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!

18. Adventure 018

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.

---

Last time, on Fairy Adventure, Luna gatecrashed in on the fun at the cathedral, but plans didn't go all her way. Not when she nearly had to choose between two boys important in her life. But, Gale decided he would go it alone and fight Lance—I mean, the demon—I mean…Lance? Looks like two captains might not be better than one in this situation. Who knew sibling rivalries existed? I guess more of a one-sided rivalry and Brika isn't going down without a fight. Back to the cathedral, Luna tapped into her powers and healed Igneel. Is that great news or what? But, looks like she's still out of the fight as Igneel takes on the demon himself in an epic new move called the Thunder Rose, using both Rainbow Fire and Lightning! Huh. Like father, like son, right? But, things backfire when the plan works too well and forces the demon out. Good, right? I thought so too until the demon flooded the cathedral and left Igneel, Lance, Gale, and Luna in a little bubble underwater. How will they fight now? Back in Magnolia, Natsu showed off his other form: Etherious King Mode. He took out the curse about to rain down on Magnolia—what a move! But, looks like today is the day of backfiring as Natsu couldn't control his power still and had to be knocked out. Things underwater are going okay as Gale ventures out to learn the cathedral is deep underwater and they have three guests outside wanting to meet them. Luna greets our new friends the Kelpies and the Sea King and, with their help, Gale puts his plan on trapping the demon into action. After Luna and Gale shared their heart-to-heart, Gale and Igneel left Luna to look after Lance to start preparations for their last battle.

Please, you two. Do your best. And, whatever happens, we can't forget…the ones we're fighting for.

We're praying for you guys! Hey, where is Jay exactly…?

---

Gale emerged out of the wall of liquid-fire with his Bubble-Mask Charm. He swam out easily, looking for his steed for this battle. The odd shark swam to meet him, then circled so Gale could mount it. He did so swiftly and the odd shark swam forward through the army of fish and aquatic life alike. It went beside Igneel's steed for this battle. It was a Kelpie, a stallion, who had no issue with keeping Igneel on its back without a saddle.

Igneel looked at Gale. "You ready?"

Gale pounded his fists together. "Underwater fights aren't exactly my specialty. Earth and water just don't mix. But, I'll kick ass any day if it means one more day of being in Fairy Tail," he said proudly.

Igneel grinned as he looked back at the watery sky. "Yeah. Same here," he murmured.

Fairy Tail, my friends, my family, MJ… Grandpa Igneel… Granny Layla and Grandfather Jude… Are all of you watching me? Will you all be there for me?

Igneel looked down when he felt a burning sensation on his chest. It was a pleasant burn, but still a burn, nevertheless. His Magic Circle glowed in his skin like a heartbeat. The symbol in the center of the Magic Circle had changed from his normal one. It shared the same draconic head as Natsu's Magic Circle did with eyes glowing in gold. It pulsed once, twice, and Igneel could feel the rumbling growl that sounded like a volcano about to burst. Then, it all disappeared, the circle, the symbol, the sound.

Igneel's smile widened.

So, you really are living inside me. And my flames… They aren't just mine. They're yours too, Grandpa Igneel.

He closed his eyes in prayer.

Please, let my fire be as brilliant as yours, Grandpa Igneel. And let your star, Granny Layla, be the one that guides me. In the name of my father, Natsu Dragneel, and my mother, Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel, I beseech you.

"Yo, Dragqueen," came a lazy drawl. "You done praying yet?"

Igneel opened his eyes to spare Gale a raised eyebrow. "What's so wrong about praying? Gotta have belief somewhere."

Gale shrugged. "Religion ain't my style," he grunted. "You're just like me, huh? Praying to our ancestors to watch over us on this fight. I know they're watching me right now, judging my every move." He looked down at his chest with a smirk. "Ain't that right, old-timer?" Gale's black Magic Circle pulsed like a heartbeat in the skin of his chest. The symbol in the middle of the Magic Circle had changed to the same draconic symbol as Gajeel's Magic Circle. Its eyes glowed emerald as the sound of grating metal mixed with an unruly snarl filled Gale's ears. The Magic Circle pulsed once, twice, before everything disappeared.

He closed his eyes.

You can't inherit the power of a dragon, but you…

"…can damn well know your grandpa is gonna be judgin' you from his grave, you got that, pipsqueak?"

Gale opened his eyes to see he was no longer in the water. He was not about to head into battle. He was not with Igneel. The cathedral was gone. He was on a mountain with his father. Gajeel overlooked the valley below their perch with his arms crossed and his mouth twisted in a serious frown.

"Dragon Slayer Magic is a gift and a curse to anyone who's dumb enough to learn it," Gajeel grunted. "People treat us like saviors, but we ain't. All we are are the products of those stupid dragons who took us in and gave us a family we could stand by. Metalicana may be have been a little shit of a father, but he was a damn good one. He taught me this Magic. He taught me to survive, to hunt, and to care. Took me a while to get all of it down, but I did it. And I know he's proud of me for it. Just like I'm proud of your siblings. And, just like I'm proud of you."

The wind ruffled, shuffling through Gajeel's mane of black hair.

"You didn't meet the bastard, but you're still his grandkid," Gajeel explained. "You've got some of him in you too, even if it doesn't feel like it. Doesn't matter if you can't connect to metal or iron. You connect to the earth, the root of it all. And, through that, you can connect to him. You are the grandkid of Metalicana, the Iron Dragon, and the son of Gajeel Redfox, the Black Steel of Fairy Tail." He glanced at Gale and his piercing ruby eyes were intense with urging. "And don't you ever forget that."

Gale smiled.

I know you're watching, Grandpa and all of my ancestors. So, keep watching. I'm going to make all of you proud today.

Gale opened his eyes and he, too, looked at the watery sky. "Now," he said lowly, "it's time to slay a fucking demon."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Maji desu ka SUKA!

•

Donna toki demo POJITIBU de

meccha KIRAKIRA hanasakasou

•

Kitto itsuka wa FAMIRII wo

Shoukai sasete ne

Urusakutte mo yurushite

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale turned his eyes to Igneel and nodded. "I'll be down here with the second wave of reinforcements," he assured. "We'll make sure nothing happens to Lance or Luna. Just make this operation short and sweet."

Igneel looked at Gale and grinned. "You can count on it," he promised.

Gale rubbed the neck of his odd shark. The shark sighed out bubbles as it swam away from the front lines and headed to join the second defense. Gale felt a solemn frown on his face.

Everything is going into place. From what Blondie tells me, the Sea King will drive a half of its forces to the front with additional forces joining once they get past the current. From here, I've been given command of the second defense and, according to the Sea King, this shark is regarded highly as a deadly fighter and will protect me. Once the demon and his forces are within our reach, we strike. After the demon is lured in, then it's my turn to head inside the cathedral and shut the doors from within and seal it off. If we win, we all go home. And, if we don't…

His eyes darkened.

Then, we'll die knowing it was in Fairy Tail's honor.

°•°•°•°

Igneel adjusted himself on the Kelpie. It was more out of nerves than necessity. He looked at the Sea King. "I'm ready whenever you are," he promised.

The Sea King spared Igneel a glance. His lips curled into a growl and he tried to communicate with Igneel.

It took Igneel a second to understand what he was missing. "Oh, right." He patted the neck of the Kelpie. "We have to drop back into the center, buddy. We aren't front lines, yet."

The Kelpie neighed as it turned tail and dropped back into the army of fish. It found its place with plenty of fighters willing to defend it and its cargo from harm. Igneel stroked the neck of the Kelpie to calm it and him.

We're almost about to begin.

The Sea King's eyes turned back to the top of the chasm. He parted his jaws to let out a roar that made noise in the ocean. It was not as much as a war as it was a song all the creatures of the sea could hear. They responded to their king in equal song, singing their devotion to the cause, to their home, and their desire to fight.

Igneel's Kelpie reared its front legs and whinnied its song, supporting its Royal Highness.

°•°•°•°

Gale and his odd shark snuck into a cave he dug up himself. They nestled into the small cave as the creatures of the sea joined their king in revolutionary song. Gale's hands tightened on the fin of the shark.

It is now that the first battle begins. It'll determine whether we go home or we go down fighting.

°•°•°•°

The Sea King stopped his song as he coiled his body. With a snarl, he sprung forward at an immeasurably speed. Igneel's steeds followed after the great Sea King with the rest of the aquatic army swimming after them. The Sea King began to spiral into upwards circles. The fish at its command followed his movement and went into a spiral. Soon, a tornado of fish swarmed in the water and churned the sea with their songs of battle. Igneel was in the middle of it all. He was not swirling around like the others. He and his Kelpie stallion kept climbing as the tornado spiraled upwards.

We can do this. We'll win this.

The Sea King saw the ocean current. He opened his mouth and, rather than a roar, sound waves came from his mouth. The sound waves hit the ocean current and it was magical to see the current split itself into two. A pass was forged and the current would not dare to intercept them. The Sea King emerged from the pass first with his loyal subjects spiraling after him. Igneel and his Kelpie continued to swim to the top. His eyes sharpened once he crossed the pass and saw what was going on. Already the battle between the Sea King and the demon's forces had started. The Kelpie broke off from the main forces and went close to the reefs that had made a home atop of the chasm. There, Igneel and the Kelpie watched as their allies fought tooth and fin against familiars. The Sea King himself was taking on the brunt of it, lashing away familiars and biting at others.

Igneel scoured the battlefield for Forneus.

Where is he? He should've made an appearance by now.

That was when Igneel saw the shadow.

His eyes widened.

The Sea King batted away another familiar when he, too, took notice to the rather large shadow. He looked up and snarled at it. There was Forneus in all of his glory. He was not a pretty demon, not in the slightest. He was a sea serpent combined with the attributes of a shark and his size evenly matched the Sea King's size, though Forneus could be a bit bigger. He had arms with four webbed hands and claws on each. Four fins each lined his arms. They did not look so much as finds as they did blades. His scales were a murky blue with a long, orange dorsal fin running from the top of his head and all the way down to his coiled body and tail. His teeth were rose upon rose of sharp triangles with blood smeared upon them. Two sets of eyes gleamed as they clashed with the Sea King. Forneus chuckled.

"SSSSSSSSSSo, the great king decccccccccided to come out and play," Forneus noted. He gave a mock-bow. "I am humbled, Your Majesssssssssty. Tisssssssss a great honor to meet a myth ssssssssssuch as you."

The Sea King only snarled back words.

Forneus continued to chuckle as he straightened. "Very well then, Your Majesssssssssty. I have work to do, sssssssso let'ssssssss make thissssssss short, hmm?"

And Sea King and the demon raced to each other for a battle to the death.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 018

The Final Battles of Dry Land and Underwater

水中または土地で！人間と悪魔の最終戦！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Oomph!" came Angelo's cry. He found himself slammed into the earth and made a small dent in the road from it all. He got up, getting rid of the dirt and debris on him. He looked up in fear as Brika moved for him and scooted back. "Bree, please, don't do this!" he begged. "We're on the same side here! We've always been on the same side!"

Brika only slashed her sword in the air. "Oh, please. We never on the same side, baby brother," she sneered. She loomed over him with piercing eyes. In one scoop, she grabbed Angelo by his neck and lifted him off the ground. For a woman of her stature versus a man of his, it would seem impossible. But, she did it. "Not when you chose the life of some Magus!" she insulted. She threw Angelo away from her with a grunt.

Angelo tumbled onto the ground, rolling. He coughed as he pushed himself up to all-fours. "I'm sorry," he wheezed. "I know how you feel about Magic, but not all Magic is bad, Bree." He was about to look up when a heel dug into his side and kicked him away. He lay on his side, groaning as he looked at his side. A bruise was forming.

"All Magi are the enemy," came a snarl.

Angelo looked up to see Brika looking down on him in her normal, coldhearted stare.

"You think your side is on the side of justice?" Brika sneered. "Dogs of the Council, slaves of the country, and traitors to us all—that is what you are."

Angel coughed as he scooted back. "We help people, Bree," he tried to explain. "We try to make sure situations like what happened with your mom—"

Brika's eyes sharpened. "Don't you ever speak of her, Magus!" she snarled. She lifted her sword and swung down, but Angelo held up a hand to catch it.

Angelo's face bled pain. "I know what happened to her wasn't right, Bree! I know! But, no one should have to go through that again!"

"And you are arrogant to think it's the Magic Council that will stop things happening," Brika snapped at him. "It wasn't some bandits or rogue Magus that killed her and you know it. It was the Magi in the Council who exploited her! They used her! They took what she had and drove her to a point of insanity! And, then, they took away my mother!" She pressed harder and blood dripped from the blade and Angelo's gloves. "It was Magi like you who treated my people like slaves! Like we weren't worth anything just because we couldn't understand Magic! You exploited us! You felt that you deserved it because of your little Council!"

"Not all of us are that way!" Angelo blurted. "Those knights who did that to your mother are in jail now!"

"Oh, but they should've gotten far worse," Brika hissed. "They should've known what it felt like to live in fear every day. They should've known what it felt like to be degraded for being this color! They should've known what it felt like to see your own mother defend you when they tried to hurt you in ways you couldn't even begin to understand. They should've known what it was like to have scars on your body that will never heal! Those knights don't deserve just death for what they did to me, to my mother, and to our people. They deserve a fate worse than death."

Angelo's face broke when he saw what was underneath Brika's hard expression. "They do deserve worse," he murmured in agreement. "Not every system is going to have the perfect people behind it, Bree. I can't imagine what you went through when that happened to you and your mom and to your village. I really can't. My mom got married to your dad later and had me. I never went through what you and your dad and your mom went through and I'm sorry, Bree. You're my sister. You don't think it upsets me to see you so sad and so hateful? I saw your scars. It was terrible with what happened. But, I want to change that. I want to stop knights from abusing their power. Please, believe me!"

Brika glanced at the Magic Council marking on Angelo's chest and her lips curled with disgust. "So long as you are on the side of Magi and wear that tattoo, you will never be my brother," she snarled lowly at him. She pressed a little more into his hand before she took away her sword. She sheathed and turned away from him. "I'm done here. There's no use of having Magus blood on my sword or my hands. I'm not like the rest of you Magi and have a sick pleasure for blood."

"Bree, wait," Angelo pleaded.

Brika squared her shoulders. "My name is Captain Brika Sterling-Armstrong, Captain. For your own sake, never forget that."

And Angelo lost sight of her as she slipped into the fray.

---

Four pegasi pulled a floating carriage with their driver "hya"ing them every so often to push them to their limit. The carriage was for royalty only with the crest of Fiore and the crest of the royal family painted onto each side and the roof of the carriage. Inside the carriage was quite comfortable. It carried the Fioren colors of green, gold, and white. Queen Hisui sat on her own seat with her two protective knights standing on either side of the carriage. The queen watched alongside the window as they passed over land of green and villages with train tracks connecting one to the next. Her jade eyes were dark in solemnity.

Something tells me Fairy Tail is in more critical trouble than ever. I still have to watch myself with how much I interact with them and Magnolia. Arcadios told me other towns and guilds thought I was favoring them. I cannot show favoritism.

"Mistress?" came a timid. "Are you…feeling well?"

Hisui looked over at her lady-in-waiting. Madelia had changed since the last anyone had seen her. Her violet hair was still in a bob that was neat and pristine. She wore a clip bearing the crest of her royal status as a lady-in-waiting for the princess. Her dress was the same color of her hair, a deep violet with a bateau neckline that showed her bare shoulders. A lavender mesh cape was flowing behind her and was attached to the wrists of her sleeves. The dress was not terribly long, but still covered her legs. She donned pristine white gloves she made sure never to dirty and bore a necklace with an amethyst gemstone.

⌜ROYAL HOUSEHOLD OF FIORE

Name: Madelia von Rockford

Age: 22

Occupation: Lady-in-waiting

Magic: N/A

Likes: sand-art Dislikes: quiet

Special Note: Madelia is one of the kindest souls you'll ever meet! You should see her play harp!⌟

"I'm worried about Magnolia and Fairy Tail," Hisui admitted. "Especially when Draculos told me my goddaughter could be in more severe trouble." She shook her head in amusement. "She's just like her parents."

Madelia brightened. "Oh, yes. Lady Luna seems like she is just the right amount of stubborn and kindness," she commented. She began to dull when she recalled their visit. "I do hope Lady Luna is faring well. If it was not for her, I would not have met you, Mistress."

Hisui remembered and smiled at the memories. "She was so eager about it too," she recalled. "I had to fire my last lady-in-waiting after I caught her selling information about me to the press. I still can't believe Lu called me on my private line only a few people have. I did tell her she could call whenever she wanted, but still. I didn't think she'd be calling me about extending a job offer."

Madelia laughed behind her hand. "Yes. Lady Luna had assured me I would be in the greatest of hands and she was, indeed, correct. I did not think she cared about me at all. I was the one getting her ready to meet Master Borus, at the time."

"Luna doesn't see that," Hisui assured. "She saw a person she cared about needed a home. Fairy Tail and the guards sure each and every girl found their way back home by whatever means." She tilted her head curiously. "Are you sure you wouldn't at least like to visit your home country? I have great relations to the queen in Minstrel. She's been a great mentor to me. I'm sure we could—"

"No, Mistress," Madelia rejected with a shake of her head. "I thank you for the officer, but I prefer my home here. In Minstrel, my home was not a life I would want to return to. I did not have a place to call 'home', if I am to be honest."

Hisui softened. "Very well then. Like all of those who work at the castle, your stay and its duration are your choice, Maddie. You may go and come as you please. If you would like to visit somewhere, please, let me know. I'll have a horse and a knight at your disposal," she promised.

Madelia blushed and dipped her head. "You are too kind, Mistress," she murmured. "I thank you for your offer. However, for now, I must decline."

Hisui nodded and opened her mouth to say something when a voice called to her. It was a knight at the front of the carriage with the driver. He had opened the window to speak to Hisui. "Your Highness, we are flying over the Northern Forest of Fiore," he announced. "We have seen a steady stream of civilians traveling from the northern forest and to the evacuation center."

Hisui nodded. "Take us down there. I have already informed the mayor and the guild master of my arrival."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The driver steered the pegasi to the east and they whinnied as they did. Hisui and Madelia watched as they circled to the east. They were both surprised when they saw people marching from Magnolia and filing into the evacuation center. With a closer look, Mages of Fairy Tail and those able were helping keep the civilians under control. There were only a few civilians who grew hysterical and worried for their home, but, for the most part, everyone kept their worrying under control. The carriage came closer to the forest center and descended. The people looked up in awe as they saw the royal carriage and pegasi. The pegasi flapped their wings and their legs churned as they gently hit the ground. The carriage followed after with a slight bump and the pegasi kept galloping until they broke into a canter, then a steady trot. They rounded on the evacuation center and stopped in front of it. The evacuation center was not above ground. It was below it with a ramp going down to the metal doors.

Mayor Elric came out to greet the carriage and pegasi that stopped to the side of the evacuation center, him and his executive assistant. He watched as the footmen opened the door for the queen and her lady-in-waiting and gave a respective bow with his assistant. "Your Majesty and her lady, we welcome you to Magnolia Town," he greeted with a cough. "Though, I hoped your visit would be under better conditions."

Hisui had her personal knight help her out of the carriage and onto the ground. She gave Mayor Elric a smile. "You may rise, Mayor Elric," she allowed. "I, too, had hoped to visit Magnolia Town on better conditions, but that could not be." She stepped closer to the risen mayor and his assistant with Madelia following her. She nodded at the assistant with a warm smile. "It is nice to meet you, Miss Kenya," she greeted. "Crocus-born and top of her class—very impressive, wouldn't you say, Lady Madelia?"

Madelia nodded. "Yes, Mistress, impressive indeed."

Kenya looked like she was torn in awe and in surprise the queen knew her name. "I, uh, well…" She bowed her head. "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty, My Lady."

"Only giving credit where credit is due," Hisui dismissed. She turned to the mayor as her smile twisted into a frown. "Now, Mayor Elric, please explain to me the situation here."

Mayor Elric coughed. "Yes, Your Majesty. As recent events, an infestation of horrid creatures overtook my town. Guild Master Erza and her Mages have taken to fighting them themselves as well as defeating the source of what brought them. Per agreement, I have evacuated all civilians out of Magnolia and into the evacuation center." He looked at his people trickling with Mages and others alike helping them. He watched one Fairy Tail member stop as a civilian kept coughing into their handkerchief. Alan saddened. "However, our civilians are falling sick and more and more by the minute," he informed. "Any medical staff that could risk leaving the hospital have come with supplies and have been attending to the sick patients, but it's no use."

Hisui sighed. "I see then," she murmured. "If it is all right, I would like to see these sick patients."

Madelia's eyes widened. "Mistress, the lieutenant general wouldn't—!"

"The lieutenant general will get over himself," Hisui said firmly. "I am going to go and support my people."

Madelia softened and nodded. "Yes, Mistress."

Hisui turned to the mayor and Mayor Elric nodded. "This way, please."

°•°•°•°

The group was stopped at dual doors where nurses were handing out medical masks. One of the nurses took a look at the group, he bowed lowly. "Good afternoon, Your Highness. My Lady, and Mayor Elric. Per procedure, the doctors have insisted anyone entering the evacuation center wear medical masks."

Hisui nodded. "Thank you. We will do as the doctors instruct."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The process did not take long. The medical masks were distributed and put on with ease. The nurses bowed as one of them opened the door and gestured for them to enter. The mayor and his assistant went in first before a knight followed them. Hisui and Madelia came in with a knight following them. Hisui stepped out to see the evacuation center—

—and was completely taken back.

The evacuation center was a few stories deep and looked more like a reception hall than anything. Each family had been given their own mats, blankets, food, and drinks rationed out for however many members. But, that did not shock Hisui. What did shock Hisui were the number of sick among the ranks of the well. A nurse was holding a crying baby while the baby's father lay in a feverish sleep. A family of five were huddled together, though the youngest daughter was coughing. A team of doctors and his assistants were restraining an elderly man who was convulsing and pleading for help. Where doctors and nurses and assistants fell short, people were given five-minute training to help those ailed with sickness.

Hisui's eyes saddened as she befell a little one hugging her Saint Bernard as her elder sister lay still, sweating buckets.

More than a third of the people are sick and more and more grow sick by the second. What is happening? Why these innocent lives?

Her eyes hardened.

I will do whatever I can to help these people. But, Lucy, when I find you, I hope you have an explanation to all of this.

---

RIIIIIIIIIING. RIIIIIIIIIING.

A pale hand picked up the Communications Lacrima and placed it to their ear. "State you name, rank, and business," came a soothing greeting.

"Councilman, this is Rand Brooks, knight of the Third Anti-Magic Unit under Captain Angelo Sterling's command. Sir, I have terrible news," came the voice of a distressed knight. "We have met resistance in front of Magnolia Town. Currently, the Third Anti-Magic Unit of Fiore is engaged in combat with the Wisteria First Guard Division. Captain Sterling-Armstrong and her men refuse to back down, sir. And, our captain has been severely assaulted by her!"

"Has he now?" came a sly inquiry. "So, their sibling feud continues. Interesting."

"Councilman, sir, we request back-up for this," Knight Brooks tried. "Perhaps we could require aid from the Fifth—"

"Denied."

There was spluttering. "B-But, Councilman, sir, we can't—!"

"Don't worry, soldier, help will be on the way. You can be sure of that."

"But, sir—!"

The hand ended the call and set down the Communications Lacrima. A dark figure looked outside windows, tall and brooding. "Help will certainly be on the way," came a muse. "You are to both ensure Magnolia is safe and sound by the end of this day, by any means necessary. Understood?"

There was rustling in the office.

A smile. "Good. You may go."

And the rustling stopped.

Draculos turned his head to see his office was as empty as ever. He closed his eyes.

Now, we wait.

---

Gray grunted as he readjusted an unconscious Natsu. "You fat ass. Would it kill you to lay off the meat?" It was him and Gajeel who took to holding up Natsu with his feet dragging on the ground. Happy was scouting the way while Laxus took rearguard.

Gajeel smirked. "Don't tell me you can't handle the weight, Ice Demon," he jeered. "I don't know what Juvia sees in you."

Gray smirked back. "You really want to know?"

Gajeel shot him a glare. "I hate you."

"Feeling is mutual," Gray growled.

Laxus rolled his eyes heavenward. "Would you two stop acting like your kids and start acting like men? I'd like to get back to Fairy Tail without knocking you both unconscious."

"He started it!" Gajeel and Gray exclaimed. They both growled at each other before pointedly glaring away from each other.

Laxus sighed. "Gramps, give me strength," he muttered.

"Nnngh…"

All four froze when Natsu began to stir. They waited in baited breath for him to settle back into slumber. Then, they were on the move.

Gray gave a breath of relief. "Thank God. Can't have him waking up on us now when we're so close."

Gajeel had to agree with that. "Yeah. I like kickin' Salamander's ass and all, but not when he's a psycho demon king." His face darkened at the thought. "Even if I went into Dragon Force, he'd still kill me."

Gray looked grave at those words. "I'd have to kick into my Ice Demon Mode if I wanted to stand a chance, but even if I did that…" He looked at Natsu sleeping face with a heavy frown. "I don't think our fight would go down too well," he confessed. "Didn't go well the first time."

Laxus softened. "You were there the first time." It was a simple and delicate fact.

Gray nodded. "Yeah." His mouth dried as he thought back to it. "I wish I wasn't."

"Natsu!" It was Lucy's wail. "You don't have to do this!"

God, I really wish I wasn't there, Gray thought. Those days were a nightmare. That year before, I had been training to finally tune to my Ice Devil Slayer Magic. After the battle against Alvarez and Zeref and Acnologia, both Natsu and I had to face what we actually are. I had used so much of my curse, I turned myself into a half-demon. But, Natsu?

His eyes darkened.

He turned into something worse.

"Gray!" came a caterwaul resurrected by memory. "Erza! Wendy! Get away!"

Gray closed his eyes as he felt heated flames consume his visions. They were dark flames, flames lusting for vengeance, not justice. He could remember the horrified screams. He could remember the blurry form of a crying, yet firm Lucy as she looked into the blazing forest.

°•°•°•°

"Lucy, we have to go!" Gray hollered urgently. He sounded desperate. He sounded like he would breakdown.

"I started my adventure with him," Lucy told him without looking back. "I'm not just going to walk away and leave him, Gray. He can't do this on his own. He's been there for me so many times. And I'll be there for him." Her voice did not waver. She would not turn back in her decision.

"Lucy, please," Gray begged. "Happy's already tried and Charla has to take him back to our fallback position. Wendy went into Dragon Force, but she couldn't talk him down. And Erza…" He flinched as branches nearby fell, their embers scatterings and flames fanning. "Lucy, Erza couldn't even touch him and she's Erza! What makes you think you can do this?"

"I don't know if I can," Lucy murmured in admittance.

"Then, let's go," Gray reiterated. "We have to leave now. I can get you all to safety." He let out a grunt as his hand went to the wound on his arm. His arms had been charred in splotches of black and the world was becoming dizzy. "But, we have to hurry. I'll come back and freeze him. He might be able to melt my demon ice, but it's a bitch to melt."

Lucy shook her head. "Gray… I'm not coming back with you."

"Lucy, don't be stupid! We have to go!"

Lucy turned her head to show Gray her pure smile, chocolate eyes shining in tears. "Please, Gray. Make sure everyone is okay. I'll be back with Natsu soon." And she turned back to the burning forest before her and sprinted into it.

"Lucy!" Gray howled. "Lucy!"

°•°•°•°

Gray's eyes opened, but his face was broken. He looked haunted at the memories.

I remember that day so clearly. I was pushed to my absolute limit with my curse and even I couldn't put a scratch on him. But, Lucy…

He could see her angry pout as he ruffled her hair.

Just, man. You had no fear in your eyes when you ran in. to the fire. You just…did it. You went in there to help the person you cared about. I just remember the look you had on your face when we found you and him.

°•°•°•°

The focus shifted on a burnt clearing. Trees had been cut down through brutal force and used as firewood, charred and dead. An eerie gray was cast over the land. The vibrant colors of green and wild reds and golds had been dulled into blacks and grays. Smoke and residue embers shifted in the air and created a toxic smell that made you want to cover your nose and get the Hell out of Dodge. But, Gray slunk his way through the burnt forest surrounded the clearing and watched two of his friends.

Lucy was on the ground. Her shirt was burnt and claws had torn through it to expose her chest and bra. Her keys and whip had been placed at the border, so she was virtual unarmed. The ribbon in her hair had fallen and her hair flowed down her back.

Natsu was clinging to her in his scales and claws as he whispered things. His forehead rested on Lucy's chest and tears could be seen streaming down his cheeks as he whispered apologies into her skin.

Gray watched from his perch as Lucy threaded her fingers through Natsu's hair. Her smile was soft and warm. It showed no sign of being halfhearted or force. It was genuine. And her eyes held no fear. Her eyes looked down at Natsu in that Lucy-way she would get when she found Natsu endearing (and Gray would fail to understand why).

°•°•°•°

"Hey. We're here."

Gray woke up from his reminiscing to see it was Laxus who grunted it. They were not at Fairy Tail, They were at a simple butcher shop that was abandoned. Laxus opened the door with no problem and allowed Gajeel and Gray to enter with Natsu and Happy. Once they did, Happy led the way to the back of the butcher shop, behind the counter. Everyone followed to the back room where Happy pulled open another door to the freezer room. Laxus stepped into the freezer room first to shift aside boxes on the floor. There lay a door on the floor. Laxus pressed a hand on it and, within seconds, Freed's ruins glowed.

"Recognized. Fairy Tail Member: Laxus Dreyar. Codename: Raijin, the Thunder God. Class: S. Status: active," came Freed's voice.

HSSSSSSSS.

The door cracked open with the hatch summoning itself. Laxus pulled back the hatch and the door to reveal a set up spiral stairs. Torches automatically lit themselves to reveal the dungeon-esque stairwell. It was not dank, but the dark stone made anyone wary of going downstairs.

"This'll lead straight to the basement," Laxus informed as he stood up. "Both of you need to take him straight to the confinement area before he wakes up. Call Erza the second he's put in a cell and make sure it's Lucy he sees." He looked at Happy. "If you feel like it, you can stay with him."

Happy nodded. "Aye," he mumbled.

Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "Why do I get the feeling you're not coming with us?"

"Because I'm not," Laxus verified.

"And, just where do you think you're going?" Gray probed.

Laxus began to walk away from them. "I'm going back out on the streets," he informed. "Something tells me my demon of a wife is out there and she's bringing home my butterfly."

Gajeel looked disbelieving. "How the Hell could you know that?"

Laxus paused at the freezer door. He tapped his head as he glanced back with a smirk. "It's called God's Intuition, Black Steel. I already let Erza know the situation." He looked at Natsu. "Make sure he's okay. He doesn't need to be traumatized again." And he walked out.

Happy flapped his wings. "We better get Natsu into a cell," he mumbled. He fluttered down the steps.

Gajeel adjusted Natsu. "Don't you dare lose control, Salamander," he grunted as he and Gray worked as a team to get Natsu down the steps. "We'll pull you right back from the edge if we have to."

---

Nashi continued to wipe Lucy's forehead as Lucy mumbled incoherent words. "That's it, Mama, just rest," she soothed.

Luke put his hands down with a ragged sigh. "I've done all I can to calm her down, but it's barely working. Whatever's eating at her isn't Magic."

Nashi's eyebrows furrowed.

Could it be…? I mean, this could be just like Zagan all over again. But, we defeated him, right? So, how…? Unless another demon was given his task. But, then… How…?

"How is she doing?"

Nashi looked up to see Erza looking at Lucy with sad eyes. She sighed as she looked back at her mother. "Not too well," she confided. "Nothing anyone can do will heal her."

Erza nodded sagely. "With those things still out there and a demon among us, no one will be able to heal," she said. "But," she added, "thanks to your father and Gajeel and Laxus, we were able to at least stop one of the sources."

Luke was interested at that. "What do you mean?"

"Come with me," Erza instructed. "Lucy will be coming to. This is something I want both of you to see, even if it is against your parents' wishes." Her hands went to Lucy and scooped her into her arms, carrying her like the stereotypical groom would hold his bride.

Luke helped Nashi stand. "Where are we going?" he questioned.

"To the basement," was all Erza gave them as she walked away with Lucy.

Luke and Nashi exchanged looks, but their eyes firmed with determination.

°•°•°•°

Going to the basement was a slow but easy feat. They had to maneuver through sick beds and guild mates and Nashi had to take it easy as she grunted with aggravating her wounds. They walked down the steps at an unhurried pace and made it to the basement. There, they walked down the hall. They went past the archives and the recreation room and a few storage rooms as well as a few bunkers. They made it to the end of the hall where a door and an elevator was left and nothing else. Erza adjusted Lucy to press the button to the elevator.

DING.

The elevator parted its jaws. Erza went in first with Luke and Nashi following her in. Once they were secure, Erza pressed a button labeled CA. The elevator doors shut.

Luke looked at the all the buttons of the elevator in slight confusion. "I didn't know we had so many floors underneath Fairy Tail."

"I didn't even know we had an elevator," Nashi muttered. "Does everyone know this?"

"Only those myself or the previous master appointed," Erza explained vaguely. "What you are about to see is top-secret. You may not repeat what you see or hear while you are here. This is a verbal nondisclosure agreement. I have brought you here on my behalf. No one may take the blame besides myself and I will make that clear. But, should you repeat or refabricate anything you have heard or seen here to anyone in this guild or outside it, know you will be under intense punishment."

"It's that serious?" Nashi asked, surprised.

Erza nodded. "Aye. It is. Later, I can tell you which Mages have knowledge of this information. But, just know—"

DING.

The elevator jolted as it came to a stop.

"—even the information you are about to witness, they have no knowledge about. What you are about to see stays within your family as well with Gray, Wendy, Gajeel, Levy, Happy, Charla, Laxus, and Mira. No one else may know about this." And Erza stepped out of the elevator.

Luke and Nashi exchanged looks, uneasy and questioning, but ultimately made the decision to get out of the elevator. It was nothing much. Just a blank lobby with a solid door leading to somewhere. The light turned on at their entrance, but that was all. They stopped as Erza stopped before the door.

"Luke, would you mind getting the door? Nashi, you can lean on me for the time being," Erza instructed.

Both siblings listened to their master as Luke to Nashi to Erza before heading to the door. He touched the doorknob and twisted it, opening it up for all of them to pass through.

And he and Nashi were in shock at what they saw.

Erza stepped forth without hesitation. "Come," was all she uttered.

The two did, but slowly and not without looking at everything. Torches lit up as they passed to reveal the true darkness of the lair they found, but they were poorly lit. Puddles had formed with dripping coming from the cracks. Stone was hard-pressed together to make such a dungeon, but, somehow, it did not feel like natural stone. It felt like something different entirely. Even the doors bolted to the walls were of a different material than metal.

"What…is this place?" Nashi whispered. "It's like a dungeon."

"Or a prison," Luke theorized as he helped Nashi walk.

"And, both of you would be correct," Erza confirmed. "When the third Fairy Tail building was built after the Alvarez War and battle against Acnologia, this was put underground for matters of precaution. With a little help, this was turned into the guild confinement area, a place where even a Wizard Saint would struggle to get out."

Nashi's eyes widened. "Whoa," she breathed. "Even a Wizard Saint? But…how is that possible? And, why?"

"I cannot give you all the answers you want," Erza regarded gently. "But, this confinement area will only respond to authorized members of the guild. Should a prisoner try to escape, they cannot find the exit. Levy and Freed have combined an Infinity Jinx along with the Labyrinth Jinx. Should a prisoner escape—"

"They'll be stuck in an infinite labyrinth," Luke completed, sounding impressed. "That's genius."

Erza nodded. "We do have our fair share of geniuses in the guild," she acknowledged. "Within each prison cell differs, but most have the same. Within each cell is another cage we house criminals. Some are given hay to sleep on, others cots. Even if the criminal knows Earth Magic, they cannot get through this stone. We've personally had Jura try to escape and he verified it is impossible for him to work the earth."

Luke hummed thoughtfully. "So, you used an alien earth and metal to house criminals and they are somehow anti-Magic."

"Anti-Ethernano," Erza corrected. "We don't like to use these prisons, but they have house a few criminals in the past." Her eyes softened as she looked down at Lucy. "And, now they're housing a few of our guild mates."

Luke looked somber at that while Nashi grew in alarm. "Wait. Just hold on a second. Does that mean—?"

BANG. BANG. BANG.

The group slowed to a stop as they heard sobbing and banging from cells coming faintly. As they approached the noise and more torches lit, they could see the commotion.

Nashi and Luke had to stop from the shock.

There, laying against a cell door, was a disheveled Juvia. She was a mess of tears and incoherent words as Gray comforted her. His eyes were torn into pain as he heard the banging on the other end the door and a series of grunt.

Nashi could recognize the voice on the other side and her eyes saddened. "Is that…?"

Erza nodded. "Yes. When we arrived to take you and him back, he was placed down here in the event he woke up. And, he did. He already has his Negation Cuffs on, so he cannot use his powers. But, he has been trying to escape ever since he woke up," she informed. "Juvia and Gray have been doing the best they can to calm him and get through to him, but, so far, it's the darkness that's winning."

The three of them passed by the grieving couple as their son continued to snarl demonic words and battle his way to freedom. They continued to walk to hear more banging coming from another cell. Erza did not flinch as she passed it, but Luke and Nashi did.

"Who is that?" Nashi wondered.

Erza did not hesitate to answer. "My son."

Luke stopped and Nashi had to with him. She looked to see conflicting emotions rushing past his faces. He looked like he was debating going back to call to Mystogan or continuing forward. He chewed on his bottom lip in his confliction.

"Luke?" Nashi called softly.

Luke shook his head and kept them going. They finally approached where Erza stopped. Gajeel and Happy were guarding the cell. There was no noise inside, but it was obvious a prisoner was there.

Happy perked when he saw the group and flew to them with his eager smile. "You guys! You ma—!" His words faltered when he saw the states his friends were in. He rushed over to Lucy as Erza stopped before the prison. His eyes glistened as he looked at her. His paw prodded Lucy's cheek. "Lucy?" he whimpered. "Come on, Lucy. You have to wake up. You told me you're too pretty to die."

"She ain't dead, cat," Gajeel grunted. Though, he eyed Lucy in brotherly worry. "She's just sick." His eyes trailed to Nashi and Luke, but when he caught sight of Nashi, his ruby eyes darkened. "Who screwed you up out there?" he demanded to know.

Nashi looked away. "It was just a familiar, Uncle Gajeel," she mumbled.

Gajeel did not look convinced. "I don't know who you're protecting, little angel, but don't think it'll last long."

Nashi flinched, but gave a meek nod.

Gajeel turned back to Lucy and approached her. He brushed her cheek with his knuckles. "Yo, Bunny Girl," he murmured. "Time for you to wake up to see your boy. Salamander needs his mate right now."

Lucy's nose twitched as she cracked her eyes open. "Nnngh… Nat…su?"

Gajeel softened. "Your mate's in there, Bunny Girl, don't you worry," he murmured. He moved away from Lucy to look at Erza firmly. "He's beginning to wake up," he reported.

"Then, we have no time to lose," Erza said. "Open the door, if you will, Gajeel."

Gajeel nodded and went to the cell door. He placed a hand on it. Violet ruins spread across the door with Freed's voice echoing. "Recognized. Fairy Tail Member: Gajeel Redfox. Codename: Black Steel. Class: S. Status: active. Authorized by Erza Scarlet." The ruins disappeared into the door. Gajeel grabbed the handle, then looked to Erza.

Erza nodded.

Gajeel opened the door.

Erza slipped through with Lucy in her arms. She walked into the room and Nashi and Luke made a move to follow her, but Gajeel stopped them with his hand. They looked to him, but he was too busy looking into the cell. The two of them did as well.

Their eyes widened.

There was their father in chains, but he did not look like his father. He looked…not human. He was covered in burnt scarlet scales that overlapped and could remind anyone of a large lizard. He had large horns protruding from his head, a deep, accursed black color. His clothes were a little torn, but his hands and feet. They were not fingers and toes like humans. They were talons and claws like a beast. He had wings of his own. Embers stayed on the membrane of his wings and the fire on his tail and spine never ceased to die out, but that was another thing that was wrong with him. His fire was not the noble fire he wielded. His fire was something no man should seek. It was a cursed fire of deep red touched in black and tainted gold. He stirred in his chains and shackles, grunting and groaning like a beast trying to wake itself up.

Nashi put a shaking hand over her mouth. "Papa…" she breathed.

"What happened to him?" Luke whispered.

"This is your pops," Gajeel grunted. "This is what happens when idiots like him go into their Etherious King Mode." He snorted. "Tough bastard."

They all watched as Erza got down on her knees to set Lucy down. As they did so, Nashi had to ask. "'Etherious'?"

"A subspecies of demon," Luke filled her in. "They aren't pure demons, but the rank below it. At least, from what Aunt Levy told me. I guess pure demons are what we're facing now and they're a lot worse than Etherious."

"So, Papa is…the king of Etherious Demons?" Nashi tried to grasp all of this, but it was still difficult for her to swallow.

"Yup," Gajeel said simply. "Once Salamander gets back to being himself, he can tell ya the whole, funny story."

"Nothing 'funny' about this," Nashi muttered. "This is just wrong. Papa is…one of them. And, so are we."

"No, you're wrong."

Nashi looked at Luke with furrowed eyebrows as Luke looked solemnly into the floor. "What do you mean?"

"We aren't 'one of them'," Luke told her. "We aren't pure demons. We're Etherious. We're different."

Nashi still did not understand. "But, how—?"

"Unnnn…"

Everyone froze as Natsu began to stir in his chains. His eyes squeezed shut before they tried to pry open. His mouth opened in a routine of baring his teeth as he woke himself. His eyes opened and were not the natural onyx with emerald flecks everyone could recognize. The whites in his eyes had blackened and left him with red irises that were trying to focus and decipher his location.

Lucy struggled to haul herself out of Erza's arms and went to the bars of the cage. "Nat…su," she grunted. "Nat…su…"

Natsu tried to move when he began painfully aware of the shackles on his body and chains linking him. His eyes darkened as he tried to move. His movements became aggressive when he realized the shackles and chains would not come off him. A snarl ripped through his throat as the embers on his wings blazed into flames and fire began to dance on the tips of his hair. He tried hard to leave his imprisonment, flapping his wings. He ended up banging his head and horns on the top of his cage and he glared at it angrily. His eyes darted around. He was a predator, not prey. He was a king. He would not fathom being caged like a bird, like weak prey. He would escape.

Nashi looked petrified as she heard her father snarl his demands for release, flying from side-to-side and banging the bars for escape. She pressed into Luke. "Papa," she whimpered.

Luke could only watch his father with a stony expression.

Lucy went to the cage with Erza watching her like a hawk. Her hands wrapped around the bars and, even in her dreary state, she still had a look of love when she gazed upon Natsu. "Natsu," she whispered. "Natsu…"

Natsu's eyes snapped onto Lucy. He settled back onto the ground, never breaking from her gaze. There was obvious aggression through his snorts of flames and the hate in his eyes. But, still. He did not take that aggression out on Lucy. Instead, he waddled forward towards her. He was the predator. She was the prey. Nothing would break his gaze from hers.

Nashi tensed and began to surge forward, but it was Gajeel who stopped her. She looked at him, but he was watching Natsu with a determined eye. Nashi faltered in her protest to look back at her father.

"Natsu," Lucy whispered. Her lips shook into an unsteady smile. "You're…here. That…makes me happy."

Natsu stopped right in front of Lucy. He did not lose the aggression in his stance. He did not lose his flames. He merely stopped and stared at Lucy.

Then, he moved forward.

And, he did something that surprised Nashi and Luke.

Natsu got on his knees and pressed his forehead against the bars, whimpering.

Lucy chuckled feebly as her hands went to Natsu's hair. The flames did not burn her. She ran her hands through Natsu's ruffled hair with ease. "You dummy," she teased. "You're making everyone worry."

Natsu looked up at Lucy with woeful eyes. "Sorry, Lucy," he muttered in a burly growl.

"That's okay. I forgive you," Lucy assured. "You wouldn't be my Natsu without getting into trouble once and a while."

Natsu made a noise as Lucy's fingers trailed up his horns. It was an odd mixture of a rumbling growl and a catlike purr. He basked in Lucy's attention and she gave it to him without hesitation.

"What's happening?" Nashi whispered. "What are they doing?"

"A king needs a queen."

Nashi and Luke turned to Gajeel.

"A dragon needs a mate, a demon needs a consort, a king needs a queen. All makes sense to me," Gajeel grunted. "Don't know how he does it, but Salamander can do all three. It's a bitch to handle, but he does it. The price was his humanity. He can control his dragon side, but the demon side needs a little work. And, that's where your ma comes in. She's his queen, his mate, his consort. She's the only one who can calm him down now."

"But, how can she deal with it?" Nashi questioned. "He's… We're… We aren't human."

"And, who the Hell cares?" Gajeel grunted. "I'm part dragon and my mate loves me just fine. When you really care about the guy you want to shack it up with, you ain't gonna be caring what color, religion, or if the guy has horns or listens to shitty country music. You're there to care for the guy inside, not whatever he looks like. Human, demon, dragon—doesn't matter. We got labels on the things we see, but love doesn't have a label, little angel. It has acceptance."

Nashi, stunned, and Luke, thoughtful, turned back to their parents. Natsu had shaken off any aggression he had before with his flames dying into embers. It was fascinating to see his horns retracted into his skull. His wings snapped back into his back. His tail shattered off in specks of red and black. His talons returned to his hands and feet and his claws returned to his nails. He lost his scales as well and the flames on his hair were put out. He was back to being just Natsu, the Salamander and Fire Dragon of Fairy Tail. His lips moved in words too low for Luke and Gajeel to read, but either could guess what his words were. Lucy only soothed him by stroking his hair.

"I'm never leaving you, Natsu," Lucy promised in a murmur.

Natsu sniffled as he pressed more into the bars as though trying to get to Lucy, whispering his words of apologies and love.

Erza slowly rose as though trying not to disturb the moment. She stepped forward and went to the lock on the cage. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

Lucy and Natsu both shifted back as they allowed Erza to put her hand on the lock. It clicked as it unlocked itself. Erza retreated back fast as Lucy pulled the cage door open. She did not have to wait for Natsu to come to her for Natsu surged forth and engulfed Lucy in a hug. He nosed his way to the Mark he gave her and took in deep breaths. Lucy showed no hesitancy in wrapping her arms around him and closing her eyes. She allowed him to take in her scent and, in return, she rubbed his back to keep him calm.

"You're sick," Natsu murmured. "They hurt you."

"It's okay," Lucy calmed. "It's okay…"

Natsu only gave a whine as he snuggled more into the juncture between Lucy's shoulder and neck.

Erza retreated to the door and looked at Gajeel, Happy, Nashi, and Luke sternly. "It is time for us to go," she told them, leaving no room for argument. "Gajeel, the door." She moved passed them and went down the hall without a glance back.

Gajeel nodded as he began to close the door. Nashi and Luke watched as their mother and father held each other in their arms. And, they kept watching until their parents were obscured from their vision and the door shut.

"So, what now?" Nashi had to ask.

Gajeel began to walk away. "Now? Let the king take care of his queen," he muttered. "Come on, cat." And, he kept walking away.

Happy looked at Nashi and Luke with reassurance. "Don't worry. Natsu and Lucy will be fine," he promised. And, he fluttered away.

Nashi and Luke exchanged look. At Luke's nod, the two began to shuffle back down the hallway. Their journey was quiet. They did not have to exchange words. They did not need anything but each other as comfort. Their questions needed no answers, even if they had many more to come.

BANG. BANG. BANG.

Luke did not flinch as they passed Mystogan's cell, but his hand did tighten around his sister. Gary's cell came to view with Juvia sobbing in Gray's arms. Banging resounded in the cell with demonic demands of being released. Both parents could only grieve as the son they were losing. Nashi forced Luke to go towards the cell and confusion hit him.

He looked up at his sister. "Nashi—"

His words stopped at seeing emotionless Nashi.

The duo stopped in front of Gary's cell with Gray and Juvia blocking it. The two were too wrapped up in their own grief to notice until Nashi spoke.

"I'd like to see him."

Luke looked at his sister in shock as Gray and Juvia came out of their grieving to look at Nashi in disbelief.

"Nashi," Luke tried to stop.

"Please," Nashi pressed forward. "I need to see him."

Juvia rubbed away her tears as Gray shook his head as his niece. "Not right now," he declined. "Gary isn't—"

"Juvia is okay with it."

Gray looked at his wife, incredulous. "Juvia," he began to protest, "we can't let Nashi—"

"Juvia knows Nashi is Juvia's darling Gary's beloved," Juvia sniffled. She looked up at Gray with her watery, blue eyes. "Juvia thinks Nashi could be to Gary like Lucy is to Natsu and Juvia is to her beloved Gray."

Gray still looked skeptical. "Juvia…"

"Uncle Gray, please."

Gray looked at Nashi. Her eyes glistened as she beseeched her uncle. He stared into his eyes. Really stared. Eventually, he sighed. It was a resigned sigh. "If we hear you in pain—"

"He won't hurt me," Nashi insisted in promise.

Gray pointed looked at Nashi's leg. Anguish flickered in his eyes. "Nashi…"

"It wasn't him," Nashi persisted. She had to get through to him. "He didn't mean it. He was under the influence. He would never hurt me. I know he wouldn't."

Gray shook his head and gave a breath of bitter laughter. "You are so like your mom," he muttered. He stood up and brought Juvia with him. He raised a warning finger at Nashi. "Ten minutes," he told her. There were no arguments, no negotiations. This was happening and she would accept the terms and conditions. Gray moved away as Juvia leaned on him, sniffling.

Juvia glanced up at Nashi and gave her a small nod as Gray led her away.

Luke rounded on her sister. "Nashi, you can't be serious," he hissed at her.

"I have to do this." Nashi gave Luke a little grin. "Don't worry about me, okay? Your big sis is tough."

Luke could not help himself. "But, he hurt you," he blurted. "How can you trust him?"

"Because he never would in his sound mind," Nashi told Luke. "He's my dog, Luke. A good master takes care of her dog, even if her dog bites her. She forgives him." Her eyes shifted to the door and they softened. "He was there for me when he didn't have to be and helped me when I cried. What kind of person would I be if I wasn't there for them when he wasn't himself?"

"Nashi—!"

"Uncle Gajeel is right, Luke," Nashi suddenly snapped. "I don't love him, but I care about him. To care for someone, it doesn't matter what they look like. I care about Gary and, if I really mean it, there's things about him I have to accept."

"You can't accept him hurting you," Luke growled. Sudden anger surged in his voice and that was rare for him. "And, besides, you can't enter the cell without Master authorizing it."

"And, she's been authorized."

Nashi and Luke looked to the side to see Erza standing away from them. She gave them both a nod, but it was more directed at Nashi. "You may enter whenever you are ready and leave when you feel like it, but, once you leave, you may not enter that cell again," she told her.

Nashi nodded. "Thanks, Auntie."

Erza softened, but said nothing.

Nashi turned back to the door. She hobbled to it. Before she could touch it, she closed her eyes. Inhale. Exhale. She opened her eyes and her hand touched the cell door. Violet ruins covered the door and Freed's voice echoed. "Recognized. Fairy Tail Member: Nashi Dragneel. Codename: Angel. Class: A. Status: active. Authorized by Erza Fernandes." The hatch popped open as the ruins sunk back into the door and Nashi grabbed it. She took another deep breath and opened it. She was slow to get into the cell and she shut it behind her. She faced the door with her eyes closed and calm breathing passing her lips.

A smirk. "Kahoo, ba u rometse, kadan mala'ika."

Nashi's eyes slowly opened and she whirled around.

There was Devil-Gary. His ugly wings of the fallen were furled, but ruffled a bit. The smirk on his lips was tainted with sin and corruption. And his icy eyes with black scleras pinned themselves to her like he was plotting sadistic ways to her demise.

"Gary," was all Nashi could breathe.

"'Gary'," he mimicked. He shook his head in amusement. "Nika rata ho u arohanya, mala'ika, joalo ka ha nika rata ho u latsoa." He licked his lips in delirious lust. The type of lust that was dark and meant only pleasure for the dominant partner. "Ke batla ho utloa borikhoe ba hao joalo ka ha ke utloa mehoo ea hau. E khotsofatsa haholo."

Nashi took a step forward. "Gary, I want you to know it's okay." She spoke with a bit of a waver in her voice—she was nervous, how could she not be?—but mustered every ounce of her confidence and sincerity. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me and… A-And it's okay. I forgive you."

Devil-Gary smiled and lifted an eyebrow as he shifted closer to the cage's perimeter. "E-reng, mala'ika, na u ka rata hore ke qale ho u bolaea ka ho ntša pelo ea hau kapa ho u phunya ho fihlela u e-shoa ka monate?"

Nashi swallowed thickly as she took more steps forward, unsteady. "It doesn't matter, you hear me, you stupid dog? You're still my dog no matter what. We're teammates. We're partners. We're there for each other, so stop being difficult and let me help you."

Devil-Gary shook with laughter. His hands came out of the bars, but he had cuffs slapped on his wrists to stop his hands from going far. "Ho thoe'ng ha ke u nka ka morao? Kapa mohlomong ka pele? U tula ba le bana ba ka, hape, u tula shoa ka letsoho la ka."

Nashi pleaded to the Devil with her eyes as her lips quivered. "Gary, come back. Please. Your mom and dad are really worried and need their son to come home. They love you. Don't you love them too?"

Devil-Gary only snickered like the deranged animal he was not and gave Nashi a growl meaning a-many of things.

Nashi edged closer to Devil-Gary's cage. She looked deep into the eyes of which were unfamiliar to her, but she had to try. "Gary, I know you're in there," she murmured. She meant it. She knew he was there. "You there and you're fighting it. But, you have to kick the darkness in the ass and win. You got this. You can do this. I know you would never hurt me. You didn't mean it. I get it."

Devil-Gary had no words for her as she came close to his cage. He only tipped his head and looked at her, intrigued.

Nashi hesitantly sank to her knees—it was a bitch process to do—and wrapped her hands around the bars. Her bottom lip trembled as she touched Devil-Gary's cheek. It was freezing color and ice began to pad her fingers at just one touch, but she did not give up. "I'm… I-I-I'm here for you," she stammered. "I want to be there for you like you were there for me. Don't think this means I'm reciprocating your feelings or anything, dog. But, I…" She held back her cry and gave him a shaky smile. "I want my dog back," she murmured. "Please, fight it. Come home."

Devil-Gary did nothing. He did not blink. It looked like he did not breathe. He simply stared at her.

Then, his head bowed.

Nashi sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God," she mumbled. "You stupid dog. How dare you worry me like this."

A fanged smirk. "Ta wauta, kadan mala'ika."

And everything moved too fast for Nashi to process.

Devil-Gary's hands slammed upwards and into Nashi's neck. The automatic reaction to someone choking you as to grab their hands and push them away. You were going to survive. You would claw your way for survival. And, as Nashi was raised up in the air, her hands moved based on instinct. But, then, something stopped her. She did not go through with her instincts to survive, to breathe. She gritted her teeth and made odd choking noises as her hands fought to be at her sides. The hand clamped around her through burned, but it was a different kind of burn. It was a searing sensation of intense cold that made your body tingle and go numb.

Devil-Gary cackled. "Ta wauta, kadan mala'ika," he repeated. "Nika lakatsa hore re be le nako e eketsehileng. Ke ne ke tula u hula ho fihlela u feta. Joale ke ne ke tula u fata ho fihlela u mpha bana."

Nashi gave a gasp as Devil-Gary choked her even more, her legs dangling in the air. "Gary," she choked. "Gary… Please…!"

Devil-Gary only slammed his fingers down harder. He watched in amusement as Nashi's eyes widened and her breaths became squeaks. "Ee ho joalo. Tšoana, mala'ika. Beg bakeng sa bophelo," he said.

Nashi found tear springing into her eyes as darkness pulsed at the edges of her vision. Her eyes could only focus on Devil-Gary as she tried hard to keep her head above water, above the sea of those who gave up. "Gary, please," she spluttered. "I…know…you won't…hurt me…" She flinched and gave a high-pitched squeal when his fingers tightened. "Gary," she gasped out. It sounded more like a sob. "I just… I… Let...me…be…your…angel…" she grunted out. "Let me…care…about…you… You're more…than a dog… You're—!" She gave another high-pitched shriek as she felt everything fading away. "You're… You're my…De…vil… And I'm…your…An…gel…"

Devil-Gary paused. No. He stopped. He stopped everything. The sadistic lust in his eyes mixed with bloodlust was wiped from his face. His hands stopped tightening around Nashi's throat. Everything about him stopped. He stopped and looked at the girl he was choking. He looked at her.

Nashi felt herself slipping into unconsciousness when the pressure against her throat died down. She found her body being put down gently on the floor and the burn and the hands leaving her. She coughed, gasping and spluttering and trying to regain some breath, but it was hard. Her hands went to her neck, massing her skin from the seared skin that had been marred. She continued to catch her breath as a voice whimpered to her.

"An…gel…"

Nashi looked up through her blurry vision to see Devil-Gary. He looked at her as though he could recognize her. He looked at her as though she was his saving grace, yet his most regrettable victim. He looked at her. He looked at her.

"Gary," Nashi wheezed. She could feel herself hyperventilating. She could feel her body numbing. She could feel her breaths becoming sharper and shaker and louder. She could feel and not feel.

DRIP.

Tears began to rain down Nashi's cheeks.

DROP.

The Devil of Gary faded. The wings retracted. The black skin went back to that pale skin. His eyes faded to white with shimmering cerulean irises. The claws were gone and the fingers were back. He was back to being a human. He was back to being just Gary, an Ice Mage.

What he saw shook him to his very core.

What he saw was the girl he loved entering a panic attack with wounds on her body.

"Angel," Gary whispered.

Nashi hiccupped and gagged as her breathing grew more and more rapid. "Ga—…" She could not get out his name with how much shaking she was doing. She had just lost breath. She had just been desperate to regain it. But now, she had so much of it, she did not know what to do.

Gary was becoming more and more aware of everything. His eyes became misty and threatened to shed tears. "Angel," he whimpered. "Oh, Angel… Angel, darling, breathe for me. Breathe."

Nashi let a sob rack her body. It was unattractive, but she could not hear her own crying. She could only feel as though her heart was about to pound out of her chest. She could only lose more and more feeling in her body.

Gary tried to reach for her. "Ange—!" He belatedly realized he was stuck in cuffs. He was stuck in a cage. She was the victim. He was the criminal. She was the damsel in distress. And, he was the monster who stole her from her kingdom for his own selfish reasons. A tear shed from his eyes. He looked at his cuffed wrists to see he was shaking too. His eyes squeezed shut as he tried to control his own panting, his own anxiety. He had to be strong for his Angel. "Angel, open the door," he told her in a murmur. His eyes opened to look at her. Nashi tried to look at him through her tears and sobs, but it was hard. It was so hard. And, Gary was heartbroken at what he saw. "Angel, darling, I know it's hard, but I need you to open the door and just breathe for me, sweetheart. Just breathe and open the door."

Nashi gave another cry as she tried reaching for the lock. Her hand shook at a rapid pace, vibrating and threatening to go into a spasm. But, she raised her hand to the lock. She touched it as another sob racked her body.

CLICK.

The door was unlocked.

Gary pushed enough of the cage door so he could squeeze through. He could feel his own tears shedding. He could feel them dripping down his face. But, he could not worry about them. He crawled to Nashi and did the best he could to hold her. He nudged her into his chest with the best he could in his handcuffs. "Shhh, Angel," he soothed. He nosed his way to her hair and shut his eyes. He sighed cold air through her scalp to calm her down. "Breathe, darling, breathe. You have nothing to be afraid of. This'll be over soon, remember that, but you are so strong, Angel. You are so strong. Just breathe, Angel, and this will be over. Breathe for me."

Nashi found herself listening to Gary's soothing voice. Her eyes were wide in her alarm, but she could feel her breaths becoming less unsteady, less estranged. She could feel her breathing coming back to her. Her body was coming back under her control now. Her heart was not pounding to hard against her chest, but it was there. Her spinning head was settling itself, but would take a while until it understood everything and allowed her to move. Her hands were not as jerky as before. Her legs—oh, her legs!—she could feel them again.

"That's it, Angel, that's it. Breathe," Gary encouraged as he sighed cool air. "You're doing just fine. This will all be over soon and we'll be back in the hall and setting up for Harvest Festival."

Nashi's breathing slowed until it was back to semi-normal. It was fast, but did not threaten her into another attack. She was just regaining breath. She was becoming normal again.

Now, a new wave of tears crashed before her as she squeezed her eyes shut. She pressed into Gary's chest as her mouth opened and worked, trying to find a sound, a noise, a word to say. But, she could not.

"Let it out, Angel," Gary urged. "Let it out. I'll always be here in your weakest and strongest times."

Nashi's jaw worked and little pops of sound came from her throat. It would have been embarrassing if she was not crying and silence rushed through her ears. She would have noticed how vulnerable she looked to the beholder. She would have noticed how she let her guard down. But, she was too immersed in the world of panic and sadness to ever think of the little things. Her jaw worked again and she sucked in a deep breath.

And, she let it out in a heart-wrenching wail.

°•°•°•°

Luke had taken a seat against the cell door with his knees to his chest and arms curled around them. His eyes were glimmering as he listened to Nashi's wails that told the story of her trauma. Erza stood against the wall next to the door with her eyes closed and body language passive. Gray and Juvia had sunken to the other side of the hallway. Juvia wept into Gray's chest as she heard the cries of the Angel of Fairy Tail, song sad and woeful. Gray comforted Juvia with murmured, heartfelt words. But, his eyes glistened as they went back to the cell door.

°•°•°•°

Nashi continued to cry. She continued to let it all out. She spoke about her past and her present. She spoke about the atrocities in her life and in Gary's. She spoke about the unfairness of it all. She spoke of the curses she gave to the one who meant for this to happen to her, him, them.

Gary's expression broke as he listened to Nashi's wail with tears shedding of his own. He could only snuggle into her hair. "I love you, Angel," he told her in a whisper. "I'm so sorry." His voice shook. He was not okay. She was not okay. But, he would be okay for her. His fingers trembled as they left his lap to go to her. His hands reached out for her own that curled around her chest. They were careful to peel Nashi's fingers away. Then, they began to tangle themselves in Nashi's hands.

And, Nashi did the same.

So, the two held their hands, intertwined fingers passionate about never being alone. And the Angel sung her song of woe and strife as her Devil kept her close with his own sad song of agony kept to him and him alone.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mira made sure to keep Mary Jane moving as quickly as she could, avoiding any fights. She took alleyways and back streets and waited with baited breath as scouts of familiars rushed. She could soon here the cries of battle as Fairy Tail Mages ambushed them.

So, Erza is having everyone fight again. That's good.

"Mom," Mary Jane said sleepily, "I'm tired."

Mira gave Mary Jane a quick kiss on the head. "I know, sweetheart. But you have to stay awake," she instructed.

Mary Jane sighed. "Oh. Right. Coma," she remembered. She rocked her head side-to-side. "But, I'm really tired."

Mira had them moving again when the noises of battle faded. "We're almost there, sweetheart. Hold on for just a little longer."

Please, MJ. Please, hold on. I can't have you slipping away too.

Mira veered them onto another side street and hurried them along. Her pace came to a halt when a group of familiars abruptly turned into the street. Their eyes lit up with delighted surprise at prey that walked into their trap.

Mira frowned.

If they're here then…

Her eyes glanced behind her to see another team of familiars creeping up the side street.

They're caging us in. They know MJ is weak. If I leave her to fight, she'll be killed. And if I don't fight, we both will be killed. They know I won't leave her.

"Mom…? I think we have a couple of not-so-nice friends," Mary Jane slurred.

"Shhh, sweetheart, I know," Mira soothed. Though, her eyes were dark with something she never wore: hatred.

I could transform. But, I'd risk influencing myself and leaving MJ alone while I did it and I can't do that. I've already been fighting the pull with all I've got. Taking on a Satan Soul will amplify it and worsen it.

Mira pulled Mary Jane close as more familiars gathered. Some were on the roofs and hungrily looked at the two female prey, one weak and one a protective mother. They all knew a mother would die to protect her young and would not risk leaving them. So, they watched as Mira pinned them with a blue-eyed glower and radiated her satanic anger towards them while keeping her daughter close.

"Mom… I'm sorry."

Mira looked down at Mary Jane who had cuddled into her chest.

"I'm sorry," Mary Jane murmured. "I'm really sorry."

Mira softened. "There's nothing to apologize for," she promised. "Don't you worry. I'll protect us both." She looked around to see more had surrounded them and tensed.

I'll protect you no matter what, MJ.

Something sparked in her mind.

Don't be so overdramatic, Demoness, came a chuckle.

A bit of violet static came off Mary Jane. "Daddy," she mumbled.

Mira watched as a bolt of golden lightning rushed to her aid. The bolt surprised the familiars as it zoomed at them like a serpent, killing its prey at first bite. They attempted to kill it, run from it, but the lightning slaughtered them all the same.

Mira smiled. It's about time you showed up, Raijin.

A thought shot back to her. Cut me some slack. I had to hike Natsu's ass to the shop and went through a lot of these things just to get to you two.

Could've been quicker.

I'll never impress you.

The last familiar was a raging bull with a pelt made of molten lava. It charged towards Mira and Mary Jane with the sole purpose to end them.

A smirk.

Try again, buddy.

The bolt of lightning struck the raging bull down and killed it in one fell swoop.

Mira's smiled widened. "You impressed me now," she jested.

The lightning took the form of a man and shattered off, leaving Laxus kneeling on the ground. He stood up with static buzzing off his skin and a smirk dangled on his lips. "You should be impressed, woman. I could've chosen any girl in the guild to be my wife and kick ass for and I chose you."

Mira chuckled. "Yes, yes, so you love to tell me…" She looked down at Mary Jane. "Mary Jane, look. It's your father."

Mary Jane groaned. "I know. I can feel his lightning," she grumbled.

Laxus' smirk fell when he came over to Mira and Mary Jane and looked at his daughter. "What's wrong, butterfly?" he worried.

Mary Jane groaned even more. "I'm just really tired. Too tired to be pissed off," she told him.

Laxus scooped his daughter away from Mira and held her in a bridal fashion. He looked at her eyes to see they had become bloodshot and dulled. Her skin was paling, but not graying out like everyone else. "You used too much Magic, butterfly," Laxus scolded. "Why did you think it would be a good idea to run out here like this?"

"I had to get Luna to the cathedral," Mary Jane slurred.

Laxus hardened. "What?"

Mary Jane shook her head. "You wouldn't understand," she told him. "She can do it. She's not just any girl, Daddy."

Laxus sighed. "Come on, butterfly. Let's get you back to Fairy Tail so you can rest."

Mary Jane shook her head again. "We brought someone else with us," she murmured. "That weirdo guy who likes Luna."

"Jay?" Laxus sounded disbelieving at that. "You let a civilian come?"

"Not a civilian," Mary Jane grunted. "He escaped with Luna from the sewers, but… We found out something. Master… She needs to know."

"Let's get you back first, Mary Jane," Mira told her. "You need to rest."

"I need to speak with Master," Mary Jane snapped weakly. "She needs to know. We're in danger."

Laxus and Mira exchanged a look that spoke volumes.

Mira spoke first. "We'll take her back. Tell Erza Mary Jane has something important to tell her as well as a search party needs to be in order to find Jay."

Laxus nodded. "Done." He looked at his wife closely. "How are you feeling?"

Mira gave him an honest smile. "I'm okay," she promised. "I feel a little weaker than before, but making the trip back should be no problem."

Laxus frowned. "Would you be up for—?"

"I can do it," Mira assured. "Whatever it takes to get our daughter to safety."

Laxus had to agree to that. "Hang on to me," he instructed.

Mira went over to him and put her hands on his shoulders.

Laxus closed his eyes as he breathed in deeply. Static charged around him, buzzing and hissing and clicking away.

And the next thing you knew, a bolt of lightning swept away the family.

°•°•°•°

CRACK.

A bolt of lightning struck before the Fairy Tail, startling a few newer members guarding their home and others unfazed. The lightning washed off to reveal Laxus, Mira, and Mary Jane. Static ticked off them, but they were unharmed. Mira faltered a little and Laxus looked back at her in worry.

"Mira?" he fretted.

Mira shook off her dizziness. "I'm fine, Laxus. Let's get Mary Jane inside."

Laxus frowned. He could tell she was lying. "Yeah, okay," he grunted. "Just keep close to me."

The two of them went up to the doors and two members pulled the doors open for them. They passed through a layer of ruins to get inside. Fighters and the injured were all inside the hall with makeshift nurses tending to them. Wendy looked worn as she continued and so did Porlyusica, Aisha, and Elvin, but all four kept going.

Laxus and Mira flooded down the steps with a silent Mary Jane in Laxus' arms and did not have to go far for Elvin to meet them, brow sweaty, but eyes worried for his cousin.

"Mary Jane," he murmured. "What happened to you?"

Mary Jane's half-lidded eyes slid to Elvin. Remorse sparked through them. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I'm sorry."

Elvin shook his head. "Don't say that. You have nothing to be sorry for," he soothed. He jerked his head towards the hall. "Come on. Let's get you into a sick bed."

Elvin led the way, eyes scanning his patients to see if there was anything more he could do. He found an empty cot and gestured to it. Laxus set Mary Jane down and settled her in and Mira and Elvin knelt at her side.

"How are you feeling, Mary Jane?" Elvin asked her.

"Like I'm the queen of Minstrel," she said sarcastically. "How do you think? I look like crap and I could pass out any second."

Elvin gave a sly smile. "Well, your attitude is very much there, so that's a good thing. Your eyes are bloodshot, but from exhaustion. You overworked yourself, Mary Jane."

"And you look exhausted as Hell," Mary Jane shot back, though in a slur of words. "I need Master."

"And, she is right here."

Mary Jane tilted her head upwards to see a frowning Erza Scarlet. She looked weary. She had the eyes of someone who saw too much. Mary Jane had to smirk at that. "You look a little haunted, Master," she goaded.

"Because I am," Erza said simply. "Laxus told me you had something you needed to tell me."

"I do," Mary Jane said. She hardened as she strung her words together. "But, not exactly something the whole guild needs to hear."

Erza nodded. "Very well. Let us convene elsewhere."

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane was settled onto a seat across from Erza. Her head lulled from side-to-side as she smiled stupidly to herself. "Nice office. Very official," she laughed.

Elvin was beside her as he worked with his herbs. "I'm going to make you a relaxing sedative, Mary Jane," he told her. "Poppy is what I normally use, but you need something stronger. I'm giving you kava root instead with lemon balm, passionflower, and lavender, okay?"

Mary Jane gave an awkward shrug of her shoulder clumsily. "You said it, cousin," she slurred.

"Mary Jane," Erza called to attention, "what is it you wanted to tell me?"

Mary Jane snapped her fingers. "Right. Looks like we've got ourselves a bit of a situation."

Erza raised her eyebrow.

"You see," Mary Jane continued, "how is it that a demon and his lil' ole army got here when Uncle Freed and Constantine religious watch Magnolia for any sign of trouble? Hmm? How is that possible?"

Erza blinked. "I hadn't thought about it," she admitted.

Mary Jane wagged her finger. "No one thinks of the greater questions! Oh, God! I'm starting to sound like our little philomath, Coecus…"

"Focus, Mary Jane," Erza chided.

Mary Jane shook her head, but felt dizzy and had to stop herself. "Whoa…" she mumbled. "Okay, so let's be like Coecus who's on vacation to see that screwed up screw buddy of his and think outside the box. Think conspiracy only it's real. Magnolia is well-protected and watched. So, how could something so evil get in? Two words," she promised. "Transformation Magic."

Erza paled a little. "Excuse me?"

Mary Jane nodded. "It bugged me when I finally found out what was going on that a demon could get into Magnolia. It's a demon. Uncle Freed's ruins would've popped up. And, if they hadn't, Constantine would've seen an unknown source of power and instantly reported it in. But, those two things only work if the power source is unknown. What if this power source disguised itself as a little, innocent civilian? What if it wasn't the power source? What if it was just a familiar who walked among us as a human and let the power source in?"

Erza, Laxus, and Mira had all gone into shock.

"That's not possible," Mira said shakily.

"It is," Mary Jane countered simply. "Fought against a creep who totally tried to pass as Dragneel. Not the ballsy one, the smart one, or the cute and kind one. The stupid one. Looked just like him. But"—she held up a finger—"he missed a crucial detail: the burn mark on the back of his neck."

"How could Transformation Magic be that powerful?" Laxus wondered. "Even at advanced levels, the person doesn't feel like that person. Their scent is the same as before. Their Magic doesn't change."

"Their souls can't change either," Mira put in.

"Daddy, Mom, I fooled Uncle Freed's ruins and Constantine's surveillance with one of Justin's toys," Mary Jane said flatly. "Didn't exactly last me a long time, but it worked. A familiar doesn't possess 'Magic'. It possesses a Curse like its master. And these 'Curses' can change them into whatever form they are and make them feel like that person."

"No," Mira whispered. She could not believe it. "No, no… If that's true..."

"Then, no one in Magnolia or even this guild can be trusted," Laxus finished in angered snarl. He glared at Erza. "You get what'll happen if word gets out, right?"

"People will turn on each other. They'll become too paranoid to function properly." Mira's voice was shaken, terrified, and high-pitched with fear.

"There will be killings, Erza. Murders. Suicides," Laxus hissed. "They'll turn on us to blame for this. We'll be thrown to the Council." His eyes widened. "Shit, the Council… If they hear about this…"

"Enough."

Everyone looked at a relatively calm and orderly Erza. She looked at a sleepy Mary Jane. "Mary Jane, you have brought me an issue I cannot ignore and I will discuss it more in further date. However, I need your word this does not get out of this room," she instructed.

Elvin finished the potion and handed it to Mary Jane. "Here. Drink up," he urged.

Mary Jane took the potion and raised it to Erza in a toast fashion. "Well then, to my silence and the nationwide panic that might come," she cheered. She tipped her head back and downed the contents in the cup. Once she finished, Elvin took the cup from her.

"It'll hit you pretty fast," he warned. "It's quicker than falling asleep."

"Like death," Mary Jane related humorlessly. You could see the effects wearing on her. She had relaxed into her chai, posture gone. Her eyes were drooping. "When I wake up, make sure you give the cute Dragneel a big 'thank you' for me."

"Why is that?" Erza wondered.

Mary Jane closed her eyes. "Because," she sighed, "she'll be the reason our town, our guild, is whole again." And that was that. She drifted off into sleep.

Erza could not help but stare at Mary Jane. "She gave us invaluable information for one so young," she said softly.

"That's our butterfly," Laxus commented. "But, to know there might be a spy in this town—"

"We cannot allow paranoia to rule us and break us," Erza reminded.

"And, we won't," Laxus promised. "But, we can't exactly tell this to anyone either."

"We can't," Mira agreed, "and we can't keep it to ourselves."

Erza sighed. "There is no alternative choice, I presume," she muttered. "None that would make this easy." She shook her head. "Nevertheless, I cannot ignore this information. Elvin, please, make sure Mary Jane is settled properly. Laxus, Mira, if you can, I would like you both on the frontlines. We will push all of them close to Kardia Cathedral and that is a direct order." She stood up. "Regarding the information, all talk will be postponed until after the Harvest Festival. For now, we must trust in our family."

Laxus, Mira, and Elvin nodded. "Yes, Master."

As everyone went to complete their orders, Erza abandoned her desk for the window that saw all who dared approach Fairy Tail. She watched the town below as bursts of Magic and Curses fought each other for power and glory. She watched as her hometown became more of a battlefield and less of a home. Her eyes went to the darkened cathedral.

I hope Mary Jane's right, Luna. You have the power to right this wrong.

---

The sea battle was intense.

All walks of life that shared the sea as their home had come to join their fearless leader, the Sea King, as they faced Forneus and his army of familiars. No one left the battle unscathed or without seeing the death of something from the other side. The Sea King and Forneus were in their own duel in the water that all stayed clear from. The Sea King managed to rip a chunk out of Forneus' shoulder, but Forneus blinded the Sea King in his right eye. They fought viciously, knowing only one would be victory and confident it was themselves.

Igneel and his water horse stayed away from the fighting with a series of aquatic life defending them from the fray. Igneel held his hands closed together and had a hard look of painful concentration on his face. Sparks of cyan lightning zapped between his fingers, but nothing more than short bursts.

Come on, come on, come on, come on. Please work. Please work.

Igneel shut his eyes as his face scrunched up. He tried hard to get it and static pulsed from his hands. Soon, a stream of lightning burst from one palm and went to the other, sending the stream back and forth. One eye opened to check the result, but both eyes shot open in wide surprise and excitement as they caught sight of the stream of lightning. "I did it!" Igneel cheered. "I'm doing it! I'm doing it!"

No sooner than he said that, his steady stream of lightning glitched. It evaporated only to leave traces of static in its wake. Then, the static left.

Igneel gave a frustrated groan. "No! It was supposed to work!"

I can't believe this. This has to work. This has to work! Everyone is counting on me to do my part. I can't blow it.

His eyes squeezed shut in his anger at himself.

Why can't I do it? Why?

°•°•°•°

Luna could not hear anything in the cathedral. She sighed and snuggled into Igneel's scarf, her eyes dropping to the floor.

I wonder how they're all doing out there. I can't hear a thing.

ZZT.

Luna perked at that.

ZZT. ZZZT.

She turned her head to Lance.

Her eyes widened.

Lance was still very asleep, but it was his Magic that was awake. Blue static fizzled off him in little spurts, going across his whole body. It was as though he was charging himself with spurts of electricity.

Luna could not take her eyes off the event.

What's going on? What's happening to him?

°•°•°•°

Igneel put his hands through his floating hair and gripped his locks.

Dammit. I can give up like this. Lives are counting on me. I have to control the lightning, but it won't listen to me.

Then, maybe you should start listening to it, came a new voice.

Igneel's eyes shot open. Lance… Is that you? But, wait… You're—

It's me, Lance confirmed. I'm speaking to you through thought.

But…how? Igneel furrowed his brow. Are you awake? Are you okay?

Lance hummed negatively. No, I'm not awake. I'm still sleeping.

But…

I'm not speaking to you with normal Telepathy. In water, it's nearly impossible. But, lightning wielders don't need Telepathy. We use static to talk to each other.

That left Igneel confused. Wait, static? I don't get it.

And you don't have to understand, Lance soothed. I could see the lightning inside you grow frustrated you wouldn't understand it. You're forcing it.

Igneel gritted his teeth. I don't have time to understand a brand-new technique in a day, let alone a brand-new Magic in the next ten minutes.

You don't, Lance agreed. But, I can help you channel the lightning. It'll be strange, but it's our only hope of survival.

Igneel nodded. Okay. Then, let's do it.

All right. Close your eyes and feel the lightning. Don't force it. It's just like fire. You have to feel it coursing through your body.

Igneel shut his eyes.

Clear your mind, Lance commanded in hypnotic verse. Clear it and feel the lightning flow through you.

Igneel nodded. Clear my mind… Clear my mind…

Little by little, the atrocity of war was fading. Little by little, the thoughts rushing through Igneel's head faded. Little by little, the muffled sounds of water and the sensation of his hair floating through the sea was gone. His mind was in complete darkness. It was blank. There was nothing there for him.

Lance's voice floated through the void. Now… Feel the spark ignite in you.

There was only silence.

There was only darkness.

ZZT.

A spark of lightning was in the void. It went in and out. Then, a thin line of it coursed through the void. It looked like it could give at any moment.

Igneel's eyebrows furrowed as he concentrated. I can't hold this much longer, he gnashed.

Steady, Lance soothed. Let me help you. I'm about to add lightning to yours to strengthen it.

The thin stream of lightning wavered. Then, a bigger stream washed over it, embraced it, smothered it and melded into it.

From the outside, static danced off Igneel's hair and skin and his Kelpie bobbed his head up and down in happiness.

Whoa, Igneel breathed. This feels so different than fire. But, at the same time…it feels the same.

Lightning Magic originates from Fire Magic, Lance lectured. They are brother and sister. Siblings, but vastly different. And telling the difference is only through feeling.

I see, Igneel whispered.

Now, let your lightning course through you, Lance ordered. Let it become the blood in your veins.

How?

Feel it.

Igneel could see the steady stream of lightning coursing through his mind. A hand appeared, reaching out for the stream. I have to connect with it. It has to bond with me, he chanted. The hand hovered over the stream of lightning. Please, accept me as your wielder, he prayed. The hand lowered and touched the stream.

In reality, Igneel's eyes shot open with lightning dancing in his eyes and a cyan glow gleaming in them. A flurry of cyan lightning whipped around him and the Kelpie, purring and rubbing against them. The Kelpie neighed and whinnied in contentment as the lightning ran through his scales and fins. Igneel's mouth was open as he felt the sensation of lightning coursing. It was nothing like his flames. It was not as wild, not as spunky, not as stubborn and full of justice. It was a colder sensation that made your skin tingle. It was a shocking feeling that never went away. It was different. It was comforting and soft.

I can feel it, Igneel breathed. It's all around me.

Now, use the power you've been given to continue with the plan.

I don't know any spell, Igneel reminded.

You don't need to know any spell, Lance told him. Don't think. Feel.

Igneel's eyes hardened and the lightning and cyan gleam vanished from his eyes. His onyx eyes were back and they were more determined than ever.

Okay. I promise. I won't let you down.

°•°•°•°

Luna's eyes widened as she watched Lance's eyes shut even more. He began to stir as static buzzed around him. She was quick to remove the clothes from his body and hovered over him. "Lance?" she called. "Lance, are you there?"

Lance let out an audible groan as his eyes cracked open. "We…have to get ready," he slurred to her. His hands pressed down on the ground and he struggled to get up.

"What? No." Luna pushed Lance back down. "Lance, you need to rest."

"No," Lance grunted. "We have t-t-to…get…ready…"

"Lance, please, just rest," Luna insisted. "I have a plan."

Lance turned his head to look at her. "Y'do?" he slurred.

Luna nodded and gently pushed him down. "Mmm-hmm. But, don't worry. Just stay still and stay awake," she soothed. "If all this goes well, we're going home soon."

°•°•°•°

The Sea King forced Forneus back into an underwater wall. Forneus hissed and thrashed his claws at the Sea King, forcing the noble to hiss as claws marks raked his muzzled. The Sea King gave a bit of a retreat, but only to begin chasing his own tail. He went around and around and around until his body turned into an underwater hurricane. He hurled himself at Forneus and swept him into the cyclone. Forneus could only snarl as he was trapped. He tried breaking away, but the cyclone refused to break for him. He growled.

"You thhhhhhhink thissssss can keep me, little sssssssssnake?" Forneus hissed. "You're an idiot for thinking that! I'm the SSSSSSSea Demon! Old kingsssssssss like you can't hold a tidal wave to me!"

A growl. "No, but I can."

Igneel bolted through the crowd of familiars versing marines with his Kelpie swimming as fast as he could. Static went off Igneel in waves as he and his Kelpie galloped forward. No creature on the side of evil or good dared approach him. With the gleam in his eye and the lightning winding around him, he was unapproachable.

This is for Fairy Tail.

He could see his rambunctious guild.

This is for my friends.

He could see Cane smirking while Gale angrily glared at him. He could see Elvin trying to calm both of them down.

This is for my family.

He could see his father and Nashi shoving each other as they wolfed down their breakfast and Luna and Luke arguing over the last bacon strip while a deadbeat Lucy slept on Natsu's shoulder.

And this…

The Kelpie abruptly stalled to a halt. Igneel was thrown into the water, but not on accident. He swam towards the cyclone with a purpose as more and more lightning buzzed around him.

…is for MJ.

He could see Mary Jane's crotchety scowl on her face as she listened to her music like the world was against her.

Igneel's hands clapped together and pulled apart to reveal a Cat's Cradle of lightning in his hands. His hair spiked as electricity passed through his body. His body was no longer full of flames purring inside and him boiling through his veins. His body now had an electric current streaming through him. He closed his eyes.

'Don't think. Feel.'

He could remember Lance's words.

All I have to do is feel.

He could feel his hands moving on their own, guided by the current inside him.

That's it. I can feel the lightning guiding my movements.

His hands gripped down on lightning.

The spell… It's nothing like any fire spell I've ever used.

A bolt of lightning grew in his hands to forge something great enough to wound a demon.

Igneel opened his eyes and lightning sparked through him. In his hands was not just an ordinary weapon. It was an electric trident forged from cyan lightning. It was bigger than one could ever dream with the intentions of slaying the beast that defiled the sea.

I summon you now, Trident of Okeanos! Igneel chanted. He let go of the trident with one hand only to pull it back with the other. Electrocute my enemy! And he threw the trident toward the cyclone.

The Sea King burst from his cyclone form and slithered away at a quick pace. Forneus laughed. "Running away ssssssssso ssssssssoon, old-timer?" He looked around to notice that not just the Sea King was leaving, but so were his subjects. They abandoned their fight to follow after their king. Forneus smirked. "I knew they were too weak for me," he boasted. "Not even a king can ma—!"

His words ended in a shrill scream as lightning struck his body.

Igneel's Kelpie came back to him and helped Igneel get on him, but neither could take their eyes from such a ridiculous sight. The great sea serpent, a sadistic demon in his own right, was screaming in anguish as lightning tore at his body. He tried to thrash in a desperate attempt of not hurting, but the lightning constricted his movements. It would not let him move. It was like its own snake. It squeezed Forneus, biting him, paralyzing him, and killing him all within one blow. And Forneus could do nothing about it, but watch himself bleed and his scales become charred.

The spell left Forneus gradually with static shocking him every once and a while. Forneus groaned and grumbled in his agony as he tried to keep himself from falling unconscious at the pain. His blurry vision looked about him.

What…jussssssssst happened?

His vision went past something when it turned back to the object sharply. There was Igneel, glaring up at him in pride that he had effectively hurt the demon.

Forneus' eyes narrowed. "You," he snarled. "You did thisssssssss to me!"

Igneel only gave him a cocky smirk. "Later, snaky." At a "hya!", the Kelpie turned tail and swam them both to the chasm.

Forneus was angry enough to give chase, ignoring his injuries. "Come back here!" he demanded. It sounded so childish for such a treacherous snake.

Igneel tightened his grip on the Kelpie.

It's working. Now, we just need to make sure the rest of the plan goes well.

Igneel and the Kelpie made it through the pass and kept swimming to get farther and farther down, putting distance between them and Forneus. He could see the Sea King coiled at the bottom where the underwater church sat. He rode down just as Gale breached from his hiding spot with his shark.

"He's coming," Igneel warned. "And, he's pissed-off."

The Sea King gave a growling chuckle of his own and spoke something to the both of them.

Gale raised an eyebrow at that. "I'm guessing that's sea king for 'The demon now knows not to piss me off'," he guessed.

Igneel nodded at the Sea King. "We're getting ready for the last phase." He looked at Gale. "Redfox—"

Gale already had his shark swimming away toward the cathedral. "I know what to do," he grumbled. "I made the damn plan."

BOOM. BOOM.

The Sea King and Igneel looked up to see Forneus under siege with the marine life that waited for him just beneath the now-sealed current. He grumbled and groaned and screamed as he was attacked, swatting blindly to get his enemies away from him.

They all know the plan, Igneel recited. They just need to push Forneus deeper into the chasm. Then, the Sea King and the reserve forces will push Forneus towards the cathedral. And, once he sees me, he'll fall for the bait.

His hands shook, but he clenched them to get them to stop. He let out a deep breath.

And then, it's Luna's turn.

°•°•°•°

Luna was making sure everything was in place when Gale stepped through the gate of liquid fire and into the cathedral. She perked at his arrival. "Are you okay? Is everything going okay? Is Igneel okay?" she spouted off.

Gale shook his hair to get out water. "Everything's going according to plan, Blondie, don't you worry," he murmured. "I'm more concerned about you." He began to walk down the aisle to her. "Are you sure you can do this?"

Luna drew out a big sigh. "Well, I have no choice," she muttered. "But, I'm not going to let Mary Jane's sacrifice and Jay's go in vain. I have to do my part in this and believe I can do it." Her eyes swept to Lance. His eyes were cracked open, but he looked barely aware of his surroundings. "He woke up, but, any longer and he'll slip into a coma," she fretted.

Gale made it to the altar and took a good look at Lance, squatting beside him. "Then, we can't waste any time," he reasoned. To Lance, he asked, "How ya doin', man?"

"Feel…like…MJ…beat me up," Lance chuckled weakly. "Been better."

Gale bumped Lance's shoulder with a gentle fist. "We'll get Aine to be your nurse when we go home. How about that?" he teased.

"Makes me happy," Lance slurred. "Can't wait to s-s-see my queen."

Gale briefly grinned. "The second that demon comes through the doors, Blondie, it's on you." He looked up at Luna to see she was worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. He stood up to grab her shoulders and turn her to him, forcing her to look up at him. "Calm your tits and relax, Blondie," he soothed. "Don't go biting your lip. That's really sexy and I know don't want me in a mood right now."

Luna was too worried to even flush at his suggestion. "What if I'm not strong enough? Or what if this phase fails?"

"Then, we keep trying until we get home," Gale said. "Blondie, you're making this too complicated. Loosen up. We've all had second thoughts in fights, 'kay? But, we pushed past them and we won."

"What if we lose?" Luna pressed.

"We won't."

Luna grew frustrated with that answer. "How can you say that?" she snapped.

Gale raised an eyebrow. "I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm not religious, but it's you I believe in? Maybe it's because I have seen you be badass and know you can do it again? Or maybe it's because you're insanely brave and I admire that about you." He shrugged. "Who knows? Point is? You're going to tear this snake a new one and get us home."

"You have way too much faith in a blonde princess," Luna muttered.

Gale laughed. "And you have way too little faith in a dragon, but you don't see me complaining," he reminded. "You need a kiss for good luck?"

Now, Luna flushed and punched his shoulder. "Shut up," she mumbled. "I don't want a kiss from you."

Gale leaned closer to Luna's face and his breath puffed against her. "Too bad, principessa," he whispered. "You're getting one." His lips pressed against her forehead for a kiss. Then, his lips trailed down to Luna's cheek and pressed a chaste one there. His lips ghosted her own to go to the other cheek.

"Wait," Luna breathed. She sounded dazed, maybe confused, but definitely dazed. "You said…one kiss…"

Gale's hands went to the scarf around Luna's neck and unraveled it, allowing it to flutter onto the floor. His lips went back to ghost her own and they smirked. "I lied," he whispered. His lips lowered from her face, brushing against her jaw, and settled on the juncture spot between her neck and shoulder. The kiss there was light and feathered and he felt Luna tense from underneath him. But, he gave her a second kiss there regardless.

Luna's eyes were closed at the contact. It was a different sensation than she had ever experienced before. It felt warm and made her stomach feel fluttery, but not the same reasons her stomach fluttered when she talked to Jay or Spike. "Wait, I…" She could not finish her sentence when Gale pressed a longer kiss there.

Words puffed onto Luna's warming skin, rough and foreign and accented. "Sempre serái la mia principessa. Gemessona," were the words. Gale lifted his head from Luna's neck and his eyes flickered down to search her face.

Luna's eyes fluttered opened, mesmerized. "What does that mean?" she wanted to know.

Gale's hands went to her cheeks and thumbed them. He shook his head a little. "Just some words of encouragement," he said. It was a half-truth, but mainly a lie. But, the truth was not something he could every give away. "Buona ventura, principessa," he told her. "Good luck." He let her go and went to get to his spot.

Luna inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.

What was that? What did he really mean? Well, it's no time to think on it now.

Her eyes opened, firm and strong.

We're going home.

°•°•°•°

Forneus squealed as he was thrown in the wall of the chasm. He fell a little bit and tried to shake off the dizziness, but it was all becoming too much. He looked down at his claws to see parts of him was disappearing.

Wait… No… I don't want to go back… You promissssssssed I could have sssssssssssome fun…!

A slicker voice answered his whine. And you promised you would not only give me new recruits, but a Sea King as well. You have failed. You're coming home.

Forneus shook his head, but was hit by the nose of a whale. He ended up crashing farther down into the chasm, bouncing off the walls and enduring more hits from angered aquatic life. His back finally hit the floor of the chasm and he groaned as he tried to right himself. It was hard for him to get up as the magical creatures of the sea doused him with attacks. They burst forth from their hidden caves and attacked him with all they had to offer and then some. He squirmed as he tried to get away, squealing uselessly as his one of his arms was torn off from him by two sharks. He groped around blindly to find solid ground, but with being under constant attack, it was difficult for him to find time to attack and heal his injuries.

A low snarl rumbled in front of him.

Forneus struggled as he looked up. His four eyes met the eyes of the Sea King's that boiled in rage.

Forneus hissed at the Sea King. "You're ssssssssstupid to think…you can kill…me…" he snarled out. "You can't kill me… I'll jussssssst return over and over until I finally kill you, old-timer."

"Shut up, you overgrown lizard!" came a caterwaul.

Forneus turned his head to see Igneel in front of the cathedral trapped under water. He floated on the steps with a wild smirk on his lips and a glint in his eyes. "You want someone to kill? Kill me! If you think you've got the balls, snaky," he teased.

Forneus' eyes glowed with rage. He hauled himself across the floor of the sea in a rage. He wanted to get to the one who ruined him, who caused him his downfall. "You!" He spat one word, one pronoun, with something stronger than hatred.

Igneel's smirk broadened as he swam into the gate of liquid-fire and disappeared into the church. He stumbled inside and was quick to shake off access water.

"Is he coming?" came Gale's shout from somewhere.

Igneel nodded. "He's coming. He fell for it." His face darkened. "And, he's not getting away."

°•°•°•°

Forneus heaved through the barrier of liquid-fire and into the cathedral. His large body shrunk without water to support him and he gasped. There was no water around. He was in a cathedral full of oxygen. He could barely breathe. His vision went in and out as he looked around in a crazy fit.

We're isssssss he? The sssssstupid human boy.

Forneus let out an irritated hiss and looked down at his body. Particles chipped away from him in effort to leave. His body was shriveling up. He could not thrive long without water comforting him.

I'll be sssssssent back fasssssster at thisssssss rate. Forassssssss will make fun of me if I don't come home without one new recruit. But, I need a body.

A groan.

His eyes landed on the altar and there he saw his answer.

It was Lance, the human he had only possessed what felt like minutes ago.

His smirk curled on his lips, full of teeth and blood. "Perfect," he hissed. He dragged his shriveling body to Lance, crawling down the aisle. Black blood seeped everywhere, but he did not care. He had to get to the human body before his own disappeared. He needed a new host. He found Lance with his eyes closed and his body still.

Great. He'sssssss barely alive. Even better. A weak human meanssssss more control for me.

Forneus got to the altar and loomed over an unconscious Lance. He licked his lips.

Thank you for the offering, humanssssss.

SLAM.

Forneus whipped around. The doors to the cathedral had been slammed shut. And, from the look of it, it had been sealed. Lava had become the glue and was hardening, giving off smoke and an odd smell. There was no out. This was now a prison. Forneus' eyes narrowed when he saw the seal.

What the Hell isssssssthisssss?

"Y-Y-You aren't going anywhere," came a wavering, but firm instruction.

Forneus turned back around. Lance was no longer at the altar, waiting to be taken-over. A girl had replaced him. She stood up against him with her chocolate eyes glaring at him. There was a bit of shake in her hands, that type of jittery shake you got when you approached a situation you wished did not exist. Her bottom lipped trembled and there was a little bit of uncertainty there in her eyes, but she covered it with her own determination.

Forneus had to snicker. "I remember you, Lady Luna. ZZZZZZZZagan wanted to have you asssssssss hisssssss mate," he recalled. He bent his head closer to sniff her and she flinched. "I'll give you four yearsssssssss before I have you for myssssssssself," he decided flippantly. "You can sssssssspend thosssssssse four yearssssssss being my little… What do humansssssssss sssssssay? A 'maid'?"

Luna swallowed. "N-No," she stammered. "I won't let you hurt my friends, Fairy Tail, or anyone else ever again."

Forneus burst into laughter. "You ssssssssound sssssssso cliché, Lady Luna!" he teased. "You know, ZZZZZZagan told me you had a feisssssssty light inssssssside you, but I think that old bull issssssssss wrong. You are nothing more than another weak human." He appraised her again, but slower, resting on her growing curves. "But, you're cute," he offered. "In four yearssssssss, you'll be of age in the Human Realm. I can tell our eggssssssssss will be amazzzzzzzzzing."

Revulsion curled inside Luna's stomach and tried to crawl up her throat. She swallowed it down, but everything about those words were just sickening. She managed to keep her head held up high even if terror and dread came off her in waves.

Why am I so scared? Why can't I find the courage to face him like I did with Zagan?

Her eyes glistened.

But, it couldn't be dumb luck I did it once, right? Please… Please, help me.

No one answered her.

We are at your aid, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela.

This voice was not the soothing tone Luna was overcome with in times of her Magic. This voice was a rumbling voice so powerful, so wise, that it felt wrong not to respect it.

Everything faded away from Luna. She was not in the same cathedral where a plan was everything. She was not where a sea demon was trying to slaughter them all and convert her friends and family and fellow people into monsters like him. She was standing in a place of white. Her eyes shimmered as she looked at the being in front of her. It was the Sea King, his body coiled in the air and his soul-dew emerald eyes looking at her through his watery form. His form solidified. He was no longer made from water. Scales covered him. Every scale was a polished blue to resemble the sea with glints of violet and green when the light hit them just right. His mane was a deep blue and ruffled in a windless place.

Luna's eyes widened. You're…talking to me?

The Sea King nodded. Because you have allowed it so, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela. You pleaded for help. I have heeded your call.

Luna bit her lip and looked away from the mighty king of the sea. I'm sorry, she whispered. I know I have to do this. I know I can. But, I'm… She shut her eyes in shame. I'm terrified, she confessed.

You are never alone, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela, the Sea King promised. I and my people fight alongside you. The ones we have lost watch over us as they swim the Great Current to the New Sea. You have friends who stand at your side.

And, you have me, came input.

Luna perked at the voice and looked up to see the star-like aura fall from the Heavens and to her. Luna held out her hands to catch it and gave a wobbly smile as she gazed at it in relief. I missed you, she nearly cried. I'm sorry. I'm not exactly the best person you could talk to.

You did not have dumb luck on your first mission, little one, came assurance. Your strength and conviction came from the protection you wanted to provide for all those you cared about. And, you still have that conviction.

Then, why can't I do anything? Luna demanded.

The Sea King answered. Doubts cloud your mind. Words spoken to you have seeded and sprouted wrong ideals. You have come to understand you are helpless, but you are helpful. You have the heart of a dragon.

Something began to click for Luna. Wait… Are you—?

You must clear the doubts in your head, Luna, came a command. Focus on the ones you love. And, let that love be the key to your victory.

Luna closed her eyes and repeated that. 'And, let that love be the key to your victory'… 'Let love be the key'…

She could see the people she loved. She could see Magnolia. She could see Rika fighting with her elder cousin while behind the counter. She could see the nice lady who heartily offered her and Ena cake whenever they went. She could see Uncle Ben and his employees bringing out a sparkling birthday cake to a cheerful little boy. She could see Fairy Tail. She could see Dazzler trying to impress Mustang with her stage Magic, even though he paid too much attention to his motorcycle, Crimson. She could see Vinyl practicing her viola in the guild. Bruno whining for the mysterious Thirteen's attention. She could see Constantine being taught by Eloise the art of sign language. She could see Igneel messily eating his food across an unamused Mary Jane. She could see Nashi being shocked out of her wits when Gary snuck up behind her. She could see Cane teasing a furious Paige as she tried to rid herself of Silver and get Penelope to back her up. She could see Gale blushing angrily as Galileo ruffled his hair and Olivia smirked at him. She could see Luke and Genius getting into a heated debate about a new Lacrima game. She could see her mother's spirits giving her looks of pride. She could see her mother and father sneaking kisses in the kitchen when they thought their kids were not around.

'Let love be the key'…

Luna's body was outlined in a white aura. It was faint, but did not go out. It only steadily grew stronger and stronger. The cathedral was back and the Sea King and star aura was gone, but Luna did not need them. She had her thoughts to guide her.

Forneus' observed a glowing Luna in confusion. "What'ssssss thisssss?" he hissed. He was growing uneasy with the amount of light she shed.

"I don't care that you're a demon and I'm just some human," Luna murmured. "I don't care about any of that. You threatened my friends and you will pay for it."

Forneus cackled. "Oh, yeah? You and what army?" he jested rudely.

Luna spoke one word and one word alone. "Me."

Her eyes opened.

And, they glowed pure white.

Forneus' shriveled body crawled back when he squinted at Luna.

She'ssssssss too bright… What'sssssssss happening to me?

From Luna's feet, white began to smother her like a second skin. It felt airy and clear and bright, like a star of its own. "Forneus," Luna spoke, "you're not hurting another soul anymore. You defiled the laws set in the world and, for that, you must be punished."

Forneus could feel his body growing weaker as the light grew stronger. "No," he whispered. "No…"

Luna's body became smothered in white. She had the form of woman, but her light was something no Magic could ever dream to produce. It was something purer. Something brighter. Something that had that indescribable feeling that made you feel spiritually renewed.

Forneus grew panicked. "No! I can't die now! I can't!" he hissed desperately. He lunged for Luna in a frantic attempt to save himself. "You won't kill me!" he snarled. "I want to live longer! Thissssssss isssssssssn't fair!"

But, it was too late.

The shining light that was Luna burst.

From the outside, the marine life and their king watched as the entire cathedral underwear was filled with a glowing white. They swam in awe at it and could not look away. The Sea King flexed his claws as he looked at the glowing cathedral. Piece by piece, the cathedral departed from the sea as though evaporating.

Luna could feel herself fading as she drifted in an endless sea of white. She cupped her hands out in front of her as a different glowing speck dropped from the Heavens and into her hands. The glow disappeared to reveal a smoothed gemstone. Its kaleidoscopic colors of green, blue, and waves of violet lured anyone to want to touch it and run their fingers of it. It was fluorite, powered by water and jewel of the rainbow.

Forneus, Luna whispered. Another d-stone.

The rumbling voice came back. Before you go, I must thank you, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela.

Luna looked up to see the coiled Sea King floating in white with his scales intact. He looked at Luna with his sea green eyes. You have saved my people from a fate worse than death. You have my respect, loyalty, and affection, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela.

What's your name? And what does that mean? Luna had to know.

I am Shenlong, the king of the fifth ocean on this realm and protector of life in my domain, he introduced. The name I give you is one of high respect and only one may have it. He craned his neck to touch Luna's brow. You have the heart of a dragon and the spirit of the stars. His nose moved to Luna's left wrist and he touched it before drawing back.

Luna watched as water slithered around her wrist, forming a bracelet. The water solidified itself into a shimmering aquamarine with silver outlining it. The jewel glistened as though it were water. What is this? she wondered.

It is a sign of my respect to you and the friends who fought alongside me, Shenlong rumbled. You four have each been given a mark. Should you step into the great seas of this realm, all will know you are the ones who are worthy. He unraveled his body to circle around her. I must leave. Your time in my kingdom is up. This is good bye for now, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela.

Luna could feel her body fading away even faster. Wait, please! Just tell me! Are you what I think you are?

Shenlong only tilted his head as he eyed her.

Luna gasped. But… That's not possible, she whispered. Papa said…

Give my regards to the king of all dragons and his queen along with his thunder, Shenlong requested. Show him my mark. He will know. He stopped circling Luna to burst up into the realm of white. Farewell, Veḷ'ḷae Lefela.

Luna reached out a hand, but white was swallowing her. Wait, please! Come back! Wait!

And, she was gone.

---

The familiars guarding the cathedral were on alert. Many had been slaughtered in masses or plucked off individually, so each one of them defended the stronghold to the bitter end.

One of the familiars guarding the front door felt something and turned around. Its eyes widened when it could see a shine in the window. It turned to its fellow guards, frantically growling orders, but it was too late for them. The cathedral burst with white. The familiars in the courtyard recoiled and turned to look at what happened, but the explosion of white forced them to the die. The entire cathedral was wrapped around in a glowing white that kept the same purity the cathedral once held. The sight was blinding and rejuvenating and gave off the feeling of hope and love. A ball of white appeared at the tip of the steeple. Without preamble, a team of white burst from the steeple and into the sky.

It hit the ruins—

—shattered them.

°•°•°•°

Red alerts popped up on Freed and Constantine's Lacrima Screens and both stopped what they were doing to examine what was happening. The alarms went off in Fairy Tail and everyone's heads shot up in worry.

Freed's eyes widened. "Oh, my…"

Erza climbed the steps and looked at Freed and Constantine urgently. "What?" she demanded. "What is going on?"

"Our apologies, Master," Constantine spoke. "There is no problem within the vicinity."

Erza raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Then, why are the alarms going off?"

"The ruins have been shattered," Freed murmured. "But, they haven't been shattered by the enemy."

Erza did not believe it. "Then, who shattered them?"

Constantine shifted one Lacrima Screen towards Erza. "Here, Master."

Erza looked at the screen—

—and her eyes widened.

"What is happening?" she whispered.

°•°•°•°

The Mages of Fairy Tail fighting their fight with familiars had stopped along with their opponents. They watched as white ate against violet and shattered the ruins. They watched as flecks of white fell from the Heavens like snow. They watched and they watched.

Cade lifted a hand to catch a white particle. It did not stay on his palm. It did not fall through it. It sunk into his palm and stayed there. A rush of warm flooded his body, making him tingle. "Whoa," he breathed. "What is this? This isn't snow."

HSSSSSSSSSS.

Cade looked at the familiars to see them recoiling as flakes of white gathered on them. In droves, they disappeared, eradicated from this world. And, it was not just Cade laden in confusion. Mages all around Magnolia were lost. As particles of white fluttered downwards, the humans felt warmth hit them and renew them while their opponents died off without so much as a last glare.

°•°•°•°

Even as Hisui tended to an old widow, a drop of white fell on her nose. It absorbed into her skin and she blinked in her surprise. She looked up to see snowy particles of white flaking from the ceiling.

What is this?

"Mama!" came a whisper-cry. "Mama!"

Hisui looked over at a family who crowded at the matriarch. White particles were absorbed into her skin and with each new particle, the more the matriarch began to stir in groan. It was a common theme in the evacuation center. Sick patients were stirring from their restless slumber. Some awoke quicker than other as their skin returned to normal and glints returned to their eyes.

"It's a miracle, Mistress," Madelia told Hisui as she watched a little particle seep into her skin.

Hisui had to smile. "No, Maddie. This is the work of Fairy Tail."

°•°•°•°

The guards and the Mages stopped their pesky fight to watch as white befell onto. Their war, the fight, was over. All could only look up as they watched specks all to the ground.

Brika held out her hand for a white speck to seep into her glove and skin.

What Magic is this?

°•°•°•°

From the office, Draculos could only give a faint smile as he watched the horizon. There was a glimmer in his eyes. It was pride.

Well done.

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane slept in the guild infirmary near a window. Other Fairy Tail members were being tended to whether they were asleep or awake. She slept peacefully in her infirmary bed with her headphones in her ears and her SoundPod playing music.

A speck of white came through the window. It fluttered to Mary Jane and decided to land on her forehead. There, it sunk into her skin and glowed once.

Mary jane began to stir.

Her eyes blinked open in confusion. She felt a little hazy, but not as drained as she had felt before. She felt light. She felt warm. More drops of white seeped into her skin and forced her to sit up. "What's going on?" she mumbled. She looked around the room to see drops of white floating about. They landed on guild members and employees and sunk into their clothes and skin, revitalizing them. Each guild member who had fallen into a state of rest woke from their slumber. Their families and friends cheered for their loved one, some bursting into tears and others smiling like a fool.

Mary Jane looked out the window. It was like she was watching the gentle snowfall of the beginning of winter. But, snowflakes were not falling. They were little bulbs of light that fell to the ground, sliding into buildings, and giving new life wherever they touched.

Luna…

Mary Jane allowed herself a smile.

You didn't let me down.

°•°•°•°

There was no place the white could not touch. It fell into the guild confinement area and rained on a demonic Mystogan. Slowly, black smoke poured from Mystogan's body and he became the man he once was. Gary was too into comforting Nashi to notice white sinking into his skin and Nashi's and healing their mortal wounds, but leaving the emotional wounds alone. Natsu and Lucy lifted their heads to see the droplets of white flutter to the ground and to them. Lucy raised a palm to catch one in her hand, but it sunk into her skin and warmed her. Gray and Juvia were mesmerized as they looked through misty eyes at the sight before them. The mayor of Magnolia himself could not believe what was transpiring.

The white shattered from the cathedral to show its renewed glory. The goblins and ogres once shaming the castle reverted back to angles fluttering on the tips of the of church and protecting the safe haven. The stain glass windows once showing death and decay were restored to religious glory and told the story of Jesus and Mary. The vines eating at the cathedral were shriveled up. The ugly flowerbeds rotting beside the church were rejuvenated with life and given a second chance. Kardia Cathedral had returned to its home.

The interior had been changed as well and Igneel and Gale came to realize that as they woke up from their daze.

"Jesus," Gale muttered. "What was that?"

"I feel so…light," Igneel murmured as he picked himself off the floor. "I feel…different."

Lance groaned as he came out from behind the altar. "It's like I took a nap and feel better," he noted. He looked at his body to see all his wounds were gone and his skinned had been cleaned. "I'm not even injured." He smiled. "Luna, you did it!" he cheered. He looked up. "You—!"

There Luna stood at the altar. He body was still. Her bangs covered her eyes. She did not move. She did not speak.

Lance's happiness was morphed into concern. "Luna?" he worried. "Are you okay?"

Gale staggered over to the altar with Igneel. He looked up at Luna through tired and worried eyes. "Blondie," he mumbled. "Blondie, what's wrong?"

Luna's right fist with her guild mark tightened and her bracelet shifted.

"Did we do it?" Her voice came out strong, yet small. It was flat. "Did we win?"

Gale had to nod at that and soften. "We won, Blondie," he told her. "The game is over."

"That…makes me happy," she mumbled. She turned around, but shadows covered her eyes.

DRIP.

The boys' eyes widened.

DROP.

Tears streamed down Luna's cheeks.

"We…won," she whispered. "We…did it…"

She took a step forward—

—and began to fall.

Gale and Igneel caught a glimpse of Luna's glazed-over eyes and rushed to her, but it felt like time slowed.

Luna's vision blurred and black ate at it, wanting her blind. She felt hands wrap around her, but the sensation was soon to be lost. She was gone, but she could hear echoes of panic and the sound of her name. Then, one voice drifted into her thoughts as she slipped away into her dreams.

Rest well, little one.

---

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…

Looks like Fairy Tail has saved the day and gained some new alliances along the way! Nothing is impossible for Fairy Tail! See ya next time on the next Fairy Adventure!

---

Chibi-Nashi scurries onto the screen, her hair a mess and her eyes wide and frantic. She looks around vigorously. "Hey, um, I know Lu is supposed to give the lesson, but she's out right now, so I'm giving it." She goes to the other side of the screen and peeks off-screen. Her head pops back and she slumps and sighs in relief. "Okay, good. For a second, I thought that freak was following me." She fixes her hair and recomposes herself. "Right, well, today's lesson is about the legend of Magic and Curses."

Everything disappears as the screen shifts to the stars and the universe.

"Magic and Curses used to be one in the same," Chibi-Nashi narrates. "Many people have speculated the Creator of the universe gave it to Earth Land either on a whim or due to the prayer of one pure of heart. At the time, the power was called 'Oras'."

A spark appears in the universe, a ball of silvery-gray. It dazzles in space without a known core, but giving off bountiful light.

"That means 'one' in Ancient Language," Chibi-Nashi continues. "However, Oras was not just a power. It was two halves of lovers combined in one."

The ball of silvery-gray splits into two balls. One ball is swirling in a color darker than black while the other is brighter than white.

"The black half of Oras was called 'Piḷāk' meaning 'black' while the white half of Oras was called 'Veḷḷai' meaning 'white'. Together, the two lovers spread themselves along Earth Land in a fierce promise to allow humans and creatures to obtain gifts of Magic and use them to only help and heal."

The two balls of light and darkness beam themselves onto Earth Land. Their light and darkness cover the entire planet, half in a glowing white and the other half in a shadowy black. The universe fades onto the planet itself. A man is shown using Fire Magic to build flames for his meal. A bird is shown using Wind Magic to defend her nest from predators. A circle of Mages are holding hands as they heal a bleeding man in the center of their Magic Circle with their combined sorcery.

"But, then," Chibi-Nashi says darkly, "the world changed."

Images are shown, washing out the old. Two men use their Earth Magic to kill one another for the hand of a beautiful lady. A group of hunters use Ice Magic to kill an innocent polar bear and her young. Three young women are burned at the stake with males and females surrounding them, using Fire Magic.

"Evil spread onto Earth Land in the form of a beast no one knows the name of. It took Magic and warped it into Káta, meaning 'curses'. The evil creature spawned itself across the universe and use the darkness in people and creatures' heart. Through their darkness, creatures of darkness were born and spread Curses."

Images are shown of chaos and murder, blood splattering through the universe. Creatures of every race face each other in battle with bloodlust in their eyes and never know they are mere puppets of mass destruction.

"But, then, one day, a being saved the earth. Some say it was a maiden who heard the cries of every being in every realm and timeline! She was born with the true power of White and came to stop the one of evil."

The screen changes. A creature of pure black gives a screech of god-awful ugliness as it and its pawns span through time and space to spread their defilement.

"The maiden of White was not alone in her quest. She, along with the ten legendary Masters and the four corners of the universe, came together to use their powers to stop the creature of evilness and restore balance to the universe once and for all."

Two circles are made around the creature. The outer circle is made of four balls of light of red, gold, blue, and green. The inner circle is made out of ten symbols, each with colors of their own from the rainbow. But, the center of the circle is the ball of white light. All of them converge into one and attack the creature. The creature roars as the screen shakes and turns white once again.

Chibi-Nashi returns onto the screen with a gentle smile. "And, that's the legend of Magic and Curses and their connection to us. All of this power doesn't just serve as a purpose for good, but it's our lives. When a Mage choose to use Magic, we choose to have our souls intertwined with Magic and for it to become our life force." She allows her aura of pink Magic to outline her. It makes her close her eyes as it ruffles her hair in welcome. "Magic, Curses—it matters very little. All power is sacred and delicate. All power controls our lives. And, we have to treat that power with respect and care."

"Beautiful way of putting it, Angel."

Chibi-Nashi snaps out of her state to see Chibi-Gary beaming at her from the side. She jumps, visibly startled. "Holy crap! I thought I lost you!"

Chibi-Gary laughs. "You could never lose me, Angel!" He runs to her lovingly with hearts in his eyes. "Let a dog love his master, Angel! Come on!"

Chibi-Nashi looks at you frantically. "Um, so, yeah! Next time, Next time, on Fairy Adventure: FANTASIA!" She runs away. "Sorry, have to go! Gary, get away from me!"

Chibi-Gary chases after her. "Wait, my darling! Run into my arms!

---

Voices of New Characters in Order of Appearance

Philece Sampler as Madelia von Rockford