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!

44. Adventure 044

Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail nor any work professional associated with it. All original plots and characters are mine.

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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.

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Last time, on Fairy Adventure, things got pretty crazy at the Festival of Gratitude in Margaret Town. Bluenote Stinger was back with a vengeance and turned into a super baddie called a 'Warlock' to take over Margaret and the Guardians who watched over it. Luna and Gale were shot back in the past to meet some well-needed allies to stop Bluenote's plan of having the Guardians wreak havoc. Meanwhile, Team Gray Jaguar—Gajeel's old task force—showed up to help save the day with Fairy Tail and Lamia Scale to rescue their guildmates. T'oree and Cade took a wild adventure in space to meet some fairy friends too. All-in-all, the festival was saved and the Guardians were restored—even if Gale and Igneel aren't too thrilled at the new friends Mary Jane and Luna made. Still, all's well that ends well and it looks like a new chapter's turned for our fairies!

"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…we turn up the volume and let the world know we lived…!"

Gale's right—they should celebrate both life and death! Let's just hope this next arc isn't as dark as the one before...

---

Chibi-Nashi appears with her tongue out and a peace sign. "Hi, kids! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure? Remember, when it comes to reading, leave a little light on to not hurt your eyes! This arc may have some themes that may upset some readers. While this arc is necessarily due to the development, please don't feel like you have to read the following episodes! I'll come back to warn you if a scene may become too explicit! You'll see this symbol."

She points at the symbol X - X - X - X - X.

She waves. "Thanks! Enjoy the new episode!"

---

December's winter had settled upon the land in terms of snow and brittle air. Once winter filled your lungs, it burned them icily and stung your nose when you exhaled it. A doe and her mate had curled under a coniferous with the stag keeping his female warm. A well-sized pond had been frozen through and through. The fish happily swam beneath, but with ice and snow caked on top of their home, they would not see the sun for weeks. There was a quiet calm about this place. Something about it made it the perfect place to just…be.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Somewhere in Northern Fiore…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Two explorers had ventured into this natural place of peace. Their tent was warm and their fire roaring. They had dug and cut through the snow and ice respectively to fish when needed, but they had all they wanted for now. Amateur photographers in their indie team with big dreams ahead of them. Their shots today were good enough for stock photos at best. Maybe they could sell it to a nature magazine, but nothing worthy for a gallery. They were different in their sizes with one freakishly taller over the other while the shorter had more muscle, but their eye for photography was the same.

The taller one was enjoying their cooked fish when the shorter came out of the tent, bundled up and with a hot mug of tea. "Got an email back from an editor," the shorter one told. "Looks like those last couple we sent can sell for some decent cash, but nothing over-the-top."

"Well, no shit," the taller deadpanned. "Like, I'm glad Meg told us about this place because it's beautiful and all, but I feel like we're not capturing the images right or something."

The shorter one plopped down and warmed his gloved hands near the fire. "Yeah. Our groove is thrown off." He grinned and nudged his partner. "I'm blaming you since you got the two of us shitfaced at your sister's party, asshole."

The taller one snorted. "Yeah. Whatever." His Compact pinged and he looked at the message. Eyebrows raised, he got up. "Need to take a piss. Don't let the fire die out." He stomped through the snow.

"Better not jack off, jerk-off!" his friend called. "You thought your tongue stuck to a pole is bad?"

"Shut up!" the taller one said, waving a dismissive hand. The trek to the woods was not far. The tree had been tapered in ice, but there was no sign of life for miles. He took off one glove, but he concentrated more on his Compact. Nude photos had appeared on his messaging app with only one text message.

« Does Sir miss me? »

He grinned and could feel his body warm at the next image sent to him. He sent a quick text back.

« Just seeing you that desperate is so hot, baby »

« I want to see you touch yourself. Show me how wet you are »

A FaceCall came through and he accepted it without flaw. He groaned when he heard the squishy sounds and breathy moans and the video he was receiving was even more pleasurable. Unable to help himself, he unzipped his pants to palm himself. "You filthy slut," he moaned for her. "You're making me jack off in the middle of the woods when you touch yourself like that."

"I want Sir here," she pleaded in breathy wish.

"You'll have me when I get back," he promised. "I wish you were here right now to suck me off."

"What if I was?"

His head snapped open to see her in front of him, sheer robe the only thing keeping her from the cold. Her thick hair was untamed and her smile was delicious. He opened his mouth as questions needed to be asked, but a deep groan came out the second she sunk to her knees before him to play. Hand knotting in her hair, he forced her mouth to kiss him. "Good girl," he breathed. "That's it. Play with Sir."

"Yes, sir," came obedient whisper.

He did not notice his Compact disintegrated from his hand. He noticed when his underwear was shoved aside for him to be exposed. He did not notice his winter clothes were gone. He noticed how hot her tongue was. He did not notice how the forest was gone and a bedroom appeared. He noticed how perfect her hair was for him to control. He did not notice something pure and light escaped his mouth. He noticed when she bobbed him into her throat. He did not notice her hair changed to dark brunette and her eyes were wide open and a burnt orange. He noticed when her pumping went faster and deeper and wetter until…

He let go with a sharp heave.

She let him go with a tittering hum and a lick of her lips. A drop nearly fell from her mouth, but she wiped it away with sharp nails. She watched him, lying on a hotel bed with hazy, lust-driven eyes and nothing more, no recognition, no worry, no panic. He was so willing and so…naïve.

She brushed back her hair with a smirk. "Zuzu," she called. "I've got another toy for Daddy to play with."

Darkness slunk into the room to take the form of a monstrous panther. Clouded eyes, horns, and twin tails along with claws that marked the floor every paw step differentiated it from its brethren. It sniffed the human and disgust made its nose wrinkle.

"Oh, don't be like that, Zuzu," she cooed as she got up. When she smoothed her hands over her hair, darkness climbed up her body to forge a blood-red salsa dress and killer red heels. Her hair was swept to the side, but it did not hide her eyes. No, her eyes brightened in excitement, the dangerous kind.

Her hand reached to pet the panther but it snapped at her. She merely chortled. "Just bring him to Daddy to play with. I need to go back on that stupid planet and get the other one, then play the part of concerned girlfriend and file one of those report things." She adjusted the top of the dress as she strutted away. "Orias had her fun for the last time and those Hunters are so…depressing. This time, it's my turn."

And she shut the door on her way out.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ah utsukushii sekai

Utsukushii mirai

Utsukushii kehai no suru sono saki wa

Subarashii sedai

Subarashii kitai

Subarashii sekai

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

BANG.

Igneel kicked the doors of the Fairy Tail Guild open with his victorious grin and his oversized pack on his shoulders. Luke looked ready to for a much-needed nap while Luna was perky with Icarus faithfully at her side. Ena flaked the snow off her hat with a disdainful look at Silver. What was surprising was the edition of Happy.

"We're home…!" Igneel roared.

The guild was busy today. The earliest weeks into December were normally the busiest as everyone tried to dash out on extra job requests to make some quick jewel, but today was one of those rare days everyone wanted to enjoy the guild atmosphere. Romeo and Asuka looked up from their conversation to welcome the three Dragneels and Nab, busy eyeing requests, took the time to shoot them a smile. Comments were thrown their way as they went to the bar, all welcoming them home. Mira and Orochi paused during their bar duties to wave at the incoming team.

As Igneel passed by a table close to the bar, Cane had taken to playing a sleight-of-hand game with another boy his age as they broke bread together. The kid was odd with his shades and the dangling feathered earring on his right ear. He sported barely-there freckles and a headband wrapped around his forehead showcased his parted-down-the-middle fading blue-blonde hair. He looked up at Igneel and his team and called, "Yo. You guys actually catch the bad guys this time?"

⌜FAIRY TAIL

Name: Eiji "Dash" Ackermann

Age: 17

Occupation: Mage

Magic: Inertia and Impulse

Likes: getting high Dislikes: sweet potatoes

Special Note: Dash is the son of Jet, even if the two of them don't look alike! Dash's Magic allows him to control, alter, and even resist any type of speed or motion! They call him 'Speed Force'!⌟

Igneel gave a cheery grin and a thumbs-up as the rest of his team went to the bar. "Nope! They got away! Just like our reward!"

Luke splayed himself on the bar. "Hnnn," he groaned. "And I still have homework I don't want to do…!"

Luna settled beside her brother with Icarus' head resting in her lap. "You normally get it done earlier," she pointed out. "Isn't our semester over?"

Luke sulked. "Sensei does year-round teaching, so I have some stupid paper to write. Eleven pages. Single-spaced." He practically melted at the stress. "This is going to be a nightmare!"

"Well, Paige's nightmare already came true." Ena huffed as she dug through her bag to get out her sketchpad. Her eyes flicked over to where Silver tried his hand at flirting with Paige who looked ready to bolt. Eye roll. "Honestly. I feel like he's harassing her. Stalker."

Igneel plopped next to his brother and nearly choked him with the force of his arm wrapping around his neck. "C'mon, dude, lighten up! Live a little! Exams are over, we kicked some major ass, and we got to spend some quality time with our favorite sister!"

Orochi grinned as he came over with Igneel's usual. "All right. What's actually making you happy?" he had to know.

Luke shoved his brother's arm off him with a grunt. "He's been bouncing off the walls since we came home from Margaret since Mary Jane's been trying to make it up to him." With a roll his eyes, he muttered his thanks when Orochi served him his favorite. "She has some twisted notion she needs to be, like, a maid or something and he's happily going along with it."

Luna frowned at that and offered Igneel a warning look. "Don't take advantage of Mary Jane's kindness," she scolded him.

Igneel swallowed his mouthful of food to scowl. "I'm not! It's just nice we get to hang out a lot more and she doesn't say 'no' all the time!"

Ena kept drawing her new design. "But don't you find that a little weird? That she doesn't say 'no'? It's like she has it in her mind that she can't say 'no' or something."

At that, Igneel's scowl dropped into a thoughtful frown. He remembered the look on Mary Jane's face at the festival's finale when she saw the text on her Compact. "Maybe she's trying to change," he put out there more to convince himself than to convince Ena. Shrugging, he shoveled the rest of the food into his mouth. "Either way, I promised I'd come see her when I got home. She told me she had some important news she's been wanting to tell me, but she didn't want to tell me while we were studying for finals in our tutoring sessions."

Cane and Dash welcomed themselves to the conversation. As Cane ordered some whiskey, Dash shot Igneel a look. "I could've sworn that, even though Luke is the valedictorian, you were both nerds," he mentioned, lifting an eyebrow.

"Apparently, Igneel needed some help in chemistry," Luna told Dash with a shake of her head. She smiled as she handfed Icarus some fries from her basket.

Cane barked a laugh. "Bullshit! Says the guy who took online college chem classes and labs during the summer!" The grin was infectious. "Wow. I mean, yeah, I've used the 'Want to help me in said class?' line before, but I didn't think you'd be pulling that one out on poor virgin Mary—or that she'd buy your bullshit pick-up line."

Igneel had the audacity to blush. "The refresher course was nice," he confessed. "Besides, I helped MJ too." At that, he puffed his chest and looked so proud of himself. "She needed help in algebra—!"

"You added the bed, subtracted her clothes, divided her legs, and then multiplied?" Dash joshed heartily. Earning a chortle from Luke and Cane and disgust from Luna and Ena, Dash was really amused at Igneel's flushed face. He leaned an arm on Igneel's shoulder. "And here I thought little Iggy didn't have what it took to jack off to or get with the Caucasian Persuasion."

With a growl, Igneel shrugged Dash off him. "MJ and I aren't like that," he retorted. "I'd never do that with her!"

"You have to admit she's pretty nice to look at," Cane confessed. "Even Jax admitted if he wasn't with Tesla, he would've tried getting a date with her."

"She is pretty…"

Igneel looked at his twin in betrayal. "Dude!"

Luke shrugged, not seeing the problem. "What? She is!" he said in defense of his words. "Stop glaring at me! Even when she was angry at pretty much everything, she was really pretty."

"She had such a badass hot to her," Dash praised. "Now that she's gone Catholic, she has that cute innocence. She's like the librarian, but, underneath, she's a—"

Igneel got off the stool with a scowl on his face and money left on the counter. "I don't need to listen to this," he spat and stomped away.

"You guys are disgusting," Ena shamed. "I get Mary Jane's attractive, but did you really have to push him and sound like asses?"

Dash could not care less Ena was disappointed in him. "Igneel's great and all, but he's totally oblivious when it comes to the whispers of the heart," he explained. "Hasn't anyone else seen Jane hanging out with some guy around town? From the way I saw them, they looked pretty close…"

Cane dug his hands in his pockets. "Dude's gotta realize if he doesn't watch it, he'll be in the friend zone," he commented. "If he does have a thing for her like it seems he does, he needs to make his move now—"

"Why do you guys care?"

Dash and Cane looked at Luke. His hands gripped the counter with unimaginable anger.

"What's it to you what he and Mary Jane do?" Luke gritted out. "Does it really matter they're just friends? What if being in the friendzone is all Igneel has? What if he wasn't oblivious but he was helpless? Then what?" His shoulders tensed. "Don't talk about him like you know him. You don't. Leave his and Mary Jane's friendship alone." He stood up and hastily left a couple of jewel. As he shouldered back on his backpack, he muttered, "Sometimes being someone's friend is all you can do to not be nothing." He stormed away at that.

Happy frowned and laid on Luna's head. "That didn't go too well…"

Luna sighed, "Aye, sir." She watched Luke leave the same way as Igneel. Hmmm… I wonder what Luke meant.

As Luna was quickly invested in Ena's designing process, Dash ordered a strong drink. Icarus put his front paws onto the counter for a treat of his own and Lacrima-Vision news continued to play. It was a news station with the female anchors covering a missing person story.

"When we come back, we'll be discussing the case around the disappearance of Yoshino and Shiyuu Tagawara from Nanulu Village and their abandonment of their children as investigators have theorized their disappearance is no simple disappearance but a kidnapping," the female anchor in blaring red announced. "Stick around. I'm Kellie Meghan from FNN. We'll talk more when we get back."

The logo for the news station cut to break instantly with the commercial for it being about the Lucky Duck Casino.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 044

Winter's New Adventure

新しい章が展開します！どんな冬になりますか？

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"No!"

"But you said you would!"

"He's so gross-looking!"

"Not my problem!"

The bar-and-grill restaurant was jammed packed on a Friday like this one. At this time of year, basketball was the Spiritless sport in the season while a wizarding sport similar to basketball and croquette was in season and on all the big screens. The wait had gone from a simple ten minutes to a thirty-forty-five-minute wait. Luckily, Dazzler had called ahead for the group had gotten together where the table was half booth and half chairs. Mystogan had dove into his cake with vigor and an elated blush on his cheeks. Aine stuck to her brother's side per his request and engaged in avid conversation with T'oree while Lance looked thoroughly interested in Ace's knowledge of anime (Justin preened that Lance liked him) but Lance and Aine's eyes would find each other's every once and a while. Mustang was on his third beer and going strong as he watched the argument between Cade and Dazzler erupt.

Dazzler sat back in her chair with a huff. "Next guy," she bargained. "I'll make out with the next guy."

"What was wrong with the last guy?" Cade demanded to know.

"He had a wife!" Dazzler cried. "And he looked like he could've been my great uncle twice removed and excommunicated from the Church!"

Gary snorted in his drink. "Glad to see you have your priorities straight, Sparkles," he teased his best friend. "Not becoming a homewrecker takes precedence over becoming a sugar baby. Well done."

Dazzler punched Gary's shoulder from across the table and gave him the finger before turning back to argue with Cade.

Gary chuckled and finished his gulp when his eyes went to Nashi. She had joined them on their excursion for a late lunch and finished her food, but her eyes were on her Compact. He peered over to catch a glimpse of her reading a news article on two photographers who went missing some time ago. "You're so bored you're reading the news?"

Nashi was startled at Gary's close words and offered a sheepish smile of apology. "Sorry," she mumbled as she put away her Compact. "Not bored, I promise. Shinagawa sent me—"

"Shinagawa?"

"Tai." At Gary's confused look, Nashi sighed. "Taichi Shinagawa? He goes to Mon Shiro with Mitchie. He sent me a link to the article was all."

Gary cocked an eyebrow. "And you decided to read it now." Not a question. A straight fact.

Now at this, Nashi blushed. "Sorry," she mumbled again.

Gary set down his drink to wrap his arm around her shoulder. His mouth came close to her ear and murmured, "If you're uncomfortable, we can leave. I know you've been avoiding hanging out with my group because of Sparkles—"

Nashi shrugged off his arm, but since she did not look up, she could not see his frown. "Give me some credit. I'm over it. It's been two weeks. It's fine, I'm fine, we're fine."

"You're not, though," Gary pointed out. "We can go if you don't…" His eyes followed Nashi when she stood up. "Angel?"

Hesitant smile. "Excuse me." Nashi dipped out of the booth. With some direction, she found herself in the secluded women's lavatory. She barred herself in a stall with her back pressed against the coolness of the metal door. Deep breaths. In. Out.

What am I doing?

Nashi looked down at her sleeping Compact. Ever since we came home, it's been different between Gary and me. We still fight, even if he doesn't take me seriously, but it's…different. I wanted this to be just sex, but we've been coming over each other's houses and get food together and watch movies and now…this?

She brushed her bangs back and closed her eyes. "What are you doing, you stupid girl?" she breathed.

THWOP.

Nashi stalled when she heard the bathroom door open.

Please don't be her, Universe. Just let me sit here in peace.

"Nashi?"

This voice surprised her. "Aine?" She unlocked the bathroom stall to see Aine waiting for her, sympathy openly in her kobicha eyes. Nashi shuffled and toyed with a lock of hair. "Hey. Sorry. Did you need this stall?"

Aine shook her head. "Why don't we sit down and you tell me what's the matter?" she suggested. She corralled Nashi to the empty wall for them to sit against.

Nashi, mindful of her skirt even if she wore tights underneath, swept her knees below her chin. "I want to say, 'it's nothing', but it's not," she muttered. Eyes glancing at Aine. Watching. Observing. Cautious. "How much do you know?"

Aine's smile was bittersweet at best. "You're talking to a person who has to hide her relationship from her own brother." A shake of the head. Fingers comb through hair like a tick, an irritated tick. "Trust me. I know what it's like, Nashi, and I know how to see it."

Nashi's drawn sigh was forlorn. "It's just I… I don't know what I'm doing. It's cheesy to say, but I honestly don't. I told him I don't want a relationship and I don't. So, then, why are we kind of acting like we are in one?" she questioned aloud. "This…thing is becoming something I didn't sign up for."

"But it's nice, isn't it?"

Nashi looked at Aine to see the oldest Fernandes sister was looking at the opposite wall in a type of fondness like her mind swam with memories. "It's nice when it's the two of you together and your heartbeat's a little faster and you feel so safe when you two cuddle," Aine mentioned. "It feels nice to just be wherever you are with him. You didn't sign up for it—I know—but you can always sign up for it now. It's never too late."

Hickory sullen, Nashi shook her head. "No," she whispered. "He'll move on when he realizes I've got nothing but emotional baggage."

"And you?"

Nashi lowered her head. "I'll be fine on my own. I'll survive."

"'Surviving' doesn't always mean 'living'," Aine reminded. She touched her heart. "I'm not saying this for pity or anything, but with everything that's going on with me, you find out pretty quickly the difference between those two words."

Now Nashi felt like a bitch. "I'm sorry—!"

"I didn't say that to make you feel bad," Aine assured. "Nashi, we're all pretty young to really understand our lives and ourselves. You don't have to have the answers to everything all the time."

"Yeah, but look at you and Lance!" Nashi objected.

"We're that one-percent all romantic books and movies extort," Aine laughed. "And we are not perfect. And we are not you and Gary. It's up to you to decide on your life and your actions. You can't decide for Gary. You can't decide for him to sleep with someone else because you have it in your head he'll run off to an 'easier woman'. Only he can decide that."

Nashi groaned as she pulled at her sweater. "Ellie and Justin were right," she lamented. "Sleeping together complicates things."

Aine chuckled and tried to get up. Almost instantly, the wind was knocked out of her and she fell. Nashi was quick to help her back up. She could feel the shake in Aine's hands. "Aine?"

Aine smiled, but it was weaker, less bright. "Sorry. I've been feeling a little faint lately. Mind helping me back to the table?"

Nashi agreed. Helping her hobble out of the restroom area and back to the table was the easy part. Aine tried to separate before Mystogan could see her, but it was too late. The second he saw Aine leaning on Nashi, he got up to help escort her with Lance tensing like he just wanted to leap out of his seat and carry her.

"Are you okay?" Mystogan worried. "What happened?"

When Aine sat, she assured her brother with a smile. "It's fine, Misty. I just got up too fast and made myself dizzy."

Mystogan pressed his lips together. "You should be more careful," he scolded. "Did you take your medication today?"

Something in Mystogan's tone irked Aine. "I did," she responded with cold bite. "I think I'm a little bit too old for a helicopter parent, Mystogan. Why not focus that attention on Ena? You know, your other younger sister?" She picked up her drink.

"Ena's fine," Mystogan pointed out. "You're sick, Aine, you need to be more—"

"What I need for you is to understand I'm an adult," Aine finally snapped. "Mom understands that and respects that. Everyone does except you. And let's not forget the fact that while you're so busy worrying about me and teaching and being an S-Class idiot, you don't even have the time for the one person who really needs you."

Lance eyed Aine warily. "Aine…"

"Who are you talking about?" Mystogan questioned. "Mom is fine, Luke is doing well—"

Aine abruptly got up and hurried to get on her jacket. "I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you." She got out her wallet and pulled out enough jewel for her meal. "Just know you're turning into a royal idiot, Oberon, and I'm not going to sit here and listen to how unbelievably stupid you are." She threw down her money, grabbed her purse and hat, and stormed away like a Valkyrie.

Mystogan was left so gobsmacked at Aine's behavior, it did not resonate Lance was hurrying after her.

Nashi had slid back into the booth beside Gary with some distance between them. She watched out the window as Aine broke free of the restaurant. Lance stepped out and grabbed her wrist, begging her to keep her calm. Aine shook her head when she began to cough. Lance tried to help her, but Aine dismissed him and stumbled off somewhere. Not without Lance following her.

"Looks like things don't change."

Nashi looked at Gary as he looked out the window as well. He told her, "Aine and Misty have been at it like this ever since Aine turned seventeen. Misty thinks he needs to be her protector because of her conditions and never lets up. Aine and Master have been trying to steer that energy into him and Ena, but no bite."

Nashi thought that over. "Ena doesn't seem too unhappy Misty isn't that mindful of her."

Gary shrugged. "I think she is but secretly. She's too stubborn like Misty to admit she wants her brother around. That's one of the reasons Mary Jane got so much attention. Lance was so afraid he'd neglect her."

"So he smothered her until she snapped." A sigh escaped Nashi as she leaned a cheek on a propped hand.

Troubled blues watched Nashi's expression. "Everything okay, Angel?"

Nashi exhaled through her nose. "Yeah. I think I'm going to go."

Worried filled Gary as Nashi shuffled for her wallet. "Don't worry about paying," he hastily dismissed. He got up too. "I'll walk you home."

"I'm not going home," Nashi said crisply.

"Okay. I'll walk you—"

"I don't need an escort," Nashi snapped as she zipped up her coat. "I don't want to owe you anything."

Irritation bubbled inside Gary. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nashi made sure to set money down for her food and tip. "Nothing. I'm leaving." She walked off as she put on her hat.

Gary had half a mind to chase her, but with how annoyed he was and the stubbornness Nashi had, he knew it was pointless. He sank down into the booth as Dazzler watched Nashi leave with sad eyes.

"Did she leave because of me?" Dazzler asked softly.

Justin piped up. "Can you blame her? You did make her out to be a slut."

"I didn't call her that!" Dazzler defended herself. Then, she winced. "But I guess I get it. I didn't think she'd want to be around me right away."

Justin shot Gary an accusatory look. "Why did you bring her when she clearly didn't want to be here? Are you that blind?"

Ace tried to calm his boyfriend. "Justin—"

Justin held a finger to Ace for quiet, but his eyes were pinned on Gary. "You can't expect Nashi to bounce back like that. When she told me you invited her to Ace's meet and greet dinner, I was shocked you thought that was okay. You should've let her come to you. You've been in love with this girl for how long? It's disappointing you can't even tell when she's looking for an exit."

Gary bristled. "Don't—"

"Gare-bare," Dazzler cut in, "I have to side with Justin on this one. I know you want all of us to get along, but I said something hurtful to Nashi. Let her breathe a bit. I regret what I said, but I can't take it back. Understand that."

Gary frowned. "I do get that," he reluctantly admitted. "Now I feel like an ass for bringing her."

Justin was already on his Compact. "I sent a PSA to our sister squad. She'll be fine, no thanks to you."

"Baby, he learned his lesson," Ace soothed, kissing Justin's cheek. "Hindsight is twenty-twenty. Let it go, okay? For me?"

Justin closed his eyes as Ace placed a kiss closer to his lips. "Whatever," he supposed. "Listen and listen well hetero: Nashi is like a sister to both Chi-Chi and me and neither of us wants to see her get hurt. She's had enough of that." He opened his eyes. "Knowing her, she's probably left for her family's treehouse."

Gary's face scrunched in confusion. "Treehouse?"

Justin shrugged. "Family secret where it is," he told him. "It's like a safe haven for the Dragneel kids. Ell-bell and I have been there a couple of times. If you really want to be the guy you want to be with her, I'd start walking if I were you. Get my baby her comfort food. Recommend you both watch that spirit movie she loves so much."

Gary slowly got on his jacket, but he had to ask. "If you're so angry at me, why help me?"

"Because," Justin breathed, "once upon a time, Nashi wanted a prince to chase after her. I highly doubt you can live up to a prince, but maybe she'll be okay with a Devil."

---

Igneel marched along Calabash Avenue. The neighbors' pets knew him well. He stopped to pet Cheeto, an outdoor Calico cat. One family had a full-grown Glacuimiho that had finally trusted Igneel and his heated pets. Some of the neighbors had come out to thank him once again for paving their driveways with his Magic or babysitting their darling kids after their school days. But even as he smiled, he could not forget what happened at the guild.

MJ is really… Well, she's more than pretty. She's beautiful. Doesn't mean everyone has to talk about it.

Igneel found himself passing the Takanashi's when their old dog slowly came out of the house and Igneel met him halfway to give the good boy a rub between the ears and a smile.

"Hey boy," Igneel greeted. "Glad to see winter couldn't kick you down." He got a low woof at that.

"Oh, Igneel, are you here for Mary Jane?"

Igneel looked up to see Misses Takanashi. "Yeah," he chirped. "She said to come over once I got home. Said it was important."

"Oh! Well, we won't keep you!" Misses Takanashi shooed him. "Go on now and get the girl."

Igneel blushed a little and mumbled out his gratitude before dashing away to the Dreyar Household. He made it the side of the house and, with Purple Flare on his hands, scaled the building. Getting into Mary Jane's room was never an issue. But, before he could open the window, he heard her talking.

"—telling him today," came sad promise. "I'm sure this is what I want to do. I can't…do this anymore, Peter."

Peter?

Igneel stopped.

"I know," Mary Jane lamented. "I know, but I just… Please, Peter…" A beat of pause. A breath of relief. "Thank you," she exhaled. A giggle. "You're funny." Another two beats. "Next Tuesday? Um… I'm not sure, why?"

Igneel knew where this was going and opened the window. He grinned when he saw Mary Jane startled at his entrance and said loudly, "Hey, MJ! I'm here!"

Mary Jane hurriedly said into her Compact, "Talk to you later. Bye!" As soon as she hung up, she placed a hand over her racing heart. "We have a front door." A fact. A point.

Igneel was careful to not get his shoes on the bed and landed on the floor. "But the window is easier."

Mary Jane did not even try to understand that logic as she sat at her desk to calm herself. "How was the job?"

"Pretty fun!" Igneel finished kicking off his shoes and shimmying off his gear to kick back and relax in her bed. "The bad guys were lame, but I got to let off some steam. Didn't get a reward, but hey, Lu's really improved on her skills! Ma and Pops and Master have been working with her to catch her up on her martial arts and…" He turned his head to see Mary Jane staring at the floor. "MJ?" He sat up. "Something wrong?"

A quick smile was whipped up for Mary Jane. "No, no, sorry! Everything's fine!"

Igneel groaned. "MJ…!" He dragged himself from the bed and to Mary Jane with no shame pulling her off the desk chair and into the bed. She did not fight him as he laid down and made her do the same. "Be honest with me," he pleaded. "Best friends don't tell lies."

Even if I'm living one.

Mary Jane's eyes softened. "But you won't like the truth."

Igneel's gaze was searching. "What's going on?" he murmured. "These past two weeks, you've been great, but I know you've been talking to Master a lot. What gives?"

Surprise smothered Mary Jane. "You noticed that?"

Igneel looked at her like she was out of her mind. "Well, yeah. C'mon, MJ, I notice you all the time!" He realized how his words sounded and his face reddened. "I mean, like, I watch you and…!" At Mary Jane's giggling, Igneel grabbed a pillow and hit her lightly. "Don't laugh at me!" he complained. He pressed the pillow to his face, abashed. "MJ is mean!"

Mary Jane sighed, still chuckling. "Sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel embarrassed. I'm happy to have a friend like you who cares so much." Her eyes dropped and her smile was lost. "But I'm not sure you'll want to be my friend after this…"

Igneel slowly pried the pillow away to give her a worried look. He watched as she sat up. "MJ…?"

Mary Jane's shoulders drooped. "It's been on my mind since the festival in Margaret. For some reason, I… I couldn't use Magic. My static was a fluke—I… I couldn't cast a spell to save my life or Luna's."

Igneel angled himself to put his head in her lap and a hand on her cheek. "Don't beat yourself up about it," he soothed. "It happens all the time. Sometimes, Mages freeze up so bad that casting a spell is impossible."

"Maybe," Mary Jane supposed. "Or maybe…it's my punishment for being a horrible person all these years."

Igneel's face hardened. "Don't even say that," he scolded. "It was just a fluke, MJ. It'll pass."

Mary Jane swallowed. "It was the push I needed to realize something is wrong with me."

At that, Igneel's concern was overbearing. He sat up to look at her, really watch her. "MJ… What's going on? What were you and Master talking about?"

Mary Jane closed her eyes and a tear slipped out. "I've decided I'm renouncing my guild mark and leaving Fairy Tail." She wiped away another tear, but there was more falling. Too many to wipe away. Too many. "I can't be in this guild anymore, Igneel. I've hurt too many people. I can't feel my Magic like I used to. It's a sign. It's a sign I don't deserve Magic." She held her acorn button charm tightly. "I don't deserve to be in Fairy Tail, so I've decided…I'll be leaving it."

"No."

Mary Jane's eyes shot open and darted to Igneel. A neutral expression slipped over his face. "What?"

Igneel snorted. "I said, 'no'."

Mary Jane backpedaled. "Wha—?"

Igneel leaned forward. "You called me out on my bullshit a couple of months ago about me running away from my problems," he recalled. "So I'm returning the favor and I reject your resignation from Fairy Tail."

Mary Jane spluttered at that. "W-Well, it's not up to you." Her voice shook, but she found it and she needed to be brave. "I already spoke with Master about the paperwork and she—"

"Never signed them." Igneel cracked his knuckles and offered her a wild grin. "C'mon now. Did you really think I'd let you walk out like this?"

Mary Jane was completely lost. "Excuse me?"

"You're not as sneaky as you make yourself out to be, you weirdo," Igneel had to confess. "Morning after the finale, I had that feeling you would do something stupid. Before we left your hotel room that day, you wanted to tell me you were planning to leave the guild." He wrinkled his nose. "Lu ruined it, but I'm glad she did. She bought me some time."

"'Time'?" Mary Jane felt like an idiot just parroting a word, but she was still in shock.

Igneel nodded. "Yep! Time! See, I met up with Master and your parents when we got home and told them you might do something crazy like want to leave Fairy Tail. Aunt Mira told me the story of her trying to leave Fairy Tail when she thought Aunt Lis died. Elfman blindsided her plans when he told Master Makarov, your gramps. He wasn't accepting Aunt Mira's resignation letter." He chortled. "From what I heard, he yelled at her about the amount of paperwork he'd have to fill out." His hand fused a ball of flames and he tossed it between hands. "Anyways, your parents and Master thought you'd do the same thing but held out hope you wouldn't. Even if you did try to leave, Master wouldn't sign off on the papers. And, since you did try, I guess I actually do have to step in."

Mary Jane's face was comically blank as she tipped her head. "Huh?"

Igneel caught the ball of flames. "MJ," he started, "I know you feel like you are to blame for everything—for Peter and me getting hurt and Luna and Elvin and everything else—but you're wrong about one thing—we don't blame you at all."

"But, how can't you?" Mary Jane finally pressed. "I was so mean and horrible and awful!"

Igneel snorted. "So you had an attitude problem. Didn't make you evil. It made you a tsundere," he pointed out. "No one but you is making yourself out to be a cause. You're a victim, not the symptom. You have to see that. And leaving Fairy Tail on a self-exile and atonement quest isn't going to solve anything. We already been there, read the arc, got the promotion and the fake fiancé."

Mary Jane bit her lip and eyes went to her lap. "I can't be in Fairy Tail," she tried to force him to understand. "My Magic, I… I can't…"

Igneel softened and stopped tossing his ball. "Your mom was part of your guild for years without using her Magic. Julia and Aine are members of Fairy Tail and they aren't registered Mages. You can still be with Fairy Tail and not be a Mage, if that's what you want. Hell, you can be a barmaid if you want to work that badly." He dissipated his ball to slip his hands atop Mary Jane's own. "Just don't walk away from Fairy Tail," he pleaded. "I know you love this guild. If it's the Magic part, I'll teach you the basics myself, but, please, MJ… I can't lose you."

Mary Jane's eyes widened when something tickled her mind. Why…does that sound so…?

She swallowed back the thought to raise her eyes. Scarlet-cerulean clashed with onyx. "You really did all that for me?" she whispered. "You'd really teach me?"

"You're my best friend, MJ. Of course I would," Igneel swore. He thought about it further. "Well, I guess you could say I'm pretty selfish. I mean, without you in the guild, I'd have no one to mess with or feed me, so I'm really more lookin' out for me than you..." When he saw Mary Jane's narrowed eyes, his grin was sheepish. "But I definitely did it for my bestie, honest." He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Just don't abuse your best friend privileges, okay?"

Mary Jane chuckled. "I won't." Her chuckles faded away as quickly as they came and her fingers threaded through his. "You're amazing, you know that?" she told him. "Looking back, you always knew me better than I knew myself. You're wise without anyone ever really knowing it and you always make people smile." Her eyes were gentle and fond. "I hope I can be just as incredible as you someday."

The pink on his cheeks was soft and he could feel his internal flames purr at the words. He snuffed out anything he felt for a cocky grin. "I'll have you know it takes years to get this awesome," he boasted. "Train hard with me and you might get a sliver of my awesomeness."

Mary Jane giggled. "Yes, Master," she teased.

Igneel was about to jest back when vibrations stopped them and an eerily familiar ringtone Igneel had begun to hate played.

"That must be Peter," Mary Jane realized. She tried to move her hands only for Igneel to tighten his grip. She lifted an eyebrow when his eyes averted from hers. "Igneel?"

"Can we stay like this for a little longer?" he asked, tone quiet and shy and tentative. His hand reached for his scarf to cover his mouth and cheeks, cover the blush spreading on his face. "I missed you a whole bunch while I was gone."

Mary Jane blinked her surprise at that. But her heart melted at Igneel's request and she nodded. "Sure. We can stay like this for a while," she agreed. Her eyes brightened. "Hey! I started watching that anime show you recommended! It was actually really good! I'm only on episode four. We could watch the rest together?"

Igneel beamed. "Sure! As long as you feed me!"

Mary Jane rolled her eyes playfully and led him off the bed. "Why don't you try cooking for a change?"

"Because I'd miss out on watching you do it better," Igneel said cheekily as he followed her out of the room and listened to her tinkling laugh—

—with her Compact forgotten.

---

Luna and Icarus took to wandering the streets of Magnolia as Luna finished off the last of her Christmas cookies and Icarus licked his chops from the delicious treat Mira had offered him. Dog Form, Icarus took, with his tail fluffy and curled in glee and his leash proudly sporting he belonged to Luna. He was too trained of a Spirit to sniff everything he came across and padded merrily. Luna was checking her Compact to see a new text from Bleu.

"Bleu was wondering why Mary Jane didn't pick up her Compact for Peter," Luna announced. "Should I tell him about Igneel?"

No. Let the matters between those three stay between those three, Icarus advised. He noticed something. You've grown close to Bleu.

Luna's smile was stupidly sweet. "I mean he's really cool," she had to give it to him. "He's cute and sweet. It sucks he lives a train ride away." She pouted. "Papa wouldn't let me go on a train for a boy. I could always take Nashi's broom…"

Focus on your studies, Pup, Icarus told her. You must train yourself hard. You have a lot of catching up to do with your pack. You're too young for a Male.

Luna scowled at that. I'll be fourteen soon, she sniffed at him.

And still a pup, Icarus reminded. I care for you, Pup, therefore, while having a simple fondness for a Male is acceptable, I wish for you to focus on yourself than another.

Mama said that too, Luna huffed. She told me crushes are fine, but she doesn't want me distracted. But what does she know?

Icarus' growl was stern and he slowed to nudge her leg in warning. Mother Star has seen much in her time, even if her cub doesn't understand that. Listen to her advice. She will guide you well. So will Father King.

Luna rolled her eyes. "More like they'll stop me from having fun," she muttered. After looking around, she noticed she was on a familiar cul-de-sac. She caught Gale walking out of Pizzeria Da Romo's in his uniform with his apron slung over his shoulders. A beam took over her face. "Hey, Ga—…"

The greeting fell off her lips when she saw he held the door open for another coworker, a girl his age with beautiful braids pulled into a high ponytail and her skin a darker shade than caramel with red undertones. The girl smiled up at Gale and mentioned something to him. He grinned and nudged her shoulder with his own as they laughed. He moved the two of them to the dried-out fountain and she linked his arm with hers.

Luna's beam slowly turned into a confused frown while Icarus watched Gale and the girl. A new friend? he supposed.

I've never met her before. Luna turned away when the girl swatted at Gale. Gale caught her wrist with a smug look and cooed something teasing at her. We should go.

Icarus led Luna away from the cul-de-sac. This next street was close to a man-made park that was raised higher than ground-level. Luna tightened her hand in Icarus' leash as they bypassed beautiful graffiti of the wall raising the park.

It's weird, Luna mentioned to Icarus. I guess I haven't talked to Gale all that much since we got back from Margaret. I'm glad he's happy though.

I feel you're lying, Pup, Icarus sighed. He hasn't replaced you with this new Female.

Luna blushed at being found out. I know that, she insisted. They just looked really close. I didn't want to interrupt them. I mean I thought he and Amber had some sort of thing or something.

I have seen this Amber and her Scent of Interest has focused on Eiji and Cane. Never Gale. Gale's Scent of Interest has never flickered with her.

"Blondie…! Hey…!"

Luna sighed. Maybe this new girl and him have a 'thing' going on. I just want him happy.

"Blondie! Wait up, dammit!"

Chocolate glistened. I—

"Luna Anna Heartfilia-Dragneel! Christ, that's a mouthful!"

Luna blinked and she and Icarus stopped. Their heads turned back to see Gale rushing to catch up with them. "Gale?"

Gale slowed it down to a walk by the time he got to the pair, panting out puffs of heated air. "Jesus, when I said, 'wait up', I didn't mean 'keep walking'," he laughed. "Didn't you hear me?" He eyed Icarus' Dog Form. "What's up…dog?"

Icarus flattened his ears.

Luna shook her head, averting her eyes. "Sorry. No. Icarus and I were talking."

Gale nodded. "Fair." He jerked a thumb behind him. "Want to see Uncle Ben? Man's been askin' about ya and how your Stellian is doing. He thinks I'm not teaching you properly." He dramatically put a hand on his chest. "The audacity! I am an excellent teacher, thank you very much!"

If Gale expected Luna to smile, she did not. "Not today," she rejected tersely. "I wanted to walk around and window shop with Icarus before I go home." She turned around and led Icarus back into their stroll.

"Righteous. I'll join you guys."

Annoyance made Luna's jaw clench. "I think Icarus and I will be fine," she made it clear. "You're in your work clothes. Don't let me keep you from anything…or anyone."

Gale quirked an eyebrow. "Nah. I finished my shift. I was gonna go work out with someone, but we can just go tomorrow." He took out his Compact.

Luna was nearly ripping out Icarus' leash at this point. "Oh, don't change your plans, please. Wouldn't want to keep you from working out with her." She let go of Icarus for the Canis Minor Spirit to transcend into his Spirit Form (a man's jaw dropped at the beast of a canine) and crouch down, the saddle at the ready. She mounted him expertly.

Gale lazily grinned. "Aw, Blondie, don't tell me you're jealous?" he teased. "India's a friend."

So. The new girl had a name. Luna rolled her eyes. "Gale, you don't really owe me an explanation, but you do owe Amber," she snapped at him.

Gale was perplexed at that. "What? The Hell do I owe her anything?"

Luna glared at him. "Didn't you say you were going to go out with her? At the festival?"

Gale broke into laughter. "Ha! Like I'd go out with her!" He shook his head amusedly. "Nah, she has four problems I can't stand that are listed in the following but not necessarily in this order: daddy issues, Dash, drinking, and drugs. Besides, band stuff kept me pretty busy anyways. I'm sure she hooked up with some local." He shrugged. "And anyways, she has been hounding after Dash ever since we got back. Even if I wanted to shoot my shot with her, my chance is negative eight."

Luna relaxed a bit at that. "Oh. Good."

Gale eyed Luna. "Were you mad at me because you thought I was cheating or something?" At Luna's blush, he cooed, "Aww! Women supporting women! I'm sure Easy A would appreciate the sentiment, but I ain't a cheater." He folded his arms across his chest. "I've always liked the Dragon Slayer way of romance." He stepped closer. "They've got eyes for one person and one person only. The hottest person alive could waltz into the picture, but a Slayer's eyes never stray from their partner."

Luna felt the intensity of Gale's stare and could not match it. "Their mate." She cleared her throat. "It's romantic and I'm happy you think like that. Good to know you're not a cheater."

"Probably would be a homewrecker." Gale leaned on Icarus to look up at Luna.

"Why would you destroy someone else's relationship?" Luna questioned. "That's awful!" She looked down to scowl at him.

Angry chocolate was caught off-guard by searing ruby.

"If my mate was dating another guy—or girl, I don't judge—I don't think that would sit well with me, y'know?" Gale dropped casually even if his tone was anything but. "I'd probably be the evil big, bad wolf who lured my little mate away from her significant other."

A challenging eyebrow rose. "What if she loves him? And, if she cheats on him with you, how do you know she won't cheat on you?"

"From what my old man told me, the mate-bond is a lot deeper than love and lot more addicting," Gale explained. "She'd never find a love like that anywhere else besides with me. Real talk."

Luna huffed. "You're so full of it."

"Nope. Just a guy who knows what he wants and makes sure he gets it." A grin of all fangs and confidence. "Like it?"

Luna exaggerated her eye-roll. "Not even a little," she fibbed. She stroked Icarus' neck for her Spirit to get to his paws. "Whatever. Have fun with India. I'm going home."

Gale simpered. "Now, wait, Blondie, c'mon, don't wuss out on me!" He jogged in front of Icarus to stop him from leaving and tried to catch Luna's eye. "You're annoyed with me—I get it. So, let's kiss and make up. Come over to my house. We can watch that Poko Christmas movie you like so much, yeah? I'll even through in some homemade mac and cheese, wink wink, nudge nudge," he threw in to sweeten the pot.

Luna pressed her lips together in vain to keep her grin from coming alive. "If there's going to be Poko…"

Icarus lowered himself to the ground once again for a triumphant Gale to clambered on. In his excitement, he kicked Icarus' sides like he would a horse. "Giddy-up, ole boy!"

Icarus grumbled. I'm not a horse, he complained. But he trotted away regardless.

°•°•°•°

Being snuggled underneath a blanket with good macaroni and cheese, a good movie, and good company was one of the best things about a cold season. Gale had thrown on Poko's Once Upon A Christmas while they waited for his macaroni and cheese. By the time he finished making it, Luna had been halfway through the movie in the basement with Icarus in his Dog Form of a husky-malamute mix.

Gale had downed three bowls of mac and cheese when he finally said, "Okay. I'm sorry. This is cute and all, but after this, can we watch that one Christmas special with the heat and subzero brothers?"

Luna giggled, on her third bowl as well. "Fine," she supposed. "It has my favorite song in it anyways." Gale's Compact lit up and Luna noticed Gale had not even touched it. "Hey… Aren't you going to get that?"

Gale's eyes were glued to the LV as he took a swig of the butterbeer his father had whipped up at the beginning of the season. "Nah. I'm with you. I can check it later," he brushed off like it was nothing.

Luna fought down a smile at that. "I'm sorry we've been so out of sync these past two weeks. We're partners and we should be going on jobs together—"

Gale was already waving her apology away. "Don't sweat it. We've both been busy. I have my side hustle at the restaurant mixed with my old man's lectures on Slayer-hood and you, principessa, have a lot of training and strengthening to do and we both had December exams."

Luna pouted. "Yeah, but I still feel bad we haven't really seen each other."

"At least when we do see each other, we pick up where we left off like nothing's changed," Gale admitted. He leaned forward to poke a crease in Luna's forehead to smoothen it out. "Stop worrying and giving yourself wrinkles. We'll be going on jobs soon enough since it's tis the season. There's plenty of requests to go around." Something struck him. "Actually… What are you doing for the Christmas party?"

Luna took a forkful of mac and cheese and shrugged. "I don't know. E's working on the finishing touches of our dresses. I thought we'd go in a group or something or maybe I'd bring Bleu, if he wanted to go."

Gale's face dropped. "Oh. Still talking to him?"

Luna could not fight her smile at that. "Yeah…" she sighed dreamily. "I probably won't invite him. Or maybe? I don't know. Papa wouldn't like it. He keeps telling me one of my brothers can escort me." She rolled her eyes. "Nashi can go with Gary, but I can't go with a boy?"

"Pretty sure if your sis is going to the party with Gary, it's not because your pops said so," Gale pointed out. "I think my dick friends are going in a group, but what will really happen is Dash and Cane will bring dates from some school, Amber will get jealous and try her hardest to get Dash to take her home, Lady J will ride solo, and Jax will bring Tesla."

"And you?"

Gale shrugged. "I dunno. Thought about bringing a date. Don't know how'd she feel about it."

Luna's thought went straight to India and soured a little bit. "Why not ask her?" she asked, trying to keep her voice from being stiff. "Worst she'll say is 'no'."

Gale's answer was staring at her. "Maybe," he supposed. His grin was back. "Are you going to perform for us, prima ballerina?"

Luna laughed. "Gosh no!" she denied. "Not unless I can get a partner like I did for the Spell-tacular." She gave Icarus some affection as her hand stroked his side. His head automatically came up to lick her fingers in appreciation and she giggled. "I don't know who he is, but we had great chemistry. He must be another student of Aunt Libra's."

Gale suppressed his satisfaction for thoughtlessness as he adjusted himself. "Huh. Maybe you could ask Libra if you and that guy could do another dance. Nothing that intense. Maybe like a Nutcracker-inspired waltz."

"I mean…" Luna hummed and tapped her cheek. "Well… I am studying some waltz for the Waltz of the Flowers. So, maybe…" Something snapped at her in realization and she pointed a finger at Gale. "Oh, shoot! I just remembered! I have to get an escort to New Azalea City for seeing the production of The Nutcracker on Broadway! Can you—?"

"No."

Luna whined. "Gale, please…!" she begged, kicking her feet. "Papa won't let me go without an escort!"

Gale groaned. "Then find someone else!" he told her. "I don't want to go! I hate musicals! And the name isn't really helping your case!"

Luna gasped at him. "Tchaikovsky is art and The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet!" she lectured, earning Gale's blatant eye roll. "C'mon, please…! This is the first year I can actually watch it away from Magnolia and without my parents being there!"

"You have siblings and other friends—ask them!" Gale cried. "I don't want to go! I'm just going to fall asleep!"

Luna huffed and scowled away from him. "Fine. Bleu will take me then."

Gale thought his jaw would break by how hard he was clenching it. "Fine," he bit, shoving more mac and cheese in his face. "Hope you two have oodles of fun watching people jump around."

"We will because it's art and deserves appreciation," Luna snapped at him. "Next time you ask me why I won't go with you to one of your stupid concerts, remember this." She finished her bowl and set it on the coffee table to get up. Icarus' shook out his fur as he got to his paws when Luna passed him. "Thanks for the mac and cheese. I'll clean up." Her words were harsh and irate as she stomped up the steps.

Gale merely groaned and laid back on the couch. "Jesus… Women…"

°•°•°•°

Luna put a little too much pressure as she scrubbed out the cheesy pot. She had already fit the rest of macaroni and cheese into a nice container and covered it in foil. Icarus had settled on the ground once again, curled up with his tail covering his nose. His eyes traced the movements of his mistress as he sensed her emotions.

Luna grumbled to herself. "Fine," she mocked Gale's voice. "Who even says, 'oodles'? Stupid jerk. He can have fun with India for all I care."

Icarus snorted. Your temper is not to be trifled with, Pup. Neither's your jealousy.

"I'm not jealous, okay?" Luna gritted out as she scrubbed the pan harder. "I'm just…some emotion that doesn't have a word yet." She stopped scrubbing to simply breathe. I just… I want to spend time with him. We haven't really been hanging out. I want to change that.

Compromise, Icarus suggested. No relationship is built off only taking. Perhaps he hates ballet as you dislike these 'concerts'. Settle on a bonding exercise both of you will enjoy.

Luna sighed. I just really wanted him to come with me to the theater. It's my first time going without Mama and Papa and I wanted him to be there.

You can't force his hand if you want him to share your excitement.

"I know," Luna mumbled. She looked down at her soapy hands and the nearly clean pot. "I was being stupid again, wasn't I?"

"You are Salamander's kid…"

Luna clutched her sponge for dear life as a shriek erupted from her. Icarus had not leaped to aid her as he heard footsteps approaching because he smelt a familiar scent, but his head did rise and a warning growl rumbled from his chest.

Gajeel laughed obnoxiously as Luna tried to calm herself. "Damn, Squirt, thought you were learning to be aware of your surroundings!"

Luna shot Gajeel an unhappy look as she straightened herself. "Uncle…!" she whined. "Why'd you do that?"

Gajeel shrugged as he strode into the kitchen. "Felt like it."

"That's still not a good reason!"

Gajeel was gentle when he moved Luna aside from the sink and grabbed the sponge. "I'll wash. You sit." He jerked his head towards the refrigerator. "Made some eggnog. It's fucking vegan with my incompetent son's lactose intolerance"—he rolled his eyes—"so get some. Your puppy can have some too." At Icarus' low bark, he flashed smug fang. "Down, pup."

Once Luna dried her hands, she got out the homemade eggnog and mug and a bowl. As she poured some in, she asked Gajeel, "How come you're down here? Isn't Aunt Levy home?"

Gajeel tried not to pout, but Luna saw through his ruse. "She kicked me out of her office," he admitted, though it sounded like a complaint. "Shrimp said she'd work easier without my ass distracting her. Literally."

Luna's face screwed up in disgust as she set a bowl of eggnog down for Icarus who instantly lapped it up. "Ew. Gross. TMI."

Gajeel's shoulders shook as he silently laughed while washing dishes. "You're too young to get it now, but you'll be thinkin' like that with the right person."

Luna rolled her eyes as she hauled herself onto a stool at the island counter. "Not if Papa has anything to say about it. He says Bleu's a 'distraction' from my training. But what does he know? He never even had crushes when he was my age!"

Gajeel snorted. "Salamander may have been pretty clueless about girls way back when, but he's not stupid about it all now. You're young, Squirt. Crushes ain't wrong. Just don't let 'em get in the way of your training. A Mage at any time of their life is forced to make some sacrifices."

Luna took a healthy gulp of eggnog and smacked her lips at the taste. "I know," she sighed heavily. "I just wish I could be—"

"Don't you dare say, 'normal', girly," Gajeel snarled. He whipped around and pointed the sponge at her. While he did look intimidating, the fact he was holding a soapy sponge was ridiculous. "There are thousands of people who would give anything to be where you are. You would've given it a lot to have Magic back when. You want to give up on all this just for some boy?"

Luna scowled. "No," she retorted. "I wasn't going to say, 'normal'! I was going to say I wish I was stronger!" She glared into her eggnog. "It's just annoying I'm so far behind and I know it's my fault I didn't keep up with martial arts and Papa and Mama's training regimen, but it still sucks and just…!" She groaned. "I don't know. I don't want to be normal, just…different." She laid her palms flat onto the ground and her chin atop them. "I wish I could stop with all my dreams and—"

"What type of dreams?"

Luna thought nothing of it as Icarus abandoned his bowl of eggnog to settle his head onto her lap. She paid attention to her spirit as she absently answered the question. "Random ones, I think? I don't know, it's all a blur. It's like I'm living back in the olden days and there's a Dragon and all that fun stuff." She did not notice Gajeel had tensed up. "They're stupid dreams, but they knock me out sometimes when I'll be doing yoga with Mama or just plain homework…"

"Have you told your parents?"

Luna frowned. "No. Why?"

Vehement ruby clashed with confused chocolate.

"Squirt, tell your folks." Gajeel lifted a finger when Luna opened her mouth. "This is not a suggestion; this is an order. You are going to tell your parents about these dreams."

Luna puffed her cheeks in her ire. "You're just as irritating as Gale."

Gajeel's intensity dissolved at the mention of his youngest. "He's a stubborn jackass," he confessed. "His mom can be pretty damn stubborn too, but she claims he gets it all from me." He shook his head and chuckled. "I could tell he pissed you off. No one washes that hard when they're happy." He went back to doing dishes. "Tell me. What did the asshole do this time?"

°•°•°•°

Gale had long-since turned off the animated movie to play Lacrima Games instead. It was nothing more than a racing game, nothing intense, something mindless. He needed mindless. He won his next race coming in first. No victory danced in his eyes as he set down his controller to swipe his Compact. He saw India had texted him and decided to go into their chat. He looked back on the conversation thread.

« Yo. Actually, you mind us hitting the gym later? »

« Ditching me already? Typical man »

« Nah. U can go solo tho. Unlike some people, my semester is still going strong and this CCP calc I'm goin through is kickin my black ass »

Gale grinned and typed a response:

« Ur ass NEEDS to be kicked, woman, for all the abuse I get »

The typing bubbles came within seconds.

« ure lucky im not my mama. Id give you a BMW w/ a wooden spoon and the shoe on my left foot »

« Anywhoooo I'm goin out later instead of gym. Want 2 come? »

« With someone atm. Sorry »

« Mk »

« U r smart, right? Like one of those geniuses in stories tgat all badass but could recite the atomic weight of plutonium? »

« Want to help me with calc hw before I go? pay you in food. Homecooked. »

Gale snorted and typed a quick send pics before switching out of the chat. He saw he had amassed many unread texts and wanted to get through them as quickly as possible. The group chats were the most annoying. The main chat with his friends was going wild as Cane and Amber called each other out on their bullshit and Julia was asking everyone about dates for the party. The group chat between just the guys was about some party they had been invited to. A couple of others were individual friend ones to stupid reminders about his scheduling at the restaurant. He saw his texts with Lady J ended with him demanding she let him know when she got to her stop.

An idea occurred to him and he got to typing.

« Code: Blonde, Mood: pissed off »

Julia did not take as long as he thought to respond.

« Dear God, what now?! »

With an eye roll, Gale answered:

« Don't blame me! She's all pissed I don't want to go to some stupid ballet with her. »

« You know I hate theater »

Julia's response was a gif of a Sinnish woman shaking her head and the caption: Disapproves in Sinnish.

« And, yet, you know what an arabesque is and can perfectly dance? Oh, yeah, you reeeeeally hate theater »

For a fleeting moment, India's message dropped down, but Gale dismissed it to continue reading Julia's replies.

« Just start from the beginning. Luna has a temper, but so do you, so I'm clearly missing the big picture »

Gale scowled and wrote back:

« what's there to miss? »

« She's upset at me for on reason. Pretty sure shes been upset since I left work and caught up with her »

Julia was typing back when he tried to add another text, but it was too late.

« The same job you and your "girl friend" worked at? You mean the job where you and a girl decided to end your shifts at the same time so you two could "work out"? »

Gale frowned and decided to call. The second Julia picked up, he was on a roll. "The Hell are you implying, woman?" he growled. "India and I are friends. We spot each other. Big deal, so what?"

Julia sighed heavily. "Gale. What's the last thing she texted you?"

Gale grunted and went to his message thread with India.

« Just come over tomorrow. I need to learn how to GET the answers. I cook, u teach? »

"She wants to meet up for homework tomorrow at her house," Gale told Julia though he realized how lame he sounded and grimaced. "Okay, that does sound… No, it doesn't sound bad at all. I don't really owe anyone an explanation. India's my friend. I called Blondie out on being jealous and she dodged a bullet because she was afraid I was being a cheater."

"Wait. What? Gale Metalicana Redfox, I swear to God, if you two are dating and you cheated on her—"

"Long story and no, we aren't dating—yet," Gale intercepted. "Now, she's pissed I don't want to sit through two acts of harp and people abusing their toes."

Julia hummed as she thought about it. "I remember overhearing her talk to my little brother how she felt bad she was neglecting you."

Gale kicked back and sighed. "Yeah. She said the same thing to me too. So?"

A scoff. "Wow, asshole, glad to see all those IQ points you have mean nothing. Did you ever consider that maybe Luna's trying to find a way for you two to spend time together and she feels completely shot down you would even want that?"

"I'm not going to some stupid play so she can feel better about herself!" Gale justified.

"I never said you had to!" Julia retorted. "I never said she was in the right for being mad you won't do something you don't want to do, but be sensitive here, you dick. She feels like she's been an awful friend to you and wanted to make plans with you. Take out the ballet part. She just wanted to make plans with you. You rejected them and didn't even offer another suggestion. Dick."

Gale grunted. "Yes. I'm a dick. We've been over this, woman," he barked, messing up his hair. "Okay, so, yeah, I see where she's coming from. But what am I supposed to suggest? She basically is refusing to go to any more concerts with me. And she has her little precious Bleu if she wants to do anything couple-like." He spat Bleu's name like it had a foul taste in his mouth.

Julia did chortle at that. "From what Daddy says, Uncle Natsu is pretty worried Luna will start focusing on boys too much instead of training. I think he's over-exaggerating, but this could work in your favor."

A grin wove its way onto Gale's face. "I'm listening…"

"Hear me out," Julia demanded of him. "If Bleu and Luna keep going like this, you know Uncle Natsu is going to crack down on her and all that bullshit. That's where you step in and manipulate the situation to your advantage. Uncle Natsu trusts you to watch over his precious baby girl. Use that."

Gale might not have like to hear the possibility Luna continuing to pine over Bleu, but he liked the rest of the explanation. "I can do that," he decided. "Still doesn't help me fix now. I'm afraid her Demon dog will slaughter me at this point for making her mad and he'll go for my baby maker."

Julia snorted. "Well, if you're that concerned about multiplying, how about you do exactly as I say? I'll call in for a favor. You just need to follow the directions I'm sending you and bring one thing."

Gale furrowed his brow. "Yeah? What?"

"Your wallet."

°•°•°•°

Luna had finished her mug of eggnog with exhaustion on her face from her conversation with Gajeel. They had settled at the little nook with a table Laki had built herself. Icarus was at Luna's feet, dozing off.

"I really am a brat, aren't I?" Luna mumbled.

Gajeel took a swig of his spiked eggnog. "It depends who you're asking," he supposed. "Just don't beat yourself up about it too much, Squirt. We have our faults. We have to recognize 'em and actively change ourselves."

Luna inspected him, quizzical and amused. "Papa was wrong about you. You give some really good advice."

"Salamander's just jealous he ain't as mature as me," Gajeel guffawed. He patted Luna's head. "Girlie, you want to stick around, I can bring out those stupid board games my princess likes to play so much when she needs to unwind."

"Funny. I thought you were addicted to them."

Gale walked into the kitchen with hands shoved into his pockets and a bored look on his face.

Gajeel barked a laugh. "When you don't get to fight idiots all the time, board games are as close fo a deathmatch as you'll get."

Gale ignored Luna's noise of surprise and frustration when he settled on her side of the round half-booth and forced her to scoot over. He was mindful of the growling dog beneath the table as he said to his dad, "I hope I never get to the age where board games become life or death situations." He tipped his chin up. "If it's all the same to you, I kinda need to speak with the girl."

"She has a name," floated Luna's grumble.

Gajeel flashed teeth in a warning smile as he scooted out of the booth. "Fine. I'm gonna go upstairs and bug Shrimp. If I hear one voice raise"—he pointed at the pair of them—"don't think I won't force your asses into monopoly."

Gale hollered as Gajeel trotted away, "Don't you mean if you don't get some from Mom, Old Timer?"

Gajeel's middle finger was the cryptic answer.

Gale sat back and exhaled loudly. Red eyes flickered to Luna. Her frown was prominent and her anger with him had melted into disdain for his presence. She refused to even look at him. "Blondie?" he coaxed. "Are you still mad?"

Luna closed her eyes. She looked like she was about to ignore him when she sighed deeply. "Just annoyed," she supposed. "If you don't want to hang out, that's fine."

"And you're sure this has nothing to do with India?" Gale tried.

Luna froze him with a look. "Gale. I don't care who you spend your time with," she deadpanned. She began scooting to the other side to get out of the booth. "You two have fun at the gym. I'm going home."

Before Luna could get out, Gale had darted to the other side to stop her. "Now just hold on," he ordered. At Luna's scowl, he softened the command with a "please". Earning the slight inclination of her head, he proceeded. "I don't want to go to some ballet thingy. It's not my thing like e-sports aren't yours. So, how about a compromise?"

Luna lifted an eyebrow, not all that impressed.

Gale knew he would really have to sell it and he knelt before her. "We haven't really seen each other in two weeks. I get it. That bothers you—"

"Oh, but you don't really care?" Luna implied. She crossed her leg and flicked her hair. "Wonderful."

Gale's eye twitched. "I never said I didn't, but this is clearly bothering you more than me, so, like I said, we can—"

"If it's not even bothering you, then just—!"

"Are you going to keep interrupting me before I answer?" Gale growled at her, fang showing.

Luna's silence spoke for her.

"Let's compromise," Gale continued. "It's pre-evening, we're young, it's a Friday night, and I know the training your folks have you on is pretty tiresome. So, how about we do something a little more…normal?" He grinned when he saw interest in Luna's eyes. "We'll have to skip town for it, but are you interested?"

Luna pretended to think about it. A finger tapped her temple as her eyes scanned the ceiling, contemplative. "I just have one request."

Gale raised an eyebrow. "That being…?"

A grin without teeth, a playful one. "You're paying for my food."

Gale grinned back, full of teeth. "I can work with that. Buckle up, buttercup. We're leaving for the commercial district."

---

Luke's room was like a bomb dropped into it and that was speaking lightly. While everyone always guessed he was the neat and tidy one while Igneel kept a messy room, it was the opposite. Igneel's room was pristine. A place for everything and everything in its place. It was apparent for everyone in the house if Igneel could not get his manga collection in precise spacing when he would rage and stomp around in his room, frustrated.

Luke was the opposite of that.

Clothes, books, DVDs, towels—he liked to call his floor organized chaos even if his mother blatantly disapproved and call him his father's son for his habits. Granted, his clothes and towels and sheets were clean, they just had yet to be given a home. His bed was made, at least, but it was filled with books and his homework.

He stayed at his desk with his hair messy, his glasses sliding down the bridge of his nose, and his water bottle with him. His PAL was open as he referenced other websites and books for his paper. He had it all set up. A Lacrima Vision connected to the Archive Lacrima he and Igneel built and his gaming console right there. Little knickknacks littered his desk. Souvenirs—that was something Luke inherited from his father. A helmet from a particularly odd villain who liked history, a feather from a nine-headed monstrous bird, a horn gifted to him by a grateful old lady—they may not have been extravagant, but they had memories behind them.

As the soundtrack to one of his favorite video games played in the background with Luke bopping his head, with a swipe of his fingers, he went back to the article he was citing and read thoroughly for his next stance in Magicians versus Wiccans.

Something peered through the crack in his door. It watched as Luke began to type in his document as he read the article and it slithered forward.

Luke's shoulders straightened when his nape prickled. His fingers stopped typing and he willed his Magic to vibrate. "Who's there?" he boomed.

Nothing.

Just him and the soundtrack.

"I knew you would sense me…"

Luke stiffened. He could not see his shadow had become more prominent against his room, but he felt the presence. "I've felt you before," he remembered. "What are you? Who are you? What do you want from me?"

Laughter. A cackle more so. "Me? I have always been here. You buried me deep and I've surfaced once or twice. But when you willingly called on me, you gave me more freedom than you realized."

Luke fisted his hands. "You sound like me," he deduced.

"I am you."

"I'm not like him," Luke gnashed. "I don't have a Devil. I don't have a Curse. And I definitely am not diagnosed with any mental illness to hear voices. So just what the Hell are you? What do you want from me?"

A beat of silence.

"You want Nashi happy."

Luke's jaw clenched. "Yeah. What does that matter to you?"

A humming chuckle. "You have the power to make her pain go away." The shadows began to pool together beneath Luke's chair. "You have the power to make her happy again. You know what you have to do."

"I can't kill him," Luke gritted out. "Uncle Gray is right—Nashi wouldn't like that. I'm not a deity and I'm not trying to be one."

"We are not a god… But…an eye for an eye is basic human nature…" The shadows swept up the legs of the chair slowly like they were trying not to scare their prey. "We know how powerful Devils can be. They don't care about life—they care about their satisfaction. He used Nashi just like she was used before. He will bring her second downfall and she won't smile again."

Luke could feel that sensation wash over him again as the shadows climbed up his sweatpants and inched into his skin. It was nothing uncomfortable. Oddly enough, his Magic made room for this sensation to vibrate under his skin. It felt…pleasant. He felt relaxed.

"We won't kill him… But we won't let him live either…"

Luke closed his eyes. The soundtrack was drowned out as he listened to the hisses and gurgles in the back of his head and rolled them to the forefront. "How?" he whispered.

"An eye for an eye…" The shadows slid onto Luke's clenched hands and made them relax. "He has hurt Nashi. We've seen her scars. We've seen her marks. For every mark on her, we will return it tenfold."

Luke cracked his neck as the shadows slid up his shoulders and crept for his jaw. He could not see how his pink hair dirtied itself into darker shades. "An eye for an eye," he repeated. A growl rumbled in his throat. "He doesn't deserve to look at her for what he did."

"He was the reason the Hunters targeted her."

Luke's hazel irises darkened into something more daunting. A glint of blood-red could be seen in his depths as his hair blackened. "He's the reason she can't be happy," he snarled. "She deserves to be happy and he's destroying her again." His nails raked his desk as fangs flashed. His nostrils flared as bloodlust pounded into his system. The whispers turned to murmurs turned to cackles within his mind. Zen Magic be damned. He could only feel that sensation stealing more room inside him and expanding itself. He felt its power. It felt his emotions. They were one. "I should kill him," he thundered. "I should—!"

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Luke? I'm coming in." Natsu opened the door (he did not seem to mind the state of his son's room considering he was just as bad) and looked his pink-haired son. Luke had not turned around to greet him and he looked oddly stiff. "Hey, buddy," he called. "Sorry to barge in. Your mom and I are headin' out tonight. We're doing some grocery shopping, but we'll be back before we're off for a movie."

Luke clenched his hands to keep himself from shaking. "Sounds fine, Dad." His voice wobbled a bit and the blame went to voice cracking. "What movie are you and Mom seeing?"

Natsu leaned on the door frame and gave a careless shrug. "Heck if I know," he admitted. "Pretty sure it's another one of those girly movies, but she promised me I'd like it. But we made a bet. If I don't like it in the first fifteen, I get to—"

"If you're about to say anything gross, keep it to yourself," Luke pleaded with a strain in his voice.

Natsu peered at Luke closer. He noticed. "You all right? Shouldn't you be out with your friends? It's a Friday night."

Luke cleared his throat. "I have to finish my paper first. I'm on my last point for my rough draft then I can start editing and revising," he explained. "Though, I'm pretty sure Igneel would drag me out of here if he wasn't too busy with Mary Jane."

A flicker crossed Natsu's face at that and he shook his head. "Damn brat," he muttered. "He's still clingy and ditching his own brother."

"I like being on my own, Dad," Luke reminded. He swiveled in his chair to show it. "Him leaving me alone gives me more time to game. Besides, I think it's more unfortunate when he does want to hang out. He drags me out of my room and on these crazy adventures."

Natsu grinned. "You two are definitely my sons," he boasted. "I did the same for Lucy. She was too uptight, y'know? She needed to loosen up and I was happy to do it."

"I heard that."

Lucy snaked her hands onto Natsu's shoulder and waist as she pressed a kiss on his cheek. "I was not uptight," she complained. "I was just worried about rent money and how I would pay for groceries when the Gods of Destruction ruined literally every job we went on!"

Natsu changed their position and encircled Lucy in his body, snuggling against her temple. "I still say 'uptight'," he declared. "And a gold digger. You just married me for my money."

Lucy's look was flat. "Natsu, you barely had two hundred thousand jewels to your name when we met, you lived like a pig, and you survived off Mira and Master Makarov's generosity and hunting," she deadpanned, watching her dear husband sweat through his smile. "If I wanted a sugar daddy, I would've married Laxus or Gray." Ignoring Natsu's whines, she looked over at her son with a loving smile. "Sorry to bother you while you're busy, but could you do me a favor?"

"Sure, Mom," Luke readily agreed. "What's up?"

"Gary's downstairs"—Luke's stomach plummeted at that—"and he's here to see Nashi. I know she's not in the best of moods, but he did bring her his favorite food…"

Luke was not comprehending. "I thought they went out today. Why's she here and he's not?"

Lucy pursed her lips. "From what she told me, she didn't feel like socializing and he told me the same thing, but I think we can all agree it's more than that." She leaned into Natsu's hold. "So, while your dad and I go get groceries, can you take Gary—?"

"No." Luke could see his refusal surprised his mother and displeased his father, but he was adamant.

Lucy sighed. "Luke—"

"Mom, no!" Luke rejected. "That's our sacred place and it's obvious Nashi doesn't want to see him! Why should I take him there?"

"Because your ma said so," Natsu barked, annoyed. "Don't argue with her or me."

Luke gritted his teeth. "I'm making a valid point—!"

"Try again," Natsu snapped back. "You're the kid, Luke, not the parent."

"I know that!" Luke retorted. "Why can't you take him?"

"Because I asked you to," Lucy pointed out in exasperation. "Why are you fighting us on this? I know you don't like him, but you need to learn to get along with him. He's Nashi's partner and her friend."

Luke wanted to scream, but he held back. He took off his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Fine, whatever," he conceded. "Let me find a sweatshirt. I'll be down soon." He opened his eyes, but he avoided the heated stare his father was giving him and the annoyed look his mother was. He knew if he looked in their eyes, he would be quick to fight them even more. Instead, he swiveled his chair away from them.

Lucy managed a stiff nod. "Thank you." She turned and marched away.

Natsu lingered. "I'd expect this from Igneel since he's a bit of a hothead, but never from you. You've been acting even more closed off than before," he observed.

"Just stressed, Dad," Luke muttered. "I'll be down in a sec."

Natsu did leave at that without any further words. Luke relaxed against the back of his chair and heaved out a breath. "Dammit."

°•°•°•°

Luke thundered down the steps in his old Super Bros. hoodie, comfortable snow boots, and beanie, a bandana in one hand and his water bottle in the other. He sensed his parents had left as he entered the kitchen. He took a swig from his water bottle as he went out the back way to the deck and he saw Gary. To some, it would be strange to see someone in a light jacket on a cold winter's day, but to Luke, after seeing Gray strip to his boxer-briefs when the weather was this chilly, this was more normal than anything. The Ice Mage looked armed with two bags, yet the expression only his face was one Luke hardly recognized.

Luke stopped and tried as best as he could to make his scowl more pleasant. "All right. Let's get this over with."

Gary looked over at Luke and there it was. That look of remorse. "Luke, I'm—"

Luke thrust the bandana to Gary. "Whatever. Here. Put this over your eyes." As Gary swiped the bandana and did as asked, Luke drawled, "The treehouse is my family's secret place. We found it pretty wrecked and my parents restored it and made it like a safe haven for us. If something happens to them, we're to go there until your dad or Aunt Levy come get us." Once the bandana was secure, Luke grabbed Gary's wrist and guided him down the porch steps.

"Justin told me he and Ellie came to the treehouse," Gary mentioned. "Were they blindfolded too?"

When they were on solid ground, Luke led them through the backyard with the crunches the only thing filling the silence. "Yes." His tone was clipped. "We're allowed to have guests at the treehouse, but they can't know about the location of the treehouse. When times get tough, you don't know who you can trust." He aimed this jab at Gary.

Gary smartly stayed silent.

Luke could not help himself as he led Gary into the forest. "You know, it's got me curious. Why would my sister leave with you only to come back here and you show up? I can smell the meat dumplings and the sushi in there. Everyone knows that's her comfort food when she's upset." The grip he had on Gary's wrist tightened. "And I wonder why that would be."

Gary sighed, shoulders sagging. "What do you want me to say, Luke?" he wanted to know. "I know you're trying to pick a fight with me and I deserve you being angry at me, but Nashi can handle herself. It's admirable for you to want to protect her—"

"Nashi's strong," Luke cut in, "but that doesn't mean she's strong all the time, that she has impenetrable armor."

"I know," Gary soothed. "But I also know she wouldn't like it if people fought her battles for her." He stumbled when Luke jerked him to a fierce right. "You don't like me and that's fine." He had enough. His voice had gone from brotherly to irate. "We'll keep that between us. But what happens between her and I is between her and I."

Silence.

For minutes, Gary could only hear the sounds of crunching snow and feel the wisps of winter. At times, he felt Luke lead him left or right and they double-backed a few times. While he had been heavily trained in kidnapping situations, he knew in a forest as vast as this, he had little chance of finding his way back without a guide. The East Magnolia Forest was deep and under the protection of the Fire Dragon King. So, Gary let Luke lead him where he wanted to while he fretted on the inside.

I shouldn't have said that, he regretted. I don't want him to hate me even more.

The Devil surfaced and snorted through their link. I sense no bloodlust in Little Monk. We are safe for now.

Yeah, but it's the 'for now' part that has me nervous.

"We're here."

Gary was stripped of his blindfolded rougher than he wished. The brightness nearly blinded his eyesight, but when he adjusted, he understood what he was looking at. The clearing was absolutely beautiful even with it covered in winter's dust. The river behind it had not frozen yet, but should it get any colder, it would soon. The tree the treehouse was built on was certainly impressive. Gary had never seen a tree so thick or big in Magnolia's forests. And the house built into it was something from a dream.

"Your parents fixed this up?" Gary murmured.

Luke took a step forward and lifted a hand. He ignored Gary's words as he murmured something under his breath. His gold Magic misted from his hands and that was when Gary saw it. Something mixed with red and gold appeared in some type of mist and accepted Luke's Magic before retreating into oblivion.

"A Ward?" Gary guessed.

Luke dropped his hand, shoved a hand into his pocket, and stepped aside. "Yup. Protective enchantments Mom and Dad set up. Not even the Magic Council could get in here even if they wanted."

"That's why I saw that haze," Gary realized. "I thought I was going crazy since it looked like one of those heat hazes in the summer. Impressive."

Luke did not find it at all. "Whatever." He pointed his water bottle at the treehouse. "She's up there. I altered the enchantments and she probably felt it. You're allowed inside, but only she can let you out." It was like he was delivering a threat when he said that. "I don't care what you mean to my sister. Partners aren't long term—brothers are." He turned his back on Gary with a sneer on his face. "Remember that." And he walked away.

Gary narrowed his eyes on Luke's retreating figure before turning back to the treehouse. "I can't even get mad at him when I'd do the same for Julia. Dammit," he muttered under his breath. He heaved his bags up his arms and back onto his shoulders. "Well. Here goes nothing."

°•°•°•°

Nashi honestly adored the treehouse and all its cute charms and the way she was hidden from the world. She settled on the big bed with some Spirit on the bedside table with her Compact in her hands and an old black-and-white Lacrima show on. She had been in the middle of texting Saudade when Linus answered her. She went into their message thread.

« He likes you a lot and Dazzler's his best friend. Of course he'll want you to get along. But, yeah, he should've waited until you wanted to see her. Sorry about that. »

Nashi sighed and replied:

« Don't worry about it »

« It's whatever »

« It doesn't matter anyway. He can do as he pleases just as long as I'm not involved. »

A message from Justin's boyfriend Ace came through and Nashi was too curious to ignore it.

« You okay? I know you barely know me, but I just want to make sure you're all right and safe. »

Nashi smiled.

« Yeah, I'm doing so so. I put on some classic von Dyke »

« Thanks for checking in, but I'm sorry I ruined your meet and greet lunch. »

Ace quickly replied:

« You didn't, I promise, and nice choice. I'm glad I got to meet more of Justin's friends and I swear I'm not judging with what happened. Everyone has their own issues and problems in life including me. »

« BTW, don't panic or anything, but I should probably give you a heads up that Gary is on his way to you. »

Nashi groaned. "Universe! Why do you have some sick need for more drama?" Her eyes fell back to her screen and she typed her gratitude to Ace for his warning. She exited the chat to see Lance had responded to her a while ago.

« Aine's at my place. She's coughing a little, but nothing bad. She's in my bed right now and I'm trying to get her to take a nap, but she's being stubborn. Sorry about today. Are you okay? I saw Justin send out some PSA you ran off. Did something happen? »

Nashi decided to reply honestly.

« Le sigh. It's just awkward. »

« I like spending time with everyone, I just…don't want to see Dazzler. »

« She said things in the heat of the moment back in Margaret and she's sorry and I get it, but I keep thinking she'll snap again, you know? »

Lance's reply came faster than she expected.

« I get it. My sister is the same way. She says things in the heat of it all, then regrets it. I love her dearly, but she can push my buttons. »

« I won't tell you what to do. Do what you think is best for yourself, Laylay, not for anyone else. »

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Nashi suppressed the urge to swear as she got up. "Please don't let it be him," she prayed. "Universe, please. Let me have it this one time." She climbed down the steps to get to the front of the treehouse. When she saw Gary's face through the door window, she sighed. She did open the door for him and greeted him with a fake smile. "Sorry, not sorry, this house is for Dragneel's only."

Gary held up his reusable grocery bags. "I come bearing peace offerings."

One sarcastic laugh later and Nashi was crossing her arms. "Oh, this should be good."

And it was. "I brought meat dumplings and a spicy salmon roll with duck sauce, yum-yum sauce, and that soy sauce you like. I have Jen and Berry's vanilla bean for desert, and I have Wolf Children."

Nashi's eyes widened when Gary rambled off what he had brought, but now they narrowed in suspicion. "Why would you go through all that?" she grunted at him.

"Because I messed up and I'm owning up for my mistake," Gary told her. He took a step towards her, but he did not force his way in. Apologetic cerulean connected deeply with annoyed hickory. "Angel, I'm sorry for what happened. I should've known better, and, to be honest, my Devil gave me Hell for even letting the two of you near each other. He wasn't too keen on the idea of you being near Sparkles." A sharp pain hit his head and a wince shortly followed. "He's not happy I'm calling her 'Sparkles'. He thinks it's too personal."

Mentioning his Devil, Nashi took a brave step towards Gary with a hand going over her heart. Determination bound her actions. "I want to speak to him," she demanded. "I'll let you in after you let me talk to him."

It was easy for Gary to relinquish control and his Devil to make his appearance. Like the animal he was, he did not look comfortable in clothing. He was too wild, had too much of a feral edge, to like being confined. His icy-blue-silver eyes pierced Nashi and his grin was bestial at best. "Malã'ika," he practically purred. A hint of question in such a term of endearment. "You know I would never miss the opportunity to speak to you."

"Can he hear us?" Nashi fretted.

The Devil shook his head. "No, not if you do not want him to." He lifted a brow. "Are you going to invite me inside?"

Nashi stepped back and let the Devil bypass her. He observed the treehouse with boredom and set down the bags. He did not fool her. He was checking every inch he could find to ensure this was a safe place for her to be. Cute but not necessary. "We haven't really talked since Margaret," Nashi admitted, sounding contrite. "How are you doing?"

The Devil looked dubious this was what Nashi really wanted to talk about, but he was not one to pass up the chance of idle conversation with her. "Well," he rumbled. "The human has been more willing to let me hunt." The fang he showed was chilling. "I find this new brotherhood relationship most agreeable. More blood. More death. More flesh and meat."

"Non-human deaths," Nashi emphasized with a hard look.

The Devil snorted. "I kill legal game to satisfy my physical hunger only, Malã'ika, as promised." His eyes darted back to hers. "However, you did not call me to speak of my sated hunger. What do you need of me?" Intent glistened in his eyes. "Am I being asked to kill? I would gladly kill for the honor of defending you."

How Nashi was not sickened at the Devil's bloodlust, no one could understand. She shook her head as she approached him. "No," she denied. "I just wanted you to stop blaming Gary about what happened between Dazzler and me." Earning the Devil's snarl, she reached out a hand to cup his chin and make him look at her. "I mean it," she stressed. "Gary isn't at fault and I can't have you punishing him for it."

"He let that wench speak about our light in such a vulgar way," the Devil growled at her. "She does not deserve to be in your presence nor deserve that stupid name the human insists on giving her. I never minded his relationship with her. I will not hesitate to show her how wrong she is if I am given the chance."

Nashi softened. "It's sweet you're defending me, but it's not necessary. Everything was crazy and things were said in the heat of the moment. Things were done in the heat of the moment." Her free hand absently made its way to her stomach.

The Devil noticed and anguish crossed his face. Self-loathing made his blood boil when he was supposed to freeze. His hands contained winter and ice, but when his hands touched Nashi's stomach, his cold was welcomed. "I will never let go of my sins," he whispered to her. "The Hunter was wrong in a lot of ways, but he was right in some. I am a monster, Malã'ika." He shushed her with a freezing look. But he was not angry with her. He was quite the opposite. "I may be a monster, but I will never be a monster like the Hunter wanted. I am your monster."

Nashi cleared her throat with pink cheeks and embarrassment dizzying her head. "If you really care about me, let Dazzler and I settle this between us." When the Devil's face scrunched up in frustration, she batted her eyelashes and pouted. "Please…?"

The Devil grumbled. "Do not try to seduce me or you will end up bent over with me buried deep inside you." His grin was positively lascivious at Nashi's wide-eyed look, but the gleam within her hickory pools told him she was far from put-off at his declaration. "I have not forgotten your teasing as my human has not. We have tried to be gentle. You are not ready for me and I refuse to take you before you are." His thumb came onto her bottom lip as he craned his head. The connection between them was far more than intense. Summer and winter were molding to become something new entirely. "Every kiss my human gives you comes from me too. Every time his tongue brings you cries of ecstasy, it is my tongue too. But he is preparing you for me, Malã'ika. He is training you to handle the Devil."

Nashi's chest heaved. Something different made her body tense, something clawing lower than her stomach. Her lips parted without her realizing it. "What if I wanted you to screw me now?"

The Devil's chuckle was low and ominous. "I would never just 'screw' you like humans do to their lovers, Malã'ika," he purred. "No. I will take you over and over until you forget yourself and belong to me just as I belong to you." A hand moved from her stomach to cup her rear and his other hand moved to her cheek. "I will be gentle at first," he promised. Such words were too smooth, too charming, too filled with delicious promises. "I will stay in this weak human form to pleasure you. When I know you are ready, I will show you the monster you own and you will take all of me."

"You're going to destroy me," Nashi realized, abashed she even said such words.

The Devil leaned to plant his lips on her forehead. The kiss was cold yet loving and Nashi closed her eyes at that. His lips lingered and he whispered into her skin. "I would never destroy my light. Contradictory, Malã'ika, you will destroy me." He placed another kiss on her forehead before drawing away. "The human grows irate I have kept you from him for so long, so I will let him take control. But, first, I would like to…"—he averted his eyes to the floor, not the confident Devil he once had been—"ask you of something…"

Nashi had to blink three times to get it through her head the Ice Devil—this creature who could easily freeze and kill a big city in one go if he felt like it—was blushing and was embarrassed about it. "What is it?"

"The human and I have come to an agreement," he told her. "I would like to… I… I would… I would like…" A growl of frustration ripped out of his throat and he took a step away, scowling. "It is nothing."

"No! No, please!" Nashi captured him back to her as her hands splayed onto his cheeks. "Tell me," she pleaded of him. "What did you want to ask me?"

A rumble went through the Devil's chest, annoyed. "The human has agreed to let me out for a full day and night per condition I not spill blood unless necessary," he explained to her. "And I would…like to…" He gritted his teeth to keep his snarl at bay. "I would like to…see you," he barely got out.

Nashi blanked. "What?"

The Devil was growing more and more irate the more he talked. "I have studied humans to know it is customary to…learn more about their partner before fucking," he remarked stiffly. "I do not understand humans and their need for knowledge on who they fuck, but the human stressed it is important I spend time with you before I bury my dick inside you and fill you with my seed."

Nashi flushed at the Devil's blunt terms, but something more pressing was brought to her attention. "So Gary is pushing this," was what she got. "Do you even want to spend a day with me?"

The Devil shrugged, indifferent and yet not. "I am yours," he said plainly. "We will have an eternity for me to shower you in gifts and the sharing of knowledge and my tongue licking your heat. But…" The way his cheeks flamed as he leaned into her touch was too adorable. He did not look like a primal beast ready to strike. He looked like a flustered little puppy. "I would not mind a day to learn more about you. You are the only female who interests me. You are intelligent and challenge my darkness." He glanced at her, then looked away, shuffling his feet. "I will not force you to spend time with me. You are not happy with the human—"

"Yes."

The Devil snapped his gaze at hers to witness her beautiful smile. "What?"

Nashi giggled. "Yes, I'll spend a day with you," she agreed.

The Devil's grin looked so damn cute and he looked, daresay, hopeful. "You will?"

Nashi nodded and giggled even more when the Devil crushed her into an embrace. His chest vibrated with his satisfied purrs and he was keen on rubbing his cheek and nose all over her hair like a cat happy with his master. "I will treasure this gift you are giving me, Malã'ika," the Devil promised. He recognized how precious this was. "I will make sure you are pleased the whole day and will make sure I impress you."

"You already impress me, stupid dog," Nashi teased, closing her eyes when she felt the Devil's lips pepper her skin. "Just promise me you'll leave my business with Dazzler alone from now on, okay?"

The Devil pulled away. He pouted. The Ice Devil of Fairy Tail pouted. "Fine," he supposed. "I will let you deal with the wench how you see fit. It is instinct for me to defend my female and it is my right to do so. If she insults you again, I will not hesitate."

Nashi beamed and booped his nose. "Good boy."

The Devil pretended to bite her finger and chuckled at her squeal. "You will not call me such a weak name." It was not a suggestion. He may have commanded it, but something in his tone made Nashi agree with his words. "But names will come later when you are trained and ready." He kissed her forehead one more time before taking a step back. He saw how unsatisfied Nashi was and laughed. "Do not give me that look. I will return," he promised.

Nashi folded her arms and huffed. "You better." She pressed her thighs together. "Next time, spare me from getting hot and bothered if you won't finish the job."

The Devil's shoulders shook before he relinquished control to Gary. The human was back with his raven hair and blue eyes and a less intense winter swirling around him. Gary held his head for a moment as he readjusted when he noticed something off about him. He looked down and cursed. "Dammit! He couldn't even control himself a little bit!" As he subtly adjusted himself, his eyes snapped around to see he made it inside. "He shut me off from our link," he noted to Nashi.

Nashi's curtness was back at hearing Gary's voice. "We needed to talk without a third party," she told him dismissively. "He did mention you two agreed I'd be able to spend some time with him?"

Gary nodded, sighing. "I know he's not too satisfied. Sharing you is fine, but I know he needs more time with you and I've been selfish. So, we came to an agreement: he's allowed to be out for a full day as long as he keeps down his bloodlust and is respectful towards you."

"I'm not worried about him disrespecting me."

Gary took the dig. "I'm sorry I—"

"No, save it," Nashi sighed, dropping her arms and losing her tense stance. "Look. Just forget about it and don't let it happen again. I can handle things on my own and if I want to talk to Dazzler, I will. But on my own terms." When she saw Gary's disheartened look, she caved and cupped his chin. "Hey," she breathed. "It's fine, okay? Let's just eat and watch a really good anime movie. I could use a good cry."

°•°•°•°

Nashi was halfway in her carton of ice cream she shared with Gary as tears streaked her cheeks, eyes glued to the Lacrima-Vision as the credits rolled. A woman sang in a beautiful alto voice with only a piano, violin, and violoncello as her partners while epilogue pictures from the movie flashed. Nashi was nestled on Gary's chest with a blanket covering them and even if she was crying, she looked comfortable in his arms.

"I hate watching this movie," Nashi sobbed. "I love it because it's so beautiful, but I hate it because it's just so sad…! He's going to live in the woods and she's going to be a human and their mom is just…!" She crammed more ice cream in her mouth as she became inconsolable.

Gary was highly entertained at this sight. "Angel, it's just a movie," he reminded her.

Nashi glared at him. "This isn't just a movie. It is art and it is beautiful," she argued. "How heartless do you have to be to not even realize the struggle Aoi went through when her wolfman died and left her all alone with werewolves for children?"

"And she pulled through," Gary tried to get her to understand. "She was an amazing single mother even if she didn't know the first thing about how to raise a wolf. She knew how to be a mother and that was phenomenal. It's sad to see Arashi decided to become a wolf in the end and Kori became human, but Aoi raised them to make that choice." He thumbed away a tear. "Honestly, I don't know how strong my mom would be if my dad died. She's so in love with him, it's scary, to be honest. The weather gets iffy when my dad would go on long jobs. I don't even want to think about what would happen if he was gone for good. As for my dad, I know he'd struggle a lot if she was gone and maybe his Curse would act up, but he would be able to do it."

Nashi spoon-fed him ice cream as she said, "I know Papa would be a wreck if Mama died. From what I know about how mating and bonding work, he wouldn't survive long, even if his kids needed him. As for my mama, I know she'd make it. She'd put on her brave face and work twice as hard like Aoi did."

Gary swallowed his spoonful of ice cream as Nashi looked up at him. "Aunt Lucy's a real trooper." He leaned down to peck Nashi's lips. "I like the taste of vanilla on your lips," he told her. "The strawberry was nicer though."

Nashi hummed and their lips pecked again. She heard her Compact go off and smiled. "To be continued." With a grunt, she got off Gary and set down the ice cream to reach for her Compact. She saw it was Aine calling and she did not hesitate to answer it. "Hello—?"

"I am going on this job request if it kills me and I need you to come with me," Aine suddenly blurted.

Nashi winced at the volume. "I'm sorry. Run that by me again and keep it at a humane volume level this time, please and thank you?"

Aine huffed. "Tell Lance he's being stupid and Oberon is a complete jerk and I can go on this job request with you."

There was shuffling and a quiet debate before Lance's irate voice filled the line. "Nashi, she is not going on a job," he seethed. "She knows better. Over-strain on her heart and lungs could cost her a trip to the ER even with her medication. She knows her restrictions and she wants to ignore them because she wants to prove it to Misty she's an adult and doesn't need a babysitter and this is not the way to go about it!" he yelled into the distance. He sighed into the Compact. "She's not really listening to me right now since she thinks I'm taking her brother's side in all this, so maybe you can be the voice of reason here and tell her trying to kill herself over proving a point isn't worth it."

Gary sat up, inquisitive, and Nashi decided to put the call on speaker for both of them to catch a glimpse of distance arguing. There was a lot of stomping involved and noises of frustration until Aine came back onto the call. "I'm going," she snarled. She did not sound like the motherly figure Nashi admired. She sounded furious. "Nashi, are you with me or not? Because it looks like I'm going without my traitorous boyfriend who is clearly siding with my idiot brother!"

Nashi tried to gauge Gary's reaction in all this as she did her best to answer. "Uh… Um…" She worked her mouth while her eyes pleaded for Gary to say something, but he was too amused to help her in any way. "I… Um… Yes…?"

"Perfect," Aine bit. "Meet me at the train station in an hour. We're leaving Magnolia."

The call ended.

Gary burst into laughter as Nashi groaned, throwing her Compact on the bed. "Ugh! What did I just get myself into?" She punched Gary's shoulder when he refused to stop laughing. "Shut up, you ass!" she snapped, doing all she could to stop smiling. "You couldn't have helped me out a little?"

Gary tried his best to sober himself at least into a grin. "Angel, you decide things for yourself, not me," he reminded. "Aine's determined to go. She has the same determination as Master. It's better for you to go with her and keep an eye on her than for her to go alone and something worse happens."

Nashi frowned, unhappy with the sensible logic. "I know," she lamented. She flipped back her hair as she eyed the Ice Mage. "But if I'm going, then you're going too. You still owe me for throwing me into an awkward situation, and the food and movie were not enough."

Gary's grin broadened as he stretched. "Fine, I'll go. Somebody's got to keep an eye on the two of you," he had to admit. His eyebrow lifted. "I might need some incentive, though…"

Nashi whacked his shoulder as she tried to adopt an annoyed look, but she could not help the smile falling onto her face. "Oh, really…?" She was graceful as she slid over his hips to straddle him. "You do realize we have a little less than an hour to pack and bust our asses to the train station, right?"

The glint in Gary's eyes was positively perverse as his hands trailed her sides by the tips of his fingers. "I can be quick."

Nashi hummed, amused, and leaned down for her hands to feather his neck. As her lips brushed against his, she whispered, "Promises, promises."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena liked it when it was her and her mother in their quaint house together. Most of their time was spent enjoying the LV in the living room as Ena mapped out new designs for Erza and her own armor with Erza making the choice of what type of Magic should be engraved in each thread and sheet of metal. Today was no different. Mother and daughter had settled into the living room with their swords resting side-by-side and the designs littering the floor with concepts and written word of what types of weapons they would implement. Erza had forgone her armor in her own home and opted for something more loose-fitting while Ena did the same while they lounged on the floor and ate snacks. The Lacrima-Vision cut to a commercial showing the House of Vionnet and Ena openly groaned.

"Ugh… Mom, can I please go out east?" Ena begged. "I really want to go to the House of Vionnet!"

"Ena, we talked about this," Erza regarded patiently. "Two stores are opening here in Fiore next week and I bought us VIP slots, remember?"

Ena beamed at that. "I know. Thanks for that, Mom." She sighed as her back hit the couch. "I'm excited to go to the opening, but I'm still at a loss for the finishing touches on the dresses I have designed for you, L, Aine, Aunt Lu, Nashi, and me. I'm trying to add that it factor to make them shine, but my ideas aren't clicking and…" She noticed the way her mother was looking at her and softened. "Are you thinking about Dad again?"

Erza's blush was shy but not ashamed. "When you talk, you sound just like him," she told wistfully. "Determined so much, you tune out the world."

Ena gathered her knees to her chest. "Can you tell me more about him? What he was like?"

Erza pulled an arm around her daughter as she thought hard about her questions. "He was…a struggling soul," she admitted. "Our lives when we were little weren't easy. And, after he had been Cursed, he turned into the villain he would always hate himself to be."

"But you still loved him," Ena pointed out.

Erza smiled and kissed Ena's hair. "I still did. He was my Jellal, the man who gave me my last name." Her eyes glistened with the ghosts of her past. "Our battles felt never-ending. We won some, he won some, but the victories were always bittersweet. It was the war that would change everything. When he was free from his Curse, he knew he couldn't go back to who he once was. He had to atone."

"So Meredy and Ultear went with him on his quest and they started an Independent Guild," Ena said proudly.

"They did," Erza recalled. "They gathered those needing to atone and set out to make peace, not war. And, for a time, I thought I'd never see him again."

"Yeah," Ena snorted, "because of that whole 'fake fiancé' business. What was Dad thinking?"

"He was trying to protect me at the time and help me move on," Erza reasoned. "He thought he was doing right in helping me along the process in finding love."

"But you two still waited for each other."

"Who's telling the story?" When Ena giggled, Erza sighed. "We did wait for each other in a way, but we also didn't. We still had our goals and aspirations. We still lived. And then," she added, "we finally settled down, married, had kids…"

Ena's smile faded. "And then he left…"

Erza softened. "He did." Tone quiet, bracing.

Ena's eyes drifted to the carpet. "Why did he leave?" she whispered. "Didn't he want to get to know me? Didn't he love us?"

"He loves us very much," Erza insisted. "I know you appreciate the gifts he sends on your birthday and Christmas."

"But it still doesn't make sense why he left!" Ena blurted, chin tucked into her knees.

Erza held her breath. Observing. Fear drove her. Is she going to hate him like Oberon does? Is this the point when she resents him?

"I just…" Ena sighed and her tension left her. "I wish I knew him like Aine did and Misty did. I mean… You said he'd love my fashion, but how do you know? Why can't he give us our gifts in person? Why do we get them delivered by random people every time? Why couldn't he choose us?"

Erza swept her darling daughter into her arms. "Because—"

"Because he's a selfish bastard and we're better off without him."

Erza and Ena pulled apart to see Mystogan walking into the hallway with an annoyed expression and his hair covered in snowflakes. Erza hardened. "Mystogan," she scolded, "don't speak ill of your father."

"Why can't I, Mother?" Mystogan challenged. "He left us! He literally left you the day you had Ena! How can you still be this loyal to a selfish bastard like him? He doesn't care about us!"

Ena flinched as Erza boomed, "Your father loves us all! You're arrogant to think any differently! He didn't leave because it was a choice—!"

"That's what you always say!" Mystogan cried. "You say he left for a good reason and then you never tell us what it was! So, tell me, Mother, why the Hell did Jellal abandon us?"

Ena saved Erza from answering as she looked up at her brother. "Misty, what's wrong?" she questioned. "You looked upset when you came in."

Mystogan did not even look at Ena. He kept glaring at his mother. "Has Aine been taking her medication?"

Erza frowned. "Of course she has—"

"Apparently, not," Mystogan snapped. "And now there's a rumor she's on a job. Do you know about this?"

"Oberon Mystogan Fernandes," Erza thundered, fed up, "I am the Guild Master of Fairy Tail. Don't disrespect me for it."

Mystogan did have the audacity to lower his head in apology.

"And, as for the job, yes, I know." Erza held up a hand when Mystogan looked ready to blow steam. "Aine presented a case argument for me a few days ago. I had told her she would need the accompaniment of an S-Class Mage even if the job were simple. While the doctors suggest she keep Magic to a minimum, they have not forbidden her from taking D and C-Class jobs. Naturally, Lance will be with her and will protect her."

"Am I the only one who cares about her health?" Mystogan snarled.

Ena tried to speak. "Misty—"

"If you think I'm going to let my sister risk her life because she's throwing a temper tantrum, you're mistaken!" Mystogan snarled. "Where did she go?"

"That is confidential information," Erza decided in that tone to leave the conversation alone. In a sweeter tone, she asked Mystogan as she gestured to the expanse of drawings, "Now. Have you taken a look at Ena's latest concepts in armor for the spring? She really has a good eye."

At Erza's encouraging look, Ena perked a little and told Mystogan, "Yeah, um… I have some ideas for spring gear for you if you want to take a lo—"

"You want me to worry about fashion when my own sister is out there and refuses to take care of herself?" Mystogan practically shouted at his mother. "Who cares about gear? Aine needs us! And if you don't care enough about her, I'll track her down myself!" With a huff, he stormed off and left his family home.

Erza was not even stunned at Mystogan for his leaving. More like she was disappointed. "When will he ever learn?" she muttered to herself. Something shifted and Erza looked up to see Ena had stood up. A mother could read the face of her daughter and Ena looked ready to do two things: cry and get angry. "Ena," she sighed. "Oberon—"

"He doesn't care about me, Mom," Ena whispered shakily. Whether she was about to cry or scream, that was up for debate. "He doesn't care about me or my fashion. He never will. He only cares about you and Aine."

Erza got to her feet slowly. "My little fairy, that's not true," she shushed. "Oberon loves you—"

"He doesn't!" Ena cried. Brown on brown, one teary and one broken. "I was stupid to think he'd even want to talk to me about the gear I've been designing just for him since he's too busy thinking about Aine! It's like I barely even exist to him!"

Erza swept Ena into a needed hug. "Ena—"

Ena broke free from her mother's embrace to dash down the hall and into her room. Tears streamed down her eyes and stung her cheeks as slammed her door and threw herself on her bed. Her cries were breathless and squeaky and she knew she was ugly cries, but she did not care. Her hand shakily reached for her contacts. Her eyes blurred from her tears, but she found Luna's contact and called her.

ERRRRRRRRRRRR…. ERRRRRRRRRRRR…

"What do you want, witch?"

Ena sniffled. "L? Where are you?"

"'L'?" A snorting laugh. Sarcastic. "I knew your last two brain cells were in your sword, but do I really sound like Lulu?"

Ena finally realized who was on the other end of the line. "Stalker?"

"The one and only, witch." Two beats. "Hold on… You sound like you're crying…"

"What do you care?" Ena gnashed, rubbing away her tears. "Don't worry. I'm hanging up."

"Wait!"

Ena froze.

Three beats.

"Just… Meet me at the park near your house in twenty minutes."

The call went dead.

Ena looked down at her Compact, confused and teary-eyed. Wh—?

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Ena?" her mother called. "I've gathered all your concepts. I'll leave them at the door, okay? But could you please come out?"

At first, Ena bit her lip. She wanted to be petty and silent. But her mother did not deserve that. "I just want to be alone," she wobbled.

Five beats. "Okay." A resigned word meaning defeat. "I'll be in the living room if you need me." Footsteps trekked away without victory.

Ena looked at the time. "Twenty minutes, huh?" Her eyes were drawn to the family photo she kept in her room. She saw herself and Mystogan and Aine and her mother when life was simpler.

Eyes hardened.

A decision was made.

With a leap off the bed, Ena went for her jacket and slipped on her sheath. "Luna'garann, to me," she called her sword. The blade appeared in her grasp and she slipped it into the sheath on her back. She went over to her window to open it. Hesitation. Eyes darting back to the door. Sorry, Mom.

With a jerk of the window, Ena slipped between the cracks and fled.

---

The train ride was tense and everyone knew it. Aine and Lance sat together, but that meant virtually nothing when they refused to speak to each other. Glares were thrown here and there. Aine, at one point, had placed a hand over her heart and closed her eyes as she tried to control her breathing for just a few moments. Lance caught the motion. Instinct took over. He followed the ritual he gave himself as he flattened her hair. Aine was fine after that, but neither one looked at each other. Glances were thrown, this time one-sided. It took no fool to see Lance was irrevocably concerned for his girlfriend and Aine was doing her best to hide the pain she was in. Rather than a cave, she leaned on the cool glass window and shut her eyes to try and doze off.

Nashi and Gary sat together one seat up and across from their partners-in-crime. Gary had invested himself in watching a movie on his Compact with a screen projecting off it for the pair of them. They shared earbuds and listened to the sounds of predictable lines, but Nashi kept glancing at the unhappy couple.

I know all couples fight, but I hate it when they do, Nashi admitted to her souls.

I sense the bond between them is deep as it is wide, Seraphim confessed. Her soul is strong even if the body is weak. She craves freedom from weakness. She craves independence and thinks this will prove it so. But she is deeply hurting.

Lance's soul recognizes Aine's pain, Nashi breathed. That's incredible.

Aine was right to say their love is a rarity, Seraphim decided. It takes many human couples years to decades to resonate their souls. I imagine their bond sparks envy.

Gary suddenly shifted and Nashi found herself holding his Compact as he got up. "I'll be right back," he promised her. He kissed her cheek for good measure before handing her the other earbud. "Don't get into trouble, child."

Nashi scowled at him for that. "Don't get lost, old man."

Gary chuckled as he left their seats to head out from the train car.

Nashi weighed her options. She could continue watching the movie, but when she saw Lance had leaned Aine on his shoulder and dressed her in his jacket, she knew a second option had been born and she had to take it. She paused the movie and took out her earbud to make a beeline across the aisle and to Lance. She sat across from him to notice Aine was sleeping against his shoulder, looking every bit as graceful as her mother.

"She always tells me she hates it when I catch her sleeping because she thinks she looks ugly," Lance mentioned. He surprised Nashi with how loving and quiet he sounded. "She honestly could be drooling and snoring all over the place and I'd still love her."

"How do you guys do it?" Nashi found herself blurting. "I mean with her condition and everything… How do you guys do it?"

Lance's eyes were solely for Aine, but he answered Nashi, "You could ask me how any relationship works and I'd say the same thing: communicating. You could argue, since I grew up with her and I'm her brother's best friend, I knew what I was getting into when we first started dating, but that's not true at all. I didn't know everything going into it. When we started dating, it was hard for Aine to be honest with me when she fell faint or when she couldn't eat. She was still scared I'd dump her when I found out the truth to her condition."

"And, yet, you're still here," Nashi remarked.

"Because we learned and are learning to trust and talk." Lance pulled his gaze from his girlfriend to offer Nashi a long look. "It's not easy. We may make it look easy, but it's really not. We still have a little trouble with it now. And, yeah, sometimes, it does get hard. But you'll put aside difficulties if you really care about the person." He kissed Aine's forehead. "She can be stubborn and difficult and argumentative when she wants to be just like I can. We'll get mad at each other and we'll fight, but we'll still talk about it. Because that's what being in a relationship is about."

Nashi let her stare drop. "What if…?" Two beats of hesitation. "What if…you can't talk?"

The look on Lance's face suggested he knew what Nashi was really trying to ask. "It's different for every person." His words were not without care. He chose them deliberately as though he was afraid he might say something foolish. "Some people are straightforward like my dad. They can't beat around the bush and they won't. They'll lay everything out on the table right then and there for you to take it or leave it. For others, it takes time and an immense amount of trust. Neither way is wrong. What's wrong is when you feel like you'll never be able to get to that point of trusting that person."

Nashi bit her lip. "And…what if you think you can and it backfires?"

Lance sighed. "Nashi," he started, "I'm not even going to pretend I know what you've been through because I don't. All I know is from what I saw. It's obvious you're not ready to talk to anyone except Mara, Orochi, and maybe Aine. That's okay. And, as me trying to be objective as I can, I'm telling you this now. If you feel like you'll never be able to trust Gary that much, please don't continue what you're doing and, yes," he tacked on, amused at Nashi's wide-eyed stare, "anyone with eyes can tell you two have gotten a lot closer since Halloween." His amusement faded. "I want you to be happy, Nashi, whether it be with someone or with yourself," he confessed, truthful. "If you feel like Gary could be that one person you can trust wholeheartedly, I'm happy for you. If he's not, that's okay too. No one will hate you."

"He'll hate me," Nashi murmured.

Lance shook his head. "He won't." He was confident in such a bold assumption. "He loves you, but he wants you to be happy, even if it's not with him. He'll fight hard for you, but he was raised right to know if you don't want to put in the effort, he won't waste both of your time."

Nashi winced at that. "I'm not afraid of that," she admitted. Her eyes flicked nervously to the back of the train car. No sign of him yet. "I'm afraid he'll hate me for…everything else."

Lance's green eyes hardened. "If Gary has the nerve to hate you for your past, then he's not the guy I grew up with and certainly not worthy of you," he bit harshly. "I've seen it happen to Aine. The little friends she had outside of the guild abandoned her because they couldn't take what she was doing through." Static clacked off his hair. "It infuriates me to think people have the nerve to be that selfish when their friend is hurting."

It burned Nashi up thinking about such a dreadful thing happened to Aine. "We're lucky to know so many people who stick by us."

"And Gary will stick by you," Lance put in. "No, I'm not telling you to tell him everything now," he hurried to add when he could see Nashi's flash of anxiety, "but I'm just giving you a head's up. That guy has been wrestling with his Curse for nearly twenty years. He's been through Hell and back and came out stronger for it. But the scars are deep, Nashi. I heard one of the Hunters who kidnapped him all those years ago hurt the both of you. I'm sure you saw how Gary truly felt."

Nashi remembered everything crystal clear. She remembered something worse than terror in Gary's eyes. "Yeah," she breathed.

"It's his place to tell you his demons just like it's your place to tell him yours," Lance assured. "No one can or should take that choice from you. It should be when you think you are ready to tell. Not when you think he's ready or your relationship is ready, but when you, mentally and emotionally, are ready to speak up. And that's only if you think he's the one you can trust."

Nashi's smile was bitter. "Wow. Have you and Mara been trading psychology secrets?"

Lance's smile was cheeky. "Nope! I get all the advice stuff from my mom and from bartending a little bit. Mara's the one going to school for psychology, so she could probably word it better—"

"No," Nashi interrupted softly. "You said it good enough. Thanks, Mackie."

Jade turned affectionate. "I've known you since you were in diapers, Laylay"—there was such warmth in that endearing name—"and you've become another sister to me. You've supported Aine so much. You've struggled and you've survived. I just want you to start living just like I want that for MJ and Ronnie."

The train car door was opening.

Jade understood as Nashi fled from his presence to sit back in her seat. Gary came back only seconds later with a sigh falling off his lips. "Thanks for pausing the movie," he murmured. He noticed the sadness edging in Nashi's features. "Hey… You okay, Angel?"

Nashi's hum was noncommittal. "Just tired," she brushed off. "I'll be fine once we transfer trains and get to Erika Town."

Gary frowned, buying her excuse for now. "Okay. Why don't you take a nap?" he suggested. "Here. Let me move so you can—"

Fingers grasping a sleeve.

Gary looked down to see Nashi clutching his jacket. "Angel?"

"Can you stay with me?" Nashi asked in a small voice. "Please?"

Gary immediately softened. "Whatever you need, Angel," he promised her. He shed his jacket to give to her as a blanket. "You can lay your head on my lap." He helped Nashi ease into a curling position with her head comfortably resting on his thighs. He got himself comfy as he popped back in his earbuds and decided to continue an episode from the sitcom series The Agency.

Nashi closed her eyes, but a thought tugged at her. "Gary?"

"Hmm?"

Nashi popped an eye open. "Do you…have nightmares?"

Gary did not even flinch, but his arm did tense. "Yes."

"Is it because of your Curse?" Nashi further pressed.

Gary thought about that. "Yes and no."

Nashi wanted to pry, but she knew there would be no fairness if she did. She would be asking him to reveal parts of himself when she was still living a lie. "I see," was her weak reply. She remembered Lance's words. Trust and communication. She sucked in a deep breath. "Can I tell you the next time I have nightmares?"

Gary stilled. This was new.

"And, the next time you have nightmares…can you tell me?"

Silence.

Nashi's heart dropped and she felt her eyes sting. I'm so stupid. Why would I even ask him that?

"Yes."

Nashi stopped herself from sniffling when she heard that quiet confirmation. She looked up to see cerulean eyeing her, soft and fond. "Yes?"

Gary nodded. "Yes." His face darkened. "I don't know if I can tell you about them."

"That's okay," Nashi rushed to add before her embarrassment made her shut down her valor. "It's enough just hearing you had them. We don't have to talk about them. We can just let each other know."

"And then what?"

Nashi blanked. And then what, indeed. What were they supposed to do when they told the other their dreams turned into terrors?

"How about…"—Nashi looked up at Gary when he started—"whenever we tell each other we had a nightmare, the other person has to…tell an embarrassing story about themselves?"

Nashi gawked. Rejection was on her tongue, but she swallowed it down. Still… "But won't we run out of stories?"

Gary smiled. "Point taken. How about just a story then? It can be an embarrassing moment or a really good memory or even just a story we made up," he proffered.

Nashi's smile was so natural, she barely felt it. "I'd like that," she quietly accepted as she buried her nose in Gary's jacket.

Gary hummed and his hand combed through her hair. His touch was cold and you would think Nashi would shy away from anyone unnecessarily cold with it being winter. And, yet…she liked this cold. It calmed the heat inside her. "Go to sleep, Angel," he murmured. "I'll still be here when you wake up."

Nashi felt like a child when she blurted, "Pinky promise?"

Gary did not find her childish at all. "Pinky promise."

Something in Nashi was more at ease knowing that. Her eyes fluttered shut and she could only feel Gary's winter embrace her and comb through her locks. Before sleep could get to her, she sent out on final prayer. Universe… Please… Send me a sign.

All she felt was Gary's comfortable winter caressing her.

Maybe that was the sign she needed.

---

Downtown Bank Cress was a commercial district fit for kings. Strip malls were busy this time of day because everyone was getting off work or out of school club activities and wanted a place to relax. It did not hurt that Christmas was within sight and everyone wanted to get their shopping out of the way. Restaurants had good business even on a weekday. Bad weather drove people from their homes and into fine establishments, even if the logic was not logical. A group of mothers was laughing was they shared dumplings. A girl rolled her eyes as a clear player of women tried his hand to annoy her, following her around a glass antique store. A man and several of his coworkers had loosened their ties for some good booze and maybe even karaoke.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Downtown Bank Cress, a commercial district. While New Azalea City is popular for its shops and malls, Downtown Bank Cress is a lot closer to the southeastern region of Fiore. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

But the strips were not the center of attention nor even the food trucks lining themselves up. It was the mall of Downtown Bank Cress that centered the commercial district. Lacrima Cars and bikes filled up the parking spaces as people poured into the mall. It was four floors of restaurants, shopping and retail, and even a movie theater and bowling alley. An ice-rink had been placed inside again this year and already people took to the ice for a simple lap. One man was skating to the tune of an anime theme song, matching the routine step for step. The mall's carousel blasted music as children and even older people rode it for fun.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Downtown Bank Cress' mall, BC Towers. It houses movie theaters, a bowling alley, an ice-rink, and over thirty restaurants, some unique to this mall. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna and Gale had made it onto the third floor. With no pets allowed in the mall unless an assistance pet, Icarus was not part of the company. Gale was carrying a few small bags and looked quite entertained as Luna bounced around, eyes sparkling. She found Always 21 and nearly screamed. "Gale! We have to go there!"

Gale allowed Luna to tug him into the store. "Yes, princess, whatever you say, princess," he teased her.

Luna's annoyed look was anything but. "Oh, come on…! I'm actually at the BC Towers!" She squealed and looked like she would explode from happiness. "E and I have been wanting to come here with our sisters since, like, forever! For the first time in forever—!"

"If you start singing that stupid kid's song, I am leaving you," Gale threatened. "You have no idea the type of Hell I was put under when that movie came out. Mom was hooked onto it, my old man and Galileo kept singing that Love is an Open whatever shit, and I swear Galileo would always dramatically open the doors."

Luna's eyes rolled at that. "Oh, you poor baby," she teased him. "Magic and singing and dancing, oh my!"

Gale's growl was good-natured. "You laugh at me now, Blondie, but you won't be laughing when my stupid ass of a brother starts singing literally everything." He eyed the store they stepped into. It was so…bright. "You really want to stop here?"

Luna clapped her hands. "Yes! Yes, of course!" She showed him her Compact. "I might not have a camera anymore, but I definitely want to get more pictures of us trying on new looks and this place is perfect!"

Gale pointed at the store's name. "It says, 'Always twenty-one' and we are not that old."

Luna giggled and took his hand to drag him further into the store. "Come on…!"

This was how all the trips to a retailer would go. Luna would push Gale inside regardless of his protests he did not need a new "look" and he was perfectly happy with the clothes he had. She would ignore his complaints as she summoned Ena's fashion sense and made new concepts for Gale to try on. Some were bold, others edgy. Some made him look bright even when he was scowling and others made him look like a heartbreaker. Luna had fun with her Compact camera as she encouraged Gale to be her model and pose for her. In his acts of defiance, he would scowl or make faces at the camera until he simmered down and posed as she asked. Of course, he was not alone. Luna would make sure he got pictures of her in new looks she and him picked out.

One picture had the both of them sporting overalls with one strap undone. Luna had a checkered shirt underneath while Gale did a white tee and they sported backward caps and shades. Another had them both looking like they stepped out of the retro era or disco. She had bell-bottoms and a shoulder-less sweater covered in faux fur while Gale sported a jacket full of fringes and tight leather pants he ended up regretting. Luna eventually got Gale back in the dressing room to try the trailer look with ripped jeans, a plaid shirt tied at the waist, a fur-collared coat and beanie. Luna had complimented him with her biker girl look of a bomber jacket, pleather pants, and making a bubble with her gum. Luna captured herself in a fun look themed around pink with a pink knit dress, pink flats, pink sunglasses, and her hair tied into twin ponytails with pink ribbon. Gale had come out of the fitting room dressed hilariously as a goth boy. While Luna laughed, he stomped back into the dressing room when he saw how horrible he looked. The next photo had them both looking like hipsters with fake glasses and everything.

Luna leafed through the photos as she and Gale sat at the edge of a fountain. Gale was happily snacking on a funnel cake he picked up with bags surrounding them both while Luna was selecting which photos she wanted to send to Ena. She finally made a decision and shared the album she created. "And…done!" she chirped. She opened her mouth and Gale fed her a piece of funnel cake. "I think we did great today! Are you sure you don't mind paying?"

Gale tried not to cry as he munched on his funnel cake. "It's no problem, Blondie. Anything to make you smile."

My wallet is dead. Deader than dead. Its ghost is dead. I'm going to have to haul major ass on some big job requests to make this up.

"Well, at least let me treat you to food," Luna insisted. "I know I said it was your treat, but you've been so nice, it's the least I can do."

Gale swallowed his mouthful and grinned. "Now that I won't turn down."

And that was how they ended up in the BC Towers food court. Twenty-one of the many restaurants had staked their claim in the food court. Most of them were chain restaurants, but a couple were unique to the mall. Gale had settled on MgRonald's while Luna was more than happy to get some Selan food: fried rice, honey mustard chicken, and sweet and sour chicken. They found their place among the busy court in an exposed table.

"Thanks for taking me here," Luna appreciated when she was only a third of the way finished. "You made my day even if you don't really want to be here."

Gale shrugged as he swallowed his mouthful of double quarter pounder. "Nah, don't worry about it. I don't mind shopping. I just hate browsing. I can sense if a store will have what I want. If it doesn't, I'm out."

"But then you've never truly looked!" Luna cried. "How can you know what a store offers without looking?"

"Easy. Two words. Superior intuition," Gale responded, grinning. Earning a snort from Luna, he added, "Look, it's true! My mom and Liv are the same way. We just know if a store isn't for us. But," he tacked on, "I do have to admit it was a little fun trying on all those clothes and taking pictures with you. A little bit. Don't expect me to make this a regular thing."

Luna was already beamed. "I would never!" she mock-gasped. "I'll share with you the album I made of all of this. We look so good." A frown overcame her.

Gale noticed this and frowned as well. "What? What's wrong?"

"Mmm, nothing, I think," Luna mumbled. "It's just… I don't know. Com cameras don't do a picture justice, you know? I miss having a camera to hold."

Something in those ruby pools flickered. "Really…?" Gale drawled. "Are you gonna sit on Saint Nick's pedophilic lap and tell him you want a camera for Christmas?"

Laughter bubbled out of Luna as she knocked her foot against his in retribution. "Lest the world know Gale Redfox's non-believer status," she jested. "And maybe. I know I'll put it in my letter to Santa for sure, but cameras don't come cheap. I thought about saving my job money for it, but then Christmas presents got in the way." She deflated at that. "There's always next year," she supposed.

Gale tried to look disinterested like he had not tucked that tidbit of information in his back pocket. "So what have you gotten so far and what are you getting for people?" he asked.

Luna perked again. "Now that I have some money saved up, I can finally buy and make better presents," she gushed. "I already made Happy's present. He's been needing a new bag for a while, so I made him one. I'm in the middle of making my mama a blanket since she gets really cold without my papa around her, but I want to buy her a new set of boots too. Oh! For Nashi, I have a collage I'm nearly finished with. We had a Sisters' Day back in August and I want her to always remember the memories we made. Igneel and Luke were pretty easy. I got Igneel some boxsets to his favorite anime series that were signed and I'm getting Luke two games for the MagiSwitch that Mama and Papa are getting him, a gift card for in-game credit, and I got him a signed edition of…" She noticed Gale's look and felt self-conscious. "What?"

Gale shook his head. "No, no. Do go on," he encouraged.

Luna was wary, but she continued: "A signed edition of the fifth book to that wizarding series he loves so much. Papa's the most difficult. I mean, yeah, when we take him to Toy Land, he's like a kid in a candy store and wants everything in sight, but he always tells us 'my brats are the greatest gift Lucy could give me'," she recited, pitching her voice down. "Cute but so annoying, you know? I have some ideas on what to give him, but I'll need my mama's help. As for everyone else…" She began to tick off her fingers. "Fullbuster family is covered completely. I got E-tickets to The Lion Queen in NAC when it comes next year to Broadway. I'm pretty much done except for you and Mary Jane."

Gale raised his eyebrows at that. "You're getting a gift for Jane?"

Luna nodded. "Mmm-hmm. I always do," she noted. "I used to give her records, but with her big change, I want to do something different."

"Ask Igneel," Gale recommended. "He's been hanging onto her for years and gave Romeo and Juliet a run for their money. If anyone knows what to buy her, he does."

Luna took that into consideration. "You're right. I'll do that."

"I'm always right," Gale declared haughtily. "As for me, don't even worry about me. I really don't need anything," he added when Luna lifted an eyebrow. "Honest, Blondie, Boy Scout's honor. I'm happy with what I've got. Plus, you know I hate it when people give me gifts. Then, I have to get them a gift to maintain the balance of our fragile alliance and it has to be of equal value…"

"You and your rules," Luna tutted, shaking her head in mirth. She forked more Selan food and shoved it into her mouth. "Honestly. It's no wonder you're single."

"I will have you know, woman, I am single by choice," Gale hissed. "I could easily become a douche like Dash and Cane, but I have class and they don't."

Luna snorted into her food. "You sound like such a Minstrish guy when you say, 'class'."

"Well, my ancestors are from Minstrel," Gale pointed out. "It's still heckin' weird we met our fam from hundreds of years ago." He tapped his shirt's neckline and murmured lowly, "I'm still freaked out my new piece of jewelry comes with a camouflage mode I didn't know about until a week ago. Like I'm geekin' how cool this is, but shit if this ain't weird."

"I know what you mean," Luna muttered. "I can't forget Margaret even if I tried. Everything happened so fast and so slow at the same time."

A moment of silence was held between them as they remembered the battles they faced and the war they bittersweetly won. The memories were pleasant, but some were rather chilling. Neither of them wanted to remember the fact that Bluenote was out there. Neither of them wanted to remember how scarcely they came to stay in the past.

Gale cleared his throat. "Well, eat up," he told her, nodding at her food. "We still have a lot of ground to cover and I have a surprise for you."

"A 'surprise'?" Luna's eyes were shining at that. "Tell me now!"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise," Gale reminded good-humoredly. "Eat up, soldier. This surprise you're going to want to have all your strength for."

---

The Dreyar Residence has one of those warm living rooms with a fireplace. An actual fireplace, not an electrical one, which was rare to find. But it was an older house with main architecture that had been kept in-tact. The living room had been lined in holly with wreaths every so often. Elven statues and reindeer and pseudo presents had been placed around the living room for decorated effect. The Christmas tree was a real one (Mira was authentic when it came to a holiday). Ornaments had been hung. Some were homemade, some were store-bought—all were meaningful in their own special way. The lights twinkled in glee of the season and the tingle glinted in the right light. The fireplace had been lined with tinsel and stockings were hung with care. Each one had been personalized for each member of the family. Laxus' was dedicated to lightning with a lightning bolt running down the middle of it. Mirajane's was a musical stocking portraying Misses Clause singing her heart out. Lance's had been a jolly elf with hearts around him. Mary Jane's stocking was dedicated to her love of music with a reindeer band.

Igneel and Mary Jane had taken over the living room with a jumble of pillows and blankets as they watched anime on the Lacrima-Vision. Dishes had made it to the sink and only eggnog and hot chocolate in mugs remained in the living room. Mary Jane had propped herself up as she cozied herself within her blanket, watching as an enforcer did his best to save the close friend of his inspector from a cyborg, his hellish robotic pets, and a calm psychopathic mastermind. Igneel had his head on Mary Jane's lap, too comfortable for his own good.

"You know, I thought I wouldn't be able to handle this show since you said it's gory and obscure, but I really love it," Mary Jane confessed, eyes flickering down at Igneel to catch his grin.

"Told ya so," Igneel snickered. "And we're only on episode eleven. It gets so much better. The second season is lame, but the anime film series looks promising."

Mary Jane smiled down at him. "Well, I look forward to watching them someday."

"With me," Igneel boldly added.

Mary Jane giggled quietly. "With you," she amended. At Igneel's satisfied look, a thought occurred to her and she frowned. "But won't you be busy? I mean I thought the Grand Winter Games were coming up on the sixteenth? Shouldn't you be training?"

Igneel merely yawned and shrugged. "I dunno, pro'ly," he slurred, weariness proceeding him. He shifted in Mary Jane's lap with his nose pressed onto her blanket-covered thigh. "It's not a real big Magic event. It's pretty much us working with what Mother Nature gives us at the time. I should probably hit the slopes and snowboard a little bit, but I can do that later. It's MJ time."

Mary Jane was frowning even more at that. "Igneel, don't hold off your plans for me." Her eyes went to her hot chocolate and she swallowed. "If you're just doing this because you pity me for not being able to use Magic anymore, then—"

"Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah…" Igneel sat up, disbelief splattered on his face. "MJ, I don't pity you," he rather blatantly told her. "You not being able to cast spells is not the reason I'm hanging with you. You're my friend, therefore I want to be around you. I'm not holding off any plans. My friends and I talked a little about going out to the Bearberry Mills, but nothing's set in stone." He flicked her forehead. "Get it out of your head I'm here because I pity you. I haven't pitied you before and I'm not starting now. Only thing I pity is the guy who gets stuck with my older sister because she can be a raging bitch when she wants to."

A shoulder-shaking laugh ripped out of Mary Jane and made her beam. "I get it," she promised. "Nashi's really nice, by the way."

Igneel scowled and flopped back onto Mary Jane's lap. "You say that because you don't live with her."

DING-DONG.

Mary Jane sighed. "It's probably the delivery guy," she supposed. "Daddy told me he ordered my mom's present and it would come today. I just have to hide it." She tried getting up when Igneel snaked his arms around her and nestled his face into her stomach. "Igneel…" she tried to chastise.

"Don't go…!" Igneel bemoaned. "I want more MJ time! I was here first! I deserve more cuddle time! I'll die without more!"

"Now you're just being an overly dramatic child." Mary Jane slapped a hand over her mouth when she realized she hurled an insult without even thinking. Panic entered her stare. What had she just done?

Igneel did not seem to mind as he whined like a little boy and held her tighter as the doorbell rang again. He dragged himself up and onto his knees to point an authoritative finger at her. "Stay," he commanded. "I'll get the package. You stay here and don't – move." He grunted as he stood up, cracking his back. "I haven't had my fill of MJ time yet." He jogged out of the living room.

"I'm not a pet!" Mary Jane shouted at him. "And this is my house!"

Igneel chuckled and ignored the remark as he came to the door. He opened it—

—and was completely taken back at the set of golden eyes.

"Peter," Igneel breathed. "Uh… Hi…"

Peter looked odd in his school uniform and bundled up in his winter coat, but he, too, was perplexed seeing Igneel answer the door. "Um, hey… I'm looking for Mary Jane. Is she home or…?" He showed Igneel the package the Fire Mage somehow neglected to notice. "I have her dad's package and—"

"Peter! Hi!"

Peter (relieved) and Igneel (annoyed) turned to see Mary Jane skipping towards the door. She had a full-on beam at the sight of Peter and Peter reciprocated the smile. "Sweets," he greeted warmly (Igneel might not have liked sweets before, but he hated them now), "I've been trying to get a hold of you all day."

Mary Jane ducked her and had the decency to be apologetic. "Sorry. Igneel and I got caught up in cooking and anime," she confessed ruefully. Her eyes widened when she saw Peter was holding the package and she missed the way Igneel and Peter's eyes connected. "Oh! Daddy's present for Mom! You have it!" She gratefully took the package into the house. "Thanks, Peter! Come on inside!"

Igneel blocked the entrance before Peter could even breathe the warm air within. "MJ, your parents aren't home," he reminded like he was scolding a child. "I don't think your pops would like if you were alone with another dude."

"You're here," Peter pointed out, though he did not sound aggressive when he said. He sounded innocent. Sounded.

"I'm an exception," Igneel countered. His grin may have looked friendly but his eyes were anything but. "Her family is like family to me. Her parents trust me to be with her even if they're not home."

Peter's eyes glinted and his smile was more relaxed. "Because they know nothing will happen between you two since you consider Sweets to be like another relative," he presumed.

Igneel's triumphant grin dropped as Mary Jane intercepted the boys with a sheepish smile at Peter. "Sorry, but Igneel's right. I don't think my parents would like it too much if you came inside."

"It's okay, Sweets. I don't want to disrespect your"—Peter's eyes went to Igneel—"family." Ignoring Igneel's scowl, he turned brightly to Mary Jane. "Just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out for a little while. Bleu's a total pain in the ass and has a family thing, but he sent me in to do a little recon on a pretty blonde he has his eye on. I thought maybe we could go get some food for the sake of me being his wingman, of course," he added.

Mary Jane tittered. "Well, if it's in the name of recon, how can I refuse? I have plenty of information for Bleu if he wants to up his chances." Her eyes glanced at Igneel to see how irritated he was getting at the conversation. Her smile dropped into a worried frown. "What?"

Igneel huffed. "I just don't know how I feel about you spilling all of Lu's weak points to some dude is all."

Mary Jane put a hand on Igneel's shoulder and her mixed eyes were full of sincerity. "Bleu's checked out with me," she swore. "I wouldn't have agreed to go with him and Luna in Margaret if I thought he wouldn't be good for her. He genuinely cares about her. A little push in the right direction never hurt anyone, right? I mean… Didn't you do that with Nashi and Gary?"

Igneel scowled at her. "That's different. You're—!" He inwardly cursed. "I mean she's too young for guys." Maybe he sounded like he was complaining, but so be it. "My pops won't be too happy if she's obsessing over some douchebag when she should be training."

It was Peter's turn to get defensive. "He's my best friend, not a douchebag," he snapped. "He might be an ass sometimes, but he respects women and he really likes Luna. He's serious about her, but he knows she has training and respects that. He has a lot on his plate too. If your sister gets that easily distracted, that's not his fault."

Igneel's hackles raised at that. "Don't you dare say that, you motherfu—!"

"Stop it!"

Both boys halted when Mary Jane physically put herself between them. She adopted an unhappy look towards both of them. Her eyes first went to Igneel. "If Bleu wants to go for Luna, it's his choice to make and her choice to let him, not yours. Bleu isn't a bad guy and he's been really mindful about Luna's training schedule. That should speak for itself." As Igneel huffed, Mary Jane turned to Peter. "I understand you're defending your best friend, but don't do it while insulting one of mine, okay?"

Peter's agitation mellowed into remorse. "Sorry about that, Sweets," he murmured. "I shouldn't have dug at your sister like that, Igneel. I'm sorry."

Igneel huffed smoke. When Mary Jane nudged him, he reluctantly said, "Yeah, sure. Sorry."

Mary Jane beamed. "Good! Now then, Igneel, why don't you head home? You and your friends can get started on planning your snowboarding trip! Peter, let me go get my stuff and I'll meet you back at here. I'm not all that hungry, but I know a great place for us to share some fries."

As Mary Jane darted back inside, Igneel looked utterly betrayed. Honestly, it looked hilarious. "You're ditching me?" he gasped as he stepped back into the house. He shut the door and did not care how rude he was being to company. "Me? Your best friend? What happened to bros before hoes or sisters before misters? Friends before fiends! Chicks before…well, you know!"

Mary Jane merely giggled as she bounced up the steps. "Don't be so greedy, Ling Yao," she teased.

"I'm not a stupid homunculus," Igneel whined as her giggles grew more distant. "And I'm certainly not the prince of Xing. I don't crave money, power, and fame. I just want some MJ time."

"Which means you crave women. And you had some MJ time today," came Mary Jane's muffled prompt.

"I'm being cheated out of the rest of it!"

Mary Jane came out to peep over the banister as she settled her hoodie on her. "Now you're being dramatic," she reprimanded. She wandered back to her room. "I promise I'll make it up to you with some food, but, for now, I promise we'll hang when I get back." In no time at all, she was coming back down the steps with earmuffs in her hand and her favorited pair of snow boots.

Igneel pouted. "But… When will you be back?"

Mary Jane shrugged when she hit the first level and shouldered herself to the coat closet. "I don't know. I won't be able to stay out too late since my parents don't know him, so I'll text you on my way home or something." She pulled on her coat.

Igneel swiped Mary Jane's earmuffs and put it on her head for her. "This is totally not awesome and goes against everything in the Friend Code," he muttered.

Mary Jane did look guilty for that. "I know I'm practically ditching you and it's not awesome, but please don't make me feel any worse than this," she implored. "We've been talking so much and it's been so much fun! Really! I like having you for a best friend, but, Peter…"

Igneel did not like the way Mary Jane's face flushed. He scented the air for his eyes to go wide in horror. It was subtle, that tangy scent. It deliberately slipped under his nose. "Do you…like him?" he whispered and prayed he was proven wrong.

Mary Jane was working on putting on one boot at a time when she gave an answer Igneel hated: "I don't know." She was too busy putting on her other boot to see the expression Igneel was pulling. "I mean how can anyone really know, you know? We've only been talking as friends for the past two weeks, so…" When her boots were completely on, she stood up and flicked the section of her hair that was down. "I don't know. I mean he is really nice and… Igneel, are you okay?"

Igneel snapped out of his expression to shoot her a pained grin. "Uh, yeah! I'm fine, I just, um… I just remembered I promised Pops I'd clear out our training arena in the backyard and it totally slipped my mind. Guess I've gotta skedaddle." He ripped off his scarf to wrap it around Mary Jane's neck, surprising her. "Here! Um… You take this. You'll need it more than me since you're a freeze baby."

Mary Jane could barely comprehend what was happening. "Igneel, wha—?" She never got out the words when Igneel was opening the front door for her and shoving her out. Peter steadied her, but both of them only saw Igneel's tense smile. "Igneel? What's going on?"

Igneel waved at her. "Nothing! I just really need to go is all! I'll clean up the mess since you did the cooking, okay? You go have your fun."

Mary Jane tried to protest. "Igne—!"

BAM.

Igneel lay against the closed door and he held his breath. He could hear conversation murmured just outside the barrier blocking him.

"I should go in there," Mary Jane fretted.

"No. He'll be fine," came Peter's soothe. "He's the Salamander of Fairy Tail. I'm sure he can handle himself."

Mary Jane hummed, uncertain. "Yeah, I guess." She still sounded unconvinced.

"C'mon! Show me to that place you were talking about." Footsteps left the porch. "I haven't eaten since lunch, so I'm practically starving."

Footsteps followed with a trailing giggle. "You're such a glutton," came jest.

Igneel waited for the pair of them to get far enough away from him to drop his guard. He sunk down until his butt hit the floor and he nearly banged his head leaning back on the door. His hand found his charm. His eyes were onyx and would stay that way, but he could not help it when his body shook. His flames would not break skin, but he could feel that drowning despair threaten to consume him again. He could feel that void he hated.

"She…likes him…" panted off his breath. He was wheezing. He could feel that void beneath his feet. One more step and he would drown. In and out. Breaths came and went faster than they should have. He was choking. He could feel his stomach naturally want to heave everything he had eaten, but he would hold it down. The world blurred, but he held it together as pain met panic and crushed his very soul. Because he knew that with everything that had happened, there was a price, a cost, because Life never did anything for free.

"I… I thought I… I…" Igneel could feel his eyes sting. Dammit. He could not cry now. Shakily, a hand went to his pocket. He could barely see, let alone tap his screen, so he chose the AI in his Compact to do the work for him. "C-Call…Ma," he commanded. But it sounded like a beg. It sounded like he was on the edge of the void and he was desperate for someone to grab hold of him before he fell.

Then, the ringing started.

And it kept going…

…and going…

…and going…

"I'm sorry I can't come to the Compact right now—"

Igneel's fingers curled around his head. Itch. He needed to itch. The void was too close to him and his fingers were crawling, his nails wanting to sink into skin and itch. He could feel himself slipping. The voicemail beeped, asking him to leave a message, but he could not even say a coherent word. The void was too close. Compulsions tingled in his fingers. Itch. He needed to itch. He needed—

A colorful synth-pop beat against his head as the void tried to consume him.

Igneel honestly did not know how he answered the call, but he did and his ragged pants stood no match against his mother's voice.

"Igneel? Sorry I didn't answer the first time. I'm actually on my way to the grocery store with your father. Do you—?"

"I need to itch," Igneel dropped to her. His voice rasped, but it did not threaten to turn into a snarl. It threatened to merge into something worse. "Mom, it hurts…"

"Igneel." His mother's tone had gone from bright to downright scarily serious. "Stay where you are. Luke told us you'd be at the Dreyar's. Don't move. We're coming to get you."

Igneel tried to ease into regular breathing, but the void was right underneath him and despair clammed up his throat. His fingers shook with the need of his compulsions. Just one scratch. Just one scratch. Shameful tears ran down his face, panicked and hot. He was a disgrace. "Don't leave me," he moaned. "Mom, it hurts…!"

"We're coming, baby," Lucy promised. "You need to be strong for me until we get there, okay? You need to stay put."

"Need time," Igneel groaned. His inner flames were not cooling themselves to die—they were simply taking on another form. A form he hated, he feared. "Need her—Nnngh!" He could hear those damn whispers again—compulsions of Sin—trying to sneak into his ear and make him listen to them.

"Shit!" He may have been deep and slowly sinking into the void, but he would always recognize his father's voice. "Lucy, I'm going ahead! He's too far gone!"

Igneel slammed his head onto the floor. The physical pain was nothing than the agony his mind was playing. The void was taking him. He needed to itch. His flames had given into the despair he always feared. But he saw her. He could see her right there, smiling at him. His gums were hurting him. He could feel that chilling ache from his canines again. "Want," he managed to get out. It sounded like a strangled moan mixed with the wild of a growl. "Nnngh! Her, ahhh…!"

His mother's words were flying over his head. "Igneel, baby, listen to Mama, okay? Your father is coming to get you as quick as he can, but you need to stay where you are. I'm right here. I promise I won't leave. I'll stay on the line with you until he gets there. Igneel? Can you hear…?"

You know that noise you heard when there was silence? It was noise your mind made up so it was not silence. It was the sound of silence. It was piercing, so, so grating, that it begged to be demolished by something greater. That was all Igneel heard as he drowned into the void. He could see himself slipping even further, so deep that no one would be able to pull him out. He was drowning, drowning in the void, in despair, in flames. The heat pressing around him felt horrible and he gagged. Itch. Itch. Itch. He needed to itch. He needed to breathe. He needed—

Blue and red mixed into violet.

"Igneel..."

The void was an abyss and he was drowning, but he kept his head up. The heat of despair was ebbing away when he felt a familial heat. The embers had been there all along and they had gotten the push they needed to become big, roaring flames. Violet melted into wild emerald that held promise, that held power, that held knowledge.

He felt his canines take on the Teeth of Nature.

His hands left his head to scratch the floor. He was grappling for any semblance of control. He was spiraling, but that small shred of clarity was all he needed to hook himself into reality. Her scent filled his nose and those compulsions snapped back at his wallowing despair. He could smell her, yes. He could smell everything about her. He could smell how content she had been. He could smell how warm she had felt with him. But that alluring smell taunted him. That Scent of Interest, her first flicker of desire.

And it was towards the competition.

Igneel did not even realize his fingers were melting the floorboards. All he felt was something that had been restrained ramming at the gates of his control, at the wall his despair built up. The flames he hated were eating up that thin barrier that kept him normal. He could feel himself lose himself. He was spiraling. He needed to itch. He needed to breathe. He needed—

His fangs ached as his nostrils flared.

A beast scenting his oblivious prey.

Igneel grasped onto the door handle and did not care that it was wilting under his touch. Like a madman, he hauled himself up, panting all the while. The door was wrenched open with half itself hanging onto its fringes and the screen door melted as Igneel pulled himself outside. He could feel the threat of Nature. He could feel the tides turning in this internal war.

His nostrils flared as he took in her scent.

There. She went that way.

His eyes dilated—

—and they were stark green.

---

The park near Ena's house was not too big. It just had a simple playground, a basketball court, and benches. With it being winter and dark outside regardless the day was not even close to over, it was not surprising to see not many playing in the park.

Ena and Silver sat on a set of swings with silence between them. Their cheeks were flushed from the cold even if they were bundled up and the thermoses brought were filled with warm drinks, but no words passed between them for now. The sound of a retriever barking in the distance filled the void.

Ena took another sip and slowly swallowed. After rolling her lips around, she muttered, "Thanks."

Silver sighed. "Don't thank me. Mom makes too much anyways." Blue glanced over to watch Ena's sagged shoulders and her defeat. "So," he drawled, "we've been out here for a while and you still haven't told me why you were crying."

"Why do you care?" Ena spat, tone bitter like winter. "I thought you'd like it if the witch was crying?"

Silver did look away at that. "Not like this," he confessed. "You look pathetic, but I can't make fun of you when you're like this. So, talk, witch. What's wrong?"

Ena's frown deepened. "It's my brother." Quiet. Hedging. Hurt. "He's just a little upset is all."

"At you?" Silver guessed. When Ena shook her head, he pried, "Aine?"

Ena blew out a loud breath, mocking. "When isn't it about her? It's always her with him. I don't even matter."

Wariness entered Silver's stare. "Do you hate her?"

"What?!" Ena looked scandalized at the mere thought. "No! I love my sister! I could never hate her!"

That made Silver thoughtful. "Okay. But, to some degree, I guess, you do kinda don't like her."

Something regretful gleamed in Ena's eyes. "Maybe," she supposed. "I just wish Misty would look at me sometimes. He always talks about his sister, but I know he always means Aine. He doesn't care about me or loves me or—!"

"Hey," Silver shushed when he saw Ena's eyes prickle with tears. "Don't think for a second he doesn't love you."

"Well, excuse me for thinking that when he doesn't even say it to me," Ena snapped. "He's always telling Aine and Mom how much he loves them, but he acts like I don't even exist." One hot tear after another on cold skin. A familiar burn. "I kept thinking after Halloween, when he gave me that compliment, things would be different, but they aren't. He brushes me aside like I'm nothing."

"You're not 'nothing'," Silver promised. "You're just sad and that's okay." He shifted in his seat. "Okay, listen. I'm going to tell you something not even Luna knows."

Ena sniffed. "Don't tell me you're creepily in-love with her too."

Silver narrowed his eyes. "No…" He exhaled all his annoyance and his eyes drifted away. "I'm honestly…jealous of Nashi."

"What." Ena's eyebrows rose up into her bangs.

Silver's cheeks flushed from a little more than the weather. "Yeah. I'm a little jealous of her."

"But why?" It all resonated with Ena. "Because Nashi's all Gary talks about…"

"I get he's head-over-heels for her," Silver hurried to say. "I mean she's amazing. She keeps him on his toes. But, when he was still living at home, he was still my brother. Yeah, he liked Nashi, but I got to see him all the time. But, when he moved out…" He wiped his nose on the back of his sleeve. "I don't know. I mean, yeah, I see him and he's an adult and everything, but I always see him around Nashi." He glanced at Ena to catch her staring and his cheeks burned in embarrassment. "You can laugh now," he grumbled.

"No. I won't," Ena said softly like a promise. "I never knew you felt that way and L…"

A short laugh, sharp and condescending. "I can't just tell Lulu that," Silver snapped. "I adore Nashi. I really do. She's a great person and she gives me tips on sketching. I don't care that Gary spends time with her. I just want a little more time too."

Ena nodded somberly at that. "At least you know where you stand with Gary. Misty doesn't even say anything to me."

"It's his loss then," Silver said quietly. "Because he's missing out on an amazing person being his sister."

Ena lifted her eyes.

Dark chocolate and bright blue connected. A spark could be there, an innocent spark that could grow into a steady candle to a crackling flame.

Gazes were torn away as blushes spread, creeping onto pale skin.

Silver cleared his throat. "Don't let it go to your head, witch," he announced. "You're still a stuck-up know-it-all."

"Oh yeah?" Ena challenged. "You're a spineless lovesick creep."

Silver glared at her. "Uptight."

Ena glared right back. "Obsessive."

"Priss!"

"Predator!"

"Witch!"

"Stalker!"

The glare was held for only a few seconds before the pair of them burst into belly-laughter. Silver was the first to soften his laughter into chuckles and watched Ena, red hair spilling over her right eyes. Following his instinct, his fingers took those locks of red hair and brushed them back behind her ear. She had frozen at his touch while Silver watched her reaction. When he was finished, Ena asked, "What's that for?"

"You're not half bad-looking," Silver muttered.

A tick mark hit Ena's forehead. "'Not half bad-looking'?" she repeated through clenched teeth. She reached for her sword. "How about I make you—?"

"I have a new name for you."

Ena paused, cautious. "What's that?"

"Maleficent."

Ena's face dropped. "Are you serious?" she deadpanned. "She's literally the evil fairy."

"Not in the live-action remake, remember?" Silver prompted. "She was nice and kind of pretty. Sure, she was evil, but only after the king broke her heart. After she made peace with Aurora, she turned back to being the semi-good guy." He grinned at her for the first time in a lifetime. "Not so bad for a fairy."

"'Maleficent', huh?" Ena shrugged. "Sure." She aimed her smile for Silver as she got up from her swing. "As long as I get to call you 'Diaval'."

Silver feigned outraged. "Excuse me? I am not your man slave, thank you very—!"

Ena flexed her fingers with Magic wafting off them as she whispered her incantation saucily, "Into a bird."

Silver's last words turned into caws as he poofed into a blue raven. The poor bird cawed and cackled the alarm of his new appearance, flapping his wings panickily, while Ena laughed at his expense and jogged away. The raven poofed himself back into a panting Silver on all-fours. "That's not fair…!" he groaned as he got up from the ground. "I can't transform other people! You're abusing your freak talent!"

Ena cockily raised an eyebrow and her hand lifted. "I could always turn you into a frog," she teased.

Silver considerably paled. "You wouldn't."

Ena's lips twitched. "Into a—!" She stumbled in her incantation when a tentacle of water whipped out and covered her mouth. She was bug-eyed as Silver laughed at her expense with his arm cloaked in his own water.

"Shouldn't have done that, Maleficent," Silver jested.

SHING.

Blue eyes widened.

The water tentacle disintegrated.

Ena flicked her sword and, in one fell swoop, the beads of water jerked off the blade. Her eyebrow raised mockingly as though daring Silver to try the same move. "Don't make me turn you into a frog, Diaval," she taunted. She sheathed her sword and flicked her hair back for good measure. "Next time, I won't be so lenient." With a final nod, she turned and strutted away. "I'm sure Paige would love to hear how scared her stalker is of frogs."

Silver snapped out of his gaping to scramble after her. "Wait, no, please, don't tell her! I was making some serious progress! Fernandes? Ena…!"

---

The area was pretty nice; Lance had to admit that. It had the type of paradise feel to it, somewhere he could come when he wanted to think or did not want to think at all. Some would think it was a bummer the snow got to this peaceful valley, but Lance had to disagree. The slate of white made this valley all the better. It was like looking a fresh new canvas. The possibilities were endless.

The tents had been set up easily enough when Aine declared she did not want to sleep near Lance tonight. Lance had reluctantly agreed and begrudgingly shared a tent with Gary. Gary had found a nice spot for ice-fishing and had used his Devil to dive into the freezing water and catch them some fish. The Devil looked natural when stripped down to boxer-briefs in the cold. He almost looked happy being in such cold weather unfettered. He had his fun with Nashi when he shook the water off him like a dog and enjoyed her laughing screams. She tried to run away, but the Devil was faster and transitioned into Gary just as he caught her.

Lance watched the pair of them with a smile as he kept watch over their fire. The hot tea he had boiling began to whistle from his kettle. "Tea's done!" he called to Nashi and Gary. He was careful when he poured tea into the first thermos. Aine came out of her tent, still shivering. He looked at her worriedly as she sat away from him and close to the fire. "Aine. What's wrong? Are you too cold?"

"I'm fine." Aine's reply was crisp. "A little cold never hurt anybody."

Lance frowned. "Yes, but I just want you to be careful," he worded delicately. "I'm not trying to tell you what you should and shouldn't do, Aine. I'm on your side."

"Yet you still think I shouldn't do jobs because I'm too 'delicate' just like my brother thinks," Aine grumbled.

"Aine, I don't think you're delicate," Lance soothed, though exasperation and weariness seeped out on the corners of his words.

Aine looked doubtful at that. Doubtful and annoyed. "Oh, really? Because you're acting like I am."

Lance exhaled out of his nose as he reigned in his temper to carry on a civil conversation. "Aine," he started lowly, "I'm on your side, but I can't be when you won't talk to me." When she looked away from him, brow furrowed, he worried even more. "Something's going on and I know this isn't about just Misty. Something more is bugging you. I can feel it."

Aine closed her eyes. "I'm angry Mystogan is brushing off Ena like that," she confided. "She doesn't deserve to be cast aside just because I'm sick. I feel like a horrible sister to her because, no matter what I do, Mystogan won't even look at her."

Lance was quick to shift to Aine's side and wrap an arm around her. "Aine, it's not your fault with what Misty's doing," he reassured. "I'm not taking his side on this, but I do know he's worried about you, even if he shows up in an overbearing way. And I know he loves Ena. I can't wrap my head as to why he would neglect her like this, but I know it's going to bite him. Have you talked to your mom about this at all?"

"She's noticed it too," Aine puffed. "She's tried hard to force Mystogan to speak to Ena, but all he'll do is keep conversation to a minimum and leave. Ena's strong, but I can tell she's so hurt he barely looks at her. I overheard her talking to Luna. Mystogan complimenting her on Halloween about her costumes has been the first compliment he gave her in months." Her eyes turned glossy. "Mom tells me all the time Ena doesn't hate me, but I feel like she resents me because I'm taking all of Mystogan's attention."

"And, if she does, that's not as abnormal as you'd think," Lance admitted. "When MJ and I were younger, there were times I'd get a little jealous she got all my family's attention. I understood why she did. She really needed it. But I couldn't help being jealous. I never hated her, though. Not one bit. Just like Ena doesn't hate you." He gauged Aine's features. "But you're skirting around what you're really bothered about…"

Aine shut her eyes and leaned onto Lance's shoulder. "I need to see for myself," she whispered. "I need to know what I'm capable of. I'll never know if I don't try. Working at Fairy Tail is great and I'm glad Mom let me have the director position at the dorms and even working at the clinic, but it's… I just…"

"You need to prove it to yourself you're one of us," Lance finished the thought.

"It's awful," Aine deemed. "I know I'm part of Fairy Tail. But I'm not a Mage, Lance, not really. I'm affiliated with Fairy Tail like Julia and our employees and that's why we have our guild marks. I need to prove it to myself I'm worthy to be part of Fairy Tail. My mother was the Iron Maiden of Fairy Tail. Now, she's called the Valkyrie of Fairy Tail and she's its Guild Master. I know I have expectations. Mystogan and Ena know too. I can't be like this if I'm the daughter of a Guild Master, Lance. I need to do this."

Lance's smile was awfully resigned. "You're determined to do this," he noted. "I can't stop you if you're this determined, but if this job gets dangerous, I will."

Aine smiled back, breathing out her chuckles. "Yes, sir."

Lance shifted at that. "None of that while we're out here in the open," he teased her.

Aine swatted at him. "Oh, please. Who's going to hear us?" She jerked her head at Nashi and Gary and her heart melted when she saw the two of them. "I don't think we could tear them apart if we tried. They're too far away to hear a thing we say."

Knowing sparked in Lance's jade eyes. "Yeah. It's called Bro Code." Before Aine could question it, he asked her, "You're getting too cold. We need to get you inside to get your warmed up and I know a perfect way to get you warm."

Aine flashed him a highly-humored look. "You're so cheesy!"

Lance brushed his nose against hers. "You love it, little fox."

Aine closed her eyes as Lance planted a kiss on her jaw. "Mmm… You know I do, sir."

°•°•°•°

Nashi let out a carefree laugh as Gary took her a bit farther from their camp. Stupid smiles were shared between them. "Gary…!" she whined. "Okay, seriously. Where are we going?"

Gary stopped them with mischief in those blue orbs. "Just wanted us faraway from camp," he said truthfully. "Thought to give Lance some privacy. FYI, I'm sleeping in your tent tonight which means we're taking whatever tent they didn't screw in."

Nashi's eyes widened. "Oh, my… No… No, they wouldn't…" She whirled around and squinted to catch a sight of their camp, but she saw no flashes of white or blue hair. She groaned, agonized, while Gary chortled. "They better not use any of the condoms we brought!" she yelled. "You use it, you replace it!"

Gary clapped his hands as he cracked up. "Don't get mad now, Angel. Lance always comes prepared. You're talking about an Eagle Scout," he reminded, crooning. He slipped his hand into hers and it felt natural. "Besides, I wanted some alone time with you."

Everything clicked. Realized accusation made Nashi look back at him. "You both planned this," she hissed at him. "I should've known! In hindsight, you were both giving each other looks when Aine said she and I were in the same tent!" She slapped his naked chest. "You plotted this!"

"Bro Code," Gary said simply. "'Sides…" He slipped his hands back into hers again and swayed them, offering her a smoldering look. "I thought you'd want some alone time…"

"We are not having sex in the snow, you kinky freak," Nashi said, tone blunt. "You may be immune to the cold, but I am not and my nipples are extra sensitive to a climate like this and do not grin at me like that. So, as much as I'd like to bang you, I'll have to pass."

Gary grinned anyways. "Cute, but I'm not talking about me, Angel."

Nashi's brow furrowed. "What? What do you…?" Her eyes flew open. "He wants to be alone out here?!" she squeaked, voice shrill. "I thought he said we were waiting to spend time together!"

Gary chuckled and calmed Nashi with a kiss on the forehead. "Don't get too freaked out, Angel," he soothed. "You two will have time to spend together, we promise. But I can't deny him being out here in a valley with no humans around and the weather is just right. Actually, I was going to let him hunt tonight after you fell asleep. He just wants to come out now."

Nashi gulped, blinking rapidly. "O-Oh! Um…" She bobbed her head. "Yeah, that's… That's fine, um…" She tried to fix her hair. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful like always." Gary lifted a wry eyebrow. "Should I be jealous you get this worked up over the Devil but not for me?"

Nashi clicked her tongue and flicked his forehead. "Idiot dog," she teased. "I get to see you both all the time and both of you make me nervous, don't you worry." She took a step back and exhaled. "Okay. I'm ready for him."

The transition from human to Devil went fluidly. The Devil stood before her and shook out his white hair and flexed his dark wings. He breathed in the crisp air. A huff of frost. He was in his natural habitat and it was becoming of him. This was where the beast could finally be free. No walls or humans or rules to hinder him. He could spread his wings and fly as he saw fit. But that was beside the point.

The Devil's gaze snapped onto Nashi's and took her breath away. He grinned as he took a calculated step towards her. "You stare like you crave me, Malã'ika," he rumbled. "You are not ready to tease and back up your words and actions." He stood in front of her with his icy stare intense, not challenging.

Nashi lowered her eyes and swallowed. "Sorry," she said weakly.

The Devil's fingers trailed her neck. "You will learn, Malã'ika," he promised in hushed tones. "And, then, I will have you. But not sooner."

Nashi found her lips parting in anticipation when the Devil's fingers touched her mouth. Feeling brave, she blurted, "I want to see how you really look like."

Silence.

Nashi found herself berating herself for such a silly question. Why did I ask that? Stupid, stupid, stupid! He told me he won't do anything I'm not ready for and I just—

"Is that a question or a command?"

Nashi snapped her eyes up to see the Devil's eyes were piercing straight into her soul. She swallowed hard and spluttered, "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like it was a command. I just…! I…! I mean…!" She ducked her head. "May I see you?" she questioned quietly. "Please?"

The Devil growled and Nashi flinched, unsure if he was upset with her. But when the Devil forced their eyes to meet, she quickly realized he was not upset with her. In fact, he was the opposite of that. For a creature of winter and ice and all things cold, the way he stared at her made her feel warm, hot even.

"Good girl," the Devil purred. "You are learning. But you are not ready to see me. Not yet."

"Why?"

The Devil raised a challenging eyebrow. "Not yet," he repeated. When Nashi huffed, he chuckled. "Careful with your temper, Malã'ika. It is your temper that I find simply alluring, but I will not tolerate such an attitude towards myself."

Nashi blushed at that and felt a little ashamed for her actions. "Sorry," she mumbled as she lowered her eyes.

The Devil observed her. "You will learn," he vowed throatily. "The human has sated your lust for now, but you deserve a little something."

Nashi thought about feminism. She thought about how women could vote, how a queen ran the nation single-handedly. She thought about how women fought for equal pay. But, when the Devil brought her closer to him, all her thoughts washed away as she waited in eagerness for him to make a move. "What's my treat?" she breathed.

The Devil's lips curled into a snarling grin. "I have promised to wait to take you until the human has trained you to be ready for me. But," he added when he noticed disappointment in Nashi's stare, "I left my Female unsatisfied. You are mine, Malā'ika. While the human took care of you, it is my responsibility to make sure you are sated as well." Their bodies were pressed against each other like they were supposed to be molded this way. His fingers danced to Nashi's neck to feel her pulse. "You are still learning, Malã'ika, but you deserve something for your effort."

Nashi nearly moaned when she felt his hand slid down to trace the curve of her breast. "You're teasing me," she gritted out. She thought she sounded annoyed in her head, but out loud, she sounded like she was whiny and bratty and panting, like she was desperate for his touch. "Why won't you touch me—Nnngh!"

The Devil had gathered Nashi's hair in his other hand to tug at it. He was not gentle, but he was not rough either. He was warning her not to speak out of term again. "I will touch you as I see fit, my little female," he purred to her. "You will not be touched, not tonight. No, you are not ready."

Nashi mewled (she damn mewled!) when the Devil's cold fingers hovered over a nipple. She tried to press his hand to touch her, but he refused to be moved. "Please," she begged.

X - X - X - X - X

The Devil panted breath colder than the air around them. "You will cum without my dick inside you," he decided. "I will make you cum by teasing you."

Nashi grew frustrated when he refused to move when she tried to move her hips against his. "How is this my treat?" she demanded to know even if she sounded disgustingly needy. She was hating how turned on she was when she was barely touched. But it was knowing how close he was and knowing what he could do that made her all the wetter.

"Oh? Did I say, 'treat'?" The Devil leaned down. His lips were so close to hers. So, so close. "No, Malã'ika. You have not earned such a thing. Your punishment is my teasing just as you thought it was fair to tease my human and myself. He will tolerate it—I will not." He turned his head for his lips to come close to her ear. "Does it thrill you, my light? The anticipation? How I am within just centimeters from your wet pussy?" he breathed into her ear.

Shit. Nashi could feel her legs shaking. Her eyes fell closed as she imagined what it would feel like for such wintry fingers to trail up her thighs. "Mmm, yes…" she moaned.

"Look down, Malã'ika," the Devil rumbled. "See what you have done."

Nashi opened her eyes to look down between them. She bit her lip to suppress her hitched breath.

"You like what you see." A fact. An observation. Not a question. "You want to touch me. You want me to pound every last inch of me inside you until you only know that you are mine."

Nashi bit her bottom lip as a humming moan escaped her. Her thighs were quivering and she could feel that familiar pull hit her gut. Imagines fabricated in her mind with sensations that made goosebumps cover her skin and harden her nipples. She could feel his cock teasing her heat. She could feel how he would slide in and out of her.

"I smell you are close," the Devil acknowledged. God, he sounded close too. His words may have been contained, but the ragged pants falling out of his mouth showed he was every bit of beast as he was crafted to be. "An angel coming to the words of the Devil."

Nashi squeezed her eyes shut. She was going to fall over at this rate. "Please," she begged in whisper. "Touch me, please."

"I await the day you are fully trained," the Devil snarled at her. "You will learn better than to give me orders. You will be on all-fours like a good girl with your ass up and you will ask me to fuck you senseless. You will scream for me to stop, but we both know you want me to keep claiming you until you realize I am a monster. But I am your monster." His jaw clenched. "Can you imagine how hard I will take you? Can you imagine me laying between your legs and licking your heat? I only have the memory of your taste from my human. I await to taste you for myself and all you have to offer me."

Nashi's mouth opened. Dammit, she was right there. She was right on the edge. Her hand grabbed his wrist to keep her standing before she fell over, but she could see every image the Devil laid out for her. She could see herself on all-fours, holding onto the sheets as he pounded into her without a shred of delicacy or remorse. She could hear the growls he would make as he claimed her again and again until she only knew who he was. Those thoughts alone made her all but fall over the edge. Her moans grew louder. She needed it now.

"Yes," the Devil hissed softly. "Come for me, Malã'ika. Come for your master."

X - X - X - X - X

That was all the approval Nashi needed to l—

The Devil suddenly tensed and he shifted. The lust radiating off him, the craving of Nature—it was gone. A threat was in the area and had intruded on his intimate time with his female. Any beast would rise to challenge those who dared interrupt something so sacred. His wings expanded on his back as the chill in his eyes went from desire to deadly in seconds. He caught a panting Nashi in his arms. Satisfaction rolled within him she had came as he had told her. He spared a moment to glance at the female in his arms. Her face was ridiculously flushed, but by the sweet smell in the air, she was properly sated and fragile.

All the more reason to end this threat.

"Do not move without me saying so," the Devil ordered Nashi lowly. "I sense something approaching. It is dangerous. You are not safe." He scooped Nashi into his arms with no effort and held her close to him. "I will protect what is mine," he promised with his timbre lethal. He would kill whatever and whoever he had to if it meant she was safe.

Nashi's mind was too foggy to comprehend everything, but she did pick up that she was in danger. She snuggled into the Devil for protection and relief. Her legs felt like jelly and her heart was still racing. If she was in a better mindset, she would be angry at herself for being this weak and letting someone defend her. But, for right now, she was comforted that this beast of a Devil was protecting her. Exhaustion pulled at her.

"I'm tired," Nashi slurred. "Not to sound corny, but your dirty talk rocked my world a little too much."

The Devil's eyes were on the sky, but he allowed himself to grin. "You earned your punishment fairly, my Female," he purred in delight. "As much as I would love to make you come undone again and again to just my words, allow me to kill whatever dared interrupt our intimacy. They will not live for trying to attack my light when you are fragile and fatigued."

"And she certainly is tired, isn't she?"

The Devil whirled around with a snarl on his lips and ice surrounding him. He scanned his new enemy, the one who caught his female while they were intimate. The enemy looked like a human female. Such autumn orange eyes fit her. Evil, they carried, but not with a considered burden. They considered it a gift. Perhaps to other human males, she looked desirable with pale skin and a kimono that left little to the imagination, but the Devil held no interest for whatever this creature was when his angel was safely in his arms. He could sniff the Curse within this wench and scowled even darker.

"Wench, you dare gaze at my female?" the Devil thundered. "You intrude on something sacred and have the nerve to smile?"

This one did not even look at Nashi for a second. Her eyes were firmly planted on the Devil. "Darling, I could care less about the weakling you're deciding is worth your time," she yawned. "I came here for you." She tipped her chin at him and her eyes ran up and down his figure deliberately, appreciatively. "My, my… You certainly are something. When I was told a Devil was out here, I never thought I would find one I'd actually like."

"I will kill you, wench, if you touch my Female or me," the Devil promised. "I smell the Curse within you, but I do not smell bloodlust for myself or for my Female."

"And aren't you interested why that is?" the woman questioned. She smiled when she found something. "You claim you're going to kill me, but you won't. You're intrigued by me. You want to know what I am and that's stopping you from killing me." She dared to take a step closer, but when she found herself wrapped in ice, she laughed. "Or not…"

"The only reason I am not letting my claws sink deep into your flesh and letting my teeth rip out your eyes is that you have two mortals that are affiliated with my human's guild," the Devil told. "I sensed them disappear and want them back. Your life will be spared for invading on the intimacy of my Malã'ika and myself."

"Well, I had to get some leverage if I wanted you to talk to me," the woman tried to make him realize. "You're a tough sell. Having two hostages meant you'd be easier."

The Devil's body tensed and his wings prepared for flight. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to gut this wench, but if I want Malã'ika safe…

That one moment of hesitation was all she needed.

The Devil roared when he felt himself being ripped from Nashi. Nashi was thrown away from him while the beast of winter sunk down. Energy pooled at him for the Devil to realize a murky black was beneath him and tried to sink him into its depths. His eyes frantically looked at Nashi who mumbled incoherent words and started to get colder without him there.

"What is the meaning of this, bitch?" the Devil boomed. He flapped his wings only for them to be clipped as two threads of potent darkness bound them together. He summoned his ice, but more bands of darkness latched onto him. One had even gotten around his neck and tried to choke him. He could feel the thick darkness try to drown him, but his eyes went to Nashi. She was not getting up. Why was she not getting up?

The woman ignored him as she melted the forsaken ice to walk over to Nashi. She must have seen something she liked because her grin was downright malicious. "Oh, dear, your poor girl," she mock-tutted. "I must have accidentally encouraged the lust inside you. You must be feeling so…needy right now."

The Devil blanked when Nashi's desire hit his nose. He realized what had been done and a guttural growl ripped from his throat. He lashed out, fighting uselessly against his binds. Icy-blue-silver undilated and he could feel the sick need to be in his skin, in his own winter, and claw his way to his female.

A Male's weakness was his Female with compulsions.

The woman merely used a finger in mid-air to turn Nashi onto her other side—

Desire-filled hickory clashed with lusting icy-blue-silver.

The way Nashi panted, the way her face flushed, the way she pressed her thighs together for a small semblance of relief, the way she wanted him, the way her scent was…

The Devil could not even think when his Angel needed to be satisfied in the most primal levels.

The woman's grin broadened. "You really are more beast than man," she mused. "Like a wolf, you smell your mate's lust and you need to be the one who satisfies it. You probably can't even hear me with how badly you want to be inside her."

The Devil snapped his teeth and wriggled hard to get to his Angel.

The woman feathered a hand down her neck. "Pazuzu," she called almost in song.

Breaching into the valley was a strange man with strange eyes and strange hair. With the slate of white filtering the valley, his dark skin and clothing made him stand out. While, yes, the white of his hair was peculiar, it was his eyes. They were glazed over like he was blind. There was something about this man that was unnatural. Something about him that rubbed the Devil the wrong way. Or maybe he was overreacting because another male was anywhere near his female.

Two Males, one Female—competition for desire.

Pazuzu's nostril's flared and his eyes snapped onto Nashi's wilting form. "She smells divine," he rumbled in the same tongue the Devil used.

The Devil was shoulder-deep in darkness, but he still fought for everything he had. "She is mine!" he snarled like a feral dog.

Pazuzu could not take his eyes off Nashi. In fact, he was brought to a knee as his fingers took a lock of her hair to sniff it, ignoring how furious the Devil sounded. "She's the one?"

The woman nodded. "Yes," she sighed. "I need him to be a rutting bull, so do as you please."

The Devil gave a challenging roar when he saw Pazuzu casually widen Nashi's legs. "MINE!" he screamed. "MINE!"

He was too far into his rage he did not notice the woman crouching beside him, watching him drown in darkness. He was too busy glowering as this deadman walking lightly traced Nashi's thighs with the tips of his nails and listened to her wanton moans. He was too busy hating himself for not defending his female when she needed him. A Male who could not defend his Female from another was unworthy.

"How can she be yours if you haven't claimed her?" came poisonous whisper. "How can she be yours when she spreads her legs for another?"

The Devil spat ice and frost as he watched Pazuzu grab hold of Nashi's thighs. She mewled, squirming, but he held her still. The Devil could barely move when he was up to his neck in darkness, but he knew he would be sinking his teeth into the eyes of the creature who dared touch his female.

"That's it," came excited urge. "Your bloodlust is exquisite. He'll be happy I found you, Devil."

The Devil fought to keep his nose and eyes above the darkness, snarling all the while. But it was too late. The last thing he saw before drowning was the closed eyes of Nashi as ecstasy filled her.

"I will see you soon…monster."

The darkness swallowed him.

The woman stood up and brushed any snow off her kimono. "That's enough, Pazuzu."

Pazuzu abandoned Nashi without hesitation, but his eyes lingered. "An Angel with blood from a Demon," he mused. "I can resist many things, but her lust, her light—it is tempting to take."

The woman rolled her eyes as she did a quick symbol in the air. A portal the same autumn orange as her eyes appeared in mid-air. "Whatever. We're not here for her, so let's leave. We gave the Devil all the ammunition needed."

Pazuzu refused to move as he stared at Nashi. "She is the daughter of the Etherious and Dragon King and niece to a god," he noted. "Leaving her defenseless and under a spell could mean trouble."

"And we're not," the woman assured. "The spell only lasts for another hour or so and I already put the idea of coming to the valley in a couple of mortal heads. They'll find her before she succumbs to frostbite if it even comes to that. The lust I ignited should keep her warm enough." She walked to the portal. "Now let's go." And she disappeared.

This time, Pazuzu followed her in without flinching and the portal disappeared.

And left Nashi alone.

All alone in a frozen valley.

And all she wanted was someone to relieve this ache inside her.

Nashi moaned as she shifted in the snow. She could barely tell she had been abandoned. Her mind was a muddled mess with desire the only thing keeping her focused. She needed to be filled. She did not care by whom, she just needed someone to pluck the strings of her desire until she snapped.

CRUNCH…. CRUNCH…

"Oh, little one… You are terribly blessed and cursed…"

Nashi barely could her eyes open, but with the sun beating down on her, all she saw was a silhouette at best. She did notice chains dangling off wrists, but all that did was fuel her blossoming desire. She wanted to be chained.

Magic curled around her. It was relieving. The strong urge that took over Nashi was fading away. The fog in her mind was clearing. This Magic covered her body in a way that felt like her own mother was cradling her. Exhaustion hit Nashi next when desire had fled. She was too tired. She was too cold.

She squinted her eyes at the silhouette. "Who are you?" she whispered.

The silhouette shifted, rattling her chains. "A dead woman walking," came elderly reply. "Save them, Nashi Heartfilia-Dragneel. Save them."

Nashi had no clue what any of that meant, but it was too late for her to figure out as lethargy won and her eyes shut. She could feel herself dissolve into mere particles of Magic as blue eyes invaded her incoming dreams.

Gary…

She was out like a light.

---

Kotoba ja umaku ienai omoi wo

Kimi ni uchiakeru to shitara nante

Tsutaeyou?

Saisho de saigo

•

Itsuka issho ni kaetta michi wa

Watashi ni totte tokubetsu na omoide

Wasurenai yo

sayonara memoriizu

•

haru ga kitara sorezore no michi wo

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

Whoa… Whoever thought that this first chapter of the arc would kick off like this! To find out what happens next time, tune into the next episode on Fairy Adventure!

---

Chibi-Luna scuttles into the classroom with papers and folders haphazardly in her arm. "Good day, class!"

"Hi, teacher!" the class chirps back.

Chibi-Luna sets down her work to go to the chalkboard. "Okay, class, we have a special guest with us today!" She beckons at the door. "Give a round of applause for guest Galileo Redfox!"

Chibi-Galileo waltzes into the room with his charismatic grin and wave of his hand. He basks in the swoons from the students. "What's up, class? I'm the Iron Man of Fairy Tail!"

Chibi-Luna nods enthusiastically. "You see, class, Galileo used to be called the Iron Titan. But when he got his metal arm, people began to call him Iron Man," she explains. "Galileo's arm is actually made of rhodium, a rare and corrosion-resistant metal."

"Yup!" Galileo touches his arm for a blade to appear on his forearm. As the class awes of the transition, he clears up, "When I went to the City of Metal with my sister the first time, they custom-made this arm for me. Normally, rhodium is alloyed with other elements like platinum, but they made this completely of the stuff and gave me some sterling silver so it wouldn't tarnish. During my stay in Wu Xing, I learned about their style of Magic of combining Alchemy and Magic together. Using that, I'm able to use my arm's abilities and my own to their full power."

"Mister Redfox?" one student pipes up. "How can you use both?"

Galileo grins. "See, Alchemy and a Mage's Magic very from the power source. Alchemic power draws from the world as a whole rather than beings themselves. Magic does have laws, but it has a lot less in comparison to Wiccan-craft, Magicianry, Alchemy, and Alkahestry. Alchemy is more scientific and applies the Law of Equivalent Exchange. For example…" He puts his hand on his arm and transmutes into a photon cannon and watches as everyone murmurs their wonder. "So I made my arm into a canon. Anyone know how?"

"Transformation Magic?"

"Yes and no," Galileo half-answers. "It's called Transmutation. The difference between the two is, again, the power source. Through Transformation Magic, I can use the ether inside me manipulate the matter inside me and condense the atoms in the air. Through Transmutation, I can only work with what I've got and nothing else. My canon has the same mass as my arm normally does, even if the weight's been shifted."

"So…" comes tentative drawl, "are you an Alchemist?"

"Partly," Galileo answers. "It's frowned upon in the Magic Community to be both a Mage and an Alchemist. People think you aren't devoted to one art. In Wu Xing, their powers came from a combination of both. While I use Alchemy, I combine it with my Magic for more powerful spells. I might transmute my arm into a canon, but I use my Magic for the blasts. Or maybe I use Magic to create water, but I use my Alchemy to shift it."

"Don't Mages do that already?"

Galileo shakes his head. "Again, yes and no. Element Mages can technically be counted as part-Alchemist if they can manipulate any element that came naturally and not something they created. Think of that Bender series? Like that. But if they create their own element, it's different. The physical properties of their element versus nature lie in their subatomic particles and the bonds they create. While you've learned about chemical bonds, in a Magic School, they teach you about theurgic bonds." He easily conjures three crumpled, metal rocks and lets them revolve in his hands as he wiggles his fingers. Like he is juggling them. "I made this metal through the ether I have inside me. To the outsider, this looks like any other metal. But to someone who understands Magic versus Nature, this metal will give off soft energy or even a zing if you touch it. That's because it's made of Magic. That's from its theurgic bonds—or what we call Magic Bonds." He lets the metal dissipate into Ethernano particles.

Chibi-Luna sees the swirls in her students' eyes. "Okay, well, how about we have Galileo teach a magichemistry class sometime, yeah? We hope you enjoyed the episode! As my sis said, note that this arc will contain images that may trigger some viewers and may not be deemed appropriate. We'll make this announcement at the beginning of each episode or so the board tells me. The new opening them is called Beautiful Nonsense by Giraffepot and the ending song is called Sayonara Memories by supercell."

Chibi-Luna and Chibi-Galileo announce together: "Next time, on Fairy Adventure, LOST AND FOUND!" They wave. "See you there!"