Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's "Fairy Tail", but all original plots and characters are mine.
In a land far, far away lies the kingdom of Fiore, a small, peaceful nation of 17 million, and a place filled with Magic found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace. For most, Magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, Magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds, they ply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born. A guild that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name...is Fairy Tail.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
In the ruins
of the dreams
and the schemes
of men;
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
She opened her mouth in a scream, but it was too late. Blood splattered from the wound running from her right hip to her left shoulder. Time moved sluggishly as she fell backwards.
He stood over her with his glasses glinting, not showing his eyes. His hair was neatly slicked back, nothing short of professional. He had on his surgeon mask over his mouth and his stethoscope hung from his neck. With his lab coat and look of tie and button down and his latex gloves, he looked like just a regular doctor.
But, the heart bleeding in his hands made him not even close to regular.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
when the moon
begets the tide
and the wide
sea sighs;
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Blonde hair whipped around. She stood, poised and perfect, with her chin lifted in an act of defiance. Her weight was spread evenly with her shoulders relaxed, pulled down. She started in fourth position with her feet, heels aligned and one foot a foot in front of the other. A hand was slow and seductive as it dragged itself from just below the right breast and diagonally and upwards to the left side. It left the body and was up in the air. And it did not stay alone for long as another hand took it. It looked like the action was rough, but everything was actually well-practiced.
Blonde hair twirled as the body did and was abruptly in the complete care and trust of someone else.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
when a star
appears in heaven
and the raven
cries;
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
STEP. STEP. STEP. STEP.
He walked through the streets with the heart in his hands. It dripped whatever blood was left, but the heart was dead and did not beat for anyone. Still, he walked on through empty streets that only had the comfort of awake street lampposts.
Well, the streets were not exactly empty.
There was a number of bodies that had littered the streets. The brick was stained red. Some had been fortunate and had their bodies intact, even if their brains had been gutted from them. Others had their stomachs ripped open with their internal organs out to be dried. But all had that same Glasgow smile craved into their faces. It made them all look happy even if their eyes had been wrenched from their socks and only had a thread keeping them connected to their original body. It made them all look happy even if their arms had been ripped off and their feet were thrown elsewhere.
Two ravens fled from their spots on a lamppost as he walked under it.
He stopped and looked up to watch the creatures fly into darkness. It was soothing to watch them go, but also meant something.
A snivel.
He turned his head to see a child sniffling beside what appeared to be her mother.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
we will dance
and we will revel
in the devil's
fen ...
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tango was not a dance. It was a feeling. You tango to delight your partner, to entice them. You did not move for yourself, but for your partner. It was not meant to stress you. It was meant to relax you. It was meant to be a flirty conversation of body movement and eye contact. It was meant to be more intimate than sex itself.
She followed him into the depths of it all. She trusted him with her body, heart, and soul, moving as he did. And he held the trust in high regard. He spun her out and they shared a look that spoke for them. She let him go, breaking away from their connection. She was tired of the conversation and wanted to break the connection. He allowed her to go for a moment, watching as she stepped away with purpose. But, he could not watch her walk away from him anymore. He grabbed her hand and spun her into his arms.
°•°•°•°
"…if nevermore again."
And the book shut.
A hand pocketed the book.
Wind whistled as it ruffled a trench coat and thin ponytail. A gloved hand came up to keep the fedora in place.
Breathe in.
°•°•°•°
She caressed his face. It was a gesture to tell him she would like to continue their conversation.
°•°•°•°
Breathe out.
°•°•°•°
He grinned and the two pushed away from each other.
°•°•°•°
"The poem speaks to me every time," came a sigh. "Soothing for the soul. We all live in an endless dance of life and death and don't even know how thin the line between them is. The scandalous love affair between Heaven and Hell." Another sigh. "How beautiful."
A shriek pierced the air.
A flock of ravens cawed as they flapped their wings and soared away. They all passed the man. He stood atop a clock tower that stopped telling time. It was about to hit the stroke of midnight, but it stayed a minute before it. Not because a knife or simple sword stopped it or a slight mishap. Nothing that simple.
That was because a body had been rooted into the clock and stopped it from ringing the twelfth hour.
Breathe in.
°•°•°•°
Both of them walked away from the other.
°•°•°•°
Breathe out.
°•°•°•°
They spun around to face each other.
°•°•°•°
"It's almost that time of year again." Orange eyes glinted in the moonlight. "Time for my next appointment."
And the man jumped into the air. He did not fall. He did not fly. His body cloaked itself in darkness as he shrunk. And in his place flew a black raven into the night, cawing.
°•°•°•°
Their eyes connected.
°•°•°•°
And the shriek ended.
°•°•°•°
Violet and chocolate clashed.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
mishiranu kao sagasu sasayaku ano koe ga
nigiri shime ta yaiba tsuki tate subete o ubaeto
•
minashigo tsudou shiro emi kamen ni egaite
itsuwari no itsukushimi sae hane de tsutsumu serafu
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Magnolia Town was always one to be festive. The entire town had dressed itself for a night of witches and ghouls and all things that go "bump" in the night. Black and orange was a common trend around the town. La Casa de Pastel had specialty treats out of bat and pumpkin cookies and pumpkin cakes. A Halloween costume store had temporarily opened. Many costumes had been taken, but the day-before rush had started and the employees smiled as they helped customers pick out the right costume. Uncle Ben made sure he had carved pumpkins and fake skeletons in his restaurant with his staff dressed as their favorite characters. Candies in stores all across town were quickly being bought and sold. One house had fake tombstones and fog blowing through their front yard with eerie music playing.
The Fairy Tail Guild was no exception to decorating. Erza stood on stage as she spoke with Mira on a matter. The guild hall was being dressed for Halloween. Streams of black and white had been hung. Gary laughed as Juvia became scared of the dancing skeletons that suddenly tried to ensnare her. Silver spat out his pumpkin juice as Ghost burst through a wall covered in fake blood and his eyes white. Dazzler searched in her hat and managed to pull out the headless horseman, making Miss Robin and Max viciously shake their heads and frantically wave their arms.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tonight is the night before Halloween, a time of laughter, costumes, and trick-or-treating. The Fairy Tail Guild will be holding Hallows' Eve Spell-tacular to commemorate such an important holiday.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Erza scratched something off her clipboard. "Are you sure the band came?"
Mira nodded happily. "Yup! They checked into the hotel already! And don't worry. The Anderson Brothers were more than happy to do this for free after we saved them from a few rowdy fans."
Erza nodded. "That's very kind of them, but I'll still ensure they are paid," she decided. "How's Vinyl?"
"She had to make a last-minute run, but she said she can set-up her equipment tomorrow to DJ," Mira assured.
"Hey, Erza!"
Erza looked up to see Gray shouldering an old organ by his lonesome. He adjusted it. "Where did you want this again?"
"Just put it on stage," Erza commanded.
Luna crouched down and set down the cage of live bats. "Wow. I can't believe Halloween is already here," she commented. She undid the latch on the cage and opened the door. She extended her hand and a baby bat, curious, crawled onto her hand. He seemed to like her as he clung to her and nuzzled her arm. She smiled and stroked its head. "It seems like Fantasia and the Harvest Festival were just yesterday."
Ena came to Luna with a sealed box in her hands. "Yeah. The two holidays are really close to each other," she said. She looked around at the hard work the guild had done. "I guess I'm more excited about the Spell-tacular tomorrow. I've been working hard on costumes for the guild members and guests of the party."
Luna looked at the box Ena had set on a table. "Oh. Is that what's in the box?"
Ena nodded proudly. "Yup! Worked hard on these ever since Fantasia ended!" Something came to her. "Oh, yeah, that reminds me, L. I have your costume ready for you."
"Thanks, E, for designing it this year," Luna appreciated. "I'm sure it'll look fantastic!"
Ena gave a smug grin as she flicked her hair. "It was nothing. I made sure you can dance in it too, so you should be all-set!"
Luna winced and an unsettled smile came over her face. Her eyes averted to the baby bat lapping up her attention. "Oh, right. My dance…"
Ena frowned as she arched an eyebrow. "Well, that didn't sound too enthusiastic," she noted.
Luna sighed. "I don't know. It's just…" She struggled to say it. "I'm not so sure I'll do well tomorrow night with so many people watching me."
Ena understood and softened. "You're going to do great out there, L," she promised. "I've watched you dance before. You're talented in what you do. You have nothing to be afraid of."
"I know," Luna said quietly.
"And, besides," Ena added, "you won't be alone up there. You'll have your partner right there with you to support you."
A hand slid across Luna's shoulders. "That's right, beautiful."
Luna looked up to see Cane sending her an assuring smile.
"I'll be right with you every step," Cane promised. "Just like we practiced. And it's going to be epic because my partner is epic."
Luna shot him a dry look. "What do you want this time?"
Cane laughed as he scratched his cheek with a finger. "Oh, come on, beautiful, I can't compliment you without reason?"
"No," Luna deadpanned.
Ena sweatdropped.
Wow. She sees through his BS quicker than I thought.
Cane laughed even more. "I knew I kept your around for a reason," he jested. "So, listen… Would you mind pretending to be my date to this and pretend you're super in-love with me and worship the ground I walk on?"
Luna rolled her eyes. "Let me guess: you had a date with another crazy and you need me to bail you out of it."
Cane put a hand over his heart. "Oh, the way you get me," he sang. "It's like we're soulmates!"
"We're something, all right," Luna muttered, pursing her lips. "I don't get why you go on dates with these girls if they're this insane. Can't you bring home a normal girl for once?" she asked as she helped the baby bat back into the cage.
Cane pouted. "Well, where's the fun in normal chicks? They're so stiff. At least crazy chicks are crazy in the streets and crazy in the—"
Luna slapped a hand over his mouth with a blush stinging her cheeks. "You're so dirty," she hissed at him.
Cane snickered as he pried Luna's hand off him. "And you're such a virgin," he teased. "My little, blonde virgin. You're so cute and innocent, like a sexy nun."
Ena tapped her chin as her eyes went to the ceiling. "Come to think of it, that would be a good cosplay for her," she murmured. "I should run it by Penny first…"
Luna frantically waved her arms as steam poured out of her ears. "Don't do that! Please, E! She'll make me wear that in public and I can't bear the shame!"
Cane raised an amused eyebrow. "So, you in or not, beautiful?"
°•°•°•°
A gloved hand gripped a glass as an ear eavesdropped on conversation.
Luna's sigh floated over. "Fine. But, I better get some free food out of this."
"How about you get me inst—? Ow! What the Hell was that for?"
"It's called me breaking your ego, boyfriend. Get used to it."
"Okay, okay, I can deal with it," came Cane's chortle. "So, does my little virgin like it rough or—?"
"Shut up!"
SMACK.
"You're so mean to me after everything I do for you!" came Cane's whine.
Luna huffed. "If I'm 'so mean', find yourself another girl who can bail you out."
"Wait, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. Beautiful, come back! You can't just leave me!"
"Oh, yeah? Watch me."
"Beautiful….!"
The glass was picked up and in several moments, it was put back down, empty. The chair pushed back as the person got up.
And all that was left was an empty glass with a drop left inside it.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure 020
Hallow's Eve Part 1:
Tango Fantasia
ハロウィンのイブが始まった！かごとくそはもう一度登場する！
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Justin slid into his living room. He had forgone his usual attire in place of a cheerleading uniform. His pleated skirt was short, even on him, and his top had the Fairy Tail insignia on it and only covered—just barely—his upper chest. He had his hair split into twin ponytails and blue pompoms were in his hand. He jumped in the air with a cheery smile and raising his pompoms. "Go…Fairy Tail!" he cheered. He was back on the ground and twirled around. "So…" He struck a pose with a wink on his face. "What does everyone think of this year's Halloween costume?"
Ellie held up a pen with the number 10 on it. "Absolutely love it! It makes you a true woman!"
Nashi held up a panel with a 10 on it as well. "You're killing it, Justin!" she gushed.
Olivia held up a nine-point-five on her panel. She smirked at him. "Nice costume. You show the Fairy Tail spirit," she complimented.
Aine gave him a 10 as well. "I'm so jealous! I wish I could pull that off!"
Mara held up a 10 too and gave Justin a beaming smile and eager nod.
Orochi's eyebrow twitched. "Um, yeah… Why are we doing this again?"
Justin pouted at Orochi. "Don't you think I look super cute, Chi-chi?"
Orochi leaned forward on his position on the couch to grab another slice of pepperoni pizza. "No matter what I say, you'll just take it the wrong way," he muttered.
Justin comically cried. "You're so mean, Chi-chi! I did this for you!"
Aine looked at the girls. "So, what are the rest of you doing for Halloween? Has everyone gotten their costumes yet?" she questioned while Justin sulked by himself.
Ellie nodded eagerly. "Definitely! This year, I'm going as a ring master!" she gushed. "I bought my own whip and made the rest of the costume with my mom's help." She let out a sigh. "But, my dad is being a total pain about it."
Olivia shot Ellie a dry look. "Considering your last two costumes nearly had you naked, I think he has a right to be a concerned parent."
Ellie huffed childishly and humorously so. "Whatever," she mumbled. "Mara? What about you?"
Mara signed her words as Orochi translated for her. "She says she's going as her favorite superhero, the White Huntress."
Aine hummed as she looked at the ceiling, her hands combining into a fake gun and pointing into her chin. "I decided to go as a pirate this year," she announced. "My mother is letting me borrow one of her swords for effect too. I'm so excited!"
Nashi took a bite out of her pizza. "Are you and Lance going to match?" she asked, words muffled.
Aine shook her head. "Not this year. Misty got suspicious last time we did it and we don't want to get caught."
Nashi swallowed her piece and tutted. "I'm still saying you should just tell him," she sing-sung.
Aine sighed and shook her head. "It's complicated," she reasoned. Nashi was about to rebuttal, but Aine plowed on. "So, Olivia, what are you wearing?"
Olivia shrugged. "Still don't know. Leo's into Halloween more than me."
Orochi spared Olivia a glance. "Well, you've still got time," he offered her. "I'm sure you'll find something."
Olivia nodded at him. "What about you? What are you going as?"
Justin pulled himself out of his slump to seat himself on Orochi's lap. He pulled Orochi to his chest and laid his head on top of his roommate's. "Chi-chi's going to be my sexy coach, didn't you know?" he purred.
Orochi sighed and closed his eyes. "For the last time, no, Justin. I'm not being your coach." He opened his eyes as his eyebrows furrowed. "Actually, I'm not too sure what my costume will be," he admitted. "I've been so busy, I haven't really thought about it."
"You could always come as my boyfriend, Chi-chi!" Justin said dreamily, light and flowers practically pouring off him as he petted Orochi's hair. "What do you say, hmm? Do it for me!"
"How about 'no'?" Orochi said bluntly.
Justin comically cried. "Chi-chi, how can you be so cruel and deny me again!"
Orochi sighed. "But, didn't you tell me you had a friend you wanted to set me up with?"
Ellie clapped her hands in excitement. "Ooo! A blind date!"
Justin went from sobbing to cheery without notice. "That's right! She's a girl in my yoga class. She thought Chi-chi's tattoos were bitchin' and wanted to meet him, so I thought Mama Justy could work on his matchmaking skills."
"Or this results in epic failure like the last blind date I was on," Nashi groused.
"In my defense, he was hot," Justin justified.
"Justin, he was obsessed with body pillows!" Nashi snapped. "Hotness doesn't outweigh that!"
"With the ass that he had, it did," Justin muttered.
Orochi looked over at Nashi with a smile. "So, Nashi, what are you doing for Halloween? I heard you decided to make your own costume this year."
Nashi laughed awkwardly as she scratched her head. "Um, well, I did try to make my own costume, but I suck at sewing," she admitted. "To be honest, I was about to just go and buy one when Ena stopped me." She could still remember the fired-up look in Ena's eye.
"Don't even think about buying a costume, Nashi, for I, the Scarlet Fairy, will make you one of my originals!"
Ellie narrowed her eyes as she stared at Nashi. "A true woman would know how to sew her own clothes," she scolded.
Nashi averted her eyes to the ceiling. "A-heh-heh… Guess I'm not as much of a woman as I should be then," she chuckled uneasily. She shook her head. "Anyways, she said she'll bring it tomorrow with Lu's costume."
Justin remembered. "Oh, that's right. Luna is doing a performance, isn't she?" He frowned. "I hope she's all right. I know she's not a fan of attention."
Nashi nodded somberly at that. "Yeah. She and Cane have been practicing hard for tomorrow night, but I can tell she's getting nervous." She looked down at her crust. "I know she can do it. I just wish she believed in herself too."
"I'm sure she'll do great!" Ellie cheered. "It's a little scary to perform in front of so many people, but she'll do just fine. Especially when we're all supporting her."
Nashi sighed. "I know, but… I can't help but worry. She's never had to perform in front of so many people before…"
"She'll be fine," Orochi promised. "All we have to do is support her and cheer her on. The rest is up to her."
Nashi looked unhappy at that, but gave in. "I guess so," she supposed. "Hey, by the way… Anyone seen Julia lately?"
Everyone exchanged glances and frowns as they shook their heads.
"Huh," Ellie said. "That's funny. She said she'd meet up with us here today."
WOOOT. WOOOOOOOOT.
CHUGGA-CHUGGA-CHUGGA-CHUGGA.
Blue hair blew in the wind as a train pulled out of the station.
"I wonder where she is." Aine brought out her Compact. "Should I message her?"
Olivia shrugged as she reached for her can for 8-Up. "Nah. I think she might still be helping prep for tomorrow. We'll see her tonight anyways for the guild prep meeting," she reasoned.
"Still," Nashi started, "it's a little strange of her to not tell us."
KA-CLACK. KA-CLACK. KA-CLACK.
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
She handed the conductor her train ticket as she boarded the train.
Justin settled on the ground rather than Orochi's lap and took a slice of pizza. "Well, just as long as her costume is kick ass, I can forgive her for not being here today."
Orochi snorted. "Yeah, because everyone strives for your forgiveness and approval."
"Well, they should! My opinion is probably the most valued one you'll ever get, Chi-chi! That's why you should live to impress me!"
"But, I already do."
"Really?!"
"No."
"Chi-chi…!"
Julia settled herself in an empty row with her bag going beside her. Her hands were curled around her Compact and an unopened letter. With October being a chilly month in autumn, she wore a jacket and loom-knit earflap hat. She worried her bottom lip as other passengers boarded the train.
This is it. I can't believe I'm going to see—
Her thoughts stopped as a blush appeared on her cheeks. A smile bloomed on her face.
I've got nothing to be worried about. After all…
Her blue eyes glistened.
…I've got my own promise to keep.
"Aw, dammit!"
Igneel looked up from his comic book to watch a seething Luke threw down his headset. His hazel eyes glared at the Lacrima-Vision as the words YOU DIED sprawled across the screen.
"How the Hell are they doing this?" Luke snapped. "I've been number two internationally for months and this little bitch comes along and defeats me?"
Igneel had to grin as he returned to his comic. "Mild manner bro by day. Total badass when you're stuck in a Lacrima game," he commented. "What's wrong now? Lost your title to Genius or something?"
Luke still glowered at the Lacrima-Vision. "Shut up," he barked. "No one can beat Genius. His Magic is literally based on Lacrima games. No." His eyes narrowed as he watched a female character dance on screen. She wore a skin-tight suit with a light bulb on her chest and a golden crown floated around her head. A little characterized lightbulb twirled around her, changing colors in his happiness. "Who the Hell is 'Aurora'? And how does she think she is beating me?"
Igneel turned the page. "I think you met your match, bro," he said offhandedly. "This chick could be your soulmate."
Luke looked disgusted and angered at the thought. "Only 'match' I've got with her is a rematch." He shook his head and the tension is his body flooded out. He sighed. "My apologies. I didn't mean to curse like that," he apologized.
"And, you're back to being my mild-mannered, little brother," Igneel teased.
Luke arched an eyebrow. "You're only older by seven minutes," he pointed out.
"Still older," Igneel shot back. "Now, can we please just watch LV? Seeing you get all hyped about video games is fun and all, but it's my turn."
Luke picked up the remote and tossed it to his twin. "Sure. Go for it."
Igneel caught the remote and switched the Lacrima-Vision from the gaming system to regular programming. He was about to turn to his favorite show when what was on caught his attention. His eyes widened. "What the Hell is that?"
The Lacrima-Vision showed a number of corpses flooding a town. Their blood intermingled and dried on the streets. Their bodies at this point had become hardened and cold with no signs of life in them. But the ways their bodies were mutilated, to see them all with carved smiles and organs ripped from their bodies—it would make anyone's stomachs turn.
"—gow smiles on each body," a news reporter spoke. "This isn't the first mass murder, unfortunately. Small cities Alison and Nerine have also been visited by this elusive mass murderer over the past week."
Luke could not believe it. "A mass murderer is on the loose?" he murmured. "No way…"
"The Fiore Guard has been working hard to solve this murder mystery with the director and chief of the guard releasing a statement confirming he has his best agents working on the case and has received aid from the Royal Army," the news reporter informed. "Queen Hisui has advised all citizens of Fiore with a national curfew to remain indoors at any facility after ten at night. Guards at each station have been informed to escort those who disobey to their homes with a warning. We don't know when the next attack will strike, but we do know our kingdom will not let this incident go ignored. As well, the director recommends more precaution for this Halloween. Trick-or-treating will start at six and go until eight. In further news…"
Lucy emerged from the hallway with a bright smile. "What are you two up—?" Her eyes caught what was on the Lacrima-Vision and they dimmed. "Oh, I see," she murmured. "The mass murderer, huh?"
"Who would kill that many people?" Igneel demanded to know. "That's just wrong!" His eyes widened. "You think it's a demon?"
"No." It was Luke who said it. A serious and thoughtful look overtook him. "It wasn't a demon," he responded.
Igneel furrowed his eyebrows. "How would you know?" he asked not unkindly. "Demons enjoy bloodshed, right? This is right up their alley!"
"Yes, but this is too messy," Luke reasoned. "From what we've seen of demons, they aren't relatively messy. And another thing… If they want us to turn into familiars, why would one slaughter so many?"
Lucy sighed. "Well, either way, Erza got a call from Draculos himself. He's sent out a message from the director of the guard. It was a warning to all guild masters that none of us 'Magic-users' should interfere with guard business."
Igneel looked irate at that. "But, that's bullshit!" he called. "We could help!"
Lucy shrugged, though it seemed that she had the same sentiment as her son. "It's his orders, so we have to abide by them. Besides, the guard has never been a fan of Mages and we all know the director never cared for guilds or the Magic Council." She shook her head. "Still, it would be better if we all helped, not just sit on the sidelines." She gave Igneel and Luke a pointed look. "Promise me you boys will be careful, okay? Protect each other and your sisters. And follow that curfew."
"We promise, Mom," Igneel and Luke swore.
Lucy nodded. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish off some raffle prizes for tomorrow. Make sure you both go to the guild to get your assignments." And she walked down the other hallway and towards the kitchen.
Igneel was still angered. "I can't believe the guard would do this," he growled. "They want 'Magic-users' to stay out of the way! That's total bullshit and we all know it!"
"Maybe," Luke murmured, "but maybe not… I'll admit: the guard has never cared for Mages and guilds, but on a case like this, I wonder…"
Igneel cocked his head, confused. "You 'wonder' what?"
Luke shook his head, though distractedly. "Nothing. It was me getting carried away," he brushed off. "Anyways, we should head to the guild and get our assignments."
Igneel fiddled with his scarf. "Um, actually, I'll go by a little later. There's somewhere I have to be, first."
Luna raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? Where are you off to?"
Igneel looked up at the ceiling. "Ah, nowhere. I'm just being a delivery boy, to be honest. Someone asked me to do it, but it's really no big. Not out of my way at all."
"Oh." Luke shrugged. "Have fun, then, I guess."
"Oh, believe me"—Igneel grinned to himself—"I will."
Gary groaned as he finished his work at the guild. "I didn't think setting up like this would take so long," he grumbled.
Dazzler snickered at him as she shook out her hat and floral arrangements of wilting flowers came out. "If I wouldn't know better, I'd say you're losing your touch, Gare-bear," she teased.
Gary shot her a flat look. "Like you have it hard. All you have to do is pull anything out of your hat," he muttered. "That's cheating."
Dazzler smirked. "It's called 'Magic'," she reminded him, amused. "You should try it sometime."
Gary rolled his eyes. "Ha-ha. What a new joke," he grumbled sarcastically. He looked over at Ghost floating around and waved him over. "Hey, Ghost! Mind setting up the rest of these streamers for me?"
Ghost flew over and shrugged. "Sure. But, why though? You off on another errand?" He was a simple man that dressed in nothing more than a nice button down, khaki shorts, and sandals with a backwards hat on his head.
⌜FAIRY TAIL
Name: Ghost
Age: 19 (age of death), 219 (current age)
Occupation: Mage, Spirit
Magic: Phantom
Likes: tanning Dislikes: being called 'ghoul'
Special Note: Ghost has been dead for so long, he doesn't even know what his real name is! But, lucky for him, all members of Fairy Tail and those he chooses can see him, so he's never alone!⌟
Gary shook his head. "Nothing like that. I have to pick up my costume," he explained.
As Ghost took the streams and easily flew to the rafters to hang them up, Dazzler had to ask. "What are you this year again? I don't think you've said."
Gary grinned. "It's a secret," he said with a wink.
Dazzler rolled her eyes as she flipped her hat and put it back on her head. "Which means you don't know," she deadpanned.
"As a matter of fact, I do," Gary sniffed. "But, my designer said I'm not allowed to tell. She wanted everything to be revealed tomorrow at the party."
Dazzler waved her at Gary and sparkles shot out of it. "Whatever, Gare-bear. Have fun getting a last-minute costume," she wished.
"Well, have fun trying to match Mustang!" Gary retorted, making Dazzler shoot him a firm glare, yet paired with a blush. As she scurried away, he sighed. "Like he even knows she exists," he muttered. "Mustang spends most of his time with Crimson than with anyone." He crossed his arms smugly. "At least my Angel knows I exist."
Ghost peered at Gary curiously. "Yeah, but doesn't she find you annoying and calls you a 'dog'?"
Gary waved that away. "That's just her way of showing her love is all," he reasoned. "She gave me a term of endearment. That has to mean something."
Ghost sweatdropped. "I think it just means she finds you annoying…"
Gary walked away. "Well, I'm off. Thanks for covering me, Ghost!"
Ghost shouted back, "Sure, no problem!" He sighed and shook his head. "They do say, 'love blinds you'. I guess that guy lost his sight a while ago."
Gary felt a confident grin tugging at his lips.
This year is going to be different than last year, Angel. Just you wait.
Mary Jane walked down the street with her head into her music and nothing else. She ignored the festive mood surrounding her as a sour one filled her. A scowl was determinedly on her face.
Of course I'm the one who has to go candy shopping. We already have enough as it is. But we all know Mom has a terribly sweet tooth and Daddy is too much of her bitch to ever tell her that.
She could just imagine her mother happily eating bowls full of candy with wrappers piled high and her not gaining even an ounce from her candy consumption. "It's just so yummy. I can't stop eating it," she would always reason each year.
Mary Jane snorted.
And it was no better with Lance either. Those two would eat all the Halloween candy before we could even pass it out.
A smile began to curl on her face.
And Lance would always—
She stopped on the sidewalk.
Her thoughts stopped.
Her smile marred into a frown.
Her eyes dimmed back to their natural, blank look.
"Forget about it, Mary Jane," she murmured to herself. She closed her eyes and gave a frustrated exhale. "That was a long time ago."
"What was a long time ago?"
Mary Jane was quick to react as she swung around with a violet punch. Her eyes snapped open, glaring. "You b—!"
Her fist was caught. Igneel gave her a greeting grin as he held her fist in place, dispelling her Magic. "Yo, MJ! What's goodie?" he asked cheerfully.
Before he knew it, Mary Jane was walking away from him. "Oh, just a pesky moron. How pitiful," she muttered.
"Hey! Don't leave me behind!" Igneel scrambled to catch up with her and, once he did, he fell into step with her as though it was the most natural thing to do. "So, what'cha up to, MJ? Going last-minute costume shopping?"
"I hate Halloween," Mary Jane said bluntly.
Igneel did not deter. "Oh, come on, MJ. You say that about every holiday!"
"That's because I hate every holiday. They're stupid."
Igneel chuckled. "That's because you still don't see the fun in holidays! And Halloween is the best time of the year besides Christmas! We get to go in costumes and go trick-or-treating and party and—!"
Mary Jane stopped abruptly, catching Igneel off-guard. He looked at her in concern when he saw a conflicted expression on her face.
"MJ?" he murmured. "What's up?"
Mary Jane took a deep breath. "I don't understand how you can like everything and I don't care. All I want is to get candy, go home, and wait for Halloween to be over, okay?" She moved forward, brushing past him, and headed inside the store.
Igneel frowned and followed her.
The store was nothing special. It was a typical supermarket. It did not specialize in anything, but had anything and everything for a cheap deal. A child in a onesie zoomed around with his sister while their mother got milk from one of the grocery freezers. A grandmother got more soap as her husband came around with more laundry detergent.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Nine-Mart, a chain supermarket well-known in Fiore open 24 hours every day. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Igneel found Mary Jane walking down an aisle with a basket in her hands and quickly went to her. He took the basket from her hands. "I'll take this."
Mary Jane was ready to snap at him. "You—!"
"You get whatever you need and I'll carry it around," Igneel conditioned. "You're getting more out of this deal than me. I'd take it if I were you."
Mary Jane growled and stalked away from him. "Hurry up," she snapped. "I'm not waiting around for you."
Igneel grinned. "Yeah, yeah, coming, MJ."
The next ten minutes was filled of chaos. Mary Jane easily found the candy aisle and did her best to load the basket with as much big bags of candy she could find. Igneel had pleaded with her for him to get his own chocolate bar, but she denied him. She had to chase him down when he hid in the toy section. She eventually found him playing with Super Ranger action figures and had to pull him away as he comically sobbed over them.
By the time they stepped out of the supermarket, Igneel had bags hanging off his arms while Mary Jane led him.
"This was a terrible deal. Why did I do this? These are so heavy," Igneel whined.
Mary Jane snorted. "Weakling."
Igneel's eyes comically watered. "You're so mean!" A thought came to him to snap him out of his state. "So, who passes out candy at your house?"
Mary Jane stiffened, but kept walking. "Lance does it, but he can't this year," she answered gruffly.
"Oh. Okay. Then, who's passing it out this year?"
"I am."
Both of them stopped at a crosswalk.
Igneel looked at Mary Jane in surprise. "Oh. I, uh, didn't think you'd like passing out candy to kids."
"I don't."
"Then…why are you—?"
"It doesn't matter." Mary Jane's voice hardened like flint. "Mom and Daddy will be busy keeping the party up and running. Lance is busy with Aine. So, that leaves me."
The street was clear and Mary Jane crossed, not even waiting for Igneel.
Igneel walked after her, his eyes watching her every move.
I feel like I messed up asking that. She seems upset.
His eyes softened in sadness.
I just wish there was something I could do about it.
The walk to the Dreyar house was silent. Mary Jane listened to her music while Igneel kept to himself. For once, he did not want to press her for conversation. For once, he kept silent.
They arrived at the house and went up the porch together. Mary Jane opened the screen door, then the main one before turning to Igneel. "I'll take it from here," she decided.
Igneel gave up the bags without questioning it, but could not help but speak. "So, um… I know you hate parties, but are you going tomorrow?"
Mary Jane offered him a measured look. "Only to see Luna's performance," she responded. "That's it."
Igneel nodded. "I see then…" Two beats. "Well, uh, do you…want any—?"
"No."
Igneel pouted. "You didn't even hear the rest of my question. It was a really good one too!"
"Whatever it is, I'm not interested." Mary Jane stepped inside her house. "Bye." And the screen door slammed behind her before she kicked shut the main door.
And Igneel was left to stare at the door.
He let out a sigh as his shoulders sagged. "Bye," he whispered. And he walked away from the house without a backward glance.
Even if he really wanted to give one.
Erza was settled behind her office with that no-nonsense attitude of hers at high alert. She looked at the two Mages in front of her, one the spitting image of the other. Her hands were folded and she rested her chin upon them. "Do you both know why you're here?"
No answer.
Erza answered for them. "You're here because you two both have a valuable resource towards this cause." She arched an eyebrow. "Any guesses on what that is?"
A groan. "Come on, Titania, and tell us what the mission is! I left my mate for this!"
Erza maintained her cool. "Gajeel, I assure you, when your master has words to say, it's best if you keep quiet."
Gajeel lifted a pierced eyebrow, but had to follow, shrugging his shoulders.
Erza continued. "We have been specially requested to take this case." She brought up the case file from one of her drawers. Without notice, she threw it at Gajeel who caught it with a hand.
Gajeel leafed through the file and his eyes began to narrow. "Titania," he drawled slowly, "you do know what this is, right? Bet it's not something Council approved."
Erza shook her head. "It isn't," she agreed, "but, it is from a friend in a high place. They have asked for Fairy Tail to take care of this. Specifically, a former captain and current Iron Dragon of Fairy Tail. Not only that, but"—her eyes narrowed—"this all links back to Phantom Lord."
Gajeel tched. "What a shit guild I was in," he muttered. "God, I was hoping I tracked down a bunch of them and got them arrested for petty theft, but there's a couple little bastards that slipped from me. Especially these two."
"You know them?" Erza probed.
"'Fraid so," Gajeel sighed gravelly. "They were in the darker part of the guild. Did a bunch of dirty and illegal crap that not even the Element Four and myself would touch."
"So, are you willing to take the case?" Erza wanted to know.
Gajeel closed the case file and nodded. "Yeah. I can take it. But, we do it on my terms. I'm bringin' in my own crew for this."
"That will be allowed so long as they keep their silence and adhere to the terms laid out to you once you meet with an associate that will help with the operation," Erza conditioned.
Gale jerked his head at his son. "Why am I takin' the pipsqueak with me? He's a bit too young to be around this much death and blood."
"I'm not that young." Gale grumbled.
Gajeel shot his son a meaningful look. "Yes. You are," he said firmly. "This ain't something you should ever see and, if you knew what was best for ya, you wouldn't want to jump into a case like this." He turned back to Erza. "He ain't ready. I'm not bringing him."
Erza sighed. "Unfortunately, yes, you are," she negated. "Gale was requested as well."
Gajeel hardened. "Who the Hell would let a runt on a job like this?" he snarled. "He's too young, Titania."
"We cannot disobey this command, Black Steel." Erza's words were crisp and sharp and full of her well-versed authority. "The decision was made by a higher up not even I can argue with. You are to carry out these orders." She swiveled her chair to turn her back on them. "Dismissed," she threw over her shoulder.
Gajeel growled and stormed out of the office and Gale followed after his father, annoyed and curious.
"What's so bad about this case anyways?" Gale wanted to know after they left the office. Gajeel was leading them to the second-floor common room. "I'm not that young. If this is about you thinking I'm still 'not ready', then—"
Gajeel whirled on Gale with intense ruby eyes. "You have no idea what you're asking for," he told Gale. "This shit isn't as white and black for you as it is for me. You're my kid. You shouldn't be seeing this type of crap at your age or ever, if I had it my way. You're not ready. No one is ever ready for this." He sighed. "I wasn't when I was your age," he added.
Gale scowled and stole the case file from his father. "How bad could it—?" His words stopped. His eyes widened at the now-open case file.
Pictures of dismembered victims had scarred Gale. They were laid to rot in their own blood and urine. Some looked as though parts of their body had imploded and left behind bits of bone and bloody muscle. Others were not as lucky and had their stomachs ripped open and intestines on display. One man had his penis ripped from him. But all had marching Glasgow smiles on them to look like they died happily.
"What…? What is…?" Gale felt sick to his stomach looking at the pictures.
"We're taking the case on the mass murderers," Gajeel explained, though regretfully. "These are pictures of their victims as well as records and pictures as to who they are and leads as to their next target city." He put a hand on Gale's shoulder comfortingly. "You aren't ready for this kind of work, pipsqueak," he grunted. "I'm not putting you in danger with these nut jobs."
Gale shook his head as he handed the case back to his father. "It's okay," he soothed. "I can take it. And, it doesn't even matter what we want anyways. Higher ups in Magic Society always get what they want."
Gajeel had to agree with that. "Tch. Bastards with sticks up their asses," he muttered. He pulled back his hand to cross his arms. "You do realize we probably won't be home for Halloween, right?"
Gale's eyes hardened. "We can make it."
Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "Oh, can we?"
Gale nodded.
Gale shrugged and turned around. "Well, let's put your word to the test, pipsqueak," he decided as he walked away.
Gale did not follow his father. Instead, he went to the railing to look down upon Fairy Tail. He saw Silver pester Paige. He saw Vinyl working hard on her Portable Archive Lacrima and sitting next to Thirteen, the quiet Mage eyeing her work in approval. He could see T'oree—she was a girl with skin of a tan orange, fangs, and had fire for hair—playing with Bruno. He could see Dazzler trying to impress her clueless cowboy once again.
And then, he saw Luna.
There she was, helping with the decorations. She tried putting up little pumpkins by her lonesome, but her height restricted her. It was Cane who came up behind her and did it for her, smirking.
Gale had to laugh when Luna turned around and huffed something at Cane.
That's my Blondie.
Gale gripped the railing.
I promise, Blondie, I'll be back in time for you. I won't let you down.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
A few hours later…
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The Dragneel living room look different than before. The furniture had been pushed out of the way to clear space for two dancers. Cane laid on the ground in nothing but a tank top and loose shorts while Luna sat on a chair in tight spandex and her sports bra.
"I think we're good," Cane panted to Luna. "Now, all we have to do is go over the dance tonight after Fairy Tail's closed." He forced himself to sit up to look at Luna. "How are doing, Lu?"
Luna looked down at her lap. "I'm really nervous," she admitted. "Maybe…this was a bad idea. Maybe we could cancel?"
Cane was up on his feet and walking towards her. "Hey, hey, don't give me that," he scolded. He knelt before her and gave her a stern look. "We are performing tomorrow and we will be great at it."
Luna shook her head. "I can't," she whispered. "That's so many people."
Cane sighed. "Beautiful—"
The sound of vibration cut him off. Cane and Luna looked over at the coffee table to see Luna's Compact lighting up and Cane retrieved it for her. Luna took the Compact to see she had a message. It was from Gale. She opened her Compact and looked at the message and, when she did, her smile a little.
❬ I'm leaving today. Got a job. Be back tomorrow. Don't miss me too much, k? ❭
"Is it Gale?"
Luna blinked up at Cane in confusion while smirked at her. "What do you mean?"
Cane shrugged. "You had that goofy smile on your face, so I just assumed…"
Luna touched her face. "Wait, I did? What do you mean?"
Cane shook his head in amusement. "Nothing, beautiful, nothing. And, here I thought I was all the man you would ever need."
Luna laughed and playfully shoved Cane. "You'll always be Prince Charming," she promised.
Cane pouted. "But you don't want a Prince Charming anymore," he whined.
Luna gave a wide, full-of-teeth smile. "Nope! I might not want a prince, but I'll always need you!" she promised before turning back to the virtual conversation.
Cane huffed. "I miss it when I could just bully you into submission."
Luna snorted. "I don't," she disagreed as she typed back a response.
❬ Mk. Be safe and be back soon! I'm nervous for tomorrow ❭
Cane played with Luna's ballerina bun. "Don't you miss the days when you agreed to marrying me?" he teased.
A typing bubble came up and Luna glanced up at Cane with a roll of her eyes. "If I married you, we both know you'd be that husband that wants me to do everything and still look hot and skinny afterwards."
A message came up as Cane said, "I'm not that bad!"
The message read:
(Come on, Blondie, you'll do perfect like always. When you get nervous, just find me and I'll calm you down. And once you killed it, we can either stay and party or chill at my house and watch Halloween movies.)
Luna smiled a little at that and typed her reply.
❬ Movies sound greehsiahq ❭
Her message was cut off as the Compact was ripped out of her hands and into Cane's. As he began typing, Luna tried to grab back her Compact. "Hey! Give that back!" she commanded.
Cane finished off his message with a satisfied smirk. "And…send!"
Luna shot him a suspicious look. "What did you tell him?"
Cane shrugged. "Just that you're too busy making out with me to really talk to him," he said breezily.
"You're gross," Luna groused as she took her Compact back.
"Ladies call me 'hot', not gross, beautiful," Cane reminded.
Luna looked at the message that was sent and Gale was already replying.
❬ Luna can't come to the phone right now because she and I are getting a little hot and heavy. Bye bye, dragon boy.❭
Gale's message popped up and Cane was eager to hear it. "What's it say?"
Luna read it aloud. "'Ha ha, funny'." She shrugged. "That wasn't so bad."
Cane frowned. "Dammit. I was hoping for something more dramatic." His eyes widened when vibration came from his pocket. He got out his Compact to look at the screen. He smirked. "Never mind. Here it is."
Luna was curious. "What's it—?" Her words stopped when a new message popped up.
(You there, Blondie? I wanna call you. Texting is lame.)
She replied instantly.
❬ Sure. Go for it. ❭
Within seconds, Gale's contact popped up on the screen. Luna got up from her seat headed towards the hall to the kitchen. "I'm getting us snacks!" Luna told Cane.
"Bring me Bepsi! Poca-Cola is for losers!" Cane shouted back.
Luna rolled her eyes as she stepped into the hall and answered the call. "Hi," she breathed.
"What's up, Blondie?" Gale asked.
"I finished rehearsal with Cane, so I'm making us snacks," Luna told him as she broke into the kitchen. Lucy was in the kitchen with her lunch and was reading, paying her daughter little heed.
Gale chuckled. "Always thinkin' 'bout your number one priority: your fat stomach."
Luna laughed a little as she opened the fridge. "Shut up," she whined. "Not my fault food is my second love, next to Poko."
Gale groaned. "You and Poko, oh, my God. It's a kid's show, Blondie. It's meant for little kids!"
Luna placed the phone between her shoulder and ear as she took out supplies for sandwiches. "Well, if that's how you feel, forget movies tomorrow night," she huffed.
"Hey now, let's not get too hasty."
Luna laughed as she set down everything on the counter. "And now he's regretful," she teased. She took the phone back into her hand. "You are coming, right? You'll be home in time?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Gale promised. "Just breathe and dance, Blondie." In a slyer voice, he added, "If I did miss it, could I get a private dance instead?"
"You're such a pervert," Luna muttered into the phone as she went to the counter to grab bread from the breadbox.
"Is that a 'yes'?"
"That's a 'no'," Luna rejected as she got out four slices of bread.
"Aw, damn. I was hoping for some princess action."
Luna went back to the island. "Yeah, no. Get a new princess if you want that."
Gale hummed in mock thought. "Mmm… Nah. Too much effort. I already broke you in. I can't just do that to someone brand new. Training takes time and effort."
Luna rolled her eyes. "Wow. I'm so happy I'm just so irreplaceable because you're lazy," she said dryly.
Gale chuckled. "You should b—" His words were cut off as a gruff voice muttered something to him. Gale gave a quick confirmation then turned back to the call. "That was my old man. We have to catch our train," he told her.
Luna frowned. "You're leaving already?"
You could hear Gale's smirk. "What? You going to miss me or something?"
Luna blushed a little. "No," she snapped. "I'm glad you're leaving."
Gale chuckled. "I'll miss you too, principessa. Be good for me. I'll call you tonight to say, 'good night'."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"Do you not want me to?"
Luna's cheeks warmed at the thought. "No…" she drawled. "It's not that…"
"You're blushing, aren't you?" Gale snickered.
Luna could feel her cheeks darken. "Shut up," was all she could say.
"Ooo. Good comeback," Gale praised sarcastically. There was noise on the line and Gale hissed for another minute. He sighed. "Okay, now, I really have to go. I'm calling tonight."
"And, I get no say?" Luna asked with a raised eyebrow.
"You always get a choice, Blondie," Gale assured. "But, when your dragon says it's happening, it's happening. It's called being the dominant one in this relationship."
"What 'relationship'?" Luna demanded to know.
"Our partnership," Gale said easily. "Before I go, Blondie, do me a favor?"
Luna was intrigued. "What?"
"Smile for me."
Luna felt her lips tugging into a smile. "Why? You can't see it."
"I know, but I can hear it. And knowing you're smiling for me makes me feel a hell of a lot better about this job," Gale told her.
Luna blushed as her hand went over her heart. "Gale…"
"And…cue blush," Gale teased. "See ya later, principessa."
And the call ended.
Luna pulled her Compact away from her and was about to lock it when a message popped up. It was from Gale. It read:
(By the way, your mom has something from me to you. It's for luck. My gift to you. No returns.)
Luna's smile softened.
Oh, Gale…
"You have that smile on your face."
Luna looked up at her mother. Lucy was looking at her daughter in amusement.
Luna furrowed her eyebrows. "What smile?"
Lucy shook her head. "Nothing, nothing." She leaned on the island. "So, I'm guessing that was Gale?"
Luna nodded. "Yeah. He said you have something for me?"
Lucy gave a secretive smile. "Yeah, and I think it's adorable." She wasted no time conjuring the bag out of thin air. The bag presented itself in white with Poko characters parading on the bottom of it. Lucy slid the bag to Luna. "Here you go!"
Luna smiled. "Thanks, Mama!" She took the bag off the counter and began to open it. A handwritten note was at the top of the cluster of present paper and she took it out to read.
It's a reminder that I'm with you, always
Cheesy as Hell, but it sounded right
From,
Your Partner
Luna chuckled. "You're right. It is cheesy," she agreed. She set down the note to go through the gift paper. She dug through until she found soft material and brought it out. Her eyes widened. "No way…"
Lucy smiled. "What is it?" she asked, though she knew the answer.
Luna stood up to show off the material. It was jacket. But, not just a jacket. It was Gale's favored jacket. Her mouth was gaped. "How…? And why…?" Luna tried to put together.
"You know," Lucy started, "whenever your papa goes on long jobs, what does he give me?"
"His scarf," Luna listed without a hitch. "He told me he does it so you feel he's always with you. But…" She shook her head. "Why would Gale give me this?"
Lucy shrugged. "So, you know he's always with you," she reasoned. "Isn't he sweet?"
Luna kept looking at the jacket. "Yeah… He is…" She slipped on the jacket as she had done in the cathedral. She allowed Gale's scent to consume her.
It—
"Smells just like him, huh?" Lucy guessed. "It feels like he's holding you."
Luna nodded.
Now that Mama said it, it does feel like Gale's right behind me…hugging me…
Lucy grabbed Luna's Compact and shook it. "Come on. Smile for the camera," she sing-sang.
Luna tilted her head. "Why?"
Lucy playfully rolled her eyes. "We're sending him a picture. Duh." She opened the camera and made sure Luna was wholly in it. "Now, smile!"
Luna made sure to smile and give a wink and peace sign as Lucy took the picture. She handed the Compact back to her daughter and Luna looked at the mirror image of herself. A slight blush was there, but her smile was warm and her peace sign and wink added to her cuteness. She sent the picture to Gale with a message following it.
❬ I love the present! Thank you so much! You can have it back when you come home ❭
A typing bubble slowly came up. Then did the message.
(Nah. Keep it. Looks perfect on you.)
Another message popped up.
(Here I am in a meeting and you send pictures to distract me.)
Luna typed back.
❬ Well excuse me for showing off my new good luck charm❭
Gale's message came fast.
(Calm your tits, Blondie. You're a cute distraction)
(Old man is glaring at me, so I gotta go. No more distracting pictures)
Out of spite, Luna took a picture of herself sticking her tongue out playfully at the camera and sent it to him.
Gale's reply came fast.
(Dammit. Stop fucking being cute. Dragon has to work.)
Luna laughed.
(Sorry, sweetie. Have fun at work)
Gale replied to her:
(It's like wifey is sending me off to work. I will, honey.)
"You're doing it again."
Luna looked at her mother in exasperation, though could not hide her smile. "'Doing' what?"
Cane came barreling into the kitchen. "Yeah. 'Doing' what, Auntie L?"
Lucy laughed. "Hi, Cane," she greeted.
Cane gave Lucy a kiss on the cheek. "Hey, Auntie." He looked up at Luna and his befell the jacket. He grinned. "And I thought the dude had no balls. Bitch loves claiming his territory."
Lucy swatted at Cane. "Language!" she scolded.
Cane gave his best pout. "Sorry, Auntie L." He looked back at Luna. "How does it feel to wear the Earth Dragon's signature jacket?" he interviewed.
"It feels…weird," Luna admitted. "And, I feel… bad. What is he going to wear now?"
Cane shrugged as he went to Luna's side and started making his sandwich. "Who knows? Looks like we've got ourselves a mystery."
Luna rolled her lips. "Hmmm…"
Cane finished his salami sandwich and took a bite. "Oh. Beautiful," he said in-between mouthfuls. "Remember we have to go to the Fernandes house for our last fitting."
Silence.
Luna snapped out of her daze to look at Cane. "I'm sorry. What?"
Cane rolled his eyes as he went to the refrigerator. "Oh, I see. One dragon sweeps you off your feet and you forget me." He took a can of Bepsi from the refrigerator and took a mock angry bite from his sandwich. "I see where I stand." As he walked away, Luna chased after him.
"Wait, Cane! I'm sorry!" Luna apologized. "I promise I'm listening to you!"
"They always say that!"
As the two left the kitchen in a tizzy, Lucy hummed. "This story keeps getting better and better," she sighed. "And, Natsu will certainly not like this."
Gale locked down his Compact with a little smile to himself. When he looked up, he caught his father's amused look at him and he froze.
"You've been looking at your dick for a while there, pipsqueak," Gajeel commented in a guffaw.
Gale's cheeks colored a little bit. "Shut up, old man," he snapped quietly. He turned back to the meeting. The meeting was held in a private train car. It jostled, but the table stayed bolt to the ground. A team of people (and two dogs and one Exceed) had swarmed the table while a man of sea green eyes. The most alarming feature was the X-scars on the left of his face, but his earrings and shoulder length hair tamed down the scars.
"From our lead, we can come to the conclusion that Mimosa is the next town to be hit with this elusive mass murderer and his partner-in-crime," he spoke.
⌜MAGIC COUNCIL
Name: Mest Gryder
Occupation: Commander in Chief of the Magic Council Enforcement Unit, Mage
Magic: Memory Control
Likes: black and white talkies Dislikes: N/A
Special Note: Mest Gryder might still be a Fairy Tail Mage, but he also works for the Council—and this time, he's aware of it too! ⌟
A scrawny man of a backwards cap continued to type on his Portable Archive Lacrima. He was not as buff as the Mages surrounding him—he was toned, if anything—but he certainly made up for it in height. He wore a loose jersey around him and cargo shorts and socks and sandals, not caring what anyone thought of his attire. He spoke up, "I've already sent a tip to a friend there. The mayor already agreed to your plan captain."
⌜NEW PASQUE
Name: Oswald Vanderbelt
Age: 37
Occupation: Alchemist, Intelligence and Communications Sergeant (former), IT at the Magic Council
Ability: Master of Science Technology
Likes: online gaming Dislikes: working out
Special Note: Oswald might be a little quirky, but trust me—if there's one guy who can find anyone, it's him! ⌟
Mest nodded. "Now, for the fun part: catching our killers." He looked at Gajeel. "Are you positive there are two of them?
Gajeel nodded his affirmation. "Yup. Wolfgang and Marco," he named. "The two of them were screwed up in the head. Didn't really care for either of 'em back in the day because they were part of the group of Phantom Lord that did the true dirty work." He tilted his head up to remember the two of them. "They were no older than me. Both of 'em joined Phantom at the same time. Wolfgang dreamt of being some sort of surgeon. Marco was more into poetry. Never really saw their Magic or whatever the Hell they called it. It was obvious Marco was the brains behind the two of them. Whatever he said, Wolfgang would follow. End of discussion." He tipped his head down to stare Mest straight in the face. "It's both of them. Wolfgang might be the one killing, but not without Marco's say-so. Trust me."
Mest tilted his head. "I do," he promised. "I'm here only as the eyes of the requester. Nothing more. Gajeel, I trust you to be involved more so in this operation than me. These are your people. Don't let them or me down."
Gajeel nodded. Then, his eyes turned to look at his team. He smirked. "Never thought I'd see your bitch faces so soon," he commented.
A hoarse laugh was in response to that. It came from a buff and bald man with shades over his eyes, a mask hanging around his neck and bandana on his head. He looked like one of those men who could kill you with one finger and had a ridiculous number of tattoos. "Nice to see you too, kaptãoz. You look like shit."
⌜LUNARIA CITY
Name: Delgado Gonzalez
Age: 52
Occupation: Weapons Sergeant (former), bar owner
Ability: Master Weapons Specialist
Likes: mixing drinks Dislikes: cars
Special Note: Delgado is as big and strong as they come, but even he can't stand up to his wife! ⌟
A woman—she was a lean thing with wavy black hair and a shark-toothed smile—winked at Gajeel. She owned the two dogs, a panting bull mastiff and a golden retriever. "Never thought you'd actually chop the hair, but I'm lovin' it, cap." She looked at Gale and softened. "And, the kid… He looks just like you."
⌜ROSABELLA VILLAGE
Name: Riza Allesch
Age: 38
Occupation: Medical Sergeant (former), animal physical therapist
Ability: Healer
Likes: working with animals Dislikes: flying
Special Note: Riza and her two dogs Walt and Roy can take care of any patient! But, they can also take down any enemy you throw at them! ⌟
"Is it even yours?" came a tease. The tease came from punky thing with a pixie cut and a tattoo that started down her neck and disappeared into her jacket and goggles on her head.
⌜CLOVER TOWN
Name: Asuna Freeman
Age: 30
Occupation: Engineer Sergeant (former), mechanic
Ability: Master Engineering Scientist
Likes: cars Dislikes: ladybugs
Special Note: Asuna is half Fioren and half Midic, but a pure fighter and lover of automobiles! ⌟
Gajeel put a large hand on Gale's head and patted it with a chuckle. "This here is my own flesh and blood. He's my youngest one. Name's Gale."
The last man had slicked back hair and a blue rose casually in his hands. He smirked at Gajeel. "Can't believe an asshole like you got such a nice chick like Miss Levy."
⌜AZALEA CITY
Name: Jackson Summers
Age: 43
Occupation: Weapons Sergeant (former), lawyer
Ability: Master Weapons Specialist
Likes: romance Dislikes: beer
Special Note: Summers is a lover, but he's also a fighter! ⌟
"Well, believe, Summers, and take a good look at this one," Gajeel boasted. "He's got himself a name."
"'The Earth Dragon of Fairy Tail'," Oswald revealed, typing away. "Impressive stats and standings in Fairy Tail. There's even a few videos of you."
Gale blinked in uncertainty. "Um… Cool… I guess?"
Gajeel waved off Oswald. "Don't worry about Vanderbelt. He knows what there is to know on anyone I say is important," he explained to Gale.
Riza looked at Gale in curiosity. "Wow… No way is this the kid who used to cry every time he got out of his five-foot radius from Dragneel's little blonde."
Gale blushed as Gajeel burst into laughter. "Very same kid," he said with pride.
Riza whistled. "You sure grew up, kid," she complimented. "Bet you don't remember any of us, huh? It was like, what?" She looked at Asuna. "Ten? Eleven years since we last saw him?"
"Wait. I met you before?" Gale wanted to know.
Delgado nodded. "Sí, filjo, ya did. You were only five or six at the time, but the old team got back together for a job back then," he recalled. "Met you and all the little meñijos of Fairy Tail back then. You were always with the little meñija loria. What's her name? Luna, I believe?"
Gajeel shot Gale a sly look. "Ask pipsqueak what he was doing while the meeting was going on," he teased.
"I was listening!" Gale snapped.
"And, lookin' down at your crotch with a lovesick smile on your face." Jackson wiggled his eyebrows. "Got something to say, little Redfox?"
Gale's cheeks colored in embarrassment and anger as the whole table broke into boisterous laughter.
Gajeel settled everyone down with his words. "All right, all right, let's settle down now and let the pipsqueak have his moment with his girl."
The laughter died down, but the smiles did not.
Gajeel grew sober. "Jokes aside, this is some serious shit. We've dealt with criminals, but these two ain't pushovers. They're my old guild mates, if I even want to call them that. From what I know, Wolfgang takes his time to rip his prey apart, but Marco won't hesitate to kill. Every step has to be exact. Every move we do has to be perfect. This could very well be your last mission. You okay living with that?"
It was Oswald who answered. "Do you even need to ask us that, captain?" He turned his green eyes onto Gajeel. "We're behind you, cap."
"Aye, sir!" the rest of the members agreed.
Gajeel nodded gruffly. "Good. Wouldn't take any one who is half-assin' anyways," he let them know. He settled back in his seat and closed his eyes. "So, settle down and catch some sleep for the next few hours while your captain finalizes the plan."
Gale watched as the room dispersed. Asuna got up from her position to go to Oswald. She moved him away from his Portable Archive Lacrima in order to sit on his lab and cuddle up to him. Oswald did not even blink as his hands methodically moved around Asuna and went back to typing. The only sign that he cared was when his eyes glanced at her, softening briefly. Riza whistled and her two dogs got up to follow her out of the meeting cart. Delgado and Summers murmured to each other about drinks and went to find them. Mest took his seat at the other head of the table and closed his eyes, deciding to rest.
Gale's eyes went back his Compact. He woke it up. What was surprising was the picture on his lock screen. It was a picture of Luna. It looked like she did not know she was being photographed. She was merely sitting in the guild hall with pure, unadulterated laughter on her lips. Gale smiled faintly at the picture before unlocking his Compact and going into his photos. He instantly found the recent photo of Luna in his jacket. With a few quick changes, he left his photos and locked the screen. And there Luna was, winking at him as she was immersed in his jacket.
Why the Hell did she have to be so cute?
"We might not make it back in time for Halloween."
Gale's head shot up to look at Gajeel who had not moved.
"It's not too much of a long-shot that this will take us about a day, if that, to complete," Gajeel assured. "But, if one mistake is made, we'll miss the party."
Gale hardened. "I promised her I'd see her and I meant it." His words were truthfully and firm. "We'll finish this job before the party."
Gajeel did not even have to open his eyes to pat Gale's shoulder. "Resolve like that is the reason we're going to make it out alive and back to our loved ones. Keep that resolve, pipsqueak." He drew his hand back and settled into a more favorable position in the chair. "Get some rest. You'll need all the strength you can get."
Gale looked back down at his lock screen. His eyes softened at the picture of Luna.
Blondie… I promise you…I'll return to you. And, that's a dragon's promise.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
All of Magnolia was dressed for the occasion of Halloween. Black and orange and things that went bump in the night had smothered Magnolia into a friendly, haunting neighborhood. Black cats and bats and skeletons and ghosts and goblins were everywhere in decorations. Specialized meals were made for just Halloween. A nice lady was handing out Halloween cookies in the shape of bats and ghosts. An accordion player was on a boat alongside a street organist. They sung a spooky tune about the ghouls that would haunt you from the great beyond. A daycare center had encouraged their children to come in their Halloween costumes and did not disappoint with a surprise Halloween party. A hay ride was going down the streets of Magnolia with high school students throwing straw at each other and enjoying every second of the ride.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« Today is Halloween, the day of terror, fright, and things that go bump in the night! With Fairy Tail's Hallow's Eve Spell-tacular and tricks or treats, this night is always full of ghosts, ghouls, and goodies! »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Igneel looked horribly miserable as Ena finished the touch-ups on his costumes in his living room. He was dressed in all black with a phoenix covering his chest, the wings wrapping around his shoulders. He looked tired of standing.
"Are you almost done yet?" Igneel whined.
Ena glared up at him. "You want this to be perfect or not?" she hissed at him.
Igneel sighed. "I do," he bemoaned. He glanced at another mannequin. It was only torso and head and neck and waist, but the material was covering it was a loincloth designed for a woman. It was lengthy and flowy in white. The top was a halter top of white with a gold chain keeping it together. The white sparkled in a way none could but their fingers on as to the how. The head had a band of shimmering gold around it as a crown. The ensemble looked like only a goddess could wear it. It looked ethereal, yet showed power.
"So, is hers ready?" Igneel wanted to know.
Ena adjusted a strap on the boot. "Oh, yeah, the costume is finished. I just need to deliver it to her."
"I can do it."
Ena glanced up at Igneel with suspicion in her eyes. "I always hand-deliver my outfits," she said with blunt warning.
Igneel have a pout. "Aw, come on! I promise I'll deliver it on time! It's less work for you too!" he reminded.
Ena considered it as she stood up. "Well… I do have a lot of runs to make…"
Igneel grinned eagerly. "So...?"
Ena rolled her head as she thought about it. She hummed. "Okay," she agreed.
Igneel pumped a fist. "Yes!"
"But!" Ena was quick to cut in. She gave Igneel a stern glare. "You message me the second she gets her costume, you hear me?"
Igneel nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. You want me to come over later when you finish the final touches on Lu's?"
Ena shook her head. "Just bring her here. She and Cane's costumes are the last ones I—" Her words stopped when a symphony of instruments blared from her Compact. She went over to it and waved a hand at Igneel. "Strip down. You're finished. The accessories are in the box." She answered the call. "Hey, I was just—" Her eyes widened as she walked into the hallway towards the kitchen. "Wait, what?!"
Igneel was quick stripping down and putting on his old t-shirt and pair of shorts. He called to Ena, "I'll go get Lu for ya!" He jogged into the hallway and swung his way onto the steps. "Lu!" he shouted. "Come on! Ena's here! She needs to make adjustments to your costume!"
Silence.
Igneel jumped onto the second floor and cocked an eyebrow. "Lu, come on! Let's get this over with so you can get to practicing!"
Silence.
Igneel came to Luna's opened door. He knocked on it and poked inside. "Lu?"
His eyes widened.
The window was open.
Igneel ran toward the bed and climbed onto it to look out the window. "Lu!" he shouted. "Luna!" He ruffled his hair. "Dammit. Where could she…?"
His thoughts stooped when he felt vibration. He got the Compact from his pocket to see a message from Luke. He opened it instantly.
(Treehouse)
Igneel's eyes narrowed.
°•°•°•°
There were always clearings in a forest. Sometimes, the trees would have a sizable distance between them to make a nice and free patch. But there were times the trees would refuse to grow in a patch of land. There were times they would, instead, guard it. The clearing Igneel stepped in was covered in snow. Behind the clearing was the beginnings of a rocky formation that lead to mountains. But in-between the clearing and the rock formation was a thick band of water. It was water pulled into a river from the ocean. And next to the river was a tree unmatched by its brethren. It was fatter than its kin and taller as well. Connected to it was a water mill. But what was most peculiar about the tree were the steps winding around. And those steps led to a fairly large treehouse that lied in the tree's branches with no hesitation. It did not look like a treehouse. It looked like a wooden two-story cottage had been built onto the tree.
Igneel stepped into the clearing with a hand on his scarf and a soft look in his eye.
I should've known you would come here.
Igneel took his steps slowly. His feet carried him up the winding steps against the tree's length. He did not focus on the aweing wintry view. His eyes focused on the task at hand. He climbed and climbed until he reached the porch of the treehouse. The porch was full of snow, but Igneel could care less. He stepped onto the porch and went to the door. He was not hesitant to open it up.
The interior of the treehouse was that of a cottage. The ceiling was vaulted with branches weaving in and out of it. The living room was rather big as it was mixed with a small kitchen. There was an old couch and recliner in the living room with a small coffee table. Bookshelves had been built into the wall and were crammed with books. Photos took up empty spaces, framed and hung with care. There was a small Lacrima-Vision living on a bookshelf and a coffee table and rug was also there. The kitchen used a bar to separate itself from the living room. The kitchen was nothing fancy. It had a small refrigerator and sink and oven with a few cabinets and stools at the bar.
Igneel looked around.
It's warm. Which means she's definitely here.
His ears twitched as they heard soft conversation.
His feet carried him to a spiral staircase leading him to the second floor. The second floor was nothing special. It was a bedroom and a small one at that. There was a fully-functioning bathroom with a low-to-the ground king-sized mattress and a dresser-mirror combination shoved into a corner. Books and pictures were built into the walls with shelves upon shelves and there was even a balcony. But Igneel was not interested in that.
He was interested in his sister who had curled up on the bed and his twin brother who had taken to comforting her.
"I can't do it," Luna shakily said, curling in on herself. "I'm sorry. I can't."
Luke looked up to give Igneel a meaningful look.
Igneel nodded and settled down on the bed. Both he and Luke curled in on Luna.
"Why 'can't' you?" Luke asked.
Luna buried herself in Gale's jacket. "I'm going to mess up," she murmured, her voice muffled.
"You've practice this how many months now?" Igneel questioned. "And, you've had perfect dry runs and perfect rehearsals how many times?"
Luna only groaned. "I feel sick," she bellyached.
"You're nervous and that's okay," Luke soothed. "But, it's not just you on that stage tonight. Cane will be there too."
"What if I mess up?" Luna croaked.
Igneel shrugged. "Who cares?"
"I do," Luna shot back.
"Then, just perform like you don't care who's watching," Igneel said obviously.
"That's easy for you two," Luna said miserably. "You two and Nashi are so amazing."
Luke snorted. "Lu, don't be stupid," he scolded. "You don't realize how amazing you are too. You know how much courage it takes to even want to dance for people? I could never do that!"
Luna peeked up at Luke with big eyes. "Really?"
Luke nodded. "Crowds actually scare me too," he admitted sheepishly. "That's why I like to practice my Magic alone. It took me a while to not be nervous even in front of Sensei."
"Yeah, and I still get all goofy inside when I know MJ is watching me," Igneel inputted. "I get really nervous with Dad and Ma too and even you guys. I don't want to mess up in front of you and look like an idiot."
"Mary Jane already thinks you are one, bro," Luke teased.
Igneel half-heartedly punched Luke's shoulder, reaching over Luna. "Shut up," he whined. "Dude, you don't get how nerve-wracking it is when we have sparring sessions with everyone and MJ is watching my match. That's terrifying! If I make one wrong mistake, she'll think I'm a total loser and never want to partner with me."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Did you ever think she genuinely doesn't like you?"
Igneel pouted. "She has to like me. Anyways, we're focusing on Lu." His eyes went to his little sister. "See, Lu? We're all afraid sometimes."
"But, we pushed past our fear because we know we have to," Luke added. "And, even if we fail, we know everyone will still be there to support us."
Luna groaned and went onto her back. Her eyes went onto the ceiling. "I'm scared," she admitted.
Igneel prodded her stomach. "But…?"
"But, I'm still going to do this," Luna continued. "Cane will be with me too, so it's okay."
"And, once you start doing what you love, you'll stop being scared," Luke promised. "When I meditate, I forget everything around me."
"And, when I'm using my fire, I wouldn't care if the queen was watching me," Igneel put in. "You'll do awesome!"
Luna sighed. She glanced at Igneel, then Luke. "Thanks, guys," she appreciated. "I really needed that."
Luke grinned. "We're here for you, sis."
Igneel grinned as well, his eyes flashing up to meet Luke's. "We're here to make you laugh whenever you feel down."
Luna closed her eyes, clueless to the mischievous look in her brothers' eyes. "Thanks," she sighed.
Luke put up three fingers to Igneel. Then, two. Then, one.
Both of them descended on Luna with their fingers tickling her sides.
Luna burst into forced laughter as she squirmed, trying to defend herself. "G-G-Guys!" She giggled again. "Wait! Please! St-Stop!"
Igneel and Luke let up on tickling Luna to give her a kiss on the cheek. "We love you, sis," they chorused cheekily.
Luna panted, out of breath. "I hate you too," she gasped. "Ugh, I wish Nashi was here."
Igneel furrowed his eyebrows. "Where is she anyways? Ena supposed to be making last minute adjustments to her costumes."
Luke thought on it. "I think she went out with Dazzler and T'oree to get some candy and Halloween make-up." He shrugged. "She should be back home for her fitting, though."
"Awesome," Igneel yawned. He sat up in the bed. "I don't know about you too, but I've been dying to watch Hallow's Eve four: Revenge of the Phantom. Who's with me?"
Luke groaned as he got up from the bed. "Dude, that one is so lame! I want to watch Haunted Horror Picture Show. It's tradition!"
Igneel moved from the bed to shoot Luke an accusing look. "You just like Annette in that movie."
Luke smiled and blushed as he and Igneel left the room. "You have to admit she's pretty."
"No way! If anyone is hot in that movie, it's Pinky!"
Luna curled to her side and took out her Compact. She unlocked it and went to her messages. She went to Gale and noticed where their conversation left off.
He didn't call last night. Maybe he forgot? Maybe I should message him.
Her fingers hovered over the keys, then typed a slow message:
❬Happy Halloween 🎃! I hope your job is going well! Tonight's the party, so I hope you make it home for it!❭
She was about to hit send, but her thumb hesitated. Doubt crept into Luna's mind.
Should I send it? I don't want to be bothering him when he's working…
She pulled her thumb away.
But… I'm sure if he's working, his Compact will be off. So, once he's done, he'll see it. That's not bothering him, right?
Her thumb went to the arrow button and hit it, allowing the message to send. The delivered failed to show up until a good five seconds later. Luna stared at the message, waiting for something to happen.
Nothing happened.
Luna sighed and rolled to her back.
Gale… I really hope you're doing okay. And that you'll make it home in time.
Her hand curled more-so around her Compact.
It's funny. Whenever Gale's with me, I feel stronger.
She lifted her other hand to show her guild mark and the bracelet gifted to her from the Sea King.
Within these last months, we faced more than I thought we could and made friends in such a short time. I didn't realize having Magic and being in a guild could lead to so many adventures.
A smile graced her face.
And, now? I even have my own partner. Weird, huh?
She looked up at the ceiling. The ceiling was special. It was not just a ceiling. Picture upon picture from older times had been pinned to the ceiling. All of them showed times when Luna and her siblings were young, but some of her parents mixed in. Luna's eyes caught a picture with her mother and her grandparents. Layla and Jude smiled down at Luna.
Grandma, Grandpa Jude, Grandpa Igneel… Are you proud of me for making it this far?
"Hey, Lu! Get down here!" Igneel caterwauled. "We're starting Alakazam and if you miss that hottie you love so much—!"
Luna's eyes widened as she rolled off on the bed. "Wait, wait, wait! I'm coming!"
And, she left her Compact behind and unlocked.
And, the delivered did not change.
Nashi pushed the cart down the candy aisle with most of the cart filled. "Ugh! How much more candy do we need?"
Dazzler threw in a bag of suckers. Rather than her stage magician attire, she had dialed down to plain leggings, sandals and socks, and a sweater saying HAVE MAGIC WILL TRAVEL. "You can never have too much candy," she scoffed at Nashi.
Tori was in agreement. Her skin was a nice and mellow orange that could make her stand out in a crowd. Rather than her fiery hair, she had allowed it to become curly and a blaring red. Her eyes were still different than those of human. The sclera were a nice emerald while her irises were made of gold. She merely wore a pair of shorts and a tank top.
Tori clapped her hands. "Your Earth Land holiday of Hallow's Eve always excites me! It is thrilling to see little ones dressing up as something they are not!"
⌜FAIRY TAIL
Name: T'oree Denv'rz (Tori Denvers)
Age: 462 (in Human Years), 22 (in Vanhallan Years)
Occupation: Mage (on Earth Land), Second Princess and War Hero (on Vanhalla)
Magic: Sun Magic
Likes: amusement parks Dislikes: N/A
Special Note: T'oree is from another realm, making her an alien! But, don't worry! T'oree promises she comes in peace! ⌟
Nashi yawned. "Yeah, it's great. But, I kind of wanted to—I don't know—sleep a little bit instead of go candy shopping."
Dazzler threw Nashi a smirk. "You're just cranky because Galileo had to run an errand with Coeus and couldn't be here to tend to your needs," she joked.
Nashi scowled. "Even if I wanted some, I wouldn't want it now. I had to stay up extremely late because I had to help my mama decorate the house, and then I went to Justin and Chi-chi's to finish helping them with tonight." She groaned as she put her head down on her arms. "I just want to sleep!" she whined.
Tori patted Nashi's back in consolation. "There, there, Lady Nashi. There shall be other hours to sleep. Let us enjoy this Hallow's Eve."
A smirk. "I know another way you ladies could enjoy Halloween."
Dazzler and Tori looked up to see Cade stepping into the aisle with swagger in each stride, his skateboard in hand, and a cocky smirk on his lips.
Dazzler rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to picking out candy. "Ah, look. Our knight-in-shining-sweatshirt," she muttered sarcastically.
Cade chuckled. "Oh, D, you don't have to flatter Daddy every time he walks into the room."
Dazzler merely sighed. "Nashi, can we go to a different store? A jackass is stinking up this one."
Cade peered at a slump Nashi and raised an eyebrow. "You doin' okay there, cutie?"
Nashi waved a hand. "Hi, Cade. No."
Cade looked at Tori for help and Tori said, "Nashi has been complaining about lack of sleep."
Cade came to a realization. "Oh, yeah. You helped Justin last night for the trick-or-treat competition thing," he remembered. He looked at Tori, though with less confidence and more nerves. "Are you participating this year?"
Tori frowned. "I am unsure. Lady Ena has made me a costume and assured me that this competition does not involve any battling. I do not see the point in this competition if there is no training value."
Nashi raised her head. "Basically, the point is Justin tries to set up everyone and get them drunk on Halloween."
Cade had to agree. "That just about covers it," he laughed. "C'mon, Tor. What do you say? Let's win this competition! I-I mean"—he blushed a little—"if you want to?"
"She says, 'no way'," Dazzler answered in Tori's place. "Tori, don't do it."
Tori frowned. "But, Lord Cadorius has been nothing but kind to me, Lady Dazzler. Just like him, I, too, am not of this realm, but he has shown me the splendors of this world. His offer is quite pleasing." She smiled at Cade. "Very well. I accept your offer, Lord Cadorius," she said diplomatically.
Cade sighed dreamily. "I love it when you say my name like that…"
Nashi snorted. "I remember when you first came to Earth Land. You got all pissy when anyone called you 'Cadorius'. You said—"
"I know what I said," Cade hissed. He looked back at Tori with a smile. "But, I like it when Tori says it. She's okay."
Tori brightened at that. "I am…the 'okay'?" She grew worried again. "Is the 'okay' a good thing in Fioren?"
Cade nodded.
Tori brightened again. "Then, I am happy I am 'okay'! I appreciate such a compliment from you, Lord Cadorius!"
Dazzler sighed. "Tori, I'm telling you right now. Don't go with him. All he wants to do is—"
"Hey, Mustang, I'm over here!" Cade suddenly shouted.
Dazzler's eyes widened. "Mustang's here?" she whispered.
The Crimson Cowboy rounded the corner. He wore his cowboy hat with pride and his southern boy, megawatt smile was on his face. His button-down had comfortably rolled the sleeves up to his elbows. His bandana was tied around his neck and he wore a regular pair of shorts and sandals.
Mustang nodded a friendly nod at the trio of women. "Hey there," he greeted in his southern twang and drawl. "I see y'all have been candy shoppin'. Stockin' up for the little ones?"
⌜FAIRY TAIL
Name: Mustang Marvel
Age: 22
Occupation: Mage, Cowboy
Magic: Requip: The Gunner
Likes: cow-wrangling Dislikes: Diet Bepsi
Special Note: Mustang is the Bosconeese nephew of Bisca and just as much of a sharpshooter. When he rides on Crimson, he's known as the Crimson Cowboy! ⌟
Nashi opened her mouth, but Dazzler burst in. "Yup! We're here just buying candy for kiddos," she laughed. "What are you doing here, cowboy?"
Mustang shrugged. "The three of us are just here to pick up some candy and get some stuff for Ena."
Nashi raised an eyebrow. "Three of you?" she echoed.
A grin. "Hi, Angel."
Nashi's eyes widened. Then, she groaned. "Oh, please, no," she bemoaned.
Gary was casually standing behind her, a smile on his face. "I keep telling you, Angel, I'll always find you," he sing-sang.
"That sounds creepy, you dumb dog," Nashi muttered. "I'm tired and not in the mood to deal with your 'love' bullshit."
Gary frowned. "Does Angel want to go home and rest?"
"Yes, very much so," Nashi said quickly. "Let's go Dazzler, Tori. Sooner we drop these off, the sooner I can get home and take a nap."
Dazzler was already away from Nashi and approaching Mustang, swaying her hips. "So, what are you being this year, cowboy?" she asked coyly.
Mustang shined his smile down on her. "Ena told me it would be best for me to go as a gladiator. What about you, Miss Lafayette?"
Dazzler fluttered her eyelashes. "I thought about upping the ante a little bit and going as Captain Gray."
Mustang thought on it and looked Dazzler up and down. Not out of lewdness. He did it with an innocent gaze. "I think Captain Gray would fit you real nicely, Miss Lafayette," he complimented politely. "Did Justin tell you who you're partnering with?"
Dazzler hooked arms with Mustang and gave him an eager nod. "It looks like it will be you and me, cowboy," she purred, giving him a wink. "Isn't that exciting?"
Mustang chuckled. "You certainly have a different definition on excitin'," he admitted. "I'm happy to trick-or-treat with ya, ma'am, but I can't promise I'll be doin' any drinkin'."
Dazzler beamed. "That's weird. Neither will I! Looks like we can be sober buddies together!"
Cade gave a fake cough. "Desperate," he whispered, making Gary snicker. Though, Gary wizened up when Nashi gave him a stern look.
Mustang tipped his hat to Dazzler. "Looks like it, Miss Lafayette. I'm sure we'll be an unstoppable team," he flattered with his million-jewel smile.
Dazzler could feel herself melt.
Oh, God, he's so gorgeous…
Cade whispered to Nashi and Gary and Tori, "Does anyone else want to tell her to stop…dazzling?"
Unbeknownst to Dazzler and Mustang, Dazzler had started sparking off mini-fireworks to display her happiness.
Nashi sweatdropped. "Oh, my God, Dazzler, get a grip," she muttered.
Tori smiled unashamedly. "It is nice to see a human with such passion for another. On Vanhalla, a woman could show little affection in the courtship process. Earth Land has much more open traditions."
"I don't think this is a tradition, Tor," Cade muttered. "I know we're the aliens here, but somehow, I feel like that's not normal."
"Because it isn't," Nashi said. "Well, it kind of is. Magic works in mysterious ways. Its core is based off your life and your feelings. Feel something strongly enough and your Magic will react to it."
Cade looked unconvinced. "I'm pretty sure my Magic hasn't reacted like that before."
"Because you haven't felt something that strong," Nashi said sassily.
Gary had to agree. "Angel's right. When I feel my love for Angel, I sometimes start growing ice on my body."
Nashi groaned. "Tori, can we please leave?" she begged. "I don't want any part of whatever is happening and I'm tired."
Tori nodded. "Very well. Let us depart." She looked at Dazzler. "Come, Lady Dazzler. Let us depart, so Lady Nashi may get her rest."
Dazzler blinked out of her daze and stopped the fireworks show going on around her. "Oh, um, right," she agreed, though reluctantly. She unhooked from Mustang with a dreamy smile. "Bye, cowboy."
Mustang tipped his hat again. "Miss Lafayette," he said in response. He looked at Nashi and Tori. "Nashi, Tori—we'll see y'all at the party," he assured. He turned around and walked away. "Come on, Gary, Cade. Let's get back to shoppin'."
Cade sighed. "That's our cue, man." He winked to Tori as he walked away. "See you at the party, Tor."
Gary looked at Nashi and pressed a cool hand against her cheek. "I'll see you too, Angel," he promised.
Nashi scoffed. "I'd rather not, dog," she spat.
Gary only chuckled and walked away. "See you, Dazzler, Tori," he called as he followed Cade and Mustang.
Dazzler let out a wistful sigh. "He is one handsome piece of man… The things I'd let that cowboy do to me…"
Nashi was already walking away with the cart with Tori at her side. "Enough of your wet dreams, D. If you want to get it on with the cowboy, let's check out and get the Hell out of here," Nashi grumbled.
Dazzler sighed again. "I'm coming, I'm coming…" And, she followed her friends to the checkout line.
Gale looked out the window of an abandoned building. His eyes glossed over the village. People were walking from place to place, never once shying away from their everyday routines. A florist said good-bye to a regular at her shop. A waiter gave two chattering girls the boxes they ordered. A group of little ones laughed as they ran away from a playful golden retriever.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is the city of Mimosa, a Perench city that never sleeps. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gale's eyes narrowed as he watched two teenaged lovers stroll together out of a clothing store. "Are we sure this is going to work?"
Panther Lily came up behind Gale in his Battle Mode form. "Trust your father," he rumbled. "He has dealt with situations like this long before you were born."
"Right. Our captain wouldn't lead us to failure."
Gale turned around to see Riza playing with her dogs. Both were on their backs with their bellies exposed so Riza could scratch them. The room they were in was nothing more than a large hotel room. Oswald had set up shop at the table, working away on his Portable Archive Lacrima. Asuna had taken to snoozing away at the chair by his side. Jackson was on his Compact, muttering his apologies to a woman he had to cancel a date on, and Delgado was on his Compact, speaking in his native tongue—Sinnish—to his wife.
Riza looked up at Gale with a grin. "Have some faith. This plan will work."
Oswald spoke up from his position at a table. "By my calculations, we have an eighty-three-point-three repeating chance of success," he reported. "And, so long as Commander Gryder keeps true to his word and the captain comes back from his meeting with agreement, our success rating will shoot to around ninety-five-point-seven percent."
Asuna woke up with a groan. "Ozzy," she yawned. "I'm tired. Can we cuddle?"
Oswald did not bat an eyelash. "Working," he muttered.
Asuna opened her eyes to pout at Oswald. "Aw, come on," she whined. "Why not?"
Still, Oswald typed away. "I'm working," he explained. "You can sit on my lap as long as you don't bother me."
Asuna beamed at that. "Yay! You're amazing, Ozzy!"
Gale watched as Asuna climbed onto Oswald's lap and snuggled into the crook of his neck, closing her eyes. Oswald continued to type, though his eyes did once flash down onto Asuna and soften, but you had to watch closely to catch it.
Gale kept his eyes on him, but had to ask Panther Lily. "So, what's the deal with those two?" he wondered.
Panther Lily smiled a little at Asuna and Oswald. "Those two? Hard to explain, but I can do my best." He could remember it all like it was yesterday. "Come on. Let's take this outside." He led Gale to the set of balcony doors and opened them.
Gale went onto the balcony and looked over the city. Mimosa City was alive at night time. The towers, the buildings, the people—all were alive. It was a shining city, Mimosa was, and they were at the heart of it.
Panther Lily joined Gale after closing the door. "I guess it would have to start when we were given this special operations team. Gajeel was a commander of an Enforcement Unit and I was his right-hand man, but we had another job. We were part of the Council's Special Operations Task Force. I can still remember when we were assigned…"
°•°•°•°
SLAM.
"The fuck is this?!"
Panther Lily opened his weary eyes from his place on Levy's lap and yawned. He looked up to see Gajeel had stormed into their cabin with a letter in his hands and anger in his eyes.
Levy looked up from the book she was reading. "What is it, Gajeel?"
Gajeel kicked off his boots and waved the letter in his hands. "Council wants to reassign me and Lily to some shitty task force crap," he growled. "Are you kidding me? I just get a handle on my troops and they pull this shit on me?"
Levy took off her reading glasses as she sighed. "Come on, Gajeel. It's probably not as bad as you think," she assured. "When do you meet with your team?"
Gajeel snorted as he took off his jacket. "Tonight," he grunted. "We're meeting our little babysitter and the rest of the kids tonight." He headed into the bedroom. "Get your shit, Lily, and get dressed. We leave in five." And, he slammed the door.
°•°•°•°
Gale's eyes widened and laughter was on his lips. "Was he really that pissed?"
Panther Lily chuckled. "Oh, you bet," he confirmed. "We hadn't too hard of a time with our enforcement unit. With Gajeel as the captain, he made sure none of our men or women were soft. We worked them to the ground and earned their respect just like they earned ours. But, to learn that we had to become part of a task force on top of that? That pushed Gajeel over the edge."
"Why were you two reassigned?" Gale wondered.
"From what I remember, we were reassigned due to our backgrounds," Panther Lily recalled. "Your dad told you he was part of the guild Phantom Lord at one time, right?"
Gale furrowed his eyebrows. "Well, yeah, but he doesn't like to talk about it. He said it was in the past and he didn't need to dwell on it."
Panther Lily nodded. "It took a while for him to come clean to me about everything," he admitted. "Phantom Lord was a dark guild with an even darker purpose. They were terrible to the Mages inside and outside their guild. They might not have been part of the Balam Alliance, but there were many connections to it."
Gale was confused. "The 'Balam Alliance'?"
Panther Lily shook his head. "Another story for another time," he assured. "Anyways, I can remember when Gajeel and I met our team for the very first time…"
°•°•°•°
Gajeel and Panther Lily stopped before the largest tent on the campsite. It had the flag of Fiore and the flag of the Magic Council on it as well as the crest of a commander on it.
Gajeel adjusted his duffle bag. "Whatever. Let's get on with this shit," he grumbled.
"Patience, Gajeel," Panther Lily soothed.
Gajeel tched, and the two of them walked to the tent. Panther Lily went first and Gajeel followed soon after. They stopped inside the tent. A table had been set up with a map of Fiore detailed on it. It was a magical map showing the landscape and cities with statistics running of every square mile. Lacrima Screens displayed data on different latent criminals the Fioren units were after. A commander was at the table with a few of his associates, but also at the table was a group of people Gajeel and Panther Lily had never seen before. The commander looked up. He was a dark-skinned man with a harsh voice and even harsher eyes.
"Ah. So, you have made it, Captain Redfox," the commander said with a bit of a sneer in his voice.
Gajeel dropped his duffle bag and crossed his arms. "Yeah. What do you want, commander?" he sneered back.
The commander was not fazed. "It has seemed the higher ups have committed to making a special operations magical task force and want you to be the head of our alpha unit." His eyes went to Panther Lily. "Alongside you, First Lieutenant Lily," he acknowledged.
Gajeel eyes the group of people around the table. "Sorry if I'm not exactly leaping for joy, but who do I gave the pleasure in babysitting, commander?"
The commander gestured to the people. "Meet your newest team," he introduced. "Normally, this would be a twelve-man operation, but, knowing all of your skills, this will be cut in half to a six-to-seven-man operation." He sharpened his gaze. "Attention! Fall in!"
The people stood up on command and fell into a line in front of Gajeel. Their backs were straight, their gazes clear, and their mouths shut. They did not wear the normal uniform of the council. Each one was armed with a pair of military pants and combat boots that had been shined. Each had their own utility belt or gun holster of their choosing, but all had to wear a white long-sleeved shirt and a bulletproof vest with the words SO-TF 53 on the front. Two of the members were not human whatsoever. They were pups that were at either side of their master. They wore their own harnesses and had stopped panting to sit up straight. But, with man and with canine, they had one thing in common:
They were all young.
"Roll call!" the commander ordered.
The first in line was a hulking man and serious amber eyes. He saluted. "Weapons Sergeant Delgado Gonzales of Special Operations: Black Panther reporting for duty!"
The second was a suave man turned into a military man. He saluted. "Weapons Sergeant Jackson Summers of Special Operations: Green Cougar reporting for duty!"
The third was a scrawny man with a Portable Archive Lacrima at his side. He gave a salute. "Intelligence and Communications Sergeant Oswald Vanderbelt of Special Operations: Red Lion reporting for duty!"
The fourth was the woman with two dogs. She looked like she had the capability of being kind, but would never be a softie on the battlefield. She saluted. "Medical Sergeant Riza Allesch of Special Operations: Yellow Leopard reporting for duty with assistants Walt and Roy reporting for duty!"
The fifth and final one was a woman in a pixie cut and goggles and an obvious attitude about her. She saluted as well. "Engineer Sergeant Asuna Freeman of Special Operations: White Tiger reporting for duty!"
Gajeel was unimpressed and looked at the commander. "You mean to tell me you want me to work with them?" He barked a laugh. "Come on, Commander. They're kids! You know I've never been a team player," he jibed. His eyes flitted over the seven he was given as his team. "Especially not ones so soft," he spat.
The commander did not care. "If they seem 'soft' to you, shape them up. If they seem untrustworthy to you, make them trustworthy. If one of them is slacking, force them to work harder." He stepped from his position and into Gajeel's face. "Whether you like it or not, Captain Redfox, these 'softies' right here are your new wards. Earn their respect. Earn their trust. Be the fearless captain I've heard so much about. But, you will obey this order without fail or you will be dishonorably discharged and will have no place among the Magic Society. Now, do I make myself clear, Captain?"
Gajeel gave a cruel smirk. "Crystal, sir."
The commander moved past Gajeel and Panther Lily to make his way to the exit with his associates. "Good. Play nice, Gajeel. You never know." He stopped at the flap to smirk at Gajeel. "You just might like being a den mother." With a chuckle, the commander and his associates left the tent.
Gajeel looked at the five wards he was given. His eyes steeled over. "I don't really care if you're a man or woman or whatever Hellhole you just crawled out from. He gave you to me to train, so fine. I'm training you." He paced in front of them and took in their scent, their attributes, and catalogued their weaknesses. "Within this next week, you will learn to become the elitist you should have been before you met me, understand? If you ain't here to work hard and get the job done, get the fuck out of my face. I take no whiners and you sure as Hell will never get my respect." He stopped to face them with a ruby-eyed glare. "So, you ready to work or aren't you?"
All five re-saluted him while Walt and Roy yipped. "Sir, yes, sir!"
Gajeel smirked. "Perfect. Get on your shorts, ladies. We're going for a midnight swim."
°•°•°•°
Gale burst into laughter. "Oh, my God, that so sounds like my old man to train them like that!"
Panther Lily had to laugh too. "And, train them he did," he continued. "He put those seven through trial after trial, exercise after exercise, but none of them ever gave up. By the end of the week, Gajeel looked at them differently than being kids he had to babysit and two puppies he had to take out every night. He looked at them as potential comrades. Mind you, none of them were very old at the time. I think Asuna was just about your age, maybe a little older than you."
Gale's eyes widened in awe. "Damn… She was really my age?" He looked back into the hotel room. Oswald took a break from typing to using one hand to surf his screen and the other hand to hold Asuna as she slept on his lap.
Panther Lily nodded. "Mmm-hmm. All of them were teenagers at the time. Delgado was a bit older than your dad, but still, we were all pretty young. Each one of them were pure geniuses from the Special Operation forces. That was why our men was cut in roughly half in our task force. We did the job of twelve men using seven. If the Council actually counted Walt and Roy, we're only down by three men." He sighed as he recalled their adventures. "Gajeel might've still been the captain of our enforcement unit, but I remember our jobs from the task force more-so than the unit. We took down criminals for the Magic Council in only days. We were an unbeatable team. We were Special Operations-Task Force Alpha, Code: Gray Jaguar. And, together? We were amazing."
Gale peered at Panther Lily's wistful face. "So… Then, what happened?" he had to know.
Panther Lily closed his eyes and allowed the city air to ruffle his fur. "Then, we had the Avatar situation," he disclosed. "It was in Malba City, the marketplace district. I can't speak in too many details, but that was the last assignment we all went on. Erza had tipped us off to the situation and, together, we took down the Avatars with Gray, Lucy, Natsu, and Happy's help. After that, our days in the Council were numbered and then they were gone. We left the Council and the task force. None of them stayed in the task force or the Council either. All of us went our separate ways. Oswald went on to become an IT Advisor at the Magic Council per request. Delgado settled with his wife, had some kids. He owns a bar now that I go to when I'm in Lunaria. I went to his daughters' christening with your mother and father, actually. Riza became an animal physical therapist. She travels the world in her field with Walt and Roy."
"Not to sound morbid, but I didn't think dogs lived this long," Gale said.
"They don't," Panther Lily agreed. "Walt and Roy came from the same laboratory Bruno came from, but a different part of it. They can't talk like Bruno, but they can imprint a telepathic connection on a human they choose and live extremely long lives. They have limited healing abilities and a few other perks."
Gale nodded, deep in thought. "I see."
Panther Lily hummed. "Mmm… Asuna is a mechanic back in Clover and lives with Oswald. And, Jackson went on to become a lawyer. He works with many cases to help keep the peace between the Magic Society and the Non-Magical Society. He's won every case he's been on."
"So, Asuna and Oswald are together?" Gale wanted to check.
Panther Lily shrugged. "I'm not certain. Oswald has always had his head stuck in that P-A-L since he was just a kid and Asuna was always more into machines than into people. They might be together, but who is to say?" He sighed. "But, yeah. All of us reunited at your parents' second wedding."
Gale cocked an eyebrow. "'Second wedding'?"
Panther Lily nodded. "The first wedding was right before your parents had—"
A smirk. "Talkin' shit about me, cat?"
Panther Lily and Gale looked to the right to see Gajeel hauling himself over the railing and onto the balcony in one quick move. Panther Lily snorted. "Showoff," he muttered. "Get the agreement?"
Gajeel nodded. "We're all-set," he assured. He looked at Gale and smirked. "Telling the pipsqueak some old war stories, Lily? Don't get too gory with him. He'll probably piss himself."
Gale scowled and looked away. "Whatever, old man," he grunted.
Gajeel cackled as he came to Gale and ruffled his hair. "Yer just all pissy because I stole you away from some time with your girl, ain't ya, pipsqueak?"
Gale swatted Gajeel away from him. "I'm not pissy, you old man!" he snapped. "Just curious about your little gang."
Gajeel nodded and softened at that. "Yup. These were my little newbies back in the day," he said, reminiscing. "You better show nothin' but respect for these guys, got it? Don't question 'em either. They tell you to do something and you do it. They've been at this gig for longer than you've been born and might show you a thing or two if you're extra nice."
Gale rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Understood, old man. Hear you loud and clear," he muttered.
Gajeel narrowed his eyes. "I get you're upset I took your Compact away, but you need to focus," he tried to explain.
"I am focused," Gale snapped.
"No. You were getting distracted," Gajeel snapped back. "It's obvious you aren't ready, pipsqueak. You can't let anyone become a distraction when you're in the field. Not me. Not Lily. Not your family. And, especially not the squirt."
Gale growled. "She isn't a 'distraction'! She's my friend!"
"It – doesn't – matter," Gajeel snarled. "You are on a job where countless lives are at stake. If your head is in your ass instead of on the mission, you could have blood on your hands that will never wash away!" He straightened and a dark look entered his eyes. "And, look, I know what it's like to have blood on my hands. I know that better than anyone on this team. The Council and Phantom Lord were ruthless in different ways, but ruthless just the same. You need to understand just how brutal these criminals are if you're not paying one-hundred percent attention."
"Oh, yeah?" Gale challenged. "How is it the rules don't apply to you, but all these rules apply to me, huh? I'm not allowed to have friends on this mission. I'm not allowed to have my Compact to talk to Blondie. But, it's completely okay for you to have Mom and have friends and have your Compact, isn't it?"
"Your grandpa didn't raise a hypocrite, pipsqueak," Gajeel countered. "I know better than to be distracted at a time like this. I know, at times like these, I can't call your ma or contact her. Why? Because I know my mate is a distraction from this job. Grow up, pipsqueak. Learn how the world works before it chews you up for breakfast."
Gale looked away angrily.
Gajeel sighed. "One day, you'll understand I'm harsh on you because I love you," he explained to Gale. "I ain't as shitty as you think I am, pipsqueak. I'm trying to protect you from how cruel life can be. Trust me, I've been there. I know how life can be unfair. I know what it's like to have blood on your hands. You kids should never have to experience what I went through."
Gale had nothing to say.
Gajeel shook his head and turned away. "You'll understand some day," he sighed. "Lily, let's go." And, he walked to the balcony doors, opening them.
Panther Lily put a hand on Gale's shoulder. "Trust your father, Gale," was all the advice he had to give. He patted Gale's shoulder and followed Gajeel back into the hotel room.
The balcony doors closed.
Gale closed his eyes and let out a sigh.
She's not a distraction. She's my Blondie. She's my partner. I can't just abandon her.
He looked up at the sky.
I promise I'll come home, Blondie. I'll come back home to you.
"Ow!" Luna looked accusingly at Ena. "E…!"
Ena gave her an apologetic look from her position at Luna's waist. "My bad, L. Sorry."
Luna sighed. "No, I'm sorry. I moved a little bit," she admitted. "I guess I'm just trying to shake off the last of my nerves."
Silver flipped through a magazine on Luna's bed. He was dressed in his costume as the prince of the sea, his own code name of Fairy Tail. "Lulu, you'll shine like the star you are," he assured.
"Lover boy is right, L," Ena agreed. She paused in her work to smile at Luna. "You're going to be amazing," she promised. "And, it'll all be thanks to my design skills."
Silver snorted as he flipped the page. "Yeah, okay. Don't get ahead of yourself, Ferna…" His eyes widened when he looked at the magazine and he shot up from his position. "Oh, no…"
Luna looked over at Silver. "What's wrong?"
Silver brought himself together with a tight smile. "Um… Nothing, nothing," he tried to brush off as he got up from the bed. "Hey, Fernandes. I need to talk to you in the hall."
Ena snorted this time as she took a pin from her mouth and threaded it through the fabric. "Busy. Don't have time for lover boys like you."
Silver did not take the answer as he grabbed onto Ena's arm and showed her the magazine. "No. We need to talk now," he said harshly.
Ena glared at him as she straightened to her full height. "What do you—?" Her eyes caught the magazine. They hardened. "L, we'll be back," She grumbled. "Strip out of your costume."
As she and Silver left with a slam of a door, Luna barely had time to register their departure. "Oh, okay then?" She did as Ena ordered and got out of her costume. She gently laid it on the ground and walked to her bed, clad in spandex and a strapless bra. She fell onto her bed where her Compact wad and checked her messages. Nashi had texted in their sibling group chat she was coming home with candy. Aunt Erza had messaged to confirm the time of Luna's rehearsal.
But, no messages from Gale.
Luna sighed.
Maybe he's busy? I'm sure that job he's on has him really busy.
She brightened.
Well, even if he's busy, that doesn't mean I can't leave him a voicemail, right? He's hear it eventually.
She went to Gale's contact and press the CALL button. As she pressed it to her ear, she began to hear Gale's voicemail.
"Hey. This is Gale. You know what to do. And, for the record, I probably won't listen to this anyways."
BEEP.
"Hi, Gale, it's me," Luna began. "I mean, it's Luna, but you probably already knew that from my voice and—" She groaned. "Um, anyways, I hope your job is going well for you. I just called to see how you're doing, so… How are you? I haven't heard back from you since yesterday, but you're probably working really hard, so I'll let you get to it. I hope I see you tonight! Um, bye, I guess." She took the Compact away to end the call. A frown marred her face.
I really hope you're home tonight.
"Um… L?"
Luna looked behind her to see Ena offering her a sympathetic expression.
"You all right, L?" Ena wanted to know.
Luna smiled, though it was a bit weak. "Yeah, E. I'm fine," she calmed. "So, uh, how far do we have left? And, where's Silver?"
"Fullbuster left. He had something to do with Paige," Ena said. "And, your costume is finished. You gave the whole thing a test run last night. I made sure everything is in place for tonight, so you're all finished."
Luna's eyes flashed down to her comforter. "Thanks, E."
Ena opened her mouth to say something, then thought the better of it. Instead, she said, "He'll come, L. He'll be there."
Luna had nothing to say.
Ena sighed. "I'll leave your costume, shoes, and everything else here. Make sure you're at the guild in a half an hour." And, she left the room.
Luna flattened herself on her bed and her eyes flickered to her Compact.
Nothing.
Luna closed her eyes. "He'll be here," she comforted herself. "He promised he would, so he will. There's nothing for me to worry about."
Or, so she could only convince herself.
Justin and Orochi's place was filled with people dressed in their best Halloween costume. A sexy Perench maid and her feather dust captured the attention of a pseudo-military man. Two girls had dressed as angelic angels and were comparing their costumes. There was a man dressed as Tarzan and his Jane was returning from the bathroom. Pizza and chips and nachos and pretzels were being passed out alongside drinks of water and punch. It was a party. Some could say it was the pregame before the true party at Fairy Tail. Booming music of two teenagers singing about their youthful age resonated through the apartment.
In Justin's room were a group of Fairy Tail Mages. Justin's room was not as simplistic as Orochi's. His room was artsy with murals on his wall, all hand-painted and loved equally. He kept posters of his favorite models and celebrities as well as pictures of his sister Liberty and adoptive father Freed on his walls and other pictures from Fairy Tail adventures. Justin was dressed in his cheerleading outfit, his make-up complete, and was surrounded by a series of bags, each one numbered with names on them as well as instructions.
"All right. Eliana-bear, have all the bags been accounted for?" Justin wanted to know.
Ellie was dressed as a beautiful ring master any man would enjoy having tame them. She nodded as she checked off the final bag on her clipboard. "Yup! We're all set!"
"Perfect!" Justin cheered. "Let's make sure we double-check the bag count."
Nashi was sprawled on Justin's bed alongside Aine with Mara in her wheelchair. All three had come in their costumes. Nashi was a glorified version of Little Red Riding Hood with her Fairy Tail name stitched into the fabric while Aine was a female pirate who needed no man to tell her how to steer her ship. Mara's Super Woman outfit was a white sleeveless bodysuit with the symbol of SW written across a lightning bolt. She wore high-heeled boots as well and gloves to complete her look.
"Isn't this a little much for just trick-or-treating?" Nashi yawned, her basket laying on the floor.
Justin shot Nashi a look. "We always have had trick-or-treating competitions and, this year, we go big or we go home sober."
Aine laughed. "And we've received another life quote from our favorite Justin."
The door opened and, for a moment, the muffled noise of conversation and music burst into the room. Orochi slipped in along with Lance. Lance was dressed as the super hero Black Lion with a black costume clinging to his skin and a mask covering just his eyes. Orochi, however, was not dressed in a costume. In their hands, both had collected money.
"Finished the rounds," Orochi grunted as he and Lance set the money down on Justin's desk of design and art. "Collected the last of the money from everyone. Should be enough jewel to cover the cost this year."
Justin smiled. "Good. We should be all-set then." He stood up and looked at everyone in the room. "All right, everyone. It's show time!"
°•°•°•°
As the dancing and partying ensued, it was shut down for a brief moment with the cut of music and the lights turning on. Everyone murmured to each other in confusion until a voice boomed through the living space.
"Attention, everyone, please!" Justin got on top of a chair to be seen by everyone in the apartment space with his megaphone. He waved his pompom. "All right, ladies and gentlemen! You know what time it is! Trick-or-treat-or-drink!"
The whole apartment erupted in cheers. Everyone was ready for the annual competition.
Justin calmed everyone down. "Now, my sexy assistants"—he gestured to Nashi, Aine, Mara, and Ellie who had started passing out bags—"will be giving each of you your bags with your instructions and your teammates! The second you get your bag, get the Hell out of here and trick-or-treat like your life depends on it, bitches!"
The whole room broke into roars of agreement. Everyone who received their bags eagerly talked amongst others as they headed for the door. Some had found their teammates and were making a battle strategy. Others were drunkenly trying to read their instructions. Either way, Justin stepped down from his perch with the help of a man wearing nothing more than a bowtie and collar, suspenders, black spandex, and fancy black shoes. The Fairy Tail Mages gathered around the duo.
"Everyone, this is Ace," Justin introduced, leaning on said man. "A special friend of mine from my yoga class. He'll be teaming up with me this year since he so chivalrously volunteered to."
Ace nodded at everyone. "Nice to meet all of you," he said kindly. You could tell he was a man who enjoyed loving hard and would love his partner even harder. He was a handsome thing with dirty blonde hair curled to the side and his mysterious gray-green eyes only for Justin. "You ready?" he asked.
"Give me a moment," Justin asked for. He looked at the Fairy Tail Mages. "Mara, I paired you up with a really nice guy I met when I was at the market a few weeks ago. He's nice, single, and he knows sign language."
Mara beamed and signed thank you. She wheeled herself out of the apartment.
Justin turned to Aine and Lance. "It's obvious my favorite power couple is paired up, but I know you two are doing setup duty this year, so you're free to go."
Aine smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, Justin, but we'll see you at Fairy Tail!" she promised. Lance took her by the hand and escorted her out of the apartment.
Justin turned to Nashi and his smile turned into a grin. "Oh, Angel-face, do I have the man for you," he purred.
Nashi huffed and crossed her arms. "Honestly, Justin, I'm more worried about this guy," she muttered. "All you told me was that he's a hunk and you said I'd like his eyes and his costume matches mine. That doesn't guarantee I'll find the guy hot."
Justin's eyes shifted to behind Nashi. He licked his lips. "Oh, but I do."
A sudden chill ran down Nashi's spine as she found her body engulfed in cold. Words danced against her neck, sultry and sweet. "Well, well, well… Does the little Hood have anything to give me?"
Nashi was whirled around at her own surprise. She came face-to-face with none other than Gary dressed as the big, bad wolf. His costume was nothing like a suit made of fur or a lame mask. He was given a faux wolf's head to wear as a hat and flaps of fur going down the sides of his head and ending on his chest. Marks covered his bare skin. They were tribal markings with meanings no man could hope to understand. He had been given fingerless, faux fur gloves to match the pelt of his hat as well as a tail. Instead of pants, he went in dark shorts. His blue eyes looked even icier than ever. They watched Nashi was though they did not want the cookies the Hood always had for her grandmother. They looked like they wanted her.
Nashi felt heat forming on her cheeks. "You're my partner?!" She tried to step back, but Gary caught her with his arms. "But—! But—!"
"No need to run away, little Hood," Gary rasped, smirking when Nashi swallowed. "The chase will just drive me crazy and I don't want to accidentally..." His nose dipped to Nashi's neck and he took a long sniff of her, allowing his nose to trail up to Nashi's. He puffed out wintry breath that made Nashi squirm. "…lose control of myself…"
Nashi tried to fight the daze she was feeling. "Wait, I—… I…"
Gary chuckled as he stepped away from Nashi. He took her hand and guided her away from the room. "Come on, little Hood. It's either we get to eat candy or I get to eat you," he sing-sang.
Nashi allowed Gary to pull her. "But, I… I…" And, that was all she could get out as Gary tugged her out the door.
Ace whistled. "He had her eating out of the palm of his hand, didn't he?" he observed.
Ellie sighed dreamily. "She was acting like a true woman," she told.
Justin nodded his approval. "Everyone deserves a little freakiness on Halloween. With Galileo out tonight to find a hook-up, I figured I could set up our darling Angelfish and our Ice Prince," he supposed. "Let's hope by the stroke of midnight, we'll finally have the couple we've been shipping for years." His gaze swiveled to Ellie. "So, Eliana-bear, your partner is outside, looking for you right now. He's a real cutie, but a bit shy, so go easy on the poor thing, okay?"
Ellie winked. "You can count on me, Justy!" And, she skipped her way out of the apartment.
Justin let out a stream of air and turned to Orochi. "Now, Chi-chi, the girl from my yoga class—"
"Have you seen Ollie?" Orochi cut off. "I thought she would've been here by now."
"Oh. She called me and told me she wasn't in the mood this year and just wanted to pass out candy," Justin said offhandedly.
Orochi looked bothered at that. "Why didn't she tell me?" he murmured.
Justin went on: "Anyways, the girl from my yoga class is actually another instructor at another studio. She's funny and quirky, but thought your tattoos were really cool. So, go easy on the charm with her, okay?"
Orochi nodded, distracted, as he brought out his Compact. "Yeah, sure," he said absently. "Was she the girl in that picture you sent?"
"The very one!" Justin affirmed. "Now, go get yourself some tonight, Chi-chi!"
Orochi mumbled something as he stuffed his Compact back in his jacket, swiped his bag, wallet, and keys and walked out of the apartment. He shut the door after him.
Justin let out a relieved sigh. "Thank the goddess! That was longer than I thought!" he bemoaned.
Ace chuckled huskily. "Don't tell me you're already tired," he teased. "Thought you had more stamina than that?"
Justin shot Ace a cute pout. "I'm allowed to be tired. I've been planning this event since August," he whined.
Ace allowed a hand to slide onto Justin's cheek. "Then, take tonight off," he suggested. "You look like you could use a drink and some time to yourself."
Justin cocked an eyebrow as a grin toyed with his lips. "Maybe not 'alone'. I could always use a little bit of company."
Ace thumbed Justin's cheek as his smirk broadened. "Are you sure you're tired?"
Justin only winked at Ace as he pulled him toward the hallway. "We've got ourselves a good three hours, right? I'm pretty sure you can tire me out by then…"
The Hallow's Eve Spell-tacular had begun. Citizens of Magnolia came pouring into the event in their own costumes and were enthralled by what they saw. The guild hall had transformed into a house of not-so-scary horror. Employees had mixed with skeletons that had been given the souls of Bixslow's babies to serve guests. The headless horseman made an appearance and was being overwhelmed as teenage girls wanted a picture with him. Thirteen led a jazz band into a series of eerie songs that got the whole party shaking. Mira was dressed as a vampire with her skin glittering and fangs protruding, though the barmaid was still as friendly as ever. Laxus had reluctantly gone as Captain Fiore with a shield and mask. He did not look like the friendly comic book superhero. Instead, he looked gruffer as he made sure no man hit on his wife whilst making sure everything was in place. Constantine had on a cowboy hat and vest as he tried to understand human traditions.
Luna was backstage. The backstage had its own stage crew with their own headsets, each one moving about with an agenda in mind. The Anderson Brothers were given their own dressing room, but enjoyed chatting with the stage crew. Luna, however, hid herself in her dressing room with a robe on and Cancer finishing her hair, her make-up already in place. Aquarius and Lucy were in the room as well with Lucy dressed in her Robin Hood costume.
Luna looked down at her phone. No new messages. She sighed.
He'll be here. He promised.
"Finished with you, baby!"
Luna looked up at her new hair. She had been given a braid that was over her left shoulder. Her make-up was a delicate look for her. After all, in this tango, she was the innocent maiden that had no idea she was the candidate for the count's heart. Her eyeshadow was a nice gold and silver color that sparkled against her skin and her lips were a nice and natural pink. She looked back at her uncle. "Thanks, Uncle Cancer," she appreciated softly.
Cancer smiled. "No problem, baby!"
⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT
Name: Cancer
Occupation: Celestial Spirit
Ability: Hair Growth
Likes: styling hair Dislikes: split ends
Special Note: Cancer isn't just a hair dresser, but can give you a new perspective on any situation you throw at him! After all, aren't hairdressers' therapists? ⌟
Aquarius tched as she slunk over to Luna. She forced Luna's chin up and to look at herself in the mirror. "Stop being sad," she barked. "You're going to wash out your face like that and you'll never get a boyfriend."
⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT
Name: Aquarius
Occupation: Celestial Spirit
Magic: Water
Likes: online shopping Dislikes: being summoned away from Scorpio
Special Note: Aquarius might be the little mermaid, but she is nowhere near as kind as Ariel! Well, she is as long as she's with her husband Scorpio! ⌟
Luna sighed and easily got out of Aquarius' hold. "Sorry, Auntie A," she mumbled.
Aquarius raised an eyebrow. "What's got you looking so upset?" she grunted, crossing her arms. "Don't tell me you're nervous."
"A little," Luna admitted, "but that's not really it…"
"Then, spit it out," Aquarius said crossly. "I didn't get come to the Human Realm just to see you wilt away."
"Aquarius," Lucy said warningly as she got up. She walked to her daughter with concern in her eyes. "What's wrong, baby?" she asked softly. "I know you were nervous, but you seem more upset than anything. You don't have to perform if you don't want to, sweetheart."
Luna shook her head. "No, that's not… It's just…" She could not find the right words to say. "It's nothing. Forget it," she decided to say in the end. She looked up at her mother. "Have you seen Cane anywhere? He was supposed to be here."
Lucy furrowed her eyebrows. "I haven't—" Her stellar ringtone cut off her words. She looked down at the call to see Cana was calling her. "Give me a second, baby," she excused. As she left the room, she answered the call. "Hey, Cana. What's up?"
Luna readjusted in her chair and her eyes dipped down to her Compact. Nothing. She closed her eyes. "Auntie A, Uncle Cancer… Can I…have a minute alone?"
Cancer and Aquarius exchanged knowing looks. As Cancer made his way out, Aquarius lingered. She rubbed Luna's shoulders. "We're here for you too, Luna," she muttered softly. Giving Luna a kiss on head, Aquarius left as well and shut the door behind her.
Luna opened her eyes as she let out a shuttering breath.
I need to know.
It was not much longer Gale's contact was on her screen and she entered a call with him. It went straight to voicemail.
"Hey. This is Gale. You know what to do. And, for the record, I probably won't listen to this anyways."
Luna sighed. "Hey, Gale. It's me again. I just wanted to see how your job was going and to make sure you're okay. I, um… And, I…" She swallowed. "Never mind. Um… I'm sorry for calling." She squeezed her eyes shut. "Bye, Gale." She lowered the phone and ended the call. She gave a shaky breath as her hands shook.
You're okay. You're just nervous. It'll be okay.
Luna opened her eyes to see a fearful version of herself staring right back at her. "Come on, Lu. This is the time to be brave," she whispered to herself. She set her Compact on the counter and got up. She turned around to see her costume on a mannequin. She let out a deep breath. "Come on. Let's do this."
DING-DONG.
A younger mother opened the door to see Orochi dressed in his regular wear and his date—she was a tan-skinned beauty with a bindi on her forehead, a nose ring, and dressed as a scandalous ice princess. The mother beamed at the two of them. "My, don't you two look absolutely adorably together," she complimented.
"Trick or treat!" the duo said, Orochi reluctant and his date enthused.
She handed them candy. "Here you go!"
"Thank you," Orochi's date appreciated. "Happy Halloween!"
⌜MAGNOLIA TOWN
Name: Sachi
Age: 20
Occupation: Third-year Student at Kousei University, part-time Yoga Instructor
Likes: mediation Dislikes: cake
Special Note: Sachi is from Magnolia, born and raised! She currently attends a university close to home and works as a yoga instructor as a side job! ⌟
As the two walked away, the mother called, "Happy Halloween to you to as well!"
Sachi let out a tittering breath. "I forgot how much fun trick-or-treating is! It makes me feel like I'm a kid again!"
Orochi had to politely agree, though his eyes were searching for something up ahead. "Yeah. I don't think I've been trick-or-treating since I was thirteen," he admitted.
Sachi shyly looked at him, even if he did not seem to notice. "From the way Justin made you out to be, you sounded like a tall and brooding bad boy," she teased. "Admit it, Orochi: you're a softy at heart."
Orochi actually listened and chuckled at that. "I'm not child. I'd say, between you and me, Justin is more the child than anything. But, don't tell him that." A disturbed look crossed his face. "I did that once and he ended up calling me 'Daddy' for an entire week."
Sachi covered her mouth as she laughed. "That sounds just like him."
"Unfortunately," Orochi sighed. "I don't know where I went wrong: wanting to live on my own or living with Justin."
"How did you two become roommates?" Sachi wondered. "Out of all the stories Justin tells me during our after-yoga-coffee, I don't think he's told me that one."
Orochi smiled wistfully at the memories. "It was all kind of a rush," he admitted. "Justin and I had been really good friends ever since Uncle Freed took him in. You wouldn't think anything of it now, but Justin used to be as quiet as can be. Back then, he didn't even want to come out since he didn't know how Uncle Freed would react to him."
Sachi blinked in confusion. "Wait… Isn't Mister Justine—?"
Orochi nodded. "Yeah, but Justin didn't know that," he recalled. "So, I was there for Justin a lot. Mara and I were his first friends, actually. We taught him how to live the Fairy Tail life. We even brought him to a circus to cheer him up. Once he started warming up to us, we finally saw the true Justin. He was loud and cheerful and weird, but in a good way. He finally came out and did Fairy Tail party to that. He was showing us who he truly was."
"So, how did you two become roommates?" Sachi probed.
Orochi shrugged. "We had been taking missions together for so long… God, it feels like yesterday. We were both seventeen at the time when we wanted to move out of our own houses. We wanted a place all on our own. Justin wanted his own place for his random hook-ups. I was looking for a place closer to the hospital, so I could be closer to Mara. I guess one thing led to another and we've been roommates ever since." He laughed to himself. "Let me tell you: having Justin as a roommate brought me a lot of trouble. Sometimes, it was me waking up and bumping into Justin's one-night stands. Other times, Justin would try to shower with me. But, it brought a lot of good in my life. He got me into yoga and helped me with ideas for my own bar." His smile softened fondly. "I can't believe it's been two years now."
"You two really are close," Sachi murmured. "I'm glad Justin has someone as great as you as a roommate."
Orochi seemed to not listen as they came to the house he had been waiting for. "Uh, yeah," he said distractedly. "Do you mind if we stop here? There's someone I have to see."
Sachi seemed surprised at the request. "Um, yeah. Sure. I'll just wait here."
Orochi gave her a nod of gratitude. "Thanks. I'll be right back, I promise." And, he walked to the house.
°•°•°•°
Olivia smiled from her porch as a group of fourth graders and two sisters that obvious wanted to be somewhere else came up to her. "Happy Halloween, everyone!" Olivia wished.
The group of fourth grade boys grinned and held out their bags. "Trick-or-treat!" they sang.
Olivia grabbed a handful of candy and went to the first boy. She pretended to gauge his costume. "Let me guess… You're a…fireman?"
He nodded excitedly. "Yup!"
Olivia smiled and put candy in his bag. She grabbed more candy and looked at the second boy. "And, you're a vampire!" she guessed.
The boy nodded, his fangs noticeable. "Uh-huh!"
Olivia put candy in his bag and went to the last two boys. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she assessed him. "Now, don't tell me… Are you two dressed up as the Twin Dragon Slayers from Sabertooth?"
It was quite obvious the two boys tried to, one with blonde hair and the other with black. The both had plush versions of Sting and Rogue's respective Exceeds and had tried to copy their battle attire as best as they could. The two boys gave a shy nod.
Olivia laughed. "You look just like my uncles," she told them in compliment. "Here you go!" And, she gave them each a handful of candy. As the four boys giggled and ran away, Olivia waved good-bye to them and the sisters. "Bye! Happy Halloween!"
Orochi walked up the sidewalk just as the group of children left. He quirked an eyebrow with his hands in his pockets and a smile on his lips. "Trick-or-treat," he said jokingly.
Olivia hummed. "Hmm… Let me guess your costume… Are you someone from Fairy Tail?"
Orochi thought about it. "Maybe," was all he gave her.
Olivia nodded. "Well, you can't be the Crimson Cowboy. You don't have his southern, makes-Dazzler-wet accent," she discounted. "There's the King Arthur of Fairy Tail, but you can't be him. You don't have a skateboard with you and don't look like you're into girls outside of this realm. Hmm…" She gave up. "Okay, I'm out of ideas. Would you mind telling me?"
"They call me 'King Cobra'," Orochi said mysteriously, "because I'm just as poisonous and dangerous as one."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "'Poisonous'? Very. 'Dangerous'?" She smirked. "More like a little garden snake that has more hiss than bite," she teased.
Orochi breathed his laughter as he walked up to the porch and took a seat beside Olivia. "I wouldn't say that I hiss," he argued good-naturedly.
"Mmm. You're right, Oreo," Olivia agreed. "More like you act all serious and soft-spoken."
Orochi rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Ollie," he dismissed. He jerked his head to the bowl of candy. "So, you're passing out candy this year?"
Olivia nodded. "Yup. Since Papa and Gale are out on a job, Leo's trying to get it on with some chick, and my mom is at the Halloween Spell-tacu-whatever, I'm here to pass out candy."
"How exciting," Orochi said sarcastically.
"Try 'positively riveting'," Olivia joked. "What about you? Shouldn't you be on a pre-assigned date selected by that flaming roommate of yours?"
Orochi nodded to the sidewalk and Olivia looked over. There was Sachi. She had seemingly found two friends of hers and the three of them were talking animatedly. One wore an hijab and turned it into a cosplay, dressing as a mouse. The other was a pale-skinned, freckled beauty. She dressed as a fire princess and had fiery eyes to go with it.
"Ah," Olivia said as though understanding. "She's pretty."
"And, flexible," Orochi added. "She's a yoga instructor and majoring in pre-pharmacy. Smart, strong, and flexible."
Olivia chuckled. "She sounds perfect." There was not a hint of bitterness in her voice. She sounded genuine in the compliment.
Orochi sighed. "Maybe," he supposed. "I don't really need 'perfect'." He took out his hands to show the gloves. "I just need someone who could accept never touching me."
Olivia saddened at that. "Oreo…"
Orochi shook his head. "So, why aren't you trick-or-treating?" he wondered. "I know for a fact you had a pre-assigned date selected by my flaming roommate because I was there when he wanted to set you up."
Olivia looked away and into the bowl of candy. "It, um… It just didn't work out," was all she gave way.
Orochi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Olivia was silent.
Orochi hardened. "Ollie, if that dick hurt you—"
"He didn't hurt me or touch me like that, if that's what you're thinking," Olivia muttered. "It just didn't work out. I asked Justin if I could meet up with the guy before tonight and he let me."
When Olivia did not continue, Orochi prompted, "And…? What happened?"
Olivia growled. "He was 'so, totally stoked' he would get to bang the Iron Maiden of Fairy Tail," she spat. "He sure was a keeper." She viciously took a piece of candy and ripped open the wrapper.
Orochi softened at that. Sympathy and traces of anger flooded his system. "Ollie, I'm so sorry," he apologized. "I didn't know."
"I didn't want you to know," Olivia told him truthfully. "Not worth everyone pitying me over." She ate the candy. "Men are overrated, anyways," she muttered with her mouth full. She swallowed the piece of candy. "Every man I've met so far just wants to screw me for my title and nothing else. None of them are interested in being with me." She sighed. "I get why Nashi sticks with my brother. At least when he's with her, he sees her as 'Nashi'."
"So, what?" Orochi wanted to know. "Are you going to get a friend with benefits?"
Olivia shook her head. "Nah. I need commitment," she explained. "But, every guy out there is looking for just a hook-up to leave them in the morning. Sad how society is these days."
Orochi chuckled. "It is sad," he agreed. "If it makes you feel better, I haven't even kissed a girl and I'm nineteen. Talk about a virgin sob story."
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully and shoulder-bumped Orochi. "Oh, shut up," she hushed. "You'd be a shit kisser anyways."
Orochi gave a humorless laugh. "Not like any girl will ever find out about my kissing skills anyways, so you're probably right," he agreed in a mutter.
Olivia's eyes flashed to Orochi in sadness. "Oreo…"
"I'm sorry about that guy though," Orochi plowed on. "He was a douchebag that was never worth your time. You deserve the world and all he was going to give you was regrets. You're better than that to have mistakes in your life."
Olivia snorted. "I have plenty of mistakes," she disagreed. "Making out with the chief's son was definitely one of them."
"Slut," Orochi teased.
Olivia built up a self-righteous look. "And, that's 'Miss Slut' to you," she sniffed.
Orochi and Olivia both burst into laughter at that.
"Why don't I stay with you?" Orochi offered.
Olivia rejected him at once. "No. You have a date, Oreo, and she's pretty. As your friend and wingman, I have to recommend you flirt her costume off."
Orochi shot Olivia a meaningful look. "What's the point when I can't touch her?" he asked blandly. "Besides, she's great and all, but there's no spark. I'd rather her be with someone she deserves to be with than a guy who dreams of opening his own bar." He stood up. "I'll let her know the situation. I promise I'll be right back."
Olivia tried to stop him. "Oreo, wait, don't—!" When he did not listen to her, she sighed. "Lord… The loyalty is strong with that one."
°•°•°•°
Orochi jogged over to Sachi and her friends. "Hey," he breathed.
Sachi look at him with a flirtatious smile as her friends shifted away from her. "Hi," she said shyly. "Are you ready to go?"
Orochi put on a remorseful look that was sincere in half a way. "Yeah, listen… I can't do the rest of the competition with you," he confessed.
Sachi frowned. "Oh… Well… Is everything okay?"
Orochi tilted his head. "It will be soon, but right now, I can't keep doing this." He bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Sachi. You deserve a guy who hangs onto your every word and not a guy half in another world."
Sachi giggled faintly. "I thought you seemed distracted," she confessed. "Don't worry, Orochi. You still seem like a great guy, but I didn't feel the spark too." She laughed even more. "Actually, I have a confession to make as well."
Orochi lifted his head. "And, that would be…?"
"Well, Justin is great at sensing when a guy is gay," Sachi started. "But, when it comes to girls…" She trailed off.
Orochi's eyes widened in mirth and a genuine smile slipped onto his face. His eyes flicked to the girls waiting a little ways away from Sachi. "So, who is she?"
Sachi blushed a little. "She's the one dressed as the fire princess," she admitted. "She's beautiful, isn't she?"
"Very much so," Orochi complimented. "She's lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend." He began to laugh. "I can't believe Justin didn't even realize."
Sachi laughed with him. "To be fair, I have an interest in guys as well," she defended, though amusedly. "But, I love my girlfriend a lot. She's a chemistry major at my university and we clicked our freshmen year. I told her about what Justin tried to do and she said to go with you anyways. She thought I could gain a new friend."
"And, was she right?" Orochi wanted to know.
Sachi nodded. "Definitely," she agreed. "This has been the best date with a straight guy I have ever had."
Orochi chuckled. "This has been the best date with a bisexual girl I've ever had," he threw back at her. "It was wonderful to meet you, Sachi." He stuck out a hand.
Sachi shook it with a beam. "You too, Orochi," she agreed. "I hope we meet up again sometime! Maybe I could introduce you to her?"
"I would love that," Orochi accepted, meaning every word. Their hands let go, and Orochi gave her a final nod. "Bye, Sachi."
Sachi nodded back before turning away. She walked over to the two girls, but went more towards the fire princess. Sachi murmured something to her in which the girl's eyes lit up and she nodded excitedly. Sachi and the girl interlocked hands and gave each other a peck on the lips.
Orochi gave a soft smile.
It really was nice meeting you…Sachi.
°•°•°•°
Olivia looked up as Orochi came back to the porch and sat with her. "So…?" she prompted.
Orochi sighed and shrugged. "Nothing," he told her. "I mean, except I went on a date with a bisexual girl who is in a committed relationship."
Olivia raised her eyebrows and whistled. "Wow… You sure know how to land them."
Orochi laughed. "You're telling me. So, I am still happily single, lady-less, and definitely in the mood to pass out candy with one of my best friends."
"You've come to the right place," Olivia said, smiling. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Thanks, Oreo," she whispered.
Orochi hummed. "Anything for my best friend," he murmured. "Just promise you won't tell Mara about this. She's all into shipping people and you know how she gets."
"She knows we're best friends, right?" Olivia wanted to check.
"We're talking about my older sister," Orochi needed to remind. "She shipped Mary Jane and Gale solely based off the one time she caught them talking. And, they weren't really 'talking'. Gale accidentally bumped into Mary Jane and Mary Jane told him to piss off."
Olivia laughed. "That's Mar," she supposed. "Well, don't worry. You leaving your date won't ever reach her ears." She sat up, taking her head off Orochi's shoulder. "Enough chitchatting. I have to teach you how to pass out candy to kids and not look like a pedophile."
Orochi grinned. "Please, Miss Redfox, teach me more."
And that was how two friends ended up passing out candy.
A black raven landed on a tower of Mimosa City. It watched the city. It watched the people. It watched as a guard held up traffic so pedestrians could walk. It watched as angry businessman yelled into his Compact. It watched as a couple in their eighth-story apartment began to shed their clothes. It watched as a group of rowdy teenagers stumbled out of a bar.
The black raven morphed from bird to a man in a huff of black. The man stood atop the tower in a trench coat and hat. He pulled out a small book from his jacket. It had a symbol on it, but nothing before seen. He flipped open to a passage.
"And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light…"
He closed the book. Inhale. Exhale. "I can smell so much blood, I'm practically drowning in it," he sighed. "Mimosa…" His eyes opened into slits. "Thank you for your sacrifice."
Walt—the golden retriever—sat up straight from his position on the roof of the hotel. His ears perked as his tail stopped thumbing.
The city continued to move.
A little girl playfully ran from her nanny.
An ice cream vendor closed up shop for the night.
A family checked into their own hotel room.
Walt's left ear twitched. The golden retriever climbed down from his perch on the roof.
°•°•°•°
Delgado went over his weapons alongside Jackson. Their guns and knives were being cleaned and checked on either queen-sized bed. They muttered numbers and letters to each other, swapping guns and knives occasionally. Each one was out of their regular attire and back into their task force gear. Asuna was out of the room and left Oswald to his lonesome. He was not with one Portable Archive Lacrima, but with three and multiple screens around him. He had an ear piece in one ear as well as a walkie talkie the officers of the city regularly used. The officers' conversation chirped over the skittish radio. Riza with her hair pulled back into a bun was strapping Roy, her mastiff, with a harness and weapons of his own. He took it with pride and did not flinch as she adjusted the straps. Panther Lily and Gajeel had also left, leaving Gale to his lonesome. He stepped out of the bathroom and in his own uniform. He had been given dark military pants and black combat boots as well as a black long-sleeve shirt and a bulletproof vest. He was allowed to keep on his gloves and his piercing, but that was all he was allowed to have on.
Riza looked up from working with Roy and grinned when she saw Gale. "Hey… It's mini-me," she teased. "You really do look like your dad."
Gale tched. "Was that supposed to be a compliment?"
Delgado smiled at Gale, chuckling. "And, you have his same attitude too," he remembered.
Gale looked at his gear. "Is all this really necessary?" he grumbled. "This feels extra."
The hotel door opened.
"No. It feels necessary," came a retort.
Everyone looked up to see Gajeel, Panther Lily, and Asuna returning from their excursions. Asuna checked out Gale with a teasing grin. "Hey, captain. Your mini-me really does have your genes. I'm now starting to believe he was your kid."
Gajeel cackled. "Told ya he was." He looked at Gale and nodded approvingly. "Good. It fits you."
Gale sneered. "Why do I even need this crap? I've never needed this on a job before."
"You ain't in Fairy Tail right now," Gajeel told him. "You aren't on an official job with Master's seal of approval. You aren't just a Mage now. You are a member of this task force. Before, you were dealing with magical criminals and could just use Magic to get out of this situation." He walked over to Delgado and Jackson. "Tonight, you aren't just using your Magic. You need to be prepared how to defend yourself." He plucked a gun holster and two pistols from Jackson's side. He went back to Gale and held them out to him. "Here, pipsqueak. You should know these by now."
Gale looked at the two pistols, then back to his father in disbelief. "I…have to shoot people?"
Delgado loaded a shotgun. "Quicker you understand, quicker you get on with the job, filjo," he assured.
Gale began to shake his head. "Dad…"
Gajeel hardened. "This is why you weren't ready to take this job. You aren't ready to see this side of justice yet," he said firmly. "But, whoever this requester is obviously has a higher say-so than me, so…" He set down the pair of pistols to help Gale put on the shoulder gun holster. He raised a hand. "Gonzalez. Rounds."
Delgado threw four boxes of rounds with ease.
Gajeel caught them and began to put them in Gale's pockets. "Already packed you a few knives just in case," he told Gale. He picked up the first handgun and cocked it. "This is your colt. He'll be on your left." He strapped the handgun into one holster. He picked up the next handgun and cocked it. "This is your beretta. She'll be on your right. She's a standard, so use her first."
As Gajeel strapped the gun in the holster, Gale tried to wrap his head around this. "Am I…going to be using them on someone?"
Gajeel softened and put a hand on Gale's cheek. "Not if I can help it, pipsqueak," he promised. "If things go my way, you might just be using your Magic, if that. I want you to stay here with Oswald and be his protector. If anything tries to come in here, you'll be the one to defend him. We need Oswald as our eyes and ears."
Gale nodded. "Yeah, okay," he breathed. "I can do that."
Gajeel sighed. "Don't worry, pipsqueak. You ain't gonna die and neither is anyone in this room," he assured. "When you get scared, think of Blondie."
Gale was confused. "But…you said she was a distraction?"
"And, she is," Gajeel agreed, "but she's also your resolve." He dug into his coat pocket and pulled out Gale's compact. He offered it to his son. "You have five minutes," he told him lowly. "After that, this comes back with me. You get your ass in gear. You think like the agent you're about to be and not like the Fairy Tail member you were yesterday. You will be briefed about our next few hours in Mimosa." He put the Compact in Gale's hands and turned it on. He let go of Gale, giving him one, last red-eyed stare. "Everyone, we have five minutes until debriefing. Vanderbelt, get us in contact with Commander Gryder. I want him with us for the meeting."
"Yes, captain," Oswald said obediently.
Gajeel nodded and went to the balcony door. He opened it, shut it, and went to the railing. He jumped on the railing before climbing up the hotel side.
Gale followed his father's movement. "Where is he…?"
"He does that before every mission we've been on," Panther Lily informed. He had a paw on his Musica Sword. "He gives us each five minutes to clear our head of distractions while he does the same. Even our fearless captain needs time to adjust to the battlefield."
"What do you do?" Gale wondered.
Panther Lily quirked his feline lips. "I think back to my times in Extalia. I think of the human I raised from birth, my adopted son, and think how he's doing. I think of my mentor and how he's doing." His eyes flashed with sadness. "I think of the striped flower of courage."
Gale blinked. "Uncle Lily…"
Panther Lily coughed and gestured to Gale's Compact. "I'd check your Compact if I were you. Looks like you've gotten some messages." And, he walked away without further word.
Gale looked down at his Compact. The image of Luna winking at him was mauled by missed calls and text messages, all from his Blondie. He went out onto the balcony as well, but did not leave it as his father did. He merely went to the railing as he checked his voicemail. Luna's voice flooded his ears.
"Hi, Gale, it's me. I mean, it's Luna, but you probably already knew that from my voice and—" A groan came. "Um, anyways, I hope your job is going well for you. I just called to see how you're doing, so… How are you? I haven't heard back from you since yesterday, but you're probably working really hard, so I'll let you get to it. I hope I see you tonight! Um, bye, I guess."
Gale pressed seven.
"Message has been saved," his voicemail told him. "Next message."
Again, came Luna's voice, though it sounded more disheartened and feigning to be cheery.
"Hey, Gale. It's me again. I just wanted to see how your job was going and to make sure you're okay. I, um… And, I…" There was a noticeable swallow. "Never mind. Um… I'm sorry for calling." There was a sniffle. "Bye, Gale."
Gale pressed a button.
"Message has been saved. End of messages."
He was quick to check his texts to see one sent from Luna.
(Happy Halloween 🎃! I hope your job is going well! Tonight's the party, so I hope you make it home for it!)
Gale sighed.
Blondie, I'm so sorry. She was probably worried when I didn't call her back last night. I can feel she's freaking out right now.
He glanced back inside the hotel room. Jackson and Delgado has finished checking the equipment. Delgado had taken his locket and opened it. In it was a picture of his wife and three daughters. He held his locket and his cross charm near him as he said a prayer in his native tongue of Sinnish. Jackson had taken to doing push-ups and muttering a mantra to himself. Oswald had not stopped working, even with Asuna cuddling into him whilst on his lap. But, he had taken more of an effort to hold Asuna close and said words to her under his breath. Riza was on the ground. Roy had laid down and acted as a pillow for her. He occasionally lapped at her cheek to comfort her.
Gale looked back at his screen to see the time go by one minute. His stare hardened.
I have time.
Quickly, he went to speed dial and pressed 5. He pressed the Compact to his ear.
Please pick up. Please pick up.
°•°•°•°
VRRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
Luna's Compact lit up from her dressing room, showing Gale's smirking face and INCOMING CALL.
VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
And, no one came for it.
°•°•°•°
Gale listened to the ringing and chewed on his lip. "Come on, Blondie, come on. Pick up your Compact. Please," he begged in a whisper.
It kept ringing…and ringing…and ringing…
°•°•°•°
VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
The Compact continued to vibrate.
And, no one came to get it.
°•°•°•°
On Gale's end, the call continued to ring…and ring…and ri—
"Hi, this is Luna!" came the automatic voicemail.
Gale let out a grunt of frustration, banging a fist onto the railing. "No, no, no!" He ended the call and quickly restarted it. As it rang, his fingers drummed on the railing. "Please, principessa, please pick up your Compact."
°•°•°•°
VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
The door to the dressing room opened. Luna was about to enter when she smiled at someone outside of the dressing room. "No, really. Thank you. I promise I'll come out and dance with you soon," she vowed.
VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
Luna came into the dressing room in her robe, hiding her costume. She went to her bag.
VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR. VRRRRRRR.
Her ears caught the vibration and she frowned. She walked over to her Compact. The second she saw the contact, her eyes widened.
°•°•°•°
Gale chewed on his lip. "Please, please, please let her get to it," he prayed.
The ringing ended abruptly for a voice to spill through the Compact. "Gale," came Luna's breath.
Gale let out a crying laugh. "Blondie," he whispered. "Oh, God, it's good to hear you."
°•°•°•°
Luna sat in her chair as her eyes glistened. "Are you okay?" she fretted. "Are you hurt? What's wrong?"
Gale laughed into the line. "I'm fine, Blondie. Calm your tits," he soothed. "Old man gave me five minutes to get my shit together so I'm not being a dumbass in the field."
Luna sighed in relief. "I see. That's good. I was really worried about you when you didn't call me," she admitted, embarrassed.
°•°•°•°
Gale sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I wish I could've called you to tell you 'good night'," he told her. "God, I wish, Blondie. But, my old man took away my Compact. Told me I had to focus."
"I'm sorry, then." Luna sounded thoroughly apologetic and upset. "I didn't mean to distract you. Maybe I should g—"
"No!" Gale regretted how loud he sounded. "I mean… No… Stay on the line with me, okay? I've got two more minutes and I want to use them with you."
Luna was silent for a few beats. "You sound like you're about to die," she laughed. Though, the laugh was dry and more worried.
Gale sighed. "I'm not. Honest," he promised. "Don't you worry 'bout me, got it? Your life is the priority."
"Don't talk like that," Luna scolded. "You are just as important as me, you hear me?"
Gale smirked faintly. "Principessa, you're cute, you know that?"
"Wh-What?!" Luna squeaked.
"And, you're blushin', ain't'cha?"
A noise came from Luna of disbelief. "You're making fun of me, aren't you?" she whined.
"I mean it, principessa." Gale really did. "You are going to shine tonight, just like the moon." He looked up at the ethereal beauty in the sky. He watched it as it glowed in the night with her children of stars. "Can you go to a place where you see the moon too?"
There was rustling and footsteps in the background. "Um, yeah. Give me a second."
Gale waited patiently until the rustling and footsteps stopped.
"Okay. I see the moon. Now, what?"
Gale's smirk turned into a smile. "We're looking at the same moon, Blondie," he told her. "Doesn't matter where in this world we are. We'll always be looking at the same moon."
Silence.
"Gale?" Luna's voice cracked. "You're going to be home soon, right?"
Gale's eyes softened. "Yeah. I will," he promised. "I have to be if I want to see my partner dance her ass off."
Luna let out a shaky breath. "I'm scared, Gale," she whispered to him in confession.
"Shhhh, principessa, shhh. Breathe," Gale guided. "You'll do just fine tonight. When you feel nervous, you just look for my face, okay?"
There was a small noise of a growl and bark.
Gale looked down. There was Walt, sitting patiently at the door of the balcony. He wanted to be let in, but not just that. He was telling Gale it was time.
Gale sighed and turned back to the moon. "Blondie, I have to go," he told her.
"What? Already?" Luna panicked.
Gale closed his eyes. "I'm sorry." The apology rolled off his tongue like acid. He hated this. "I promise I'll be home before you go on, Blondie."
"Please don't go," Luna whispered.
Gale's eyes shut tightly. "I'm sorry, principessa," he whispered.
"Wait, Gale—!"
Gale ended the call before he could hear the rest of Luna's begging. He set his Compact down to put his head in his hands. It was clear how much a measly five minutes could take out of him.
Walt let out another small growl mixed with a whimper.
Gale sighed and turned around. He drew up his head to look tiredly at the waiting golden retriever. "Yeah, yeah. I hear you, buddy," he muttered. He went to the balcony door and opened it up. Walt trotted in and Gale followed. The task force had gathered their wits about them. Asuna was adjusting her utility belt as well as her guns. Riza took Walt into her hands and smiled as he licked her face. Jackson and Delgado had stored their mass weaponry into four body bags. Oswald was back to working full-force. Panther Lily had brought not only his Musica Sword, but had his own body bag with weaponry. Gajeel was pacing next to Oswald.
Gajeel looked up when Gale closed the door. "Good, you're here," he said gruffly. "Compact."
Gale took out his Compact and threw it at Gajeel.
Gajeel shut it off and stuffed it in his pocket. "Vanderbelt," he commanded.
"He's present," Oswald replied.
A half-hologram of Mest appeared on a pad of crystal. His face was somber. "Good evening, Task Force: Gray Jaguar," he greeted.
Gajeel went to the virtual map of Mimosa. "Freeman, talk to me."
Asuna stepped forward to the virtual map and everyone swarmed around it. "I've planted the bombs at point Reflex, Arrow, Sandstone, and Carmen," she explained. "Launchers are at Marine, Jennifer, Red. Shots and Machines are White, Silver, and Lullaby. Rifles and pistols are at Canary, Bluebird, Magnolia, and Dawn. We have access to any vehicle we see using this." She held up her hand to show each of them a glowing Lacrima in the form of a pod. "Stick it onto any surface and it will override anything. Oswald has access to the city map as well as all security within the perimeter. Leave the perimeter, you're dead. Get too low in the ground or up in the sky and you're dead."
Gajeel nodded. "Broken Hawk," he said to Delgado, "you're at the Saint Joseph's Lutheran Church. Tallest bell tower in this city. It'll give you a good lay of the land. If you have to change position, try the Mikage Tower. Tallest tower in the joint. Get to about three-fourths of the building and set up shop." He looked down at Roy and Walt. "Firefox, I want you on Broken Hawk's flank. Watch his back. Rogue, you will go with Orion Major." His eyes went to Jackson. "Shops, houses, all of 'em—you choose a point with Rogue. Catch sight on one or two and you stick with it, but do not engage unless I give word." Gajeel shifted to Asuna. "Lily, you will be a scanner." He went to Riza. "Ice Dancer, use a hover cycle. You'll be in the air with Silver Falcon." He went to Panther Lily. "Use Saturn's cloaking device in the air. You will also be used as eyes, but not ears. Do not engage. Watch." He gestured to himself. "I will be down in the crowds as a common man. It's been a while, but a dragon never forgets a scent. I know they are both here, but we can't act now. We have to wait for them to act." He looked at Gale. "You will be known as Black Salamander. You stay with Saturn. Keep him safe. Make sure he isn't disturbed." He took something else out of his pocket and threw it at Gale.
Gale caught it and looked at it. "It's an earpiece."
"This will keep you informed with the rest of us," Gajeel informed. He caught everyone in a cold, red-eyed glare. "This is Operation: Black Tornado. All that is talked is position-only. Other than that, radio silence except for Saturn. We have received permission from both the mayor and our requestor that any damage will not be on our heads. The requester has asked for both criminals to be brought in alive or close to it." He took a step back. "Operation starts now. Move out."
The next few minutes were the quickest.
Everyone gathered their equipment and put on special sunglasses. The glasses shined and, soon, screens and data began to stream through them.
Gale was in awe. "What are those?"
"Special Ops shit," Gajeel muttered. "Helps us see what we can't see. You aren't using one since you're not in the field." He checked his gear once more before making sure his earpiece was in place. "All right, ladies. Let's get moving."
Everyone but Gale and Oswald fled the hotel room. Even Mest had disappeared from his hologram form. Gale was left alone as Oswald typed away. He let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes. He could hear his own heart pounding.
Calm down, you idiot. I'm just doing guard duty.
"We're protected here."
Gale turned around to Oswald who kept working. "How can you be so certain?" he demanded to know.
"Trust your dad, Black Salamander," Oswald said. His eyes flashed over to Gale's briefly before going back to his screens. "The captain has seen more than you'll ever know. Trust in his word. He has never steered us wrong."
Gale could only nod and walked to the balcony window. He watched as the Perench city refused to sleep as the night progressed. He pressed his forehead against the glass and closed his eyes. Inhale. Deep exhale. "Good luck, old man," he whispered.
DING-DONG.
Mary Jane came out from the study in her pajamas to open the door. Igneel greeted her with a cheery smile. He was dressed in his costume, a tight black suit with the wings of the phoenix on his chest and shoulders. He had donned an eye mask with white covering his eyes. "Trick-or—!"
Mary Jane shut the door with a yawn and turned back to her steps.
°•°•°•°
Igneel frowned. He kept pressing the doorbell.
DING-DONG. DING-DONG. DING-DONG. DING-DONG.
The door swung open with an angry Mary Jane seething from it and an aura of violet with violet lightning sparking off her. "What the Hell do you want?" she snarled.
Igneel held out the bag to Mary Jane with an eager smile. "Here! Costume made to your specifications!" he told her.
Mary Jane raised an eyebrow as she lost her aura and static. "I didn't order a costume," she said bluntly.
Igneel's smile turned sheepish. "Um, well, I did for you, but, before you get mad, I—!"
Mary Jane tried to shut the door, but Igneel stopped it with his boot. Mary Jane kept trying to close the door. "Get off my property, you stupid moron!" she seethed.
"MJ, wait!" Igneel whined. "Come on! I had to do so much to get this costume made for you!"
"I don't care!" Mary Jane spat. "Burn the damn thing! Give it to Molly! I don't want it!" She was finally successful in slamming the door and, with a huff, went to climb her stairs. She ignored the poundings on her door and the ringing of her doorbell.
"MJ, come back!" Igneel pleaded. "Come on! I paid so much so this would be perfect for you!"
°•°•°•°
Igneel recoiled when he heard the thunder, "Go away!" He pouted as he looked at the bag in his hands. "She doesn't mean it," he determined. "She just hasn't seen the costume yet, that's all." He was back to his sunny, driven self. "Yeah! This'll definitely put MJ in the mood for Halloween!" He left the porch of the Dreyar House to go to the side of it. He climbed atop the trash cans and threw the bag up to the roof of the extended living room. He jumped and hauled himself up to the roof as well. He reoriented himself and looked up.
The light in Mary Jane's room turned on.
Igneel grinned and went back to climbing.
°•°•°•°
Mary Jane settled in her desk chair and swiveled in it. She picked up her acoustic guitar lazily and began to strum it without much effort. She leaned back and closed her eyes. "Please, let my new lock work," she prayed. "God, I'm sorry I don't do the whole church thing, but please—"
The window opened and Igneel poked his head into the room with a grin on his face. "So, MJ, about your costume—"
Mary Jane's eyes opened to the ceiling. "I should've prayed to Satan," she muttered angrily.
Igneel climbed onto her bed with the bag and shut the window behind him. "I wanted you to originally be Darkstar. She's like the super ass-kicking friend of the Phoenix and they led the team of crime-fighting super-teens in the awesome series Teen…!"
Mary Jane quietly set down her acoustic guitar and got up from her seat. She moved for her door.
Igneel cut her off with a playful grin. "…but then, I got the idea that we could do Darkstar and Phoenix for next year," he decided. "This year, I wanted something that made me think of you!" He offered her the bag. "So, here ya go! It's all ready for ya!"
"No thanks," Mary Jane rejected. "Now, leave."
Igneel pouted. "Come on, MJ. This was custom-made," he emphasized.
"And I custom-want-you-to-piss-off," Mary Jane snapped.
Igneel refused to give up. "MJ…!" he whined. "You used to love Halloween!"
"No, I didn't," Mary Jane said, disgusted with the mere thought of it. "You think I enjoyed going, 'Trick-or-treat', wearing a stupid costume, and then dealing with hundreds of people at the guild hall? No. I didn't before and I don't now." She whirled away from him and back to her desk chair. She picked up her acoustic and began to strum. "Get the Hell out. You're pissing me off. And, here I was in an actual good mood for five minutes."
Igneel looked down at the bag.
She has to like it. I can't give up so easily.
Igneel looked up at Mary Jane. He watched her as she strummed only minor chords, creating an eerie melody.
I would never give up on a friend.
Igneel walked towards Mary Jane. "MJ," he began.
"Save it," Mary Jane snapped. "Get out."
"MJ, please," Igneel begged. "Just look at the costume, okay? Please? For me?"
Mary Jane let out a sarcastic laugh. "When do I do anything for you?"
Igneel had a hard frown on his face. "Mary Jane Rita Dreyar, you will listen to me," he suddenly snapped.
Mary Jane stopped. Then, she turned around slowly with a dangerous look in her eye. "What did you call me?" she asked lowly. It was a warning. It was a threat.
Igneel sighed. He was remorseful for that. "I'm sorry. That was uncalled for," he said. He really did regret saying those words. "But, MJ, please. Just look at the costume, okay? Please?"
Mary Jane eyed Igneel, then the bag. She set down her acoustic with a ragged sigh. "Whatever," she muttered.
Igneel beamed. "Awesome!" He handed the bag to her. "Here you go!"
Mary Jane snatched the bag with a sneer on her lips. She opened it to look down upon the contents and her face dropped. "What the Hell is this?" she asked. A hand scooped into the bag to pull out the material. She looked at Igneel in disbelief. "Don't tell me I'm supposed to be an angel."
Igneel shook his head. "Nah. You're not nearly nice enough to be an angel," he teased. "This is a costume to be a goddess."
Now, Mary Jane was thoroughly puzzled. "I'm sorry, what?"
Igneel was rolling with the idea and ready to explain it. "You're a goddess, MJ. You're strong and fierce like a goddess should be. You don't tolerate it when mortals cross you. Instead, you give them a taste of their own medicine and make it known you're in charge. You're so powerful and fearless and no matter what, no one could ever defeat you." He looked at Mary Jane with soft, sincere eyes. "You're a goddess, MJ. And, you should be treated as one."
Mary Jane blinked. "Wow…" she breathed. "That…"—her expression shifted drastically back to her scowl—"was the stupidest crap I have ever heard come out of your mouth and you once told me I was 'nice'." She put the costume back in the bag and dropped it. Then, she turned around. "Not impressed. You may leave now," she said dismissively.
Igneel's shoulders sagged. "MJ, I'm really trying," he tried to explain quietly. "But, for once… Just once… Can't we do things my way? Just once?"
Mary Jane was silent.
Igneel closed his eyes and let out a sigh. He turned away from her.
"Are you trying to guilt trip me?"
Igneel stopped at Mary Jane's blunt question. "In the end, I know I can't make you do anything you really don't want to do," he told her, voice laden in misery. "It's your choice, MJ—I mean… Mary Jane…"
Mary Jane's shoulders stiffened.
Igneel went to her bed and began to climb it. "Don't worry about the costume. I'll ask Ena if I can get my money back for it," he went on to say. As Igneel opened the window, he stopped when Mary Jane sighed.
"You know, moron, guilt-tripping really pisses me off."
Igneel turned his head. "What do you—?" His words were cut off in a gag and he shivered when he saw a deadly aura radiating from Mary Jane.
"I know exactly what you're trying to do," Mary Jane seethed through gritted teeth. "Don't give me that 'I'm-a-kicked-puppy' look, moron. You think if you'll guilt me, I'll conform to your will, don't you?"
Igneel sweatdropped and he laughed anxiously. "Of course not. I would never do anything like that to you, MJ."
Dammit, she caught onto me. My look always works against Ma.
Igneel scooted closer to the window. "I'm just, uh… I'll just go…" He quickly turned to the window and was about to open the window when a hand pressed down on his shoulder and made him freeze.
Igneel shakily turned around.
Mary Jane loomed over Igneel with her violet aura surrounding her in a lethal manner and her static raging about her. Her eyes glowed in her anger. "Leave the costume and get – out," she ordered.
Igneel smiled through his trembling. "Wh-Why do I have to leave—?"
He had no chance to finish his sentence when Mary Jane picked him up easily and ripped the bag away from him. He threw him into the hallway and slammed the door on him. He cringed and rubbed his head as Mary Jane yelled, "Don't even try peeking on me, you perverted moron!"
Igneel grumbled, "Why would I even want to peek on yo—?" It was like the light bulb of understanding went off in his head. He began knocking on the door. "Wait, MJ, you might need help!"
°•°•°•°
From inside the room, Mary Jane rolled her eyes as she abandoned her shirt and pajama shorts. She tched. "Moron," she muttered. She took out the goddess costume and gave it a look of a scrunched-up nose and a raised eyebrow. "Don't tell me he actually made Fernandes make this for me," she grunted.
°•°•°•°
Igneel was waiting on the door, leaning against it. He looked up at the ceiling.
MJ… he thought.
A tinkle of laughter.
A sea of blue intertwined with green.
A delicate smile flirted with his lips as he closed his eyes.
I know you're stubborn and you get really cranky on holidays. But…why are you doing this?
He could remember that tinkling laugh.
Maybe… Maybe you—…
BANG.
"Shit," came a croaky curse.
Igneel's eyes snapped open and he was quick to turn onto the door. He jiggled the doorknob, but found it locked. "MJ!" he shouted. "MJ, what's wrong?"
"No—… Nothing," Mary Jane choked. "Leave me al-l-lo—!" She let out a strangled cry. "God, get out!" she roared.
Igneel hardened when he heard that and jiggled the doorknob even more fiercely. "MJ, open the door," he commanded.
"Get out!" Mary Jane shouted. "Leave me alone!"
Igneel growled and stop trying to jiggle the doorknob open. "I won't ever leave you alone again!" He drew himself back into a defensive position and kicked open the door. He swarmed in to see Mary Jane on the ground. She was half in her goddess costume and half-naked, but was withering away all the same. Tears of anger and a blush of rage touched her face as she gripped her rug and dug her head into the ground.
Igneel was quick to stoop to her side and bring her to his chest. "MJ," he whispered. His voice was broken. He had rarely seen her like this. "MJ, what's wrong?"
Mary Jane struggled in his embrace. "L-Let go of me!" she stammered. "Get out! Don't touch me!"
"I'm not leaving you, MJ." Igneel said those words with such firmness, it would be hard to overlook them. "I'm staying right by your side."
Mary Jane hissed. "Nnngh…! Get off me!" She threw her head back. "Get out of here! Leave me alone!"
Igneel shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere," he promised. He took Mary Jane from his embrace and helped her sit up, her head bowed before him as she shook and cried. A hand went to the ribbon in her hair and pulled it out. Light blonde tresses fell onto Mary Jane's back. "I'm staying right here, MJ," he promised in a soothe. He warmed his hands just enough that the temperature was relaxing and began to massage through Mary Jane's head and hair. He started with her scalp.
"D-D-Don't touch me," Mary Jane gritted out.
Igneel closed his eyes. "I'll stop when you stop crying," he promised. "I won't leave until you feel better."
Mary Jane let out a terse breath. "I hate you," she snarled, though broke into a sob. "Leave me alone."
Igneel did not still. "Not a chance in Hell," he whispered. He kept massaging her head.
Mary Jane shivered and gave small whimpers, but did not dare to say another word. It took a few minutes before she could settle down without flinching. And, in that time, Igneel continued to massage her scalp. Once Mary Jane stopped shaking and her tears ran dry, she gave a long sigh and closed her eyes. "Get out," she commented.
Igneel opened his eyes and looked down at Mary Jane. "You feelin' okay?"
Mary Jane gave a soft nod. "Yeah… I do, but…"
"Then, it's settled."
Mary Jane looked up at Igneel. Lost cerulean connected with warm onyx.
Igneel smiled. "I'll help you get into your costume, but I promise I won't peek, okay?" he proposed. "If you want, we can stay here instead of go to the guild."
Mary Jane shook her head. "No. I have to go tonight to support the cute Dragneel." She looked down as her eyes glistened. "She's done…so much for me. Doing this is the least I could do for her."
Igneel nodded. "Okay then. We'll go to the Spell-tacular soon enough." He drifted to Mary Jane's bra. Nothing lewd in his stare. It was worry. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable," he tried to explain.
Mary Jane wordlessly turned around and scooped her hair to one shoulder. She left the back of her bra expose.
Igneel gulped as he shakily lifted his fingers. His hands went to the clasps on bra.
ZZZT.
Both Igneel and Mary Jane flinched when Igneel accidentally gave off a spark of lightning.
"I'm so sorry," Igneel rushed out in apology.
Mary Jane grunted. "I could feel how nervous you are through that. Just take the damn thing off and help me get dressed."
Igneel nodded quickly. "Yeah, okay." He swallowed again as he reached for the clasp. He undid the bra and watched as it freed from Mary Jane's skin. His fingers were gentle as he went to the bra straps and shimmed them off Mary Jane's shoulders and down her arms. He helped take it off her and set it on the ground. From there, he reached in front to gather the dress. Mary Jane was still as she let Igneel put the dress on her, raising her arms a bit. Once that was finished, Igneel gathered the straps of the halter top and brought it up. He was careful to touch only what was necessary and his fingers skimmed Mary Jane's neck as he clasped the necklace of the halter dress. "There," he told her. "I had her make shoes, cuffs, and a crown for you too. I'll put them on you."
Mary Jane nodded. "Okay," she whispered.
Igneel was careful in scooping up Mary Jane into his arms. He carried her to her bed. He looked down.
Mary Jane refused to look at him.
Igneel set Mary Jane on the side of her bed with her legs off it. He went to retrieve the bag and took out the shoes. They were gladiator sandals that laced up the leg. He began his job slipping the shoes on and lacing them up.
Mary Jane's eyes saddened.
"I'm sorry."
Igneel finished one leg and worked on the other. "Don't be," he told her.
"No. Really, I am."
Igneel looked up, but Mary Jane was staring down at her lap.
"I wasn't yelling at you," Mary Jane assured him. "At least, not all the time."
"Who were you yelling at?" Igneel wondered.
Mary Jane picked up her head to look off somewhere else. Her eyes were distance. Her mind was somewhere else.
Igneel understood—as best he could, anyways—and he went back to finishing Mary Jane's shoes. Once he was finished, he reached into the bag for the golden cuffs. He took her wrists and slipped them on, then went back for the crown. He stood up to place the crown on Mary Jane's head. When he was done positioning it, he smiled. "Now, you're a goddess."
Mary Jane faintly snorted. "More like your dress-up doll," she muttered. "Satisfied?"
"Very," Igneel agreed. "You look really pretty, MJ."
"Bullshit. I feel like that terrifying clown from Thing," Mary Jane muttered.
"Nah. You're more pretty than terrifying tonight," Igneel promised. He offered a hand to her. "Now, come on. Let's party."
Mary Jane eyed his hand warily. "I'm not going to have to dance, right?" she wanted to make sure.
Igneel shook his head. "Nah. I wouldn't make a goddess dance," he promised. "But…if the goddess wanted to dance—"
"Not on your life," Mary Jane put down, taking his hand.
Igneel pouted. "Fine," he groaned. "We can just eat and hangout."
"I could eat," Mary Jane agreed as she pulled herself up. She brushed past him. "But, don't expect me to stay with you."
Igneel followed Mary Jane out with a whine and down the hall. "Aw, come on, MJ! I could be awesome company!"
"So are leeches, but you don't see me wanting one clinging to me. And, by the way, you owe me a new door, moron."
"But, MJ—!"
"You want to piss me off?"
The front door opened.
"N-N-No, ma'am!"
And the door closed.
And something was left in Mary Jane's room. There was a ring hidden on her dresser. It was not the same ring as Igneel's, but it was similar, with aquamarine gemstones intermingling with silver.
shinamon sutikku wa mahou no sutekki
hitofuri suru dakede shiroppu ga fueru
nigasa sae wasurete amai yume no naka
tengai ni mamorarete
nemuri ni ochiru
•
gensou no saimin ni oboreta mama de ii
mekakushi o hazushicha omoshirokunai desho
ashimoto gochuui sono te wa boku ga hiku kara
sono mi o ima sugu ni
yudanenasai saa
Cane came out of the antique store with the item in question given to him a specially-wrapped box. He smirked at it. "It took a lot of trouble to find you, but I did it," he said proudly.
A pair of saxophones ruined his moment.
Cane shuffled a hand to his pocket and took out his Compact. It was a few messages from Luna.
Beautiful
(Hey, where are you?)
Beautiful
(Make sure to bring your costume with you tonight. Don't you dare forget)
Beautiful
(I swear if you ditched me for another girl, I'm never playing Double Cross with you again!)
Cane smiled. "Oh, Beautiful. You really know how to make a guy do whatever you want to keep you happy," he chuckled. He looked at the time on his phone.
9:54
Cane cursed. "Shit. I'm going to be late and she's going to hate me. What am I saying? I am late and she probably will take away my food privileges," he muttered. "I didn't mean to take so long, but…" He looked at the box in his arm.
I had to run this errand for Master. She was right. No one else in the guild could've found this. Maybe my mom, but I'm more familiar with this part of this city.
CRANK.
Cane's eyes shifted when he saw two boys sneak into a gated alleyway using the secret passage they had set up.
And, I know all about what goes on in this part of this city too. Better start heading back now before things get freaky.
Cane put his Compact back into his pocket. He twirled his hand as it came to his face and sunglasses appeared. He put them on, kept his head down low, and began to walk. This part of the city he was in was not exactly the nicest or the cleanest. Houses were shoulder-to-shoulder, some with many locks and gates and bars, others with boarded windows and doors. The nightlife in this part of the city was shadier than others. The bars and clubs were full of scandalous women looking for a good time for not only their bodies but for their bank account and dishonest men who did not care how they got their women—they just got them, no questions asked. Sirens went off as another patrol of officer-guards tried to catch thieves who busted a window of a jewelry store and took all the diamonds they could carry. Booters was full this time of night. The theme of tonight was Halloween, so the female waitresses were showing all sorts of cleavage, leg, back, and ass as they served their clientele.
Places like this aren't exactly the guild's scene. Unlike them, I'm used to places like this. Keep your head down, keep your eyes open, and keep your ears alert. That's the only way to survive here.
"Hey… I know you…"
Cane stopped.
Behind him were three men and one woman. They were all teenagers, but older than Cane. The leader was taller than him and wore a leather jacket like his friends did. He had a scar over one eye and a vape in one hand. The one woman—she had ponytails with ends dipped in red and blue respectively—was obsessed with making out with one of the boys who donned a leather jacket and glasses. The other boy stood behind the leader and looked more dangerous than the rest.
"You. Turn around," the leader commanded.
"Sorry, but I can't do that," was all Cane said.
The leader smirked. "What? Think your pretty face is too good to be seen? You a fag or somethin'?" He put the vape to his lips.
"I don't appreciate that word," Cane murmured. "So, if you could not use it, that'd be great."
The leader puffed out a cloud of air. "Oh, I'm sorry, Your Majesty. Would you like me to say 'knob jockey' instead?" he chuckled darkly.
Cane's hands clenched into fists. "I might not be gay, but I have friends who are and I know they deserve more respect than whatever the Hell you're giving them. I'm going to warn you once: knock it off and leave me the Hell alone."
The second-in-command growled, wanting to be let off his leash.
The leader raised a hand. "Cool it, Kamui. I got this." He reached into his jacket. "So, we've got ourselves a little rainbow supporter, huh? You just think you're so big and bad, don't you, Magus?"
Cane said nothing.
The leader stepped forward. "Yeah. I know you're one of them Magi." He spat onto the sidewalk as he took out something. It seemed to be a switchblade but carried them symbol of a caduceus with twin snakes wrapped around it. He put away his vape to tap his right eye. "Got me a little surgery that detects when assholes like you show up on Siam turf. And, let me tell you, it's not appreciated."
"I didn't come here to fight," Cane started.
"I'm glad you didn't or else I'd have to beat your ass," the leader cut in. "But, since you decided to play the game of 'Talk Back', you ain't got no choice but to fight."
"Let me go now while you have the chance," Cane warned. "I won't hold back against a civ like you, but I don't want to fight you when you're defenseless."
"'Defenseless'?" The leader grew angered at that. "Okay. Now, you really pissed me off!" He threw himself at Cane with his switchblade and was about to pierce his arm—
He stopped.
He could not move.
He was frozen in mid-air.
"What's…happening…to me?" the leader choked.
"That would be the work of my Time Card," Cane spoke. "Whatever comes over it is frozen in time. Maybe not your mouth, but at least your body."
The boy making out with his girlfriend pulled away to look at the scene. His eyes widened. "Oh, shit," he cursed.
The girl lazily looked at her lover. "What is it, babe?"
"I know that guy," he told her. "That isn't just some Magus."
Cane smirked.
"That guy…"
Cane turned around and his Fairy Tail necklace broke free from hiding in his shirt.
"…he's from Fairy Tail…"
Cane raised up his hand and flexed it. Cards appeared in-between his fingers as he looked at the leader. "Now… Am I free to go, asshole?"
"He's known as 'Gambit'," the boy whispered. "He's the Dealer of Fairy Tail."
The leader glared at Cane. "It's Magi like you who put people like us in the slums," he growled as best he could. "You're the reason I'm stuck here!"
"No, assface, you're the reason you're stuck here," Cane countered. "You are weak-minded and weak-hearted. If you keep going like this, your life will never get better and you will never see a better future. Instead, you will be stuck in the slums with your little gang and your third-grade education." He flicked his hand and his card disappeared. He snapped his finger.
The card underneath the leader zoomed back into Cane's palm and left the leader to drop to the ground.
Cane tucked away his Time Card. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a hot date and she'll kill me if I'm not there."
A smirk. A raised of hand. "Oh, we're far from done with you, Magi."
SNAP.
Cane did not have to look at his surroundings to see he was surrounded. The Siam Gang looked like nasty fellows and ladies, all with knifes and pipes and even guns if they felt like it. They bore the jacket with the marking of the caduceus and twin snakes wrapping around it. Each looked angered, angered that their leader was hurt. And the source of their anger was Cane.
"I thought you were going to bring your guard dogs in," Cane mused. "Did the little leader know he couldn't beat me alone? Nice show of arms, by the way."
The leader scrambled to his feet. "You ain't leavin' my turf alive, Magi."
Cane took the box from under his arm in either hand. He brought his hands together and the box disappeared. "Sorry, beautiful, but I've got some things to handle here first." He flexed his hands and cards were in his fingers and at the ready. "But, I promise you…"—his Magic Circle blossomed beneath him. His eyes flashed violet—"…this won't take long." And, with a growl, he threw his cards.
TO BE CONTINUED…
So, the Hallow's Eve Spell-tacular and Operation: Black Tornado begin! To find out what happens next with the task force and with Fairy Tail, tune into the next Fairy Adventure!
Chibi-Luna appears on a stage with the spotlight solely on her. She is wearing a witch's costume with her own Magic Wand. She waves her hand. "Hello, hello, everyone, and Happy Halloween! Today, I'm here to teach you a little bite about Hallow's Eve!" She waves her wand and a giant pumpkin appears. A screen is projected onto it and it counts down.
3
2
1
The screen shows old footage of a village with their yearly harvest. They gathered together to display happiness of the end of summer and a successful harvest.
Chibi-Luna began to narrate: "On Earth Land tradition, there was once an ancient race known as the Podemelians. They lived on the continent now called Valchestria and they celebrated their New Year on November first."
The footage shows the Podemelians at night. They dance around a raging fire with the sacrifices of pig and chicken and cow meat. All throughout their homes are things like dream-catchers with words scratched in Podemelian on their rims.
"Podemelians believed on October thirty-first, the gateway between Earth Land, the Nether Realm, the Spirit Realm was opened, but only one way. Spirits of the living and the dead were allowed to cross over to Earth Land for mischief."
The footage, then, moves to one of the priests of the Podemelians. He prays in front of the great statues of the gods.
"Even so, Podemelian priests believed this night to be the most powerful night for them to connect to their gods and catch glimpses of the future. So, on this night, sacred bonfires were built with animal sacrifices and one item to stand for each household. People wore costumes made of animal skin, both natural creature and magical, and sung songs to their deities to grant them a glimpse into their fortunes."
The footage shows the sacred bonfires with stakes sitting in the middle of the fire. Each stake has sacrificial meats and crops. Circling the fires with jewels, stuffed animals, and even sandals and cloth. People dress as animals and are dancing around interpretively. They sing their songs to their gods and goddess and howl at the moon in hopes of reaching the ears of the deities.
"Once the celebration was over, everyone re-lit their hearth fires for the new day of the new year."
The footage slows down until the screen goes black.
Chibi-Luna smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, but to hear the rest of the story, you'll have to tune in to the next Fairy Adventure! Next time, is HALLOW'S EVE PART TWO: TANGO CANTARELLA! The opening song today was Cendrillion by SignalP while the closing song was trick or treat by OSTER project!" She waves you off. "Have a Happy Hallowwn! See you next time!"
Voices of New Characters in Order of Appearance
1. Stephan Sanders as Ghost
2. Kyle McCarthy as Oswald Vanderbelt
3. Michael Federico as Delgado Gonzalez
4. Rachel Robinson as Riza Allesch
5. Marieve Herrington as Asuna Freeman
6. Troy Baker as Jackson Summers
7. Kimberly Brooks as T'oree Den'vrz
8. Nathan Fillion as Mustang Marvel