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!

31. Adventure 031

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

---

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

---

Previously, on Fairy Adventure, Julia and Linus were on a manhunt for Gary in the middle of this snowstorm, but to what lengths will Julia go for her brother? Mary Jane was left alone to deal with Dimaria and found out there's more to this Time Mage than meets the eye. Dazzler and Mustang found a weak Mystogan on their travels alongside Luke to learn Luke is after Gary and Nashi, but not for the reasons they think. He's out to kill Gary and avenge his sister. Back in the past, Luna learns more about the Redfox family and the curse they bare. While she does her best to comfort Gabriel, but it looks like she might be the one who needs it instead. Paige learns the truth of Gary's past: he was once captured by Magic Hunters and experimented on for the sake of his Devil. Talk about a past worth forgetting. Julia and Linus catch up with Gary and Nashi's search party, but when they find Gary, he's different from before. Instead, he turns out to look like a true Devil. An enraged Luke is left to fight Julia if he wants to get to Gary and avenge his unconscious sister from a fate she doesn't deserve. Icarus helps a distraught Luna fall asleep with the tragic tale of sister Anna and Meira, but just what exactly did the Seer say that would make people want to kill a Heartfilia? Luke continued his battle against Julia, but even Julia couldn't fight against the power of the stars and Luke was off to track down Gary in the raging storm. We saw Gary nearly get help from some soldiers for Nashi, but everything went downhill when the soldiers were trying to get a leg up on him. He conjured a huge blizzard that nearly froze everyone it touched in order to keep Nashi safe. Linus stepped up to calm down Gary in the eye of the storm for a price, but it was worth it in the end to get back the man he calls "family". Unluckily for them, Luke took the final blow with his sword to kill Gary once and for all. Nashi managed to be the one to calm down Gary, Luke, and the blizzard.

'One storm may have ended…but another storm rages on.'

You're right about that, Linus! And, y'know what? Little siblings will always do their best to protect their older ones no matter what…

---

It was like watching from the outside looking in.

The scene had changed. The town the pair traveled in was desolate and bleak. Decayed bodies were here and there, but the homes had been utterly ruined and there was nothing the pair could do about it.

The maiden looked the most visibly upset as she picked up a child's toy—a baby's rattle in the form of a lion. "I hate this," she whispered. "I hate being this helpless."

The dragon watching over her dipped his head to nose her back. We arrived too late, avaraci. I am sorry.

DRIP.

Tears fell from the maiden's eyes.

DROP.

"What use is my power when I cannot even stop this?" the maiden whispered harshly. "I am nothing if I can't even—!"

Hush, avaraci, the dragon shushed. You will work yourself up this way.

The maiden's shoulders shook in a sob. "I cannot help it!" she lamented. "I'm supposed to help people! But, how can I? How can I call myself a good person when I cannot even save one life?" She dropped to her knees as she clutched the rattle close to her heart as she openly cried. "I'm so sorry," she wept. "I'm so sorry I could not save you!"

The dragon curled around her with his head nearing her body. He poked her with his nose as sadness overtook his snakelike eyes. We cannot save them all, he told her. But, we shall save as many as we can. I promise that to you, avaraci.

°•°•°•°

Luna's eyes jumped open and she gasped. "Wh-Wh-What—?" She heaved her breaths as she tried to get rid of her dizziness. "Where…am I?" She blinked rapidly as she tried to take in her surroundings. The dizziness was gone for her to fully appreciate her location. Her brow furrowed. "Wait a minute… I've…been here…"

And, she had. She remembered seeing this courtyard. It was small, yet quaint and beautiful. She remembered the pond with endless water dipping into it from a wall. It was the home of leaves and lily pads, but no fish were there. And, that tree… She knew that tree. That tree what was a mystery, a mixture of a maple, a gingko, and a cherry blossom. That tree with rich green leaves clinging to it.

Luna touched the tree in her own wonder. "Wow… Even in my dreams, this all feels so real," she murmured. Her hand slid onto the bench swing and she eventually sat on it. She gave herself a bit of a push and off she went. She closed her eyes as she took in the wind, the scent, the sound. "It's like I'm back in the present," she told herself. "This is where I met Syra."

Ruby invaded her vision.

A frown touched her lips.

And, this is where…

She stopped swinging herself. She cracked open her eyes as the wind tussled her hair. "Gale…" She sighed. "I wish you were here…"

CRUNCH. CRUNCH.

Luna stiffened when she heard a grunt.

"Shit," came curse. "What was that?"

Luna felt a warm smile weave onto her face. She turned around in her seat to see Gale hunched over in the courtyard, on a porch made of sandstone. "Gale," she greeted. Her eyes began to glisten. "Welcome back."

She watched his head whip up.

Disbelieving ruby connected with shimmering chocolate.

One name dropped from his mouth, one moniker Luna had missed dearly.

"Blondie?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna laughed wetly. "Hi."

Gale's lips twitched into a smile. "Hey."

They just stared at each other.

"I'm sorry," came from Luna first.

"Me too," Gale quickly followed after.

They continued to stare at each other.

Luna sniffled.

DRIP.

Gale's eyes widened.

DROP.

Tears stormed Luna's cheeks.

"Blondie," Gale whispered.

Luna tried to rub away her tears. "This is a dream, isn't it?" she hiccupped. "You're not actually here. I'm just dreaming. And, when I wake up, you'll be gone, an-and I'll be stuck back in the past an-and…" She hiccupped again. "An-and-and…"

Gale was already striding over to her. "You stupid blonde," he muttered.

Luna hiccupped again as she tried to wipe away her tears. "You're n-not real," she told him. "I'm ju-just…dreaming you…"

Gale settled down on the bench swing to sweep Luna into his arms. It felt good to feel her, to hold her, to take in her scent. His eyes were soft as Luna trembled against him. "If you're dreaming of me, you did a damn good job of it," he murmured to her. "And, if I'm dreaming of you, then holy shit. I must be that creepy for you to feel this real."

Luna's eyes widened. She peered up at Gale. "So, you're…you're real?" she whispered.

Gale grinned and winked at her. "I could always kiss you and we could find out?" he proposed.

Luna laughed at that and wiped her cheeks. "You're real," she decided. "Dream-Gale is never this gross."

Mischief glinted in Gale's eyes. "Blondie, are you admitting you dream about me?" he teased, making Luna freeze. "I mean, if you do, that's totally cool with me since I dream of you—"

"Can we just forget I said that, please?" Luna pleaded, the tips of her ears burning. "Anyways, what are you doing here?"

Gale shrugged and sighed. "Your guess is as good as mine, Blondie-girl. One second, I'm getting my ass handed to me by that bastard Bluenote, then Aunt Wen is putting me under—"

"Wait, what?!" Luna gasped. She left Gale's arms to give him her undivided attention. "Wait, what's been happening in the present? Tell me everything. I need to know. How's everyone doing?"

Gale swallowed. "Not all of it is good news, Blondie," he warned.

"I need to know," Luna insisted. "Please, Gale."

Gale nodded and looked at his lap. "I can't really tell you anything after I went under, but I can tell you as much as I know," he told her.

Luna nodded.

"So, after Syra made you disappear, I tried to…persuade her to bring you back," Gale began.

"You yelled at her." Luna interpreted the statement flatly. "I know you did."

Gale side-glared at her. "You want to hear my tragic tale or not?"

Luna pursued her lips, but she resigned to silence.

Gale took that as his cue to continue. "We landed ourselves in a little trouble, so I sent Lag and Syra off to the guild while I took care of business. Only for me to suddenly be drowning and then waking up in Miss Meredy's classroom. Enter villain Bluenote Stinger."

Luna's brows slammed together. "Huh… 'Bluenote'…" she murmured. "Why do I know that name?"

"A-K-A, the 'Mage Killer'," Gale named. "Killed pretty much his old guild and a lot of his allies way before we were born, but you probably saw him on one of those serial killer specials. Any-who, he decided to have some fun with me. By 'fun', I mean the dude enjoyed tormenting the living shit out of me."

Luna scanned Gale's bodies for injuries. "Well… You look okay…"

"Yeah. While we're dream-sharing or whatever this dream is," Gale pointed out. "I guarantee I look like a wreck in the real world. A hot wreck, but still a wreck."

Luna fought back her smile to clear her throat. "So, what happened after that?"

"Well, I am not a damsel-in-distress waiting for my prince to come for me"—Gale snuck a smirk at Luna who raised an eyebrow back at him—"so I decided to make my own exit." His eyes hardened as he remembered his journey to escape.

The focus shifted on the dead soldiers laying in an alley. It blearily took in their bruises and their bloodshed.

"Gale? You okay?"

Gale rolled his shoulders at his own uneasiness. "Um, yeah, Blondie, I'm fine," he dismissed quiet roughly. "Bluenote just did a number on me. That's all. Landed me in a whole lot of pain that I don't want to give in gory detail. I remember a bit about my dad and yours. I woke up only for Aunt Wen to put me under, but that's it. End of my little story." He gestured to her. "Your turn. Where'd you disappear to and where can I find you?"

Luna winced. "Um… I'm…in Margaret Town…technically…"

Gale lifted an eyebrow. "'Technically'?"

Luna swallowed as she rubbed her arm. "Mmm-hmm," she hummed. "And, I promise I'm safe. So, uh, you don't really have to—"

"Stop talking around the issue," Gale snapped. "Just where are you?"

Luna grimaced. "How does four-hundred years ago sound to you?"

Gale merely blinked at her. He was silent for two beats. "Huh."

Luna sweatdropped.

'What's that even supposed to mean?'

Gale began to nod to himself. "Makes sense," he murmured.

'How does this make sense?!'

Gale gripped his chin. "Syra's an ikenga, the bunny of the time stream. Her kind fixes what went wrong," he explained. "So, it makes sense you were sent back to the past. Something must have happened in that time that wasn't supposed or something like that. Question is: what was it?" He turned to Luna. "What's been up with you since you arrived in the past?"

Luna blew out a breath. "Well, for starters, I met someone."

Gale stiffened, then narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by 'met someone'?" he pressed. "And, is Hugo with you?"

Luna nodded. "Yes, Hugo's with me. I'll start from the beginning—"

"Oh, gee, really? I thought you'd start from the end and work your way backwards," Gale said sarcastically.

Luna glared at him. "You're a jerk, you know that?"

Gale smirked, flashing fang. "All part of the charm. The bad boy persona all girls want to change."

Luna noised her disgust, wrinkling her nose. "Whatever," she grumbled. "I ended up waking in some forest. I met a guy named Gabriel—"

"Stupid name."

"—Redfox."

Gale's eyes widened. "Well, shit," he breathed. "You met one of my ancestors? For real?"

Luna nodded. "Yeah. He's actually really nice and kind!" she gushed.

Gale snorted, crossing his arms. "Bet he's not as cool as me," he mumbled.

Luna had to give him a smug smirk. "Actually, he acts a lot like you," she revealed, making Gale stiffen. "But, his dad, Mister Alarick…" She sighed dreamily. "He's so dreamy!"

Now it was Gale's turn to feel disgust. "Oh,ew, Blondie, stop that. That's just weird to even think about," he complained.

Luna gave a careless shrug. "Well, I met your descendants, but get this! I met one of my own!" she confessed. "Her name is Meira Heartfilia and she's so amazing! And, I met this Clifford spirit named Icarus and this really nice man named Ludvig Krause and—!"

"Woah, woah, slow it down, principessa," Gale soothed in a chuckle. "Take deep breaths and say it to me slow."

Luna did as instructed and took a deep inhale, then exhale. "Okay," she breathed. "So, I met with my ancestor Auntie Meira. Turns out she's a Celestial Spirit Mage too and she's Gabriel's master. She gave me some money and clothes to help me survive in the past and Icarus—he's the Celestial Spirit of Canis Minor—ended up coming along too. I've been staying with your ancestors in the meantime until I can figure out why I was brought into the back but get this!" She adjusted herself, tucking her hair behind her ears. "Are you ready?"

Gale nodded.

"Okay, so, we met Ludvig Krause and he's a runologist, right?" Luna plowed on. "So, turns out he found a whole underground network of runes a little bit outside of Margaret Town!"

Gale's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

Luna nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right? And, these runes… Gale, they aren't just regular ones. They talk about Nayda and Erion, the Guardian Duo!" She was getting all excited just talking about this. "Ludvig actually found out that the whole Bayer's Shrine Theory or whatever applies to the Guardian Duo."

Gale understood. "So, the Guardian Duo's have mediums," he reasoned. "But, where exactly?"

"Well, that's the million-jewel question, isn't it?" Luna asked. "We think Nayda's medium was tampered with. Maybe that's why she's acting out like this. She doesn't want to, but she's being forced to because her medium is being affected."

"Just like the Eclipse Gate Keys," Gale remembered.

Luna nodded fervently. "Exactly!"

Gale leapt to his feet. "You have to show me where these runes are, so I can get to them in the real world," he insisted.

Luna frowned. "But, you're hurt," she tried to protest.

Gale gave a half-shrug half-nod. "Yeah, well, we all have to make some sacrifices," he reasoned. He grabbed her hands and forced her to stand. "C'mon. I don't know how long this dream will last, so we need to get moving veloci."

Luna hardened and nodded.

°•°•°•°

It was a little later Gale and Luna were outside of Margaret Town and on a hillside. The duo stood over grass with Luna confident and Gale skeptical.

"You sure this is it?" Gale wanted to check.

"Definitely," Luna confirmed. "Only it was an excavation site when we were here, but…"

Gale dropped into a crouch and put a hand on the grass. He closed his eyes as his hands shifted over the land. "I can definitely feel tunnels underneath," he announced. "This must be it." He stood back up. "Stand aside, Blondie-girl."

Luna moved back several paces.

Gale put a foot forward as his hands moved in front of him with their palms facing opposite of each other and their knuckles brushing up against each other. Like he was prying open something, his hands moved in opposite directions. The earth before him responded by peeling back its layers.

Luna's eyes widened as she saw the staircase Gabriel had made in the past still there. A few steps had parts missing, but it looked otherwise intact.

Gale grinned as he finished up bending back the earth. He dropped his hands and he and Luna shared a look. "Well, Blondie-girl, looks like we found ourselves the place." He walked towards the steps and tapped a foot on it. He raised an eyebrow. "Solid Earth Magic," he murmured.

Luna smiled. "Should be. It was Gabriel who made it."

Gale was astonished at that. "No way. My ancestor was an Earth Mage like me?"

Luna nodded. "Yup!"

Gale whistled. "Far out. At least I know where I got it from." He offered his hand. "Let's take a stroll, shall we, principessa?"

Luna gave a playful roll of her eyes, but she moved forward to take Gale's hand. He led them down the steps, remaking any steps that had been badly injured. Neither showed any signs of fear as they journeyed lower and lower into the earth. Gale almost look more at home than he had been above ground. It was Luna who was surprised when they reached the runes that torches were already alit and waiting for them.

"Wow," Luna whispered. "How'd this happen?"

"It's a dream, Blondie," Gale reminded. "And, here I thought blondes would remember something."

"Jerk," Luna muttered. She began to walk down the left-side of the tunnel. "This way."

Gale was quick to be at her side, and the two ventured deeper. Gale took the time to check out the runes in innocent fascination and curiosity. "My mom would understand this a heck of a lot better than me, and so would…" He let the sentence drop. "I can understand some of the runes, but then you have to take into account all the grammatical structures and algorithms…" He shook his head. "Runology is like a whole 'nother lingua."

"I know what you mean," Luna agreed. "Gabriel and Mister Ludvig kept talking about it, and I felt completely lost."

Gale peeked at Luna. "Say, Blondie?"

"Hmm?"

"Gabriel… What's the dude like?"

Luna tapped her chin. "Like I said, he was nice and all. Though, he really got on my nerves when I was trying to follow up on a lead. He was all annoyed and stuff."

"Oh yeah?" Gale was intrigued by that. "What was the lead?"

Luna was happy to delve into it. "Well, we met this T'zolkin prophet who said—"

"Oh, my God," Gale groaned. "Not those literal first-century Jehovah's witness people…!"

Luna scowled. "Now you're just being prejudice," she admonished.

Gale have an exasperated exhale. "Blondie-girl, most T'zolkins are a bunch of bullshit liars," he told her.

"Here we go again," Luna muttered under her breath.

"Let me guess: you met one of those little prophets who claim they have connections to an actual god and shit," Gale predicted.

Luna puffed her cheeks. "Well…"

"Uh-uh. I don't buy it," Gale refused. "My descendant was right to be irritated with you. You chased after another one who preaches about the end times every single year!"

Luna growled. "I can't believe you!" she snapped. "You're being racist right now!"

Gale scoffed. "Oh, please, how on Earth Land is that racist?" he demanded to know.

Luna stopped and pivoted to deliver a harsh glare. "You're buying into a stereotype!" she shamed. "You're not even giving this guy a chance to break it!"

Gale rolled his eyes and stopped with her. "I am not saying I hate T'zolkins or want to eradicate them or would flat-out disrespect one in public," he told her. "But, it's their reputation"—Luna rolled her eyes and walked away—"that makes me a little wary." He followed after her.

Luna shook her head. "I can't believe you."

Gale groaned. "Blondie, wait," he pleaded. He touched her shoulder to get her to stop, but she refused to look at him. He sighed, rubbing his face. "You are such a drama queen," he bemoaned. "Look, Blondie, I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of T'zolkins. I respect they have their whole 'apocalypse' and 'buy a pocket watch' stuff going on for them like I would any other religion. You don't see me bashing Catholics or spitting on Buddhists even though I'm an atheist, do you?"

Luna had to shake her head. "Yeah, but Aunt Cana and your mom are both Catholic," she reminded.

"Even if they weren't, I still wouldn't openly shit that religion," Gale pointed out. "I respect religion. Do I appreciate it when it's being thrown in my face? No, but neither does anyone else. T'zolkins have a tendency to be self-appointed criers. If I met a T'zolkin who stuck to their culture in a respectful way, I honestly wouldn't care."

Luna sighed and began walking again.

Gale caught up to her within a second.

"Sorry," Luna apologized. "I didn't mean to throw a little tantrum. I just… I just miss everyone. I'm so worried how me being in the past affects the present and, I mean, what if I'm not even born? What if my mama never makes it to Fairy Tail?"

"Syra wouldn't have sent you in the past if it meant this entire timeline we're living in would cease to exist," Gale consoled. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and Luna, in turn, wrapped an arm around his waist. "If anything, it just means the shit we're going through right now won't exist. We'll be zapped into a timeline where the Festival of Gratitude went without a hitch and forget any of this ever existed. Easy, peasy, lemon squeasy."

Luna leaned her head against him. "I hope so."

The rest of the walk was kept in a comfortable silence. No words needed to be filled for them to be themselves. The silence meant they were being themselves. Luna's hand gradually came up to loosely take Gale's own. He made the first move to capture her fingers and intertwine them, and Luna made no move to stop him, even if her cheeks pinkened. Gale thought nothing of it when his thumb brushed the back of her hand.

"Hey, Blondie?"

"Yeah?"

Silence.

Luna looked up to see Gale staring off to the side. "Gale?" she prompted.

"I'm sorry for what I did and what I said to you," Gale apologized. "It wasn't right."

"Don't say that," Luna shushed. "I was being a little bit of a brat."

Gale offered her a grin. "'A little bit'?"

Luna bumped his shoulder. "I'm trying to say 'sorry', jerk, don't ruin the mood," she chided.

Gale sniffed the air and his entire playful air diminished and soured. "Oh, I didn't have to," he grumbled. He stopped the two of them. "How the Hell is she here?"

Luna was confused. "What do you mean?"

A smirk. "Oh, Redfox. Didn't you miss little, ole me?"

Luna whipped her head to see a familiar figure leaning against the entryway to Nayda's chamber. "Mary Jane?" she gasped.

And there stood the Dark Empress of Fairy Tail with her bleach blonde hair, smirk, and all. "Nice to see you too, cutie," she purred, winking. "What brings you to my temp home?"

Luna abandoned Gale (much to Gale's dismay) to rush over to Mary Jane with a beam and a laugh. "Oh, my goodness, Mary Jane!" she cried. "You're okay!"

Mary Jane staggered back a bit at the sheer force of Luna's embrace and patted her head. "Like anything would stop me," she said rather proudly. She caught Gale's disgruntled look and reveled in it. "What's the matter, Redfox? You don't want in on any of this blonde-on-blonde action? Or, was it…? Wait, don't tell me. You're pouting because your cute princess ran into my arms and isn't in yours," she teased.

Gale growled and gently took back Luna. "Bitch," he grunted.

Luna scowled and swatted his chest. "Gale, that's just a mean thing to say!" she scolded.

Mary Jane crossed her arms, shaking out her ponytail. "No, cutie, that's okay," she soothed. "I'm a bitch. He's a dick." Her eyes went to Luna and sobered. "But, seriously, Luna, how are you here?" she questioned. "I know that this is a dream—"

"Oh, wow, good for you," Gale muttered.

Mary Jane glowered at him. "You better shut your mouth before I relieve you of that duty," she snapped. "I am very pissed off and I'm not even sure what the moron is doing to my body as we speak in this dream."

Luna's eyes widened. "What?!"

Mary Jane stepped back into the chamber. "Here. Come in and I'll tell you my story of kidnapping and assault."

Luna and Gale followed her into the chamber. While Luna's wonder diminished considerably since she had already seen such a sight, Gale's was only just beginning. He drank in the chamber of runes, the watery ceiling, the rotating orbs—he took all of it in.

"Wow," Gale breathed. "Mom would love this."

Mary Jane settled against a wall with Luna near her. "All right," Mary Jane began. "Here's the deal. Long story short, it was your moronic brother who kidnapped me and brought me into some cave whatever," she narrated. "Now, I'll be a bit generous in my annoyance since he did save me, but we got an unwanted stowaway in the name of Peter."

"I like that guy," Gale called. He was still eyeing the runes and ran his hands along the grooves. "He's pretty all right. I give you my approval to bang him."

"Yeah, because I strive for the approval of some emo kid with anger issues, dipshit," Mary Jane retorted.

Gale gave her a thumbs-up with a middle finger following it, all as he looked at the runes.

Mary Jane blew out her bangs. "Whatever." She turned her focus back to Luna. "Anyways, the three of us began our quest down until I lost my shit. Your brother actually came through and played a good hero—I'll give him that." She looked disturbed to even say that. "It just occurred to me I'll actually have to…thank him?"

"I know exactly what he wants from you, Dreyar!" came Gale's laugh.

"Please, let me murder him," Mary Jane pleaded to Luna. "It'll be quick and painless, and you won't even miss him. He's replaceable. I'm not."

"Well, fuck you too," came Gale's grumble.

Luna laughed and shook her head. "What else happened?"

Mary Jane groaned. "Okay, okay, so I might have accidentally hurt your brother," she admitted. She waited for Luna's anger to set in.

There was none.

"Go on," Luna urged.

Mary Jane blinked. "Wait… You're not…pissed at me or anything?"

Luna shook her head. "Why would I be?" she asked. "Igneel told me I shouldn't get mad at you if it happens. He told me it's not really your fault."

Mary Jane's eyes widened. Then, they softened. "Oh, that moron," she murmured. "Why is he stupidly understanding?"

"Is he okay?" Luna fretted. "Are both of you okay? And, Peter?"

"We're…fine, in a way," Mary Jane admitted in a half-truth. "Last time I checked, Peter was still out cold and so was Igneel." Her cerulean eyes shimmered with something. "Your brother was very brave," she admitted softly. "I don't get why he stays around me. Whatever friendship he thinks we have is toxic, but he stuck by me. He protected me. That moron…" She shook her head, her eyes lowering. "This isn't me being all 'I'm-not-worth-it' because I have low self-esteem. This is me saying, 'I'm not worth it' because—"

"Mary Jane."

Unreadable cerulean connected with delicate chocolate.

"You mean a lot to Igneel," Luna told her. "A lot, a lot. He's going to save you no matter what you do because you're his friend even if he's not yours."

"That just doesn't make sense," Mary Jane muttered. "That's straight-up illogical."

"I guess friendships don't have to make sense or be completely logical," Luna supposed. "I still don't get how Cane and I are friends, but we are." She shrugged. "Don't question it. Just respect it."

Mary Jane's lips twitched into an almost-smile. "Since when did you get to be so wise for one so young?" she jested.

Luna flushed. "I'm not really that great," she dismissed.

Mary Jane smirked. "Hey, Redfox! Would you look at that? I got her to blush!" she called smugly, making Luna blush more. "Oh! Look! She's blushing even harder! Look at how flustered I make her!"

"Mary Jane!" Luna whined, trying to cover her cheeks. "Please, don't—!"

Gale engulfed Luna in a back-hug, glaring at Mary Jane. "Screw you," he spat. "You're just doing this to piss me off."

"Gale…!" Luna whined.

Mary Jane lifted an eyebrow in her own amusement. "Is it working?"

As Gale growled, Luna struggled to get out of his grip. "Guys, we need to focus!" Her gaze went to Mary Jane. "Where are you in the real world?"

"Here," Mary Jane said simply. "But, it's not so simple getting here. This weird guy Jacob Lessio nearly killed us and some Dimaria chick is trapped here with us—"

"I know that name," Gale piped up. "She's a Time Mage and one of high caliber too." He frowned. "But, she's a commander for the reformed Alvarez, right? Why would she be down here?"

Mary Jane shrugged. "Beats me. But, she's pretty messed up. Must be whatever she's drinking. She got to talking all in riddles and crap and then she shows me this thing in her chest." She struggled to find the right words. "It was like some sort of ball-thing. Looks scarily alive and all blue and stuff, like water."

Luna's eyes widened. "Wait," she breathed. "Did it kind of look like water made into a gemstone?"

Mary Jane slowly nodded. "Yeah… Why…?"

Luna remembered the water-like gemstones she saw in her journey into town with Gabriel. She remembered the watery orb in Meira's house. She looked up at the watery orb orbiting the room. "Bayer's Shrine Theory," she realized.

Mary Jane blanked while Gale came to a stark realization. "The what now?" Mary Jane asked.

Gale looked down at Luna. "You think—?"

"It has to be!" Luna insisted. "It would make sense, wouldn't it?" She turned to Mary Jane. "You said it was in her chest?"

"Yeah. Like it was literally implanted in it," Mary Jane answered. "Why? What's going on?"

"All you need to know is that orb is important," Gale summarized. "Make sure Dimaria stays down there until I get there, all right? Don't move."

Mary Jane snorted and rolled her eyes. "I have an unconscious moron laying on the lower half of my body, so I don't have the luxury of moving."

"But, then, I don't get it," Luna spoke up. "If Nayda's medium was tampered with now, does that mean it was tampered with all those centuries ago?"

"Correct," Gale answered.

"Then, the question is how do I find it in the past?" Luna muttered. "Because it wasn't there when in the past."

Mary Jane held up a hand. "Will someone tell me what is happening?" she demanded to know. "I'm hearing a bunch of shit that doesn't make sense and would like an answer. What the ever-living Hell is going on out there?"

Luna and Gale exchanged a look.

Mary Jane growled. "Oh, no. Don't do that whole 'talk with our eyes' crap. Just tell me what's happening and how I can help."

Gale turned back to Mary Jane. "Long or short?"

Mary Jane crossed her arms. "Short and sweet."

Gale shrugged. "All right." He pointed at Luna. "This one got herself trapped in Margaret Town four-hundred years ago when the first time the Guardian Duo allegedly attacked which is now proved false. The suzaku's spirit medium was tampered with. If you remember the story of the Eclipse Gate Keys, then it's like that. So, Blondie here has to figure out where the medium is and how to fix it." He pointed to himself. "Me, on the other hand, got my ass handed to me and I'm very much injured. Everyone in the present is fighting their asses off against some insane animals, the suzaku went ape-shit crazy against the pixiu, and let's not forget you and Iggy-boy are MIA."

Silence.

Mary Jane began to nod slowly. "So, you think the medium is that thing in Dimaria's chest?"

Luna nodded. "It sounds like it is."

Mary Jane sighed, her eyes lifting to the ceiling. "Okay," she decided. "I can try my best to see how to get it out of her, but I have that feeling someone else put it in her and only that someone can remove it."

"Just figure out," Gale said, waving a hand. "See who put it there and who can get it out. I'll track you guys down as soon as I can."

Mary Jane cocked an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, but when in your short and sweet narrative did you say you were healed?"

"I didn't," Gale admitted. "I'll find away. I have to at this point. If I can just wake myself up, maybe I can convince the little time bunny to work some Restoration on me."

Mary Jane threw up her hands. "I won't pretend to get that, so have it," she encouraged dryly. She eyed Luna. "And, you, cutie? What's the plan for you? How are you going to get back to the present?"

Luna's shoulders slumped at that. "I don't know," she admitted in her defeat. "I haven't met any Time Mages or ikengas. But, I'll find a way, whatever it takes. I have to get back home."

Mary Jane softened. Her hand reached up to brush over Luna's cheek. "I'll tell your brother about you," she promised. "He'll know you're safe and that's all that matters."

Luna smiled softly at Mary Jane. "Thank you," she whispered. "You don't know how much that means to me, Mary Jane."

Mary Jane nodded and pulled back her hand. "I'll leave you two to your limited time together," she decided. She fell back on a wall and slid down to sit against it. "I'm assuming if I try sleeping, I'll get out of here, so…" She flashed them a peace sign. "Have fun, kids." She closed her eyes and sighed deeply.

And, she disappeared.

Gale snorted. "And, there the wicked witch of the west went."

Luna sighed and swept her hair to one side. "I wish my parents were here," she confessed. "Mama and Papa always know what to do."

Gale frowned. "Hey, now's not the time for doubting yourself, Blondie-girl," he told her, hugging her tightly.

"But, they would," she insisted. "Both of our parents would, Gale! We're just kids!"

"So, what?" Gale challenged. "We're young, yeah, but that shouldn't stop us from trying." He rubbed her arms. "Relax, principessa," he soothed. "We'll figure this shit out like we always do. If you don't have faith in yourself, at least have faith in the Devil Woman and me."

Luna hung her head. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried."

"Aren't we all?" Gale murmured. "But, didn't I tell you we'd have come crazy ass adventures as partners?"

"Not this crazy."

"Don't worry so much." Gale kissed her hair. "We'll bring you back. We'll help the Guardian Duo. We won't fail, and you want to know why?"

"Because we're Fairy Tail?" Luna answered sarcastically.

Gale nodded slowly. "Yeah, there's that, but there's also the fact that failure ain't an option. I'm not living in a present you're not in. Not without my Blondie."

Luna looked touched by that. "Aw," she cooed. "You're so—!"

"I mean I could partner up with the Devil Woman," Gale mused. "She's blonde, got a killer ass, and doesn't fuck around."

Luna puffed her red cheeks before she crossed her arms, sticking up her chin. "Hmph! Well, fine then. Go partner up with her. See if I care," she huffed.

Gale smirked. "Is that jealousy I hear, Blondie?"

"I'll just team up with E and Silver," Luna decided, ignoring his comments on green being her color. "Or maybe Cane since he's a solo Mage."

Gale suddenly growled. "Don't – even – think – about it!"

Luna turned on him with a sly smirk of her own. "And, uh, who's wearing green better? Oh, it's you!"

Gale broke into a snicker. "You're gettin' bolder everyday, Blondie-girl," he praised. He poked her cheek. "Gotta keep you in line."

Luna stuck out her tongue. "Whatever. I'll see you soon, right?"

Gale nodded. "Definitely," he promised. "And when this shit is fixed, I'm calling dibs on you."

Luna frowned at that. "I'm not a thing you can call dibs on," she complained.

"Not saying that," Gale assured. "But, I have a very good reason for getting you first and it involves food."

Luna was practically salivating. "I'm in."

Gale laughed and patted her head. "We better get back to the real world, then. There's a lot we have to do and little time to do it." He made a show of eyeing Luna up and down. "Make sure Gabriel takes good care of you or I'll find a way to go to the past and kick his ass."

Luna rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "And, if you can convince Syra to use Restoration on you, make sure you bring food, med stuff, and a change of clothes for Mary Jane, Igneel, and Peter," she instructed. "They'll need it."

Gale nodded and heaved a sigh. "I guess if I have to help those idiots," he said dramatically, making Luna laugh. He bopped her nose and grinned at her recoil. "Be safe, be smart, and be careful. I have no intention of replacing my partner so soon. I mean, unless you want Mary Jane—"

Luna smacked his chest as he rumbled with laughter. "You jerk," she grunted. "Igneel would be really mad at you, you know."

Gale shrugged. "Meh. I can handle the pyro. I can't handle his blonde femme fatale for the life of me."

Luna furrowed her eyebrows. "What's a—?"

"Forget it. Something your dad would kill me if I told you." Gale tucked a loss lock of hair behind her ear before leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I'll see you soon, principessa."

Luna drew him into a hug and closed her eyes. "Please tell my family I'm okay," she requested. "I miss them. And I love them."

She felt Gale's lips kiss her forehead. "I will," he promised. His voice, his touch, his presence—everything felt so far away. "Sleep, Blondie."

Luna tried to hang on to the last shred of consciousness she had. "I miss you too," she whispered.

Everything was gone.

Something was murmured to her.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna opened her eyes.

The sensation of waking up in a bed that was not yours was still alive in her. She looked around the bedroom. Golden light flooded through her window. Her wallet and Compact were still on the bedside table. Her old clothes were washed and dried and folded neatly on her dresser. The bracelet of the Sea King glinted at her in welcome. Icarus was gone from the bed.

"I'm back in the real world," was the first thing that came out of her mouth.

The focus was on soft ruby.

Luna's eyes shimmered. "That wasn't just a dream. It was real, but…"

I've heard of Dream Sharing before. Mama told me about them and how rare they can be. If it was just Gale and Mary Jane sharing a dream, then I guess that'd make some kind of sense. But, then… How could all three of us share one when I'm stuck in the past?

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Lady Luna, are you awake and decent?" came Gabriel's call.

Luna sat up, coughing. "Um, yeah, sure. Come in."

The door was opened. Lost darted into the room and surprised her when he jumped on the bed to pounce on her. She giggled as he put his front paws on her cover her in licks.

"Good morning to you too, Lost," Luna greeted. She looked over at Gabriel as she tried to control Lost. "Good morning, Gabriel."

Gabriel smiled. "Good morning, Miss Luna," he helloed. "My father and I have breakfast prepared for you and Master Meira has come to join us."

Luna perked. "Auntie is here?"

Gabriel nodded. Then, he winced. "Yes, however, you might want to come quickly. My father has a tendency to…well…"

CRASH.

Luna and Gabriel shared a brief look before Luna picked up Lost and ran out of her room. She flew down the steps to get to the kitchen and saw—

"But, my queen…!"

"You are lucky your son is my temporary student or else I would have speared you months ago!"

Luna's eyes widened when she saw a shirtless Alarick clinging to Meira's leg with an expression of pure puppy love and Meira holding her spirit whip with a look of pure agitation.

"Please, my beautiful queen!" Alarick begged. "You promised…!"

"I make no promises with fools!" Meira effortlessly jerked Alarick off her. "Get away from me! I only came to spend time with my niece, you dog!" Her eyes swept over the kitchen to see Luna and widened in surprise. "Oh, my little star! Good morning!"

Luna was completely slack-jawed. "What is going on?!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 031

The Truth Will Always Prevail

暗号とボタンが真実を伝えます！痛みは知識の価格で来ます！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

So, this was how breakfast looked in the House of Redfox.

Meira was perkily feasting on her portions and occasionally fed some to Icarus.

Gabriel made sure Lost's bowl was filled as he ate his own breakfast in silence.

Luna was working on her third plate while she gave side-glances to Alarick.

Alarick was kept in a corner with rope restraining his body.

Meira beamed at Luna. "So, my little star, how has my apprentice been treating you?" she inquired. "Respectful, I hope?"

Luna swallowed her mouth. "Mmm-hmm! He's been really nice and cool!" She picked up her glass. "It was fun touring around Margaret Town. Meeting Mister Ludvig and seeing those tunnels was amazing!"

Meira chuckled. "Sir Ludvig is a well-accomplished man," she complimented. "He is well-versed in so many dialects and cultures; I am certain his wife will never get bored of him." She picked up her goblet and sighed. "It is a shame he is betrothed. I would not mind marrying him. At least he has common courtesy unlike some uncouth men and has morals and a decent job." She shrugged and lifted her goblet. "Oh, well." And, she took a sip.

Comical tears streamed out of Alarick's eyes. "How you hurt me, my queen…"

Luna leaned over to Gabriel and whispered, "What exactly is going on?"

Gabriel forked his steak and eggs. "Ignore my father," he advised, unconcerned. "He is often like this when around Master Meira. The rope will keep him in check."

Luna sweat-dropped.

How can he say that so casually?

"So, Lucy."

Luna was drawn back to Meira.

"Are you excited for the festival?" Meira wanted to know. "I cannot wait to see the dancers I have heard so much about from my apprentice."

Luna frowned. "The dancers?"

Gabriel smiled. "There are alleged dancers and storytelling about the Guardian Duo and their origins. From what I've heard from the townspeople, it is riveting."

"That sounds really fun!" Luna gushed. "I can't wait to see that!"

Meira abruptly stood up. "Then, there is no time to waste!" she exclaimed. "We must travel at once!" She took out a Silver Key that had the stick symbol of a Pegasus on it. "We shall ride at once!"

Gabriel's eyes widened. "Wait! Master, wait—!"

Alarick gave a love-drunk sigh. "She is so radiant when she gets like this…"

Meira's body shone with her golden Magic as she allowed her energy to wash over the key. She began her incantation. "I am the bridge between the stars and of this realm! Grant my friend safe passage as he crosses the gates!"

Luna's eyes were wide as the entire house shook under the force of her Magic.

What the…?

Meira held the key in front of her. "Come, my friend! I need your help! Come forth through the Gate of the Winged Horse"—she turned the key—"Pegasus!"

Icarus scrambled to his feet and bowled over Luna. Get down, pup! he howled.

Luna was barely covered when there was a flash of light and smoke.

DING-DONG!

CRASH.

STOMP.

NEEEEEEEIGH…

Gabriel groaned. "Not the table again…"

"Demy, my loyal friend! It is good to see you!" Meira boomed happily.

Luna thrashed underneath Icarus. "Hey!" she complained, spitting out fur. "I'm still here!"

Icarus got up, pinning back his ears in apology. My apologies, pup. I had to make sure you were protected.

Luna got to her feet and brushed back her hair. "Protected from wha…?" Her eyes caught onto the elephant in the room.

Or rather…

…the pegasus in the room.

Meira was stroking the muzzle of the majestic creature. It was jet black with gold at the base of its wings and roots of its mane and fur. It seemed enamored with Meira, whinnying and nuzzling into her hold. On its haunches was the symbol of the Winged Horse burned in gold.

Luna pointed at it. "Is that a…?"

Gabriel sighed. "Master Meira, I thought we told you not to do casting inside the house!" he reminded, exasperated.

Meira made cooing noises at her pegasus. "When did you ever say that?"

Gabriel nearly fell on the floor. "I knew you were ignoring me!"

Luna crept forth towards the pegasus. "Woah," she breathed. "I've never seen this spirit before…"

Meira beamed. "Lucy, meet Endymion. Pegasi Keys are hard to come by. They were fickle things the elves hung onto out of fear humans would mistreat the Pegasi for their wings. Lucky for our family, Endymion was entrusted to us."

Luna gazed at Endymion in complete awe. "Just wow… He's so handsome!"

"Don't ever compliment a Pegasus," Gabriel forewarned as he tried to clear the rubble. "They are arrogant little creatures who thrive off validation."

Endymion turned to Gabriel to snort rudely at him, flicking his tail.

"There is a Pegasus in the kitchen," Alarick sighed dreamily. "She summoned a Pegasus. How marvelous!"

Gabriel sweat-dropped. "Of course you would only see that," he grunted. "You lovesick fool."

Meira patted Endymion's cheek and gestured to Luna. "Why not say, 'hello', dear friend?"

Endymion turned to Luna.

Luna gave a shy wave of her hand. "Uh… Hi."

Endymion blinked at Luna.

Luna slowly put her hand down. She rubbed her arm. Her eyes kept flickering from Endymion's own to the floor. "Um… It's, uh… It's nice to meet you, Mi-Mister Endymion."

Endymion blinked at her again.

Silence.

It startled Luna tremendously when love and sparkles practically spouted off Endymion as his eyes turned to hearts. "In the name of Hippocrene, you are so cute!" he whinnied.

Icarus sighed and sank down. He rested his head on his paws. Here we go…

Endymion took to circling Luna, ignoring that he trampled the rest of the table, Gabriel's splutters of the mess, and Alarick's mooning over Meira. "You're so adorable! You smell just like my Selene! Well, you're not as adorable as my Selene, but you're pretty close to her!"

Luna smiled tentatively. "I-I'm sorry, but… Who is 'Selene'?"

Endymion stopped.

In just a second, the great black Pegasus was sobbing. "Oh, my Selene! She's absolutely perfect in every way!" he wept.

Meira patted Endymion's back consolingly. "Let it out, dear friend. Let it out," she soothed.

"Now I have to dry the floor," Gabriel grumbled in complaint.

Luna blinked her confusion. "Did I say something wrong?"

Meira explained: "Selene is his mate. I have not been able to locate her key for Endymion and he has not seen her in quite some time."

"But, shouldn't they see each other in the Celestial Spirit World?" Luna asked.

Meira shook her head. "Selene has not been sighted in the Star Realm. Even I looked with him for a solid two days there and six months in this world, but…" She sighed. "The last any of our family saw of Selene, elves had her key. But, with the elves gone…"

Luna was saddened at that. "Oh. I see." She turned to Endymion. "Mister Endymion, I would like to hear more about Miss Selene, if you don't mind?"

Endymion snapped out his tears as a look of pure joy took over his eyes. "My Selene is the bravest mare anyone could ever have! She is the swiftest and fiercest mare! The perfect mate!"

Meira had to agree. "My mother told me if I found the man who possessed Selene's key, it was fated for us to be the perfect match!" she gushed.

"And you have not found it, have you?" Gabriel said, smirking.

Meira threw him a look. "I could make you rearrange my library," she reminded shrewdly. She turned to Endymion with a beam. "Are you up for a bit of riding, my friend? We are off to participate in the Festival of Gratitude!"

Endymion looked lovingly at Meira. "Wherever my beautiful mistress wants to go, I'll gladly take her," he neighed. He flapped his wings in his excitement. "To the Festival, we go!"

Meira and Luna punched a fist. "All right!"

Alarick gazed at Meira with hearts in his eyes. "She is so beautiful when she is excited," he gushed.

Gabriel looked at the wreck of a kitchen and practically melted in his misery. "I'm the one who will have to clean this up, won't I?"

°•°•°•°

The road into town was an exciting on for Luna. She rode with Meira and seemed wholeheartedly interested in Endymion's wild tales of him and Selene and their adventures with Meira pitching in. Gabriel sulked as he rode Himeros with Lost peeking his head out of a saddle bag and a lovesick Alarick rode Anteros. The only thing stranger about this party was the golem and Clifford who took vanguard and point respectively.

"Wow! I can't believe you saved an entire island by yourselves!" Luna gushed.

Endymion puffed his chest. "As to be expected from my beautiful Selene and I!" he boasted. "Once we see her again, she'll have plenty more stories for you!"

Luna laughed as Meira patted Endymion's neck. "And you shall see her, my friend," she promised. "I pray to the spirits it will be soon."

Luna sighed, smiling. "This just feels too unreal," she admitted. "I'm with my anc—I mean my auntie, riding a Pegasus, and I'm going to the festival." Something occurred to her. She leaned closer to Meira. "Speaking of the festival, Auntie, there's something you should know. Last night, in my dreams—"

"Later, little star," Meira murmured. "We shall meet with Sir Ludvig first."

Luna nodded.

Icarus halted and Meira stopped Endymion as the outskirts of the main town was in sight. "All right, Endymion, this is as far as you can go," she reminded. She turned to her niece with everyone stopped behind them. "Lucy, if you would dismount."

Luna did so confusedly. "Why can't Endymion go any farther?"

Meira dismounted. "Like I told you before, Pegasi are rare creatures. Many seek after a Pegasus for their feathers just as many seek a unicorn for their first and second horn."

"Unicorns exist?!" Luna exclaimed, eyes wide.

Endymion snorted and lashed his tail. "Those Monoceros think they are so perfect with their little horn shedding and flowing tails and manes," he muttered. He shook his head and snorted at his dismay.

Meira narrowed her eyes. "Isn't Selene a unicorn?"

Endymion was overflowing with love at the mention of his mate. "Yes, but she is truly different than her kind! What a perfect mare!"

Meira turned back to Luna. "Yes, my little star, unicorns exist," she educated. "Quite tricky magical creatures with rare Magic. Many live in the deep part of the forest under wards so no human may meet them. Only those who are considered 'Blessed' or 'Fairykind' may have audience with them."

Luna furrowed her brow. "What's that mean?"

Meira laughed as she held Endymion's key. "I shall teach you later, little star. For now, we must change Endymion, so he may walk among us." She held the Pegasus Key to her lips. "Now, I command you. Into a man," she whispered before giving the key a kiss.

Luna's eyes widened as golden Magic swirled around Endymion before clinging to his very being. "Woah…" dropped from her mouth as Endymion's equine appearance righted itself into a broad-shouldered male and his wings shrunk. When the transition was over, the Magic crackled off him.

Luna's face turned red and she covered her eyes. "Oh, my gosh, you're naked!"

Endymion pouted at his new appearance. His skin was a deep chocolate with flowing black hair, gold at the roots of it. Even his eyes were golden. His horse ears were still pricked at the top of his head. He looked at his shrunken wings piteously. They looked more decorative than powerful. "My wings," he bemoaned. "My beautiful wings!"

Meira scoffed as Gabriel dismounted from Himeros with a bag in his hands. "Oh, quit your whining, Demy. I had to change you into a man if you wanted to join in the festivities," she pointed out. She took the bag at Gabriel to throw it at Endymion. "Here. Change."

Endymion grumbled as he opened the bag and took out clothing.

Luna made sure not to peek as she turned to Meira who was putting the key back on the key ring. "Auntie Meira… How did you do that?"

"A Star Spirit reflects the needs of their 'master'," Meira told her. She brought out her key ring and shifted through until she found the Golden Key of the Lion. "If I called Leo to my aid with me needing him in his beast form, he would appear as a golden lion. Or, if I wanted, he could stay in his human form. Perhaps, even, he could take the form a young boy if I need him to." She pointed at Icarus. "Icarus? Care to do a demonstration?"

Icarus nodded. White overtook his form as his entire being shrunk down. When the Magic cracked off him, he was nothing more than a wolf-dog malamute hybrid with his tongue lulling out. The carrot on his muzzle diminished significantly to look more like an ornament.

I, too, may change form, if I desire it, Icarus thought to her. He changed back into his more comfortable and larger form. A Star Spirit can only change under the conditions of our breed and our master, but we can still change, nevertheless.

"Huh…" Luna thought on that.

I think Mama told me about that before… When she met Virgo, Virgo said a Celestial Spirit changes with who their owner is. I just didn't know you could do it like this.

"These clothes make me look stupid."

Luna chanced peeking from her hands to look at Endymion. The second she saw him, she had to smother her mouth with her hands to keep her giggles at bay.

Endymion pointed accusingly at her. "Even she thinks I look stupid!" he whined.

Meira cleared her throat in clear attempt to hold back her grin. "I think you look regal," she praised, winking at him. "I am highly attracted to you already, Demy."

Endymion did not look half bad. He had been given the clothes of a nobleman completed with ridiculous, poofy cuffs and a pompous hat. He had been given a sword and good boots to walk in, but, yes, he did look quite…stupid.

Gabriel chuckled, but after a quick glare from Meira, his chuckles turned into violent coughs. "Uh, yes, Endymion, you look like true nobility," he tried to compliment.

Alarick sighed dreamily as he stared at Meira. "You can even change the form of your spirits… How wonderful…"

Meira could not hold back the tick mark on her head. "Alarick, if you such a desire to have your tongue cut off…"—she took out her dagger and toyed with the blade—"I would so happily oblige you."

"You can cut me anytime, love," Alarick purred, winking at her.

Gabriel face-palmed. "Father, do not like this type of threat; it is unbecoming," he muttered.

Luna put a fist in an open palm. "Well! I'm getting all fired-up about the festival, so let's get going!" she cheered as she marched on.

Icarus fell into step with her. Such a strange use of words, pup, he teased.

Luna laughed. Whenever my papa would get really excited or really into a fight, he'd say, 'I'm all fired up'. Which I guess is pretty funny looking back on it. It's kind of his catchphrase.

Do you have one? Icarus wondered, curious.

Luna shook her head. Mmm-mmm. Not yet, but I'm working on it. A thought came to her and made her thoughtfully frown. Come to think of it… I don't think I have a Mage Name either.

You will earn one in due time, Icarus promised. His wet snout prodded her shoulder before he licked her cheek. You should hear the names I came up for Meira. 'Menace' was one of them.

I heard that, you pesky dog.

Luna was startled at Meira's thoughts barreling into their conversation. She turned her wide eyes onto Meira. Wait. You can hear us?

Meira chuckled and shook her head. No, no, Luna. Icarus established a link for me to hear his last comment. She narrowed her eyes good-humoredly at Canis Minor. I came up with a handful of names for you too, mangy mutt.

Icarus chuckled.

The journey into Margaret Town only had one stop. Gabriel and Alarick had tied Anteros and Himeros to hitching posts before they ventured even deeper into the town. Luna's mouth was wide open as she took in everything. Stands selling costumes and jewelry and food had been set up just for this occasion. She heard salesmen crowing out prices and limited time offers. She was taken back when she saw children dressed in costumes with masks inspired by the Guardian Duo. Music and laughter drowned the entire town with a rainbow of colors glinting under the sun. A female performer dancing with silk scarves to exotic music captured the attention of several men and women. There were a few tents set-up with workers seducing people inside with promises of seeing exotic merchandise and strange people and phenomena.

"This is so amazing!" Luna admired. "Just, like… Wow!"

Gabriel chuckled at the sparkle in Luna's eyes. "You did not seem so eager before."

"Oh, details, details." Luna waved him away. Her eyes caught onto a Fire Mage roasting meat and she salivated at the sight. "There's…so much food… It looks…so delicious…"

Endymion licked his lips when he saw a few stallions being fed oats. "You're telling me," he moaned.

Alarick sidled up to Meira and slung an arm around her waist. "Is there anything you would like to do, my queen?" he purred.

Without batting an eye, Meira slammed her elbow into Alarick's gut. He dropped to his knees in his agony while Meira pointed into the crowd excitedly. "I think I see Sir Ludvig!" she squealed. She began to wave her hand. "Sir Ludvig! We are over here!"

Alarick wheezed as he held his stomach. "So cruel… So perfect," he managed to get out.

Ludvig came towards them with his blue hair in a neat ponytail, but he was not alone, and the fact made him look a bit uncomfortable. A lady was on his arm, a beauteous maiden. She looked easily breakable, and yet someone you could trust your deepest secret with. Her skin was a comfortable tan and her eyes were a strange hue of gray. She smiled up at Ludvig, but not with a lover's smile. More like the smile of a companion. Two personal guards—or, perhaps, chaperones were better terms for them—trailed after them with their swords, ready to face anything.

Meira frowned. "Oh… It seems he brought his fiancé," she muttered.

Alarick grinned evilly to himself. "So, the little philomath is taken. Excellent."

Ludvig stopped shy of the group and seemed a bit taken back to see Meira. Awestruck was a better word. "L-Lady Meira…" he gasped. He sounded absolutely floored and enchantingly so to see her.

Meira offered him an easy smile. "It is good to see you, good sir." She nodded at him in respect before turning to his fiancé with a bigger, faker smile on her face. "And, your intended." She raised a hand for a handshake. "How do you do? I am—"

"Meira Heartfilia." The woman let go of Ludvig to curtsey, and Meira dropped her hand. "It is wonderful to meet the next leader of the Heartfilia Clan. When you first sought Ludvig for assistance, he told me all about you." She blushed, unable to meet Meira's eye. "He was right. You are a beauty uncompared."

Alarick crossed his arms and nodded in his agreement while Meira laughed loudly. "Please! I am nothing of the sort," she assured.

"And here I thought you liked compliments and validation, Master," Gabriel teased.

Meira gave Gabriel a stink eye before sighing. "Ignore my apprentice. He just earned himself a week's worth of rudimentary studies, so he is not happy with me," she revealed, making Gabriel's jaw drop and Luna giggle.

Ludvig scrambled to speak. "E-Excuse me for my ill manners, Lady Meira," he pardoned. He gestured to the woman. "Everyone, I present you Contessa María Luisa Ortega, my beautiful intended," he introduced. He gestured to the party for Maria. "My darling, I introduce you to Alarick Redfox and his son Gabriel"—Alarick and Gabriel bowed—"Miss Lucy Heartfilia, Meira's only niece"—Luna curtsied—"and Miss Lucy's companions, Icarus and Hugo." Icarus nodded his head while Hugo wiggled his fingers. He pointed at Endymion and faltered. "I do not believe I have met you, sir…?"

"Endymion," Endymion greeted proudly. He wrapped an arm around Meira with a cheesy smile on his face. "I am Mistress Meira's personal escort and travel companion! We happen to be very close." He turned to Meira with a smirk. "Is that not right, Mistress?"

Meira patted his chest in the midst of her over-the-top-giggling. "Oh, stop, you great buffoon, you are making me blush! We should not speak of such affairs outside of my bedchamber"—Maria looked mortified at that while Ludvig was about to pass out and Luna was white as a sheet—"for there is company present." She turned to Maria. "Excuse my companion. He cannot restrain his tongue for the life of him or me," she explained in a casual manner.

"I do restrain it only if you ask nicely, Mistress," Endymion purred, winking at her.

Ludvig looked like his soul had left his body.

Maria looked sick.

Alarick was trying hard not to snarl.

Gabriel looked rather amused alongside Icarus.

The guards did their best not to flinch.

Luna's jaw dropped.

And, Hugo just blinked in his emotionless way.

Maria tried to smile, but it came out hesitant and grimace-like. "W-W-Well, it is…lovely…to meet you." Everyone could tell she did not mean that for a second. "It pleases me thusly to meet more of Ludvig's little wizarding friends."

Endymion laughed richly at that. "I promise you there is nothing little about me, Contessa."

It was official.

Ludvig was soulless and Luna was about to faint.

With Maria trying to recover from such a comment, Alarick swept forward to get down on one knee. He offered her a smoldering look and took her hand into his. "It is lovely to meet you, Contessa María," he purred before kissing her knuckles.

Maria blushed, looking taken back at Alarick's forwardness in a good way. "Oh, my…"

Gabriel growled, raising a trembling fist. "You…"

BAM.

Alarick lay on the ground with his eyes swirling with Endymion and Hugo taking turns prodding him.

"…embarrassment for a father!" Gabriel seethed. He huffed, crossing his arms. "What Mother saw in you, I will never know."

Meira laughed as Ludvig looked horrified and Maria was still blushing. "My, oh my! So much excitement today, is there not? My apologies for my husband. You see, he is actually quite drunk and is acting like a dog willing to hump anything in broad daylight just to scratch his itch!"

"Such words bring pain to me, my queen," Alarick said shakily.

Maria pointed at the nearly unconscious Alarick. "H-H-He is your…husband?" she whispered. Her eyes flicked from Endymion to Meira. "Does he know about your…?" She blushed. "You know…"

Meira was already waving a hand in dismissal like the issue was something trivial. "You can say 'love affair', dear, it is quite all right, and he does," she confessed nonchalantly. "I would never lie to my husband about such a thing." She leaned forward to whisper to an appalled Maria, "He enjoys watching." Her eyes shifted sympathetically onto Alarick who was suffering from the abuse of Gabriel who lightly kicked him and muttered insults. "My poor love," she lamented. "He knows he cannot satisfy me with how small he is, so he allows our trusted companion Demy to sate me. Is that not wonderful consideration to my desires?"

Luna's face burst into red. "Oh, my gosh, Aunt Meira!" she cried.

Meira noticed something different about Ludvig and perked. "Ah! Sir Ludvig! Your tail—have you gotten rid of it?"

Ludvig stiffened as Maria blinked up at him in confusion. "What does she mean, Ludvig?" she wondered.

Ludvig laughed nervously as he scratched his cheek. "U-Uh, it was merely an incantation gone wrong the other day, my darling. Gave me a horrid lion's tail; however, as you can see, I am all better now," he soothed.

Maria smiled prettily. "You and your incantations. You always amuse me with your Magic. I hope you will amuse me more with your little spells someday."

Luna noticed Ludvig wince and his eyes shifting away. "R-Right," he murmured. "I will always seek out to…amuse you with my Magic, my darling."

"Mister Ludvig," Luna whispered.

Meira clapped her hands to rid the air of tension. "Well now! I say, since we are all gathered, we should enjoy our time together and take to showing Maria around the festival, yes?" she suggested. She left no room for argument as she tugged Maria out of Ludvig's arm and led her away with the personal guards instantly following. "Maria, how about I personally show you the new bridge? I hear the architect was none other than a close personal friend of the king!"

Maria seemed uncertain of leaving Ludvig—more like terrified of being in Meira's presence—and glanced back at him. "I think I should be on Ludvig's arm, Lady Meira," she insisted. She stopped and Meira was forced to halt with her. "It is not appropriate for a woman to be guided without her male escort. I am sure your husband would agree. Or, even, your travel companion."

Meira beamed with an unnatural largeness. "Oh, those two?" She laughed. "Dear, those two are well aware I cannot be tamed to be put on their arm like some woman who only does as she is told," she explained in such a whimsical way, no one would notice the underlying annoyance in her voice. "They shall enjoy the festival on their own terms. Besides…" She turned her eyes onto Ludvig and flashed him a killer smile. "I am sure the good sir would not mind parting with his fiancé for a mere hour or two, if I am not mistaken?"

Ludvig bowed lowly just for Meira looking at him. "Yes, my Lady, I would never refuse a request from you," he granted.

Meira nodded approvingly while Maria looked entirely distraught. "Lift your heard, good sir. We are friends, not noble and peasant," she chided. She strutted forth and dragged Maria along. "Come, Maria! Now, with your intended's approval, I shall show you that bridge!"

Maria glanced back at Ludvig as some sort of plea, but when he did nothing to stop them, she sighed. "I would love to see it, Lady Meira," she supposed, a tad reluctant.

"Wonderful!" Meira claimed. "Endymion?"

Endymion left to catch up with the party with a wink to Luna before he left. "Don't you worry, little moon," he whispered to Luna. "Your aunt's got a plan." He trotted off. "Oh, Mistress…! You know I like watching you walk away, but slow down, will ya?"

Ludvig sighed in relief when they were far enough away as Alarick made a move to stand. He put a hand on his chest. "Gadzooks," he exhaled. "I thought that tension was completely suffocating."

"You are right about that," Gabriel agreed in a mutter. "I was nearly about to lose my composure several times." He grinned up at his father. "Astounding acting, Father."

Luna blinked. "What."

Alarick grinned back and ruffled Gabriel's hair. "I'll get you back for that punch," he jested. He turned to Ludvig. "And, you… I was wondering how you would improvise, and you did so quite nicely."

"Wait. 'Improvise'?" Luna echoed, baffled.

Ludvig chuckled, brushing back his hair. "I am just happy Maria reacted the way I knew she would," he admitted. "She is quite disgusted at the mere thought of infidelity, mistresses, and such, and would vocalize it a lot when her brother brought in a mistress into his loveless marriage. Lady Meira and Lord Endymion were crafty in their dialogue. They could be great on the stage."

Gabriel snickered. "Do not let Master here that or she will not keep silent about it for the next millennia."

"Would someone tell me what's going on?!" Luna finally blurted.

Ludvig turned to her with a sheepish grin. "Pardon us, Miss Lucy, we did not mean to upset you," he assured. "Believe us that we preferred for you to take part in our plotting." He looked off to the side. "However…"

"You are a terrible actress," Gabriel said flatly, leaving no room for sugar-coating.

Luna scowled and crossed her arms. "What's going on?" she demanded to know. "You guys were acting? For what?"

"For time," Alarick explained. "Meira just bought us some precious time."

Luna huffed at such a vague answer. "For what?"

Ludvig answered in his stead. "For us to talk, Miss Lucy." He shifted closer to her to whisper. "Late last night, your aunt visited me in my bedchambers—" He instantly blushed when he said that. "Do not think your aunt and I to be in a scandalous affair," he pleaded. "My bedchambers have strong wards to ensure none shall listen to my conversation or off me in my sleep."

Luna smiled and waved a hand. "I don't think that, Mister Ludvig," she assured. "Please, go on."

Ludvig did. "Well, your aunt stumbled upon something truly fascinating, and I just had to talk to you about it."

Luna frowned. "Okay… What is it?"

Ludvig opened his mouth to explain, but Alarick cut him off. "Anyone up for a few drinking games with some old friends of mine?"

"'Drinking'?" Luna frowned. "What's that got to do with anything? I really don't want to get drunk."

Alarick winked at her. "Oh, no, my girl, I have no intentions on letting you get sloshed." He began to walk forward. "Let us say my old friends happen to have very loose lips when they are under the influence."

As the rest of the group followed after him, Luna was the only one with puzzlement written her face.

---

He was put in a place he had been in so many times, one would think he would get sick of it.

It was the treehouse.

There was no one around. No deer, no family, no nothing. It was just him and the treehouse.

A giggle.

He had heard it.

A little girl was giggling.

He followed the noise like he was possessed. He did not go up the steps to the treehouse, no-no. He went around the tree, his feet knowing the way. He stumbled upon the back entrance he knew too well. The entrance was between the tree roots and the earth with a hatch that covered it. In messy paint were the words NO PIRATES ALLOWED.

A giggle.

The giggle was coming through there.

He opened the hatch and stepped into the tree—

—and where he stepped into was not where he expected to go.

He was back in that place he had never seen, never been to. He stood at the volcano's rim like he belonged. The tropical island had not changed, or, at least, he assumed it had not changed. He still saw the jades and emeralds and forests of the island along with the hues of ceruleans and azures of the ocean that surrounded it. He closed his eyes as the wind ruffled his hair and kissed his skin. He had never scented something so pure and natural and familiar that it could make him cry.

DRIP.

He turned around to stare into the lava when he found himself stranded in a place full of flames and water. The flames surrounded him in every hue he could imagine and then some. Red, orange, yellow, gold, green, blue, violet, black, white, gray—and there were so many variations and other colors alongside them! They all made a statement of circling him. The heat they gave off was welcoming and warm and made him want to embrace them into his soul.

DROP.

He looked down.

He did not see his reflection. Instead, he saw the reflection of his father, of the man who gave him life and fire, of the man loved him, mentored him, and nurtured him. His father stared back at him with a thoughtful frown instead of his childish grin that made his mate crazy.

You're my son, he heard in his father's thoughts.

The reflection changed.

He saw his twin looking back at him through honey-amber eyes.

You're my brother, he heard in his twin's thoughts.

The reflection changed.

He saw a dragon he had never seen before, but he had heard in so many stories and tales, he knew it was his grandfather. He knew from that scar and those burgundy scales and those yellow eyes that held roguish nobility.

The flames you have in you are part of me, he heard in the Fire Dragon King's thoughts.

The reflection changed.

He was stunned when he saw the greenest eyes he had ever encountered. He was stunned when he saw the greatest of flames that could swallow him, scorch him, and love him in generous ways.

"Who are you?" he had to ask.

I…am you, came rumbling reply. You…are me… We…are one…

The reflection changed.

Then, he saw her.

He saw her pretty smile and her blonde hair. He saw her in that blue summer dress and her white long-sleeved she wore under it. He saw her with her necklace's charm hidden beneath her dress. He saw her waving at him.

"You didn't keep your promise to me," she told him cheerfully. "Does that mean we're not best friends anymore? Does that mean you've moved on?"

"No," he whispered. He dropped down to his knees as tears raked his cheeks and grief pierced his heart. "I'm keeping my promise! I won't let you go!"

She shook her head, but her smile never dropped. "We were supposed to go to Neverland together. And, now?" A tear shed from her eye. "I'm dead."

"No! Never!" He reached a hand through the water to grab her hand, but the water had thickened into something dark and disgusting. The flames were gone. He tried to yank her out, but the substance was weighing her down and tugging him in.

"We can still go! Please, don't leave me! You'll never be dead to me!" He pulled even harder, but the substance was slithering up his body. His ragged cries to her were drowned out when he found the substance covering his mouth and dragging him down into a new abyss. He was now on the other side of the reflection. He was stranded underwater with no way of escape. He held his breath as he swam to the surface. When he hit something hard, he began to bang on it.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

His eyes widened when he saw her. She was his age and her hair was still that pretty tint of blonde, but so much about her had changed. No dress. No long-sleeve. Just a short jacket with faux fur lining its edges, her crop top, and those high-rise pants she wore all-too-often. Even with her change of look, she was everything he remembered except…

Those eyes.

They lied to him.

They lied to everyone.

"I hate you," she spat at him. "I don't even know who you are." She crouched down to tap the barrier between them. "I'll never give a damn about you and you know why. You'll always keep secrets from me. Tell me what happened to me. Tell me why I'm like this!"

He shook his head desperately.

She sighed. "I'll never be her, you know," she reminded. "She died that night. You're just stuck with me and you're trying to make it up." Her eyes widened. "Is that it? You just are trying to work off some sick debt?"

He shook his head again in his despair, pawing at the barrier. He needed to her to let him in.

She made no move to mask her revulsion and sneered at him. "I will never need you, you hear me?" she snarled at him. "Have a happy life in Hell. Stay away from me!" She let her face get close to the barrier to jeer her last words to him. "I hate you."

Tears burned his eyes.

Please, don't…

She stood up and took off.

He banged at the barrier as hysteria took over.

No, don't go! I'm sorry! It isn't like that!

He banged the barrier again and it cracked.

It isn't like that! I don't care!

He banged the barrier and the crack intensified.

Just don't leave me! Please, don't leave me again!

He banged the barrier and—

—the barrier broke.

MJ!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Igneel jerked awake.

A gasp. "Holy crap, give a girl some warning first!" came snap.

"Welcome to the land of the living, man," came chuckle.

As Igneel grunted and groaned and went through the process of waking up, conversation flowed around him.

"Don't act like it's so great to be here, Boy Scout," came growl. "It isn't."

"Aw, sweetheart, I'm loving your presence too," came tease.

"Shut up."

Igneel blinked away the sleep from his eyes to look up. The first face he saw was Mary Jane's above him. She paid little interest to him, though seemed to notice him stirring against her and looked down. She gave him a grim look. "If you had a wet dream while you slept on me, don't expect me to be exactly all sunshine and smiles, moron," she grunted.

"MJ…" Igneel mumbled. "You're here…"

Mary Jane lifted an eyebrow. "Uh…yeah…? I'd be somewhere else in our little prison if you hadn't decided my legs and stomach were the best places to sleep."

"Tell him he kept mumbling your name in his sleep," came laughing recommendation.

"Did I?" Igneel yawned. "My bad. Sorry."

Mary Jane sighed. "Uh-huh. And, shut up, Peter, I've had just enough out of you."

Peter smirked harmlessly. "Now, now, let's not get too mean, sweetheart," he soothed, playful. "Shouldn't you be playing nurse to your friend?"

Igneel thought on that. "MJ…a nurse…" He could practically see Mary Jane in a short nurse's dress and hat with a saccharine smile on her face and a box of band-aids in her hands.

"All right, sir, where does it hurt and where can I kiss it better?" Fantasy-Mary Jane purred. "If you don't tell me…"—the box of band-aids was changed with a medical knife and a murderous aura radiated from her—"I can just cut you open and be done with your sorry ass!"

Pink flames danced off Igneel's hair as a peaceful blush over came him with a bit of drool coming out of his mouth. "Heh-heh… Nurse MJ," he said dreamily.

A tick mark beat Mary Jane's forehead as lightning sparked off her. "You're making it very hard not to electrocute you, moron," she growled. She showed him something in her palm. "Here. Take these."

Igneel snapped out of his daydream to blink up at the pills in Mary Jane's hand. "My meds?"

Mary Jane rolled her eyes. "No. It's my birth control. Yes, they're your meds." She brought over a bottle of water and put it beside him. "Take them."

Igneel took the pills and plopped them onto the back of his tongue. He took the bottle of water and guzzled down some of the contents, swallowing his pills. When he finished, he sighed. "Thanks, MJ."

"Don't thank me. Ever. It'll just piss me off."Mary Jane took the water from him to take a swig of it. "I didn't do it for gratitude. You put up with a lot of shit yesterday, so I'm just returning the favor." She looked down to see Igneel's gobsmacked look and pink flames raging in his hair. Her jaw ticked. "What?"

"Y-Y-You drank out of my bottle…" Igneel lifted a hand to cover his lips.

Di-Did she just do an indirect kiss with me?

His whole face turned red and he was nearly giving off steam.

Crap! I'm not ready for that! We're just friends!Friends aren't supposed to do the k-word! I-I-I-I haven't prepared for this!

Mary Jane still did not get it. "Why are you freaking out?" She set down the bottle with a snort. "I'm not sick if that's what you're freaking out about."

"I-I-I—! Uh…" Igneel shook his head, calming down his flames. "Never mind," he muttered. He looked around as he tried to sit up on his own. "Where are we?" he grunted. His eyes caught to see Peter was alive and well and close by. "Peter…"

Peter saluted him. "Morning."

Igneel groaned and snuggled his head back into Mary Jane's stomach. "I'm so tired…" he whined, closing his eyes.

"And I'm sore because someone won't get off me," Mary Jane snapped. She glanced at the scars on his back and softened. "But, I guess I can deal," she supposed. "Look, moron, I have some good news for you. Three parts, so here we go. One, we have help on the way for us. Two, the cute Dragneel is more or less safe right now. Three, our fellow prison mate has wandered into a dark hallway and abandoned us."

"Mmm," Igneel purred lazily. "Goodie…"

Mary Jane sighed. "You're so useless," she muttered. "Moron."

Igneel opened one eye to look at her, appraising her for any injuries. "You okay?"

"If you're asking about those lash marks, I'm good," Mary Jane assured. "I'll have some scars on my back, but—"

Igneel awakened at that and pushed himself to sit up. "Let me see," he growled.

Mary Jane looked at him up and down. "No."

"MJ," Igneel warned, backing away from her. His onyx eyes darkened to the point that the chips of emerald vanished. "Let – me – see."

Mary Jane groaned as she pushed herself to her knees. "Fine. Just don't get all angry, okay? These scars are my fault, not yours." She gave her back to him before turning to Peter. "I don't have a bra on, so if you look away, it's up to you."

Peter closed his eyes, laughing. "Yeah, yeah, sweetheart."

Mary Jane took off the shirt for Igneel to see her back.

To see the obvious scars on her back.

Igneel's eyes widened. He sucked in a breath when he saw the ugly gashes marring her porcelain skin. They were a deep reddish purple that would not go away. The blood had been washed away, but that did not make it look any better.

Mary Jane chuckled humorlessly at Igneel's silence. "At least I'll have a story to tell Lance's kids when they get older. Maybe now everyone who compares my beauty to my mom will stop when they see this. Funny, right?"

Gritted teeth. "This isn't something to laugh about."

Mary Jane frowned. "I'm just taking this in stride," she countered. Her cerulean eyes flashed. "Honestly, though. What were you thinking taking those whippings for me? You would have died."

Igneel shook his head. "I don't care."

Mary Jane growled. "Don't be stupid!" she snapped, timbre vicious. "You should care about your life!"

"Oh, yeah, like you care about yours?" Igneel retorted scathingly, his eyes narrowing.

"I don't give a damn about what happens to me," Mary Jane hissed at him. She put on her shirt with rough motions, forcing Igneel to back away from her. "I've been mentally tortured for a couple years. What's physical torture anyhow?"

Igneel's eyes were turning a darker shade than before. "Don't say that," he gritted out.

Mary Jane whirled around, but the pain of her scars made her exhale sharply and wince. She hunched over and hugged herself, eyes closing as she tried to control it.

The ire in Igneel's glare washed away with worry. He reached out to touch her. "MJ…"

Mary Jane smacked his hand away and lightning clacked between them in a short battle of violet versus cyan. Seething cerulean snapped open to connect with fretting onyx. "Don't – touch – me," she made clear to him. "I deserve this."

Igneel's stare widened at that. Then, his eyes dropped, shimmering. "Don't… Don't say that," he tried to plead in a small voice.

"I will say that," Mary Jane countered. "The scars are nothing, you moron! It pisses me off I'm indebted to you as it is. If I had my way, I would've taken every – single – lashing."

Igneel's hands tensed. "Please," he whispered so softly, so quietly, so delicately, the begging sounded like it was nonexistent. "I'm… I'm sorry—"

"I don't freaking get you." Cerulean intensified with something burning, threatening to turn into something darker and fouler than sheer anger. "You have this way of making me feel like I'm weaker than I already am and it just…pisses me off," she hissed at him.

"Baby girl," Peter tried to silence.

Mary Jane ignored him as her snarls grew more prominent. "I'm supposed to be grateful to some creep who decides to invade my life? Are you serious?" Static rippled off her. "Are you blind?! You moron, I hurt you! I could have killed you! And, you want to defend me?"

Igneel's bottom lip trembled. "I'm s-sorry," he tried to apologize, "o-o-okay?"

"Listen to me very closely." Lightning danced off Mary Jane in a powerful swirl. Even her eyes reflected her violet bolts. "I don't need your help," she threw at Igneel.

DRIP.

"I don't need you!"

DROP.

"I don't want you!"

DRIP.

"And I don't ever want us to be friends!"

DROP.

"When we're out of here, you need to do yourself one last favor." Mary Jane's lightning electrified her entire being and charged towards Igneel. "Stay the Hell away from me!"

ZZT.

Mary Jane's eyes widened.

It was not that the cyan lightning did not just deflect the strings of violet static. It was not that the cyan met violet head on, gentle and nurturing.

It was the tears running down Igneel's cheeks.

Igneel refused for Mary Jane to see his eyes with his head bowed. "Please don't make me go away," he beseeched quietly, voice quivering.

Mary Jane blinked. "Uh…"

"I don't want to go." Igneel bowed completely like a worshipper praying to his goddess. "I'm sorry. I don't want to fight anymore. Please don't make me go. I'm sorry."

Mary Jane's surprise melded into a coolness. "You don't make any sense to me," she admitted. "After all that, you apologize for something you didn't do and want to stay with a bitch. Why?"

Igneel sniffled and rubbed his nose on his arm. "I made a promise," he began to explain in his quaking voice. "I made a promise," he repeated, a bit firmer, "that I wouldn't give up. It didn't matter what happened. I'd always come back."

"You didn't make the promise to me," Mary Jane pointed out.

"I didn't." Igneel admitted that woefully.

Mary Jane lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. "Then…?"

"I-It was…" Igneel swallowed harshly. "It was the person who brought me to Fairy Tail." He touched the scarf in his hands. "The person who made my scarf. A-And…"—a hand went to the back of his neck, to his scar—"the person that my scar reminds me of."

"I'm not her." Mary Jane said the words as fact. "You're just glorifying me, putting me on a pedestal I don't deserve nor want." Also, another fact. Something clicked in her mind and her eyes roamed Igneel's body. "Is she dead?" The words came out quiet. No malice to them, but no kindness to them either.

Silence.

Mary Jane sighed, closing her eyes. "I see then." She lifted her chin and her eyes reopened. "Don't mistake me for her. I'm not her. She was your friend—a good one at that—to you. She cared for you." She shook her head. "I'm not someone who will be like that. You miss her. I don't get what it's like to miss someone in that way, but I understand you do—"

"No. You don't."

Mary Jane paused as she watched Igneel tremble.

"You don't get it," Igneel whispered. "You'll never get it." His tears fell onto his scar. "There was nothing I could do to help her."

"But, don't try to 'help' me," Mary Jane recommended. "She and I—we aren't the same person. She was kind enough to inspire you. I could kill you."

Igneel was already shaking his head. "I d-d-don't care." He hiccupped. "Pl-Please don't make me go away. Please."

Mary Jane said nothing.

Igneel sniveled as he crawled forth like a groveling stray. "I'm sorry," he sobbed. "Please…"

Peter watched as Igneel came towards her.

Igneel let his hands abandon his scarf as he drew his body close to Mary Jane. His forehead fell onto hers. Mary Jane did not flinch back and curl her lips in her disgust. She just watched. Igneel kept his eyes shut as tears streamed down his face. "I'm sorry," he repeated. "Please… I'm sorry… Please…"

ZZZT.

Cyan static clacked onto Mary Jane and flooded into her system.

Igneel dropped his head from Mary Jane's head to her chest. There was no lewdness in his head resting on her breasts, no jokes to be made, or flushes of cheeks. There was no time to be embarrassed. His arms curled around Mary Jane with his hands splaying onto her back. They were heated hands, soft in their touch, and the arms were tight, unrelenting to let go.

"I'm sorry… Please…" Those words were spoken like they explained everything. Three words made up an entire rant, an entire apologize, an entire soliloquy.

Mary Jane's face remained impassive. There was nothing soft or caring, nothing hidden in those cerulean depths. The closest she came to was becoming emotionless. She did not hug him back or look down at his shaking form. She did not bother with her rage. All three knew, if she wanted, she could shove him away, flip him off, and send him away.

But…

…she let him be.

Peter sighed and tipped his head back, closing his eyes.

Y'know, Mary Jane, you were wrong about him…

"I'm sorry," Igneel whispered to her. "Please…"

You told me he wasn't anything but some nuisance in your life… So, then, why…?

Peter's hand clutched the material over his heart.

…do I feel so jealous of someone who means nothing to you?

---

Erion landed in the Mûre River with little grace. He looked badly injured with his cloudy tail losing chunks of itself and his fur had given up tuffs of itself for this battle. He tried to charge an attack when water wrapped around him, chaining him.

Erion looked up in a vengeful roar as Nayda circled him. He was trying to understand. Why would his other half do this to him?

Nayda cawed in her own rage and watched through black eyes as the sea obeyed her whims. She watched as Erion thrashed under the weight of the water and be pulled lower and lower into the river.

Erion tried hard to keep his head above water, but it was too late. He was dragged underwater and there was nothing he could do. He could not break from the sea shackles as his rage bubbled and rippled underwater.

BOOM.

Erion's angered eyes watched as sea creatures darted out of their homes to attack him with their Magic. He snarled at them. They dare harm one as powerful as him? He did not even flinch at their attacks. Instead, clouds and lightning flurried out his mouth as he roared at them.

Many of the magical creatures were scared off from the display of his Magic, caught in the whirlwind and blown away. Others stood their ground boldly. He would have admired them, if they were not daring to attack him.

Erion looked down to see he was being dragged into the deep abyss. His eyes glinted. Why would she do this to him? Why would she take him prisoner?

Erion's eyes closed in his grief at the sheer betrayal. He tried to project his thoughts to his other half as the freezing water ruffled his fur and scales.

Why, Nayda? Why betray me?

°•°•°•°

Watery scales rippled as a serpentine body wriggled through the river.

°•°•°•°

The watery shackles dragged him into the abyss as his final resting place.

And, he…would have to be content with that.

°•°•°•°

Gleaming emerald eyes glared into the river.

°•°•°•°

Erion felt a familiar presence press into his mind.

You will not be a prisoner here, old friend.

The great pixiu's eyes snapped open to the great Sea King diving towards him.

Shenlong, Erion whispered. Why are you here?

Shenlong wasted no time circling the pixiu. With his teeth, he cut through the watery shackles like they were nothing but paper. The great kings worry little for this river. I am not the same.

Erion shook out his fur in the water.

Shenlong looked up to the surface. She acts out without knowing. You are no match for her alone.

Erion snarled. I can handle my other half.

Not like this, Shenlong growled back. Do not be stupid. We will bring her back together.

This is not the sea, Your Majesty, Erion reminded. She will not appreciate a Sea King overstepping their boundaries.

Shenlong snorted. I care little for that. He wound himself up. Come, Erion. He soared forth.

With a growl, Erion followed after him.

°•°•°•°

Nayda circled the Mûre River for any sign of her prey. Nothing had surfaced in a while and that meant nothing ever would. She cawed her victory and broke her circle to follow the river. She would leave this place. There was nothing here for her.

If only she realized the entire river had rippled.

Nayda flapped her wings when something shot out of the water. Her eyes narrowed as she cawed, ready to retaliate.

But, it was too late.

Shenlong coiled around her like a snake wounding around its prey. She screeched and thrashed, but Shenlong refused to relent.

You are young and angry, Shenlong thought to her. You must stop this senseless behavior and protect the ones you have sworn your life to.

Nayda broke free from Shenlong's attack before whirling around to face the great Sea King. Her eyes grew even more furious to see Erion at the side of the Sea King. She cawed her rage at this new arrangement and Magic gathered around her, obeying her call.

Shenlong and Erion tensed.

Brace yourself, Shenlong warned. If she does not submit, then we shall force her to submit.

A great roar left the great Sea King as he sprung forth with Erion close to him.

Nayda released her Magic in the form of a beam full of pressurized water.

Shenlong opened his mouth for his own roar of water to come out.

And, the two attacks clashed.

BOOM.

---

A handcuffed Spezi and his caged Noble Chimera sat in the basement of the Lamia Scale Guild Hall. There was nothing special about this basement besides it being a storage unit for costumes, supplies, and even spare furniture. Spezi seemed oddly content and his Noble Chimera did not prowl around, angry at its caging. So long as its Tamer was not in distress, it laid on the ground with its snout towards Spezi and its eyes closed. Two Lamia Scale Mages guarded the prisoners and said not a word to anyone else.

Gajeel looked over at Natsu. "So, the punk disappeared, huh?"

Natsu huffed, crossing his arms. "Bastard used the blizzard to get away. And, in this rain, I can't scent him," he muttered. He pulled at his pink locks. "Ugh! This is so unfair! I finally had the chance to beat down that jerk-ass and he slips away from me!"

Pantherlily sweatdropped from his place near Gajeel.

He might be an adult and a king, but he still acts like a child.

Erza eyed the prisoners. "Well, we've assembled a team for you all," she disclosed. "Gajeel, Pantherlily, you have my permission to stay here if you wish to be near Gale."

Gajeel shook his head. "I can't sit at his bedside doin' nothin'," he grunted. "Knowin' the pipsqueak, he'll get all pissy if he knew his old man wasn't out there fighting when he should be."

"I agree with Gajeel," Pantherlily piped up. "I'll join this team."

Erza nodded her approval. "Very well, then," she murmured. She began to walk away and back up the steps with the two Dragon Slayers and the Exceed padding along after her. "Cana will be joining you. As will Miss Pink, Leandro, Naomi, Romeo, and Alzack."

"What about Yuka?" Gajeel pitched. "An Anti-Mage might do us some good."

Erza shook her head. "Unfortunately, Yuka is busy at the moment. He will join you when he can, but, as of now, these are the Mages you will have in your team." They arrived at the first level of the guild hall and in a private hallway. Erza led them out of it. "I've recalled Laxus several times now, but Telepathy hasn't been working with him whatsoever. I will entrust all of you to reign him in should you see him while you're out there."

Natsu softened and locked his hands behind his head. "I see. Must be going crazy about Mary Jane," he murmured. "Makes sense."

Gajeel smirked slyly as his elbow jabbed Natsu's side. "How come you ain't goin' crazy over your missin' son, huh?" he teased. "Don't care about the little firecracker?"

Natsu swatted at Gajeel with steam coming out of his head. "Stupid metal-head, of course I'm worried about him!" he snapped. He huffed childishly and looked away. "But, I know my brat and I know his strength. From what Bluenote told me, he and Mary Jane gave the associate some hassle. I know my son's not going to go down—not when he has Mary Jane to protect, anyways."

Gajeel frowned. "Easy, now. Don't forget what the little spitfire is capable of," he warned.

"Don't forget what Igneel's capable of," Natsu retorted. "We both trained him. We both know what he's capable of—especially when someone he cares about is in danger." He flashed his fangs in a pearly grin. "'Sides, I'm remembering how a certain someone got all weepy when his mate got—what as it again? A papercut?"

Pantherlily was trying to cover up his chortles as Gajeel's face painted red through his mortified embarrassment and anger. "It wasn't a papercut, you moron! Lily, stop laughing at me, dammit!"

Erza led the trio over to their newest teammates. "Everyone, welcome the newest additions to your team," she told them.

Cana smirked in their direction. "Kickin' ass and taking names, huh?" She let her hand wave and her cards appeared between her fingers. "Sounds about right."

Miss Pink raised her fists in excitement with her mutant pink skin and happy black eyes. "Yeah! I can't wait to track this guy down!"

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Miss Pink

Age: 20

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Pink Magic

Likes: slushies Dislikes: card games

Special Note: Miss Pink might not look like us, but she used to long ago! Talk about a freak accident! ⌟

Romeo let his fire flare around his fist. "I'm ready to take down the bastard who killed and hurt so many people," he snarled.

Alzack was in total agreement and nodded at Gajeel. "We'll make him pay for what he did to Gale," he promised.

"You will apprehend Bluenote and arrest him properly," Erza instructed thoroughly. "Bring him back alive." The comment was made especially to Gajeel.

Gajeel tched.

"But," Erza added, grinning a little herself, "bring him back as harmed as you want."

Natsu and Gajeel shared a smirk and fist-bumped to that.

"I expect nothing less from all of you," Erza told them. "Make it efficient as possible. I don't need more Mages getting injured and sent back, understand?" She looked at Cana. "You have the most level head in this group." She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out her Call Card. "I will use this to continue contact. Kazari is having trouble with Telepathy, so this should do it. If it comes down to it, use a card to detain Bluenote."

Cana winked at Erza. "You got it, Master."

Natsu saw Lucy on the first level. "Give me a second, guys," he called, already in motion. "Lucy! Hey! Lucy!"

Lucy paused when she heard her husband's voice. Surprise was in her eyes when she saw Natsu squeeze his way past Mages to get to her. "Natsu?" she called. "When did you get back?"

Natsu sheepishly grinned, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry. Got back a while ago, but Erza pulled me in for a long meeting and some interrogation on our newest prisoner," he explained to her. His stomach rumbled and his hands soothed his stomach as a mournful look crossed his face. "I haven't even had time yet to feet my tummy," he sobbed.

Lucy sighed, shaking her head. "Always worrying about your stomach more than anything. Nothing ever changes."

Natsu grinned at that. "Well, I'm off again with a new team to track down Bluenote," he told her. His eyes flicked up to the second floor. "Any changes?"

Lucy saddened. "Nothing really," she digressed. "He's breathing easier, but we're keeping him with his mask, just in case. Aries told me Nashi is doing okay. Since Andele healed her, she's been sleeping, but…" She looked away. "I'm worried, Natsu. Two of our kids are still missing. Igneel is with Mary Jane, but Luna… Luna could alone out there. She could be hurt, and we wouldn't know it."

Natsu softened. His arms instantly wrapped around Lucy and drew her in for a sweet embrace. "We have to think positive," he murmured to her. "We can't think worst case right now. She's out there and your spirits are looking for her, right? We have to believe they'll find her."

"What if Bluenote's found her?" Lucy whispered, voice cracking. "It's been over twenty-four hours and we haven't found her. He could have her for all we know."

Natsu's gaze steeled over. "We'll make sure he doesn't," he promised. "And, if he does, then we'll make sure the payback he gets is one hundred times over for hurting our family." He pulled back to kiss Lucy's forehead before nuzzling his own against hers. "I promise you, Lucy. We'll all make it back to you."

Lucy closed her eyes. "I know you will. I believe in you, Natsu. I always will." She pulled away, opening her eyes, to give him a smile. "And, when all of this is over, I'll even treat you to some charcoal fire. What do you say?"

Natsu salivated at the mere thought, blushing. "Aw, man, now I want to kick Bluenote's ass even faster if fire's on the line!"

Lucy laughed, lightly shoving him away. "Now, go," she said, eyes flicking to the waiting team. "I'll see you soon."

Natsu's grin broadened. "You know it." He loosened his scarf to put it over Lucy's shoulders. "Keep it safe for me. Love ya! See ya later!" And, he bounded away.

Lucy smiled as she held Natsu's scarf. "I love you too. Take care, Natsu," she murmured.

And, please… Please bring home our family.

---

Gary placed a kiss on Nashi's head. She lay in a bed with a blanket draped on her and her bandages changed. He pressed his nose into her skin. "You'll be better soon, Angel," he murmured. He forced himself away from her and to stand with shorts as his only clothes. He moved out of the room and closed the door behind him.

The group had made it to the safe house. A delayed breakfast had been gifted to everyone, courtesy of Julia and Virgo. Penelope and Mystogan spoke in hushed tones while Julia kept herself reserved, something that made Linus glance at her every few seconds. Paige looked dead-tired, already finished with her breakfast. Virgo finished the dishes with Actaeon pawing at her leg for scraps. Horologium stood watch, though looked to be sleeping. The newest additions were Andele and her guide dog Spirit. Spirit tended to his master's needs while Andele fed him bits of bacon.

Dazzler still wore Mustang's jacket and stayed close to him. The Crimson Cowboy was trying to get a signal on his Compact when Dazzler noticed Gary. She got to her feet and quickly maneuvered over to him.

"Hey," Dazzler breathed. "Has she woken up yet?"

Gary did not meet her eyes as he shook his head. "No. Not yet."

Dazzler deflated. "I see." She sighed. "We're lucky enough that Miss Virgo and Miss Aries brought us Andele and Spirit when they did, but still… It's around eleven a-m and she still hasn't woken up. Mix this with the storm outside…"

Gary groaned, rubbing his face. "I know, Sparkles, I know."

Dazzler furrowed her brow as a hand went to rub Gary's shoulder. "Why haven't you been sleeping?" she probed. "I can tell when the insomnia hits you, Gare-bear."

"It's nothing," Gary dismissed.

Dazzler lifted an eyebrow. "Bullshit."

Gary sighed. "Sparkles, it's nothing," he insisted. "It's just me being stupid about things that don't matter."

"Hey." Dazzler stopped him by putting a hand on his chest. "It does matter what you're thinking. It matters a lot to me and everyone else."

Gary's eyes shifted to a quiet Luke who had gained Actaeon's company. "Not 'everyone'," he murmured.

Dazzler glanced to see who Gary was staring at and softened when she saw Luke. "C'mon." She pulled Gary away from the living room and towards the kitchen. She got them both into the walk-in pantry before shutting the door, flicking on the light. She whirled around on Gary and crossed her arms. "Well?"

Gary ruffled his hair. "It's—"

"Say, 'nothing' one more time and I will turn you into a rabbit," Dazzler threatened. "And, you know I'll do it. I've done it to Cade more times than he can count."

Gary snorted.

Dazzler gave an exasperated breath in retaliation and tapped her foot impatiently.

Gary groaned. "You're so annoying…"

Dazzler rolled her eyes at the comment. "Oh, don't be such a drama queen like Justin," she admonished. "I'm worried, Gary. I need you to talk to me."

"About what, Dazzler?" Gary finally snapped. "A little less than twelve hours ago, you saw me as a monster! And, Angel isn't okay because I dragged her into my stupid problems—!" He sank to the ground with his head in his hands.

"Gare-bear, you need to chill," Dazzler soothed. She smoothed her hands under her legs as she crouched beside Gary. "You aren't a monster to me or any one of us. You're our friend, no matter what we look like. We're not so shallow to dump you just because you can turn into a literal Ice Devil."

"Thanks, Sparkles," Gary muttered.

"And, with Nashi?" Dazzler settled on the ground, crisscross. "Dude, what's actually going on between you two? She was avoiding you since Halloween up until, like, two days ago and—"

"We had sex."

Dazzler went wide-eyed. Then, she grinned like a maniac. "Oh, I so called it!" she howled. "I am getting so much money from those motherfathers!"

Gary narrowed his eyes at his best friend. "Wait… Did you guys place a be—?"

"Shhh… That's unimportant," Dazzler waved off. She whacked Gary's arm. "But, like, you bitch! Why didn't you tell me? Me, your not-related twin sister!"

"Don't take it personal, D. She didn't exactly want to talk about what happened," Gary said flatly, pinching his nose. "If you didn't notice, she was kind of avoiding me for nearly a month."

"Oh, right…" Dazzler remembered. She frowned, contemplative. "Well, was she embarrassed about it?" she wanted to know, curious. "Or mad at herself for what happened?"

Gary sighed, shaking his head. "No, no, nothing like that. It was just… A lot happened that night. Stuff that I'd only want her to tell you. She was more upset with herself about what I saw and what she said and…" He hesitated to say more, if he even should.

Dazzler understood. "Hey, but look at you two now," she tried to cheer up.

Gary snorted. "Yeah. Look at us now." He rubbed his temples. "Look at her, Sparkles. She's recovering because of me."

"Because of Hunters, Gare-bear, not you," Dazzler pointed out.

"Lee wouldn't have threatened her if it wasn't for me," Gary lamented. "He knew I wouldn't crack if my family was threatened. My parents were the ones to help Silver and I get used to Anti-Ethernano Serum ever since…" He swallowed. "Ever since the first time," he completed. "But, with Angel, I…" He lifted up his knees to bury his face in them with his arms circling his legs. "Sparkles, I cracked," he admitted. "He knew she was the only thing that could break me and he used her. He knew we were—" He stopped.

Dazzler filled in the blanks morbidly. "He knew you two were sleeping together." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Oh, Gare-bear…"

"He knew," Gary croaked. "He used her to get to me. It's all my fault." His arms tightened. "Luke is right to hate me."

"He's not, though," Dazzler argued. "He had no idea what he was saying. He was just acting out because his sister was hurt—"

"Sparkles, you don't understand," Gary whispered. "He was right about me."

Dazzler really did not understand. "Right about what?"

Gary gave a shaky breath. "Well, uh"—he swallowed—"during the Harvest Festival, I lost control. Both my Devil and me. And, we…" He shook. "I didn't mean to. I-I-I swear I didn't mean to, but I can't take it back no matter what."

"That's what Luke was talking about," Dazzler came to conclusion. Her eyes widened. "So, when Nashi was limping those days after the Harvest Festival…"

Gary lifted his head to show Dazzler his stinging eyes. "How can she forgive me if I can't even forgive myself for that?" he demanded to know in a whimper.

Dazzler, at first, had nothing to say. But, eventually, she found the right words. "It sucks that I don't understand what you're going through," she said. "I won't understand your feelings on this. I just won't. But, I just want you to know this doesn't change how I see you in my eyes."

"It should," Gary countered mopily. "It really should."

Dazzler shook her head. "Maybe it would if you were being intentional, but I know you weren't. Even you said you weren't. I know you'd never hurt Nashi on purpose. You love her, Gare-bear."

"She'll never love me."

"Give her time," Dazzler urged. "'Love' doesn't just—"

"I know love takes time and I'm willing to give her all of it," Gary cut her off. "I'll never pressure her into being with me. I want to take it slow and at her pace. But, how the Hell is she ever going to love something like me?"

"She already likes what she sees now," Dazzler reminded gently. "I didn't see her running away from you when you went all satanic. Did you?"

"Well… no—"

"Then, I think you have nothing to worry about," Dazzler soothed. "Honestly, if she doesn't love what she sees, she doesn't know what she's missing. Oh, that's right, she will since you two are fucking," she teased, poking Gary.

Gary smiled, abashed, and nudged her back. "Don't call it that," he complained. "It's not like that."

Dazzler gave a show of rolling her eyes. "Gare-bear, would you like me to be more romantic? You two are making love—is that it?" she jested, ribbing him. "Fornicating? Copulating? Doing the dance of no pants?"

Gary laughed. "Okay, now you're just being a smart ass!"

Dazzler widely grinned. "I hope you know you shouldn't tell Mister 'Lord Cadorius' because you know the first thing he's going to ask you."

Gary groaned as his cheeks reddened. "Please, don't—!"

"Dude, dude, dude," Dazzler said, deepening her voice to mock Cade. "You gotta tell me."

"Sparkles!"

"How does she—?"

Gary covered his ears. "I don't want to hear this!" he cried.

Dazzler burst into laughter. "Now you're making me curious. Like, how many times? Who knows?" Her eyes widened. "Oh, Houdini, that's why you two didn't come to Hang Over-Done! You were totally in-between her legs, you filfthy, little whore!" She applauded him, feigning wiping a tear. "Baby, I am so proud you lost your v-card. Because you know what that means, right?"

"No." Gary immediately shut her down. "I don't want to do it."

"We're having a Happy 'You Lost Your V-Card' Party!" Dazzler cheered, ignoring him.

"Sparkles…!" Gary whined. "Look, only you really know, so I really don't want to do the tradition." He thought about it, then blushed some more. "Actually, Ellie and Aunt Lucy know too…"

"Okay, so now I get why Ellie was practically grinning two days ago when it came to you two leaving early, but Aunt Lucy?!" Dazzler looked disbelievingly at Gary. "You are screwed if Uncle Natsu knows, you know that?"

Gary winced. "I know, but Aunt Lucy might have walked in on us and, well, made her own assumptions." He quickly added, "But, Angel told me Aunt Lucy won't tell Uncle Natsu as long as we're"—he was practically red—"using protection."

"I love that woman," Dazzler decided in such a tone of admiration. "She gives me so much life."

Gary grinned. "You love Mustang more, though."

Now, Dazzler blushed. "How can I not though? And, it's not 'love', asshole"—she flicked his forehead—"it's called 'liking' him." She let out a whoosh of air. "It's just, like, he's just so sexy—"

"I'd rather not hear about your little cowboy fantasies, Sparkles," Gary muttered, interrupting her.

Dazzler pouted. "Well, who else can I tell them to?" she whined. "T'oree's Vanhallan race are all about war and very little about sex. Cade and Leo are just gross. Chi-chi zones out and I know he does because he gets the blank look on his face. Ellie's all about her one perfect time with her one Mister Right whatever. Olivia just doesn't care—"

"There's Justin!" Gary reminded. "He would even join you in his own fantasies!"

"Yeah, maybe before, but with Ace in the picture, it's going to be boyfriend talk," Dazzler sighed. "You're my only option, Gare-bear."

Gary grumbled at that.

"Okay, how about this?" Dazzler proposed. "I tell you about the dirty, raunchy, wet—"

"Please, just please stop," Gary begged.

"And, you," Dazzler went on, skipping her teasing, "can get advice on Nashi's erogenous zones."

Gary raised an eyebrow, unimpressed at the deal. "I think I can figure it all out on my own with more practice, thanks."

"Did you know a female has seven zones?"

Gary's eyes widened. "Seven?" he gasped. "What do you mean?"

Dazzler smirked and pinched Gary's cheek. "Oh, my little Kama Sutra in training, you have barely begun the pleasures of making love," she cooed, chuckling when Gary smacked her hand away and rubbed his cheek. "Trust me. I know things that will guarantee Nashi never leaving your silk sheets."

At that, Gary looked very interested. "And, I just have to put up with your cowboy fantasies and that's it?"

Dazzler nodded.

Gary slowly grinned. "Lafayette, you've got yourself a deal."

Dazzler grinned back. "I knew you'd take it if it meant you got to be deep inside her—"

Gary slapped a hand on Dazzler's mouth. "Sparkles," he warned.

Dazzler laughed as she pried Gary's hand off her mouth. "Yeah, yeah. You act like such a virgin even though I know you dirty talk your little lover."

Gary flushed and mumbled, "Yeah, well, that's different."

"Uh-huh. Yeah, sure." Dazzler's eyes softened as a hand reached to play with Gary's locks. "Just think, Gare-bear. You two are going to be someday."

Gary sighed. "I've never lost hope in that we could be someday," he confessed. "I just don't want her to see me like the Hunters do. I don't want her to see me like a monster who will hurt her. Just like her brother does."

"Don't worry about Luke," Dazzler dismissed. "He's just touchy right now."

"I can't ignore him, Sparkles," Gary told her. "I don't want to be with her if her family hates me. I want them to approve if we ever happen or if she ever gives me a chance to take her on a real date. I don't want Luke to resent me forever. I want him to trust me, but…" His eyes clashed with Dazzler's. "How am I supposed to get him to trust me when I don't even trust myself?"

Dazzler opened her mouth to reply when the pantry door. The pair's eyes snapped to the last person they expected to see.

Luke.

And, he said two words that made all the difference.

"She's awake."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gary stayed outside the bedroom door as he paced about. He would glance every few seconds with worried eyes before pacing again.

Mustang took to watching him. "Gary, ya gotta calm down," he soothed. "It's just Luke and the spirits in there."

"But, is she all right?" Gary insisted. "She was injected with that serum and used a lot of Magic before and after that and passed out in my arms…"

Andele was playing a game of Magic Chess with Penelope with Mystogan invested in their game. "I did a full check-up on her, Gary. Her vitals are stabilized, if a little weak. Her Ethernano levels are steadily growing. She's fine," she insisted.

"What if she passes out again?" Gary pressed.

"She won't pass out," Andele promised. "If anything, she'll just sleep after she eats."

"You're really stressing out, bro," Julia called. "Stressing won't do you any good."

"She's right," Linus admitted. "Maybe you should try sitting."

"He's making me nauseous from all this pacing," Paige muttered.

Gary tried to sit on the arm of the cough. He ended up bouncing his leg and taping a finger all the while.

The door opened.

Gary was instantly on his feet.

Virgo came out first with Actaeon weaving between her legs. She turned to the party as Horologium came out afterwards. "Lady Nashi is doing just fine. I will be preparing a light meal for her to eat. Master Luke wishes to stay with my Lady a little longer," she announced, though it sounded like it was directed at Gary.

Gary deflated a bit, but he nodded in understanding. "Right. They're family. They need time together," he muttered.

"However," Virgo continued, "I promised Princess I would return to her the moment Lady Nashi awoke, so I cannot stay to feed her." She looked at Gary. "Master Gary, I'm sure you could feed Lady Nashi. Or would you like to punish me?"

Gary chuckled nervously, waving his hands in dismissal. "That's okay. Luke is her brother, after all. He should be the one to—"

"Master Gary, I am certain only you are up for the task," Virgo insisted quite plainly. "No one else would like to volunteer as they are too busy."

Gary was confused. "No, they're not." He turned to the group. "They're all—"

Everyone had gathered in a circle as the game Uno was being played with it being Penelope's turn. She threw down a Draw Four Wild Card.

"And the new color will be blue," Penelope decided the same time Gary cried, "How did you do that so quickly?!"

"Draw four, Paige."

Paige did so reluctantly. When she saw her new cards, she grinned and threw down a Reverse Card in blue. "Ha! Your turn again, Nelly!"

Penelope threw down two cards—two reverse cards.

Paige's eye twitched.

"I reverse back to you, then reverse back to me," Penelope said casually. "Julia?"

Julia threw down a reverse card. "Back to you, Penny."

Penelope showed no sympathy or smugness when she plucked another card and threw down another Draw Four. "Draw four, Paige."

Paige comically cried as she picked four cards. "What a cruel sister…"

"See? They are all truly too busy doing something important to feed Lady Nashi," Virgo pointed out.

How is this game 'important'?! Gary wanted to cry.

Instead, he sighed. "Virgo, maybe you should—" He stiffened when he felt a dark aura radiating off Virgo and a chill went down his spine. He was being swallowed in this pressure.

"Master Gary, I insist you agree to the offer or would you like to punish me?" If Virgo could growl, she would have done it.

Gary was reduced to a nearly soulless version of himself. "A-A-Aye, sir."

Virgo went back to her sparkling maid aura. "Glad you see it my way, Master Gary."

As she left to the kitchen, Gary tried to keep his heart under control.

Why do I feel like I was being peer pressured?

°•°•°•°

It was later Gary was holding a tray with a bowl of beef and broccoli stir-fry on white rice with chopsticks. He tried to work himself up to knock on the door.

She doesn't hate me. She…accepts me. I just have to remember that.

He was all set to open the door when it opened for him.

Gary froze when he saw Luke.

Luke looked ready to say not a word and let him through, but he managed to mutter a few things. "She's been asking about you."

Gary was shocked. Not because of what he said, but because he spoke to him. "Right…"

Luke nodded and walked back into the living room.

Gary wasted no time slipping in to the bedroom and closing the door behind him.

A smirk. "Trying to get me alone to molest me, perverted dog?" came light teasing.

Gary turned to see Nashi staring up at him in her playful way. There was not a trace of hesitancy in her gaze. He smiled at her. "Why would I do that, Angel, when I know you like my touch too much?" he teased back.

Nashi flushed at that as Gary moved to the bed. "Idiot dog," she grumbled. "You can't just say stuff like that."

Gary shrugged. "How can I not when it's true?"

"I don't like your touch," Nashi insisted. She found herself growing redder. "I-I hate it!"

Gary chuckled and set the tray on the bedside table. "Of course you do," he agreed. He brought up the bowl with the chopsticks at the ready. "You feeling hungry?"

"I can feed myself," she muttered.

Gary was practically blossoming with hearts. "But, it's been my dream to feed my Angel food of love!"

"Stop being creepy!"

Nashi pursed her lips away from him. "I'm not weak enough to not be able to feed myself, you know," she muttered.

Gary softened. "You're never weak in my eyes," he promised. "It's okay to accept help sometimes. Even if it's from your pitiful dog."

"You're not 'pitiful'." Nashi glanced at him, then looked away. "Just…don't make this weird, got it?"

Gary easily picked up a morsel of the stir-fry and offered it to Nashi. "Say, 'ah', Angel?" he cooed.

Nashi opened her mouth and practically inhaled her mouthful. "I am not saying that, stupid dog," she muttered through her mouthful. She swallowed. "Just feed it to me normally."

Gary chuckled, but he obliged her request.

And they did that. Gary would feed her slowly and watched for any signs of hurting as Nashi was slow in chewing and swallowing her foos. When he saw she struggled with her swallowing, he exchanged food for water. Nashi merely flushed and muttered how unnecessary it was, but they both knew it meant she was thankful. At one point, Nashi had to stop Gary from feeding her when he pressed food to her lips.

"Really. I'm full," Nashi promised.

Gary looked skeptical as a little less than half the bowl was full, but he set it down for now. He continued to sit on the side of the bed without saying another word.

So, Nashi said her words first, even if they were hesitant. "Are you…still scared to touch me?"

Gary's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry."

Nashi smiled a bit. "Don't worry about it," she hushed. "You should know just like me that you don't just get over stuff in a day or two. Just takes a bit of time."

"My Angel is always so wise," Gary jested.

Nashi puffed her chest. "Luke isn't the only smart one in the family! Oh…" She saw Gary stiffen at Luke's name. "Right. I'm sorry," she quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to—"

"He's one of your brothers, Angel." Gary's smile turned weak. "You have the right to talk about him."

Nashi grew delicately somber. "We did talk about it, about his actions towards you," she confided. "Igneel's normally the one with a hot temper, but Luke…" She grunted as she began to sit up.

Gary's eyes widened. "Angel! What are you—?" His words stopped when he saw Nashi bowing to him. "Angel?"

"I apologize on the behalf of Luke for his actions," Nashi said gravelly. "Please. I know he doesn't deserve your forgiveness and he might not want it. I'll accept whatever punishment you want from him once Master gives it."

Now Gary understood. "Angel… I'm not turning Luke in."

Nashi whipped her head up. "You're not?" Even she sounded incredulous.

Gary shook his head and looked away from her. "No," he assured. "By that logic, Linus and the others will have to turn me in for trying to kill them. And we'll have to turn in Julia too. No one is being turned in."

Nashi found herself taking this news in a confused manner. "Gary, he tried to kill you," she reminded. "Don't get me wrong. He's my brother and I love him to pieces, but he tried to kill you."

"I've tried to kill many people, including the person I care about the most."

Steady cerulean connected with astonished hickory.

"So, maybe I should turn myself in too?" Gary proposed.

"No!" Nashi blurted. "Y-You can't! You didn't mean it!"

"And, do you honestly think Luke meant to kill me?"

"Yes!" Nashi cried. She shut her eyes. "He was trying to kill you!"

"Me?" Gary's eyes hardened. "Or trying to save you from people who hurt you before?"

Nashi's eyes snapped open.

Gary looked at the ceiling. "In a way, he and Julia are alike. Did you think about that?" He did not wait for the answer. "They've both seen us get hurt before. They were so angry, they took extreme measures to protect us. Julia forwent Magic so she could work with Anti-Ethernano weapons and protect me. Luke, in all of his anger, was doing the same to protect you. Even if neither of them were right, I don't think we should fault them for trying to be there for us."

"I should've known he was hurting," Nashi whispered in despair. "I can always tell when Igneel and Luna are angry or hurt, but with Luke… He's always so calm. But, he was just masking his feelings." Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "Well, he did learn from the biggest damn faker around."

Gary looked at her now. "Don't call yourself that," he scolded.

"Why not? It's true." Nashi pushed herself back to laying on the bed, turning away from Gary. "I'm a faker. Every emotion I have is just another goddamn lie."

"And you think I'm any better?"

Nashi said nothing.

Gary went on: "I won't push you to tell me what you've gone through, but I promise you I get what it means to not be fine and have to pretend you are. And it's suffocating, and you just want to crack, but you can't because people depend on your strength."

DRIP.

A tear slid from Nashi's eye.

DROP.

"You're so much stronger than me," Nashi whispered. "I'll never be as strong as you." She wiped her wet cheek. "You see this? Me crying? This is just showing how weak I am."

The bed dipped lower.

"And, you don't think I cry too?"

Nashi's eyes widened.

"It's hard to cry when you're a guy and I'm not trying to be sexist when I say that," Gary murmured. "Stereotypes and social pressure isn't exactly our friend when it comes to being emotional. We're supposed to be 'feminine' when we cry. But, I'm lucky my parents and Fairy Tail taught me it doesn't matter to cry. It helps when you cry."

Nashi turned her head.

Shimmering hickory met shimmering cerulean.

"Gary…" Nashi whispered.

"Am I allowed to hold you?" Gary want to know. "Is that okay?"

Nashi nodded and moved to face him.

Gary molded his body alongside Nashi's, snuggling her into his chest. One arm went under her while the other curled around her. Nashi's eyes closed when his lips kissed her forehead.

"You accept me for who I am," Gary told her. "You've been so amazing at not judging my Devil or me. You accept me…for me. You let me not be strong and don't call me 'weak'."

Nashi laugh-cried. "Now you're just trying to flirt with me."

Gary smiled. "But, Angel, I think you need to hear something more than I do."

"And, what, pray-tell, is that?" Nashi sniffled.

"I accept your entire self, Angel."

Nashi's eyes widened.

"Your past, your present, your future—I accept it," Gary told her. "I accept your scars and your nightmares and your tears. I love you, Angel, for you. I don't care if your smiles aren't real. I don't care if you can't love me back. I'll always accept you for who you used to be and who are you and who you will be."

Nashi found her eyes stinging. More tears wet her cheeks as squeaking sniffles left her nose and mouth. "Y-Y-You…st-st-stup-p-pid dog," she sniveled. She tilted her head up to look at him.

Much to Gary's surprise, she kissed him.

It was different than the kisses they had shared. Nothing sensual or sweet about it. It was warm and a bit wet and emotional, but it was a heartfelt kiss all the same.

Nashi broke away first to bury her face in his chest. Maybe it was to save him from seeing her tears or her embarrassment—he would never know. "That was the most awkward kiss I've ever had," she whined into Gary's skin.

Gary burst into laughter through his own tears. "You're the one who started it, Angel," he teased.

"You could've stopped it," came Nashi's lame rebuttal.

"Why would I stop a kiss from my darling Angel?"

"We're both crying and emotional, so kissing isn't the best idea!"

"An idea you came up with…"

"Shut up, you stupid dog."

Gary smirked and pulled away to show his smirk to Nashi. "You know what else isn't the best idea right now?"

Nashi practically had steam pouring out of her ears. "'Now' isn't the time," she hissed at him.

"It's the perfect time," Gary argued, though good-naturedly. He kissed Nashi's forehead before kissing her cheek and finally kissing her bottom lip. "We're both emotional. We've never had emotional sex."

"Because we slept together a total of three times!" Nashi snapped at him.

"And we had multiple rounds each of those times we were in bed together, no?" Gary allowed his kisses to move to her ear. He was gentle when his teeth captured her earlobe and gave her a nip.

Nashi gasped, shivering. She tried to glare at him. "I'm still in recovery, you perverted dog," she reminded him. "Aren't the injured supposed to take it easy?"

"Yes, but is that what you want right now, Angel?" Gary's words growled into Nashi's ears and were couched in his natural cold.

Nashi shivered again. "There are people," she pointed out, albeit feebly. "And by people, I really mean my little brother is out there and will hear."

Gary lifted an eyebrow. "So, you are considering it?"

Nashi tried to growl at him, but she snuffed it out to bite her bottom lip, toying with it as she toyed with the idea. "Again… People are outside—"

Gary snapped his fingers. "There. Sound-Proofing Charm." His lips kissed her chin. "Angel is just teasing me now. You know I love it when you bite your lip."

Nashi tried and failed to keep back her grin. "Do you? I didn't know." She surprised Gary when she shoved him onto his back and crawled on top of him. She straddled him proudly with a look of mischief on her face. "We're doing things my way if this is happening."

"But, aren't you in 'recovery'?" Gary mocked.

Nashi's smirk broadened as her hands went to the back clasps of her bra. "You know, it's funny… Suddenly"—she unhooked her bra and took it off herself, feeling proud at Gary's stare as she swung her bra off one finger—"I'm feeling one-hundred percent." She allowed her bra to drop.

Gary groaned. "Angel is going to be the death of me."

Nashi hummed her laughter as she leaned down to press a kiss on Gary's throat. "Shhh. You get to stop talking. Let your mistress take care of you, sir," she teased.

Gary's eyes closed as he squirmed under Nashi's hot kisses and raking nails. "Angel," he moaned. "Sh-Shit… Angel…"

Nashi allowed her body to move downward. "If this has you hot and bothered, let's up the ante, shall we?"

Gary found confusion muddled in with his lust and affection. "What are you—?" His eyes widened as a cry tore from his lips. "Holy fu—!"

°•°•°•°

Dazzler stood proudly against the bedroom door and held out her hand. "Sound-Proofing Charm, ladies and gentlemen, so pay Penny, Lady J, and me the Hell up for being right!"

Mystogan seemed flustered as he took out his wallet. "I would think those two would learn restraint," he muttered.

Mustang chuckled as he counted out some jewel. "Should've known those two would be hookin' up." He paid Julia and Penelope. "Here you are, ladies."

Paige looked at her twin begrudgingly as she forked over her money. "Can't believe they couldn't just wait until she left this place."

"I'll have to sanitize the sheets before my friend gets back down here," Linus groaned as he took out his money.

Julia swiped her cut and beamed up at him when he shot her a look. "Oh, don't look so grumpy, L," she cooed, pitching his cheek.

Mustang got up to hand Dazzler her share. "Here you are, Miss Lafayette."

Dazzler waved him away. "Don't worry, Cowboy. I have a better way you can pay me," she decided. She looked him up and down and nodded in assurance to herself. "Oh, yes. A very nice way to pay me."

Mustang pocketed his Jewel and offered his southern smile. "Sure, Miss Lafayette. Whatever ya want."

PAT.

Mustang turned his head to see Mustang and Julia with hands on either of his shoulders. "Our condolences to your innocence," they murmured.

As Mustang looked confused, Penelope counted her Jewel, Paige looked disgusted, Mystogan and Julia said their prayers for Mustang, Linus muttered about the possibility of having to replace both boxes of new condoms in the safe house bedroom, and Horologium slept, Luke sat in his own corner with noise-cancellers on and Actaeon at his feet.

"When do I get to take these off?" Luke muttered. He sighed and petted Actaeon's head. "Do you get it, Actaeon?"

And, Actaeon only barked and lulled his tongue.

---

CLINK!

The Rising Moon Tavern was filled with people itching to celebrate on such an auspicious day. They drank their mugs of liquor and chomped down on dishes that only came out once a year. A live band was playing on stage with a pipe, a lute, a drum, and a tambourine. Everyone was too engrossed in their drinking and conversation to think much of a hulking golem taking a corner to himself of a wolf-dog malamute hybrid and a blooming Umbrumiho laying together underneath a round table, dozing off.

Luna watched, fascinated, at the men who drank more liquor with Gabriel on one side of her and Ludvig on another. No two men looked the same—save for a pair of fraternal brothers with hair pulled back into buns and the only difference was one had a mole underneath his eye. Blushes bloomed on their cheeks as they laughed heartily with Alarick.

A man with the hair on his chest peeking out of his shirt smirked at Alarick. "My God, Al, you were right! This special brew is definitely my favorite!"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: McGillis Kleinman

Age: 51

Occupation: Miner

Likes: big boobs Dislikes: vegetables

Special Note: McGillis is married to a stern seamstress Hell-bent on hiding his liquor—good thing he hides his liquor at his workplace! ⌟

Alarick chuckled and sipped his mug. "I figured you would enjoy it." He lifted an eyebrow at a one-eyed scoundrel—eyepatch and all—who was eyeing one of the waitresses. A bandana was around his head and hair. "McGillis, what say you?" he called. "How goes the ole ball-and-chain?"

McGillis barked a laugh. "I'm sittin' here with you lot, so how do you think?"

As the men continued to laugh and babble, Luna whispered to Gabriel, "You still didn't tell me what we're doing here."

"Patience," Gabriel calmed her. "When we are finished here, we shall explain later." He flashed a smile at a waitress and waved her over.

Luna huffed and sat back in the booth. "You said that hours ago," she muttered.

The waitress offered the men a sweet smile as she refilled the mugs. "Here you are, boys!" When she finished, she left them with a wink and a sway of her hips.

Alarick sighed. "She must be desperate for a nice tip."

Another man of pale skin marred with dirt stains, a face full of freckles, and rough hands nudged Alarick. "Clearly her sights were set on you. No skirt chasing for you, Al?"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Igarashi "Ride" Falman

Age: 26

Occupation: Whitesmith

Likes: reading non-fiction Dislikes: fishing

Special Note: Ride comes from a long line of Whitesmiths, but he plans on going to university to go into apothecary! ⌟

Alarick smiled. "My heart only belongs to two women, Ride. You know that."

One of the twins—the one with the mole—slapped the table in his mirth. "You talkin' about that Meira?" He whistled. "Woo-wee, what I wouldn't give to let a woman like that put me in my place!"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Edmund Krimer

Age: 24

Occupation: Printer

Likes: chocolate Dislikes: mice

Special Note: Edmund will tell everyone who will listen the differences between him and his twin don't just stop at the mole and hairstyle! ⌟

The other twin looked at Alarick eagerly. "Any progress getting her to let her hair out of that braid?"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Elias Krimer

Age: 24

Occupation: Shoemaker

Likes: theatre Dislikes: soldiers

Special Note: Elias is hopelessly in-love with the daughter of his boss and she him—just don't let his boss know! ⌟

"Boys, you know Meira has higher standards than men like us," Alarick reminded in good humor.

McGillis grinned as he thought of the blonde-haired woman. "What a woman, though. She's got it all. A good fight in her."

"And, the mouth on that woman is Godsend!" cried Edmund.

"Beauty and brains," Ride added. He sighed dreamily. "The perfect woman…"

Luna winced. "Please don't tell me we came here to listen to this," she muttered.

Ludvig chuckled. "Patience, Miss Lucy."

Alarick laughed at the men. "You know, I heard the lady was looking for that T'zolkin that's been around," he revealed. "She was so desperate to look for him, she even came to me for help."

"Lucky bastard," William grunted. He laughed to himself as he held a cheek in one hand. "What I wouldn't give to be at the woman's beck and call…"

Alarick heaved a sigh. "Well, you'll be happy to know I couldn't track the bastard down. So, if anyone else wants the lady to be in their debt, it's up for grabs."

Gabriel piped up. "Think I saw the T'zolkin enter that hospice down the street…" He nudged Luna. "Isn't that right, Miss Lucy?"

Luna furrowed her brow. "Yeah, but—"

"He carried some sort of silver thing on him," Gabriel continued. "And showed the guard something on his arm."

McGillis seemed to understand and his expression darkened. "Been seein' lot of those," he grumbled. "With a lot of T'zolkins, actually. Back when I lived in a different town, my wife and I had a run in with two of 'em. Bastards showed us some pocket watch and—"

"A 'pocket watch', you said?" Ludvig wanted to confirm.

McGillis hummed, nodding, before gulping more of his drink while Edmund tapped his chin. "Y'know… Come to think of it, back when Elias and I were at home, we had a run in with some T'zolkins." He turned to his brother. "Didn't we?"

Elias nodded. "We were pretty young, though," he reminded. "The pocket watch… They tried to sell them to our pa." He giggled after belching. "Hated those men. Always asking us about the end times and who we would turn to." He bumped the shoulder of his brother. "Remember that time they tried drawing some weird circle in our yard?"

Edmund laughed. "Never did I see Mother so upset that they ruined her garden! Oh! Remember that time they tried getting us into their little marks?"

"'Marks'?" Ludvig echoed intrigued.

Elias answered, "Yeah. They had strange marks on their bodies."

McGillis snorted. "That's right. Their cult gave them symbol to wear. Some of them had it hidden to avoid scrutiny, but others?" He burped and rubbed his mouth. "Others didn't give a right damn who saw it."

Ride piped up. "Honestly, they should give it a rest." He took a gulp of his drink and sighed happily at the burn down his throat. "Do they not get sick and tired of preaching the same crap?" He put his mug back on the table, but he kept his hand locked on its handle. "I have had enough of them trying to sell me those dumb pocket watches and give me an 'example' of their good faith."

Alarick's eyes flicked to Ludvig. His finger tapped the table thrice.

Ludvig gave a small nod. He smiled at the group. "Well, gentlemen, I apologize I cannot stay longer. However, I must track down my fiancé. Lady Meira has decided to steal her away to show her around the town," he explained.

Edmund hooted. "You're a damn lucky man, Krause! What I wouldn't give to be in your position!"

Ludvig flushed a bit. "Really. It is nothing special," he tried to pass off. Gabriel and Luna were forced to slide out of the booth for Ludvig to get up. "Honestly, I am not too sure my fiancé is enjoying Lady Meira's company." He sighed heavily. "Not after the theatrics pulled…"

Ride looked intrigued at that. "What do ya mean?"

Alarick busted in chortles. "He means the lady enjoyed making little Ludvig's intended all flustered at the mere thought of her having a rather promiscuous life," he explained.

Elias cracked up at that. "No wonder Krause's betrothed isn't having it! She probably thinks the lady seduced our runologist!" he boomed.

McGillis snickered and waved his mug in Ludvig's direction. "We all know she has," he decided, making Ludvig blush. "C'mon now. You're a man, aren't you? You can't tell me you've seen those curves and find something more interesting than those runes to study, right?"

Ludvig swallowed, eyes flickering from Luna's rather disturbed expression then back to the floor. "I-I-I should get going," he emphasized loudly, ignoring the comment. "It was nice to meet you gentlemen." He offered them a small bow. "Good day to you all." And, he hurried away.

"We should be going too," Gabriel decided, Icarus rousing himself at the words. "If Sir Ludvig is going after his fiancé, then I should return Lady Meira's niece to her so they may catch up." He offered his arm to Luna as he raised his eyebrows at his father. "That okay, Father?"

Alarick waved away his son. "Go on, go on," he dismissed. "We can meet up later."

Gabriel nodded with Luna on his arm and Icarus shaking out his fur as he got to his paws. "As you wish." He looked at Luna. "Are you ready, Miss Lucy?"

Luna gave him a weak smile. "Yeah, let's go." She turned to the men and offered them a wave as Gabriel tugged her towards the exit. "Good bye, then! I hope you all enjoy the Festival of Gratitude!" As the men hollered their drunken farewells, Luna turned back to Gabriel, looking a bit green. "If this is how all guys talk when girls aren't around, I think I'm going to be sick," she muttered to him.

Gabriel chuckled a bit as he took them outside. "My apologies you had to endure such an inappropriate conversation; however, we could not afford any of us to be missing," he told her.

As Gabriel led her down the street, Luna looked up to glare at him. "What exactly does that mean?" she hissed at him. "I'm so sick and tired of being left in the dark. What's going on? What was the point of all that?"

Easy, pup. Icarus prowled beside Luna in his full form and brushed his fur against her arm in attempt to soothe her. When we arrive back at Sir Ludvig's place, we shall answer all questions.

Luna turned to Icarus and frowned. "But, why there?" she pressed. "What's going on?"

"Shhh," Gabriel hushed. He nodded towards the group of adolescents approaching them, three boys and two girls. "We have company." He inclined his head at the group. "Hello, friends! I see you all are enjoying the festival?"

One scruffy boy bounded towards Gabriel and clapped his shoulder like they were old war buddies. His suspenders were prominent and so were his amber eyes, but it was the gap between his teeth that showed in his large smile that set him apart. "Of course, ya dag! Where have ya been?" He noticed Luna and his eyes widened. Then, a sly smile came over his face as he nudged Gabriel. "Say, mate, who's the Sheila? Don't tell me she's the one your pashing it on with?"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Sebastian "Bash" Lee

Age: 16

Occupation: Blacksmith apprentice

Likes: imported liquor Dislikes: cheese

Special Note: Bash is quite proud of his heritage down undah in Melandia!⌟

Gabriel began to blush, and Luna was left to look at the newcomer quizzically. "What does that mean?" she wondered.

One of the girls hit Sebastian with her fan, a tall girl with curled gray locks. "Stop being disgusting, Sebastian," she sniffed. She let her fan expand with a simple flick of her wrist and covered her mouth, even if her eyes glared at the sheepish Sebastian. "Honestly. You can be so ungentlemanly. No wonder you do not have an intended."

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Phoebe Matson

Age: 15

Occupation: Baroness

Likes: Selan make-up Dislikes: archery

Special Note: Phoebe loves having her maids model her make-up artistry—even if she isn't very good at it!⌟

Luna watched as Sebastian rubbed his head, grinning cheekily. "My bad, Pheebs, my bad," he apologized.

The other girl bounced right up to Luna and took her hands, surprising her. Her tan skin was surprising, but so were her blue eyes and white hair. What made her more surprising was the choker she wore with a symbol for all to see. "Hi there! My name is Lola d'Masaaraq!" She beamed. "It is lovely to meet you!"

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Lola d'Masaaraq

Age: 15

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Water

Likes: anything that's "lovely" Dislikes: schooling

Special Note: Did anyone else notice what type of choker Lola was wearing?⌟

Luna smiled back. "It's nice to meet you, Lola!" Her eyes zoned in on Lola's choker and recognition gleamed in her eyes. "Oh… An Idarian betrothal necklace," she named.

Lola recoiled a bit as a gloved hand went to cover it. Her smile turned weak. "Y-Yes. This is my betrothal necklace," she agreed half-heartedly. She stood aside to gesture to another boy who stood a good foot over both her and Luna. His hair covered his eyes purposefully, but the muscle of his body was intriguing. He looked nothing like Lola with an angular jaw and skin pale as snow. "This is my mua'geh, Hero Whitmore. He's actually a knight for His Majesty."

Luna was colored impressed. "A knight? Wow…"

Hero strode to Luna and, like a gentleman, he took her hand and placed a kiss on her bare knuckles. He ignored Icarus' growl and Luna's blush as he let her hand go as delicate as he could be before returning to Lola's side.

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Hero Whitmore

Age: 17

Occupation: Knight

Likes: N/A Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Hero is a private man that keeps to himself. He rarely talks or smiles, but it seems Lola may know how to get him to talk!⌟

Gabriel coughed and directed Luna's attention to the last male of the group. He was smaller than Hero and Sebastian, but his size was bigger than the duo. "And this, my Lady, is Armin Lancer, son of our head librarian and our little tinkerer."

Armin smiled nervously at Luna and did his best to give her a polite bow. "Gr-Gr-Greetings, my Lady."

⌜MARGARET TOWN

Name: Armin Lancer

Age: 14

Occupation: Inventor

Likes: tinkering Dislikes: following instructions

Special Note: Armin might be shy, but you should see all the invention he and his uncle have come up with!⌟

Luna chuckled and did her best to curtsey at him, bowing her head. "Hello to you all. My name is Lucy Heartfilia." She straightened herself with her lovely smile. "It's nice to meet"—her smile fell when she saw everyone gawked at her with eyes wide and jaws dropped—"you…"

Phoebe shakily pointed at Luna. "Yo-Yo-You're…a Heartfilia?" she asked in a high-pitched yip.

Luna nodded reluctantly. "Uh-huh…"

"Her mother was Anna Heartfilia," Gabriel put in. "As her parents are no longer with us, Lady Meira has taken Lady Lucy under her guardianship to raise and to teach. I have tasked to be her escort."

The entire group was silent.

Luna deflated a bit. Her hand sat on her arm.

Oh, no… I hope they don't—

"We are in the presence of a real, live Heartfilia!" Phoebe and Lola squealed. They easily snatched Luna from Gabriel's arm to look at her dreamily, admiring every inch of her.

"Oh, wow…! I have only heard stories of a Heartfilia's beauty, but you are exceeding my expectations!" Phoebe gushed.

"I know, right?" Lola's eyes shined as she took in Luna's hair. "How did you get your hair so shiny and soft? It's so lovely!"

Luna laughed, but her laughter came out feeble and forced. "O-O-Oh! Why…thank you?"

Sebastian nudged Gabriel, startling him. "You scored yourself a trophy, mate," he murmured to Gabriel slyly. "If you don't lock the Sheila down, I will."

Gabriel growled, trying to ignore the heat on his cheeks. "You will not 'lock down' my master's niece, you rake," he hissed at his friend. "She is just here for the festival and nothing more."

Sebastian snickered. "Keep your dealt hand and you might get yourself a right and mighty spunk of a fiancé, mate," he said, artful. He was shameless at examining Luna as she was subjected to Lola and Phoebe's prodding and inquiries. "How old is she?"

"Too young for you," Gabriel gritted out. "She has not even had her coming-of-age cotillion."

Sebastian waved a hand like that was just a minor detail. "That's just a thing for nobility, Gabe."

Gabriel growled. "She is thirteen, a mere child." He stressed the word.

Sebastian laughed loudly and nudged Armin, making the poor boy flinch. "Old enough for you, ay, Armin?" He wrapped an arm around Armin's shoulder and ruffled his hair. "What do say, mate? Think you could take her as your ball-and-chain?"

Armin looked down at his fingers. "W-Well… I-I-I don't even know her and…" He took one look at the annoyance at Gabriel's face and recoiled. "I-I mean… She is really pretty…"

A low growl rumbled, making Armin jump.

Icarus snuck a glare at both boys, baring his teeth, before he padded past them. He did not care at the gasps the ladies gave him as he made a show of curling around Luna. He whined, sniffing at her face, making him look like a dog needing attention from his master.

Luna chuckled and took to petting Icarus's head. "Okay, okay, Icarus, I'm right here."

Phoebe let her eyes give Icarus a once over and displeasure made her wrinkle her nose. She forced a smile. "And, what is this…sweet creature?" she wondered.

"This is Icarus, my auntie's spir—uh…dog," Luna amended. She giggled when Icarus growled softly and nipped at her shoulder. "Sorry about him. He gets a bit, um, protective of me around new people." She gestured to the silent golem that shadowed her. "Oh, and this is Hugo, Gabriel's golem and farmhand that was tasked to watch over me for my stay."

Lola tried to pet Icarus, but when Icarus snapped his teeth at her, her smile turned twitchy. "Your aunt's pet is so, um…lovely?" she laughed, although awkward.

Gabriel watched Icarus sit down and bite his side. "Yes. How charming," he muttered, tone sardonic.

Armin remembered something. "A-Are you coming to the sh-show, Gabriel?" he asked. "I-I-I heard th-th-the T'zolkin in town w-wants to protest it."

Sebastian snorted. "Damn yobbos trying to sell their little pocket watches and preach about the end times and their connections to gods." He shook his head in disgust. "Gods be damned. You would think the yappers are those demon summoners."

Luna went rigid. "'Demon'?" she echoed.

Phoebe hit Sebastian again with her fan. When he yelped, she seared him with a glare. "Enough with you!" she scolded. She fanned herself in that ladylike fashion. "Honestly, Sebastian, must you say such things in front of an honored guest?"

"I'm just tellin' the truth," Sebastian grumbled.

"Wait."

Sebastian looked at Luna and was surprised at her serious look.

"What are you talking about?" Luna wanted to know. "What do you mean by 'demon summoners'?"

Now, Sebastian's eyes flickered towards Gabriel who gave him a look. "Well… It, uh… It isn't proper for me to speak about it," he drawled.

"Please," Luna pleaded. "I have to know what you meant by that. Please, Sebastian."

Sebastian took in the faces of his friends. Gabriel and Phoebe were full of disapproval and made it known with their deep frowns. Armin played with his hands and decided the ground was a better option. Lola and Hero were silent and shared a look only they could interpret.

Sebastian closed and his eyes and sighed. "Aye. I'll tell ya." He opened his eyes to look at Luna. "But, Miss Lucy, I guarantee it is not pretty."

Luna hardened her features. "I don't care."

°•°•°•°

Luna was the first to barrel into Ludvig's home with her eyes wide and taking in knowledge and words spewing out of her mouth faster than she could understand them. "Oh, my gosh, what are we going to do?" she babbled. "I have to warn everyone! What are we going to do?"

Icarus' claws raked against the floorboards as he came inside, but Hugo took to guarding the house. Gabriel was the last inside and shut the door, sighing. "Miss Luna…" he tried to quell.

Luna hands were shaking and in her hair. "I was so stupid!" she bewailed. "How could I just believe him?" A gasp left her loudly. "Everyone in the present needs to know! I have to tell them! I-I have to—!"

Hands grabbed shaking ones.

"Luna!"

Terrified chocolate clashed with irate ruby.

Gabriel tried to calm himself down. "Luna, you need to stop stressing yourself," he told her. He helped her lower her hands. "Please, printzesa. You will work yourself into a migraine and stomach ache."

"Gabriel, we have to tell people," Luna insisted. "W-W-We can't…! We can't…! I ju-just…!"

Gabriel brought Luna into a hug the second her breathing threatened to hyperventilate. "Shhh, printzesa, breathe," he ordered. "We cannot have you go into an anxiety attack right now. We need to keep calm. We need to stay focused."

A wheezing exhale left Luna. "My family," she sobbed. "My guild…"

Gabriel rubbed her back before pulling away. He saw Luna's eyes glisten. "Now, now, Miss Luna, there is no time for tears," he murmured. "I need you calm."

STEP. STEP. STEP.

Gabriel looked up to see Ludvig had emerged into the living room. The runologist saw the trembling Luna and softened. He opted to say nothing and bowed into the kitchen. Icarus followed him shortly, his paws scraping the wood. Gabriel turned back to Luna to see her rubbing her eyes and sniffling.

"I… We would like to explain to you the reason for our actions today," Gabriel told her. "I apologize for my friends' intrusion. They exploited you to things I wished were better-timed. But, I cannot dwell on that now. Would you please allow us to explain to you?"

Luna sniffled before nodding.

Gabriel guided her to the kitchen. A few books and pens and paper were on the table in neat piles. Ludvig had tea already prepared and was pouring tea into three separate cups and a large bowl. Icarus received his bowl of tea first and he lapped Ludvig's hand to give his thanks. As Gabriel sat Luna down and himself, Ludvig gave them their own cups with sugar, milk, and honey already out and at the ready.

Ludvig flicked to the traumatized Luna in sympathy before going to Gabriel. "The beginning?"

Gabriel sighed and nodded. "The beginning," he agreed. He turned to Luna and nudged her. "Printzesa," he cooed. "Please, look at me. I would like to start—"

"No."

Gabriel and Luna turned to Ludvig who settled down in his chair, mixing honey into his tea.

"Thank you, Gabriel, but I would like to start," Ludvig told him.

Gabriel nodded his approval.

Ludvig turned to Luna and his eyes saddened just a bit at her haunted look. "I would like you to first know that I know of your true name and origins, Miss Luna."

Luna snapped out of her daze to give Ludvig a look of astonishment. "What?" she whispered. "Bu-But…!"

Ludvig raised a hand for silence.

Luna gave it to him.

Ludvig continued: "As I said, I shall start. When you left me after meeting that T'zolkin, I took to researching a bit more. I had been curious, not only in the Guardian Duo, but as well in the words the prophet had spoken. He knew the Guardians intimately through this 'god' he had connections to and had reason to believe the Water Guardian would rise in its anger. But, how could a god give him such a premonition?" He adjusted himself. "Miss Luna, can you tell me of the gods? Of their powers? Not of religious deities, but the magical gods."

Luna gripped her chin in thought. "Let's see… They're magical creatures on Earth Land," she recalled. "They're really powerful and, if a person summons them or does a certain ritual right, a person can have access to some of their Magic."

Ludvig nodded. "That is correct," he approved. "Magic Gods are selfish with their power and covet it. So, how is it a whole race of humans could have connections to such great beings? Granted, Encans and Mildians worshipped gods, but it was just for their Magic Power. T'zolkins clearly use these gods for prophecies into the future, and, insofar, there is no Magic God who may predict the future. Gods are watchers and nothing more." He stared into his tea. "At first, I thought this could be a trickster god, but there is no evidence of one existing. But, then…" He abandoned his tea for one of his books. "It was when I remembered when they offered pocket watches that was what got me thinking."

Luna was confused. "What do the pocket watches have to do with anything?"

"Not the pocket watches themselves," Ludvig told her, smiling when he got to the right page and flipping it for Luna to see, "but the symbol they held."

Luna peered at the drawing. It was an infinity star trapped inside an Ouroboros. Her eyes widened. "My dream…"

"What?" Gabriel wanted to know.

Luna shook her head. "No, it's just I… I saw this symbol in my dream," she told them. She looked at the two men. "But, what does it mean?"

"I did not know," Ludvig admitted. He hauled the book back to himself. "Until," he added, "Lady Meira shed some light on the situation."

Luna's eyes widened. "When was this?" She knew when. "That's what you were trying to say," she realized. "When you were talking about her visiting your bedroom…"

Ludvig nodded, happy she remembered. "Yes. Your ancestor had visited me in her own concern for the T'zolkin in our town as well as the ruins and the information we had found. She had wanted to see them for herself, so, she, myself, and her spirit Sir Leo and Sir Capricorn ventured back to the underground chambers to research today. She agrees the Bayer's Shrine Theory is in affect with the Guardian Duo, but both of us had no clue how to find the medium."

"So, then, what happened?" Luna inquired. "Is that just it, then? The medium is lost?"

Ludvig shook his head. "Well, we decided to take a break of finding the Guardian Duo medium to focus on the pocket watch of the T'zolkin."

Luna did not see where this was going. "Oh…kay, then?"

Gabriel stepped in. "You know how Star Keys work, Miss Luna," he assumed. "Each key has the symbol of that constellation just as a shrine has the symbol of that god?"

Luna nodded slowly. "Yes…"

"The pocket watches all have that star and Ouroboros embedded into the metal," Gabriel went on to say.

Luna got it and, when she did, her eyes widened. "The pocket watches… They're…mediums?"

"That symbol on the pocket watches was not one I recognized for good reason," Ludvig told her. "Long ago, cults used those symbols to summon demons to this world. The strength of the summoning varied what demon would arrive, similar to summoning an angel or a god."

"And, in ancient days," Gabriel followed up, "Star Maidens used symbols to summon stars. Symbols were used for summoning until the invention of mediums in which all you had to do was pour Magic into the seal, into the medium, to activate it."

Luna blinked rapidly. "Okay, so, T'zolkins use the pocket watches as mediums to summon demons?" She looked at the two men with horror in her eyes. "How does no one know about this?" she demanded to know. "How come no one—?"

"Because of their name," Gabriel told her as Ludvig pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen.

Luna turned to Gabriel. "What do you mean? Their 'name'?"

Ludvig wrote the world T'ZOLKIN on the sheet of paper for all to see. "Miss Luna, are you familiar with the substitution cipher?"

Luna's brow furrowed. "What? N-No…"

"It is a method of encryption by which plaintext is replaced with cipher text," Ludvig explained to her. "The text can be as simple as substituting letters."

"But," Luna protested, "how do you know how to replace which letters?"

Ludvig pointed at Gabriel. "That was where Gabriel's father came in," he told her.

Gabriel explained, "My father has his notes on dragons encrypted. When His Majesty wanted him as a State Mage for the good of this country and my father rejected it, soldiers took to a ruder method of recruitment." His eyes hardened. "They tried to steal all of his research," he snarled suddenly. "They were ready to exploit him and force him to become a loyal lapdog."

"That's awful," Luna acknowledged. "But, then… They didn't succeed, right? So, how…?"

Gabriel smirked. "My father—the right fool he is—is a smart man," he had to acknowledge. "When my father met my mother, they would always encrypt their love letters through substitution. When they researched together, they decided to do the same thing. The soldiers were arrogant to think they could swipe his research so easily." His chest puffed proudly at his parents' planning. "All his research was all in substitution cipher."

"So, Mister Alarick figured out how to decrypt T'zolkin text?" Luna presumed.

Ludvig shook his head. "No, Miss Luna. He learned what the name 'T'zolkin' truly means through T'zolkin text." He began to write. "The 'T' stands for 'W'," he explained. "The 'z' stands for 'a'…"

Luna watched Ludvig write on the paper until her eyes widened on the paper. She read the word aloud. "A…'Warlock'," she sounded out.

"Yes," Ludvig confirmed. "A 'Warlock'."

"But…" Again, Luna did not understand. "What does being a 'warlock' mean?"

"It is like being a Star Maiden," Ludvig offered in analogy. "Star Maidens can contact Star Spirits and cross them over to our world. A Warlock is the demonic equivalent."

"But," Gabriel added, "instead of using keys, they would use pocket watches."

"At least, that was what we originally thought," Ludvig told her. "It was not until Alarick's friends said something that had all three of us curious." He set down his pen to clasp his hands under his chin, his pointer fingers touching in front of his mouth. "They had mentioned T'zolkins were found with markings on their bodies. Some were less obvious than others, but it was an obvious magical branding." At Luna's perplexed look, Ludvig went into detail. "For example, say Lady Meira transferred her Magic to you. A Magic Branding would appear somewhere on your body to signify you were gifted with such power. As long as the branding was in place, you may use the power."

Luna got that. "Oh, yeah, right, a Magic Tattoo!" she realized. "Gary has a tattoo on his back for his Dev—!" Her eyes widened. Everything began to make sense.

Oh, my Gosh… But, how…?

"Those Magic Tattoos," Luna whispered. "Their Curses of certain demons, aren't they?"

Ludvig nodded solemnly. "Lady Meira confirmed it for us after her trip to the library," he verified. "Before I went to get my fiancé, I briefly came to the Redfox Residence to visit with Alarick, Gabriel, and Meira. Gabriel had verified for all of us the Warlock you encountered the other day had showed the guard a pocket watch and something on his arm. We believe what was on his arm was a Magic Branding."

"So, I was right," Luna grasped. "We're all being tricked by T'zolkins—Warlocks—whatever those things are." Her eyes glistened. "They still exist in my time, y'know? They're not really that popular or anything, but they exist. They're selling pocket watches still." Dread kicked in. "They're trying to make more Warlocks." She shook her head. "B-B-B-But-But, how does all this mix in with the Guardian Duo?"

"A shrine," Ludvig went onto explain, "can be defiled through dark Magic. Only Black Magic and Curses can defile a shrine. When a shrine is defiled, the lash back is unfathomable. An inconsolable god or spirit may appear and wreak havoc."

"So…" Luna began. "You think Nayda's medium—?"

"Yes," Gabriel confirmed. "The coincidences are too great for us to discount the suzaku's anger in both your present and our upcoming future is through the work of the Warlock."

Luna put her head in her hands. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "This is just…so much…"

Ludvig gave a sort of sad smile. "I apologize for overwhelming you, Miss Luna, but we could not keep you in the dark for much longer. You deserve to at least know this much before the suzaku invades our town."

"That's right…" Luna whipped her head up. Her eyes sung her fright. "She's coming…" She stood up fast. "We have to get everyone out!" she planned. "We have to evacuate everyone!"

GRR-GRRR…. GRRRRR….

Everyone froze.

Luna's body shook.

Icarus broke into a low crouch. Pup, he tried to warn.

Luna turned to Gabriel.

Gabriel saw the blood had left Luna's face. "Luna..."

Luna rushed away.

The others sprung to their feet.

Gabriel chased after her fiercely. "Luna, wait!" he roared.

Luna burst out of the home in her panicked state.

DRIP.

Luna looked up.

A drop of rain landed on her cheek.

DROP.

Her eyes widened.

Then, they narrowed and shimmered.

Gabriel and Icarus reached her first, Icarus sniffing her all-over and Gabriel gripping onto her like he feared she would run away.

You will not run away like that again, pup, Icarus scolded.

Luna could not tear her eyes off the sky if she tried. "She's coming," she chanted. "It's going to start."

Gabriel peeked up at the sky as Ludvig joined the party. He watched as they sky turned an irritable gray, nothing to be upset about, but nothing to be happy about. It rumbled, grouchy, and threatened to spark lightning, but, for now, it simply cried light tears of anger.

"We knew we would be too late," Gabriel murmured to her. "By the time all this was realized, we knew the Warlock had already found the medium and tampered with it."

Luna tipped her head down and fearful chocolate clashed with solemn ruby. "So, what now?" she wanted to know in a tremor. "What do we do? Nayda, she's—… She's unstoppable when she's like that."

"That is why we are avoiding the suzaku."

Luna and Gabriel turned to see Ludvig's determined frown. "Wait," Luna stopped. "Are you saying…?"

"Exactly what you think," Ludvig confirmed. He broke into a big grin. "Gadzooks, my Lady, we are going to put a stop to the Warlock."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Back to Mary Jane and Igneel in the present!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Sharp teeth tore into stale bread.

Peter, Igneel, and Mary Jane had taken to splitting stale bread between them alongside rationing their water supply. They ate in slow nibbles instead of ravenous gulps for they knew not the next time a meal would be presented to them. Mary Jane had no issue eating delicately with her back turned from the other two. She did not pay them any heed to them. Igneel nibbled on his stale bread with puffy eyes filled grief and something else. He snuck his fair share of glances at Mary Jane, but his shoulders sunk when he came to the realization she dismissed the eyes she felt. Peter kept to himself and merely watched the exchange.

Igneel looked at the rest of his unattractive portion. His hands curled around the stale bread.

Why? he questioned himself.

°•°•°•°

The focus was dark with only his sniffling and muffled cries guiding the senses.

"That's enough."

Rustling was heard as the focus backed up. Bleary eyes opened to focus on a stoic Mary Jane. She regarded him without curiosity or pity. She just…stared.

"Stop crying," came her command.

Igneel sniffled and the focus blinked away any more tears. "Sorry," he croaked.

Mary Jane's lips twitched into a snarl as her eyes narrowed. "And, stop apologizing," she barked. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for, so don't blame yourself."

The focus looked away.

But, there is… And, you'll hate me for it…

"I meant what I said about not wanting you around."

Igneel winced and his eyes lowered.

"You make me feel weak and angry," Mary Jane told him. "Just seeing you this pathetic makes me pissed off. There's no logical reason for you to be crying or sorry."

The focus shut itself.

Dammit… I shouldn't have—

"But…"

The focus reopened and looked up into reluctantly thoughtful cerulean.

"I don't need anyone," Mary Jane acknowledged. "I don't expect someone to be with me or at my side. The very thought pisses me off. I call the shots in my life, not anyone else. But…" She shrugged. "Up to you if you want to follow me."

The focus widened.

"MJ," Igneel whispered. "What are you saying?"

Mary Jane gave him a flat look. "You're halfway to not being stupid. Figure it out."

Igneel shifted and the focus just looked at her imploringly.

Mary Jane sighed, irate. "You moron," she insulted. "Follow me or not. Do as you please. I can't stop someone as idiotic as you if you want to follow someone as unstable as me. It's your choice. But, just fair warning: if you follow me, that doesn't mean we're anything other than guild mates."

The focus watched as her hand went to the space between neck and chest like it was second nature. Her hands tried to grasp something that was not there.

The focus narrowed in sadness.

°•°•°•°

Why did she do that? Igneel wanted to know. How could she know?

"You gonna eat the rest of that?"

Igneel looked up to see Peter sparing him a look of consideration and concern. He realized the question asked and gave a soft nod. "Um, yeah. S-Sorry. I was just…"

Peter's eyes softened. "Deep in thought."

Igneel nodded and looked away.

Peter scooted closer and gave a comforting smile. "You can tell me, if you want," he added. He jerked a thumb at Mary Jane. "She put that noise-canceling whatever spell on, so she can't hear us."

Igneel sighed. "It's nothing, man. Just drop it."

"Not when it's got you like this," Peter countered. "Look, it's my fault I got myself into this mess. I get it. But, after seeing the two of you like that—"

Igneel blinked owlishly at Peter. "'Like' what?"

Peter looked flatly at him. "Dude. You basically looked like a boyfriend trying to beg his girlfriend not to break up with him."

Igneel cracked a grin at that. "You're funny," he laughed, even if it was not full-force. His hand went to his scar and scratched it. "Sorry you had to see that." He winced. "I probably looked totally unmanly back there and a big crybaby."

"I've seen my friend cry time and time again when we rewatch The Postcard, Igneel, and I don't think any less of him for that," Peter told him in assurance. His eyes flickered to Mary Jane. "Honestly," he added, "what you did took a lot of guts."

Igneel snorted. "It was embarrassing," he deadpanned. "I can't believe I lost it like that in front of you and MJ." He deflated. "I must've looked so stupid to her."

"I don't know what she was thinking." Peter said that truthfully. "I've never really met a person like her."

Something came over Igneel that was mischievous. "You know, one of my favorite pastimes is blackmailing MJ," he revealed.

Peter's eyebrows shot up. "How can you blackmail someone like her?"

"Easy," Igneel said. "Pictures. She hates anything like social media or interviews or anything photographic. Since her mom is a model and MJ is a powerful Mage, a lot of reporters want stories and pictures of her. She gets away pretty easily, but…" His hand went to his pocket and pulled out his Compact, not realizing something else fell. He shook it before Peter. "Guess who has a bunch of pictures of her?"

Amusement lit up Peter's face. "You have to show me."

Igneel cackled and scooted closer to Peter. He was already unlocking his Compact. "Let's start with something a little tame, shall we?"

Peter laughed when something caught his eye. "Hey, what's that?"

Igneel frowned and followed Peter's gaze. "What's what?" His eyes widened when he saw it. "Crap."

Peter went after it first and collected it in his hands. It was a necklace, a black chain. But, it was the charm that intrigued him. It was an acorn button, rusted gold, and looked like it had been well looked after.

"Huh. Never seen this before," Peter noted. He looked over at Igneel. "This yours?"

Igneel swallowed roughly and nodded. "U-Um, yeah, but…" He tried to reach for it. "Can you give it back now—?"

"How come you don't wear it?" Peter pulled it out of reach. "It's nice."

Igneel dropped his hand. "It's complicated," was all he offered.

"So is our situation, but we're livin' in it," Peter pointed out. "Everything's simple when you get down to it."

Igneel looked nervously over his shoulder. Mary Jane had not turned around or given a sign she heard them. "Yeah, I guess," he supposed slowly.

"What's the acorn mean?" Peter pried.

Igneel went back to Peter, shoulders slumped. "It's not an acorn. It's an acorn button," he corrected, despondent. "It's from Peter Pan."

Peter's brow furrowed. "I've never heard of an acorn button in The Boy Who Never Grew Up before."

Igneel shifted and his hand went to his scar again. "It's not something people really know about since the book didn't make it a big deal and it's not in the movies," he explained. "Peter gave it to Wendy when they first met. Wendy gave Peter the thimble as a kiss. Peter didn't really know that a kiss meant lips since he thought it meant giving something, so he gave an acorn button."

Peter's eyes widen in hilarity and he offered a toothy grin. "Damn, man. You must be a hardcore fan to remember something like that. That's pretty cool.

Igneel flushed a bit at the compliment. "Not really," he muttered. "My older sister would make fun of me all the time for it."

"Big sisters are just like that," Peter decided. "So, if this is Peter's kiss to Wendy, why do you have it? Where's the thimble?"

Igneel sighed deeply and reached into his other pocket. He pulled out the other necklace. It was silver in start contrast to the black chain, but the thimble was the same rustic gold. He tried to smile, but it was broken. "I have them both."

"Why?" Peter asked, quizzically. "Shouldn't you give it to some girl…?" He realized it and his eyes dimmed. He lowered the necklace and his eyes. "Oh… I see…" He easily passed the necklace back to Igneel. "Here. I'm… I'm sorry…" He could not find the right words.

Igneel smiled weakly. "It's okay. You didn't know. There's no harm done."

"I'm sorry for…" Peter's shoulders sunk. "I know saying 'sorry' isn't comforting, but I just… I don't know what else to say."

"No one ever does," Igneel said, sparing Peter. "Like I said, it's okay. You didn't know." He looked at the couple's charms in his hand. They glinted at him before rolling towards each other.

Igneel clasped them in his hands. He could feel his eyes begin to shimmer and sting.

They'd kill me if they knew I've been hanging onto them.

His grip tightened.

But, I just… I couldn't…

SHUFFLE.

Igneel and Peter looked to see Mary Jane was trying to get up on her own. She grasped the wall and tried to muffle her grunts, but it failed horribly when she fell to her knees and hunched over.

Igneel and Peter were on their feet in seconds. "MJ!/Baby girl!"

Mary Jane coughed as she curled in on herself, rejecting their helping touches. Violet particles left her ears as she spat. "Don't touch me," she snapped, rasping her words. "I can do this on my own."

Peter scowled. "You need to quit being so stubborn," he snapped. "You're weak and injured and—"

"It's my own damn fault for being like this," Mary Jane snarled. "Thank Satan the batshit crazy woman used her Restoration on you two to at least make you look semi-decent."

Igneel was bewildered. "She didn't use more on you?"

Mary Jane struggled as she tried to stand up. "She did," she answered, "but you both needed it more than me."

"Why would you do that?" Igneel demanded to know. "Why would you go so far to help me?"

Hard cerulean clashed with confused onyx.

"No one deserves to die because of me," Mary Jane told him lowly.

Igneel blinked his surprise. "MJ…"

Mary Jane tore her gaze away when the pain became too much and she buckled. She landed awkwardly and held her stomach, coughing.

Peter and Igneel knelt at her side with Igneel dropping his Compact and necklaces to run his hands down her back.

"Don't—!" Mary Jane hacked. "Don't touch me…!"

Igneel cradled Mary Jane's upper body like a newborn. "You're hurt," he told her. "You can't be so reckless."

Mary Jane gave a sharp, sarcastic laugh. "Oh, yeah, says the one who followed after my psychotic butt and nearly got killed. Thanks for the worthless advice." She coughed again.

Peter's eyebrows slammed together as his hand went to Mary Jane's sweaty brow. "She's too warm," he realized.

Igneel's eyes narrowed as his hand went to Mary Jane's forehead. His eyes darkened. "Dammit. She's forty-point-four," he diagnosed. "You're sick, MJ. You need to be resting. I have pills for you to take."

"No," Mary Jane panted. "No pills."

Igneel ignored her as he laid Mary Jane down on her side. He brushed away her sweaty locks. "Hold on," he urged. "Just stay awake, okay?"

As he moved away, Mary Jane snapped, "I don't need you to tell me that."

Peter sighed and stayed at Mary Jane's side, stroking her hair. "You're such a handful," he told her.

"Then, drop me," Mary Jane wheezed. "If I'm a handful, let me go and find something lighter."

Peter smiled. "And the walls go even higher," he teased.

Mary Jane rolled her eyes, though her gaze sunk onto Igneel's forgotten jewelry. She regarded them in high distaste.

The heck are those?

It was a subconscious action.

A terrible one, really.

Her hand slid out to capture the necklaces.

Igneel pulled out two pills bottles and smiled triumphantly. "All right. We have some pain killers and one last thing for cough and stomach." He turned to Mary Jane. "Think you could swallow…?" His eyes widened.

He saw Mary Jane reaching for his necklaces.

He dropped the pill bottles to lung for his necklaces.

"No! Don't!" Igneel roared.

Time slowed down.

Mary Jane's hand grasped the acorn button and thimble.

Her eyes widened.

Cerulean sparkled, entranced, intoxicated.

What…? What the…?

°•°•°•°

LUB-DUB.

°•°•°•°

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURR… KURRRRRRRRRRRR…

It was blurry. Everything was blurry, fuzzy, like a staticky LV station on a storm's night. She felt like she was watching a rundown LV screen. She felt like the scene was nothing more than an episode.

A giggle. "Where to now, Peter Pan?"

A boy was there, but no one recognizable. There was no mouth, no eyes, just flaxen hair, peachy skin, and clothes. "Wherever you want to go, Wendy!"

The giggle intensified. "Let's go to the mermaid's lagoon!"

The boy pumped a fist. "All right! Here we go!" He cupped his hands around his mouth and crowed the infamous call of the boy who never grew up.

The episode cut out into static.

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane did not realize the blood dripping down her nose. Why did she not realize? Her body was rejecting her mind. It cut off the sensations of anything besides feelings. She felt nothing besides a sharp dizziness that clung to her like a newborn infant.

Her eyes stayed focused on the charms like they were the only thing in the world. She felt out of place. Something was not right, yet something was familiar. She felt compelled to hold onto the charms, not even scenting that ungodly metal of blood, not even understanding Peter's shouts of confusion and Igneel's pleas.

°•°•°•°

Mara felt like she was about to drown.

In the convention center, food was already passed around and everyone was okay with that. Rations had been fair and concise. She was eating when it happened.

That horrible, horrible pain kicked in.

Mara's garbled voice came out in a cry as she was overwhelmed with so many feelings.

Lonely grief.

Lost love.

Diseased fear.

Mira and Evergreen were the first to her with others looking upon the Vipress of Fairy Tail in concern.

Mira cradled Mara's shaking body. "Mara, what's wrong?" she tried to question. "What's going on?"

Mara's mind invaded Mira's own. She said two words that condemned Mira. It's breaking.

Cerulean widened.

I feel it, Mara cried in Mira's mind. Everything. It's all…too strong! She looked up at Mira with a bleeding nose and woeful eyes. I'm sorry. He's sorry.

Mira closed her eyes and kept the shivering Mara close.

Igneel, she thought with as much sadness as Mara displayed, what have you done?

°•°•°•°

Mest Gryder stopped in the middle of the hallway.

He was working per usual with his lieutenant by his side. They had meetings to go to, endless amounts of paperwork, and a well-timed afternoon lunch. He did not have time to stop.

So, why did he?

His lieutenant eyed him. She did not wear those ridiculous council skirts and dresses and blouses. She wore what the men wore, her pants, her shirt, and her jacket showing her rank. Her hair was in a high and precise pun with her angular eyes always on some sort of alert.

⌜MAGIC COUNCIL

Name: Aella Rogue

Age: 32

Occupation: Lieutenant Commander

Likes: dogs Dislikes: procrastination

Special Note: Aella is one of the most fiercest knights and the granddaughter of Councilman Wolfheim—who would've thought?⌟

"Commander, sir?" Aella questioned.

Mest said nothing.

He turned around.

Aella's eyes widened.

Mest's eyes were wide and his left nostril was bleeding.

"Clear the rest of my meetings, Lieutenant," Mest requested, in control. "We will be visiting friends in Shenzhen Town at the convention center."

Aella hesitated. "But, sir… Your nose…"

"That is an order, Lieutenant," Mest snapped firmly.

Aella straightened, hardening her features, and nodded. "Sir, yes, sir."

Mest whirled around and marched off. He touched the blood on his lip and cursed.

Damn. Not again.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The channel was changing now. She was a watcher now—it was official. The channel turned without her say-so, but that was okay.

KURRRRR… KURRRRRRRRR…

This new show faded into a nighttime bedroom. The bed was made neatly with little feet showing. There was crying. There was so much crying.

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

The camera switched to a close-up angle of the window. The boy was back and knocked on the door.

The name fell off his lips, but the LV cut out of audio for a moment before fading back in. "—et me in!" He held up some tin of something. "I've got your favorite—macaroons!"

The episode cut out.

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Is it weird she could not smell? Her nose was not plugged up, but she just could not smell whatsoever.

Is it weird she could scent very well? Everything smelt wild and real and refreshing. She could smell how deplorable all of them were. The lack of showers and the addition of grim and sweat would do that. She could smell Peter. His natural musk was something to be desired and couched with a comfortable déjà vu that she did not realize was there. She could smell Igneel. He smelt wild and feral but controlling. He was taming himself and his fire from juvenile, from his adolescence, to become a man, a god, of flame.

Is it weird she could taste just feelings? She tasted Peter's panic. It was a jittery taste that stung for a second then fizzled out. She tasted Igneel's fretting. It was one of those not pleasant but not unpleasant tastes that never went away because you kept trying to decide which category it fit in.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRR… KURRRRRRRRR…

A new episode started.

It cut to a hospital. Perhaps it was one of those hospital soap operas. The patient was lying in bed, curled up and not alone. Someone lay with her, small enough that there was room left for them to stretch.

The door opened, but the lights did not turn on. Two women came in, but their faces were blurred.

"Come on," one woman urged. "It's time to go home. We have to let her rest."

The boy seemed displeased as he curled into the patient like he was defending her, seeking her to calm his annoyance. He dared not growl at his own mother, but he did dare to whine.

"Do I have to? I want to stay the night!"

"No"—the name of the boy fell from her lips and was muted—"we have to go home. Her mama will stay with her tonight. We'll come back as soon as the hospital is open."

This time, he had the audacity to growl. His irritation came off him like his body heat. "No," he fought back. "I want to stay!"

"We're going home," his mother stressed fiercely. "We'll come back tomorrow when visiting hours start, but you can't stay the night." She held out her hand. "Let's go."

He defiantly hugged the patient and looked away from his mother.

What a dramatic turn in this soap opera.

The other woman put a gentle hand on the first's shoulder. "If he wants to stay, he can," she quietly offered. "I don't mind. She loves having him here. I can watch over the two of them."

The mother turner to the other woman. "Are you sure about this? I know you wanted some alone time with her…"

"It'll be fine." The other woman tried to smile. "Besides, we'll all talk to her tomorrow when the doctor comes in. Have someone make sure you get home safely and walk with you, okay?"

The mother sighed. "Okay." She turned to her son and spoke his name for his attention. "You can stay tonight, but you need to thank your aunt for letting you."

"Thanks, Auntie," the boy mumbled. He buried nose and lips into the patient's forehead.

The episode cut out.

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Is she having a panic attack?" Peter shrieked. His eyes absorbed Mary Jane in horror. Her body was quaking without fear and garbles of Fioren dropped from her mouth. The worst was seeing blood drip from her lips and leak from her eyes.

Igneel could not keep his tears at bay as he watched her. "It's a seizure," he choked out. He shakily got his Compact.

Peter flinched when Mary Jane's arm began to twitch and her body jerked. "What do we do?" he shouted. "What the Hell do we do?"

Igneel, with trembling fingers, pulled up his timer. "Gi-Give her space," he rasped. "Get out of the way." He started the timer as he swallowed back a sob.

Peter looked like he wanted to stay, but Mary Jane's body gave a violent jerk when blood, water, and stale bread left her lips and splattered onto the floor. She coughed as her bloody tears stained her skin and a bit of a wet stain appeared on her shorts. Her eyes were wide, but dull at the same time. Her body was losing control of itself. Her body was rejecting her.

"What the fuck?!" Peter's voice was high pitched. "Igneel?!"

"Peter, you're not helping!" Igneel shouted at him. His eyes kept on Mary Jane's as he set down the timer. His trembling hands went to the fist enclosed around the charms. He tried to pry her fingers away from them, but nothing he did worked. Her hand was as firm as a tree trunk and immovable as one.

"Dammit!" Igneel cried. "Just fucking dammit!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRR…. KURR… KURRRRRRRRR…

A different episode came to light.

A mirror was in the screen. A bathroom mirror. A girl and a boy were on the reflection. The boy sat on the counter with the girl. He growled as he helped pull back part of her hair go into a ponytail with a little bump to it, tying her hair with w ribbon.

"How come you never do my hair and I have to do yours?" he complained.

The girl of fair hair giggled. "I brush your hair," she pointed out. "But, you told me it feels funny."

Pink coated his cheeks as little flames dancing in innocent cheery blossom singed the edges of his hair. "You go too slow," he grumbled to her. He finished her hair. "There. Done."

She shook out her body tail before turning to throw him a smile. "Thanks!"

The boy grinned back. "No problem." He met with their reflections and something killed his happiness.

The scar on the back of her neck.

She noticed and covered her scar quickly. "I'm sorry."

Now he felt ashamed. "Don't be," he consoled quickly. "Please. I-I didn't mean to stare. I just…" He growled. "I'm so mad I didn't do more."

She frowned. "And now you have a scar too." She seemed unhappy about that.

"You were so upset everyone would treat you different because you had one," he reminded her. "If people want to look at you funny, they can look at me too."

She pulled her knees to her chest. "They already do look at me funny," she muttered. "I have ugly eyes."

He shook his head. "I don't think they're ugly."

The episode was beginning to fizzle.

KURRR… KURRRR…. KUR-KUR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was just then the elder maiden of time crossed into the threshold. She seemed to know exactly what she was getting into as she rushed over to Mary Jane and knelt next to Igneel.

Dimaria watched as Mary Jane expelled more blood and water and bread with sad eyes. "She will survive," she promised. "She must survive."

"Help her." Igneel turned his begging stare onto Dimaria. "This is my fault. Please! Help her!"

Dimaria turned to Igneel looking wiser than she had ever been and eyes more knowing than she ever was. "I can see it in your eyes," she told him loftily. "Your guilt." She leaned towards him as a vile look crawled into her eyes.

Igneel leaned back in his own fright.

"It's a shame she has a choice and you're one of them," Dimaria spat him.

Mary Jane gurgled as her body convulsed.

"But, you know what?" Dimaria's eyes slid to Mary Jane. Her hand slid out from her cloak, gripping something.

Gripping her backsword.

"If I killed her right now," Dimaria whispered, "wouldn't that just drive you over the edge? Wouldn't it put her out of her misery? Wouldn't it be amusing?"

Igneel's eyes widened at such a notion. "No…"

Dimaria let her hand wander up to Igneel's cheek. He flinched, but she did not as her hand trailed up his cheek and brushed his bangs.

"Your hair," Dimaria commented. She seemed a bit amused. "It's almost the same color as your mother. I can't help but want to tease you." Her eyes went to the twitching Mary Jane. Her lips moved to Igneel's ears, grinning. "Maybe if I gauge out her eyes… Wouldn't that be funny?"

Igneel's eyes widened.

Peter was hyperventilating.

Mary Jane garbled more words as her dull eyes began to rapidly blink.

Dimaria's grin broadened before she did one thing she had nearly forgotten how to do.

She clicked her teeth.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KUR…KURRRRRRRRRRR…

The episode fizzled back in.

The bathroom and the reflection of the children returned.

"I don't think they're ugly," the boy reiterated. "I like them. They're weird."

The girl sunk lower into her knees and hands. She sniffed. "That's mean," she told him.

KURRRRRRRR-KURRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luke did not understand what was happening.

Everyone in the room was frozen.

No one moved a muscle.

Luke looked to see Mustang was in mid-gulp of his water. He looked to see Linus was mid-word, mouth opened. He looked to see Dazzler was halfway done tripping over Actaeon and the hunting dog spirit was about to leap up in a whine and a yip. What was strange was Actaeon seemed to realize what Dazzler was about to do and safely crawled away.

Horologium just slept through the entire thing.

Luke's eyes widened.

What the…? Did time just…stop?

Luke looked down at his own hands.

But, how…? How am I?

ERRRRRRRR…

Luke whipped his head up.

Nashi peeked her head into the room with a blush on her cheeks. "Hey, Virgo, I—…" She noticed. She noticed no one was moving. She noticed they were frozen. "What the…?" Her eyes swept to her little brother and widened when she saw him gawking at her. "Luke," she whispered. She opened the door wider and rushed over to him, hugging herself in a rather large t-shirt. "Luke, what the Hell is going on?" she hissed.

"I-I-I don't know," Luke answered truthfully, confusedly. "I-I think time just stopped."

Nashi's eyes widened. "What?!" she gasped. "What do you mean 'time just stopped'? Time doesn't just 'stop'!"

STEP. STEP. STEP.

"Angel! The clock on my Compact, it's not—!"

Luke and Nashi looked over at the panicked Gary who was unabashedly half-naked and holding up his Compact. He took in the frozen room before grimacing. "Time stopped, didn't it?" he questioned.

"But, how?" Nashi wanted to know. "And, why?"

"I don't know," Gary said, walking over to them. "There shouldn't be a reason for it to stop."

"The only type of Time Magic able to stop time altogether is Âge Seal," Luke noted, quickly gathering his wits. "But, that doesn't make sense. The last known Mage to even use that Magic was Dimaria Yesta. Ultear Milkovich too, but she's dead. And Dimaria is in Alakitasia…"

"But, why can we move?" Nashi pressed. "We don't have Time Magic. At least, I don't think we do."

"We don't," Luke said, wincing. "But, you're not going to like the answer."

Nashi's eyes narrowed, tucking her hair behind her ears. "Tell me."

Luke sighed, closing his eyes. Actaeon barked softly and made a show of sitting in-between Luke's legs. He whined, jittery, to be petted. Luke opened his eyes and obliged. "Spirits can move freely through time," he educated. "Celestial Spirits still age, though, so I'm not sure how Actaeon and Horologium aren't stuck in time. There are certain creatures in this world who aren't bound by time. Dragons weren't bound. The gods aren't bound."

Nashi nodded slowly. "Okay… But, what does that have to do with us?"

Luke looked straight at his sister. "You remember what we are, right?"

Nashi's brow furrowed. Then, it softened out. Her eyes widened.

Luke nodded and turned to Gary who had a look of solemn understanding. "We're not bound to time," he spoke, "because we're part demon."

°•°•°•°

In the Lamia Scale Guild Hall, all went for quiet. Members were frozen in time with no way to get out of it and no way to know they were frozen.

In Master Ooba's office, the golem Lag was frozen, unblinking, unmoving, which was normal for him. Syra lay frozen, curled on Gale's chest.

Gale's rising and falling chest.

°•°•°•°

Natsu hated feeling like this.

His eyes darted around when he felt the familiar pressure her had not felt in a long time. He did not have to look behind him to know his team was frozen in time. Pantherlily had been frozen in mid-stride. Miss Pink was permanently in the air while Romeo was shaking his head at her. Alzack was in the middle of checking his handguns. Cana was doing a Tarot Reading and stopped just as she was turning over another card.

Anger flared through Natsu's bones.

There's only one Mage I know who could've done this…

Natsu snarled.

What the Hell are you trying to pull Dimaria?

°•°•°•°

Dimaria ignored Peter and Igneel as she watched Mary Jane continuously convulse even as time froze. Her grin broadened as she raised her scimitar, kissing the blade. "You'll see her blood soon," she soothed. The tip of the blade went down to graze Mary Jane's cheek. It did enough to draw blood, leave a mark, but nothing more. "So," Dimaria went on, "you're one those anomalies who can move through my Âge Seal."

Mary Jane hacked.

Dimaria lifted her chin. "I don't sense any demon in you. You're not one of those monsters." Her eyes shifted to Igneel. "And, since you're the one with golden hair, you can't be one." Her eyes reverted back to Mary Jane. "This'll be fun for me. I've missed this feeling of tormenting souls." She raised her scimitar.

Igneel's hand twitched.

Dimaria laughed. "Don't worry, little mortal," she soothed to the convulsing Mary Jane. "I'll make sure your seizure is over soon." She lowered her blade.

A hand caught it.

Dimaria's eyes widened.

DRIP.

Blood dripped from the hand and to the blade.

DROP.

The drop of blood deserted the blade and hit the floor.

Gritted teeth showing fang. "Why the fuck do I have to repeat myself to you people?"

Taken back brown clashed with coldly furious emerald.

There was not a drop of onyx to be seen.

"No," Dimaria whispered. "But… You can't be…"

Igneel looked nothing like himself. The emerald in his eyes were the eyes of a feral, of a wild adhering Nature. His hair danced in his golden flames. His grip on the scimitar tightened and he did not care he drew blood. There would be different blood than his snd Mary Jane's on the floor.

The symbol of orange burned on his chest.

He could hear the snarls of something in between his ears, the compulsion to act, to act upon Nature.

"You don't touch her," Igneel snarled, baring his canines in unguarded threat. Golden flames licked at his hands and heated the blade.

Dimaria was forced to drop her backsword at the sheer anguish of excruciating heat.

Igneel allowed his flames to grapple and fight over the blade. They tore into the backsword with teeth, not tongues, and the entire sword had become the prey when it had just been the predator. Igneel paid no mind as the blade turned a scolding hot red and began to melt under his touch, his flames. He dropped it in disinterest because Dimaria was far much more interesting.

"You were going to kill her." The insignia on Igneel's chest thrummed at such cruel words and his flames flared up. "You were going to kill my friend."

Dimaria tripped on her own two feet as her breaths crumbled. She watched as Igneel forced himself to his feet and the confusion hit her. She saw a man before her. She was gone from this chamber and into another one, moldy and bleak. She saw pink hair and red eyes damning her, condemning her to death. She saw his feral lips and the scales under his eyes. She saw the steam and the flames and the darkness.

"Not you," Dimaria whimpered. "Not you… Please, have mercy on me, monster!"

It was hard to distinguish the man from the boy, but, in the end, they both copied each other's movements. They lobbied toward her with fire clenching their bodies and their hate for her bleeding through their unnatural eyes.

"You bitch." Igneel and Natsu's voices combined and frightened Dimaria to her soul. "You think it's funny to see her in pain?"

Dimaria was blown back when flames erupted to fill the chamber. They were gold and filled with something that was not there before. They were the call of the wild, of Nature, untamed but with a clear purpose.

Dimaria whimpered as sweat dampened her body. Her eyes drank in the sight of Igneel as he lifted his chin. The form glitched from Natsu to Igneel to Natsu again.

"You'll regret ever touching her," Natsu promised in a rumbled snarl.

It glitched back to Igneel.

Mary Jane's eyes were focusing. She saw the violent flames of gold all around her. Her convulsions were stopping, but her body was done. Her body had stiffened like she was of the dead. She saw Igneel's back to her. She saw the wild flames bringing out a feral in him, calling to Nature for blood and for only the fittest to survive.

Shaky breaths overtook Mary Jane as her mouth twitched. She gagged, but there was nothing that came out. She watched without watching.

DRIP.

A tear shed from her eyes.

DROP.

"You hear me?" Igneel's pupils changed into slits. His eyes were inhuman. His eyes glowed like something else as his flames poured out of him.

Roars shook his mind.

"I'LL MAKE YOUR VERY SOUL BURN IN HELL FOR THIS!" Igneel roared.

His flames exploded off his body.

Dimaria's eyes widened as they reflected gold. "No!" she screamed. "Get away from me, you monster!"

Mary Jane's eyes blinked as she watched the fire, entranced and yet not. Her words were garbled, and her chest hurt. But, her mouth sounded out one word.

"Help."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRR…

The episode faded back in with static and waves piercing through the program.

"I wasn't trying to be mean," the boy vowed. "I really like them. They're weird and cool."

"How are they 'cool'?" she wanted to know. "I hate looking at them."

The boy scooted close to her and laid his head on the curve of her shoulders. "Pops says my ma used to hate her eyes," he told in narrative. "She thought they were so plain. But, my pops told my ma they were really cool because they could change colors."

The girl sniffled. "R-Really?"

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Wild fire roared to Nature.

Blood succumbed to the feral before it, to the will of Nature.

Roars called for reckoning.

In a place where time stood still, it did not mean the fighting just stopped. It did not mean the flames and the screams, and the blood would stop. Skin exchanged for flame and the world burned in that chamber.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

The boy's lips curled into a smile. His smile was becoming clearer. "Yeah. Really, really," he promised. He straightened up. "Now, close your eyes and look at the mirror."

The girl lifted her head. "But…why—?"

"Just do it!"

The girl huffed, but she said no opposition. She closed her eyes with her hands and swiveled to the mirror. "Fine. I did it. Now, what?"

The boy covered her eyes with his hands, and the girl giggled, smiling. "What are you doing?" she wanted to know.

"Shhh," the boy hushed. "Stop being so not confident. Your eyes are your eyes and they're really awesome."

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane was left untouched at the roaring flames and the screams. Her shaky breaths were easing out and the blood was drying fast on her face. Drool and blood pooled out of her mouth while sweat danced upon her skin. The frozen Peter mattered little to her. It was hard to focus on anything anymore. Everything was too difficult to understand. She wanted to gag, to empty her stomach, but she had and there was nothing left. There was a gentle thrumming in the back of her mind that threatened to pound into her, but all she was forsaken with was that feeling of endless falling.

Her mouth quivered.

"Help."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR….

"And, I think," the boy continued softly, "that you wouldn't be you without them. I think you should like them. They make you…you."

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Shenlong slammed Nayda back into the water before coiling away from her. Nayda came back, cawing angrily, and tried to fly when Erion's clouds caged her in. She spewed water from her mouth to weaken the clouds as lightning streaked the sky.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

"You're so sappy," the girl teased.

The boy flushed at her laughter. "Yeah, well, I'm just trying to help," he grumbled.

The girl put a hand on top of his own, surprising him. "I know." She did. She really did. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me." Her smile wavered. "I know I'm not that strong or that powerful. And I make people cry a lot." Her chin went down. "Maybe you should find a new best friend that's not sick all the time."

"I would never replace you!"

Her eyes widened.

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"What should we do?" Nashi sat with her arms crossed on the coffee table and Gary at her side.

Luke sat back in his chair with Actaeon's head in his lap. He sighed, running his hand over Actaeon's head. "I don't know. Sensei would know more than I would." He looked at the frozen Mystogan.

"If we're basing this off race, then it would make sense Igneel, Uncle Natsu, and Luna are free to move about time," Gary concluded. "And, if spirits can move freely…" His eyes went to Actaeon, then he frowned. "I thought we could maybe use this opportunity to send out Actaeon to hunt down one of them. Maybe Igneel or Luna in specific since both of them are missing."

Nashi took to the idea. "Igneel and Mary Jane need to be found first," she decided. "Mary Jane went missing before the whole thing and Igneel was last scene with her." She turned to Luke. "Actaeon has Igneel's Spirit Scent, right?"

Luke nodded. "He and Lelantos have all of our scents memorized." He gathered Actaeon's head in his hands and leaned down, grinning when the hunting dog got too excited and licked his nose. "Actaeon, think you would hunt down Igneel for us?"

Actaeon whined at that.

As Luke frowned, Nashi asked, "What did he say?"

"He has orders to safeguard us with Horologium," Luke said grimly. He gave Nashi a look that said it all. "He can't disobey Mom. It'll hurt him and he loves her too much to go against her orders for us right now." An idea came to him. "But…" He turned back to Actaeon. "Can you ask Lelantos if he's still hunting Igneel down? With all the chaos out of the way, he should be able to get to them quicker."

Actaeon paused and his regular eye glazed over as his golden one pulsed.

"We have to take into account familiars might still be running around," Gary piped in.

"Doubt it," Luke muttered, rubbing Actaeon's jaw. "Familiars might be parts of a demon, but the ones out there were sloppily made and didn't have enough power in them. Maybe if they were stronger, they'd be able to move freely right now."

Actaeon's eyes focused again and he growled, then barked twice, then growled again.

Luke smiled his relief. "Good boy," he cooed.

Actaeon barked and leapt up to lick Luke's face, sniffing him all over.

Luke laughed. "Lelantos is on it. Says the familiars are frozen in place and he's with Taurus and Gemini. He's got a lock on Igneel's scent."

Nashi sighed her relief and leaned into Gary's hold. "Thank God," she breathed. "I just hope he and Mary Jane are okay." Her eyes shimmered. "With everything going on outside, I know they'll be injured. I just…" Her voice trailed.

Gary's hands moved up and down her arms. "I know, Angel," he soothed.

Nashi looked into Gary's eyes, toying with her bottom lip. "When Lelantos finds them, I want to be there for them. They'll probably need us."

"We'll go," Gary decided. His hand reached for hers and intertwined their fingers, making her blush. He kissed her temple. "We'll help in anyway we can."

Nashi closed her eyes when Gary pressed another kiss on her temple.

Luke's eyes followed the movement before looking away, glaring.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

The boy looked fiercely into his reflection. "You're not replaceable," he told her insistently. "No one is! You're my best friend and that won't ever change! I don't care if you're sick or if you make me cry! We'll always be the bestest of friends!"

The girl paused. Then, she broke into laughter.

The boy blushed in his anger. "Why are you laughing at me?" He sounded so upset over it.

"I'm sorry," the girl chuckled. "You j-just…! You just sounded so serious!"

The boy growled as the girl kept laughing. "W-Well, I was serious!" he snapped. "But, if you're just gonna make fun of me…!"

The girl tightened her grip on the boy's hands. "No, no! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like I was," she apologized thoroughly. "You're such a nice person for always cheering me up."

The boy smiled. "It's what friends are for." He nudged her with his nose. "Now. Let's look at your awesome eyes, okay?"

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was hard to reign in your wild, your feral, when Nature called to it. It called for reprisal, for retribution, for blood to be spilled, and the satisfaction of knowing your feral is the fittest to survive. The prize of your victory?

A soul.

He did not stop.

Igneel did not stop.

He did not care of the burn of flesh or the blood on his hand. He did not care of the heat in his flames. He lost sight of everything and anything that was not the opponent he faced. He played God. He chose who lived and who died.

Blood.

Death.

A soul being ripped from its body.

He had no inkling to stop. He postured himself without restraint, his lack of control. He was feral, untamed and without a leader ordering him to stand down, without his mentor, his king, his father, to stop him. There was no one to doused his heated flames. There was no one to put him back in his place.

He was alone.

He was untamed.

He demanded blood.

The Igneel he was then and the Igneel he was now differed so greatly. Where went that playful grin and twinkle in his eye like a kid who just thought of a way to get back at his annoying sibling? Where went that optimism that got him through tough shit and helped him bounce back? Where went that concern he held righteously for others?

They were all gone.

Instead, his lips were bared in a sharp-teethed snarl. His fangs were sharper than before but his other teeth were beginning to sharpen themselves. The twinkle in his eye was now a glint of a murderer. The optimism was replaced with thoughts of flames and sin. That concern went out the window with any unnecessary feeling besides pure rage.

Pure rage directed at Dimaria.

Dimaria did not looked like the person she was before. She looked charred, fried, and unfairly ravished by the sin Wrath. Her backsword was melted. Her hands were tied. The only thing that was left untouched was the orb in her chest. Her cloak was left to the ashes. Her clothes were singled and torn viciously. She held tears in her eyes as she pleaded like a broken record for her mercy and screamed the word monster like it would do something to defend her.

She was trapped in a cage of flames with hands pressed on her throat. She had no strength to get them away from her, but she tried as she choked in the flames and the heat and the lack of oxygen.

"Mercy, please!" Dimaria pleaded. "Monster, I beg for mercy!"

Igneel did nothing but press harder on her throat. "You deserve this," he hissed at her. "When were you going to take mercy on us? Or were you just going to kill us all?"

Dimaria whimpered.

Igneel, his feral, roared louder. "Answer me!"

Dimaria lips curled into a final sneer. "Kill me, monster prince," she goaded. "Do it! Kill me!" She laughed at everything. "You would be saving me more than hurting me!"

Igneel snarled at her. "You were going to torment her. You touched her." He let his hands heat up to tingle against Dimaria's skin. "No one touches her."

"The blood of Zeref runs strong through you, monster," Dimaria spat at him. "Him and your monster father. Getting so angry over some bitch—Ack!" Her words were cut off when she felt her airflow reduce drastically.

"She – is not – bitch," Igneel snarled at her. His flames licked up his arms. They were begging to touch Dimaria's skin, to listen to Nature, and seek reckoning. "That's enough out of you," he decided. "Burn in fucking Hell!"

His flames roared to ascend to Nature's desire and climbed his arms to get to their—-

"Don't."

His flames stopped on command.

Igneel, his feral, his wild, stiffened.

Mary Jane coughed as she felt her body trust her enough to speak and to move. "D-Don't," she tried to halt. "L-Le-Leave her…al-l-lo…" She gagged again.

Dimaria was ready for a time where she died.

She was not ready for a time where Igneel to drop her to the ground.

She coughed and she spluttered. She was the prey that was tossed about and now she was abandoned like a toy.

Igneel left Dimaria without another word. His feet drifted towards the Dark Empress of Fairy Tail who hacked and coughed and trembled. Each stepped simmered his wild, his feral, and quelled his connection to the call of Nature. His flames died down around the room into nothing. The emerald in his eyes darkened a bit to show onyx, but not enough. The feral lurked behind, itching to take out the threat. The flames tingling his hair huffed away. The symbol on his chest faded back into his skin. His internal flames rumbled, dissatisfied that they did not get the chance to adhere Nature and burn what did not belong, to seek justice, reprisal. But, they would settle for now.

Igneel got on his knees as Mary Jane hacked and gagged. The concern was back in an instant, even as feral peeked in his eyes. "You're not bleeding anymore," he noted. His voice was rough and raspy, but not in that sick or unused way. It was like his voice was trying to adapt. "That's good. Are you feeling better?"

Mary Jane gagged. "B-Better," she wheezed out. Snot was coming out of her nose and frustrated tears pierced her eyes. "M-M-Mor-ron…"

Igneel lowered his eyes. "I deserve that," he supposed. "I'm sorry." He tentatively raised a hand and went to Mary Jane's cheek. He wiped away a tear. "You had a seizure, MJ," he broke to her. "You need to rest."

Mary Jane's body trembled, but not out of lack of control. It was out of her self-loathing.

Igneel was careful when he took part of his shirt from Mary Jane and used green flames to tear off a small piece, jerking Mary Jane a bit. He used the piece to start with cleaning the blood and vomit off her lips and chin. His eyes were soft as Mary Jane trembled at his touch, almost as if she were recoiling from him.

"D-Do-Don-Don't…" Mary Jane tried to protest. Her words tried to work and her tongue was still twisted.

Igneel smiled a little. "Even now, you're still a stubborn spitfire," he chuckled. He finished wiping her face and let the dirtied cloth go into the puddle of blood and vomit. "I've got you, MJ, don't worry" he promised her. "Just rest and get better." His other hand reached for Mary Jane's loose fist and opened it gently. He plucked the thimble before trying to get the acorn button.

"No," garbled from Mary Jane's mouth. She closed her fist on the acorn button. "N-No…"

Igneel's eyes widened. "MJ…"

Mary Jane put the necklace close to her chest, holding it like she needed it to breathe.

His eyes softened. "Oh, MJ," he sighed. "What am I going to do with you?" He scooted himself to the other side of her to avoid the blood and vomit. He cared little for how disgusting they were or how disgusting they felt. He sat down and his arms scooped up Mary Jane.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

Igneel cradled her in his arms, settled her in his lap. He watched as her chest rose and fell. His feral was feeling more content than before, flames purring of being close to her.

Her breathing and her heart are evening out, he thought in relief. She fell asleep.

Igneel let his forehead fall onto the curve of her cheek. He took a shaky breath. "I'm sorry," he told her. "I know you hate me. You'll hate me more later when you figure it out. Everyone will hate me. But, I want you to know you'll always be my friend. Because being your friend…"

Mary Jane's chest rose.

Igneel's eyes softened into something different and his lips curled into a gentle smile. "…is an awfully big adventure."

Her chest fell.

Igneel closed his eyes.

Sweat dreams…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR… KURRR… KUR-KURRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

…my—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

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…

Woah… Even with time frozen, there's always a dramatic moment in this anime, isn't there? Tune in next time to Fairy Adventure!

---

Chibi-Luna appears before the class with her sunny smile. "Hello, class!"

"Good day, Miss Dragneel!" the class choruses obediently. "What are we learning about today?"

"Well, I'm so glad you asked!" Chibi-Luna cheers. "Today, we're learning about the different continents, their predominant languages, biomes, and currencies! We won't go in-depth, but you should at least know a little bit about Earth Land!" She pulls down a world map. "Are you guys ready?"

"Aye, sir!" the class cheers.

Chibi-Luna points over to the most recognized continent. "Okay, class, this is Ishgar," she introduces. "It's the continent we live on today with a total of twenty-tree countries. Currently, you can only see fourteen of the main ones." She pulls down another chart showing Ishgar in specific. "It has mainly a temperate climate, but a few countries make the exception. For example, Desierto is quite known for its desert-like atmosphere, but we'll talk about that another time. Ishgar is well-known for its women to have larger eyes. The currency in Ishgar is mainly jewel, however, a few countries differ from it. Everyone got that?"

"Yes, Miss Dragneel!" the class tells her.

Chibi-Luna pulls up that chart to point to the mainland next to Ishgar. "The country right next to Ishgar is known as Sela, the largest and most populated continent." She pulls down a chart to show Sela in all of its glory. "It shares continental landmass Ishela with continent Ishgar. It has a mix of different climates, from arctic to tropical to flat-out desert. The people there are known for their angular eyes as well as their advanced progress in education. The currency there is called a Yan and the most popular languages there are Argan, Hedic, Mandarin Drasconese, Meelay, and Nali. "

Chibi-Luna lets the chart roll up to point to the continent right below Ishgar. "Now, this is Alakitasia, a more monolithic continent than Ishgar." She pulls down another chart to show Alakitasia. "As you know, the Alvarez Empire takes up a good chunk of Alakitasia, but not all of it. Currently, besides the Empire, there are twelve other smaller countries that exist on it. The official currency of Alakitasia are Krowns. Alakitasia has a more tropical to desert climate and, in the past, used to house rogue dragons."

Chibi-Luna lets the chart roll up to point to a continent at the very bottom. It is white and sleek, though has some jagged edges to it. "This is Arcticados, the southernmost continent and the coldest one at that. It's a desert and the coldest, driest, windiest one at that, but it houses a huge tribe of people who are notorious for their tan skin and light-colored hair as well as the place where people theorize Water and Ice Magic started. Their currency is called Leaf and they share it with…"—she points to the continent at the top, smaller but stark-white and rounded—"Anticados, its sister continent. Idarian culture was founded in both these continents, something that the country Iceberg adopted."

Chibi-Luna moves upwards to a good hunk of land that is near both Ishgar and Alakitasia like a backwards P. "This is Valchestria, the second largest continent and second most populated. From peak to peak, the climates are diverse from subarctic to tropical," she lectures. "It has the most diverse fauna in the world with Andüsa being the second most diverse. People there as known for their dark skin, eyes, and hair and being relatively in-tune with nature and all its creatures. The concept of Tamers came from Valchestria. Lumas are the currency and there is no known dialect from Valchestria."

Chibi-Luna goes to the southwestern hemisphere and points to an oval-ish continent. "This, right here, is Andüsa, with thirteen countries and the currency is Dram. Most of the population lives near the coastlines as the geology of the continent is full of tropical forests and mountains. Many people come to Andüsa for their seven waterfalls. An overwhelming amount of people there speak Sinnish or Lezonese."

Chibi-Luna shifts to the continent that is attached to Andüsa through islands and a thin land strip. "This continent is Liaerla. Liaerla is by far the youngest continent and is entirely in the northwestern hemisphere. It has twenty-five countries, but the most populated is called the Mesonia. Mesonia is known to be called "the land of freedom" or "the melting pot" with many of its populace are immigrants from all of over the world. The main currency of Liaerla is called dollars; however, some countries differ from that. Minstrish is one of the main languages of Liaerla with a different accent."

Chibi-Luna shifts to the last continent that has buried itself between Arcticados and Sela. It was large and islands flitting around it. "This last continent is Melandia, a continent of an enormous mainland and small neighboring islands. It is the smallest continent of all with Minstrish as one of its main languages, even if the accent differs. The main currency there are Sterlings."

Chibi-Luna snaps the world map up and dusts off her hands. "That's it for now! Any questions?" She looks around the class to see swirls in the eyes of her students and several have passed out from the amount of knowledge they had to process. She frowns. "Oh, my… Did I go to fast for you guys?"

A sly smirk. "Not for me, Beautiful."

Chibi-Luna is startled when Chibi-Cane sidles up to her in his professional wear and fake glasses. "Cane? Bu-But—…! What are you doing here?" She peers at his glass. "And, what's with the fake glasses?"

Chibi-Cane smirks as he fixes them. "Thought they'd make me look smarter and better looking." He winks at a few female students who swoon.

Chibi-Luna rolls her eyes, crossing her arms. "They make you look dumber, in my opinion," she mutters, puffing a cheek.

The next thing she knows, Chibi-Cane is pinching her cheeks and cooing. "Aww, my beautiful princess, don't be jealous of those other girls! You know you're the only one for me!"

A tick mark pounds on Chibi-Luna's head.

BAM.

Chibi-Cane is on the ground with a leg twitching as an annoyed Chibi-Luna turns to the class, the students peering at the fallen teacher in pity. "You're so cocky sometimes," she insults him. She turns to you. "By the way, students, I did want to talk to you about seizures." Her features soften. "Make no mistake—having a seizure or encountering someone who is having a seizure isn't something to take lightly."

Chibi-Cane begins to get up. "That's right. Some seizures, like with what Mary Jane went through, are obvious. In the event you encounter someone going through a rather volatile seizure, you need to call emergency services right away." He fixes his fake glasses. "There are things you can do while you wait for emergency services to arrive. Make sure you roll the person onto their side so they don't choke. Give them plenty of space, loosen any clothing around their neck, and if they have a necklace on, try to see if you can get it off them."

"Don't hold down or restrain the person either," Chibi-Luna instructs. "Like Mister Alberona said, they'll need their space. Stay with the person until emergency help arrives."

Chibi-Cane tacks on, "Now, some people go through seizures without shaking violently or throwing up. Those are partial seizures. They'll still be agitated and maybe it'll seem strange to you when they start to get angry and cry, but, whatever you do, make sure you don't try and restrain them. Call emergency services to help them and stay relatively close to them. Make sure they don't begin to wander into a dangerous area and keep them away from anything that could harm them."

"Having a seizure isn't anything to be ashamed of," Chibi-Luna tells you and the class. "People go through them every day and continue to live their lives. It might be embarrassing for the person if they go through it, and that's okay. We advise you make them aware there is nothing to be upset about and the seizure doesn't change your perspective on them."

Chibi-Cane's glass glint as he fixes them. "That's right. Just like how Miss Dragneel could wear Poko panties and it still wouldn't change my perspective on her."

A tick mark raged against Chibi-Luna's forehead.

BAM.

Chibi-Cane is on the ground, bleeding, while Chibi-Luna beams at the class. "That's it for now, class! Next time, on Fairy Adventure, INTERLUDE OF DREAMS AND MEMORIES! Class, dismissed!" She begins to walk out of the room and drag Chibi-Cane out by his leg. "Come on, Mister Alberona. Time for us to go on a lunch break."

Comical tears stream out of Chibi-Cane's eyes as he grips the sides of the doorway, trying to hold on for dear life. "Now, now, beautiful, the way you're making it sound, this lunch break is going to be painful for me—ee!"

Chibi-Luna yanks him clear-free from the doorway, stomping down the hall. There is a glint in her eye and the smile on her face unsettles passersby. "Don't worry, Mister Alberona, this will be painless…for me."

Chibi-Cane starts squirming erratically. "Wa-Wa-Wa-Wait, beautiful, I'm too hot to go out like this!" He pouts his lips. "At least, give me a decent make-out session first…"

Another tick mark bangs against Chibi-Luna's forehead.

BAM.

A K.O.-ed Chibi-Cane lies in a puddle of blood, twitching in the hallway with a murderous Chibi-Luna looming over him. "What is wrong with you?!" she yelled at him, shaking her fist.

Chibi-Cane shakily smiles as he looks up at Chibi-Luna. "F-Fr-From here…I can see your pa-pa-pa…panties," he chuckles.

A third tick mark bigger than the last rages on Chibi-Luna's forehead.

BANG.

"You are so disgusting!"

---

Voices of New Characters in Order of Appearance

Endymion

Contessa María Luisa Ortega

N/A as Miss Pink

Michael Frost as Erion

Daniel Penz as McGillis Kleinbahn

Khoi Dao as Igarashi Falman

Eddy Lee as Edmund Krimer

Chris Tergliafera as Elias Krimer

N/A as Sebastian Lee

Kate Oxley as Phoebe Matson

Laurie Hymes as Lola d'Masaaraq

Justin Briner as Armin Lancer

Trina Nishimura as Aella Rogue