Fairy Adventure

by Magnafeana

In a new era after the Alvarez War, Lucy, Natsu, and the rest of Fairy Tail not only face new challenges but watch as their kids go on new journeys, learn new powers, and battle new enemies and old! Join Luna, Nashi, and the upcoming generation of Mages on Fairy Tail and more on their never-ending adventure! (This is in the process of revision. Episodes revised are marked.)

1. Adventure 001

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.

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NOTICE: This is a revision of the 2017 version, which is simul-posted to AO3. Episodes 001 through 010 are set to be replaced and other episodes edited. This may cause confusion. To read the 2022 revised edition as it is updated, AO3 is on Episode 004 as of tonight. Otherwise, all 143 (in counting) episodes will remain here and continue to be edited and updated with Episode 144 coming next Sunday.

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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.

The guild of Fairy Tail is no ordinary guild as the stories say. While countless legends have been born this guild, more legends have challenged it. But through the power the bonds they share through Magic and through family, each challenge has been defeated and Fairy Tail persevered.

However, a challenge like no other defied this guild.

His name…was Zeref.

Together, Fairy Tail used their bond with the aid of their friends to stop him from his evil plans and right the wrong he had made hundreds of years ago. Many were lost in the war and many more were injured, but that day would go down in history as a victory labeled 'The Alvarez War'.

Time and time again, dangers have come and gone in the form of man, God, Demon, and Dragon. And time and time again, those with true strength have risen up to defeat the evil in this world.

So now, years later, in this Current Era, a new generation has been raised to take on a new set of challenges in this new world created. And with these young heroes come new legends to be born and stories to be told. And these legends and stories all start…from their fairy adventure.

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The moon was waning and had lost a part of herself shamelessly in her love affair with the night sky. Clouds grazed on without a care in the world as their shadows dragged across the ground.

STEP…! STEP…! STEP…!

The forest never slept. Anyone who said otherwise had never been in nature. The night was a reliable shield for beasts and creatures to let their eyes reflect as they sought to hunt and nurture their young. A spotted owl turned its head before it fluttered off atop the canopy for a nice flight and a warm meal. Red eyes glinted against the moon's glow as a red fox carried a dead rat in her jaw. A coyote had come down with its nose to the ground to catch a mouse trail.

Huffs panted off dry lips.

Footfalls grew heavier as bare feet scampered amongst grass and stone and twigs. The clouds came in to provide shelter, but a stumble later and a squeaky grunt and a rumble in the bushes happened. Hands hit the ground as cuts and scrapes peeled against silk skin that has not been broken by the world and carried softness. More panting. A muffled cry of pain at seeing how her knee took damage.

BARK-BARK-BARK!

She had no time to dwell on this. Pushing herself, she waded through more of the bushes as the clouds gave her unwanted shadowing. The barking and the growls were at a distance, but at the sharp command, it became apparent the dogs would push themselves harder. Turning to look over her shoulder was a mistake. Her footing was lost and she fell down a couple of rocks. Hair colored by the sun and lit up by the moon fell around her like a shield to defend her from the cruelties she faced.

The barking was closer.

Panic ensued, and she clamored upward, but her knee was her weakness. Those chocolates that held the weight of anxiety flicked around; an animal trapped. Darkness convoluted everything to look the same yet look different. The trail she followed was blurred and muddled amongst the shadows, and the moon would not offer her eye to help a maiden's plight. The clouds were kind, though, and pitied such a pathetic thing as they carried on their way. But the forest itself had turned selfish and repulsive. It bullied her, surrounded her, mocked her—this was its sick ploy to make sure she felt no safety or security in its belly.

Tears sprung up against her will as she tried to control her breathing. But what was the point? The clothes on her back had vaguely survived with her skin too squish and placid to resist the cruel reality of earth. Running would not suffice. She was trapped.

BARK-BARK-BARK!

Then, the barking stopped.

Nails digging into her fragile palms, she held back any breath that could give her away. If I'm quiet, maybe they won't notice me… She knew she could not believe that. There's no wind. They can't scent me. But…

Her hands shook and she covered her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks. But that doesn't mean anything. They'll find me. But I can't run. Head bowing, her eyes closed. Please let them pass over me. Please.

Nothing.

Silence.

Her breath caught when she heard a scuffle. Another scuffle followed. Matured paws spread across the earth with snouts to the ground to sniff out a scent they would never forget. She did have to wait long when those snouts prodded her, and soft fur well-taken care of brushed her. The whines of a pup and the grunts of an elder paced her ears as they checked her wounds and did what they could to nurse her.

"Hi, boys," she croaked, cheeks gleaming from the tears of her defeat.

The moon offered a lazy eye over the hounds that hunted this maiden. Twins, they were, but their ages made much confusion about how they were twins. They were her Hounds. Where one shared a glowing eye on the left, the other mimicked it on the right. The hound of old took guard of the maiden's body with teeth ready to sink into flesh while the hound of young played caretaker and started working to heal her scrapes with calming licks.

"Thank you," she whispered to them. "Thanks for finding me."

KAN... KAN...

"Luna."

A tempered and tired voice that aged centuries in just one word, but the relief on their tongue was palpable.

Luna hunched over, broken, defeated. Taught to keep her spin straight and chin high, she turned her back on such poise and prestige as the heaviness of her actions—her escape, her taste of failure—bothered her. "Are you here to take me back?"

The moon listened in with her gossipy stars as though intrigued how someone so determined to flee shed her bravado for a bitter acceptance.

A longwinded sigh. "'Fraid so, Princess."

The bitterness showed in her smile, in her teeth. "And if I don't want to go back?" She had no power to whirl her defeat into a threatened future victory. No pathetic attempt had been made. This question carried in the wind on the back of defeat.

"Then"—a new voice, this was—"we will haaaaaaaaaaave no choice. Please come quietly."

Luna kissed the snouts of such loyal hounds. They stood and looked sad, as though they knew how the temptation of the beyond was too great to resist. Biting her lips, she forced herself to unsteady feet. The wind chose this time to comb through her hair and kiss her cheeks as though to apologize. Her chin lifted, and she looked at the moon in such betrayal. "Are they mad?"

KAN... KAN...

"Not as much as they're worried." A soothe meant for comfort, but it made her bristle in her belly. "Please, come back home."

Her bottom lip wobbled as her hand went to squeeze her other bicep. "I just wanted to go out," she murmured. "Just for a little while."

"You know thaaaaaaaaaat is too dangerous, Young Miss," came polite reprimand. "We will escort you baaaaaaaaaack to your room. We haaaaaaaaave been told there will be no punishment for your aaaaaaaaattempt to run aaaaaaaaway."

That straightened her spine and jutted her chin. A punishment. A punishment for seeking the beyond. And she was to be thankful she was spared from one punishment when she would be escorted into another. A worthless trade. Her teeth ground. "Right. Like it's not punishment enough to be forced to stay inside my prison cell," she gnashed scathingly.

Another sigh. "Little Moon, it's not a prison," came gentle chide. "It's your home where you're safe." A step closer. They knew she would not run. They did not have to try to capture her again, and any sign of her rebellion would not end well. "Come home, Princess. Let's take you home so you can get some sleep. Capricorn, bandage the princess when we get back while I report back to our mistress."

When Luna did not move, another step came close as though to remind her that her choices were bent into a command. But, nevertheless, dignity and prestige were to be upheld. "Princess…"

A bone-deep exhale pushed down all her anger and brewing agitation. Her held shoulders dropped, and her head bowed in open submission. When a hand was reached to her, she was not stupid enough to reject it or bat it away. She took it with heavy reluctance.

"I just wanted to go out," she repeated in a smaller voice. Her body went limp when she felt to arms sweep her off her feet and bring her into a suited chest. She curled into him as shame radiated off her body. "What's so wrong about that?"

"Nothing is wrong about it." Another worthless assurance. "But there are dangers out there and all of us want you safe. We'll talk in the morning. Please just rest easy for now."

The wind tried to clutch her again to express sympathy, but she walled herself from it. Her words felt empty as she said. "Thanks, Uncle Loke."

A feline smile full of sadness. "Don't thank me yet, Princess." Hazel buried beneath glasses looked up at the moon. "Thank me when you're safe."

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And the next morning…

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Breakfast was a little late this morning and that was okay. The two hounds were gobbling down their dog chow with eagerness, hungry from last night. Some scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, and toast would have to do for breakfast for three. A maid with a short bob of pink and chains around her wrists (a choice, not a uniform) was doing dishes as footsteps climbed down the steps to the kitchen.

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Dragneel Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

9:46 AM FST (Fioren Standard Time)

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"Princess, I see you have finally awoken," the maid regarded. "I've prepared breakfast for you, Lord Natsu, and Lady Luna."

⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT

Name: Virgo (The Maid)

Magic: Earth

Likes: punishment Dislike: N/A

Special Note: Virgo might have a thing for wanting punishment, but she likes dishing out punishment too! ⌟

A yawn. Blonde hair tied back into a lengthy braid tossed over a shoulder. "Thank you, Virgo," came mumbled gratitude. The woman went over to make herself a coffee for the night and the morning she had only clothed in a shirt she borrowed from her husband. The hounds looked up from their breakfast to greet her with whines before going back to their food.

"Is Natsu in the dining room already?" she asked.

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel

Occupation: S-Class Mage

Magic: Spatial Magic (Celestial Spirit)

Likes: writing Dislikes: perverts

Special Note: Lucy might look nice and friendly, but if you talk about her weight or age, she just might give you a fierce "Lucy-Kick"!⌟

"Yes, Princess," Virgo answered. "He came back from early morning training. Oh, and you received a call from the sheriff this morning. Lord Igneel has finished his time and has posted bail. You can come to the station at any time for the co-signing." Her head tilted to her mistress. "Or shall we punish him?"

A frown. "Honestly, I might take you up on that," came grumble. "I don't even know if I want to know what he did to get himself in jail this time." She brought out her favorite mug as irritation flicked through her brown eyes. But it was sighed out. "Thanks, Virgo. I'll see if Loke can talk some sense into him. He seems to listen to him more than me anyway." She went over to the coffee maker and plucked her favorite brew. Waiting for the coffee, she went over to the dining room and tried to look sultry.

"Oh, Natsu," she cooed. "Good mor—" Her eyes widened. "What is going on!"

Her husband stopped his monstrous feast with the table full of more empty plates than full ones. His cheeks were stuffed to the max as he lifted up another massive buffalo leg and looked ready to tear into the meat. But with eyes on him, he stopped what he was doing and swallowed his mouthful. He shot Lucy an innocent grin. "Morning, Lucy! Want some?"

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Natsu Dragneel

Occupation: S-Class Mage

Magic: Fire Dragon Slayer Magic

Likes: Food Dislikes: Transportation

Special Note: Natsu is a fierce Mage with a fiery temper and a big love for food—but he'd trade it all for just a little more Lucy-Time!⌟

Lucy wanted to rip out her hair. "I just bought groceries yesterday!" she cried. She could see all the money she spent draining before her. "Oh man…! All of that money from the trip is already gone…!" She stomped over to snatch the buffalo leg from Natsu and wagged it at him. "Natsu, you can't just raid the fridge after I grocery shop!"

Natsu tipped his head and whined, "But I'm growing! You can't just starve me!"

Lucy huffed and set the buffalo leg far away from her ravenous husband. "Oh, please, since when are you growing?" she snipped as she took her seat next to him. "You're over four hundred years old, jerk." She flicked his forehead, and he exaggerated being wounded. Lips twitched into a smile, she teased, "You should be all wrinkly and your metabolism should be dried out by now. Maybe I should get you a feeding tube."

"Lucy's mean," Natsu pouted. He prodded her forehead and wondered, "Wait, is that a wrinkle?"

Panicky, Lucy began to feel her face. "What? Is it? No, no, no, I thought that new facial cream was supposed to help with that! That stupid salesperson lied to me—!"

Natsu broke into guffaws and could not even hide it. "Ah-ha-ha, Lucy, you should see your face!"

TICK!

Lucy scowled and swatted at him. "You better watch yourself, Pinky," she threatened. "You might be a little stronger than me, but I can take away Lucy-Time."

That choked Natsu up as he nervously sweated. "He-Hey, let's not be too hasty here," he tried to soothe. He scooted out of his chair so he could reach over and drape his head on Lucy's shoulder. "You love me too much to do that, right?"

Lucy's smile was positively gleeful. "Mmm, I'm not so sure anymore…old man."

Natsu felt like lightning struck him at the jab. "So cruel…"

Lucy snickered, but her laughter was taken from her when Natsu wrestled her out of her chair and onto his lap. She blushed, ready to protest, but he silenced her with a fierce kiss that had her hands in his pink hair and his arms circling her waist. When she came up for air, their foreheads touched, onyx and chocolate clashing together.

Natsu grinned. "Morning."

Lucy giggled, all shy now. "Morning." Then, she remembered what she was upset about in the first place. "So we need to talk about Luna running away again…" When Natsu groaned and dropped his head into the crook of her neck, she frowned. "Natsu, this is serious," she insisted.

"I know." Natsu pulled his head up and just like that, you could see all the centuries catch up with him. "But what are we really supposed to talk about? It's not natural for anyone to be in one place for so long, but she can't leave Magnolia."

"But she doesn't understand that," Lucy reminded. "She's thirteen, Natsu. She doesn't understand how much danger she's in leaving." Her eyes went downcast. "And I get it, Natsu. I know what she's going through."

Natsu looked up at his wife and brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "I know ya do, Lucy," he murmured. "But this is a lot different than what your old man did to you. We're doing this because we love her. We can't lose her. I won't lose my baby girl. I don't care if she hates me." His resolve was firm in his words. "She can hate me all she wants. But at least she'll be safe."

"I know." Lucy leaned into his touch. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way."

Natsu hummed his agreement. "She come out of her room yet?"

"No." Lucy tried not to let that hurt her. "She didn't answer anyone's calls. Aries decided to bandage her up instead of Capricorn and made sure to make her a cotton pillow to help her sleep. She wouldn't even let Plue or the dogs in her room." She bit her lip.

"She didn't run away again," Natsu assured the unasked question. "Taurus would've told you, right?"

"Right," Lucy agreed, though unconvinced. "I'm just so worried and scared for her, Natsu. The forest is so huge and losing her…" She blinked back her emotions. When Natsu kissed her chin, Lucy tilted her head so his next kiss fell on her neck. "I'm sorry. I'm just being over-dramatic."

"Don't say that," Natsu scolded her. "You're being a worried mom and a great mom. Don't put yourself down like that. You know I hate it when you do that."

Lucy smiled at that. "My bad, Your Majesty."

Natsu groaned. "Ugh, not that again…" His eyes grew excited, however. "Is it time for roleplay sex now? Can I call you 'My'—? Ow!" He rubbed his pec from the hit Lucy dished at him. "What was that for?"

"You're being a pervert!" Lucy snapped, cheeks pink. "Virgo is in the next room, you idiot!"

Natsu cocked his head. "So?"

Lucy threw her head in her hands. "Why did I marry you?" she whined. "Eating me out of house and home, messing up my finances, being a pervert…"

"Well, I wanted to be a perv before we got married," Natsu pointed out unhelpfully, "but the stupid stripper kept butting in before I could. Damn cockblock." He pouted a little. "Besides, I thought you said me being your husband meant we could have sex more? And you're my wife! It's like your job to—?"

A knife was at his throat.

Natsu held up his hands as a wrathful Lucy lorded over him with eyes full of threat. "I dare you to say it," she hissed at him.

Natsu gulped. "Your job to, um, uh…" He pointed out the window and gasped. "Lucy, look, a big pile of money!"

Lucy's eyes gleamed as she eagerly looked out the window. "What? Where?" When she saw nothing, her face soured at the realization. "You tricked me!" she accused.

Natsu pecked her angry lips. "Whoops. Sorry."

Lucy huffed and adjusted in his lap. "Whatever," she muttered. "And your son has his bail posted, by the way."

"How come he's my son when he gets caught breaking the rules," Natsu complained, "but he's your son when he gets straight one-hundreds?"

Lucy grinned and kissed his nose. "Because you're the one who gets in trouble all the time and causes destruction," she jested, "while I'm the innocent maiden who got stolen by the Ancient Dragon. Woe is me…!" At Natsu's grumpy look, Lucy went on: "And my son is at the library today, so he shouldn't be back until dinner." She kicked her legs. "Just leaves Nashi." A few taps to her chin in contemplation. "I wonder how her mission with Gary is going," she murmured.

"Gary?"

Lucy froze. Then, she secretly began to sweat. Oh, no. I wasn't supposed to tell him she was with Gary. She told me I was supposed to tell Natsu she was taking a mission with her friends.

An image of Nashi populated with her embarrassed blush and a finger pressed to her lips while a flower-aura Gary swayed in the background. "Mama, this has to be a secret, okay?" Nashi had hissed. "You can't tell Papa I'm with the enemy. He'll totally flip! So just say I'm with Ellie and Justin. And whatever you do, don't let him seduce you!"

Scratching the back of her head, Lucy laughed, though it broke a little bit. "Did I saw—I mean, say 'Gary'? I meant Ellie and Justin!" she tried to amend, trying to avoid Natsu's shadowed gaze. "Y-Yeah, that's it! Ellie and Justin! She took a mission with them! No one else! Gary's actually, um, taking a mission w-w-with, um—!"

"Lucy."

Lucy shivered and swallowed. "Yes, Natsu?"

"You're going to tell me everything about my princess hanging out with the stripper's kid even though I told her not to."

Lucy stiffened when emerald burned into Natsu's eyes as he drank her in. No longer did she feel like a human. She felt like she was prey caught in the tantalizing gaze of a predator. She tried to slip out of his lap, but he held her steady. "N-N-Natsu, wait a minute," she pleaded. "She's seventeen which means she's technically an adult, so I don't feel like she—eep!"

Natsu loomed over her as his lips curled into a chilling grin. "Naughty Lucy," he chuckled. "Trying to lie to your husband…" A lick of his lips. "If you're not gonna give me answers…"—his grin broadened—"then I guess I'll find out for myself."

Lucy wormed to get away. "Wait! Natsu, don't! Natsu, please, wait, I—!"

Her eyes widened.

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AAAAAAAAAAH!

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Virgo scrubbed the last pan as she heard Natsu's evil cackle while Lucy screamed. She paused and looked over her shoulder. "Hmm. Princess must be getting punished again." She went back to the pan. "I hope he uses the new technique I told him about. I think Princess will enjoy that one."

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"Freedom Arrow!"

The arrow crafted of pink energy sailed through the air. The buck-bears (half buck with their antlers, long muzzles, and hind hooves and half bear with such a bulky and furred body, beady eyes, and the teeth) scattered as the Freedom Arrow descended into smaller arrows that exploded all around them. The mystery (group) of buck-bears made a yawning noise of distress as they loped away, displeased their hunt had been disrupted. Another arrow came after them so they would keep up their pace and not be discouraged.

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Lahey Ranch

Tuly Village

Fiore, Ishgar

11:51 AM FST

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The golden bow disintegrated. "And just when things were getting interesting," came put-out sigh.

The young lady was a vision in her armored dress that went down to her upper thigh and thigh-high pink boots stained in First Language. A cross gemstone representing The Mother sat right above the start of her cleavage like she was born with it. Holy Rings—large gold bands decorated in gemstones of the seven colors of the rainbow—gravitated around her in endless orbit. She flicked aside her pink hair. "Ah, well. A job done well is a job done well, right?"

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Nashi Dragneel

Age: 17

Occupation: Mage, Year 13 Student

Magic: Take-Over Magic (Divine Soul)

Likes: J-Culture Dislikes: Cooking

Special Note: Nashi Dragneel is the oldest of the siblings and fiercely protective of her family—but she's also fiercely protective of her J-Dramas!⌟

Nashi saw a few buck-bears had circled back and were trying to paw at some of the vegetables. "Oh no you don't." Her fingers flexed."Lasso of Light!" A rope formed in her hand, glowing gold and radiating purity and hope. She held the rope out as the buck-bears confused themselves and tried not to run into debris. "C'mere, you freaks of nature! Hyah!"

The rope needed her help but never in the way a real rope would. It needed her Magic and guidance. She threw the rope, but she did not try to capture a buck-bear. Instead, she let the rope swing around one tree, then another, then another, until a cage was formed to corral the mad buck-bears. Angry they were and tried to break free, but none could withstand the holy power and cowered back the second it touched them. They squalled their displeasure. It seemed that in times of peril, they banded together rather than fought each other. With a grunt, she bounded off the earth and surged forward. There was no flight, but she was at least floating. She dragged the buck-bears a good distance away before she released them. Terrified, they stampeded away.

Nashi floated back to the ground. The second her feet touched the earth, her armor shattered off her in fragments of pink. It left her back in her street clothes, nothing fancy. Just the standard Fairy Tail jacket with the insignia on the front and her name, Mage name and ranking, a skirt, and her running shoes.

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« This Fairy Tail jacket is part of the Magic Council's Uniform Policy. Each Mage has a jacket for each season that identifies their name, Mage name, guild, and ranking, so those who request services can recognize them. If a Mage does not wear their jacket, they must have their Mage Identification Card on them. »

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She tossed her head and fanned out her hair. Running her hand through her locks, she looked at her handiwork. The farm was clear of buck-bears and most of the crops had been saved in the process.

"That's what I call efficient," she cheered. "Another job well done for me." She clapped her hands together as a burst of pride hit her chest. "Maybe I should treat myself to some vegan ice cream."

"Perfect."

Nashi squawked and stumbled away in her fright.

"I'll buy."

Panting, Nashi's hand flew to her chest. "Dear gods, you gave me a heart attack," she choked. Calming herself into annoyance at the situation, she stood up and dusted herself off. "Seriously, you stupid dog, shouldn't you have more manners by now? You don't just sneak up on a powerful Mage like that. I could've done some serious damage to you."

A chuckle. "Yes, Angel, of course."

Nashi growled when she heard his amusement. "Seriously," she hissed at him. "I could've. So next time"—she whirled around to face him—"watch your ba—! Ah!" She nearly fell back.

A strong arm caught her.

Her hands went to his chest,

Hickory clashed with cerulean.

"Falling for me already, Angel?" came tease. A man held her captive with such humor-filled eyes and a devil-may-care look about him. How deplorable to see him with such unruly hair that it looked good. How disgusting it was to see the whiteness of his smile and his sincerity.

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Gary Fullbuster

Age: 19

Occupation: S-Class Mage, Artist

Magic: Molding Magic (Ice-Make)

Likes: Painting Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Gary is known to be an over-the-top romantic. Huh. I wonder which parent he got that from… ⌟

Nashi contorted her face into a scowl. "Like I'd ever fall for a perverted dog like you," she spat. She squirmed out of his grip to glower at him. "And don't touch me! I don't want to catch any diseases you might have," she sniffed at him. Turning her heel, she stomped off. "And don't follow me," she snapped in command. "Stay outside where you belong while I handle the client."

Gary hummed his laughter as he crossed his arms. My dear Angel… Blues twinkled. I'd stay outside forever if it means you'd still come back to me.

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Fairy Adventure 001

•

The Fairy Adventure

•

フェアリーアドベンチャー

•

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"Here you go, Sir!"

Gary smiled and took the tray of food. The restaurant was mildly busy during this time but so was the train station itself. Two young adults giggled at each other as they watched a funny video on YouView. A tired mother smiled as her boyfriend came to pick her up from working all throughout the night and well into the morning. A stray cat boarded a train to wherever with a young girl with lunch for her father chasing after it in hopes of seeing where it went.

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West Tuly Station

Tuly Village

Fiore, Ishgar

12:32 PM FST

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Gary approached an annoyed Nashi, who waited impatiently at her booth. He was about to sit down when she held out a hand.

"Nuh-uh. You are not sitting with me," Nashi decided.

Gary lifted a brow. "Why not, Angel?"

Nashi gritted her teeth. "Because"—she looked around to see cameras pointed towards them and whispers floating by; it all made her cheeks burn—"this is embarrassing enough to be seen with a stupid dog like you."

Gary glanced around before he made the choice to sit down across from her. "Well, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

"Easy for you to say," Nashi jeered at him. "You literally have no shame. Sorry if I like my life private and not plastered on some trashy magazine." Like a petulant child, she pulled the tray towards her and took out her salad.

Gary shrugged, not seeing the problem. "Exactly. They're trashy C-list magazines," he agreed on that point. "They don't mean anything. Anyone who wants to learn about Mages knows Sorcerers Weekly or Dream or Majish are the only sources who actually get their facts straight and take down our words verbatim outside Spiritless news." He unwrapped his burger and grinned a little at the face Nashi made seeing it. "I know, I know, sorry, but…" He grimaced. "This is the only way to keep my thing from showing up."

Nashi showed in her disgust at the meat, not the "thing". "Right," she supposed. Her eyes caught two boys and three girls glancing repeatedly at her and making gestures that obviously described her body. Huddling in on herself, her appetite was gone. "C-Can we just go?"

Gary frowned. "What's wrong? Is it your salad?" He peered into it. "I made sure they added extra mushrooms like you like them. Did they put chicken in your salad?" He started to stand. "Here, I'll go—"

"Oh my gods!"

Gary and Nashi looked to see a gushing girl with another trashy magazine in her hand and her Compact (a Miniature Communications Lacrima with a koala Com-chain from YN21) at the ready. She squealed. "You guys are the Ice Devil and Angel Princess of Fairy Tail! Ah! This is so cool! You're here in the flesh!"

Both Mages offered kind smiles. "It's nice to meet you," Nashi greeted.

The girl could not hold back her excitement. "No, no, the pleasure is all mine!" she assured. "It's just too awesome! The daughter of the Dragon King and Star Queen is here! Eeee…!" It did not even look like she noticed Nashi's face had noticeably fallen and she drew up her virtual shields. "Oh my gods, your parents are so awesome!"

Nashi tried to maintain her smile. "Yeah, they are. They're the awesomest."

The girl nodded and looked over at Gary up and down with a familiar sign of lust. "And wow, Mister Fullbuster, you're just so cool in person!" the girl squealed. "This is just making my day!" She showed him her Compact. "Do you think I could get a picture with you?"

Gary looked at Nashi for approval, but when she seemed to be picking at her salad, he frowned. Turning to the fan, he smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, but Angel and I aren't doing any autographs or selfies, if you don't mind. We just need a quick bite before we get on the train."

The girl bowed profusely. "Oh, of course! Of course! Sorry to interrupt, but I just couldn't resist!" She smiled again at Gary. "It was nice to meet you, Mister Fullbuster!" Her smile carried over to Nashi. "And you too, Angel Princess!" Glancing between them, she added, "Enjoy your date!" Giggling, she skittered back over to her group of friends.

Nashi glared. "I would never accept a date from a dog like him!"

Gary smothered his laughter with a cough. "She's already gone, Angel." Time for a bite of his burger. "She seemed nice."

A snort. "Well, it's still not a date," Nashi muttered. "And yeah, she seemed nice when she was checking you out."

"Is Angel jealous?" Gary teased her. "Don't worry. You're the only one I want."

Nashi's cheeks flared up again as she stabbed her salad. "I was going to say it's a shame she doesn't have taste," she bit. "Such a pretty girl had to go and have a crush on a dog like you. What a waste. She could do better."

"She could," Gary agreed as the brightness died in his blue eyes. "Wouldn't have to worry about her boyfriend turning into a monster."

Nashi looked up from her food as Gary crammed more of his burger into his mouth. Eyes went up, down, then up again. "W-Well," she started, clearing her throat, "at least she knew you as you and not your parents. I'm still Papa's little princess in the eyes of everyone."

Gary swallowed his food to respond. "Keep in mind, Angel, how well known your parents are and how you've debuted in the Magic Community," he tried to offer to lessen the blow. "Aunt Lucy has a royal title for the Fioren Monarchy as Her Majesty's Star Master and she's made her name as Starmaker, especially after that last Grand Magic Games two decades ago. And your dad is pretty incredible himself being the leader of Dragon Slayers and how powerful his fire and his influence is. And your Magic debut hasn't really caught up yet. You've made an appearance at the GMGs this year, but you haven't been selected for S-Class yet—"

"Gee. Go on, why don't you?" Nashi hated when she felt heat press into her eyes. "I know I'm not as great and all-powerful as the rest of you, but thanks for pointing that out."

Gary reached out to caress her hand. "I don't mean to say this to make it seem you're any lesser than them, Angel, really, I don't. But I just wanted you to understand where the fans are coming from. The time will come when they finally see you for you, I promise."

"Easy for you to say," Nashi rumbled. "They already see you. They see everyone but me. They see Lance and Misty and Justin and Ellie and Chi-chi—"

"But our success is outside of Magic too," Gary reminded. "Lance isn't just S-Class 'Railgun' all the time. He does a considerable amount of charity work, he helps with Her Majesty's military on their defense testing, and he does talks around Fiore to universities about his philosophies. Misty's on his way to becoming a Sorcerer and he's a summer professor at one of the top Magic Universities in the country. Justin's a YouViewer, a famous drag queen, and an entrepreneur of his own make-up line. And Ellie has an internship Wizard Saint Warrod's landscaping firm."

Nashi sat back in the booth. "I do things too!" she argued. "I do charity work and…!" She faltered. Then, she scowled. "Whatever. You're not gonna brag about yourself?"

Gary shrugged again. "What is there to brag about?" he asked. "They see me because of what I do. I teach art and I shaped Ice-Make into something not even my dad or Lyon could accomplish. That's it. All of us worked hard for our names, Angel. It didn't just happen overnight." He thought on something. "If you want, I can—"

"No." Nashi shut him down quick. "I don't want your help. I'm not looking for handouts or riding on coattails or looking for your pity."

Gary sighed. "Okay, Angel," he said, backing down. "Just know I really do believe you'll become the Angel of Fairy Tail you always wanted to be." He took a bite of his burger. "It will take hard work and training, but you will get there. And then our children will wonder what they can do to get out of our shadows."

Nashi forked some of her salad into her mouth. Stupid dog. He's just giving me bullshit pity because he thinks I'm weaker than him. I'll show him. I'll beat him and show him I'm the stronger one. I'll become the Angel of Fairy Tail without anyone else's help. And then our children will wonder will be just as driven as me to get out of our shadow.

She took in another portion of her salad before reaching to sip her drink. Our children… Our children… Our child—

PFFFFFFFT!

She spat out her drink.

"The Hell do you mean 'our children'!" She coughed and reached for napkins to wipe her face. "I'm not having kids with you!"

Silence.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Wow ~

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi's face steamed red as everyone in the restaurant looked at her.

Gary blinked. Then he broke into laughter. "Well, if that's not a rejection, I don't know what is!"

Nashi spluttered. "You're damn right that's a rejection!"

"To children, yeah." Gary's mouth stretched into a teasing grin. "But not a rejection to a date."

Steam erupted from Nashi's ears as she heard people break into murmurs and cameras go off. Jumping up from her seat, she pointed at Gary. "That's it, you stupid dog! You and me outside now! We're settling this! If I win, you stay away from me for the rest of my life!"

"For two weeks," Gary negotiated.

"This is my prize!" Nashi snapped. "I choose my prize!"

Gary slowly rose to his feet as well. "Fine then. And as for my prize…" His blues glinted. "Let's make my prize a surprise for Angel."

Nashi wilted a little. "A surprise?"

"Yeah." Gary took a step toward her and inadvertently reminded her how small she felt compared to him. "We have a deal, Angel?" He held out a hand.

Nashi bit her lip. A surprise could mean anything. What if he asks for a kiss or worse? Hickory looked around to see people looking between the two and wild connections being made. But it doesn't matter. Because I'm going to win.

She smirked and grabbed his hand. "It's a deal, dog."

"Perfect." Gary lifted her hand to place a chaste kiss on her knuckles. "Then bring all your passion into our fight." Cerulean sizzled into hickory. "Push yourself to the limit with me, Angel."

°•°•°•°

Nashi had stripped out of her Fairy Tail jacket and cursed herself for wearing a skirt. But it did not matter. She tried to ignore the crowd that had gathered in the parking lot of the train station. A circle had formed around Nashi and Gary the moment they went outside.

TWITCH-TWITCH…

Nashi's fists shook. "Gary…"

TWITCH-TWITCH…

Gary finished stretching. "Yeah, Angel?"

TWITCH-TWITCH…

"Where"—Nashi pointed at him—"the Hell is your shirt?"

Gary was half-naked all right and everyone seemed to stare at his chest, at the tattoos, the scars, and the muscles he was gifted with. An intricate black tattoo was painted across the entirety of his back to take the form of a horned one-eyed symbol. He wound up his arms and ignored the fangirls and boys drooling at his state of undress.

He looked down and patted his stomach. "Oh. Must've stripped."

"Don't say that like it's okay!" Nashi let out a breath. "Whatever. You know the rules, right? Fair fight. No Magic. First to be pinned to the ground with three points of contact for five whole seconds is the loser." She smirked. "You might want to get used to being on the ground."

"Being underneath Angel?" Gary winked. "Believe me. I'll enjoy every second of being at your mercy."

"Stop being gross," Nashi hissed. She hated she was about to match her own hair at this point. "This is a serious match."

"I know." Gary jumped up and down to shake out the kinks in his wrists and his legs. "I am serious about this, Angel."

"Good." Nashi spread out her legs as her fists came up. "Then get ready to have your ass handed to you. Have fun finding a new person to stalk."

Feet more than shoulder-width apart, hands crossed with one reaching to the opposite shoulder and the other reaching to the opposite hip, Gary beamed at her without a care in the world. "Whenever you're ready, Angel."

It was not a taunt, but Nashi took it as one. Locking her jaw, she swung forward to get him with a swing to his jaw. Gary straightened his body and rolled in the direction of the bunch to drop low and sweep kick her. Nashi began to fall, but an arm caught her and, much to her ire, Gary was hovering over her. "Give up?"

Nashi growled and surged her body to flip forward. Her legs caught onto his neck and dragged Gary down with her. Just when she thought she had him, Gary grabbed her butt and by the squeak Nashi gave, she was not expecting that. She let him go in such an ungraceful manner and landed on the ground. Had it not been for the tingle she got, Nashi would not have rolled away in time when Gary's hand came down. She throttled herself back to her feet to launch a kick combination at him, but Gary blocked each one of her kicks until he caught her last one. Twisting her leg, he flipped her.

Nashi had no time to react and did not feel the hardness of the pavement when an arm, again, wrapped around her. She blinked as she realized Gary lowered her to the ground. "I don't need your charity in a fight!" she snapped.

Gary had the gall to laugh. "I just want to show Angel I'll catch her if she falls."

Twisting her body, Nashi swung her arm and Gary was forced to let go and take several steps back. She got to her feet to reset herself. "Stop treating this like a game!" she jeered. "Take this seriously!" She positioned hers—

She was on her back in no time.

Nashi belatedly realized Gary had her pinned down and had taken the liberty of grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head, kicking out her thighs and using his weight to keep her down. She squirmed and gnashed her teeth. "Let me go!"

"Well I can't do that, Angel," Gary breathed, grinning. "I wouldn't win that way."

"Time!" came a cry. "The Ice Devil is the winner!"

Gary pushed himself off Nashi, but before he could even offer, Nashi rolled away and scrambled onto her feet, humiliated and defeated. She strode away from the circle and snatched up her backpack. She did not care if the fans watching were trying to console her. All she could hear were fans asking Gary for autographs and pictures and offering their congratulations, speculating what his surprise was.

Nashi sniffed and gripped the handles of her backpack. Stupid dog, she muttered. He was just toying with me because he thinks I'm weak. But maybe he's right. Maybe I am weak.

"Hey, Angel, wait up!"

Instead, Nashi picked up her pace, but she was no match for Gary and it pissed her off. Eyebrow twitching, she hissed through clenched teeth, "So what's the surprise? A kiss? A date? I'm not naming my firstborn after you, so you can just—!"

"Woah, woah…!" Gary blocked her path with amusement splattered on his face. "Who said anything about any of that? I don't want any of that."

"Why not?" Nashi was quick to snip, a little affronted and another emotion she kept deep down. "Too busy with your harem and your models?" She tried to move past him. "Whatever. Like I care."

Gary grabbed Nashi's shoulders to keep him in place. "Slow down, Angel," he soothed. "There are no harem and those 'models' Angel sees me with are my art models, nothing more. No reason to be jealous."

Hickories glared at him. "I'm not—!"

"And anyways"—Gary freed her shoulders to scratch his cheek—"I'm not interested in something Angel wouldn't normally give me. So I can wait even more for the day Angel willingly gives me a kiss and wants to go on a date with me. As for the firstborn thing?" He made a face. "That's just cruel and unusual punishment. I'm not that bad of a person, you know."

Nashi held down her blush for the first time she felt like in forever to lift her chin. "Fine. Do your worst then. Since you won, what do you want?"

Gary looked into the sky as he thought about it. "Well, I don't have anything going on today and neither do you." Looking back down at her, he beamed. "Wanna come with me to the Heritage Day Festival in Hargeon Port?"

Nashi blinked once, then twice. "That's what you want?"

"Mmm." Gary nodded. "Yeah. That's what I want as my prize."

Nashi narrowed her eyes. "I thought you said you didn't want a date with me." Even if saying that stung a little.

"This isn't a date," Gary assured her. "No hand-holding, no kiss good night—just the two of us enjoying the festival is all I ask."

Nashi thought about that. Then she threw up her arms in defeat. "Well, you were the winner anyways."

Gary beamed. "Thanks, Ang—!" A finger was thrown in his face.

"But there are some ground rules," Nashi interjected. Strutting past him, she dictated, "I want us to be six feet apart at all times. Don't try your useless flirting on me either. Don't pay for anything of mine…"

Gary hummed his laughter. "Yes, Angel, of course," he agreed absently at every point. "Whatever you s—"

Ice filled his veins as a dark presence reared against his head. He faltered in his steps as he clutched his head, shaking it from side to side. Garbled whispers and irate hisses consumed his thoughts until they swirled around him and tried to dictate his every move. His chest burned like dry ice when he felt a pounding on his skull that trembled to his very soul. A distant howl was amongst the thrall of voices, a howl that promised vengeance.

"And another thing—!" Nashi noticed Gary was not with her and turned to see him hunched forward with his hands on his temples and pain written all over his face. She lost all her discord with him to crouch in front of him, a hand rubbing up and down his bicep. "Are you okay?" she fretted. "What's wrong?"

Gary shook his head. "Nothing," he gnashed. Ice blossomed across his wrists, but with a grunt, he pushed it back down.

Nashi softened. "It's him, isn't it?" she realized. "He's trying to get out."

A mental shove helped Gary and he panted when he heard the howl and the swarm of voices receded into nothing more. Bent over, he gasped, "Dammit. I didn't…bring enough…potion…" He combed his hair with his hands and righted himself, shoulders going up and down at each breath. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," Nashi sated. "Nothing to apologize for." She glanced over his shoulder to see some bystanders and lowered her voice considerably. "How long has it been since he's been out?"

Gary avoided her gaze.

Nashi was not having it and her hand came up to force his chin down and towards her. Steely hickory beguiled with worry clashed with ashamed cerulean. She demanded to know, "How long has it been?"

"Two weeks," Gary whispered to her and could not control his guilt. "Angel, you have to understand. I can't let that monster out." His knuckles turned white. "I won't let that thing out."

"But you need to," Nashi chided as softly as she could. She lifted her hand to tangle her fingers with his locks. "Gary, you know it's not healthy to keep him locked inside for so long. We've been over this. You should've told me. I would've been there for you."

Gary gritted his teeth. "No. I don't want that thing anywhere near Angel, so drop it," he ordered when she looked ready to huff. "I mean it. I don't want Angel anywhere near me when that monster comes out. You're not the one who has to deal with its thoughts and its disgusting feelings."

Nashi snorted. "I think it's safe to say I know what he's thinking," she remarked dryly. "He has no issue letting me know his thoughts. And, more importantly, as much as I hate to say this, he won't hurt me."

"Angel doesn't know that—"

"He won't," Nashi stressed, "hurt me. Neither of you would." She brought away her hand to sigh. "When we get back from the festival, I want him out."

Cerulean flashed. "Angel—"

"Gary, shut up," Nashi clipped. "Let him come out. I'll watch him while he hunts. I won't talk to him or anything, I promise. But those few hours he's out gives you days' worth of rest." She smiled at him. "Besides, you'll need all your rest for my next fight with you."

Gary snorted and shook his head. "I don't get why Angel would even want to deal with it. That bastard's a lost cause. It's a murderer. It's evil." His eyes hollowed. He's the...

"But you're not evil." Nashi knocked her knuckles against his chest. "And, I don't know, maybe he's not either. I'm just saying," she strained to say when Gary shook his head in disbelief, "that just let him hunt with me supervising. I'll protect your reputation and I'll knock his ass out if he tries anything funny." She cracked her knuckles. "I could use the workout."

Gary chuckled. "Angel really is incredible." He brushed her cheek with his fingers before letting them slide down to her hand. He brought up her hand to kiss her palm, then her wrist, and then the back of her hand, drinking in the pink dust across her cheeks and the way hickory darkened at his touch. "Thank you, Angel." Tone low and gravelly. "I'm sorry you have to put up with this."

Nashi swallowed and dipped her head, too abashed to meet such an intense gaze. "Y-You can come—I mean, you can count this towards your prize, okay?"

Cerulean softened. "I can't accept that as a prize for a win against Angel. I'll treasure this like a gift."

Hickory sparkled. "Eh… I-I-I-…"

CHK-CHK!

Nashi blinked. And it all came rushing back to her. The bystanders she was trying to avoid. The fans watching them with bated breath. A tremble overtook her body as her teeth bared and shadows covered her eyes.

Gary seemed to blink out of his intensity and noticed they had garnered an audience. "Looks like we have more fans." Letting her go, he scratched the back of his head. "Did Angel want to do any photos or autographs?"

When Nashi muttered something inaudible underneath her breath, Gary tipped his head and cupped his ear. "Huh? What was that?"

Nashi's fists shook. "You…"

BANG!

Gary had jumped away from the sizable dent Nashi left in the pavement.

"…stupid dog!"

The audience watched with wide eyes as Nashi chased Gary with Magic clawing at her fists, hellish fury in her eyes, and an aura that promised death pulsing off her.

"Get back here!" Nashi roared. "Get back here so I can kill you! And then revive you and kill you all over again, you stupid dog!"

And yet Gary ran like he was frolicking in flowers. "My darling Angel chasing me! I'd like it more if I was chasing her, but I'll take what I can get! Chase me, Angel, chase me!"

"Stop romanticizing this, you stupid dog!" Nashi snarled. "Stop running around so I can kill you!"

The bystanders blinked and sweatdropped as the Ice Devil and the Angel Princess of Fairy Tail left streaks of dust as they sprinted into the distance. "Uh… What just happened?"

---

The building was on the outer edge of Magnolia Town and on the south side of the town. Lacrima Cars (four-wheelers), motorcycles, bicycles, and a few guard horses were parked while officer-guards and civilians walked in and out of the department house. The inside of the facility started out with a lobby with uncomfortable benches, concrete floors, and grayed-out walls. A frantic woman was pleading with one of the officers that she had to see her locked-up boyfriend to free him because she was pregnant. An officer was taking an obese woman to see the custody officer to have her processed. Two boys who looked not even eight years old waited with their Wintendo DS's while their tired older sister asked to see her arrested older brother.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Magnolia Guard Division 35. A guard division is a precinct with inspectors, patrol officer-guards, and other types of administration. Guard divisions are in every town, but not every town has an Anti-Magic Unit attached to it. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

An officer-guard headed into the custody suite with a heavy look on their face and ignored one of the detainee's demands for him to be released. He stopped at cell number seven and knocked three times. "Hey, kid, you awake?" the guard called. Not waiting for a response, he took out his keys and opened the door. "Kid, you've made bail, c'mon. Let's get you processed and out of here."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Magnolia Guard Division 35

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

1:07 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A wide yawn. "Who posted bail? My ma again?"

The officer-guard scratched his head. "Looks like your dad made it this time and he brought a friend."

"Got it." Wrists clanged together to reveal turquoise sealstone in the shape of handcuffs. "And, uh… About these?"

"You know the rules, kid," the officer reminded like it was a chore. "Now come on. We have actual perps to process. I don't have the time to deal with petty criminals."

A fangy grin. "Damn. Doesn't that make me all warm and fuzzy." The detainee pulled themselves to their feet. "But I don't have the time to be in here either. I've got somewhere to be."

°•°•°•°

Natsu had his arms crossed, his jaw clenched, and his sandal tapping away. The more time had passed, the more his foot tapping increased. Another minute passed and Natsu cried out, startling everyone in the lobby as he furiously scratched his head. "Ugh! This is taking forever!"

A chuckle. "You'd think you'd be used to this process by now, Natsu."

"Shut up!" Natsu ticked his jaw and growled. "There were no brats around and I finally had Lucy right where I wanted her, but I have to pick up his dumb ass instead when I could be having Lucy-Time!" He sunk his mouth into his scarf, but he could not suppress his scowl. "Dammit! I was so close!"

"I think you'll survive," came dry promise. "Besides, if you're that desperate to besmirch my princess, you can always have your kids stay at their friends' house."

Natsu paused and then broke into a huge grin. "You're right!" He rubbed his hands with an evil glint in his eyes. "Metal-head and that stupid stripper can take them off my hands for the night. They deserve it for doing the same to me and Lucy all the time." He flashed his grin to his companion. "Thanks, Loke!"

A sigh. The man sitting beside Natsu had on a three-piece suit with his mane of setting orange hair tamed down into a mini ponytail, though his cat ears were ever-present. He pushed up his shades to pinch the bridge of his nose. "My King, please save my princess from the punishment I just sentenced her to," he prayed.

⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT

Name: Loke (The Lion)

Magic: Regulus

Likes: compliments Dislike: cat jokes

Special Note: Loke is the leader of the Celestial Spirit team "The Golden Zodiacs", but he's also Aries' fiancé and Luna's godfather!⌟

Loke lifted his head when an officer-guard gestured, and he nudged Natsu. "Come on. Looks like your son is getting sprung."

The two men stood up as an officer-guard stepped out from a barred door. When they approached, the officer-guard said, "Mister Dragneel, thank you for joining us…again. Your son is getting a thorough check over." He handed over a stapled pack of yellow papers. "Here's the bond forms. And, as always, no court date." He rolled his eyes. "But maybe the kid could stand to have one."

Natsu laughed as he took the forms. "Yeah, right! Like a court would survive him!"

"Natsu, that's not exactly something to joke about," Loke remarked dryly. To the officer-guard, Loke mentioned, "We'll make sure he continues to attend his sessions. Thanks for finding him."

The officer-guard waved his hand in dismissal. "Eh, not like this is anything new. Just tell the kid to stop startling civilians and breaking and entering." He wiped his brow. "Christ, he keeps this up and he might even be banned from the police department or get so many frequent flyer miles that he'll go to an AMU precinct." Hearing a call, he widened the door and stepped aside. "And here comes the man of the hour. Hurry it up, kid."

"Aw, don't be like that Detective Quedding," came tease. "You'd miss me helping you on Phrases with Friends if I was gone for too long."

A pair of sneakers superhero-themed stepped out into the lobby.

Detective Quedding rolled his eyes. "This is the third arrest we had to do this week, kid. Just give it up."

A wide, fanged smile. "Giving up just isn't in my dictionary, Detective. Hi, Pops. Hi, Uncle Loke. Thanks for busting me out."

Natsu scowled at his son (more like pouted to the side). "Make it up to me by staying out of the house tomorrow. You cost me my Lucy-Time, you stupid brat. C'mere!" He wrangled his son with an arm around his shoulders and gave him a noogie. "You deserve this, ya jerk! You know how close I was to getting Lucy naked?"

His son sprung free from Natsu's grip and fixed his already unkempt blonde hair. "Pops, I don't need to hear about you taking advantage of my sweet Ma." He fixed his black cuff before moving on to his red scarf. When he was all set, he looked over at his father with matching onyx eyes. "I don't think I should ever hear Ma and naked in the same sentence. And no one wants to hear you bitch about not having alone time."

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Igneel Dragneel

Age: 15

Occupation: Mage, Year 11 Student

Magic: Rainbow Fire Magic

Likes: fairy tales Dislike: anyone who crushes on his sister

Special Note: Igneel might have the same grin as his dad, but a lot hides behind that smile…⌟

"I could do without it too," Loke put in. "Don't tempt me to be my princess' knight-in-shining-armor against her perverse Dragon, Natsu."

Natsu snorted and stuck out his tongue. "Like you could stop me from being a pervert and cornering Lucy."

Loke and Igneel sweatdropped. That's not something you should declare in front of the Guard…

Loke cleared his head and smiled at the very exhausted detective. "Thank you for releasing him, officer. We'll make sure he stays out of trouble."

The officer-guard snorted as he turned away. "Just keep him out of my precinct, okay?" he called. "He'll start having a permanent room here if he keeps this up."

Once the officer-guard was out of ear sight, Loke corralled both father and son out of the precinct as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Igneel, your mother's going to be severely disappointed in you when you get home," Loke began to chastise. "Breaking and entering? Really, Igneel? Again?" He whirled around on the Fire Mage. "How many times have we told you not to…?" But his speech trial off when he realized Igneel was not there and Natsu was staring at everything in disinterest. "Where did Igneel go?"

Natsu shrugged. "I don't know. He said he had somewhere to be—"

Loke abruptly began shaking Natsu by the shoulders. "And you let him go? You're his parent! You should be scolding him!"

"Oh, relax, Loke," Natsu soothed as he pushed the Celestial Spirit away. "He'll be fine…!" Locking his hands behind his head, he strolled off. "Gotta say that Mary Jane sure is smart. If Lucy had a Compact back when I was breaking into her apartment, I bet she would have called the Guard on me all day long!"

Loke took a deep breath to control himself. This family is going to give me a migraine. Tipping his head back, he looked into the skyline. Just don't get yourself arrested again, Igneel.

°•°•°•°

This particular bedroom was nothing short of normal. A bass guitar and a ukulele had struck up home here on their stands and that would be that. A PAL (a Personal Archive Lacrima) was open as fast fingers typed up a short essay assignment that was due for one of her glasses whilst a rock song played in the background. She was a slender thing, young too, and she was in no mood to dress up in her own home, so she kept it simple with an extra-large band t-shirt she had gotten at a rock concert a while ago. Pale tresses were piled in a high ponytail with a measly ribbon to keep it all together, but when she drew her ponytail to the side, a violet Fairy Tail insignia outlined in white had been stamped on the back of her neck.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dreyar Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

1:16 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

She finished the last of the discussion segment of her short writing assignment and let her cheek rest on her hand. "This is totally pissing me off," she muttered. "Who the Hell assigns a stupid essay as summer work?"

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Mary Jane Dreyar

Age:15

Occupation: Mage, Year 11 Student

Magic: Darkness Magic

Likes: classic rock & roll Dislikes: irritating people

Special Note: Mary Jane takes no prisoners, and she makes sure you know your place around her! ⌟

Mary Jane huffed and her essay reflected in those blue eyes of hers. "Whatever." She submitted her assignment and watched as it buffered. "As long as it gets turned in. I better get good marks on this."

The lock on her window faintly clicked.

Mary Jane sat back in her chair. "I should go on a job soon. I'm running low on jewel." She went to a new tab and drew up the Fairy Tail website. Activities, events, battle and appearance schedules, even links to GuildCafe—the website hosted anything a Fairy Tail fan wanted. Logging in, she went to the ⟪ Members Only ⟫ section and checked ⟪ Jobs ⟫. She scrolled as she tried to find jobs within her rank.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« What Mary Jane is using is a Personal Archive Lacrima or a PAL for short. Once the new technological age advanced onto Earth Land, Archive Magic was able to be compacted into a physical form and thus gave people access to the LacriNet. The desktop version of this is called a DAL and tablet version of this is called an L-Pad. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The window jerked, stopped, then gave way to the hands prying it open.

Mary Jane stood up to stretch. "But I'm feeling the need to hit something." Her hand twirled as a violet Magic emerged from her fingers and, part by part, a breakable staff came to her air, cloaked in Magic. She straightened it out and a violet spearhead emerged from the staff. "Because something…"—she whirled around and her spear struck like a cobra—"is pissing me off!"

SHING!

Igneel did not mind one bit he had used grayish flames on his hands that stopped the spearhead from impaling his chest. "Hi, MJ!" he beamed. "What'cha up to?"

Mary Jane dismissed her breakable spear. "Didn't I call the Guards on you, you moron?" she snapped, irked. "You should be awaiting jail or something, I don't know. Just anywhere that is not here." She moved to get her Compact—a rectangular device with its lock screen picture something she had no attachment to.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is a Miniature Communications Lacrima or a Compact, as they are called now. Fairy Tail Mage Warren Rocko invented and patented Compact around three decades ago and now they are used around the globe. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A string of Purple Flare lashed out for the Compact, and Igneel grinned as he held up the device. "You should know you can call Guards time and time again, but nothing will stop me from crashing here."

TICK!

Igneel danced away when violet energy clouded around Mary Jane and she venomously hissed, "You deserve a restraining order and court-mandation to an asylum, you moron!"

"Hey." Igneel pouted. "'Asylum' is actually an offensive word, MJ."

"Oh, yes, wouldn't want to be offensive towards my stalker," Mary Jane scathingly grumbled, flicking her hair. "Can't you go somewhere else to play? I'm actually trying to work here and I don't need any distractions."

"Aw…!" Igneel sparkled. "I'm a distraction?"

"Yes." The aura of murder and disgust radiated from Mary Jane. "Like an annoying fly that keeps buzzing around me until I kill it." She opened her hand. "Compact, now."

Somehow, Igneel cheerily laughed off the threat and returned her Compact to her, but he ribbed when she did not start tying in digits, "Not going to call the Guard on me?"

"I would," Mary Jane grunted, "but they limited my reports on you to three times a day, those cowards. I thought they were supposed to be upholding the law. How the Hell do they let someone like you still walk the streets! I can't even get a restraining order on you! And they call themselves justice-seekers!"

Igneel felt relaxed as Mary Jane gnashed about how the judicial system was a scam. She sounds so cute when she's pissed off at someone other than me. He blinked when he looked at her PAL and saw the homework assignment she submitted. With a quick scan, he frowned, "Hey… Your assignment here…"

Mary Jane stopped her ranting, scowling. "What about it? I just finished it, so—"

"Yeah, but your work is too cluttered."

TICK!

Mary Jane looked up at him with murder in her eyes. "What'd you say, moron?"

"Your essay is about magiethics," Igneel read. "And you're speaking more about the guidelines to reduce chances of a Magic War and how countries outmaneuvered the system. You have a lot of good information, but your work is hard to follow. You'll probably pass, sure, but maybe at a sixty. You need to have a better flow for APA style. Did you even read your rubric?"

"I…!" Mary Jane's brow furrowed. "But…how do you know all of that?"

Igneel pointed out her class title and number. "Your professor is an adjunct one at Saint Layla's. I'm familiar with their curriculum. They're very particular about how they want their reasoned opinion posts, discussions, and essays fashioned. You probably wrote more than they'd want, which would give you low marks. But I could help you."

Mary Jane blinked. "You'd…help me? But…" Her face went flat. "I thought you were stupid?"

Igneel could have fallen over. She's so cruel! Rubbing his neck, he rationalized, "I'm not that great at lit stuff and languages like Luke. He's already in university. I'm just taking CCP classes." Onyx flickered. "I'm not exactly the 'good child' like him. But I can help you out if you want. Unless…"—he dropped his hand—"you'd rather Luke help you out over me. He's the smarter twin." He rubbed his black wristband.

"Well, since you're here now, then…"

Igneel looked at Mary Jane who had a mixture of a scowl and a bit of pink on her cheeks.

"I guess since you're already in front of me, you're the more convenient option," she muttered. "So… If you have any advice, I'll…listen. I can't promise I'll do it though. This class is pissing me off. The professor has been giving me average marks the entire summer. So, if you're saying you can get me better marks, then fine." She glared at him. "But if my essay goes to shit, I'm calling the Guard on you."

Igneel blinked, stunned, before he beamed. "Deal!" He rubbed his hands together. "And since I'm helping you, you can treat me to dinner! That sounds fair, right, MJ?"

Mary Jane growled, bristling, while Igneel looked too much like a mischievous angel for his own good. This moron is pissing me off. She flicked her hair. "Fine. I'll buy you food." He doesn't have to know if I poison it though.

She's probably going to poison me. Igneel still smiled while a sinister aura worked over Mary Jane. She's so cute trying to kill me.

---

Lucy trounced up the steps from the kitchen to the second floor with a tray in hand and some small sandwiches and lemonade. She heard whining and pawing and sniffing and bit back her smile. They must be at it again. Coming up to the second floor, she saw the two hounds were at Luna's door once again and were poking the noses below it to try and get in. Lucy whistled and the hounds straightened up, but they cast pitiful looks at the door.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dragneel Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

1:56 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Lucy set down the tray to crouch before her hounds. She rubbed behind their ears in consolation. "It's okay, you guys. She'll come around eventually."

The hounds dipped their heads in understanding and basked in the touch of their mistress.

⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT

Name: Actaeon and Lelantos (The Hunting Dogs)

Magic: Sound Magic

Likes: belly rubs Dislike: bath time

Special Note: These hunting dogs might be professionals, but even they can't resist a good belly scratch and bacon!⌟

Lucy picked back up the tray and went to Luna's door. She knocked on the door and called, "Luna? It's me…"

Nothing.

Lucy sighed as she gripped the handle. "I'm coming in, baby." She twisted the knob and opened the door.

There was nothing too fancy about Luna's room. Years ago, Lucy had decided to paint the back wall a light bluish-green and when Luna had been given the opportunity to repaint the room, she kept it just the way it was. Instead, she covered her wall with posters from her favorite fandoms, but she had no images unlike the rest of her siblings. She had finally upgraded to a full bed for her thirteenth birthday and had been adamant she wanted a creamy sheet set with a plethora of pillows and stuffed animals of every size and color. Poko (a cartoonish tanuki) had taken up a bigger residence in the bedroom than anything else, even as decals on her PAL on her desk.

Luna had taken to rolling on her side on her bed with her pillows surrounding her. Lucy set down the tray of food on the closest nightstand. "I brought you some lunch," she trilled. "Since your papa ate pretty much the entire fridge, I made what I could into sandwiches."

Luna said nothing.

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Luna Dragneel

Age: 13

Occupation: Year 9 Student

Likes: cookie dough milkshakes Dislike: horror movies

Special Note: Luna is the youngest Dragneel, but don't think she isn't strong! She studies ballet, gymnastics, and acrobatics!⌟

Lucy sighed and sat on the bed. She took a good look at her daughter. She had taken after Lucy the most and many would admit that. Luna had the Heartfilia woman genes with her lengthy blonde hair, peachy skin, and her brown eyes. But those eyes carried a sadness with her and her nose was red.

Lucy held back from touching her daughter. She's been crying. I knew it. Dipping down her head, she started, "I know this isn't easy for you. Believe me; I know."

"How could you know?"

Lucy looked over at Luna, who had stared listlessly at her wall.

"How could you get it?" Luna asked her, voice cracking and feeble. "You can go wherever you want to go. But you're keeping me in the same town like it's…like it's a prison."

"That's not true," Lucy insisted. "Luna, we're not keeping her because we want to—"

"No?" Luna tightened the grip she had on herself. "I don't believe you." Her teeth bared. "All I want is the same thing everyone else has. I just want to leave, but you won't let me."

Lucy once again had to hold back the urge to touch Luna. "Baby, we've told you. It's not safe for you to go off on your own—"

"How?" Luna shot up to shoot Lucy such a desperate look, tears filling her eyes. "How is it not safe? You kee-keep telling me that, but that's it! What's so dangerous out there to me? I'm just…!" Her eyes shut. "I'm just a Spiritless!"

Lucy sucked in a breath.

"I'm…normal," Luna gasped. "I'm not like you or anyone! I'm just…!" She curled in on herself. "I have nothing, Mama. I'm n-n-n-n-nothing."

Lucy could not hold back anymore. She scooted over and took Luna into her arms and held her against her chest. She kept her own tears at bay as she shushed her daughter with gentle noises and a hand rubbing up and down her arm. "You're not 'nothing', Luna," she said fervently. "It doesn't matter if you have powers or if you don't. You are worth more than the world and the stars."

"I don't want to be worth more than that," Luna sniveled into Lucy's shirt. "I just want to be worth Magic." Her hands tightened onto Lucy. "I want to be worth freedom."

Tears sprung loose from Lucy and she bit her bottom lip as drop after drop feathered her cheeks. "You are worth it," she promised. "You are worth s-so much, Luna. You are my daughter and I would give up all my keys and all the power in the world to make you smile."

"Then why…?" Luna cried. "Why can't you let me leave? Please, Mama, I promise I'll be good. I promise you. I promise."

"You already are good," Lucy swore to her. "Luna, you're perfect, baby, you're wonderful. It's just—…!" She sucked back in her sob and said with a steadier voice, "One day, you'll understand the dangers out there because you are mine and your papa's daughter. I know it doesn't make sense now, I know. I know you're hurt and you feel so lost and sometimes hatred and even fear, but we're trying our best to do what's best for you."

"Wh-Wh-What if I went with you?" Luna proposed, begging, pleading, needing a way out.

The regret and guilt tangled in Lucy, but she held onto her daughter. "Luna, you know we can't do that—" To her shock, Luna pushed her away with something dark in her eyes. "Baby—"

"I hate this!" Luna seethed through her pain and her tears. "I hate being like this! I hate being a Spiritless! I hate this house! I hate stupid Fairy Tail! I hate this family!"

"Luna, you don't mean that," Lucy rushed to soothe. "You're hurt, I know, but—"

"And I hate you!"

Lucy was taken back. "What?"

"I hate you!" Luna repeated with a passion. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! I wish you all would just disappear and leave me alone!" She threw herself into her pillows and buried her face into them as the muffled cries seeped out, unrestrained.

It took everything for Lucy to remove herself from the bed when all she wanted was to hold Luna and give her assurances that would die as false promises. Cheeks wet, she wiped whatever tears tried to mark her face and lifted her chin. Inhale. Exhale. "Please eat something." A forced airy tone. "I don't want you to go hungry."

She walked over to the door and grabbed hold of the handle. "I love you, Luna. I hope one day, you can at least believe me on that." Jaw twitching at the threat to break down, she left the room and closed the door behind her.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Fairy Adventure

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

It was not that this university did not have spirit, but the fact was that sports were not as huge here as it was in the United States of Meidiland. Most students milling about the campus had a coffee in hand as they walked from point A to point B, but considering it was summer semester, it was not too common to see others around. The dormitories were flushed out and mainly custodial staff took up the buildings. Of course, professors came in for lectures and labs and a few rambunctious skateboarders decided now was the perfect time for riskier moves without too many people around. The university mascot, the Orthrus—a two-headed dog—was embalmed as a bronze statue where it was ritual to touch its paws when you passed or on football (soccer) day.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Orchid State University located in Orchid City and is known for being one of the first universities to implement STEMM, meaning Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Magic. Paired with the Tower of Learning, OSU allows both Spiritless—or nonmagical students—and magical students to learn together with separate programs for STEM in Magic and STEM outside of Magic. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Those who loved the library got a kick out of savoring the quiet this time of year. The asymmetrical glass library was a hotspot come fall and spring semester, but summer semester meant no whirls of the coffee maker or rowdy students who came to josh. You could read and study in the open or holed away in a practice room. A beautiful black student with unique gray eyes was studying for her rigorous curriculum and her boyfriend had come as silent support with his own reading material. A few law students, finished with their study session, talked about being chosen for an internship with a hard-hearted professor.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Health Sciences Library and Student Success Center

Orchid City

Fiore, Ishgar

2:17 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

His pink hair was natural, thank you very much. It did not matter what anyone else told him and he would bring up the world once had Dragons, so pink hair was not to be stared at. Holed up in his glass study room, his headphones played a nice soundtrack for his studying—though he wished he had gotten EarPods since these over-ear headphones made his glasses slip once in a while.

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Luke Dragneel

Age: 15

Occupation: Mage, Year 2 BSc Student

Magic: Zen

Likes: lacrimagames Dislike: going to parties

Special Note: Luke is under the magical tutelage of a very important Wizard and loves to study—if only his twin would stop trying to force him out of his room!⌟

What Luke studied was something most dared not touch since the research was "taboo". Most of his books and tabs on his PAL centered around a war that had come before his birth. Magical races such as traces of the fae and Dragons and lost kingdoms held his attention. He stopped typing his fifth paragraph in his research paper to check back with the article he wanted to cite.

It's strange that Sensei would want me to do a research paper on the Second Black War, Luke thought. From all that I can gather from it, it was pretty cut and dry. One side, filled with hatred and blood, wanted to conquer the world. And the other side—the heroic protagonists—wanted freedom. They clashed over ideals, many lost their lives, but in the end, the good guys won. So why have me do a research paper on a topic like this?

Honeyed ambers darkened. Unless he—No. I can't think like that. He poured himself over a book he had placed sticky notes in. Sensei doesn't assign me busy work. There has to be a reason he'd want me to study the Second Black War from the start of the Middle Era. A beat. Come to think of it… The First Black War doesn't have that much knowledge from the Old Era. So why…?

His music was cut off.

Luke tended to his Compact to see a call coming in from:

SENSEI

Luke answered the call and greeted respectfully, "Good afternoon, Sensei. I'm working on the assignment right now."

"I expected nothing less." A deeper voice replied to the claim, flat but not arrogant or uninterested. It was hard to decipher his tone. "I'll be at the Tower of Learning for longer than I anticipated." A frustrated sigh. "Octavius is getting on my last nerve, but he's unfortunately useful. And Prospero and Claire would like to meet with me. We'll cancel tonight's session, but I expect you to be up for our morning session."

"I understand, Sensei."

"Good." Two beats. "Have you learned anything from the assignment I've given you?"

I knew this was a test. Luke answered, "A little. But why am I focusing on the Second Black War? Why not both the First and the Second?"

"Do you think there is any correlation between the two?" Sensei challenged.

Luke took his time to construct an appropriate response. "There can be. From what I understand of both wars, they had the standard antagonists and protagonists. The antagonists were Black Dragons and Rogues, Black Wizards and Dark Fae"—his gaze hardened—"and of course, Demons were on the opposition's side as well. In both wars, the antagonists wanted power and to spread chaos. And in both times, they lost."

Five beats. "That's all you learned from your research?"

The way the question was thrown was another challenge. Luke straightened. "I'll keep researching, Sensei."

"See that you do. There are some wars that were fought and were black and white. But remember, Luke, the world is not black and white. It's shades of gray. Remember that while you research."

Luke sighed. "You're always so cryptic."

A faint huff of a chuckle. "No one can understand something by being given the answer. You might know if I lay out every answer for you, but you'll never know. A student understands. A teacher knows. A master connects."

"Yes, Sensei," Luke supposed.

This time, his sensei's laughter was clearer. "Keep studying. You have another week until your paper is due." Someone's voice crackled through, and Sensei hissed, "Octavius, I am not in the mood to hear about Circe. Get out of my space." A grunt. "I have to get rid of a pest. I'll be in touch." The call dropped.

Luke smiled. Sensei really is amazing. He's on his way to becoming a Sorcerer and even works at the Tower of Learning on top of being an S-Class Mage. I'm lucky he took me in as his student.

Determinedly looking at his PAL, he thought, That's why I can't disappoint him with this research. I just wish I knew what to look for, but that's the point. Sensei wants me to look beneath what's commonly known. He went through the academic websites. I just need an in to breach what's on the search. And as he scrolled, he missed a website's blurb about speculation behind the second Black Dragon and his part in the war.

And the rumors behind his chosen mate—a Celestial Spirit Mage.

---

The train station was extremely busy at this time of day. People were bustling off the trains with excitement in their voices. A little boy and little girl held hands as they tried to outpace their lagging aunt and mother. A bald woman scared her friend when she bounced on his shoulders and their friend group laughed at their antics. A man with a lion's tail blushed from the shoulders up when his wife tugged on his tail with an impish grin on her face. Banners and posters were hung all about with Heritage Day events and about the festival. The speakers broadcasted music from the closest stage alongside announcements for the games.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Hargeon Town, a large port town close to Magnolia. This town is most renowned for being one of the most beautiful old towns of Fiore as well as being known for its fishing. Lucy, Natsu, and Happy had their first meeting here. Hargeon celebrates Heritage Day in the fall or the tail-end of summer to commemorate how Fiore is a combination of immigrants from all nations and countries. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi raced ahead to lean against the rail, smile wide. "Oh, wow…! Now this is a party!"

Hargeon Town spared no expense for this auspicious day. Flags from every country had been strewn together. From Pergrande all the way to countries Melandia to the United States of Meidiland to Andüsa to the Fiore Isles, no nationality was left behind for a day like today. The cobblestone streets were filled with stalls and games and food and people. An imported Satori (a blue sort of monkey with a third eye and a turban) from the prestigious continent of Sela that kept to its borders with Ishgar was exaggerating its movement on a crystal ball as it predicted the future. Polka from the Bohemia Republic was loud and proud with their accordion and fellow musicians. A Sinnish mariachi band was up next on one of the stages that had a Minstrish rock band. New fiancés laughed to themselves as they curled their arms around each other to try and spoon in some Stellian gelato. One of the churches was having an underground casino and an intense game of poker seemed to be going on.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hargeon Town

Fiore, Ishgar

5:17 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gary looked at the view in agreement. "Yeah. Hargeon's Heritage Day beats out any other city's," he remarked.

"I can't believe I forgot Hargeon was throwing it this weekend," Nashi gushed. "Normally, JJ, Ellie, and I would be all over this, but…" Her face fell. "Well, Justin's business really did take off with his collab… And I guess Ellie really has been busy reviewing the gardens of some nobles and helping maintain the greenhouse at Her Majesty's Royal Academy and…" Her shoulders slumped. "And I've been sitting here doing nothing." Her eyes widened when a cold hand smoothed over her shoulder.

"It's not too late," Gary assured her. "It takes any Magic-user some time until they find their niche. That's what Magic Academies and Magic Colleges are for, remember?"

"Yeah, but we're in a Magic Guild," Nashi pointed out. "We didn't do that sort of education route." Her arms crossed. "There's no changing majors and advisor meetings and normal stuff they do there. Magic Guilds are where you're supposed to just know what your skills are and where to apply them at."

"That's not true at all."

Nashi turned to face Gary who had frowned at her. "Sure, there are some elitist Magic Guilds that are like that," Gary had to give. "They vet you out for your pedigree and your bloodline and your power and your contributions to the Magic Community. But Fairy Tail isn't like that at all. If you talked to Master, she would happily give you some insight about where to go. Being in a Magic Guild isn't just about the jobs or the stamp—it's about what you stand for and fight for. And if it wasn't for Master, I probably would have quit Fairy Tail with nothing to fight for and nothing to live for."

That took Nashi back. Gary…

Gary sighed and withdrew his hand. "If you really feel like you're stuck in a rut, really, talk to Master. She's great at giving you pointers and even giving you the connections you need to get started on your life plan."

He smiled as the wind tussled through their hair and clothes. The ocean highlighted the blue of his eyes. "Don't just aim to get out of your parents' shadow. Aim to be a Mage this country can be proud of—that you can be proud of." He turned his head to catch such a raw look shimmering in Nashi's eyes. A pink spread against his cheeks and he fiddled with his cross necklace. "Well, anyway, my friends are here at the festival too, so if you don't want us to be alone, we can always join up with them—"

"No."

Gary blinked his surprise when Nashi attached herself to his arm. She ducked her head and redness overtook her cheeks, but she still clung to him. "Angel?"

"It's just me as your prize, right?" Nashi tightened her grip on his arm. "Then I'm yours and no one else's just for today like I said I would be. Don't get the wrong idea or anything. This isn't a date and you're still a stupid dog. But consider me fostering you. This is only temporary, got it? Tell anyone I was with you and I'll deny it and you'll be dead to me."

Gary blinked again before one of those half-smiles took over his face. "Whatever you say, Angel."

And so they ventured farther into the port town with nothing holding them back. Nashi had found a sunglasses hut and thought herself happy with her aviator shades when she saw a sight that made her laugh. Gary had put on large heart-shaped sunglasses and smiled when she laughed at him. At another booth, Nashi groaned as she lost to Sieize y Metia (a game from Sin revolving around a 52 deck of cards) and ended up with nine as her collective score for her cards when she needed a seven and a half. Her eyebrow twitched when she saw Gary pile on with tickets at his repeated wins.

At a booth containing masks from the indigenous peoples on Andüsa, Nashi had been scared out of her wits when a demonic mask crept up behind her. Though she got back at Gary when they passed by some Andüsan-Fiorens with their assortments of drums, a couple of reeds, and a native singer. Nashi moved to the beat like it was her purpose and attracted some eyes and at her faux sultry wink and a blown kiss, Gary embarrassedly tensed up and tried to cover his arms that began to sprout ice in reaction.

The food at the Heritage Day Festival was to die for. Nashi indulged in pizza-in-a-cone topped with spinach and mushroom and wrinkled her nose when Gary sheepishly dug into his bangers and mash. They could at least come into an agreement when they sat in an outdoor eatery for another meal of seafood and they topped their meal with gelato. Gary tried to feed it to her and Nashi looked ready to slug him, opening her mouth to tell him off when he fed her the icy treat. She melted at its taste only to snap out of it and tried hitting him for him to capture her wrists and chuckle when she hurled insults.

They had taken to enjoying a couple of the bands on stage. Gary had surprised her when he bought a blanket for the two of them to share on the lawn. He watched as Nashi bobbed her head and sang along to the songs she knew and he could not help but smile even more when a dance cover group came up to cover from a Josean (the Republic of Josea – a country located on East Sela) band and Nashi was shimmying in her seat. It was only a matter of time when an intermission came up and Nashi had tried to excuse herself to go to the bathroom, but Gary was adamant about tailing after her.

When she reappeared from the bathroom, Nashi cracked her fingers and noted the darkening sky. "Man… I can't be more than maybe seven and it looks like it should be ten at night," she noted.

"That's what fall and winter will do to you," Gary remarked. He paused and his jaw clenched when he felt a shove to his mind. He shoved back just as fiercely and tried to numb the pain through the ice in his veins.

Nashi saw everything and frowned. "It's him again, huh?"

Gary shook his head. "It's nothing, Angel." He smiled weakly at her. "Please, don't worry about it." Before Nashi could protest, Gary steered her over to the games. "C'mon! Let's see if Angel is capable enough to win against me at some rigged games!"

Nashi grinned. "Hell yeah! Get ready to weep, loser!"

The games were fun and even educational to a point. Nashi had won herself a cute crotchet doll, some gift cards, free fries and ice cream, but her prizes paled in comparison when Gary came out with two tickets to a concert, a plethora of gift certificates, and a giant unicorn that represented Suertland as its national animal. Nashi had blown out her cheeks in annoyance as she watched Gary win yet another prize he was positively excited about (two suite tickets to a hockey game), but in the end, she found herself relaxing and even smiling a little as people praised the Ice Devil of Fairy Tail on his win.

Stupid dog, she thought fondly. See that face? I wish you'd make that more instead of worrying about your other half.

"U-Um, excuse me?

Nashi blinked and turned to see—

Oh, sweet gods, this man is hot!

Indeed, he was. A bodybuilder in progress, the man could not be over maybe twenty-three. He wore cutoff shorts and combat boots, but a thin tank sweatshirt that read BEAST MODE. He looked worried as he looked down at Nashi. "Miss Dragneel, are you okay?"

Nashi remembered to breathe and slapped on a bright smile (and tried hard to keep her eyes from wandering). "Yes! Oh, yeah, yes, I'm fine, I'm okay, I, um…" She tried to lean more casually against her pole. "How can I help you?"

The man beamed as he took out his Compact. "Can I get a selfie with you? It's not every day I meet the Angel Princess herself of Fairy Tail! And, um"—his cheeks darkened—"definitely not a lady as beautiful as you."

Nashi was officially lovestruck. He's hot and cute! She laughed and nodded. "Um, sure! That's no problem!"

"Awesome!" The man came to stand next to her (Nashi silently noted their height gap) and requested, "Is it okay if I touch you? I don't want to assume anything—"

"Oh, no, please, touch me all you want!" Nashi laughed.

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP… BONG!

Her smile froze as she sweatdropped. Oh god… Oh please no… Why did I have to say that and like that?

A chuckle.

Her eyes shot up as the man snickered at her. "How about just an arm around you for now?" he proposed. "And if you're interested, then you can tell me later where exactly you want me to touch. Sound fair?"

Nashi could not help her little giggle as she tossed her hair to the side and toyed with her locks. "Yeah. Definitely sounds fair."

The man grinned and held out a hand. "I'm Dexter. It's nice to meet you, Miss Dragneel."

She shook his hand. "Believe me the pleasure is all mine," she promised. "Just call me 'Nashi', please, none of that 'miss' stuff."

Dexter held onto her hand and Nashi noted how his large one enveloped her small one. "Do you go by 'Angel' too?" he jested.

Nashi tittered. "Only by the right kind of people."

"Angel!"

Nashi grimaced. "And by the worst kind of people."

Gary came over with his new prizes like a kid on Christmas. "Angel, look! I got a really rare Poko snow globe Looney would like!" He shook it and beamed at her. "See? She's going to love this!" He held up a cute octopus plushie that wore a starfish as a little clip. "And I won this for Lady J! Isn't it cute?"

Nashi forced a smile and held tight to Dexter. "Um, great, but I'm kinda in the middle of something, so could you, like, maybe—?"

"No way!"

Nashi would have had whiplash at how fast Dexter was fawning over Gary. The up-and-coming bodybuilder had stars in his eyes as he gushed over Gary who seemed a little perplexed at the newfound attention.

"You're the Ice Devil!" Dexter crooned. "Dude, woah, never thought I'd meet you in the flesh! You're badass!"

Now Gary understood and smiled in welcome. "Well, thanks! I appreciate that!" He held out his hand. "But 'Gary' is fine, please. 'Ice Devil' is just my Mage Name."

"And when you're on the ice!" Dexter could not hold back his hoot. "You kill it on the rink, man! You're on my fantasy hockey team!"

Gary laughed. "Really? I'm not that great, I promise you."

"Are you kidding?" Dexter began to tick off his fingers. "You had fifty-two goals, seventy-one assists—you're a monster on the ice!" He held up his Compact. "Can I take a picture with you? I mean if you don't mind, that is."

Gary shrugged. "Sure. Hey, Angel, do you—?" He turned to see Nashi had disappeared from him. "Angel?"

An icy stab hit him, and Gary dropped his prizes to grab his head. The pain curled around him and he could feel ice pump into his veins and his normal cold freeze into something he could not withstand. A high whistle drowned out every noise and images doubled like he could see the image and the afterimage. Dexter might have been panickily calling for him or for help, but he was not sure. But everything began to hurt.

A snarl rumbled in the back of his mind and pushed through. Nemo mo… came haunting echo of a snarl. Lekashe mo… Bolaea shi…

Fear rooted Gary when he saw snowflakes ice along his skin. Stay out of this! he hissed. I can handle it!

The howls and the giggles climbed atop each other as the snarl grew louder and louder. Mutum ha a lekauri da bashlak. Me o ntlogu daga bi. Ba tla lekashe.

No! Gary argued. Let me—!

An unwanted hand touched his shoulder. "Dude, what's going on with you?"

Gary's eyes fluttered shut. The sounds, the double vision, the giggles and the howls—everything was becoming too much. He jerked away from the touch and stumbled away. He did not care how he bumped into people or the looks he received. Cerulean shot open to search the crowd desperately. Need to leave. Get out of here. Can't hurt anyone here.

He hissed and crashed into a pole. Glaring down, he saw patches of ice begin to smooth over his skin. He slapped his hand over the ice to cover it and stumbled away. "Need to leave," he panted. "Can't stay here."

As he bumbled into the onslaught of people in a frantic search of an exit, he did not notice Dexter watched him leave and a mask of indifference fell on his face. And he did not notice Dexter's eyes had been swallowed in black with red reminding as piercing irises.

---

"Okay, none of that was realistic."

"Oh, don't be like that, MJ! It's cool!"

"It's weird, you moron."

Mary Jane buying them dinner meant Igneel had no say in what she chose for the evening. She cracked down to get them good pizza, wings, and fries and even had done the decent thing to provide them with drinks. But she had not intended for him to prolong their dinner by subjecting her to watching questionable anime.

And no, she was not remotely interested in it, even if they had pinged through 10 episodes already.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dreyar Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

6:43 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane knocked back some of her drink as they watched Assassination Classroom. "This is stupid. Why am I even humoring you with this bullshit?"

"Because we're friends—"

"Do you want to piss me off?"

Igneel finished eating his crust and patted his stomach. "Ha… That was a good snack." He beamed. "So, what's for dinner, MJ?"

TICK!

Mary Jane restrained herself from murder considering the three empty pizza boxes and he had been responsible for two and three-quarters of them, not counting the fries and wings. This gluttonous moron… Does he think I'm made of money?

She tossed aside her crust and wiped her hands with a napkin to sniff, "That's all you're getting out of me."

Igneel looked comically horrified. "This is it? But I'm starving!"

TICK!

Mary Jane's violet spear came out and was millimeters from Igneel's heart as she glared at him. "You can't starve if you're dead."

"You're so funny, MJ!" But of course Igneel was all roses and sunshine with his carefree grin. "That's all right. I'll raid my fridge later." He stole the crust to dip and muttered before his first bite, "Since my mom isn't so stingy."

TICK!

Any more tick marks and Mary Jane would bite the bullet. This little…

Igneel dusted his hands free of crumbs over an empty pizza box. "I think you'll do fine with the essay now. You had a lot of good information, but your professor grades more on how concise you can get your point across in the least number of paragraphs. Less is more to them. But they're also pretty reasonable. If you set up an appointment with them, they usually grade your work a little easier."

Mary Jane side-eyed him. "How do you know all this stuff?"

"I told you. They're an adjunct professor at Saint Layla's."

"The academy your mom and your grandma opened up, right?"

"Yeah, that's the one."

Mary Jane hummed and thumbed her drink. "Never been there before."

"It's fine." Igneel laid his back on the edge of the bed. "It's a school specifically for Celestial Wizards anyway, and it's all the way out in Acalypha." Onyx gentled. "Ma bought back her old home with Granny's help and they flipped it into a school. Luke regularly goes out there to help and does TAing stuff." He laughed. "I'd just get in the way. No one wants an ADHD wild child around while they're studying."

Mary Jane frowned at him. "Well…"

Igneel might have looked calm, but Chibi-Igneel was wagging his tail, eager. I set it up for you to comfort me, MJ! Now's the time for me to hear those sweet, sweet words—!

"Their point of view makes sense. Good on them."

A mirror shattered in Igneel's mind as Mary Jane's deadpan. She's so mean! Recovering quickly, he pouted. "You're so cruel to your best friend, MJ. C'mon. Don't I deserve a little comfort? I'm hurt."

"I didn't know morons could feel hurt," Mary Jane dryly replied. "And I doubt your mom would ever chase you away from the school. She cares about you too much."

Igneel melted a bit remembering his mother's lovely doting. "Doesn't she though?" He could not help and started gloating, "I have the best mom in the world! She's just so awesome! I don't get how such a pervert like my pops would ever be in her league."

("Achoo!" Natsu rubbed under his nose, disturbed.)

Mary Jane sweatdropped as Igneel cooed about how wonderful his mother was. I don't know whether to be disturbed or impressed someone loves their mom this much. She sighed and capped her drink. "Yeah, well, I know exactly how my mom got someone like my dad."

• — • — • — • — •

"I threatened him, of course!"

Little Mary Jane was shadowed-eyed as her perky mother and dreary father recounted their love story.

Her mother said with that beautiful smile, "Your father kept dragging his feet and wouldn't take the hint, so I turned into my Demon Soul and threatened him. And he proposed to me the nxt day." She giggled and rubbed Mary Jane's father's arm. "It was so romantic, wasn't it, sweetie?

CRACK!

Her father's eye twitched (and Mary Jane had a sneaking suspicion his arm would be sore tomorrow). "Y-Yes, dear."

• — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane sweated. I heard stories from my uncles about how Daddy used to be a villain, but I'm not sure how much of that I believe.

"But don't you want what they have?"

Mary Jane gathered the trash. "Want what?"

"You know… A love story like that."

Mary Jane scoffed. "I'll opt-out of that. Look, I'm sure it worked for our parents and everything, but it's not something that'll work for me." Igneel offered her the last pizza box, and she stacked it with all the others before gathering the rest of the garbage. "And besides, who would even think of that stuff right now anyway?"

A few beats.

"I…think about it."

Mary Jane cocked an eyebrow at Igneel. "You do?"

Igneel nodded.

She observed him for a moment. "It'll be hard to find a wife considering your criminal track record."

Igneel could have fallen over. "H-Hey! I'm not a thief!" He wilted under Mary Jane's look. "Well, I'm not a thief anymore. That was when I was a kid, remember?" He puffed his chest. "I'm a changed man now."

She snorted. "Right. And unicorns fly."

Igneel pouted. "Well, I don't do it anymore. And I paid back everything I stole…eventually."

"You shouldn't be stealing in the first place, you moron," Mary Jane scolded him. "I swear, if you start stealing again, you're going to make me angry."

• — • — • — • — •

"You shouldn't steal!" A little mouth and a wagging finger beneath the moonlight. "If you steal again, you're going to make me mad, okay?"

• — • — • — • — •

Igneel opened his mouth only to close it.

"Great. I have to take this outside." Mary Jane scowled at all the trash. "You eat like a bottomless bit. This is the first and last time I ever treat you to a meal. And don't expect me to say any sort of thanks if I get good marks on my essay—"

"That's fine. I don't need it." Igneel collected his belongings.

Mary Jane blinked at the 180 on Igneel's attitude. What's up with him? She spoke, "So listen—"

"Actually, I need to go and get Luke from the library so we can go home together." With all his stuff, Igneel went to the window and opened it up, not once looking back at Mary Jane. "Sorry. Thanks for dinner. Hope your essay goes well. I'll see you at the guild tomorrow."

"Well, okay, but—" Mary Jane snapped when Igneel jumped out of the window. "Hey! Use the front door next time, you moron! Or don't come over at all!" Even as she seethed and went to stalk away, no answer came back. It made her stop at her doorway and glance back at the open window. What's his deal?

Perhaps if she had lingered, if she had nurtured her curiosity and looked over her windowsill, she would have seen Igneel clinging to the side of the house with Purple Flare sticking to his hands. He rested his head against the house and took a deep breath. I'm sorry. I'm still a thief. And he closed his eyes. I can't stop stealing these moments with you.

---

Sleeping felt nice to Luna; it really did. But when she could not sleep, she ended up lying down in her bed, curled into a ball and pretending the outside world did not exist. All the fun colors of her rooms traded for a grayish hue that fed into her mood.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dragneel Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

7:28 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

She looked at her curtained window, drained. Why couldn't I have powers? Why am I the only one who…? She sighed and closed her eyes. I wish I could wake up and this would be a dream. I'd be a real Wizard. But that's the dream. And this is real life.

She buried her head in her pillow with her Poko stuffy held taught in her arms. I hate everything.

Scratching came at the door.

She muttered, "Go away."

"See? Lulu told you to go away."

Brow furrowed, she recognized that hiss. Wait… She sat up on the bed.

Someone sniffed back, "I believe she was talking to you, your lovesick idiot."

Luna threw off the covers to get out of bed and cross her room. When she opened her door, it shocked her to see them. "What are you guys doing here?"

"You didn't think I'd let my best friend hole herself up in her room, did you?" He said this with a smile that looked so much like Juvia's, his blue eyes as expressive as hers too. To be honest, he got a lot from his mother, including his blue hair. "Come on, Lulu. You should know me better by now."

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Silver Fullbuster

Age: 14

Occupation: Mage, Year 9 Student

Magic: Water

Likes: Paige Strauss Dislikes: Spiders

Special Note: Like his mother, he is passionate when it comes to his emotions! Though perhaps a bit too passionate…⌟

"And I'm here for you since you're my best friend." Her scarlet hair always served in comparison to Erza's, make no mistake, but she had a single braid that ran down the side of her face, separate from the rest of her free locks. Deep brown eyes spoke of affection and sincerity, and, as always, her outfit made a statement. And today, she looked less like an adolescent figuring themselves out and more like a corporate executive. "And"—she held up a to-go bag—"I come bearing you favorite food."

⌜FAIRY TAIL GUILD

Name: Ena Fernandes

Age: 14

Occupation: Mage, Founder of The House of E

Magic: Requip (The Knight)

Likes: fashion Dislikes: idiots

Special Note: Ena looks a bit like her grandmother Irene, doesn't she? But looks aren't the only thing she inherited…⌟

TICK!

Tick mark on his temple, Silver strained his smile. "That's funny, Fernandes." He held up a bag. "Because I brought Lulu's favorite food. Since she's my best friend."

TICK!

A tick mark on her cheek, Ena sharpened her own beam. "How adorable of you to think she's your best friend when she's already mine. Then again, it must be hard for you to think since you only have one brain cell."

TICK!

Silver volleyed back, "It must be hard for you to be nice with that stick up your ass."

TICK!

Ena's eyebrow twitched. "Because I'm the bigger person, I won't stoop to your infantile levels of insults. You aren't even worth being on the bottom of my Chimmy Choos, you lovesick idiot."

A murderous aura thickened between the pair of them.

"You're such a spoiled brat," Silver hissed through his smile.

Ena bit back, "And you are such a lazy charlatan who wouldn't know the difference between cashmere and camel wool."

The lightning of rivalry crackled between them.

CLAP!

"C'mon, guys, no fighting!" Luna pouted as a bright and shiny aura glowed about her. "Please?" Her eyes shimmered. "For me?"

LUB-DUB!

It looked like both Ena and Silver were dying as they were blinded by Luna's light. She's so cute!

Luna turned away, sweating (and ignored her dying-by-cuteness friends). Well, maybe I do have some Magic in me after all…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Pigging out and watching Magia movies with good friends felt like the best way to cheer yourself up. The food had been demolished with only litter and crumbs left over, and now the trio settled in Luna's room, stretched out on her bed. Luna took the middle and curled into Silver's hold, but Ena and she held hands as they watched Magia's Maleficent on Luna's PAL.

Silver complained when Maleficent's kiss to Aurora awoke Sleeping Beauty. "I can't believe they shafted Prince Phillip." He dreamily sighed. "Their true love's kiss was so romantic. I want to do that to my Beloved Paige someday."

"If by 'romantic', you mean 'creepy' and 'without substance'," Ena muttered. "This version is better. Maleficent truly does love Aurora. In the original, it was so disgusting. How dare someone she has never met and has no attachment to kiss her like that? Honestly, it sends such a bad message to perverts."

Silver bristled when Ena leered at him. "It's not disgusting," he argued. "It's romantic! You're just jealous you'll never get a true love's kiss."

"Oh, please, like I'd ever want that." She snickered behind a hand. "But I know Paige will never give her stalker a true love's kiss. She just thinks you're creepy."

Lightning struck Silver. 'Creepy'?

While he spiraled around the world, Luna looked over and asked, "E, how was work?"

"Fine. Long." Ena stretched her toes. Now that she was out of her stockings and shirt, she was a bit grateful for her silk pajamas. "Designs for the spring-summer line for next year's line came back with samples and the new tech pack." She thumbed Luna's hand. "You know, I enjoy being a Fairy Tail Mage, but I love being a designer too." She sniffed, "I'm sure Fullbuster would break his brain trying to multitask."

TICK!

Silver glared as Ena smirked, satisfied. That spoiled brat! He opened his mouth to retort, "You—!"

"Hey!" Luna sat up with a stern look and closed the PAL. "If you start fighting, I'm sleeping alone."

PIKA-PIKA!

Lighting struck Silver and Ena. Not that!

Luna sighed when she could see both her friends spiraling. After reaching over Ena to put her PAL on her nightstand, she laid back down between them. Hesitantly, she questioned, "Are you guys…doing anything this week?"

"Well, I have to meet with some vendors," Ena remembered, mentally going over her schedule. "And then Mother has me going on a special assignment."

"Dryland." Silver grimaced. "Swim team practice. And then my mom and I are heading out on a job." His lips twisted into a frown. "I thought Julia would come, but she said she had plans. She keeps bailing on all our jobs."

"Oh. I see."

Silver and Ena looked down to catch Luna's forlorn expression.

Ena curled to Luna. "But we'll hang out when we get back."

"Yeah," Silver agreed. "And we'll still text and call."

Luna sighed. "I know."

For once, when Silver and Ena shared a look, no resentment sparked between them, just worry.

"You know," Silver murmured, "maybe we could ask your parents if we all could—"

"Don't bother," Luna muttered. "They'll just say, 'no'. I know they do it because they think I'm useless."

"That's not true," Ena hushed her. "You know that's not true."

Luna squeezed her eyes shut. "I know, but it feels like it," she choked out. "When we all joined Fairy Tail, we promised we'd be a team, remember? And we'd be just like our parents and we'd go on missions and save the world, but I—" Her voice hitched. "I can't…do that."

"Well…" Silver brushed Luna's side. "I mean… None of us are like our parents." He looked at the ceiling. "I'm pretty pathetic when you compare me to my family. Gary turned S-Class when he was fourteen. My mom and dad are superstars. Lady J's incredible, and I'm just…me."

Ena's gaze flicked down and she softly said, "I don't even know if I'm like my father. My mother tells me I am all the time, but… I don't think I am."

Luna squeezed Ena's hand. "I think you're both perfect."

"And you're perfect to us too," Silver told her, "with or without Magic, yeah?" He kissed her forehead. "I wish you could see that."

Luna blinked when her eyes felt hot. "I told my mama I hated her." A thickness cupped her words. "But I didn't mean it." She tried not to let the tears fall, but a few slipped past her defenses. "I just hate being left behind."

"We're not going to leave you behind," Ena soothed.

Luna sniffled. "Promise?"

"Yeah, promise," Silver vowed.

"Promise," Ena echoed. She nosed Luna's shoulder. "Don't worry. We're all in this together."

Luna glanced out her window. The curtains had been pulled back and she had a clear vision of the starry sky. Maybe it was her wishful thinking that she saw a star streak through, tumbling through the cosmos. Yeah. She closed her eyes. Let's all stay like this together.

---

Nashi sighed when she was declared the winner at a virtual "Running with the Bulls" simulation set up with state-of-the-art Lacrima technology. She took off her goggles and thanked the assistant kindly who let her out of the pully contraption meant to keep her in place while she ran wildly and leaped over the virtual hurdles. When she was let down, she gathered back her shoes and her bag and went back to slumming it through the festival.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Fairgrounds

Hargeon Port

Fiore, Ishgar

8:11 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

I shouldn't have run off like that, Nashi muttered, but it was just so…embarrassing. Finally, a fan comes up to me first—me first—without prompting or visiting a hospital or anything, but the second they see anyone else, I'm just invisible.

She stood in line to get ice cream. And his whole high-and-mighty act, trying to give me advice. What does he know anyway? He turned S-Class when he was younger than me. He basically reinvented Molding Magic. He never felt invisible. But he did feel afraid…

Nashi openly groaned into her hands. Gods, could I be any more pathetic? He needs me now more than ever and I just stomp off like I'm some rich kid who got a silver spoon instead of a gold spoon.

Hickories glinted. I really am the worst person ever.

But her sulking sharply stopped when a chill went down her spine. What was—?

BOOM!

Car alarms went off.

The screams picked up in a roar.

Nashi's eyes reflected the mushroom of smoke and pillar of fire from a distance. No.

She did not care about the shouting and sobbing, but she did care she had to bulldoze up a stream of sprinting pedestrians, everyone trying to flee as fast as possible. The aftershocks shivered through the earth with rapid gunfire and another explosion bombing the ground. She shouted, "Stay with your loved ones! Keep your head down!"

Her eyes strayed ahead to look at the smoke and fire. Why now? What's going on? Are Dark Guilds attacking us? But that gunfire—Dark Guilds would never do that. So who? She gritted her teeth. I don't have time to think about it. Cael?

A pink, winged symbol glowed on her chest in response.

All right. Nashi could feel the light and hope of her powers cling to her body. Her muscles coiled before she leaped into the air and chanted: "Divine Soul!"

A flurry of pink consumed her body as she launched into the air and sailed over the Heritage Day Festival to get to the roof of the nearest building. The moment the tips of her toes touched the roof, she was back into her Divine Soul Armor and she could not stop for a second as she launched herself again.

Fire and Rescue should be here, but I'll call them just in case. She floated down to another building before springing forward again. If there are any victims, I'll make sure they get to the nearest Crocus Clinic and see if they'll let me heal them. She floated down and launched again, nearing the explosion sight. Cael, I know we haven't spoken in fourteen years, but please. Give me your strength.

The gemstone of The Mother winked.

Nashi found the explosion, but it was worse than she had thought when she saw a grocery store had been the victim and outrageous fire had been shoved into its mouth, burning it from the inside out. Oh, no. As she floated down, she caught sight of the ashen and coughing victims bent over outside.

Feet on the ground, she got straight to work tending to the people. "Is anyone severely injured?" she called, scanning all the people. "Is anyone hurt?" She went to one coughing woman and helped her sit up, "Ma'am, are you okay? How long were you in there?'

The woman shook her head, still coughing. "I'm fine," she croaked. "W-We…" She coughed again. "We all go out. H-He saved us—" She broke into a cough again before gasping, "He's still inside."

"What?" Nashi looked at the roaring flames, tense. Someone is still inside that? She got up. I can't just sit by until Fire and Rescue get here.

Her hand shot out and she chanted, "Holy Bubble!" A shield domed around her with a translucent rainbow across it.

Bucking up, Nashi wove around the victims and did not hesitate to mash down more glass from the doors to get inside the flames. Her Holy Bubble resisted the snarling fire and toxic smoke, but that did not mean she wanted to linger. All around her, she saw how much destruction fire could cause, from setting aflame harmless fruits and vegetables to melting plastic and shredding paper. The ceiling could not handle it with tiles dramatically dropping to the ground.

"Is anyone in here?" Nashi shouted. But with the flames roaring and the ceiling following, she could not wait around. This building is going to give. Pink filled her eyes in an angelic glow. I can't waste time.

The world darkened once more, ignoring the red-orange flames and the disaster ransacking the grocery store. Black took hold of her vision and cast her into her Soul Sight.

That was when she found a blue soul in the darkness, swamped in shadows and with some light blue latched onto it.

She recognized that soul and her stomach dropped. Shit. No!

Nashi snapped out her Soul Sight once more and did not care what she had to destroy. Hysteria and panic claimed her as she fought against flames and falling ceiling tiles to get to the one aisle she needed to be. Her heart damn near leaped out of her chest seeing a crumpled form on the ground. No, no, no…

She pushed past her own agony to go to him. His body rising and falling meant he was breathing, but with fire all around them, she could not relax. She turned him onto his back and gathered him into her arms to catch dry ice tears raining down Gary's face. "Gary?" She tried to keep the tremor from her voice. "Can you stand? W-We need to get out of here. The grocery store will collapse—"

"NO!"

To her shock, Gary shoved away from her, backing up, blues wild. "No, no, no!" He wheezed, shaking. "Get away from me! I did this! I did this!" His fingers tangled into his hair. "Just leave me here to die, please! Please, just go!"

Nashi's bottom lip trembled. "I can't do that—"

"Leave me alone!" Gary did not care about the fire that threatened to burn them both. He rocked in place with his eyes too forgone and nothing more than fear at his side. "I'm the Devil. This is my fault. I should've stayed in my Room," he hurriedly whispered like a man possessed. "I should die. I'm the Devil. Let me die here."

Nashi looked up when she saw the ceiling trembling, threatening to give. "Gary." She looked back at him and held out her hand. "Gary, please. Please come with me."

"This isn't real. You're not real. This is another test. I'm the Devil." Gary could not stop violently shaking. "I'm the Devil."

Nashi closed her eyes as pain set in all over. She got to her feet and paced until she stood before him. Her gloved hand aimed for his head with its jewel churning with power. For a moment, she hedged and tried to get rid of her grief as he whispered to himself, his mind a thousand leagues. But, she steadied her hand and gathered her power into her palm gemstone. All she could offer was a whispered, "I'm sorry."

And the bullet was a clean shot.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Natsu ga hajimatta

Aizu ga shita

"kizutsuki tsukareru" kedo mo iin da

Tsugi no koi no yukue wa doko da

Eiga janai

Shuyaku wa dare da

Eiga janai

Bokura no ban da

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

PLINK-PLINK!

Sleep had come to Luna, Silver, and Ena like a bullet train. Lucy had shuffled in to collect their trash and shooed out the hunting dogs from wanting to climb into bed. Her bed was full enough. Ena's motorboat snoring filled up the entire room with an eye mask that read GIRLBOSS keeping her rejuvenated. Silver slept opposite of her, quiet as a mouse and so still that if you had not grown up with him, you would have panicked that he had died in his slumber. And Luna stayed between them, drooling a bit onto Silver's shirt and, no, she was not aware Ena's wildly sleeping meant one of her hands was on her breast.

PLINK-PLINK!

Luna's nose twitched.

PLINK-PLINK!

Her face pinched as she stirred.

PLINK-PLINK!

Her eyes did not want to open, but with some force, she was sleepily half-lidded.

PLINK-PLINK!

Still half-asleep, she dislodged herself from Silver's hold and Ena's spooning to sit up. Rubbing her eyes, she heard those plinks again. What's that?

With care, she left the bed to go to her bench tucked into her windowsill. She unlatched her window and shoved it open, yawning—

A smile. "Did you miss me?

Luna paused. That voice… She looked down at the culprit throwing pebbles at her window and sunk into her windowsill with a dopey smile. "You're back. Welcome home."

"You still didn't answer the question, Blondie. And—spoiler alert—I missed you."

She hummed her mirth, smiling wider like she was drunk. "I missed you too…"

The young man below her window had his features covered with the clouds curtaining the moon's eyes. It was apparent black was his color, however. And his smile carried a set of sharp fangs.

"…Gale."

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Leo/Loke – Eric Vale

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Capricorn – Michael Johnson

Virgo – Terri Doty

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh

Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Lindbeck

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Sensei – J. Michael Tatum

Ena Fullbuster – Xanthe Huynh

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Recap Narrator – Melissa Fahn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

— • — • — • —

⌜ENDING THEME

⟪ Ao To Natsu! ⟫

Mrs. Green Apple

Lyrics by & Composed by

Motoki Ohmori⌟

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Next time, on Fairy Adventure

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Episode 002

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FOG

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TO BE CONTINUED…