Fairy x 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!

12. Adventure 012

Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's "Fairy Tail", but all original plots and characters are mine.

---

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

---

Previously, on Fairy Adventure, Fairy Tail members were fighting each other…for the Battle of Fairy Tail, of course! Sister versus sister, husband versus wife, Galileo versus Mystogan, Nashi versus Gary, Igneel versus Cane—looks like all sorts of battles are happening! Who knew Mystogan and Galileo had such a history together? But, then again, the Iron Man and Heaven's Gate of Fairy Tail are filled with surprises. Speaking of surprises, sure was a shock seeing Gary question Nashi's resolve. But, don't worry. Looks like Nashi's resolve made her fight harder, even if Gary can't fight her back. Come on, Nashi, you should totally believe that confession! Meanwhile, Igneel meets "Gambit"—or should I say Cane? Not even Cane can stop Igneel with his dragon or guards or even his women—wait, Mary Jane?! But even Igneel sees right through it and is ready to take on Cane. Too bad Cane has a trick up his sleeve: Crash Magic. The fight got real, but with Cane still learning Crash Magic, Igneel was able to get the final victory!

"I wonder who my next opponent will be…"

Good job, Igneel! I wonder too! Huh. Between Mystogan and Galileo, who knows who could win?

---

The guild itself had become half an infirmary and half the same guild hall. All hands were on deck as those who stayed behind to spectate helped heal those whom had returned from a battle with their guild-mate. Mira looked up at the screen as she tended to Galileo's wounds. Her blue eyes were alit with wonder as she saw Igneel was a winner alongside her daughter.

"Oh goodness. It seems the Battle of Fairy Tail is going along wonderfully this year," Mira commented.

Galileo grumbled from his bandages. "Yeah. Just perfect, Auntie MJ."

Julia paused in her walk to get more bandages and shot him a look. "Don't be so grumpy that Mystogan beat you. It's not very manly of you," she teased.

Galileo scowled at her, but to her and Mira, he looked like a child pouting. "I am manly!" he insisted, ignoring the pain on his jaw. "I'm Galileo Redfox, Iron Man of Fairy Tail! Iron Man!"

"How about Iron Sore Loser or Iron Child?" Julia muttered as she walked away.

Galileo tried to stand up, but his wounds restricted him from doing so. "I am a man!" he whined. He looked at Mira with big, hazel eyes. "I'm a man, right, Aunt Mira?"

Mira tittered. "Of course you are, Galileo," she soothed. "If you were any manlier, you would be Elfman."

Galileo seemed elated about that and allowed Mira to fix his bandages. "But, still, what a bummer I couldn't beat Misty. Thought I had him down, but the dude totally pulled a hat trick on me."

Mira raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What was it? I don't think we ever saw how he defeated you. Your screen turned black."

Galileo sighed as he rested his chin on a hand and his elbow on his thigh. "Trust me, Auntie MJ, it was something not even I could fight," he warned her.

"That powerful, hmm?" Mira guessed.

Galileo nodded. "Oh, yeah. Definitely powerful."

°•°•°•°

The fight between Mystogan and Galileo had them both on the ground and panting. Scratches and marks covered their body and there were a few rips in their clothing, but nothing that a little Magic could not cure. The street had been destroyed in their battle and they both knew the master would give them an earful about their destruction and have them pay for the damages. But, neither cared. They both were too winded to do much of anything.

"This," Galileo panted, "must be how Angel-face feels after we're done."

"Eloquent as ever, I see," Mystogan mocked, breathing heavily.

"Baby, you know it. My tongue is good for only two things. Talking and—"

"I don't need to hear it," Mystogan muttered.

They stayed like that. They stayed down. Neither one wanted to move as they felt their Magic replenish.

"I think this battle is at a stalemate," Mystogan announced in a breath.

"Yeah," Galileo agreed. "Any more and we're going to start breaking Uncle Freed's ruins and we know how pissed he'll get over that."

"Indeed," Mystogan hummed. "So, any suggestion how we choose a winner?"

"Rock, paper, scissors," Galileo joked. "But, since you brought it up, I'm assuming you already know how we decide who gets to live to see another fight."

"I do. And it is quite simple too." Mystogan reached into his pockets and pulled out something. "How about this?"

Galileo lifted his head.

Then, his eyes widened.

In a quick moment, Galileo was at Mystogan's side, his exhaustion forgotten as he stared at the ticket in wonder. "Dude – no – freaking – way," he breathed. "Is that…?"

"A ticket to the winter fashion show with the Aphrodite Angels?" Mystogan finished for him. "Why, yes. Yes, it is."

"How did you even get a hold of one?" Galileo gasped. "They're all sold out!"

"It certainly cost me," Mystogan told him.

I had to beg Aine weeks ago to let me have her ticket. I'm betting she still thinks I'm a pervert. I had that feeling a fight with Galileo would come to this. This is my last trump carp.

"So…" Mystogan got to his knees and turned so he faced Galileo. He offered the ticket enticingly with a smug smirk on his lips. "You want it?"

Galileo salivated. "The babes," he whispered. He could vividly imagine them all. "Perench chicks, Sinnish chicks, chicks with accents—thick chicks…" He slowly reached for the ticket, then snatched it. He raised it into the sky as though he were raising his own child. "Oh, dude, you don't know how much you're my god right now," he said.

Mystogan adjusted his glasses. "No, I most likely don't," he agreed. "So, do we have a deal?"

"Oh, you got it," Galileo agreed wholeheartedly. "Just don't tell anyone I did this, okay? Especially my old man. He'll make fun of me for days."

A sly smile wove its way onto Mystogan's face. "Rest assured, Iron Man"—his glasses glinted—"your secret is safe with me."

°•°•°•°

"Galileo? Galileo, are you okay?"

Galileo snapped out of his thoughts to give a worried Mira a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Auntie MJ. Just going over my battle with Misty. It was hella intense."

Mira nodded as she stood up. "Well, you should be all-set. I'll come to check on your soon, okay?"

"Thanks, Auntie MJ!" Galileo called. As soon as Mira had walked far enough away, he reached into his pocket and took out his ticket. In alluring cursive was APHRODITE'S SECRET with the "O" being traded with a heart. The seating was as close to the runway he could get.

Misty…

Galileo's eyes comically watered.

…you are truly a bro.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Maji desu ka SUKA!

•

Donna toki demo POJITIBU de

meccha KIRAKIRA hanasakasou

•

Kitto itsuka wa FAMIRII wo

Shoukai sasete ne

Urusakutte mo yurushite

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Elvin wandered through the streets with no clear purpose. There was no one he truly wanted to fight. He sighed as he kept his poised pace. "Why did I even do this? I didn't even want to join this year, but Ellie was so insistent." He adopted a look of refinement with his typical dress of a butler that was down to a tee. He wore the black trousers, a six-button, single-breasted tailcoat with a lavender handkerchief already tucked away neatly. He wore a grey vest underneath with a white button-down and a black tie, clipped and sleek. Even his shoes were polished. His rimless glasses and neatly-combed brunette hair completed his ensemble, but as did the amount of calm in his blue eyes, Strauss-inherited from his father, Elfman.

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Elvin Strauss

Age: 15

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Stone Eyes

Likes: order Dislikes: fried foods

Special Note: Elvin may be a humble gentleman, but even he can pull out tricks no ordinary man can do! ⌟

"Come on, Elvie, be a true woman and join in on the fun!" came Ellie's pleading. "How about this? If you do it this year, I promise I'll hide you when Eloise wants to play princess again."

"How could I let her convince me like that?" Elvin groaned, rubbing his temples. "I should've said, 'no'. Now, I'm stuck in this event for entertainment."

"Now, now, dear cousin, don't think like that."

Elvin stopped and stared.

There was Mary Jane. She leaned on a pole with her headphones intact, but her blue eyes latched onto his own.

"Mary Jane." Elvin allowed her name to roll off his lips with discontentment. "So, I face you next."

"So it would seem," Mary Jane spoke with no emotion in her voice. She sounded like Penelope.

"Well then"—Elvin adjusted his glasses and a hard look came over his face—"let's get started, shall we, Dark Empress?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 012

The Dark Empress Vs the Stone Gentleman

いとこ対兄弟！紳士と皇后両陛下が舞台に立つ！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"I don't understand that name," Mary Jane admitted. "I never even chose it for myself."

"You didn't have to," Elvin told her. "Your Darkness Mage combined with the lack of heart people see in you forged your name."

Mary Jane raised an eyebrow. "And the 'Stone Gentleman' is any better?" she questioned with heavy sarcasm.

Elvin shrugged. "I never said it was better."

Mary Jane hmphed and pushed herself off the lamppost. "Are you actually going to fight me, cousin, or just talk?"

Elvin sighed as he put a hand on his glasses. "Always impatient, aren't we?" He lifted off his glasses, closing his eyes. He opened a hand and a glasses case was summoned forth. He opened it and put in his glasses. "But, that's just how you are, isn't it, Mary Jane? Impatient, domineering, rude…." He closed his hand and his glasses and case disappeared. "Am I forgetting anything?"

"Don't forget brutally honest and bitchy," Mary Jane added. She put a hand on her temple. "Contegro," she muttered. Violet Magic wound around her eyes before shattering off. In its place were rimless sunglasses. They were tinted violet, but her eyes were still seen through them.

Elvin smiled. "So, you don't want me to turn you into stone even though your heart is already there? Interesting."

"I have no intention of it, Medusa," Mary Jane sneered. "I'm not here to fight you with that farce of Magic you claim is your natural one. I'm here to fight you for real."

"Okay. Fine. Let's right for real"—Elvin opened his eyes. Swirls of light blue replaced his pupils, lighting up his eyes—"cousin."

Mary Jane's eyes glowed violet as she allowed an aura of her Magic to surround her. "Let's even the playing ground then." She brought her hands above her. "Ziehen Nox!"

Violet sprung from her hands. It expanded in the air like a blanket and Elvin watched as darkness fell upon him, covering the two of them in a dome. No longer was Magnolia bright and sunny. It was as though the night had abruptly come. The moon did not come with the night, allowing only the sky to darken and cast its shadow onto the street.

Elvin nodded, impressed. "Casting a Darkness Field so you're at the advantage. Good job."

"I didn't do it for your praise," Mary Jane grunted. She brought her hands in front of her with her palms facing Elvin. "Dark Scatenato!" Violet blasted out of her palms and came a monster that roared its suffering. It was made entirely out of Magic with a gaseous body of violet and eyes glowing scarlet. It opened its mouth to reveal several fangs. It crawled towards Elvin at a rapid pace, charging at him for a taste.

Elvin smirked. "Come on, Mary Jane, you know better than this." His eyes glowed.

Stone grew on the monster and it was eventually slowed down and frozen.

A foot burst through the stone of the monster and Elvin was quick to leap back from it, landing a good distance away.

Mary Jane crashed to the ground with her body ablaze in her Magic. "Don't worry. I know," she assured. She raised a hand. "Éclatant!" she chanted, snapping her fingers.

Elvin was quick to hop out of the way of an explosion.

Mary Jane narrowed her eyes. "Éclatant! Éclatant! Eclatant!" she chanted, snapping her fingers at each incantation.

Elvin weaved left and bobbed right as he tried to get out of the way of the explosions, but the last one came too close and had him blown forward. He tumbled, rolling on the street, but tried to regain his footing as quickly as possible. He put a fist on the ground.

"Igneous rock," he reported. "Perfect." His Magic Circle bloomed a lavender color. Five symbols surrounded one symbol, each representing a type of animal. The snake, the mantis, the twin koi fish, the crane, and the lion each had symbols. The center of Elvin's Magic Circle looked like it was a sun with rays reaching out to each symbol. But, in the center of the sun, was a block paw print.

"Stone-Make," Elvin casted, "Goblins!"

The stone of the street rose up to create ghastly goblins with hollow eyes glowing the same color of Elvin's Magic Circle. They snarled and charged for Mary Jane.

Mary Jane raised her hands in the air. "Summanus Pizzicato!" she chanted. Bolts of violet lightning struck from her palms and at the stone-made goblins, disintegrating them into dust. She, then, casted bolts at Elvin.

Elvin's eyes glowed. "Stone-Make: Dome!" The stone rose up in a protective bubble around their master.

Mary Jane walked closer, casting more bolts from her palms. "Can't hide forever," she taunted.

The dome of stone shook with each bolt, weakening. Elvin's thoughts were racing.

Purple lightning, Summanus' nocturnal bolt. Inherited from Uncle Laxus no less. Impressive.

Elvin burst from his stone dome and stomped a foot. "Stone Wave!" he chanted. The street rippled as large waves were formed like they were unruly tides of the ocean.

Mary Jane did what she could do keep her balance on each wave, jumping from one to the next.

Elvin raised his closed fists out to Mary Jane. "Marble Fists!" Marble busts of his fists burst from his knuckles and straight to Mary Jane.

Mary Jane gritted her teeth. She avoided one fist, but punched through the other. "Give me a challenge, would you? I'm bored already." She clapped her hands together. "Dark…"—she slowly pulled her hands apart to reveal a ball of violet that glitched with static—"Cuivré!" The ball threw itself at Elvin with a high-pitched squeal, sailing in the air.

Elvin smirked. "A 'challenge', huh, dear cousin? Allow me to grant your wish." He drew a fist and punched the ground. "Stone-Make: Rock Medusa!" he chanted. From his fist, the stone rose up in the form of a serpent. Its head, however, was the was not the head of a snake, but the head of a woman with glowing lavender eyes. Her hair consisted over multiple, stone snakes, all hissing in irritation and need for prey.

The rock Medusa let out a hiss of her own, showing off her forked tongue, before she slithered for Mary Jane's attack with hunger in her eyes.

And when rock Medusa and violet sphere met, the street was immersed in an explosion.

---

"Freedom Arrow!"

Nashi fired her arrow at Ellie who used her glowing wings to fly away. She kept firing arrows as Ellie avoided them all.

Ellie smirked. "Come on, Nashi, and be a true woman!" she taunted. Her light brown hair was up in its large bun atop her head with locks of white framing her face and her sunglasses resting on her head. But with her one dark brown eye and one blue eye, representing mother Evergreen and father Elfman respectively, she was a unique beauty. As she flew into the air, her wings were a shining light green with a mixture of gold in them. She wore a tan shorts and a crop hoodie with the word FLAWLESS on it. But it was her shoes that were interesting. She wore a pair of light green sneakers, her left side had a thigh-high sock while her right side did not.

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Eliana "Ellie" Strauss

Age: 17

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Fairy

Likes: womanliness Dislikes: anything unwomanly

Special Note: Hell hath no fury for a true woman scorned! ⌟

Nashi smirked at her as she allowed her bow to disappear. "You asked for it," she warned. "God's Hammer!" The rather large hammer appeared in Nashi's hands. She bent her knees before pushing off the ground and launching herself at Ellie.

Ellie aimed her hands towards Nashi. "Valerian Spore!" From her hand, a pink mist was casted over the street.

Nashi leapt back and held up two fingers. "Holy Shield!" she chanted. Her translucent shield bubbled around her just before the mist hit her. She grinned before changing her tactic. She set down her hammer before approaching her shield and putting her hands on it. "Holy Beam!" she chanted. Beams of the rainbow shot at Ellie.

Ellie curled in on herself as vines wove around her to create a protective sphere. She gritted her teeth as she was forced back in the air and her vines were being blown away at each beam.

I can't keep my vines for much longer.

Soon, Ellie had enough of being attacked and burst from her sphere of vines. She curled into a ball as green and gold particles sparkled around her, collecting and multiplying. She burst out and launched herself for Nashi. "Golem!" she chanted. She crashed into the Holy Shield, but the Holy Shield only reinforced itself against her feet and grew stronger.

Nashi smirked and went to get her hammer. "Sorry, Ellie." She launched herself out of the Holy Shield and hit Ellie with her hammer.

Ellie let out a squawk as she was batted to the ground, but she caught herself at the last possible second, hovering just an inch over the ground. She grinned as she looked up at Nashi. "Now, you're becoming a true woman," she remarked.

Nashi swung her hammer to her other shoulder and let it rest there with ease, cocking an eyebrow. "You were always one to know how to compliment a lady," she teased. She took her hammer and raised it in the air. "But, flattery gets you nowhere." She swung her hammer down and pounded onto the earth. "Earth Wave!" she chanted as a ripple was born from the hammer and the stone created waves.

Ellie moved out of harm's way with her own counterattack at the ready as vines grew from her hand. She lashed them out at Nashi and took the hammer from her, raising it in the air. She threw out another hand. "Ronds de Sorciers!" she chanted.

A ring of mushrooms circled Nashi. She looked around at the mushrooms in confusion. "Really? You tried to trap me with mushrooms?" She shook her head as she walked to the edge of the circle. "Come on, Ellie. You have to step up your g—Woah!" She bounced back when she tried escaping. Nashi approached the edge of the circle and pressed a hand into the air only for the air to stop it. "What is this?" she murmured.

Ellie grinned. "Just a little trick my mom taught me like a true woman," she revealed. She put out a hand. "Activate: Fairy Ring!" she chanted.

The mushroom lit up in in glowing emerald and gold. Nashi backed up and looked down to see a Magic Circle bloom underneath her. It was emerald with gold outlining it and nine symbols swirled around the Magic Symbol with the tenth in the center that connected all nine together.

Ellie closed her eyes as she concentrated. "The races of Álfheimr are broken into nine groups, divided into the Summer and Winter Courts rulled by King Oberon and Queen Titania. The Cat Sìth, the Gnome, the Imp, the Leprechaun, the Pooka, the Salamander, the Spriggan, the Sylph, and the Undine work as one to protect Álfheimr and live as one," she chanted in slow song. "I activate this Fairy Ring now to call upon my King and Queen and have them grant me my wish."

Nashi watched as Magic washed over Ellie and transformed her. Her ears—once human—elongated themselves until they were pointed. Her hair—once in a bun with brunette and white—flowed free in the wind with two braid intertwining in her hair and meeting in the middle. But, not only that—her hair had changed. It had become a silky white color like her father's hair. Her clothes had disappeared. In its place was an off-the-shoulder dress with pagoda sleeves—the type of funnel-shaped sleeves that were extremely big and loose—with flowers decorating the top. Variants of green and gold and solid white rippled through the dress with flowers woven in intricately. The dress may have stopped at her knees, but the lack flowed endlessly. Her wings—once just emerald and gold Magic—were golden and fluttered, leaving fairy dust in their wake.

Nashi's eyes widened.

She… She looks like…a fairy…

Ellie opened her eyes to reveal they had both remained the same. She let go of Nashi's hammer, ignoring when it shattered into Magic, and allowed her hands to draw back as though she had a bow and arrow. "Arrow of Elphyne!" she chanted. She drew back her hand even more and a bow and arrow appeared. The bow was large, made of green with trimmings of golden vines and plants weaving on it. The arrow was made strictly of emerald and gold Magic mixed together harmoniously. She narrowed her eyes. "Fire!"

And she let the arrow sail.

Both girls watched as the arrow sailed to the center of the Fairy Ring.

It hit.

The Magic Circle glowed.

Nashi looked down to see the Magic Circle about to explode on her. She looked back up at Ellie—

—and gave a small smirk.

And the Magic Circle exploded in a ferocity of emerald and gold.

Ellie waited for the blast to be over. She waited as energy surrounded Nashi and blinding her from seeing her best friend. She waited for—

A silhouette was seen in the blast.

Ellie furrowed her eyebrows.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—

—the Fairy Ring exploded.

Ellie did not need to shield herself from the smoke from the explosion. She just waited until the dust and smoke were clear.

A broadening smirk. "Nice try, Ellie. But, you forget something."

And Nashi stepped out of the smoke.

No longer was she in her Divine Soul armor. She donned her Divine Soul: Seraphim armor with her six wings ablaze with flames and her pink Magic pulsing around her. She tilted her head up to look at Ellie. "Angels trump fairies," she reminded. "Urim, Thurimm, to me!" She raised her hands and her swords appeared instantly at her command. She wielded them with relative ease before pushing herself off the ground. She matched Ellie's altitude with ease. "You bitch, I can't believe you hid that from me," she chuckled.

Ellie broke into a smile. "A true woman always has a few tricks up her sleeve." She nodded at Nashi's new armor. "And, apparently, so do you."

"Wanted to surprise you at the Harvest Festival," Nashi explained. "Though, I never thought I'd be fighting you with it."

"Same here," Ellie confessed. "But, true women fight regardless of a situation." She pulled back her hand and another arrow appeared. "Wouldn't you agree, Angel Princess?"

Nashi readied her swords. "I'd say this battle is just getting started"—her smirk widened—"Garden Fairy."

---

Guild activity was nothing to brag about. Competitors in the Battle of Fairy Tail were coming home with bruises and injuries that held no grudge. To them, those injuries marked a lively battle with a guild mate and a reminder to go through new strategies. Macao returned in shimmering ruins and was immediately assisted by Kinana as she brought him to a cot and looked over his minimal injuries. Lacrima Screens showed the multiple battles going on in the streets of Magnolia and Freed worked diligently to keep an eye on each and every single one and strengthen his ruins where he saw fit. Laxus stood at his side, carefully watching each battle and studying techniques. He pointed at a battle between Gray and another guild mate.

"Strengthen the ruins for that match," Laxus commanded.

Freed's eye was already glowing. "Doing so as I speak," he assured. His green hair may have been held in a short ponytail and lost the lightning strands, but his bangs remained and covered a majority of his right face. He had changed his looks over the years. No longer did he wear his nobleman attire. Instead, he wore what looked like a qipao in the version of a tank-top. The color was still the same wine red as his overcoat had been. He wore black sleeves on his arms with his right sleeve extended so it anchored itself to his middle finger. He wore dark balloon pants that anchored to his ankles and sleek black shoes that had no laces. He bore a lengthy loincloth the same red as his top. The only thing that had no changed was his belt that held his sword.

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Freed Justine

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Eye Magic (Dark Écriture)

Likes: classic poetry Dislikes: snails

Special Note: Freed can trap you in his ruins but good—but a sexy woman in a bikini may distract him long enough for your escape! ⌟

Laxus watched as Igneel sat with a defeated Cane. "Good work, fireball. Did me and your dad proud," he muttered.

Cane disappeared as ruins crawled over him and created a portal from him back to Fairy Tail. He appeared in the guild hall, unsteady and weak. Cana was the one to rush to her son, supporting him. She smiled, rubbing his head in pride while Cane grinned up at his mother.

"Did you watch me?" Cane asked.

"How could I not?" Cana asked back. "That was amazing, little man. I didn't even know you could use Crash Magic just like a certain old man of mine."

"I didn't either until he came home a while ago," Cane confessed. He groaned. "Though, that pretty much drained me. I have to work on control before I can use it fully."

Cana pressed her cheek against Cane's. "Still, you did great, little man," she praised. "Let's get you onto a cot so you can rest." And the two walked away towards a cot that was near Lucy.

Lucy was taking care of another guild mate and finished putting antiseptic on her wounds. "There now. All done," she reported.

The guild mate was a young thing of tan skin and short brown hair. She had goggles on her head and a crop top with the Fairy Tail mark on it. "I feel better. Thanks, Miss Lucy," she appreciated.

Lucy smiled. "No need to thank me. Wendy was the one to make all of this for us. She's been working so hard."

"Only a matter of time Porlyusica makes her an official Healer," the she-Mage supposed. She stood up and flexed her arm. "Still, thanks for all the help!"

Lucy stood up as well. "Don't worry about it and take it easy, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Lucy nodded her head and was about to move onto the next patient when she was being called.

"Mama! Mama!"

Lucy turned to see Luna walking over to her and beamed. "Hey, Lu. What's up?"

Luna shook her head. "Nothing much. I'm just a little bored."

"Same here," Lucy chuckled. "Though, I am glad I took a break this year. Cheering guild mates on is fun too."

"And Papa," Luna added. She looked at the screens with furrowed eyebrows. "But, I don't think I've seen him fighting yet…"

Lucy sighed. "Oh. That's because the rules declare no one over eighty can participate," she answered.

Luna looked at her mother in understanding. "Oh… But, why?"

"It was a rule set by Laxus during the first Battle of Fairy Tail way back when," Lucy explained. "He didn't want his grandfather—the last master—to get hurt. And, ever since then, the rule hasn't been taken down." She sighed. "You should've seen how upset your father was when Laxus and Erza refused to take down the rule. Frankly, I think Laxus wanted it up just to make Natsu angry." She made a face. "Which means I'm the one stuck with his whining."

Luna laughed. "That's Papa for you." She scanned the screens again and noticed something. "But, wait… How come Uncle Gajeel isn't participating?"

That made Lucy freeze. "Oh, you know Gajeel. He's…probably with Levy somewhere instead," she laughed nervously.

Luna nodded slowly, yet unconvinced. "Yeah. Right."

I can tell Mama's lying. It's in her laugh. How could Uncle Gajeel not be here? He loves fighting.

She frowned.

There's something else.

"Mama," Luna started slowly, "when was the last time Uncle Gajeel was in the fighting festival?"

Lucy laughed. Luna could tell it was forced. "Why just last year, of course. Remember?"

"Um… I don't, actually," Luna confessed.

"Oh, probably inherited that bad memory from your father," Lucy beamed forcibly.

Luna looked closer at her mother, hoping she would slip up, but it seemed that was all she was going to get. Instead, she asked, "Can I go check on Jay?"

Lucy nodded. "Go on ahead," she allowed. "And tell him I'm sorry for your stupid father's ways. I mean, really. He can't scare off every boy you like."

"I never said I liked him!" Luna blurted. However, when she saw a few curious eyes stare at her for the loud declaration, her cheeks burned. She saw her mother trying not to laugh and ducked her head. "I-I-I—! I mean—!"

Lucy stopped Luna's spluttering with her laugh. "It's fine, Lu. You don't have to explain anything to me." She nudged her daughter towards the door to the infirmary. "Now, go check on that poor boy. I hope your father didn't scare him off," she prayed.

Luna nodded and walked into the direction to the true infirmary. There were dual doors and the golden letters INFIRMARY was atop the doorway. Hesitantly, she opened one of the doors and poked her head inside. The infirmary was a large room with many hospital beds, but only one was occupied.

And the boy on the bed was sitting up and looking out the window.

Luna crept towards him and offered him a genuine smile. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry," she apologized instantly.

"What for?" Jay asked.

"Well, my mama wanted to apologize for my papa and—"

"Don't worry about it."

Luna looked up to see Jay giving her a half-grin.

"It's not every day I meet a girl's dad." He laughed a little. "And not every day that girl's dad is terrifying."

"He's just a little"—Luna searched for the right word— "protective. I'm sure he'll like you once he gets to know you."

Jay snorted. "If you say so, Duchess. How's the Battle of Fairy Tail going anyway? Is Nashi doing okay?"

Luna perked at that. "It's going well. Nashi was in a battle last time I looked at the screen. And both of my brothers are going strong too. But a lot of members are still out there, so anyone could make it to the cathedral."

Jay looked thoughtful at that. "I see. Anyone you're particularly cheering for?"

Luna froze at that.

"Promise you'll cheer for me?"

"Yeah, well, as long as I know you're my cheerleader, then I guess I can't lose."

"Um… No, not really," Luna lied.

Jay raised an eyebrow. "Is it him?"

Luna gave him an exasperated look. "Who is 'him'? You keep asking that question, but I don't know who you're talking about."

"I'm talking about my competition," Jay said matter-of-factly.

"Over what?" Luna demanded.

"Over you, Duchess." Jay took one of Luna's hands and tugged her closer to him. Firm jade connected with perplexed chocolate. "You may not see it, but it's over you. I want to stand a chance with you."

"And you do," Luna insisted. "I don't have anyone else."

Jay shook his head and leaned closer. "But you do," he told her gently.

Luna groaned in frustration. "What do I have to do to prove to you there isn't anyone?"

"Kiss me."

Luna gaped at him. "Wh-Wh-Wh-What?" she stammered. She thought he was joking, but Jay looked serious about his request.

"Kiss me," he repeated. "You said there's no one else, so it shouldn't be a problem." He raised an eyebrow. "Or is there?"

"It's not that!" Luna insisted. "But… It's just…" She stopped herself.

There's no one else. Jay's wrong.

"Okay," she agreed. "I'll kiss you."

Jay's eyes glinted at that. "If you say so, Duchess."

The two of them leaned forward. Jay's eyes flickered to her lips while Luna struggled to push herself closer.

There's no one else. I can do this. There's no one else.

Luna squeezed her eyes shut as her nose brushed against Jays.

I can do this. I can do this. I can…

Just before Jay closed the distance, Luna confessed softly, "I can't do this." She leaned away from Jay, her eyes opening and looking down at her lap in shame. "I'm sorry, Jay," she apologized.

Jay chuckled quietly. "Don't be, Duchess. I shouldn't have asked. I knew it could never happen."

Luna still could not look at him. "You're a great guy, Jay," she complimented. "And I'm sure you're going to find someone just as great."

"You are great, Duchess," Jay told her.

Luna's eyes flickered up to meet his. His eyes were understanding and affectionate.

"I'll stay to tell your master about the society and what I know. But after that, I'm leaving," Jay decided.

"Are you sure?" Luna had to check. "You could always stay for the parade."

Jay shook his head. "As much as your guild is pretty great, I think it's best if I go home. I have to take care of Nana anyways."

"Is she the woman you live with?" Luna questioned.

Jay nodded. "Uh-huh. I couldn't just leave her behind. We take care of each other. But I'm sure she'll be happy I helped you. She's been trying to get me to open up to someone." He gave Luna a grin. "She'd loved you," he claimed.

Luna smiled at that. "It'd be nice to meet her someday."

"I hope you can," Jay said.

Outside the infirmary doors came a sudden burst of cheering, and Luna looked at the doors curiously. Distinctly, Galileo was cheering the hardest. Something good must have happened.

"Go."

Luna looked at Jay who was giving her the shooing motion with a hand. "A fight is going on out there and you want to miss it by sitting and talking to me?"

"I like talking to you," Luna defended.

"Go, Duchess," Jay gently coaxed. "It's fine. Go cheer your guild-mates on."

Luna gazed at him suspiciously. "You're not going to leave, right?" she pressed.

Jay shook his head. "I promise I won't until I talk to your master," he vowed. "Now, go."

Luna nodded and took her leave. She dared not look back as she opened one of the doors of the infirmary and went out into the guild. She closed the door and leaned against. A sigh left her.

Why couldn't I do it? Why couldn't I kiss him?

"It's him, isn't it?" Jay's words echoed in her mind. "He's the reason I don't stand a chance, isn't he?"

I just wish I knew who he was talking about, Luna thought. I'm so confused now.

She sighed and stood up straighter.

Oh, well. Maybe before he leaves I can ask him.

A flicker of movement caught Luna's eyes and she turned her head down the hall. "What was that?" she asked herself.

Luna moved down the hall quietly and she picked up light footsteps. She went further and further down the hall as the footsteps were starting to fade. There was a right turn and Luna was about to make it when she heard something open. Quickly, she stopped at the edge of the hall. She peeped from her position to check what was down the hall.

Her eyes widened.

She recognized that blue hair anywhere.

"Julia?" Luna gasped. She watched as Julia managed to climb out of the window—her eyes darted around her to make sure the coast was clear—and shut it behind her. She took off from the window and Luna lost sight of her.

Luna frowned as she came out of hiding and looked at the window curiously.

That's strange. Why did Julia sneak out a window rather than walk out from the guild doors?

Something was not right here.

Julia… What are you doing?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane charged at Elvin. She leapt into the air and a board made of violet Magic caught her, allowing her to surf on air. She punched a fist at Elvin. "Apollo Sonata!" Dark birds—they were ravens—fluttered from her fist with a violet aura in their eyes and outlining their bodies. They cawed as they soared towards Elvin.

Elvin stomped his foot and raised a hand. "Stone-Make: Hedge!"

Hedges rose from the ground suddenly, killing a few of the ravens. The rest of the flock and Mary Jane eluded the hedge and kept charging.

Elvin clapped his hands, then spread them before him. "Stone-Make: Hedges!"

Hedge after hedge of stone popped from the street and in the pathway of the flock. At times, ravens would be killed while others lived, but after hedge after hedge appeared, the flock was killed off and left, leaving Mary Jane maneuvering herself. A hedge appeared before her and she went to the right. Another one popped beneath her and she flipped in the air before landing back on her board and surfing towards Elvin.

"Dark Octave!" Mary Jane chanted. She let out a scream that sounding like a shrieking raven with the sound waves pulsing violet. The sound waves demolished anymore stone hedges attempting to slow her down.

Elvin saw the sound waves coming and dropped to his knees as stone popped up to cover him. He squeezed his eyes shut and held onto his barrier as the shrieking got louder and louder, hurting his ears.

Mary Jane came to stop in front of Elvin's barrier, shrieking even louder. Her eyes narrowed as she kept up her cry and watched the barrier be chipped away from her noise.

Elvin put a palm on the ground. His Magic Circle bloomed beneath his palm and a stone trail was born, tunneling to behind Mary Jane. Rising from the stone was an earthly hand that hovered over Mary Jane.

Mary Jane stopped her shrieking to turn around, but the hand already batted her away. She let out a grunt as she landed a distance away, rolling and bouncing on the ground until she came to a stop.

Elvin disintegrated his barrier as he stood up. "Wow. I think you might've blew out my ears," he said a little too loudly. "Maybe I should invest in headphones like you do."

Mary Jane got to all-fours and groaned, her headphone and Sound Pod on the ground and away from her and her shades shattered. The glow in her eyes were gone as well. "Ugh. Did you have to hit me that hard? I'm going to have knots on my back for weeks," she complained. She pushed herself to stand and dusted the dirt off herself. "This was my favorite jacket too," she muttered as she inspected a tear in it.

"Ena will sew it up for you," Elvin assured. "She promised she would patch up my suit if it got ruined today." He inspected his suit to see how dirty it was and the multiple tears on it. He frowned. "Sadly, I'll have to take her up on her offer," he supposed.

Mary Jane observed Elvin. "So, Elvin... When am I going to see the real you fight?"

Elvin lifted an eyebrow as he looked back at her. "What do you mean? This is the real me."

"No. I'm talking about your true form," Mary Jane spoke. "I'm not talking about the 'Stone Gentleman'. I'm talking about the name you wanted to grow up as and you abandoned."

Elvin stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about and I don't think you do either," he spoke, his tone full of warning.

Mary Jane narrowed her eyes as they glowed violet. She brought a hand to her mouth. "Dark Monēta!" she chanted as she blew a dark spiral of gas from her mouth and allowed her hand to guide it. The spiral of gas headed straight for Elvin where it swirled and swirled around him.

Mary Jane's voice echoed in his mind.

Don't you remember? she murmured. Don't you remember what you wanted?

The gas took Elvin back to a memory. He was inside his house with Ellie, himself only six at the time while Ellie was eight. The two were play fighting in the living room with fake swords their aunt Erza had bought them. Young-Elvin and Young-Ellie looked different than their older counterparts. Young-Elvin looked more looked more playful and less of a gentleman with his rugged hair and toothy smile with fangs. Rather than wearing a suit, he preferred to wear shorts and nothing else. Young-Ellie did not have one blue eye, but, rather, had a set of beautiful dark amber eyes. Her hair was not in a bun and flowed down her shoulders, a light cinnamon color with streaks of white.

Young-Ellie tried to deliver a middle blow to him. "Ha-ha! Take that!" she said dramatically.

Young-Elvin only giggled as he blocked the blow. He stepped forward and swung aimlessly. "Take that! And that! And that!" he told her.

Young-Ellie took steps back, but accidentally tripped and landed on her butt. She was about to get up when a sword was thrust into her face.

Young-Elvin beamed as he looked down at his sister in triumph. "Take that, Poison Ivy! You're dead now!" he declared.

Young-Ellie grinned. "Not so fast!" she tutted.

Young-Elvin found himself behind pick up by a vine and let out a shout of alarm, dropping his sword. He was swung high in the air while Young-Ellie got up and laughed at him.

Young-Elvin pouted angrily. "You're cheating," he chastised her.

"Nuh-uh," Young-Ellie retorted, shaking her head. "You didn't say no powers."

Young-Elvin puffed his cheeks. "Well, fine then." Lavender Magic covered his skin as he shrunk, forgoing his shorts. When the Magic cracked off him, he was left as a purple hummingbird, flitting about the living room. He laughed at his sister. "Ha! Can't catch me!" he taunted.

Young-Ellie scowled and leapt to catch her little brother only for him to fly out of reach. "Hey! Stop it! Come back here!" she complained. She stamped a foot when she could not catch him. "You're not playing fair," she deduced.

"Am too!" Young-Elvin retorted.

Evergreen poked her head into the living room and a scowl was on her face when she saw her children. "Elvin, what did I saw about transforming in the house?" she scolded.

Young-Elvin was quick to transform back to his human form, even if he was stark-naked. He hung his head low, trying to hide from his mother's glare. "Sorry, Mom," he mumbled.

Evergreen turned her glare onto Young-Ellie. "And, Eliana, what did I saw about play fighting in the living room?"

Young-Ellie ducked her head, twiddling her fingers. "Sorry, Mom," she copied from her brother.

Evergreen sighed. "Just…don't let it happen again, okay?" she pleaded. "And, Elvin, you know better than to transform while your dad is gone. He doesn't want you transforming for very long. So, no more transforming until he gets back, okay? And Ellie, no more play fighting with your brother, okay?"

"Okay," Young-Elvin and Young-Ellie moped, promising.

The memory faded back into swirling, violet mist.

What a little beastie you were back then, Mary Jane whispered. Isn't that what they called you back then? The little beastie. Adorable.

Elvin shut his eyes. "Mary Jane, stop this," he warned. "Stop this right now."

But, it gets better, Mary Jane reminded. It started when you were angry with your parents, I see. You hated them…

"I hate you!" came an angry screech. "I hate you both!"

Elvin opened his eyes as the mist formed another memory. It was him, but he was a little older just by a year. Young-Elvin still wore only his shorts and nothing else. He was hunched near the back door with eyes full of rage underneath his glasses and glared heatedly at his father. Evergreen was holding Young-Ellie close to her as she cried.

Elfman tried to calm his son. "Elvin, I promise you, we'll go after the person who hurt Ellie, but we can't right now. Your sister needs us more."

Young-Elvin hissed. "You're going to let the person who hurt her get away?" he snarled. "She's my sister! I'm not letting anyone hurt her! I'll find him even if you're too scared too!"

Elfman's eyes hardened. "We aren't scared, Elvin, but—"

"You just don't love her enough like I do," Elvin deduced in a snap. "Ellie's the best big sister ever! And whoever hurt her going to pay because I'm the only one who loves her!"

Elfman tried to explain: "Your mom and I love Ellie very much—"

"You hate her since you won't go after the person who hurt her," Elvin snarled. "I hate you! I hate you both!" He tore open the back door and dashed outside, jumping off his porch.

Evergreen watched her son run away in alarm. "Elvin, wait!" she pleaded.

Elfman was quick to follow his son, chasing after him. "Elvin!" he called. "Elvin, come back here!"

Elvin landed on all-fours and made a dash for the forest. His body began to change. Rather than a human body, his body grew purple fur and his thin muscle bulged with more fat as he grew into a bear. He ran for the forest and let out a low growl mixed with a whine as his declaration of leaving.

Elfman refused to give up and chased after his son. "Elvin!" he shouted. "Elvin!"

The memory disappeared back into violet mist.

Mary Jane tsked. Someone was a naughty boy, she taunted. Running away from your family like that? Telling your parents you hated them? They must have been devastated.

"Mary Jane," Elvin spoke. His voice shook. "Mary Jane, this isn't you. Please, stop this!"

It was several days that you ran away from home to find the person who hurt your sister and forever gave her that new, blue eye, Mary Jane narrated. Fairy Tail and the guard searched for days, but you couldn't be found. Well… Not until someone else found you.

The purple misted faded into a new memory. It was sundown somewhere in a forest filled with pine trees. Nature was winding down for the evening while other creatures were starting to stir from their all-day nap. A little lake was forged in the forest, providing water and life to all creatures who yearned for it and needed it for survival. A bear—not a full-fledged adult, but not necessarily a newborn cub—with purple fur lapped from the water lazily. No other predators dared to challenged it, so it drank peacefully.

"Elvin!" came a call. "Elvin!"

A little girl broke from the forest. It was Young-Ellie. She had an eye-patch on her left-eye, but she looked like she had not changed from the days that passed. She noticed the purple bear drinking from the water and physically brightened. "Elvie!" she squealed, cheering. She ran towards the bear with her arms wide open. "Elvie, you're okay!"

The bear finished drink to lift up its head. It licked its muzzle for any more water, but its beady eyes turned onto the girl, black as night.

Young-Ellie skidded to a stop. Confusion made her frown. "E—… Elvie?" she guessed. "Elvie, is that…you?"

The bear blinked, then snorted. It went back to the lake and went back to drinking.

Young-Ellie took a cautious step forward, studying the bear. "It…feels like you," she muttered. "And it looks like you…" She stopped herself from going any farther. "Elvie," she called. "Elvie, please tell me that's you so we can go home. I miss you."

The bear stopped drinking to look at Young-Ellie. It took a paw step towards her, curious, and gave a growling whine, trying to communicate to her.

Young-Ellie took that as a good sign and smiled, taking a step forward. "Yes, Elvie, it's me! It's Ellie!" she told him excitedly. "You remember me?"

The bear took another step towards her, talking in its own language.

Elvie clapped her hands. "That's great! Now, we can go home!" She began walking toward it. "Come on. Transform back so we can go home!"

The bear let out a loud noise before it took off running toward Young-Ellie.

Young-Ellie's smile widened. "Yeah, let's go home, Elvie! Let's go—" She stopped cheering when she noticed the angered look in the bear's eyes. "Elvie?" She took a step back from the charging bear. "Elvie, come on. This isn't funny," she warned the bear, but it would not stop charging. Young-Ellie took another step back, this time, blatant fear written on her face. "Elvie," she whispered. "Snap out of it."

The bear let out a snarl as it got on its back paws and loomed over her, a deadly paw raised.

Young-Ellie's eyes watered in horror. She let out a scream. "Elvie!"

"Stop it!" Elvin shouted as he shut his eyes. "Stop this!" He clapped his hands before spreading them out. "Stone-Make: Hedges!"

The purple mist was pierced with multiple stone hedges, driving the mist away and freeing Elvin. He panted as he finally saw the street once more. His skin was paler than it was before. The memories had shaken him, rattled his mind and his confidence. His eyes stared directly at Mary Jane who looked at him with something she did not normally wear: a smirk.

"Was the truth too much for you, cousin?" she mocked.

Elvin breathed heavily. "Mary Jane, this isn't you," he insisted. "Snap out of it!"

Mary Jane chuckled. It was a sound she rarely made and sounded more disturbing when heard. "This is me, cousin. I can assure you," she hissed laughingly. She raised her hands towards him. "Let me prove to you I am very much real." Blasts of darkness burst from her fists.

Elvin created another stone hedge, but it was blown away by the blasts. Dust and debris clattered down, making Elvin cover his arm and cough.

It's happening again. I have to do it now before she—

"I call upon Erebus!" came an echoing chant. "Heed my call and aid me!"

Elfman coughed again, waving away the remaining dust. He looked to see Mary Jane gathering aura around her that looked like a darker violet than before, electrifying her body. His eyes narrowed.

Oh, no.

Mary Jane's smirk broadened. "Give me the viper!" she chanted. Her Magic surrounded her, but channeled through her arms as it created the snake in question. The viper grew and grew until it was towering almost some of the buildings with its stature. It was a radiating snake of violet with glowing eyes and a forked tongue flicking out.

"I can't let her go too far this time," Elvin determined. "I have to stop her now."

Mary Jane cracked her neck on each side and let out a groan. "Oh, this is feels so nice…" Her eyes snapped to Elvin. "So, cousin, let's end this quickly."

The viper hissed, flicking its tongue. Then, it dove for Elvin with its jaws parted.

Elvin jumped out of the way as the viper ate a face-full of stone. He rolled away and hit behind another hedge. His eyes scanned the street until he found what he was looking for: Mary Jane's fallen headphones and Sound Pod.

There. If I could just get to them, then—

"Are you hiding, cousin? That won't do," came an unnerving titter.

Elvin jumped out of the way right before the viper smashed into the stone hedge and eating a mouthful of it. The viper spat out the stone and let out a low hiss of agitation before retracting its head.

"Oh, so we're playing a little game of tag, are we?" Mary Jane assumed. "Fine. We'll play."

Elvin's eyes hardened as he swung his gaze at Mary Jane. The viper had coiled its base around its master, protecting her from harm. In return, Mary Jane gave the viper any Magic Power it needed.

Those two need some time apart. If I could just reach the headphones in time—

CRASH.

Elvin shielded himself as a stone hedge farther down from him was crushed by the viper. The viper, again, spat out stone and retracted its head with a low hiss. Elvin uncovered himself with his blue eyes narrowing at the headphones and SoundPod.

I just have to find the right timing to get them. Don't worry, Mary Jane. I'll make sure you snap out of this.

---

The Magnolia Hospital was quite alive at this time of day. Many watched out their windows as Nashi and Ellie fought toe-to-toe, sword-to-bow, and flew around each other, always making sure to keep their distance. The patients of the hospital watched, enrapt in the fight, and some started placing wagers and using food as a betting means. Even the doctors and nurses and surgeons and technicians and other staff were secretly wagering on if the Angel Princess of Fairy Tail or the Garden Fairy of Fairy Tail would win in their duel.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Magnolia Hospital is a facility where many citizens of Magnolia come for their regular check-ups and visits. The upper levels are for homes for patients who have a long-term stay. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DING.

The elevator opened and Orochi stepped out with two cans of soda in his hands and a bag of chips lodged in his teeth his mouth. He walked down the hallway only to hear cheering as he passed by decorated doors.

"Told you the Angel would come through!" came a taunt of victory.

There came a grumble. "Just you wait. The Garden Fairy ain't going down that e—Ha! Take that!" came a sudden cry of triumph.

"Dammit!" came a curse.

Orochi smiled a little.

It seems the Battle of Fairy Tail puts everyone in the competing spirit.

Orochi stopped at a door that was pure magenta. Drawings from coloring books and freelance decorated the door as well as photographs from trips and family events. The door may have had the number 408 on it, but the name MARA stuck out the most in bold and gold bubble lettering. He could hear a chipper voice ooo-ing and ah-ing at the fight going out there.

"Did you see, Mara? Did you see?" came an excited question. "Ellie and Nashi are so cool, right?"

Orochi opened the door. The place was like a studio apartment. The floor was hardwood rather than the flooring in the hall that made the hospital feel like a hospital. The walls had been painted a deep magenta. It did not feel like Orochi walked into a hospital at all. The kitchen was immediately to his left with only a few dishes needing to be done and artwork and magnets and letters littering the fridge. Orochi kicked off his shoes in exchange for slippers and walked into the living room. It was small, granted, but still had a homey feel to it. There was a leather couch and love seat and even a reclining chair in black with a matching coffee table and a Lacrima-Vision hung from the wall right across from the couch. The walls were not bare, but covered in framed artwork—all hand-drawn, thank you very much. Some came from children. A few sketches came from Nashi with her name signed at the bottom. Paintings came from Gary with his symbol on a corner. Designs of Ena's had been framed and so had many others. But the ones that stood out to Orochi were the tattoo designs that had been savored and framed.

Orochi took the bag of chips out of his mouth. "I'm back," he called. "How's the fight going?"

"Chi-chi!" came a happy squeal. Little footsteps rushed from the bedroom and into the living room and Orochi found his legs attacked by a small little girl. "Mara, Chi-chi's back!" she cheered.

Orochi smiled. "Hey, Eloise. How's it going between our two girls?"

Eloise looked up at Orochi with a smile that was missing her bottom tooth. "I think Nashi is winning, but they keep moving so fast, I don't know," she reported. Eloise was that type of adorable that, even if you had no inkling for children, you found her cute. She was a short thing, but did not mind it in the slightest. Her hair was brunette was well, short and curled, and her eyes were a warm cinnamon—compliments to Evergreen. She wore her puffy green dress with her green and white stripped stockings and black shoes that had small wings that replicated Ellie's wings.

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Eloise Strauss

Age: 7

Occupation: N/A

Magic: N/A

Likes: playing dress-up Dislikes: peas

Special Note: Eloise may not be old, but she certainly knows how to get her way!⌟

"Do you think Ellie will win?" Eloise wondered.

"I'm not sure. They're both pretty strong," Orochi reminded. "I think it will be a close one."

A voice filled his head, soft-spoken and graceful. As do I.

Orochi looked up to the bedroom door and smiled. I see you've been busy.

There was a musical laugh. You could say so.

Eloise skipped away from Orochi and to the bedroom door. "Come on, Chi-chi, we have to watch the rest of the fight! Princess Eloise commands it," she told him.

"Then, I must do as the princess says," Orochi obliged with a chuckle. He followed after Eloise who was already talking a mile a minute to Mara.

"I think this will be a close match since Ellie and Nashi are really strong," Eloise decided. There was a pause. She gasped. "Really? You think so?"

Orochi pushed into the bedroom. It had been white, but, like the living room, drawings and paintings and pictures clung to the wall and made the whole bedroom brighter. There were bookshelves filled with books and movies lining up on the walls with doors to a bathroom and a closet. A Lacrima-Vision sat atop a short bookcase. A folded wheelchair lay on a wall at the side of the bed. But that did not catch Orochi's attention. It was the girl sitting up in her bed with the covers hiding her lower body. She was a rare beauty with a round face and maroon locks lengthy. Her bangs had been brushed back into a small ponytail while the rest flowed freely, even if she had one stubborn hair that turned into a blatant cowlick. Her pale skin brought out her eyes the tamest of jades—courtesy of Kinana—and her smile was gentle.

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Mara

Age: 21

Occupation: N/A

Magic: Telepathy and Sound

Likes: listening to rain Dislikes: loud noises

Special Note: Mara may look calm and chill, but better watch out when she's angry—some say she turns snake-like when she is!⌟

"Hey, Mara," Orochi greeted. "Brought back your favorite chips and soda." He raised them up to draw attention to them. "Fanto and honey barbecue chips—just the way you like it."

Mara put a hand to her lips, then moved them down and towards him.

Thank you, Orochi heard echoing in his mind.

You're welcome, Orochi thought back as he walked over to her bedside. He handed her the chips and her soda while asking Eloise, "So, my princess, what did Mara teach you today?"

Eloise brightened at the mention of her lesson. "She taught me how to say 'I love you' in Sign Language," she happily reported. "You want to see?"

Orochi nodded as he took a seat on Mara's bed, popping open his can. "Of course."

Eloise furrowed her eyebrows as she put up a hand. "Okay, let's see… You do this first…" She made a fist with her hand. "And, then this…" She put up her thumb, index, and pinky finger only. "And then, I think it goes like…" She turned her hand so he knuckles faced Orochi and Mara and shook her hand slightly. She smiled at her accomplishment, proud. "See? I love you!"

Orochi smiled. "That's great, Eloise. You're getting amazing at Sign Language," he praised. "You might just be better than me."

Eloise held up her head. "Well, duh. I'm a princess. I have to be better than everyone at everything," she spoke in an obvious tone. When a loud whoosh sound came by the window, Eloise rushed over to it and practically pressed her face on the glass with her mouth open in amazement. "Wow! Did you two see that?" she gasped. "I can't wait until I'm that strong!"

Orochi laughed as he took a sip of his drink. Has she been like this all-day?

Mara nodded her head and signed her words as she thought them. You should've seen her yesterday when she came to visit. She was a secret agent and told me Sign Language would be our secret code so she had to know as much of it as she could. I don't know where she gets her energy from.

Orochi gulped his sip and sighed. It's called being a kid. I remember when Galileo was like that too. Well… He still is like that, now that I think about it, he supposed, amused.

I'm so glad they're back in town. I missed them, Mara confessed. It was so nice of them to visit last night. Though—she frowned—they told me the restaurant was attacked and Luna was nearly kidnapped.

Orochi nodded sagely. Yeah. Ollie told me over Compact. She said Luna was pretty shaken up and, in the middle of the night, Gale went to check on her.

Mara sighed. I ship them so much, she confessed. It's so obvious.

Orochi chuckled through their link. Mar, you ship everyone, he reminded. You even shipped Mary Jane with Cane and Nashi with Gally-gally.

Mara pouted and her cowlick twitched in response. Well, one of them—

Neither of them will happen or happen again, Orochi cut her off. He stole the chips back from her and opened then before popping a few in his mouth.

Mara sniffed and carelessly signed at him. Don't be such a killjoy, she muttered. She stole back her chips and took a handful, then popped them in her mouth and chomped angrily on them.

Orochi let a laugh bubble from his mouth. And yet, you claim to be the older sibling?

And the better-looking one, Mara reminded.

Orochi snorted. How have you been feeling, by the way?

Mara sighed. Fine since the last time you asked, she answered. Which wasn't even twenty minutes ago.

Orochi frowned. Mar…

Mara looked away from her brother. I know, I know. You're worried, she thought to him with a twinge of annoyance. You don't think I'm worried about you?

What's there to worry abo—?

Your gloves.

Orochi froze. He looked down at his gloved-hands. They were a constant reminder to him. What about them? he asked his sister indifferently.

What about your touch? Mara shot back. She eyed her younger brother in sisterly concern. Chi-chi, your hands—

Can touch you and Mom and Talia and the three of you will be fine, Orochi finished for her. I don't affect you three. That's all I need.

Mara softened at that. Chi-chi, you know that isn't true, she murmured to him. Don't you ever want to—?

I'm done talking about this. Orochi's thought was filled with a firmness she had not heard in a while. It left no room for a protest. He looked away from his sister and at the blank Lacrima-Vision and took another sip of his drink.

Mara stared down at her chips. Okay, she agreed in a mumble.

"Oh, my goodness!" came Eloise's abrupt gasp. "Nashi won!" She was practically jumping as she shared the news. "That was such a close match! Ellie was so strong too, but I didn't know Nashi had that last spell up her sleeve. I'll have to give Ellie a big hug when I see her. She may not have won now, but she was still really cool out there!" And as she kept sharing statistics about the match between her sister and Nashi, she failed to realize the silent rift between older sister and younger brother.

---

BANG. BANG. BANG.

B-B-BOOM. B-B-BOON. BOOM. BOOM.

SPLATT.

Elvin coughed as he hid behind another barrier as flashes of violet hacked at his defenses. He had lost his tailcoat during the battle and his vest was open. Tears were in his clothes and some in his skin that drew a little blood, but it was nothing serious. It was the amount of dirt and grime his skin had collected that made him look worse off than he was.

He backed away from the barrier to stomp a foot down. He angled a hand and pointed it at the barrier. With his teeth gritted, he moved his hand across the barrier. In reaction to that, a jagged cut went through the stone, following Elvin's hand. When the barrier had been cut, Elvin spun and punched a fist into the stone, sending it flying.

The viper was hit with the stone and hissed, trying to shake off the pain. Its eyes searched for the person responsible, but there was no one. The viper flicked its tongue, uneasy, and let out a hiss of distress.

Mary Jane brushed it off. "Don't worry. He'll have to come out at some point," she assured. "And when he does, do whatever it takes."

The viper let out a hiss of pleasure.

Elvin coughed again as he peeked from his hiding place in-between a stone hedge and the back of a brick building. The viper was still curled protectively around its master while Mary Jane looked disturbingly at ease.

I have to get them apart, but how? What am I supposed to do?

"Hey. Elvin," came a quiet grunt. "Can you hear me?"

Elvin turned back to see a small screen against ruins on the buildings with Laxus' face taking up most of it. He studied it in surprise. "Uncle Laxus?" he breathed. "But, how—?"

"How is my butterfly doing?" Laxus interrupted. "I can see her on screen. She doesn't look like herself."

"She's not acting like herself either," Elvin muttered. "I need to separate her and the snake, but I don't know how."

Laxus thought about it. "I taught you how to make Thought Projections, didn't I?" he reminded.

Elvin sighed. "I still don't know how to maintain them for very long," he pointed out.

"You don't need to maintain it for long," Laxus assured. "Only for enough time for draw attention to it so you can get her headphones." His eyes darkened. "I apologize for even requesting you to do this, but, please, save my little butterfly."

Elvin nodded. "I will," he promised. "She's my family."

Laxus nodded back. "Freed is trying to work the ruins to get you both back—"

"Not necessary," Elvin cut off. "I can do this. Just tell Uncle Freed to make sure, once I'm finished, to bring us back immediately. She'll go into shock."

"Understood," Laxus assured. "I wish you luck." And the screen was gone.

Elvin snorted. "Yeah. I wish me luck too," he muttered.

BANG. BANG.

BOOM.

Elvin scooted back to his barrier and looked to see more of his stone hedges had been crumbled into nothing more than hunks of rock and debris. The viper shook its head, getting dizzy from crashing into stone hedges.

It's weakening, Elvin thought. Every time it hits one of my barriers, it gets even more dizzy. Now, could be my chance. He closed his eyes and an aura of lavender gathered around him. Now, concentrate. Concentrate…

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane and the viper kept an eye open for Elvin to appear and make the fatal mistake of trying to go on the offensive. Mary Jane calmed her restless viper. "Patience. He'll come out soon," she assured. She scanned over the street.

Where are you…?

A body sprinted from behind a barrier and the viper was quick to snap at it.

Mary Jane's lips smirked in victory.

Finally. I thought we—

"Stone-Make: Flying Tablets!" came an incantation.

Mary Jane held up a hand and a shield of violet protected her from flying tablets of stone. She smirked. "Really, dear cousin? You'll have to do a lot better than that."

A smirk. "I know."

Mary Jane jerked her head up to see Elvin above her. His eyes glowed. "Forgetting your shades, cousin?"

Mary Jane growled at him. "You rotten—!" She was cut off when she could not move her feet. Stone was crawling up her legs and trapping her. She gritted her teeth as she lowered an arm. Violet shot from her fists and burst the stone from her legs and feet. She shook off the debris while Elvin leapt back safely.

Elvin put a hand on the ground. "Stone-Make: Caged Prison!"

Mary Jane found herself trapped in a stone cage and she smirked. "You think this will hold me?" She raised a hand and a blast of violet shot from her palm. It hit the stone, but did nothing. She furrowed her eyebrows as she drew back her powers. "What is this?" she hissed.

Elvin stood up and looked at her. "Just stay still, Mary Jane," he calmed as his eyes glowed. "Stay right there."

Mary Jane backed up like the caged animal she was not. Her lips curled back in a snarl and her cerulean eyes turned wild. She wanted to be freed. The imprisonment was choking her, making her feel jittery. "Let me go," she snarled at him. "Let me go!"

Elvin did not soften. "No, Mary Jane, you aren't yourself right now," he told her in a low tone. "Please, don't make this harder for me."

Mary Jane's eyes shifted to the slithering viper sneaking up on Elvin and a glint of dark triumph entered her eyes. She threw back her head and let out a cackle. "You think this is hard?" she taunted. "Let's give your real pain and see how 'hard' it is for you."

The viper let out a hiss and, before Elvin could defend himself, the viper coiled around him. Elvin let out a grunt of pain as the viper tightened its hold on him, squeezing him to the point his bones could crack. His eyes squeezed shut in pain as he tried to move, but with each wriggle, the coil grew tighter.

The stone prison around Mary Jane crumbled. He was too in pain to keep hold of his Magic and she reveled in it. She stepped out of the remains of the prison and smirked up at Elvin as he cried out.

"Dear cousin, it's so hard for me to see you this way," she mocked.

"Mary…Jane," Elvin wheezed out. He tried to open his eyes to look at her. "Please—" He gave another grunt when the viper tightened its hold even more.

Mary Jane laughed as a violet aura surrounded her. She left the ground with only the gentlest of pushes and levitated in the air. Her Magic refused to let her fall and carried her up and up until she was eye level with Elvin. She stared at him with that type of look you got when you knew victory was in your grasp and it felt right.

"How does it feel, cousin? How does it feel to be trapped?" Mary Jane circled around Elvin and the viper. "You tell me I'm not myself? Bullshit." She stood in front of Elvin and hovered close to him. He pried open his eyes to look deep into twisted cerulean. "I feel more like myself than I ever have," she murmured to him. She floated away from him and into the sky. There came a point where ruins stopped her from flying and higher and she pressed against them with her hand. "This should be good enough." She floated away before raising her fists toward the sky. Jetstreams of violet burst from her knuckles.

SPLATT.

Violet crashed into ruins who refused to break.

Elvin's eyes moved to watch the action.

She's trying to escape. I can't let that happen.

His eyes shifted to the lonesome headphones and Sound Pod.

If I could just get to them, then…

His thoughts were cut off when the viper curled around him even more. There was an audible snap of bones, but he bit his lip to stop himself from screaming.

Damn. My arm…

His eyes slipped back to the Sound Pod and headphones.

I have to get over there no matter what. Even if …

Ellie's smiling face flashed before him. He closed his eyes.

I'm sorry, Ellie, but I have to break my promise.

Lavender Magic washed over Elvin, covering him head to toe. The Magic began to bubble, morphing him, changing him, and making him grow bigger. His clothes were torn off in the process, but he did not care. The process was fairly short as he burst from the coil around him as a purple rhinoceros. The viper hissed as it dropped the rhinoceros and recoiled in disgust while the rhinoceros turned around and snorted steam, stamping a foot in challenge. The viper flicked its tongue before lunging for the rhinoceros. However, Elvin shed his rhinoceros form in exchange for a purple peregrine falcon that let out a cry as he circled around the viper. He angled himself down for the headphones and Sound Pod. The viper hissed against and tried swiping at him, but he evaded it easily. He opened his talons as he ducked to get the headphones and Sound Pod and grabbed them successfully. He swooped back up and circled so he aimed for Mary Jane.

But the viper stopped him.

The viper smacked him with its tail, knocking him into a building. The ruins made sure he caused no damage, but Elvin lost his form as he fell to the ground with the headphones and Sound Pod clattering away from him. He struggled to get up only to have the viper lunge for him once again. Elvin rolled out of the way and towards the headphones and Sound Pods. He gathered them in his hands only for the viper to poise itself for an attack. It flicked its tongue, then lunged at him.

Elvin shut his eyes. "Stone-Make: Dome!" Stone curled itself around him just before he was in the viper's jaws. He could hear the viper hiss its displeasure.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

The stone dome rumbled as the viper tried its best to break it.

Elvin panted as he looked at the possessions in his hands. "I have to get her to wear this, but—" He flinched as the stone dome rattled. "How am I supposed to do that when she—?"

An idea hit him.

Wait a minute.

°•°•°•°

The viper gnawed at the stone dome, trying to find a weakness. It was as though the stone dome was a wrapper and the viper wanted the treat inside. It did its level-best to break it. It tried to crack it with its teeth and tried to smash it with its head, but nothing worked. Just as the viper lunged for it again—

—the stone dome burst.

The viper recoiled from the impact as hunks of stone and debris smacked it. It let out a hiss of outrage at the attack, but did not notice something leap at it. It fell to the ground in anguish when teeth dug into its flesh. In a burst, the viper was gone and left violet particles disappearing into thin-air.

Mary Jane stopped her work at the loss of her spell to look at the street. A panting lion was the only living thing that remained with lavender fur and a dark purple mane. She lifted an eyebrow at him.

"So, the cat comes out to play," Mary Jane figured. She floated down to him. "I don't mind playing with you, kitty-cat, but I don't have any yarn."

The lion growled a little at that and morphed back into a human. Elvin was stark-naked, but his nudity did not seem to mind him. He stared at his cousin with something akin to pity.

"Please, Mary Jane," Elvin begged, "snap out of it."

"'Snap out of' what?" Mary Jane demanded to know. "I feel perfectly fine, cousin."

Elvin sighed. "Please don't make me do this," he beseeched.

Mary Jane laughed as she raised her hands towards him. "Dark Bellicoso!" she chanted. From her palms, bullets of violet aiming for Elvin.

Elvin stomped a foot. "Stone-Make: Wall!"

The stone rose up and formed a fairly-large wall to protect Elvin. The bullet plundered the wall, making indents and scars in the walls. Elvin pressed against the wall with a torn expression on his face.

I don't want to do it, but I…

He looked at the Sound Pod in his hands. His grip tightened around it.

But, I have to.

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane kept shooting darkness bullets at the walls. "I could keep this up all-day, cousin!" she cackled. "Come on out! Let's play some more!"

The stone wall, suddenly, tore from the street and flew at Mary Jane. She tched as she clapped her hands together. "Dark"—she broke them apart to reveal a static orb of violet—" Cuivré!" She threw the ball at the stone wall and it exploded into dust and smoke. As she prepared the spell once more, she smirked. "Can't hide from me forever, cousin."

A frown. "Forgive me, Mary Jane."

When the smoke cleared, there was Elvin in his naked glory with his Magic Circle illuminating beneath him and his eyes closed. "I call upon the forces of the Animal Kingdom. Hear me," he chanted.

"Can't cast a spell if you can't say it fast enough," Mary Jane reminded. "Dark Cuivré!" She threw the orb once more.

"I call upon those who fly," Elvin chanted. He pressed two fingers onto his throat. "Use my voice. Song"—he opened his eyes and a lavender aura overtook them—"of the Nightingale!" He opened his mouth and lavender sound waves burst from it.

The static ball of violet exploded upon contact with the sound waves. Mary Jane gritted her teeth a she raised her hands. "Dark—!" Her spell was cut off as the sound waves hit her. She let out a scream as the aura of violet was doused. She tried hard to withstand the attack, digging her feet into the ground. Her eyes barely stay open as she struggled to walk forward.

Elvin kept up his cry as Mary Jane staggered forward, each footstep growing heavier than the last. At one point, she lost her footing and fell to all fours. But she snarled and picked herself up into a crawl. She planted one hand in front of the other with a foot following the motion. She kept going and would keep going until she reached him. She came close. She was only a few yards away when she let out a horrid shriek and clutched her head. It was not the mere frequency of the waves that got to her. It was the song they sung.

"No!" Mary Jane screeched. "Stop it! Stop it!"

Elvin walked towards her with his cry, watching as Mary Jane convulsed like a wild animal, pleading for him to stop. Her own personal torment was the reason the sky turned back to light and the shadows were banished. When he got close, Mary Jane accidentally raised a hand and shot him with a blast of Magic. Elvin stuttered in his footing as he gripped his injured shoulder and lost his cry.

"Stop!" Mary Jane pleaded. "Make it stop!"

Elvin staggered the rest of the way to Mary Jane before dropping to his knees. He used his shaky and now-bloodstained hands to take her headphones and put them on her. "You're okay, Mary Jane," he assured hoarsely. He coughed as he went for her Sound Pod. "Just breathe and listen." He randomly selected a song and it began to play. He dropped the Sound Pod—

—and hit the ground.

Mary Jane shook.

Then, her shaking calmed.

She was still.

Elvin was still.

Silence played between them.

DRIP.

A tear landed on the pavement.

DROP.

A sniffle.

"E—… Elvin?" came a whisper.

Elvin looked up. He saw Mary Jane's eyes leaking with endless tears, but her eyes had changed. They were no longer just cerulean. They were a mixture of cerulean and emerald, the colors intertwining in intimately to make something beautiful.

Mary Jane shakily turned her head to her cousin. They were wide and filled with ugly emotions of fear and horror and self-hate all couched by grief. "Elvin," she whispered. "I—… I—…"

Elvin offered her a smile. "You're back to yourself. That's good," he wheezed.

Mary Jane's eyes widened even more. "Elvin… Your teeth… And your ears… The tattoos…"

Elvin raised a hand to his teeth and ran over them only to notice his sharpened canine teeth. His hand trailed to his right ear, only to notice they had become longer and pointed. Tattoos marked his body. The snake wove around his left arm while the crane was on his right with its swings expanded and hugging his arm. The mantis sat comfortable on his right shoulder blade while the two koi fish rested on his left and right palm. The tattoo of the head of a lion took up a portion of his back, eyes fierce.

Elvin's smile turned bitter. "I must've used so much Magic Power, I couldn't hold onto my Transformation Spell and my Magic Concealer," he figured. His eyes flickered to Mary Jane. "Same to you. Your eyes…"

Mary Jane was quick to cover her face. "I'm sorry," she whispered, hiccupping. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…"

Elvin hauled himself up so he sat up. "Shhh, Mary Jane," he hushed. "You're going to go into a panic attack soon if you keep this up. Breathe. You're okay."

"I'm sorry," Mary Jane repeated. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…"

Elvin pulled Mary Jane into a hug, ignoring the seething pain in his shoulder. "Uncle Freed," he called, "take us both back. There's no winner in this." His eyes softened. "Just promises broken."

Purple ruins crawled over them as a violet portal opened for them.

Mary Jane trembled in Elvin's hold. "I didn't mean to," she tried to tell him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry…"

"I know, Mary Jane," Elvin assured. He tightened his embrace as he closed his eyes. "Trust me. I know."

And the two disappeared in a mass of ruins and Magic.

---

Yea, Baby!

Dance with me! Dance with me! Just dance with me now!

Odorou

motto Party! Party! Like we just don't care!

Sawagou

•

Yea, Baby!

Dance with me! Dance with me! Just dance with me now!

Odorou

motto Party! Party! Like we just don't care!

Sawagou Yay!

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

Woah. What happened to Mary Jane? And what's the story with Elvin's true Magic? And, Orochi—what's wrong with having gloves? Guess you'll have to find out next time on Fairy Adventure!

---

Chibi-Luna pops up in dorky glasses, a white skirt, and plaid skirt. She has a pointing wand in her hand and smacks it into her palm.

RIIIIIIIIIIIING.

"Hello, class! Hope you enjoyed this episode and you're ready for our Fairy Lesson of the day!" Chibi-Luna pulls down a map that showed a vast forest that looked darker than most. "This is the Worth Woodsea," she lectures as she produces a pointing wand and smacks the map. "It's the largest forest in Fiore."

Chibi-Luna pulls down another map that shows Fiore outlined with points indicating city and towns and triangles for mountain ranges. She smacks her pointing wand at the top of the map. "It's located here, in the northern part of the Fiore Kingdom!" She pulls down another map that shows a small town deep within the forest and surrounded by waterfalls. She smacks the map again. "This is an ancient city where the Nirvits lived before they moved on to Nirvana. It's really secluded and hard to find."

Chibi-Luna pulls down another map that shows a pulsing crystal deep in the forest that was as thick as it was tall. "And this is Nirvana. It's a legendary Magical item called Magic of Reversal. It has the power to turn light into darkness and darkness into light. Because of its power, the plants around it were killed and the forest around it became polluted." She pulls down another map that shows the original Oración Seis with Brain's stony face in front of them all. "And they are—!"

SNORE.

Chibi-Luna stops teaching to look to the side. Chibi-Gale has his head down on his desk with a bubble coming out of his nose and moving with each snore.

Chibi-Luna scowls and smacks his desk. "Wake up!" she demands.

Chibi-Gale groans as he turns his head. "Blondie, keep talking. Your voice is really good at putting me to sleep," he mumbles.

Chibi-Luna flushes, irate. "Students will pay attention in class because you have a test on this," she sniffs.

Chibi-Gale jerks up with eyes wide. "The Hell? You didn't say there was going to be a test!" he barks at her.

Chibi-Luna smiles, satisfied she caught his attention. "Hmph. Well, there is one now," she says sassily.

Chbi-Gale scowls. "You're cruel, Blondie," he mutters. He, suddenly, raises an eyebrow and smirks. "But, you're pretty hot in your teacher roleplay," he flatters.

This time, Chibi-Luna flushes for a different reason. "You can't say that to your teacher," she hisses at him.

Chibi-Gale's smirk broadens as he gazes at her. "Come on, teach," he purrs. "How about a deal? Let me off the hook for this test and you and I can—"

Chibi-Luna blurts: "Class, lesson is over! Next time, on Fairy Adventure: IRON MAIDEN VERSUS IRON MAIDEN!"

RIIIIIIIIIING.

"Time for you all to get home," Chibi-Luna laughs nervously.

Chibi-Gale stands up slowly and advances towards Chibi-Luna who backs away from him in fear. "I don't know. I was kind of thinking of staying for detention," he murmurs. He eyes her approvingly while she gulps, staring up at him as he looms over her. He leans forwards until his lips brush against her ear. "Just as long as you're the woman in charge of me," he growls lowly.

In a cloud of dust, Chibi-Luna scrambles to get away with her face red. "I can't take this anymore!" she cries as she runs.

Chibi-Gale chuckles as he locks his hands behind his head and watches her sprint away. "She's just too freaking cute to not tease," he comments.

---

Voices of New Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Micah Solusod as Elvin Strauss

2. Reba Buhr as Ellie "Eliana" Strauss

3. Aaron Roberts as Orochi

4. Mela Lee as Eloise Strauss

5. Natalie Hoover as Mara