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!

40. Adventure 040

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.

---

Last time, on Fairy Adventure, Gale and Luna made it back into the past to save it with Staralia and Meira. News channels across the country featured Ooba's rallying speech, but that doesn't stop the anti-Magic terrorists from hating on Ooba and the general public fearing Magic. With Elvin safely back at Lamia Scale, Wolfheim and his beast decide to go home with the certainty Elvin will seek them out someday. Gray Jaguar and the Mages separate for the time being, but hopefully, we'll see the agents once again. Nashi and Gary hashed it out in a one-sided fight while Igneel struggled to control himself around Mary Jane and her apologies. Seriously. What's the big deal between those two? After Igneel ran away with the Ice Devil on his tail, the Mages returned to Lamia Scale to catch up—even if that meant Mary Jane had to face her family. Gale and Luna make it up to the sky, but that's not enough when Meira could no longer keep up her spell. Heartfilia's trade places as Luna takes up Meira's place on Staralia's back. Before Nayda and Erion can destroy Margaret but good, Luna jumped into the fray and back into the Spirit Realm. Faven was there to help calm down Nayda and bring her children back to her. Staralia reluctantly accepted Sycaña's decision to allow Gale to become her Slayer with a push from Meira and now it was time to get Margaret back on track. So, when do our two heroes get to go home? As Nashi tried to figure out Mary Jane, Dazzler and her stirred up an conversation. Talk about awkward. Natsu caught up to Igneel and Gary, but Igneel's emotions are spiraling out of control with his desire to have Mary Jane back, but…what exactly happened? In the past, Margaret celebrates its victory with one last hoorah. Ludvig gathered the courage to tell Meira how he felt and she felt the same! Isn't that romantic? Luna still wanted to go home and, with Gale's quick-thinking, they can at the cost of the Eclipse Gate! That certainly rings a bell. Meira, Faven, and the Guardians agreed to perform the spell to get our young heroes home.

"See you soon, Luna Heartfilia-Dragneel."

Let's hope they made it to the right timeline! Geez, Ice Devil, cool it with the jealous boyfriend act…

---

The table was sober in the conference room Gajeel had an arm on the back of Levy's chair who was hunched over, hands in her scalp. Lucy had her hands locked and propped by her elbows with her forehead laying on her fingers. Natsu, who had gotten his scarf back, looked at the ceiling with a hand touching Lucy's thigh. Erza was at the head of the table, bandaged but fine, and Laxus stood at the corner of the room, wrapped in his jacket. Mystogan had taken to laying his head on a hand while Nashi kept her head down. Gary sat close to her with his eyes pained at too many things. Mary Jane looked uncomfortable with Igneel in the same room while Igneel fidgeted under Luke's supervision. Constantine was FaceCalled into the meeting on a Lacrima Screen.

Natsu spoke first. "And you guys are sure that's what's goin' down?"

No one spoke.

Natsu's teeth gritted.

His fist clenched.

BANG.

Nashi flinched deeply and Mary Jane curled in on herself as Natsu left a char mark where his fist was.

"They're our kids," Lucy reminded humorously. "They are definitely our kids."

"Damn right they are," Gajeel growled. "What the Hell were they thinkin', doing all this by themselves? They're kids."

"They did what Alternative Future Lucy and Levy did," Levy muttered. "We knew Luna and Gale had gone back to the past, but this? They deliberately went back again?" She tried to wrap her head around it. "How? Why?"

Mystogan cleared his throat. "Dimaria Yesta," he named. "In her state, she had hours to live. But, when we felt that fade of energy, she must have used the last of her Magic and life force to send them into the past one final time."

"Dammit!" Natsu cursed. "Did she do this just to mess with us? Does she still hate us?"

"Quite the contrary, Natsu," Erza said, "I believe she did this to atone for her sins. She must have believed if she helped Luna and Gale return to the past to save it, she could at least right a wrong."

"Or she damned those kids for death," Gajeel rumbled. "Her actions are clear, her motives ain't, and they don't matter. Our kids were throttled some odd centuries into the past."

"Mary Jane," Erza prompted, "from what was reported, in a dream, you connected with Luna regardless of the time-space boundaries. Can you tell us more about that?"

Mary Jane dipped her head, acutely aware of Igneel's stare. "Y-Yes, Master," she said quietly. "She told me she had found her ancestor Meira Heartfilia and Redfox ancestors. She had assured me she was safe and would do all she could to help Margaret."

"And have you connected with her since?"

Mary Jane shook her head. "No, Master."

Erza nodded, cataloguing each word. "And when going through reports, let us confirm Luna was last seen on the back of a Dragon while Gale was in Renner Park to fight against Bluenote." She sighed. "Both alibis sound completely crazy when I say them aloud."

"But it's the truth!" Nashi blurted. "That's what happened!"

"We know, Nashi," Lucy soothed. "That's not what we're saying. But, when both masters are forced to give oral and written reports on detailed accounts to what happened, we have to explain the fact that not only was illegal use of Time Travel used, but we have witnessed the presence of a live Dragon. That will bring even more chaos into our mess. And the kids—" Her voice wobbled and Natsu sank his chin onto her shoulder for comfort.

"They're over four-hundred years in the past with no way to come home," Levy whispered. "How can that be possible? Gale and I argued before he left. How could I…?" She gave a shuttering exhale and Gajeel curled her into his side for support. "He was so angry with me and I…" She shook her head. "We were so close to losing him once and now we've lost him again, Gajeel," she wept.

Lucy stood up and briskly walked out of the room. No one but Natsu really paid attention to the way she walked out, chalking it to emotions. Natsu slowly rose from his seat to follow her.

Erza spoke, "We cannot count anything out. Now, while there are no Time Mages even close to the late Dimaria or even Ultear's caliber, we must find alternative solutions. We can start…"

The door shut and Natsu drowned out the rest of the meeting as his eyes searched for his mate. She had disappeared from the empty hallway, but his nose and ears would find her.

Lucy, on the other hand, stumbled into the women's lavatory. She sniffled and wiped a tear away as she pulled out her Compact, not even checking to see if others shared the lavatory with her. She found the contact and pressed CALL, pacing the floor. More tears and sniffles escaped her, but she held it in as the line rung.

It was picked up.

"Lucy! Oh, it's so good to hear your voice! How is everyone? What's going on? Are you—?"

"Hisui," Lucy started, "are the Eclipse Gate remains still in the catacombs?"

A pause. "Yes," Hisui said slowly. "All the remains are settled there since the Maginium is too resistant to break down. Why? What's going on? I have been watching the news and I only know—"

"My baby is stuck in the past," Lucy blurted in a thinly-veiled cry.

Silence.

"Luna is where?"

"In the past, Hisui, she and Gale are stuck in the past," Lucy explained through her falling tears. "Dimaria… She helped them Time Travel over four centuries into the past and they have no way to get home and I just—" She stopped for a sob to escape her. "Hisui, I can't let them get stuck there. I can't."

"And we won't, Lucy." Hisui sounded a bit far and was shuffling around. "I promise to help in anyway I can. I don't care what my security team says. I am coming to Margaret—"

The Compact was taken from Lucy and she whipped around to see Natsu staring her down. The expression on his face made Lucy look on the ground as he said, "Thanks, Hisui, but that won't be necessary. We have it handled. Talk to ya later." He ended the call before Hisui could say anything else (only Natsu Dragneel would hang up on a queen) and looked at Lucy. He really looked at her. Then, he asked lowly, "What was that?"

Lucy squeezed her eyes closed.

"What was that, Lucy?" Natsu's calm tone was quickly turning into a growl of frustration at her silence. "What the Hell was that! You were going to open the Eclipse Gate after full well knowing what would happen to you? You think Yukino would actually agree to doing this? You think Hisui would've really let you reopen the same gate that nearly destroyed the world?"

Lucy was quiet. Then, she divulged, "I wasn't going to ask Yukino to do this…"

"So, you were going to strain your own life force and make up for the lost keys just like your mom did," Natsu understood. "Perfect. You were going to kill yourself to get our kids back. You think everyone would be happy to learn you traded your life to get back our kids? You think Luna would be happy to see her own mom isn't there to welcome her home?"

Lucy's fists shook. "No."

"Can you even imagine how guilty they would feel to know your death is on their hands?" Natsu demanded. "Can you?"

Lucy's teeth gritted. "No."

Natsu took a step forward. "No? 'No' what?"

Lucy opened her eyes for teary chocolate to clash with hard onyx. "No, I don't want any of this for them!" she cried. "Our daughter is out there, Natsu! She's out there in a past where Dragons and Demons and Gods can kill her at any moment and we can't protect her! She is out there and out of our reach! But I can bring her back—!"

"With your life!" Natsu thundered. "That's too high of a price!"

"Our daughter is priceless!" Lucy hissed. The fury of a worried mother was burning her chest. "I will do whatever it takes to get her back to me! I don't care what the cost is!"

"You don't, but I do!" Natsu shouted. "You can't do this, Lucy! You can't just decide this!"

"Why?!" Lucy retorted. "Why can't I—?"

"Because I can't lose you again!"

Lucy's eyes widened as she watched her husband pant in front of her with eyes harder than a Dragon's scale but with the pain of a father knowing he was useless.

Natsu held Lucy's cheeks. "I can't lose you," he whispered. "I can't let you die—I can't. You can't leave me, Lucy."

Lucy could not suppress how sad she felt at that. "Natsu…" She placed a hand over his.

"You're my home, Lucy," Natsu breathed. "I can't have anyone take you away from me, not even yourself."

"And you won't," Lucy promised. "But Natsu, Luna and Gale…" More tears shed. "They need to come home."

"Then, let's find a solution together," Natsu implored. He hugged her into his chest. "The gate isn't an option, especially if you're planning to use your own life to make up for the two missing keys. I need you alive and smiling. We have kids who needs us. You can't be that reckless."

That was the wrong thing to say when Lucy pulled away, eyes narrowed. "Says the one who disappears on me constant—!"

"Shhhh," Natsu hushed and smothered her into his chest. "Go on and cry, Lucy. But, once you're done, we'll find a way back to them together. We'll bring them home without it killing anything."

Lucy's eyes opened as she buried her forehead below Natsu's chin.

I'm sorry, Natsu. But, if we can't find a solution together, then I'll have no choice but to use the Eclipse Gate to bring them home.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

'Little beast… Little beast…'

Elvin cracked his eyes open.

'Come, little beast… Come…'

Elvin opened his eyes. He found himself atop a pond of white with mists rolling around him. He was shirtless and without his tattoos, but his pointed ears and fangs remained. He looked around to see the softness of the wilderness around him.

'Little beast…'

Elvin turned as the wind blew. Before him stood a creature he had never seen before. It looked similar like a cross between a a Kumiho and a lioness with nine sleek tails and eyes steeped in gray. The creature did not move. It only stared.

Elvin could not help himself. "Who are you?"

The creature straightened and began to walk to Elvin. However, with every paw step rippling, it sunk lower and lower into the pond. Before it could get close to Elvin, it disappeared from the surface.

"Little beast…"

Elvin jumped and turned around to see a naked woman a distance away from him. Her eyes held the same gray as the creature before with her hair a sleek color between sun-bleached yellow and silver like the fur of the creature. Markings covered her body, depictions of beasts Elvin never knew.

"Who are you?" Elvin had to know.

The woman refused to answer.

"Little beast," came a deep rumble.

Elvin turned his head to be swallowed in the presence of a giant beast with large eyes and fangs.

"Rise."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Elvin opened his eyes to find a ceiling above him. He was in a hospital bed or so he felt. His hand openly groped to the side of him until he found his glasses. He put them on as he heard:

"Elvin?"

Elvin found his vision restored and turned his head. Elfman and Ellie were at his side, Ellie looking like she was about to burst into tears and happiness and Elfman copying her expression.

He tried to smile. "Hi."

Both Strauss' were calm for two seconds before they broke into tears and launched themselves at Elvin for tight hugs.

"I thought you were never gonna wake up!" Ellie bawled. "My sweet, baby brother! You had me so worried!"

"Worrying is manly!" Elfman cried. "I'm so happy you're okay, Elvin!"

Elvin was turning red at the lack of air. "Hurting…me…"

Elfman and Ellie quickly got off Elvin with their beams and tears as Elvin spluttered and coughed. "We were so worried!" Ellie exclaimed. "Elvie, you can't just run off like that!"

"Running away isn't manly," Elfman scolded. "If your mom were here, she would've turned you to stone for the stunt you pulled."

Elvin appropriately looked ashamed of his actions and grimaced. "I know she would've," he mumbled. "I didn't mean to worry everyone, but I just…" His fingers gripped the hospital sheet. "I hate this Magic," he confessed in self-loathing. "I hate being like this. I just want it to go away. I want to be normal."

Ellie's eyes softened. "Oh, Elvie…"

Elfman laid a hand on his son's shoulder. "Son, we're here for you," he promised. "We're here to help you in whatever way you need because helping is manly. You'll work through this. I know you will. And you'll become the Mage you've always wanted to be."

Elvin stiffened and looked away. "Right," he muttered. "A Mage…"

Ellie glanced between her father and brother before standing up with a clap. "Well, now that Elvie is awake, we'll need to get the doctor to examine him and we'll have to tell the family he's awake because it's the womanly thing to do, right, Dad?"

Elfman stood up. "Right! Because getting the doctor is manly!" He marched out of the room with Noah's name shouting off his lips.

Once the door closed, Ellie turned to Elvin who had turned his head to the side. "I wish you wouldn't keep this to yourself, Elvie," she murmured softly. "We're here for you, y'know?"

Elvin sighed. "I know."

Ellie frowned. "I'll stall Dad to give you some time to yourself." And she walked out as Elvin turned onto his side and closed his eyes.

Little beast…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 040

Festival of Gratitude

感謝祭の日！生きた人、死んだ人、話をする人たちに歌を歌いましょう！

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"JJ, you're not 'fine'!"

Justin sighed as he stirred around his fruity hard cider. He had hidden himself away to a reclusive part of Lamia Scale. It was similar to the Fairy Tail Recreation Room, but it was more for the adults than for everyone. It was a dimly lit bar area. The news was being streamed through the Lacrima Screens and the older Mages had made themselves at home at the high barstools or the booths. A couple were seated at the bar and muttered to themselves their hatred for anti-Magic terrorists who tried to blaspheme Ooba's name.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Lamia Scale's Speakeasy. It was an idea founded when Ooba became Guild Master for the older Mages to have a place of their own. You have to be seventeen and above to be allowed in the speakeasy. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Libby, I am fine," he promised over the Compact. "My arms broken, but that doesn't mean it won't be fixed. I'll be good as new in no time with your luck."

"I'll come as soon as I can," Liberty promised vigorously. "James and I will make you all better!"

"I'll be there soon too," Freed pitched in on the conference call. "Ladybug, you make sure you stay with your aunts and don't make any trouble, okay? If I hear you were causing them any trouble, no tea parties for three days."

Justin took a hearty sip as his little sister gasped at the audacity of such punishment. "I'll be good, Baba, I promise!" she said feverishly. "Auntie Lizzy said I have to give back her Compact, so I'll talk to you soon! Bye, Baba! Bye, JJ! I love you!"

"We love you too!" Justin and Freed chorused. The line was dropped and it left father and son.

Freed sighed, "Justin, are sure your arm is fine and it was just an accident?"

"Dad, I told you—"

"I'm just making sure," Freed soothed. "I know you can handle yourself, but that doesn't stop me from worrying about you."

Justin's eyes softened. "I know, Dad. Thanks."

Freed hummed. "I should be in Margaret Town in a couple of hours, so just sit tight and make sure Libby doesn't get too excited. When she gets too excited, she spreads her luck and we both know what happens when that happens."

Justin chuckled to himself. "Yeah, yeah, I got it, Dad. I'll see you when you get he—"

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

Justin pulled his Compact away from his ear to see another call was coming through. He could hear Freed fretting something happened and calling out to him, so he quickly went back to his call. "Sorry, Dad. Something came up. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay." Freed sounded puzzled. "Love you."

"Love you too. Bye." Justin ended the call and connected the incoming one within a second. Just as he put it to his ear, he heard a whoosh of air.

"Oh, thank God," came wheeze. "I was hoping you'd answer me."

"Ace?" Justin greeted. There was that note of confusion, but pleasant surprise overshadowed it. "Why are you calling?"

Ace huffed. "Well, after watching the news and seeing your guild was basically in a war-zone, I may have gotten a little worried about you," he confessed. "I tried texting and calling until they said all the lines were down. I'm actually on my way to Margaret Town now."

Justin's eyes widened, but he could not help the giddy grin on his face. "For real? You know they aren't letting outsiders into the town yet, right?"

"I don't give a shit," Ace rumbled. "I'm seeing my boyfriend whether they like it or not."

Justin stalled. He could feel his own mind grow lightheaded. "I'm your boyfriend?"

There was a longwinded sigh. "Yeah, well, I was planning on taking you to that nice sushi place you like so much and asking you, but I guess my big mouth ruined it," Ace lamented.

Justin stirred his drink with his straw. "Oh, honey, please, you didn't ruin anything," he promised flirtatiously. "How about this? We don't make it official until we go to Raku. Then, you can romance me and, maybe, I say, 'yes'."

Ace snorted. "Ha! You'll say, 'yes' to me. Get it thought out of your head that I'm just gonna let you run from me now. You're mine, baby boy."

Justin put his phone on his chest and took a breath, mouthing, Thank you, Queen Bey, for this man. He cleared his throat and went back to the call. "You're so lucky I brought you-know-what for this trip." He pouted. "Though, I guess it doesn't matter anyways."

"I like the effort," Ace assured. "I'd appreciate it more on you than just the mental picture"—Justin laughed—"but the effort is acknowledged and noted. We have a lot more dates for you to pull that out, so don't worry." His voice grew distant when he responded to someone. "Looks like we're stopping to refuel, so I'll call you when I'm a lot closer."

"Well, hurry the Hell up and come comfort me," Justin whined playfully. "I have a broken arm! Come pity me and kiss it better!"

There were doors slamming. "I'll do a lot more than kiss you," he rumbled quietly into the phone. "But, since my baby is injured, I promise to be gentle."

"You weren't last time," Justin pointed out smugly.

Ace chuckled breathily. "You deserved punishment for being a little brat," he reminded. "Okay, now, as much as I love dirty talking, I really need to go before someone sees more of me than they should."

"They better not," Justin muttered. "That's all mine."

"No need to be jealous," Ace teased. "I gotta go. Bye, baby. Call you soon."

"Kisses to all, bye now." Justin ended the call with a loving sigh. "A boyfriend, huh? I'm going on the monogamous track now."

"Well, he sounds nice."

Justin froze. His eyes slowly dipped back to his screen—

—to see he never ended the call with his father.

If mortification was a human being, Justin felt like it would be crushing him in the ring right about now. He shakily brought his Compact back to his ear, face turning red. "Please tell me you didn't hear as much as I think you did," Justin pleaded.

Freed laughed. "Justin—"

"Oh, my God, you did!" Justin moaned. "This is so embarrassing!"

"But it's not, though. Well, it shouldn't be," Freed assured. "I knew you were seeing someone, but this 'Ace' guy really sounds like a great man. A lot better than—"

"Don't say his name," Justin hissed. "Ugh, I never want to remember that mainstream, typical rainbow ever again." He grunted and flicked his hair. "Bipolar ass bitch. He's lucky I didn't ruin his life."

Freed made a crossed noise between a sigh and a guffaw. "Let me know how this date goes after it happens, okay? I'm eager to hear more about this 'Ace'."

Justin rolled his eyes. "Yeah, Dad. I'm going to go and pretend we never had this talk."

"Of course. I love you. See you soon."

"Yeah, love you too, bye." Justin made sure to end the call this time. He groaned out loud and sank into the counter. He lifted his free arm. "Bartender," he called, "can you make me something fruity and real strong? Mama needs a heavy drink after that."

---

Dazzler sighed as she played with her fries. She occupied the same table as Mustang, but it was just them. For once, Dazzler was not dazzling at the chance of being alone with her cowboy. "The mood really sucks," she admitted. "Nothing feels right."

Mustang had finished his sandwich and was onto the next one. "I get what'cha mean," he agreed. "Did ya talk to Nashi?"

Dazzler winced, grimaced, then nodded. "Yeah, but, like, I know it didn't do anything," she bemoaned. "I went too far and I know that. She's going to be awkward around me and remember what I said and that's completely fair and justified. I just wish I could take it all back, y'know?"

"She didn't deserve it," Mustang confessed. "She cares about Gary more than she wants to admit, but brothers are forever. At the time, she was unconscious for the most part and barely awake at the tail-end. No one could've predicted what Luke would do." He pointed at her. "Speaking of which, you're gonna have to let your anger go with him."

Dazzler scowled and jammed her fry into ketchup. "Why?" she spat. "He tried to kill my best friend."

"And you called your own best friend a monster."

Dazzler flinched. She frowned at Mustang. "That's not fair," she called out. "I was in shock!"

"And so was Luke," Mustang compared. "Ya can't look me in the face and tell me you wouldn't be as freaked out as a horse seein' a snake if you saw your sister in the hands of a Devil."

Dazzler groaned and brushed back her bangs. "I know, I know, I'm just… This all sucks," was all she could manage to say. "Look at the facts." She began to tick finger by finger. "Cade and T'oree are still missing. Saudade is still unconscious. Hunters are alive and well. Silver needs serious rehab. The town was destroyed." She shook her hands, physically distressed. "This is crazy!"

"Maybe, but my auntie Bisca told me some wilder stories Fairy Tail has been through," Mustang commented, none-too-upset. "It ain't fair all this is happenin', but it happened and we have to deal with the fallout. We signed up for this when we became Mages of Fairy Tail."

Dazzler sighed and set her cheek on a propped fist. "Yeah…"

Murmurs rippled towards Mustang and Dazzler featuring:

"Oh, my God, they're back…"

"Look, they're okay!"

"Someone get the doctor or Misses Blendy-Marvel!"

Both the Cowboy and the Magician of Fairy Tail looked up to see—

Dazzler slowly rose, mouth parted in shock. "T…"

T'oree and Cade had waltzed into the guild hall with Cade's skateboard in hand. Even with the bruises on Cade's face and the marks on T'oree's wrists and ankles, both of them smiled as they were welcomed back. Dazzler shoved herself to the forefront where her eyes watered at seeing T'oree. She launched herself at the Sun Princess for a long-overdue hug.

"Oh, thank goodness you're okay," Dazzler nearly wept. "I've missed you so much!"

T'oree hugged her back. "And I have verily missed you, Lady Dazzler!" she exclaimed.

Mustang and Cade grabbed hands to do their handshake. "Boy, you look worse than when you accidentally called Vinyl a stripper at the last Fairy Tail formal," Mustang joshed. He caught the ink on Cade's arm.

Cade laughed a little forcefully as he snuck back his hand to hide his arm. "Feel worse too," he noted. "But you're lookin' healthy, man. I see you guys had some fun while Tor and I were away." As T'oree and Dazzler pulled away, Cade whistled. "Damn, girl. The ponytail and the bangs look? A nice eleven out of ten."

Dazzler sniffed. "Oh. You're back."

"Don't get too excited, D," Cade teased as he roped her into a hug she did not want. "I should get some love too since Hunters captured me too."

Dazzler wriggled out of Cade's grip. It looked as if she was physically burning herself when she gave Cade two pats on the shoulder. "There, there. Welcome back," she strained herself to say.

Doctor Mothersbaugh made it to the two Mages first with his Aceso. He sighed at the sorry state he saw them in. "At this rate, I'll have more patients than I'll know what to do with," he grunted. He turned around to beckon them. "Come on. Let's get your injuries looked at before you go out and kill yourselves again."

Cade stalked after him, muttering, "Geez. So sorry you're going to help us as a part of your job description."

Dazzler noticed T'oree was staring off to the distance and nudged her. "Hello…? T?"

T'oree started out of her thoughts to see Cade was leaving. "Oh! Yes, I should follow Lord Cadorius!" She swiftly flew after the Knight Mage, but her eyes dropped to her closed fists. She opened her hand a hair to get a look at the cracked B-Cube in her possession.

What do our saviors mean to Queen Lucy if they asked of me to give her this and she would understand?

---

Erza got up from her seat. "Well. As of now, this information does not leave this room." She looked at Ooba. "When shall we reconvene?"

"Give Chrome and Opera at least an hour or so," Ooba decided. "Then, we shall convene in the underground arena. Only senior staff, S-Class Mages, and the families. No one else."

Erza nodded in agreement. "Perfect. It gives us time to begin with the oral reports." Her eyes went straight to Mary Jane.

Mary Jane shrunk in her seat.

Erza softened just a bit. "Mary Jane, may you join both Master Ooba and me in the Master's Quarters? We would like to start with you on your story." At Mary Jane's hesitancy, Erza added, "And, with your Spiritless friend in the examination and being given an Affinity Test, by the time you're finished, he should be finished as well."

Mary Jane glanced at her father who nodded his encouragement. "Of course, Master," she murmured. "I'll go first."

"Excellent. This meeting is adjourned."

Igneel watched as Mary Jane got up from her seat and waited for Erza and Ooba to pass before following them. He got up with everyone else, but when he saw Luke's panicked face, he decided to hang back. "Luke," he murmured, "you okay?"

"We have to give our oral reports?" Luke whispered, frantic. "We have to confess what we did and what we saw. We have to tell them everything."

Igneel winced. "Yeah, I'm not looking forward to that either."

"I have to confess to attempted to murder."

Igneel's eyes widened as he looked at Luke who buried his nails into his scalp. "You have to confess to what?!" He took a quick glance around. The room was empty. He sat back in his chair. "Luke, I know you've never been funny with your weird, student humor, but, c'mon, man, this isn't funny."

Luke's mouth trembled as he tried to speak. "I was just… I was so angry," he admitted. "But I shouldn't have…" He whipped off his glasses to bury the butt of his palms into his eyes.

"You're telling me you, Mister Zen Mage, Mister 'Treat-all-life-as-sacred', tried to kill someone?" Igneel tried to grasp. "Please at least tell me it was in self-defense and it was the enemy."

Luke shook his head. "It was Gary."

Igneel sat back, physically taken back. "Shit."

"I was so…so angry," Luke admitted. "And I was scared. Nashi has been through so much and when I saw her unconscious and in that stupid Devil's arms, I got angry."

Igneel leaned forward to prod Luke's shoulder. "Please tell me you didn't mean to do it."

Luke fell silent at that.

Igneel was blown away. "You meant to actually kill Gary?" he shouted, incredulity mixed with madness making him grow goosebumps.

Luke glowered at his twin. "Don't look at me like that when you tried to kill Dimaria!"

"She was going to kill MJ!" Igneel roared. "What I did and what you did are completely different! Dude, that's not okay! We don't kill our own guild mates! Gary is a friend!"

"Not to me!" Luke countered back, just as fierce. "You weren't the one to see her at the Harvest Festival!"

"What's that got to do with anything?" Igneel spat. "We got food the day after. I mean, yeah, she seemed off, but—!"

"You didn't see what Gary did to her," Luke gritted out. He threw down his hands as rage seeped through him. "You didn't see the blood on her stomach and her legs. You weren't there when she saw her scars and started crying. You weren't there."

Guilt welled up in Igneel for his ignorance, for not being there for his older sister, for not seeing the signs. Then, it all made sense. "Wait… Gary did that to her?" he whispered. "Gary was the one who made her have a panic attack." His red flames began to lick at his skin. "He attacked her? And, he had the balls to still be around her?!"

"Chill out, you two."

Luke and Igneel whipped their heads up to see Lucy and Natsu coming back into the room. Lucy still looked a bit weepy and Natsu sober, but they looked at their sons in love and concern.

Igneel flashed fang as he rose from his seat, his red flames tickling the edges of his hair and jaw. "Ma, we just let Nashi's attacker walk out of here!" he told her. "Gary—!"

"I know what Gary did," Lucy soothed. "I saw. I know."

Igneel could not believe his mother. "Then, you know we have to—!"

"Do nothing," Lucy finished. She moved over to her son, unafraid of his flames. With Natsu's warning stare on Igneel to not burn his own mother, Igneel reigned in the heat of his flames to let Lucy cup his chin.

"But, why?" Luke implored. "He doesn't deserve to be near her. Mom, if you saw her—!"

"I did see her," Lucy told Luke. "I saw her and her scars. I saw how much she hated them. But I saw how much she hated them and not – Gary."

Luke stood up with glistening eyes not understanding. "But, why?" he pressed. "How can she not hate him? Mom, he's a monster! You weren't there when I saw him make that blizzard! He's the reason she was injected with Anti-Ethernano Serum, the reason she has her scars! Don't you get that?"

Natsu had moved to hug Lucy from behind. He kissed her Mark and Lucy let a hand go to his jaw. Onyx matched with chocolate lovingly. "I do get that," she murmured, not taking her eyes off her husband. "I understand her a lot more than you know."

Igneel's eyes flickered to his father. "Pops…?"

Lucy looked back at her sons. "What choice your sister made is something you both have to be happy with," she instructed. "Don't try to change her mind or constantly question her reasons. You'll only push her away."

"But her forgiving her own assaulter—!"

Lucy chuckled but sarcastically. "Believe me. Nashi does not consider Gary or his Devil to be her 'assaulter'. She's seen the eyes of real threats and Gary doesn't even compare." Her hands went to Luke and Igneel's cheeks respectively. "I'm proud of you both for being the brothers she needs. We raised all of you to protect each other from anyone, including yourselves. But you need to trust Nashi's decision. Hating Gary won't get you far either. You'll still push her away from you."

Luke clenched his fists and looked away while Igneel seemed to understand and unhappily accepted his mother's words. "Right. I can do that, I guess," he muttered reluctantly. He glanced at Luke who refused to speak up before nudging him.

Luke growled and pointedly looked elsewhere. "I didn't… I mean I shouldn't have tried to kill him," he said through gritted teeth. "But, I'm…" His eyes closed. "I'm…" His eyes snapped open with a glint of red in his deep eyes. "I'm not sorry for trying to kill him!" he confessed violently, surprising Lucy and Igneel. "And if I had to go back in time, I'd do it again! He deserved it for doing that to Nashi!"

Lucy paled at that. "Luke, we don't wish for death in anyone! I didn't raise you to believe death is the only option!"

"I don't want him to die!" Luke blurted. "But I don't want him anywhere near me or Nashi ever again! She's wrong! She'll trust him like she always does and believe his apologies and he'll just do it again! And, when that happens"—his knuckles turned white and his eyes turned red—"I won't miss."

Lucy scowled. "Luke Jude—!"

Luke ignored her as he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Lucy started after him, but Natsu stopped her, shaking his head.

"Let him go," Natsu intervened. He swiped Luke's glasses and peered through them. "There's someone I need to find."

°•°•°•°

Luke turned down a corner before coming to a complete stop. He stumbled against a wall as pants hung off his lips like that of a bull.

A whisper breathed in his mind. No one understands you… No one understands…

Luke buried his fingers in his scalp. He's a monster, he snarled. He's a monster who will never change. Nashi can't see it, but I can.

Yesssssss, came hiss. That's right. He is a monster who charms her.

He promises her to never lay a hand on her when he has done so, came new purr. Humans are creatures of habit. He has hurt her once. He will do it again.

Luke fumbled in his steps down the hall to crash into a console table. In a fierce grunt, he knocked over a vase, not caring that it crashed onto the floor and the flowers were left with no home.

How can no one believe me? Luke asked himself. He's dangerous! He tried to kill her! He needs to be stopped! I only did what I had to do!

I believe you, came comfort. He is a Devil, a creature of darkness. His Devil has seduced him in the ways of lust and murder. Soon, he will devour your sweet sister until her light is tainted in shadows.

Luke's shadow rippled as it began to crawl up his legs like a snake slithering slowly towards it prey. Even Luke's clothes grew a shade darker from this shadow predator.

Luke panted as he gripped the console table. She'll be killed if she stays with him, he decided. She'll die. And it will be all my fault because I sat back and did nothing.

But, if you finish him now, he can't hurt her, came reminder. If you only had killed him when you had the chance… But you failed.

"I…" Luke exhaled, "failed…"

The shadows crawled up to Luke's pink hair and mangled it into black.

You will not fail again, came promise. Next time, you will kill him before he can kill her. Then, everyone will understand he is a monster and Nashi will be safe.

The shadows crept onto Luke's face as a crazed smile curled onto his face. "Yes, that's it. I kill him and Nashi lives. She'll understand. Everyone will understand."

Kill him, came raw urge. Kill the Devil. Kill him!

Luke looked into the mirror. He stared at the form of a young man with hair darker than black and eyes steeped into darkness. A deranged smile overtook his face, the smile of madness.

"But, I'm not strong enough to kill him," Luke remembered.

The reflection spoke to him. "Don't worry," it soothed, voice echoing into Luke's mind. "I have a secret for you…" The reflection put its hand to the mirror. "Just take my hand, little prince, and, together? We will destroy the Devil."

Luke slowly raised his ha—

"Luke, get away from there!"

Luke whipped around with his hair and eyes turning back to normal and the darkness embracing him slinking back to his shadow. He rubbed his eyes when he saw the blurred outline of a pale man with black hair and piercing dark eyes. The man approached him and Luke caught the glint of the cross necklace. "Uncle Gray…?"

Gray offered Luke his glasses. "Here. Ya might need these."

Luke shakily put on his glasses. "What are you going here?" He blinked and could clearly see again.

Gray put a hand on his hip. "Your dumbass father tracked me down and sent me to find you." His eyes glanced at the mirror. "You were staring into the mirror pretty intensely…"

Luke swallowed. His mouth was suddenly dry. "Was I?" His voice cracked. "I didn't even notice."

Gray lifted his chin. "Of course not," he supposed, tone sarcastic. "Listen, Luke, we need you to stay focused and positive for the sake of everyone around us. That means no more talking into mirrors."

Luke offered a weak grin. "Right. I can do that."

Gray nodded. "Look, I know Gary and Nashi's situation isn't perfect to you or ideal, but we need you to put aside your feelings for Gary for now," he told. "Your hatred—it won't solve anything. Believe me, I know. But—"

"Please…not now."

Gray stopped as Luke looked at the ground.

"I don't want to do this right now," Luke insisted. "Can we just…not? Please?"

Gray sighed. "C'mon, kiddo. Let's get you some food."

Luke ducked his head and sped past Gray. Gray was about to follow before glancing back at the mirror. His eyes narrowed, but when nothing happened, he followed Luke.

But it was not the mirror Gray should have paid attention to…

…it was Luke's shadow.

---

Nashi came out of the bathroom stall with a dreary look in her eye. She went to the sink and immediate began washing her hands when she felt her Compact vibrate. She waited until her hands were dry to take her Compact out of her pocket. Notifications from her Twit feed and Instagraph and YouView, but she found the message and it was from IDIOT DOG.

« Hey… Can we please talk? »

Nashi blew out a breath and stuffed her Compact in her pocket. She looked at herself in the mirror and took in the pale face of a girl she hated to see. "Conceal it," she told her reflection. "No more tears. Not now." With that her only motivation, she shoved herself out of the bathroom. She overheard the chatter from the main hall and headed for th—

BAM.

Nashi's eyes widened when she found herself in the unwelcoming arms of someone else. Her screams were muffled by a freezing hand and she thrashed wildly like it was her instinct. None of it mattered when she was pulled back into the darkness of a room. She stomped on her captor's foot and heard a grunt of pain. Her elbow slammed on a stomach and the arms loosened enough for her to whip around.

"Holy Sword!" she chanted and in a flash of pink, she held her divine sword.

"Wait!" came cry. "Angel, it's me!"

There was a blue light and it revealed Gary's bewildered face as a floating ice crystal glowed above his palm. Cerulean stared at teary-eyed hickory. Nashi's chest heaved as she held her sword at Gary's neck, something crazed in her eyes.

When Nashi realized it was safe, she dismissed her sword to drop to the ground. A ragged cry left her lips as her hands went to her mouth, then went to hug herself.

Gary stood up only to flick on a light, revealing her brought them both in a small room that seemed to be a sitting room. His eyes befell the trembling Nashi and softened. "Angel, I…" He got down onto his knees before her. He tried to touch her, but when she flinched, he drew back. "I can't seem to do anything right," he remarked quietly. "I didn't mean to scare you that badly. I just want to talk."

Nashi sniffed loudly and wiped away her tears. "You didn't have to pretend to be my kidnapper," she scolded. "God, you sick fuck. Ugh, and now I'm crying."

Gary scratched his wrist. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."

Nashi calmed herself, still sniffling. "Whatever. About us talking? There's nothing for us to talk about."

"Yes, there is," Gary insisted. "I want to know what I did wrong. If this is about putting Luna in danger, you have to know I would never—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know you wouldn't," Nashi grunted reluctantly.

Gary furrowed his brow. "Then, why would are you—?"

"Geez, God, it's nothing, okay?" Nashi snapped weakly. She wiped the rest of her tears away. "I'm just PMSing and my hormones and feelings are shit."

Gary shook her head. "You're lying because your period was last week. And before you call me a 'perverted stalker dog', the only reason I know is because I ran into Aunt Lucy when she went out to buy tampons for you."

Nashi groaned. "Dammit, Mama…" She shook her head. "Okay, so I'm lying. So, what? Why do you care?"

"Because I care about you," Gary answered. "You're upset and it's my fault."

Nashi shrugged. "Yeah, well, stay out of my way for a few days and I'll go back to normal."

"I don't want to stay away from you," Gary argued. "I want to talk and fix this. I want to know what I did."

Nashi looked away. "Nothing, okay? You did nothing."

"Then, why are you upset?" Gary pushed. "Why can't you tell me?"

Nashi closed her eyes as more tears slipped. "It's nothing," she said shakily. "Just don't worry about it, okay?"

Gary moved closer. "I am gonna worry about it because I worry about you, Angel. So, please, just tell me, what did I—?"

"It's all me, okay?!"

Gary blinked in surprised when Nashi squeakily heaved air and covered her mouth.

"It's me," Nashi whispered. "It's all me. I'm the one with all the pathetic problems and shitty, random feelings." She shook her head violently. "And, I don't even know why I'm telling you this—"

Gary snapped out of his surprise to quickly put in, "No, no! I'm happy you're telling me this." He helped pry Nashi's hands from her face and intertwined their fingers. "I like it when Angel shares things with me, even if they're sad things."

Nashi sniffed. "Why?" Hickory connected with cerulean. "Why would you want to know? Is it just because you want to get in my pants?"

"Not at all," Gary instantly shot down. Then, he smirked. "Though, it is a nice reward…" At Nashi's half-hearted glare, he chuckled but quickly sobered himself. "I care about you, Angel, in every way, and I'll prove it to you time and time again."

Nashi sniffed and breathed a laugh. "Y'know, most guys would be awkward and wouldn't know the first thing about crying girls."

Gary smiled. "When my mom cries, it literally storms. I had to learn fast how to comfort crying women." He puffed his chest. "Guess it's another perk to being with me."

Nashi softly punched his chest. "Stupid dog," she teased. "Good to know, but you have to work on your 'I want to talk' skills."

Gary winced. "Yeah, I'll work on it."

Nashi, in a burst of emotion, craned her beck to kiss Gary's cheek. He blushed at that and she blushed too. "What was that for?" Gary asked, nearly stammering.

"I, um… I'm not sure," Nashi laughed uneasily, squirming. "I guess I felt like it."

Gary dipped his head down to peck Nashi's lips. He lingered close to her lips, however, and both raggedly panted.

"What was that for?" Nashi whispered. "Did you just feel like it?"

Gary leaned down to kiss Nashi's bottom lip. He was gentle sucking on it and his teeth scraped against her bottom lip. A tiny gasp left her lips at the unexpected attack, but Gary stopped his teasing to engage her in another sweet kiss before pulling away. The pair of them shared a look that spoke many things before Nashi grabbed Gary's cheeks and sunk him into another kiss. Gary wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her close. Their kisses went from slow and teasing to rough and aggressive the second Gary surprised Nashi with his tongue. His hands went to her hers and pried them off his cheeks to help her out of his jacket. Nashi readily complied and the second she was free, she splayed her hands on Gary's abdomen and tugged at his shirt. He left her lips for Nashi to witness how piercing his eyes became. Cerulean and ice blue has combined into a deadly pair as he pulled off his shirt in one go.

"I'm turning you into a nymphomaniac," Nashi realized. Her eyes flicked around. "I mean here? And now?"

Gary tilted his head back and cocked it, eyes lazily flicking over to the chaise lounge chair. "I mean over there would be better…"

Nashi shoved his shoulder. "You perverted dog," she accused. "Can all you really think about is sex?"

Gary smirked and leaned closer to Nashi. His hands slid up from her knees and curled to her inner thighs. He watched Nashi's eyes involuntarily shut. He took in how Nashi's hands reached for his shoulders and her nails dug into them. She bit her lip and gave a strong hum as Gary brushed against her.

"Don't bite your lip," Gary said softly. But there was that domineering undertone, that authoritative timbre that made you want to obey him. "I want to hear you, Angel." His hands slid.

Nashi's eyes widened and her lips parted from shock, a breathy gasp escaping her.

"Good girl," Gary purred. "That's a good girl."

Nashi's breathing hitched as an unprecedented moan panted from her lips. Her hands scrambled to get a better grip on Gary's shoulders as she begged, "Please. Don't stop."

Gary let his hand slow. "But I thought you didn't want it now," he taunted. He withdrew his hand—

Nashi grabbed his wrist.

Heated hickory met toying cerulean.

"You started this," Nashi hissed, "so you finish it." She shakily got up and pulled Gary to his feet. She led him over to the chaise lounge chair.

Gary smirked. "Now who's the nympho?" he teased.

"Shut up," Nashi barked. "We don't have time for a lot of foreplay, so we're going to make this quick, got it?" She spun Gary and shoved him onto the chair.

Gary snorted in amusement as he widened his legs, gladly accepting Nashi as she slid herself on top of him. "I like this," he rumbled. His hands followed the curve of her back and all the way to her ass, squeezing it. "God, you're hot."

"I know," Nashi said haughtily. "I guess you're pretty okay too."

Gary cocked an eyebrow. "Just 'okay'?"

Nashi rolled her eyes as she adjusted herself. "Shut up. Just because we're having sex does not mean I'm boosting your ego unless you've earned it. Besides," she flicked her tongue, "I'd never compliment a dog like you."

Gary flashed a Devil's fang. "Fine then." He craned his necks for his lips to meet the crook of her neck. Her hands massaged his hair as his tongue dragged up her neck, giving her goosebumps. "I'll just make you talk. I like the challenge."

Nashi shuttered when she felt Gary's canines scrape her skin. "No hickeys or any marks. Those are trashy," she reminded.

"I won't leave any marks," Gary promised, smooching her skin. "No promises on anything else I do." He retracted his lips for his hands to go to the edge of Nashi's shirt. She lifted her arms and he easily got it off her, throwing it away. He took in her glory. There was nothing sexy about her bra. It was a simple sports bra. But, Gary's eyes went to the scars on Nashi's toned stomach and hardened.

"Hey."

Nashi tipped Gary's chin up for their eyes to meet. "None of that," she chided. "No regrets."

Gary could see the insecurities hiding in Nashi's eyes and smiled. "No regrets. And, your scars…they're beautiful, Angel," he vowed. "Now, come be a good girl and kiss me."

"Greedy dog," Nashi teased as she lowered her lips.

"For you?" Gary breathed. "Always."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And, then…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The door from the sitting room quietly opened. Nashi stuck her head out, hair trapped in a messy bun. When she saw the coast was clear, she came out with Gary behind her fixing his hair. Nashi winced two steps out and leaned onto Gary for support. "Never again," she groaned. "Too many rounds and you went too rough." She remembered all the hastily trashed condoms hidden at the bottom of the garbage can and grimaced. "And we may be out of condoms too."

Gary wrapped an arm around Nashi's waist and smooched her temple. A smug grin traced his lips. "Well, maybe Angel shouldn't have made me jealous when she rushed off into Misty's arms twice," he joked.

Nashi rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Reign that jealousy in, stupid dog. I could never look at Misty that w…" Her eyes widened.

Gary grew confused and looked at the same direction she did only to gawk to see…

…Orochi casually leaning against a wall.

"Honestly, Gary, you have nothing to worry about. Nashi's love for Misty is like Mara's love for me," Orochi compared.

Nashi turned crimson while Gary coughed into a fist. "Were you…?" she tried to ask. "I mean, did you…? Chi-chi, do you…?"

Gary came right out with it. "Did you hear us having sex in there? Ow!" He pouted and rubbed his side on the area Nashi elbowed him in.

"Have more tact that that!" Nashi whisper-shouted.

Orochi chortled as he pushed himself off the wall. "If I didn't before, I could figure out it out easily by just now and"—he tapped his nose—"by this."

Nashi's eyes widened. "The spray." She turned to Gary. "Do you—?"

Gary shook his head, equally spooked. "No. It's at the hotel, remember?" He paled. "Oh, shit, Uncle Natsu's going to burn me alive."

"He'll never let me on another job again with a guy without him chaperoning," Nashi lamented.

"We're so screwed!" both of them mourned.

Orochi shook his head. "You're in luck. Justin should have some on him. Go see if he's in a giving mood."

Nashi and Gary nodded quickly and tried to hurry past Orochi when Orochi grabbed Nashi's arm to stop her. She looked at him in confusion when Orochi told Gary, "I'll return your angel to you after we talk."

Gary frowned and met Nashi's eyes. When she smiled and urged him on with a nod, only then did he leave them alone.

Orochi dropped Nashi's arm. "I see you haven't told him."

Nashi folded her arms into her chest and looked at the ground. "Not exactly…"

Orochi sighed. "Nana…"

"It's hard, okay?" Nashi interjected. "I know I need to, but this could change everything about Gary and Leo's friendship—maybe even the whole friend group. And I can't—!"

"You know that's not what I meant."

Nashi fell silent.

Orochi showered Nashi in a soft-natured look. "Nana," he began, "I know it's not something you want to talk about. But, if you and Gary are going to be together, then—"

"We aren't," Nashi cut in quietly. "We're just having sex, Chi-chi. Nothing's changed."

"So, you're friends with benefits," Orochi said, voice flat. "Really. You want me to believe that? You and Leo were friends with benefits, yeah, but you and Gary? Really, Nana?"

Nashi adjusted her arms. "We can't be together," she stressed.

"You can't or won't?" Orochi rightfully challenged.

Nashi shot him a glistening glare. "He doesn't need some pathetic ass girl who cries all the time," she snapped. "You think he deserves to be with someone who is afraid of a word? You think he deserves to be with someone can't even…?" She puffed a shaky breath as her eyes went from the past and back to the present. "Who can't even…" She shook her head and hard eyes of the present were back. "He doesn't need to know and it's my choice—not yours."

"I'd never take that choice away from you," Orochi promised, backpedaling. "You're right—the only person who can tell him is you. I just wish you wouldn't deny your self-worth. You don't see how strong you are."

"Or maybe you don't see how weak I am," Nashi retorted.

Orochi looked more upset at Nashi's self-degrading than her tone of voice. "I don't want us to argue when we need to stay positive," he decided, withdrawing. "I just want you to know I'm here for you in whatever way you need."

Nashi exhaled through her nose. "I know. I know you are." She could not suppress her half-smile. "Thanks, Chi-chi, for being there for me. Sorry I raged."

Orochi was already shaking his head. "Don't apologize; you didn't rage. Don't ever think of it as complaining by telling people how you feel." He opened his arms and Nashi willingly fell into them for his embrace. "Thank you for sharing with me."

Footsteps dashed back into the hall.

Nashi's eyes watered for a second, but she suppressed her urge to cry with a nod into his chest.

The footsteps slowed to a halt.

"What's going on?"

Nashi and Orochi slowly broke apart only for Nashi to turn a fierce red at a shirtless Gary. "Why don't you have a shirt on?" she demanded to know.

Gary seemed unaffected at his half-nakedness. "Trade. Justin wanted eye candy in exchange for this." He showed the scent neutralizer, but his eyes stayed curiously on Orochi. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Nashi fidgeted as Orochi simply smiled and walked away. "Nothing. Just talking about unrequited feelings." He patted Gary's shoulder before walking away.

Gary followed him with his eyes until Orochi rounded the corner, then he turned back to Nashi who could not look at him. "What was that really about?"

"He was being serious," Nashi admitted through her lie. "We were just talking about feelings."

Gary's eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me he confessed to you."

Nashi whipped her head up at that, incredulous. "What? Why would he do a thing like that?" It was then she noticed the hard glint of silvery ice-blue in the background of cerulean. She grinned. "Aw… Is my dog…jealous?"

Gary blushed and pointedly looked away. "No," he mumbled. "Why would I be jealous when I see my Angel hugging another guy after we had sex?"

Nashi's cheeks pinkened, but she got the courage to saunter up to Gary and her hand turned his head back to her. "Hey," she breathed, "I hugged him. So, what? You were the one deep inside me, not him."

Gary sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know," he exhaled. "It's nothing. My Devil is just being a pain in the ass."

"Your Devil is you, you know," Nashi reminded lightly. "So you can admit you're jealous. It's actually kinda cute."

Interest sparked Gary's gaze, but so did doubt. "Really. You think jealousy is cute?"

Nashi shrugged. "In small doses," she confided and showed what she meant by pinching her thumb and forefinger together "Like, it's cute when my papa gets jealous when my mama goes out with Mister Rodgers, but it's not cute when it gets to aggression and obsession and possession."

"Noted," Gary remarked. He shook the Scent Lacrima spray. "Let's hose down and fingers crossed your dad doesn't notice anything."

Nashi pointedly looked at Gary's naked chest.

Gary waved her concern away. "I'm my dad's son. You really think me not having a shirt on is anything out of the ordinary?" He grinned a little. "And it doesn't hurt I know you like my abs and my scars."

Nashi coughed at being caught. "I do not!" she argued. She turned on her heel and went back to the sitting room with Gary trailing after her. "Quit trying to make me out to be a perv like you!"

Gary chuckled as he got the door for her. "I'm just trying to tell the truth."

Nashi shot him a sneer before disappearing into the room.

Gary leaned his head against the door and gave a lovestruck sigh. "God, I'm going to marry that woman." And he promptly walked into the room and shut the door—

CLICK.

—and locked it.

---

CHOOOOOOO-CHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…

It was busier than the train attendants would have liked as seats and even parts of floors were filled with men and women and their pets, many who watched the replayed broadcasts of Master Ooba and their mayor as well as reaction broadcasts to their strong words and politicians who were weighing in their own opinion on the situation.

Mira came back from the bathroom to slide back into her seat. The Strausses and other Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale members had banded together and would be among the first to reenter the town per request of both masters with the mayor and her council. She picked up Liberty to settle the girl on her lap as she and Rose and Eloise entertained themselves on their tablets, coloring. She caught Lisanna's odd look. "What's wrong, Lis?"

Lisanna slowly shook her head. "Nothing… I'm just worried about…"

Mira understood and sobered herself. "Yeah. I am too."

Evergreen looked between the sisters. "Have you felt anything? Seen anything?"

"Our Soul Sight and Soul Sense are powerful enough to sense a change," Lisanna explained, "but there are too many souls in Margaret Town. And with the Guardians' souls rooted and projecting, we can't really tell what we're facing."

"Which makes it even scarier," Mira confessed lowly. "The foolish part of me wants to believe she'll be okay."

"She has to be if we didn't feel anything dramatic," Lisanna consoled, rubbing her sister's shoulder. "She'll be different, but it's not at that level."

Mira smiled weakly. "I know that." She laid her chin down on Liberty's head. "I just can't help but worry."

I can't help worrying about Igneel too. Poor boy… I hope he's all right.

---

Ooba had gathered only those who were on a need-to-know basis for this meeting. That included all senior staff from both guilds, S-Class, and the immediate families of both missing children. This conference room was like a circular arena with a circular stage with it. The Mages and their creature companions sat where they saw fit as Ooba, Erza, Laxus, and Lyon took their place on stage as Guild Master and Second-in-Command respectively. The Mages angrily muttered to themselves, furious about the situation at hand.

"That witch damned those kids!" came shout.

"How can we get them back without breaking Magic Law?" came askance.

"What if they changed the present already?" came fret. "What if they're the reason for this mess?"

"Enough!" Ooba snapped, quieting the hall. "Your accusations are moot at this point."

Erza added, "And, for those who believe these two children single-handedly destroyed Margaret Town, you may leave now. All of you know this is the fault of Curses and the manipulation of the Guardians. Don't think otherwise."

The murmuring flooded back for a Mage to stand and question, "Well, Masters, it's obvious we can't leave them in the past, but what more can we do? We can't break Magic Law on purpose! Not when the Council will already have your heads for the war we just faced! You'll risk expulsion!"

Ooba lifted a chin. "Let them come for us," she dared. "If they want to expel me as master for bringing home two of our own, let them. It will show the Magic Society how selfish and black-hearted the Council truly is."

As the Mage sat down, another stood. "But, what chance do we have? What are our odds to get them back? There's no known Time Mage with that ability, not since the abandonment of the Gods and the fall of Mildian."

Lucy's hand tightened.

Erza replied: "Time Magic is like any other Magic. It can be learned and spells can be cast. There are Time Mages and Time Magic Items we can certainly use for a cost. As of now, Chrome has tracked down five Time Magic Items that could potentially bring us into the past and future."

"You're talking with uncertainty," a Mage seethed, standing up. "We need to talk like we know what will happen."

Laxus growled, static clacking off him. "What type of Mage are you?" he barked. "Speaking of the uncertainties is all Mages ever do! You just put your life on the line without even knowing if you'd come home! And, now, all of a sudden, you think doing that is beneath you?"

Erza put a hand on Laxus to stop him and her cool eyes flicked to the Mage. "We wouldn't dare ask of you to risk your life for another Mage," she assured, but her tone came off tone. "But, let me be clear: lives are not equal and should never be abandoned or taken for granted. These children you refuse to fight for not only saved our present from an untimely fate but have saved the past as well. Even knowing going back into the past meant no way home, they went because they wanted to save the past so we could have a future." She looked around the room. "It is because of their bravery we are still standing, that we still have this present and our future. They will not go unpunished for breaking Magic Law inadvertently and for pulling a stunt only a senior S-Class Mage could do, but they have earned our respect and earned our help."

She raised an eyebrow. "Does anyone disagree?"

Everyone was silent.

Erza closed her eyes. "Good. Now." She motioned for Genius to come forward and he did. He took over the Lacrima Screens with his controller. "We have found several Time Magic Items. One would be a Magic Diary."

STEP.

A skirt brushed against the ground.

STEP.

A paw's claws scratched against concrete.

STEP.

Genius brought up the artifact. It was an old picture of it in tinted brown and two men smiled at their find.

STEP.

A boot thudded.

STEP.

Erza explained: "This is the diary of J. M. Ellis who was one of the first idealist—"

"…physicians to study time and argue its nonexistence," came finish.

Figures stepped into the arena.

The entire audience caught their breath in shock.

A fanged smirk. "The diary allegedly contains a Time Link and allows anyone in possession of it of the past to write into the future."

Levy stood, her eyes watering.

"But, that's only speculation," came remembrance. "So, let's not rely solely on that."

Lucy found herself silently crying.

Because there stood Gale and Luna and Icarus. Luna and Gale looked odd in their clothes of renaissance times, but no bandages were wrapped around skin and their eyes gleamed brightly when they saw their parents. Icarus flanked Luna protectively, untrusting when he scented so much Magic in the air.

"Mama, Papa," Luna spoke, eyes glistening, mouth smiling, "we're home."

Silence.

Then, an uproar of cheers.

Everyone flooded down the steps to get to children and delight buzzed about the room. Luna and Gale were swarmed when Icarus rushed to Luna's defense. He let loose a warning growl, ears flat, tail down and stiff. He showed his canines and the hardness of his eyes to anyone who dare come close to his mistress. The Mages quickly made room, all nervous to fight a Celestial Spirit.

Luna put a hand on Icarus' neck. "Easy, Icarus, they're friends," she promised.

Friends who argued over whether to abandon you or chase after you, Icarus growled. He snapped at a Mage for being too close. I do not trust them when they may abandon you.

The two families pushed themselves to the front. Gale and Luna were met with teary eyes and relieved smiles and Icarus noticeably backed down when he smelled they were of kin.

Luna took a step toward her mother. "Hi, Mama," she whispered.

Lucy ran to her daughter and swept her into a well-needed embrace. "Welcome home," she wept. "I'm so happy you're home."

Natsu crouched down and swept both Luna and Lucy into his embrace. "Geez, keep this up and you'll get into about as much trouble as me," he chuckled, though his voice choked up.

As both parents moved back, Igneel, Luke, and Nashi crowded around their little sister, Nashi in tears of relief while Luke and Igneel gave her grins of love and contentment. Nashi was the first to hug Luna and whispered fiercely, "You can't do that again, okay? You're my only sister and the only way I can survive Igneel."

Igneel scowled. "Well, you're not all sunshine and rainbows too, bitch," he muttered.

"Igneel!"

Igneel winced. "Sorry, Ma." When Nashi stepped aside, he gave Luna a kiss on the forehead and a warm hug. "You're so gonna get it when this all blows over," he teased.

Luna laughed through her tears. "So are you."

Igneel stepped away, chuckling, for Luke to come forth with his embrace. "We have so much to talk about when we get home," he told her. "You have to tell me everything."

"I will," Luna promised.

A low whine.

Luna and Luke pulled away to see Icarus tugging on Luna's dress skirt. He dropped it when he was caught, but he whined again, thumping his tail. He wanted attention too. Luna giggled and Icarus brightened when Luna took to scratching his chest. His hind leg twitched and his tail wagged. "Everyone, this is Icarus, my Canis Minor Spirit," she introduced.

Lucy was surprised. "You've contracted your own Spirit?"

Luna nodded, giggling when Icarus happily licked her face. "Yup! He's from the past, but he said he had been waiting for me. Isn't he the coolest?"

Icarus puffed his chest at the praise before turning to Lucy. Like he rehearsed it, he bowed his head before her.

Mother Star, I have traveled with your cub and already have grown to love her as my own cub. I will ensure her safety for as long as she keeps me.

Lucy was surprised at the telepathy, but her surprise melded into happiness. "I know you will. Thank you, Icarus, for taking care of her." She reached a hand.

Icarus took the initiative to place his head underneath her hand and bump into her palm.

Gale found himself under siege of his mother and brother's tight hugs and tried to weasel his way out. "Guys, I know, I was gone and hurt and now I'm back and it's great, but don't kill me!"

Levy and Galileo let him go for him to see their watery hazel eyes. Levy wiped her cheeks. "You are so grounded when we get home," she decided. "And, you are coming to church with us on Sunday. No excuses this time."

Gale gawked as Olivia simpered in the background. "What the Hell, Mom? I just saved two timelines—!"

"And you disobeyed me," Levy reminded sternly. "Not to mention our argument. You have a lot to make up for."

Galileo snickered. "Joke's on you. That's what you get for trying to be a tough little shit."

Gale snarled at his brother. "At least I'm not a pussy like y—!"

"Boys!" Levy scolded.

Olivia strode forth to prod Gale's cheek. "Idiot," she teased. "You must have a body of iron if you made it back alive, huh?"

Gale patted his chest. "Nope. Just pounds of earth," he assured. "Did you miss me?"

Olivia half-heartedly shrugged. "I mean I didn't really know you were missing to begin with."

Gale's grin twitched as he comically cried.

Thanks for noticing, sis.

Olivia adopted a serious look and leaned closer. "I can smell your scent all over Blondie," she whispered.

Gale blushed. "W-Wait! It's not what you—!"

"We really need to talk when you get home." Olivia pulled back with a smile and a wink before moving aside.

Panther Lily came forward and he and Gale clasped arms. The Exceed grinned, tail flicking. "I look forward to your training. I think I'll find you're much tougher after this."

Gale grinned back. "I might even beat you, Uncle Lily."

Panther Lily let go of him and chortled at that.

"Yo, Pipsqueak."

Gale winced and looked up into cold ruby eyes.

"You've got a lot of balls to just stroll up in here like nothing happened," Gajeel said, a hint of a growl in his voice.

Levy tried to stop him. "Gajeel."

Gale straightened as Gajeel went toe-to-toe with him. He did not falter under the red glare he received. He knew this game. If his father broke him and he looked away, there was Hell to pay. But, if he could stand and look him in the eye, he won.

"You look pretty good for a guy who had his guts out," Gajeel rumbled.

Gale lightly touched the area where his scar was. "Yeah, well, got a pretty nasty scar from it, sir. I'm definitely going to remember the man who gave it to me."

Gajeel nodded at that in agreement. "The squirt is too young and new to Magic, but you know Magic Law. You know the consequences of Time Travel."

"I do, sir."

Gajeel cocked an eyebrow. "And, you still went."

Gale lifted his chin. "I did, sir."

"You risked your life on the slim chance you could make a difference," Gajeel said. "You risked never coming home just to get a glimpse of victory. You risked it all for a chance to fight back."

Gale hesitated.

Wait… Does he know…?

Gale dismissed it when he realized his father was waiting for an answer. "I did, sir."

"And do you expect us to welcome you home like a hero?" Gajeel challenged.

Gale's eyes glinted. "I don't, sir."

Hard ruby clashed with defiant ruby. It was a standstill. Neither one was backing down. Neither one would.

Gajeel broke into a wild child sort of grin. "Then, welcome home, Pipsqueak."

Gale let relief cross his face as he grinned back. "Thanks, Old Man."

Conversation grew louder and louder as everyone prodded the two young Mages for answers to never-ending questions. Where did they go? What happened? Why did they go? Who did they meet? Did they do what they needed to do? This was all too new and exciting! It called for celebration!

Ooba cleared her throat and the hall eventually quieted, all turning to her. "Let these young Mages get examined for any injured or remnants of Time Magic. As of now, Margaret Town has been secured and we will expect the arrivals of our fellow citizens. We must do everything in our power to ensure they feel safe at home."

Everyone agreed to that and began to flood out of the hall, all gossiping about what they thought the young Mages encountered. Luna found herself glued to her mother's side as she told her all about how she met Icarus and their fated contract and eager ears were listening to her exciting tail while Icarus fluffed up his fur, uncomfortable with so many Mages around his mistress.

Gale, on the other hand, tried to hang back and grab his father's attention. "Old Man!" he called.

Gajeel stopped. One look at his son and he nodded at Levy to keep moving. When she did, Gajeel approached his son.

Gale waited until the last of the Mages passed him before hissing softly to his father, "When I was fighting Bluenote, something…weird happened." His hand went into the neck of his shirt to pull out of pendant.

Gajeel's eyes rounded.

"Dad," Gale started, "I became a—"

"Quiet, Pipsqueak," Gajeel hissed. "We'll talk later."

Gale faltered, agitated. "But, Dad—!"

"I said, 'later'. I didn't mean 'now'," Gajeel said in a low snarl. "Keep – moving. We need the good doctor to make sure you're clean." He turned and walked away.

Gale clenched his pendant, teeth gritted. "Why won't you listen to me?" he yowled. "Doesn't this mean anything to you? Don't I mean anything to you? I'm your son and you're just dismissing me!"

"We can talk after you've been examined, so stop whining and move your feet," Gajeel ordered, still walking.

Gale growled. "I know this has something to do with her!"

Gajeel stopped.

Gale panted, his rage making him breathless.

"Later, Pipsqueak." At that, Gajeel sounded exhausted and pleading. "We'll talk later." And he walked out of the arena, leaving Gale behind.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

So, anyways…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna sighed blissfully in her examination room when she was back in her normal clothes, Icarus lounging on the floor. "It feels so good to be in my regular clothes again…"

Icarus rolled onto his back and wriggled, looking hilarious as he tried to scratch a pesky itch. Your furs in your time are very different than the ones of the past. Are females allowed to pad around in pants and shirts?

"Oh, yeah," Luna confirmed. "And in shorts too. In this time, people can wear what we want to wear. It doesn't mean everyone has to like it, but girls are more than just skirts and dresses, y'know?"

Two knocks. "Luna? Are you finished? Can I come in?"

"Yes, Aunt Wendy!" Luna called.

Wendy came in with a healthy smile and shut the door behind her. "Well, all your vitals are normal and you should be all set," she concluded.

Luna fixed her jacket. "Thanks, Aunt Wendy."

Wendy hummed and glanced at Icarus curiously. "I'm very surprised neither your Magic Levels or Gale's have dipped," she admitted. "Time Travel is a draining process, but neither one of you seem to be affected."

Luna grew somber. "Yeah, well, we had a lot of help." She, then, asked, "How's Gale? Is he okay?"

Wendy sighed. "Physically, there is nothing wrong with him. Mentally, I believe he's going through shock. Sometimes, the mind doesn't fully realize what the body has been through as a result of adrenaline and basal instincts."

Luna rubbed her arm. "So, he's not going to be okay?"

Wendy hummed neutrally. "Well, that's up to him. I've recommended counseling, but he was adamant he doesn't need to see anyone." She saw Luna look down. "Don't be too worried now. Gale takes after Gajeel in a lot of ways. He won't let anything hold him back from getting stronger, even himself."

"But my papa told me getting stronger on the outside doesn't mean you get stronger on the inside," Luna remembered.

"It doesn't, no," Wendy agreed. "But only Gale can fix that himself."

And, with that energy surrounding him…he may not be alone…

°•°•°•°

Gale sat in the other examination room with his head leaning against the wall. To keep himself amused, he had taken to trying to chip away at a diamond he formed with an flint knife. No matter how many stabs, the diamond refused to chip.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

The door opened, then closed.

"Ya got a good diamond there."

Gale refused to look at his father and kept whittling away at the diamond.

Gajeel sat on the chair across from Gale. With his large frame, he dwarfed the room. His eyes settled on his son and watched him, observed him. "How much do you know?"

Gale snorted. "Oh, now you want to talk?" he asked, sardonic. "Perfect. Well, here's the thing, sir, I don't feel like talking. How 'bout we talk later, 'kay?"

Gajeel's Nature flashed within the deeps of red. "You're lucky I'm not my father or else your ass would be beat for the amount of disrespect you're giving me," he warned.

Gale's eyes flickered to his father. "Speaking of dear ol' grandpa, I met him. Yup. I met a dead fucking Dragon because, y'know, that's normal for me to see, right? Apparently, when I thought I blacked out, I activated whatever shit Iron Magic I have in me to defend myself. Well, I didn't. My dead grandfather did." He leaned forward. "Don't you find it a little weird that you had a Dragon for a dad when Dragons have been dead for how long again now?"

"Just tell me what you know," Gajeel ordered. "This isn't a question, Pipsqueak."

"I know my own fucking dad has been lying to me about his age," Gale snapped. "Jesus, when were you going to tell any of us we should add an extra four hundred candles to your cake? What, on your next birthday? Oh, how about on your five hundredth?"

Gajeel snarled. "Dammit, Pipsqueak, there's shit you don't understand! Shit you ain't ready for!"

Gale stood up at that. "Are you fucking bullshitting me right now, Old Man?!" he shouted. "I don't think you understand what the Hell I've been through in the past sixty hours! I was the one who nearly died three times, not you! I was the one who shot back in the past, not you! I was the one who risked everything to make sure your ass could be thrown into the future to save us from a sadistic motherfucker of a Dragon terrorist! Not – you!"

"What do you want from me?" Gajeel retorted. "You want me to give you a pat on the back? Do you want me to kiss the ground you walk on? What do you want—?"

"I want answers!" Gale screamed. "I just want you to give me answers! You can't just sit there and lie to my face anymore!" He held up his pendant for Gajeel to see. "I'm one of you now! You can't lie to me anymore!"

Gajeel leaned back. "Sit down, Pipsqueak."

"No!" Gale snarled. His ruby eyes gleaned as he clutched his pendant. His own Nature riled up, raising its hackles at the challenge before him. "Listen to me!"

"You aren't ready to use that Magic against me," Gajeel warned. "You'll lose every time. That's just a fact. I can teach you to beat me, but you need to sit down and listen to me."

Gale growled, but he angrily sat in his seat and crossed his arms.

Gajeel sighed. "I never wanted you to find out this way," he confessed. "Levy and I were going to tell you when we thought you were ready."

"Well, it doesn't matter what I want or if you think I'm ready," Gale said snidely. "I'm one of you, so you don't have a choice. What's going on? Is what Bluenote said true?"

Gajeel's eyes sharpened at that. "What did that bastard tell you?" he demanded to know. "Tell me everything. Start with the beginning."

Gale blew out a breath. "When I was sent back into the past, I met Sycaña, the Plant Dragon. She gave me a plant called God's Tear to help me, but I didn't realize it was actually her Heart of Hearts."

"A Dragon Lacrima," Gajeel named.

Gale shifted. "I don't know where I was, but when I blacked out, I found her and Grandpa Metalicana. She told me Blondie's great-granny is really her great times something granny and she helped move you, Aunt Wendy, and Uncles Natsu, Sting, and Rogue into the future to not only stop Acnologia but for the aid of sealing the five Dragon Gods."

Gajeel nodded. "It's all true," he affirmed. "All five of us were orphaned and brought together to be sent into the future."

Gale went quiet. "I met them, you know. Our ancestors."

Gajeel perked. "What were they like? Who were they?"

Gale smiled a little. "Their names were Gabriel and Alarick Redfox, Dragon Researchers. Alarick was a bit of a nut, but both of them were Earth Mages," he described. "Gabe was a'ight, I guess. Bit of an arrogant son of a bitch and way too protective over Blondie, but we got along in the end."

Gajeel guffawed. "I can see why you didn't like him. It was like looking in a mirror."

Gale rolled his eyes. "Anyways," he hissed, "in my coma, Grandpa Metalicana told me a new age was coming for Slayers since Warlocks were becoming stronger. I was given Sycaña's Heart of Hearts to become a new-type Dragon Slayer and start the chain." Something occurred to him. "Let me ask you something. Dragon Eaters… They exist?"

Gajeel grimaced. "Unfortunately."

"And this is canon?" Gale pressed. "This is canonical with the original plot? Not to break the fourth wall or anything, but I'm very skeptical."

"We'll go over the Slayer Generations later," Gajeel waved off. "What did Bluenote say?"

Gale sobered. "He told me I didn't understand the power given to me and that, somehow, she had to deal with it." He pinned his father with a questioning look. "Is that true?"

Gajeel went quiet for a couple of moments. Then, he nodded. "It's true." Two heavy words filled with hidden despair.

Gale sat forward, eager for a story, desperate for the reason. "Well, what happened? Is that why she left? Where is she—?"

"Easy, Pipsqueak, easy," Gajeel calmed. "This is something I have to shut you up on. I want your mom here when you're told it, but I want you to be ready."

Gale groaned. "There it is with this 'ready' bullshit," he cussed.

Gajeel chuckled. "Y'know, I was an impatient little shit like you when I was younger," he recalled. "Metalicana would get on my ass and force me to stand under waterfalls if I tried to bite off more than I could chew."

Gale shot daggers at his father. "And you do the same thing to me!"

"I guess I do," Gajeel supposed, amused. "Look, Pipsqueak, you're gonna get frustrated with me, but I'm looking out for you. You'll understand that one day. I do what I do to protect our family."

Gale looked unconvinced and gave a noncommittal grunt.

"Now, talking about your new status," Gajeel barreled through. "Until we meet with the other Dragon Slayers, not a word about this to anyone unless it's your mom or me. Does Squirt know?"

"Well…yeah, but—"

"Then, we make sure she stays quiet too," Gajeel decided.

"But, why?" Gale blurted. "This is great news! We have another—!"

"I didn't raise you or your brother or sister to be this damn naïve," Gajeel snapped. "The reason the Council keeps secrets from the world is because the world can only handle so much. You think people know Shenlong is alive? Hell no. We made sure to keep that silenced as it will be now. The D-Stones, the Demons, the Warlocks—all of that has to be kept under wraps. Especially with you being a new-type Slayer." He leaned forward. "You can't tell me you never wondered why only Borus tried to capture Squirt and no one else has with the Magic Power she has."

Gale looked like he was just realizing it. "That's why she was never allowed to leave town. And that's why she's so closely monitored."

Gajeel nodded. "She has a target on her back as it is. If word gets out she defeated two Demons and calmed the Guardians, we'll be lucky if she survives a day without being hounded by people who want to us her or worse—kill her."

Gale visibly tensed and flashed his canines. "I won't let that happen."

"Then, do her and you a favor and keep this hush-hush," Gajeel instructed. "You need to be there to protect her. You can't do that when you have a target on your back."

"So, train me," Gale begged. "Teach me to be like you." His face fell Gajeel shook his head, then he snarled. "Well, why the Hell not this time? What, am I not ready or some crap?"

"I can teach you what I know," Gajeel granted. "I can teach you how to hone in your Dragon instincts. I can teach you how to control it and not let it control you. But, the Nature of your Magic differs from mine. Fortunately for you, new-type, you have a Dragon at your service to help guide you in your own Nature."

Gale smiled down at his pendant when it winked at him. "And, when I become strong enough, will you tell me everything?"

"It's not about strength, Pipsqueak," Gajeel admonished. "It's about your maturity. When I think you've matured, then, yes. But you still have the mind of a cocky kid and need a serious attitude adjustment."

Lightning struck Gale.

Don't hold back on my account. Please keep pointing out my flaws.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Mister Redfox?" came light call. "The Masters require your presence in the Guild Master office immediately."

Gale cleared his throat. "Thanks. I'll be out soon."

Footsteps padded away.

Gajeel cocked his head. "Tell me something, between you and me…" Something in his blood-red eyes shimmered. "Do you blame me?"

Gale understood the meaning behind Gajeel's question and hummed. "I think I did, for a little while… But, now?" He shook his head. "I don't and I shouldn't have."

Gajeel got to his feet and messed with his hair. "If there's one thing I regretted with you, it's that I pushed so hard," he admitted. "I never did it because you weren't made of iron, Pipsqueak, and I want you to know that."

Gale stood up as well and tucked his pendant inside his shirt. "I know, Dad." And he meant it.

Gajeel clapped his son's shoulder. "Hold nothing back when you meet with them. It'll just be you, Erza, and the spinster. Leave no detail out."

Gale frowned, perplexed. "But you just said—"

"You can talk your way around you being a Dragon Slayer," Gajeel assured. "But, if they sense you're holding something back, they won't hesitate to question you. Be as clear as you can. These two may be our superiors, but you being a Slayer stays with the other Slayers for now. Don't forget that."

Gale nodded. "I won't."

Gajeel opened the door. "Good. Then, let's get this over with."

°•°•°•°

Igneel had taken to sitting with the others as they played a game of Asshole. It was him, Julia, Luke, Cane, Amber, and others of the same age range all gathered in their corner of the world. Already two people were out, Igneel was on the verge, Amber had the most cards, and Cane, who had provided the cards, was watching a vlog on YouView.

Amber grunted, "Jax and Dash are so lucky they couldn't come on this shitty vacation."

Cane barked a laugh. "You're just mad Dash is spending Thanksgiving with his mom in Pergrande rather than giving you dick." He winked at her. "But I can be a sub for him, if you want."

Everyone oohed as Amber gave Cane the finger and a tight smile. "Oh, really? We all know how hard it is for the little guy to get up when you've had a few drinks, now, don't we?" she teased.

Cane blushed violently as everyone hooted. "That was one time!" he shouted at a smug Amber. "And, who told you that?"

Amber shot Cane a look that said, Oh, like you don't know. "Who do you think?" she retorted. She tsked and shook her head. "You could do so much better than that, FYI. She's essentially a gossip queen, a mean girl, the Heather of the Heathers welcome-to-my-candy-store, the Amber of Clueless… So, when I learned y'all tried to go at it, I lost major respect for you and your little soldier."

Cane sneered at her with his hand twitching, a card appearing in it as a reflex. "God, I don't know what Dash sees in a dry pussy like you." The boys crowed as Amber looked like she was about to murder him. Cane only grinned like he was an innocent—or like he was greedily lapping in Amber's humiliation. "Oops. Was I not supposed to tell everyone it's hard for you? Oh, honey…" He tutted at her, clicking his tone. "Don't worry—there's pills for that."

"Then, start taking your Viagra and actually satisfy women for once, you man-slut," Amber lashed back, cocking her head in defiance. "You get nothing more than cheap hoes and loose pussy." She rested her chin on her hand pompously. "Tell me, darling, are you just that desperate and any hole will do? Is it your daddy abandonment issues again? Don't tell me you make your whores call you 'Daddy'?"

Cane's eyes stormed thunderously and the tension became so palpable, Magic sizzled between them. "Says the one who whines about Dash and swears it's the last time only for us to always find you two hooking up," he countered. He clapped his hands. "'Oh my gawd, you guys, I am just so done with him, like, as if'!" he mimicked, making his voice high-pitched and drawled. The table roared in laughter as Cane faked a pout and put his hands on his pectorals, pushing them together. "'Oh, Dashie, I'm so sorry, baby, here are my B-cup tiddies, take me back, please, I'll give good head'," he feigned moaning.

Amber slammed down her cards in a fit of relevant rancor. "You're a piece of shit, you asshole!" she snarled at him.

Cane finally looked satisfied and donned a smirk. "Oh, my b. I should've said, 'A-cup'. I was insulting the B-cups out here." He turned his head to a female Mage who was well-endowed for her age and had no issue displaying her cleavage. Cane sighed lovingly as his eyes fell on her chest. "Sorry, girls, I didn't mean to offend you. Forgive me?"

Julia rolled her eyes Heavenward and scrapped her cards as Amber swore expletives that would make even a drunk man cringe. "Now I'm wishing Jax was here," she groaned.

Luke focused hard on his dealt hand, trying to decipher which card he could get rid of. "Why? If he were here, he'd be encouraging this behavior," he grunted.

"Not if he brought the girlfriend," Julia pointed out. "He and Tesla know how to be the peacemakers." She tensed when one swear word worse than the others was said. "Why did he have to spend Thanksgiving with her family this year?"

Igneel lost sight of the game when he saw Mary Jane emerging onto the floor. She peeked about like a nervous lamb and hid herself close to the open doorway that led to the stairs. Igneel's chair scraped and it almost clattered back, teetering on the cusp of a fall, when Igneel stood up all too fast and left scorch marks in his wake. He slapped down his card and did not even realize his lost focus on his Magic cost the card to half-blacken. "I'm an asshole!" he cried, but without victory; it was all absent. He tuned out any complaints and Cane's cussing that he burned another card as he made a beeline for Mary Jane.

Mary Jane looked down at the plastic bag and smiled in relief to herself. "Finally. All done."

"Hi, MJ!"

Mary Jane squeaked and jerked to hide the bag behind her back. She turned to see Igneel sheepishly grinning at her as she covered her mouth, wide-eyed. "Oh, it's just you…"

Igneel had the audacity to feel sheepish for starting such a fuss. "Sorry. I scared you, huh? My bad." On instinct, his hand went to the back of his neck to scratch his scar.

Mary Jane noticed the habit and it made her acutely aware of the bag in her hands. "I-I, u-um…" She threw caution to the wind and bowed with the bag extended out towards Igneel. "Here! This is yours!"

Igneel stopped scratching, taken back at the gift. His hand went to the bag, eyes curiously confused. He reached in a hand and pulled out a material he knew well. "My scarf!" He rolled the bag onto his wrist greedily and took the soft material into his hands. Interested, he sniffed it. While his scent was deeply embedded into the fabric from years of wearing it, he scented something sweet and lavender. "Did you wash it?" he questioned.

Mary Jane grabbed a lock of ponytail and rigorously combed it with her fingers. "Mmm-hmm. Nashi told me you only hand-wash and dry it, so I went to the bath area to clean it. I used a light setting on a hair dryer, if, um"—her eyes flicked to his, then away—"if that's okay."

Igneel wrapped the scarf expertly around his neck. "More than okay! It's perfect!" He shot her a thumbs-up. "Thanks, MJ! You're the best!"

Mary Jane flashed him a tentative smile then looked away.

Igneel could not hide how disheartened he was at that as his face dropped. "MJ, I'm sorry I scared you." He meant every word. "I was off my meds and…" He realized what he was saying and inwardly cursed himself. "And, that's just a crappy excuse. I should've taken them and I didn't. It was my responsibility to keep my promise and I broke it. And I scared you because I was irresponsible."

"It's okay," Mary Jane accepted, timid. "I deserved it."

"No, you didn't," Igneel insisted. He took a step forward only to see Mary Jane flinch, then he stopped himself. It hurt more than he let on for her to shy away from his presence, but, for now, he would have to push past it. "You don't deserve any of this. You deserve so much more."

"But, Igneel, I was so mean," Mary Jane reasoned. "I don't deserve sorries. I should be saying, 'sorry'."

"Well, you have more than enough," Igneel swore. "Let yourself be happy, MJ. Everyone deserves happiness in their life as long as they atoned for their sins." When he noticed Mary Jane was not all that convinced, he straightened up and pointed at her. "Mary Jane Rita Dreyar, if you want to be my friend, then I order you to keep smiling."

Mary Jane looked up at that, disbelief written clear on her face at such a peculiar order. "You can't say that!"

Igneel grinned like a little boy who learned he was the line leader. "I can and did." He stuck out his tongue for good measure. "What'cha gonna do about, huh?" His flames puffed off his knuckles at his excitement. "We could fight it out. Would do you say?"

If he thought his words would bring some sort of change in Mary Jane, then he was correct and incorrect. A negative change came about her as Mary Jane looked physically pained at the word fight and would rather be anywhere. Her eyes darted for an exit and her hand came up to her charm as a method of consolation. "U-Um," she stammered. "I-I…"

It was then Igneel noticed the glint of the acorn button and his fighting aura was lost with something, something dangerously familiar. "Oh… You…kept the necklace?"

Mary Jane looked down at her hand pinching the charm as awkwardness warmed her cheeks. "O-Oh, right, I stole this from you, didn't I?" She scrambled to unclasp it from her neck. "I'm so sorry! Let me take it off, okay, and I'll just—!"

"MJ…"

Mary Jane stopped when Igneel laid a hand on her head. Soft onyx clashed with panicked scarlet-cerulean. His eyes had flecks of emerald and Mary Jane saw that now. He was showing her gentility, but there was more in his eyes. Yet, he held back from it. But he was so close… So very, very close…

"Keep it," Igneel insisted, timbre holding delicacy. He seemed to remember where he was and took a step back which helped Mary Jane breathe. "It looks pretty good on you," he praised, nodding at the jewelry. "Better than it ever did sitting in my pocket and rusting away. Think of it as our best—" He coughed and his hands twitched, fighting the urge to itch. "As our…best friend charm."

Mary Jane frowned. "But I couldn't…"

"You can," Igneel calmed. "In fact…" He reached into his scarf to pull out his own chain and charm. "See? Now, we'll be matching!"

"A thimble?" Mary Jane questioned. "And an acorn?"

"Acorn button," Igneel corrected. An idea occurred to him and he grew hopeful. "Don't you know what they're from? An acorn button and a thimble? Do you remember?"

Mary Jane cast him an odd look. "I'm sorry… Shou…? Should I?"

Igneel's hopes crashed into a despair that could have killed his inner flames. His shaky smile was forced on his lips as he dismissed everything like it did not matter. "Never mind. Stupid question." Really stupid, very stupid, why did he ask that? "Just know those two charms symbolize the bestest of friends and the promise that no matter how old we get, we'll always remember each other. It's a promise." Onyx diminished into concealed agony. "It's a…Neverland promise."

Recognizing the hidden sadness in Igneel was easy for Mary Jane to spot. She bit her lip at first, her next actions unclear and her thoughts cautious. She gathered up the courage to reach a hand and cover Igneel's hand with her own. Onyx connected with scarlet-cerulean and a smile without teeth was forged.

"Okay," Mary Jane agreed. "I'll wear it and never take it off unless I have to shower or swim. It'll be our very own Neverland promise to stay friends." She tipped her head and her smile widened. "Sounds rather fairy tale-esque, don't you think?"

Igneel's entire face blushed, but he took haste in burying part of his face in his scarf. He could smell the remains of Mary Jane's scent. "Yeah," he mumbled. "We're a regular fairy tale."

Now's my chance. Just ask her.

"So, um…" Igneel swallowed. "Now that we're best friends, did you want to, maybe…? Did you want to…?"

Mary Jane blinked, showing off how big her eyes were, and prompted, "Yes…?"

Igneel could not fight the itch to scratch his neck scar. "U-Um…" His eyes went from her to the floor then her then to the floor again. "I mean… It would be pretty awesome if we became partners, right?"

There. I did it.

That surprised Mary Jane. "'Partners'?"

"We could go on jobs together," Igneel pitched and cursed when his voice cracked. Puberty could be a real bitch. "See Fiore and stuff like that… Make some memories." He glanced to see Mary Jane's frown and he could feel his heart pound and his right foot behind to tap like a thumping rabbit. "Or, not, y'know, it's fine. I-I was just wanting to know and it's awesome totally if can't you," he stammered.

Mary Jane tried to overlook Igneel's jumbled words when he did not even bother to correct himself. "I mean… You and Luke are partners, right?"

"Not really," Igneel admitted. "He likes being a solo Mage and we occasionally team up, but it's nothing serious. He's known I always wanted—" He snapped back the words caught in his throat.

Mary Jane tipped her head in understanding and sympathy. "You always wanted your friend to be your partner," she finished for him. "Is that what you were going to say?"

Igneel could feel his scratching intensify. The thought of breaking skin did not even cross his mind.

Mary Jane had to take a step back from him and her hand dropped from his. Something uncomfortable crossed her features. "Igneel… There's something that I—"

"Mary Jane!"

Igneel and Mary Jane looked up to see an eager Peter making their way towards him. Igneel (irritated) and Mary Jane (relieved) greeted, "Peter."

Mary Jane found herself engulfed in a hug from Peter. He held her close and she was okay with that. "I was so worried!" he confessed, unashamed. "I didn't know where you went or what happened to you!"

Mary Jane wasted no time embracing him back and selfishly basking in his warmth. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Peter pulled back and searched her eyes for something she did not understand. When he was satisfied, he smiled at her. "I'm just glad you're okay," he breathed. "You're so brave and strong. That's why I like you."

"But I'm not brave or…" Mary Jane realized the magnitude of Peter's words. "You like…me?"

Igneel's eyes rounded as his hands fell limp at his sides. "You like…her?"

Peter did not even blush. He only grinned at Mary Jane. "Yeah. You got a problem with that, sweets?"

Mary Jane's pale cheeks reddened adorably and she looked away. This was far too embarrassing for eye contact. "You mean as a friend, right?" she inferred. "I mean I like you too—as…as a friend, I mean."

Peter pulled her gaze back onto his and forced her to hold it. "And if I liked you a little more than a friend?"

Igneel found his gaze dropping.

More than a…friend…

Mary Jane would faint at how red she was becoming. "Well," she swallowed, "I would say you're crazy and you don't really like me like that. You're just in shock from everything."

Peter chuckled. "Fine. I'll let you believe that…for now." His eyes sparkled. "Your friends invited me to play Asshole with them. You want to play?"

Mary Jane looked hesitant. "I don't know how to play. And, I don't know if they'd want me to play…" Her hand went to her charm and she sucked her bottom lip in with her upper teeth.

Peter saw this and gave a careless shrug. "Then, we don't have to play," he said breezily. "Card games get boring after a while and I could tell some drama was going on. We could order some food and maybe you could tell me more about the music you like, yeah? I'm still waiting for some results on my Affinity Test."

Mary Jane could not help but smile. "Sure! That sounds great!" She suddenly remembered and turned around to face Igneel. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Igneel, I—!" She noticed Igneel's hanged head and concern rearranged her features. "Igneel…?"

Igneel popped up his head with a shining smile on his face. "It's okay, MJ, go with Peter," he insisted. "I'm gonna go play Asshole with everyone else, so you'll know where to find me." He shooed her away. "Go."

Mary Jane looked uncertain. "Igneel…"

Peter looked between the two. "How about I go order some food and grab a table?" he offered Mary Jane.

Mary Jane kept looking at Igneel as she told Peter, "Yeah. Be there in a minute." When Peter was gone, Mary Jane approached Igneel. "Are you sure it's okay?" she checked.

"Yeah, definitely!" Igneel approved. "We'll have more time tomorrow, right? Go have some fun! Oh, but what were you going to tell me?"

Mary Jane looked around. "I'll tell you later, okay? Thanks for this, Igneel." She turned around, but she offered a small smile over her shoulder. "Talk to you soon?"

Igneel nodded. "Duh! Of course!"

She giggled quietly and fled to track down Peter.

Igneel faked his grin until he could not anymore. His flames rumbled within him, but with his medication working, he had a better grip on them. He did not feel any sort of rage fuel his system. It was different this time. He felt no compulsion to flash his Nature for his Nature was subdued and in the back of his mind. No, Igneel's grin dropped into a frown as his eyes traced Mary Jane's every step. He could hear only white noise as his ears fell in-tune with Mary Jane's words alone as she spoke to Peter, shy and yet comfortable. A pain panged at his chest and the red of his flames turned a melancholic blue.

Right… She has every right to go with him. In these memories, we're just…friends…

Igneel forced himself to relax and sighed. "But, being friends is better than nothing," he supposed. He lifted his hands to stretch when he felt the bag sway with something in it. His eyebrows furrowed as he lowered his hands and opened the bag dangling on his wrist.

His eyes widened.

He reached in to pull out what appeared to be a tube of different colored candy pebbles. He read the name:

PEPPER PEBBLES

Igneel's eyes flickered.

How…?

He caught something white at the bottom and retrieved what appeared to be a note. It read:

Igneel,

I'm sorry about the mess I made and I'm sorry for dragging you into it. Thanks for taking care of my ribbon and giving you my scarf. I saw these in the vending machine. You told me you hated sweets, so I thought you'd like these.

To our new friendship!

Mary Jane

Igneel's eyes glimmered as a fond smile broke onto his face.

MJ… I know you don't remember…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A little hand held out Pepper Pebbles in the dead of the night, in the darkness of a room only lit by moonlight.

Another little hand, tanner, hesitantly reached for it.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

…but if your new memories start the same as your old ones…

He clutched the Pepper Pebbles.

…then I really hope we find our way back.

He uncapped the tube with relative ease and dumped a couple into his free hand. With his head tipped back, he threw them up in the air and expertly caught them in his mouth. He chewed, his smile broadening, and swallowed.

"Mmm. My favorite."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna opened the doorway from the Master's Quarters and into the hallway with Icarus coming out. She turned back around and she bowed while Icarus dipped his head. "Good day, Masters," she wished, then shut the door. With a groan, she stretched her cheeks. "That was awful!"

Icarus nudged Luna into a walk. That is what you get for strutting about in different timelines.

"It's not like I knew what was going to happen!" Luna retorted. "Did you see the look on their faces when we told them about the Eclipse Gate?" She moaned. "I feel like I made everything sound a lot worse."

You gave them your side to the tale, Icarus calmed. To be fair, it was a lot worse. Mortals were in peril and death was eminent. But, you, Meira, Gale, and all of your friends stopped it, luckily.

"Thanks for the that," Luna said dryly. "Hey…" Something struck her odd. "Speaking of friends… What happened to Shenlong?"

He must have returned to the sea of which he governs, Icarus decided. This is not his domain. He would need to return to his kingdom.

Luna pouted. "Makes sense. I just wish I could've seen him again." She touched the sacred bracelet gifted to her. "He helped us a lot. I'll always be thankful."

As you should. A Dragon's Gift serves as a reminder to all you are to be respected and well-treasured. As I hear Dragons are no more, to have their gift is something to thank the Heavens for.

Luna stopped just before the stairwell down. "Yeah. Right." She listened in to the conversation going on in the main hall, the laughter, the swearing, the dining.

Icarus glanced down the steps and back to his mistress, his tongue rolling back into his mouth. Do you not wish to reconvene with your fellow humans?

"Is it horrible if I say, 'no'?" Luna shrugged. "I don't know. I just… I don't want to be here. I want to be alone, but I don't. I don't want to be around a ton of people."

Icarus understood that. In my case, when I desire to be away from my Star Spirits, I go for a run. It gives me time to clear my head and to think. Would you like that?

Luna laughed. "Maybe not running, but I like the idea." She frowned as she dipped back to look around. "Though, I don't really know how to get out of here another way…" She shrugged. "But I mean it can't be that hard, right?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And, so, thirty minutes later…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna pouted like an angry child as she and Icarus walked along a canal, Icarus basking in his mirth.

Yes. It was not all the hard, indeed.

Oh, shove it, fur ball.

Luna huffed and took a look around. Her gaze saddened when she saw the destruction around her. Mages and robots Chrome and Opera mass produced were working tirelessly to rebuild what was lost and salvage all they could. They did a good job at the repair work. But you still saw the signs of scorch marks and cracked glass or chipped brick.

"It's like the festival never even happened," Luna murmured. "It's like all the happiness that was here is gone."

With destruction and chaos comes reconstruction and order, Icarus prophesied. It is the balance of Nature. New will come from the ashes of old. Your dens will be rebuilt, stronger than before.

But they'll still be gone, Luna thought. And all the memories of them too.

Your home is not a place; it is a people, Icarus remind. Your memories within your old den and hunting grounds will stay with you even if places are gone. Never forget such a lesson.

Luna smiled and a hand went to Icarus's fur to latch onto it. You're so wise, she teased. I wish I had that much wisdom. I wouldn't be making so many bad mistakes.

Wisdom comes with a price, dear Pup. Icarus rubbed his nose onto Luna's cheek. Knowledge, wisdom—the want for more means a steeper cost. My wisdom comes from my failures and my mistakes just as yours will.

Luna and Icarus turned onto a bridge, hearing the sounds of work all around them. Luna's eyes went up to the starry sky. "It's amazing that, no matter what happens, the stars, the sun, and the moon will always be there."

They are the key to all life, Icarus spoke fondly. We rely on the sun and moon to bring us balance. Without it, life cannot live with just one or the other. Humans will war, Gods will abandon, races will become extinct—but so long as there is life, the sun and moon will watch over you. That is their Curse and their Blessing.

You sound like you know them. Luna's thoughts vibrated with curiosity. Are there moon and sun spirits?

Icarus' great eyes softened. There are.

Luna perked. So, you've met them?

The moon, I have. The Moon Spirit is tied to the stars intimately.

Luna frowned. So, you never met the sun?

Icarus looked away. Once, when I was a…different spirit.

Luna noticed the masked pain Icarus was trying to hide and stroked his fur. I'm sorry if I brought up bad memories.

You did nothing of the sort, Pup, Icarus assured. I am reminded of the time when I was a young pup with big, foolish dreams. And it nearly cost me everything.

That bad? Luna whispered. Do you want to talk about it? I'm a really good listener!

Icarus rumbled his amusement and turned to lick Luna's cheek in appreciation. Not today, Pup, but I thank you for the offer.

They continued their nightly stroll in silence. At times, they would stumble across friends and Luna would wave to them. She would get warnings not to stand too close to the water and she would thank them for that. But Mistress and Celestial Spirit were left to their own devices.

"I used to take a lot of pictures."

Icarus glanced down at Luna who looked ahead.

"When I was little, I told my parents I was going to take one-hundred pictures that captured how Magic changed the world and helped people," Luna narrated. "I may have wanted to become a Mage, but I wanted to become a photographer." Her chocolate eyes sparkled less. "But, when I was told I would never be a Mage, how I was a Spiritless with the rare case of being Magically-Inept, I thought that, since one of my dreams was taken from me, I never wanted to even try with the other one. I gave up everything." She shook her head. "And, then, talking to Gabriel and just telling him how I felt, I realized how stupid I was for doing that. I never even fought for it. I just gave up."

You were grieving, Icarus pointed out.

"But, that's just an excuse and you know it," Luna countered. "And not a good one. I should've been focused on my photography a lot more, but I just…stopped. My parents didn't raise me to be a quitter and I feel like I let them down." She took out her Compact. "I want to start again. But, before I do that, I owe them a really big sorry for acting like a brat. I don't want to take pictures and remember how much I hated my life. I want to take pictures and remember how much I like my life."

And that right there is your own wisdom, Icarus told her. And the cost was self-reflection.

Luna laughed and leaned on Icarus with a yawn.

Icarus halted them and lowered into a crouch. On my back, Pup. I shall continue our walk, but you will fall asleep on your paws. Rest easy knowing I will protect you.

Luna clambered onto Icarus' back and, when she was comfortable, Icarus got up and took a comfortable walking pace. Luna leaned forward with hands on either side of Icarus and her cheek nuzzled into his fur.

Hey, Icarus?

Hmm?

What's the Spirit World like?

I thought you would be sleeping, Icarus teased her.

Luna laughed within their link. Please? I want to hear more about it.

Icarus sighed. Whether a spirit is of the Heavens or Hell, all spirits have a home in the Spirit Realm. It is a place filled with beauty, a place where spirits and Spirit Walkers are at their peak. There is no question left unanswered there and the food can fill you belly for eons.

Luna yawned again and dragged out a hum. Sounds nice.

One day, you and your nestmates will experience it, Icarus promised, sure of himself. As a Heartfilia, it is well within your birthright to visit the home of spirits. Your guide shall show you the splendor of our realm and its balance. I am certain you will like it.

Luna hummed sleepily. I want to go there now…

Icarus chuckled. Sleep, Pup. I will take us where we need to go.

Luna turned onto her other cheek and sighed out, "Okay…" She breathed out of nose…

…and began to hear something.

"Luna…. Luna…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Luna?"

Luna's eyes snapped open. She found herself in a grand sitting room of vaulted ceilings and a chandelier with lights that looked like stars. The couches were luscious and the fireplace not touched. Bookshelves dug into the walls were filled and pictures and paintings clung to the wall.

Luna got up. "Where am I?" She slowly took a walk around to better understand. Her hand touched the bindings of the books to see titles in other languages and titles she had no recollection of seeing. But, the ones she did see…

'I feel like some of these are in Mama's study…'

Luna pushed away from the bookcase to sweep over to a portrait framed on the fireplace. Her hand grabbed it and she looked at it carefully. The picture was a little old and worse for the wear, but she could tell it had been taken at a hospital. A very exhausted blonde woman with tears in her eyes was adoring the baby she held so fondly.

Luna smiled as her hand touched the baby.

"That was your mother."

Luna whipped around and nearly dropped the photo when she saw a woman peek into the sitting room, someone she thought she would never see.

"Meira?"

Meira smiled. She looked every bit a beautiful as she had been when Luna left her and every bit as young as well. She donned a light peasant dress with her hair in her long Perench braid. She opened her arms just in time as Luna tackled her into a hug.

"Meira," Luna breathed, "you're okay…"

Meira brushed Luna's hair back and kissed her temple before pulling back. "As always," she joked. "And I see you are doing just fine as well."

Luna beamed and nodded. "Thanks to you and Faven." She looked behind Meira. "Where's Mama Faven?"

"She's with her children," Meira answered, though, for some reason, she sounded vague. "It's just us. Sit, sit." She gestured to a lavish couch and the pair sat down. "Now. I am sure you have your questions—"

"What happened to you and Ludvig?" Luna blurted. "What happened after we left? Is everyone okay? Did you get sick?"

Meira chuckled. "My sickness was not fatal, just simple exhaustion. Ludvig cared for me well." She blushed a little. "He was nothing short of a gentleman with me."

Luna squealed, clapping her hands. "I love a good ship!" she cried. "So, what happened afterwards?"

Meira's smile dipped and she brushed a stray lock of Luna's hair behind her ear before her fingers came to Luna's cheek. Chocolate searched chocolate. "My little starling," she started, "there are evils in this world I cannot explain. And, as Destiny lost to Fate, it is something inevitable we all must face."

Luna frowned. "What do you mean?"

Meira sighed. "Explanations are futile. You shall see and understand someday." She smiled again. "I am just happy you and Icarus and Gale bode well in your present."

"It's all because of you and the others," Luna insisted. "Seriously. Thank you so much."

"There is no need for gratitude when we are family," Meira said warmly. She got up and gathered her skirt to walk with Luna following her.

"So, what is this place?" Luna asked. They made it to the lobby where high ceilings and a grand staircase awaited them. Everything glistened in soft golds and whites and bronzes. "Where am I?"

"A place you will come to know," Meira assured as she walked to the stairs.

Luna stopped. "Am I in the Spirit World?!" she exclaimed.

A shout came from up the steps. "Meira?"

Meira shot Luna a cheeky smile and put a finger to her lips when Luna's eyes got even wider and she gasped. She covered her mouth at the shock, then whispered, "Is that—?"

"Yes," Meira assured quietly. "I snuck away to greet you while he was napping." She rolled her eyes. "What a lazy man." She turned to Luna. "I know you have questions, but only you can help answer them. I am unable."

Luna scowled. "Why not?"

"Because, like the Heartfilias before you, you must learn under your guide and a Clan Leader," Meira educated. "Think of it as a rite of passage. You, Nashi, Luke, and Igneel—you must stick to the tradition forged from our first ancestor."

"Meira…" came sleepy growl. "You cannot hide from me, woman! I know you snuck off, but I can easily find you!"

Meira giggled behind a hand. "I must go before I am reduced to mere prey." She waved a hand. "We will talk soon, Luna, I swear it." She gathered her skirt.

Luna grabbed her hand. "Wait, Meira!" At Meira's inquisitive look, Luna swallowed and let her go. "Take care of him," she ultimately said. "And take care of yourself too."

Meira softened. "We love you, Luna, and your entire family. Whenever you look up at the stars, know we are watching over you."

Luna nodded and watched as Meira re-gathered her skirts and headed up the steps. "Meira!" she called. "How do I leave?"

Meira paused to turn and point. "Why, through the front door, of course."

"I hear you!" came happy mention. "Once I get my hands on you, you'll pay for sneaking from our bed!"

Meira made a show of rolling her eyes for Luna and climbed the steps. "Oh, we both know I am more of a threat than you," she hollered good-naturedly. "So, pipe down! I am coming!"

Luna smiled and shook her head.

'I wonder what the story is there…'

Luna turned around to see the door looming over her, waiting for her. She approached it.

'Just leave through the front door?'

Her hand went to the knob. She was slow in turning it. Her eyes shut as she opened the door, bracing for what she may face. She could feel something warm and bright pepper her face in kisses and felt it tug on her soul until she was consumed by it.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Pup… Pup…

Luna stirred and gave a big yawn. She stretched and groaned as Icarus was in low crouch, tongue out.

We are here.

Luna smacked her lips and scratched her hair while taking a good look around. A bird fountain that was not bubbling stopped untouched in the corner. The area had been lightly hit, but with nothing major.

Luna slid off Icarus' back. "Where are we?"

The place we needed to go.

Luna felt Icarus prod her. Her head turned to see something that slowly woke her up. She approached the wall to uncover the vines. It was them she saw the makings of a symbol that had been from a dream of a dream. "I know this," she whispered. "This symbol, this wall… We can go through it."

It just needs…

Luna let her hand feel the crevices of the symbol until a sharp pain sliced through her palm. She gritted her teeth but kept silent and determined.

If it drew my blood, then…

Luna confidently took a step forward—

—and emerged back in the quaint garden.

She took a look around as Icarus followed her. Nothing had really changed from the garden. It was still in one piece like the war had not even touched it. The natural fountain was surprisingly still running and the fish kept their cycles of spinning. The only difference Luna saw was the fact that subtle lanterns had been lit. Her eyes fell onto a shadow that swung on the bench swing and she grew apprehensive.

"Who's there?" Luna demanded to know. Her hand curled into Icarus' fur for comfort. "Show yourself!"

The shadow chuckled. "Relax, Blondie. It's just me."

Luna, shocked, let go of Icarus to trot over to the bench swing. The light illuminated Gale's face and she saw him with a foot on his knee and his hand clutching his pendant. Silently, she took her place on the bench swing.

Gale broke the silence first. "Came out here because being in the guild hall would've been suffocating as Hell," he explained. "All the questions and the people…" He shook his head. "Didn't want to deal with it."

"Same," Luna breathed. "It's like I wanted to be alone, but, at the same time, I…"

"…wanted to be with someone who understands."

Luna and Gale shared a look before both froze. Luna looked away and rubbed her arm and Gale crossed his arms and sniffed, fair blushes on their cheeks.

"It's kinda amazing we came back like we did," Gale managed to say. "I mean I met my own Dragon."

"We met our ancestors." Luna giggled. "Even if some of us didn't start on the right foot."

"Hey," Gale huffed. "Anyways, we did things we never thought we would." He grew sober. "And I…couldn't have done it without you." He refused to look at Luna as he set his hand on the bench, only inches from her own.

Luna's blush grew more. "I think you did just fine on your own," she dismissed.

Gale propped his elbow on the bench arm and put his cheek on it. "Nah. You stuck with me when I was being a dumbass. You helped me see it's okay to be afraid." He inched his hand closer. "We're a team because we're a 'we', not just a 'me' or a 'you'."

"Then, you should know I couldn't have done this without you too," Luna murmured. "I wish I was as smart as you or strong as you and could figure out answers in seconds, but I can't. You can. Being smart is really cool and I, um…" She ducked her head. "I admire that about you. I'm jealous you're so smart."

Gale's cheeks reddened. "Don't be jealous. You have plenty of amazing quirks all on your own that I admire." His eyes flicked down to his hand. He was so close. Just ten centimeters apart. Just ten centimeters more. "And, I—"

RUFF.

Luna and Gale snapped out of their trances to see Icarus in front of Luna with his paws a bit dirty. Icarus caught Gale's agitation in amusement while Luna slapped her cheeks and straightened her hair. He whined at her and thumped his tail, restless.

"What is it, Icarus?" Luna asked.

Icarus whined again and grabbed her sleeve with soft teeth. He got up to tug her off of the bench. Luna stumbled, but she ultimately followed him with a laugh. "Okay, okay, I'm coming," she assured.

Gale cursed. "Dammit. I hate animals." He got up and followed with his hands giving an angry shove into his pants' pockets.

Icarus led them both to a hole he had dug before circling it, barking.

Luna got down on her knees at the hole and her eyes widened. "Hey, Gale, look, check it out! Icarus found buried treasure!"

Gale crouched next to Luna, impressed. The chest he saw was small enough to put on his treasure, but it was big enough to hold a decent amount of money. "Well, I'll be… Damn dog did it." He patted Icarus' muzzle. "Good boy."

Icarus growled and snapped at Gale's hand.

As Gale retreated and scowled at the Canis Minor Spirit, Luna reached in to grab the chest. She hauled it out with relative ease and disappointment. "It's really light," she complained. "That means there's nothing valuable in there."

"Gold digger," Gale teased. He placed a hand on the chest. "Nothin' magical about it. Guess we'll have to open it up."

Luna and Gale took a look at the keyhole and frowned. "But we don't have a key," Luna complained.

Icarus gave a small bark and nudged Luna, wrestling for her jacket pocket. Luna frowned and batted him away, but Icarus growled and nosed into her pocket. "Icarus!" Luna snapped.

Icarus pulled away to reveal his key in his mouth.

Luna blinked in surprise. "That's the key?"

Icarus mumbled a bark and ducked down his head for the key to be taken. Luna gently took the key and put it into the keyhole. Much to everyone's happiness, Luna was able to turn it and unlock the box. Both she and Gale opened the chest together to reveal—

"The Hell is this?" Gale asked, scrunching his face. "What are these, letters?"

Luna frowned and selected a random envelope. She looked at the addressee. "To…" Her eyes widened. "To Luna Dragneel and Gale Redfox…"

Surprised chocolate clashed with astonished ruby.

"Well, open it!" Gale urged. He saw something attached to the chest's roof. It was a letter opener. He pulled it off and handed it to Luna. "Here. Use this."

Luna sliced open the envelope and greedily unfolded the letter. It had been written on ancient paper that had not aged a day. The ink had faded considerably, but the cursive was beautiful. Luna read it aloud:

To my dearest friends Gale and Luna,

By now, you have read this and I am long gone, nothing more than a memory and another portrait in my family's estate. As you saw in the previous envelope, Sir Ludvig and I—

"—'are lawfully wedded husband and wife'!" Luna exclaimed. She looked at Gale wildly. "That can't be true! Meira and Ludvig were supposed to be together!"

Gale took the note and read through it:

—are lawfully-wedded husband and wife. We know sending you both a wedding invitation was futile, but dear Ludvig insisted. The ceremony was beautiful and both of our families were more than enthralled at our union.

Gale stopped reading, perplexed. "Huh," he grunted. "Okay, maybe we should read these letters in order because I am very confuddled and there is no sense being made." He folded the letter and slipped it back into its envelope. He went to the first envelope, sliced it open, and began to read.

It said:

Dear Luna Dragneel and Gale Redfox,

Greetings for the past. I know Master Meira wanted to be the first to write to you both, but as she is on bed rest, I will do the honors as her pupil. It has only been hours since your departure, but it feels like weeks already.

My father and I will be housing the McGardens until we can communicate with Kiki and Jäger's father and find them an escort back to Minstrel. I can already tell Eliza will be good company. She has knowledge in many creatures and can add to the research my father and I have been working on. Jäger will make an excellent drinking companion for my father. It is Kiki I worry about. As she has now realized my arrogant descendant—

"'Arrogant'?!" Gale snapped. "Oh, that's what I am? Arrogant?!"

Luna rolled her eyes. "Just keep reading."

—and I share in looks, she has been rather taken with me. Unfortunately for her, there is only one maiden in my sights.

Luna's eyes softened.

Gabriel…

The moment the Eclipse Gate closed, Master Meira was forced to send her spirits back to the Star Realm. She only fell fatigued, thank God. Sir Ludvig and her have already retired back to her home and have made it clear they will not be accepting visitors until two days before Meira's departure.

I have to admit I am not surprised of their union. I can only worry if they bear child. As the child would be a Heartfilia, Meira would be obligated to ensure he or she were brought up as a Star Child. However, as the child would be noble, it could serve scandal and damage to Sir Ludvig's good name. We can only pray they remain barren, even if such a prayer is ugly.

"I didn't even think of that," Luna realized.

"I think I'm getting it now," Gale drawled. "So, yeah, Meira and Ludvig hooked up like a summer fling that was a little more than a fling. But, Ludvig must've broken his engagement to be with Eliza." He frowned. "But I'm trying to find the sense in how it all fits."

Luna sifted through the letters. "It looks like everyone has their own seal for their own letters, so…" She pulled out Ludvig's first letter to them. "Let's open it up."

Gale did the honors and the letter said:

To the children of the future who changed my life,

Good morning, Gale and Lady Luna. I greet you as Sir Ludvig Krause, your humble runologist and proud lover of Meira Heartfilia.

Luna squealed and began to hit Gale due to her excitement. He flinched. "Hey, hey, don't hurt the merchandise!"

"But, they're canon!" Luna squealed. "Oh, my goodness, it's so amazing!"

Gale snorted. "You and your fangirl shipping crap."

It went on:

Today is the first full day of mine and Meira's love story and, while Meira is still weak, I am eager to please her and show her what she deserves. I confess I am nervous to have the woman I love so close and fear this will be a dream. I never thought I would love a Heartfilia. And I never thought I could ever be with one. So, if this is a dream, I pray I never wake for this dream is a blessed one.

While Meira rests, I would like to explain to you both my intentions. Lady Luna, as you are Meira's kin, you have the right to understand my reasons.

As you know, my engagement to Maria is no more. She has returned to her estate and our families will continue to interact without the matrimonial bond. As noble society pressures me as the next head of the Krause Household to marry, Lady Elizabeth and I have come to an arrangement. She will marry me for the sake of our titles and, in exchange, I help her find her lost lover, Tilly.

"Tilly?" Gale and Luna echoed.

"Is that a girl's name?" Luna wondered, though both she and Gale came to a stark realization. "Oh, my Chimmy, she's a lesbian!"

Gale smirked. "Right on, Lizzy. Damn, girl, a scholar and a lover of women. I am impressed."

While our marriage will be a ruse to search for Tilly and to save face, the heir we produce will not be. We have decided to consummate our marriage with the birth of only a single heir. Afterwards, we shall only adopt into our family if we see fit. The decision is something that must be done, even if I wish my firstborn to be with the only woman I love.

"It all makes sense now," Gale figured out. "So, Ludvig and Meira are in-love, Eliza is a lesbian and has lost her love, Ludvig and Eliza are nobles. This happens, like, all the time in those renaissance books, the whole concept of star-crossed lovers and fake marriages and the noble being in-love with a stable boy." He nudged Luna. "Right up your ally, fangirl. We are witnessing a literal fanfiction of a romance. You're welcome."

Luna clicked her tongue. "You barbarian," she deemed. "It really would get all messed up if Meira and Ludvig had a kid and Ludvig and Eliza had a kid."

"Ludvig would have an illegitimate child and you know what happens to those in the stories," Gale reminded. "The kid would be treated like an outcast and wouldn't inherit a cent."

"That's not the worst part," Luna confessed. "If Ludvig had a kid with both of them, that would make us distant relatives."

Gale did not seem as disturbed as Luna. "If we really think about it, some people who are married might be distant, distant relatives. But the bloodlines are so diluted that—"

"Okay, shut up, not helping," Luna decided, waving a hand at him. "Read the letter."

Gale rolled his eyes.

The letter continued:

All of us understand this situation is not ideal, but it is the only one that works. When Meira and I face our final days of our short forever, I will confess to her I will not hold any resentment should she find a husband on her travels and bless him with children. She deserves a man who loves her and a family, not what I can offer her now.

I desperately wish my life were different. I wish I had no noble blood. I wish I could renounce my title so I could elope with her underneath the moon and the stars. I wish I could see her pregnant stomach of the love we created. I wish and I wish, but I know better than to believe in wishes. Even if my time with Meira is short, I will love her every second she gives me and then some. She is my personal North Star and I would be lost without her.

Luna's brow furrowed. "Wait, so… Are they going to"—she blushed—"you know…but not have kids? How does that even work?"

Icarus and Gale went wide-eyed and shared a look. Icarus pointedly looked away while Gale cleared his throat. "Ask your dad that next time, 'kay?" he urged. "Back to the letter."

It read:

Take heed, children. Do not waste time like I foolishly did with Meira when it comes to the one you love. Jump at every ample opportunity you have to be with your partner because our lives are too short for anything else.

Meira wakes and calls for me. I must tend to my partner in every way. We shall send a joint letter soon.

Sincerely and miss you dearly,

Sir Ludvig Krauss III

"So, that's that." Gale rocked back to sit on his butt to out the envelope and leaf through the rest. "Ludvig and Meira got it on. Then, they went their separate ways. It's obvious Meira met a man and had her kid since you're here and Ludvig and Eliza had their kid since I'm here. Case closed."

Luna puffed a cheek. "Yeah, I guess…"

Still, though… If Meira didn't end up with Ludvig, then why did I hear—?

"Hey, look. We get our own personal letters."

Luna snapped out of her trance to see Gale wave an envelope in her face. She snatched it out of his hands to see gold trimming and her name in nice bold cursive. She looked over to the back and checked out the seal. "Mine's from Meira."

"Mine's from Gabriel," Gale admitted as he eyed the thicker envelope. He rattled it to hear something inside. "Huh. Wonder what it is…"

Both of them opened their envelopes and stared at each other.

Gale gestured to her. "You go first."

Luna nodded. The letter read:

My little starling,

My, how the years have flown by. Ludvig and Eliza have had their first child, a son no less, and Eliza adopted an Andüsan girl for her and Tilly to raise. Alarick has passed—Bless his soul!—after a Dragon expedition gone wrong, but Gabriel proudly carries on his work.

Gabriel, my beloved student… He has grown in so many ways that he is more than a pupil, yet I still see him as a student. I encouraged him to write a personal letter to you as well, but his response was he said all he had to say. He is married now and his wife bare him a son two years ago. The name in Ancient Language has two meanings depending on the context. One meaning is 'Gentle God' and the other means 'Destroyer'. From what I hear of the boy, he is as gentle as a butterfly.

As for me, my little starling, I am happily married to a man I met on my travels. He is a simple man, a shepherd who adheres to the teachings of spirits. He comes from an ancient tribe of indigenous people who are called Spirit Walkers. I could not have been happier to find such a husband who cares for spirits as I do.

I know you had hoped for Ludvig and I to be together, but life is not full of fairy tales. Our separation was destined to be. Perhaps, in our next life, we shall be united. But it is not meant to be. We still correspond from time to time with his excavations and me being the Clan Leader, but our meetings have been dwindling since my pregnancy.

Yes, my dear, I am pregnant with my first daughter after a handful of sons. My husband nearly cried in joy at knowing we would have a girl for him and her brothers to protect. She grows restless in my stomach and I can feel her feed on my spiritual energy. She will be a strong Star Queen, I can feel it, and will change history.

I hope your future is everything it should be and more. I know we have not had our last meeting. I look forward to walking the stars with you and your family and guiding you through your path. I love you, my little starling.

May the moon and stars light your path,

Meira Heartfilia

P.S. My husband and I have narrowed down the names for our daughter when I remembered our first encounter. It was then I remembered my dear sister and the ruse we used to disguise you as her daughter. While my sister is gone and I have not been at peace with how our friendship ended, I will always love her. That is why I will name my first daughter—

"Anna…"

DRIP.

Gale and Icarus noticed a tear cupping Luna's chin.

DRIP.

The tear landed on the name ANNA at the bottom of the page.

Luna sniffed and rubbed her nose. She smiled as she folded the letter back up.

"You…okay?" Gale asked, wary.

Luna wiped her eye. "Yeah. More than okay," she promised. She gestured to Gale. "Now, it's your turn."

Gale straightened the letter. "Well, if it's anything like your letter, I'm not ready to read it," he muttered.

It read:

Dear Gale,

I find it rather funny I have grown and married and matured while you will still be that immature adolescent.

A tick mark pounded against Gale's skull.

I wanna kill that bastard!

However, enough poking fun. I just wanted to inform you of how life has changed for your ancestors, though that is a sentence strange to write.

My father has passed. We had gone on another focal research journey when my father insisted he could get closer to a drake on its hunt. He miscalculated the range of a drake's nose and was quickly snuffed out. To this day, I feel guilt. Had I not stopped him on his quest for knowledge, he may be alive to witness his grandson.

That comes to my second point. I have married a lovely maiden who comes from the land of Mezzoah, a land that may not exist come your present. She has given me a son, love, and a place to call home. I could not ask for more. Which means I freely admit that the days I spent with Luna are the most treasured days of my life besides my own wedding and the birth of my firstborn. There was little time for me to understand if I ever loved her, but had she had stayed, I know I could have.

Luna is a maiden worth fighting for, Gale, and I implore you to remember such. Do not let her go for we both know there are men who will capture her interest and cause her eyes to stray. You must do your best to make sure her heart does not. Do that and you may be worth the Redfox name.

As my final word, entrusted to you is a key that should appear in this letter in the event of my death. Once I met Na'eemah, I lessened my research, but, with my son, I gave it up. I know the pain of losing a parent is like because they endanger themselves. My son will not be subjected to that pain. I will continue to teach him of Dragons and their Nature, but something in me has held back from exposing him to age-old histories the Redfox Clan have collected. He may be my firstborn, but I entrust this key to you. Luna had spoken only one book exists on Dragons. There are hundreds of books, theories, and samples hidden and messages only a Redfox can decode. Reveal them with care and to only those you trust. This Magic Council Luna spoke of sounds untrustworthy. Be careful.

I wish you only the best, Gale. Grow stronger, love harder, and be kind to those who stumble on their path. The key shall reveal the way to those who have Redfox blood.

Gabriel Redfox

Gale furrowed his brow as he set down the letter. He opened the envelope to see a bronze key dangling on a rope.

The key will tell me?

Gale took hold of the key.

His face blanked.

Sceneries and maps overlapped themselves within his eyes. He could feel himself tunneling through the earth. He could feel directions, feel the destination.

…until it stopped.

Gale blinked and looked down at the key in wonder. "Righteous," he whispered.

Luna peered at the key. "What? What is it?"

"It's an enchanted key," Gale told her. "It's enchanted with the Map Out Spell. Anyone who holds this key under certain conditions know exactly how to get to the destination. Blondie… This is the key where the Dragon research is hidden."

Luna was taken back. "Woah… He gave that to you?" She grinned. "Told ya he liked you."

Gale rolled his eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, talk to the hand, sister." He untied the rope from the key and undid his necklace to slip it on. "Remember that one manga character given a key by his father to the basement of the house to unravel the secrets of the cannibal gods?"

Luna nodded. "Yeah…?"

Gale redid his necklace so his pendant and key were side-by-side on his chest. "I feel exactly like him without the whole 'let me yell at everything' vibe." He looked over at Luna who had grown somber as she stared down at the letter in her hands. "Blondie? Talk to me, Blondie-girl, what's wrong?"

Luna shook her head. "Nothing, it's just that…" She sniffed. "Ludvig and Meira and Faven and Lisandrus… None of them ended up with the people they really loved. Isn't that sad?"

Gale remembered Gabriel's words and sobered as well. "Yeah. I know life is pain, but that sucks."

"It just makes me wonder…if that's going to happen to me."

Gale looked back at Luna. Icarus whined and curled around her, nuzzling her side. She took the bait and rested a hand on his head.

"I don't want to find love only for it to be ripped away from me," Luna admitted. "Whenever I listen to my papa and mama's love story, it scares me how many times my mama could've died and my papa would've been left alone. Seeing how Faven and Meira didn't get their happily ever after really makes me think."

Gale studied her. "Yeah," he agreed, low, "it makes me think too." He scooted closer to her, licking his lips. "Blondie?"

Luna hummed in question.

"There's, uh…" Gale licked his lips again. "There's something I have to tell you, so listen well, okay?"

Luna shuffled herself to half lay on Icarus. "I'm all ears."

Gale smiled slightly. "The thing is, Blondie—"

Luna's eyebrows furrowed and her hand dug into her pocket. She took out her Compact in surprise. "Oh. Bleu texted me."

Gale's heart sunk. "That's great, but, Blondie, I—"

Luna beamed. "He's back in Margaret Town!" she exclaimed, reading his text. "He says he and his friends are going to the guild hall first to find Peter. Reconstruction really went fast with all the Mages and Chrome and Opera's robots, so they'll be able to check out the damage at the home they're staying at." Another text came in and Luna shot up. "Ooo! E just texted me! The masters came to an agreement with the mayor. Since reconstruction can be completed in only hours, the mayor took a poll and the festival will be reopening for Thanksgiving!" She looked at Gale who did not look all that excited. "Gale…! This is great news!"

Gale grunted as Luna furiously texted. "Yeah, great. But, can we get back to what I was saying?"

Luna laid back down with her eyes glued to her Compact. "Sure, yeah. You were saying something about…what again?"

Gale sighed and cleared away his agitation. "I was saying I—"

Luna squealed her excitement. "He said, 'yes'!"

Gale grew nervous at that. "Who did?"

Luna rolled her eyes. "Bleu, silly," she teased. "I sent him a screenshot of E's text and asked him if he'll still be staying for the last of the festival and he said, 'yes'!" She screamed again at a new text message. "Oh, my goodness, he asked if I wanted to hang out with him tomorrow! I mean with Peter and Mary Jane there too."

"Isn't Thanksgiving a time to be with family?" Gale pressed, badly hiding his annoyed hiss in his voice.

Luna groaned. "Okay, yeah, but, like, you know I don't watch the Thanksgiving Day MagiCross game. Honestly, I don't get it and my brothers and Papa don't make any sense when they try to explain the game."

"I could teach you," Gale muttered under his breath.

"Oh, but Papa probably wouldn't let me go out with a boy," Luna pouted. An idea occurred to her and she grinned evilly. "But if I text Mama first…"

Gale sighed and flopped onto his back.

Luna realized how rude she was being and gasped at her behavior. "Oh, I am so sorry! You were trying to tell me something and I didn't listen! What was it you were trying to tell me?"

"Nothing," Gale muttered. "Just that…I was thinkin' about asking Amber to go to the festival with me tomorrow."

Luna raised her eyebrows. "Really?" She shrugged to herself. "Well, whatever makes you happy makes me happy. I'm surprised you'd ask Amber, though. Why not Julia?"

"I don't mess with that woman," Gale grunted. "Besides, Amber had a little bit of a thing for me, so I thought, 'why not see if I have one for her'?"

"Sounds great," Luna said, distracted. Her eyes watched her screen as her fingers typed away. She giggled to herself. "He's so cute…" To Gale, she said, "Yeah, let me know how that goes, okay? Maybe we can all meet up tomorrow!"

Gale turned onto his side. "Doubt it," he muttered, clutching his pendant.

Sycaña's sympathy washed over him. It felt like his own mother was giving him pity. Little gem…

Don't even say it, Mama S, Gale grumbled. Please, just don't.

Sycaña did not retreat from Gale's mind, but she offered him understanding through their connection. I am not just your mentor, little gem. While your mother is your human mother, I am your Dragon mother. You have become my drake. I am here to comfort and I am here to listen. I understand little of human interaction, but even Dragons understand other things…

Gale squeezed his eyes shut. Thanks, Sycaña.

And as blonde maiden giggled to herself over the messages of one who could be worthy, her Dragon lay away from her, torn between fear and envy.

---

Mayor Sabozai took the podium on the rebuilt stage in Rapallo Plaza. Her council members, the city guard, and commissioner—all stood behind her while cameras flashed. She took a good look at the crowd that had gathered before her. "Good people and press, my citizens and guests have found their way back Margaret Town. It has waded through a war against dark forces and won. We have shown the world this city will not be stricken no matter what the evil is."

There came wild applause for that. As the applause died down, Mayor Sabozai continued: "The Mages of Lamia Scale and Fairy Tail and the Magic Council soldiers have proven to us we have good Mages—good people—on our side who lay their lives on the line to make sure we have a home to come back to. We lost good people today." She nodded at that and brushed her hair back. "We have lost good men and women who had children and spouses and brothers and sisters and friends and family—we have lost good people to an evil that should have never been born. And, although we have won today, we have still lost for we come home with dog tags and guild marks hanging from crosses."

Mayor Sabozai laid a forefinger down on the podium. "But we cannot take from this to not fight, to not live because we lost life. We dishonor and disrespect the dead if we take their ends as a means to give up, to become silent and withdrawn. We squander their names when we decide to step back and to treat life as fragile." She shook her head. "My mother told me when my brother had passed there is a time to grieve and a time to celebrate. Tonight, we will grieve for those we have lost. We will comfort their families and friends and shed our tears and pray to our God in Heaven Hallowed be Thine Name that these lost souls have found their eternal resting place where there is no more evil."

Noises of agreement fluttered through the crowd.

"But that is tonight," Mayor Sabozai said. "I have personally spoken with every family who has lost a loved one before making this next decision. I asked them, I said, 'There won't be the final day to the Festival of Gratitude'." She shook her head. "I said, 'There won't be. Not when the dirt is fresh from the graves we have made and the graves we have cried over' and you know what one mother said to me?" She smiled and quoted, "'What the Hell type of plan is that'?"

The audience crowed in laughter.

The mayor allowed herself a laugh or two before raising a hand and the laughter died to chuckles. "I know, I know. I thought it was rather funny too," she confessed. "People, I have spoken to these families and told them the same thing. 'No Thanksgiving Day, no finale to the festival'. And, each"—she pounded her finger—"one"—pound!—"of them"—pound!—"told me the same thing. 'Why would you do that?' 'What's wrong with you?'." She straightened herself up and lifted her chin. "Thanksgiving Day is a day to be with family, to be thankful for what we have, and to remember the ones we lost. Each one of those people reminded me that. Each one of those people reminded me tomorrow is a day for them to both grieve and celebrate, but it is a day for you and your mother and your father to be grateful for the lives you have and the time you spend in it." She nodded when clapping began. "Still, I have spoken with our masters who hold themselves as accountable as I do for the losses we faced. To commemorate the lives fought for us, we will be presenting a memorial engraved with the names of every man and woman who gave their life so we could have our home. Tomorrow, we will present this memorial with an orchestral accompaniment played by the Royal Philharmonic of Her Majesty, an orchestra from Minstrel that was planned to be here today. I was fortunate I caught the director right when they were at the Sky Port and the piece written by the orchestra and dedicated to Thanksgiving Day, first to premiere on this very stage, will be dedicated to the fallen and the remembered."

Whoops and applause flooded the plaza with cameras flashing. The mayor waited for a few moments before calming the crowd with a hand.

She continued: "So, tonight, we will mourn and we will grieve and we will make sure the world sees our tears because we are in pain for the lives lost. We will help our neighbors clean their broken glass and protect stores from thieves who try to take advantage of this chaos and we will bring about comfort to any individual who needs it. But, tomorrow, the sun will rise, the world will move, and tomorrow will be a new day."

A chorus of amen, yes, and mmm-hmm followed that.

"Tomorrow, we will stand together and we will celebrate how thankful we are for our lives!" Mayor Sabozai decreed. "Tomorrow, we will continue the festival and we will show the world we cannot be beaten! We will show the world these creatures, our Guardians, will stay our Guardians and no one can take them away from us!"

The roar became obnoxious with claps and shouts and hollers galore, but the mayor took it in approvingly. "These Guardians will not be leaving today, tomorrow, the next day, and neither will Master Ooba or Erza!" she shouted. "We are Margaret Town, the City of the Guardian Duo, and home to the Lamia Scale Guild—we will not have them taken away from us!" The mayor raised her hand, taking a microphone with her, before dropping it and letting the audience consume the plaza with their sound.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The screen reflected Minister Aaron. He was in his large master bedroom that was crafted for a single man. A maid came in, older and had a zest about her, with a tray of fresh tea as Aaron took to doing his tie.

"A regular prophet," the maid muttered. She set the tray on the coffee table. "That mayor could be a higher politician with her skills."

"She's been offered, but she has always turned down the opportunity," Aaron admitted. "She claims she cares too much for the little guys of life to want to move on to becoming a politician of her province." He finished his tie and looked at his maid. "How do I look, Miss McCreedy?"

Miss McCreedy looked at the tie with a wrinkled nose. "The tie is gaudy," she pointed out. "Wear the navy blue one instead like I told you too."

Aaron smiled. "You know my answer to that." He looked himself in the mirror and adjusted his cuffs. "This tie was given to me by someone special for Thanksgiving and I plan on wearing it."

Miss McCreedy rolled her eyes and fit the tray beneath her arm. "Your mother would have my head for letting me let you go to the castle like that," she muttered to herself, bustling out the door.

Aaron chuckled as he shrugged on his suit jacket. "No, my mother would praise me for wearing the tie his little girl gave him," he countered quietly. When he was satisfied with the appearance, he went to turn off his Lacrima-Vision. He grabbed his Compact off its charging dock to look at the lock screen. A smiling girl was beaming into the camera with ice cream on her lips and all ten of her fingers showing her age at the time. His smile softened until he saw the time. "Best not keep Her Majesty waiting," he supposed and he hurried out of his room.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The next day…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

WHISTLE.

B-BANG. B-BANG.

Fireworks went off in the clear sky, powdering their colors for all to see them. The streets of Margaret Town had been completely cleared and the canals were safe once again for ferry rides and gondolas. Flags of Thanksgiving, of Fiore, and of Ishgar were strung up along with festival decorations. Vendors lined up the streets with local acts coming out to juggle, to play music, to pain, and so much more. A little girl and her Glaciumiho were entranced as a Mage made a balloon disappear into a flutter of butterflies. An accordion player near a canal had his dances be his merrows and a bunyip, using their Water Magic to creature shapes and bubbles and mists.

Fairy Tail Mages and Lamia Scale Mages had taken a strong hand for the finale of the festival. Some had taken to helping out vendors while others were helping backstage as a local band performed. Others had taken to handing out fliers for the finale's last concert of the night headlining a new mysterious band. The Lamia Scale guild hall itself was packed with grateful people, all who wanted to see the home of infamous wizards. With the Royal Philharmonic rehearsing in a separate staging area, the stage was used for more local acts of Magicians and smaller band names.

Igneel was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in his MagiCross jersey and his Celestial Spirit snapback on backwards as he came upon a hotel room and raptly knocked three times.

"Who is it?" came sweet voice.

"It's Igneel! Open up!"

Igneel only had to wait a few moments before the door opened up and he grinned. "Hey, so—Woah!" He found himself yanked into the hotel room and locked inside along with giggling. "What was that for?" he complain. He took off his hat to rub the back of his head.

A soft smile. "Sorry. I can't let anyone see me."

"Well, what do you…?" Igneel's words died on his tongue when he looked at Mary Jane. "MJ… What are you wearing?"

Mary Jane squirmed under Igneel's intrusive stare and played with her charm. She looked different without her hair high up in a ponytail. She had let it down for the day with her signature ribbon left on her dresser and the curtain of bleached blonde hair fell to cover a bit of her red eye. She blushed as her hand tugged at her oversized sweater that was off her shoulders. Her eyes flickered over her combat boots and her comfortable tights. "Is it too much?" she feared.

Igneel blinked. "No…" He slowly shook his head before putting on his snapback. "No, you look… You look…" He immediately turned to his scarf and covered his mouth as his cheeks heated. "You look beautiful, MJ."

Mary Jane blushed at Igneel's compliment. "Thank you," she mumbled back. She turned her head down and hair curtained her red eye.

Igneel noticed and came forth. "But you shouldn't cover one eye."

Mary Jane was surprised when Igneel lifted a hand, but she did not flinch. She was merely fascinated when Igneel brushed back her hair to see both her eyes and enchanted at his fond smile of satisfaction.

"There. Better," Igneel deemed. He glanced at her ribbon on her dresser. "No ribbon today?"

Mary Jane shook her hair. "Not today," she concluded. "Luna thought I should try having my hair down." She fumbled with her charm. "Does it look bad?"

"'Bad'?" Igneel echoed. "MJ, you look awesome!" At Mary Jane's quiet laughter, he brought out the Pepper Pebbles he had left. "Hey, thanks for these. These were my favorite candy when I was a little."

"I know they're not much," Mary Jane lamented.

"These things are awesome, MJ," Igneel assured warmly. "Thank you." He shoved them back into his pocket, along with his hand. He leaned forward, nearly invading Mary Jane's personal space. But, unlike before, there was no hit for him to dodge for such a bold move. "So, uh… You never did get to tell me about yesterday?"

Mary Jane's contentment dried up. "Right," she drawled. "This really isn't the best time…"

Igneel frowned. "Why? What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing," Mary Jane stammered. "But we should enjoy the festival finale, okay? I don't want to ruin this for anyone."

That had Igneel worried. "MJ, you can—"

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Mary Jane," came Luna's trill, "we need to leave now…!"

Igneel frowned as Mary Jane held up a finger for him to wait while she answered the door. She opened it to show a highly cautious Luna dressed in a comfortable top tucked into her skirt and leggings underneath. She still wore Gale's jacket and had strapped on her mini backpack purse.

Luna hissed, "Mary Jane, we need to leave now. Bleu and Peter are downstairs and my papa and your papa are still in the dining room and they've had their sixth meal."

Mary Jane realized what that meant. "Let me go get my stuff." She rushed to her bed while Luna came in and shut the door.

"Wait. You're meeting up with Peter?" Igneel asked Mary Jane, off-put. Then, something worse stabbed at him as he rounded on his little sister. "You're meeting up with a guy?!"

Mary Jane gathered her over-the-shoulder bag and hummed. "Mmm-hmm. Peter had wanted to hang out for a little while and since Bleu wanted to see Luna, I wanted to make sure she was protected." She found her Compact and stuffed it in her bag before turning to Igneel. Her expression dropped when she saw Igneel's frown.

"So, I guess I'm too late to ask you to hang out?" Igneel pouted.

Mary Jane giggled silently and stepped up to the pouting Flame Mage. "A little," she supposed in a tease. "We'll be hanging out a lot more when we get home. Is that fair?"

Igneel still pouted. "Can I at least see you at the concert?"

Mary Jane winced. "Sorry…"

"No, it's okay," Igneel dismissed, though he clearly sounded upset. "I shouldn't have waited till now. You're right. We'll have time to hang when we get back to Magnolia."

Mary Jane offered him a smile full of apology. "I'm sorry," she said again. She tucked back her hair like it was a habit. "U-Um… I know you always talk about those comic book characters. When we get home, maybe you could tell me more about them?"

Igneel froze.

Mary Jane took that as a negative time and dropped her gaze, hand coming to her charm. "O-Or not. I'm sorry. I know I was rude to you about them before. I-I shouldn't have brought them up." Her voice had started in a murmur and trailed off into a whisper.

Igneel looked like he was swallowing back something. "Sorry, I was just…surprised you'd want to know about them." His voice quavered. "I could show you some origin stories, if you want? I think you'd like Darkstar."

"She's the one you wanted me to be on Halloween, right?" Mary Jane remembered, bobbing her head. "Sure! I'd love to learn more about her!"

"Mary Jane," Luna whined, tapping her Compact. "Fathers—sixth meal—boys—downstairs—hurry."

Mary Jane smiled ruefully. "We better go," she told Igneel as she danced around him to get to the door.

Igneel instantly rushed to it and opened the door for her. "Let me at least walk you down to them?" he offered.

Mary Jane's smile turned soft. "I'd like that." She passed him into the hallway, not even noticing he was watching her.

Igneel let go of the door—

"Ow!"

He winced when he realized the door had hit his sister on the side. He held it back up and gulped under her glare. "Sorry?"

Luna huffed and marched away. "Just don't tell Papa where I'm going and we'll call it 'even'."

Igneel chased after both of them for Mary Jane to already have gotten their lift down. The ride to the lobby was not eventful in the slightest except for Igneel glancing at Mary Jane who seemed now aware of his eyes and kept her head down. Luna had put herself in-between them and smiled as she typed onto her Compact.

DING.

"Third floor," came announcement.

A rush of businessmen all discussing their plans for lunch and two girls in their swimwear and towels bombarded the elevator. Luna immediately stood off to the side while Mary Jane shrunk in her corner, keeping her eyes down. Igneel had tried to avoid as many people as he could before he was shoved in Mary Jane's corner with only a hand slamming on the wall to stop him from colliding with her. They shared quick smiles before looking away.

"Going down."

DING.

When the elevator arrived on the lobby floor, Luna was quick to exit alongside the businessmen and two girls. Her eyes scanned the lobby until she saw both Peter and Bleu lounging on Grandfather chairs and laughing amongst themselves. She fled for them while Mary Jane and Igneel took their time before stopping altogether when Mary Jane's Compact lit up. She looked at the notification for her smile to drop.

Igneel noticed instantly. "What's wrong?"

Mary Jane forced a smile onto her face. "Oh, nothing! I just can't stay out too late. Master wanted to know if I could help her with a favor, so I guess I can't enjoy the rest of the festival. But, it's okay. I'm helping her out."

Igneel cocked an eyebrow. "Why not say, 'no'? Before, that was probably one of your favorite words."

Mary Jane's smile faltered a bit. "I'm not that mean person anymore," she decided. "I shouldn't turn down things." She typed out a reply and sent it. "I don't want to be that girl anymore."

Igneel's frown deepened. "MJ… You don't have to—"

"Thanks for walking us down, but we have it from here," Mary Jane cut in, fiddling with her charm. "I'll talk to you later." She hurried away from him.

Igneel watched as Peter visibly perked at Mary Jane's arrival as Bleu and Luna had become taken with each other and were engaged in riveting conversation. Peter understood something was off with Mary Jane and his brow furrowed as he took her cheeks in his hands. If Igneel wanted to, he could listen to Peter speak to her, but for now, he just watched. Mary Jane shook her head with a hand on his wrist, not pulling him away. She muttered something to him to which he nodded and looked over at Bleu, saying something. Bleu frowned, then shrugged before grinning down at Luna with a question on his lips. He froze, then blushed as he crossed his arms, hands hiding beneath his biceps. Luna blushed slightly before a sly reply she gave, making herself giggle and Bleu mock-pout at her.

And Igneel stood alone.

His eyes trained on watching Peter and Mary Jane. He saw that Mary Jane was comfortable leaning into Peter's hold with his arm wrapped around her waist and his cheek pressed against her ear and temple.

VRRRRR.

Igneel took his Compact out of his pocket to see it was a text from Cane.

« U down for summer afternoon drinks? Ik it takes u forever to get drunk but i thouht youd like an afternoon buzzzzzz »

« lol im already ther »

Igneel glanced up. Peter was in the middle of whispering something to Mary Jane and she giggled, shoulders shaking. He pressed the notification for a reply to pop up. He had the options of Sure, Yeah, and Of course. He typed out his response before his thumb hovered over the arrow to send it.

"…question to ask you later?"

Igneel's ear twitched. He lifted his head to see Bleu and Luna acting like immature children with Bleu poking Luna's cheek and her giggling and trying to smack his hand away. Peter and Mary Jane were passing his direction.

Mary Jane looked up at Peter. "Oh? Do you want to ask me now?"

Peter shook his head. "After tonight, let's go on a gondola ride. I'll ask you then."

Mary Jane frowned. "Is it serious?"

Peter snorted. "Sweets, it's a life-or-death thing," he joshed. "Nah, but really. I just want to ask you when we're alone." His golden eyes flamed with something. "Just us."

Igneel had enough. He deleted his reply and typed a new one as he stalked away back to the elevator. He sent it without even thinking it through.

« Im down. I don't want just a buzz. Get me drunk.»

---

Nashi groaned as she came out of the bathroom in jean, riding boots, a t-shirt, and a cardigan. Ellie lounged on their shared bed with her Compact playing their favorite selections from their GET READY playlist. Justin was on FaceCall on Nashi's Portable Archive Lacrima. She looked at her friends and gestured to her outfit. "All right, how about this?" she asked.

Justin looked like he was putting on make-up when he paused to look over Nashi's outfit. "Okay, jeans in fall? Yes. But, honey, what did we saw about those jeans?"

Nashi looked down and groaned aloud before she began stripping. "Ugh, shit!"

Ellie looked comfortable in her tight capris running pants and an oversized sweater with the words YOU CAN SEE ME, YOU CAN'T SQUEEZE ME, I AIN'T EASY, I AIN'T SLEAZY in bold white lettering. "So, let's ask you again and you'll answer like a true woman: is this a date?"

Nashi was back down to her bra and panties and viciously ripped through her suitcase. "Ew, no, I don't do dates, Ellie," she reminded.

Justin finished his blush and looked for his lip gloss of choice this evening. "Well, you must plan to get dicked down if you got on that little thong and the bra that make your nips pop."

Nashi looked down at her bra. "Oh, my God, this is the Magic Bra," she gasped.

"Told you," Justin muttered as he went away from the camera.

Nashi growled at him. "Yeah, well, you're wearing that slutty jockstrap, so screw you!"

Justin popped a middle finger into the camera. "But, keep in mind, I plan to bottom tonight because I'll be getting committed." He pointed at her. "You, on the other hand, want that Devil Dick, no strings attached."

Ellie pointed into Nashi's suitcase. "Go with the t-shirt dress and the sandals," she instructed.

Nashi smiled, grateful, and pulled them out from her suitcase. "Danke, babe."

Ellie blew a kiss, fluttering her eyes. "I'm a true woman fashion fairy; what can I say?" As Nashi went back to the bathroom, Ellie called, "So, what's his dick like?"

Nashi halted, blushing like mad. "What does it matter? You saw it anyways!"

"Yeah, but it wasn't all the way, you know?" Ellie reminded slyly. "And it was more like I glanced. I didn't get the time to just stare at it."

Nashi laughed as she pulled over the t-shirt dress and fluffed out her hair. "I'm sure Gary would love for you to stare at it," she joked.

"I'm down!" Justin came back into view and began the delicate process of his lip gloss. "Ell-bell can't have all the fun!"

Ellie laughed. "Justin, you're about to have a boyfriend!"

"Oh." Justin's shoulders sagged. "Right." He shrugged. "Yeah, well, Ace has horse dick and mad topping skills, so it's a fair trade."

Nashi came back in the room with a soft t-shirt dress of a deep, rich blue with a single, horizontal black stripe. It clung to her body with a breast pocket with the company logo etched into it, but it still gave her room to breath. The gladiator sandals were of hazel and gold and somehow made her eyes look that way. She bit her lip and looked at her friends. "So…?"

Ellie clapped. "Tres magnifique!" She made a show of kissing her finger tips. "A true woman masterpiece! I have done it again!"

Justin glanced at Nashi and let out a whoosh of breath. "Boobs aren't my thing, but damn, girl. He's totally going to slip that hand up your thigh five minutes after you two sit down."

Ellie beckoned Nashi over. "Come, come, come. Let me do your hair." She sat back, crisscrossed, as Nashi got on the bed with her back to Ellie. Ellie instantly picked up the comb lying on the bed and sectioned off Nashi's hair.

Nashi bit her lip. "Am I trying too hard?" she fretted. "I mean it's just lunch and us walking around the festival, so I shouldn't even be this nervous. It's just Gary."

"Who you did the dirty with," Justin put in. He puckered her lips before making kissing motions with them. "Sex changes a lot of things, Nashi."

Ellie bobbed to that as the song changed to Bubble Pop and put half of Nashi's hair into a braid. "We're not saying you're in-love with him, but do you think that maybe you might—?"

"No." Nashi's voice shook a bit. "I don't do relationships, Ellie, you know that. It's just sex—it's friends with benefits—nothing more."

Ellie pursed her lips as she finished Nashi's braid. She set down the comb to begin brushing Nashi's hair from the bottom and work her way up. "I just want you to be careful about this," she said. "Friends with benefits is a dangerous zone. People start getting too comfortable and feelings get involved—"

"I'm not going to—"

"Nashi Layla, look at me."

Nashi huffed and brought her PAL onto her lap. Justin seemed to be walking around. "What is it, J?"

"Nashi, that man candy is in-love with you,"Justin sounded."I'm being serious when I say he has strong feelings with you. Don't say otherwise. Now, Nashi, this guy who clearly has a strong feeling of like towards you and you just added a physical attraction to the mess." He looked into the camera to sear her with a concerned Mother Hen look. "I know this sounds insensitive, but don't you feel like you're leading him on?"

Nashi flinched. "No?"

Ellie and Justin raised an eyebrow.

Nashi winced. "Maybe?"

Both of them leaned in, cocking their heads.

Nashi groaned and shoved her PAL onto the bed to get up. "Okay, yes, I know!" she cried. "I know it seems like I'm leading him on, but…" She covered her eyes and let out a forced exhale. "I don't know what to do," she admitted. She dragged a long through-the-nose inhale and set down her hands. "I mean Gary's an idiot dog and he pisses me off and he can be a jerk, but…" She stumbled over to the bed and fell on it face first.

Ellie turned onto her stomach to lay beside her and put the PAL between them. "'But' what?"

Nashi sighed and turned her head to face Ellie. "But, he's… He cares," she mumbled. "He cares about my scars and he cares when I'm angry and he cares when I cry and I—…" She blew out a breath. "I don't… I can't like him like that," she told them quietly. "I can't."

Ellie tipped her head to the side and used her finger to pull hair from Nashi's lips back behind her ear. "Okay," she said softly. "Okay. We won't push it anymore." She shot a meaningful glance to Justin. "Right, Justin?"

Justin sighed and reluctantly nodded. "Right." He checked his Smart Watch to see he got a text message. "All right, so Ace is downstairs." He bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling. "If I let him up, we'll get it on and never leave, but there's that instant gratification. And I can pull out my vibrating co—"

"Justin…!" Nashi and Ellie squealed, kicking their feet.

Justin snorted a chuckled. "You prudes," he teased. "Ell-bell is the only one with her v-card unswiped, so Nashi, you'll be allowed into Mama Justin's playground and see all his fun toys."

Nashi laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "You are a dirty slut," she teased. "Thanks but no thanks. I think Gary and I have another fun on our own with a little…"—she raised a hand and let it sparkle—"Magic."

Justin pouted as he grabbed his wallet and keys. "Oh, bitch, I know he's using that Ice Magic in devious ways. I want that," he mock-pouted. He shut his door and stopped. "I did tell Chi-chi I wasn't coming back, right?"

Ellie rolled off the bed and did a somersault into a handstand. "You did, Justin," she swore. "Go get committed and text us when you two are finished."

Justin snorted. "Honey, you ain't getting a text from me until tomorrow if we do that. I'll let you know when Ace and I make it back to his suite." He blew a kiss at them. "Kisses to all. Nashi, use protection. Bye, ladies!"

"Bye!" Ellie and Nashi chorused and the call disconnected.

Ellie set herself down from her handstand and fixed her sweater. "I totally need to change like a true woman," she groaned. "Mom is going to kill me if I wear my Fergie sweater." She went to her suitcase.

Nashi flipped onto her back and swiped her Compact to go through her notifications. She saw her text messages to see she had been added to a group char about meeting up for the big concert at the tail end of the festival. Her mother had texted in the family group chat to remind them of their dinner plans. She saw Gary had texted her about when he could come and she quickly texted back, Now. To Ellie, she told, "Where are y'all goin' again?"

"Some boujee place." Ellie shook her head at a sundress. "Mom said we had to look decent and not 'manly' as a true woman should, so the sweater won't cut it." She held up her backless dress to her body and showed it to Nashi. "This okay?"

Nashi's eyes slid to the dress and her nose wrinkled.

Ellie tossed the dress back and kept digging through. "When does Gary get here?"

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Angel?" came question. "Your Devil has arrived."

Nashi and Ellie's eyes met, mischievous cerulean-hazel connected with apprehensive hickory. Nashi widened her eyes in warning.

Ellie smirked.

°•°•°•°

Gary absently checked his watch before scratching under his chin. He could feel the stubble from not shaving in couple days and ever since Nashi's comment, he had refused to shave it in the shower. He tugged at the neckline dark blue V-neck before adjusting his jacket. It was his nice pleather one with white faux fur on the inside. He was about to sniff the interior of his jacket when he heard thunderous footsteps. He straightened himself out as the door opened just enough for Ellie's grinning face to pop out and for him to hear Nashi's expletives.

"Hi, Gary, you juicy piece of—Ow, you bitch, that's all the butt I have!" Ellie snapped. She flashed her smile back at him and drank in his appearance. The blue V-neck, the pleather jacket, the black pants and converse—it was all enticing when combined with his dark blue eyes. "Wow… You look like a true woman." She eyed his chest again. "Mmm. And you're fit as—Ouch!" She shot Gary a look. "PSA: your date bites."

"Not a date!"

Gary chuckled. "Good. I like feisty."

Ellie smirked. "So. What are your intentions with my true woman? I won't have her going out if all you two plan to do is make my godchildren—Jesus, woman, quit attacking me!"

Gary smiled. "I promise I have honest intentions of just a quiet afternoon with my Angel," he assured. "Now, what she does is up to her, but I'll humbly follow her lead."

Ellie went wide-eyed. "Huh. How about you go out with me instead because—?"

Gary blinked when Ellie was yanked back inside and the door slammed closed. He chuckled when he heard Nashi do her best to keep her voice down in a murmured hiss and crossed his arms. The argument was over when Nashi quickly came out of her room and shut the door with a firm hand, her purse on her shoulder.

"Well. That was something," Gary commented.

Nashi shot him a very dark look before stalking off down the hallway. "We need to leave before she starts chasing us down with condoms," she grunted.

Gary easily caught up to her. He noticed her t-shirt dress. "I like the black and blue. Looks like you went with my colors, Angel. We match."

Nashi did notice this and blushed, crossing her arms. "Don't get the wrong idea," she stammered. "This is just a coincidence, got it? Idiot dog."

Gary shoved his hands in his pockets. "Yes, yes, Angel, whatever you say," he dismissed. "How are you feeling?"

At first, Nashi was confused at the question. When she saw his eyes drip, her blush increased. "I'm fine. Just a little sore," she responded, honest.

Gary was torn between a winsome grin and a worried frown. "Are you hurt? Did I hurt you?"

Nashi shook her head and her heart felt heavy at his concern. "No, you didn't. It's a good sore, I promise. I…" She ducked her head. "I really liked it."

Gary's cheeks heated at that and he coughed. "Good to know."

Nashi refused to look at him, but she could not get Justin and Dazzler's words out of her mind.

"Oh, wait"—she remembered how furious Dazzler looked at her with accusing eyes—"you two just screw when it's convenient for you."

"I know this sounds insensitive"—she remembered the heavy worry in Justin's gaze—"but don't you feel like you're leading him on?"

"Angel."

Nashi blinked out of it and looked down to see Gary had wrapped an arm around her waist to stop her. She looked up at him. She could see so much in his eyes and face. She saw his confusion, his worry, his anxiety—he was an open book with his heart on his sleeve.

"Is everything okay?" Gary pried, wary. "Are you sure you're not hurt? Did I do something wrong?"

Nashi shook her head and subtly moved out of Gary's touch. "No. You're doing everything right," she mumbled. "That's why I'm like this."

Gary looked rightfully perplexed. "I don't understand."

Nashi closed her eyes and took a breath. "I just don't get it. You're so…nice to me," she exhaled. "You care about me and you always make sure I'm okay and make sure I've eaten and I don't do any of that." She looked up at him with wholesome eyes full of regret. "I am a terrible human being to you, Gary. I'm leading you on and I'm okay with that. What type of sick person does that?"

Gary's entire expression shifted from perplexity to a type of hardness. "Angel—"

A door opened.

Gary was hasty in herding Nashi into a mini hallway. He moved them both into the open-doored vending machine and ice box room. "Angel," he started again, tone rough, "are you thinking about what Dazzler said to you?"

Nashi wanted to lie, but she had a gut feeling it would get her in trouble. "A little," she confessed.

Gary groaned.

Nashi stopped him with her hand. "But, it's me realizing that this isn't healthy for either of us!"

Gary looked at her, incredulous. "And, what, that's your call to make that we stop?"

Nashi swallowed. "I… I can't be what you want me to be," she blurted. "I can't be that girl you want me to be, Gary, and you deserve that girl that can give you so much more—"

"Hey," Gary shushed. He tried to meet Nashi's gaze, but when she would not let him, he cupped her chin and made him. "I don't think you realize, Angel, it's me who doesn't deserve you."

Nashi sighed and tried to push away. "Gary…"

"No, you don't see it, but it's true," Gary cut in. "I don't deserve you, Angel. I know that. And I don't expect you to be someone you're not. I expect you to be you—my Angel with her own goals and dreams and desires. Someone I can depend on. Someone who doesn't take my crap."

Nashi shook her head. "Gary, I can't be that girl," she pleaded for him to see reason. "I can't be the one who returns your feelings."

"You 'can't' or won't?" Gary challenged. His Devil joined this conversation as Gary's eyes lightened just a hair. "If you won't, if you want to reject me, then fine. We'll be partners and friends and anything that happened these past couple of days? We forget them. But, if it's because you can't, then I still have a chance."

Nashi's mouth worked to give an answer, but, instead, she asked a question. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered, searching his eyes. "Why me?"

Cerulean and silvery icy-blue burned into hickory.

"Because…"—Gary backed Nashi until she was against the wall, his lips brushing against hers—"you saw us and you accepted us." Without preamble, he claimed her lips and tugged on her bottom lip for more access. Nashi tried to grip his hair, but Gary (and partly his Devil) took Nashi's wrists into a hand and forced them above her head as his tongue slid onto hers.

Nashi moaned her pleasant surprise as a leg came up to wrap around his own. She tried to wriggle out of his hold, but his hands tightened. It was not enough to hurt her, but it was a warning for her to not test him. She groaned as Gary's free hand trailed her side and lingered on the side of her breast. She was the crucified Angel at the hands of the Ice Devil, forced to submit her will. It was Gary who made the call to pull away, the corners of his lips lifting when Nashi tried to follow his lips. Gary's mouth brushed against Nashi's jaw and her breathing shuttered.

"I have never called you 'my Angel' because of your Magic," Gary breathed, imprinting his words onto her skin. "You're my Angel because you came to us and looked at us when we needed someone to." He pulled away from one eye to be of human and the other Ice Devil. "You are our Angel," they both rumbled, their combined voices making Nashi pant. It was not just a statement they said; it was a claim, a command.

Nashi absently nodded, too entranced to think it through.

"You aren't ready for us," Gary and his Devil told her. "We see that. We will wait for you."

"Why?" Nashi breathed. "Why wait?"

"Because you are worth waiting for," they told her. It was the Devil that made Gary's lips smirk. "But that does not mean we won't tempt you."

Now Nashi smirked, raising a delicate eyebrow. "You want to talk about tempting?" She craned her neck to whisper in their ear, "I'm not wearing any panties." She pulled back to see Gary gritting his teeth. His hair began to turn white, but black was at his roots. She licked her upper lip. "Something wrong, boys?"

"You're tempting my Devil too much," Gary grunted, sounding like himself. "He's still jealous and is an extreme perv, so imagining you without panties is making him go crazy."

"And not you?"

Gary opened his eyes for Nashi to see his dilated pupils. "Oh, Angel, trust me. A guy hearing a girl doesn't have on panties is a dream come true," he assured her. "But we need to head out and sex right now and here isn't a good time."

Nashi bit her bottom lip and enjoyed Gary following the motion. "Okay," she supposed. "Let's get lunch then."

Gary released Nashi's wrists and pushed himself off her. It took him a few breaths until the winter howling like a swirling storm inside him was calmed down. Nashi could not help but be amused as her hand went to stroke his arm. "You okay?" Her eyes dipped down to his crotch before trailing back to his face. "You seem a little needy."

Gary snapped open his eyes to pierce her with a look. "My Devil is a lot worse," he promised.

Nashi flicked her tongue as her hand dragged his pant leg to cup him. She watched as his eyes closed and he hissed a breath. She allowed her fingers to linger before pulling away. "You sure we don't have time?" she purred.

Gary groaned and adjusted himself. "We are getting food," he said firmly. "Next time you try that, you're getting punished and I won't hold back."

Nashi looked a little too intrigued at that. "Oh, really? Are you going to let the Devil out to play?" She took his hand and splayed it on the crouch of her dress.

Gary's eyes turned completely silvery icy-blue before he reigned in his Devil. He snatched back his hand to intertwine their fingers tightly. "Don't even joke like that. You don't even want to know what he wants to do to you."

Nashi hummed. "Some day," she supposed. She patted Gary's stomach. "Let me get used to the human before I even try a Devil." She pecked his cheek. "Now, can we get food, please?"

Gary blinked down at Nashi. "Food. Right," he muttered like he forgot. He guided her out of the room. "Let's get food. Yeah. Food."

Nashi giggled a little. "Don't worry. A little public foreplay never hurt anybody, right?"

Gary's eyes widened when he felt a grope on his butt. He was too surprised that he had a delayed reaction as Nashi took off for the elevator. A wild grin overtook him. "You little tease!"

Nashi laughed as she kept pressing the down button for the elevator.

DING.

She rushed in the moment there was space for her and tried pressing the lobby button, but she knew it was in vain when Gary leapt into the elevator. He attacked her in a kiss that she swept herself into. As her hands wrapped around her neck, Gary's arms locked under her thighs and he adjusted her. Nashi leapt a little to wrap her legs around him while Gary kept her pressed against the wall, lips slanted onto hers.

"Going down," the elevator warned as its doors began to shut.

Gary released Nashi's lips with a grin. "So, public touching is okay, right?" he whispered, forehead on hers.

"As long as no one knows," Nashi conditioned reasonably.

Gary's grin broadened as he put his forehead against hers. "Perfect." He moved his hand.

Nashi grew alarmed. "Wait. Wait, I know what you're—!" Her head threw itself back as a moan escaped her throat and her hands were torn between digging into his shoulder and his scalp. "Oh, fu—!"

And the doors closed.

---

It was clinically cold for Saudade when she began to stir. She groaned as she tried to move, but every limp in her body felt stiff.

"Saudade? Saudade!"

Majime rose up from the chair against the wall of the healing room to kneel at his girlfriend's side, taking her hand in his. He watched joyously as she cracked open her eyes. "Saudade," he whispered. "Thank God you're okay."

Saudade tried to say something, but with her oxygen mask on, it was difficult.

Majime understood and was quick to press the button for a nurse. "Don't worry. The nurse is coming to examine you." His eyes softened and he dipped his head to kiss her forehead. "I'm so happy you're okay," he whispered. "I was so worried."

KNOCK. KNOCK.

A woman who was rich in dark chocolate skin with not a hair on her head and made sure to eat and exercise came inside in her scrubs. She smiled when she saw Saudade was awake. "Ah. I see my patient has made a recovery. I hope her healing journey is to be as speedy." Her voice was deep yet honeyed with the consonants and phonetics sharp (though her r's were a weird middle ground between rough and soft). "Majime, if you wouldn't mind stepping out so I may examine Saudade without you worrying about."

⌜LAMIA SCALE

Name: Lupita Bankole

Age: 43

Occupation: Mage, Nurse

Magic: Healing

Likes: Stellian opera Dislikes: goat cheese

Special Note: Lupita came to Lamia Scale after Jura rescued her from her life as a concubine to one of her slave owners in her home country. Some speculate attraction between her and the Iron Rock himself due to their frequent outings. ⌟

Majime stood up. "I'll call her parents back." He raised Saudade's hand up to his mouth and kissed her fingers. "I'll be back." He left the room with his Compact already out and his hand already dialing for Saudade's mother. He went to the bench a little bit down the hallway of the healing wing of the guild when the call connected. "Misses Mixa," he breathed.

"Majime?" Misses Mixa had that wisp of a southern drawl in her voice and it came out more with her worry. "Is my sweet girl okay?"

Majime smiled. "She's awake, ma'am, and she's being checked right now."

Misses Mixa sighed her breath of relief into the receiver. "Ya hear that, D? Our sweet girl is gonna be okay!"

"That's wonderful news," came rumble from Mister Mixa. He had less of an accent than his wife, but his voice was steeped in deep culture and sounded like he could intimidate even the strongest of hearts. "It is too bad that boy did not protect my peaches from harm like she thought."

Majime's heart sunk at that jab while Misses Mixa hissed, "Demetrius! Majime has been nothin' but kind to our sweet girl! He made sure she only got away with the few injuries she had!"

"It's okay, Misses Mixa," Majime soothed weakly. "Sir, you're absolutely right. I said I would have Saudade's back and I failed her. But you shouldn't underestimate your daughter. She's plenty strong and took down a lot of our enemies. She saved me a handful of times too."

There was a grunt at that. "As she should. My daughter is plenty strong. She should come home to be taught the ways of her people instead of galavanting at some Magic Guild with a white—!"

"We'll be in touch, Majime," Misses Mixa promised sweetly as she unceremoniously cut off the rantings of her husband. "I'm just afraid we have to go. Call us as soon as Saudade is better enough to speak, ya hear me? And you better eat up. You're still skin and bones, boy."

Majime smiled at the motherly scold. "Yes, ma'am. I'll talk to you later." He saw Lupita beckon to him from the corner of his eye. "The nurse is calling me back. Gotta go, bye!" He ended the call and nearly tripped when he stood too fast. He sped to Lupita who had a grave look on her face. "What's wrong? Is she okay?" he worried.

"Saudade is a strong lady, but it is her blood that worries me," Lupita told him. "She shows drops in her iron and with constant blood loss, I fear a disease will develop due to the cost."

Majime understood the severity of Lupita's words, but he did not like them. "I'll talk to her," he promised. "Is she okay, though?"

Lupita nodded. "Her injures have healed and only the mask remains, but we'll keep the IV until there is no more pain. The doctor will come soon. Enjoy your time together before it is of ruin." And she walked off.

Majime slid open the door and curtain before shutting them again.

"Majime…"

Majime felt his heart soar when he turned around and there his girlfriend lay propped with a thin smile on her face and tired eyes dazzling at seeing him. He dragged a chair to her side and intertwined their hands. "You scared me so much," he confessed. "Seeing you passed out and in a pool of your own blood…"

"I'm sorry," Saudade apologized. "I'll have to go easy on my Magic for now. Don't worry. We'll go on jobs soon, I know it. I'll get better."

Majime gulped back the pain and kept on his smile. "Right, Bloody, I know you will," he calmed. "In the meantime, I called your parents." He noticed her eyes narrow and he sighed. He could hear the heart monitor increase slightly at her annoyance. "You have to speak to your father eventually. I know you aren't on good terms, but he needed to know you were in the hospital. Both of them did."

Saudade huffed, but she was not irritated enough to pull away from him. "Did he talk about how I should be at home, learning all about the power passed down from generation to generation?"

Majime winced. "No?"

Saudade growled and her heart rate spiked. "Damn Dad," she snapped. "I bet he was a jackass to you too."

"He was better this time," Majime promised. "He didn't call me 'white boy' this time."

Saudade's eyes narrowed even more.

"Your mom stopped him before he could," Majime admitted as he rubbed the back of her hand. "We both knew not everyone would accept us, Bloody, your dad included. He'll change his mind one day when he finally sees I'm not going anywhere." He leaned forward to kiss Saudade's cheek.

Saudade snorted in derision, but her heart rate mellowed out. "Let's not waste our breath on this."

To lighten the mood, Majime mentioned, "I got the email from our O. Chem professor. We lucked out and we don't have lab when we get back which means no stupid lab report."

Saudade sighed her relief. "Thank Satan…!" she dragged out.

"We'll have to make it up on one of our free days," Majime pointed out, "but our lab partners will be working together, so that means we finally get to do an experiment together. I heard the Green Chemistry one is pretty easy, so the write-up shouldn't be as bad."

"Says you," Saudade pouted. "You're, like, a guru at lab reports."

"Just the technical stuff and the math behind it," Majime pointed out. "I'm terrible at answering the questions formally. That's why my beautiful girlfriend who loves me very much will help me out."

Saudade grinned. "Maybe," she supposed. "The 'yes' is guaranteed if you promise me food and a milkshake."

Majime groaned. "Bloody, you're lactose intolerant."

"You want forty points off—?"

"Fine," Majime grumbled. He flicked Saudade's forward. "Evil child. Don't complain to me when your stomach is hurting."

KNOCK. KNOCK.

The door slid open and the curtain did as well before sliding close. Doctor Mothersbaugh came in the room without his Aceso. He looked at Saudade. "So, the Bloody Mary wakes up. Great."

"I don't like being here anymore than you do, Doc," Saudade grunted.

"Good. Then, I'll check you quickly." The doctor looked over at Majime. "All right, boy, you can leave."

Majime got up. "I'll be back," he promised Saudade. "I'll get you some food."

"Get 'er some beans and lean beef," Doctor Mothersbaugh called as Majime opened the curtain and the door. "She needs the iron!"

Majime nodded. "Got it!" And, he slipped out of the healing room. He sighed to himself before he took out his Compact. He drudged up the email from his professor.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

From: Gina Flemming – flemmingga ua...

To: Majime Scott-Kimura

—

Re: about lab

November 23, XXXX at 8:47 AM

Found in UA Inbox

—

Majime,

I understand and both you and Saudade will not be required to attend lab the following week. I am sure your other professors have excused you both from your lectures, however, I ask the two of you to make up the Green Chemistry lab on one of your free days before the semester is over.

As we had discussed before, I and the others on staff are more than willing to continue to teach Saudade after her sad departure from UA. With the technology advancement in Lacrima, she will be able to do a virtual reality lab and can attend lectures from home. With the issue of testing, we shall discuss it later.

This will be a difficult time for both of you. I have attached a link to the university counseling. All visitations are free. The pdf for the Green Chemistry pre-lab and worksheet are also attached.

See you in two weeks! - Gina

Gina Flemming, MD, PhD

Organic Chemistry Lab Instructor

College of Arts & Sciences

Office Phone: +1(XX)-XX-XXX Ext. XXX

University of Aronia

Tap to download

Green_Chemistry_

6.7 MB

Tap to download

Green_Chemistry_

8.8 MB

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Majime sighed and put his Compact back to his lock screen. It was a picture of Saudade and him with sparklers in their hands and fireworks from Independence Day going off over the Mûre River. He pressed a finger down to watch the photo move. Fireworks burst and he and Saudade smiled into their kiss.

I'm sorry, Saudade… You deserve a better life than this.

Majime pocketed his Compact and forced himself to walk away from the healing bay.

---

Orochi knocked back his beer as the group sat at an outdoor venue. It was him, Dazzler, Mustang, Cade, T'oree, Amani, Mara, Andele, a couple others in Rapallo Plaza with the sky a warm burnt umber. They had finished their main course with T'oree enthusiastically eating more dessert. His eyes caught onto Lance and Aine who tried to hide themselves tucked into a booth inside. The MagiCross game had just entered its second half or so you could hear from the bar. The Royal Philharmonic was setting up for their nightly presentation on their lower stage while the higher stage would be for the actual presentation itself.

T'oree hummed appreciatively as she finished her cream-stuffed chocolate mousse cake slice. "Mmmm! This is glorious! The desserts on Vanhalla are never this sweet!"

Cade watched T'oree with a small grin. He still looked a little pale from his travels and a hand was kept over his new arm tattoo. "Do they even have desserts on your planet? From what you make, your planet's foods are all carnivore, no sweet-o-vore."

Amani fed his Vrykolaka his last scrap of rare meat. "I'm surprised Liv and Leo aren't here."

"Masters called them in," Orochi explained. "Something about needing a favor."

"Vinyl and Thirteen took off too," Dazzler put in. "Coincidence? I think not." From across the plaza, her gaze caught the sight of Gary stepping out of a restaurant. He held the door open for an abashed Nashi to come out, lightly hitting him and grumbling under her breath. Gary smiled at that and offered his hand to her. Nashi looked away as she hesitantly tried to touch his. Gary took the initiative and interlocked their fingers before kissing her knuckles.

Dazzler sighed. "Why did I have to say that to her?"

Mustang followed Dazzler's line of vision to catch Nashi stopping her and Gary to wipe something from the corner of his mouth with her thumb, even if she looked like she was having heat stroke. "At least you apologized," he put in.

"Yeah, but Gary hasn't been responding to my texts besides one-worded answers," Dazzler griped. "He's still mad at me."

"You did go off on his love interest," Orochi mentioned. "Did you really think he would still be happy with you?"

Dazzler scowled at him and threw one of her cold fries at his direction. "What do you know? You weren't even there!"

Orochi caught the fry with his teeth, but he quickly took it out at the bland taste. "I know a lot more than you," he said, not unkindly. "It's going to take a while for Nashi to be comfortable around you which means Gary isn't going to be happy with you for a while. That being said, he's sensible enough to know it's between you and Nashi, not the three of you. He may be a little annoyed with you, but he won't drop kick you." He opened his check and read the bill before getting out his wallet.

Dazzler sniffed at him. "Oh, yeah? And how do you know so much?"

Orochi threw in a couple hundred Jewel bills and closed the check. "It's called intuition." He threw the check on the table and picked up his beer. Over the rim of his bottle, he could see Luna and Bleu enter the plaza with matching smiles. Bleu brushed his knuckles against Luna's hand on purpose, but he did not push it when Luna did not take the bait. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and teased her of their height difference. Luna playfully hit him, but she did not move from his hold, too giddy.

Orochi's eyes switched to see Gary sit Nashi down at a side fountain. The Ice Devil joined her and took out his Compact for a picture of her. She instantly took the offensive and tried to shield herself from the camera. It seemed their play drew the attention of an actual photographer who grabbed their attention for a picture. Nashi looked set to deny him while Gary set them both up for a picture.

Orochi finished his bottle and set it down before looking over at Dazzler. "Start paying attention to what's around you. Maybe it'll save you the trouble of pissing off your best friend," he advised, a little coldly. He got up. "I need to go." He left the table and ignored the angry mutters of his friend.

Is this what he felt? Living in a world where you knew everyone's thoughts, you knew their feelings, but not being able to do anything about it?

It was Mara who answered him. Don't dwell on this too long, Chi-chi. It isn't healthy.

Orochi sighed. I know. I just wish people weren't so stubborn.

I wish for that every day, Mara confessed. But, wishing isn't any help.

Orochi put up his hood as he waded through the crowd at the bar as they cheered for the first goal of the second half. Who am I watching tonight?

Him again. He's at Bar Sun. He's on the edge of drunk and tipsy. I can feel his inner despair. The medication might help curb his rage, but I feel like this is worse.

Orochi pushed his way out of the bar-restaurant. Do you ever think they know?

Mara's amusement slipped through. Nashi and Aine told me they think of you as their 'Guardian Angel'. But, in regard to anyone else? No.

Orochi let a humorless smile touch his face. They think I'm a Guardian Angel? That's funny.

Keep Igneel as far as you can away from any blonde girl, Mara instructed, ignoring his sense of humor.

Orochi padded down steps to find himself on another canal street. Yeah, Mars, I've got him.

Change his destiny, Orochi, Mara whispered. We can't change fate, but we can change destiny.

Orochi nodded at two Guards and kept his head down. You think this is what he would have wanted?

I don't know, Mara confessed. He said we had the power to shape destiny if we tried hard enough. I hope we're making him proud.

Orochi inconspicuously turned into a narrow alleyway. It could fit two people side-by-side, but anything more was pushing it. Orochi looked up the alley and down. No one was coming. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. With a surge of Magic, his poison made itself known to the outside world with a mixture of his maroon Magic and took the form of jagged wings. He gave them a test flap before he flapped hard enough to jet into the sky. He made his ascent quick and high so others would see him as a bird rather than a human. His eyes scoured for Bar Sun.

Dad, Orochi breathed, if you can hear me…I hope we're doing what you would've wanted.

---

When night had came and the stars hid back the lights of the town were too bright, Rapallo Plaza had been filled to the brim with townspeople and guests alike, both human and creature. Everyone chattered as the main stage finished making sure the finishing touches were final. The Royal Philharmonic was warming up their instruments, a run of a violin there, the trombones tuning notes in chords, the harpist practicing tricky fingering, and the oboist asking the piccolo player what type of note that was so far above the staff. For those who could not be in the main plaza, Lacrima Screens had taken to covering the event. The local news station and other national broadcasts had come for this as well. While the presentation would not be onstage, a giant Lacrima Screen would project live feed from the City Hall that had also been crowded. The projector was showing shots from around the city to the illumination of the Guardian Duo and their mistress from the museum.

Friends and family were easily spotted in the crowd. The Justines stayed with entire Strauss-Dreyar Family with only Justin, Lance, and Mary Jane missing. Gray and Juvia were in their matching gear from the MagicCross game and occupied one of the high-rise tables with Lucy and Natsu, Levy and Gajeel, and Lyon and Meredy, booze and water in cups. Mystogan had joined with his friends of Lamia Scale. Nashi and Gary had gotten the right idea with Gary hugging Nashi from behind and teasing her with his words whispered into her ear. Bleu and Peter had reconnected with their friends to eagerly introduce Silver, Ena, and Luna to the group, Bleu especially proud to show off Luna. It seemed she and Ekho had more in common while Ena was already planning NJ's ensemble for one of her recitals. Cane, Igneel, Amber, Luke, Elvin, and all their friends clambered together. Cane had found his lady of the night while Igneel stumbled, out of sorts. His eyes caught a flash of pale blonde hair, but someone had taken the space before Igneel could investigate. Yuka had to restrain a crying Toby when he lost his sock. Ultear had warranted Amani's attention for evening with his Vrykolaka free to feed carefully.

There came a hush over the crowd when the stage lights had begun to flash. Everyone quieted themselves as the orchestra did its ritual tuning. Once the brass section was cleared and the timpani player finished, the conductor looked down at the L-pad and listened to the click track in his ears. He counted out the beat with flicks of his wrists before giving the downbeat. It was a timpani role.

Then, the first trumpet stood.

And it began to play the Fiore National Anthem.

Sobriety was key as hands were placed over hearts. The projection zoomed in on the flags waving over City Hall. The second trumpet and third trumpet added themselves into a powerful cord. Then, the entire orchestra was swept in when the pre-chorus came in. Humming buzzed about as no one was brave enough to sing, but everyone remembered the tune of their country. The projection switched to City Hall to show the Mayor, both Guild Masters, the commissioner, captains of the Magic Council military, and city council proudly holding their hands over their hearts.

The moment the anthem was finished, the screen zoomed on Mayor Sabozai who laid her hands on the podium and cleared her throat. The music had not died away as a soft, weeping background score was played by the orchestra as Mayor Sabozai began her talk.

"Friends, family, honored guests—I welcome you to Margaret Town on our final night of the Festival of Gratitude or, as we like to call it, Thanksgiving Day," she greeted, glancing down at her speech. "What should have been three days of gratefulness, three days of remembering the ones we love, three days of smiles and festivity was nearly brought to ruin by the evils of this world. But we stand here today as a testament that we were not beaten. No. We were not. We stand here as proud people, as survivors, as the ones who will tell this story to our children and our children's children of how brave men and women stood their ground against evil and won at the cost of their lives."

The mayor went on: "I would like to thank every single Mage and Magic Council soldier who fought for our right to be here. You made sure every civilian was evacuated and no Spiritless was left behind. You laid your lives on the line for a home that wasn't even yours and for that, you have my eternal gratitude. I would like to also thank all of you for not abandoning hope. While I know it is hard stepping back and watch others fight your battles, you fought your battle. You kept the peace. You deserve thanks for that."

She cleared her throat again. "Today, we have celebrated our Thanksgiving Day through food and good music." She smiled like a little girl with a new stuffed animal in her hand. "Did you hear New Azalea Nymphs won today?"

That triggered an outcry of victory that was louder than the small cries of anguish.

Mayor Sabozai laughed. "Yes, my husband was screaming at the LV when they went into overtime," she recalled. "But we have celebrated today in the way we know how. We have laughed and we have danced. Now, it is tonight. Tonight, we will take a moment to acknowledge firstly the Mages and military personnel in the crowd for the fight they fought." She started her round of applause that caused every Spiritless to applaud with her. "Thank you, captains," she said into the microphone, looking over at the Council captains who bowed. "Masters, we thank you." She nodded to Erza and Ooba. "And, to every Mage and soldier out there, we thank you."

Many of the Mages and soldiers in the crowd were split between preening under the attention or humbly smiling and mouthing their own thanks towards such recognition. On the two screens on the other sides of the main projector, credits rolled of all Mages and military listed with their ranks and factions.

As the applause died down, the mayor continued: "To the families of those who have lost their loves ones, we recognize you and we thank you for being here today. Please, give it up for them."

A new wave of clapping and cheers began. The families of those lost had been given seating at City Hall and all stood and accepted such encouragement in bows and smiles and tears.

The camera focused back on Mayor Sabozai. "Within the past twenty-four hours, we have scoured this city for the tags of those we lost and the clothing left behind to give back to the families and we have done just that. Within the past twenty-four hours, we have made it a point to document and acknowledge every fallen soul." She gestured behind her to something that had been covered generously. "Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you the final product that will help us remember. I present the the Monument of Guardians!"

The cheering doubled back as the monument was unveiled. It was a large black stone that looked sleek to the touch. Engraved were the names of each Mage and MCP with a small cross or guild mark next to their name is they had no body left to bury. The Guardians had been etched into the stone as well with their mistress between them to keep the peace.

"This monument will be placed in the City Hall plaza for all to see," Mayor Sabozai promised as she clapped. "Let us continue this remembrance with this dedicated piece played by the Royal Philharmonic of Her Majesty all the way from Minstrel!"

The feed switched to Rapallo Plaza as the screens on the sides of main stage went back the focus on the memorial while the main screen focused on Thirteen and Vinyl stood in front of the orchestra and with the conductor.

Vinyl had a microphone in hand and announced, "Working with the Royal Philharmonic has been a dream come true for me and for Thirteen," she confided. "When we were asked to help rewrite their Thanksgiving Day piece in under ten hours"—she glanced at Thirteen and chuckled—"to say we were shocked was an understatement. But, all of us knew we needed this piece not only as a representation for how grateful we are, but as an ode to all those we have lost both in these past few days to these past few years."

Thirteen took the microphone and carried on: "All of us have something to be grateful for. All of us have a journey ahead of us. In this composed song, we hope everyone understands the necessity of knowing your journeys may vary in time and how you must keep going no matter how hard or how long it takes."

Both Vinyl and Thirteen chorused, "And, now, we present to you our final piece for the night, Snow Fairy!" The pair stepped down from the podium as the conductor readied his players.

Yet, the screen switched to the main stage.

A spotlight centered down to surprise everyone that Gale Redfox was on a stool with his guitar, adjusting his microphone. Screams took up the air as Gale took his microphone. He smiled. "Hey, guys, uh…" He had to pull back as the screams got louder. His smile twisted abashedly when he heard fangirls scream We love you, Earth Dragon! to Gale-sama.

Luna looked up at the stage in astonishment. "Gale?"

Gale cleared his throat and nodded appreciatively towards the audience when they lowered their screams to buzzed murmurs. "Sorry if we sound a bit rusty. Rehearsal was a little rushed since we had only a handful of hours until now, but we hope you like it. And, to the families who lost a loved one, we thank you for joining us today." He set his mic back onto his stand as applause nearly drowned out his last words. His eyes went to the conductor who waited for the noise to die down. When it did, he offered Gale a nod and four bears before he did the actual downbeat.

Gale began to sing as the string section joined him for his introduction with his acoustic guitar at the ready. The pace was set melodiously legato in-between adagietto and andante—andante moderator—as the lyrics flowed out:

Fairy, where are you going?

Hikari zenbu atsumete

Kimi no ashita terasu yo…

It broke into a small instrumental of strings and rising woodwinds as Gale continued to strum. The main projector left off live feed to display a slideshow of smiling Mages and MCPs with their names, ages, addresses, prediction of their death, and so on.

Gale spoke into the mic while he carried on his pics, "Everyone you see up here died for a noble cause—to keep us safe. I want them to be remembered. I want you to remember them. Because it's up to us to know who tells their stories the right way. So, I want you to hold onto whoever you love as tight as you can. Your mother, your father, sister, brother, your aunts, uncles, grandparents, your partner—you hold onto them and be so grateful they are here with you to give you support and care. Because that's a gift to have. Don't forget that."

He got off his stool and the spotlight followed him as he moved throughout the dark stage. "I want to thank the Royal Philharmonic for being here tonight. I want to thank Vinyl and Thirteen, my fellow guild mates, for composing this piece. I want to thank my fellow Mages for fighting by my side. And I want to thank you for being here to share this moment with me," he projected to the audience. He hung his head as a shy smirk overtook his face at the crescendo of hollers. "You guys are the reason we're still standing," he preached as he began to take off his acoustic guitar. He went stage right for a crew member to trade him his acoustic for his overdrive. "You all have taught us to believe in ourselves just like we believe in you. So, this piece is not just for the fallen. It's for all of us who survived! And, I say…"

The stage lights flashed on to reveal a band ready and waiting and the audience went wild. Olivia was on her own platform, twirling her drumsticks. Her bass drum carried the delightful insignia of Lamia Scale and Fairy Tail. Galileo played with the height of his microphone stand, but he offered a smile and a wave to the crowd. Mary Jane was too busy making sure her the chord to her amp was not loose, but with a prompt from Julia who had her own set of keyboards, she flashed a quick smile and a dip of the head.

Gale gave his fanged smirk at the energy as he strapped on his overdrive and brought himself back over to the microphone front and center. "…we turn up the volume and let the world know we lived…!"

Olivia gave a quick three clicks before leading with her drums.

One…

The stage's lights pulsed over everyone as the orchestra and the band hit a power chord.

Two…

And again.

Three…

And again.

Four…

And again.

People jumped in excitement, raising their hands and their light bombs that wafted a sea of blues as the band repeated their four big beats. Olivia's tenors led them into their pre-verse instrumental with the guitars and strings doubling in their runs together.

Bleu looked at Luna in amazement. "I didn't know your dude was doing this!"

Luna was far too mesmerized watching Gale to look at Bleu or even answer.

Gale leaned into his microphone, barely leaving space between him and it as he swung everyone into the first chorus with Mary Jane, Olivia, and Galileo as his backing vocals:

Oh Yeah!

Kikoeten no ka kono koe wa?

Oh Yeah!

Karetatte sakebu kara

Oh Yeah!

Gajeel shook his fist as tears streamed out of his eyes as people grooved about around him. "I knew my kid inherited my singing! He sounds just like me!" he sniffed.

Natsu, Lyon, and Gray all shot him a deadpan look. "No, he can actually sing."

"Screw all of you! I have talent!"

Kikoeru made kimi no kokoro ga

Oh Yeah!

Oh Yeah!

Nashi had relaxed herself against Gary with her liquor hitting her system. She had a nice buzz, but nothing more than that. She hummed, pleased, as Gary peppered her neck in kisses. "Want to get out of here?" she purred.

Gary planted a lingering kiss on her jaw. "You don't want to stay?"

Nashi shook her head. "Mmm-mmm." She turned her head for her eyes to dip to his lips and their mouths only centimeters away. "I want to be somewhere else tonight."

Cerulean and hickory connected and understood.

Tsuki to taiyou no haitacchi

Wasuremono wa nai desuka?

Luna yelped when Bleu spun her around. He gave her his boyish grin, too charming for his own good. "May I have this dance?"

She could not even suppress the beam as she took his other hand. "I wouldn't want anything else."

Okashii na kimi ga inai to

Hoshii mono sae mitsukaranai

Peter took out his Compact for a photo unlike others who were recording the concert. He zoomed in on Mary Jane as she played her bass with a smile on her face and the energy of her song bringing out something special in her eyes. He took the picture and brought down his Compact only to smile at the blonde bassist on his screen.

Snowing sunao ni

Egao ni nareta no wa

Futari yorisoi

Kasane atta "jikan" ga aru kara

Fairy, where are you going?

Hikaru zenbu atsumete

Kimi no ashita terasu yo

(Why? Why? Why?)

Majime and Saudade watched the concert from the comfort of Saudade's new private room away from the emergency department. He had taken to cuddling with her on the cramped bed and already she was knocked out against his chest. The hospital Lacrima-Vision was on and showed the streaming of the concert, but Majime was too invested in watching his girlfriend sleep against him with her mouth parted. With a smile, he planted a true love's kiss on her forehead, mouthing his love into her skin.

Justin and Ace arrived back at Ace's suite at his hotel, both still on the highs of romance as they stepped out of the elevator. Justin playfully gave Ace a kiss on the neck when he was surprised Ace swept him up a bridal hold and strode to his room, attacking Justin's lips with his own in a furious passion. Getting the door open proved to be a hassle, but once it was unlocked Ace kicked the door open to slip inside and kick it shut.

Oh Yeah!

Namiuchigawa ni ukabeta kanjou

Itsu no manika orenji sae

Shiroku kawatteku kisetsu

Wolfheim drank alone on a night like tonight with the staff returning to their families for the holidays. The halls were nothing short of homey. There was no need for a beast to have corridors like labyrinth and feel trapped. His walls were made of real wood with flora growing comfortably inside. He strode about the halls with his goblet in hand of fine red wine until he stopped at the same portrait. It was a soft painting of an ethereal woman. Not much was known about her. Yes, she was crouching by a stream and, yes, her hair was a fuzzy cross between silvery-white and sun-bleached, but what stood out was the grayness of her eyes.

Oh Yeah!

Bokura futari mitsumeteta reinbō

Ima wa omoide no naka de

Nanairo ga yuki ni kawaru

SPLASH!

Zelda looked around. People surrounded her on these streets in a city without sleep. Sirens and dogs barking and techno music and the smell of piss and sweat and liquor—no one would even think twice about her. She pulled up her hood and slipped into the flow behind three university students who were raving about a new superhero game for their PlayBox. She blended in with ease with the sheep around her none wiser and blissfully ignorant a monster worse than a wolf was among them.

Fushigi dana kimi ga warau to

Boku wa sukoshi dake tsuyoku narerunda

Olivia gave a leading cadence with her snare and her splash cymbal as a little solo before leading the band and orchestra into their second chorus.

Snowing konna ni

Hitori furueteru kimi no

Soba ni yorisoi

Tsutsumi komu koto mo dekizu ni

Fairy,slowly but surely

You're walking your way

Oh whoa!

Hang in there!

Luna was being twirled around when she caught a glimpse of blonde. Bleu pulled her back to him and she continued her dance, but her eyes scouted for that blonde hair. From the corner of her eyes, she caught blue and it must have been a trick of the light for she thought she saw Meira and Ludvig in their spiritual forms having the times of their lives. Ludvig had led her into a bad ballroom dancing, but neither cared with the silly grins on their lips. Luna blinked, but when they did not go away, she openly gaped.

What the…?

She caught another flash of blonde and turned her head in that direction. This time, she was certain she saw Faven's face in the crowd. Their eyes locked for Faven to give Luna a brief smile. Her attention was divided elsewhere when Nayda in her young form perched herself on her shoulder, Young Erion copying her. Both little Guardians nuzzled Faven's cheek and she laughed. She turned away and their spirits disintegrated in a stream of sky blue, sea blue, and gold. Luna's eyes lingered for a moment until understanding donned on her and she closed her eyes as she put her head against Bleu's chest.

Thank you.

Why? Why? Why? Why?

Why? Why? Why?

Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah!

Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah!

Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah!

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Iris peeked into Draculos' office with her PAL close to her chest. "S-Sir? I've finished the reports for the case," she reported, timid.

Draculos had taken to watching the moon on this fine night. "Iris… I thank you for coming in on a holiday," he praised. "You didn't have to, you know."

Iris smiled, surer of herself now. "I know, sir, but I wanted to. Thanksgiving has never been a great holiday for me with my parents gone, even when I lived with my grandfather." That sort of lost gleam you got when you spoke about the past went into her eyes. "Honestly, I'm glad I got to work through it."

Draculos paused in his watching to turn his chair slightly towards her. "Have you ever been to the Pop's Dinner in the town square?" he questioned. "It's open twenty-four hours, even on holidays."

Iris was caught off-guard at such a random question and more so when Draculos stood up from his desk. "S-Sir?"

"Would you care to join an old chairman like me for a late dinner?" Draculos offered. His smile was genuine and he reduced the piercing quality of his eyes. "I'm afraid I don't have much of a family to celebrate the day with. I know we aren't family—"

"With all due respect, sir, you are my family."

Draculos raised his eyebrows at Iris' smile, a soft thing. "Even though my grandfather raised me once my parents died, it was you who helped tutored me and mentored me throughout my life," she reminded him with an air of wistfulness. "Without you, I wouldn't have gotten an internship here after I finished my undergraduate early and wouldn't be working for you now. To me, Uncle Draculos, you are really my uncle. And, I'd love to spend Thanksgiving with you."

Draculos could not have looked prouder than now. "Excellent. Allow me to gather my belongings and call the driver. Don't worry about the bill, Iris, it's on me. Just make sure you have everything before we take off."

Iris nodded and was about to slip through the door when Draculos called her again. She paused and offered him a confounded look. He nodded at her and murmured, "I always considered you my own granddaughter, Iris. Never forget that."

Iris tried and failed to suppress her pleased smile. To keep herself from blushing, she quickly nodded and slipped back out of the office.

°•°•°•°

The kisses were with less technique, sloppy, but they had that same passion as before. Hands raked hair as feet stumbled over each other to keep up. Puffs of breath were as rare as they were sacred. Neither wanted to part too long and would let the other take in only a few gulps of air before being reigned back into their lover's tango. With her room closer, Nashi was forced to break away from Gary. Everything was foggy to her—Gary's presence and his kisses frazzled her senses—and her hands were shaky as she got out her key card. The card slipped from her fingers when Gary pressed her against the door and let her feel what she did, let her feel what only she made him feel, and his hands slipped to caress her neck with promises. His mouth touched her ear. "I'll get the key."

Nashi barely held it together when Gary's hands slid down her front then curled onto the sides of her legs and made it to her inner thighs. Her eyes squeezed shut when she felt one of Gary's hands wander under her dress and openly feel what was his for tonight. Her hands went to the door to steady herself and she bit her lip hard to keep herself quiet.

Gary chuckled under his breath as he rose with the key card in hand. Rather than move Nashi, he wrapped himself around her. Satisfaction coiled at his gut when he heard her release a sharp exhale when his finger splayed against her began to wander. He was in no rush to open the door, but he knew he had to before someone came out into the hall. The second the door was unlocked, Nashi grabbed the handle and pushed it open, nearly falling into the suite.

Gary hurried in after her to shut the door and bolt it. He straightened himself and tugged at his shirt's neckline.

"Gary…"

Gary turned around and vibrant cerulean watched almost predatory as Nashi had sprawled onto the queen bed with her chest heaving. The bedside lamp had been tasked to a low setting and really brought out the dark chocolate undertones and gold highlights in her eyes. Gary kicked off his shoes and socks and shed his jacket before prowling onto the bed. He moved on top of her, riding up her dress in the process. He could have stopped at her waist, but, instead, he rode the dress up the underside of her breasts. His eyes got a good look at her scars. There was that flicker of undying guilt and remorse in his eyes.

A hand stroked Gary's cheek.

Gary closed his eyes at Nashi's warmth. "Every time I see you like this, I want to kiss your scars," he told her honestly.

Nashi was perplexed. "Why?"

Gary opened his eyes to zing her with a look so raw, she could tear up. "Because I want you to know how beautiful you are." He dipped his head to place a chaste kiss on her first scar. Then, he moved to the next when he was satisfied. "You're gorgeous, Angel," he pressed into her skin, a finger lightly trailing on of the scars on her leg. "You are strong and you are powerful. And each one of these scars tell me that." His mouth dipped to kiss the scars on her inner thighs. His kisses were light, teasing, testing. His nose brushed against a thin scar that was dangerously close to her heat and he grinned at her jolt, her hitch of breath, and her fingers digging into his scalp. "No one can ever make you feel anything less than beautiful, including you and me," he whispered, imprinting his words into her flesh. He kissed up the scar until he began to kiss her outer lips.

Nashi's head threw back in a whooshed moan.

Gary pulled away to sit back on the balls of his feet. He stared down at the woman lying in bed before him. Nashi became aware of Gary's freezing stare as her eyes opened to clash with his. She could see his Devil in the back of his gaze with that animalistic lust, guttural and with the power to tear her down to her core. But the Devil would let his human have his moment.

"You don't have to do all that." Nashi looked off to the side, embarrassment at what transpired catching up to her. Blame her for being wooed by Gary's words. "It's just sex."

Gary shook his head. "No, Angel. Ever since our first time, we both know you don't think this is just a physical release," he chastised her. "I'm not asking for this to be a relationship when you aren't ready for that. I'm not asking for us to 'make love'. But this is something more than sex."

Nashi's eyes glinted and stung as they threatened to water. "You deserve more," she croaked.

"I don't deserve you," Gary whispered. "So, until you realize I'm right, I'm going to make sure I use every second with you wisely." His hand went to her chin and gently tugged at her to look at him. "Is that okay?"

There was still that residual hesitancy, but it had lessened a lot since the past three days. She nodded at him and felt his lips kiss her bottom lip only seconds later. He let her go to stare her directly in the eyes as he took off his shirt in one movement. He helped her out of her dress and, after realizing her bra clasped in the front, out of her bra. He shimmied out of his jeans for only one material to keep them separated for now. He leaned back down to kiss her again and Nashi held his cheeks to keep him there. It was one of those slow kisses that meant the world to you when you looked back on them. The kiss ended all too quickly for Gary to search Nashi's eyes. He must have found what he wanted when he broke into a smile.

Of course, Nashi grew self-conscious. "What?"

"Nothing," Gary brushed off. "I'm just in disbelief you're here with me."

Nashi smiled back at that and raised herself up a bit to get closer to his lips. "Then, be in me instead," she whispered to him.

Gary chuckled. "Soon," he promised. "Very soon." And he silenced her with a deal-sealing kiss that lowered them both back onto the bed.

°•°•°•°

In the Queen's Chambers of Mercurius Castle, Hisui lay awake in her bed. The lights were off, but the moon shone through. She had sent her lady-in-waiting off to enjoy the rest of the night with anyone whom she desired. Hisui sighed as she turned over in a bed too big for one person and towards her nightstand. A picture frame was propped up and tilted for her to see when she first woke up in the morning. But her eyes drifted onto it in the late of the night even if the moon's shine nearly blocked out most of the picture. Absently, a hand traced the picture and tipped it out of the moon's light to reveal the beaming face of a little girl of hair just a tint lighter than Hisui's.

°•°•°•°

Deep in the trenches of the ocean, fish and magical creature alike seamlessly parted the way as a pair of gleaming eyes snaked their way through the depths with the way of the flow. In those rare beams of light, you could catch flashes of those exotic scales and sometimes the shadows would let you see the body of Dragon slither between darkness and light.

Warau koto sae wasureteta

Boku ni mahou wo kakete

In the depths of those underground chambers just outside Margaret Town, the medium of the River Guardian happily floated between the ceiling and the platform with all six stones resurrected. It glinted happily.

Brother?

Egao hitotsu de subete wo

Kaeta kimi wa

A cloudy sky-blue medium bobbed up and down on a pedestal in unfamiliar chambers. The ceiling showed the sky in all its gradient forms throughout the day with the walls a significantly lightened granite. Its floors were stepped in low mist, though you could not even see the floors.

The medium glinted.

Let us show these humans our own gratitude.

Both mediums grew and grew into a brilliant glow until they themselves could not contain their power. Beams of their respective light burst through their ceilings.

Boku no Fairy

Gale moved to the grand piano with his overdrive guitar sitting comfortable on his stand. He began to play, sweaty but not exhausted, into his solo:

Snowing sunao ni

Egao ni nareta no wa

Futari yorisoi

Kasane atta "jikan" ga aru kara

The orchestra and Mary Jane slowly threaded themselves back into the music with Olivia kicking her bass with downbeat as Gale left the piano to go back to his overdrive guitar.

Fairy, where are you going?

Hikari zenbu atsumete

Kimi wo terasu yo

The music stopped as Olivia powered through her drum solo. With the help of her bass drum, her tenor, and her hi-hat, she led everyone back into the new chorus.

Snowing sunao ni

Egao ni nareta no wa

Kimi dakara

Kimi to datta kara

WHIZZZZ… B-BOOM! B-B-B-BOOM!

The skies of Margaret Town found itself flooded with fireworks that illuminated the night almost brighter than the stars. The colors did not range far from light blue to white and all the way to a deep-sea blue. But it was the type of explosions each color gave off. Some of the fireworks exploded into masses of smaller ones. Others spiraled out. A couple of them exploded and nearly took up the entire mass of Margaret Town. Lights of all types reflected onto Margaret Town and brightened on the people below.

Snowing Fairy

Oh! Kimi ga kureta hikari

Zenbu atsume sakebu yo

No one could doubt the fireworks put on quite a show as the whoops and hollered and cheered for the grand finale while the band led them into another instrumental featuring Galileo this time and his distortion guitar. Gajeel twirled his small wife and she laughed at Gajeel's failed attempts to be smooth after all these years. Lyon and Meredy were swaying to a rock beat—unusual type of dance for something so high energy—until Lyon pecked Meredy on the lips and simply embraced her. Gray was doing all he could to keep an intoxicated Juvia from stripping and if jealousy could murder, he would have killed a dozen men for ogling at his wife as she had torn off of her shirt for the evening and exposed her bra.

Lucy and Natsu simply watched the festivities, Lucy on a stool while Natsu hugged her for behind and laid his chin on her shoulder. His scarf was wrapped around the pair of them, but Lucy had been gifted his jacket for warmth on this cold, autumn night.

"Hey, Lucy?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks."

Lucy looked up at her husband. "For what, Natsu?"

"For always believing I would come back to you," Natsu told her, "even if I don't deserve it."

Lucy pressed a smile and a kiss into his cheek. "I'll always believe in you and Fairy Tail," she murmured to him. "And you want to know why?"

Natsu adjusted himself so he could look down at his mate, his queen. "Why?"

"Because you believe in me," Lucy whispered like it was a secret.

Natsu purred at that and his hand came up to his scarf to shield the lower half of their faces. "You know it, Lucy," he murmured before he leaned down, their eyes closing in-sync as they kissed behind the scarf of their early years.

Snow Fairy

( Why? Why? Why? )

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Somewhere, in the distant past…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The room was quaint like and regal like it was fit for a king or a friend of the king. The ornate carpet and trimmings and the overly lavish seating and puffy bed—it had all the makings of high wealth. The smell was something that made it known this room was cleaned and kept well.

A gentle hand came to the teacup and brought it up to lips. "And you are sure of it?"

A nod. "Yes," came feminine confirmation. "My mother told me the story and I followed up in asking those who were there that day."

The teacup was brought down. "I see." A hand was splayed onto a book and effectively covered the words of the title. Maybe there was a tad of wistfulness in the absent gesture. "You must be desperate to tell me a Clan secret."

"I am desperate." The tone was snappish, but not offended. "Every day, Acnologia grows stronger and threatens to bring a new age of chaos. We have to stop him before it's too late and this is our only chance."

"You do realize he doesn't care about humans." A reminder as the hand slipped to the binding of a well-written book on its way to becoming a novel. "It's the Dragon Race he wants completely destroyed."

A twitch of hands and the glint of keys, golden and silver. "And in his efforts to kill every last Dragon, he will kill hundreds to thousands of humans. Countries." A firm hiss to emphasis the dire times unwanted but coming. "I refuse to let that happen."

A contemplative nod. "I understand and I admire how far you are willing to go to save humankind. We're a lot alike, you know. We're willing to do whatever it takes to protect what needs to be protected." The hand grasped the book and settled it onto a lap.

"There's just a flaw in our plan. My mother clearly sourced the power for this gate with deities. Gods won't help us. Humans are left to solve this, but I don't have the type of strength it would take to summon deity spirits."

A hint of a smile. "If you're worried about Magic Power, don't. I can easily fix that problem. Just give me some more time—a couple of days—before I present the solution."

A full smile without teeth, a pleased one. "I'll be back in a week to come visit you then." The chair scraped and keys jingled.

"Very well," came acceptance. "I'll keep out of your way during your lessons. Let me know if he gives you any trouble. He's a work-in-progress."

A snorting laugh. "He's full of energy. It makes sense Igneel would be the one to shape him and father him. Speaking of that arrogant king, I have a meeting with him later today. He said it was rather serious."

"Well, I won't keep you." Smile widening, no teeth to show, but friendliness ghosting it. "I'll see you in a week."

A dip of the head, a jingle of keys, and a flutter of a cloak. Footsteps came and went as the door opened and shut.

A sigh. "I'll have to check to see if there's any Maginium left. There should be some back at the academy. I'll just have to use persuasion to get any and force if necessary." The hand stroked the cover. "Hold on a little longer. Soon, you'll be ready." The hand moved to reveal the title:

END

"Soon…"—red eyes glinted in anticipation—"Etherious Natsu Dragneel."

°•°•°•°

Don't say goodbye!

Gale and Galileo led the trumpets and strings and flutes into the last run of the song before they landed on their first chord. With a harsh cue from Olivia and the conductor, everyone accented their last down beat with the stage flashing its bright colors. Breaths ripped off the Fairy Tail Mages as sweat beaded down their face and frazzled their hair. Gale had thrown his head back with his hand holding his pick in the air when his hand curved in the infamous signal of Fairy Tail.

Cries and shouts of all kind flooded the plaza as confetti canons shot off. The rock band all straightened and took a bow before Gale put a hand on his mic. "Let's hear it for the orchestra and our composers of the night!"

The conductor had his orchestra rise alongside Thirteen and Vinyl and they bowed at the face of their applause. The conductor had them sit as the reprise started up from the chorus and the rock band followed in suit.

Gale waved at the audience. "Thank you for coming out, Margaret Town! Good night!"

The crowd cheered for that as another round of fireworks lit the sky in commemoration of the last moments of Thanksgiving Day.

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

Wow! Everything finally turned out okay in both the past and the present and things are certainly looking up for the future! Make sure you tune in to the next Fairy Adventure to find out what type of future is in store for our heroes!

---

Chibi-Lance is taking over the class today with his name neatly written on the board. "Good day, class," he greets.

"Hello, Mister Dreyar," the students greet back respectfully.

"I'm your substitute for today," Chibi-Lance tells them. "Since the arc is over and our principal has been going through a lot, we're doing a study hall today," he says, apologetic. "Your teacher will be back soon once the principal and her sit down for their future lesson plans, but, please, bear with us!"

As the students whisper and mumble about their theories on the next lesson and the principal's whereabouts while taking out reading materials, one student dares to ask, "What about the next episode? Aren't you going to announce it?"

Chibi-Lance winces. "We'll be taking a mild break before our next arc with some filler episodes," he explains. As he hears groans, he speaks, "Don't worry. Our principal made sure these filler episodes would be enticing. She said she had a couple of spin-offs she had written the pilots for and dedication episodes, so hopefully, you'll like them!"

"Is she taking requests?" comes another question and soon, students are falling over themselves with suggestions and declarations of idea for the next episode.

Chibi-Lance pipes them down with a hand meant for silence. "She might be, but you'll have to email her directly to make sure," he tells everyone. "She has a lot going on, so she may not respond for a couple of days. From what I do know, she promises to do her best on these fillers and the next arc. We'll get to see a lot more exploration on new relationships, side characters, and even touch with an OVA she's been planning with the assistant principal and board of education!" Whispers of excitement float around the room as Chibi-Lance whips out his PAL. "So, if you're interested, let's start theorizing what this first filler episode could be… And, I'll see you next time!"