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!

39. Adventure 039

Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail nor any work professional associated with it. 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, with Gale became a new-type Dragon Slayer with the help of Sycaña and took on Bluenote for his last stand. Looked like the other Warlocks were gearing up for their last fights too. Gray Jaguar and the Mage team worked together to find the missing Mages at the Maille and Cybele Generating Station. Those names sound familiar? Gray Jaguar headed in first while Silver met face to face with his new tormentor, an alien named Caeryssa. After a dream about his life on Earth, Cade woke up to learn he was being cleaned and prepped only to be sold like an animal and the same for T'oree. Geez, where exactly are these guys? Gary and Luke stumbled upon Lee, his Hounds of Hell, and his familiar in an untimely meeting in the park, but things didn't go Lee's way when he lost betting hand to Luke and Gary teaming up against him. Nashi and Mystogan ventured further into the park to find out Jacob Lessio had hidden himself, the Guardians, and Shenlong deep into the city's warehouse. The team in Nayda's shrine were ambushed at the cost of Mary Jane being taken, Igneel badly hurt, Icarus disappearing, and Andy, Peter, and Laxus frozen in time. Meira decided to follow Gale's lead and up the ante as she took on a new Star Dress: Star Queen fashion!

Back at the power plant, Zelda, Asuna, and Jackson ran into Faye only for Zelda to leave the two agents high and dry to learn more about her father. With the barrier down, the Mages and agents reunite for a plan to get their friends back and save Silver from his torture and Nano Leaf's hatred of him. The infiltration nearly goes smoothly with only a couple explosions, but everyone made it out safe. Zelda and Faye continued their battle only for Faye to blow up the entire plant. I hope Zelda's all right! T'oree was saved from her fate of being sold by Weisz Steiner, an engineer for the Eden's Zero, and thank God for that! Cade woke up to meet Rebecca, one of the captains of the Eden's Zero who rescued him. When offered a ride back to Earth, Cade turned it down for the sake of going back to his real home. Bluenote taught Gale a lesson after beating him about the generations of Dragon Slayers and was about to give Gale crucial information when he was pulled away. With Mary Jane forced as the Warlocks' prisoner in efforts to lure Igneel out, Mystogan and Nashi are not only determined to save her, they are determined to get Igneel and Luna away from an obvious trap. Mary Jane found herself rescued as Mages flooded in to fight against the Warlocks and their monsters. Meanwhile, the Dragneel siblings and Gary helped Luke to free the Guardians and Shenlong from their cages only for everything to go wrong. With the help of Shenlong, Luna made it right again and calmed down Nayda and Erion. Gale found himself in the presence of a dying Dimaria, a weak Luna, and Shenlong when Dimaria made him an offer neither him nor Luna could refuse: she'll take them back into the past. With Gale and Luna gone, Shenlong stayed with Dimaria until she was finally at peace.

Thank you… Thank you…

I hope you find your own paradise, Dimaria! Say, Oswald, are you sure only Bailey will miss Asuna?

---

When Luna woke up this time, her head weighed lighter than her body, her ears refused to pop, and she felt that same groggy disgustingness like she had not showered in days. A gentle hand shook her and a murmur of her name was there, but nothing registered. Her eyes cracked open to only see darkness.

"Blonde… Blondie, you good? You awake?"

Luna groaned. "That's it. I'm done time traveling. I have it it up to here and I am done." She turned her head and tried to sit up.

Gale helped her with a smirk. "We've got one more and then we're done. Good deal?"

Luna grunted as she tried to take in her surroundings. She saw they were in some sort of rock tent. The outraged storm was hazardously outside the tent. The blue glow of the medium was the only thing keeping them in complete gray. "Sure, fine, but, where are we? When are we?"

Gale let her go to run a hand through his wet hair. "We're in the past, but the storm is brutal. Made this tent when I woke up, but we're pretty much soaked. And, since we're about to go back out, figured it's be a waste to make any hot rocks to dry us off."

Luna hummed. "Fair point." She pouted at her soaked clothing. "Aw… The clothes Auntie Virgo made are all ruined…!" Her pouting was put to at a horrid crack of lightning and the screech of the River Guardian. "It sounds really bad," she murmured.

Gale noticed Luna's stricken look and nudged her with a wink. "Yeah, but we're bad ass," he reminded. "C'mon, girl, we're Fairy Tail. We've got this." A forlorn thought pushed at the forefront of his mind. "We gotta prove Dimaria didn't sacrifice herself for nothing."

Luna sobered at that too and nodded. Her eyes fell onto Nayda's medium.

We have to save her and everyone here. Miss Yesta gave us a fighting chance. So many people helped us to get here. We can't let them down.

Her eyes went to Gale as he stared absently into the storm.

He's been putting on such a brave face for me ever since day one. But now I know he's actually scared. And, somehow…that makes me feel better.

Luna nodded. "Okay then," she exhaled. "We need to find Meira."

"That's your ancestor, right?" Gale had to check. "Why her? Shouldn't we go to the heart of the storm and find the Guardian Duo?"

"She'll be there," Luna affirmed. "If she's anything like Mama, she's doing everything she can to stop Nayda and Erion from destroying Margaret Town. She'll do whatever it takes, even if it means sacrificing herself. But we"—she hardened—"won't let that happen. Not while we're standing."

Gale looked proud at Luna's delivered words. "Ya got guts, Blondie." He began to crawl his way out of the protection. "Let's get wet, shall we?"

Luna scooped up Nayda's medium and put Icarus's key in her pocket before crawling out to Gale. The winds did their best to sweep her away, but Gale was quicker and chained her feet to the earth like his was. Without a rain jacket on to protect Luna, the storm made sure she could not keep her head up or eyes peeled. Rubble surrounded them and the Mûre River was just a downhill walk from there.

Where could they—?

CR-CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Luna's eyes widened when she saw them and two words dropped from Gale: "Holy shit."

Nayda was raging against Erion in a typhoon of anger, throwing all she had against her brother. Erion was growing weak at Nayda's constant assault, but he did his best to fight back. And there was Meira there in her Celestial Queen Star Dress riding a Dragon and they fought valiantly to defend the Guardian of the Wind and Sky.

"This is happening?!" Luna shouted over the storm. "How are we going to make it up there? We can't fly!"

Gale frowned and he looked down at his pendant. His hands curled around the Heart of Hearts.

Maybe we don't need to fly…

Gale was quick in grabbing Luna's wrist. "C'mon, Blondie, I have a plan!"

Luna stumbled after him. "What is it?"

Gale smirked and yelled back. "We may not have a set of wings to get us up and into the fight, but how 'bout I do you one better?"

Sycaña's mind touched his. I have heard your request and will aid you. You are not properly trained, so this will drain you.

I don't care, Gale growled. It's do or die. And I'm really too young to go out in such an uncool way.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Staralia let the winds sail her higher as Meira prepared herself for a dive down, cloaked in her armor. She gathered her Magic within her and let her body waft golden energy. With a great leap, she was sailing downwards with her eyes locked on the raging River Guardian. She pointed her finger at Nayda for a bow to emerge of the galaxy. She plucked her bow for a raging arrow to appear.

"Markarian Super Shot!" Meira chanted before releasing her arrow. The arrow spun off into hundreds, all pelting down onto Nayda.

The wails shrieking out of Nayda were louder than the storm. She whipped streams of water around herself like a shield for hurried defense.

Staralia flew herself beneath Meira to catch her and circled back. She watched Nayda angrily shoot steaming hot water at the area around her and reduce well-structured brick into mush. "At this rate, she will obliterate everything in her path," she said to Meira over the volume of the storm.

Meira panted against Staralia's neck and caught a glimpse of Erion. The Sky Guardian roared at his other half and tried to douse her in winds and clouds. Nayda was swift in jetting through such weak offensive measures and trapping her other half within a Water Lock. Erion cried and howled within the Water Lock before he used lighting to break free. He raced higher into the sky with Nayda following.

He's doing everything he can to lead her away from the town. The higher they go up, the better chance we'll have of defeating her without destroying the town.

Meira violently coughed into her hand. When she withdrew it from her mouth, bits of blood matted her glove. Her eyes hollowed at the sight, then firmed in determination.

I can't give up. As a Star Maiden, a friend of Spirits, and future Clan Leader, it's my duty to help Spirits find their peace.

She clenched her hand. "Staralia, we have to follow them!"

Staralia locked her jaw as she braced herself. "Hold on, Sister-in-stars." With a growl, her wings carried the updraft and followed the battling Guardians higher into the war of a storm.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 039

The Fairies Who Leapt Through Time

時間を飛び越す妖精たち！マルグリットタウンを取り戻す！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

LBC NIGHTLYNEWS had John and Yoko anchoring into the night. Both looked refreshed and ready for the evening as they listened to another news anchor speak about how social media was now lash-backing against old posts and twits and stories of celebrities and how the sudden death of a young rapper was being morphed into an anti-drug movement on social media.

John smiled and nodded as the camera went back to the main stage. "Thanks, Cynthia. Y'know, Yoko…" He turned to his co-anchor. "I honestly believe social media has become the work of the Devil." As Yoko hummed and nodded her agreement, John continued, "I do. I really do. You're seeing more and more stars actually stay away from social media than stay on it."

"Yes, John, I agree with that," Yoko established. "I mean look at one of the co-leads for that new superhero show. She deactivated her twit, her instapic—even her snap!—all because of the lash-back on social media for her 'not being culturally appropriate for her role'. Look at the influence that social media has. Look at how stars are becoming political on social media." She turned to the camera and gave a nod. "Take a look at this Twit from celebrity Chris E—" She paused and her hand went to her ear. Someone was feeding her something. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this interruption, but we've just received word connection to Margaret Town has been restored and the Master of Lamia Scale is issuing a broadcast."

John and Yoko turned towards the screen as John said, "Cut to it, Terry."

Ooba Babasama's face was plastered on the screen in her sternness. You could clearly see the hardships the older Guild Master had faced, years of training younger generations and battles. She sat comfortably within her master's office with Commissioner Eckhart behind her to her left and her righthand Lyon to her right. "—for this chaos," she rumbled. "It was never the intention for Magic to get this out of hand. The point of Legal Guilds is not only to make strong magical relationships within the community, but to protect the freedom and safety of civilians. As a master of the guild in Margaret Town, I take responsibility for this failure. There are no words for me to use in apology nor words for me to beg for forgiveness. Our errors led us astray into chaos and I can only accept the blame."

Aaron watched the program from his position in his personal office. His office at his estate had many personal touches where he kept his most valuable awards and trophies. There was a picture of him and the president of Pergrande. There was him being sworn in as the minister with the old king of Fiore and the late queen as well as a younger version of Hisui. The actual full-dress uniform had been given its own mannequin and glass case to preserve it for years to come. Outside of the military, there were personal touches as said before. He had a jersey signed from the MagiCross World Cup as well as a photo taken with the head coach and her signature. He had pinned tickets to a Giltenan opera house to see the play Phantom of the Opera. He had pictures of his mother and father and his seven other siblings when they went to visit their family in Joya. And, he had a photo of him and a curious little girl right on his desk with a ribbon attached to it.

"I can only ask the citizens of my home to give us a chance to rectify the situation," Ooba continued. "I have spoken with the Magic Council as well as the mayor. My position as Guild Master will be reconsidered at my next meeting with Chairman Draculos. However, until then, I will be on probation and will remain as acting Guild Master. As I speak…"

Aaron went straight to his Compact to make a call. He tapped his desk as he waited for the person to pick up. When they did, he hardened. "Yes, this is Minister Marignano. I need to speak to the chairman as soon as possible." His eyes followed Ooba. "Yes, I'll hold."

°•°•°•°

"As I speak, Mages of both Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale and any able forces of the Council are moving as a combined unit to clear the town of debris and any potential threats. Master Erza has taken it upon herself to be on the front of clearing the town of any threats while S-Class Mage Yuka is leading clean-up. As a representative of both guilds, I issue a public statement saying the chaos done here is not the fault of any Mage in either guild, but it is our problem to fix this."

Freed's eyes were sparkling as he spoke to Liberty via FaceCall over his B-Cube. He was in the master bedroom of the factory loft apartment with the LV displaying Ooba's speech. A suitcase was open on the bed with clothes haphazardly on the comforter. He came out of the bathroom with his toiletries packed. "Libby, I promise you Justin is okay. He just broke an arm, but he's fine."

"That doesn't sound 'fine'!" Liberty protested, hugging James. The black cat looked like he was being strangled, but rather than claw his way out, he stayed perfectly still. "I need to see him! I want to see him, Baba!"

"And, you will, Ladybug," Freed assured. "You just need to be a good girl for your aunts, okay? I already got a ticket for the next train to Shenzhen Town. I'll be there soon and then we can go and see Justin together, okay?"

Liberty pouted. "Okay, Baba…" she supposed. "Promise you'll come soon?"

"Try and stop me," Freed challenged good-naturedly. "I love you, Ladybug."

"I love you, Baba," Liberty said, blowing him a kiss. She raised James' paw and had it wave at Freed. "James says, 'bye' too!"

Freed chuckled. "Bye, James," he cooed.

The black cat offered a low moan of a meow before the video cut. Freed sighed and picked up his B-Cube. "Oh, Libby," he murmured. "Just hold on until Baba gets to you."

"As for the Hunters, none have been reported within the boundaries of Margaret Town."

Freed turned to the LV as Ooba continued her speech. "While I am a representative for the Mages of this town, I do not represent the Magic Hunters and their actions. The way they handled their task to control and confine the rogue Mages used underhanded tactics that, unfortunately, got the job done. Still, by no means do I nor Master Erza condone this behavior and will be speaking to the Defense Ministry of Fiore at a later time."

Freed's eyes sharpened.

It only makes me wonder… What was going through the Chairman's mind when he agreed to them?

°•°•°•°

"We understand the allegations against the Guardian Duo and I would like to make it clear. These deities are not fictional. They exist and, yes, they had a large part to play in the destruction of my home, but none of which was intentional or their own volition. As of now, I cannot go into detail for reasons behind the attack as well as the faces of the true enemy, but I can assure you the Guardian Duo is not a threat to humanity."

A woman watched the news cast in her cabin, a quiet thing out in the woods and away from town. A lynx lay at her feet, purring in its sleep. A stack of tests that were mid-way through grading was on the table alongside a ring of a plethora of Silver Keys. A black Labrador lay on the couch next to a frail older gentleman whose hard eyes kept watch on the Lacrima-Vision.

"Per agreement of myself, Master Erza, the mayor, and the Chairman, we will continue to protect the Guardian Duo from all threats on their life. We will not tolerate any military attempting to extract such powerful beings from this river and this land." Ooba's eyes grew deadly. "Should any military personnel step within Margaret Town boundaries with that intent, we will not hesitate to restrain them or engage in defensive combat. This is not a threat. This is a warning."

A grin nearly hidden under a white beard. "Attagirl, you old spinster."

°•°•°•°

Ace was riding in the backseat of his ride in a Lacrima Four-Wheeler. He had his headphones in as he listened to Ooba's broadcast being livestreamed onto the news.

Ooba paused in her speech as a Mage came in. It was Meredy and she tiptoed to the master to whisper something into her ear. Ooba nodded and Meredy slipped away. Ooba spoke, "We have confirmation the clearers have been successful and the threat-level is nonexistent. Once we have reclaimed all of Margaret Town and cleared it of debris, I will speak to Mayor Sabozai of letting only those who evacuated regain access. Further information of transportation to Margaret Town will be released later."

°•°•°•°

CLICK.

Aisha sprung with surprise when the LV in the living room was turned off. It was an older, bulkier model, but it worked all the same. "Hey!" she protested, sitting in her pajamas on the couch. "I was watching that! Margaret Town's finally safe!"

A low moan. "Yeah? So, what?"

Aisha flipped over to lean onto the back of the couch with a frown. "I was worried about my friends," she admitted. "Luna and Nashi and Miss Wendy and Miss Cheila… They're all there and—"

"And what?" Puckered lips accepted the beer bottle and a throat guzzled another portion of it down. There was that sigh of relief and the back of the hand wiping a chin. "You care about those Mages? Don't be an idiot. They didn't even respond to your little holiday letters."

Aisha flinched at that and her gaze went down. "Well… They did leave for vacation," she reasoned. "Maybe… If I could have a Compact, then—"

"You're not"—a burp—"getting shit, you ungrateful brat. I put a roof over your head, give you a warm bed and food, and now you want me to do more for you?

Aisha winced. "Sorry, Auntie," she mumbled. "You're right. I should be grateful."

"Damn right you should!" Another swig. Footsteps creaked on floorboards as they lumbered off. "Go make dinner, then get to your room. I have company coming over and I don't want you to annoy them."

SLAM.

Aisha flinched again. "Yes, Auntie," she breathed quietly. She turned back around to stare longingly at the Lacrima-Vision.

Nashi, Luna, Miss Wendy, Miss Cheila… I just hope you're all okay.

°•°•°•°

Sting angrily threw his Compact onto the desk after ending the call. He rubbed his face. "Shit."

Rogue stopped working on the Archive Lacrima to watch him with a knowing expression. "They said, 'no', didn't they?"

Sting growled and his hand swiped at a stack of papers, letting them flutter everywhere. "We should be on there, dammit!" he cursed, pointing at the LV. "We should be showing our support for Margaret Town and defending Lamia Scale's actions! Don't they realize how much lash-back Master Ooba is about to get hit with for her broadcast?"

Rogue was already looking at the live comments rolling through on Ooba's words. "The public seems to demand answers," he noted. "Lamia Scale and, to an extent, Fairy Tail needs damage control."

"Exactly!" Sting cried. "If we rallied other guilds to show we stood with them—!"

"But you know what how many masters feel about Ooba," Rogue reminded calmly. "The rumor is they are trying to push her out of her position and this could very well be it. If she gets enough negative publicity, she'll be taken to trial instead of a simple meeting with the Chairman. Many are already demanding she and even Erza be taken to trial for letting this happen."

Sting gritted his teeth. "They didn't let jackshit happen—!"

"We know that, but the public doesn't," Rogue interjected. "They're scared and confused of what they don't understand. Many admire Mages, but many fear us too. This chaos in Margaret Town is giving anti-Magic protestors fuel and the Chairman and Master Ooba already know that. Luckily…"—he switched to the livestream of Mayor Sabozai—"with the mayor defending both Magic Guilds, Master Ooba and Erza will have a bit of safety."

"I have never lost faith in Master Ooba's judgment," Mayor Sabozai said with five microphones catching her words and various flashes surrounding her, "and I will not lose faith now. She has defended the people of Margaret Town multiple times from invaders who wanted to claim it for the riches of the river and the Guardians' power. She has always kept me and Commissioner Eckhart in the loop when it pertains to Magic within city limits. She and Master Erza and their guilds have my support and utmost gratitude for saving the home of many with their lives on the line."

°•°•°•°

In Shenzhen Town, at the convention center, Mayor Sabozai had taken to having a press conference in one of the rooms with her staff and the city council all at her side. News networks and reporters from papers and LacriNet writers were taking statements and more poured in by the minute. Ooba's broadcast was being streamed to the side for Mayor Sabozai to keep up.

"Mayor Sabozai! Mayor Sabozai!" came tumultuous call from nearly every reporter in the room, hands raised like impatient first graders wanting to ask a question.

The mayor chose a youthful reporter who stood up and cleared her throat for her recording. "Misses Mayor, I'm Juniper Dealer from FBS. Can you please tell all of us what is to come if Masters Ooba and Erza are taken to trial by the Council?"

Mayor Sabozai nodded. "I have already spoken to the mayor of Magnolia Town. Should Master Ooba and Erza be taken into custody and tried for baseless accusations, we will gladly fight against the Magic Council for them to keep their positions. A petition has already been passed through the evacuation center to keep Master Ooba as the Guild Master of Lamia Scale. While Spiritless hold no merit in the Magic World, when I was sworn in as mayor to this town, I promised the voices of these people would be heard and I will make it so."

Juniper was satisfied at the question and as she sat down, a new round of calling began.

Outside of the doors and in one of the female locker rooms of the convention center were a few Fairy Tail Mages. Evergreen was helping Eloise dry off from her shower. "Are you excited to go back, sweetie?"

Eloise nodded, giggling as a thoroughly soaking James stalked out of the bath area, unhappy at his wet fur. "Yeah, Mommy! I can't wait to see Daddy and Ellie and Elvie!"

"Libby, wait!"

Liberty zoomed out of the bath area without a towel and laughter on her lips. "No, Auntie Mira, I can dry myself!"

Mira stepped out of the bath area in her towel and exhaustion in her eyes, but a smile still touching her face. "I'm surprised Freed keeps up with her energy." Aine captured Liberty in a towel and kissed her cheek before wrapping her up and Mira shot her a grateful look. "You know how he likes order."

Lisanna chuckled as she lotioned Pulan's back in her own towel, Poseidon and Pim playing on their MS's. "Yeah, but Freed is a sucker for women, especially his Ladybug," she reminded. She booped her son's nose and he sprouted cat ears in his surprise, much to his embarrassment. She called to Mara, "Mara, let us know when you want to get out of the bath, okay?"

Thank you. I will.

Mara sat in her bath with her hair in a messy bun and her eyes gazing down into the top. She could see her legs lying there, unmoving. She focused hard on her big toe. She could see it moving. She remembered how it used to move.

But it never did.

Mara tilted her head back and closed her eyes.

I shouldn't have even tried…

Her eyes cracked open.

I wonder how everyone is faring with the aftermath. I wonder how Mary Jane changed. And, I wonder…if it's Elvin or his Magic.

---

The guards on Lamia Scale were a little lower than before with the threat level gone, but the protection was necessary. They watched from above rather than below and kept an ear out for news broadcasting and updates. To the east, a hulking figure watched the guild, watched for any approaching parties, and just watched.

The four on look out with their respective magical creature companions listened to the radio newscasters blather on about what was happening amongst the Magic Council and Wizard Saints.

"Now, rumor has it the masters will be summoned to Era to discuss the fate of Master Ooba. While there is further discussion due to Master Erza's involvement, due to Margaret Town being Master Ooba's jurisdiction, only she would be put on trial if the time comes."

A man snorted. "This is bullshit!" he claimed. "Master shouldn't be getting shit on for this! She did what she had to!"

An older woman sighed. "It's been a long time coming," she supposed. "We've known since years ago when Master Goldmine was removed that Master Ooba would be next." She shook her head. "It's only a matter of time."

"Don't say that!" A middle-aged Mage whipped his head to glare at the woman. "Master Ooba would never leave us like that! She would—!" A dark shadow flickered from the edge of his vision, making him stop and whirl around. He looked down below to see—

He gasped.

"Oh, my God," he whispered. "Oh, my God… Guys, look! Isn't that Elvin Strauss?"

The Mages all clambered around him to look down onto the street below. Murmurs of shock and identify confirmation rippled between the four while their animal companions looked at the human below in a sense of understanding. Elvin lay at the doorstep of Lamia Scale with his skin ingrained in wounds. His shirt, his jacket, his shoes—all gone with only his shredded pants to cover him and his glasses folded neatly beside him. His chest barely heaved, but it was safe to say he was still breathing.

"We've got to get down there!" a Mage shouted. "We need to help him inside! He's hurt!"

°•°•°•°

The Beast watched through dark eyes as humans gathered his little beast in their arms and opened the door to their den. Doctor Mothersbaugh came with a team and was already shouting for an IV and an oxygen mask. The humans swept the little beast away and shut the doors to their den and on the outside world. The Beast lingered before turning his back and rushing off into the shadows.

Wolfheim spoke. He's safe. We've done our part.

The Beast snarled, displeased at leaving behind its little beast. It impressed agitation and concern onto Wolfheim.

I know, but we can't steal the boy from his home, Wolfheim defended, justifying their actions. He has a human family who loves him. It has to be his choice unlike ours.

The Beast huffed. After minutes of travel, it breached to the outskirts of town. It shoved its way into the trees to find a particular clearing. As it approached it, the clearing was suddenly filled with a black Sky Boat thrumming and revving to go. A bay door opened as a young man came out of tan skin, rough edge to his eyes, a kufi hat on his head, and a robe in hand.

The Beast eventually slowed its step as its size reduced, its fur was exchanged for skin, and a man took its place. Wolfheim stalked to the Sky Boat.

The young man was quick to help Wolfheim into the robe while the Councilman continued his prowl. "Is he coming, sir?"

⌜MAGIC COUNCIL

Name: Maroon Sirki

Age: 28

Occupation: Executive Assistant to Wolfheim

Likes: seafood Dislikes: dairy products

Special Note: Maroon may seem all work and no play, but did you know he judges people by how much they make him laugh? ⌟

Wolfheim shook his head. "No. I gave him an offer he won't refuse."

Maroon nodded as he followed Wolfheim onto the Sky Boat. As the hatch closed behind them, he said, "Of course, sir. I can only wonder when he will take it."

Wolfheim paused in his steps. "I give him less than a year to see he needs me. In that time, we will be subtle in our movements. But the little beast knows better. He will come." He began to walk again. "Start the engines. We return to the estate."

Maroon nodded and shouted to the crew, "Prepare for lift-off! We return back to Beastly Manor!"

---

The party of Mages and ex-Council agents stopped when they swung back to the broom bikes. Conversation died down as everyone stumbled onto the realization it was time for good-byes. Asuna was the first to turn to the Mages and beam at them. "Well, it was nice to help out, but we better get our asses in higher gear. Military is going to be swarming the town soon enough and I'd rather not get arrested."

Delgado raised an amused eyebrow. "Not like evading the Guard is anything new to you."

Asuna puffed a cheek and punched his arm. "Watch it, avolito," she growled.

Leandro hesitantly came to Oswald. "Hey, uh… Thanks for…" He stumbled in his wording. "I mean, um…" He sighed and settled for a half-smile. "Thanks."

Oswald shrugged. "If you really want to thank me, buy me Windy's."

Asuna messed with Oswald's cap. "Don't be such a food whore," she chided good-naturedly.

Juvia came forward. "Gray Jaguar saved Juvia's darling Silver." She bowed low to them. "Juvia cannot thank them enough."

Jackson waved a hand of dismissal to the gratitude. "No sweat. 'Sides, Black Dogs are all of our problems." He scowled. "How convenient of Zelda to slip away, though."

"Don't go doubtin' our Huntress quite yet," Gajeel warned with Levy firmly tucked under his arm. "She's had a long-standing feud with Faye and a bigger one with her dick of an old man. Only natural she'll run after any lead on his whereabouts."

Jackson huffed. "Still."

As Riza placed a placating hand on Jackson's shoulder, she asked the Mages, "What's your next move?"

Lucy spoke for them all. "We'll head back to the guild with our report and check-in." She glanced back at the crowd of weary Mages and creatures alike who all took this moment of rest to share water and close their eyes. "We've got a lot of injured and many are dehydrated. Getting everyone back to the guild is our priority."

Riza nodded as the rest of the task force mounted their bikes. "I wish all of you the best of luck. It won't be easy. Your masters are probably getting heavily criticized for this."

"We'll protect 'em," Natsu swore. "They're not going anywhere."

Riza smiled. "I'm happy to hear that." Roy and Walt were already in their sidecars as she mounted her bike. The thrum of the broom bikes was almost silent as they turned on and warmed up.

Gajeel called, "Hey! We still have poker night in Clover next week, so get ready to lose your thong next time, Summers!"

Jackson blushed as the Gray Jaguar agents laughed. "Captain," he growled, revving up his broom bike. "Be careful or I'm winning your wife!"

Levy laughed as Gajeel snapped, "The Hell you are!"

Panther Lily waved at them. "Take care of yourselves!"

Asuna saluted him and was the first to raise her broom bike into the sky, the entire thing disappearing to match its surroundings. The others followed in suit and before the Mages knew it, Gray Jaguar was in the skies and out of sight.

Levy sighed. "There they go…"

Gajeel kissed her head. "But we'll see them again."

Lucy dug into her key pouch to pull out the old B-Cube and looked at the cracked heart.

I hope we see you all again too…

Natsu spun around to face the motley crew. "Well, we've got some ground to cover, so we gotta get our feet movin'! Everyone, time to get up!"

As the people and creatures shuffled to their feet, Gajeel called, "Lance!"

Lance was quick to stand in front of Gajeel. "Yes, sir?"

"You're the fastest one here with the Lightning Teleportation," Gajeel noted. "Run ahead and make sure they prepare enough spaces for all of us and a special place for the kid."

Lance nodded quickly. "Understood." With static clacking off him, he raced away, gaining ground at ungodly speeds. Everyone saw a bolt of blue lightning hit something before racing through the sky.

Natsu grinned. "All right then." He pumped a fist. "Let's go!"

Everyone pumped their fist too. "Aye, sir!"

---

The walk back from the warehouse was more like a military march of exhausted Mages. Linus led them home and kept in constant communication with the guild and the outside world at the help of Chrome and Genius. Blood stained torn clothing as the water from the flood washed the blood off the skin. Penelope had successfully contracted the Wraith to her and it decided to keep her company as they headed for the guild. An unconscious Luke was being carried on a stretcher by Finnegan's clones.

Nashi was still fuming as she tried to outpace Gary, Unfortunately, he easily matched her step for step. Gary grinned as he poked her cheek and she hit it away. "C'mon, Angel," he pleaded. "Don't be mad at me."

"Don't talk to me," Nashi muttered. "Don't walk next to me and do me a favor and stop breathing." She flashed him a fake smile before upping her pace.

Gary kept up with her. "Okay, okay, so, you're mad—"

Nashi whipped around to sear him with a burning glare. "Oh, I'm mad?!" she snarled. "No, I'm not 'mad'. I'm fucking pissed at you, you goddamn jackass!" She huffed and turned away from him. "But, go ahead and treat this and my feelings like a joke and see if I care."

Gary frowned. He was decisive in his movements to get in front of Nashi and effectively halt her. "I'm not treating your feelings like they're a joke," he tried to reason. "I didn't mean to upset you and make you feel like your siblings were in danger, but they weren't."

Nashi sneered and moved around Gary. "Fuck you."

Gary intercepted her once again with hard eyes and a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't be like this," he growled.

Nashi suddenly became even more furious with a dash of incredulity. "Don't be like what, asshole?" she challenged, tone filled with dangerous questioning. "Rightfully angry because my siblings were dragged into a fight where they nearly got themselves killed? Am I acting like a bitch to you, Fullbuster? Do you not like it when I have emotions?"

"Oh, don't give me that bullshit," Gary hissed at her, bristling. "I get that you're angry at me, but please, we need to talk about this."

Nashi lifted her chin and her nostrils flared. "There is nothing for us to talk about," she snarled lowly to him. Hickory wildly searched cerulean. "I finally get it. You just don't care." She jerked out of his touch.

Gary captured her again. "I do care," he said vehemently. "I care more than you know, Angel." He tried to take her cheeks into his hands, but each touch he gave her, she pulled away. When he finally captured her, he refused to let her go. "I care about you, Angel, and I care about Fairy Tail, our family and our friends—"

"Then, why would you risk my family's life?!" Nashi shouted. Her eyes glistened hotly with unshed tears. "Why, Gary? Why would you put my little sister into something that could kill her?"

Gary furrowed his brow. "Angel, I wouldn't ever put her life at risk," he promised, though confused at the turn in this conversation. "You know me. You know I love Luna like she's another sister to me." He watched as Nashi sniffled and shook her head, hanging it.

"No. No, I don't know you." Nashi sniffed and tucked loose strands behind her ears. "No, you're all the same. You say you care and you love, but it doesn't matter to you in the end until you get what you want. And, I—" She put a hand to her mouth to choke back a sob while her other hand brushed her stomach. Her head rapidly shook. "Y'know what? I can't, I can't…" She tilted her head up and blinked swiftly to wipe her cheeks. "I can't right now. I really just can't." She brushed past him.

Gary whirled to follow her, but something made him halt in his tracks. "Angel?" He watched as Nashi joined Mystogan's side. Mystogan seemed to notice Nashi's distress and tucked her under the crook of his arm. He kept up with his conversation with another Mage, but he thumbed at Nashi's side and let her lean on him for support.

The Devil growled at the obvious contact between his Angel and the Heavenly Body of Fairy Tail. He paced within Gary's head with unsuppressed envy and rage. We should be her comfort, not the male of light. He touches her more familiarly than an associate. The growl loudened and vibrated through Gary's chest.

Gary gritted his teeth as he tried to control his Devil's emotions and keep his eyes those of a human. Mystogan is a friend,he gritted out forcefully. He isn't doing anything wrong. We're the reason she's upset, so he's comforting her like a friend should. She doesn't want to be near us. The pain of that statement felt more like a sin to bear than a fact to know.

The Devil disliked that and made known when Gary found his body temperature rapidly dropping. I do not fully understand the term of this 'friend', but I do not like malã'ika being this close to another male. She is our Female, our Light. The bitter cold increased in sharpness as the Devil snarled louder. She is mine! In a moment lapse of restraint, he surged against Gary, fighting for control. Silver-ice blue glowed through Gary's eyes as they focused on Nashi. Ice and darkness began to curl upon Gary's hands to his forearms.

Gary's neck cracked as white danced on his black locks. His canines sharpened as his Devil began to emerge. His frosty eyes locked on Nashi and he exhaled forest. "Malã'ika," the Devil forced out—Gary's voice was prominent, but the snarl of the Devil tinged it—"is…mine…!"

Gary gave his own growl and shoved back at his Devil like he was physically wrestling him down. He wrangled with the urges of his Curse, of the urges of the whispers, of the ice, of the darkness. "Shut – up," he growled.

If we rush at her, she'll only push us away, Gary snapped at his Devil. Get your head out of your ass and drop the jealousy! Mystogan is a friend! He has every right to be next to her!

The Devil flashed his teeth, but he crouched low and he would—for now. There was no intention of calming down, however. He pulsated fury and unpleasant covetousness. You are me, Human, and I am you, the Devil reminded in an unkind sneer. You give little to your emotions, but I am those inner emotions you enjoy to contain below the ice. You are jealous. You desire to hoard your Female and keep her at your side because I desire it. She should be at our side. We may be the reason for her tears, but it is us who should wipe them and make her feel content. The Devil's presence grew less intense as he rumbled his words. We are brothers, Human, brothers of Curse, of blood, of soul, of heart. Do not forget that.

That was the last Gary heard before his Devil retreated within the depths of his mind, watching and listening but not weighing in. Gary rubbed the back of his neck as his eyes sought Nashi. He watched as she adjusted herself within Mystogan's arm and nuzzled into his shoulder…

…and he looked away with a fist clenched.

Mary Jane looked around. Buildings, homes, stores—many were destroyed without any hope of being built up again. "I can't believe this happened," she murmured.

Cane wrinkled his nose at the dead carcass of a Chimera and two MCPs that were being covered by other MCPs. "Yeah. I definitely didn't get the type of vacay action I wanted."

Mary Jane looked at Igneel who faithfully stayed at her side. He seemed still on edge and the emerald had not left his eyes all together. She frowned. "Igneel?"

Igneel's eyes snapped to hers and onyx immediately flooded back into them. He looked at her in worry. "What? Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he fretted, eyes checking her for injuries.

Mary Jane shook her head. "No. I'm fine. It's just…" She looked away.

"We can't go running scared now! We have to fight!"

The focus looked at a disbelieving Luna.

"What happened to the Mary Jane who didn't care about the odds? What happened to the girl who would fight no matter what?"

The vision flickered to a bleeding Igneel struggling to gather himself on scarlet grass. Then, to a near-dead Elvin on the pavement of Magnolia with his glasses gone and no patch of skin untouched.

"MJ?"

Mary Jane's eyes glistened. "I'm…sorry," she choked out. "I'm…so sorry…"

Igneel softened. "MJ…"

Mary Jane closed her eyes. "I know my sorries don't mean anything and they shouldn't. But, I'm still sorry, Igneel. I'm sorry for everything."

Something warm draped across Mary Jane's neck.

Mary Jane opened her eyes to see Igneel's signature red scarf was wrapped around her.

"Someone very important made me that scarf."

Mary Jane looked up at Igneel, but he was smiling to himself as he looked forward. Yet his eyes were that of the past.

"They told me I could use this scarf whenever I needed some comfort. They embedded their Magic in it, so I could feel them every time I needed strength and every time I wanted to cry," Igneel told.

Mary Jane began to remove the scarf from her neck. "Well, then, I shouldn't—"

"No, no, it's okay!" Igneel turned to grin down at her with a finger rolling his ring around. "You need it more than I do! And, besides, she'd want you to—!"

"'She'?"

Igneel clammed up as though he realized a mistake.

Mary Jane blinked up at him curiously. "I remember you told me about your friend who brought you to Fairy Tail and she was special to you." She looked down at the scarf. "I remember you giving this to me and me telling you to be careful about who you gave it to." Her eyes hardened. "You still should. I'm… I'm not a good person, Igneel. I made other people suffer just because I could. You should let someone borrow your scarf who has that same niceness as your friend."

Silence.

"How can you say that to me?"

Mary Jane looked up to see Igneel's bangs shadowing his eyes. His muscles flexed as his fists clenched, shaking.

"How could you say that to me?" Igneel rumbled, voice deepening into a snarl. "How can you just talk down about yourself like that in front of me like I don't know you?"

Mary Jane was taken back. "I'm sorry," she apologized profusely. "I shouldn't have said anything. I didn't mean to upset you, I—!"

Igneel looked even angrier at that. "Oh, you're 'sorry'?"

Cane frowned as he pulled Mary Jane closer to him. "Yo. Cool your jets, Dragneel," he tried to warn. "No need to explode."

Mary Jane swallowed nervously, eyes flicking around. "I'm really sorry," she said in a meek voice. "All I've done is hurt you and I'm doing it again. I told you, I'm not a good per—!"

"Don't you dare fucking say that to me!"

Mary Jane gasped when Igneel's hands shot out to grab her shoulders, stopping them both from moving. She could feel the threat of his flames through his palms, but his hot touch did not sear her skin, oddly enough. But, her eyes looked at the Mage before her in fear to see golden flames at the tips of his hair.

"I'm sorry," she tried again weakly.

"Why are you sorry?" Igneel demanded to know. "Why? Why do you keep telling me you're not a good person?" His shoulder shook and his fangs flashed. "Why are you acting like I don't know you? I do know you! I know you, MJ!" He looked at her.

Watery emerald-onyx clashed with fearful scarlet-cerulean.

"I know you!" Igneel told her, practically shouting at her. "I know you don't like pickles or onions on your burger! I know you love dancing in the rain to your old man's jazz records! I know you always wanted a dog, so that's why you played with the Takanashi's dog so much and secretly fed it treats! I know you only cook when you have the radio on! I know how much you wanted to travel to hear the music of the world!"

DRIP.

DROP.

Mary Jane's eyes widened when she saw tears streak down Igneel's cheeks.

"I know you say you don't have a favorite color, but it's really violet and you hate the word 'purple'!" Igneel breathed. "I know you, MJ! Stop talking to me like I don't!" A hand slid up her neck and pressed into her cheek. Desperation clouded his eyes as he stared at her. "You know I know you. You know I do. So, don't talk to me like I don't, please." He sniveled. "Please, you know I know you." He pressed his forehead against her, skin to skin, hot to cold. His chest heaved as he held back his cries. He let his eyes close as tears fell from his chin and dripped hotly onto her. "Please. I know you," he whispered to her.

Mary Jane's eyes were wide as she let Igneel hold her close. She knew Cane was by the vicinity watching them and could vaguely sense Gary, Mystogan, Nashi, and a couple other stragglers. But, what she felt was Igneel's heat. It was a comforting heat that she could sink into, like a hug she very much needed or a relaxing bath. Her eyes softened as her hand went up to slip the scarf off her neck.

"All I really do is make people cry," Mary Jane regarded. She was careful to pull the scarf back onto Igneel's neck. "I didn't mean to make you cry." Her hand went to his back and rubbed it. "I must've brought up some memories of your friend, didn't I? I can tell you miss her a lot."

Igneel stilled.

Mary Jane thought herself to be on the right track and smiled softly. "I know it's not much, but I'd like to hear more about her," she said, soft spoken. "For years, my mom told me just talking about things help. I never listened to her and I know that hurt her. But I can listen to you."

Igneel's hands fell limp.

Mary Jane took a step back and opened her eyes—

—and was completely astonished to see gleaming emerald looking at her.

"You don't understand," whispered Igneel. "You still don't."

Nashi took a cunning step forward, half to defend Mary Jane and half to stop her brother. "Igneel," she warned, "back away."

Mary Jane gulped and her hand went to her charm. "I-I know I don't understand," she tried to explain, "but…maybe I could—"

Igneel took a step towards her and Mary Jane immediately took a step back. A feral grin crossed his face as he cocked his head. "Maybe you could understand? Great idea," he purred. He took another step and Mary Jane did so backwards. "I thought you wanted to help me? You wanted to understand me? Why aren't you coming closer?"

"You're not being you," Mary Jane whimpered.

"No? I'm not being me?" Igneel chuckled. It sounded wrong. It sounded angry. "How would you even know what I'm like? You don't even know me."

"That's enough." This time it was Gary who said it and he carefully stalked to Igneel. "Igneel, calm down."

"Why?" Something lit in Igneel's eyes. "She wants to understand me." He took another step closer and watched as Mary Jane took a couple back. Something stirred in his mind. It was like a game they were playing, a game of chase. "She could understand me." His grin broadened to make way for his Teeth of Nature.

Mary Jane paled. "Igneel, stop," she tried to warn.

Igneel cracked his neck. "No. You wanted to understand me?" He licked his canines as flames burst from his knuckles. "Then, let me help you." He pounced for her.

Several things happened at once.

Mystogan blew back Igneel with a gust of wind from his palms. Gary rushed at Igneel. Cane yanked Mary Jane back and covered her with his body. Nashi transformed mid-step and surrounded herself, Cane, and Mary Jane in a Holy Shield. Mary Jane panted heavily as she watched Igneel squirm and rage within Gary's hold, his eyes locked onto her. She could feel only terror about what would happen if he was released.

"Igneel, you're scaring her!" Nashi shouted at her brother. "Knock it off!"

Mystogan stood in front of the Holy Shield with his hands ready to attack. "Igneel, this isn't the time or place for your attitude," he commanded. "You need to calm down."

Igneel snarled as he lurched within Gary's hold. "Let me touch her!" he demanded. "I'll make her understand me!"

"You need to learn control," Gary growled at him lowly. His Devil and him merged to heighten Gary's nose and sniff the Flame Mage. He scowled at the realization. "You didn't take your medication like you promised you would every day, Igneel! You promised!"

Igneel glared at Gary at that. He did not see a guild mate, a friend, his kin. He saw the enemy that stood in his way for his Claim. He hissed, "I don't need it! I know what you people have been trying to do to me! You just don't want me near her! You're stealing her from me!"

The Devil surfaced to face Igneel and his raging flames as black hair tinted to white and silvery-ice blue met with frustrated emerald. "We do not steal Females, prince," the Devil retorted. "You know no restraint without your mentor. You frighten your Female with your teeth and your eyes."

Igneel showed his Teeth of War as flames came onto skin. "Let me go!"

The Devil shook his head, showing his own Teeth of War and the darkness he lived with. "You are outclassed here," he warned. "You will learn control!"

Igneel sneered as he dug his fangs into the Devil's arm and released molten heat into his bloodstream. The Devil roared at the pain and let go of his prisoner as a result. Igneel darted away from the Devil and was about to lurch for Mary Jane when he saw Mystogan blocking his path. He curled his lip, spine curving, feral glinting in his eyes at the challenge ringing clear. Mystogan did not falter. In waves, he released his Magic as though issuing a warning, not a challenge. It was as if to say you cannot beat me. Igneel snarled and shot a string of Purple Flare onto a building behind him. His eyes locked onto Mary Jane and captured her terror before he yanked himself up and away and into the remains of Margaret Town.

Mystogan was quick to rush to the Devil and help him up. "Are you all right?" He saw the burn marks and the oozing blood coming from the fang marks embedded in his skin.

The Devil shook his head and growled. "I am fine," he assured. "He surprised me. I will not be surprised again." He gave Mystogan a look. "He needs his mentor. Stay with the Females. I will follow him and guide him towards His Majesty." His wings protruded out of his back and flexed on instinct. He glanced back at Nashi in vain to catch her eye. She refused to look at him. With a self-aimed glare, the Devil flapped his wings and took off into the sky.

When it was safe, Nashi dropped her shield and Mary Jane felt her knees give out. Cane helped her sit down as she hyperventilated, eyes still staring at the spot where Igneel disappeared. Nashi de-transformed to kneel at Mary Jane's side and rubbed her shoulder.

"Take deep breaths, Mary Jane," Nashi soothed. "In and out. Inhale and exhale." As Mary Jane took deep breaths and still shook, Nashi's eyes sought Cane's and hardened. "I can't believe he would try to attack Mary Jane like that. I spent years thinking he wanted to become her friend, but all he wanted to do was maul her?" She shook her head. "Where is the sense in that?"

Cane frowned. "Seeing him angry at her was a shock," he had to admit. "I never thought he could get angry at her."

"No…"

Cane and Nashi looked down at a rattled Mary Jane as she regained a steady breathing rhythm.

"He… H-H-He wasn't…" Mary Jane took another deep breath. "He wasn't angry at me."

Nashi raised an eyebrow. "Mary Jane, he tried to kill you," she emphasized.

Mary Jane shook her head. "No… No, he didn't."

"And just how do you know that?" Nashi demanded.

Mary Jane blinked. "His eyes…"

Emerald eyes shining on the surface of angry but glinting in pain and grief.

He was sad, Mary Jane realized. It's like he's really upset. But, over what? Is it his friend?

Her eyes caught onto the red scarf Igneel had left behind. She fought off Cane and Nashi to crawl over to it. Shaky hands grabbed onto it and held it close to her heart. Her eyes searched the empty streets for any sign of Igneel, but she knew none would appear.

Igneel… I know you're hurting. Don't do what I did. Let someone help you with your hurt.

"Well," Mystogan coughed, bringing attention to himself, "we can't keep standing here." He went to crouch before Mary Jane and could not suppress his soft stare. "Can you stand on your own or do you want help?" He rolled out his hand in offering.

Mary Jane's immediate reaction was to flinch.

Nashi stepped over to replace Mystogan and proffered a delicate smile with delicate hands. "Hey," she breathed. "Look at me. No one is going to touch you if you don't want to be touched, okay?"

Mary Jane swallowed and looked down. "Sorry," she mumbled. She flinched at her own apology and cowered from it like she was expecting punishment.

"He's not here, Mary Jane," Nashi reminded as she kept her voice light. "He's not going to touch you. You're safe and with friends."

Mary Jane blinked when she felt her eyes sting. "I didn't mean to make him upset at me," she whispered. "I'm sorry."

"I know you didn't," Nashi soothed. "It's not your fault for any of this. I just want you to know that. It's not your fault. Do you understand?"

Mary Jane gave a tiny nod and reached for Nashi's hands. Nashi sighed as she helped Mary Jane to her feet and brushed back her hair. "I think we should catch up with the others," she purposed, keeping Mary Jane nuzzled into her side, "and leave this crap behind us."

Mary Jane hugged Igneel's scarf closer to her and asked quietly, "Will Igneel be okay?"

Nashi snorted derisively. "Oh, he'll be fine once he cools off and acts less like a dick to you."

Mystogan shot Nashi a look before turning to Mary Jane. "Gary and his Devil will keep an eye on him," he promised. "Don't you worry. Igneel's no pushover and the city is safe. Your only worry is us getting back to the guild."

Cane shuffled his deck of cards. "Man, this has been one crazy vacation," he had to admit as he began walking. "Next time we go for some chillaxin', I'm saying we go to Caracole Island or Garcina Island." He grinned at Mystogan. "Think you could put in a good word with the Master?"

Mystogan sighed. "I'll see what Mother says," was all he could guarantee.

Nashi guided Mary Jane after Cane. "C'mon. The sooner we get back, the sooner we can take a shower." She wrinkled a nose. "God, I reek."

Mary Jane nestled into Nashi's side and merely listened instead of participated in any type of conversation. Her eyes were drawn to the scarf she held in her hands. Her fingers felt the abnormally soft and breathable material.

To think he's been holding onto this scarf all these years… It's all been for his friend… He misses her so much if he's still this upset.

Mary Jane closed her eyes as her fingers found her delicate charm.

She's gone and this is all he has to remember her.

"They must've been amazing friends."

"What?"

Mary Jane realized she spoke aloud and Nashi was looking down at her. She blushed slightly at her embarrassment. "O-Oh. Sorry," she mumbled.

Nashi shook her head. "No, no, don't be," she soothed. She nodded at the scarf. "The scarf, huh? Yeah, the one who made that for Igneel, she was… Well, she was pretty special." She sighed at the memory. "She was pretty much the only one besides Papa who could really control him and his angry child behavior."

"What do you mean by that?" Mary Jane remembered something. "Luna told me Igneel had something called CD or ODD."

Nashi scratched her neck. "Yeah… Listen, it's not something we like to talk about…"

Mary Jane quickly backpedaled, "Oh, I'm sorry—!"

"…but you're pretty much family," Nashi continued, "and with everything that happened, you should know. Igneel… When he was younger, he was a literal nightmare when he wanted to be. We're talking arson and breaking glass and theft…" She flipped her hair to a different side. "He was a menace and it was amplified with him being a Mage, let alone a Fire Mage. Thank God Grams Porlyusica and Aunt Wendy worked together to make a medication strong enough to curb it all for him now, but back then, it was hard. But he really worked at it for her."

Mary Jane's eyes softened. "What happened?"

Nashi gave a one-shouldered shrug. "I'm not really sure all the details that went down, but I remember the first time he came home after meeting her. He had something in his hands." She squinted her eyes to remember. "I can't really remember what, but I've never seen him so awestruck, y'know? He came home real quiet and subdued." She smiled a little. "He asked Mama how girls could be so pretty and what they liked."

Mary Jane smiled. "He did? Really?"

Nashi snorted her laughter. "Yeah. I made fun of him for blushing, but he didn't do anything back. Mama and him had a talk and before I know it, my little bro is sneaking out of the house all the time to meet up with this girl and is branded a thief across Magnolia because he was doing his best to impress her."

"Did you ever meet her?"

Mary Jane felt disappointment when Nashi shook her head.

"No. From what we got out of him and what Mama told us, she was pretty sick," Nashi explained. "She was either in her house or at the hospital. Tried to follow Igneel once, but he always managed to disappear." She nodded at the scarf. "But, that scarf… I remember when he got that as a birthday gift. He was so proud to wear it. He said his friend made it for him to wear to cover up the scar he had like her mark covered hers, but I could always see it meant something more than that." Her eyebrows wrinkled and shifted together, puzzled. "To be honest, I'm a little shocked he gave it to you so easily. He doesn't even let Mama wash it. He hand-washes it and hand-dries it."

Guilt gutted Mary Jane. "I shouldn't be holding this then."

"Hey, if my dipshit of a brother gave that to you, feel blessed," Nashi told her. "It really means he trusts you above all else for you to hold a prized possession of his." She broke into a scowl. "Still, I'm kicking his sorry ass for freakin' on you like that.

"Don't be mad at him," Mary Jane admonished. "I was upsetting him. It's okay. I…" She gulped. "I've done worse to him, so, really, it's okay."

Mystogan frowned and decided to step in. "It doesn't matter what your actions towards him were before this trip. What he did was inexcusable, especially towards his own guild mate. He'll be punished for this."

Mary Jane visibly saddened at that and looked down at the scarf. "I don't want him to get in trouble," she murmured. "Really. It's okay. Let's not make a big deal out of this. Please."

Mystogan and Nashi exchanged a silent conversation. Mystogan raised an eyebrow while Nashi nodded along. He sighed. "I'll do what I can to keep Igneel's actions out of my report to both masters, but I can't guarantee either of you will be saved from Mother's wrath."

Mary Jane gave a tiny sigh of relief. "Thank you."

They approached Lamia Scale in no time with guild members on guard calling to the others they were among friends. The door was already open for them and a sea of familiar faces greeted them. Mary Jane saw that regardless of the atrocities and injuries, Mages and creatures alike could still be merry. She saw how Meredy leapt into her son's arms with Ultear smiling at her brother returning. Cane plopped down to join a game of poker with his buddies and demanded to be dealt the next hand. Cheila was FaceCalling her very worried cousin Sherry to reassure her.

It was Doctor Mothersbaugh who saw them first and grunted, Aceso faithfully at his side. "You three made it back," he noted. "All three of you need to be examined and check-in."

Mystogan shook his head. "These two do. I need to get permission from a master to head back out to recover Laxus, Andy, and Peter."

"My little girl okay?" Noah had to ask.

"She did amazing," Mary Jane put in. "Everyone is safe, Doctor. You should be proud of her."

Noah grunted again and scrutinized Mary Jane. "Something's different about you…"

"Mary Jane!"

Mary Jane barely had time to look when a force of nature reeled her in for a bear hug. She found herself smothered and shaken.

"Oh, Mary Jane, we've been so worried!"

Mary Jane was pulled back to see a watery-eyed Ellie holding her shoulders. "Ellie..."

"Worrying is manly!"

Mary Jane choked when she found herself at the mercy of Elfman's embrace. He lifted her up and held her tight against her chest. "Uncle…Elfman," she wheezed.

Elfman was crying crocodile tears. "We're so happy you're okay!" he bawled.

Paige looked flatly at her uncle. "Uncle E, you're going to kill her."

Once Mary Jane was set down, she gasped to regain missing breath. She looked on to see Paige, Penelope, and Bixslow were all waiting for her with smiles (Penelope with her mask of indifference).

"Geez, Lightning Bug, you're as much trouble as your dad," Bixslow teased as he wrangled Mary Jane into a light hug. "Just don't tell him I said that."

His babies echoed him. "Said that! Said that!"

Mary Jane smiled a little. "Of course not."

Paige looked excited. "You smiled!" she exclaimed. "Oh my God, you finally smiled!" She took into May Jane's full appearance, notably her eyes. "Nice eyes, by the way. Were you wearing colored contacts this whole time?"

Ellie looked like she finally noticed and beamed. "Hey! You're just like me now! Twinsies!"

Elfman and Bixslow exchanged a somber look.

Mary Jane's smile diminished in brightness at the mention of her eyes. "Right. I never wore colored contacts. My eyes just kind of…look like this now," she supposed.

ZZZZZT.

"Well, I like them."

Mary Jane did a heel turn and tipped up her head to see Lance standing before her. He may have been S-Class and his father's prodigy, but at the face of his little sister, he did not look so confident. His smile was apprehensive as though waiting for her to disregard him like she normally did, waiting for her to snap at him.

He gave a pathetic wave. "Hi, Spitfi—um, Mary Jane," he quickly corrected.

Mary Jane noticed and tipped her head curiously. "What were you going to call me?"

Lance scratched his wrist and looked away. "Nothing," he murmured in dismissal. "Sorry. I'm just happy you're back safe."

Mary Jane observed her brother. Grief tinged at her thoughts the more she watched him.

He can't even look me in the eye because I was so horrible to him for so long. What kind of sister was I if my own brother can't even face me?

Mary Jane stepped closer to Lance and surprised him. "I'm happy you're safe too." She offered him a smile. "But I knew you would be. You're just like Daddy—a Thunder God in your own right."

Lance's eyes rounded and glistened. "Mary Jane?"

Mary Jane looked down at the scarf in her hands. "I'm sorry I made you feel like I didn't care," she began. "I was terrible and cold and distant to you. You're my family—my brother—and I was so mean to you." Her eyes watered at just realizing the weight of that statement. "What type of sister am I to do that to her own brother?" She closed her eyes to suppress her tears. "I'm sorry, Lance." Her voice wobbled. "I don't deserve to say 'sorry' or for any forgiveness, but I'm—"

ZZZZT.

Mary Jane found herself trembling within Lance's arms. He snuggled her into his chest and looked like he was having a hard time keeping his own emotions in check judging by the static coming off him.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Lance whispered fiercely. "You're my sister and I love you no matter what, okay? You'll always be my little sister." He pulled back with a soft smile. He watched Mary Jane bite her lip to keep from sobbing and the sniffles that fell from her nose and the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Don't cry," he cooed. "There's nothing to cry about, Spitfire." He pulled her back into his chest. "There's nothing to cry about."

Nashi watched with Luke hobbling towards her as Lance and Mary Jane hugged while their family watched. "You okay?" Nashi asked. "Shouldn't you be resting?"

Luke gave a meh sort of gesture. "The smelling salts woke me up." He cracked his neck. "To be honest, I don't feel tired. Maybe a little achy, but not at all drained. My vitals were fine and I'm clear."

Nashi nodded and turned back to the Strauss Family. "I'm so happy for Mary Jane," she admitted.

Luke glanced at her. "I sense a 'but' coming on…"

"Well, it's a little weird, don't you think?" Nashi pressed on when Luke shrugged helplessly. "Think about it. Igneel and Mary Jane go down to some dank cave. Something happens and Mary Jane has a seizure. She wakes up and has a personality shift?" She scoffed. "Something's off."

Now Luke became wary. "You don't trust Mary Jane?"

"That's not what I'm saying," Nashi dismissed. "It's the situation I don't trust. No, there has to be something more. She has a red and a blue eye, she smiles, she cries—what type of seizure did she go through?"

Luke glanced around before gesturing for Nashi to come closer. When she did, he muttered, "I checked out people's vīrya when I woke up for a typical scan and I noticed something weird. Mary Jane's vīrya used to be a blue with a little red. But now, its halving itself with red."

Nashi grew alarmed. "What?!" she whisper-shouted. "It can do that?"

Luke shook his head. "It shouldn't," he stressed. "It shouldn't change color." He shot her a look. "And, don't tell me you can't feel it too."

Nashi frowned and looked on as Mary Jane left Lance's arm for Ellie and Justin to swarm her.

I know. I do feel it.

"Luke!"

Nashi and Luke looked up to see Mystogan rushing at them with Olivia. He looked at his disciple. "Come. We're going back out to the cave to rescue Laxus, Andele, and the Spiritless. You're with me in the event we run into your brother. You have the power to calm him enough until I can knock him out."

Luke nodded swiftly and said to Nashi, "I'll be back."

"Be safe," Nashi wished as she watched them all leave. Her stare turned back to narrow on Mary Jane.

I wonder…

Nashi let her eyes light up in the hue of her Magic. All around her, people disappeared to see the nature and color of their souls. She shifted through the masses.

Luke was right… Her Magic… It isn't—

A gasp ripped out of her mouth. She stumbled back and lost touch with her Soul Sight.

Oh my God… How…?

Nashi watched Mary Jane smile as Justin played with her hair and promised her a makeover. The absolute shock she felt rattled her so much, her souls felt it.

Mary Jane… Just what are you?

---

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Luna watched Gale half in bewilderment and the other half in anxiety as he weathered the storm, mud, and his own sweat, molding nature in his own image. He gave another hard grunt. His arms dropped and he slicked his hair back, ragged pants heaving through his chest as the crack of lightning flew overhead. "I could do without your doubt, Blondie," he shouted. "I'm the one doing all the hard work here! What are you doing?"

Luna huffed from the safety under a tree. "At least I'm not the one who looks constipated," she yelled back.

Gale shot her a dark look. "I can hear you!"

"I know…! That's why I said it loud…!"

Gale rolled his eyes as he set back to his work. "I'll show you loud," he muttered under his breath. He shook out his kinks. "C'mon, guy, just a little bit more and we're golden." He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath, scrunching up his face. His hands moved into position and he grunted through his teeth as he worked his newfound Magic.

Luna flinched when she heard the rumbles of Magic and the tussles of nature. She peeked up to catch the fierce battle between Guardians and Star Maiden. Nayda had made a play with a whirlpool of water at her brother. Erion countered it with a whirlwind of lightning, setting off an explosion. Staralia burst through it to attack Nayda with a roar of the Heavens. She visibly saddened.

How can we stop this? We don't have Shenlong and…

Luna looked down at the medium that winked at her.

I don't really know what I did to connect with Nayda. I can't feel the same things I did before. I mean my Magic working… It's just luck. Lightning doesn't strike the same tree twice.

"Blondie?"

Luna looked up to see a well-exhausted Gale looking down at her. He noted the sudden loss of determination in her eyes. "Hey," he breathed, "don't get all worried now. Too late to pull out." Something clicked and Gale gave a lecherous smirk. "That's what—"

"Gale!"

"Sorry!" Gale laughed. He rake a hand through her wet strands and brushed them back. "Just breathe and hold onto me, okay?"

Luna swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, okay."

Gale led her over to what he created: a pit of mud and vines. He and Luna waded their way through the uncomfortable stickiness of the mud, though with such a storm brewing, neither cared what happened to their clothes. Gale kept them both well above their waistlines with his Magic once they got to the middle. He turned to Luna. "Hold onto me and don't let go," he ordered. "I'm not so sure how smooth this will be."

Luna did as she was told and wrapped one arm around him and kept a firm grip on the medium.

Gale clutched his pendant as his eyes shut. Sycaña?

I've heard you loud and clear, little gem.

Gale's eyes snapped open a gleaming ruby. With a roar, he surged him and Luna upwards, spearheading a tornado of mud and vines and earth. Luna watched in disbelief as they rose at the speed of a speeding bullet. Solid ground has been planted beneath her and the mud around her caked to keep her from flying away.

This is amazing, Luna thought in awe. He's doing all this?

A blood-curdling roar.

Luna flinched and looked at the sky. Alarm shot through her when she saw the remains of a bubble attack and ice crystals hurdling towards them. "Gale!" she shouted warningly.

Gale grunted and whipped an arm. Vines swirled in mud lashed out in a tentacle to bat away the onslaught of attacks, destroying them mid-air. "Don't worry," he growled. "I've got it."

Luna watched the mini explosions before flinching at another crack of lightning. Through the shadows of the clouds, she saw Erion was hit and Staralia was protecting him from Nayda. Her hand gripped the medium tighter. "We've got to get up there!"

"Workin' on it!" Gale gritted out as he raised them to new heights. "Hold on!"

Luna stared into the warring clouds. We're coming, Auntie. We're coming, Guardians.

°•°•°•°

Staralia gathered celestial energy into her claws. "Etamin Claw!" She swiped her claws in the air for a large X made of claw marks to forge itself out of the stars. The mark crashed forward and into Nayda's chest.

Nayda fought hard against the Magic Spell and broke it. She zoomed forward to try and hurt Staralia.

Staralia moved out of the way in time for Erion to spring up from the clouds with his scaly chest gleaming. Bursting from his chest was another storm headed for his sister. Nayda was caught off-guard at the attack, but she quickly regained ground as she spun herself into a watery hurricane and hurled herself at her brother.

Meira gritted her teeth seeing Erion roar in agony. Her bones and joints ached like she had been in a straining workout and her collecting sweat was no match for the bitter cold she felt being so far up in the sky. Her nose began to bleed, but she brushed it aside, shuttering out frost.

I refuse to let this happen to them. My friends of Stars, please give me strength.

Meira was careful in getting to her feet on Staralia's back. She did not even hesitate when she jumped off Staralia's back and the Dragoness of the Heavens felt no alarm in her doing so. Meira felt her cape expand to slow down her descent as she gathered the raw potential within her.

"Come to me, O Sacred Blade of the Heavens, and give me thy strength!" she chanted. In her palm blossomed a small galaxy, waiting to grow into something grand. It was all of a sudden that it grew into a hulking blade that was made of something more beautiful than just one galaxy. It was made of multiple galaxies—a supercluster. "In the names of the Heavens, go! Laniakea Blade!" With a war cry, Meira slammed down her blade toward Nayda.

Nayda lost her watery form to see the blade coming for her. She cawed and her wings curled in for a Water Lock to seal her—

—but it was too late.

The blade hit the River Guardian at full force and galaxies erupted around her in celestial explosion. Nayda could not even recoil—she was forced to endure such pain. Stars and nebulae and planets and belts—all of which descended upon her and left their mark.

From below, Luna watched the explosion flash and lightning crack. She saw Nayda wither in agony and pain and felt the medium burn as a result. She saddened.

Nayda…

Meira continued her free-fall and guiltily watched the end result of her attack.

My friend… I am sorry I—

Something snapped.

Meira's eyes dulled.

What is…happening…?

Staralia felt something as she tended to the Sky Guardian. She looked down to see her Mistress was falling faster towards the clouds. "Meira!" she roared as her wings snapped towards her.

Meira found herself losing touch with the grand Magic gifted to her. She was stripped of each gift her Zodiacs had given her, each piece of armor they forged for her, and reverted back to her regular clothings. Her back faced the ground with her dull eyes looking up to see Staralia trying to race towards her. But what really made her pause was the fact that Nayda came out of the smoke from the explosions with a roar of revenge and her hateful eyes set on her brother.

I…failed?

"Meira!" Staralia roared as she nosedived.

Meira found her eyes prickling with tears and saw them float above her.

I…could not do it…

Staralia closed in on her when she was hit with an unexpected lashing of water. It hit her wing and broke her from her course. Snarling in confusion, the Dragoness was off-kilter and flailed in the air to regain her balance.

Meira fell through the cloud line.

From below, Luna scanned the clouds for any sign of the victor. But all she saw were gray clouds and rain.

What happened? What's going on?

Then, something fell from the sky.

Luna's eyes widened.

No… No way…

Her eyes caught onto the free-falling Meira with her hair blowing about and her body paralyzed.

It's… Aunt Meira…

"We have to catch her," Luna whispered to herself. Realization caught up with her and her fingers jammed into Gale's side. "We have to catch her! Gale! We have to catch her!"

Gale saw Meira falling and swore. "Shit!" Sweat dripped down his forehead and wiped the blood that dripped from his nose. "I don't have enough Magic for this, but Mama S, I could really use some back up."

Little gem, you cannot handle the strain, Sycaña warned. You will produce too many D-bodies. You are far too young and only a drake. You are not ready for your Seed to take root.

"I don't give a shit!" Gale argued. He could feel his heart burning and his chest hurting. He could feel how this Magic was consuming him. "Please, Sycaña, she needs help!"

A beat.

Then let us help her together, Sycaña proposed, a note of worry in her tone.

The pendant shined as Gale shut his eyes and forced his arms upwards. A tentacle made of earth, mud, and vines shot up from the tornado and towards the falling human. Gale tried to control it and keep the tentacle going, but before it could even come close to Meira, the tentacle withered and fell back into an inanimate state. Gale's nose bled and his heart seared in pain, making him near falter at raising them higher in the sky. He coughed into his arm for a bit of blood to seep out and Luna was quick to console him.

"Gale, are you okay?" Luna fretted. "You look like you're sick!"

Gale coughed again. "M'fine," he sniffled. "Just gettin' used to my new powers." He shook his head and choked out his breaths. "I don't have what it takes to keep going. I just don't."

Luna's eyes widened. "Gale?"

Gale gritted his teeth.

What kind of Mage am I if I'm just giving up like this? Grandpa Metalicana told me this was my chance to fight back, but I can't even fight!

Silence.

Something warm and hard and bright pressed onto his mind. Throw the little star to me and catch my sister.

Gale panted. Who the Hell are you?

My name is Staralia, Sister-in-stars to Meira, the voice introduced. My mistress grows weak and my form has become unstable. You must bring her to the ground. I will carry the little star and help her complete her journey before I, too, must rejoin the Heavens.

Gale wiped his face and straightened himself, eliciting a noise of surprise and perplexity from Luna. Sounds like a fair deal.

He grabbed Luna and looked down at her. Ruby clashed with chocolate and took in the concern, the fear, the uncertainty. "Trust me, okay, Blondie?" he shouted over the storm.

Luna nodded tentatively. "I do trust you, Gale."

"Then, don't look down," Gale warned. He gave her a last-second hug. "Have faith in yourself, principessa."

Luna wanted to cry when she heard her moniker, but the confusion of this conversation overwhelmed her. "Ga—?"

It was too late.

Luna was throttled into the sky.

Like any other person would, a scream tore from her lips and her eyes shut. She kept a firm grip on the medium as she spun in a sky full of unprecedented rain and puzzled winds and no sense of direction. She could feel herself falling up, could feel the nausea of all this tumbling, could feel herself nearly pee her pants at how terrified she was, how shocked she was.

And then…

…she was grounded.

It took Luna a moment to realize she was no longer flying. At least, not in the way she feared. Her eyes opened when her body felt solidity. She found herself in the clutches of well-kept claws. Nature was kept outside of the claws and Luna barely felt herself moving. Still, she recognized who has caught her.

"Staralia!" Luna shouted, relieved. Then, panic hit her. "Meira!" She dropped onto her knees and crawled to peek through and see what had happened.

Gale raised his hands for tentacles of earth to shoot forward. He strained himself to gain distance to her, ignoring the blood seeping from his nose and mouth. The tentacles reached Meira, but they did not stop her body outright. They followed her closely and began to wrap around her. In the end, the tentacles pulled gently to slow her descent until they were in charge of it. Gale deposited her back into his arms before he looked up at Staralia.

The Dragoness of the Heavens snorted stardust before disappearing into the clouds.

Gale hardened.

Blondie… Don't lose faith…

Gale looked down at Meira in her paralyzed state.

She's sustained too many injuries and lost too much Magic. There could be a chance of her having a tumor from OPing herself too much.

The tornado of earth and mud and vines began to shrink itself.

"Nice ta meet ya, Miss Meira," Gale greeted. "The name's Gale Redfox, partner of your little niece. You just rest. When you get better, the world will be a much better place."

I hope.

°•°•°•°

Luna sighed as she watched Gale descend with Meira in her arms. She sat back on her heels, shoulders drooped, and head back. "Thank goodness," she breathed.

"Are you all right, little star?"

Luna brushed herself off. "I'm fine, Staralia, thank you," she appreciated. "What's going on out there?"

"It does not look good," Staralia said, grave. "The River Guardian grows more and more hateful and does not recognize her own kin. I do not wish to put her down."

Luna stared at the medium. "You won't have to," she promised. "Hey! Can you get me as close as you can to the battle scene?"

"Aye. Let me show you."

Luna jostled when she felt Staralia move her claws. The Dragoness rested her on her back where Meira once sat. The elements were harsh and Staralia weathered them, but her battle scars were not healing like they should have. Luna whipped her hair out of her face and her teeth shattered at the bitter cold, but she kept her eyes squinted open to look upon the two Guardians.

Nayda lashed her head, wings a-flapping. She cawed and three whirlpools formed mid-air. She flung the whirlpools at her other half. Erion was badly injured, but he managed to stay afloat. He throttled his clouds and lightning at the whirlpools for both Magic attacks to explode in a flurry. However, it surprised Erion he had missed a whirlpool and was caught.

Luna's eyes widened. "Erion!"

Staralia gritted her teeth. "He cannot sustain much more damage like myself. Should he continue to take these attacks, he will have no choice but to retreat within his realm," she noted. "If he suffers through one more attack…"

"Oh, no," Luna whispered. She looked down at the medium.

C'mon. How did I do this before? If I could just reach her… If I could just…

Her mouth set and her eyes steeled over. "Staralia, can you, please, take me to Nayda? I need to get closer!"

Staralia curled her lip and angled herself closer to the River Guardian.

Luna kept her eyes locked on Nayda.

Maybe if I can get close enough… If I could just reach her…

Nayda reared back her head and roared at her brother.

Luna hissed when the medium in her hands began to burn.

Erion puffed ragged breath before roaring back at his sister.

Nayda curved her spine as spike-like feathers protruded down her back. Her tail lengthened itself as a fiery blue surrounded her. Erion's clouded tail puffed itself as his scales glistened. His Holy Ring enlarged from his paw and expanded to rotate around him longways. Sky blue wafted off him.

Luna's eyes widened.

They're gearing up for their final attack…

Power swirled deep into Nayda's mouth as she stretched it wide. Erion let winds and clouds swirl in front of his mouth as his Holy Ring crackled static and added its own power to his.

"No," Luna whispered. "No, you can't do this."

Staralia circled the Guardians. "They will destroy each other at this rate! This is the final attack!"

Luna closed her eyes. "No." She clutched Staralia's neck as she got to her feet. "I won't let that happen."

Staralia craned her neck. "Little star, we must retreat!" Her eyes widened.

Luna was gone.

"Luna?" Staralia fretted. She circled as she tried to catch a glimpse of the young ward. "Luna!" Her head tipped down. Starry eyes widened and her body flung into action. "Luna!"

Luna found herself zipping towards the aerial battle with a death grip on the boiling medium and her body shivering from the cold. She could barely keep her eyes open. Nayda and Erion charged themselves with overwhelming Magic, but she saw none of it. She could barely hear anything now. The storm raged on, but she could not hear it. Staralia shouted for her, but she could not hear it. All she had left was her sense of touch. She could feel the singing heat of the medium reflecting Nayda's hatred. She could feel her body numbing. She could feel the awe-striking energy of the two Guardians and vaguely the presence of the Dragoness of the Heavens.

It's okay, Luna told herself. It's okay, it's okay, it's okay. It's okay to be scared. It's okay.

Nayda reared back her head and fired her last assault in a burst of blues and greens and reds.

Erion launched a tornado of clouds and lightning all combined with the static power of his Holy Ring.

Staralia flapped her wings even harder.

Luna shut her eyes. All she could hear were her ragged, squeaking breaths. All she could now feel was the punishing heat of the medium. And all she could see was nightmarish darkness.

It's going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay. Because as long as I have them…

Images flashed before her. Images of her family, her friends, her guild.

Staralia looked on in horror was Luna found herself in the middle of the incoming attacks. "Lu—!"

…then I'll still be o—!

And the attacks connected.

°•°•°•°

Ruby widened.

Gale was still sinking back to the ground with a paralyzed Meira in his arms. His eyes caught the explosion in behind the clouds and something within him was unsettled. He could feel it in his bones and his heart.

Principessa…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

'Principessa…'

Luna stirred. Her eyes cracked open. She saw a dark figure before her. "Mmm…Gale?" She blinked her eyes to get a better view. The bright white light made her want to squint. She saw a blurry figure of darkness, but kind ruby stared at her.

'Wake up, my princess. Wake up,' came deep rumble. 'Wake up!'

Luna jerked at that and found herself somewhere else. Her eyes caught the familiar hues of blues and greens and golds and whites all around her. No storm, no medium, no cold—there was just her, awestruck and dry.

'I'm back… I've made it back!'

Luna beamed as she got to her feet. "I'm back! I did it!" She spun around. "Nayda, I—!" Her words died on her throat when she realized there was no angered River Guardian to console. "Nayda?" She turned the other way. "Nayda?"

Horror consumed her when she realized no matter how much she turned, she would not stumble upon the River Guardian. "Wh-What happened?" she asked herself. "I… I made it. Then, why can't I speak to her? How could this happen?"

"Do not fret, Young Luna."

Luna whipped around to see—"Faven…"

Faven strolled towards Luna looking like a goddess proud of her work. Her hair was still in the intricate updo with locks framing her face, but her robes had changed to a high-to-low dress that hung off her shoulders and looked easy to breathe in. Her brown eyes were no longer stressed, just content and loving. She approached Luna. "Hello, my descendant."

Luna smiled and jumped Faven to hug her. "Oh, it's so good to see you!" Confusion made her frown and she pulled away. "But…how can I see you?" She paled. "Am I dead? Did I actually die this time?" She began to touch her face. "I'm dead, aren't I?!"

Faven chuckled and smoothly grabbed Luna's hands. "You are very much alive," she promised. "In the physical world, your resolve caused an explosion of Magic. You and my children are frozen in the Magic you casted."

Luna's eyes rounded. "Oh… Um, sorry?"

Faven shook her head. "No, Young Luna, I thank you." She began to move after releasing one of Luna's hands. "Walk with me." When Luna started to, Faven explained, "Because of you, Meira, Gale, and Dimaria's sacrifice, my children will finally be at peace in both the past and the future." She grew somber. "I failed to give them peace when I sealed them away before the war. Due to my mistakes, Nayda holds anger and Erion hurts."

"Don't say that!" Luna admonished. "All Nayda could talk about was you, Aunt Faven! All she wanted was you! You sealed them away so they wouldn't be used in war. You saved them."

"I do not feel like a savior," Faven lamented. "I have much to atone for. That day, after I sealed them away, life became much worse. The battle merely decimated both sides. Fights broke out among the fae, spirits, and the mortals until it was war." She shook her head at the anguish of her memories.

"And…what about Lisandrus?"

Faven stuttered stepped. "He… He did what was right for the newly-appointed king," she explained. "Rather than take his subjects to a war, he withdrew them to Álfheimr and sealed the gateway between his realm and ours." She rubbed her eye with the butt of her wrist. "He did what any good king would do and, for that, I am proud of him."

Luna stopped and tried to piece it all together. "But…what about your love story?" Her eyebrows scrunched together as she looked at her melancholic ancestor. "Didn't you two get married?"

Faven's smile was a mourning smile. "No, my dear little star, we never did. Our happy endings were, at most, bittersweet. I lived to take my mother's place and adhere to the spirits and the fae as she had done. I raided with them many temples and churches designed to ensnare the fae, the spirits, and any elves who decided to stay and fight. But I never lived to see its end and died during the war."

Luna's frown deepened. "But you had kids, right?"

Faven understood what Luna was implying and her eyes swam with tears. "I did have a daughter, yes. She was my world. But she was not Lisandrus'."

Astonishment paled on Luna's face. "What?"

"Her father was a well-established man who loved the spirits and me," Faven explained. "He was everything a good husband should be."

"But, he wasn't your true love," Luna finished. "You loved Lisandrus. How could you marry someone else? Be with someone else?"

Faven brushed Luna's hair back. "True love is only a fairy tale," she told. "My husband was compatible with me and I did love him. Not everyone is lucky to have the love story they always wanted. So, those who are should never take their partner for granted."

Luna understood that and unhappily did so. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Faven soothed. "Don't apologize for anything. You have helped me in more ways than one." She led them forward again. "And it is time for you to help me again."

Faven led Luna further into this peaceful realm until they both came upon—

"Nayda…" Luna whispered. "What…? What happened to her?"

Nayda looked different than what she had in the present. Red still surrounded her, yes, but black chained her in place. It snaked all around her, binding her, confining her. There was no lock and key, but where there was a will, there was a way.

Faven let go of Luna's hair to strode forth. The heat of Nayda's animosity and the temptations of the Curse did nothing to her as she approached her spiritual daughter. "When it was you Gale passed the medium to, most of Bluenote's Curse was gone from it. You have yet to master your ability, so these black chains are the remnants of the Curse. And, so…"—she threw Luna a smile—"only you can remove them."

Luna pointed at herself stupidly. "I can?" She padded up to Nayda when Faven beckoned her so.

"Yes, you can," Fave promised. "Think of your power. Think of all the good you have promised for the future and past. And touch the chain."

Luna hesitantly nodded and looked at a chain. She looked down at her open palm.

'Gale and I made a promise to save the past and the present so the future would be safe. And I want to honor that promise. So, please… Let me do that.'

Luna stretched her hand to touch the chain. As her palm nearly brushed against the Curse, white light cooled over her skin. When her hand barely touched the chain—

—it dispersed into white light.

Luna's eyes rounded as she watched the chain convert into white butterflies that flocked away. She giggled to herself when a butterfly landed on her nose. One half-hearted bat and it trailed after the others. "Woah… That's so cool!" She excitedly turned back to Faven. "Look, Faven, did you see that? I did that!"

Faven nodded. "I did. I told you you could."

Luna beamed and set her eyes back onto the chains. She rubbed her glowing palms together. "I can break her free!" And she pounced onto another chain.

Faven watched as chain after chain burst into glowing white butterflies. She saw Luna laugh as she spun around, butterflies landing on her hair. Some had taken the liberty of caressing her cheeks and hands before leaving.

'Fate was right,' Faven realized.

Luna laughed when she found herself covered in butterflies. She shook herself all over and the butterflies scattered only to flock her again once she stood still enough.

'But I sorely wish Fate was wrong.'

Luna snapped the last chain proudly. "She's free! She's finally free! Nayda, you're—!"

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

Luna's eyes watered at the intensity of the heat blistering her skin. She lost her grip on what the ground was and screamed when she flew into the air and was pushed back. Her eyes slammed shut. "Faven!"

Faven rushed to grab Luna and yanked her to her side and on the ground. She put a hand in front of her and golden Magic shielded both Heartfilia women from the onslaught of Nayda's anger. Luna sank down to her knees and looked at her flushed skin whipped from heat.

"Oh, no," Luna gasped. "Nayda's still angry?"

Nayda opened her mouth and let loose another shriek.

Luna flinched.

Faven narrowed her eyes. "Aye. She is angry at me. A mother can feel these things. Stay here. I will calm her."

Luna's head snapped up. "Mama Faven, you can't—!"

"I can and will." Faven straightened and turned her head to smile down at her descendant and Luna thought her ancestor looked godly with red and gold highlighting her features and lighting her eyes. "I have been around far longer than you, Young Luna. My child throws tantrum because of anger she holds in her heart towards the mother she believes abandoned her."

"But Nayda loves you," Luna pointed out.

"Aye," Faven agreed. "I know she does. But she feels abandoned and alone. She was marooned from her only kin for eons." She faced Nayda head on. "But, not any more." And she took a step forward.

Nayda saw this and screeched.

Faven winced when she was nearly pushed back, but she persevered through the pain. It did not matter how hot it got or how loud Nayda's wailed—she would not back down.

'Nayda… I have hurt you and your brother along with the only man I ever truly loved. I know you feel hate towards me for that day. But I know you secretly wished you had fought with me. I know you have wished all these years for your family.

DRIP.

A tear.

DROP.

Luna barely held on to the ground through Nayda's wailing and heated hate as tears of pain flowed down her cheeks.

Nayda continued her scream.

Faven pushed through it. One part of her intricate updo fell out of place.

'I remember how you were fond of cuddling well into the night even when you had grown so big. I remember how eager you were to have a family again. I remember how you and Erion would fight over who could sit in my lap. Erion would let you you win every time and he would settle to snuggle into my side.'

DRIP.

A tear leaked from the glowing eyes of the River Guardian.

It hit the ground.

DROP.

The ground rippled like a pond.

'I remember taking you to see the Undines and how entranced you were. I remember when you found love with a juvenile Water Dragon. I remember your pain at his rejection and how your sadness upset the entire realm.'

DRIP.

More hair fell out of place.

The Magic was fading for skin to be left burning in wake of a hatred.

A tear descended down Faven's cheek and landed on the ground to ripple it.

DROP.

'I remember how you saw my love for Lisandrus and did everything you could for us to work. I remember you asking him for little siblings to teach and command. I remember how you attempted for Erion to find his match. I remember it all.'

DRIP.

Hair broke free and fluttered in the wind.

Tears cascaded down cheeks.

Heat broke skin.

DROP.

'I know you feel alone, but you are not anymore. You are never alone, my daughter. You are here with me.'

A shaky hand reached out.

Faven closed her eyes. "Nayda!" she roared. "I am here, Nayda! Look at me! I am here!"

Her hand slammed onto Nayda's chest…

…and everything stopped.

Luna dropped back down onto the ground. She groaned at the pain as she got on all-fours. "What happened?" She looked up.

There stood Nayda at the center of this realm with no hatred choking her. Her eyes glowed blue instead of red and she wafted that same blue around her. Faven stood in front of the River Guardian with golden hair tumbling down her back in soft waves.

Luna got to her feet, relieved. "She did it…"

Faven's shaking hand gripped Nayda's fur. Her forehead leaned onto the base of Nayda's chest until both her hands curled onto her fur. Sobs controlled her, gasping out of her as she nuzzled into her daughter. "There are no words to tell you how sorry I am for what I did to you," she wept. "I sealed you away because I was selfish and did not want to see you and Erion hurt. I wanted you safe and never to see the sight of war. But, I was foolish in my actions and it cost me everything."

Faven fell to her knees and held her face in her hands. "I do not deserve such forgiveness! I love you, my little raindrop. I have missed you so very much."

Silence.

'Mother…'

Faven looked up.

Nayda looked down at Faven with love-filled eyes. 'I love Mother.' She craned down her neck to move Faven back into her chest, nuzzling her back. 'I have missed Mother so very much.' A giant tear streaked Nayda's cheek. 'I love Mother so very much.'

Faven openly wept, but a smile adorned her face. "I love you too, Nayda. I love you so much it hurts."

Luna watched the intimate affair as she rubbed her cheeks from happy tears. "I'm so happy they found each other after all this time."

'I am too, Pup.'

Luna jumped in surprise when she saw the Canis Minor Spirit panting at her side. "Icarus!" she exclaimed. "But…how did you—?"

'This realm renewed my energy,' Icarus explained. 'A spirit feels most powerful in the Spirit World and I am no exception.' He nuzzled Luna's cheek and licked it, making her laugh. 'I love you, my cub.'

Luna hugged his muzzle and scratched his neck. 'Aw, you big softy. I love you too,' she cooed.

'Mother?'

Luna pulled away from Icarus to be thoroughly taken back when Erion stood at her side. He held no interest towards her or Icarus. His gaze was locked on the blonde maiden who raised him.

Faven wiped her eyes to stand up. Nayda released her for Faven to turn around and soften at her son. "Erion…" She opened her arms to him. "Welcome home, my little cloud."

Erion's eyes glistened. He broke into a mad dash for Faven only to crouch before her and butt his head into her embrace. He licked her feverishly like any dog would do when grateful at their mistress' return. 'Mother, I have missed you greatly!' he told her. 'You must never leave again! Nayda was a pain while you were gone and destroyed many human dens!'

Nayda had the audacity to look ashamed, but she thrown her brother a glare. 'Brother is tattletale,' she hissed at him. 'I do not like little winds.'

Erion bristled at that and glared back at his sister. 'Say that again, pond,' he mocked.

Nayda fluffed herself up for Faven to come between them with a stern look. "You both will stop this now or I swear I will make sure neither of you will ever indulge in one of my tales ever again!" she threatened.

Erion and Nayda pointedly looked away from each other, but they muttered, 'Yes, Mother. Sorry, Mother.'

Luna sweatdropped. "Wow. They're back in the groove of things so quickly."

Faven gave both her children long looks. "Now. I know you both had a hand in the destruction of this innocent town—even though Nayda was the one who started it," she added when Erion looked like he was about to protest. He looked relatively smug at Faven's last words while Nayda was angry at herself and her brother. "But you are the Guardians of this town and you both should act like it. I hope you are prepared to apologize to these good people and offer to help fix this."

Erion was quick to get rise. 'But, she—!'

"I don't care who made more of a mess—this is both of your messes because you are both Guardians," Faven snapped. "Did I really raise you to pass off your mess to someone else, Erion? Did Leo train you to do that?"

Erion growled.

Faven's glare sharpened. "Do not you growl at me, boy," she snarled. "You may have gotten bigger, but I am still your mother and will exercise the right to punish you the only way I know how."

Erion paled and lowered his head. 'Sorry,' he murmured.

Faven nodded her approval and patted Erion's nose. "Good. Now, all of you need to return to the physical realm and get this mess sorted out. We will speak more when this is over and I expect and explanation on how this all happened in your own words when you get back."

Nayda and Erion reluctantly got up. Erion bumped Nayda's shoulder pettily and growled at her. 'This is all your fault if we get sent to the fog again.'

Nayda looked irritated at that and was about to snap back when both of them shimmered out of the realm of peace.

Faven sighed and rubbed her temples as Luna and Icarus treaded towards her. "Oh, I forget how it is having bickering children."

"It's like you never left," Luna remarked.

Faven smiled wistfully. "I suppose so." She turned to Luna. "Thank you for giving me back the chance to see my children. And thank you for saving Meira."

"Why did she suddenly fall from the sky?"

Faven sighed. "She overextended a power the Star King allowed our spirits to bestow upon us. It is not a power she should use lightly, but I understand why she took to such measures." She shook her head. "Never the matter. You must return to the physical realm."

Luna nodded, then stopped. "But, what about you?"

"I will remain in the Spirit World."

Luna looked around. "So, this is the Spirit World?" She turned to see Faven shake her head.

"Yes and no," Faven half-answered. "The Spirit World is a bit more populated than this. Now, we are in Nayda's spiritual realm. This is where she resides when not in any physical world. All spiritually deities have their own Spirit Realms which are extensions of the Spirit World."

Luna had question marks flying around her head.

Faven laughed. "One day, you shall learn more, but today is not that day. You must return to the physical world and help revitalize what once was."

Luna hummed. "And, then Gale and I go home? We're done?"

"That is up to you."

Luna's shoulders sagged. "So, you don't know the way home either. We're stuck in the past."

"I would not say 'stuck'," Faven disagreed. "However, if you continue this mindset, you shall be."

Luna perked. "So, you know a way we can go home?"

Faven only smiled secretly and walked away. "Fare thee well, Luna, Icarus. We will meet again. Fate wills it so. Study the past if you divine the future." And, she shimmered away.

Luna groaned. "Why does everyone have to be so secretive?" she complained.

Icarus chuckled. 'Then, how would we drive the plot along without secrets?'

Luna rolled her eyes and put a hand onto Icarus's head. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just go." She closed her eyes.

'And let's hope there's a way home.'

°•°•°•°

Gale held watch over Meira's paralyzed body. He had made them an earthly shelter with what little Magic he had left and made a bundle of hot rocks to help keep them warm and dry. The storm had stopped, but the cloud cover remained. The sound of flapping was what brought him out of the shelter. He looked up to see Staralia was landing in the clearing.

"Find anything new?" Gale shouted.

Staralia landed and shook her head. "Nothing, little gem. The white shield prevents me from sensing anything inside." She flexed her claws to knead them in the earth and the protrusions running down her neck. "I do not like the unknown," she growled. "I am annoyed with the little star. She threw herself into an attack that could have killed her."

Gale snorted. "Look, I'm pissed too, but we need to focus on the big picture: she saved us all from what could have destroyed the entire town."

"And she should not have sacrificed herself for it," Staralia countered. "She is a human, a mortal with a power she obviously cannot control. Just like you." She sniffed Gale and glared at the pendant. "Heart of Hearts," she spat. "I am still in confusion what exactly you are. You make little sense to me. A mortal who smells human yet feels like a strange Dragon."

"I'm a Dragon Slayer-in-training," Gale explained, a bit irked. "I'm not actually going to kill Dragons or some shit; I'm just learning your Magic."

Staralia hummed, displeased. "Humans are not worthy of such power. It is this type of power that caused a human to provoke the Guardians and the time stream."

"And I'm using this power to fight back against those who took advantage of the system," Gale retorted.

"Who is to say you will not go mad with power?" Staralia taunted. "Every human who prays to the gods for their strength may have noble intentions, but they turn their back on their gods and their humanity when they realize their limitations are far less than Ones-Who-Do-Not-Shine." She curled her lip and showed pointed teeth. "I have heard human males who succumb to the temptation of power will even beat their own mates as a testament to their newfound dominance. I do not trust you to not make that same mistake."

Gale growled back. "Words don't mean shit, so just look at my actions for the promise of I'll keep my shit together and humble myself. My old man did a pretty damn good job making sure I knew my place on the food chain. And, for your information, Star, I don't beat women unless we're sparring or they are trying to viciously murder me. So, knock it off with the holier-than-thou attitude."

Staralia gave a warning snarl. "Do not call me 'Star'. And do not think you will be unwatched. The fact you have gained a Dragon's deepest secret that hangs on your neck warrants for me to be untrusting." She stared him down with a declaration of challenge sharp in her eyes. "I will show no hesitation to kill you if you use that secret against my sister or her kin. I have killed men far more powerful who have tried their power against my sister for her power and I will do it again."

It took everything Gale had to keep direct eye contact. He found himself subtly shaking and inwardly squirming, but he did it. "I permit anyone to kill me if I become like that. Hell, Blondie can pierce me straight through the heart." He leaned forward. "So, fucking try me, Star."

Staralia opened her mouth when she and Gale looked up at a bright flash of light. It waved out among the clouds and cleared them all in one go to make room for the much need sunset sky of oranges and magentas. Flying through the sky where both Guardians. If you looked closely, you could see Luna happily riding on Nayda's back with Icarus. She waved down below.

"Hey, guys!" she shouted. "I'm okay! Everything is okay!"

Staralia wasted no time setting herself into the air while Gale grinned. He cupped his hands near his mouth and shouted, "Yeehaw! You did it, Blondie! You did it!" He watched as Staralia circled happily around the Guardians. She lowered herself next to Nayda for Luna to hop on her back. Staralia gave a roar of victory with stardust shooting off into the Heavens. Erion and Nayda joined her in her dance of the sky, roaring their elements in sheer glee. Gale lowered his hands and his smile gradually dropped from his face.

Yeah, she did it…but the cost…

His eyes drifted to the paralyzed Meira and her glazed eyes.

Was the cost too much? When will it get to be 'too much'?

°•°•°•°

Gabriel watched the dancing Dragoness and Guardians from his perch high in a tree with Lost. He smiled as he took in that fall breeze and that sunset. "Everything is going to be just fine, Lost," he promised his Umbrumiho who purred under his touch. "We're going to be just fine."

Jäger, Kiki, Eliza, Maria, Alarick, and Ludvig all watched the setting horizon and the flying deities from the hill. The people of Margaret Town may have been soaked to the bone and cold, but with things starting to look up, food and wine was brought out to celebrate the glorious outcome. Jäger had his arms crossed while Kiki used her hand as a visor to see, soft smiles on their faces. Eliza made sure a hand firmly kept her hair tucked behind her ear. Maria looked awed at the magical display. Alarick had his eyes closed and a smirk on his face as he rested against a tree. And, Ludvig's eyes were full of pride.

"Meira… Luna…" Ludvig breathed. He closed his eyes briefly and smiled. When he reopened them, it looked like he had come to terms with something within his heart. "Thank you."

°•°•°•°

Gale flinched when wind swirled around him around him and nearly knocked him over. When the winds had stopped, he looked over. Erion, Nayda, and Staralia had all landed gracefully before him. If he were any other person, he would be stock-still, too shocked at seeing live deities and an actual Dragon to move. Staralia crouched down and extended a wing to the ground for Luna and Icarus to slide off of like a child's slide.

Gale jogged over to meet her, raising his hands. "See? Told ya we would do it, didn't I?"

Luna raced into Gale's arms and leapt onto him. She laughed aloud with Icarus prancing around them, Gale swinging her around. "We did it, we did it, we did it!" Once Gale set her down, gentle, Luna stretched out his cheeks, still in her playfully triumph mood. "We did it, Gale," she breathed. "We saved the past just like we were supposed to."

"Hell yeah we did, Blondie-girl," Gale agreed with a smirk and a wink for good measure. "But, how 'bout we keep our adventures in our timeline, okay? Not that time-traveling ain't cool and all, but let's just stick to one."

"Agreed," Luna chimed. She slid away from Gale and turned to face the Guardians. "Nayda, Erion, this is my friend and partner, Gale Redfox. He came with me from the future."

The Guardians crouched and curiously sniffed Gale on all sides. He slapped away Nayda's nose when she prodded his butt and madly blushed when Erion seemed suspicious of Gale's pendant and nosed his chest.

Icarus nuzzled into Luna's neck. Luna stroked her spirit's jaw as she told the Guardians, "Take it from me. He's a good guy, even if he gets on my nerves a little bit."

Erion rumbled something to Gale. He prodded the pendant and rumbled again. Gale looked from Erion to his pendant then back to Erion then back to his pendant. "Oh," he realized belatedly, "you're looking at my Heart of Hearts." He lifted it up for both Nayda and Erion to catch a glimpse. "Yeah, this is a gift from the Plant Dragoness Sycaña. She and my grandfather Metalicana gifted this to me as a chance to fight back."

It suits you well, Icarus admitted, dipping his head. Mother Dragon, I pray this young Slayer will serve you well.

Gale was surprised when Sycaña replied, Just as your Star Maiden will serve you well, Brother Wolf. He could feel her attention turn to Staralia who glared away. Sister-in-stars, your animosity towards my Slayer is palpable. Must we settle this with our claws than our tongues?

Staralia sank her claws into the ground and a growl powered like a meteor shower vibrated in her chest. Her tail flicked. You can no longer feel the Magic in your belly nor the wind beneath your wings, Mother Dragon, yet you wish to ease my hostility towards this…abomination?Her eyes pierced Gale's with intent.

And were Star Maidens not considered abominations when they were born from the first? Sycaña challenged. All born of Magic were considered prey, considered too wretched to live. Tis why meaningless wars broke out to control this Magic and end it.

Yes and it was humans who did so! Staralia retorted. Her tail thumped onto the ground. How can you trust this human with a Dragon's Gift? Are you blind? Have you not seen what happened when the Gods gifted humans with their sacred weapons?

And, you think your Star Maidens and Monks are more righteous? Sycaña countered diplomatically. You know as well as I that spirits and stars were cursed with terrible masters and mistresses alike who used their power to slaughter their own kind. And, once more, us Dragons are not so innocent as we appear. I see that now and I should have seen it then. There are vile Rogues who eat humans, who…breed them when they walk on two legs. Just like humans, Dragons and Gods can be consumed with power and use it for selfish gain. For you to blame only humans for the chaos in this realm is to blame even your own mistress.

Staralia's eyes widened. My sister-in-stars and her kin are nothing like the humans of this realm! They are most kind and thoughtful towards creatures!

Then, look at my Slayer and see he is one in the same, Sycaña pleaded. Trust in my decision to give him a Dragon's Gift. Trust in the little star who trusts in my Slayer with her life. Trust in your Brother Star who chose to speak to a drake rather than deny him.

Staralia huffed stardust and took to pacing.

A hollow cough. "St… Star…"

Everyone turned to see Meira sagged against the outer wall of the earth shelter. Her eyes held little glint in them, but she kept them locked on her Dragon Spirit. Staralia ignored everyone else to snake her way to her mistress. She nuzzled Meira's belly.

"Meira," she breathed, "you are all right."

Meira briefly shut her eyes to rub along Sycaña's snout. "I am, my sister, that I am…"—she opened her eyes to meet Staralia's—"thanks to the boy you deny."

Staralia grumbled and pulled away from Meira to look elsewhere.

Meira softened. "I know what humans did to your first egg," she said, tone quiet. "I know, Staralia, because every time I summon you, connect with you, I feel your mourning." She cupped Staralia's maw. "I would never ask you to get over the pain of losing your first child for I know that is something only time can heal. But, I ask you as my friend, my sister, to give chance to the boy who saved my life and the life of my descendant."

Staralia turned her head for a glistening eye to meet Meira's soft ones. She blinked and swung her head towards Gale. She offered him a long look in which he did not shy away from. She sighed and rumbled, "I trust you little, zailemaðr, but if my sister-in-stars and her descendant do, then I must at least try."

Gale blinked. "Zael…what now?"

She has acknowledged you as a 'Slayer' in Ancient Language, Sycaña explained. To acknowledge a name in Dragonish means one thing, but to say it in Ancient Language means she speaks truth and means the name with her whole heart. You cannot lie or speak half-truths in Ancient Language.

Gale bowed low to Staralia at feeling such high praise. "Thank you, Staralia. I promise to keep Luna safe for as long as she'll have me," he murmured. "And even when she won't, I'll make sure she's protected."

Luna could not help the soft blush on her face. "Gale…"

Meira grunted as she picked herself up to her feet. "Now that that is settled, it is time for us to do clean our mess," she told everyone. "We'll make sure this area is hospitable so the people may come home."

Luna pointedly looked at the Guardians who froze like children being caught with their hand in the cookie jaw. She simpered and jabbed a thumb at them. "Oh, don't even worry about that. Mama Faven Heartfilia, the mama of the Guardian Duo, personally told Erion and Nayda they're responsible for cleaning their mess." She smirked at the duo. "Isn't that right?"

Nayda sheepishly nodded while Erion huffed.

Meira smiled. "Very good. Get to it, you two." As the Guardians took to the skies once more, Staralia shuffled back to Meira to help support her. Meira remarked to Gale and Luna, "Let us help where we can and make sure the people are safe. When all is said and done, we will make sure you get home."

Luna saddened. "Meira—"

A hand stopped her.

Luna looked up to see Gale shaking his head at her. "Gale? But—!"

"Let her go," Gale murmured under his breath. "She needs to believe this. Just like the Guardians are cleaning their mess, we have ours to clean."

Luna lowered her gaze. "But…how are we supposed to get home?" she asked.

Gale pulled Luna in for a hug. He closed his eyes with his chin resting on her head. "We'll figure it out," he promised. "We always do."

Icarus whined as he curled around his mistress and laid his head at her feet, tail thumping, to watch two Mages of the future wish for a way back to their present.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In the present, back at the Lamia Scale Guild…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Here ya go!"

Nashi was a bit startled when a barmaid of Lamia Scale gave her the hot tea she had requested. "O-Oh." She accepted the hug with a gracious nod. "Thank you."

The barmaid beamed. "Lemme know if ya need anything else, tootsie!" With a giggle and a wink, she sashayed off to deliver more drinks and food.

Nashi had secluded herself to a table, a two-seater booth. She had long gotten her Compact back and was able to use Genius' spare Archive Lacrima. Gary's jacket was firmly wrapped around her shoulders and her hair was wrapped into a messy side ponytail, mimicking her mother's old hairstyle. She continued to type like a madman on Goggle. Tabs upon tabs were open regarding soul theories and mythology. She was on a Weekaipedia page and was thoroughly regarding it about origins of yin and yang.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Daoist philosophy, dark and light, yin and yang, arrive in the Tao Te Ching at chapter 42.[24] It becomes sensible from an initial quiescence or emptiness (wuji, sometimes symbolized by an empty circle), and continues moving until quiescence is reached again. For instance, dropping a stone in a calm pool of water will simultaneously raise waves and lower troughs between them, and[citation needed] this alternation of high and low points in the water will radiate outward until the movement dissipates and the pool is calm once more. Yin and yang thus are always opposite and equal qualities. Further, whenever one quality reaches its peak, it will naturally begin to transform into the opposite quality: for example, grain that reaches its full height in summer (fully yang) will produce seeds and die back in winter (fully yin) in an endless cycle.

It is impossible to talk about yin or yang without some reference to the opposite, since yin and yang are bound together as parts of a mutual whole (for example, there cannot be the bottom of the foot without the top). A way to illustrate this idea is[citation needed] to postulate the notion of a race with only men or only women; this race would disappear in a single generation. Yet, men and women together create new generations that allow the race they mutually create (and mutually come from) to survive. The interaction of the two gives birth to things, like manhood.[25] Yin and yang transform each other: like an undertow in the ocean, every advance is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Thus, a seed will sprout from the earth and grow upwards towards the sky—an intrinsically yang movement. Then, when it reaches its full potential height, it will fall. Also, the growth of the top seeks light, while roots grow in darkness.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi shuffled the mug closer to her. "Darkness turns to light and light turns to darkness to reach quiescence…" She took a sip of her hot tea before moving it aside. She highlighted wuji and taiji. "Those two… I've seen them before." She went back to Goggle and typed both words in. Various results popped up, but Nashi skipped that to get to images. She looked to see a variety of images that explained the nature of taiji and wuji. Most picture looked the same: taiji was halved into black and white while wuji was imply a blank circle.

Nashi blew out a breath. "Well, that was a bust," she muttered. She massaged a shoulder.

C'mon, think. Yin and yang, darkness and light, male and female, black and…

Something clicked.

Nashi was quick to type in:

GREY

Nashi looked at the Goggle definition that popped up and read it aloud: "'Grey or gray is an intermediate color between black and white. It is a neutral or achromatic color, meaning literally that is is a color "without color"'." Her eyes widened and her hand instantly shot up. "Can I get some crayons please?" she shouted at the nearest barmaid.

Within minutes, Nashi was handed a plethora of crayons from a confused waiter who offered the children's coloring menu. She took the paper with a crazed look in her eye and got to work. She scrambled with a black crayon and messily colored a circle with it. With her white crayon, she colored on top of it for a delicate grey to emerge. She dropped the crayon to get to get two others and did the exact same thing.

When she was finished, Nashi dropped her crayons and stared down at her work.

This… This makes sense, but how? This is all so confusing. How does this fit?

Mary Jane flashed before her eyes.

I saw her soul. But, how can I make sense of it? Maybe… Maybe I can—

"Can I join you?"

Nashi gasped and twitched at the soft-spoken question. Her eyes sought the intruder to see Dazzler was hovering near her, apprehensive, concerned, and a bit amused. Nashi calmed herself down to rub her forehead. She waved a hand at the empty seat. "Yeah. Yeah, sure, go ahead."

Dazzler sank into the seat across from Nashi as Nashi shut the Portable Archive Lacrima. Dazzler shifted, sweeping her hair to the side. "Firstly," she started, "I'd like to say that Fullbuster jacket couldn't be pulled off better."

Nashi seemed to realize she was still wearing Gary's jacket and blushed. "Oh! Um, right!" She started to shrug it off. "Let me just—!"

"I didn't mean to tell you so you'd be uncomfortable," Dazzler soothed. "Really, Nashi, keep wearing it. It looks good on you and I think our beloved Gare-bear would love to see it still on the girl of his dreams when he gets back."

Nashi swallowed, nodded, and put the jacket back on.

Dazzler's eyes drifted to the table. "Second order of business…" She dragged her eyes to Nashi's face. "I've come to apologize for my less-than-dazzling actions. I had no right to say those things to you and I know better than that. I was…stressed and angry and really wanted answers. And, when I didn't get them, I blamed Luke for everything when I should've blamed the Hunters. Luke was just being a good brother even if he went about it the wrong way. When I think about it now, I would've gone crazy if I saw my relative in the arms of a Devil."

"I don't endorse killing, Dazzler," Nashi spoke up. "I never have. Luke stepped over the line and he knows that."

"I stepped over the line too," Dazzler went on to say. "Nashi, I have no idea what type of pressure is on you. Psychopathic Hunter tormented you and you nearly died. Gary started a shit storm around him and dragged everyone into it. That's really heavy stuff, girl."

Nashi fiddled with the sleeve of the jacket. "Yeah. It's a lot." She swallowed and scratched her throat. "I know you're Gary's best friend and I don't really want to cause anything between you two, so it's okay."

Dazzler sighed. "But it's not, though, and it won't be for a little bit. I just hope I can regain your trust eventually." She was about to get up when she paused. "For what it's worth, I know Gary thinks the world of you and I know you'll deny it, but I sensed something changed with you and him. I want it to be a good change." She offered a half-smile. "So, please, give my bestie a chance."

All Nashi could do was give a tentative smile.

Dazzler nodded her approval and left the booth.

Nashi let out a loud breath. "Crap, that was weird," she muttered. "Ugh, I just want to go home and forget this week happened."

"Hey! They're back!" came shout.

Nashi peeked over her shoulder to see what the commotion was about only to be pleasantly surprised. A team of Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale Mages led back a stream of freed Mages and creatures alike. "Mama!"

Lucy had taken to helping secure Gray a spot to lay down his son when she heard Nashi's shout. She barely had time to turn her head when she was tackled into a hug.

"Mama, you're back!" Nashi squealed, nuzzling into Lucy. "Thank goodness you're all right!"

Lucy hugged her back. "I'm happy you're safe too, Nashi." She drew back to look around. "But where are your brothers and sister?"

"Luke went with Misty to go to the cave on a rescue mission," Nashi explained. "Igneel kinda went berserk and Gary is keeping an eye on him. And, Luna…" She looked away. "Well, she—"

Wendy parted through everyone to get to Silver. One look at him and she barked with sternness rivaling Porlyusica, "Someone bring him to one of the prepped rooms. I need silence to work on him."

Gray scooped up his son and followed Wendy with Juvia and Julia trailing after him, both with clear eyes of heavy worry for Silver's health.

Nashi and Lucy took to observing them as Nashi whispered, "What happened out there?"

Lucy sighed. "A lot. We were fortunate the Hunters didn't touch anyone else, but Silver took a lot of damage." She watched the top of Gray's hair until he disappeared into the hallway. "I hope he'll be okay."

"Yeah, me too," Nashi wished. She glanced around. "Hey, where's Papa, by the way?"

Lucy shrugged. "I'm actually not sure. When we go into Margaret Town, he just disappeared from my side" She shook her head, annoyed. "That idiot king, always disappearing on me."

°•°•°•°

Natsu leapt from building top to building top with flames being left in his tracks. His eyes may have had onyx in them, but one was deliberately filled with more green and the other red. He jumped off a building and into an alleyway, using his flames to slow his descent. He spun and landed on his feet.

Inhale...

Exhale…

Natsu darted out of the alleyway.

°•°•°•°

"Oh, he is definitely going to get it when he gets back!" Lucy swore, raising a shaking fist. "I can't believe he would leave me again!" Her tick mark pulsated. "Idiot Natsu! I should just divorce him already!"

Nashi sweatdropped as she tried to calm her raging mother. "C'mon, Mama, we've talked about this before. Papa would be totally lost without you," she soothed.

And if he's anything like he is when Mama kicks him outside, I don't want to know what he's like when Mama kicks him out for good. He'll turn into a nightmare.

"Oh, please!" Lucy snorted. "The man has defeated enemies that could tear apart countries. He'll do just fine without us." She put her chin between her fingers. "Actually, if I divorced him, think of all the money I would save on groceries. Granted, all the kids eat so much, but with Natsu out of the picture…" She got up and began to pace with mutters of numbers falling off her tongue.

Levy approached Nashi, though looked at the muttering Lucy. She grinned to herself. "Is your mom plotting out her divorce again?"

Nashi sighed. "Yeah. Papa went AWOL again and you know how she gets when he does that."

Levy agreed with that. "So, I know where two of my children are, but where's my youngest?"

Nashi flinched, then laughed nervously. "Um…"

°•°•°•°

Natsu zipped down another alleyway before breaching into a square. He stopped, listened, and sniffed before using a burst of fire to leap upon the side of a building balcony. He launched himself upwards and scaled the building. He got to the top and looked around to catch a glimpse of a burst of fire and a dark shadow flying in the air.

Natsu growled. "Dammit." And he took off after the dark shadow.

Meanwhile, the Devil dodged another fireball and snarled aloud. He watched as Igneel cast another string of Purple Flare and flung himself down another street over a canal.

He will leave the city boundaries at this point and he knows it, the Devil snarled. He acts with only instinct.

Uncle Natsu is close by, Gary noted. Igneel won't get that far.

The Devil went down another street for them to hit the outskirts of town. They would be getting to suburban part of Margaret Town any second. Igneel strung himself to another building and turned around, emerald eyes glaring. He harnessed his flames around his wrist before blasting them out of his palm.

The Devil was set to defend himself from simple flames, but he was not expecting to be hit with a bout of lightning. "Nnngh!" Lightning seized his body and caused him to wrestle with his own wings for stability.

Igneel watched the Ice Devil start to drop from the sky and smirked. He threw another string of Purple Flare and to swing himself around the corner. He could feel he was at the edge. Just a few more meters and—

A fanged smirk. "You're not going anywhere."

Igneel evaporated his Magic to tumble to the ground. He somersaulted and rolled himself into a low crouch. Spine curved, flames dancing skin, fangs protruding with intent. Feral glinted in emerald as his Nature proceeded him, assessing his only enemy that stopped him from running across the bridge.

His mentor—

His father—

The king…

Natsu let his flames dance off the back of his arms and calves as the Etherious King, the Dragon King, and the human Mage all shared one body to stare down at his ward, his son, the prince. He stared down Igneel with confidence, not cockiness. There was a difference. His confidence exuded him and made it clear he did not think of this fledgling was a threat. There was no need for his Teeth of War or a declaration of challenge. His Nature glistened, yes, but not for the same reasons of his son. It showed to ensure his son knew his place.

"Igneel," Natsu breathed, flames dancing at the name, "I see you broke your promise. I raised you better than to be like that."

Igneel rebutted that with a growl. "I don't need it," he said, fury in each syllable.

"You do." Natsu took a casual step forward and did not even flinch when Igneel displayed his flames like a peacock showing his feathers. "Igneel, you know I can't allow you to leave or be near her unless you calm down and take your meds."

With another step, Igneel shuffled one back. He stiffened when he felt a touch of winter and glanced behind him. The Ice Devil blocked his path back but had tucked in his wings. All he needed were his ice and claws.

"I am calm," Igneel snapped. "She's so close to knowing. She knows me. She just doesn't see it yet."

"And I'm not going to let you hurt her to make her remember things she shouldn't." Natsu's words may have come off light, but they treaded the border of threat and promise. "She can't handle it, Igneel, and you know that. You can't just do what you want. It doesn't work like that."

"But you do it!" Igneel spit back. "Why does everyone else get to do what they want, but I'm the odd one out, huh? Why can't I be happy too?"

Natsu allowed himself a moment of sadness when he saw the raging grief fueling his son. "You are allowed to be happy," he soothed. He sighed and rubbed his face. "I shouldn't have let you get as far as you did when you were little. You messed with things you didn't understand and now you have to pay the price. We both do."

"I understood just fine!" Igneel yelled. "You don't get it! I felt her! And she felt me too—!"

"You think I don't understand?" Natsu growled, prowling forward. "Don't be an idiot, Igneel, I feel that everyday with your mom, but she and I were old enough to understand the cost! You were barely a boy! You still are!"

DRIP.

"You have to believe me when I tell you there are things you're too young to understand and this is one of them!"

DROP.

"We aren't doing this because we think you don't deserve happiness. You deserve happiness, Igneel. But, right now? Is seeing her scared of you making you happy?"

Igneel gritted her teeth.

"Is seeing her cry making you happy?"

Tears wetted Igneel's cheeks.

"Is seeing her go through this pain making you happy?"

Flames rumbled under Igneel's skin, greedy for room and ready to explode.

"Is seeing her sad making you—?"

Igneel twitched as he screamed, "I JUST WANT HER BACK!" Golden flames blossomed around him, curling around him almost protectively, with flickers of reds and yellows and greens and blues and violets being hinted at. The flames ate up whatever air they could feed on and crashed like a wave. The Ice Devil was forced to shield himself from the blast with a block of ice, but Natsu did not shy away from it. The flames did not even touch him, parting the way for the Fire Dragon King.

Natsu took a step forward.

And then another.

And then another.

Until he was in front of his son who held his sadness in his hands and hid his face from the world.

"Geez, kid," Natsu chuckled, "you're such a drama queen." He took his scarf and slid it from his neck. "Why would you keep this to yourself?"

"I miss her so much," Igneel croaked, nuzzling himself into his hands. "I just want her back."

Natsu sighed as he sat down crisscrossed and unbothered at the flames. "Buddy… She's not coming back. And, even if she does remember, you know what will happen."

Igneel sniffled and his shoulders trembled. "I know. Does it ma-make m-me a ho-ho…horrible person to want her still?"

Natsu shook his head. "If it does, then it makes her family horrible people and we both know that ain't true." He put a hand on Igneel's head and soothed down his hair, washing away the golden flames tickling his locks. "I know how you feel. There were times I wished your granny Anna didn't take me into the future so I could stay with your gramps, Igneel. But, then, I wouldn't be here to make memories with Fairy Tail and Lucy and all you kids. You want things back to the way they were—I know. But nothing will ever be the same. You can't hold onto that hope it will. She can't afford to remember." He pulled his scarf around Igneel. "But you can still be there for her and make new memories. She may not remember then…but she can remember now. Don't let this chance slip away from you."

Igneel rubbed his cheeks, smearing his tears. He hiccuped and looked up at his father—

—with grief-stricken onyx eyes.

The torrid flames hurricaning around them settled back into embers. Everything around them had charred. Without any control or limits to his flames, the heat had been too much for the surroundings. The Ice Devil dispelled his shield and Gary took over when they realized Igneel was no real threat anymore.

A heated hand dried Igneel's cheeks and Natsu smiled fondly at his son. "You're just like your mom, you know that? You bottle things up until you explode. I don't want you to hide this from me, Igneel."

Igneel sniffed and his eyes went to the side. "I don't want to be a crybaby," he mumbled in admittance.

Natsu roared with laughter. "Too late for that!"

"You're a shitty dad, you know that?!"

Natsu contained his laughter. "You're not going to be seen as 'weak' or a 'crybaby' or any less manly, you weirdo," he admonished. "Took me a while to figure that out, but it was worth it. Just because you're a man doesn't mean you can't cry and I won't think any less of you if you do."

"You're just saying that so I'll cry with you at the end of Marnie and Me," Igneel pointed at dryly.

Natsu slammed a hand on Igneel's mouth, eyes flickering towards an oblivious Gary. "Don't say that when the enemy is here," he hissed.

Igneel shoved Natsu's hand off. "It's just Gary."

"He's my enemy!" Natsu argued. "I have a nose! You think I can't smell his scent around my princess? I want to punch the kid for it!"

Igneel rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure Nashi does it enough for the both of you."

Natsu shook away his irritation. "Anyways, don't hide your feelings on this, okay? How about we restart your therapy?"

Igneel looked uncomfortable with that. "I-I don't know…"

Natsu patted Igneel's shoulder. "Let's not talk about it now. We can talk about it when we get home, okay?" He began to get up when something tugged at his sleeve. He stopped to see Igneel had pinched his arm sleeve.

Igneel found himself hiding his blushing cheeks and his mouth within his father's scarf and mumbled, embarrassed, "Can we…not tell anyone about this?"

Natsu could not suppress his sigh. "Your mom is gonna have to know. She's my mate. I can't keep anything from her. But, as for anyone else, my lips are sealed, 'kay?"

Igneel nodded and let go of his father's sleeve to stand up.

"Now, we better get back to the guild and fast." Natsu laughed as he scratched his scarred cheek. "I, uh, kinda took off and forgot to tell Lucy…"

Igneel shot his father a deadpan look. "You didn't."

Natsu broke into a nervous sweat. "Uh…"

"Pops, you know how Ma gets when you run off without telling her," Igneel reminded. A dark aura overtook him with the words You idiot, Divorce, Shitty Father, and Poor Mom all hitting a nervous Natsu as his son began to tower over him. "She gets angry and then starts talking divorce because she remembers the year you took off on her with just a sorry excuse of a letter and then all of your kids end up siding with her on this because all of us are too afraid to live under you since you're messy and can't cook for shit. Do you even realize Ma is probably plotting your divorce as we speak? How could you do this to her again, you shitty old man?"

Igneel's nostrils flared smoked while a melted Natsu lay before him, twitching as the word divorce prodded at him.

Gary put a cold hand on Igneel's shoulder to calm him down. "I think that's enough tormenting your dad for now," he said lightly, smiling. "I'm sure Uncle Natsu knows better than to dessert his own wife."

Natsu flinched when even Gary loomed over him with shadows covering his eyes and a cold smile adorning his features.

"After all, Aunt Lucy deserves the best type of man to be her husband and father to her children," Gary remarked, tone still lethally pleasant. "And Uncle Natsu knows better than to take her for granted, don't you, sir?"

The melted Natsu waved a tiny white flag that said: Okay, I get it, no more.

Igneel seemed to realize something as he and Gary abandoned Natsu to begin their stroll back to the guild. He beckoned Gary closer. Gary lent his ear for Igneel to whisper, "So, like, what's the big deal with you and my big sis?"

Gary instantly blushed and was about to turn around to see if Natsu was listening when Igneel bumped the back of his hand on Gary's chest and shook his head. "Dude, don't even freak about my pops. He's too busy stressing over how to convince my ma how to not divorce his ass, so you can say anything and he won't even know. Take it from his son."

Gary exhaled an anxious chuckle. "Your sister and I… It's complicated…"

Igneel snorted. "Ha! Tell meabout it," he remarked, sardonic. "My sister is not easy and that's coming for a person who lives with her. And, it's obvious she won't make it easy for you. But take it from a guy who has been with her through all of her periods—if you push her, she'll bite back hard. Push her too far and she'll break." A flicker of emerald was in his eyes, but it came and then went. "She has limits like the rest of us, but sometimes, I think she limits herself to only herself, y'know? I'm not saying push her to her absolute limit, but maybe she needs someone who will sit with her right at the edge."

Gary halted.

Igneel kept walking in nonchalance. "But, really, what do I know?" He dug his hands in his pockets.

Gary could only watch Igneel's back.

Sit with her…at the edge…

He remembered her tear-stricken eyes and unfathomable pain haunting deep in her eyes.

For Angel… I would do anything.

Natsu brushed past Gary in his frantic and startled him out of his thoughts. "Step on it, you two, before Lucy starts whipping out divorce papers! She'll try to take Happy from me!"

Igneel barked his laughter. "We all know who Happy will choose!"

"Shut up, you jerk!"

Gary could only smile as he raced with both Dragneel men.

I don't care how much you push me away, Angel. I'm not going anywhere.

---

WHISTLE.

The dark sky was doused in si—

BANG.

CRACKLE.

Illuminations of reds and greens and whites burst forth and shined brighter than the stars. The particles of light fanned out and lived and died all too quickly only for more to take their place.

Within Margaret Town, the people had taken to the streets once again with their lanterns and strung candles lighting the way for this festival. The Guardians had worked tirelessly with their powers to clear the streets and make Margaret Town hospitable for all. Children ran about with their paper mâché Guardians and eating the festival favorite: baked cinnamon bread with a likeness to the Guardians' faces. The play had gone in Town Centre with the story of why Fiorens celebrated Thanksgiving. People clapped along to the boisterous dancing. Towels were freely passed along to anyone in need of desperate drying and already. Military had come to help civilians in cleaning out their broken homes with lone Magicians pitching in when they could.

At the Redfox Estate, there was a different celebration. A fire pit had been built with Sagittarius doing the honors of lighting it up. The Redfox moonshine had been passed around for all to drink to their delight and a few of Meira's musical spirits had come out to play their riveting tunes. Eliza and Kiki had been given simple peasant dresses to wear with their hair flowing freely down and they partook in the Fioren dancing as they learned the steps for an exuberant Meira and more-than-willing partner, Endymion in his Human Form. The others Spirits had all joined in song and dance. Jäger found himself most taken with Meira's Swan Spirit who turned herself into a graceful ballerina for the evening. Kiki and Eliza had found their dance partners with Taurus and Leo respectively. Alarick was flirting up a storm with Meira's foxy Fox Spirit. The Guardians had taken to playing, mostly Nayda. Nayda seemed to enjoy annoying Erion who would always retaliate.

Ludvig watched from his perch on a log near the fire as Meira laughed as Endymion purposefully messed up the steps to tease her. He spun her around and surprised her when he picked her up and swung her around. Ludvig smiled to himself and took a quiet sip of his ale.

"Why don't you ask her to be your mate?"

Due to the shock, liquor shot from Ludvig's nose and burned his nostrils. He coughed and choked, shakily setting his mug down. As he brought out his handkerchief to wipe his face and his eyes watered, he panted, "Gadzooks, Lady Dragoness, do not startle me in such a fashion!"

Staralia settled next to the log, humming her amusement. "Would you like me to warn you of my approach next time? Here I thought Mages were more in-tune with their environment than Ones-Who-Do-Not-Shine."

Ludvig coughed. "Yes, well, I am a simple runologist, Lady Dragoness, and hardly have any training in regard to being a predator and knowing my potential battlefield."

Staralia tilted her head. "Is that why you refuse to claim my sister-in-stars? Lack of training?"

Ludvig blushed to the roots of his hair as the word SMOKE came out of both ears and poofed into just that. "C-C-Claim?!" he squeaked. He quickly dabbed his sweating forehead. "Gadzooks, Lady Dragoness, this is hardly appropriate chatter. May I remind you my fiancé—?"

"Is no longer your fiancé."

Ludvig fell silent.

Staralia observed him. "You think me unaware of your actions, think yourself sly, but I am a Dragoness of the Heavens. Tis rare a human escape my sight," she told him.

Ludvig clutched his handkerchief. "Then, you know what I have done?"

"Yes."

Ludvig paused. "And you have not told her?"

"It is not my place to tell," Staralia admitted, truthful. "Human matters of the heart concern me little. But matters of the heart concerning my sister-in-stars concern me most. I smell her Scent of Interest as well as yours. There is no reason for you to stall your claiming and mating. Dragons may tease their Claims, but we do it to prolong our mating—none of these mind games humans seem to adore."

Ludvig blushed at the word mating and cleared his throat. "Lady Dragoness, I would advise you to kindly not investigate the situation as it only pertains to myself and—" He yelped when Staralia nudged him and fell on all fours onto the grass.

"You may think this is a private matter, but a Star Spirit always knows the thoughts of their mistress," Staralia snorted. "You know your time together is short and, soon, Meira will leave this town as she must. Make haste, human-of-words. You are a dutiful scholar, so I know you will be eloquent when you profess your desire to take her for a mate." She grinned toothily. "She is a desirable female. Only a fool would let her go."

Ludvig got to his feet and adjusted his coat. "Not a fool, Lady Dragoness—just a man who is unworthy," he mumbled.

Staralia's eyes softened. "Look at her," she murmured.

Ludvig did so. The dance was slowing to a grand halt and everyone clapped at the musicians. Endymion was trying to rope Meira into another dance, but Meira shook her head, beaming, too exhausted to go on. Endymion let her go for Meira to slip to the sidelines only for her spirits to intercept her into conversation.

"Is she worth it?" Staralia asked.

Ludvig answered without hesitation, "Yes."

"Then, go," Staralia breathed. "Go."

°•°•°•°

Meira giggled at Hylonome's words. "I am sure your husband will understand your frustrations if you communicate them," she assured.

The centaur's ears twitched in agitation. "Perhaps," she supposed. "The stallion has been getting too much like a foal and begs for more nights together in the Spirit Realm. Does he not see how much work I must do?"

Meira put a comforting hand on her friend's arm. "I would suggest a compromise. Relax a bit on your work to take him to the Spirit Realm and gallivant of the Great Plains of Nature. He should enjoy the four seasons and both of you need the alone time." She wiggled her eyebrows. "It has been a while since you birthed your last foal, has it not?"

Hylonome's legs paced, her smile bashful. It was entertaining to see such a powerful warrior be reduced to a shy schoolgirl with just a question. "It has," she confided, rueful. She knelt before Meira with a fist over her heart. "Thank you for your counsel, Mistress. I shall do as you suggest and report results." With that, she stood back up and trotted away.

Meira sighed to herself. "I hope my advice works…"

"May I ask for counsel, my Lady?"

Meira turned her head to be pleasantly surprised at Ludvig. He smiled at her a little nervously before kneeling before her like a knight before his queen. She graced him with a warm beam before clearing her throat and lifting her chin, acting the part of royalty. "I suppose you may," she let slip. "Speak. What is your issue, fair sir?"

"It is not for sensitive ears," Ludvig admitted, eyes glancing at the curious Spirits who did not hide their eavesdropping until Meira shot them sharp looks of reprieve. "Permission for a walk about the perimeter to speak more in-depth, my Lady?"

Meira pretended to think on it. "Only if I may have a dance afterwards."

Ludvig slowly go up. "Anything for my Lady," he granted, offering his arm—

—and Meira gladly accepted it.

Ludvig led her away from the festivities and onto a dirty path worn down from horses and man. The moon and stars were their only light, their witnesses, their chaperones, but they needed no one else tonight. Especially not tonight. Meira seemed at peace walking in silence while Ludvig looked off to the side, gathering the courage to say what he wanted to say. He opened his mouth, still not ready to say a first word when—

"I see Maria did not join us?"

Ludvig blew out the breath he knew he was holding. "Nay, my Lady, she did not."

Meira hummed. "Pray tell, why? Was she scared off after what happened?" She rolled her eyes and muttered, "She seems like the type."

Ludvig shook his head and chuckled under his breath. "Nay, my Lady, Maria may have been afraid, but she does not run," he assured. "No, she left for her estate after she and I exchanged words and came to a compromise."

"Oh?"

Ludvig bobbed his head and was internally pleased at how interested Meira sounded with just one syllable. "Aye. We spoke about our engagement."

"Oh."

It took all of Ludvig's strength not to laugh at the badly-concealed disappointment he heard. "Something wrong, my Lady?" he teased to test the waters.

"Nothing," Meira quickly denied, keeping her tone indifferent. "So. When will you be leaving? When is the wedding? I would love to be there on your happy day. A wedding is a most auspicious occasion you know."

"It is," Ludvig readily agreed. "Matrimony is the birth of a new bond recognized in the eyes of God and His people. Those who wed are truly blessed to have found a parter for better or for worse, til death do they part."

"I know you are the brother of the quill, but do not get poetic on me now, Sir Ludvig," Meira teased. "You sound ready to take your vows at any moment."

"I am, to be truthful."

Meira nearly stopped at that. "Oh. I… I see." She put on a big smile. "Well, I am happy you are happy, Sir Ludvig. You are a dear friend to me and your happiness and wellbeing has come to be important to me since we met. To know you are confident to walk down the aisle brings me great joy."

Ludvig softened as Meira looked away from him. "Does it truly?"

Meira's smile grew unsteady, but she held strong. "Of course!" she exclaimed. "Why, seeing you and your fiancé profess your love before God and the Father would bring me great joy! I would not miss your wedding for the world!" She unlocked her hand from his arm to put her hands behind her back and interlock them. "I only wish you the best, Sir Ludvig, I want you to know that. You are someone dear to me and I only ever pray for your eternal cheer."

Ludvig slowly came to a stop. "You are not a good liar, my Lady."

Meira realized Ludvig had stopped and she halted, but she did not turn around. "Accusing me of spinning lies? How bold of you," she teased, though dared not face him. "Have we really become such good friends to casually throw around such words?"

"My Lady, I—…" Ludvig hesitated. "What if…? What if I wasn't happy?"

"Then, I would do everything in my power to make you so, of course. I would do"—Meira's voice wobbled—"anything to make you happy again because you deserve that and so much more."

"Anything?" Ludvig challenge. "You promise on your role as a Star Queen and the future Clan Leader you would do anything?"

DRIP.

"I promise," Meira said, voice soft and broken yet full of verity.

DROP.

Strides forward.

"Then, Meira…"

Meira's eyes widened when she found herself being spun around. She froze when Ludvig's dark eyes captured her own with something in them that made her heart fluttered and her mind blank. There was so much in those eyes, so much raw feeling.

"…be with me."

Meira blinked out of her shock. "What?"

"Be with me," Ludvig repeated in the same passion as before. "Be with me, Meira, stay with me. Be my wife before God. Be my lady."

Meira's eyes widened before they narrowed in fury. She shoved him away from her only to joust him with her finger. "How dare you!" she seethed. "You ask another woman to play mistress when you have a fiancé ready for your hand in marriage? You ask me, a Heartfilia, to stoop so low to become a union breaker, a common whore?"

DRIP.

Ludvig stumbled back when Meira pushed against his chest. "My Lady—!"

DROP.

Meira did not hold back her rage as she swept up fallen leaves and threw them at Ludvig. "How dare you!" she screamed. "You are nothing more than a filthy sailor not satisfied with the vessel you have! You are worse than the scum of this realm to ask me to play your slut and spread my legs when your wife turns her cheek! How dare y-you!"

DRIP.

Ludvig's gaze softened as Meira beat on his chest.

DROP.

Meira shut her eyes as she landed hit after hit. "You ho-horrible cretin! You disgust me!" she yelled at him. She felt his hands wipe away her hot tears. "How could you ask of me to do such a thing? How could you play my heart like a fiddle and plunder it all in one go? How could you! You vile man!"

Ludvig's arms wrapped around her and he guided her face into his shoulder. She refused to hug him, but she lost control and sobbed into his shoulder.

"How could you," she wept. "How could you…"

Ludvig smiled a little. "My brave Meira… My sweet, beautiful Meira… You are not a whore or a union-breaker. You are a bright and shining Star Queen who deserves the moon at her feet and the stars bowing to her."

Meira pulled away to look up at him, tears and all. "Then, why ask me to play such a villain?" she cried. "Do you truly do so to spite me before my leave?"

Ludvig held Meira's face in his hands and thumbed her tears. "No, my Lady, it is quite the contrary," he calmed. "As of now, I am a free man unbound by the confines of a loveless engagement and unhappy fiancé."

Meira shook her head. "You're lying," she accused.

"I challenge you to find my lie," Ludvig dared. "You may question Maria, send her a letter even. But, she will speak the truth as well of our broken engagement."

Meira searched Ludvig's eyes for an answer, yet still asked her question. "But, why? Your family… They will—!"

"Understand," Ludvig assured. "I have already sent them a letter with a new proposal on how to keep our family name—with Lady Elizabeth's consent, of course."

Meira suddenly grew wary. "What do you mean?"

Ludvig explained: "When I was trapped below, Lady Elizabeth shared her tragic tale of her lost lady love to me. She, too, hails from noble blood with expectations to marry a man even if her heart belongs with women."

Meira's eyes rounded. "Does her family threaten to disown her if she takes a wife? How could they? That is completely barbaric—!"

"Shhh, my Lady," Ludvig gently hushed, placing a thumb on her lips. He reveled in Meira's soft blush. "Allow me to finish my tale. Do not fret for Lady Elizabeth. Her family does not press her hand in marriage, but it is expected in society. So, we plotted. As she is a fellow scholar, we will have a chance encounter when I visit Minstrel for to meet with another runologist professor I know at one of the universities there. We will allegedly be taken with one another and I will begin the courtship—"

"So, in the end, you two will wed," Meira cut in, seething. She shoved away Ludvig's hand and tried to wriggle out of his grip. "I extend my utmost happiness to you, Sir Ludvig, for finding another bride. Now, if you would just unhand m—!"

Never did Meira think Ludvig would kiss her to silence her.

It was obvious this was a first kiss for Ludvig, but he pushed past his awkwardness to award Meira the kiss she deserved. He took charge of her lower lip while Meira sank into his upper one, her hands wrapping around his neck, their eyes closed at the bliss of their first display of affection.

Ludvig seemed to realize what he had done for he hastily pulled away, a spluttering mess. "Gadzooks, my Lady, my apologies for the kiss without your consent," he was quick to say. "I did not mean to insult you, I—!"

Now it was Meira's turn to place a finger on his lips, a grin about her that of a cat. "The only insult is you retreating all too fast," she murmured to him, voice dipping low. However, reality snapped her back in place and she was mad again, pushing away from him. "But, you cannot silence me like that when you are to court another woman!" she snapped.

Ludvig blinked. Then, he broke into laughter.

Meira glared at him. "You think my fury is funny? Perhaps my whip will be a circus."

Ludvig did his best to contain his laughter but not his grin. "Did my Lady not hear me say Lady Elizabeth is a lover of women rather than men?"

Meira froze. Then, she blushed hotly. "A-Ah, yes… I had…forgotten that…"

Ludvig swept Meira into his arms once again and lifted an eyebrow. "May I continue to tell you my plot or will you interrupt me again?"

Meira hmphed, but she waved her hand.

Ludvig went on: "As I was saying, I will begin the courtship ritual on Lady Elizabeth while we simultaneously look for her lost lover, Miss Tilly. Once we have bought back Miss Tilly's freedom, we will announce our engagement. However, this is where it gets tricky. We will be forced to wed in the Catholic Church, but we will lie about our marriage license. In reality, Lady Elizabeth will marry Miss Tilly upon the approval of a very good friend of the family who sees any type of love as the approved will of God, something rare indeed. I have assured Lady Elizabeth, while we will be pressured into producing heirs, we shall only have one child, regardless of the sex. I will be a dutiful father and pretend husband, but, I turned down the offer to find a true wife of my own." When Meira raised her eyebrows as though to ask if she could speak, Ludvig kissed her forehead with the high he felt from the kiss still there. "You may speak."

Meira was silent for two beats. "I am at a loss," she admitted. "You would do all this for a woman you do not know. You would help her find her true love." She tipped her head. "Why?"

"She is helping me as well with our marriage," Ludvig reminded. "But, to answer your question, she reminds me of me. She is a fellow scholar with a passion for Magic and life outside the boundaries of this realm's physics. She loved a person she should not have even when her hand was forced in marriage. But, she said something to be that made me want to help her."

Meira could not help it. "What?"

Ludvig remember the sober look in Eliza's eyes as she told him, "But, there is a difference between you and I. While we love who we should not, you have the chance to do something about—to act. My chance may be gone. My Tilly may be swept into slavery. Even if I found her, her love for me may be gone. And, even if she loved me, our love would be secret. But your love is right in front of you."

She had turned to him with eyes that spoke so much wisdom and pain. "Do not take advantage of such an opportunity. Seize it. Love her for the ones like me who cannot love anymore."

"Ludvig?"

He blinked out of his memories to see Meira—all of her. He saw how the moon kissed her golden hair. He saw of the stars reflected in her eyes and carried her concern. He saw the paleness of her skin and the pretty flushes of her cheeks. He saw her, all of her—

—and he could not get enough.

"She told me to seize the chance I have with you," Ludvig confessed, "for there are many who would die for a chance to be with their love. I agree with her. I cannot in good conscience sit by and let you walk away from my life without professing my feelings." He blushed, but he kept going. "You deserve to know the truth. You deserve to know my truth."

Meira tried shaking her head. "Ludvig, no…"

"Shhh," Ludvig hushed, letting his hand caress her cheek. "Please, my Lady, let me speak my truth."

"You do not have to for I already know." A tear glided down Meira's cheek as she leaned into his touch. "I know, Ludvig. I have always known. I have always with you too."

Dark eyes sparkled. "My Lady… No… Meira," he breathed. "I am a selfish man, a vile man indeed, but I still must ask. I ask of you to stay with me until your leave. To be with me like we have a forever in our future."

Meira laughed incredulously. "And, then, what?" she wanted to know. "We go our separate ways like nothing happened? Like we did not spend our days giving into feeling time and time again?" She sadly smiled. "I cannot be asked to just forget such a thing."

"Then, don't." Ludvig's voice grew rough with emotion. "Don't forget. Our departures mean not for us to forget. It means for us to always remember these next few days." He took her hands into his and thumbed her knuckles. "Just say, 'yes', Meira. Be with me until our time is up. Make memories with me. You promised you would fulfill any wish of mine to make me happy and this is my heart's wish."

Meira closed her eyes, swallowing. "This isn't fair," she whispered.

"I know," Ludvig whispered back. "None of this is fair. Maybe in another lifetime, our reincarnations will find each other and be given the chance of the eternal bond we could never get. But, in this life, I beg of you being the selfish man I am…"—he leaned his forehead onto hers—"stay with me."

Their breathing were not in-sync, but their hearts were. The forest and starry sky waited in bated breath for Meira's answers.

"Yes."

Ludvig pulled away for wide eyes to stare down at Meira. "What did you say?"

Meira opened her eyes as a soft beam overtook her lips. "Yes." She seemed more excited and jumped to embrace him and he spun her around in his glee. "Yes! Yes! A thousand times, yes!" As Ludvig slowed to set her down, Meira kept her hands locked behind his neck. "Oui, si, sé, ja, sim, da—in every language, in every way…yes, Ludvig. Make me your lover for the time we have together."

Ludvig dipped his head down to capture her into another kiss. It was longer than the last with no urgent need behind it. It was soft like their blossoming romance and a testament to the beginning of something that would end all too soon. They both pulled away when the timing felt right and their eyes opened for love to connect dark and chocolate.

"Your home or mine?" Ludvig asked huskily.

"Mine. We may be as loud as we desire without rumors spreading," Meira promised, body flushing at the way Ludvig looked at her. "We will ride to gather your things once we finish tonight."

Ludvig ran a hand down Meira's hair and her back, taking in the little gasp she gave. "What if I cannot wait until sun up?" he rasped. "I am a selfish man, Meira, and when I have my Lady so close to me, teasing me like this—"

"'Teasing'?" Meira squawked. "I am no tease, mind you!"

"You are to me," Ludvig growled lowly, hands dipping lower. Meira jumped a bit and pressed into him, though her eyes widened at what she felt only to hood themselves at the implications. "So, I ask again: mine or yours?"

Meira gulped. "We need to make sure Lu-Lunaahhh..." Her eyes fluttered close when Ludvig's mouth pressed onto her neck to leave an open kiss. "W-We need to make sure—oh—that they get home saaah…safely…"

"And we will," Ludvig promised, giving her another open-mouthed neck kiss. A finger delicately ran up and down Meira's side. "But, as of now, you are my Lady and I am impatient to have you. You have tempted me ever since you got deliriously drunk at that pub you invited me to and threw yourself at me, demanding for me to give you attention." He smirked onto her skin. "You asked me to carry you everywhere and tried to disrobe when I helped you to my home. Do you remember that, my Lady?"

Meira panted. "N-Now who is being a tease?" she goaded, shuttering when Ludvig's hand dipped further down.

"I'm not like you," Ludvig rumbled, switching to the other side of her neck. "I'm not a little tease. But, I am an impatient man."

Meira shamelessly tilted her head to give him better access. "You are not supposed to join with a woman until your wedding night with your true bride, you know," she gasped. "It is seen as a sin in the eyes of God and a scandal among nobles."

Ludvig chuckled. "Good thing I am not a man of God." He tease Meira's skin with his teeth and nearly groaned when she shook against him. "What will it be, my Lady?" He pulled away to see Meira's close eyes as she tried to control herself.

"If we are quick, there is a small one-bedroom shed Alarick has near the barn further down the pa—"

Ludvig was already tugging Meira down the path. "Then, we must not waste anymore moonlight," he decided.

Meira let him lead her, blushing profusely. "We have no time for making gentle love like fresh virgins," she warned.

"Gadzooks then," Ludvig said, smirking, "I suppose you will have to enjoy the roughness of a touch-starved man as your first time, my Lady."

°•°•°•°

Luna watched the festivities from the comfort of the rocking chair on the back porch. Icarus lay at her feet like a faithful doggish companion, chewing on a bone. It was amusing to see him act so much like a regular dog, but Luna had not the heart to tell him. She had her bag at her side with her Compact in hand. The battery had died, but she held it as a reminder.

"And then Gale and I go home? We're done?"

"That is up to you." Luna remembered Faven shaking her head. "I would not say 'stuck'. However, if you continue this mindset, you shall be." And, then, Faven had a smile full of secrets. "Fare thee well, Luna, Icarus. We will meet again. Fate wills it so. Study the past if you divine the future."

"'Study the past if you divine the future'," Luna recited as her finger trailed along her Compact.

"Confucius said that."

Luna looked up to see Gabriel stepping up the porch. Icarus left his head and his tail wagged as Gabriel offered him roasted mutton that he immediately tore into. Gabriel then offer Luna a mug which she gladly took. He plopped onto the other rocking chair with his mug and a plate of grapes. Luna peered uneasily into the mug.

Gabriel glanced at her and grinned. "Don't worry. Yours is straight juice, nothing short of virgin."

Luna sniffed the drink and took a sip. To her delight, it was a strawberry juice.

As Luna drank, Gabriel spoke, "Confucius was a great philosopher with many ideals and a religion I respect. He has many quotes I find myself adhering."

"Luke knows a lot about him," Luna admitted. "His favorite Confucius quote is, 'Wherever you go, go with all your heart'."

"Aye. Tis a good quote," Gabriel agreed. "I favor 'It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop'. Served me well when I fell behind on my Magic studies and dealing with Master."

Luna hummed and fingered the rim of her mug.

Gabriel glanced at the Compact. "Oh, right. That thing is your psychic Lacrima?"

Luna simpered. "It's my Compact. It's like, um… It's like a Lacrima that can help you talk to people and has all the answers to any question."

Gabriel perked. "How about how to make my womanizing father end his ways?"

"Yup. Still answers," Luna assured.

"The future sounds so promising," Gabriel had to confess. "You have much technology and freedoms we could not even imagine."

Luna's amusement dampened at the mention of her present. "Yeah… It's a lot more different," she supposed in a heaved sigh.

Gabriel took notice of this changed mood and frowned, looking out into the field. "You have things on your mind," he acknowledged.

Luna shrugged. "It's just that… Well, Gale and I basically did all we could. We saved the past. And, what's our reward? We're stuck here. We can't go home. But, I want to go home. I want to be with my mama and papa and Igneel and Nashi and Luke… I have a family and a guild. Both of us do. We can't stay here."

Gabriel nodded. "No, you can't. But as Confucius says, 'It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop'. You can't stop now even if everything looks improbable. A solution will present itself. It will."

Icarus whined at Luna's sadness and sat up to put his head in her lap. Luna caved and scratched between his ears. "Yeah, maybe," she muttered, unconvinced.

Gabriel sighed and his eyes caught curiosity and envy across the way. He grinned and nodded. Turning back to Luna, he said, "You may not believe me now, but you will soon. Trust in Fate and Lady Luck. They have smiled down on you and will continue to do so." He got up from the rocking chair and made his way down from the porch.

Luna sighed pitifully. "Do you think there's a way, Icarus?"

Icarus lolled his head.

Perhaps there is a way. But, if there is, I do not have a clue as to what.

"I figured you'd say that," Luna confessed.

"'Say' what?"

Luna groaned as Gale, now, came up onto the porch to take Gabriel's old spot. "Why can't any of you leave me alone?" she cried.

Gale made a face. "I saved your life, y'know, so I demand a bit more respect."

Luna rolled her eyes and pinched her nose. "Gale Redfox, you're my hero," she said in a nasally voice.

Gale barked a laugh as he took to rocking. "Yeah, thanks, Fry, for the praise." He lifted his mug. "So, uh, let's just say for the Hell of it your auntie and Ludvig were hooking up. Opinion?"

Gale took a gulp as Luna wrinkled her nose. "That means doing it, right? I mean…" She screwed up her face at the thought of it. "It's…gross to think about it, but I really ship them, so I'd be happy for them?"

Gale grinned into his drink. "Good to know." He took another sip. "So, uh… What's the deal with you and my ancestor?"

"The deal?" Luna echoed. "Um… Nothing, I guess. He was the one to find my when I crashed into the woods, him and Lost. He helped me and so did his papa." She smiled to herself. "Gabriel's been a big help to me. I don't really think I would've done all this without him. You see, he's the one who introduced me to Ludvig and Auntie Meira. He hugged me when I cried and listened to me when I didn't even know I needed him to. It's like I've known him my whole life."

Gale paused in his drinking to study Luna's unsuppressed fondness. "He's that good of a guy, huh?" He settled back and began to rock again. "Welp, he is pretty much me. I'm just the cool version."

Luna laughed into a hand. "Yeah. Cool, but secretly a nerd."

"I am not, woman!"

Gale sunk down and huffed while Luna giggled. "I swear… One of these days, Blondie-girl, one of these days…" And he went back to his drink.

Luna's giggling died down and she looked to the side. "Days of the past or our present?"

Gale paused.

"We'll never make it back," Luna whispered. "I shouldn't be regretting our choice to come here and save the past, but I do and I feel terrible about it. I'm scared we're never going to get home. I'm scared we're going to be stuck here." A tear shed and Luna sniffed, wiping it away. "Some Fairy Tail Mage I am."

Gale rested his mug on his lap. "Didn't you say being scared is okay?" he recalled. "It's fine to be scared of the unknown. I mean, you have the freaks who get off on the unknown, but being scared of not knowing? Our moms start getting hysterical if we don't answer their first call within twenty seconds. I think you being legit freaked about us being stuck in the past isn't as horrible as you think."

"How are you so calm with this?" Luna inquired. "Don't you want to get home?"

Gale shrugged. "Blondie, I've nearly died three times, been dropped some pretty heavy shit, was converted into a baby Slayer, and saw my grandfather. Honestly? I'm feeling pretty numb." He looked down at his mug. "Or maybe it's the moonshine…"

Luna eyed Gale's pendant. "So you're like your papa now?"

"Eh." Gale made a so-so motion with his hand. "Like, yes? But, also, no. There's a lot about Slayers of all types that I have no clue about. I'm still coming to terms with the fact that I'm one of them."

"But, what type are you?"

"Plant-slash-Nature-slash-earth. Nothing fantastic."

Luna snorted. "Only you would be given an amazing gift and dismiss it like that."

"I'm chalking it up to being in shock," Gale decided. "It'll hit me at three in the morning probably a couple days from now. But, for now, I'm enjoying the calm before the storm." He combed his hair back. "I know our situation is shit, but let's take a look at all the good." He ticked off a finger. "You got to see Margaret Town at its prime."

"And got made fun of for my weight," Luna remembered, still irked.

"Mmm… Misinterpreted my words, but we'll let you have that," Gale supposed, grinning at Luna's puffed cheeks. "We met the time-traveling bunny and toured the city."

"I met Nerd Gale," Luna recalled, gleeful.

Gale shot her a look. "Moving forward," he stressed, "you forced me to watch River City until the wee hours in the mornin'."

Luna gasped. "I did not—!"

"Then, you make me get out of bed. You make me go to the festival—"

"How did I 'make' you—?"

"And then a new guy comes waltzing in and you abandon me—"

"Hey! I did not abandon you!" Luna argued vehemently, pointing a finger at him. "You were dead on your feet, so chill out, okay?"

Gale smirked. "There's my girl. You had me worried I lost her to some emo chick who shops at New Topic and Jenson's."

Luna became exasperated. "I'm so sorry I'm worried about our way home. So sorry I'm in a mood. My bad I'm not happy all the time. Deepest sorries, Gale, really, I'm such a mood ruiner," she seethed. She shot up from her rocking chair and grabbed her skirts with Icarus scrambling to his feet. "How about we don't talk unless we have to, okay?" She stormed away—

—only for Gale to catch her elbow.

"Wait, wait, I'm sorry," he chortled. "C'mon, Blondie, bring it back here. Don't get angry. I'm just being an asshole."

Luna warily sat back down with Icarus planting himself firmly between the two, displeased Gale upset his mistress.

Gale sobered himself. "Thank you. Look, Blondie, you know as well as I do we can't think a solution will drop into our laps. We have to be reasonable here and think. Our parents got out of a handful of situations because of impulse and luck. They basically went through anything inconceivable. So, think. What would they do in times like this?"

Luna deeply thought on that question. "Well, let's see… I don't remember any time-traveling stories…Unless you count that weird Edolas thing when they came back the same day they left."

Gale snapped his fingers. "Remember the GMGs way back in X-seven-nine-one? Maybe your parents told you about it?"

Luna wracked her brain, then shook her head. "Uh-uh. Why?"

"Well, if my memory is right and we all know it is, then that story was about the future. Someone created a device to go to and from the future and the past. It was called the…the, uh…" Gale grunted in frustration. "C'mon, it was the…Eclipse Gate! It was the Eclipse Gate, yeah! It used the power of all the Zodiacs on an eclipse with a bit of Black Magic to connect two time periods!"

Luna and Gale were grinning ear-to-ear.

"Blondie, we're goin' home!" Gale told her. He got up and Luna squealed when he easily tugged her off the rocking chair and swung her around. "We're going back to the future, Doc! We're goin' home!"

Luna hollered her happiness while Icarus barked, circling them. Once Gale set her down, Luna lifted the skirt of her dress to flood down the porch and race to Leo, shouting for him. Leo and Aries had been talking when the Great Lion Spirit heard Luna and dismissed the conversation to greet her warmly. "My little moon," he began, "what, pray tell, may I—?"

"Uncle Loke—I-I mean Uncle Leo, we found a way home!" Luna rushed.

It seemed everyone had heard Luna's words and murmured excitement. Leo's eyes sparkled. "That is wonderful news!"

Luna beamed. "I know!" She beckoned Gale. "Come on! Explain it to them!"

Gale casually stood by Luna's side. "It's something called an Eclipse Gate that can connect two timelines," he explained. He noticed the Spirits stiffened at the mention. "But something tells me you already knew that…"

Luna frowned. "Uncle Leo, is that true?"

Leo sighed. "The Eclipse Gate is not something Star Spirits take lightly," he admitted. "The gate you speak of takes not only the power of all twelve Zodiacs but a great deal of power from the Star Maiden or Monk whom activates it. Once more, an eclipse must be at its peak for the gate to activate just right. If the eclipse is off-center by just a little, the entire gate will be unstable."

"Well… When's the next eclipse?" Luna asked. "It can't be far, right?" She looked around to see the Spirits with their eyes averted from her. Panic hit her. "It's not…right? We can go home?"

"My niece, it is not that simple."

Luna and Gale looked to see Meira and Ludvig returning. Ludvig was trying to fix his tailcoat while Meira had let her hair run free once more. A grave look overcame her as she glided to Luna.

"Why isn't it ever that simple?" Luna demanded, frustrated. "That's our only way home!"

Meira held Luna's shoulders. "I know, my starling, but like all Ancient Magic, the cost is high. Without an eclipse to keep both timelines stable, the chance of you and Gale dying on your way to a timeline is high. We may accidentally connect you to an alternate timeline. Who is to say? But the cost is too great for us to take that chance."

Luna's bottom lip trembled. "I want to go home," she whimpered. "I love being here with you and everyone, but we need to go home."

Meira curled Luna right under her bosom and into a hug. "I know, my star, I know," she murmured, tone soft. "We will find a way."

Grass crackled.

Can we help?

Luna sniffed and broke away from Meira to look up and find the Guardians approaching the edge of the party (Nayda looked wary of Aquarius). Erion came forth with eyes determined and locked on Luna.

There is no eclipse in sight for many cycles, he told her, but my sister and I can stabilize the gate with our own Magic.

Yes, Nayda piped up. It is the least Brother and I can do for kind Little Mother. She dipped her head. I want Little Mother happy. Little Mother saved me. Save Little Mother.

Luna's eyes glistened. "Nayda…" She looked at Leo. "Can they help? Will it work?"

"They're essentially deities with as strong spiritual energy as His Majesty," Leo compared. "Whether they stabilize the gate or not is their choice, but I have no doubt they have the ability to do so." He looked at Meira. "But, it is a matter of how you will be able to handle the lash-back. It could drain you. You could contract Magic Deficiency Disease or worse—an Anti-Ethernano Tumor."

Meira placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "I'm not afraid of a little sickness so long as my descendant and her friend return safely." She looked at all her spirits. "She is a Heartfilia, a friend of spirits and daughter of the stars. Will you not help the same bloodline you have sworn oath to protect?"

Luna grew perplexed.

Wait. They swore an oath to my mama's family?

Taurus stepped forward. "We would never turn our backs on her or you, Mistress," he rumbled. "But, your Magic is not as strong as it should be. We only want you to be careful."

"There is no time to be careful; there is only time for action," Meira said sharply. "I refuse to order you all, so I implore you—help me get them home."

The spirits did not hesitate to straighten themselves and murmur their agreements. Capricorn came forth with a nod. "We will aaaaaaaaall make sure Laaaaady Lunaaaaaa aaand Maaaaaaaster Gale get home."

Luna felt her heart lighten. "You guys…"

Meira smiled. "Excellent!" She turned to Luna. "Now, your mother possesses all twelve Zodiac keys. All we have to do is communicate with her and"—she shot a look at Ludvig—"that should not be hard, right, Ludvig?"

Luna was still reeling from the statement of her mother's keys. "Wait… My mama doesn't—"

"Hold up," Gale interrupted. "We can speak to people in the future and you didn't tell us?"

Ludvig blushed. "It is mere theory," he told him, "simple speculation. I acquired a Magic Diary founded by two of our archaeologists in which, no matter the ink you use, your words disappear."

Eliza perked at that. "I've heard of this mysterious diary. They call it Ellis' Diary after J. M. Ellis, one of the first idealist physicians to study time and argue of its nonexistence. He was a professor and high-ranking Mage of Mildian," she remembered. "That diary exists?"

Ludvig nodded. "It was recovered in Ellis' personal study in Mildian. We made sure to test the diary to discover its Magic Potency that many theorize to be a Time Link, the same type of spell Time Flowers have. And, from that, we have tried to write in the diary."

"Well, have you ever gotten a response?" Gale checked.

Ludvig shook his head. "Well, no—"

Gale huffed loudly and threw his hands up. "Shit, then how are we supposed to know this actually works? And, if this 'Magic Diary' is anything like how I think it is, that would mean Aunt Lucy has to have the diary which she doesn't have. So, congratulations! This plan is bullshit!"

"Why does Mama need to be involved?" Luna questioned.

Gale ran a hand down his mouth. "So, from what I hear, we have literally two options," he said, ignoring Luna. "Well, one, I should say." He looked over at Meira. "Your descendant, Blondie's mom from an alternate timeline, was able to open the gate with her Magic alone at the cost of draining every person on the other side or so my mom told me. Without Aunt Luce and Aunt Yuki on the other side to open the gate, we're gonna have to open the gate somewhere out of the way."

"Like on the border of Margaret Town!" Luna chimed in.

That could work, Icarus supposed. Should anything bode badly, the lash back will not affect any wizard within the radius.

Ludvig gently turned Meira to him. "Are you certain about this, my Lady? I don't wish for you to fall gravely ill when our time is short enough."

Meira took Ludvig's hand and kissed his palm, smiling at his blush. "If I fall sick, I entrust you to become my personal doctor, sir."

Ludvig's eyes darkened. "I would be delighted to, my Lady."

Luna's eyes flickered between her ancestor and the runologist until realization kicked in and her jaw dropped. "Oh, my God…" she gasped. She pointed at the couple. "You two… Oh, my… Shut – up…"

Meira's eyebrows furrowed. "I beg your pardon?"

Gale groaned. "Don't sweat it, Auntie M. 'Shut up' doesn't always mean, well…'shut up'. It's like the white girl basic term for 'I am shooketh'."

Meira understood that and took delight when Ludvig took to half hugging her from behind and his lips kissed her cheek. "Yes, my little starling, we are—"

"Together," Ludvig finished, nose brushing against Meira's temple and making her hum, closing her eyes, "in every way."

Luna squealed, physically jumping in the air, and rushed to hug them both, still shaking. "Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! You guys…! I'm so happy for you two!"

Kiki and Gabriel watched with matching sweatdrops as Jäger and Alarick sulked in darkness and mumbled, "We are not worthy…"

"Nice to see they're taking it so well," Kiki admitted dryly.

Meira clapped her hands. "We have work to do if we are to get these two home, my friends!" She brought out her keys and jingled them. "My spirits—it is time. Tonight…we ride."

°•°•°•°

It did not take long for everyone to move to the outer boundaries of Margaret Town. Meira made a circle of her twelve Zodiacs and a ring of her Silver Keys beyond that. The horses had been safely tied up, away from this, and the McGarden Family was protected by Gabriel and Alarick's dugout for them. Ludvig remained close by with Meira in his arms.

"Are you sure you will be all right?" Ludvig pressed.

Meira pecked his lips and hummed positively. "Have faith in me, Ludvig, and all shall be fine. We have Guardians on our side and with the moon bright and sky unclouded, the Star King has approved of this plan." She rubbed his arms and leaned in. Ludvig met her lips with a chaste kiss and then another. Meira smiled fondly. "Now, go. I do not wish for your Magic to drain you."

Ludvig sighed. "As my Lady desires." He pecked her forehead and reluctantly pulled away to walk over to the dugout.

Meira followed his movement with a sigh as Gale and Luna and Icarus stepped towards her, the Golems gone and Luna and Gale shouldering their bags. "I appreciate his worry, but I cannot help being worried myself," she admitted. "The secret of such a gateway is a Clan Leader secret. It shocks me I would ever have to use such a method." She looked at Gale and Luna. "But, I know I will not regret it."

"Thanks, Aunt Meira," Luna appreciated. "I'm sorry about what will happen though."

Meira waved a hand of dismissal. "It will be fine," she assured. "I may not be at full strength, but I will honor my promise and make sure you both arrive home."

"Then, perhaps, I may offer assistance."

Meira and Luna turned to see—

"Faven?"

Faven looked ethereal in the physical world as she had been when she appeared in the cave. She glided across the grass with a refined grace about her fit for a queen. The Guardians were more than thrilled at her arrival in the physical world and took to nuzzling their noses against her side as she passed them. She breezed over to Luna and Meira with a loving beam. "Hello, Meira," she greeted, voice soft and echoing.

Meira did not seem to be in shock at Faven's arrival. She looked more in awe. "I have heard my mother speak of how our ancestors walk the physical realm in times of need, but I never dreamed to actually meet you here."

Faven nodded. "With my children and Young Luna and all my kin keeping me strong in their hearts and memories as well as my personal key still not broken, I have a tether to the physical realm."

"You're going to help us?" Luna asked.

"Two Heartfilia women are better than one," Faven told. "I will lend as much power as I can give and accompany my children to the Spirit Realm afterwards. My involvement will significantly reduce the consequences of opening the Eclipse Gate." Her eyes drifted to the others in the dugout. "I know the gate is a High Priestess secret, but I approve of what you did." Her eyes slid to Gale. "I am surprised, however, an outsider thought of such a thing before."

Luna glanced up at Gale who seemed oblivious to their conversation. "He can't see you?"

"See what?" Gale asked. "Who are you two talking to?"

"Nay," Faven confirmed, "he cannot. He does not need to." She offered a hand to Meira. "Come, future Clan Leader, and let us begin."

Meira took Faven's hand. "Yes, of course."

Gale looked creeped out to see Meira grabbing onto something that was not there. "Oh, Lord, is your spirit-ghost-ancestor back?"

Luna chuckled. "Spirit, not ghost," she corrected. "And, yeah, she is. She's going to help us."

Gale rubbed an eye. "Yeah, okay, when we get back, I need a fat nap for the next century to get over and process so much of this shit," he muttered.

Luna grabbed his hand and led him away with Icarus trailing behind. "Come on, cranky, let's go."

Meira and Faven settled themselves within the circle and the Guardians took their post. Luna stopped Gale and Icarus just beyond the silver ring as Meira said, "We will begin the process, but once the Magic activates, you will have a short time to switch with me and be transported."

"In modern day language, the gate is similar to a wormhole," Faven explained. "It can go across time and space, but it was intended for only the Star Maiden who summoned the gate to be the one to use it. Have your wits about you and be swift." She looked at Meira. "You as well. If you get swept up into the gate—"

"I will not, ancestor," Meira promised. "I have a man right there who is nervously waiting for me so we may have days to grow our newfound love. I will make sure I move in time."

Faven smiled and nodded. She glided onto her knees and Meira mirrored her actions. Their hands met to intertwine and their eyes closed in unison. They need not say a word for the Key of the Golden Lion to glow first with his symbol burning. Within seconds, on either side, the Zodiac Keys burned gold with their symbols burning their choice color. The Silver Keys glistened bright silver to join and there was a noticeable hush in the forest to greet the hums of the spirits.

And the moon was still bright.

Nayda and Erion allowed sea blue and sky blue respectively to glow through their eyes. Their Magic Aura outlined their bodies and sprinkled off them. Their fur and feathers ruffled as a mysterious wind picked up.

Meira and Faven found their loose hair swaying in this wind as their sunset Magic embraced them and fed off the energy of spirits. They looked like priestesses praying to their gods and receiving a blessing for their sacrifice.

And the moon was still bright.

Like it was planned, the Silver Keys one-by-one began to connect themselves with lines of glowing silver. When they touched the Gold Keys, golden lines wove intricately to and intertwined with silver to forge a new Magic Circle. The sun was a brilliant gold while the moon was a brilliant silver. Where the two crossed as bronze to signify their union, their balance in the world. Ancient symbols for Mother and Father, Sister and Brother were written out in Magic with details of the gate, but it was all too beautiful to decipher.

Nayda purred as sea blue shot from her chest and onto the Magic Circle. The entire circle pulsated and you could see thin traces of her Magic within each careful line.

Erion's chest rumbled as sky blue shot from it and onto the Magic Circle. The entire circle pulsed and Erion's Magic merged with the Celestial Spirit Magic already in the works.

Luna's eyes gleamed, awestruck. "Wow… This is the true power of a Star Queen…"

Meira and Faven may have spoken in unison but the voices of each spirit spoke with them, adding their harmony: "I ask of thee to open the gateway between Time and Space… O, Creator, O Stars, grant thy prayer and create the gate that will transcend the confines of this realm…"

The sheen from the Magic Circle glowed even brighter to the point where you had to squint your eyes or look away out of fear your sight would be blinded.

The moon was still bright.

"Activate…!" Meira, Faven, and the spirits cried. "Gateway of the Stars!"

Something winked within the dark sky.

Faven snapped her eyes open and let go of Meira who quickly gathered her skirt. "Now!" she roared. "The gate is opening!"

Luna took Gale's hand—

—and everything went by so fast, yet so slow.

Meira sprinted out of the Star Field, yet it felt like she was going so slow. As Luna brushed past her, she allowed herself a final smile.

Good-bye, Young Luna. Lest us meet again in the Spirit Realm.

The winking suddenly expanded into a field of rainbowesque colors of the galaxy and flooded down below.

Luna crossed into the Star Field with Gale and Icarus at her sides. Her eyes met with Faven's briefly and she saw her mouth move.

"See you soon, Luna Heartfilia-Dragneel."

The rush of energy hit—

—and Gale, Luna, and Icarus found themselves evaporating at the hands of the galaxy and moving with it back into the stars.

And the moon was still bright.

---

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…

Even if the battles are over and the war is one, our heroes still have to deal with the fallout of their actions. Tune in next time to Fairy Adventure!

---

Chibi-Luna glides into the class with a spring in her step like the world was good again. "Good day, class!"

"Good day, Teacher!" the students trill. "What are we learning today?"

Chibi-Luna grins. "Today, class, we're learning about Celestial Spirits!" As the class oohs and aahs, Chibi-Luna pulls down a chart that looks like a dart board except each ring contains the faces of spirits. The first ring has the faces of known spirits with Silver Keys, the second ring contains the Golden Zodiacs, and the third and innermost contain the Celestial Spirit King nicknamed Mustache Guy. "As you all knows, Celestial Spirits are divided into two class based on Silver and Gold Keys. But, did you know that the Silver Keys have their own structure." She pulls down another chart to show a pyramid structure. "Celestial Spirits with Silver Keys are ranked based off Magic Power and attainability. For example…" And she whistles.

Icarus trots in with Plue on his back and the class gushes over the arrival of real Celestial Spirits. Plue leaps off Icarus, still shaking, while Icarus sits down and pants like a normal dog.

Chibi-Luna pats Plue's head lovingly and the Celestial Spirit eagerly melts under her touch. "Canis Major spirits are easily accessible with little Magic Power. In fact, any person could summon a Nikora Spirit—though, if they don't have control over their Magic, they may end up deformed." She nods at Plue. Plue poofs himself and comes back as a heavily deformed version with his head squished and his body half melted. The class giggles at his theatrics and Plue poofs back into his normal form, eager for more attention.

Chibi-Luna comes to Icarus who licks her face. She smiles, strokes his fur, and explains, "A Clifford Spirit are still attainable, but not as much as the Nikora Spirit. They have greater Magic Power which means a Mage needs great control, especially since a Clifford can shift between their normal form and their Dog Form." She backs up. Icarus poofs himself into a husky-malamute hybrid, making everyone aw when he flops on his stomach for a belly rub.

A student raises her hand. "Teach? How many forms can a Celestial Spirit take?"

"Good question," Chibi-Luna praises. "A Celestial Spirit is bond to the type of spirit they are. As long as their form still represents their spirit, they can shift into one to three forms, varying by spirit. For example, a Dragon Spirit can shift between Dragon and Man Form while the Leo Spirit can shift between Man, Cat, and Lion. A human-based spirit can only stay as a human, unfortunately, but their Magic more than makes up for that."

A student laughs and asks, "Hey, teach! Is your dog housebroken?"

Icarus shifts back into his original form to growl at the student who besmirched him. Chibi-Luna nervously sweats as she holds Icarus back from attacking her student. "Oh, look! Time goes by so fast! Next time, on Fairy Adventure: FESTIVAL OF GRATITUDE!" Chibi-Luna yanks Icarus back. "Down, boy," she scolds. "Keep this up and I'm not letting you have any of Mama's leftovers."

Icarus whines at that instantly, ears down, and tail low. His claws scrape the ground as he wriggles, upset.

Chibi-Luna smirks in satisfaction. "Good boy."

Another student drawls, "Has your dog been checked for fleas yet?"

SNARL.

"Icarus, heel!"