her as though making sure she followed its paw steps. After all, it had laboriously turned the lanterns scarlet to make an easy path for her. And she swayed, but she followed it step for step with nothing alive in those steely-grays. Nothing in this district existed outside her and the white rabbit.
They walked among the gray.
Its hops and her steps made no noise in this world of gray. Their shadows had been cast, thrown onto the gray of the pavement, but where her shadow had showed her sway, the rabbit's shadow had grown beyond the size of its host. Almost as if the shadow reflected not the rabbit. Or the rabbit was not the host of this shadow.
CHIRIN…
The rabbit turned a corner, and Tesla had no choice but to follow. A ladder street was the next step to their journey with the traditional stone steps going higher and higher. The shops that lined the steps had shut in their goods and closed down in this realm of gray. They had no business being open. But the lanterns turned scarlet whenever the rabbit hopped beneath them.
And Tesla followed without flaw.
CHIRIN…
The steps felt like they would never end, but she climbed each and every one of them without fail. The rabbit kept up its stride with its check-ins, but it would seem the rabbit did have an ending destination for their journey. A shop was open in this world of gray with its lanterns scarlet and lit and a soft glow illuminating from the storefront. The rabbit had gotten to its last step and twitched its nose at Tesla before it disappeared into the shop.
And she followed.
When she arrived on the last stone step of her journey, she pivoted, and her dulled eyes laid onto the shop. Nothing about the shop was exceptional. It sold dolls and trinkets and knickknacks painted with excruciating accuracy and detail. Incense had been lit on the hanging golden state of the great Báihǔ. This shop did not walk in the gray. But the shopkeeper was interesting enough. He was large in stature enough to be a threat, yet he sat on his stool with crates stacked before him to hold his traditional tea pot. Dressed in the blue robes of a Zhōnguánese monk, most of his face was obscured under his dǒulì (rice hat) that had a blatant 王 in beautiful calligraphy on the front. His hat did not stop him as he cradled a small bowl in one hand and sipped his tea. Though, his hands did not look like human hands… They looked like…
"You are the one who walks in the Gray." His voice could move mountains, yet it could smooth over the nastiest of rivers. He sipped from his bowl again. "You are the one who sees the Gray. You are the one who is of the Gray. Who are you?"
Tesla swayed, but she offered no witty words in reply.
He sipped from his bowl again. "I do not walk in the Gray. I do not see the Gray. I am not of the Gray. Who am I?"
Tesla swayed, but she said nothing.
"I exhale life and inhale death. I bleed for peace, and I heal for war. I make no sound, but they hear a roar. Who am I?"
Tesla swayed, but she said nothing.
He sipped from his bowl again before he set it down onto the crate. The rabbit hopped onto the monk's lap, but it busied itself with cleaning its face rather than listening to the conversation. "You cannot speak in the Gray, but you are of the Gray. You cannot see others of the Gray, but you are of the Gray. You will need the Catalyst. You will need to be nurtured by your Mother," he told her. "You of the Gray will heal before you bleed. Your peace is war. Your life is death. You walk the Gray. You walk the In-Between. You of the Gray."
GAO…
Tesla stopped swaying.
The monk shifted his head towards the howl, but he did not acknowledge it. "You of the Gray… Who are you? Who am I?"
GAO…
The howl was louder.
"Why does my cub cry for you, You of the Gray? Who is he?"
Tesla said nothing.
He shifted his head back towards her with his rice hat hiding most of his expression. But you could see whiskers coming off the sides of his face. "We will meet again, You who walks in the Gray." He lifted his head—
Yellow-ambers.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"—is that good for you?"
Noise bombarded Tesla in its conversation, in the drumming, in the laughter. The shops were brimming with clientele, and the owners were giddy that they would be making a hefty profit tonight. A few USM tourists had come as they vlogged their experience in Gǔchéng. A couple had guessed a lantern correctly and received a red envelope as their prize. A live steel sword fight demonstration had the crowd on edge to see who the winner would be and who would be the loser. The vibrant reds and golds crowded everything the light touched.
"Tesla?"
Tesla blinked over to Weiwei, who looked at her expectantly. An apologetic smile wove onto her lips. "I'm sorry. I think I blanked out. What were you saying?"
"I was saying we'll wrap it up here, get some late lunch, and we'll head back to the guest house Elijah and I are staying in." Weiwei inspected Tesla closely. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah." Tesla shook off the cobwebs in her mind and tried to wake herself up. "I think certain things are hitting me, but I should be good to go." She looked at the overhanging menu to reach the Zhōnguánese. "I definitely need some munchies," she decided. She fumbled for her Compact. "Let me see how much is left in the budget—"
"Tesla, I'm paying," Weiwei told her firmly.
Tesla laughed, but she still fished for her Compact. "So you said, but still, it's always good for me to look." Her brow furrowed when her fingers pressed into something that did not feel at all like her Compact. "What in the…?" She wrestled it out from her pocket to be amazed. "Far-out…"
Weiwei took a look as well and brightened. "You've been blessed!"
"Huh?" Tesla could barely take her eyes off the white jade carving of a howling wolf that had found its way into nesting in her pocket. Her fingers smoothly ran over the carving, but the level of detail was exquisite. The teeth had been carved down to the incisors, though it felt off, somehow, that the wolf had no coloring to its eyes. "Blessed?"
Weiwei nodded. "That's Bái Láng. When the monks do the crossing of the temples and light the first lantern, a white wolf appears and howls. And if you howl with it when you release your lantern, you're gifted with good virtue for the next lunar year." She pointed at the carving. "A tradition in Gǔchéng is that people mysteriously receive carvings of Báihǔ or whatever animal the year is. But you got a Bái Láng statue, which is really rare."
"Huh…" Tesla was careful to slip the carving into one of her bags. "What's so special about a white wolf? Wouldn't everyone feel more blessed and luckier if a white tiger showed up?"
Weiwei and she stepped up in the line as Weiwei explained, "Our region's sacred color is white for one. But even though white is the sacred color of the west, we haven't seen any all-white animals in hundreds of years outside Bái Láng."
Tesla's eyes went wide. "Seriously?"
"Yeah." Weiwei nodded. "Legends say when Báihǔ was angry, he pulled the white off every animal in our region as though to curse us. The legend dates back to centuries ago, and it holds since we haven't seen any animal with white fur or feathers or scales. When Bái Láng appeared, people were scared it was part of Báihǔ's anger and called it the Hound of Báihǔ. But I guess, over time, people saw the white wolf actual brought good fortune, so it's considered a sacred animal and the only animal in this region with white fur. Every other species is sort of SOL."
Tesla whistled. "Wow, that's intense. Remind me not to get on that kitty's bad side." She paused and checked her skin. "Actually, I think I'm safe." They shared a giggle over that.
"There's an actual law here in the west about days when it's illegal to wear white," Weiwei informed her. "It's illegal for anyone to color their hair white or do the same thing to an animal. No one in the west is naturally born with white hair but you know." She flicked her hair with a hoity-toity look. "It's the aesthetic people are after. There's nothing against elders having white hair since that's just basic biology and you can have streaks of white, but it's illegal to have a full-head of hair whitened." Her tone dropped a bit as though upset.
Tesla, however, failed to notice. "All because of that legend?"
Weiwei sagely nodded as they moved up the line. "Yeah. But also, our government did it as a preventative. When hair coloring and bleaching gained ground and people colored their hair white to honor Báihǔ, almost all of them were driven insane and some committed suicide."
"Okay, so, yeah, I can see why your government would make coloring your hair white illegal," Tesla decided with highly raised eyebrows. "Oh my god, though, that's terrible. But, like, what happens if someone is born with white hair? I know you said no one is, but if it did happen, are they just…?" She made a slicing motion over her neck.
Something in Weiwei's eyes wavered, and she turned away from Tesla to look in front of them. "If someone was born with white hair, I'm sure they'd color their baby's hair black. Wearing white is one thing, but it's considered bad luck to be born with white hair. I'm sure the parents wouldn't want people to think their house is cursed or that Báihǔ would come for their child."
"Heavy," Tesla muttered. "Thank goodness I did not ask for white hair for my twists, then." She dramatically shivered. "This makes me glad I'm agnostic. I'm not trying to piss off some spirit kitty because I was born some type of way. Being told I'm now this bad luck magnet and forced to change my appearance just to appease a cat? That just seems flat out wrong, y'know?"
"Yeah." Weiwei's hand clenched. "It is wrong."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Dragneel Residence
Magnolia
Fiore, Ishgar
11:43 AM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
"Fire Dragon's Wing Attack…!"
"Ice-Make: Geyser…!"
Luna had come out in her Poko blanket hoodie and Nina-nyan slippers to sit on the porch while the battle commenced. Icarus was on one side in his Natural Form to keep warm and take joy of being close to his mistress while Býleistr lazed about on her right in his Lion Form, dozing off like the housecat he always would be. Plue snuggled into Luna's stomach as he sat on her lap, sleepy and uninterested in what was going on.
Natsu had shredded through his clothing save for his shorts with his draconic scales and demonic horns. A messed-up grin slapped on his face with emerald-reds gleaming as he threw flaming slicers. "Try to get on my level, you stupid popsicle!" he taunted.
To his credit, Gray at least kept on his boxers as he crafted a seismic ice wall to defend him, but he managed to flip Natsu off. "You wanna play like that? Fine, I'll play with ya!" He placed a fist in an open palm. "Ice-Make: Rocket Launcher…!"
Natsu yelped when icy projectiles nearly exploded in front of his face. His scaly wings were pushed harder and to go faster so he could outrun Gray's attacks. "Bastard!" he snarled. "Fire Dragon's…Rooooooooooooooar…!"
Luna watched them as she tugged on her blanket, but a yawn tumbled from her. "I'm so tired." She rubbed her eyes. "Papa said this would be good training for me, but all he's done is made of Uncle Gray and fought with him."
Your sire may be a king, but he has the heart of a drake, Icarus sighed.
"Oh my god…!" Nashi flapped her wings with her armor wrapped around her from her Divine Soul. "Soul descension…!" Magic wrapped around her body and cocooned her before it shattered off, and she landed back in her sweatshirts and pajama bottoms with her hair trapped in a ballerina bun. Annoyance flustered her as she crossed her arms beneath her chest and glared at her father and Gray. "Idiots! Both of them!"
Luna yawned again. "Mmm…"
"They make me get out of bed. They make me come over here, and for what?" Nashi snarled. "I have class at two and live-stream YouView interview at seven, what the Hell? I have much better things to do than be the babysitter brigade to two – grown – men…!" She shouted that part loud.
Natsu heard her as he melted the ice speared trying to maul him and he shouted back, "I'll be with you in a minute, princess! I just need to knock Gray off his ass—which is pretty easy!"
"The Hell'd'you say about me, you freak?!"
Nashi groaned. "Urgh…!" She sat down next to Luna, stewing in her anger (and she ignored Býleistr's grumble). "I should've just went with Mama to Saint Layla's and I could've been actually productive. I could've seen Granny Anna, but no…! Papa calls me all sad and pitiful that he misses his princess, and he gives me his 'but I'm so old, I could die any day now' bullshit and I fall for it, and this is the end result."
Luna yawned again. "Mmm…"
Nashi did a double take to see how drowsy her sister look. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I'm just not sleeping that great," Luna offhandedly remarked. "Plus, Papa got me up early. I think I'll take a nap after this."
Nashi opened her mouth, but she swallowed back her words. She isn't sleeping well… Is it because of Alvarez? She cupped her elbows as she stared at her lap. I've been keeping myself so busy to try and numb myself to it, but I'm sure I wouldn't be able to sleep either. Considering what I did… Sickness rolled in her stomach. Surprise flared when she felt the comfort of winter in her chest, and she allowed herself a small smile as she touched her chest. Silly dog. I'm okay. Worry about yourself.
"Nashi?"
"Hmm?"
"Does it…get better?"
Nashi looked down at her little sister and how small she had made herself. There was no need for Nashi to hear what Luna meant. She wrapped an arm around Luna and pressed a kiss against her temple. "There are ups and downs," she said, honest. "But when you learn how to cope with those downs, that's when it gets better."
Luna nodded against her. "Okay."
Luna's Compact vibrating caught both sisters' attention and their Celestial Spirits twitched their ears in that direction.
Nashi shamelessly peeked to see what had happened, but she had no idea who that was on Luna's Compact. "'Carlisle'?" It hit her. "Oh…! Oh, oh, oh, that's the guy Ellie and Justin met. You know him too?"
Luna nodded as she coveted her Compact. "He's Bleu's cousin."
That was a name Nashi had not heard in a while. "Oh, yeah, how is Boyfriend Bleu these days?" Confusion gnawed her when Luna tensed. "Lu? What's going on? Everything okay?"
Luna twisted her lips. "It's complicated right now," was what she gave in response. "Carlisle's been nice, though. He's really kind."
"I'll be meeting him at the burlesque show this weekend," Nashi said, thoughtful. "I'm excited to meet him since Justin could not stop raving about him. He's the first openly pan figure skater, which is a huge deal, I think?" She shucked out her Compact from her sweatshirt and went to her Insta. "I think Ellie found his Insta and followed him for me, but I can't remember."
"Oh, I follow him." Luna unlocked her Compact and got to her Insta. After some scrolling, she found it. "Here. This is him and his boyfriend Dante."
Nashi took the Compact to take a look—
LUB-DUB.
Luna grew worried when Nashi dropped the Compact onto her lap. "Sissy?" she called. "Are you okay?"
"Uh…" Nashi blinked rapidly. "Y-Yeah… Yeah, I'm fine." She swallowed, brow furrowed, and shook her head. "Sorry, I just…" She smothered the Compact in her hands and studied the screen. The photo Luna had brought up from Carlisle's Insta was a cute domestic photo. Carlisle was beaming proudly in Magia onesie as he snuggled into a larger young man who was shirtless and exasperated his photo was being taken with the caption:
DOCUMENTARY NIGHT WITH MY FAVORITE LEATHER DADDY
#Iconic #Myleatherprince #BeeDocumentary
Nashi tried not to show how affected she was and schooled a neutral mask on her face. She could feel the concern of winter as the cold tried to combat her erratic heartbeat. Cael, she whispered. What's wrong?
I… I am unsure. Cael sounded confused as well. I'm sorry. His eyes… They affect me, but I don't understand why.
Now Nashi was panicking. Did we not get back all my powers?
We did, Cael rushed to assure. My Spirit and Soul dwells within you, and our bond is back to its full amount, but… I don't understand why a picture affects me. My apologies. The boy is unfamiliar, but his eyes… The confusion surged before it buried itself.
"Nashi?" Luna called again, concerned.
Nashi shook her head and decided to scroll through Carlisle's Insta. "Sorry. It was just his eyes struck me. Pretty unusual. And I mean, I have pink hair."
"I get what you mean." Luna, too, sounded troubled. "It feels like I've seen his eyes somewhere, but when I asked him if we met somewhere, he said probably not, so I let it go. But his eyes really are beautiful."
"Mesmerizing," Nashi agreed. She played a video of Carlisle practicing his free skate to a snake charmer song. "I can't wait to meet him." She scrolled down and her eyebrows flew up as she belted into a laugh. "Oh, yeah, he's definitely my speed."
The photo she had stumbled upon was most definitely marked NSFW 17+ for reasons she understood. A promotional picture had been taken for the burlesque show. Carlisle's boyfriend had been strapped down to a chair with his leather vest wide open and a collar around his neck while a silk scarf covered his eyes. Carlisle had played the part of the temptress with a smirk on his face as he knelt upon his boyfriend's lap with his own collar and his leash in his lover's teeth.
"Let me see—"
"Nope!" Nashi hugged the Compact to her chest and shot a puffed-cheek Luna a reproachful look. "This is seventeen and up content."
Luna rolled her eyes and reached for her Compact. "So?"
"Uh, so, you shouldn't be looking at it, so?"
Luna huffed. "Who cares? It's just pictures, and it's not like I haven't seen worse being in Fairy Tail." She groaned and stamped her foot when Nashi would not give back her Compact and snapped, "If I wanted someone to tell me what to do and control everything, Igneel would still be here."
"That's a low blow, Lu." Nashi made sure to scroll past the raunchy picture. "Here." She handed over Luna's Compact. "Just be careful with looking at some of that content, okay? Take it from someone who has been there and done that."
Luna grumbled, "Yes, Igneel."
"Well, at least I said my piece," Nashi sighed. Her Com lit with a flood of text messages from Tesla. To her surprise and delight, pictures came through. Most had starred her and another beautiful Zhōnguánese woman with big eyes, but she had captured scenic views. "Tesla sent some pictures from her trip in Zhōnguá."
Luna shot Nashi a dirty look and asked sarcastically, "Am I allowed to see these or is it not safe for me?"
"Smart Alec." Nashi lowered her Compact so both sisters could look at the photos—
"Princess!" their father called. "Come on! Let's fight!"
Nashi growled as she locked her Compact. "Oh, so, now he wants to fight." She shook her head as she got up to stretch, then cupped her mouth with her hands to holler, "I'll be right there, Papa!" She jumped up and down and shook out her nerves. "Maybe I'll actually get to fight and not have to play referee."
"Can I look at the pictures Miss Tesla sent you?" Luna asked.
"Huh? Oh, sure." Nashi threw her Compact to Luna before she jogged down the steps. Magic chained itself to her before breaking into millions of particles. Her white wings stretched as her battle armor gleamed in the sunlight. "Wish me luck!"
"Wait!" Luna called. "Your Com's locked! What's your passcode?"
"Zero-two-two-zero!" With a wide flap of her wings, Nashi took to the air with gusto.
Luna typed in the passcode, but a thought occurred to her when she saw the digits. She grinned and shouted, "That's Gary's birthday, isn't it!"
"No, it isn't!"
"It totally is," Býleistr muttered. He shifted his snout towards Luna to leer at the photos and whispered to her, "Starlight, can you do me a favor and favorite all the ones with just Tesla?"
Nashi shouted from a distance, "Don't perv on my friend, stupid cat!"
"One of these days," Býleistr threatened under his breath while Luna giggled. He sulked as he put his head on his paws. "And I wasn't going to perv. I was just going to appreciate the finer things in life. Icarus, you feel me."
No, I most certainly do not 'feel' you, Icarus huffed, indignant. Your reputation as a tail-chaser proceeds you, and it is most revolting.
"Heh." Býleistr grinned, satisfied with himself. "Tail-chaser. Heh. Classic."
Icarus lashed his tail at Býleistr who lurched, pained. Pup, do not listen to that Male, he warned. He does not speak for all of us with his uncouth behavior, and we do not share our dens with humans and take them as our mates if we do not have a human form.
"Don't knock it till you try it, doggo," Býleistr jested as he lashed his teeth. "A pride of humans here called 'furries' is into all my fur."
Luna felt nauseous. "Okay, let's stop talking about this." She leafed through the pictures Tesla had sent and smiled wide when she saw Tesla and the beautiful woman next to her had tried on obnoxious bunny ears. She looks like she's having fun. I miss Miss Tesla. She was really nice. She went to the next picture, but she could not just move on. A white jade statue of a prestigious tiger had captured her attention. It looked like people were rubbing the feet of the tiger and bowing to it. What's this?
"Icarus?" She showed the image to her Celestial Spirit. "How come people are bowing to this tiger?"
Icarus lifted his head to eye the picture, but his gaze softened. Báihǔ…
Býleistr sat up. "Seriously?" He transformed into his Natural Form to sit beside Luna. "Can I see?" Luna flashed him the image, and those oranges gentled. "Yeah, that's him. Sweet Solstice, it's been a while since I've seen that ugly mug."
Show some respect, Icarus scolded. Báihǔ deserves it.
Luna was still not in the know. "Who is Ba…Ba…Bai-hoo?"
"He's an old son of a black hole," Býleistr said, though he flinched when Icarus sent him a sharp glare and decided to keep quiet.
Icarus sighed and informed Luna, Báihǔ is an ancient Guardian Spirit alongside three others and his leader. He was…a powerful Spirit. A fondness warmed Icarus' words. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was once a Guardian Spirit. His wisdom was boundless. He was fair and compassionate, but he did not let his feelings misguide him. He was patient and diligent and prestigious.
"Wow…" Luna breathed. "If his statue is in Zhōnguá, then that means he's the Guardian Spirit where Tesla is right now?"
That is correct.
"That's really cool." Luna admired the statue of Báihǔ.
Icarus sighed. If only he had not been betrayed…
Luna frowned. "What do you mean?"
The Second Black War—or Demon War, as you call it on your realm—caused devastation to rain upon this land. Many Spirits fought both the First and Second Black War to defend the mortals we cared for. Báihǔ and the three other Holy Guardian Spirits and their leader, however, had been betrayed. That betrayal cost all of them dearly.
That's so sad, Luna thought as her frown deepened. How were they betrayed?
From what I understand, one of the disciples of the Holy Guardian Spirits had betrayed them, Icarus recalled. I was not in that section during the war, but the disciple who betrayed them all is the sole reason any other disciples of the Holy Guardians are wiped out. Icarus placed his head between his paws. It was rumored the traitorous mortal fell under Báihǔ's jurisdiction. I do not know much of what happened to Báihǔ, but if that is true, I am sure he had to answer to the Council of Guardians for his lack of guidance of his mortal.
"But how is someone else betraying him his fault?" Luna questioned. "That doesn't make sense."
The rules of Guardian Spirits are very different, Icarus thought to her. There are laws Guardian Spirits must follow. Unlike the Gods who took no accountability if their pups caused destruction even with their own Council of Deities, the Council of Guardians is stricter and upholds their morals and ethics. I am sure Báihǔ was given punishment for his mortal causing the downfall of the four Holy Guardian Spirits, their leader, and their own mortals.
"I see…" Luna expanded the photo to zoom in on the head of the Báihǔ statue. If I mediated into the Spirit World, do you think I could meet Báihǔ and ask him what happened?
The Spirit Realm is a communal realm for the Spirits, pup. Like Erion and Nayda, Báihǔ has his own private sector he resides in. If he was punished, it is unlikely he would show his face in the Spirit Realm.
Luna argued. But—!
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Lanterns painted the night sky in their glow and calligraphy. They came into the sky in silent droves as they guided lost souls to their final destination and carried wishes and dreams on their backs. Eyes trailed the herds of lit-up lanterns on their journey. It was as though this was a sacred procession, and everyone understood the sanctity of this ritual.
GAO…
A long howl stretched across as it spun a song of triumph.
A white wolf stood at its peak with its nose in the air as he howled its song for the humans below. The beast had such prestige with muscles firm and fur well-groomed. It had obviously lived a healthy and fit life for its age. Its tail whipped in glee when more howls joined in its song—
Glowing yellow-ambers.
"Not yet."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Luna gasped and breathed hard as her headache receded as fast as it had come.
Icarus kept close, alert and worried, and asked her, A vision?
"I think so," Luna breathed. She gulped down some air and looked back down at the statue of Báihǔ. But it didn't make sense, she realized as she focused on the white jade tiger. Báihǔ is a tiger, so… Why would I have a vision of a wolf?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
You ever have those leg-thumping hands-shaking toe-tapping body-quaking jitters?
Tesla was a bundle of jitters as her leg bounced and her finger tapped her thigh while she looked out the tinted window. All the bags from her and Weiwei's shopping had been stored in the trunk, and that was all good and well, but she could not stop her shaking as much as she wanted to. She jumped and shot Jaxton an accusing look when she saw he had placed his hand on her thigh.
Jaxton smiled as he rubbed her thigh, but he paid attention to the road. "Don't be nervous."
"You know, for someone with alleged psych training, you know how to say the right things to make a person with anxiety even more anxious," Tesla jeered.
Jaxton let his focus slip to trail every curve of her profile and his eyes turned predatory. "I know a way to make you feel relaxed."
Huffy, Tesla jerked her thigh away and crossed her legs and arms away from him.
Jaxton sighed as he placed both hands on the wheel to ease the SUV up the steep curve. "We're going to the main estate, but Weiwei and Elijah are staying the guest house," he reminded. "We won't need to go to the main house until six for us to get ready for dinner. We still have a few hours left until then. It's still just us until then." He got Tesla's reflection sulking and lightly teased, "Remember how you told me you wouldn't stress over this? You'd kill them with kindness?"
"That wasn't me; that was some other Tesla," she said. "You're dealing Anxious Tesla, so please proceed with caution and take her far, far away from here—"
Jaxton broke into laughter.
Tesla smacked his arm. The audacity! "Who are you to judge me? You were nervous as Hell meeting my family!" But it hit her again how he had been spying on her for a majority of her life, and she second-guessed everything. "You were actually nervous, right?"
"It's one thing for me to run background checks, but it's another thing to meet people in person," Jaxton told her as they drove into a tunnel. "It's just like the difference between obeying my superior and dating you. Interpersonal experiences are vastly different than data collection and long-distance research."
Tesla gaped. "Oh my god, you probably had an Excel chart about my habits, didn't you? I learned about this in my zoology elective class for our group project how we would watch our subjects for consistent behaviors. You had one of those on me, didn't you? You did, right? Oh my god, you did." Her cheeks sank into her hands as horror filled her. "Oh my god, my porn and my fanfiction. Oh my god, my goth phase. Oh my god."
"I was very nervous meeting your mother and your entire family because of one thing, remember?" Jaxton spoke and kept his voice soft and soothing. "Do you remember why I was nervous?"
Tesla was torn between ripping off her seatbelt and diving out of the car and inappropriately panicking how deep his spying went with her self-love experimentation, but she asked, "No, why?"
"You said I would have to dance."
Tesla blinked as her fears came to a crashing halt when one memory flared up. "That's right," she gasped. "You did have to dance. Every time my family gets together, we're always dancing." Her eyes brightened, and a fond smile blossomed on her face. "I taught you how to bachata." She laughed to herself. "My cousin Diego is known as the Bachata Bae and I'm sure Dante is a close second, but you've improved on your bachata." She tossed him a pout. "If only you'd dance with me more."
"I don't dance—"
"I say you can!" Tesla offered a helpless shrug when Jaxton shot her a withering look. "You're the one dating a Magia stan. Do with that as you will."
Jaxton sighed. "I don't dance in public," he emphasized. "You know that."
Tesla groaned. "Yeah, I know, but you're a great dancer! And I really, really, really, really want to show you off!"
"I dance with you when we go to your mom's for any family gatherings," Jaxton brought up. "I'm more than happy to dance with you."
Tesla snorted. "Yeah, because we get in the groove and sneak into my old bedroom and nearly break my headboard and the wall." She simpered. "Oh, that reminds me when my mom had to sit us down, and she was just so serious, and she had to give us the 'children' talk. She looked so relieved when you told her you didn't want children." She blinked. "That reminds me of something…" She gave Jaxton's profile a contemplative look. "You're older than dirt—"
"Cheap shot, baby girl," Jaxton muttered.
"—but would you ever want to sterilize yourself?" Tesla questioned. When Jaxton said nothing, she sat up and pressed, "Have you been sterilized?"
Jaxton passed her a wary look. "Would you be upset with me if I said I had myself sterilized?"
"No." Tesla shook her head with relief blatant on her face. "God, no, I'd be happy you did it as long as it was for yourself. If you were straight-up nineteen sans the dog years, it makes sense you might not be sterile now. You had mentioned you had your own birth control, but it makes sense you're sterile if you're as old as the sun." Her jaw dropped and she covered it with her hands. "Wait. Does your mom know?"
Jaxton's jaw set. "No, she doesn't."
"It's not her business," Tesla clarified. "But I feel like we need to rehearse some things if she tries to back us into a corner. Obviously"—she pointed at herself—"I do not want kids and even if I did, hi, hello, I'm way too young to be thinking about that. And you and I already talked about me scheduling my bilateral salpingectomy this year. But as someone who has watched a lot of Z-Dramas—boy, do not roll your eyes at me."
Jaxton's lips quirked. "I'm sorry. Continue."
Tesla flipped her twists over her shoulder. "Thank you. Now. I've seen enough Selan dramas to know something is going to come up." She ticked off a finger as she listed, "She might thrust upon you a childhood crush or her version of an ideal mate for you who will probably be vicious AF. She might try to make me leave you for a large sum of money. Or she might threaten you." She wiggled her second finger. "I'd be worried about that second option if I were you."
"I'm not worried about any of them," Jaxton assured her. "My mother is many things, but she doesn't play cheap games like that. She might be upset I don't want children, and she might blame you for my change, but she won't try to parade around other women for me to sniff at."
"She better not," Tesla grumbled.
Jaxton flashed her an amused look before he turned his attention back onto the road as they exited the tunnel. Another tunnel would be coming soon. "My mother's manipulative games make her one of the most dangerous women on the continent." His eyes darkened. "She might try to undermine you, but I have absolute faith you can handle her if that does happen. As of now, her games will be focused on forcing my hand in inheriting the Te Sect upon her death."
"Stupid question. I know you said Weiwei can't inherit, but why can't someone else inherit it?" Tesla questioned, puzzled. "I understand nepotism is alive and well, but why wouldn't she give your faction to someone who wants the position?"
Jaxton drove them into the next tunnel. "It's…different when it comes to Cultivation," he supposed. "There is always a possibility Báihǔ could select another person to become the future grandmaster of the Te Sect, but even I can tell among all the Cultivators being trained, none have what it takes to be the next grandmaster. On one hand, I understand my mother's concerns. She isn't young, and I'm the only contender who could sustain the Te Sect. On the other hand, my mother also isn't in any life-threatening danger and her health is fine. Báihǔ could choose someone else."
"But do you believe that?" Tesla softly asked.
Jaxton's exhale was terse. "As of now? No. Am I hopeful? Yes."
"But deep down, you have the answer." Tesla leaned back in her plush seat as she stroked Jaxton's hair. "What are the negatives to you taking over the Te Sect?"
"There are many negatives, but there is only one I care about." Jaxton pulled her hand from his hair to kiss her knuckles. "As the official master and eventual grandmaster of the Te Sect, I would have to abandon my work and move back to Zhōnguá." Intense darkness collided with steely-grays. "I won't leave you."
As much as those words did things to Tesla's heart, her head was not as convinced. She watched him beneath her lashes with a resigned expression and sunken shoulders. "Jang-ta… If you've lived this long, I can assume you'll live longer." She tried to tug her hand away, but it was not worth the effort when he would not let go. "Out of everything I've been told, this is the one thing I wish I didn't overthink. That the reality is you'll live longer than me." She turned away. "I'm happy you chose me to pass the time with while you're this young. But you have to think about what comes after me."
"Don't say that."
"Don't I have to say that?" Tesla sadly shook her head. "This more than anything kept me up at night for the past month or so when I figured out you couldn't be nineteen. I told myself I could get passed the age thing if you actually turned out to be some unicorn who is, like five-hundred years old but that translates to nineteen. I could deal with that. But then I started thinking…"
"Tesla…"
"You're going to stay this young-looking for however long physically aging takes," Tesla spoke over him. She needed to get this out. "I'm not. I'm going to get older and look older and feel older, Jang-ta. I'm not a Wizard or a unicorn who gets to stay young and fit for who knows how long. I'm just me."
"Just you?"
"Yeah." Tesla leaned against the window and watched as her breath spread across the glass. "Just me."
Silence.
Why am I ruining things again? Tesla asked herself, miserable. Why can't I just be happy for five minutes instead of bringing things like this up? Like the fact that my boyfriend is going to be young and live and I'm… She closed her eyes. I'll just…wither away one day. I'll die, and he'll just…turn the page.
"You don't have to be embarrassed, Princess Oh-I'm-Just-Me."
Tesla's brow furrowed as she opened her eyes in confusion and familiarity.
"Because I am someone even more embarrassing to be…"
An indulgent smile toyed on her lips as Tesla flashed her stare over to Jaxton. She sang back, "You're only the thirteenth son of a king…"
"Of a very small nation…" Jaxton added.
"Of very small islands to the South…" Tesla sighed out a hummed laugh. "You hated seeing that musical. I remember how Olaf pissed you off so much. And that one woman with her screaming baby…"
Jaxton smiled. "I think seeing The Little Mermaid was the worst."
"Oh, god, that stupid little girl and her glowing trident had me heated. And we sat in the row with the theys and the gays and we were all getting pressed with that girl," Tesla recalled as her shoulders shook in mirth. But her laughter fizzled out, and she hated to be the bearer of bad news, but she needed to bring it up again. "But Jang-ta—"
"Tesla, you are an anomaly," Jaxton reminded her. "People born with Anti-Ether were long gone. And then you appeared."
"But I'm not a Wizard," Tesla reminded him.
"No, you're not," Jaxton agreed, "but you're still not a Spiritless. We can't expect you to have the same lifespan of one either. We just need to understand more about how your powers affect your physiology. For all we know, your powers might slow your aging to a certain point just like a Wizard and you could live a long life."
Tesla sighed. "Let's not get our hopes up on that," she decided. "I didn't mean to ruin the mood with this."
"I told you. I've always loved that you speak your mind, even on heavier subjects like this." Jaxton kissed the tips of her fingers. "I'm happy you're comfortable enough to tell me what's on your mind."
"I do that all the time—"
"Being blunt and being honest aren't the same things."
Tesla thought on that. "No. No, I guess you have me there." She smiled when Jaxton kissed her palm and trailed to her rest. "Ay, Papi, no te pongas muy cómodo." She lifted her chin as she hissed in an inhale when he nipped her wrist. "Pórtate bien."
"Me haces querer portarme mal, princesa," Jaxton imprinted into her skin. "Quiero parar y asegúrame de que sepas lo mucho que significas para mí."
Tesla smiled as the light at the end of the tunnel came and purred coquettishly, "Sigue así y vamos a…" Her eyes rounded when they shot out of the tunnel. She had no choice but to gawk. "Ay dios mío…"
A winding road was still ahead of them, but Tesla could see their destination as much as she wished it was not their destination. Living harmoniously on the mountain they were charging for as palace fit for an emperor—and maybe it had been an emperor's palace at a time. Dressed in burnt orange roof tiles with green accents and pained vivid reds, winter could not deflower such beauty and elegance nor its vast ensemble of pavilions, halls, gardens, and lakes. The design of it had been so seamlessly built into nature as though the architect made blatant sure to keep this peaceful land intact and live symbiotically with its human residents. The great statue of Báihǔ welcomed all to this land and, if you squinted, you could see an unsecure waterfall in the background.
"That's…your house?" Tesla wheezed, trembling.
Jaxton, on the other hand, looked none too pleased seeing such a prestigious domain. "That's my parents' house, not mine or Weiwei's."
"But… But you lived there," was what Tesla was getting out. "That was your home at one point in time."
"At one point in time." Jaxton reaffirmed his grip on the steering wheel. "Not anymore."
Tesla took a hard swallow as her heart want to leap from her chest and her lungs burned from her hyperventilating. This is insane. This is insane. I'm crazy, but this is insane. Her hands violently shook as she clutched her seatbelt and pressed herself in her seat as though trying to melt into it. I can't do this. I can't do this. Desperation clawed her when she wrestled out of her seatbelt and went to bash open the door to tuck and roll and pray she would survive—
Nothing happened.
Tesla tried hard to unlock her door, but the lock would not budge. She balked and shrilly shrieked, "You have a child's lock on this door?!" Frantic, she yanked on the handle, but it would not budge. "What the Hell is this!"
"I knew you'd run," Jaxton mumbled.
Tesla shot him a wide-eyed look of panic as she kept yanking on the handle. "Take me home. I can't… I can't do this. I can't… You lived there!" As her chest heaved, she pointed at the palace in the distance like it scarred her only for them to go through another tunnel. She backed herself in her corner like a caged animal and her eyes darted all around. "You can go in there. I need to go back to reality. I'm dreaming. I'm dissociating. This isn't real. This is an illusion."
"Tesla—"
She gave him a cat's hiss.
Jaxton was stunned. "You…hissed at me?" Dazed, he turned his attention back to the road and his hand came up to cover his mouth. The tips of his ears pinkened, and he mumbled, "I think I like it."
"Now is not the time!" Tesla cried. She held her cheeks in her hand and felt like she emulated The Scream. "Oh my god, I need to leave…!" she comically sobbed. "This trip was a mistake! Everything was a mistake!" She pinched herself only to wince. "This has to be a hallucination. This cannot be real life." She pathetically clawed at the window and bemoaned, "What fresh Hell is this? Why is this happening to me…?"
An idea hit her. Wait a minute. She looked at her hands and her chains wrapped onto her fingers. I have powers now. Praised be for her screwed up situation to finally get her out of a mess. She wanted to cry her relief. An angelic choir was singing exalted songs. I have a shot of escape and survival!
"You can't control your powers enough to not destroy this entire car," Jaxton's words floated open. "Your Anti-Saber will kill us both, and your chains can't do damage to a lock that small."
Slowly, bit by bit, Tesla's relief fell apart into dread. A violet dreary aura fell over her as she hunched over and lamented, "I should've let Gary kill me."
Jaxton's eyes sharpened. "What?"
"What?"
"What do you mean you should have let Gary kill you? Explain." An intense burning spread through Jaxton's eyes. "Slowly."
Tesla's mistake was known to her and the universal oh shit warning bells want off in her head. Wait. Oh, no. I wasn't supposed to say that.
A chibi-Nashi appeared in her head with a mischievous grin while a perky chibi-Gary, a clueless chibi-Luna, and a nodding-along chibi-Kyler was behind her as she sang, "Remember, Tesla. Snitches are bitches who get stitches…!"
Tesla mentally poofed away the imagery and tried to hide her sweating face. It's not like I said much, right? I can turn this around. Blame this on anxiety for me saying crazy things. Yes, that's it! She brightened, giddy. Blame my trauma! I was hit with a bunch of weirdness, so it makes sense! Trauma made me say it—!
"If you're thinking of blaming your stress and anxiety, it won't work."
Tesla nervously tittered. "Oh, of course I wouldn't!" I totally was. She turned back to Jaxton with as big of a grin as she could muster and let her hand slide onto her thigh. Eyes half-lidded, she explained in a low rasp, "Gary and I had a sparring match that nearly killed me. Forget about it." Her fingers trailed upwards. "Why are we talking about another man when I have you right here in front of me?"
Jaxton's growl vibrated from his chest as he tilted his chin to let her place a burning kiss on his jaw. He murmured in an affected rumble, "I can tell you're lying." Before Tesla could draw back, fearful of retaliation, her lips parted in a moan when his fingers found their purchase. "But I'll drop it for now if you come to my house willingly."
Tesla shoved him away with a sour look on her face. "Really? Manipulation?"
Jaxton raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you doing the same thing? Turnabout is fair play."
"Touché," Tesla begrudgingly agreed. "I didn't mean to freak out, but when you say I'm coming home with you, I envisioned something similar to Summer Wars where, sure, you have a big house, but this is ridiculous!" She crossed her arms. "How do you have that big of a house in the first place?"
Jaxton sighed, but he explained, "As you know, my family is old—"
"How old?" Tesla shrugged when Jaxton gave her a haggard look. "You'll slip-up one day."
Jaxton shook his head. "The five political families of Zhōnguá differed from the five families of the Four Guardian Spirits and their leader," he continued. "Before the fall of the Cultivation World, to keep our teachings free from the dark influences of the outside world, Cultivation was kept out of politics, and we weren't bound to serve the five emperors. Our Guardians made sure if the emperors attempted to use Cultivation in their wars of territory and politics, that they would be cursed with plagues, disease, malnutrition, infertility—and it took many emperors to understand the concept."
"That's still kind of your Guardians to protect you from all that messy nonsense," Tesla murmured.
"It was," Jaxton agreed. "When the Cultivation World fell centuries ago—"
"So, you're centuries old—"
"Tesla."
"Sorry."
"When the Cultivation World fell centuries ago," Jaxton started again, "the emperors of old were desperate to have an edge with boundaries gone. The Wu Xing Emperor was a no-nonsense woman, and she withdrew from the race to try and control Zhōnguá to establish Wu Xing as its own entity. But the western emperor was aware that the Te Sect had survived and tried tactics to coerce my grandmother into following under him and having the remaining Cultivators swear fealty to him. She refused, but he was a lot more confident with Báihǔ having disappeared from Earth Land."
Tesla felt like she knew where this story was going, but she asked, "What happened?"
"One night, the western emperor sent in a secret team to try and hold Weiwei hostage," Jaxton narrated. "He succeeded in capturing her, and he thought if he had her, my grandmother would kneel before him." His lips curled into a cold smirk, "How wrong he was. My grandmother was the grandmaster of the Te Sect. She would never kneel, even for the sake of family. If we died, Báihǔ would reclaim us, and we would meet again. When she came to his palace, the western emperor was cocky enough to think she would kneel. My grandmother said Weiwei was not someone she would bend for."
Painted reds splattered like rain.
"But she was someone she would kill for."
Steely-grays widened. "Get out. She killed the emperor?"
"Yes." Out of one tunnel and into the next. "Cultivators can kill, but it doesn't mean we should. Those are the words my grandmother told me when she told me this story. She killed the emperor. And while she was in the main palace with the emperor, my mother wiped out anyone who was related to the emperor to make sure they couldn't claim the throne. In a single night, the entire western palace fell."
"Your family is badass," Tesla gasped. "So, how did you guys become one of the five political families?"
"By choice and by necessity," Jaxton told her. "My grandmother hadn't wanted to get involved with politics. From how Weiwei described it, our grandmother and mother would constantly fight. The people of the west were lost. The war slaughtered so many and destroyed homes and livelihoods. The western emperor had grown greedy, but he wasn't that way before. My mother argued if we took the position of leaders of the west, it could protect us, but my grandmother thought it would blight our Qi."
Jaxton's eyes darkened. "I was the deciding factor that made my mother become the leader of the west."
"You were?" Tesla did not understand. "But why?" She noticed Jaxton tensed and softened. "Tell me when you're ready."
Jaxton passed her a shameful look. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry," Tesla hushed. "Just be ready when you tell me."
Jaxton took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. "Once my mother claimed authority in the west, Wu Xing was a little bit more willing to cooperate as an autonomous state of Zhōnguá, but only because the emperor had a blood debt to my mother. The four remaining emperors agreed to new boundaries set, and that was that. My family relocated to the palace of the western emperor, and my grandmother and mother were merciless in killing anyone who could betray them from the remaining serving families. Once my grandmother died, my mother had to split her time between the faction and her political duties."
"I'm sure that was hard for her."
Jaxton snorted. "You don't know my mother. She's a ruthless and cold-hearted woman who doesn't hesitate to bloody her hands if someone angers her. When the Gods were still on Earth Land, she challenged thirteen Gods and won. She faced a Ghost King who has a blood debt to her. And she single-handedly took down a Dragon without any weapons as one of the tests my grandmother gave her. To be honest…"—his hand on the steering wheel trembled and so did the rest of his body—"I'm a little afraid to see her."
"HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL NOW?!"
"Don't worry. She won't kill you." Jaxton squeezed Tesla's hand and gave her a solemn vow, "If anything, because of your anti-Ether, she'll try to manipulate you into swearing loyalty to her."
"This is not helping!" Tesla's eyes rounded. "Wait. She knows about my powers? Is that allowed?"
"Originally, my mother wasn't supposed to know about you," Jaxton said. "But…" He turned away and admitted in a mutter, "She frightened my superior and bullied her way into knowing."
Tesla felt her soul leave her body. So, his mother is a helicopter Dragon Lady who has more authority than his boss? I'm so dead. She shook her head and bemoaned, "I'm not feeling all that good about this."
Jaxton sighed. "I told you my mother likes to play games. She's a master of them. That's why you don't have to worry about her trying to separate us. You have to watch for her tactics. She'll offer you things that sound good in theory, but it will blacken your heart."
"Offer me things?" Tesla echoed.
"I'll kill your father." Auburn-opal. "I'll do whatever it is you ask of me as long as you promise to kill me once you're done with me."
Yeah. I know what that's like for someone to offer what you want the most. Tesla let her shoulders drop, but she made sure their handhold was tight. "I won't fall for it," she promised him. "Don't worry about me. Nothing she can offer me will ever be enough." She looked at her boyfriend. "But will you be okay? What about the games she'll play with you?"
Jaxton took a deep inhale and an exhale through his nose. "For a long time, I've been silent. I played by the rules she set for me as a pawn. Only three times have I ever defied her. She might've gotten angry, but she let it go."
"And now?"
"Now?" Darkness burned. "She will have a long-acting opponent with me."
°•°•°•°
The drive dipped in and out of more tunnels and crossed a few bridges blessed with statues of Báihǔ. It was no wonder Zhōnguá had such a high tourist rate during the Lunar New Year. The Sīchóu Province proved to be a preservation of true beauty. The homes they passed were not suited for modern living. The people used archaic methods to reach the homes their ancestors had lived in that blended into the hillsides and mountains. Humans and animals and magical creatures lived together in peace and taking a picture of this precious place felt like an invasion of privacy.
Tesla kept her mouth shut and her hand clutched onto Jaxton's when they crossed the final bridge to get to his home. The paifang made it clear this was Te Palace, but the stone gates were something Tesla gawked at. Guards in traditional armor took to the stations, but they did not ask for any identity. To her perplexity, the Guards moved their hands in unison to part the stone gates and did the same thing to close the gates behind them.
"They're Earth Mages."
Tesla cocked her head. "I thought Magic wasn't a thing here?"
"With Cultivation all but dead in the eyes of the public, it made room for Magic," Jaxton explained. "It's not really common for Zhōnguá to have Wizards, but there is a strict procedure in Zhōnguá about the practicing of Magic and where Wizards can relocate. Earth-based powers have to live in the west. Metal-based powers live in Wu Xing. Fire to the south. And water to the north. Magicians and Alkahests aren't as limited."
"What about air powers or anything else outside of that?"
"It depends on the political family, but most don't want to take the risk of accepting non-elemental Wizards in fear of disrespecting their Guardian Spirit."
Tesla snorted. "Fear-mongering Guardians… Wow…" She looked up with more to say on the tip of her tongue, but she lost it all in astonishment and whispered, "Santos cielos…"
The last stone gate looked like it belonged on a country borderline with the way it stood tall. The head of Báihǔ had been intimately carved into the stone and had stood against the testament of time. The doors growled like a tiger as they were forced apart to reveal paradise on the other side.
And was it a paradise indeed.
White doused what it could with winter's touch strong in February. But a river flowed through this paradise with calm waters that wafted a mist and happy fish swimming amongst the lazy current. Trees loitered and acted as guardians to smaller buildings that almost blended in with the foliage. The swollen earth served pedestal to the towering imperial palace dressed in its lucky reds and roofs colored gold with emerald-blue trimmings. The people who flocked this great palace dressed in the robes of the ancient times with their status represented by the color of their silk belts. They bowed low as the car passed up the curving stone drive in honor of their respected young master returning home.
Tesla experimentally clicked her heels.
Jaxton shot her an amused look and teased, "No place like home?"
"Cállete," Tesla whispered, still shell-shocked. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she coped with gulps of air. "Padre nuestro, que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu nombre; venga a nosotros tu reino; hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo…"
Jaxton chuckled low and rubbed her knuckles.
After passing over another bridge, the car came to the courtyard and drove through the paifang. The workers in the courtyard had lined up as they laid their knees on the ground and bowed (thank goodness the tinted windows hid Jaxton's announce and Tesla had finished the Lord's Prayer in Sinnish and went straight to Ave Maria). They left the courtyard to get to a more modern circular drive with an infinity fountain and a koi pond, but the palace itself had brought out the servants to all bow on the stone steps while three well-dressed officials were the greeting party as the car stopped before the steps.
The three officials were a regal lot. They were not bound to the rules of the property and dressed from the modern era. Both men had on western suits on with the man on the left decided for a glossy navy suit with a golden-printed Zhōnguánese Dragon weaving on the jacket and the man on the left tall, dark, and handsome with a red suit jacket and the top buttons of his shirt unbuttoned. The woman in the middle had a gold blouse and black skirt with a practiced smile on her face as she led them men in a bow.
"Princess Diaries didn't even give Mia this big of a shock," Tesla whispered. "I'm not leaving this car."
Jaxton shut down the car. "Baby girl."
Tesla vehemently shook her head. "You'll have to take my corpse because I am staying in this car."
Jaxton sighed as he got out and shut the door behind him. Tesla watched him like a hawk when he rounded her side and unlocked her door. Childishly, she went to push the lockdown, but she scowled when it would not cooperate, and the door swung open. She shook her head again and looked at him like he was crazy. "I'm not leaving this car."
"Please get out of the car," Jaxton asked of her.
"You can't make me."
Jaxton tilted his head. "We'll see about that."
Tesla razed him with a don't-you-touch-me look. "I'll scream bloody murder."
The corners of Jaxton's lips turned up and leaned in close to whisper, "I'm counting on it."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
And then…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.
Weiwei opened a studded door too tall for itself with a smile as she dressed in comfy joggers and a cardigan. "We thought you guys would never get here." She stepped back and opened the door wider.
"I had trouble." Jaxton came inside with a disheveled Tesla over his shoulder. "I only wish I had the scratch marks to prove it."
Weiwei rolled her eyes as she closed the door "Ew." She smiled at the crazed Tesla who looked like she had gotten in a vicious cat fight. "Hi, Tesla. Welcome to our childhood home."
Tesla's eyes flashed around. The suite she had been hauled into was more than nice and an upgrade from tradition with bamboo floors and the furniture tailors to a dark brown theme with brown leather couches and a loveseat and dark-strained bookshelves and an entertainment center. An open kitchen with all the trimmings blossomed from the corner with groceries out for dumpling-making, and the dining room was excessive and obviously meant for more than six people.
Jaxton set Tesla down on the couch, though he watched her movements for a sign she would make a break for it. "Are you going to run?"
"No." Tesla scowled when he raised an eyebrow and stressed, "I'll stay put." She gave him his cheek when he went with a kiss and hmphed when he chuckled.
Weiwei came over with a grin. "It's a little overwhelming," she admitted, a tad sheepish. "Elijah was pretty shocked too when we got to the guest house, but thankfully, we don't have anyone waiting on us hand and foot unlike the prodigal son over here." She settled down on the couch across from Tesla, but she looked up at her little brother. "Do you have to go?"
Jaxton locked his jaw, irritated.
"Wait, what?" Tesla looked between both siblings. "What's going on?"
"Those three people who were outside to greet me work for my mother on the political side of things," Jaxton told her with his annoyance shining through. "I ignored them because I was too busy dragging you here, but I have to speak to them."—he balled a hand into a fist—"whether I like it or not." He knelt before Tesla and brushed her twists behind her shoulders. "Will you be okay with Weiwei?"
Tesla's stare darted up to the encouraging Weiwei, then dropped back to Jaxton. "I'll be fine. Are you going to be gone long? I thought we'd be doing all the traditions together…"
"I won't be gone long." Jaxton rose to kiss her forehead and went for her lips, but she turned away, much to his mirth. "Give me a kiss."
"Give me a cat." Tesla smiled over Jaxton's scowl and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. "Go. I'll be fine here."
"But you better hurry back if you don't want me to tell Tesla all your dirty secrets," Weiwei drawled in good humor. "Because there's a lot of dirt on you."
Jaxton shot his older sister a look that spelled I-want-to-kill-you and looked dangerously close to flipping her off, but he grunted, "I'll be back soon." He pecked Tesla's lips sweetly before he abandoned both women to slip out of the guest house.
Tesla deteriorated on the spot as she melted into the couch with her eyes wide and whooshed out a breath. "I need a drink."
"I'm sure you do," Weiwei laughed as she got up. "Anything in specific? I was sipping on some Shaoxing wine actually if you want any."
"That's fine." Tesla rubbed her eyes before she took in the decorum. Nothing about this guest house seemed traditional Zhōnguánese, and she had to comment on it. "Jang-ta told me that your mom is a stickler for tradition, but this guest house is so…?"
"Western?" Weiwei brought down two wineglasses and went for her traditional wine container for the Shaoxing. "Our mom is a stickler for tradition on the compound. The palace is laxer since she hosts diplomats from all parts of the world here. The guest houses have a lot more outside influence to help make her guests feel at home."
"But don't you have your own room here?"
Weiwei finished pouring the Shaoxing with a brittle smile. "No. I haven't had a room here for a long time," she murmured softly. "My parents have always had me stay at the guest house whenever I visit home." She plugged the container before she went for a tin of almonds.
Tesla frowned and crossed her legs as she turned to watch Weiwei. "Isn't that a little…harsh?"
"Not at all." Weiwei shook out the almonds into a bowl. "It is what it is, and I'm happy I can visit my childhood home at the very least. As surprising as it might be to you, this is considered generous."
Tesla wanted to counter, but she had no true horse in this race. She waited until Weiwei came back with wineglasses and offered her murmured gratitude. Both women sat on the couch together with almonds on the table. Tesla swirled the wine and asked, "Where's Elijah?"
"In our bedroom. He's on the Com." Weiwei leaned back and readjusted her cardigan. Tone low, she asked, "Did Jang-ta explain to you how we live here?"
Tesla nodded.
Weiwei fluffed her hair over one shoulder. "It's not a pretty history. Not even history books know how the western emperor died. And us? Well…" She sipped her wine. "Everyone is under the assumption my parents are a powerful sorcerer and sorceress couple, which is why they've lived so long."
"Are you and Jang-ta in history books?"
"Yes, but not by name," Weiwei explained. "History books talk about how our parents have a son and a daughter, but there aren't pictures of us or mention of our names. It's why we can move freely and not get recognized."
"Makes sense," Tesla murmured. "This is so insane. I just have so many questions, and it feels like I barely grasp one concept, and then suddenly, I'm told something else, and then my mind is blown, and I'm back to square one."
Weiwei offered a sympathetic look. "I'm sure Jang-ta is more than willing to be transparent with you, but I'm here too if you have questions or feel overwhelmed. You have a lot to process and tonight, you'll have even more. We're both here to help you process."
Tesla stared into her drink. "Is your mother actually that…?"
"Manipulative? Yes." Weiwei bobbed her head. "She's not a tyrant or evil. Maybe Jang-ta and I a different perspective because we've lived so long and our views on her change, but right now, my mother has her attention fixed on Jang-ta. She overlooked when he left home to his own territory. She overlooked his assignments and his work. But right now, it seems like she's gearing up for something big." She fingered her rim. "I can guess the reasons, but she's hard to read. Both of our parents are."
"What's your dad like?"
"He's…quiet," Weiwei regarded. "He doesn't speak much, but when he does, you have to listen to him. People can't look at him in the eye, and he's never shown much emotion." She took another swig of her wine. "Our parents do love each other. It might seem hard to believe, but they do. But when you see them, the way they act is very…different."
"I see…"
Weiwei looked over at Tesla as she barely touched her win and tapped her arm. "But enough of that. We have hours until dinner. How about we start making the dumpling over wine and I can tell you some embarrassing stories of my little brother that might make you reconsider how perfect you think he is?"
Tesla mustered half a grin. "I think I'd like that." She raised her wineglasses. "Thank you, Weiwei."
"Of course." Weiwei raised her glass with a beam. "To embarrassing my little brother."
CLINK!
The campus was widespread and financed handsomely with its glass buildings as it nested in such woodland terrain. Thankfully, campus had shoveled out the snow, and the leaf-less trees were still decorated with some remaining Heart's Day lights, although, the Zhōnguánese Club had done a few decorations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Even though the athletic fields were coated in snow, the track had been dug out so that cross-country runners could still do some outdoor laps. A photography student was helping move around their model for their project due next week. Starfox on campus was more popular than ever with it at full capacity as students and staff alike tried to cram in getting a hot brew before their next class. Students on the event planning committee were trying to get local students excited about some sort of winter mixer they would be hosting.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Clover Community College (Main Campus)
Clover Town
Fiore, Ishgar
3:23 PM FST
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Clover Community College Main Campus or Tri-C Main. Tri-C Main offers over 100 programs, non-credit classes, and certification and work placement programs. Tri-C always has two daughter campuses and normally host secondary school solo and ensemble competitions. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Nashi flooded out of the building in her winter jacket and one of her textbooks in her hand as she spoke rapidly with a gorgeous bald young lady with a nose ring when she heard two loud honks. She looked up and could not help but smile.
"Hi, sweet girl!" Justin purred. He stood outside of his car with his long hair down in a low ponytail swooped to the side, some combat boots, and his favorite plaid wool overcoat. "Daddy's come to pick you up, bay-bee!"
Nashi offered a quick goodbye to her friend before she hurried down the building steps and laughed when Justin opened his arms for a hug. "I can just imagine what the media will say about me now!" She hugged him before pulling back. "You're shameless, JJ."
Justin winked at her. "You know it. Hop in. We've got plans."
Nashi rounded to the passenger side and grinned when she heard Justin had been playing a rap song. As he got in and they buckled up, she commented, "You must really be missing Ace if you're playing rap music."
"Oh, hush." Justin switched to his pop/rock playlist before he pulled them off the curb. "So…" He sent her a grin. "How was school, darling?"
Nashi rolled her eyes. "JJ…"
"Should I ask you it in my straight voice?" He dropped his voice and questioned, "Like this?"
Nashi burst into laughter. "It was fine!" She twisted to shove her textbook into her bag and blew out her bangs from her face. "I'm just happy I have one more month of this Hell, and then it's spring break."
"And we have a mission in Hosenka next week. Oh, and that hot tea is yours, by the way. You're welcome."
"Thanks. And right." Nashi groaned as she took her Starfox cup warm to the touch. "I'm so excited about that reward is to actually stay in Hosenka. It's been so long for us to have a spa day and just relax."
"Well, who's fault is that?" Justin shot to her as he pulled up behind a car at a red light. "You've been Miss Busybody and barely have time for Ell-bell and me, you rude girl. You've ditched the people who raised you! The nerve!"
Nashi snickered then sighed as she laid her head back on the headrest. "I'm sorry." And she meant that. "Thankfully, I graduate this year with my secondary and my Associate's with all my CCP classes, but it's been Hell trying to juggle coursework plus my Settlers plus training plus my interviews." She stretched out her back in a nice arch. "I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day."
The light turned green, and Justin followed the flow of traffic as he tossed Nashi a worried frown. "Just don't overwork yourself," he reminded her. "I know you've been hitting everything hard with everything you've got, but I don't want to see you work so hard that you burnt out."
"I'm okay," Nashi assured. "Number Five has been helping manage my schedule, and Master stops me before I can overbook myself." She looked out the window to watch the houses pass by. "After the trial, there's been so much to do," she murmured. "People want to meet me and debate with me and get pictures with me. Mama helped me talked to Tri-C's administrators to help ban people from badgering me with questions and taking photos of me on campus."
"Which is great, but I'm still going to worry," Justin told her. His jaw clenched as he said, "I don't get why you're the one who has to pull your weight, but your boyfriend gets to gallivant in Arcticados and leave you high and dry."
"JJ…" Nashi warned. "We talked about this."
Justin huffed. "Yeah, I know." He dropped his annoyance, however. "I just…hate that he's not here to support you, I guess. And I was his biggest supporter for the two of you to get together. I'm just trying to wrap my head around what was so important that he'd go to Arcticados and leave you behind. Why he wouldn't visit you while you were in the ED. It just doesn't make sense."
Please drop it. We know it doesn't make sense. "Either way, he is making it up to you guys," she reminded. "He invited you to his property on Caracole Island during spring break, remember?"
Justin sniffed. "If he thinks he can be cute and show off his money to make us all happy, he's got another thing coming," he decided. "I cannot be bought." He then added, "But how big is his house there again and did I mention holy shit, he has a house on Caracole Island?" Nashi giggled as Justin rolled his eyes in disbelief. "Honestly, when I paired him with you, I knew he had money. I mean, he's an accomplished S-Class Mage, and he gives seminars about weapon-making for Maker Magic types at those Wizard conferences and workshops, so I'm sitting here thinking, oh, he's accomplished. And then he just casually invites us to his house on Caracole freaking Island?"
He remembered how much of an eager-to-please puppy Gary had been when Gary made the offer to slack-jawed Ellie him while Nashi was in her drunken stupor and kept giggling as she let her hands openly roam his chest.
"I was planning to take Angel to my house on Caracole for her spring vacation, but I'd like it if you two could come. You could even bring your partners! I know we're guild and I know I might not be on your good side, but I want to show you I'm a good man to Angel." Ellie and Justin were blinded at Gary's determination like looking at a dog who was so cutely resolved to do a trick, you could not look away. "Please let me show you that you can trust Angel to me!"
"It was a shock to me too," Nashi chuckled. "But he's really making an effort to impress the both of you." She nudged Justin. "Shouldn't that count for something?"
"We'll see," Justin muttered, pouty. "I'm still watching him like a hawk, though. He makes one step out of line, and mark my words, he'll know what it's like to have stripper glitter everywhere."
Nashi hummed her laugh when her eyes caught a text message from Carlisle had popped up on the touchscreen in Justin's car. "Carlisle texted you?"
"Oh, right." Justin grabbed his Compact and scanned the road before peeping down at his screen and typing with his thumb. "Tesla comes home straight from Zhōnguá with Jaxton, but since she and Carlisle are doing some surprise, Carlisle and his boyfriend are picking her up from the Sky Port to take her to Pleasure Palace. We've been texting about their routine." He grinned. "It's so fucking dirty. Love that energy for them."
Nashi nodded, contemplative. "Is he nice?"
"He's sweet and sinful," Justin described. "I like him. Ace likes him. Would totally ask him if he was down for a three-way—"
"JJ!"
"Oh, stop being such a virgin." Justin dropped his Compact back to his center console. "We don't always do three-ways, thank you, but it's fun, and Carlisle seems like such a fun bottom." He shot Nashi a smirk. "Have you seen his boyfriend?" He fanned himself. "I'm talking leather and dog tags, sweet girl, mmm-mmm-mmm! And his ass is divine and yes, I looked. I don't regret it."
Nashi chortled. "Yeah, I saw a picture of him from Carlisle's Insta. What's his name?"
"Dante, but everyone calls him 'Prince', and let me tell you he is hot," Justin said, mouthing the last word like it was a sin to say it out loud. "I hate giving labels because, hi, how are ya, everyone thinks I'm a sub bottom when I'm a verse, but the man screams dom top energy. And Ace likes him enough." He tapped his chin. "Maybe a four-way…"
Nashi shook her head. "You're nasty."
"You're pure," Justin shot back. "Get that stinky purity away from me and do not let it follow you into Pleasure Palace. The burlesque show is about to be raunchy as fuck. Pole-dancing, aerial dancing, Ace is giving a live dom demonstration, Magic Mike, titties everywhere, glitter on your ass—it's going to be amazing."
"I'm looking forward to it," Nashi confessed, honest and eager. "I know we had the Christmas event, but my life was a mess. Now that my life isn't as messy, I can actually enjoy it this time." She thought of something. "Do you think you could introduce me to Carlisle before the show?"
"Why?" Justin waggled his eyebrows. "Want to sample the goods before he's on full display?"
Nashi cracked up. "No, thank you. There's just something about his eyes… I don't know. I can't explain it."
"I can. Talk about eyes I want to watch when he—"
"JJ, he's taken."
"It's okay when it's a three-way…!" Justin sang. "It's really gay when it's in a three-way…! With a bottom in the middle, there's some leeway—!"
Nashi snort-laughed into her hand before taking some sips of her hot tea.
"I'll introduce you to him," Justin promised. "But in the meantime, where do you want to go for din-din? Ace is teaching a women's defense class and then some client he's personal training afterwards, so it's just me tonight."
Nashi hummed in thought. "Can we go to that Alakitasian place in North Blue? I'm definitely craving that."
"Your wish is my command." Justin tapped his touchscreen to get to the navigation.
Nashi looked out the window as she took more sips of her drinks. Those unusual sea-greens freckled with violet invaded her mind, and she felt a slight lurch within her. I need to figure out why he bothers me so much. Cael said he doesn't recognize him. Another sip. I wonder… Could it be possible he's keeping a Divine Soul?
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
•
Dragneel Residence
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
3:50 PM FST
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• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The second Lucy opened the door, Actaeon and Lelantos scrambled into the home with their noses to the ground to sniff out Icarus for playtime. She set down her work bag and caterwauled, "Anyone home?" As she shucked off her boots, footsteps headed towards her.
"How was your lecture?"
"Good." Lucy beamed when Natsu's warm surrounded her, and she pecked his lips. "I got to sit in on one of the summoning lessons and help assist. Seeing those students be able to summon their Celestial Spirits is always a dream come true."
"I bet." Natsu unraveled his scarf from her neck before helping her out of her jacket. "When's Ana going to haul herself down here?"
Lucy sighed. "She stills think it's best for her to be at her house or school." She pushed out her ponytail while Natsu hung up her jacket. Gold-tinged chocolates glanced up the stairwell. "Did she come downstairs today?"
"Yeah." Natsu looked up at the stairs with a hint of sadness in his eyes. "She watched training, but she didn't do much outside of watch, which was fine. Gale came by to train, but she told me she just wanted to take a nap." He rubbed Lucy's back to warm her and fill his craving to touch her. He rumbled, "I hate that she smells so sad."
"I know." Lucy kissed his cheek. "I'm going to go up and talk to her and then we can talk." She gave his side an affectionate squeeze before she climbed up the steps. She heard Actaeon and Lelantos whining as they scratched a door, and she smiled to herself seeing the Star Hounds sit close to Luna's closed door, begging to be let in. They moved away when Lucy approached, and she gave soft knocks. "Luna? Can I come in, baby?"
"Okay."
Lucy opened the door, and the dogs flooded in. Icarus was lounging on Luna's bed with no inkling to get up with Luna laying on him, so both dogs cuddled with him to make a massive mound of fluff around Luna. Luna was looking through a photo album while Lucy came to sit on the bed. "What are you looking at?"
"Old photos." Luna showed her mother the page she was on with a plethora of pictures from a celebration when she was small and beaming with cake on her face as she smashed cake on her father's nose."
Lucy smiled. "Your sixth birthday," she remembered. "That was a fun one. Igneel got a stomachache for all that ice cream cake."
"He did." A wistful sadness glinted in Luna's eyes as her fingers trailed over the photos. "I miss Igneel, Mama." She nuzzled the Poko plushie she had close to her chest. "I wish he was home."
"I know, baby." Lucy laid down with her daughter (the dogs automatically gave her a wide birth) and helped push back a lock of hair from her face. "But he had to go. But he's come back when he's ready to come home."
"He didn't even say goodbye."
"Maybe he felt like there was no need to say goodbye when he knew he would come home," Lucy proposed. She saw Luna sniffle and rubbed her daughter's arm. "Come here, baby." Luna snuggled against her mother with the photo album closed and tucked away. "When your father left, I cried for days," she remembered. "I felt betrayed and angry, but I felt the most upset he couldn't take me with him on the next leg of his journey. But he needed to go, so he could come back. And Igneel had the same calling."
"So, he'll be back in a year?"
Lucy sighed. "I don't know." Honest. "But I do know that Igneel never wanted you to cry over him. He always hated seeing any of you cry, but he couldn't stand it when you cried." She thumbed Luna's cheek. "He might've been a bit of a wild child, but I've never seen a brother so protective of his little sister."
"He was too protective." Against those words, Luna still gave a little smile. "I know Igneel could be mean to people…and I know…he hurt Luke a lot when he was angry… But he had a really big heart."
"I know he did," Lucy murmured.
"I feel bad Igneel was so kind to me, but he was mean to Luke and Nashi."
"That's not your fault," Lucy assured. "His relationship with them stays with them, and it's up to them to fix it. You shouldn't feel guilty or upset you only have good memories with Igneel." At Luna's silence, Lucy added, "Your brother always looked out for you. I remember when you were five and you kept crying because you were hungry, but you didn't know what you were hungry for. Next thing I know, Igneel comes back with all this food."
Luna quietly giggled. "Papa got so mad because Igneel robbed a grocery store and he got blamed for it."
"To be fair, your papa has done some questionable things for food in the past," Lucy tittered. "But I remember how helpless Igneel had been seeing you cry. He kept offering you different types of food, and you automatically went for the cookie dough he brought home."
Luna flushed a little and mumbled, "I was just really craving cookie dough." She sighed. "And I know it was wrong for Igneel to steal."
"It was," Lucy agreed, "but that never stopped him. He certainly was at odds with Nashi and his relationship with Luke was…hurtful. But he tried hard to make his little sister happy, even when I scolded him for stealing."
"Igneel told me since he was a ferocious Dragon that he had to steal," Luna remembered in fondness. "He was always really awesome"—her nose scrunched—"even if he picked fights a lot. But whenever we'd play, he always made sure no one bullied me…even if that meant no one wanted to play with me because they were afraid of him." She mentioned, "He never fought E, though. They always glared at each other, but they never fought. He made Silver cry, though."
"Oh, when Silver would cry, I was always worried it would start raining," Lucy chortled. "Igneel didn't understand words hurt, and some people were more sensitive than others to words. But he started to understand it later on when he met someone precious to him. He might not have done everything right and treated people the way they needed to be treated. But he cared deeply for one person. And he was your greatest protector when your papa and I were away."
Luna hummed.
A layer of silence filmed over mother and daughter and their hounds made from the stars.
"Why couldn't he save me?"
Lucy frowned. "What?" She looked down to see Luna had tears welled in her eyes, and a bout of concern filled Lucy as she cuddled her daughter. "What's wrong, baby? What do you mean?"
"I…" Luna gripped her blanket. "I can't…" She sniffled as tears painted her cheeks in a clear gloss. "I can't…say it," she choked out. "I just…!" She buried her head in her mother's chest and clung to her. "I just wish he was here, Mama," she whimpered. "I couldn't do anything! I just wish he was there! Why couldn't he b-b-be there?" A choked cry bubbled out, and she hiccupped before her body coiled into her next sob.
"Shhh…" Lucy hugged her daughter taut, confused and stricken. "Oh, my Luna…" She nuzzled Luna under her chin and felt every shake and cry. Is this what's been keeping her in her room? She wanted Igneel to save her, but…from what? An old fear she had thought she had forgotten flared, and urgently, she thought, Icarus?
Icarus whined and tossed his head, but he shielded himself from her.
Terror crept up as Lucy cupped the back of Luna's head. Please let it not be that. She closed her eyes and curled around Luna to show her a mother's love. Please, for the love of the Star King, please don't let it be that.
sugu ni aitai noni aenai
kimi ni sotto chikazuite yuku
honto no koto kikutte kowai keredo
tashikame ni yuku yo
aitai noni aenai
hibi mo zutto kimi no tame ni waratta no
"arigatou" tte saigo datta tte
kaomisete baby
TO BE CONTINUED…
Something tells me tonight is about to be filled with a lot more action than our heroes are ready for. Make sure you don't miss a thing with the next episode of Fairy Adventure!
He traversed across the land with confident strides as his muscles rippled from his suit. The servants who tended this land and all the buildings bowed in his presence, but his ear pricked to catch the rapid rise of their heartbeats, and his mouth parted to taste their thick fear. It was not worth his time to alleviate their anxieties, nor was it his job. It was of their own fault for being nervous around him, and he did not coddle those with no teeth.
The temple had loyal guards who knocked their fists together and bowed in his presence, but they were not worth his time. If he wanted to enter the temple, they could do nothing to stop him. Joss sticks burned as they sat atop the hanging golden statues of Báihǔ. The incense bothered his nose.
The doors were the type to slide, and unlike how his stride was strong and showed his prestige, he was gentle in handling the door. More incense burned within the temple, but he sucked it up as he took off his shoes before entering. The tile had been regrouted, and the floating lanterns had been freshly lit. The walls were made of stone that looked like granite or marble, but energy wafted off this strange each. A calligrapher had been contracted long ago to etch in Zhōnguánese characters that meant more than met the eye. The offerings of a full meal had been set on spiritually cleansed plates with candles lit with the bowls of a Seer of dumortierite, lapis lazuli, Tiger's Eve, and obsidian presented forth.
But the masterpiece that the temple altar was dedicated to was the white jade carving of Báihǔ. However, unlike the Báihǔ statues that had been erected in his honor and he looked like a normal tiger, this statue made Báihǔ meditated as a human would with his pawed hands were drawn into his shakti mudra. Head straight, his eyes closed as this white jade statue meditated on its actions.
He spoke in a low rumble as though he was not used to his voice, "What are you asking the great Báihǔ to show you now?"
Blood-red lips pulled into a smirk. "You ask me that with such contempt, beloved."
He made sure the temple doors were closed, but he did not step further into the temple. "Because I know what you'll do if you don't get your answers, Immortal Yang."
"You wound me saying my name with blood in your teeth." She knelt before the altar in a hanfu spun in the finest of silks the magic silkworms of Sīchóu could offer. But the red that had colored such a delicate material made one think if blood had saturated and stained it to make it such a steep scarlet. Her white-fur-collared cape flared behind her to show her status, her prestige. But she had chosen not to adhere to her hair being tossed into complex loops like those before her might have. Pitch-black hair was tied up in a ceremonial updo with her ornamental comb crafted from tourmaline and red hair sticks delicately placed.
"You cannot continue this," he growled at her with half the voice of a Skin and half the rumble of the Wild. "You can't call your path a righteous one if Báihǔ is silent."
"On the contrary, beloved, for this, I hope to break the great White Tiger Guardian's silence." She drew up her hand to pull on of her hair sticks out. "He will speak." She blew on the end of the hair stick and a spark had been lit for it to burn. With practiced hands, she moved it from west to north to east to south to west and repeated. "He has been silent for far too long, but I know he'll speak for him."
His growl curbed to the Wild. "And if he doesn't?"
"I'll continue to break his silence myself." She whispered a prayer in Ancient Zhōnguánese before she placed the incensed stick with the others at the offering table. "Báihǔ showed himself to me once, but he has not shown himself to me after all this time. It can only mean that I have chosen everything right. But he will break his silence and show himself to me again for this."
"You're not dying," he reminded her with feral warning. "Miya Matsumoto is no threat to you. You don't have any need for this."
"But I do." Her hands cupped together before she pressed her wrists to her forehead as she bowed to the altar. "Matsumoto doesn't concern me. He knows his place. But in my time of seclusion, the spiritual pulse altered its course where it has weakened and waned in other areas." She pulled her hands down and straightened her back. "Even a beast like you should be able to taste the blood that's to come, beloved."
His lips curled to show his teeth.
"Báihǔ has not shown himself to me. It means that I must try more pressing methods to seek purchase." She reached into her robe. "You're foolish to think your words could hinder me, beloved. I would not have lived this long if my desires were so easily swayed by your silver tongue."
"You did before," he reminded with an undercurrent of pleading. "Listen to me now. Stop this. He will never forgive you for taking away his Choices."
"I never ask forgiveness." She pulled her hand back from her robe with her fingers clenching onto something. "He will understand."
A snarl was thrown out in anger and disgust before he left the temple with rage clouding his heart and the loud steps of War.
She sighed. "Oh, beloved. I am doing this for you as well, but you are too Wild to understand the greater good, just as he is. Alas, how unfair it is…" Her hand reached out and smoothened onto the table to release what she had been holding in the center of the offerings. "This ordeal we call 'life'." She moved back her hands…
…and what was left were the fangs of a wolf pup.
Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance
— • — • — • —
Tesla Greer / Hylia Lynk – Galena White
Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw
Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeong
Weiwei Yang – Suzie Yeung
Elijah Shadid – Keith Silverstein
Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns
Skade – Sean Schemmel
Uki – Devery Jacobs
Nashi Dragneel – Laura Landa
Marlow / "Jean" / Pandemonium – Amber Riley
Unknown Monk – Erik Todd Dellums
Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn
Gray Fullbuster – Newton Pittman
Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill
Icarus – Christopher Sabat
Býleistr – Josh Tomar
Cael – Jason Griffith
Justin Justine – Ian Sinclair
Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh
Mysterious Man – Marc Diraison
Immortal Yang – Ming-Na Wen
• — • — •
Additional Voices
Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn
— • — • — • —
⌜OPENING SONG
⟪ HANDS ⟫
BLUE ENCOUNT
Lyrics by
Junichi Tanabe⌟
•
⌜ENDING SONG
⟪ Long-Distance Train ⟫
Aoi Yamazaki
Lyrics by
Aoi Yamazaki⌟
Chibi-Luna beams as she stands before her chalkboard, all beautifully drawn on. "Good day, class!"
"Good day, Teacher!" her students chorus. "What's our Fairy Lesson today?"
Chibi-Luna shows her bubble letters N.I.C.E. "Today, we'll be learning about the organization NICE and about Exorcists as a whole! You see, in older times, Exorcists were predominantly male priests who had to study for years in the ways of Exorcism. Exorcism is the spiritual art of expelling Curses or Black Magic or any sort of blights from a person!"
"What's a 'blight', Teacher?" a student questions.
"A 'blight' is what they would call sin back then," Chibi-Luna explains. Exorcists had the powers to not only expel negative energy from a person, but they used to be able to purify the energy and recycle it back into the earth. NICE or the Nácarlines Independent Coalition of Exorcists was one of the organizations who raised Exorcists before the First Demon War. Since Exorcists were hard to produce, many aristocrats often fought for the exclusivity of an Exorcist. NICE formed to help protect Exorcists from them."
Chibi-Luna continues: "However, the First Demon War caused many Exorcists remaining to be overwhelmed in the negative energy and, often, they were coerced into serving the aristocrats and anyone else desperate enough to help cycle out negative energy and turn it into neutral energy. Having to restore so much spiritual energy took a toll on many Exorcists. The Second Demon War would kill many Exorcists from the high level of negative energy."
A hand goes up. "But how did they get killed, Teacher?"
"Cycling out negative energy and changing into neutral or positive energy takes a toll on an Exorcist's body to do it correctly. If they don't do the cycle correctly, it was rumored they could get blighted by the same negative energy they were transforming," Chibi-Luna explains. "And because of that, many Exorcists suffered and succumbed to negative energy in the Second Demon War since they were heavily relied upon.
"Once the Second Demon War ended, the remaining Exorcists were often stolen or kidnapped since people were desperate to clear themselves of negative energy and their homes. But because Exorcists were so rare, battles had been started and blood was spilled over them, and they were caught in the crossfire," Chibi-Luna regards sadly.
"The Exorcists of today are still of religious branches, but they practice Spiritless Exorcism rather than traditional Exorcisms. Without traditional Exorcists, NICE took on Spiritless Exorcists. But some believe Exorcists still exist and are in hiding!"
She reaches for her chalk eraser. "That's it for today!" She stops before she can start erasing. "Oh! Please note that on your world, Earth, Báihǔ has the element of metal while Huánglóng has the element of earth. However, this is inverted in Earth Land. After all"—she grins conspiratorially—"wasn't there a Fairy Tail member who headed to Wu Xing?"
She waves with the hand that has her eraser. "Next time, on Fairy Adventure: RULES AND RESVERATIONS!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
TRANSLATIONS
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Sinnish → Fioren-Minstrish
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Ay, Papi, no te pongas muy cómodo. Pórtate bien.
Don't get too comfortable. Behave yourself.
• — • — •
Me haces querer portarme mal, princesa. Quiero parar y asegúrame de que sepas lo mucho que significas para mí.
You make me want to misbehave, princess. I want to make sure you know how much you mean to me.
• — • — •
Sigue así y vamos a… Ay dios mío…
Keep this up and we're going to… Oh my god…
• — • — •