The sun rose in Magnolia earlier that day, which is usually a good sign that summer was around the corner. Freed barely had slept, his mind buzzing with anticipation of sharing his latest choice. Freed knew that it would take a toll on the guild, him leaving temporarily to train for years, with an unclear benchmark of when he would return.

Laxus he knew would take it the hardest, best case scenario is Laxus decides to follow Freed in his pursuit of knowledge and strength. But something in his head told him he wasn't going to do that. Bickslow and Evergreen however... he was sure Bickslow would come, anywhere Freed went so did Bickslow. They are best friends, always have been, Bickslow would also just miss his cooking too much. Evergreen has a boyfriend she would hate to leave for years on end, which Freed understood, love is love and sometimes you lead with your heart.

Freed decided for once to be selfish and listen to his mind. Not only was visiting the floating empire a long term dream but training and learning more rune spells practically sealed the deal. He was still unsure on how to feel about Cia, and on top of that the whole Zephyr entering and manipulating his dreams didn't help stop suspicions either.

He had a week to prepare. Freed slid on his signature red coat and tied his hair up, he softly tied a blanket around his chest to make a baby carrier of sorts for the sleeping angel known as Margaret. She really was the best daughter he could have asked for, soft, quiet, gentle for the most part. Freed slipped out of his bed room and crept down the stairs, it was about 7 AM, Laxus slept until about 10 usually so he made the effort today to sneak out and happily trot to the guild hall.

Freed swung open the guild hall doors, it was surprisingly empty for a Tuesday morning, of course Mirajane was at the bar with Lisanna chatting away and Cana was still out cold on one of the couches from the previous night of her drinking. Gajeel and Levy stood by the job board bickering about what job to take and Fuyuko was sat at a table playing a game of solitare by herself.

"Hey Freed!" Mirajane waved him over, "How's parenting going?".

Freed walked over smiling at her, Mirajane was like the guild mother, everybody loved her, "Its going well, Margaret is the most quiet respectful baby I've ever seen."

Lisanna booped Margaret's nose and she stirred slightly, Mirajane and Lisanna giggled at her reaction.

"Y'know Freed, I think Margaret has and will continue to mature you guys, I've definitely seen change from you and Laxus. Bickslow however..." Mirajane sighed.

"He, Elfman, Gray, Cana and Samael ran the tap almost dry" Lisanna rubbed her forehead.

Freed chuckled, briefly looking over his shoulder to check his surroundings, nothing had changed, "Mira I thought I should tell you I'm planning on going away for training."

Mirajane and Lisanna raised their eyebrows, "Oh? For how long?" Mira asked drying a glass.

"Could be years, I'm not sure."

"Have you told the rest of the thunder legion? And master?" Lisanna asked.

"No. It was a recent development actually, I want to strengthen my skill with runes and writing them, the faster one can write the more helpful you can be." Freed stated.

Lisanna wrapped her arms around Freed, "Well I think you're helpful, training or not."

Freed smiled, Lisanna was always so sincere and kind, same with her sister, they were all incredibly kind people.