Fairy x Adventure

by Magnafeana

In a new era after the Alvarez War, Lucy, Natsu, and the rest of Fairy Tail not only face new challenges but watch as their kids go on new journeys, learn new powers, and battle new enemies and old! Join Luna, Nashi, and the upcoming generation of Mages on Fairy Tail and more on their never-ending adventure!

24. Adventure 024

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.

---

Last time, on Fairy Adventure, looks like the love nest of the Devil and the Angel were interrupted and may I say oo la la to that! The Festival of Gratitude has officially started, though Gale doesn't seem to be enjoying it as much as he should. Nashi and Lucy meet up for well-deserved mother-daughter talk and Lucy gives much-needed advice to her eldest daughter. How heartwarming. While Mustang, Dazzler, Cade, and T'oree had their own afternoon drink, Silver fell sick with an illness it seems all Mages of water and air have been getting. Spooky. And, to make it worse, Syra got sick too! And, just when Luna and Bleu were having some fun of their own. Gale had another freaky nightmare that got even worse when he met the next man after his princess' heart. Gray gave Gary some fatherly advice—talk about a parent-child day!—and we meet Commissioner Eckhart, the first Exceed to hold a high position in a human world! Elvin was acting pretty strange, but Paige is on the case to hunt her cousin down! But, things get worse as a storm rolls in, putting the city on high alert for evacuation. And, that's not all! Looks like the storm is caused by none other than the angry guardian of sea and storm Nayda the suzaku! I've never seen her so mad! When she doesn't back down at Luna's plead, Erion the pixiu, Guardian of Sky and Wind steps in to stop her!

'Not again…'

I know, Luna. I wish it wasn't happening again either. And, Meredy, looks like someone from the past is here for a visit, huh?

---

She was standing in an ocean. It was full of scarlet water. Not blood. Nothing like that. Just scarlet water.

Her eyes looked up to see a scarlet moon. It looked like it had been cut in half by a knife. In its one side, a symbol burned into it. It was strange to see such a symbol. Not because of its location, but because of its design. It was not something common. It was almost as the symbol was a forbidden to the eye of the mortal.

SPLASH.

Something rose from the scarlet water.

Her eyes turned back to see a snake looming over her. It was nothing if not big. It beheld scarlet scales, nearly blending in with the water. It loomed over her with tis glaring eyes of red and its fangs out for all to fear it.

It hissed strange words at her that made sense. "From three came four," it hissed at her.

And she did not realize her one shadow was divided into three. The first a girl with flowing hair. The second a tall and broad male. And, the third a timid shadow of a girl with short hair.

And the snake dove for her.

And then…darkness consumed her.

There was not an ounce of light. There was no hope the sun would come. There was no one there, no one who would listen. No one who would keep her company in the dark.

"MJ…" came a small call.

A drop of light, pure and bright, dripped into the universe of darkness and despair.

"MJ… MJ…"

°•°•°•°

"MJ… Wake up."

Mary Jane found herself giving a low groan as her eyelids squeezed. They relaxed and her eyes cracked open, though she winced at the light she saw. She groaned even more. She felt that type of heavy tired you felt when you took too long of a nap. Your body had stocked up on too much energy and did not know what to do. She could feel the weight make her arms shake as she tried to sit up. She had slept on something hard and her body was forcing her to acknowledge that.

"MJ," came a soft call. "MJ… You okay?"

Mary Jane grunted. "Hmmm," was her intelligent reply. She squeezed her eyes shut again, then tried to open them again. "Shit," she swore. "Where am I?"

An earnest hand helped her get into a sitting position. "We made it to a cave on the eastern side of Margaret Town," came the explanation. "Looks like whoever was here last abandoned it."

Mary Jane rubbed the sleep away from her eyes as she scooted her legs out in front of her and laid her back against a wall that was built by nature and not for comfort. Her eyes opened to see worried onyx-emerald eyes. "You," she tried to say. "You…kidnapped me…Igneel."

Igneel chuckled. "I wouldn't say I 'kidnapped' you," he said in defense of himself. "You were having a bad migraine, so I took you back to the hotel. But then, I heard about the storm."

Mary Jane winced when she felt her migraine thrum in the back of her head and gave a sharp inhale. When Igneel moved to help her, she held up a hand to stop him. She looked around at their temporary camp. A fire had been started with meat pierced onto sticks and three water bottles laying around. There were a few civilian items as well. Prizes from carnival had been salvaged as well as two wallets and two Compacts, one of which was still alive, thanks to a portable charger. Mary Jane's jacket had been left out to dry.

"Where are we?" Mary Jane reiterated in question. She shifted to see she was covered in something. She looked down to see Igneel's jacket and scarf on her body. "And, why am I wearing clothes that clearly aren't mine?"

Igneel smiled a little. "Like I said, we're in a cave on the eastern side of Margaret Town," he explained once again. He frowned as he remembered the cause of their departure. "The only reason we're out here was the optional evacuation notice. I could feel a storm coming and the magical energy was crazy. So, I might've made a decision to get us out of town."

Mary Jane gave him a flat stare. "And, to the middle of nowhere," she finished.

Igneel's frown turned into a sheepish grin as he scratched his cheek. "Um, maybe," he laughed, though awkwardly. "The rain hit while I was carrying you out here, so I gave you my jacket and scarf to keep warm. Don't worry about me, though. My Magic keeps me nice and toasty."

Mary Jane grunted as she shifted. "Trust me when I saw I wasn't worrying about you," she vowed. She winced at her migraine pulsing strongly for two beats, then backing off. "Ugh. Did you tell our families where we were?"

Igneel's mouth twisted in a frown as he looked over at his Compact. "I tried, but none of my calls are going through. The storm is throwing off any type of service." He scratched the back of his neck. "And, my guess is, by now, the town has been evacuated and our guild is freakin' out that we vanished off the edge of the earth."

"Knowing my mom, she probably had a meltdown," Mary Jane predicted, "and, when the hour hits—I don't know—the demon hour, she's going to Satan Soul her way back to town and rip it apart to find me."

"Sounds like my mom," Igneel chuckled. He pushed himself into a crouch and grunted as he stood up. "She's a total monster when one of us goes missing. I forgot to text her I was coming home late from a party and she tracked me down without using my pops and dragged me home by my ear."

Mary Jane snorted. "Aunt Lucy certainly has balls," she noted. "She's just like my mom in that way. They're terrifying when they're pissed off, but definitely more terrifying when they give us that smile."

Igneel's shoulders shook as he turned to the fire and strode over to the meat sticks. "I know exactly what you mean," he agreed.

Mary Jane's eyes caught something on the back of Igneel's neck. It was his scar. It had healed over the years, sure, but that did not make it not as bad. Her mouth opened when it should not have and asked a question she clearly did not mean to ask. "What's with the scar on your neck?"

Igneel placed a hand over it. It was a subconscious thing. You know, like when a friend asked you about your new shoes and you shuffled your feet and your eyes looked down at them or someone liked your shirt and your hand ran down the material. "Oh. Right, my scar." His perky voice sounded a bit distant.

"Yeah. Your scar," Mary Jane echoed. "What's up with it? How'd you get it?"

Igneel lowered his hand as a frown dipped onto his face. From the flames reflecting in his eyes, there was nostalgia dwelling within. It was like he was staring into the fire in a dreamlike state, like they showed him the memories of what happened. "It was…a long time ago," he breathed quietly. "It was before I joined Fairy Tail, actually."

"So, before you were ten," Mary Jane thought aloud.

"Yeah," Igneel mumbled.

"How'd it happen?" Mary Jane could not refrain herself from asking. She realized her error and looked away. "Actually, never mind. I don't care."

"No, no, it's okay." Igneel turned his head to give Mary Jane a wavering grin. "I like it when you ask questions. Getting to know each other is the awesome part of being friends. It's just that…" He turned back to the fire. "You see… I got this because of a friend."

Mary Jane's eyes snapped onto Igneel's figure. "Wait. A friend of yours did that to you?" she pressed in disgust. "And you wonder why I don't buy into this 'friendship is Magic' bullshit. They'll just backstab you."

"I didn't get this scar due to them," Igneel amended. "I got it as a reminder of them."

That puzzled Mary Jane even more. "A 'reminder'?"

Igneel nodded. "Just like my scarf, the scar I have is a reminder of the person who helped me join Fairy Tail."

Mary Jane blinked. "Helped you join Fairy Tail?" she echoed. She shook her head as she moved to stand. Her hand went to the scarf around her neck. "Wow. Someone with that sort of influence on you?" She took the scarf off her neck as she approached Igneel. "Must've been some friend. And, here." She lay Igneel's scarf on his leg. "Your scarf is like my version of my Sound Pod," she said in analogy. "Don't go giving it to someone unworthy, got it? Not when you have a friend out there who gave this to you." Her own eyes flickered to the fire and glinted with some sort of emotion. "Not all of us are the lucky few with that kind of camaraderie. Don't take it for granted." She glanced at Igneel with approval in her eyes. "Whoever this friend is that gave you the scarf and scar and made you join Fairy Tail? Don't take them for granted. This is my advice to you, moron, as a way of showing my appreciation for saving me from this shit." She stood back up and turned her back on Igneel. "I'm going to check out the cave."

And, she walked away.

Igneel turned over two meat sticks.

I won't ever take them for granted, MJ. After all…

Mary Jane flicked her ponytail to reveal the Fairy Tail mark on the back of her neck. And, perhaps if you looked closer, you could see the faint outline of a scar hiding in her skin and behind her guild mark.

…how could I ever take my future for granted?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

As I close my eyes

Nokosu ato mo naku kobosu oto mo naku iku ate mo naku

I know that this is what I want, this is what I need

Ima mo kurikaeshiteku zanzou

•

Kizutsuita kako no bokura wa

Ienai mama de

Sonna karamawari kawaranai hibi wa

Mou tozashite ikun da

•

So now

Kore wa boku ga nozonda

My Nevereverland

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CRACK. CR-CRACK.

Erion gave another low grow and flapped his great wings as lightning took a dip into the real world with its thundering clap. He was trying to convey to Nayda about the meaning of their existence.

Nayda decided not to hear any more as she lashed her own wings at him. Slices of searing hot water jetted for Erion.

Erion held his ground as he unleashed another whirlwind of lightning mixed with clouds.

The attack mashed together in a fiery explosion as the rain pounded on the ground and the clouds snarled in their agitation.

Luna's eyes watered as she watched Nayda give a caw of anguish and dive at Erion who was ready to face his sea counterpart. "Erion… Nayda," she whispered. "What's happened to you two?"

"Blondie!"

Gale hauled himself up to Luna with Syra in his arms. He conjured a cave for them to keep out of the storm, but they were both soaked to the bone and shivering nonetheless. "Blondie, we have to get out of here," he insisted. He looked down to see a sick Syra sniffling and sneezing. "Syra can't handle being out here anymore than we can."

"I can't go with you."

Gale snapped his head up to see Luna still watching the great beasts as they snapped and used their Magic for their own personal battle. "Why the Hell not?" he growled at her. "You can't be arrogant enough to think you have enough power to stop two unstoppable forces?"

"I don't need to stop them," Luna told him. "It's Nayda. Her heart." Her hand raised to clutch her own. The bracelet given to her from the great Sea King himself flashed. "I can feel her pain," she confided. "It's like…she doesn't even know she's a guardian. All she knows is pain and chaos and sadness."

"Well, sucks for her, but we have to get out of range," Gale hissed at her. "We can't stick around much longer. It won't be long until she thinks we're a threat and tries to kill us." He gave a wary glance outside of the cave. "I can conjure a golem to take you and Syra back. I'll reinforce the barriers around here and get out by making my own ride. But, my words still stand: we go." He spat twice onto the earth and watched as two figures bubbled and rose from the ground. "Hugo, Lag, obey the will of your master and come to my aid," he chanted.

Golems were formed from the earth without fail. They did not look hideous or too large whatsoever. They were tall things with skinny legs and arms and broad torsos. Their heads were average for their bodies but had eyes full of swirling black and gold Magic and no mouths. They looked at Gale, ready for their orders.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« These are Golems, soulless creatures infused with Magic. They only obey the words of their caster and should they forbid them, they revert back to the element that created them. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale had their orders ready. "Hugo, take Luna and Syra back to the Lamia Scale Guild. Guard them with everything you have," he commanded. "Lag, you will stay with me. You are to help me reinforce the barriers before helping me get back to the Lamia Scale Guild."

Hugo moved to Gale and held his earthy hands out for Syra. Gale deposited the sick ikenga into the hands of his golem and watched as Hugo cradled Syra with as much gentility as a golem could muster.

Luna shook her head and stood her ground. "I'm not going anywhere," she said firmly. She turned her head. Determined chocolate met with determined ruby. "I have to help them, Gale."

Hugo moved towards Luna as Gale shook his head. "You're going back to the guild where its safe," he told her slowly. "Don't think of trying anything, Blondie. You're not going to go and die being a hero."

Luna backed away as Hugo enclosed on her. Her firm eyes pleaded for Gale to understand as the sounds of animalistic battle raged outside. "I'm not trying to be a hero, Gale. Nayda needs m—! Don't you dare—! Ah!" She let out a scream as Hugo lifted her into his arms. He had her cradled in his arms like Syra who had lazily crawled to Luna's stomach.

Luna gave a watery glare at Gale. "Gale," she began.

"Don't start with me," Gale snapped at her, cutting her off. "Don't try to beg your way out of this." He began to move with Lag following him. "Let's go, Lag. We've got work to do."

As Gale brushed past Hugo, Luna shouted at him words she would come to regret when her emotion high died down. "I won't forgive you! You can't do this to me! You told me you believe in me! And, now?" She spat at him. "You're just a liar!"

Gale stopped, and, subsequently, Lag did as well.

Luna panted, her anger not at all backing down.

"Three times."

Luna furrowed her eyebrows. Her ire did not leave her. "What?"

Gale heaved a breath. He turned on his heel to march over to her. "Three times," he hissed at her. "Three times I had to watch you nearly die. Three times I was forced to be fucking helpless when you needed me the most. Three times I nearly lost you because I wasn't good enough to protect you."

The rage faded in Luna's eyes the closer Gale got. She found herself recoiling at his proximity and wariness taking over her. "Ga—" she tried to stop.

"Three fucking times, Blondie," Gale snarled at her. "I've been helpless three times. I couldn't protect you like I should've. I didn't have your back like a good partner should. I failed you three times." His hand grabbed her chin and his forehead rested against her own. He breathed heavily. "I'm not about to make this be the fourth."

Luna found her eyes watering for a whole new reason. "Gale—"

Gale pushed away from her and went back to Lag. "Lag, we're going." His voice was rough with something. "Hugo, take her and Syra out of here."

DRIP.

A tear streaked Luna's cheeks.

DROP.

The focus watched as Gale walked away from it.

"No," Luna whispered.

The focus found itself confused. Gale was there one moment, then the next was a different figure. They were taller than Gale and more built. It was a man. His cloak swayed as he walked away as though it were not difficult for him. He walked into the light of battle without fear and doubt burdening his shoulders.

Luna shut her eyes.

Why…does this hurt so much? Why…does this feel so familiar?

Hugo turned around towards the wall of the cave. He swiped his foot for a hole to be made as an exit. He walked through it.

A wailing howl.

Luna opened her eyes to see the great beast of the sky to crash onto dry land and damage innocent houses in the process. He bore his fair share of scratches and wounds and winced as he got up from such a fall. Nayda was not going easy on her counterpart and Erion was feeling more pain than he felt in eons.

Oh, no… Erion…

A wailing caw.

Luna's eyes looked up to see Nayda opening her wings. Magic swarmed inside her wings. With another roar, she allowed her Magic to flow forth from her wings in the forms of watery, miniature versions of herself. They cawed as they flew to Erion in offensive attack.

Erion gave a chuff as a wall of clouds protected him from the attacks of the miniature suzakus.

He can't keep being defensive, but it's his only way to keep the damage to Margaret Town small.

"Brrr…"

Luna looked down to see Syra shivering and nuzzling Luna's chest for warmth.

And Syra's getting sicker by the minute…

Determination hardened in Luna's eyes.

I know what I have to do. Just hold on a little longer, Erion.

Her eyes closed as she prayed.

Please, if you're out there… I could really use some help. My friends need help and I know I can do it. It might not be much, but I just need to get through to Nayda. I need to help Erion and save this town. Please, hear me.

Syra's ears twitched.

I know I can do this. Gale… He can't do this alone.

°•°•°•°

Gale had hit the shore of the Mûre River and flinched as he took on the sprays of the water and the whips of the wind. He locked his jaw as he saw the water splash at the barrier. The waves were unruly and determined to break through the layers previous Mages put down.

"Come on, Lag!" Gale shouted over the storm. He widened his stand and held out his arms.

Lag stood at Gale's side and did the same. The pair of them worked their arms outwards and upwards. The earth took to their commands and sprouted up in thick layers the covered the barriers.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

My friends… My family… They're probably working hard to keep the peace here.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Laxus and Lance did their best to absorb the lightning strikes that tried to terrorize the town. Ellie tasked herself to dispel a wandering tornado that tore down a street. Commander Thaddeus said his prayers that made his body glow a bronze color. Luke took down three tornadoes as he mediated on a nearby roof top with a mysterious archer keeping Luke safe.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

There are good people right now, innocent people, who were forced out of their homes for this.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The evacuation center was filled and that was not a good thing. Lisanna and Evergreen had taken to playing with the little ones, immersing them in a game to get their minds off the dark thoughts of the happening of Margaret Town. Lisanna looked over to see a distant Mira staring up at the ceiling as though looking for answers.

Lisanna lowered her eyes.

°•°•°•°

So, now, I have to ask of you to help me help them, Luna prayed. Her eyes squeezed shut. Please, I'm begging you. Let me help them.

Syra found her whole body glowing as her halo shined. Her eyes perked and her tail twitched. "Brrr…" she hummed as though charging her Magic.

Luna opened her eyes to see the stunning sight of the ikenga. "Syra," she whispered worriedly. "Syra, what's wrong?"

°•°•°•°

Gale felt something prickle behind him and turned his head. "What the—?" His eyes widened when he saw the furiously glowing Syra. "What is she doing?"

Wait a second. Ikengas are the Easter bunnies of time. They right the wrong in a time stream.

Gale's eyes widened and he took off toward them. "No!" he roared. "Syra, don't!"

°•°•°•°

Luna found herself panicking at Syra's fierce glowing. "Syra, what's going on?" she fretted. "What are you doing?" She gasped when she realized Syra's Magic was flowing freely through her own body as well as Hugo's. Their bodies were pulsing in the blue aura of the ikenga's Magic.

"Brrr…" Syra pushed on.

Luna looked around wildly as sparkles glittered around them like stars. "What are you doing?" she demanded to know. "Syra, what's wrong?"

"Blondie!"

Luna looked to see Gale charging for her. She could feel her body growing lighter and fading as the light intensified. She found herself being coated in Magic and taken by it. Her existence was vanishing. She could feel it.

"Gale!" she shouted.

Gale reached out to her. "Blondie!" he roared. "Just hold on!" His eyes went to Hugo. "Hugo, protect her at any cost!"

Luna had no time to be confused as the sparkles glinted even brighter than before an Syra's Magic forced herself, the maiden of golden hair, and the soulless golem to vanish from the Margaret Town of the present.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 024

My Past, My Ancestors

過去に爆破する！私は今、ハートフィリアだよ、それは素晴らしいことじゃない？

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

When Luna blinked open her eyes, the world was too bright and she closed her eyes to correct that. She tried to open them again to see something in her vision. It was small, but still there and looked foxlike. She could see another shadow hovering over her. Bigger than the other and more masculine in the human sense than the creature sense.

"Hello?" came a soft murmur. "Um… Miss?"

Luna squinted her eyes as she tried to take in what was around her. She grunted as she tried to move.

The male shadow dipped down to help her sit up. "Careful," came a warning. "You look tired. Lost, fetch the water."

There was a yip and the small creature left Luna's sight.

Luna inhaled deeply as she tried to decipher where she was. All she could really see before her was a flurry of colors. Reds and burnt oranges and yellows and browns and that occasional patch of green. She blinked again and everything became clearer. She was in a forest that was deep into autumn. The trees greedily took water from their leaves and left them defenseless and dead and detached from their mother. Grass was barely seen over the piles of leaves that had gathered.

"Miss?" came a gentle prod. "Miss, are you well?"

Luna tipped her head up to see her savior, but stopped when she felt a warm nose prod her side. Her eyes shot down to see an Umbrumiho at her side. It was a dark thing that had just grown its second and third tail. It did not look like the walking shadow Kumiho it would grow into, but its markings came in nicely with violet eyebrows. In its teeth was a sack that sloshed with a liquid.

A hand reached for the sack. "Thanks, Lost," came gratitude.

Luna watched as another hand uncapped the sack. Both hands drew the sack to Luna's lips.

"Here. Drink this." It was not a command. It was a gentle suggestion. "I promise you, miss, that it is only water."

Luna opened her mouth and took small sips of the water provided for her. It was not long before she raised a weak hand to push away the sack from her lips only to grunt. "Where…am I?" she asked, voice still hoarse. "How'd I…get here?"

The hands set down the sack as Lost the Umbrumiho made himself comfortable on Luna's legs.

"We call this forest the Baltic Wood, miss," came quiet explanation. "I am unsure how you arrived in these woods. My friend Lost and I were completing my chores when I smelled a strange scent. I followed it to find you here."

Luna closed her eyes for a brief moment to process the information given to her. "Thanks for the water," she appreciated. Her hand lifted towards Lost. The Umbrumiho perked at her attention and gave licks to her fingers. She smiled faintly as she watched Lost brush his cheek against her hand as though begging to be petted.

"It was no problem, miss," came a humble dismissal. "May I ask for any memories from before you entered the Galdr Wood?"

Luna frowned. "I'm not really sure how I even got here," she confessed. "I just remember a storm and then…"

The anguished call of the sea.

The wailing roar of the sky.

Things started coming back to Luna. "There was a fight," she remembered.

"A 'fight'?" came a confused echo.

Luna nodded. "Yeah. A pretty horrible one," she explained sadly.

I remember now… Erion… Nayda… They were fighting. Margaret Town… Syra…

She remembered his back to her and his determined walk.

Gale…

A slight cough. "Well, miss, my condolences to you having to witness such an atrocity," came apology. "May I ask for your name so I may properly comfort you?"

"Luna," Luna introduced. "My name is Luna Dragneel."

"Miss Luna," came a test. "It means 'bright moon' in Ancient Language and is the name of the of the maiden who embodies the moon and its light in Romulan culture. A befitting name for one who shines like the moon."

Luna chuckled at that, a small blush forming on her cheeks. "Thank you," she appreciated. She tipped her head to her savior. "And, what's your—?

Her eyes widened.

"My name is Gabriel," came an introduction.

Ruby eyes filled with nothing but innocent welcome.

A fanged smile showing only compassion.

Luna found herself seeing Gale in front of her with his messy black hair. She found herself staring at the friend she was just fighting with.

No way… It can't be…

The image of Gale faded into the savior who stayed by her side. His black hair was longer than Gale's and had grown into a slightly unkempt mane. He bore a scar on his right cheek that touched his nose and another scar that ran over his left eye. That did not make him look any more intimidating. His smile was too pure for anyone to feel even a bit threatened. "Gabriel Redfox, son of Alarick, sorcerer's apprentice," he finished. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Luna."

"Your name is…Gabriel Redfox?" Luna could not believe it.

Gabriel nodded and his lips twitched as though trying to hold in his laughter. "Yes, Miss Luna, it appears so," he verified. "My mother named me after an angel from the Holy Bible." He tilted his head at Luna's mystified look. "What surprises you?" He touched the scar on his cheek and a flicker of sadness went through his face. "If it is my appearance…"

Luna remembered her manners and shook her head. "Oh! No! No, no, no, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to stare! It's just…" She could not help it as her hand made its way to Gabriel's hair, combing it slightly. "You just…remind me of a friend of mine," she murmured.

"Is he as handsome as me?" Gabriel joked. "As eloquent?"

Luna could not fight her smile. "Just about," she teased back. "He certainly didn't smile as much as you. He had the ferocity of a dragon."

Gabriel brightened at the mention. "A 'dragon'? Is he one of those dragons who walks in his human form? My father told me about how dragons walk among humans! Tell me: what is he like? What is his Magic? Is he in a Flight? Clan? Thunder? Tribe?"

"Woah, woah!" Luna laughed. "Slow down, please! Gale's no dragon."

Gabriel deflated at that. "He's not? But…you said—"

"It's his title," Luna tried to explain.

"I have never heard such a title like that before," Gabriel murmured, almost as though talking to himself. "Not even a knight or a man in the Royal Court has such a title."

Luna shook her head. "No, no, no. It's not like 'lord' or 'lady'," she clarified. "It's like a stage name, but for Mages. He earned the name 'Earth Dragon of Fairy Tail'."

Gabriel furrowed his eyebrows. "'Fairy Tail'?"

"Yeah. That's my guild," Luna explained. She furrowed her own eyebrows. "Wait… You've never heard of Fairy Tail?"

Gabriel shook his head. "I have heard that fairies are quite hard creatures to come by, but never a fairy having a tail."

Luna recoiled, taken back. "Huh. Usually, everyone knows about Fairy Tail," she muttered. "We're a bit known for being reckless." She narrowed her eyes at him. "Are you sure you don't know it?"

"Quite certain."

Luna hummed thoughtfully.

Weird. Fairy Tail is ranked the strongest guild in Fiore. Even a lot of people without Magic know who we are.

CRUNCH. STOMP.

Gabriel shifted to protect Luna like it was second nature. Lost abandoned lapping up the attention to growl at the forest.

CRUNCH. STOMP.

Luna's eyes shifted over to see a large figure wading through the forest in heavy steps.

CRUNCH. STOMP.

Luna's eyes narrowed.

Wait… Is that…?

CRUNCH. STOMP.

"Hugo?" Luna breathed, dubious.

The great golem himself stomped his way to Luna. It was amusing to see such a large creature gently move foliage and branches out of the way to get to his ward.

Gabriel was stunned. "A golem? In these woods?"

Luna could not control the beam growing on her face. "Hugo!"

Hugo's blank eyes looked down to see Luna and stopped. He raised an earthy hand and wiggled his fingers. It was his version of a wave of greeting.

Luna giggled. "I'm happy to see you too," she gushed, giving her own wave.

Gabriel looked at Luna in his own bafflement. "You know this golem?"

Luna nodded as she tried to get up. "Mmm-hmm!" Lost hopped off her legs and Gabriel helped Luna to her feet. "He's my friend's golem. He was supposed to protect me from the fight and take me back to the Lamia Scale guild hall. I can't believe he's here!" Once she was steady on her feet, she abandoned Gabriel to walk towards the golem.

Hugo bent his head and hunched over a little at Luna's approach.

"Hi, Hugo," Luna greeted. "I'm really happy to see you!"

Hugo blinked. His hands went to his torso. It was like his torso was mere water for Hugo dipped his hands into his torso and rummaged for something. Once he found it, he pulled it out. "It" ended up being Luna's Compact and wallet.

Luna was astonished. "Amazing…" She took back her possessions in her stupor. "I didn't even realize they were missing." She gave Hugo a grin. "Thanks, Hugo!"

Hugo merely blinked.

Gabriel was wandering to Luna already and eyed her Compact like it could solve any problem. "What is that that you are holding?" he inquired.

"Oh, this is just my Compact," Luna said dismissively. She turned on her Compact but frowned when a message of NO SERVICE popped up on her lock screen. "Well, that sucks," she mumbled. "I was really hoping to call my mama and tell her not to worry."

"Pardon me, but, are you an Esper?"

Now, that was a word Luna had never heard. "A what now?"

Gabriel explained, "I assume you were planning on using some sort of Telepathy to communicate with your mother?"

"'Telepathy'?" Luna wrinkled her nose. "I'm pretty sure I'm incapable of doing anything like that."

"Then, how were you going to call your mother?" Gabriel wanted to know.

Luna held out her Compact with a raise of her eyebrow. "Through my Compact," she informed as though the answer were obvious. "I'd text her, but—"

"Pardon me, but… A 'text'?"

Luna blinked at Gabriel's blatant confusion. "Wait. You don't know what a 'text' is?"

Gabriel gave a guilty smile. "Must I?"

Luna blinked again and her eyes swept to her Compact.

This isn't making any sense. He doesn't know what Fairy Tail is. He speaks like he came out of those Minstrish books. And, from what it looks like, he doesn't even know what a Compact is. But, how? I mean everyone back home knows what—

Her thoughts halted.

Wait.

The focus was on a glowing Syra and her fervent concentration despite the storm.

Wait, I remember now. Syra… She's an ikenga. She has Time Magic. Thoughts raced by in Luna's head. I remember. I was asking for help to save Nayda, but…

She paled.

No… No, it can't be…

Gabriel noticed the pale look on Luna's face and took to fretting immediately. "Are you ill, Miss Luna?" he questioned. "Would you like to sit? Perhaps you should drink some—"

"What year is it?"

Gabriel stopped his words to cock his head at Luna. "That is an odd question," he noted.

"Gabriel, please," Luna begged. "What year is it?"

Gabriel frowned. "X-three-hundred-fourty-two. Why do you ask?"

If Luna could have gotten any paler, she would have in that moment. Her head felt heavy with this new information. Her body felt like a boa constrictor had kept her in a lock and paralyzed her being.

Oh, my God, she whispered. I've…been sent back in time?

---

Ever been slammed with so much helplessness, you want to cry? That type of helplessness where, deep down, you know you could not do anything about the outcome, but, on the surface, you're mad and raging for all the things you did not do and words you did not say?

Not very fun, is it?

Gale was gawking at the spot where he had just seen Hugo and Luna before. They were both right before his eyes, an inexpressive golem ready to follow his instructions and a maiden of flaxen hair ready to fight for her right to stay.

And, now, they were gone.

And, Syra—her fur damp and body not glowing—was in the grass, shivering and openly whining.

Gale did not hesitate to go the distance to get to Syra. He scooped her up and got a good look at her. Syra wearily opened her eyes, but it took no genius to see the magical creature felt terribly ill.

"What did you do?" Gale snarled lowly. "Where did you take her?"

Syra had the audacity to drop her ears, a look of great remorse on her face. She wiggled her nose. "Brrr… Brrr-brrr…"

"Bring her back," Gale demanded. "Bring her back right now!"

Syra winced at Gale's tone and her eyes dropped. She gave a little squeak but said nothing else.

Gale gave a frustrated growl. "Goddammit!" he cursed. He held Syra close to him to protect her from more of the storm. His fingers thumbed at Syra's wet fur in apology. "Gah, I'm sorry," he hissed at her. "You were just doing your job. You came here to fix the damn time stream. I'm not pissed at you for doing that," he muttered.

CRACK. CRACK.

Gale looked up to see Nayda sending another wave of Magic at Erion. Erion flew out of the way, but, at his getaway, houses were murdered from that attack.

I'm pissed that this is the fourth time she's slipped through my fingers. And, that I wore fucking socks and sandals.

Erion saw the damage and gave a snarl at Nayda. In his anger with her, he opened his wings and a thousand bolts of lightning shot towards Nayda.

Nayda curled in on herself as the lightning attack hit her. A mess of smoke and static erupted to let everyone know what had happened.

Gale was not taking a chance on anything and turned to Lag. "Lag, we need to get back to the guild," he instructed. "Let's move. Take Syra. I'll get on your back."

Lag nodded and came forth as his master wanted. Gale easily gave Syra to his golem before going behind Lag. He jumped onto Lag's back. His hands did not need to grip onto Lag's shoulders. Instead, Gale raked his fingers on Lag's back and made handles to grab on. His feet dug into Lag's back like they were magnetized and stuck to the golem.

"Move as fast as you can!" Gale roared. "I'll give you directions to the guild hall!"

Lag did not waste a second to break into a run. His strides were long and steady. He did not seem to have a problem wading in mud and rain and keeping his pace.

Gale glanced back to see Nayda still enshrouded in a mess of lightning and smoke.

That's not going to keep her for long.

A low rumble.

Gale turned his head the other way to see Erion's eyes following him. The noble pixiu lowered his head as he spoke in his native tongue.

Gale gave a nod in return.

Thank you…Erion. I promise I won't let your sacrifice be in vain.

°•°•°•°

Erion turned back to look at the cloud of smoke and static. He paced through the sky. He was not stupid. He knew Nayda would not hesitate to attack him when his back was turned. It might have been a dirty tactic, but it was a tactic, nonetheless.

But, Nayda did not appear.

Erion lashed his cloudy tail. He was ready for her to appear.

But, she did not.

Erion curled his lips into a snarl.

In an instant lash, the smoke and lightning were dispelled. Nayda had spread her wings out before her with her demonic eyes burning with wrath. In the Mûre River, whirlpools swirled viciously. Some cyclones had arisen to the call of their master and waited for their next orders.

Erion lifted his head into another warning roar. He did not want to do this to his other half.

Nayda gave no sign she heard him. Instead, she raised her head and gave an ear-shattering shriek. Waves of sound dispersed from her mouth and vibrated the air and the earth.

Erion was hit with the force of her shriek and found himself blown back onto the roof of a restaurant. He dug his claws into the roof to sustain himself but could not keep his head up as the force of her shriek drove him downwards.

°•°•°•°

The force of the shriek hit Gale's ears before his back and he gave his own cry of alarm. He bit down on his bottom lip to keep himself from screaming in pain but could not help grunting.

"Nnngh!" Gale lamented. "God, what the Hell is that? It's making my ears bleed!"

Syra let out squeaks of pain herself, tossing and turning under Lag's hold. Even the soulless golem felt himself being slowed down by the sound waves. Eventually, his long strides were shaky as he tried to fight his way down the street. It was as though shackles were keeping him from going any faster.

And, it was not just Lag who felt resistance. Mages all around Margaret Town found themselves at the mercy of such a shriek. Ellie and Briocoso and their fellow Mages in the sky had covered their ears in utter pain. The Dragon Slayers whined at such high-pitched grief. Commander Thaddeus clutched his cross necklace as his guards defended him. Erza found herself digging her sword into the ground and fell to one knee at the strength of such a shriek. Elvin was on the ground from the sheer force of it all and found himself howling in pain as well. Paige lost her Soul of the Cheetah and slammed into a wall at such a shriek. She squinted her eyes at the sky as she covered an ear.

Just what in the heck is that?

All those who had been confined into the healing pool felt as though their bodies were on fire and the only way to put it out was to run away. Nurses and volunteers and relatives alike were forced to hold town their loved ones and magical creatures as they writhed in agony and pleaded for someone to take the pain away.

°•°•°•°

Spezi watched Nayda screech from the comfort of the museum. His chimera had joined him and did not seem bothered by Nayda's shriek. Neither did, to be honest. They merely watched the spectacle, the chimera bored and Spezi satisfied.

"Now, this is a show," Spezi murmured. "Come, great suzaku, and show them in detail of the pain you felt from eons ago."

°•°•°•°

Nayda finished her shriek and looked blankly at Erion. She flapped her wings and a ripple of water came off them, gliding over Margaret Town.

°•°•°•°

Gary helped up Nashi who groaned from ringing in her ears. "God, what was that?"

"No time to wonder, Angel." Gary began leading Nashi down the street. "Come on. We need to get to some higher ground."

Just as the wave of water passed overhead, Nashi looked up to catch a glimpse of it. Her eyes narrowed.

The Hell was that?

It seemed like her question was answered when a raindrop bigger than a small child pelted from the sky and towards the duo.

Nashi's eyes widened. "Gary!" she tried to warn.

Gary looked up and came to an abrupt stop just as the large raindrop dropped onto the ground. He was quick to use his body as a shield and let his back take the brunt of the attack while he ensnared Nashi in a protective embrace. Nashi closed her eyes against him and allowed herself to feel the impact of the attack…

The attack that never came.

Gary eased his grip on Nashi as he turned to see the damage done. Nashi, too, peered past him to get a good look. But, what they saw surprised him. There was no hit or damage to the street or to themselves. The giant raindrop had stopped just before it could hit the ground. It just hovered over the earth like it was supposed to.

Nashi furrowed her eyebrows. "What's…going on?" she murmured.

And, she was not the only one who was confused.

All over Margaret Town, droplets the size of a seven-year-old floated near the surface. They bounced a bit, the water rippling, but did not dare touch the ground. Mages were confounded at the appearance of such watery wonders. Commissioner Eckhart and Jazz stared at theirs, Jazz growling at the strange droplet and moving into a defensive position to protect her master. Gale jumped off Lag to protect his golem and the ikenga. Amani held back his vrykolaka from charging at theirs. Some droplets had even stayed stranded in the air. Ellie was unsure of what to do about the one in front of her. Even the Mages and magical creatures in the healing pool had stilled in their pain and could breathe uneasily.

Paige stumbled as she tried to catch Elvin. She puffed and huffed but was determined to get to her cousin.

Don't worry, Elvin. I'm com—

Her thoughts stopped when she saw her cousin hunched on the ground on all-fours in a puddle of water. "Elvin?" she questioned.

Elvin only gave a feral snarl. "Stay…away," he tried to warn in a burly growl.

Paige did not heed his warning and kept coming closer. "Elvin, you're not in your right state of mind," she tried to remind. "We need to get you back to the guild."

Elvin's nails scraped across the stone. "Nnngh! Get back!" he barked. "I can't…control myself!"

Paige found herself scrunching her nose. "What do you mean?"

Elvin gave another low growl. "It…hurts," he hissed. "She's…telling me to…" He gave another snarl.

"Who?" Paige demanded to know. "Who's telling you to do what?"

"It's her—Ah!" Elvin cried.

Paige fell over herself to be at Elvin's side. "Elvin!" Her hands went to his back and rubbed it. "Don't worry, coz. We're getting you out of here," she promised over Elvin's yowls.

"No… Don't you see?" Elvin grunted out. "It's…a trap… Nnngh!"

Paige blinked her confusion. "A 'trap'?"

°•°•°•°

Nada gave a low growl. She flapped her wings as she gave another piercing caw.

°•°•°•°

"It's a trap—" Elvin broke into another groan of pain. "It's a trap…for all of us."

"'All of us'?" Paige echoed. "But, how could that—?" Her words broke off as another caw rang in the air. It was not as piercing as before. It was just a loud caw that would make anyone wince at the volume.

Elvin gave another groan as the water below him ripple. It snaked its way up Elvin's arms and legs and coated him.

Paige retracted her hands in worry. "Elvin?" she called. "Elvin?"

°•°•°•°

Nashi and Gary watched in trepidation as their droplet dipped into the earth. Instead of making a puddle, it turned into a blue Magic Circle. It was a small one but carried a seal nonetheless. It looked similar to waves swirling in a whirlpool with the head of the suzaku at its center. The Magic Circle glowed as though it had become activated. All over Margaret Town, the droplets had dripped into the ground to form activated Magic Circles. No one knew how to approach it. Should they run while they had the chance, or should they stay and face whatever was about to happen?

"What's going on?" Nashi wondered. Her hand went to the back of Gary's shirt and tugged it. "I don't like the look of this."

"Transform while we have the chance," Gary commanded, his eyes on the Magic Circle.

Nashi looked at Gary. "But…what about you?"

"I made it to S-Class by the use of my own ice, Angel." Gary did not turn to look at Nashi. "I made it without having to rely on him and I can do it now. Transform."

Nashi frowned but nodded. "Okay." She took a step back from him and allowed her Magic to embrace her. Her Magic Circle bloomed beneath her. "Seraphim!" she called.

I am here, Seraphim answered to her.

Pink covered Nashi's being. The celestial armor of the Seraph angel braced against her body. Wings sprouted from her back. Her eyes were covered by her metal band and she could feel her sword Urim and Thurimm in her hands. Her Magic cracked off her to show her in her angelic glory. She moved into a fighting stance with her swords at the ready and her wings flexing.

Gary wasted no time conjuring his own weapon. He placed a fist in an open palm. "Ice-Make: Hrunting!" he chanted. His knightly sword was in his hands in a matter of seconds and Gary wielded it with ease, sliding into a defensive stance. "Get ready, Angel."

"Right." Nashi murmured.

It did not take long for the Magic Circle to shift. The Magic Circles all over Margaret Town to raise from the ground. Summoned from the Magic Circles were creatures made strictly of water. Some creatures were small like bunyips. Others were quite large and had taken the watery shapes of Akkorokamui and Zaratans. Either way, all were equally threatening with their sapphire eyes glowing with hatred and their watery bodies taking the offensive. Nashi and Gary found themselves at the mercy of a merry who gave a low growl.

"A merrow?" Nashi named. Something surprised her. "Its Magic… I can't feel it."

The merrow gave a lion's roar. At its command, a wave of water lifted it and it rode the wave towards its two human opponents.

"Never mind that!" Gary left forward with his sword. "Let's go!"

Nashi nodded in agreement. "Right!" And, she spread her wings to soar into her next fight.

°•°•°•°

Gale watched as a Kelpie—it was a stallion, to be exact—formed in front of him. It stamped a hoof and gave a snort of mist.

Gale shifted a foot across the road and a barrier was put between himself and Lag and Syra. "Fist of Sugilite! Quartz: Rose Shield!" In his right hand was a black handle connected to a long black whip. A spiked ball of the gemstone sugilite was attached to the end of the whip. In his left hand was a round shield of rose quartz with the symbol of a rose at its center. "Lag, I want you to get Syra somewhere safe," he barked at his golem. "Once you have, stand-by!"

Lag nodded and turned around.

Syra's eyes opened slightly to see Gale prep himself for his battle. "Brrr…" came out of her mouth, woeful and guilt-ridden, as Lag ran away with her.

Gale whipped his whip and allowed the spiked ball to slam into the ground. "Come on, horsey," he goaded. "Let's see if I can break you."

The Kelpie gave a loud neigh and reared its front legs. It slammed them into the ground for a wave to surge at Gale.

Gale smirked. "It's going to take a lot more than some water to get this dragon down!" And, he charged his way into battle.

°•°•°•°

Paige was slammed back and let out a gasp as her back hit the wall. She panted and tried to regain her breath when a webbed hand grabbed her throat to choke her. Her eyes widened, and she squirmed, begging for breath. "El…vin," she croaked.

Elvin was not the same Elvin. His body was no longer human. He had gained the scaly complexion and hair full of water snakes the same as a Medusa. His fingers had sharpened into claws and his teeth were the same as a shark's. His glasses had fallen off during his transformation and left him with possessed eyes, ones of hatred and feral hatred as that.

Paige could feel herself growing lighter and lighter. "El…vin," she gasped.

Elvin snarled at her, his snakes hissing. His webbed hand pressed even harder on Paige's throat.

Paige made an odd choking noise as her eyes fluttered. Her body thrashed, though weakly, and tried to fight for one, two, three more seconds. But, in the end, her need to survive failed her. Her body went limp. Her eyes fluttered shut. She had passed out. She could not fight anymore.

Elvin merely dropped her and sprinted away. He craved to fight for his master. He craved to heed the call of the sea.

And, Paige fell to the ground, a crumpled mess of limps. The only thing to remind her of her time being conscious were the bruises around her neck.

°•°•°•°

Julia cowered behind her father as another attack tried to crack at his eyes. "Dad!" she warned, her voice rising higher.

Gray gritted his teeth as he reinforced his ice dome. "I know," he told his daughter. "I know."

Nurses, volunteers, and relatives had all been forced to take sanctuary under Gray's ice dome. They all watched in utter horror as the ones they were just trying to calm down turned on them in a mere blink of an eye. Three Undumihos blasted jets of searing water at the iced dome in attempts to crack it. A bunyip was doing its best to scratch and hack its way to its prey. Gray could only watch brokenhearted as Juvia and Silver worked together and used Water Slicer to slice their way to their family. The crave of blood, to feel flesh beneath their nails, was so wrong and so strong that Gray was forced to look away as Juvia growled like the animal she was not and continued using her Magic.

My ice is enough to hold them off…but for how long are we gonna have to stand here and watch this?

---

Mary Jane clutched her head. Her migraine pounded against her skull as though reminding her it was there and could destroy her at any moment. Mary Jane let out a hiss as it went away, though always thrumming in the background. "I really wish I had a drunk right now," she grunted. She continued her walk down the cave, though at a slower pace.

It pisses me off I don't know what's going on out there. Something tells me it's something bad and I'm not out there fighting. God, this sucks.

Mary Jane continued her pace down the hallway when another burst of pain erupted in her head. She gave a ragged cry as she dropped to her knees. It was the type of pain that you felt from the ends of your hair and the tips of your toes. She felt as though the apocalypse was raging in her head and nothing she could do would stop it. Tears gathered in her eyes as she opened her mouth.

What's…happening to me? What…is this pain?

STEP… STEP… STEP…

Mary Jane felt tears burning her skin as they dripped down her skin and onto the floor of the tunnel.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

A shadow fell close to Mary Jane.

Mary Jane gave a sniffling sob as she tried to lift her head. It was useless. It was like an invisible force was pushing her head closer to the ground.

STEP… STEP…. STEP…

The shadow befell Mary Jane.

Knees got onto the ground.

Cold hands wrapped around Mary Jane and brought her into a chest. Her tears did not stop, and the pain pulsed around painfully, but she at least had comfort as she sobbed and soundlessly screamed.

Fingers combed through her hair as words swirled around her. "I've got you, sweetheart," came a sweet vow. "I've got you…baby girl."

---

Gabriel came to a ledge at the edge of a forest. His eyes swept over the scene in front of him and he gave a nod of approval. "Come, Miss Luna," he said cheerfully. "We're near my home village!"

Luna came out of the woods with Lost leading her and Hugo following her. Her eyes looked to were Gabriel was looking and they widened. "Oh, wow!" she gasped.

The town below her may have been a work in progress, but it was a beautiful progression. Stone structures were finished or being finished. Rowing boots went up and down the streams with friendly boatman waving to one another. A great cathedral was being built and coming closer and closer to completion every day. Men worked together to lift stone from place to place with the help of their magical creatures while the women perfected lunch for their loved ones and watched the children play. A bridge was in near completion with large birds flying stones down to their masters.

Gabriel smiled widely. "Is it not beautiful, Miss Luna?" he asked her rhetorically. "This is my hometown. It may not be much now, but we are rebuilding what we have lost."

"Beautiful," Luna whispered. "What's it called?"

"This is Margaret Town," Gabriel informed.

Luna paused. "Get out," she gasped. "This is Margaret Town?"

Gabriel looked bewildered at her phrasing. "'Get out' of where?"

Luna shook her head. "Just an expression," she hurried in explanation. "So, let me get this straight… Margaret Town is your home?"

"Indeed," Gabriel verified quite amicably. He still, however, raised an eyebrow at Luna's skepticism. "You doubt this to be my home?"

"Um, n-no, I'm sorry. It's just…" Luna struggled for her next words. "It's just… This is a lot for me to take in," she blurted. "I've been thrown back in time to Margaret Town a little more than four hundred years ago and it's… I don't…" She lowered her eyes to her fingers, letting them intertwine. "I'm so confused," she confessed.

Knuckles brushed her cheek.

Luna jumped and her eyes darted up. Surprised chocolate clashed with soothing ruby. "Wh-What? What are you…?" she tried to ask.

"Do not worry, Miss Luna, for I will take you to my master," Gabriel told her promisingly. "She is a great Sorceress and will know the answer to return you to your time. She will be back from her trip tonight, so, in the meantime, will you accompany me to my home? I am certain my family would love to have you until then."

Luna blushed at his question. "Wait, what? Your home? Your"—she swallowed—"family?"

Gabriel retracted his hand as he blushed as well. His eyes looked away as though abashed. "I-I do not mean to be so forward. Please, do not feel pressure or obligation to join me," he added quickly. "However… If you have no place to sleep for the night, I would be happy for you to join me." His blush intensified when he realized his own words. "Wait, please, excuse my language! It would be improper of a lady to sleep with a man she is not wedded to. I do not mean I want to sleep with you or share a bed with you!" He backpedaled. "That does not mean I do not find you fairly pretty! You are! Radiant even!" He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "I have never been so inarticulate before," he mumbled. "My apologies for me making a fool of, well, myself."

Luna blinked. Then, she broke into a laugh. "Gabriel, please, I understood what you meant," she calmed. "I'm really thankful for any help you can give me. If your family will have me, I'll stay the night. And, you'll take me to this…sorceress…soon? Are you sure she can help?"

"Yes, indeed!" Gabriel sounded eager talking of his master. "My master is quite amazing! She walks amongst the stars and the spirits and even magical creatures!"

Luna smiled. "I'm happy to meet with him, then. Thank you, Gabriel, for your help." She began to make her way down the hillside. "Come on! I'm really excited to get into town! Let's go, Hugo!"

Hugo lopped after Luna without any delay.

Gabriel watched as Luna and Hugo made their way down the hill.

There is something warm around her… It shines so brightly. It is…strange. It makes me feel at ease.

A small yip.

Gabriel looked down to see Lost pacing in front of his master. The Umbrumiho looked at Luna's retreating figure, then back to Gabriel. He gave a small whine, then another yip.

Gabriel smiled. "Yes, Lost. Let us join them." His smile turned into an impish grin. "However, we shall join them our way."

°•°•°•°

Luna slid a bit on the hill and wobbled. "Woah!" she let out in a whoosh, nearly falling over. A pair of earthy hands pulled her back from falling and righted her. Luna glanced up to flash a smile at Hugo. "Thanks, Hugo," she appreciated.

Hugo merely blinked.

Luna turned back to the hillside to see she had a long way to go and frowned. "I didn't realize the town was this far," she noted. "Taking trains was way easier."

A laugh. "Would you care for a ride, then?"

Luna turned her head, furrowing her eyebrows. "What do you m—? Oh!" She let out a scream when she was suddenly scooped up in the arms of Gabriel. She squirmed and wriggled as she tried to fight her way out. "What's going on?" she shouted.

Gabriel laughed. "This is a much easier way to get home!" he chortled. He had managed to make himself a board made purely out of rock that rode the hillside like a surfboard rode waves. Lost kept his paws steady on the board and gave yips of excitement as they slid down the hillside.

Luna was amazed. She let out a laugh of her own. "You didn't tell me you're an Earth Mage!"

Gabriel tilted the board to the right to avoid a tree. "Is there something wrong with being one?" he questioned, fighting his own hilarity. He found himself approaching a dip in the hillside that would lead them to an earthy tunnel and took it.

Luna looked up at Gabriel with her eyes sparkling. "No," she promised. "Not at all!"

"Excellent." Gabriel tightened his grip on Luna. "Then, keep close to me!" He shot into the tunnel. With a smirk, he jolted them into a sharp right and forced his broad to ride the side of the tunnel.

Luna laughed and threw back her head. "This is so amazing!" she exclaimed with Lost yipping his agreement.

Gabriel followed the tunnel in all its dips and curves, never once faltering in speed. He could not help but to glance at Luna now and again as she watched in admiration of everything that was happening around her. His eyes glanced up when he saw the tunnel had a fork. He grinned. "How would you like to see something truly magical?" he shouted over the whip of the wind.

Luna met his eye with her own defiant grin. "Impress me," she challenged.

Gabriel let his grin morph into a smirk. "Whatever the lady would like," he obliged playfully. He steered the board to spin around in the tunnel to get into the left lane. He let out a whoop as Lost and Luna gave their own cheers of happiness. Gabriel steered them into the tunnel that seemed to turn in an endless left when Luna noticed something odd. Growing on the walls were odd gemstones. They did not look like anything she had ever seen. They looked like they were made of the ocean and were trapped in crystals.

Luna could not help but mumble, "Beautiful."

Gabriel's smirk broadened. "If you believe that is 'beautiful'," he began as they approached the end of the tunnel, "be prepared for a true spectacle!"

And, they shot out of the tunnel.

And, Luna was truly mesmerized. Her eyes reflected the shimmering ceruleans and emeralds she saw. "Unbelievable…"

Gabriel had led them into a cavern that held a flowing water and waterfalls that shined like they were made of starlight. It had an ethereal glow about it, gleaming in the deep blues and jades that filled pure oceans. Gemstones of the sea blossomed on every stone and even in the water. They gleamed with the stream, twinkling as though conversing to one another. The roof of the cavern shifted with the reflection of the stream and made it feel like the water was alive.

Gabriel looked around the cavern. "Is it not wonderful?" he breathed.

"It is," Luna said back, eyes wide open to take in the scene around her. "It really is."

Gabriel glanced down to capture Luna's awestruck expression. His eyes softened.

As are you.

He led his board out of the cavern and back into another tunnel. It did not take long for him to slow to a halt as they approached the edge of a tunnel that was being sealed by a wooden door. He set down Luna gently as Lost jumped off the board.

"Wow! That was…! That was just…!" Luna gave a gasping laugh. "Okay, that was totally wonderific!"

Gabriel chuckled as he stepped off his board. He approached the wooden doorway. "I do not know what 'wonderific' means, but I assume you are saying you enjoyed the ride?"

"Uh, duh!" Luna glanced back into the tunnel. "What was that place?"

Gabriel grabbed the handle of the wood door. "That, Miss Luna was a secret place only myself and master know." He pushed open the door. "And, now you do as well." He climbed into the next room, leaving Luna and Lost to follow.

Luna frowned when she realized she had been taken into a storage unit. It appeared to the boring basement of a house. Stone lined the walls with perishables on shelves and old antiques, dusty and cobwebbed. Lost sneezed when he sniffed a box.

"Um… Where are we?" Luna wanted to know as nerves gnawed at her stomach.

Gabriel gave her a breezy smile as he walked towards the wooden steps. "Do not worry, Miss Luna. I took us to my master's house," he informed.

Luna slowly followed Gabriel, but that did not mean she was trusting him or his judgement. She looked around as though something could jump out at her. "I thought she wasn't going to be home until later?" she questioned. Her eyes caught a spider eyeing her from a distance and she eyed it back, curious.

"She is not," Gabriel agreed as he made it to the steps. He climbed them. "However, the only exit from the tunnel I chose is her basement. Do not worry, Miss Luna. She will not mind us passing through her home."

Luna paused when she saw an old skeleton that looked like it had been alive. "She might not, but I do," she muttered and followed Gabriel.

°•°•°•°

A door creaked open and Gabriel came forth. He held the door open for Luna to come in with Lost hopping onto the first level and scampering elsewhere. Luna gasped while Gabriel shut the door behind her.

"Please, make yourself at home," Gabriel insisted. "My master does not mind guests. However, keep in mind that her artifacts are rarities."

Luna took tentative steps forward. "I… I will," she promised in a hoarse whisper. She tried to wrap her head around what she was seeing. "This…is your master's house?"

To say that the house was magical would be an understatement. It was drowning in magical knickknacks and artifacts and texts and even creatures. There were a series of clocks—grandfather clocks, hourglasses, sun dials, astronomical, pendulum clocks—were all ticking to different times like it was normal. The library did not sit on the ground in shelves. Instead, the bookshelves floated around like they were wandering for a place to sit. Birdcages floated as well. A Nachtkrapp did not mind snoozing in its cage. A rather grown Caladrius—a bird of glowing, white energy with quail features—flew about its cage. The ceiling, Luna had noticed, looked like it opened up to the Heavens with how obscurely exact it was with the night-sky. A river of starlight glittered with the stars forming their own constellations to show the humans they were there and watching them from above.

The floor of the house was odd in a magnificent way as well. A thunderbird's skeleton was on display. Two swords battled in endless dance as they fought each other across the room with no master. A rather large mirror that held no reflection floated in place. A living tree was growing inside the house with itself divided into four sections, each standing for a season. Stellanium and other foreign gemstones had been collected for observation.

Luna found herself drifting around the room, ignoring Gabriel as he busied himself. She allowed her fingers to drift over the rim of a birdbath that was presumably empty. She smiled when she saw the birdbath fill up with water. The water took the form of a boy who rose up from the basin to wave at Luna.

Luna chuckled to herself and waved back.

This is incredible. I can't believe someone lives here.

A small yip and scratches of paws caught Luna's attention. She looked down to see Lost looking up at her with his wild eyes and his three tails wagging. He gave another yip and darted away.

Luna followed him, curiosity taking over her. She could not help as her eyes lingered on possessions she had never seen. Empty pots of fertilizer bloomed into fiery flowers as she passed by. She looked over heard to see a drifting cloud carrying a load of books. Three butterflies made of pure Magic fluttered by her, tingling like little bells.

This is like every Mage's dream. I wonder what Gabriel's master is like.

A small yip broke her concentration and Luna stumbled to keep up with Lost.

Lost finally paused when they hit the hidden center of the room. He glanced back at Luna and yipped before padding off.

Luna lingered when she saw she had ended up. In the center were globes. There were two of them orbiting their own realms. But, they seemed closer than they should be. The orb higher in the room had clouds circling it and emitted a soft, blue glow. The orb lowered to the ground had rings of water always around it with orb a deep blue.

Luna found herself entranced with them and could not help it as her body moved forward. Her eyes were captivated from such a spectacle. "It's so weird, but… I feel like I…know them," she mumbled.

The orbs continued their orbit without any stopping.

Luna furrowed her eyebrows as she looked at the light-blue orb with clouds orbiting it.

It feels so light…like air…

Her eyes drifted to the deep-blue orbs.

And this one feels so smooth…and flowy…

Her eyes finally looked at the two of them as a whole. Pieces began to fall into place.

Water and light… The sea and the sky… Balance…

Luna could picture the great pixiu of the sky in his ethereal glory while the great suzaku of the sea stared at her in her radiant beauty.

Erion…and Nayda… The Guardian Duo…

A deep growl tore through Luna's thoughts.

Luna whirled around. Her eyes widened. "What…are you?" she whispered.

A creature appeared before her like she had never seen. It was larger than she had seen with most canines, sizing up to be taller than her by at least eight inches, though that was not counting what would happen if it stood up on its hind-legs. It had large paws for feet and notable blue eyes that glared at Luna with ferocity. It looked like a husky with its curled and fluffy tail, but more wolfish with its snowy white fur fluffed up and hackles raised. But, the most particular feature on it was the carrot atop its nose, something like a horn, something that reminded Luna of something else.

The canid creature stalked closer to Luna.

Luna took a step back but was too mesmerized to move. Her eyes could not live the canid's.

What is it? I sense something…magical…about it.

The canid creature allowed its nose to wrinkle as it sniffed Luna. It came closer to prod her with its nose and sniff her close. When Luna flinched away, the creature growled, and she was forced to stay in place as it continued sniffing her. It was assessing her. It was trying to consider her as friend or foe.

"Um… Hello," Luna greeted. "My name's Luna. I'm, um… I'm sorry if it looks like a broke in or somethin—" She was stopped when the canid creature suddenly backed away from her. Its snarl was gone, but its eyes scanned her. Not out of anger—out of simple curiosity.

It drew its head back.

Luna gulped.

Okay. I think it's made its decision.

The canid creature stared at Luna for one more moment. Then—

—Luna found herself knocked over as the canid creature covered her in playful nips and licks.

Luna found herself giggling and squirming to get away from such a velvety tongue. "Hey! Hey, wai—!" She broke into another fit of laughter. "Hey, I'm going to have to take another shower! Aren't we supposed to introduce each other first? Stop!"

A frown. "I see you are such a good guard dog, Icarus."

Icarus brought up his head to turn around at the voice. He barked twice with his tail wagging and got off Luna.

Luna brushed herself off and, in hilarity, noticed she was sticky. "Oh, my. I really will have to take another shower," she commented.

"And, just who are you?" came a snap.

Luna got up, trying to clean her face and tidy her hair. "I'm so sorry," she began with apology. "A new friend I made brought me into your home. I'm sorry if it looked like I was snooping or broke in." She turned to look at the source of the voice. "I didn't mean for it to l—"

"So, it was my apprentice, was it?" A tch. "Incompetent as always."

Luna tried to work her mouth, but only small, incomprehensible noises came out.

A raised, blonde eyebrow. "What? Can you not speak for yourself, girl?"

Luna blinked rapidly. "N-N-No… It's j-j-just… I mean… You… You're…"

What had stunned Luna was the woman she stared at. She was a confident woman with the body of a twenty-something and fit to boot. Her outfit was striking to look at, tickled in stardust and gentle blues. She did not wear shoes and opted to go barefoot, something peculiar to see on women. She held a key ring in her hand. Not an ordinary key ring. It was a key ring for Celestial Spirit Keys. From the looks of it, she appeared to have all twelve golden keys with the rare thirteenth as well and ten silvers that she kept on hand. Her left ear was pierced with a star dangling from it. But, what made it all the stranger to look at her were her eyes and her hair. Her eyes held a honey amber color to it. They might not have been warm. They were stern, no-nonsense, that sort of thing. And, her hair, while given a Perench braid, was a silky gold that could rival the setting sun and went down to her lower back.

The woman narrowed her eyes. "I am…?" she prompted.

"You're… You're…" Luna gulped. "You're my…Granny Anna?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The woman raised both her eyebrows. "Hold on just a moment… Did you say 'Anna'?" she echoed. Something clicked as she looked at herself. "I guess I do have the same resemblance to my sister." She looked back at Luna closely. "But, how did you know about her?"

Luna choked. "Wha—? 'Sister'?"

"Indeed," the woman verified. "My older sister. Or"—sadness flashed in her eyes—"was my older sister."

"Wait… Are you telling me…? Is she…? She's…?" Luna stumbled back as a hand covered an eye. She felt her body was being paralyzed by something wilder than fear. She felt like her body was being constricted with bafflement.

No… No, this can't be… This doesn't make any sense… Granny Anna had a little sister? And, she's… She's dead? But… This can't be…

DRIP.

The woman's eyes widened.

DROP.

Luna was sniveling as tears fell from her eyes. "No," she whispered. "No, this doesn't make any sense. She… She can't be dead. My granny ca-can't be… She can't…"

"Are you…crying?" The woman looked perplexed by the action. "I do not see the point in crying over a silly woman like her." She rolled her eyes at the mention of her sister and went to pet Icarus between the ears. "She tarnished the Heartfilia name and Magic itself."

"No. You don't get to say that."

The woman looked back to Luna to see the maiden of golden hair glared at her ancestor with fierce, chocolate eyes that burned with years.

"You don't have the right to say that about her," Luna snapped. "She didn't 'tarnish' anything! I looked up to her!"

"Then, your reserves about my sister were misplaced," the woman simply put. "She was foolish. Thinking us Mages were nothing more than treacherous Magi and should be enslaved." Her eyes gleamed with pure anger at the mention of such a derogatory word. "She calls us 'witches', 'warlocks'. Such traitorous names for us! She and that ghastly husband of hers had the nerve to try and use my spirits like slaves! And, you daresay you look up to such a monstrous wench?"

Luna had to backtrack at that. "Wait… She wasn't…a Celestial Spirit Mage?"

"Pardon me?" The woman, then, shook her head. "If you mean she was not a Star Maiden, then you are, indeed, correct with that and fortunately so. She was not, thank His Shining Majesty. She rejected the call of the stars that runs deep in our blood, all for the sake of 'true love'." She pushed her bangs out of her face. "All poppycock. Nothing more than lies. Her 'true love' was nothing more than a coward of court who made trade to Bosco. He married her to get to me and tried to sell my spirits." She brought up her key ring to look at it. Her eyes dimmed in anger to blossom in love. A smile played on her lips. "My spirits cannot be sold into slavery for they are not meant to be slaves. They are my family and I am theirs."

Luna tried to wrap her head around what she heard.

Wait, so… Granny Anna is a Celestial Spirit Mage. But, back in time, she wasn't? And, she's dead? All of this is too confusing.

"Miss Luna? I found your golem for you," came a call. "He was just wandering in the—O-Oh! Greetings, Master Meira!" came nervous salutation.

Luna and the woman looked over to see Gabriel coming from behind Luna to stay at her side. Hugo lumbered behind him, his eyes settling upon Luna. Perhaps, if he had emotions, he would look relieved to see his charge.

Meira steeled her gaze as she looked at Gabriel. "So," she sneered, "you dare show your face in my home and bring an outsider? Do you lack respect for me? For my solitude?"

Gabriel shook his head frantically, comically even. "Master, please, i-i-it isn't like that!" He gestured to Luna. "Master, this is Miss Luna Dragneel. She comes from the future," he began to explain.

Meira sharply looked at Luna. "'The future'?" she repeated.

Luna dried her tears to nod. "Yes, ma'am. I, uh… Well…" she started slowly.

This is so awkward. How am I supposed to explain this without messing anything up?

She closed her eyes and sighed.

Thinking about it now, I already messed up the future by someone from this time period seeing me. What do I have to lose now?

Luna's eyes opened and determination was written in them. "Greetings, Miss Meira. My name is Luna Dragneel, and Gabriel is right—I'm from the future," she informed. "Before I came back here, there was a terrible fight going on between the guardians of the sea and sky of Margaret Town, Nayda and Erion."

Meira blinked her surprise. "You know of them?"

Luna nodded. "Mmm. In my time, they're fighting each other," she described. "Well, Nayda started it. She seemed…possessed by something. All I could sense from her was never-ending anger and pain. She nearly killed my friends and I when Erion rescued us." Her eyebrows furrowed. "The last thing I remember was wishing to be save the people of Margaret Town and Nayda from herself. And, when I woke up, I was thrown back in time. I think… No, I know it was Syra who took me back in time. Oh, and Hugo."

Meira raised an eyebrow. "And, who is this…'Syra'? A Mage who has tried to break the laws of time?"

"No, ma'am," Luna denied. "She's an ikenga."

This time, even Icarus looked surprised as Meira's eyes shimmered. "An 'ikenga'? Those are rare creatures. They do not show face unless there has been a distortion of time," she muttered aloud, though it sounded aimed to herself. Her eyes went to Hugo. "And, what of the golem? What was the purpose of his existence?"

"For one, he's my friend's golem," Luna clarified. "My friend made him to protect me from the fight and I guess came back with me. He must've gotten caught up in Syra's Magic."

Meira began to nod to herself as she tried making sense of it all. "And, you said your name was 'Luna Dragneel'?" When Luna nodded, Meira had to wonder, "What are the names of your parents? Maiden name of your mother as well."

Luna swallowed. "U-U-Um… Are you sure it's a good idea for me to say that? I know I've already messed with time with me being here and talking to you, but—"

"Their names, if you please," Meira cut in.

Luna sighed. "Natsu and Lucy Dragneel," she named. "My mother's maiden name was…"—she looked directly at Meira—"Heartfilia."

Meira did not look as particularly shocked as she should have been and nodded triumphantly to herself with a grin on her face. "Makes sense. The blonde hair, the brown eyes, and early-blooming chest? You are most certainly a Heartfilia," she decided with pride.

Luna was slack-jawed and hilariously so.

She's taking this better than I expected.

She looked down at her chest and touched it.

Are my boobs really that big for my age?

"I have never heard of 'Dragneel'. However, if you turned out as lovely as you did, I am positive he cannot be a horrible man," Meira said kindly. "Why, he must have an appreciation for the world and is kind to it. He must be a respectful man as well." She barked her laugh. "I could not imagine any descendant of mine marrying a man who only destroyed!"

A sweat drop appeared on Luna's head as she laughed nervously. "No, of course not. Papa is really nice to my mama. He treats her like a queen!"

Despite the fact that he's the Etherious Demon King, drives Mama up the walls, and could destroy a whole country before breakfast…

"What I do not understand is your last name," Meira commented. "Why are you not a 'Heartfilia'? It is customary for a man to take on the last name from our clan."

Luna did not know what to say. "I-I… Well, I—"

"Do not tell me he was too proud to bow to a woman." Meira rolled his eyes. "Men these days. Too afraid to give up their masculinity. If this 'Natsu' man thinks he will get away for stealing the right of being a Heartfilia—!"

"Um, no, that's not it," Luna assured. "I really don't know why I'm a 'Heartfilia', but it wasn't because my papa was too proud."

Internally, she felt herself sweating bullets.

I do know because Granny Anna was really upset about it too. Mama has 'Heartfilia-Dragneel' to keep Granny Anna happy, but Papa was a whole 'nother story.

She could remember it so clearly as she watched her father hid behind her mother while a furious Anna glared at him.

"Lucy wanted to take my last name, so don't get mad at me!" Natsu defended. "This is her fault!"

Lucy had a sarcastic smile on her face. "Blaming your wife? How chivalrous."

Anna waved a finger at a scared Natsu. "Mark my words, Igneelson, she will always be a member of the Heartfilia Clan before she's a Dragneel and so will her children! The Heartfilia name will not die!"

Natsu gave a shaky thumb- up. "Aye, sir," he agreed miserably.

Luna could only give a funny smile at her father's cowardice.

My papa… So brave...

Meira searched Luna's body. "So, where are your keys? A Heartfilia woman never leaves her home without them."

Luna gave an awkward laugh. "Oh, right, about that… I'm, um… I'm not a Celestial Spirit Mage like my mama."

Or my grandmother or my granny or my godmother… Come to think of it, neither is Nashi. Did we just ruin a tradition?

Meira and Icarus were both wide-eyed at that. "What? You mean to tell me you are not a Star Maiden?" Meira gasped.

Luna fell to the floor. "That's what surprise you?"

Gabriel chuckled a bit, making Luna looked at him. "Excuse my master. She can be quite eccentric," he jested. "You should see her when the royal soldiers parade into our village. In particular—"

HISS.

Luna (bug-eyed) watched as Gabriel (blissful) dodged a knife that was headed straight for his head. Noises of shock came out of Luna's mouth as she saw the knife pierced straight through a bookshelf.

What type of knife is that? That could've seriously killed someone!

"Gabriel," came a snarl.

Luna turned around. Sweat poured profusely out of her forehead as she saw her ancestor shaking Gabriel back and forth with a look of rage about her while Gabriel smiled peacefully.

"I told you to never mention such stories in the presents of guests, you incompetent apprentice, I should kill you while I still have the chance," Meira seethed at him.

"But, Master, then you will have no one to put up with your horrendous temper," Gabriel teased. He tossed her a sly look as he covered his mouth. "Though, I am certain that one Royal knight would be happy to indulge such an unladylike attitude. What was his name again? The one with the gorgeous hair and has arms you wish to be held in all-day?"

Meira found her face burning red as smoke came out of her ears.

Gabriel chuckled to himself. "You certainly have the eyes for him, Master, in all your desperation to find yourself a husband. Your biological clock is ticking. Is it not time for you to settle down?"

Meira flexed her hand for a whip handle to material in her grasp. "I shall show you, you arrogant apprentice," she hissed. She whipped the whip handle for the flowing stream of cerulean and orange to appear and aim for Gabriel.

Luna's eyes widened.

Wait… That looks like Mama's Fleur d'étoiles.

Gabriel evaded the whip with ease, angering Meira even more as she tried her damndest to hit him. "You are getting slow, Master," he laughed, jovial.

"Stay still so I may kill you!" Meira snarled.

Luna sweat-dropped.

And, she uses it just like Mama uses it. She really is my ancestor. And, I really am in the past.

Something popped in Luna's head and made her raise her hand. "Oh. I have a question."

Meira and Gabriel stopped their banter to look at Luna.

"So," Luna started, "since this is the past after all… Is there a bathroom you could point me to or an outhouse maybe?"

°•°•°•°

Meira finished pouring the milk for the milk tea while Gabriel hunkered down on the sandwiches made like it was his last meal. Luna was settled at the table with Icarus laying at the side of his master, snoozing away. Lost sat by his master's side as though hoping for table scraps to sate his hunger. Hugo had been given a seat, though it was comical seeing the hulking golem sitting in a chair.

"So… The guardians?" Luna prompted.

"The guardians you speak of of the sky and sea are considered 'gods' in Margaret Town," Meira told Luna. She finished with the tea and waved her hand. Spoons and pots arrived with honey and sugar and tended to both Kuna and Meira's tea. Gabriel was fine with water.

"'Gods', huh?" Luna murmured, fascinated as she watched the spoon stir in a dash of honey and a pinch of sugar.

"Aye," Meira confirmed. "Gods." She snapped her fingers and her teacup came to her, abandoning the spoon trying to stir it. She grabbed the teacup and took a sip. "When this town was first founded, natives had warned the people about the god of the sea and storm and the god of the sky and winds. Should the people mistreat nature, the gods would descend Hell upon the people. Insofar, the people have done well to work alongside creature and build their home."

Luna was offered her teacup and took it, looking into it. "So, wait… No one here…mistreats nature?"

Gabriel swallowed down his sandwich and grabbed another. "Not anyone here," he confirmed. "In fact, it is quite normal for the people to have a magical creature at their side." He offered the sandwich to Lost who took it with a grateful growl. He smiled at his Umbrumiho. "It was a stroke of luck I found Lost. He was just a baby who had gotten separated from his mother." His hand reached down to scratch in-between Lost's ears. "He has been my companion ever since."

Meira smiled and glanced around her home to see the magical creatures who had made their nest within her haven. "Many creatures come and go as they please from my home, but all know they are a friend of mine and of my spirits. Icarus quite enjoys his role of caretaker. Many creatures respect him." She waved a hand.

A bowl of tea appeared before Icarus. He lazily woke up from his nap and glanced up at his master to give her a bark and a languidly lick on the arm.

"But, that doesn't make any sense."

Meira and Gabriel shared confused looks with Luna who stared into her tea.

"I… I know I'm not supposed to talk about the future, but what you're saying… It doesn't add up with what happens in the future," Luna told.

"What happens?" Gabriel wanted to know.

Luna gave an uneasy look at Meira.

Meira gave her a tiny nod back.

Luna began to tell her tale. "In the future, I learned the people of Margaret Town didn't respect nature for what it was. You abused it and polluted it. In response, Nayda and Erion rose and destroyed the town because they were thought the other was polluting their territory." She could remember Gale's telling of the story and the screams she heard. "A champion stopped the duo from destroying the town even more, but the whole story depicts the people of Margaret Town as nature-haters."

"But, that is not true!" Gabriel cried, standing from his seat. "We care for nature and all its creature," he insisted. "We would never do anything to disrespect it!"

"Peace, apprentice," Meira soothed, making Gabriel sit. Her eyes stayed on her descendant. "I have a feeling my blood knows this now. And, even then, you doubted such a tale."

Luna ducked her head. "I did," she admitted. "The people I saw… They were so peaceful, you know? Humans and magical creatures lived side-by-side. The story says, though, that you only became that way after you saw the error of your ways, but…" She bit her nail of her thumb. "I don't know. It just didn't add up."

"The tale woven in the future is one full of lies," Meira disclosed to end all debate. "I am as sure of that as I am as sure one of my blood would visit me on the day before the festival."

Luna perked at that. "What 'festival'?" She realized it instantly. "You don't mean the Festival of Gratitude, do you?"

"We do!" Gabriel seemed to forget his aggravation to beam excitedly at Luna. "To celebrate gratitude for the freedom this country has given us, we celebrate in the happiest way we can to show off the diversity and companionship our first king gave us when he founded this land. That and the third day will mark the completion of our new bridge!" He grew coy as he shuffled his feet. "I would love for you to join in the festivities," he revealed. "I know you came from the future Margaret Town, but I would be honored to accompany the descendant of Master." He blushed furiously and waved his hands. "Please, do not think me too forward! I do not wish to engage in courtship with one of blood from my master—!"

A sharp glint.

Gabriel swallowed when a knife was close to prodding his Adam's apple. He found himself sweating as Meira murderously glared at her apprentice.

"What is so wrong with my descendant, apprentice?" she hissed. "She is quite beautiful and the stars agree. Do you not agree?"

Gabriel's smile was shaky. "It is not that, Master. Your successor is beautiful! She outshines the moon!"

"Then, what is your reasoning for hesitating in courtship with her?" Meira snarled, poking him with her knife. "How dare you insult a member of the Heartfilia bloodline, you impudent snake!"

Gabriel's face burned red as he waved his hands comically, trying hard to move away from his growling superior. "Please, Master, I would not dare insult such a charming bloodline!" he blurted.

Luna watched as Meira Heartfilia grilled her apprentice about his opinions on her descendant and Gabriel Redfox spluttering answers, trying not to get himself killed with a slip-up.

It's…weird, almost. Meira reminds me of Mama. She's strong and fierce and protective like big, grizzly bear. And, Gabriel… He's different.

Gabriel's eyes widened when Meira closed in on him, stammering out any sort of reply that would save his life.

He's like me. He gets embarrassed easily. And, his blush is kind of cute. Luna found herself amused at the thought. Just wait until I tell—

A back walking away with no looking back, with no regrets.

Luna's eyes dimmed as she remembered his fangy grin and playful eyes. "Gale," she could not help but mumble.

Meira continued to threaten Gabriel, but Gabriel glanced over at Luna. He noticed the grave look in her glimmering eye. He could see memories swirling in her head and her trying to process them. He looked away, growing somber on his own.

°•°•°•°

Meira stood at the top of her front steps with Gabriel, Hugo, Lost, Luna on the ground. Luna had been given a cloak to hide her clothing and a pack of food, money, and other necessities to keep. Luna looked oddly sober with Lost winding around her legs, entranced with her scent. The house of Meira Heartfilia looked painfully normal. It was a simple cottage that nature had grasped with her own mossy hands. The brick was covered in green, but still you could see the bits of stone underneath. You would have never guessed such a normal cottage held such Magic inside.

"There," Meira grunted. "Those clothes I packed for you are from when I was your age. I had been meaning to send them off to the nearest orphanage, but you may borrow them until the stars guide me to the answer of getting you home."

Luna's eyes did not leave their low state. She bowed in respect. "Thank you," she mumbled.

Meira took a step down at a time with Icarus watching her closely. "You are my blood, little star, and blood shall protect blood." She came to the ground and came close to Luna. Her hands reached out to be placed on Luna's cheeks.

Luna looked up.

Grave chocolate clashed with warm honey-amber.

Meira gave Luna a certain smile. "We shall return you to your time, little star. That is a promise. The stars have never once failed me. They are the ones who told me of the arrival of a new moon."

Luna was surprised. "They did?"

Meira nodded. "Aye," she confirmed. "To some, stars represent the fallen of the past. To others, stars stand for the light of the future. And, to the rest, the stares are just there in the present. But, stars are the past, present, and future. They are wise and guide those who will listen."

"But, I'm not like you or my mama," Luna argued. "I'm not a Celestial Spirit Mage or a Star Maiden or Queen. I'm just—"

"You are just yourself." Meira thumbed Luna's cheeks and searched her eyes. "You are yourself and that is all we could ask for. I see the light inside you, pure and waiting for a time to arrive. Like all of the Heartfilia Clan, you have the ability to walk among the stars as their ally, as their friend, and seek their guidance. It is your birth right."

Luna still looked unsure of that. "But—!"

"My apprentice will ensure no means of harm comes to you," Meira promises. "He has promised to bring you to his home before leaving you to sleep. You need rest, little star. You golem may come on this journey with you. While golems are uncommon, you must let Hugo be Gabriel's golem as an excuse for him to be made. And"—she glanced back for Icarus to come forth—"Icarus has agreed to stay by your side."

Luna started shaking her head, abashed. "Oh, no, he's your spirit! I couldn't ask you to—!"

"You think I control his actions?" Meira snorted, amused at the thought. Icarus came to her side and she rubbed his jaw. "I cannot control his desires the same as he cannot control mine. He is my equal and is free to do as he pleases like all of my spirits. In fact, little star, he was the one who insisted he comes to look after you."

Luna blinked and her eyes flickered down to the spirit in question. "U—… H-He did?"

"Icarus will be there for you as he has for me," Meira promised. "He is a breed called Cliffords, Canis Minor."

Luna furrowed her eyebrows as she took in Icarus' size. "'Canis Minor'? That means 'lesser dog', right?"

"Correct."

And, Plue is a Nikora, Canis Major, or a Greater Dog. But…

She could see Plue and Icarus standing against a backdrop with heights marked. Plue's height barely made it to one foot while Icarus was over five and a half feet.

She could feel her eyes swirl.

How is that Plue is supposed to be a Nikora and he's small and doesn't do battling well, but Icarus is supposed to be a Clifford and is bigger than me? Where is the logic in this? Were they misnamed?

Icarus padded forward, shattering Luna's thoughts, and stared her straight in the eye. Luna swallowed and tried her best to stare at the spirit of the lesser dog but found herself nervous for his judgment.

What's he thinking of me? He probably thinks I'm a disappointment. Ancestor Meira is so much more accomplished and I can feel the greatness of her Magic Power. All I have to offer is luck at the weirdest of times.

Icarus wrinkled his nose as he drank in Luna's scent, making her flinch. He finished his assessment and puffed air from his nose. He dipped down his head to give Luna a lick on her forehead before taking a paw-step back.

Luna blinked. "Um… What does that mean?"

Meira only hummed, but her eyes shifted to Icarus.

It means, pup, we may speak, came a rumble.

Luna's mouth opened when she heard the voice slipping into her mind. It was not intrusive. It was just there. "What? What was—?" Her looked up at Icarus and pointed at the great spirit. "Y-You!" she squeaked. "B-But—! I thought only contracted spirits could—!"

We had better proceed, pup, Icarus thought to her gently. We do not wish to stay too long. The sun will grow dark and you are tired. His eyes went to Gabriel and he barked at him.

Gabriel nodded and bowed to Meira. "Thank you for the food, Master," he appreciated. "And, thank you for believing my word. I apologize for causing trouble."

"It is quite all right," Meira promised. "However, we will discuss your punishment for allowing an intruder later. For now, please, take my blood and allow her a bed. All expenses will be paid for by me."

Gabriel bowed lower. "Not to sound rude, Master, but I will pay for her," he decided. "She is my guest after all and my responsibility. I am honored you would leave your successor in my care. Allow me to tend to her every need."

Luna blushed at that.

Wait a second! 'Every need'? What's that supposed to me?

Meira came forward to put a hand on Gabriel's head, rubbing. Her eyes softened, tender with the affections of philia, of innocent love, of familial love. "I would not have tasked you with such a high honor if I found you unworthy, my apprentice. I trust you to take care and provide for her."

This is sounding suspiciously like a mother talking to her new son-in-law, Luna thought nervously.

"I will not disappoint you, Master," Gabriel said. He straightened, but his did not sparkle like his master's. "However, we need a cover story for the lady."

Meira nodded. "I have already thought of that," she told. She turned to Luna. "What is your middle name?"

"Um, Anna, ma'am," Luna answered.

Meira furrowed her eyebrows at that. "What about your mother?"

"Lucy."

"We shall use that, I suppose. Lucy Heartfilia is your new name. You are the daughter of my late-sister," Meira spun in tale. "As she died and did not respect the stars, you were taken under my care. I hid you as a way to prevent scandal. Your lack of politics and knowledge of this time will come from my sister and her husband's clear neglect. As I am busy with my research, my apprentice has extended a hand in taking care of you."

Luna nodded. "Thank you, ma'am."

"And no more of this 'ma'am' nonsense," Meira said. She offered a soft beam. "We are family, are we not? You may call me 'Auntie'. It would only be appropriate."

Luna smiled. "Okay. Thanks, Auntie Meira."

"We had better be going," Gabriel announced. He would not meet Luna's eyes and only looked at Meira. "I would like to make it into town before Father worries I won't make it home for dinner."

"Right. Of course." Meira took a step back. "Safe journey to you all."

"Thank you," Gabriel and Luna chirped before Gabriel turned and walked away, Lost directly on his heels. But, just as Gabriel passed Luna, she caught the sight of his eyes.

And chocolate flickered in confusion as ruby stayed sad.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Let's check back in with everyone else in the present!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The evacuation center was held in a convention center that had been made of reinforced steel and bulletproof glass. The exhibition halls were filled with the residents and guests of Margaret Town and their friendly neighbors. Water, rations, blankets, and medical supplies was given out to each family based on their party. A young father kept playing games with his four-year-old son to keep him from seeing the dark weather. A nurse handed another family two mats and blankets.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Yuusuke Watanabe Convention Center of Shenzhen Town. Mostly, comic book exhibitions are held there, but it can be converted into an evacuation center. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Poseidon screamed his success on his Portal MagiK Console while Pulan groaned his failure. Pim sat comfortably on his mother's lap, falling asleep to his brother's arguing. Mara was helping Eloise teacher Evergreen sign language. Liberty had taken to playing with James with Aine while Mira kept to herself, wearing Laxus' jacket and listening to his music. A few other Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale members were scattered about as well, all unhappy they had to leave when their guild members had to stay and fight.

CRACK. CR-CRACK.

GRR. GRRRRRRRRRRR.

Evergreen looked up at the noise of a distant storm. "I can just feel the storm getting worse," she remarked.

Eloise pouted worriedly at her mother. "Does this mean we can't go home?"

Evergreen beamed back at her daughter. "Sorry, sweetheart, but maybe not tonight," she said. "But, that just means we can have a huge sleepover! What do you say?"

Eloise brightened and looked at Mara. "Do you think you could teach me more Sign Language?"

Mara smiled and nodded.

Eloise clapped excitedly. "Hurray!"

Families upon friends had grouped together to comfort each other from the thought of their homes being destroyed. But, there was one group worried over something else.

Nolan fanned his beat-red face to calm himself. "How could we let him run off?"

Bane rolled his eyes, sitting closer to Ekho. "We never 'let' Petey do anything, jackass. He does what he wants," he snapped.

"Mellow the attitude, Killing Joke," NJ snapped back. She looked at her Compact in frustration. "The storm is throwing off any signal and it's killing me we don't know where he is." She looked up at Bleu who was the most silent and gave him a look. "You're the one that let him slip away. Why didn't you stop him?" she wanted to know.

"Because what would be the point in that." Bleu's eyes trailed something faraway. "I might not look it, but I'm always watching. And, the way Pete was at the station… He was looking for someone and needed to find them. He needed to know they were okay."

"Who, Mary Jane?" NJ scoffed at the notion. "She's a Fairy Tail Mage ranked A-Class, isn't she? She's called the Dark Empress. We've seen her powers on LV before. A girl that kickass can take care of herself. Pete didn't need to find her."

Ekho looked uncertain. "I don't know about that, NJ. Didn't you get that weird vibe from them when we met her?"

NJ whirled on Ekho. "What vibe?"

Ekho shrugged. "I don't know. It was just a weird vibe. It's like they were each other's mua'geh," she compared.

Even Bane had to agree. "Chick might be uptight, but yeah. They kind of felt like it."

"He's still missing," NJ retorted. "Pete's gone, and we can't even track him down!" She put the butts of her palms into her eyes and sighed. "How could we let this happen?" she lamented.

Nolan shuffled to comfort his step-sister. "Don't worry, Sissy. You know our Petey can basically handle anything. If anything, the Lamia Scale Guild or the guards found him and took him in," he soothed.

Ekho smiled. "Yeah! And, once we find him, you can punish him all you want!"

Bane smirked. "Kinky."

"Piss off," NJ groaned.

"He'll be all right," Bleu promised. His eyes went to the ceiling as the weather. "It's someone else I worry about."

---

When Mary Jane felt her body start to function, she heard quiet murmuring.

"—really?"

"Yeah," came a sigh. "But, dude, I'm trusting you with this."

"Nah, I get it. Thanks, man."

"It's cool."

Mary Jane gave a grunt as she woke up again. She could hear two sets of footsteps come closer to her as she woke up.

"MJ?"

"Baby girl?"

Mary Jane groaned as she opened her eyes. When she saw who was staring at her, she shut her eyes. "Oh, my God, Hell exists," she bemoaned.

Chuckles floated around her.

"Come on, MJ, we're not that bad."

Mary Jane opened her eyes to see both Peter and Igneel gazing down at her. "Yes, you are," she muttered. "You both piss me off."

Peter smiled while Igneel laughed. He brushed aside Mary Jane's bangs. "And that just means we have to stick around until your opinion changes, baby girl," he told her. His hands traveled to her back. "Let's get you up."

Mary Jane sat up with Peter's help and a hand touched her temple. "My migraine's gone…" She looked between both boys. "What the Hell happened?"

Peter and Igneel exchanged glances and, for once, they both had looks of worry.

"Um… MJ, you passed out," Igneel explained slowly. "And, you…kind of had a nightmare."

"Well, that's normal when I don't have my Sound Pod," Mary Jane stated as though it was an obvious fact. Her gaze went to Peter's irritated one. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," Peter gritted out. He looked away. "It's absolutely nothing."

Mary Jane raised her eyebrows. "Oh-kay, then," she supposed. She looked at Igneel. "Any signal yet?"

Igneel shook his head as he tugged at his scarf. "Nothing. From what I hear, the storm is just getting worse."

Mary Jane frowned unhappily. "Great. So, I'm stuck with the two of you." Something clicked in her head. "But, wait…" She turned to Peter. "If the storm is that bad, how the heck are you here?"

Irritation was pushed back as Peter smirked. "I'll always find you, baby girl, don't you worry."

Mary Jane scowled as she pushed both boys away to stand up on her own. "That makes me worry even more," she snapped. "God, I don't want to be stuck with you two. I can feel the stress hit me." She began to walk away. "I need to be elsewhere."

"Last time you did that, you passed out," Peter called.

Mary Jane only gave him the middle finger.

Peter laughed. "Damn. Is she always like this?"

Igneel grinned. "Yup, that's MJ. She's fiery." He clapped Peter on the shoulder as he stood up. "I better see what else I can hunt in here. She'll come back when she's hungry."

Peter could not help but follow Mary Jane's retreating figure, his thumb toying with his bottom lip. "So, what else can you tell me about her?"

Igneel began to stoke the fire. "What do you want to know?"

Peter turned to grin at Igneel. "Anything that bumps up my chances."

---

Lucy finished off her own watery creature on a rooftop in her Star Dress: Leo Form. She panted a bit. She was soaked to the bone and the cold nipped at her skin but did not care. She had other problems.

I have to find her. I can't lose her again.

Loke was the one to answer her. Don't worry, Lucy. All of us are out looking for her. Actaeon and Lelantos are trying hard to pick up any trace her scent in the rain. We'll find her.

She could be hurt, Lucy lamented. Or worse.

My niece will be fine, Aquarius assured. She might be like you and gets herself in trouble, but we'll bail her out of it. So, stop just sitting there useless and get to it!

Lucy nodded. Of course.

Lucy jumped from the roof as she allowed her Star Dress: Leo Form to dissolve off her in exchange for something new. She took out her silver key with the symbol of the Crane on it.

"Open! Gate of the Crane! Grus!" Lucy commanded as she touched the ground.

DING-DONG!

Grus appeared in his expensive suit and a look of disdain. He looked at his mistress. There was still respect in his eyes—she was a Star Queen, after all, and a mistress who treated him right—but his natural arrogance preceded him. "You called, Mistress?" he sniffed.

Lucy smiled, thought it was stiffly. "Grus, I need your wings," she told him. "Will you help me?"

Grus looked like he would rather be anywhere else but nodded as gold overtook him. "As you wish, Mistress," he grunted.

Lucy watched as Grus turned into gold Magic. The Magic bolted from the ground and rounded and clung onto Lucy's back. They expanded into large wings and the gold dissolved into the powerful wings of the crane. Lucy looked up at the sky.

Take us up, she commanded.

Grus grunted in her thoughts. Yes, Mistress.

The wings gave a powerful flap and lifted Lucy off the ground. She found herself being taken higher than the rooftops. She could see guild mates and allies in the heat of battle against creatures.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAH.

Lucy did not flinch but turned to see the battle of the two guardians in the distance. She could see the pixiu had moved to defend the bridge as the suzaku butted against him, snapping at his neck.

So, this is what it's come to… Why? Why is this happening?

Her eyes caught onto a flash of pink hair and a stumbling body. "Wait. Is that…?"

Grus, can you get me over there?

The wings began to flap.

Of course, Mistress, Grus grunted.

°•°•°•°

Meredy panted as she held onto the side of a wall. Rain dripped off her hair and her glasses were fogged. She took them off to wipe the rain from her face.

This is bad. I need to find Lee.

"Hey! Meredy!" came a distant call.

Meredy looked up to see Lucy landing close to her with crane wings flapping. "Wait… Lucy?"

Lucy touched the ground and the crane wings folded, waiting to be used once again. She jogged to Meredy. "Meredy, what are you doing out here?" she wanted to know.

"I have…bad news," Meredy panted out. "It's… He's back, Lucy. He's here."

Lucy furrowed her eyebrows. "What? Who's here?"

Meredy looked up at Lucy with horrified eyes. "He's back, Lucy. Bluenote… He's back."

Lucy paused. "Wait a second… 'Bluenote'?" She began to shake her head. "But, he's…"

"He was never put into prison," Meredy cried. "He's here, Lucy! He's back!"

"Are you sure?" Lucy wanted to know. "Why would he be back? Why would he even want to be here?"

"He's a follower of Zeref," Meredy tried to explain. "I should've found him when I had the chance. He's here, Lucy." She began to sway, and Lucy caught her. Much to Lucy's surprise, Meredy was shaken like her nightmare was a reality. "He's here. What are we going to do?"

Lucy rubbed Meredy's back slowly. "Let's get you back to the guild hall," she murmured.

CRACK. CR-CRACK.

Lucy looked up as lightning scattered across the sky.

Luna, Igneel, wherever you are, we're going to find you both. I promise.

And the sky roared again.

---

Luna followed Gabriel with her head down and her fingers interlocked. Lost kept up with his master, though could not help but to glance back at Luna every once and a while. Hugo took up the rear obediently while Icarus stayed at Luna's side. He glanced at Gabriel before turning to look at Luna's despondent expression.

He reminds me of the one you call 'Gale'? Icarus assumed.

Luna jumped a bit at Icarus' voice and Icarus chuckled at that wolfishly. My apologies, pup. I did not mean to surprise you, he thought.

"No, it's, um… It's okay," Luna tried to brush off. "I'm just not used to the whole Telepathy thing, I guess."

Icarus glanced at Gabriel. You may want to speak only in thought to me, pup. He, too, has ears and they even rival mine.

Luna blush a bit. Oh, right. Sorry, she apologized.

It is all right. You are young. There is much you will learn. Now—Icarus twitched an ear—what is the reason for your silence, pup? Missing your family?

Well…sort of, I guess, Luna supposed quietly. I mean, of course I miss them. And, I probably worried them. But, I know that they're doing okay in the present. They're really strong. But I… She remembered Gale walking away from her and saddened. I left off pretty badly with my friend.

And, that was this… 'Gale'?

Yeah, Luna sighed. I know messing with time isn't good. Mama says there's always consequences for it. And, now that I'm here, what's going to happen to me when I get back?

You worry for your future? Icarus wanted to confirm.

If there even is a future, Luna thought unhappily. What if I messed up everything? What if, because I'm here, I'm never born? Or, E and I never became friends? Or, my papa and mama never met?

Peace, pup, Icarus calmed. He nosed her shoulder. No good will come from such thoughts. You are here now and we must focus on the task at paw.

Luna looked at Icarus. And, what exactly is my 'task' anyways? she demanded. Why me? Why did Syra bring me here?

You may not see if now, but it was written in your fate to be brought here, for Gabriel to find you, for Meira to meet you, and for me to protect you, Icarus thought gently. Your purpose will become clear, pup, give it time. In the meantime, we will gather any information about the guardians. Gabriel's sire will treat you well. He has always been indebted Meira and will be eager to house her blood.

I feel bad lying to him, Luna admitted. I'm not a 'Heartfilia' and I'm really not my mama.

A spirit always knows when in the presence of Heartfilia and you, my dear pup, are certainly one, Icarus told.

What's so special about being a 'Heartfilia' anyways? Luna wondered, quite mystified. I mean, it's just a last name, right? My mama told us there once was a Heartfilia Clan and everything and we come from a long-line of Celestial—I mean, Star Maidens, but… She sighed. I just don't get it.

Icarus chuckled, and his nose touched Luna's temple. All will be revealed when fate allows, pup. You have much to learn and a very long time to learn it.

Luna smiled and allowed a hand to slip onto Icarus' fur. Thanks, Icarus.

"We have arrived."

Luna and Icarus stopped to look forward to see they had arrived at a nice home. It was a two-story on the small side. It was perfect for a small family. The houses had been spaced, giving each neighbor ample room for farmland. Luna could see a silo and a barn farther back, but no crops.

"Wow. Margaret Town is really different than how it is in my time," Luna commented as she trailed after Gabriel who went to the front door.

You are four-hundred years before your time, Icarus reminded. The greatest invention of this year has been Champagne and I hear it tastes quiet disgusting.

Luna only chuckled as they made it to the door that Gabriel was waiting at. He did not look at Luna but looked at Icarus and Hugo. "My apologies, Icarus, Hugo, however, my father has a strict policy against larger creatures. You will have to stay outside," he spoke politely.

Icarus growled a bit at that. Tell the boy I will stay close, but I need hunting grounds.

Luna raised an eyebrow at Icarus. "You can't tell him? And, you eat?"

Icarus let his eyes go to Luna. My connection is only with whomever holds my key or a worthy Star Maiden. And, yes, pup, I hunt when I must. He sniffed the air. There is a family of deer not too far and a Behemoth to the south. The water from the nearby stream will suffice. Ask if I may use his southwestern borders to hunt.

Luna turned to Gabriel. "Icarus says he'll stay close and wants to know if he can hunt on the southwestern border of your land," she relayed.

Gabriel only looked at Icarus and nodded. "You may do as you wish. I recommend you not to go past the stream. We have less-than-kind neighbors who will shoot and kill a creature as big as you on sight." He went inside with that.

Icarus laughed. It will take much more than bullets to kill a spirit such as I. He turned to Luna and prodded her cheek. Do not worry, pup. Gabriel may seem a bit off right now, but he bears no ill-intention. Keep close to him. Order your golem to stay in the barn. There are three mares and two stallions as well as a Hippogriff and a Sekhmet, none of which will be disturbed by his presence. Tell Gabriel to offer him as a farmhand.

Luna turned to Hugo who waited for her to speak. "Hugo, do you think you could stay in the barn?" she wanted to know. "I'm sorry, but you can't stay inside the house."

Hugo looked hesitant, then gave a nod. He pointed at Luna.

"I'll be okay," Luna promised. "I'll come get you if I need you, okay? Oh!" She shouldered off her pack to take out her wallet and Compact. She offered them to Hugo. "Can you please hide these for me? I don't want to lose them."

Hugo took the Compact and wallet and hide them in his torso, no problem.

Luna waved at both spirit and golem as she backed away towards the house. "Bye, you guys!" she farewelled. She turned around and went up the steps into the open house. She slowed her stroll as she looked inside and was taken back.

Everything really is different here.

The living room had been coupled with the dining room with wooden chairs and a table filled with research and findings. In fact, the entire room had been filled with books and theorems and samples. Luna looked to see a broken egg as large as a baby that had been encased in class. The egg was strange, nothing like an Exceed egg. Scales had been set out to dry. While they had become white and silky, you could see from the tips that they had been a nice burnt umber. Maps and charts had been plastered on the walls and even the ceiling if it could be helped with strings pinned, tracking routes and potential hunting and nesting grounds of dragons. The fireplace had no fire in it but had portraits on its mantle. Luna found herself drifting towards the paintings. A strapping man of black hair and light eyes had been painting and his wife had darkish hair and kind gray eyes as well. The next portraits were of children and family. It seemed like the strapping young man had a brother with darker skin and wild black hair, but they both frowned for their portrait as they were supposed to. The children were only three, one older and a female with black hair and gray eyes. The two were a pair of twins, one a boy, one a girl, but both had black hair and light eyes.

Luna could not keep her eyes off the picture of the youngest and only boy.

He looks…so similar.

A fangy smile. "So… You must be 'Miss Lucy'?"

Luna whipped around to be greeted by a man she thought she had known back in the present. He had tan skin that had been scarred brutally from an attack. He was missing a leg, relying on a cane to get him by. A mauling scar was on the right side of his face, leaving one eye glass while the other eye was clear and red. His teeth, however, were kept in good condition with noticeable canines and stubble grew around his jaw. Not enough to look too lazy and not too little to make it seem like he could not grow facial hair. His hair, dark as night, was given an undercut with the top of his hair pulled into a bun. He wore loose pants—black, to be precise, with a blue scarf tied around his waist—and a loose long-sleeved shirt, but nothing more outside of that. A pipe was in his hands, burning marijuana like it was nobody's business.

Luna gawked at the man.

Oh, my God… He's so…

The man raised an eyebrow. "Miss Lucy Heartfilia?" he asked again.

Luna worked her jaw. "I, um, right. Yes, that's me," she stuttered in a squeak. A blush painted her cheeks as her eyes flickered elsewhere. "And, um, y-y-you are, uh"—she swallowed—"Gabriel's papa?"

The man gave a raspy chuckle. "I would be the unlucky bastard," he confirmed. He gave a slight bow. "It is an honor to meet the niece of Lady Meira. Just as beautiful and sweet," he complimented with a wink.

Luna felt her heard pounding and covered her nose.

Is he what Nashi calls 'sexy'? I think my nose is going to bleed…

"Now, where are my manners? The name is Alarick Redfox. Or, I should say what's left of him." He grinned, showing off his fangs. He gestured to the home. "Welcome to the Dragon's Lair. Enter at your own demise."

Gabriel stepped out from the room over, changed into comfortable clothes of loose pants and a vest and playful smirk. Lost bounded into the room as well. "Come off it, Old Man," he said good-naturedly. "Please, leave your philandering ways at Town Square, Lothario. She is a Heartfilia. Untouchable and yet…" His eyes pinned to Luna and left her frozen. "And, yet…desirable."

"Perfect combination," Alarick decided. He hobbled over to one of the chairs and Lost bounded to lay beneath it. "How is that darling aunt of yours doing, Miss Lucy?" He grunted as he settled down into a chair. He lifted his pipe to his lips and took a drag of it. He puffed out smoke and with a sigh. "Is she ridiculously in-love with me, yet?"

Gabriel rolled his eyes as he shifted through piles of papers and books. "Master is only interested in that knight who keeps making the journey from Crocus to Margaret with the justification of the coming back for our Akkorokamui tentacles," he sighed.

"Damn it all," Alarick cursed, though playfully. He took out his pipe to wave it at Luna. "A vixen, your aunt is. Always playing games with me."

"Volo…" Gabriel warned as he picked up a journal. He flipped through it.

"Ai-ai," Alarick waved off in the same tongue. He looked at Luna. "So, Miss Lucy… Come to join us for the festival this year, have you? Your auntie allowed such a thing?"

Luna swallowed audibly. "Mmm-hmm. Ever since my mama died, I, uh, didn't really want to go to the festival. I like to stay at Auntie Meira's place," she lied. She looked down at her shoes. To others, she looked grief-stricken, but to her, she just could not lie to someone's face. "It's been hard to be without Mama," she murmured.

"Understandable." Grief shimmered in Alarick's good eye. "When my wife died, I threw myself into my dragon research." His knocked his cane against what was left of his left leg. "Ended up losing this and got a bunch of scars." He jerked his head to his bandaged bicep. "And, this little beauty was from my last csauta a week ago. Little shit has not healed as nicely as it should have."

Luna furrowed her eyebrows. "Excuse me, but what's a 'csauta'?"

Gabriel stepped over a pile of books and swept the pipe out of his father's mouth with a shake of his head, making Alarick chuckle. "It is something similar to 'sampling', you would say?" he answered. He tiptoed over to bookshelf and dumbed the ash into an empty bucket already filled with water. "I told you not to go on that csauta, Volo."

"Hanyena," Alarick teased.

Gabriel dropped the pipe on the ground with a flat look on his face. "Vrie marudo."

"What language is that?" Luna had to wonder. She looked around at the living room. "And, all of this? Is it all research on dragons?"

Alarick seemed pleased she asked. He shook a finger at her as he laughed. "I like this one," he told Gabriel. To Luna, he spoke as he got up, "Why, yes, your darling, this entire house is dedicated to the wonderful species that are..."—he gestured to the living room—"dragons!"

Luna gawked at the room. "All of it?"

Alarick nodded eagerly. "Yes, moja donceila, all of it! You see, my goody-two-shoes son and my philandering self are not from Fiore. The Redfox Clan—!"

"We are not a 'clan'," Gabriel muttered as he brought out another book.

"—is a clan of nomads!" Alarick finished. "Never sticking to one home. Well…" He winked at Luna. "If the women are pretty, perhaps we might consider."

"Beard-splitter," Gabriel insulted while Luna laughed. "Bigseo. What about Ama?"

Alarick looked quite pained at that. "Gabriel," he warned, "por piacè, ìn lasciaùs mei in domme precent."

Gabriel growled at his father, something Luna was shocked at while Lost hid himself underneath the chair. Rather than snap back, he stormed out of the room and up the wooden steps. Alarick hung his head while Luna watched the staircase, baffled at what just happened.

"Please, excuse my son, Miss Lucy." Alarick pushed away the wisps of his bangs to manage a grin at Luna. "Where are my manners? How about some tea?"

°•°•°•°

Luna found herself sitting in the kitchen and looked around. The kitchen was neat as ever, but old-fashioned (in Luna's opinion). There was a stoked fireplace and counters with cabinets, but there was no sink or stove or oven.

It's so weird. This is so old-fashioned, but, to them, this is the best it gets. Fascinating…

"Here is your tea."

Luna was startled out of her thoughts as a cup and saucer was placed before her. She took in the scent and smiled at it. "It smells so good!" She looked up to see Alarick settling on the chair beside her. "Thank you so much, Mister Redfox!"

Alarick waved it away. "No need for 'Mister Redfox'. That was my father. You can call me 'Uncle Alarick'." He lifted his tea and took a sip. "This, moja donceila, is Kava tea with a bit of jasmine and honey. I thought you might want something to calm the nerves and help you fall asleep later."

Luna picked up her own teacup and blew on it. She took a sip and sighed her contentment. "Thank you," she murmured before taking more sips.

Alarick set down his tea. "I apologize for my son's behavior."

"Oh!" Luna swallowed her sip as she waved her hand. "No, no, it's okay!"

"No, it is not," Alarick sighed. "I am sure when you two first met, he was a regular bard, a brother of the quill with his language." His lips twitched into a smile. "He was always like that. Took after his mother."

Luna put down her tea to stare at Alarick in perplexity. "So…what happened to her?" She realized her mistake. "U-Um, if I can ask that. Sorry if I—!"

"Please, Miss Lucy, do not think yourself rude," Alarick soothed. "You are fine to ask questions. After all, this will be your home for the evening." He adjusted himself in his seat. "As I told you, the Redfox Clan are nomads, but that is a bit of a lie, I fear. We are a family who tend to drift, but we have a home world and a purpose for drifting. I know all about the Heartfilia Clan. Your hearts, your minds, your bodies belong to the stars and the Heavens. My family happens to belong to the dragons."

"So, you research them?" Luna wanted to know.

Alarick snorted. "If our living room has not given it away, check the cellar. Hundreds upon thousands of drawings and papers and dragon treasure lie there. I am unsure if it was our first ancestor who started this life for us, but it happened and here we are." He looked up at the ceiling. "And, my wife…" He groaned, closing his eyes. "My Lord, my wife… She was a research just like me. We had met in my time on the Caelum islands. She had been studying dragon mating while I was studying the scale properties of such exotic beasts. We fell in-love and that was that. We both moved around a lot to continue studying. And, it was not long until we were bringing our children into the world." He picked up his teacup and took a long gulp. "Our first daughter is elsewhere at a university. Gabriel's twin sister is with her to pursue her own education. But, Gabriel, my boy… He took after his mother and father and stayed to research dragons and expand his knowledge in the world of Magic."

"He's an Earth Mage." Luna said it was a fact.

"That, moja doncelia, is due to him being a Redfox," Alarick stated. "From what my own father told me, we are all Mages of earth, be it the metal in the ground, the gemstones in caves, or the earth itself, we are Mages of the earth."

Luna thought hard about that.

That makes sense why Gale is an Earth Mage, then. It's in his blood.

"When Gabriel's mother died when he was only ten, that was when the change happened."

Luna looked up to see a crestfallen Alarick.

"It was another csauta for only myself," Alarick explained. "I was only supposed to be out until sundown, but I had just discovered the breeding grounds for a flight of Air Dragons. I had gotten too caught up with my work…" Remorse grappled at him. "When I came home that night, there had been a Dragon Raid."

Luna's eyes widened. "'A Dragon Raid'?" she echoed. "My p—… I mean, my auntie told me about those."

Alarick nodded. "Raids… They are ugly affairs," he said, voice soft and quiet like he was hoarse. "My little girls and Gabriel were shaken, but not injured, but their mother…" His voice wavered. He did not cry, but it was clear the way his eyes were shimmering, he was close to tears.

Luna decided it was high-time for subject change and gave a brilliant smile. "So, what can you tell me about the dragons you've found in this area?"

Alarick managed a smile at Luna at that and perked himself up a bit. "How much time can you spare?"

---

It was horrifying to see the amount of lethal battling that took place in Margaret Town. Mages battled amongst watery creatures with blood and water spilling on the streets. Natsu found his fire ineffective as a monstrous cretin of the sea continuously tried to drown him and douse his flames. Amani's vrykolaka tried to eat the life energy from his opponent to prevent his master who had fallen bloodily unconscious. Erza struggled to keep it together under the immense pressure of water trying to pound down on her. Ellie was blown back into a ceiling and let out a cry. Nashi and Gary worked as a tag-team, but they found themselves outnumbered as more creatures joined them. Honey had a blow to the head, but he was not about to go down without a fight and worked his Joker Magic.

Gale found himself at the mercy of watery golems and horses that would regenerate and multiply like it was their job. He was thoroughly wet with his hair reduced to messy strands, cuts and bruises marred his skin, and his jacket had been shredded to leave him to keep it off him. He refused to go down fighting and continued his assault.

"Diamond Storm!" Gale chanted, throwing out his hands. Searing hot diamonds burst around him in a wave and at the surrounding opponents. But, it was no use. The watery creatures took the blows in stride. For some, they used their regenerative powers. For others, they merely absorbed the blow without fail.

Gale's jaw locked as he puffed his breaths.

Dammit. This is pointless. Earth has virtually no effect and gemstones either. Give Lightning or Fire Magic or even my old man's fucking Iron Dragon Slayer Magic any day and I could put up a fair fight. Water is my worse fucking element besides Plant and Ice Magic.

He found his enemies closing in on him and was quick to react. He widened his stands and raised his arms. The ground beneath him surged to his aid and protected him in a dome. He stumbled back, and his hand reached for a wall of his dome to keep himself together. "Oh, shit, I'm in trouble," he let out in a whoosh. He gave a ragged couch and started pacing. A hand combed through his wet locks. "I need to think, dammit, think!" he shouted at himself. "I could dig a hole, but that shit won't help. If anything, I'll be followed and drowned to my death." He gave a ragged growl and bunch his dome, a splash of diamond lashing out in response.

Goddammit! You have got to be kidding me!

DRIP. DRIP.

SLOSH.

Gale looked down to see water seeping into his haven. Already a thin layer had gathered enough for his feet to slosh when he moved. Anger passed through him. "Dammit!" he shouted. He dropped to one knee and smashed his fist into the ground, leaving an indent. He lowered his head as he rocked himself upwards, the earth elevating him. He burst through his own dome to see the watery creatures following his elevation and glaring at him with hatred.

Gale launched himself until he was on the same level as a nearby roof and leapt for it. He managed to get on the roof by the scrape of his teeth, but relief and exhaustion trampled his already maltreated body. He gave a tired smirk to himself as he watched the watery monsters grow frustrated they could not kill him. In a fit of immaturity, he gave them double-middle fingers. "How ya like me now?" he shouted at them. He tossed one last smirk over his face as he began to run away.

And, he ran into a body of water.

Gale found himself frantically swimming as he lost air rapidly. He whipped around this way and that only to realize the body of water he was immersed in was none other than a giant octopus. Survival made him thrash for a way for oxygen. Humans were not to live underwater. Humans were made to breathe air and that was what he needed. He tried to swim, but something stopped him. He looked at his wrists to see ice had formed to act as cuffs. His eyes widened when he realized his ankles had been cuffed as well. Gale twisted around and flopped in the water to get himself out of the octopus, but it was no use. His energy was draining quicker than he had wanted. The adrenaline he had before was dwindling for fatigue.

Wai… No… Have ta… Blo…ndie…

Gale found himself trying to blink away his weariness, but what was the point? Fighting would not work. Nothing would work. He was one of the victims of the sea and no one would save him now. He could feel the lack of oxygen forcing his brain to make him lightheaded. He felt like he was flying. He felt like he was floating over the moon.

The only thing he saw after that something shifting. Something dark. Something human.

And, then…

…he was over the moon.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He stood on the tracks. They were always covered in water. He could tell there was grass below it, but he always stood on the tracks where water had flooded.

"Gale!" came a sweet call. "Come and find me!"

He furrowed his eyebrows as he took a step forward. He looked around. She was not there. "Fine! But, give me a clue first!" he shouted back.

A giggle. "Gale," came a whine.

He turned his head to find himself back in that cabin, back in the place that housed color, back in the haven. He looked around as panic began to set in. "Blondie?" he called. "You here?"

A giggle. "No, dummy! I'm right behind you!"

He whirled around. He was in that dysfunctional train tunnel of moss and vine. Where light touched it, but no train ever would. He spun around in a circle. "Blondie, this isn't funny anymore. Come out," he demanded.

"You're missing the point of hide-and-go-seek, dummy," came a sweet laugh.

He whipped around again to find himself at the train station. There was no one to wait for the train. There was no train to get on. It was empty, abandoned, and alone. "Blondie? Where are you?"

A megawatt smile. "I'm over here!"

He spun around. He was back on those Goddamn train tracks that were submerged underwater. He was back to the beginning. He was back.

His eyes widened. "No…"

A megawatt smile. "What's wrong, Gale? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"No, please…" He fell forward. A shaky hand reached out for her. "Blondie, please, come to me," he pleaded.

The smile was still there. "Now, why would I do that?"

She did not see it.

She did not see the monster that lurked behind her.

She did not see its ravenous red eyes.

She did not see its bloodstained teeth.

"Just come over here, okay?" He tried to sound calm. "Come to me, principessa. You'll be safer over here."

"Safe?" The smile grew even wider. "When was I ever safe with you?"

He froze.

Barefoot took steps back. Closer to the monster. Closer to the darkness. Closer to death.

"After all…"

The smile turned vicious.

The monster gave a delighted roar and swooped in.

"…you're the real monster."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale's eyes shot open as he vomited water. It was different than when you had one too many drinks and you were heaving your stomach because alcohol poisoning is a thing and your body aches and your migraine is worsening and the light is too much. It was different than having food poisoning and your stomach feels queasy and you get some of it out, but it's hard to when your body cannot find the right position to sit in to vomit. It was different than having the flu and throwing up, not because you want to, but because you have to and nothing, not even ginger ale, stays down. Throwing up water felt like you were drowning all over again and in a panic situation. Your stomach tightened, your body thrashed, and you could feel the water in your system. You were shaking and thrashing and trying to live and that anxiety, that dread, that fear of dying came back to you. You could feel your eyes sting as you tried to keep it together and your mouth was so dry, regardless of how much water you're throwing up.

Gale found his mouth open as he dry-heaved. Anxiety trampled his thoughts and he could feel his eyes watering. He remembered every ounce of terror he would not make it to the next day. He coughed and choked and gasped as he tried to pull himself together, but it was hard when you felt so distressed, you could not even remember your own name or how to breathe.

A sigh. "Ah… The little fledgling is awoken," came a bland remark.

Gale wheezed and gasped. He forced a hand forward to wipe his eyes from any straying tears and water, but he could not help it that a panic attack was trying to overtake him.

"No need to worry, fledgling. You are safe," came a monotone coo. "You are safe. Just breathe."

Gale found those words oddly comforting as he taught himself to breath. That was right; inhale, then exhale. He could feel his violent shaking mellowing into tremors he could manage. He found himself breathing, living, and not in danger. He could feel his body pushing itself to roll on his back. He was alive. He was alive.

"And, the fledging survives," came a bland note. "Class is in session. Please, take your seats."

Gale coughed as he tried to lift himself off the ground. He took a little bit of time, but he did it. And, when he did, he noted where he was. It did look like he was in a classroom. The desks were small; it was obvious they were for children. They were gathered in three groups of five, making the class a total of fifteen and the teacher being the sixteenth edition. Color was splattered everywhere, all in the name of the Harvest Festival. There was turkey and pictures paying homage to the founding father of the nation and the tribe of people from all over had come from. The colors, however, looked skewed. There was a storm going on, the raging war between the guardian of sea and storm and the guardian of wind and sky, and fights between monster and Mage.

Gale's eyes caught on one poster that read:

MRS. VASTIA'S 4TH GRADE CLASS

His eye could even catch onto a drawing Rose had done with her and her phantom cat Zuri celebrating Thanksgiving with their family.

Miss Meredy… Rose…

"Wh—?" Gale broke into a coughing fit. "Wh…? Why am I here?" he asked hoarsely.

"Because, fledgling, I wanted to know if you could fly."

Gale grabbed onto the nearest desk and sucked in his teeth as he tried to get up. His legs were shaking. He was shaking. "That's a dumbass question," he croaked. "Earth Mages stay on the ground, jackass. Talk to my aunt Wen or maybe even my sister since she has armor that uses Flight Magic."

"I don't need to talk to one I know who can't fly," came a comment. "Can you fly?"

"Dude, stop asking that," Gale snapped. He turned around unsteady for his ruby eyes to glare into the eyes of his enemy. He was taken back in an instant. He took a step back. "Holy shit…"

A frown. "Tell me, fledging, can you fly?"

Gale worked his mouth. "What are you doing here?" was his intelligent question. "What are you…? How…?" He touched his face. "Oh, shit, what the Hell—?"

"Fall." One word. One incantation. One effect.

Gale found himself slammed onto his knees. He could not even let out a cry of pain as his body was trampled to the ground and held there. He gave grunts of agony as he tried to move. It was like a boulder was crushing his entire being and pinning him to the floor. He could barely even move his head and blink.

A deeper frown. "Oh. So, the fledgling can't fly?"

STEP… STEP… STEP…

Gale struggled to find a way to move, but found gravity was a heartless bitch and crushed him even more.

"Continued struggle, fledging, results in a heavier pull," came warning.

Gale let a growl rip from his mouth. "Sc-Screw…y-y—Ah!" He gave another cry as gravity slammed into his back harder.

STEP… STEP…

The footsteps stopped before Gale.

"A fledging who cannot fly is not much of a fight, but you will be good for a practice run." A pause. "Rise."

Gale's eyes shut as he felt his body being shoved into the air. His back stung when he hit the ceiling. His head followed soon and hurt even more, throbbing. He tried hard to peel himself off the ceiling, but gravity refused to take him down. It tried to pull him up.

"I have heard many things about you, fledging, and you are less impressive in person."

"Fuck off," Gale snapped in a pant.

"Yet, so vulgar," came a drawl. "Still, my orders are clear, fledgling. Whether you can or cannot fly bothers me little."

Gale opened his eyes to glare at his enemy. "You bastard," he seethed.

"I go by many names."

"Yeah. Try on 'murderer' for size," Gale snarled. "I know exactly who you are. You're the psychotic Magus who kills your own comrades!"

"'Comrades'? That would imply I had some in the first place. They were nothing more than bodies who could not fly."

Piercing silver investigated ruby.

Bluenote Stinger looked different than he had before in his younger days. He looked wilder, bolder. He kept his piercing silver eyes and tan skin and a bulky body, but nothing more than that. His black hair had been freed from his restrictive ponytail in exchange for a warrior's ponytail. He had grown a beard that was neat and clean. The general outfit he had worn was gone in place of a tattered cloak that covered his body and boots.

"But, you, Gale Redfox, Earth Dragon of Fairy Tail, have the power to fly," Bluenote prophesized.

"I'm not a damn bird," Gale snapped.

"But, you are a dragon and dragons have wings, do they not?" Bluenote lifted a hand and raised his palm to Gale. "So, let us get started, shall we?" Magic charged his being. "Black…"

CR-CRACK. CRACK.

Fear struck into Gale's eyes as lightning reflected in them, showing Bluenote.

"…Hole…"

---

Love you Love you Love you

himitsu no I love you

naisho no kisu wa imitation?

toke nai mahō mitai ni torawarete so crazy for you

•

kimi wa marude illusion

shibireru love session

aimai na sono motion

sō sa konya wa fiction

kimi wa marude illusion

tame rau love session

gōin na sono motion

Unbreakable magic

---

Chibi-Luna comes in with her teacher outfit and a smile on her face into a classroom filled with students. A screen and a projector are all set-up. She waves at her class. "Good morning, everyone! I'm here to teach you about the difference about the powers people have on Earth Land. Everyone ready?"

"Yes, teacher!" came a call from the class.

Chibi-Luna beams. "Okeydokey, then! Let's begin with Mages!"

A projection of Erza comes up with her own Magic Circle and her own statistics.

"A 'Mage' is short for a magician," Chibi-Luna began to lecture. "They draw their power from the connection to the spirit of Magic inside them and link it to their own life force. Anyone has the power inside them, but some can connect to their Magic easier than others!"

The projections changes to an unknown Mage. He is male with a cloak on and a haughty look in his eye. His cloak carries a symbol on it.

"Now, let's move onto a 'sorcerer' or a 'sorceress'," Chibi-Luna moves on. "Sorcerers are basically scholarly Mages. In order to become one, there are a series of tests a Mage has to go through as well as a letter of recommendation and a meeting with the jury to become one."

The projection changes to an image of List Galan. It shows her Tamer Circle and scrolls through a list of the animals, beast, and monsters she has tamed.

"Now, come Tamers," Chibi-Luna continues. "A 'Tamer' is a person who can tame regular animals or magical creatures using their own will. As of late, there are called Tamer Rangers who use Tamer Lacrima to temporarily tame creatures and preserve the peace between magical creatures and humans."

The projection changes to Noah Mothersbaugh in all his doctor glory and his Alkahestry Circle.

"Alchemists are next," Chibi-Luna lectures. "Alchemy and Alkahestry are sisters of each other and a sub-branch of Magic. Alchemy doesn't break the laws of nature but manipulates them inside, turning base metals into something new! Alkahestry is the same but used solely for medicinal purposes."

The projection chances to Penelope and her Magic Circle.

"Last, but not least, are Espers, an extension of Mages," Chibi-Luna preaches. "Espers are Mages who can use certain powers, but only with their mind and without physical need. Warren Rocko, Penelope, and even my brother Luke are considered powerful Espers in their own right!" She looks around the classroom. "Now, any questions?"

"I have one!"

Chibi-Gale comes to the front of the room, startling Chibi-Luna. He smirks at her. "How about a private lesson, teacher?" he requests.

Chibi-Luna backs away. "Um, I'm afraid I can't do that."

"Why not? I need the extra practice," Chibi-Gale admitted, stalking towards her.

Chibi-Luna squeaks. "U-Um, next time, on Fairy Adventure, ENTER, THE RUNOLOGIST!" She quickly waves to the class. "See you next time! I have to go!" And, she darts away out of the classroom.

Chibi-Gale merely chuckles. "You're so easy to fluster, teach…"

---

Voice Actors in Order of New Character Appearance

Lydia Mackay as Meira Heartfilia

Adam Gibbs as Gabriel Redfox

Christopher Sabot as Icarus

James Garrett as Grus

Dave Wittenberg as Alarick Redfox