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!

30. Adventure 030

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, Gary and his Devil came to an agreement they'd be brothers! Who knew a human and a devil could be family? Linus finally captured Elvin, only for Penelope to be the one who calmed him down enough to return to human form—only for Hunters to ruin everything. Gray and Lance teamed against Juvia, but it was Gray who got his wife back only for her to be stolen from him by Hunters. Man, what is with these guys? Orochi had to make sure Olivia was okay—her little brother was really hurt. Don't worry about Galileo, though. He's bound and determined to avenge his brother. T'oree and Cade were all fired up for their fight—only for Silver to be their last opponent! T'oree calmed him down, but those Hunters popped back up for the final blow! As Julia rushes back to her friends, Linus, Penelope, and Elvin take on some Hunters only for Julia to save the day! While everyone else tries their best to handle the battle in Margaret Town as outsiders looking in, Gary and Nashi are forced at the mercy of the Hunters. With Nashi injected with Anti-Ethernano Serum, Gary shows his other side—his true Devil side.

'Gary… I need you to know…that you're not…a monster…'

Oh, Gary… I really hope you'll listen to Nashi. I just wonder where all the captured Mages were taken...

---

SPLASH! SPLASH-SPLASH! SPLASH…

The alleyway was empty. It was home to a few doors and hole-in-the-wall places, but nothing major. Snow began to build rapidly on the ground with puddles turning to thin ice.

Two silhouettes jumped over it.

Julia seemed uncaring of the weather, of the battle of the gods, of the massacre around her. Sure, the storm had changed from just a thunderstorm to thunder and rain and snow and ice and it was painful to be outside in the cold. But, she did not care. She raced to the edge of the building to leap onto the next one.

Linus was quick to follow her, but exasperation was not hidden on his face. "Julia!" he yelled over the rage of Mother Nature. He followed her onto the building and ended up rolling to his feet. He set himself before taking off after her. "Julia, wait!"

If Julia heard him, she did not give a sign. She continued her hurried sprint. She changed course when she saw a few Mages fighting familiars and watery creature and switched to leaping onto a slanted rooftop. She slid down it before landing on a balcony.

Linus was quick to follow her, but he just missed her as she swung off the balcony. He gritted his teeth. "Julia!" he shouted.

Julia hit the ground running. She had no time to slow down.

Linus saw this and his frustration grew. He jumped from the balcony, but he did not land on the ground. Snow and ice gave him a track and he skated it on it to catch up to Julia. He spiraled down to swerve in front of her and effectively stop her. "Julia," he said lowly in warning.

Julia refused to look at him and tried to move around him.

Linus stopped her with a firm grip on her shoulder. "Julia—!"

"Don't touch me."

Linus narrowed his eyes. "If you're this angry now, you're going to lose," he warned.

"I lost him once. Not this time." Julia's words had a cutting edge nearing a snarl. "You aren't getting in my way."

Linus softened at that and let his hand unclench from her shoulder. "I never said I was," he assured, tone soft. "But, I don't want you to rush into it like this."

"If I don't get to him first, someone else will and you know that," Julia snapped at him. "I've been training for this, Vastia. Don't make me test my skills on you."

Linus looked a bit hurt at that and recoiled. "Jewel…"

"He's my brother," Julia said like a mantra. "Silver wasn't there when it happened. I was. I know what those monsters are going to do to him." She ran a trembling hand down her neck. "I have to get to him before they can if they haven't already. He doesn't deserve a second time."

"Jewel, I know." Linus closed in on her for both his hands to relax her shoulders. "Storm didn't deserve any of it the first time. He doesn't deserve it now and you have a right to want to protect him. But, you can't rush headfirst into this when you're this angry. I'm here too. And, think of Nashi."

Julia paled at her very name. "She'll be with him," she whispered. "She'll see him…"

"We can't risk her getting hurt," Linus said. A few snowflakes landed on his lashes. "She might already be hurt now. We have to make sure they're both safe. You'll need my help to do that."

"What if he hurt her?" Julia shakily came to that realization it could very well happen. "What if they hurt her?" She peered up at Linus with horror in her dark eyes. "Linus," she whispered, "you know what will happen."

"His first instinct has always been to make sure she's safe," Linus soothed. "He won't do anything until she's safe from harm. We just have to make sure we're the ones who find them both before anyone else does." He looked at the oncoming blizzard as lightning streaked the sky. "He's a storm when he's like this, Jewel. We just have to get to the eye of it."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

As I close my eyes

Nokosu ato naku kobosu oto naku iku ate mo naku

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

Ima mo kurikaeshite 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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

At this point, snow was packing down the streets like it was nobody's business. Ice breathed over water, thickening itself as the temperature dropped and dropped and dropped.

A storefront for a Selan shop found ice cracking at its glass. The ice thickened and ate more and more, never finding satisfaction.

Then, the ice rippled.

The Devil—Gary—the Ice Devil pulled through the ice like it was nothing, murder in his eyes and a limp Nashi in his arms. He crossed into the sheltered street with his demonic eyes darting to make sure no human or creature disturbed him. When he saw the cost was clear, he relaxed a little to peer down at his little human.

His little angel.

She lay in his arms like the dead. The only assurance he had was her steady breaths and the twitches of her nose. Nothing more.

Whispers appeared at the back of his mind. They were subtle, almost testing the waters to see how much they could get away with.

A lewd purr seduced him. You have Female in your grasp. Take her. Plant your seed. Make heirs.

A rasp tickled his ear. Such light… Possess it… Keep Light… Never let it go…

There was even a bit of chuckling. Kill the human. It has no use to you. It slows you down. Once it awakes, it will try to kill the monster it sees.

The Ice Devil closed his eyes in his own agitation.

You want her, don't you? came a wanton moan. You smell her musk. She is strong. Strong enough to fuck. Strong enough to plant seed.

A shaky breath of frost left the Ice Devil's lips. "No," he tried to fight back. "I cannot hurt, malã'ika. She is innocent."

Innocent? A laugh rippled in his mind. She taunts you with her body. Your human has entered her, but he does not plant his seed. The time to make your heir is now. Look at her.

The Ice Devil's eyes opened.

They were completely silver.

His eyes feasted on Nashi in pure need. She lay in his arms unaware of the hungered stare lapping up her body. He could practically see her naked before him.

Smell her, came a purring command. She smells of light and purity. She smells strong. She is ready.

The Ice Devil let his nose travel to Nashi's skin. The foul-tasting scent of fear and anxiety on her was gone. He could smell her true musk, her true scent. Something that was even more alluring than any perfume a woman could wear.

The Ice Devil's mouth parted for ice to salivate out his lips. It looked animalistic and even a bit disturbing to see such a hulking creature salivate over a sleeping human.

But, God, did this little human looked so…delicious.

You will use her. The purring grew louder. She is your Female, your Light. Fuck her. Plant your seed.

Yessssss, came pleased hiss. Fuck her while she is young. Kill her when she is no longer strong.

Pressure and pleasure mixed together in a deadly combination. It was hard to fight back against such seductive words tainted in devil tongue. But, there was that small part of him that clapped back at such words. They still fought for something called control.

The silver faded back and gave rise to icy-blue. It was his control that made it so. It was his control that made him stop salivating over a Female and gaze in longing and love at his equal.

The Ice Devil spoke in his distorted tongue, "Do not worry, malã'ika. For you, I will keep control,"he promised.

Something caught his nose and made him snarl.

Makisomis. I must get malã'ika to other humans. They will heal her.

The Ice Devil allowed his eyes to close as he melded back with the ice—

—and disappeared.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 030

Who Do You See?

誰の前にあなたは誰を見ますか？この新しい悪魔で友人や敵になる！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CRUNCH. CRUNCH. CRUNCH.

Luke dashed across snow laden streets. He had no time to deal with familiars and their bullshit and his eyes glowed gold as he rushed. "Taijitu Spell!" he chanted. Illuminated symbols of yin-yang appeared on either side of Luke and bolted to crush the familiars trying to stop him.

Luke kept his running.

Nashi… I won't let him hurt you again. I won't let him scar you. You don't deserve that.

He stopped at an intersection and let his nose and senses take over. He turned this way and that.

Where is he? Where is the bastard?

Luke took off his glasses and shut his eyes.

I'm better off looking for his vīrya. I've never done wide scale, but…

He settled down in the intersection, crisscrossed, and floated in mid-air. He slashed his hands. "Three Hares!" he chanted.

Three hares rose in a fit of gold dust. They were larger than the average human and sturdier as well. Their noses twitched, unbothered by the cold, and looked at Luke for instructions.

"Protect me," Luke commanded. "I need time. Once I have his vīrya, you will take me there."

The three hares nod and took positions to defend their master.

Luke allowed his hands to get into the proper mudra positions after pocketing his glasses. He let out a breath.

Focus… Sensei says to focus on one signal… Remember what the bastard feels like… Remember…

His eyes opened. They were glowing gold all-over.

Ignore everything just for that person. Empty your mind. Focus…

The noise of the outside world faded to a mute. He could feel nothing. He could see nothing.

Now, concentrate. Think of Gary's vīrya. Think of Nashi's vīrya.

There was nothing. Not a single soul.

Then, there was a flicker.

And, that flicker sparked into a flame.

He could see them, but they were faint.

Nashi's vīrya was a dull magenta that was wrapped around in something dark and ominous. It lay close to a darker vīrya that was two types of blues melded together into something darker, fiercer, more demonic.

Luke snarled as he saw the two signatures move.

I've got you now, you bastard. You'll pay for hurting my sister.

He lost the glow in his eyes as he got to his own two feet. As he put back on his glasses, he called, "I've got their vīrya! Let's go!"

The hares came towards him and one lowered itself to be mounted. Luke clambered onto it and settled himself comfortable.

"You know their vīrya," Luke growled. "Go."

And, the hares shot off.

Luke bounced as the hare moved beneath him, but he did not lose the fire in his eyes.

I'll make him pay, Nashi. I promise you.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And, back to the Lamia Scale Guild Hall…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DING-DONG...

POOF.

Virgo appeared in Master Ooba's room in a puff of clouds and Magic with clothes in her hands and her blue eyes dull as always. "Princess, I have brought the required clothes for Master Gale," she reported. "Would you like to punish me now?"

Lucy moved away from Levy to stand up and go to Virgo. "Thank you, Virgo. I really appreciate it," she thanked wholeheartedly.

Virgo nodded and gave Lucy the clothes. "We still cannot get a lock on Master Igneel, Lady Luna, Mistress Mary Jane," she revealed. "Actaeon and Lelantos continue with their hunt, but they have encountered a few errors. Would you like to punish us for them?"

Lucy eyed the Maiden Spirit in wariness. "What type of errors?" she wanted to know. "Why haven't the other spirits answered me? I haven't felt any gate closures—"

"All of your spirits are still out, Princess, make no mistake," Virgo soothed. "However… We have encountered Mauthes and Magic Hunters."

At this, Lucy's face paled and Levy's eyes widened. "What?" Levy whispered. "Hunters and Mauthes… They're here?"

If Virgo could grimace, she would. "Yes. Big Brother Leo has taken Grus, Sagittarius, and Pyxis to trail after them," she informed. "He ordered us to keep silent on the matter to you for reasons he wishes to discuss in private. He did ask for me to tell you to keep all contact with us to absolute radio silence. Hunters and Mauthes can sense Telepathy."

Lucy scowled. "And, we'll definitely discuss it later," she growled. "And, something I'll take up with Hisui too. But, that doesn't matter now. If there are Mauthes out right now, spirit hunting will be harder for Actaeon and Lelantos, but they need to keep trying. Put Taurus in charge of the two of them for now. I want all my spirits out of the main town and to be put on the outskirts. Devote all time and effort into only finding the kids. Nothing else matters. Send Horologium back here and have him stand guard." She glanced at Gale. "He will remain on stand-by. If something happens to this guild hall, he'll carry Gale out."

Virgo nodded at the instructions. "Understood, Princess. And, may you be aware of the blizzard outside."

Lucy's eyes widened. "A blizzard?" She strode over to the nearest window and opened up the blinds. She flinched at the sudden light stinging at her eyes. Once that glare was gone and she blinked a few times, she turned back at the blizzard storm that mocked her. "What is this…?" she whispered. "It was just raining and now… It's snowing this badly? I mean it's November, but blizzards like this don't come until a little later in December."

"Or…" Levy came to a horrible realization. "Or if something is triggered…"

Lucy paled. "Hunters… Nashi… Gary…" She turned to Virgo. "Change of plans. Have Horologium, Actaeon, and Cancer look for Nashi and Gary immediately. Don't separate them. Only after he's back in his human form do I want them separated. Horologium will take Nashi."

"Like mother, like daughter, huh, Lu?" Levy remarked faintly. Her eyes stared, mesmerized, at the snowstorm.

Lucy sighed. "Seriously. But, if this is all like last time, then we have someone we need to be even more careful about." She offered a meaningful look to Levy.

Levy nodded at that.

"Virgo, have Cancer on Luke," Lucy ordered. "The only way to intervene is if he will seriously kill. But, I have faith in my little star and faith in his mentor. He won't kill."

Virgo nodded once again. "Yes, Princess. Once the children have been found, I will take my leave to help tend to them, if I may, Princess, or you may punish me."

Lucy smiled at her spirit, her friend. "Please, Virgo, help them in any way you can. Both you and Aries. They'll need some winter clothing and blankets and, most likely, medical attention. I'd appreciate any help you can give."

Virgo tilted her head. "There's no need to thank me, Princess. Your children are our family too. And, we'll do anything for our family," she promised.

Lucy's eyes drifted back down to Levy and Gale and grief overtook her brown eyes.

We'll make sure what happened to Gale can't happen again. All of us are family. Virgo's right. We'll do anything for family.

---

Mary Jane had no choice but to watch as Dimaria worked. She seemed to be performing the ritual task of drinking that mysterious liquor, taking bites of her bread, muttering words to herself, and checking on the ceiling like the thing would collapse on them. Occasionally, her eyes would fall onto the entryway and she would shiver. Sometimes, her eyes would flit to Peter or even Mary Jane and Igneel. She would shake her head, mutter things, and begin to pace like she was plotting something.

This was honestly the only entertainment Mary Jane had since a Fire Mage thought it was ideal to drape his body on the lower half of her body and trap her there.

Mary Jane cleared her throat. "Miss Yesta?" she called. "What exactly are you in for?"

It was like a delayed reaction when Dimaria answered her. Her eyes darted to the runes. "Time," she muttered nervously. "Time is an illusion."

Mary Jane blinked. Then, her eyes narrowed. "Oh…kay, then," she supposed.

Dimaria shook her head a bit rougher than she should have. "You don't understand," she insisted. Her haunted eyes went to Mary Jane. "I was so stupid. Brandish should've never let me do this." Her eyes darted to Igneel and she bubbled an anxious laugh. "And, he's a son!" She shook her head in her dark amusement. "He's a true heir!"

Mary Jane found it necessary to move Igneel's head closer to her at that. There was not carefulness of the action. It was out of wariness for his safety and, to the extent, her own. "Who's 'Brandish'?" she questioned. "And, you mean the moron laying on me? What do you mean by 'he's a true heir'?"

Dimaria crouched down with her hands raking through her hair. "This must be my punishment," she whispered. "It's because of my time under Zeref. Now, I'm forced to look at his descendant." She lifted her head and shouted, "Is this what you wanted, Chronos? For me to suffer?"

Mary Jane hardened.

If she keeps this up and I trigger her, she could try and kill any one of us. I can't let that happen.

Static flicked off her head.

I have enough to knock her out, but that puts me in a vulnerable position too.

Her eyes looked down on the unconscious Igneel.

But, I can't just leave him and Peter unprotected. Peter's gone through enough trauma and he's only known me for, like, two days. But, this one…

Her eyes narrowed at Igneel.

This one did more than I expected. And I have every intention of returning the favor. Dreyars don't live in debt.

A drawn out and weary sigh made Mary Jane watch Dimaria as she calmed herself. The elderly Mage set down her wine bottle and grunted. Her hands came up to her temples to massage them. "My apologies, Mary Jane. I'm not feeling quite like myself," she excused. "My memories, my…everything… It's like they're all trapped, and I'm only hit with waves of sanity occasionally."

Mary Jane's eyes softened. It was only just. Just a little bit. But, they did. "I relate to you on a spiritual level, so amen to that," she murmured. "But, back to before. Should I be worried you were talking about the moron over here? Is he, like…an actual bad guy? Do I need to hand him over to the guard or…?"

"No!" Dimaria blurted. "No, he's not a bad person!" Her eyes drank in Igneel like he was her saving grace. "Your friend here… He needs to be protected. He's an heir. He has the seed."

"The what now?" Mary Jane peered down at Igneel in an expression contorted in disgust and confusion. "Look, Miss Yesta, I had 'the talk' with my mom and my daddy and I really don't need to know about his…" She pressed her lips into a grim line. "About his…seed. I'd much rather not know anything about it, if I'm being honest. Not because it's gross, but because I really don't care."

"But, he has the seed," Dimaria persisted. "He is the one of gold! A prince just like his brother!"

Mary Jane looked up at Dimaria blankly. "Lady, I don't know what you're on or drinking, but I can promise you that the moron you see right here isn't a prince or of royal blood and neither are any of his family members," she said, voice flat. "I don't really care what type of 'seed' he's packing or what type Luke is packing—"

Dimaria's eyes scanned Mary Jane's face. "Green and blue…"

That got Mary Jane to tense up.

Dimaria set down her wine bottle to crawl over to Mary Jane. "Green and blue…" she whispered in echo. Mary Jane tried to press herself against the wall as though it could swallow her when Dimaria came too close for comfort and her hands shook as they desired to touch Mary Jane. Droopy brown searched wary cerulean wildly. "I see blue," Dimaria whispered. "But…" Her hands closed in on Mary Jane's face. "Chronos has told me there would be…much more…green…"

Before Dimaria's hands could touch Mary Jane's skin, a warning growl made the elder Mage stop.

A growl that came from the unconscious Igneel.

Dimaria's hands ached to touch Mary Jane, but she heeded the warning. She only looked at Mary Jane with possessed eyes. "Such beautiful, lying eyes," she whispered. "So much hidden behind your mask…" Her droopy eyes drifted back to Igneel. "The future…" Her head turned to look at the unconscious Peter. "And past…" She turned back to Mary Jane and a dreamy smile lit her face. "Who will you choose this time?"

Mary Jane locked her jaw. She restrained the fury seducing her eyes like it was her life. "I'm going to ask you again, and you are going to answer me," she gritted out. "Who – are – you? Why are you down here?"

Dimaria laughed lightly. "I think the better question is who are you, Mary Jane? Who do you want to be? Or should I say"—her droopy eyes dabbled in something dark—"who wants to be in control?"

Lightning lashed off Mary Jane like a warning shot to Dimaria. A magical reaction. "Get the Hell away from me," she snarled. "You might've saved our asses, but you're clearly untrustworthy. But, because I'm being generous, I will ask you one more time. Why – are – you – down – here?"

Dimaria laughed even more as she got up. "Can you keep a secret? What am I saying? Of course you can," she snickered. "Your eyes look so lovely… It would be a shame if I had to stab them out."

"Get to the point," Mary Jane snapped. "Give me an answer. Who are you and what did you do?" Her hands went to Igneel and pulled him close to her with her teeth bared. She was a lioness protecting her pride mates right now.

Dimaria smirked. Even in her old age, she looked every bit as condescending as she did in her youth. "I remember everything now. I remember the little prince's mother. I remember how pretty her eyes were." Her eyes flashed with something lethal. "I remember how her savior nearly killed me for touching his precious queen." She spun around as a sigh came out of her lips. "I am the vessel of the god Chronos, little mortal."

"Impossible," Mary Jane spat. "The gods are a farce. Take it from a hardcore atheist. Messing with that much Magic causes unimaginable consequences and you—!" It all clicked for her. She understood. And, now, she could react. "Chronos is the God of Time in your religion. You messed with time too much. It's no wonder your old. But, it doesn't make sense why you're here."

"It doesn't?" Dimaria went to her cloak. "Well, let's see here… Maybe it's the fact I'm one of the few Time Mages of my caliber who can transcend the time-space continuum? Does it have to deal with the fact I can create a Time Ripple? That I can turn any human being into a time traveler? That I can turn my captor into a time traveler, so he can get what he wants?"

Mary Jane rolled her eyes. "And, what does this classic cliché villain of the week want?"

Dimaria had her back to Mary Jane, but she allowed her cloak to fall. She did not have much to wear. She was stripped of armor and only had the bare necessities to cover herself from prying eyes. "Why don't you tell me, Mary Jane?" She turned around.

Mary Jane's eyes widened.

Because lodged dead-center in Dimaria's chest was an orb the size of a softball that looked too unreal to be true. It was a gemstone that moved as water did, glowed as water did, and that was just unnatural. The object practically screamed at how magical it was.

"What the Hell?" Mary Jane whispered. "What the Hell is that?"

"It's called 'insurance', little mortal," Dimaria purred. "You asked why I'm down here? This is it." She danced over to her wine bottle, and Mary Jane watched as the Time Mage swiped up her bottle to take a deep swig of it. She sighed in satisfaction after a few gulps. Her wild look relaxed into something more serene, something loopier. "The memories are getting a bit hazy for me, dear," she laughed. The age showed in her voice now. "All I can say is no one will touch you and your choices while we're here. Don't worry. Since he's here, you'll be in control." Incoherent song stumbled from her mouth as she took to something crossed between spinning and interpretive dance.

Unease built up in Mary Jane as she shifted.

What the Hell is wrong with her? It pisses me off when I don't get the situation, and this is pissing me off.

A soft sigh.

Mary Jane felt something hit her thigh and stiffened. She looked down to glare at Igneel's comically pleased face with his nose nuzzling her inner thigh, though dangerously close to her crotch. Her eyebrow twitched.

If I wasn't in his debt for the shit he put himself through for me…

A soft blush coated Igneel's cheeks as he sighed with a dopey smile.

A tick marked beat against Mary Jane's forehead.

Just what the Hell is he dreaming about to look like that? He better not drool on me or I'll be pissed off.

She closed her eyes.

Whatever. I just need to think about this carefully. Carefully and slowly. They aren't going to kill the moron. It seems like he's important. But, the past and future… My choices… A mask… That orb… Messing with time… It all has to do with the here and now. So, just… Think on that and rest some more. The crazy bitch won't touch us.

She exhaled loudly.

Just think and rest. Think and rest…

And, so, she did.

---

Dazzler stood on the back of Crimson, hands on Mustang's shoulders. Her eyes narrowed when she saw familiars and watery creatures breaking for them. With a flick of her hand, she conjured a deck of cards. She began to shuffle them. "All right… Let's see how they like…"—she showed off her hand of the same suit—"a Royal Flush!" She threw the hand in the direction of their enemies.

The familiars and watery creatures stopped when they saw the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of Hearts come to life. They looked odd—especially the Jack and Ace who were both males and were opposites in stature—but each one of them did their part to clear a path for the Crimson Cowboy, his trusty steed, and Dazzler.

Mustang grimaced through the cold weather. "I don't know what's goin' on, but we gotta get back to the guild. Get some winter gear."

Dazzler sat down, shivering. "You're telling me," she grumbled. "I packed for fall. Not this incoming blizzard bullshit."

"Just stay close to me, Miss Lafayette," Mustang ordered. "I don't need you freezin' on me."

Dazzler was radiant and did exactly as Mustang asked of her, cuddling against him. "You're so warm, Cowboy," she purred.

"But, not warm enough for ya," Mustang grunted. He turned Crimson down another street. "Same with Crimson. His tires may change with the seasons, but I didn't bring anything to keep him warm. Let alone salt."

"I can make some—"

"I know ya can, Miss Lafayette, but we'll be all right," Mustang assured. "You need to conserve your Magic."

"Are you worried about lil, ole me, Cowboy?" Dazzler reveled.

Mustang smiled a little. "Of course, Miss Lafayette. You're family after all."

Dazzler felt lightning strike her as comical tears rained down her cheeks.

Was I just family-zoned?!

"That's…so sweet of you, Cowboy," Dazzler said weakly. They passed an alley and something caught her eye. "Mustang, stop!" she ordered.

Mustang barely reigned in Crimson and pulled him to a controlled stop. His confusion expanded when Dazzler dismounted from the motorcycle to rush back to the alley. "Miss Lafayette!" he called. "Where ya going?"

Dazzler ignored him as she stood in front of the alleyway. Her eyes widened. "Misty?" she gasped.

Mustang heard her as he put down Crimson's kickstand and his own eyes widened. "Mystogan…"

There lay Mystogan against the wall. His arm was badly injured and so was his left eye. His glasses were in his lap as blood trickled out of his mouth. He peeked up at Dazzler and offered her a weak smile and cough. "Hello, Dazzler."

Dazzler rushed to her fallen friend in heavy concern. "Oh, my God, Misty!" She brushed off the snow in his hair. "What happened to you?"

Mystogan gave a dry cough. "Not sure," he wheezed. "I was taking out some familiars when this Water Mage came at me. They attacked and I tried calming them down, but they wouldn't listen to me. Then—" He broke into another cough. "Then, next thing I knew, they were knocked out. A woman did it. She and some invisible thing attacked me. I c-couldn't do anything to stop them."

Mustang joined them with worry in his eyes for his friend. "Your Magic didn't work?"

Mystogan swallowed, then panted. "N-No," he breathed. "Hunters…"

Both Dazzler and Mustang paled at the word.

"In the town," Mystogan continued. "This blizzard… I felt it. There was a new energy that just flared. It w-was—" He coughed again. "It was Gary."

"What?" Dazzler exclaimed. "But, how—?" She shook her head. "Never mind. Misty, we need to get you warm and get you some help." She stood up. "Cowboy, can you get him up? I'll make a sidecar," she decided as she took off her hat to rummage around in it.

Mustang nodded and went to scoop up Mystogan. "I got ya, Mystogan. Miss Lafayette, Crimson, an' me will get you some place safe."

Mystogan coughed, his legs dangling as Mustang carried him to his motorcycle. "Thank you."

Dazzler found what she was looking for: a toy side car. She put it next to Crimson and brought out a dropped filled with water. "Now," she murmured, "just add five drops of ionized water, and…" She dripped five drops of water onto the side car. In a poof of sparkles, the side car grew to its real-life size, attached to Crimson. She smiled as she dropped her dropper back in her hat. "Perfect."

Mustang settled Mystogan in the side car and made him as comfortable as he could be. "Think you'll be okay for the ride?"

Mystogan nodded faintly. He plucked them and, underneath his fingers, his glasses changed into snow goggles.

Dazzler was quick to come forth. "Let me help you, Misty." She swiped the goggles and did the best to be gentle in putting them on.

"Thank you," Mystogan rasped. "I'm sorry…"

Mustang softly clapped Mystogan's shoulder. "Nothin' to apologize for, Mystogan," he assured. He mounted Crimson. "Let's get along, Miss Lafayette."

Soon, all were riding down the snowy street. Mustang kept his eyes on the road and guided Crimson. But, Dazzler could not stop looking at the heavily-wounded Mystogan.

Magic Hunters, huh? Why would they be here of all places?

Mustang was about to turn them down a street when three golden hares jetted down the avenue with their rider. Crimson barely skidded to a halt to ensure it did not run into the three hares and the three hares stopped shortly in the confusion.

Dazzler narrowed her eyes against the wintry wind to focus on the figure riding one of the hares. "Luke?"

Luke nudged his hare to circle back to the motorcycle and its passengers. He looked surprised and distracted to see them. "Dazzler! Mustang…" His eyes drifted to Mystogan and all the distraction faded into distraught. "Sensei!" He slid off his hare to sprint to the side car.

Mystogan looked at Luke through weary eyes. "I'm a pretty sad teacher if I've been beat up this badly," he coughed.

Luke shook his head. "Don't say that, Sensei," he scolded. "Try not to talk. You have to save your strength."

"Where were you goin' in such a hurry?" Mustang had to know.

Luke hardened and his jaw locked. "I've got a lock on Nashi and her bastard partner," he growled. "I'm finding them. And, I'm making him pay for hurting my sister."

"Gary would never hurt Nashi!" Dazzler claimed. "That's just bullshit!"

Luke moved his glower to Dazzler. "Why don't you take a look at her scars and tell me he wouldn't hurt her?" he snapped.

"Luke," Mystogan warned.

Mustang narrowed his eyes. "What are you sayin', Luke?"

"That bastard doesn't even deserve death for nearly killing my sister," Luke snarled. "I gave him a chance and he just ruined it. I'm putting him down for it."

"Luke, you're talking crazy!" Dazzler snapped at him.

"Am I?" Luke shook his head. "You're just too blind to see he's just a monster. He doesn't love my sister. He's just waiting for another moment to hurt her!"

Mustang had enough. "Luke—!"

"No!" Luke roared. "I don't care if he's your friend! He hurt my sister!" He sneered at Dazzler. "And, he'll get what's coming to him for that."

As he ran back to his hare, Dazzler shouted, "Luke, stop it! You're not acting like yourself. Luke! Luke!"

But, her shouts were ignored as Luke mounted one of his hare and gave a loud cry. The three hares obeyed and hopped down the street.

"We have to follow them!" Dazzler cried. She shivered as the blizzard thickened and snapped at her.

Mustang revved Crimson's engine. "C'mon, boy, brights on, and let's move!"

Crimson activated its brights and sped off after the boy set on a path of vengeance.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Let's see how Luna and Gabriel are doing in the past!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Laughter flitted throughout the dark forest. The moon showed her approval as she watched over two mortals, one barely a teenager and the other on his way to manhood. Tuffs of blonde and black were spotted on a little ledge that out-looked the Mûre River. No boats passed at this time, but the shine of the west and east side of the town on the river was something to be admired.

Luna laughed. "Please tell me that's not true!"

Gabriel grinned with his mug in hand. "Oh, it's true," he confirmed. "It's an old 'tradition' in the family for women to have lingerie fashioned out of molted dragon scales."

Luna laughed even harder. "Oh, my God, I can't wait to tell my papa that!"

Gabriel tried to sober himself. "All right. Let's review on what we've learned, my apprentice." He held up a finger. "Explain to me about the fangs of a mighty dragon."

Luna snickered, but she did her best to straighten and be a bit serious. "They're extremely rare to get since a dragon never loses their fangs."

"Good work," Gabriel praised. "And, their horns?"

"They can be shed and have Magic inside them," Luna recited. "They can be ground into tea with different affects and a dragon can always find a lost horn."

"Excellent. Now, for the claws?"

"Sharper than swords and used as such."

Gabriel smirked as he raised the mug. "You already know what scales are for, so we won't go back to that."

Luna softly laughed as her eyes traced the beauty of the night sky. "It's so weird," she murmured. "I never thought I'd be talking to my uncle's ancestor about dragons of all things. There's so much we don't know about them in our time."

Gabriel swallowed his last gulp and frowned. "That can't be right. My family has an entire library dedicated to the dragon race," he objected. "Don't my descendants have the key?"

Luna pursed her lips. "I don't think so?"

Gabriel looked troubled at that. "How can they not? We always pass it down from earthborn to earthborn."

Now Luna glanced at him, puzzled. "Don't you mean 'firstborn'?"

Gabriel shook his head and set down the mug. "No. Earthborn," he assured. "Only those with the earth in our veins can get to the library."

Luna blinked her surprise. "Woah. That's pretty amazing."

Gabriel gave a careless shrug. "I suppose so. Honestly, I hope my son isn't earthborn."

"Why's that?" Luna had to ask.

Gabriel sighed. "It's nothing. I'm just being a bit silly. You wouldn't want to hear about it," he dismissed.

Luna scooted closer to Gabriel and crossed her legs, putting her chin on propped hands. She smiled at Gabriel encouragingly.

A puff of laughter left Gabriel. "All right then," he supposed. "I'll tell you if you're so desperate."

Luna puffed her cheeks. "I'm not desperate, jerk."

Gabriel smirked, but he let the remark go. Instead, he explained: "It is just some silly legend in our family. A bit of a curse, I guess. One that involves gods I don't believe in, but my father believes in wholeheartedly. It is said the first Redfox was cursed by Earth."

Luna furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean 'by Earth'?"

"Earth," Gabriel answered. "The concept, the god, the spirit called Earth."

Luna's eyes widened, but she stayed silent.

Gabriel took that as his cue to keep going. "Well, it was a curse and a blessing. Earth taught him their Magic. Showed him the way of nature and all life on this world." He smirked at Luna with teasing fang. "Even showed him how to get a submissive female that actually listens to his words."

Luna blushed a bit, but she glared at him. "Gabriel," she growled in warning.

Gabriel chuckled, yet did not tease her further. "What Earth didn't tell him was that he was cursed. He wasn't a normal man. His ears could hear assassins leagues away. His nose could smell emotion and even the faintest change of scent. And, his eyes… My father always said his eyes were cursed to be red, like a demon's eyes. And, his temper was not something to be reckoned with."

Something came to Luna as her eyes drifted back to the river. "Yeah," she agreed softly, "you're right about that."

"An earthborn is something to be celebrated in my family," Gabriel went on, "or, so my father says. It means our first ancestor's power flows through our veins. We have a stronger connection to nature and the earth and all that flows from its core." He looked down at his bare hands and let them flex and clench. "But, I don't see the point in celebration," he admitted. "To become earthborn… I feel more like a failure than something else."

"No. Don't you say that!"

Wide ruby clashed with fierce chocolate.

Luna seemed to realize the harshness in her tone and backed off. "Sorry. I just…" She thought to share it. "Your ancestor… My…Gale… He's said something similar to that," she confessed. "He felt like a failure to be an Earth Mage when his dad and his siblings aren't."

"I share his pain," Gabriel admitted. "As does my father. To be like…this?" He cupped his hands and concentrated. Magic pulsed in the space between for a moment. When he was finished, he opened his hands.

Luna gazed in wonder at the diamond horse in his hand that milled about. "Woah! That's so awesome!" she gushed.

Gabriel allowed two fingers to wash over the diamond horse and the magical creation turned back into mere Ethernano particles. "I suppose so," he said half-heartedly. "I find it more of a nuisance than a blessing. To be earthborn… I feel like nothing good stems from it."

Luna peered up at him. "Meaning…?"

Gabriel sighed. "It's hard to describe, but this power… It's not wanted. I just wondered what it would be like to be normal?"

"You are normal," Luna insisted. "Look, my siblings and some of their and my friends can smell and hear just like you! Maybe it's not something everyone can do, but—!"

"Do they turn into a monster when they fight their battles?"

Luna's eyes widened. "Wait… What do you mean…?"

Gabriel looked so sullen like all his hope had faded before him. "I told you, my Lady. Being earthborn is nothing to be proud of. My father… The day my mother and my sisters were killed… He lost control of himself," he admitted quietly. "He wasn't himself. His eyes… They looked like a snake's eyes."

Luna could see it before her. She could see snake-like red eyes as they glared at their own coworker. She could see snake-like red eyes as they glared at the waiter holding her captive.

"He was a monster." Gabriel's bottom lip quivered. "He was a tempest of emotions he could not control. All because he is earthborn. And I am the very same." He shut his eyes in his own frustration as his birthright, his fate. "Why couldn't I just be normal?" he growled to himself. "Why did I have to be like this?"

Luna's eyes flitted downwards.

The focus shifted on the blurred image of Gale that looked murderous as he pummeled his fallen coworker without a lick of remorse.

Her eyes shimmered.

The focus looked up into sincere ruby that carried emotion she did not want to identify. Her hands gripped his shirt as he leaned in close to whisper in her ear.

"I'm a monster, Blondie. A monster that doesn't deserve to call you his friend. I'm sorry. You deserve better than this."

She bit her bottom lip as she made her next move carefully.

Gabriel's eyes shot open and looked down.

Luna's hand had covered his own.

"My papa told me…"

Gabriel's eyes lifted upward to see Luna staring intently at their hands.

"…that 'monsters' aren't something we can call ourselves," Luna murmured, timbre wise and soft and everything curiously in-between. "They're in our head. If we think we're monsters, we'll become one. But, Gabriel, no one is born a monster."

"How would you know?" Gabriel whispered. "Being earthborn… It makes us monsters."

"I think I beat you if this is how we're doing it," Luna told him bitterly.

"How can you say that?" Gabriel demanded to know. His other hand covered her own and tightly so. "You are a beautiful, young lady with such a glow about you. You-You're smart and brave and—!"

"I'm half-demon, Gabriel."

Gabriel froze.

No words came out of his open mouth.

His eyes widened.

Luna chuckled bitterly. "You want to talk about life being unfair? I'm half of a thing I really hate."

Gabriel did not understand. "But… How? You seem so—"

"What? 'Normal'?" Luna shook her head. "Trust me, Gabriel, I'm not. My papa… He's an Etherious Demon, y'know? And, like…" She sniffled and wiped an eye. "My uncle, he's… He was a really bad man and turned my papa into a demon, and I… I'm not saying I'm happy my papa is a demon, but if he wasn't turned into one, then I wouldn't be here." She laugh-cried a little and shook her head and a lock of hair fell out of place. "But, that's not the point I'm making. Just tell me, Gabriel. Who do you see right now?"

"I see a beautiful lady," Gabriel answered. "I see someone who doesn't know their worth."

Luna smiled. "Now, ask me who I see?"

Gabriel swallowed and his eyes flickered away nervously. "Who do you see?"

"I see someone who doesn't know their worth," Luna echoed. "I see someone who is way too hard on themselves." Her smile softened. "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You weren't born a monster. My papa is a demon, but he doesn't act like how the demons we fight act. He loves my mama and my family and Fairy Tail. I'm half-demon, but I choose not to be mean and greedy and just plain nasty. I'm just me and you're just you. No monsters involved, just…people."

Gabriel watched Luna blink back her own tears. A quiet awe fell upon him as he watched her. Even a newfound respect. "The Heartfilia Clan is full of surprises," he supposed. Like an instinct, he tucked back the lock of hair that was misplaced.

Shimmering chocolate lifted to meet admiring ruby.

"Yeah, well, we're pretty awesome," Luna jested wetly.

Gabriel smiled a little. "Beautiful too," he murmured in compliment.

Luna blushed at that and shied away. "I mean, maybe my mama and my sister and my grandma and granny, yeah, but I'm not that much," she chuckled, a tad nervous. "You've barely known me for a day and all, so you don't have much to judge me on."

"I have enough," Gabriel said softly. He found himself leaning forward. "You're radiant, printzesa."

Luna blinked away from Gabriel. "Gabriel," she tried to warn desperately. "Gabriel, I'm not from here. I'm from the future—your future."

"I know." Gabriel really did know. "But…" His hand brushed against her cheek. He watched Luna stiffen, but it was in her nature to relax at the touch. "Would it really be that bad if you stayed?"

"Why would you even ask me that?" Luna whispered. The mere thought of staying in the past where her own parents were not even born sickened her. "I have to go back. My friends, my family, my guild, they—… They need me there."

Something in Gabriel's eyes passed. "And when you say, 'they', you mean my descendant you're close to," he noted in an unreadable tone.

"He's my partner," Luna told him. She looked away as she got a bit choked up thinking of her mess of a future. "I just ran off without telling him an-and then we fought and, now, I'm here and he's stuck there, and we never even made up and—!" Her words caught up to her and choked to a stop. She wanted to get the words out, but she just could not. "And…"

"And," Gabriel continued for her in his quiet voice, "you miss him."

"That's not it," Luna whispered. Her free hand rubbed her arm. "That's not it. That's not fair. I just—! I—…" She gulped. "I just need to go back."

"You need to go back to him."

"To my family," Luna said firmly. Her voice wavered at the end of it, but she needed to stay strong. "To my friends and my guild and all the innocent people."

"And to him." Gabriel smiled, but it was tinged in something despondent.

At that, Luna knew it was pointless. "I'm sorry." The words came out in a hush. She did not have to say what she was sorry for. And, she never would have to.

"I am the one who should be apologizing," Gabriel told her. "It feels strange. I've known you for a day, but it feels like… We grew up together. Like you're my companion and we've disclosed all of our secrets and fears and desires to each other."

Luna shut her eyes as she tried not to sob. "You look like him," she got out. A trembling hand raised to touch his cheek. His eyes closed at the contact and she sucked in a choking breath. "You're not twins or anything, but, you do. Your names…" She rolled her lips. "I'm really sorry," she tried to apologize, trying to take her hand away.

Gabriel stopped her hand with his own reaching up for a gentle tug. "You've told me so little about him," he realized. "I'd like to hear more about my descendant who is your partner."

Luna looked hesitant. "Gabriel—"

"It's all right, printzesa," Gabriel shushed. "I'd really like to know."

Luna looked away from Gabriel to look at the water and let its calmness calm her. "He's…sweet," she described. "I mean, in his own way, of course. He can be a jerk a lot, but his heart is so kind and caring." Maybe she did not notice the smile weaving onto her face, but it was there. "Y'know, when we were really little, he was really mean to me. Not like a bully. He just was kinda rude sometimes. But, he never let anyone bully me. He was like my fierce dragon that kept away all the mean princes. Storybooks don't do dragons justice. And…" She sighed. "I don't know. I know he's tough and strong, but seeing him hurt… I wish I was a lot stronger, so I could help him for a change. And, I wish…" Her eyes lowered. "I wish I didn't say those mean things to him when I did," she murmured. "It wasn't fair of me to do that."

"I'm sure he will forgive you," Gabriel assured. "How could he not forgive his princess?" His eyes glinted. "Because I know I would."

Luna said nothing.

Gabriel was slow to rise to his feet. "Come. It's late. We should get back to the house. I need to make sure my father makes it to bed and not into the stables for bed." He offered his hand.

Luna took it and he pulled her to her feet.

Gabriel swiped the mug off the ground and offered his arm. "Shall we?"

Luna nodded and linked his arm.

And, they began their trek back.

"And, printzesa?"

Luna peered up at Gabriel who kept his eyes on the path.

"I hope my earthborn descendant knows he's lucky," Gabriel spoke. "You are the greatest companion a person could ask for and you chose him to be your partner. He should be grateful for that type of gift."

Luna glanced away from Gabriel with no response besides a nod.

And, they continued their trek back in silence.

---

Paige shivered as she wrapped her blanket tightly around herself. It was not that the cellar was not heated—the private generator did enough—but the feeling of something bad would not leave her. She stayed in bed with her twin sister lying on her back, sleeping.

"I feel like I need to get far away from here until this bad feeling goes away," Paige muttered. "Stupid animal instincts." She stared up at the ceiling.

The focus was on steeled navy eyes.

"They never had it easy," came Linus' words. "Not back then. You're right. Gary was taken by Hunters once."

"It doesn't make any sense," Paige muttered. "Why would Hunters want him?"

"Because of his Curse," came a small groan.

Paige whipped to see Penelope waking herself. "Nelly, rest," she pleaded. "You need to sleep. Using your soul like that—!"

"Was necessary." Penelope kept her eyes shut as a hand blindly reached for her glasses. "My glasses?"

Paige sighed and plucked her glasses from the bedside table. She spilled them into Penelope's outreached hand. "How, though?" she demanded. "How was it needed?"

Penelope put on her glasses and blinked open her eyes. "Because I knew Linus would be needed to assist Julia. He's the one who can hold her back."

Now Paige was perplexed. "From what?"

"From herself," Penelope answered, though in vague.

Paige sighed. "I won't even pretend to get that," she supposed. "But, about Gary… What do you mean his Curse? I thought he had Black Magic?"

Penelope shook her head. "In a way, he has both," she supposed. "His two souls are bond together through blood, Magic, and a Curse that doesn't make itself present. The fact that Gary and his Devil exists with powerful Magic warrants him on a Hunter's list, but that's not just it. It's the power of the Curse that he could unleash if he was triggered, something the Hunters desperately want to happen."

"Woah, woah, slow down," Paige calmed. "How do you know this? And, if this Curse hasn't been triggered, then why take him? And, when was he taken the first time?"

Penelope closed her eyes. "It would be easier for me to start from the beginning. As you know, when Gary was ten, his Devil came unexpectedly into this world."

Paige nodded.

"What you don't know," Penelope continued, "was what happened when his Devil emerged."

At this, Paige's brow furrowed.

"He was out of control," Penelope narrated. "Similar to Mary Jane, Gary was forced to the sidelines while something else controlled his actions. Not only did he hurt his father, Linus, and nearly Lyon, he terrorized a nearby town."

"That's awful," dropped from Paige's mouth in a whisper.

"It was," Penelope went on. "But, that was not the reason for his capture. It was the rumors of Gary's Devil that spiked interest in other people. In very dangerous people. Since Gary was young, he was easier to take in. And, so, Magic Hunters were enlisted to capture him for experimentation."

"He was experimented on?" Paige gasped.

Penelope nodded. "I'm still not sure to what extent, but it was nothing that left him the same."

"Well, yeah, I get that," Paige let out in a whoosh. "Damn. No wonder Julia was getting all fired up."

Penelope had to agree. "She worries for her brother and the pain he went through. As of now, few know of Gary's past and fewer know an extent of it."

"So, then…" Paige began. "How do you know about it?"

"As an S-Class Mage, I am given access to restricted sections within the guild archives," Penelope explained. "I am able to read on case files regarding members. There are things only the Master and the second-in-commands may read, but I have enough privilege to poke around." Her pale eyes glinted. "I admire Gary. He truly is a remarkable Mage for the Hell he was put through and the Hell that he's in."

"I'd say," Paige murmured.

"I worry for Julia, though."

Paige lifted an eyebrow. "Huh? Why's that?"

"She worries for Gary and I understand that," Penelope confessed. "But, the measures she's taken aren't something advised."

"What do you mean by that?" Paige wondered.

Penelope's eyes hardened. "There are times when a detective will over-hunt their prey. They will try to figure out their prey's motive through thinking like them, acting like them. In some cases, their mental state is strong enough to keep true to themselves. But, in others…" She adjusted her glasses. "In a way, Julia is right. To beat a Magic Hunter, you have to play by their rules and think like them. I just hope she realizes she will never have to fully become one."

---

Erin-, nine énya.

The focus was on three glorious beings of light. Red, blue, and yellow beamed into the focus, making it blurry and wince.

Nanmé. An i úron -ene cín hemel firnen.

The colors began to mix. Red made love to blue and violet was born. Blue had an affair with yellow and green appeared. Yellow and red merged and orange was founded. It was a polygamous relationship with those colors.

And a rainbow was formed.

Nanmé…

The rainbow combined its colors to birth something ugly.

Black.

Nanmé!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

When T'oree opened her eyes, nothing was as it was. Everything to her felt so draining and taxing. She could barely move around her fingers, let alone her limbs.

Everything was dark.

Everything was so, so dark.

"Ah," came murmur. "The alien princess awakens."

T'oree turned her head, but there was no person in sight. She could sense someone was near her, but she had no sense of where. "Shesi…-na ni?"

"Looks like she's too confused to even speak Fioren," came amused comment. "They're gonna love her."

In a moment of panic, T'oree's body turned aggressive and she gave a violent jerk. She groaned when she felt something gnawing at her wrists and ankles in a burn. She grunted and snarled as she tried to free herself like a wild animal trying to break free of its cage.

"I wouldn't do that," came smooth advice. "You see, princess, you might not be from here, but those Anti-Ethernano cuffs work on you all the same."

T'oree snarled and regained enough sense to speak the Fioren tongue. "Who are you?" she demanded to know. "How dare you chain the second princess of Vanhalla!"

"News flash, princess. You aren't a princess on Earth Land," came chuckled reminder.

"Where is Lord Cadorius and Lord Silver?" T'oree shouted. "What have you done to my friends?" She tried to ignite herself, but the energy of the three suns did not even warm her.

"They're just sleeping in some holding cells, so you needn't worry, princess," came taunt. "In fact, you and that Cade le Fay don't have to worry about anyone else in this place. You won't be sticking around to see it much longer."

"You speak in riddles like an Oracle," T'oree sneered. "Speak freely and without puzzles!"

A laugh. A misguided laugh. "All right. You want the Layman's terms? You got them. To simply put, princess, you two are illegal aliens. You have no right to live in this country or this realm. But… That will change very soon."

T'oree gritted her teeth. "We have sought sanctuary with the queen of this country—"

"I don't have a queen," came interpreting. "Your queen, your monarchy—that doesn't apply to me or my people. All we know is we have two foreign objects. And, we plan on getting rid of them before they stain this world." Footsteps traipsed away from T'oree. "Oh, but, don't worry, princess. Where you're going, you won't ever feel the need to worship those little sun goddesses again. As for Cadorius…"

The footsteps stopped.

"Well," came drawl. "Since he's a knight, I'm sure even he understands punishment for treason. How does a nice flogging sound? And, when he's had enough?" The footsteps started up. "He'll be hanged."

T'oree's eyes widened. "No!" she shouted. "Please, do not harm my friend! Please, do not!"

And the cries of the Vanhallan Princess echoed for no one to hear.

---

The worsening blizzard mattered little to Linus and Julia. Linus had transitioned into his Ice Form and gave them transportation in the form of an icy sled and huskies. Linus was an expert in mushing the dogs to do his bidding and Julia hung onto him for dear life with her eyes scanning the horizon through goggles Linus had created.

Gary… Where are you?

Their search continued without any familiars or creatures. Nothing would stop them, not with this freezing cold. The Guardian Duo continued their rampage in the sky—the cold did not bother such things of their caliber—but the Mages below were forced to submit to the cold and seek out shelter and warmth.

At least, most of them.

Linus' eyes widened and he forced his huskies to a stop as three giant, golden hares sprinted right in front of them. His and Julia's widened when they saw who rode one of the hairs.

"Luke?" Julia breathed.

He and his hares disappeared further into the blizzard.

Julia shook her head. "Luke!" she shouted.

But, he was gone.

Julia gritted her teeth. "Dammit!" She tightened her grip on Linus. "Why did he—?"

The roar of a motorcycle stopped Julia's next words. It was Crimson and his ride that drove past the duo with Mystogan in a sidecar and Dazzler holding onto Mustang.

"Luke!" Dazzler cried. "Get back here!"

Linus tensed and gripped his whip. He lashed it in the air. "Hike!" he shouted. "Gee!"

The icy huskies took off in the same direction of the hares and the motorcycle without fail. Linus lashed the whip for extra measure to quicken the pace of his dogs. They did not disappoint as they pushed their muscles even harder to catch up with the motorcycle.

Dazzler noticed them and her eyes widened. "Linus?" She craned her head to see— "And, Julia? What are you guys doing out here?"

Linus lashed his whip. "I could ask you the same," he grunted.

"We're following after Luke," Dazzler explained. "He's got it in his head that Gary's hurt Nashi and he's determined to beat the living crap out of him." Her eyes hardened. "I don't know what's come over him. Gary loves Nashi. He would never hurt her. Luke was talking crazy about Gary giving Nashi scars, but we all know that's not true."

Julia stiffened against Linus. "Right… Not true…"

So, then. Gary and Nashi must've kept it between them. If Gary and Nashi's friends found out…

"Luke must have found Gary and Nashi's vīrya."

Julia snapped out of her thoughts as Linus asked, "They're what?"

"Vīrya," Dazzler repeated. "Like they're energy signal or something like that. He was checking it out when we first came here. If he's got a lock on it, then he's headed straight for them."

"Which means we are too," Julia realized. "He'll lead us right to Gary and Nashi. We just have to make sure we get to them before he can."

Luke and his three hares swerved over a bridge and into a narrow street with stairs leading he ascent. The two teams followed after him, bumping up the steps.

"Luke!" Dazzler shouted. "Luke, stop!"

Luke ignored her as the hare he rode hopped down another street. The two other hares' noses twitched as they stayed behind. In a shimmer of gold, they merged to form a barrier to stop those trying to stop their master.

Mustang and Linus forced their respective rides to a halt at the sight of the barrier.

"This ain't lookin' too good," Mustang said, frowning. "He used one of them Magic Barriers. My bullets can't shatter that."

"I've got nothing." Dazzler fisted Mustang's jacket. "Dammit! We were so close!"

Julia let go of Linus to walk away from the sled and to the barrier.

Dazzler frowned. "Julia?"

Wordlessly, Julia reached under her jacket, under her shirt, and pulled out on of her guns. She clicked off the safety.

Sorry, Luke. But, you're not getting to them.

She pulled the trigger.

The instant her bullet hit the barrier, the entire barrier shattered.

Mustang and Dazzler were gobsmacked. "How…?" Dazzler tried to ask. "Just what?"

Julia put the safety back on as she jogged back to Linus. She stored her gun in her bra holster once again. "We need to move!" she shouted. "The longer we wait, the more distance he puts between us!"

Dazzler looked troubled at that. "But—!"

Mustang revved up Crimson's engine. "Let's go, boy!"

Crimson growled and surged forth to follow after Luke.

Julia attached herself to Linus. "Let's go."

"Yeah." Linus barked his commands and lashed his whip and his dogs surged forward to follow after the rest.

Luke led them in a winding chase, ignoring Dazzler's pleas for him to stop. His honey brown eyes were wild and crazed.

I have to… I need to… I need to avenge my sister.

The hare turned again only for them to come across a narrower street than before. Luke slid off the hare and made a break for it, the hare disappearing into gold dust. He ignored the flower pots and a few abandoned market stands to keep his eye on the end of the street.

I can feel them. I'm so close… Just a little closer…

Luke emerged onto the other end of the street. He panted—his breaths misted and puffed like clouds before him—as he took in his new surroundings.

His eyes widened.

He cared little he had made it close to the Mûre River. He cared little he was in a shopping district with a strip mall boarded up and bracing for the storm. He ignored the harsh snow that snapped at him and flushed his cheeks and stung his nose.

His eyes were on one thing.

His sister.

His limp sister.

"Nashi," Luke whispered. "N-No… I was too late…"

The Ice Devil before Luke studied him in recognition. "Makto shana ka malã'ika," he rumbled.

"I was…t-too late… No…" Luke dropped to his knees. Disbelief shook his body, not the blizzard. "Nashi… I'm so sorry…" His glasses fell from his face when a hand reached to cover an eye.

The Ice Devil heard Luke's broken sorrow and softened. "Human take malã'ika," he offered. "Malã'ika is hurt."

Gritted teeth. "You're damn right she's hurt."

The Ice Devil observed Luke as the Zen Mage staggered to his feet.

His fists clenched.

"You promised me," Luke snarled. "I gave you a second chance. I gave you a chance to prove to me you wouldn't do it again. But, you…" His body now shook with something more violent. Something darker than hatred. "You did it again, didn't you?" Luke faced the Ice Devil head on.

His honey brown eyes were glinting in something he had never possessed before.

They were glinting in red.

"You," Luke panted, "hurt my sister." He shut his eyes. "You… You…"

The Ice Devil's eyes widened when gold swirled around the Zen Mage. Luke's hair was choosing to abandon pink as it grayed out and darkened into something else. An emotion darker than hatred pulsed off him in heated waves.

"You… You son of a bitch!" Luke gnashed. His hair—it had turned completely jet-black. His eyes snapped open to show black veins had crawled into his eyes and the brown in his eyes were battling red. "I'm going to fucking kill you, you bastard!"

The Ice Devil braced himself when Luke dashed at him with a fist swirling of golden energy that was tainted in something dark—something black. He held Nashi closer to him as his lips curled into a snarl. His eyes were beginning to submit to silver.

If this human was daring to harm him and his malã'ika, the Ice Devil had no choice but to retaliate.

A silhouette flashed between them.

Luke's eyes widened.

BOOM.

Furious honeyed red clashed with steeled navy.

Julia blocked Luke's punch effortlessly. She was the barrier between him and Nashi.

Luke snarled. "Get out of my way, Fullbuster."

"If you intend to hurt my brother, I won't, Dragneel," Julia spat back.

"He deserves it," Luke insisted. "He hurt my sister."

"Luke!" came a yell. It was Dazzler as she and Mustang helped a nearly-unconscious Mystogan into the district. Her eyes found Nashi and the Devil holding her. They widened. "What the Hell?" she gasped.

"Is that…Gary?" Mustang whispered.

Linus looked at Gary with sad eyes.

Storm…

Julia growled and turned her head to glare at the Ice Devil. "Go!" she snapped. "Get out of here! I can give you time, but you need to hurry!"

The Ice Devil gave her a curt nod. His wings unfurled and he flapped them, soaring into the white abyss and away from them.

Luke snarled. "No!" He retracted his fist to try and follow after the Ice Devil, but Julia blocked his path. "Stand aside!" he roared.

Julia jerked her arms and let her daggers slid into her hands. She got herself battle-ready. "You're not killing my brother, Luke," she promised. "You're going to have to go through me." Her eyes slipped to Linus.

Linus nodded and turned back to the others. "We have little time to waste," he hurriedly told them. "We have to follow them and get Nashi back."

Dazzler was still in shock. "Wait… What just…?"

Linus was already shaking his head. "There's no time," he insisted. "We have to go. Now."

Julia did not watch as Linus corralled everyone back onto Mustang's motorcycle. She did not watch as Dazzler sat with Mystogan in the side car while Linus took her spot on the back of Crimson. She did not watch as Mustang revved Crimson's engine and spurred the bike to follow after the Devil.

Her eyes were solely on the seething Luke.

"If that's what it takes," Luke hissed, "then I'll go through you." Magic swirled around him. "You won't stop me."

Julia locked her jaw. "I don't want to hurt you, Luke," she told him. "But, I know you won't listen to reason."

Luke reached into his pocket. "You want to talk about 'reason'?" He pulled out a Star Coin and twirled it in-between his fingers before gripping it. "Your bastard brother hurt my sister. There's no reason I shouldn't hurt him."

"You're right," Julia admitted. "He hurt Nashi. But, she forgave him—"

"Only for him to hurt her again!" Luke burst.

"You don't know that!"

"And, what makes you think he didn't?!"

Julia did not know what to say.

"He scarred her," Luke carried on. "He mauled her. He was the reason she was limping, the reason for her tears."

Julia tensed. "I know—"

"You know nothing!" Luke roared at her. "You weren't there to see her when she was bleeding and had to change her bandages! You weren't there when she saw her scars!" His glower intensified. "So, tell me, Fullbuster, if some bitch hurt Gary like that, you would just let it go? Even if you were forced to see his scars and be reminded of what happened, you would forgive her?"

"I would." Julia said it without hesitation. "I wouldn't ever forget what happened, but, if Gary forgave them, I would trust his judgment and forgive him."

The Star Coin between Luke's thumb began to glow.

Luke offered Julia a crooked smirk. This was wrong. Luke never smirked—well, only when he won a Lacrima Game—he smiled. He smiled a lot. But, now, he smirked. "Looks like you and I are at an impasse," he supposed. "You want to defend my sister's offender. I want him gone."

"I can't let you do that for obvious reasons," Julia stated.

Luke rubbed a thumb over the Star Coin. "Then, you'll be put down too." He tossed the coin in the air as his Magic Circle bloomed. "With this coin, I summon…!"

Julia lunged at him with her daggers. "Don't make this hard, Luke!" she shouted. "You can stop this!"

The Star Coin glinted as it turned over and revealed the burning symbol of the Leo Constellation.

"…the great sword of fire and sun Leonis of the Lion, Leo!" Luke finished chanting, reaching out his hand.

The Star Coin began its descent as it shined in burning brilliance. You could almost hear the Great Lion roaring his approval.

Julia rode out her attack, even as the brightness nearly blinded her. "Luke!" she roared. "Luke…!"

CLANG!

Julia's eyes widened.

The brilliance faded away.

Julia saw her daggers were stopped by something that she had never laid eyes on. It was a claymore sword, a true two-handed beast. Fire danced on the edges of the blade, the fire of the sun. The Mark of the Great Lion burned into the blade to let all know Leonis was the weapon of Leo.

Luke did not falter in holding Leonis. He kept both hands on his weapon and pushed back against Julia's own. It did not matter if they were made of Anti-Ethernano.

This sword was fashioned out of stars.

Luke glared fiercely at Julia. "You," he breathed, shoving her back, "will get out of my way!" He raised his sword.

And, he struck down.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Dazzler was still in-shock as Mustang and Crimson raced after Gary and Nashi. "So, that thing was Gary?!" she exclaimed. "But, how? I don't believe it!"

"It's true," Linus insisted. "What you saw… That's the true form Gary and his Devil can take."

"But," Dazzler began to protest, "Gary's Devil looks mostly like him—"

"In its Human Form," Linus supplied. "It took the form of a human when it realized in order to hunt and be free, it needed to look like one of us. That's what it normally looks like."

"That wasn't Gary," Dazzler insisted. "We would know! He would've told us he was a— "

"A what, Dazzler?" Linus asked sharply. "A monster? Is that what you were going to say?"

"We just saw a demon, Linus," she hissed at him. "You're trying to tell me one of my best friends is a demon?"

"Devil," he corrected.

Dazzler rolled her eyes. "Misty, Cowboy, you don't buy this bullshit, right?"

Mustang hesitated. "Well…"

Dazzler gawked at Mustang. "Not you too!"

"Gary did tell us his Devil didn't really look like what we see," Mustang reminded. "He just never told us it looked like that."

"Why would he hide that from us?" Dazzler demanded to know.

"Because look at how you're reacting right now!" Linus snapped. He was growing impatient and that was not a good look for him. "You're acting like he's just a monster who hurt your friend!"

"You saw Nashi!" Dazzler snapped back. "She looked practically dead in that thing's arms!"

"'That thing' is your best friend, Dazzler," Linus growled. "Don't call Storm a 'thing'!"

Dazzler began shaking her head. "But, he—!"

"It's true."

Dazzler looked down at Mystogan as he coughed. "Misty…"

"Gary… He never wanted to tell anyone," Mystogan explained. "I only know due to his case file. Lance and I… We both know about this form."

"Then, why didn't he tell us?" Dazzler asked. Her voice cracked. "Why didn't he tell me? He's my best friend."

"Put yourself in his shoes, Dazzler," Mystogan pleaded. "Would you really tell anyone about this side of you?"

Dazzler hesitated. "I…" She sighed. "I guess not… But—!"

"No 'but's," Linus cut in. "You wouldn't. End of story. You'd be terrified your friends would hate you. You'd do everything you could to keep it a secret. Don't you lie to me and tell me you would come clean to your friends. Not when you believe you're a monster."

Dazzler winced at the term and looked away. "I don't think he's a monster," she admitted. "Sorry. I'm just… I'm worried about him and Nashi. She just looked so dead and—"

"I suspect it was the Hunters," Mystogan piped up. "Anti-Ethernano Serum."

Now Mustang's eyes widened. "You think they gave her that?! But, that could kill her!"

"We have a limited time to get her back to Doctor Mothersbaugh," Linus told them. "I don't know how long she's been under, but his Alkahestry can help her."

But… There's a chance Gary won't let us take her, he predicted. The Ice Devil is unpredictable and possessive of her. If he doesn't give her up…

He shook his head.

No. I can't think like that. I can't do it. I have to have hope Gary will come to his senses.

And, they rode on.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Time to go back in the past!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna lay in her temporary bedroom with eyes wide awake and a snoozing Canis Minor at her bedside. Nothing could make her sleep right now. How could she sleep in a present that was not her own? She turned to her bedside table to pick up her Compact. She turned it on to see her lock screen.

And there was her family.

Her father and mother were caught in the middle of their passionate kiss with her mother's cheeks flaming and her father grinning like an idiot. Nashi seemed to be laughing with Igneel at Luke's misfortune as Happy crash landed onto his head. Luna smiled up at the camera with a peace sign and a wink.

"I miss you guys," she sniffled.

She unlocked her Compact to go into her photos. She sifted through them with glimmering eyes of her family album. It made her smile when she saw her mother scolding her father as he laughed sheepishly at the charred mess in the kitchen. There was a picture of Luke facedown in his reading material with badly-drawn marker tattoos on his face and whipped cream in his ear. There was burst one with Luke jumping for sweet victory as a K. Igneel lay on the floor with his game controller on his stomach. A video came up with Igneel's door being the screen opening and Luna pressed PLAY.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi came into view with Luna's giggling in the background. As she creaked open the door, Luke popped up with a silly grin and a finger to his lips. Contradictory to everyone's personal beliefs, Igneel's room was immaculate. His comic books and manga were in the correct volume order and properly series alphabetized with action figures and signed posters pinned to his wall. His room might have been a bit cluttered from all the souvenirs from past missions, but he made sure they were organized and dated with little descriptions.

He was such a hoarder.

The camera zoomed in on a snoozing Igneel cuddling a body pillow that was bare of anything on it. A happy blush nipped at his cheeks as he nuzzled into the pillows.

"MJ, yer so soft," he mumbled.

Luke silently lost it while Nashi's covered her mouth and pointed to the ceiling. The camera tipped up and zoomed in to see a picture of a pissed off Mary Jane stapled right above the bed.

"What?" Luna whisper-laughed.

"Shhh!" Luke tried to hush even as he laughed quietly and the camera went to him. "Don't wake the dragon."

Nashi beckoned them close and everyone tip-toed to the sleeping specimen in nothing who wore only shorts to bed.

Nashi leaned on the bed, grinning. "Moron," she sang off-key in her best Mary Jane impression.

Igneel hummed. "Mmmm? MJ?" he rumbled, thick with sleep.

Luke was dying and the camera trembled a bit.

Nashi tried to withhold her laughter and flipped her hair. "M-Moron, you want to go on a job with me?" she purred.

Igneel clutched the pillow tighter. "Mmm-hmm," he hummed.

"Say it!" Luke pleaded.

"I will! Patience!" Nashi whispered back. She turned back to Igneel and cleared her throat. "We can share a room together," she continued to purr. "We can share a bed together."

Igneel purred at that. "Sounds nice," he agreed.

"And we can shower together," Nashi proposed in her Mary Jane voice. "We can even sleep naked together…"

A more purposeful blush settled on Igneel's cheek as pink flames danced on his hair. His body shifted with the body pillow. "Mmm-hmm," he agreed.

"And y'know what?" Nashi whispered, desperately holding back the laughter Luke and Luna were already sharing.

"Mmm. Wha…?" Igneel tried to ask, smiling.

"We can even have Luke be our third."

Luke was in tears on the floor as Igneel's brow furrowed. "Wai… What do you…?" He grunted as he tried to open his eyes. He shut them, then blinked them open. His eyes went to Nashi who backed away. "Nashi?" he questioned.

Luke and Luna were outright laughing as Nashi winked. "In the flesh!" She turned to the camera. "You get that, Lu?"

"Yup!"

"Oh, Mary Jane's gonna love this," Luke gasped as he cracked up.

Igneel was confused. "Wait. What are you…?" The second he understood, flames were roaring against his skin. "What the fuck!"

Nashi burst into laughter and dashed away with Luke and Luna trying to keep up with her. "Oh, my God!" Luna cried.

"Get back here!" Igneel roared from a distance.

Luke looked behind them as the siblings climbed down the steps. He was grinning like mad. "Holy shit, he's literally in flames!"

"Get back here!" Igneel roared.

"No Magic in the house!" Nashi trilled as she leapt onto the first floor.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And the sound of wild laughter and swear words abruptly stopped.

DRIP.

A tear shed onto Luna's cheek.

DROP.

Her finger went to her friends album. She leafed through hilarious photos and videos of her friends. She saw Paige trying to peel off a lovestruck Silver. She saw Ena beaming with her new design. She saw Penelope point at risqué cosplays like it was a casual thing. She saw Amber and Julia gossip at the bar. She saw Mary Jane punch Igneel dead in the face. She saw Gale, Dash, Luke, and Cane playing a game of cards with Cane grinning like a fool at his earnings. She laughed quietly at a few videos. One of them was Silver and Ena fighting over who would pay for Luna's meal. Another one was Elvin laughing when Amber flat out rejected Dash's date invite.

One that caught her eye was a video of Gale.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale was in the middle of an eye roll. "—re you ready for it nor or not?"

A huff. "Yes, you jerk. Now say it."

Gale groaned and looked into the camera with a mad blush on his tan skin. "Fine. I love…" He struggled to growl his words. "I… I love…" He mumbled the rest.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Luna taunted.

Gale glared at the camera. "I… I love…cuddling with my princess," he said hurriedly, making the table laugh. "There. Happy?"

"Oh, you're such a buzz kill," Luna claimed as Gale tore into his sandwich. "Can't believe we're friends."

Gale smirked. "Blondie-girl, we're only friends because I took pity on your sorry ass, okay?"

Luna growled. "Cane…!" she whined. "The dragon is being mean! Save me!"

The camera was flipped to see Luna's head and Cane's own atop hers with a smug smirk. "Don't worry, my princess. I'll rescue you from your tower, so you're free of him such a fugly thing with a less-than-average dick!" he professed in a Minstrish accent.

Luna blushed as Cane shifted off her while Gale snarled. "Cane!"

"Watch it, Experiment STI," came Gale's warning as the camera flipped to Cane sitting next to Luna. "You think ladies are impressed with your three inches?"

"That's three inches more than you, love," Cane cooed teasingly, wiggling his eyebrows at the camera. "Beautiful, what do you think? You think your prince is bigger than your dragon?"

"Oh, my God, we aren't doing this." The camera flipped to Luke groaning. "She's too young and innocent!"

"Size doesn't matter, Princey," Gale sneered as the camera turned to him (Luke muttered about being ignored in the background). "Beside, I have these." He flashed his canines and smirked. "And we all know everyone's a sucker for canines."

The camera went back to Cane as he mockingly thought on it. "True. But, then again, everyone could be a sucker and no one would swallow the bitter taste that's you."

The entire table burst into ooo's at that as the camera went to Gale who was restraining himself from lunging at Cane. "You think I won't dig up a chick from your flings-of-the-past, you bitch?" he threatened. "I will sick a crazy on you."

Cane gasped dramatically. "Have you no sense of boundaries? Where is your humanity?!"

The camera went back to Gale as he muttered, "Where is your virginity?"

The entire table laughed at that as the camera went back to Cane shaking his head. He looked into the camera and pointed to Gale. "You see this? This is right here, ladies and gents, is a classic aggressive virgin that has to never gotten blown yet. Very common for the below-average," he informed, overriding Gale's curses and the table's mirth. Cane smirked and winked. "But, don't you worry, Beautiful. I'll make sure you're with a much more experienced man than him." He flicked his tongue before biting his bottom lip.

"Cane! Ew…!" Luna whined, laughing. "Don't be so gross!"

Cane shrugged. "Beautiful, I just want what's best for you," he soothed. "And, what's best for you is a kiss from your Prince Charming!" He puckered his lips as he leaned close to the camera. "Come here, my maiden true love! Give me a Perench make out session with some second base mixed in or give me dea—!"

A punch rudely stopped Cane's theatrics along with a slew of curse words. "Dude! What the f—!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The video ended.

DRIP.

Tears streamed down Luna's cheeks.

DROP.

Luna, eyes closed, closed her Compact and cradled it close to her chest.

I miss them so much… I just want to go home.

A nose prodded at Luna's clenched hands and she opened her eyes to see Icarus prodding at her in the dark. A whine escaped him.

Why do you cry, pup? Icarus asked, concerned.

"I miss home," Luna croaked. "I want to go home."

Icarus gave gentle laps of her wrists. I know, pup. I feel your despair and your desire. I wish I could take it away.

Luna smiled a bit and a shaky hand stroked Icarus's muzzle. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "My parents always taught me to save my tears and I'm just wasting them on being such a brat."

You are not a brat, pup, Icarus cooed. You miss your home and your present and I understand your despair. He shifted as he pushed more of his large head onto the bed. I would like to lift your pain, even if it is for a moment.

Luna set her Compact onto the bedside. "Thanks, Icarus. You're so nice."

Icarus licked her hand. May I join you?

Luna nodded, then realized her mistake. "Yeah. Sure."

Icarus wagged his tail as he came onto the bed. Like Lelantos and Actaeon had done multiple times, he made himself comfortable with his circling and sniffing, making Luna giggle when his wet nose and tongue went to her neck in attempts to tickle her. He nudged her to the side of the bed to dwarf such a huge bed into a doggy bed for himself. He teethed at the back of her nightgown—it was just an old work shirt Gabriel gave up—and pulled her into the soft fur of his shoulder. She lay half on the Clifford and was soothed at his quiet pants and warmth.

Are you comfortable, Pup?

"Mmm-hmm," Luna hummed.

Good. Icarus leaned down to lick her cheek. As Meira has informed, a story helps in these cases.

Luna smiled. "What story are you going to tell me?"

The story of Meira and Anna Heartfilia and their mother Orah Heartfilia.

Luna peered her head up to Icarus. "I'm already liking where this is going," she said giddily. "I have so many questions already! What was Orah like? What was Anna really like?"

Icarus chuckled through their link and nudged Luna with his nose. Be quiet and I shall tell you. Close your eyes.

Luna did as she was told.

Now, this is a story of two sisters and their destiny.

"They had a destiny?"

Icarus nuzzled her cheek before licking her nose to quiet her, making her giggle. Hush now, pup. You yip more than you should; do you know that? Now, Orah Heartfilia… I remember her well. She held my key many moons ago.

"Are you going to take me into a Star Memor—? Ah…" Luna realized her interruption and flushed. "Oops?"

Icarus chuckled. No Star Memory tonight, pup. Perhaps another night.

Luna pouted, but she did not protest.

Orah was a kind female. She was fierce in her own right, but she never allowed herself to be prejudice or fall victim to bias and stereotypes, Icarus narrated. I remember some about her mate. The male was kind to others and showered his Female in love and affection. He never expected her to be a submissive mate and to only have her pups. He encouraged her to dream and to explore.

"What was his name?" Luna wanted to know.

I believe it was 'Ji-Min'.

"That sounds like he was Selan," Luna noted.

Icarus lapped her cheek. His origins were a mystery to me. I only cared he properly care for his Females. He passed away on one of his explorations, but he did not leave his Females without funds. He gave his Female and his pups everything. He was a good Male and good mate. He shifted. As for Orah, she was a female with passion and sternness in one. She was the perfect Alpha Female. She loved her pups equally. Meira was born as her mother with hair like the sun and she even has her eyes. Anna was…different.

"Auntie Meira says Anna wasn't even interested in Magic," Luna remembered.

She was not, Icarus agreed. Ignorant female. She rejected her mother and her teachings in favor of living a life without the splendors of Magic and finding her true mate. He snorted. But, I knew the pup was jealous of her littermate.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"You are such a lunatic!"

There she stood—Anna Heartfilia. She looked different with her pale skin. She inherited brown eyes that had grayed out and looked quite plain, but her black hair and acute eyes brought out her beauty at the age of ten.

She glared at her sister. "I don't get why you even try with that stupid Magic stuff. You're nothing more than a lunatic."

Meira frowned at her sister. "Why are you so mean, Annie?" she wanted to know. "We're sisters."

Anna sneered at her sibling. "We're not sisters! I'd never be sisters with some Magus like you!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"I get jealous of my siblings too," Luna admitted. "They're so much better at Magic than me…"

Your envy of them is different than Anna's, Icarus soothed. You envy them for their power and greatness. You turn that envy into your stride to be as accomplished as them. Anna… He sighed. Anna could not make contact with spirits.

Luna furrowed her eyebrows. "But… Mama says becoming a Celestial Spirit Mage isn't too difficult," she pointed out. "Anyone can summon a Celestial Spirit."

A strong enough Star may reject the call to cross the veil into this realm, Icarus told her. But, you misheard me, pup. I did not say a Star Spirit. I meant spirits in general.

Luna's eyes snapped open and she craned her head to look at Icarus wide-eyed. "Wait… You mean Auntie Meira can—"

Make contact with spirits? Icarus nodded, licking his chops. She can and does.

"Woah," Luna breathed. "So, then… Does that mean my mama can…?"

Perhaps. If she is anything like Meira or Orah, I am certain she can.

Luna was silent as she processed that.

I smelled Anna's bitterness and envy, Icarus continued. Such foul and embarrassing scents on a juvenile. She often disrespected her mother and littermate. She rejected the teachings of Magic and spirits and called people who practiced them such slurs, but at the root of her hatred lay grief.

Luna understood somberly. "She couldn't practice Magic."

Not everyone has the ability to channel Ethernano into Magic, Icarus rumbled. It is true we all may use it, but there is a reason Mages are not the absolute population. Some have a better affinity and dedication to the cause, but many find the use of Magic to be outdated and useless. Anna believed such a thing and would howl it to anyone who would listen.

"So, then… How did Anna…you know…?"

Her death was due to the one thing she hated, Icarus revealed. A Mage killed her.

Luna was in shock. "How?"

It was a surprise attack, Icarus remembered in a growl. She and her mate were ambushed due to a Mage craving power. You see, a mighty Seer once said words that little know of. This Mage caught wind of her words that always came to pass and was set on changing fate.

"A 'Seer'," Luna sounded out. "I think I've heard of that before. Seers are like prophets or Oracles, right? They're Clairvoyant Espers."

Correct, pup.

"What did this Seer see or predict that would kill Anna?" Luna wondered. "Maybe it's me being a little morbid, but if she couldn't practice Magic, wouldn't killing Meira make more sense?"

Icarus was silent for a while.

Luna thought she overstepped and immediately apologized. "I'm really sorry—!"

They did intend to kill Meira.

Luna froze.

Meira, Icarus heaved in sigh, was always and is always the target, especially as she has collected the entire Golden Zodiacs and has made connections with multiple, powerful spirits.

"Then…" Luna struggled to ask. "Then, why…?"

Orah knew Meira would be targeted and taught Meira to survive without Magic. She made her Female strong in that way. Meira never allowed herself to stay in one place. The den you saw will be empty after the festival as she continues her travels. Many knew Meira could not be taken off her guard.

Luna was coming to a slow realization. "It's just like when bad people want to get to my papa. Nashi told me people would try to steal us away to draw out Papa." She looked up at Icarus. "Is that what happened? Anna was bait?"

Icarus nodded.

"That's so cruel," Luna whispered.

It is a hunting tactic, Icarus told her. Lure bigger prey out with smaller prey. They killed Anna in hopes of drawing out Meira. What the fool did not know is Anna and Meira had not spoken since Anna left the den. They had quite an argument. Anna left the den and Meira never wanted to see her littermate.

"That's so sad," Luna lamented. "I could never stay mad at Nashi that long. She's my only sister."

It was a different time for those two, Icarus pardoned. I assure you; Meira regrets not speaking to Anna when she had the chance. She will always miss her littermate. But, what's done is done. We cannot change the past, but we can change the future.

Luna curled onto her side, closing her eyes. "Yeah," she sighed. "But, I feel so bad now. I don't get why Auntie Meira would need to be killed. Just what…?" She yawned. "What would the…the Seer say…to…?"

She heard Icarus' chuckling.

Sleep, pup. I shall guard you tonight.

Luna yawned again. "But I'm not…tired…" Her next words were slurred babbles and sleep was tugging at her.

Icarus shifted and nuzzled her. Deep within Luna's minds, she could hear soft howling. It was not as rough or terrifying as the movies she watched would tell her or the same howl the wolves traveling through Magnolia would howl. It was like a lullaby that sated the soul and lulled you into a warm sense of security.

Icarus watched over the youngest Heartfilia with something grave in his eyes, something sad. Oh, pup. If only you knew how much Meira affected everything.

Luna found herself slipping. Maybe if she were more awake, she would remember Icarus' last words that melded with the howling.

For she will bring into this world a blazing heart who will bring with her a future of grief in her attempts to save everyone.

---

CLANG.

Julia gritted her teeth when Luke blocked her daggers. She leapt back a few paces, but Luke surged forth with every intention of cutting her down if it meant pursuit of the enemy.

I can't hurt him, Julia knew. He's like family.

Luke roared as he swung his sword.

Luke… I know what type of pain you're in.

CLANG.

Julia lost her daggers to Luke's quick thinking. She had no hesitation pulling out her knives and arming herself with them. She took to throwing them at Luke. Not to hurt him, but to just deter him.

You see your sister hurting and you want to protect her. I know exactly what it's like.

Luke blocked the darts with his sword without a hitch. He was not going to be defeated.

But, you also have to know that…

Julia saw this and decided to go for something more traumatic. She abandoned her knives to pull out one of her guns.

…I will protect my brother just as fiercely.

Luke surged forth.

Julia clicked off the safety.

So, that's why…

He was coming in close. There was no guilt or remorse in his gaze, just the need to dispatch her. And, yet, in his efforts to get to her—

—he left his right side open.

…I'm sorry.

Julia took the shot.

BANG.

Luke cried out when the bullet hit his shoulder. His two-handed grip went to one as the other hand gripped his shoulder. He gritted his teeth and his eyes stung from the pain the bullet brought him.

Julia grimaced, but she had to be strong. "Luke, I'm sorry for that, but I can't let you hurt Gary," she told him as she put back her gun. "I have to protect him. He's my brother and I love him, just like you love Nashi."

Luke dropped to his knees with his sword as his crutch. His ragged pants were scarcely heard over the wintry winds.

Julia had gotten to him. "Killing won't solve anything, Luke," she assured. "It just brings us more pain and despair and anger. You're not a killer.

Luke swallowed before continuing to pant. His jaw locked.

"So, let's end this," Julia urged. "We can go rescue Nashi together and make sure she's okay."

Silence.

Luke smirked. "Lion..."

Julia's eyes widened.

"…Brilliance!"

Julia barely had time to shield her eyes as the sword erupted into such celestial light that could blind a man if they were not careful. The light last for a whole 30-seconds before it started to fade away into nothingness. Meaning by the time Julia searched for Luke—

—he was already gone.

Julia gritted her teeth. "Dammit," she cursed. She walked forward, getting her daggers, and caught the sight of his glasses being buried in snow. She pulled them out and wiped them off before pocketing them.

Great. Now I'm stuck not knowing where he is.

A smirk. "Need a ride?"

Julia did not need to turn around to know Maxim was behind her, watching intently. "I don't need anything from you," she snarled.

Maxim shrugged. "The offer still stands," he mentioned. "You'd be smart to take it if you want to save your brother from Lee."

Julia did not even hesitate. "Get the Hell away from me and stay away from my brother." With that, she took off into the blizzard without a second thought.

Maxim chuckled. "Oh, she'll come around." He walked away. "They always do."

And, he disappeared into the blizzard.

°•°•°•°

The Ice Devil soared low. He knew it was a risk to fly for anyone could see his form and attack him and, unknowingly, his malã'ika. But, when he found a street cleared of enemies, he landed in it without hesitation. Shivering made his eyes drop to Nashi.

Nashi shivered in her sleep, wanting to curl into something warm.

The Ice Devil frowned. "Malã'ika needs warmth," he realized. "I will get warmth."

He lumbered to the nearest building to find himself closing in on a furniture store when he heard shouts.

"Hey! Is somebody there?"

The Ice Devil pondered what to do.

Malã'ika needs humans. Humans help malã'ika.

So, he decided to stay put. He looked out into the blizzard and could already see who was approaching him. They were soldiers of the Magic Council, battle-worn and cold but persevering.

"Do you need help?" one of the soldiers shouted. "Is there anyone with you?"

The Ice Devil cleared his throat. "Yes," he hissed. "Need help."

"Don't move!"

"We're on our way!"

The Ice Devil sighed his relief and smiled down at Nashi. "Humans come to help malã'ika," he promised. He nuzzled her cheek. "Humans help malã'ika get better."

The soldiers battled through snow and ice to make it to the people who needed their help, but when they saw what they stumbled upon, their guards went up and so did their weapons.

"It's a demon!" one of the soldiers cried.

"Don't move, monster!" another soldier spat. "You move and we kill you."

More furious threats and shouts came at the Ice Devil. Bewilderment was the first emotion to come through to him. He tried to show them Nashi. "Malã'ika—"

A female soldier saw Nashi and paled. "He's captured a human girl!"

Now the soldiers were even angrier with the monster they surrounded.

"Let the girl go slowly, cretin!"

"Let her go!"

"Make one wrong step against her and we will be forced to kill you!"

"Men, move in, move in!"

Panic and confusion set in the Ice Devil's mind, but all he could think about was the soldiers closing in on him with their weapons and their scowls. The whispers in the back of his head were beginning to grow bolder, louder.

They want to steal Female! They want to steal Light! Kill them all!

They dare threaten us! Slay them!

Possess Female! She is ours! She is ours to fuck! No one will touch her!

The Ice Devil gritted his teeth. "Quiet!" he roared.

"He's retaliating!" came a shout.

"Don't shoot until we have the girl in our possession!"

"Let the girl go, monster!"

Silver was taking over the Ice Devil's eyes as he clutched Nashi tighter to him. "Malã'ika is mine!" he roared at them. "My Female! Do not touch my Female!"

One of the leaders of the squadron put a hand to his squadron to halt them. He tentatively approached the Ice Devil and kept eye contact as he put his weapon on the ground, kicking it away. "No one is going to hurt your Female," he assured. "But, she's hurt. We need to get her medical attention."

The murmurs in the Ice Devil's head were still there, but they were quietening. "Malã'ika is hurt," the Ice Devil said. He sneered at the leader. "Hunters. Hunters hurt my Female."

"We can take her to Lamia Scale to get her help," the leader assured. "We can get her the help she needs. You just have to give her to us."

The murmurs reluctantly retreated to whispers.

The silver in the Ice Devil's eyes were retreating. He understood. He nodded at the human leader and shifted closer to him. His malã'ika needed help and if these humans could help her, he would do what he needed.

The Ice Devil was about to give Nashi up when he saw it. It was half a second, but he saw it.

He saw the human's eyes stray from him and look to the rooftops.

The Ice Devil whipped his head around and curled his lips into a snarl when he saw soldiers had taken position on the rooftops. They were closing in on him.

"Kai-mali!" the Ice Devil roared.

Winter responded to the Ice Devil's rage in such a violent manner, the soldiers were knocked over. A few soldiers found themselves being glossed over as ice flowered on them. They panicked, shouting at each other, with commands barely being heard.

The whispers turned into roars and howls.

Kill all! Slay all!

They want to take Female! Want to kill Light!

Freeze them! Kill! Kill!

Pure silver overtook the Ice Devil's eyes as he roared snow and ice unto those he dare defy him. Some of the soldiers were caught in the blast, being completely frozen in ice. Others were buried in thick snow without a chance to get out.

The leader of the squadron watched wide-eyed before he was frozen solid.

°•°•°•°

E-E-E-EH! E-E-E-EH!

Opera watched as their surveillance blanked with white. "Master," she called, "the blizzard has now blocked even my powers."

Ooba watched as the screens blanked into white with narrowed eyes. "What is going on?" she grumbled. Her eyes snapped onto Erza who had gone deathly quiet.

°•°•°•°

All over Margaret Town, Mages found themselves being imprisoned by winter. Elvin yelped as snow buried him and the Hunter on his tail. Majime, Saudade, and Ellie were frozen in ice. Justin kept up a kinetic shield for him, Chika, and Mikazuki while Genius had created a strong and ridiculously large hamster ball to keep him from going under. Some Mages were fortunate enough their Magic could defend them, but most found themselves under winter's spell.

°•°•°•°

Sting watched in unguarded shock as he watched the Lacrima-Vision. It was like winter exploded across the entire town in a fury of white. The gusts of wind were so strong, the Lacrima Drones were destroyed and left the entire program to fizzle out into black.

"We apologize for the interruption," came an automated voice. "Please, stand-by."

"What the Hell?" Sting whispered. "What the Hell is going on?"

In Magnolia Town, Freed punched the coffee table with Constantine beside him. "Dammit," he cursed. "Just what is going on out there?"

But, he was not the only one wanting answers.

Those who had religiously been watching the battle of Margaret Town were gobsmacked to see winter's wrath had destroyed the drones watching the event. Confusion and desperation stained their faces as they were now officially left in the dark about what would happen next.

°•°•°•°

Spezi cackled as the snow began to invade the museum. Gajeel and Pantherlily shielded themselves from the cold fury, but Spezi drank it in.

"Finally!" Spezi cried. "The peak of the show is here!"

°•°•°•°

Natsu pushed away from Bluenote and flinched as winter overtook him. The winds were too strong for him to control his altitude and direction and he found himself giving into nature's design.

Bluenote watched Natsu in delirious satisfaction. "We shall meet soon again, Your Majesty." And, he disappeared into the snow.

Natsu snarled and tried to reach for him. "No!" he roared. But, it was too late.

Winter had captured him.

°•°•°•°

Dazzler's teeth shattered as Mustang and Crimson guided them blindly through the snow. "A-A-Are we…g-g-getting c-cl-close?" she wheezed.

Mystogan gave a shaky breath of frost. "Y-Y-Y-Ye-Yes-s…" He tried to look at Mustang. "Stop th-th-the…"

Crimson stopped before Mustang could, its tires being buried in snow. It flashed its brights and growled its engine in its agitation and worry.

Mustang patted the motorcycle with his bandana over his mouth. "Wait here, boy."

Linus was already off the motorcycle and helping a freezing Dazzler out. She leaned heavily against him as he helped Mystogan.

Mustang waded over to Dazzler. He was taking off his jacket and put it on her. "Here. This should help," he murmured to her.

Dazzler tried shaking her head. "Mustang—"

"None of that arguin', Miss Lafayette," Mustang chided lightly. He zipped up his jacket for her. "There now. Should help ya stay warm some." He turned around and bent a bit. "Hop on, Miss Lafayette."

Dazzler did not even sparkle as she clambered onto Mustang's back. He hooked his arms beneath her thighs and made sure she was secure before wading deeper into the snow. Linus followed suit with Mystogan in his arms.

The two men climbed over snowbanks, only stopping when the wind would try and push them back even harder than before. They were undeterred, however. They had to keep climbing. They just had to.

Linus' eyes widened when he saw the form of a man. "Oh, no…"

As Linus and Mustang approached the man, they saw he was frozen solid in ice.

"Gary did this?" Mustang asked quietly.

Linus gritted his teeth and kept his stride. "We have to keep moving," he insisted. "He's close."

After a moment of hesitation, Mustang followed.

They found more like that on their journey. More frozen soldiers and familiars and creatures. More buried in thick snow, unable to even cry for help. Linus did his best to ignore it, but Mustang could not help but look at those of ice with fear and grief.

For they could be next.

Dazzler's shivering made Mustang alert and worried at the same time. "Don't you worry, Miss Lafayette," he soothed as he trailed behind Linus. "I'll make sure we get you by a nice fire soon."

Linus led them with conviction. He had no issue wading through banks of snow and ice. His Magic felt at home at such subzero temperatures.

I can feel him. I can feel Storm. We're getting close.

He glanced down at Mystogan's blue lips.

Hold on a little longer. I'm going to need you. If only I could do what Storm does and give temporary resistance.

Linus climbed to the top of a snowbank for his eyes to harden. "We made it."

Mustang followed in suit. His eyes widened at what he saw.

Before them lay a vortex of snow and ice intertwined with battling energies of cerulean and dark blue and black. Down to Mustang's very core, he knew who was inside.

"He's in there?" Mustang had to check.

Linus nodded. "It'll be calmer when we get to the eye of the storm," he promised. He began his descent. "Come on. We're so close."

Mustang held back. "How are we going to get through?" he shouted. "That doesn't look like no ordinary storm!"

"We'll get in!" Linus assured, continuing his wading. "Just trust me!"

Mustang hesitated. He wanted to argue. He wanted to protect. But, he…

Chapped lips parted. "I-I-It's okay…Cowboy."

Mustang was startled at Dazzler's soft words. "Miss Lafayette…"

"W-We have to," Dazzler exhaled. "Have to…h-h-help him…"

Mustang turned back to the storm. He watched as the storm and mingled energies wrestled each other for control. He watched winter's conflict right before him. "We'll help him. Don't you fall asleep now, Miss Lafayette." He began his descent. "We're gonna need all the help we can get."

Linus made it closest to the source of the storm first. He looked at it with knowing eyes.

I can do this. I've done it before. I can do it again.

Mustang met up with him soon enough and halted at his side. "What's the plan?"

"Get behind me and stay close," Linus ordered. "I'm going to cover us in my magical aura. It'll be enough to get us into the eye of the storm."

"And, if it's not?" Mustang challenged.

"Then, Nashi dies. And, so does Gary."

Mustang nodded at that. He moved behind Linus.

Linus took in a deep breath. His Magic pulsed around him, hummed its song. He expanded it to cover Mystogan as well. It hummed even louder. He expanded it even more to cover Mustang and Dazzler. It was humming even louder.

"Let's move!" Linus shouted. He waded towards the storm with Mustang following close behind. Winter seemed ignorant in arrival or saw and just did not care. It did not grant or deny anyone passage—it let them be. Linus kept his eyes open as he was the first to cross into the storm's wall.

Mustang follow in suit, but he shut his eyes. He braced himself to feel unimaginable cold and suffering.

But, he felt none of that.

Mustang's eyes opened.

He was no longer traveling into the eye of the storm.

He was in the eye of the storm.

The eye of the storm really was the calmest part. There were no harsh winds hitting their faces or snow blinding them. The entire area had been covered in snow with soldiers frozen solid or buried beneath snow, but there was no winter compelling them to sleep for eternity.

There was just an Ice Devil holding onto Nashi for dear life.

Linus took in the Ice Devil's silver eyes in sorrow. "Storm…"

The Ice Devil roared at them. "Kai-mali! Thole ani, mutums! Ko kapa tula bolea!"

"He's speaking the other language," Mustang heard Linus curse. "Shit."

"What do ya mean by that?" Mustang wanted to know.

"It means Gary is throwing a big temper tantrum and won't listen to reason," Linus sighed, a bit annoyed. He turned around to set Mystogan on the ground. "Watch over him. I'm going to talk to him."

Mustang was in disbelief. "Wait! Linus!"

Linus ignored him as he turned to the Ice Devil. Without any fear, he strode over to the Ice Devil.

The Ice Devil displayed his sharp teeth and jerked his chin up. Ice shot from before him to hit Linus.

Linus stopped the attack with his own ice. "Gary!" he shouted. "Gary, stop this! There's no reason to be this angry!" He built a thick snow barrier against ice trying to kill him from the side. "Gary!" he snarled. "Don't listen to them!" The snow before him lifted up into a tower. He looked over the Ice Devil. "I'm your family, Storm! I'm not your enemy!"

The Ice Devil merely roared at him. He flapped his wings and icicles launched out of them.

Linus did his best to avoid them. He shielded himself from some, jumped out of the way of others, and punched away those unlucky few.

The Ice Devil snarled as he watched Linus avoid his attacks. Something deep within his mind heard Linus' words.

I have…family? came groggy recognition. What is…'family'?

The silver in his eyes was struggling to relinquish control.

'Family'… Family…

The focus shifted on a blurred picture. It was obvious it was a group of people no greater than ten. Their faces were blurred, but they were there.

Yes… I had…this 'family'…

The silver was slipping away. The Ice Devil saw an unfocused figure dodging his attacks. He recognized their icy form and forest green eyes.

Li…nus… He is not the enemy. He is…family.

An angry hiss silenced his curiosity. We have no 'family'! We have Female! Female gives us heirs!

That is right! came agreement. Human wants to take away malã'ika!

The Ice Devil snarled at that.

A purr rumbled through him. Human will take away Female. Plant his seed. Possess Light.

Never, the Ice Devil snarled as silver crawled back into his eyes. Malã'ika is mine!

Roars and howls chorused through his mind in agreement.

Kill him!

Eat his soul!

Keep Female! Keep malã'ika forever!

Silver completely took control of the Ice Devil's eyes. He opened his mouth and roared winter's breath at Linus.

Linus roared back his own winter's breath, but even he was no match for the Ice Devil. He was bowled over and struggled to get up. "Storm," he coughed. "Listen to me! I'm not your enemy!" His breathing hitched when ice punctured both his arms and raised him in the air like a sacrificed. He nearly screamed at the pain, but he fought back every inkling to do it.

"Linus!" Mustang shouted.

Dazzler vaguely saw what was happening. "Linus…"

Linus fought back his own tears. "Storm, control yourself!" he beseeched. "You owe it to Nashi to control yourself! We aren't your enemies! We're your friends!"

The Ice Devil sneered.

Ice shot up from the ground and barreled straight for Linus' heart.

"Linus!" Mustang cried.

Linus closed his eyes as he let a tear slip. "Dammit, Storm, you and I aren't just friends!" he shouted at him. "We're brothers!"

The ice stopped.

The Ice Devil froze.

Mustang froze.

Time froze.

Linus held himself back from a sob. "We're like brothers, Storm," he whispered. "I know you always hated me. You never trusted me. You thought I was a fake. Dammit, I know all that, but…" He opened his eyes.

The Ice Devil was taken back at the tears Linus' shed.

"We're family whether you like it or not!" Linus shouted. "We're brothers! No matter if you hate me or hurt me, we're brothers! You could kill me right now and that wouldn't change, you hear me?" He shut his eyes. "Because family doesn't turn their backs on each other!"

Silence.

Linus' eyes opened when he was lowered to the ground. The ice in puncturing his arms disappeared. Instead of bleeding out, he found his arms healing instead.

The Ice Devil watched Linus in his silver gaze.

Linus watched him as well. "Storm…"

Just then, three new presences entered the eye of the storm. The Ice Devil was quick to shift his eyes to new opponents and curled his lips into a snarl.

It was Cancer, Actaeon, and Horologium and all three looked rather shocked at what they saw, Actaeon fluffing his fur as he snarled back at the Ice Devil.

Horologium gasped. "Oh, dear! What has happened here?"

⌜CELESTIAL SPIRIT

Name: Horologium

Occupation: Celestial Spirit

Magic: Defense Magic

Likes: being on-time Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Horologium will always leap to Lucy's defense no matter what! What a heroic spirit!⌟

Actaeon took a paw step forward, barking at the Ice Devil.

The Ice Devil snapped his teeth in his own threat.

Cancer reigned in the hunting dog spirit from his leash. "Easy, ebi," he soothed. "Lucy doesn't want us to give too much trouble."

The Ice Devil looked ready to attack when Linus moved to block him. "Storm," he warned. "Don't look at them. Look at me. Look at your family."

The Ice Devil's eyes were slow to drag back down to Linus.

"That's it," Linus encouraged. "They're family too. They're not here to hurt you. Family cares about one another and wants to help in anyway."

"He's right, Gary."

Linus turned his head to see Dazzler staggering over to the Ice Devil with a smile tugging on her lips. "Dazzler…"

"I'm family too," Dazzler promised. "I'm your second sister. And Mustang and Misty and Lance and T'oree and even Cade… We're family. We love you…for you."

Mustang helped Mystogan sit up. "Damn right we do," he agreed. "Doesn't matter to us what ya look like. We care about you just the same."

Dazzler was bold enough to stand directly in front of the Ice Devil. No fear reeked off her or glinted in her eyes. She was genuine. She was sincere.

And the Ice Devil watched her.

"We care about you and Nashi," Dazzler added. "We want to help her as much as you do, but we won't take her from you without you being okay with it." She extended her hand. "So, with your permission, can we help her?"

The Ice Devil stared down at the little human. He watched her. He assessed her. His mouth opened. "D…Dazzler…"

Dazzler's eyes widened.

The silver in the Ice Devil's eyes faded back. His piercing icy-blue eyes looked at Dazzler in softness and his lips curled into a small smile.

"Gary?" Dazzler breathed.

The Ice Devil looked down at Nashi. He shifted closer to Dazzler and lowered himself. "Take her," he said softly. He offered Nashi to Dazzler. "Help her."

Dazzler was taken back at such soft words in such a demonic voice. She smiled, however, and collected Nashi the best she could. "We will," she promised. "Thank you for letting us help her. We'll make sure she returns back to you safely."

Linus was already behind Dazzler and took Nashi into his own arms. "Here. I got her," he assured. His eyes flicked up to the Ice Devil's and gave him a nod. "We'll do everything he can."

The Ice Devil nodded back.

Linus and Dazzler turned away from the Ice Devil and slowly strolled back to the others waiting for them.

No! Keep Female! Keep Light! came howl.

They will keep her! Take malã'ika back! Want Female!

The Ice Devil closed his eyes. Malã'ika needs help, he reminded himself. Control for malã'ika.

And, just like that, the howls and roars vanished into thin air.

The Ice Devil opened his eyes to see Linus and Dazzler murmuring to Mustang and Mystogan, though their eyes never strayed from Nashi's body. Actaeon was allowed to sniff his mistress' heir and began the task of licking her and prodding her flesh. Horologium and Cancer discussed putting Nashi in the clock spirit to transport her.

"You are safe, malã'ika," the Ice Devil promised. "They will save you." He could feel himself trying to exchange ice for sk—

A sword plunged into the Ice Devil's side.

A smirk. "I caught you," came song.

Everyone looked in wild surprise to see Luke gripping his sword that had made a home in the Ice Devil's side. Actaeon jerked on his leash and Cancer just barely held him back.

"Luke!" Dazzler screamed. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm killing the bastard who hurt my sister," Luke snarled back. He glared at the Ice Devil. "I will make you pay one-hundred times over for what you've done to her, you monster!" He pressed his blade in more.

The Ice Devil howled his pain.

"Luke!" Dazzler cried. She tried to run to him, but Mustang held her back. "Mustang, let me go! I have to—!"

CHK-CHK.

"No. Allow me."

Dazzler turned her head to see a half-frozen Julia pointing a gun at Luke's back. Her eyes widened. "Julia…"

Linus' gaze sharpened on the gun. "Julia," he growled, "what are you—?"

"I'm protecting my brother," Julia snarled at him. "It's nothing more than a dart. Luke will sleep for a few hours. Nothing harmful."

"Then, shoot me!" Luke roared at Julia, not looking at her. "Shoot me! But, it won't stop me from trying to kill him when I wake up. I will never stop trying if it means I avenge my sister!"

"He wasn't the one who did this to her!" Linus told Luke. "The Hunters—!"

"I don't care!" Luke thundered. "The Hunters will get theirs, but, right now? He's the first to die!"

"Is that what you want? You want Gary's death on your hands?" Dazzler lost her hysteria in exchange for rightful anger.

"If it means I avenge Nashi"—Luke pushed more of his sword in—"then I don't care if I lose my guild mark or have death over my head."

"She doesn't need to be avenged!" Dazzler cried. "You just—!"

"Shut up!"

Dazzler swallowed her words at the sheer ferocity of Luke's words.

"You don't know anything!" Luke bellowed. "You weren't there the first time he hurt my sister! You weren't there the second time! You never saw how bloody she looked! How broken she was! My family was left to pick up the pieces!"

Dazzler's bottom lip quivered. "Luke—"

Luke sobbed, but he turned it into a growl. "I have seen her go through shit no person should ever have been through!" he shouted. "She was hurt over and over and over again and I couldn't do a damn thing! But, now?" Red was nearly taking over his eyes. "I can finally do it!"

A locked jaw. "And, is this what I taught you?"

Luke stiffened.

Dazzler looked down to see Mystogan looking at Luke with cold eyes. "Misty…"

"Is this how I taught you to use your Magic?" Mystogan questioned. "I taught you the value of life and death and you want to play grim reaper? Is this what I was meant to teach you?"

Luke's lips quivered. "Sensei—"

"Answer your teacher," Mystogan practically growled.

Luke swallowed. "No."

"You are not the law, Luke," Mystogan scolded. "You are not the Balance of this world. And, you are not a killer. You are just another person who feels grief for being helpless. I teach you to become stronger, so you'll never feel that way again. But, if you kill him now"—his brown eyes glinted—"you'll go right back to being the weakling I started out with."

Luke's eyes widened. Red still battled honeyed brown, but was simmering down. He gave a crying exhale as tears gathered in his eyes.

Mystogan softened. "Momentai," he murmured. "Momentai."

Luke's grip on his sword shook. "But…"

A warm smile. "That's enough for now."

Luke's eyes widened when he felt a familiar weight drape over him and embrace him.

Nashi hugged her brother with as much love as she could muster. She ignored the earth-shattering pain she felt to pour all her energy into this moment. "I'm so sorry," she murmured to her little brother. "I had no idea."

DRIP.

Tears streamed out of Luke's eyes.

DROP.

"You were feeling so helpless," Nashi went on. "You were so angry."

"I have him now," Luke sobbed. "I can help you now."

"You don't have to do that," Nashi soothed. "You've helped me enough. You helped me through so much. I wish you realized it's me who wishes to help you."

Luke's eyes widened. Then, they softened as more tears gathered. The red was gone from his eyes. All that was left was grief-stricken honeyed brown. The black in his hair lightened and lightened and colored until it returned to a cherry blossom pink. The sword in his hand glowed before reverted back to its Star Coin form and plopping in the snow.

"I'm sorry." Luke's body shook as he openly cried he buried his head in his hands. "I'm so sorry I couldn't help."

"You did," Nashi soothed. "By just being there for me was more help than you will ever know. You were there when I needed you. Thank you for that. I love you for that." Her eyes opened to look up at the Ice Devil. "And, you…" She slid off her brother to approach the Ice Devil.

The Ice Devil lowered himself to be at her level. Remorseful icy-blue connected with fond hickory.

Nashi allowed a shaking hand to cup the Ice Devil's cheek. "You stupid dog," she teased. "You make everyone worry about you. And, you need to control your little outbursts."

The Ice Devil lowered his eyes. "I am sorry, malã'ika."

Nashi shook her head. "Don't be," she soothed. "I mean, you should definitely apologize to the others for making them worry, but…"

The Ice Devil chuckled.

Nashi sighed and stroked his cheek with her thumb. "What would you do without your kind mistress, dog?" she murmured. "I don't get you at all. You're so annoying with your whole emo 'no one understands me' shit. I'm pretty sure you just created an entire season over me." She shot him a look. "I hope you know I'm not happy with that. This is worse than being serenaded."

The Ice Devil nodded like a chastised child.

Nashi softened. "You've been through so much. I heard what those Hunters called you, what they saw you as. I know what you and your Devil see yourselves as." She shook her head. "So, tell me… Who do you see? Right now? Right in front of you?"

"Malã'ika," the Ice Devil answered easily. "Strong Female. Light."

"That's not what I see when I look at myself," Nashi told him, smiling sadly. "I see someone who fakes her way through everything. A liar. A fraud."

"You are not—!"

"Maybe not, but that's what I see, and I can't help it," Nashi told him. "Trying to change myself alone? I can't do that. I need someone who can see what I can't and help me eventually see that. Now. You want to know what I see?"

The Ice Devil looked hesitant. Then, he nodded.

"I see my annoying dog," Nashi told him. "He's a pervert and irritates the Hell out of me, but I put up with him because he might be a bit better at Magic than me. And, he really cares about people, even if he doesn't care about himself." She staggered a little and the Ice Devil caught her.

"Malã'ika," he warned.

"Sorry. I'm using every ounce of Magic I have to stay awake," Nashi laughed softly. "I just wanted you to know… Even when you can't see anything at all, I'll be…"—her eyelids drooped—"the one who…"—her body fell backwards—"who…"

Human arms grabbed Nashi.

"Angel!"

Nashi found herself lying unconscious in a very naked Gary's arms. He watched her in fascination and love and everything in-between.

No one noticed the endless blizzard had evaporated. No one noticed they were no longer in the eye of the storm.

For there was no reason for the storm to be unleashed.

"Angel," Gary whispered. He lowered his head to kiss her forehead. "Thank you." His eyes went to Luke who was kneeling in the snow with his cries quiet. "Luke?"

Luke lifted his head to look at Gary.

Gary smiled a little. "It's okay."

Luke's tears welled up again. He sniffled. Then, his wails rang loud for all to hear.

Dazzler watched them with a soft smile.

Mystogan leaned back into Mustang's arms with his eyes closed. He sighed. "Momentai…"

Julia had her gun at the ready. Her eyes still watched Luke like a hawk as though waiting for him to return to his need for blood.

Linus moved to stand at Julia's side.

"I'm sorry," left Julia's mouth.

Linus' hand went to Julia's. He lowered the gun and eventually tugged it from her grasp. He clicked back on the safety before dropping it. "I know, Jewel," he murmured.

"I'm sorry," Julia whispered. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Linus wrapped an arm around Julia and pulled her in for a side-hug. She breathed her apologies into his skin as she hugged him back. Linus tipped his head up to watch the skies of gray.

One storm may have ended…

CR-CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Lightning danced in the sky and reflected in Linus' own eyes.

…but another storm still rages on.

---

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

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

I can only hope Nashi gets the attention she needs. Whatever happens, I know the Mages will face it together. See you on the next Fairy Adventure!

---

Levy slept at her son's side in Master Ooba's room while Lucy stayed awake. Her attention was on the outside world and the worry was evident in her stare.

Syra's nose twitched. She woke from her own slumber, if slowly, and was not comfortable in the golem's care. She hopped out of Lag's hold—the golem did not care—and went towards Gale. She sniffed him and his bandages. Her ears pinned back when she smelled his pain and hurt. As carefully as she could, she crawled onto Gale. She allowed her ears to glow as they bent forward and touched Gale's bandaged section. Magic pulsed around her before expanding to pulse around Gale.

Even unconscious, Gale shivered.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale was back in the realm of black, white, and gray. He was back facing that dark forest that held too many questions and not enough. He was back to facing that black dragon that stood in his path with color in his eyes, the color of blood.

"Why am I here?" Gale demanded to know. "What is this place?"

The black dragon cocked its head. Only you may answer such questions.

Gale growled, but, in the end, he realized challenging such a great creature would not give him a good outcome. Instead, he sighed and ran a hand through his loose hair. "Do you know what Bluenote meant?" he asked.

The black dragon actually showed emotion at Bluenote's name and curled its lips back into a snarl, eyes flashing. A Human with a blood oath to a Demon. How disgusting.

"Yeah, gross, I know, but, did you know what he meant?" Gale persisted.

I cannot answer.

Gale glared up at the black dragon. "The Hell does that mean?"

The black dragon lifted its chin. It means as it means. The answer you seek does not lie with me.

Gale scoffed. "Bullshit."

The black dragon snorted. Call as you may, I still cannot answer.

Gale just about had it with a lack of answers. He turned around, all set to leave.

However…

Gale stopped.

It would be wise of you to remember where your scars have come from, the black dragon advised. For your scars will help you grow stronger when you need your strength the most.

Gale growled and whipped around. "The Hell do you—?" His words stopped. His eyes widened. "What the…?"

He was gone from the place of dreary black and white and gray. He was gone from the black dragon. He was in a place he knew all-too-well. He recognized the buildings and apartments and homes.

"Why the Hell am I in Margaret Town?" Gale looked around. "And, where is everyone?" He sniffed the air.

I can't scent anyone or hear anything.

And, so, Gale began to walk.

He walked to the places he knew and some he did not. He walked to the museum. He walked to the guild. He walked to the hotel. He walked and he walked and he walked.

But, there was no one.

Gale wandered into a small courtyard with a trickling fountain alive. "This doesn't make any damn sense," he muttered. "Why the Hell am I here?" He went to the fountain and splashed it in his agitation. "Dammit. This is so pointless!" He glanced around when something caught his eye. "Wait a second…" He approached an old wall carefully. It was not teaming with vines this time. It looked middle-aged.

But, that symbol.

He knew that symbol.

"I know this," Gale murmured. He reached out a hand. "But… Just how did I…?" He touched it.

Well, he nearly did.

He fell straight through the wall, actually, and not very gracefully.

Gale grunted when he stumbled into somewhere new. "Shit," he cursed. "What was that?" He sniffed.

He stiffened.

That scent… No way…

A warm smile. "Gale… Welcome back."

Gale whipped his head up.

His jaw dropped.

His eyes widened.

Disbelieving ruby connected to shimmering chocolate.

One name dropped from his mouth.

"Blondie?"

---

Chibi-Luna beams at her class. "Hello, class!"

"Hi, Miss Dragneel!" everyone choruses.

"Ready for our Fairy Lesson today?"

"Yeah!" the students cheer. "What are we learning today?"

"Today, we have a special guest with us!" Chibi-Luna says enthusiastically. "Please welcome Galileo Redfox, the Iron Man of Fairy Tail!"

The entire class cheers as Chibi-Galileo swoops into the room and winks.

"Happy to be here, mon chéri!" Chibi-Galileo announces.

"Mister Redfox, how about you tell us a bit about yourself and your Magic?" Chibi-Luna asks.

Chibi-Galileo claps his hands. "Sure thing!" he agrees heartily. "As you all know, I'm the Iron Man of Fairy Tail, an S-Class Mage. I got the title of Iron Man due to"—he taps on his metal arms—"this thing right here."

A hand is raised, and a student asks, "How'd you get that, Mister Redfox?"

"It was an accident long time ago," Chibi-Galileo brushed off. "I was lucky I was close by to a doctor. They fixed me up and gave me this new arm. Even helped me train and get back in action."

"So, you're an Iron Mage, right?" one student questions.

Chibi-Galileo puffs his chests. "Yup! But, I also dabble in some Alchemy too! I can transmute and use Magic. That's not something many people can say they have under their belt."

"And, you studied in Wu Xing, the City of Metal in Selas, right?" Chibi-Luna wants to confirm.

"Yeah! Livy and I learned the best techniques there from the Chief!" Chibi-Galileo pouts suddenly. "But, she hated me. Geez, that woman tried to kill me more than once!"

Chibi-Luna and the class giggles. "All right, class," Chibi-Luna summons, "any last questions for Mister Redfox?"

Questions fly around the room.

"What's your favorite color?"

"Who's your favorite singer?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

Chibi-Galileo laughs. "My favorite color would have to be green. I'm a huge fan of the Argan band ONCE and as for a girlfriend…" His eyes twinkle in mischief. "Currently working on it."

Chibi-Luna shakes her head in amusement as the bell rings. "That's all we have time for, class, so no more questions. But, please thank Mister Redfox for his time."

The entire class erupts in generous applause.

Chibi-Luna and Chibi-Galileo chorus, "Next time, on Fairy Adventure: THE TRUTH WILL ALWAYS PREVAIL!" They wave at you. "See ya soon!"

---

Lee watched the touching reunion from his place on the rooftops with Roeder and Wilkes at his side and their Mauthes yawning and licking their chops. They were hungry, but they hungered for meat, not souls.

Lee smirked as he saw Gary helping Nashi into the Grandfather Clock Spirit. "So, the Angel tames the Devil. What a fairytale happily ever after."

A sigh. "But, he did change, right?"

The voice came from Lee's Compact held up to his ear. His smirk broadened as he watched Dazzler launch herself at Gary the second Nashi was secure. The Ice Mage was startled as she began to extensively gesture her hands in her anger.

"You know how they are," Lee reminded. "Mess with the bitch, the beast comes out to play. Though, I have to say, I'm a little disappointed I didn't get to play with him some more."

"You'll have many more chances, Lee," came dismissal. "I expect an in-person detailing when I get back from the library."

"Of course, ma'am." Lee noticed Maxim was walking towards him. "I'll be going now. Enjoy the library." He pulled the Compact away to end the call.

Maxim looked down at the scene to see the Mages and spirits and Julia were pulling out. "Our contractor again?" he asked.

Lee sighed as he pocketed his Compact. "She just likes to be thorough. A bit obsessed with our prey, but that's nothing new." He gave Maxim a side glance and tipped his head. "She reject you again?"

Maxim smirked. "As always."

Lee laughed and clapped Maxim's shoulder. "Don't look so discouraged, Major General. She'll come around. After all"—his wild eyes trained on Gary's figure—"the heroine will do anything to stop the villain from taking her family."

"You and your little stories," Maxim chuckled.

Lee shrugged.

Maxim turned around. "Let's go. We promised the Minister we'd only hold those Mages, but I've got some calls about the two aliens."

Lee looked positively excited at that. "Oh? Are you doing the auction with the little Cult?" he asked, eager.

"And their investors," Maxim added. "The cut is supposed to set us up for the next five years, but I'm thinking if we throw in a little extra, we just might get a bit more." He jumped down down from the roof.

Lee laughed. "I like the way you think, Major General." He leapt from the roof and Roeder and Wilkes followed them with their Mauthes.

°•°•°•°

Julia stopped walking. Her eyes turned back to the rooftops as something funny bubbled in her stomach.

Linus noticed she had stopped walking and looked at her in concern. "You okay, Jewel?"

Julia's stare lingered as she began to walk. "Yeah… Yeah, I'm fine." She turned back to Linus with a smile. "It was nothing. Just thought I sensed something."

Linus tucked her under his arm. "I should hope not. I don't sense any Mages in this area."

Julia grinned. "Maybe you're not as good as you think, Jack Frost," she teased.

Linus smirked back. "Please, Jewel. How about a match on the ice and we'll see who's better?"

"Deal," Julia agreed. "Prepare to get your ass kicked."

As Linus dove into the parameters of their match, Julia could not help for her mind to get distracted.

He didn't sense them because they weren't Mages…

Those haunted words came back to her.

"The offer still stands. You'd be smart to take it if you want to save your brother from Lee."

Julia hardened.

Like Hell I'd ever be one of those monsters. I'll protect Gary with my own strength.

"Jewel?"

Julia snapped out of her thoughts to shoot Linus an apologetic smile. "Sorry. What was that?"

Linus frowned. "You sure you're okay?"

Julia rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. I just get bored listening to old men, that's all."

Linus feigned offense. "'Old'? Ouch! I'll have you know I am in my prime right now, young lady!"

"Mmm-hmm," Julia hummed. "Keep telling that to your bald spot."

Linus was frantic to check his hair. "Wait, are you serious?"

As Julia laughed, she let her thoughts of the Hunters dissipate—

—even if invisible paw steps trailed after them.

---

Voices of New Characters in Order of Appearance

N/A as Young Anna Heartfilia

Cherami Leigh as Young Meira Heartfilia