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!

50. Adventure 050

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.

---

Previously, on Fairy Adventure, Muta had his hands full with Demon Nashi, but she managed to outsmart him… I think? The Devil got a boost of power to take on Pazuzu, but is that enough? Back on Earth Land, Gale learned a secret Julia was hiding, but that secret was the key to unlocking Gale's theory: he and Luna have Time Magic! Good luck talking to Luna about it, dude. Natsu's Lucy Time got rudely interrupted by a blast from the past—Chase from the disbanded Carbuncle Guild! And he wouldn't have got away with it if it wasn't for those…meddling clouds? Igneel and Mary Jane decide to have an impromptu sleepover, but why does the sleepover feel a bit different than most? To save Aine, Lance faces his demons and took on the Cursed Lightning only for it to backfire on him. Aine helped him regain control at the price of consciousness, but never fear! Lance falls unconscious too?! What is with last week's episode? Kyler faced his own literal Demon when Bael came for a visit and, hey… Doesn't Kyler look like someone? Anyway, Bael sets him free and Kyler goes ahead to look for Muta and Nashi since he knows they need him more. Are you sure about that Kyler? Mirella finally finds Lynn, but before she land the killing blow, her daughter stands in the way of it all. And I thought I butted heads with my mom! Nashi's nightmare brings her to Gary's soul and gives them the chance to catch up. But what's Muta feeding her exactly? Luna has nightmares of Nashi's death so vivid, even Luke can't wake her from it. Gale's reluctantly welcomed and is successful in calming her down…for now, anyway. As Pazuzu tries to stop the Devil from going insane as Bael tries to control him, Nashi works from the inside and finally names the Devil "Skade". Finally! No more calling him 'the Devil'. Saying that all the time was so hard! Natsu and Gray had a late night – early morning Com-call, but I can't help but wonder what Natsu could be hiding. Afterward, Galileo runs into a hammered Cade and a very done Orochi. But that's not the only person walking down the streets of Magnolia.

"Name's John Winters, love. Now, if ya don't mind tellin' me where D is, we have a bit of a catch-up to do."

Does he sound kinda Minstrish to you? Honestly, Julia, Dash doesn't sound like the worst you can do…unless Amber hears about it, of course…

---

"We did it!"

Caps and gowns and robes and stoles alike were worn with pride as people cheered and clapped for their graduation. Each house had their stole and pins and it was clear who hailed from which house. Magic went off everywhere with familiars bounding about and the graduates using their Magic Instruments freely. The stadium was filled like no other and everyone wanted to take pictures.

"D, can you believe it?"

The focus turned to two women who were very different in their personalities. The first was a quiet thing with dark hair pulled into a long-braided ponytail while the other was an overly excited woman with magenta-violet locks and open teal eyes.

"What?" came hoarse whisper.

The graduate with magenta-violet locks came closer. "Can you believe he's dead?"

The scenery changed into one she would rather forget. A granite tomb was before her with offerings surrounding its being. The focus could not tear her eyes away from who was buried.

ROBERT LAFAYETTE

Whimpers came out as she dropped to her knees. "Dad," she cried. "Why did you have to go? Why couldn't you stay?"

"Why couldn't you save me?"

The focus turned to see a mauled man in a tattered suit and bones showing. He looked undead, risen from his grave. He looked like her father. He held out a hand to the focus. "Why couldn't you save me?" Skin shed for bones as the skeletal hand went for her throat. "Why didn't you die with me!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Dazzler's eyes snapped open with a start when she heard her Compact go off in vibration. She checked to see who in the world was calling her only to see it was Orochi. She answered it, irate. "What?"

"I've been knocking on your door and calling you," he started. "Can you open the door, please?"

Dazzler peeled back the covers to reveal she was only in a t-shirt too large for her. "Why? I didn't think you were into booty calls at…"—she checked the time and hissed—"three in the morning. What's a girl to think?"

Orochi snorted. "We both know I'd kill you at the first kiss. Besides, you're a little too dominant for me."

"Well, I'd sub if I had the right Alpha Male, but"—she shrugged as she left her room—"no takers. I'm telling you." She thought about it. "Though, if Misty wasn't such a tight ass, I could definitely see him bending me over and making me call him 'sir' or 'Daddy' as long as he was willing to sub and call me 'mistress'."

Orochi made a disgusted noise as she wove into the living room and to the front door. "Haven't you heard coworker romances never work out?"

Dazzler unlocked the door and swung it open with a poised grin. "That's why we skip straight to the romance and right to the fu—"

"Daejeulleo…!"

Dazzler's grin dropped into a scowl when she saw Cade. Instead, her chin went up in defiance and she sniffed at him as though she was disgusted. And was she ever. "What the Hell is this piece of shit doing at my front door?" she seethed, ignoring Cade's slurred Korean.

Orochi and Galileo kept Cade upright with sheepish grins on their faces. "Hi, Dazzler," Orochi greeted apologetically. "We're sorry, but we really needed to see you."

Dazzler pinched her nose with a sharp huff. "Chi-chi, I was hoping you calling me at three in the morning meant you were bringing me food or a man to fuck." Her eyes drifted to Galileo. "I mean I don't normally do younger guys, but he's promising."

Galileo looked like his ego was properly fed. "I come highly recommended."

Dazzler playfully snapped her teeth at him. Adding in a lip bite, she cooed, "I'm sure you do, baby boy." She teased the hem of her shirt. "But I'd break you in thirty seconds and have you panting and calling me 'madame'." She cocked her head at Orochi. "And you're certainly not here to be my man after midnight and I don't see any takeout."

"Call this a house visit." Orochi glanced into her apartment.

Dazzler sighed and stepped aside to let them pass. "T is out," she called to them as they helped Cade inside. "So if you're here to see her and oogle at her goodies, you're late."

A brash chuckle. "You haven't lost yer touch, love."

Dazzler's eyes widened, then they narrowed. "I must be in Hell or eternally damned if I'm hearing that son of a bitch's voice again."

"Don't go takin' out of my mum. She never did anythin' to you."

"No, she didn't." Dazzler whipped around her and her bright eyes clashed with pearly green. "You, on the other hand, did plenty." And with that, she slammed the door in his face.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ah utsukushii sekai

Utsukushii mirai

Utsukushii kehai no suru sono saki wa

Subarashii sedai

Subarashii kitai

Subarashii sekai

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Dazzler came out of the corner with tea freshly made for herself. She looked at her living room occupants in dismay. Cade looked to be sobering up, though exhausted, while Orochi and Galileo ate her leftovers. And then there was the matter of the smug bastard with his lighter and ego that could swallow her apartment building.

"If you guys wanted a place to crash that thing"—she gestured to Cade with her teacup—"why didn't you go back to yours?" She asked this to Orochi.

"We were," Orochi explained, "but we happened to run into an old friend of y—"

"Not a friend," Dazzler corrected as she settled herself on her recliner. "He's an asshole I barely know."

John had the audacity to look mockingly wounded. "Ouch, D. Learn those comebacks livin' it up with these 'Mages'?" he taunted.

"Cut the shit, Winters," Dazzler snapped at him. "Why are you harassing my friends? No, screw that. Why the Hell are you here? I haven't had the Trace on me anymore in the last four years."

John held up his hands in surrender. "Put the claws in, D," he soothed. "I'm not here to hurt ya friends, all right? And I'm not stalkin' ya. But I did need to drop by and talk a little shop." He crossed his arms over his chest with a grin. "Had a feelin' ya take the mickey out of me the moment ya saw me."

Dazzler fizzled sparkles everywhere at her rage. "You know, I'm actually preferring Little Miss Alien over there to you," she growled darkly as she raised her teacup, "and that's saying something given how much I hate you both."

"Dazzler, c'mon," Galileo begged. "Just listen to what the guy has to say, okay?"

Pale silver accused John on the spot. "Did you brainwash them?" She took the offense quickly. "Why are they siding with you?"

"Dazzler."

She swept her glare to the somber Orochi. "Just listen to him," he encouraged softly. "For me, Dazzler," he added when he saw the objection in her glower.

She huffed, but she snuffed out her sparkles. "Fine," she spat out like the word was acid. "Make it quick. This is booty call hour and I'm going to need one after this."

John chuckled. "Then, let's skip the pleasantries and get down to it," he suggested. A frown maimed his chuckle. "I spotted a rift a couple o' leagues away with some dark shit around. Met up with a Shadow Charmer who told me they felt a Devil and a Cambion. I need to check it out, but I need your help."

"My help?" Dazzler's laugh as so sarcastic, it made Galileo cringe. "Winters, when was the last time you needed my help? You seem to manage just fine without anyone."

John let out a winding exhale. "You know it isn't like that, Sparkles—"

"Don't call me—!" Dazzler reigned in her temper. "Don't call me that," she requested in a steely calm tone. "Only my Gare-bear can call me that now." She crossed her legs. "And it is 'like that', Winters. You're a one-man working-class detective who fucks around with Dark Arts and Occulture and, hey, I'm just the pretty little assistant who ran away while she had the chance."

John groaned. "D, let it go," he lamented. "I never understood why you bloody believed the dropkick, but that's your business. You are everything I'm not and I could use that right about now with this case."

Dazzler lifted an eyebrow. "A case? You're on an assignment? Who was stupid enough to hire a con man?"

Orochi suddenly growled. "We're not getting anywhere if you two are going to argue," he snapped.

Dazzler set aside her tea to stand up. "Fine." She pointed to her door. "I'm asking you nicely to leave my home. Make a door to another dimension for all I care. That's what you're good at." Before she could walk away, a weak voice called to her and she paused. She saw Cade looking at her through red-rimmed eyes and a red face.

"I know you hate me," Cade hoarsely recalled, "and I'm the last person who should be telling you this, but Dazzler… Just sit down and let him explain. If not for us, then for Gary's sake."

At that, Dazzler grew alarmed. "Wait, what? What happened to Gary? Last I checked, he was on an assignment—"

"By the area I mapped that contained a rift, a Devil, and a Cambion," John finished for her. "Look, D, I'll lay it down for ya. My client hired me to figure out why a rift is there that shouldn't be. As much as I like traveling inter-dimensionally, a rift appearing like that isn't normal. Got an in with a Shadow Charmer who owes me a favor and she told me she felt a Devil and a Cambion travel to this dimension."

Dazzler snorted into her tea. "More like you offered multiple orgasms for her intel," she muttered.

John shoved his hands in his pockets. "But that's not all." He ignored her jibe. "Looks like that wasn't the only Devil in the area."

Dazzler was slow to react even though she was quick to catch his meaning. "That's not possible," she reasoned. "Gare-bear wouldn't risk that."

John shrugged. "From what the Shadow Charmer told me, your Devil's docile in the hands of that girl he's bonkin'," he informed. "The skinny is I need your help on this case. This isn't just portal jumping and two Magicians are better than one."

"Ask Frankie," Dazzler offered, though she looked more troubled. "He's as black as you."

"No can do, sweet pea." John winced. "Frank doesn't exactly want to see me right now. 'Sides, this requires my best girl."

That was the wrong thing to say. Silver narrowed. "Your 'best girl', huh?" Within seconds, her top hat appeared in her hand. "How about I show you what your best girl is capable of, you—?"

"Guys!" Cade was rubbing his temples. "Thanks, Double D, for whatever you put in my tea to sober me up, but you're both loud and annoying and we need to figure this out. Are we helping this guy or not?"

Dazzler scoffed. "There's no 'we', jackass," she snipped. To John, she threw, "I did my time with you. I paid the price with the Magic you taught me. I'm never working with you again. I can't believe my dad wasted his time having you as one of his assistants."

At the mention of her father, John's face fell. "You know how sorry I am the man croaked, D," he murmured, timbre soft. "He was a great man and my mentor. I wouldn't be where I am today without him." He rubbed his hand along his face. "And as much as you think I wasn't there at the funeral, I was."

"I don't doubt that." Dazzler had backed off from her rage, but her emotions looked quite subdued. "I never did, John."

John took one look at her and decided to close the distance between them. A rough hand scarred from battle cupped her cheek and thumbed away an unintentional tear. "I know I'm the bastard in your story, love," he said to her in his low brogue. "I came tonight needing ya help and I knew ya might beat seven shades of Magic out of me for it. I deserve that. But your friend could be in danger." He pulled his hand away, but he did not take a step back. "You in or out, love?"

Dazzler's glare was definitely less hate-filled, but it was a glare, nevertheless. "You were always good at emotional manipulation," she sneered. "I'm in, but just for Gare-bear."

John's grin was smug. "Now, wasn't that just easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy?" he teased. He moved to the door. "I'll be back in the morning. Already got our tickets. But, um…" His pale eyes went to the men on the couch. "Didn't bring enough for the brigade. Sorry, mates." He used his pointer finger to map out the door and the cracks glowed in gold.

Dazzler crossed her arms. "Sneak into my apartment and expect it to rain fire on you." Pale silver glowed. "Literally."

John snorted a chortle as he opened the door. Rather than the hallway, it showed the inside to a cozy living room with a fireplace already burning. "Looking forward to picking up where we left off." With a wink, he shut the door.

Galileo's jaw had dropped during the entire exchange, but he could finally speak again. "Well, that was…something."

Cade stood up, though unsteadily, to look at Dazzler. "Are you really believing this guy?" He raised his eyebrows. "As in, are you serious about this? We don't even know him!"

Something in that statement set Dazzler off. "And you don't even know me!" she retorted scathingly. "Look. You guys brought him here and he and I are going to get to work in the morning. You three need to leave, so I can sleep alone and in my bed without any more booty call wake-ups."

Cade scoffed. "Why would we trust you alone with that guy?" When he looked at Orochi and Galileo for agreement, both looked away. "Guys, help me out here!"

Galileo shrugged one shoulder. "From where I'm standing, I didn't smell any bad intent off him. He seems legit and powerful. And if Dazzler gets into trouble, she can take him on."

"Dude, not helping," Cade growled. "'Take him on'? She's Magician, Redfox, not a Mage!" He knew instantly that was the wrong thing to say and tried to redact it. "Wait, no, that's not what I—!"

Dazzler snorted humorlessly. "I always thought you were a bastard, but you keep digging a hole for yourself," she muttered. She snapped her fingers for the cups to disappear. "Cade, let me make this clear to you right now. You're not my father, my brother, or my guardian. You're not my friend. You are a guildmate who has a stigma against 'my kind' and, to me, that's not a guildmate."

"W-Wait!" Cade pleaded. "I didn't—!"

"'Didn't' what? Mean to be like other Mage bigots who look down on Magicians?" Dazzler shot sparkles out of her palms. "Newsflash, dickweed. You have no horse in this race because you are some alien from a galaxy far, far away who just learned you had Magic. And to be honest, even a Magician like me could beat your ass in a handicapped fight. You want to be all noble and protect someone? Why don't you sit outside my front door and wait for T because you've had no issue hiding that you want to screw her! And like she, a damn princess, would ever go for a wannabe Mage who hasn't even lived in this world for a year and is so miserable here that he gets drunk off his ass and sleeps with anything that breathes!"

Maybe she did not notice how close she moved to Cade, but Cade did. He could not stop staring at the fury in her eyes. But he knew what was behind that fury. "Dazzler—"

She shut her eyes. "All of you need to leave my apartment now. I mean it."

Orochi quickly got up. "We're going," he promised. "Can you at least text me updates?"

Dazzler nodded.

Galileo stood to and clapped Cade's shoulder. "Let's go, man." He led Orochi to the door, but Cade stayed behind.

"Dazzler," Cade started. "I'm sorry—"

"For what?" Her grin was poison as she looked away from him. "Not like you did anything wrong. You don't even know me or anything about this world. You're like a naïve little puppy." She quickly wiped away another pesky tear.

Cade swallowed back his retort when he saw that. "I'm just trying to help—"

"Great. Can you go now?"

Cade turned to the door. When he reached it, he had to add, "I never meant to hurt you." He turned to bow to her. "Mianhae, Daejeulleo." Straightening afterward, he left her and closed the door with a soft click.

Dazzler went to her room to collapse on her bed. She turned onto her back to look at the ceiling. "I could lay here and cry my heart out or get screwed and forget." She looked at the time. Three-forty-one. She got up. "Let's choose door number two."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 50

Midwinter Night's Dream

真冬の夢! 過去を知っていれば未来は変わるのでしょうか?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Muta stoked the fire, ear twitching. He slurped up some stew from his makeshift bowl and his eyes cast over Nashi. She looked at war with herself with her fever remaining strong. "I wasn't made for kit-sitting," he muttered. "When's the last time I even had kits to watch over?" His eyes closed.

"Mister! Mister, wait!"

Muta shook his head clear of the voice and downed the rest of his stew.

"Mmmm…"

Muta glanced over to see Nashi shifted a bit as though something was making her uncomfortable. C'mon, kit, wake up.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi did not understand where she was and it was painfully obvious she did not. She had been given a light pink sundress to wear, but that was all. No shoes, nothing else. Not like she needed much. She stood in a field of bleeding-heart flowers, each one more beautiful than the last. The sky was trapped in a permanent sunset with gold and magenta intertwining and showcasing their love affair.

"Where am I?"

'You are in the visual aspect of your soul.'

Nashi whirled around to see someone she did not recognize. It was a mass of white energy that felt lively and pure, nothing like she had ever seen. "Who are you?" she whispered.

'You know me, Little One.'

Nashi blinked in surprise. "Seraphim?"

'That is correct.' Seraphim breezed closer to her. 'The Seraph is the highest order of Angels of the nine. We serve as protects of ardor and justice. One day, Little One, you will be strong enough to withstand my name.'

"Seraphim isn't your name?" Nashi questioned. She followed as the wispy energy passed her.

'Nay. The names of higher Angels cannot be spoken in human language,' Seraphim informed her. 'In your texts, the names of the Angels you speak are have given permission. I have not.'

"I see." Nashi followed him as she looked around. "So I'm in my soul. Just like the cabin in the middle of the forest was Gary's soul?"

'That is correct. You briefly visited your soul when you accepted Cael. Again, when you accepted me.'

Nashi paused in her footing. "Then why am I here now?"

Seraphim did not stop. 'Because you have another within you to accept.'

Nashi blinked, but before she could question, she hastened to catch up with him. She followed him in silence. Seraphim stopped minutes later and Nashi could see why. Her garden of bleeding hearts had blackened beyond that point as Death haunted the air. Nothing could survive in such a wasteland. Horror gnawed deep in her belly. "Who could have done this?"

'You.'

Nashi gaped. "Me?"

'Yes, Little One. As you know, you were not born a human. You are the union of a Star Maiden, a Dragon, and a Demon with the blessing of a god. The blessing suppressed your Demon from ever taking physical form. You defied this blessing by seeking darkness. In turn, you have now gained your Demon.'

Nashi's face fell. "I ruined everything, didn't I? What does this mean? Does this mean I lose you? My Magic?"

A chuckle. 'Nay, Little One. Under my protection, you will never lose us.' The wisp came closer and soothed her with his presence. 'Fate has plans for you that require divinity and Power sides with fate. No, Little One, you have become something more than a child of a Demon. You are now the hybrid of mortal, Demon, and Angel.'

Nashi took a moment to breathe. "Okay… I just got used to the whole half-Demon part and now you're saying I have Angel in me now?"

'That is correct.'

"How?" Nashi demanded. "I know Mama is wonderful, but—"

'Kyler.'

Nashi blinked. "Excuse me?"

'When you sought darkness, your Demon was birthed. She would not have given you back your body. Your soul had my protection against the Curse, but with the blessing broken, you would have succumbed. Muta has fed you Kyler's blood to restore balance, providing a new blessing. A blessing to allow you live life as a mortal with the blood of Demon, man, and Angel in your veins.'

"He did that," Nashi whispered, "for me? But… But we barely even know each other. And how did he—?"

'Questions come later when all is done, Little One,' Seraphim told her. 'Meet…yourself.'

Nashi was overwhelmed when Seraphim moved through her and out of her way. Warmth and life nearly drowned her in their embrace. When her eyes fluttered open, she was taken back. Her doppelgänger stood before her, but there were still differences. Her skin was the same, but her hair had black-singed tips. Horns curved out of her hair, beautiful and sleek. Her eyes had been swallowed in black, but pink remained as her irises. She cocked her head as though fascinated by Nashi.

Fascinated by her lighter side.

"This," Nashi breathed, "is so freaky. Freakier than Freaky Friday freaky."

The Etherious Demon blinked twice, not understanding.

Nashi went to the border and her other half followed in suit. Nashi saw more of the Etherious in her black dress and her mesmerizing eyes. The two sides took in the other without needing too many words between them. They were them. They were each other. What more could you say to yourself?

Nashi did have a question. "Was it you?" she whispered. "That day, when I found out about everything… Was that you?"

The Etherious understood this and shook her head. "No. It was not. We both know this. It was something other than me—you—us."

Nashi nodded, understanding. "You speak Fioren-Minstrish?"

The Etherious thought upon this. "I…do not understand those words. I speak because you speak. I spoke Dark Tongue because all born of darkness may speak it. But I speak this tongue because you do."

"Just like Skade speaks Minstrish because Gary does," Nashi concluded in a murmur. When she caught a glimpse of the Etherious perking, she asked, "You okay?"

"His name… I quite like it." The Etherious smiled demurely.

Nashi smiled as well. "I do too. We chose a good one. I just wonder what it means."

"We both know it," the Etherious informed, "we just did not know it at the time. As we continue to bond, your memories are filling mine," she answered at Nashi's unspoken question.

Nashi pursed her lips. "I have to admit this is confusing. Are you me? Am I you? Are we like Gary and Skade? Do I have to name you?"

The Etherious tilted her head. "I understand your concerns. You are fearful I will manifest with my own wants and desire, a personality, just like Skade. I do not know the answer. I know what you know. I am that you are."

Nashi bit her lip in contemplation. "Seraphim?"

The wispy energy floated between the two. 'Fear not, Little One. You will not split. You were not born with the Demon Seed, simply Demon Blood. However, the more you rely on the darkness, the more prominent your Demon Blood will become and it will form a Demon Seed. Do not let the Blessing Kyler bestowed upon you to break.'

"Of course not," both mortal and Etherious assured. They looked back at each other and grinned.

'Little One.' Seraphim addressed Nashi. 'It is time to go.'

"Before you go"—Nashi turned to see her Etherious counterpart looking at the blackened bleeding-heart flowers—"I request a favor."

"Sure!" Nashi's smiled softened. "I'm pretty sure I already know it though. I'm sorry that this power won't be used often, but I'll relay the message to him. And maybe, if things go well, I'd want him to see this side of me again." She raised her hand in farewell. "We'll meet again."

"We already have," the Etherious reminded quietly. "We are one. Please…?"

Nashi read the unspoken question and hickory softened considerably. "I will." She closed her eyes. "I'm ready."

Seraphim embraced her in his energy, crowding her with love and life. 'It is time.'

Hickory fluttered open…

…to be swallowed in light.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Muta breathed a sigh of relief the second he saw Nashi's face relax into peace. Her sweating had come to an end and he had taken to use dry pieces of cloth to wipe her forehead. "You're nearly there, kit," he murmured to her in encouragement. "Just a little bit more and it'll be over."

As though Nashi heard him, her lips twitched.

---

Mirella could not tear her eyes off the little girl who was in front of Lynn like a shield. Vision blurred from tears, she took in every feature, every aspect that her sight allowed.

Why…?

She noted the thinness of the girl. She noticed the rags and the hardness in her eyes.

Why…?

Tears dripped from her chin and landed on the Asphodels beneath her.

Why…?

Lynn cackled from her charred form and laid a hand on the daughter's shoulder. "Something wrong, Mirella?" she purred. "I thought you would've liked this little family reunion." Her nails danced across the daughter's skin. "I named her after that Lampetia mother of yours. What was her name again? Hemera?" She smothered the daughter in a back embrace, charred lips pulled back in a smirk. "Hmm," she exhaled in laugh. "Isn't she precious, Mirella?"

Mirella blinked rapidly. Memories she kept close to her as motive was being tossed against her as her despair. She was a new mother with a swaddled baby in her arm, cries quelled as she breastfed. She was a new mother swaying her baby to a lullaby with the moon at her back. She was a new mother beaming as her newborn smiled for the first time. She was a mother.

Why my baby? Why did she have to take her?

"Hemera?" Lynn cooed. "That's your auntie. How do we greet family?"

Hemera extended her hand for a two-handed sword to appear out of darkness. She held the sword with prestige, turquoise focused on her new opponent.

"What are you waiting for, Hemera?" Lynn's smirk broadened. "Kill her."

Mirella barely had time to shake herself out of grief to dodge the first fatal blow. Eyes shadowed, she avoided each killing strike with ease. As she danced around the battlefield, her mind was trapped in her memories.

Large turquoise peeking up at her. A toothless smile. "Ma!"

A light giggle. Bare feet running through flowers of red blossoms. "Mommy!"

A high-pitched scream. Fear taking root with adrenaline to be found beside it. Horror setting in when nobody was found in a bed, just rumpled sheets.

BOOM!

Mirella landed with Hemera a good pace away. She charged at Mirella with empty eyes. Mirella dodged each blow like she knew what was to come. Her eyes glanced to see Lynn in the distance watching the fight with intent. Something within Mirella changed at that one glance. Gold thickened with her own intent. Lynn. You were so desperate to please Bael you never learned what it meant to be a mom. You watched him kill yours instead.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Get away from me!"

The throne room never looked homey in any sense. Plagued with archaic stone and old flames, it was a perfect trophy room of deceased bodies and war prizes. Live gargoyles took their place atop columns, but they did not move because they were told not to. A winding serpent—it looked like a Dragon, but one could never be too sure—was crawling on the ceiling with four sets of legs, claws, and a pair of bat wings. Mammon stood at the right-hand side of the throne with his Ghoul footman present.

The focus bypassed a reflection. It was Mirella, but she looked oh-so different. She was more youthful with eyes as hard as flint and her armor crafted for her down to the cape chained around her neck. She offered no pity as she passed by a dying soul begging to be killed. It would not be killed, but the thought of death was a bigger relief than living in torture.

"Let me go!"

The focus turned to see Bael sitting on the throne with more feline features than man (no fur, still). He looked bored as two familiars offered him their prize. He sighed and dismissed them with a wave of his hand. The focus looked at the prize: a human woman. She was not too impressive, but she was pretty if a little frazzled. Unable to get into her corset and petticoat, she only had her nightgown and hair matted and tangled from the journey.

"I see you did not want to take the easy way," Bael regarded. "Humans never do."

"What is the meaning of this, Bael?" she demanded. "Why am I being treated like a criminal? I have done nothing to warrant this!"

Bael shifted. "But you have, Diana," he remarked. He whisked his hand for a piece to appear. A pawn. "You are making me quite bored."

"Pardon me?" Diana gasped, outraged. "I 'bored' you? How dare you say that to your wife—!"

"You are not really my bride." Bael started to set the piece down and a table was conjured with a board on it. He placed the piece on a canyon of flames. Tartarus. "It was just a title I gave you to make you more agreeable. Fate assured me a female with eyes like mine and opposite in force would bear me a child. And that child, Diana, would succeed me once the Shadowing happened and I fulfilled my part in it." Gold flicked to the focus and a gesture was made.

The focus moved towards him.

Diana crossed her arms, blowing out her ruined hair. "What does that have to do with me, Bael? You promised me you would give up your silly games when we wed," she sniffed.

"Manipulation."

Diana blinked as the focus passed her and climbed the steps.

"An illusion, really," Bael explained half-heartedly. "Mortal minds are so easy to bend and break. Planting little memories in your mind made you such an easier fuck."

Nausea rolled across Diana's face. "What?"

Bael actually risked a smile at the focus. "Ah… Daughter… Look how you shine." He smoothed a hair down her hair. "Diana, you have met my daughter, Mirella. She was a gift to me from her mother, Hemera. She possesses powers no mortal could ever have. I have turned her into the strongest warrior in the galaxy."

"You were…manipulating me?" came disbelieving whisper. Diana looked like her world was crumbling around her, eyes turning red-rimmed and tear-stricken. "You used me just to bear you a child?"

Bael rolled his eyes. "Yes, mortal, keep up," he snapped. "You were not even a challenge. Mortal women are the same. A male shows his power and wealth and you fall onto his dick eagerly. Hemera was much more of a challenge." Gold ignited in unparalleled lust at the reminiscences. "She fought me every step of the way and repeatedly tried to kill me. I tried to possess her, make her lust for me, but she never gave in. If I had not raped her, I can tell she would have never given in."

Diana was about to be sick. "You…raped her?"

Bael shrugged. "Of course. She would never have given herself to me willingly. She was a Lampetia and a strong one at that, a true daughter of a Light God." He looked at Mirella as though he saw her mother in her. "It was a gamble getting her pregnant with Mirella, but it was more fun trying than succeeding. She gave me the perfect heir, a daughter of a Demon and a demigod." His fingers wrapped around Mirella's chin and forced the focus to look at him. "Just imagine what sort of child you would give me, Moralia," he purred, voice dropping low.

"You… You want to lie with your own daughter?!"

The focus and Bael looked back to see Diana about to start an anxiety attack. "What is wrong with you?" she screamed shrilly. "That is wrong in a numerous amount of ways! How dare you speak of your own daughter like that! How dare you—!"

Bael got up from his thrown. "I don't care the slightest what you have to say, mortal." Even cold, his voice sounded like warm honey. "You were an okay fuck and disappointed me severely. If Hemera was able to produce another child, I would have forced her to give me more. I settled for you since I thought I sensed a bit of a god in you. Apparently, you have too much human for that power to ever be put to use."

Diana tripped as she tried to walk backward, dread so blatant on her face. "Y-Y-Y-You cannot kill me!" She wanted it to be a declaration, but it turned into a plea. "If you want more children, we will have more, Bael! Anything for you!"

The focus watched as Bael stood in front of Diana with a cock head. "Hemera would have never begged me," he murmured quietly. "I didn't even have to manipulate her to kill herself. She did that all on her own." His hands clenched into fists. "I was not done fucking her and she went and killed herself. She was mine—all mine—and she took herself away from me. But she was strong, yes. Very strong. I remember every punch and every ounce of power she threw at me to kill me." He leaned down to meet Diana's terrified eyes. "She will be remembered as one of my prized possessions. But you, mortal… No one will remember you."

Tears leaked from her eyes. "Ba—"

The movement was quick, but the focus could slow it down. She saw how Bael's hands went to Diana's head and neck and snapped off the head like it was nothing. Bone, muscle, and blood were left unchecked, but Bael did not stop there. Before the body had time to squirm or release any fluid, his hand sharply went through her chest with her beating heart dropping to the ground, furiously trying to keep itself alive.

Time caught up with the present as Bael dropped the body and Mammon rushed to his side with a towel to wipe off the blood. Bael allowed him while he spoke to Mirella, "Prepare yourself tonight. I want you in the ring."

"Yes, Father." The words came so emotionless, so untouched.

"Then, we'll have dinner. I was thinking we could get some meat off the mortal. If you don't want that, I have an Elf somewhere we could have cooked. Maybe a Dragon." Bael glanced up into the focus with darkness flooding gold. "Then, I want you." The rumble was a command not to be pushed. "Speaking about Hemera… I remember how hot your mother made me." he dismissed Mammon as he climbed up the steps to the throne. "Fight me a little this time. Make it worth my while." He towered over her with a grin and a large hand caressed her jaw. "You have done well, Moralia. Continue to please me and you will join me to meet the others at Eden."

"Yes, Father." The focus slipped. She knew that shadow behind the pillar and when the shadow moved too much, she caught it. That glint of umber. "What of the mortal's babe?"

Bael shrugged and went to his throne. "Probably kill her. Mortals are so tiresome and easy." An idea came to mind as he sat down. "How about we make her your new pet? I've been meaning to give you one, but I haven't found the time. She can be your punching bag just like Mammon is mine. Aren't you, Mammon?"

"It is an honor and a privilege to be of any service to you, My Darkness," Mammon rumbled with a low bow.

Bael nodded. "Right." To Mirella, he said, "Prepare yourself for the ring. I'll be there shortly. Pruflas is in the library and wants to meet."

The focus nodded. "Yes, Father." Mirella climbed down the steps as the focus slid to the pillar.

But the shadow was gone.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

BANG!

Mirella dodged another strike. The day you saw your mother get torn apart… It changed you. You realized your father was a monster. But instead of making it your point to run away, you wanted to stay. You wanted to please him. You became my punching bag in the ring and lost to me every time. You were desperate to stay alive and, in his graces, but… Why? Why would you…?

Her eyes widened.

BANG!

Mirella did not lose an inch as she blocked the hit with a shield of darkness. Hemera pressed hard to get through the barricade, but it was pointless. She would never succeed and still, she tried. Mirella used this opportunity to study her.

You haven't been loved properly, she lamented. Lynn didn't take care of you. She treated you as Bael treated her, letting you starve, manipulating you, training you, but never letting you grow into yourself. She was not a mother. She was your tormentor and I see that now.

Her teeth gritted. But I'm not mortal and neither is your father. She took you before I could teach you about your other power, the power my mother gave to me and I and your father gave to you. Gold was consumed in white. Light.

The shadowed shield broke as white expanded from Mirella's body in a ripple. Hemera jumped back to defend herself from this ripple, but the second it struck it, her spine straightened and her eyes were filled with light.

A humming lullaby. Warmth wrapped around her in a loving embrace. Soft laughter.

Hemera's sword dispersed as she dropped to her knees in agony.

Lynn scowled. "Hemera!" she snapped. "What do you think you're doing? Kill her!"

"No, Lynn."

Lynn glared at Mi—

Umber widened.

Mirella stood tall with black in her eyes, but white was her iris. Black and white wafted off her. She was light and shadow at the same time and looked like a goddess as she regarded her half-sister. "You have never given my child a mother's love." Two voices said this from Mirella's lips, both female, both strong, but their accents different. "You have never given my daughter the opportunity to be the person she wanted to be. You have defiled life and have stolen what isn't yours."

"I've defiled it?" Lynn cackled. "Look at you! You've killed twice as many as I have—!"

"And I will be punished for my crimes," Mirella told. She moved forward. "You are no longer in a position to threaten or negotiate. Lynn, daughter of Bael and Diana… You will be brought to justice for your sins."

Lynn covered her terror with hatred. "You always were the high-and-mighty one," she hissed. "If I'm going to die"—she gathered shadows before her and led them speed towards Mirella; gathered together, they turned into the face of Lynn with crazy eyes—"then you'll die with me!"

Mirella raised her hand—

A shadow moved.

Mirella's eyes widened when light exploded before her to overtake the shadows. She did not flinch when light tried to blind her, but she was more stunned to see the light did not purge the shadows. It simply transformed the shadows…

…into Middlemist Reds.

Mirella lost touch with her power to show golden eyes full of shock. "How…?" Her gaze went down to the girl protecting her. "You…"

The little girl was hesitant to turn around. But, when she did, Mirella was blown back to see tears leaking from her eyes consumed in black. "Who…?" the girl tried to ask. "Who…you?"

Mirella smiled back softly. "I'm your mother."

The girl sniffled. "Wh-Wh-Who…"—she pointed at herself—"me…?"

"You are my daughter"—Mirella reached for her—"my Talia."

Talia stiffened.

LUB-DUB.

ZZT.

Black static clacked off Talia.

Mirella froze.

More clacked until a fit of a lightning storm drenched in black consumed Talia. Screams rang out at the sheer anguish as her fingers dug into her scalp for a way of release. Her body lurched and swayed and trembled until her back straightened and her scream when to the sky. Tears turned to black with her mouth open wide. In a fit of nausea crossed with a roar, black spread from her mouth with faceless souls spiraling out, bemoaning about their bodies and their torment.

Mirella covered her mouth as nausea threatened her. Lynn's Curse… Her body must be rejecting it.

The last soul left her and everything came to an end. The lightning storm was gone. The roar of souls was gone. The black in her eyes was gone. Talia was left alone.

Her body swayed.

Mirella moved in and caught Talia the moment she went unconscious. The overwhelming disbelief exhausted her legs and brought her to her knees as she held the child as precious as one would hold a newborn. She could not get enough of memorizing her daughter all over again. Talia… What did Lynn do to you? She checked Talia's forehead. No fever yet, but there's bound to be one. I'm not sure if I cut the bond completely between her and Lynn, but if so, she'll become very sick without a bond to help. I have to find our own and mend it. And maybe…

Turquoise eyes rounded in love.

Mirella hardened as she stood with Talia strapped to her front. No. Never. I need to get her out of here. We need to leave. She scanned the area with a sneer. Lynn took off to go the Pit and heal. She won't leave us alone if we stay here and fight. Her eyes went to the sky as she adjusted Talia. I'm sorry, Kyler, princess… But I can't risk my daughter's freedom.

---

PFFFT.

The blizzard was roaring, fiercer and colder than anyone had ever seen. Nothing could survive out here. This was a place meant for those who entered it to meet their end.

A paw spread the snow.

Pazuzu slowly made his way through the snow, ice and snow tipping his fur. Gary lay in his arms, but rather than freeze like a human, his body accepted and adapted to the cold. Pazuzu glanced down at the mortal in his arms. This should be good. She's out here.

Pazuzu laid Gary down in the snow. Maker… Are you sure this will work?

Don't doubt me, Panther, the Maker snapped in their he-she voice. I have sought counsel with them. The key cannot save her alone. But we cannot interfere. This is as far as we can take it.

Pazuzu took a step back from Gary. He lay in the mound of snow like he was in bed, unconscious but his breaths even. Forgive me, Maker. Both of them are so fickle, it makes it hard for me to believe at times. When will he wake?

Give it a while. He'll wake when he needs to. For now, leave him. You've done the first assignment well. Onto the next.

Pazuzu nodded and went onto all fours. With a growl, he bound off into the storm of white and abandoned Gary without a second glance. Gary did not seem to notice he was alone. The snow blanketed him as though having mercy on a child of winter. But for one moment, it looked like his eyebrows pinched.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The memory had been warped with colors a bit bleary and everything looked so much bigger and taller than they should be. But reality seeped in and corrected the wrongs. The Sky Port was filled with people and flights and announcements. Starfox was busy as ever while a bar was filled with fliers trying to catch the MagiCross game. But the attention was focused on the big windows the port provided.

A frozen, thriving land was before them, buildings made from snow, ice, and earth. Magical creatures lived side by side with mortals with canals divvying up the city.

"Wow…" came a gasp. "This is so cool!"

"Isn't it?"

The focus looked up to see a man with black hair and amused dark eyes, his cross necklace the only thing covering his torso at the moment. "This where my teacher was born," he admitted.

"Really? Miss Ur came from here?" the boyish voice questioned.

"Gray, for the last time, please don't strip in public."

The focus turned to see a tanner man scowling at the man of dark hair. This new presence had silvery-pale blue hair and a parka on, but he did not look particularly cold. He had his carry-on and a shirt in hand. "Honestly, I don't know how Juvie puts up with you," he grumbled.

Gray swiped back his shirt. "I don't know how Meredy deals with your shit, Lyon, but you don't see me asking you about it," he retorted.

Lyon huffed and turned to the focus with a softer face. "Master told us this was the birthplace for Mages of Water and Ice," he explained. "There's a lot of lore surrounding Arcticados, but we'll explain when we get into the city. Looks like your aunt Ultear did some investigating to find where Master Ur, so we'll stay in the city today before heading outside of it to the master's home."

"This is so lame," came complaint. A tan boy approached the group with a pop in hand and his mauve hair hidden beneath a snow hat. "Why does he have to come with us?"

"What'chu say?" came irked growl.

"Linus," Lyon chided, "be nice. Gray and I agreed we'd train you both at Master's old home. If your uncle and I can train together, so can you and Gary."

Gray snorted. "We would've killed each other if it wasn't for Master Ur," he remembered.

"True," Linus conceded. "But the competition—which there wasn't any—was a good motivator to train. Get stronger than the other student. And that's exactly what I did."

Gray rolled his eyes and messed with Gary's hair. "Don't listen to the dope, kid. I'm just letting him talk like that to make himself feel better." He prodded Gary's chest. "You're going to leave this place a lot stronger than before. Guarantee it."

"Heck yeah I am," Gary determined. "I'm gonna be strong enough to put stupid Nashi in her place." The focus turned back to the port window with the possibilities endless. "Just you wait, Dragneel. When I get back, you'll never catch up to me." The reflection came into view. A pale boy grinned out of the window with cerulean eyes jaded in revenge and his hair dark as night. "That's a promise."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In the midst of the storm, Gary moved to his side. His eyes were still closed, but he let out a deep sigh. "Angel…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Somewhere else…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Kyler cared little for the blizzard and did not feel cold at all. Being cold-blooded was another trait he inherited. But the drawback was, as his body adapted, he became more sluggish. His wings shielded him from the bullets of snow and ice, but his movements were becoming more and more languid with each step he took. He persevered through the exhaustion and kept trying. "Muta…! Nashi…! Muta…! Nashi…!"

Kyler flinched when the storm answered his call with more rage. He tripped due to the winds and fell into the snow. His breathing labored, he turned onto his stomach to try and keep the blizzard from his eyes. "Nnngh… Have to…keep going…"

My body temperature is dropping too fast, he reckoned. Adapting to this climate might just kill me. But I have to save Nashi from her fate. Giving her my blood only changed her destiny, but we need to change her fate.

With a grunt, he got to his feet. He hugged himself as he slogged through the snow. A chilled breath came out. Muta should be taking care of her. That's good. He'll protect her and explain things. I just hope Mirella and Pazuzu were able to make it to Gary and his Devil in time. He stumbled back when the wind blew harder. He looked at his skin to see ice was trying to coat him. I can't be like this. Have to… Have to save…

The wind startled him and blew him onto his back. He coughed as his wings wrapped around him as protection. Turquoise struggled to keep open as they became half-lidded. I…need to keep moving… I…

The world blurred.

I…

It blackened.

Na…shi… Are…zodi…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The room was hand-made, every single part of it. From the bed down to the floorboards, everything was carefully crafted. The focus moved out of the bedroom, noting it was alone. Hushed conversation came from outside the home and curiosity ensnared him. The focus looked around and out the windows, you could only see forest but no land. The living room was virtually empty with laundry folded and ready to be put away. The kitchen was clean. But the voices were growing even louder.

A hand went to the front door and slid it open. The world around the house was something special. The house was not on land but built around and inside a giant tree. In fact, many more homes connected with bridges spiraled around trees. Winged creatures with horns would either walk or fly from nest to nest, house to house. Some creatures were not winged, but they had tails or whiskers or horns or even fur or scales. A winged mother was teaching two of her little ones how to fly as she nudged them off a platform. They dropped for their wings to pick up the wind and glided to their father. A bird of glittering white landed on the arm an Elf as he took out a treat from his satchel to feed it.

"Arezodi," Kyler called. "Where are you?"

"I'm over here, Malã'iko!"

The focus walked along the treehouse home to see two people sitting at a table. A Phoenix had sat down with flaming hair and mischievous eyes that held such wisdom. But there was a woman of dark hair as well. She was chatting animatedly with the Phoenix until the Phoenix noticed the focus and tapped the woman kindly on the arm. The woman stiffened and half turned her head to show her grin. "Trying to sneak up on me?" she teased. "Don't you know better than to mess with the daughter of a demigod?"

A chuckle. "I don't think so. Why don't you remind me?"

The woman turned with a laugh. Cheery gold stared into the focus. "Stop being so dirty-minded," she tried to scold, though humor shone through her words. "Daybreak, it looks like my other half is stuck being adolescent."

"Oh?" Daybreak grinned as she stood up. "Then, I shall leave you to teach him thoroughly." Her bright eyes tingled in her mischief. "I think it is time to spar with River. No matter what he believes, he is no match for a Phoenix." She shot a jesting smile to her friend. "I will see you later. The mothers at the nesting grounds would be honored to have another prayer for their eggs. I think they are hoping both of you will have your own soon." A caw left her as female turned into a fiery bird and soared off.

The focus saw Mirella had stiffened at the mention of children. "Mirella?" Kyler called. "Are you okay? You look unwell." The focus came forth to sit beside her before pulling her into his lap. She refused to look at him. "What's wrong, Arezodi?"

"It's nothing," she muttered. "It's me being silly."

"Your troubles are not 'silly'," Kyler soothed. "Even if you think they are, indulge me."

Mirella sighed and leaned against him. "Did you ever think about children with me?" Her question was soft, too soft as if she did not really want him to hear it.

"Maybe someday," Kyler admitted. "I didn't think we were ready for children. We've only had a few centuries."

"And those centuries have been us moving from world to world to get away from that bastard," Mirella reminded scathingly. "I hate that we have to hide and leave every hundred mortal years. Sylvgard has become our home and we have to leave it. But I don't want to leave. I want to stay here"—gold watered—"with you."

"Arezodi," Kyler soothed, "I don't care where we live. I don't care that we have to move. You are my home. Your parentage will never change that."

"What if you want children someday?" Mirella was grasping at straws. "Kyler, you'll want to stop hiding and running and you'll want to settle down and—"

"Mirella—"

"Eventually, all of this will become too much." She was on a roll. "We won't be able to compromise. I can't trap you—"

"'Trap' me?" Kyler echoed. "Mirella, you've done no such thing. You've freed me. You freed me from my loneliness and my grief. You've stood by me as I grew—as we grew—and I love you so much for that. Never forget that." The focus briefly closed when he pressed a kiss on her lips to reopen and see her eyes still shut. "I understand the circumstances of having kids. I don't have a doubt he'd double his efforts if you fell pregnant. Happy relationships don't need children. They just need attention, effort, and love."

Mirella smiled. "You romanticist." She threw her arms around him. "You're going to have to let me down, so I can get to the nesting grounds and do that prayer. I understand I have God Blood in my veins, but I hate that they worship me for it."

"Then, allow me to prove to you how much worshipping can be a good thing," Kyler rumbled to her, tone low.

Mirella giggled, beside herself. "Worshipping a false god is a sin, you know."

"Is it? Then, I guess I'll need to repent on my knees before you."

Mirella shook her head before her sunny expression dipped slightly. "Really, Kyler… About the children… I—"

"Don't worry," Kyler shushed. "We have centuries more before we can have a serious talk on children. Right now, having you right here with me is all I ever want. And if we, somehow, conceive, I will love our child too. Just take it easy on me with those pregnancy mood swings."

Mirella threw back her head to let out a deep laugh. "I'll try."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Eyes creaked open as ice chilled over his skin. His wings had done a fine job covering him, but one feather had been pushed too far right and he saw the endless blizzard. Mirel...la… Mirella… I'm so…sorry…I wasn't there for you… I'm sorry…Muta… Sorry… His eyes threatened to close. Sorry… Darkness doubled his vision. Sorry…

A pinprick. A tingle. A voice nudged into his remaining thoughts like an echo, like a chorus of women. I bring warmth to you, my son, to wake your eyes and hear me. Thus saith the Lord. Life's breath coated his face.

Without warning, the cold flooding through him was…reverting. Warmth from his chest was slow to thaw him and his eyes widened a bit. He looked between his feathers to see the endless blizzard was not trying to bury him. In fact, the endless blizzard did not seem to be moving. As more heat flushed into him, he felt his arms and legs once again. They were stiff and resisted, but after another moment, they listened to his commands. He grunted as he unfolded his wings and lifted himself up. The blizzard was frozen in time around him. Snowflakes about to hit him had stopped mid-air, allowing anyone with a keen eye to see their pattern. Curious, Kyler lifted a finger to touch one. It shifted, but it did not break.

Arise, came female chorus, my son.

Kyler struggled to get to his feet, but he felt more energized than he had been prior. His blood was pumping and heat was livening him. He did not need to know where to turn because he knew where the presence was. He looked to his right to see a wisp of white energy stood before him, ever-shifting, never changing, filled to the brim with light and being. Turquoise did not round, but the smile on his face was sad and his eyes reflected it. "Mother."

The wisp of energy flashed as it lowered to the ground and came towards him. Feet were crafted first and up came the legs. The waist and stomach were next as the top half was being forged. A blanket of hair was created and a loose toga was crafted to cover anything vital. The woman was the pinnacle of grace and refinement with her eyes carrying the weight of her smile. Her turquoise eyes. Kyler, she greeted in her many voices without speaking, my son.

"I failed, didn't I?" Kyler asked. "Are you here to collect me?"

No, my son, she assured in echo. You will exist for many more cycles. Thus saith the Lord.

"Thus saith the Lord," Kyler agreed.

Her eyes softened. I have watched you every day. You have grown into a man I am proud to call my son. My heart could not take to see you in such sorrow. You are doing the work sent to you. But you cannot work alone anymore.

"I can't risk any Enochs getting hurt," Kyler rationalized. "There's so few of us to begin with… I couldn't let more die."

Their deaths would not be in vain, his mother asserted, should they have had that choice. Take heed, my son. You cannot control Fate. You control your own destiny. Do not choice for others on their destiny. When he bowed his head, her hand came to lift his chin. I have come to bear a gift and a warning. You will not save her. Her life is not yours to save.

"But she's one of us!" Kyler argued. "She's one of my people! I've seen her potential, Mother. I can't let her die!"

You cannot control another's destiny, his mother reminded again. Your work with Nashi Layla Dragneel has ended. And like all things, as one ends, another begins.

Kyler took her words into consideration. "Does that mean someone else will save her?"

His mother let him go. It means your work here has ended. Now forget and be content. Your work is now with the people. You must free them.

"I know that," Kyler promised. "As much as I hate to admit it, Bael… He's an old Demon King with a Curse stronger than I've ever witnessed. Even if Nashi was conscious and we had Mirella, Pazuzu, and Gary as allies, beating him would be highly improbable."

You are right, his mother agreed. Defeating the Evil One on your own is a difficult task. That is why I have the honor of granting you this gift. She brought her hands together to draw them apart. White energy swirled between them and tattooed themselves in Kyler's eyes. He watched as the energy transitioned into something long and thin. She pushed the item towards Kyler and the moment he took, the energy burst off for a shepherd's staff to be in his hands.

"Is this…?" Kyler tried to ask.

This is the Staff of Miracles, his mother answered to him. In times past, the greatest who defeated the Evil One who had been consumed with their pride used the staff and their courage to free themselves and their people. You will use it to let your people go as many have before you.

"I don't know what to say." Kyler did have a lot to say, but this… This was… "I… I don't think I can accept such a gift." He bowed to her and offered the staff back. "I'm just an Enoch, Mother. I'm mortal and Angel combined. I don't have the touch of Them and I have too many sins to count. I'm your greatest sin and the reason you were cast out. I don't deserve such a gift."

His mother smiled even more as love swarmed around them both. My son… You are not my greatest sin. You are my greatest hope.

Kyler lifted his head in surprise. "But I thought…"

Yes, Kyler, I was punished, his mother informed him without him ever asking the full question. I was punished for not being able to stay with you as you grew older. I laid with flesh, but I was not able to remain with you. That is my punishment. But you were never a sin and you will never be a sin. I am here due to a kind and loving God who seeks Their will be done through you. Being able to be here and speak to you is the greatest gift I have been given and I will treasure it always. She caressed his cheek. You are meant for great things, my son. You have valor, virtue, and love, things the Evil Ones cannot see past their sin. These mortals have become prisoner to the Evil One's temptation and sin. You must free them before the Evil One covets their lives and they are unable to rejoin their own flesh.

Kyler looked at the staff. His guilt might have nulled, but his doubt grew stronger. "But I am still mortal, Mother. Who am I to free them?"

You are my son, his mother insisted. You see yourself through a mortal's eyes and cannot see your worth. Once you see your life through different eyes, the answer will come. You were always meant to be the one to free these people. The ones before you feared they, too, were not worthy nor would succeed. And now, they live amongst me. As will you, Kyler, once your fate says so and your sins are weighed. Thus saith the Lord.

Kyler peered up at his mother and could not hold back his tears anymore. "I miss you so much, Mom," he whispered. "I've missed you for centuries."

And I you, his mother breathed. But I do not long for you to join me. I pray to Them every day for your safety and protection here on the earth. You have much work to do here. My heart is full seeing your work and hearing your accomplishments.

"Do you ever miss Father?"

No, I do not. How can I when he is there with me? Her eyes twinkled. He knows no sadness, sin, or sickness. He left behind his regret when he joined me. But he has prayed for your safety and protection as we have both prayed you feel our love for you even in times it feels like it has weaned. She pulled her hand away to look up at the sky. I must leave you now. You have received your gift and your warning. I must continue my work as you continue yours.

"Wait!" Kyler blurted, desperate. "Please, I-I-I-I'm not ready for you to leave again! I can't do this without you!"

His mother looked back down at him. She saw behind the brave façade he put on in the presence of his team, of his family, of the Demon. She saw the little boy growing into his wings who cried when she left. Oh, Kyler… She leaned down to take him into her arms as an embrace. He hugged her back just as fiercely. I will always be with you. You will do great things. We pray for not just your safety but for your people's safety as well as Mirella and her daughter.

Kyler pulled back in shock. "You know about—?" Then, he flushed. "Right, you would. Do you…approve of my choice?"

We all do, his mother told him. She has spent centuries in suffering and pain and bathed in sin. She will be weighed like you. But we pray she will join you as her daughter will. She breathed upon him and the remainder of ice and snow on him vanquished. Energy charged him. Deliver them to their homelands. You will send your blessing. You will send your storm. Thus saith the Lord. Her body amassed into the wispy energy and swirled around Kyler as though giving him one last embrace and kiss. Farewell, my son. Thy will be done.

Kyler closed his eyes to feel his mother's life around him before she swept away. His eyes opened, turquoise soft, sated, and sad. Goodbye…Mother.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…

The blizzard tried to slap him as it rained snow and ice. Winds whipped this way and that, neighing and howling. But Kyler stood strong before it like it was nothing. He closed his eyes to embrace the storm. Muta… She's in your hands now. He opened his wings. I will take care of the rest. With three mighty flaps, he was in the air with the staff firmly gripped between both hands. He cut through the wind and storm like it was nothing.

Like it was a miracle.

Thus saith the Lord.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

On Earth Land…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Give it up now, Cleric."

The focus watched as ice woman glare at Nashi's battered form with something worse than coldness in her eyes. Nashi lay in the snow with her armor shedding Ethernano particles as though slowly extracting itself from her. Breaths were scarce and the winter would freeze her over if she let it.

Nashi coughed. "Not…gonna…h-h-h-happen," she wheezed out. "I'm not…beaten ye—" She broke into a dying cough.

'No… No, Nashi, please!'

The ice woman did not seem to care as her a Curse wound through her fingers for ice shards to be made. "You are now, princess."

'Nashi, please, get up!' came beg. 'Get up! GET UP!' A choking sob. 'Please, make this stop! Please, make her live!'

Nashi's hand twitched.

Time became irrelevant as it slowed.

Something silver glinted.

Nashi's hand opened.

'Wait… What's going—?'

Bronze shot through the snow, melting into silver, and into Nashi's hand—

—and light exploded.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!

BOOM!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna woke up with a start with her heart beating fast and sweat on her brow. As she shook, Icarus was instantly at her side and comforted her with sniffs and licks and whines. He nudged her to sit up and used his paws to keep her hands from hurting herself.

Shhhh, my cub, it's okay, he soothed. I am here.

Luna's tremors faded as her hands reached for his fur. Bringing him close, she let her face nuzzle into his pelt. "What's happening to me?" she whimpered. "What's going on?"

I don't know. Icarus sounded pained to admit that. I wish I had a better answer for you. We have all been so worried about your well-being.

Luna sniffled. What do you mean?

You screamed in your sleep. Naturally, Knight Leo and your littermate came to your aid for the night to comfort you. I had hoped your nightmares had gone away, but apparently not.

Luna pulled away to dry her eyes. They did, she confessed, for a little while. That last dream… It didn't end badly. Actually, I didn't get to see the ending. She sensed Icarus' hesitation. What? What's wrong?

Icarus flattened his ears. What were your nightmares about, Pup?

The thought of them made Luna frown deeply. "They were about Nashi," she said aloud. "All of them were. I don't know why, but I kept dreaming she was in this snow blizzard in clothes I've never seen her in. She was facing some woman and maybe sometimes this creature. Either way, she kept dying." Her eyebrows pinched together. "But this time… I feel like she didn't die in my last dream. No, it's not right to call it a dream." But was that a vision? That can't be right.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

Softly brought from her thoughts, Luna called, "Yes?"

"It's Luke. Can I come in?"

"Um, sure, come in."

Luke swung open the door with his glasses and messenger bag. He looked ready to start the day even with the bags under his eyes. "Morning."

"Morning?" Though, Luna looked at him, perplexed. "You're heading out? This early?"

Luke nodded, stifling a yawn. "Yeah. I need to hit the library. I have to finish a paper and I want to get in some more studying. Sensei warned me, in the new year, he was going to give me a physical exam, so I need to amp up my study time." Honeyed amber studied her. "How are you doing? You have us a scare last night."

Luna felt a little put out at that. "I'm okay. Maybe a little tired and freaked out but okay. Sorry if I woke you up—"

"No sorry's, Lu," Luke scolded as he entered farther into the room. "I'm your brother. Of course I'm going to be there for you." He settled on her bed to hug her. "I'm just glad you're up and feeling better." He kissed her forehead. "And I thought Igneel was the one to scare me."

Luna basked in the warmth of her brother with a smile. "Yeah, that's Igneel." She stopped, then turned horrified. "Igneel!" She looked up at him. "You didn't—!"

"No, I didn't tell him." He rolled his eyes. "When would I have even gotten the opportunity? He didn't come home last night anyway. And I told you I wouldn't unless I really needed to. I don't see that happening." Honeyed amber studied chocolate. "Lu… Can you answer something for me?" When Luna nodded uneasily, he questioned, "Do you like Gale?"

Luke expected Luna to be like her sister, to get flustered and turn pink with near steam coming off her and splutter her denial. And yet… Luna looked subdued at the question like she was truly taking her time to answer, eyes somber. "Y'know," she breathed, "I thought… I thought, maybe… Maybe I did. He was there for him and we might've fought, but… Now, I don't know."

Icarus whined and nudged her stomach for attention.

Luna smiled at her Spirit and smoothed a hand over his fur. "But what does it matter anyway? I like Bleu," she cooed and giggled when Icarus playfully nipped her fingers. "Even if I did like Gale, he made it pretty obvious he didn't like me. It would've been one-sided, isn't that right, Icarus?"

Icarus barked and flopped his head as he nipped her fingers.

Luna giggled even more. "Maybe I should see if Ena and Silver want to party-up with me instead, huh? Should I, boy?" She rubbed his belly and it was humorous to see such a Spirit flop on his back with his leg shaking in glee. "Who's my good boy?" she cooed. "Who's my good boy?"

Luke mentally sighed. Gale… What have you done?

°•°•°•°

CRACK!

SIZZLE…

Luna came down the steps with Icarus rushing ahead of her and Luke behind her. She emerged into the kitchen in an old Fairy Summer Camp shirt and sweats. "Mmmm," she moaned. "I smell bacon!"

Loke grinned as he grabbed his tongs to put strips of bacon onto a napkin-covered plate. "Almost done," he promised. "We're having breakfast Minstrish-style." A whine and a paw got to him and he looked down for Icarus to be crouched low, tail wagging. He sighed and flung a piece of bacon at the Clifford. "Really, Icarus, it's not like you need it," he muttered.

Icarus took to the bacon in delight. No, he agreed, but bacon is one of the many mortal foods I enjoy.

Luna grabbed three plates. "I'll set the island—"

"Don't set one for me." Luke went to the refrigerator to get out a carton of juice. "Just a glass, please. I already had pancakes and some tamago kake gohan."

Luna set aside a plate in exchange for a glass with a pout. "How come you're so busy when the semester ended?" she complained. "Actually, all of you are busy. We never spend any time together."

Luke had the decency to look remorseful as he poured his juice. "Sorry, Lu, but you know this time of year gets hectic. Missions are bigger and the Guild has all the holiday planning and the GWGs…" He noticed the soured look on Luna's face and flicked her forehead because of it. "Cheer up, okay? Now that you can go on assignments, you'll get what I mean. You'll be too busy to even complain."

Luna stuck her tongue out at him. "Yeah, right. After Margaret, I'm still a little grounded from jobs."

"Take local ones," Luke encouraged. "If anything, make a case to Mom and Dad that you're suffering from serious cabin fever and play it that you have Magic and you want to experience things everyone else got to do. Dad's a sucker for that."

Luna took that into consideration. "Thanks, I will." She pulled out her Compact to check the time. It was barely eight in the morning and she had a bunch of notifications to sift through. "Where're Mama and Papa anyways?"

Loke tried not to tense as he served Luna her eggs, bacon, and potatoes. "They should be back before dinner." He gave her a bowl of white rice and her toast. "Had a bit of an accident. Natsu texted you both. I'll be here until they come back."

"Are they okay?" Luna instantly fretted.

Luke swiped a piece of her toast and went for the honey. "Mom's in the hospital, but it's nothing serious. I called this morning. Dad told me she's doing okay and we don't need to trek out to visit." He took a bite and chewed slowly. "I'm still not sure why he would tell us not to visit. I really want to make sure Mom is okay. I called Nashi, but she's out of range apparently. Igneel sent me straight to voicemail."

Luna still looked burdened with worry. "I'm glad Mama is okay. I'll call Papa after breakfast." She remembered hearing the bitterness in Luke's tone. "Are you and Igneel okay? You didn't sound too happy talking about him."

Luke shrugged. "Eh. He's just being difficult right now," he gave as vague answer. "If he comes back home, you might want to steer clear." He downed his juice to ruffle her hair. "Okay, I'm off. I'll be home before Mom and Dad. Promise." He took his toast to go. "See ya!"

"Bye!" As Luke left, Luna pouted. "Uncle Loke—?"

"No."

Luna pouted even more. "You didn't even know—"

"That you were going to ask me if you could go on a job?" Loke shook his head as he turned around to boop her nose. "Sorry, princess. Your parents told me no jobs until they got back."

Luna groaned. "But I'll be so bored…!" She grumpily dug into her breakfast.

"Go hang out with your friends," Loke suggested. "Isn't Ena staying home to work on designs? You could keep her company."

Luna thought about that. "Maybe I'll do that." Something came to her and she eyed her uncle. "Did I worry you last night too?"

Loke dished out his portion of food and sat at her side. "Very much," he confirmed. "That nightmare you were having must've been something. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Better," Luna informed. "It just… It didn't feel like a nightmare. It felt like something else." Chocolate darkened in remembrance. "Seeing Nashi die like that… I've never felt so much pain and sadness. It felt so real." She looked down to see Icarus was whining for her and panted when she pet his head. "I never want to feel that way again."

Loke thought on her words. Her visions… We were warned, but… Could everything they said be true?

"But I think I saw one where she didn't die."

Loke stiffened.

Luna continued: "There was something in the snow. I couldn't get a good look at it, but there was this…silver thing in the snow. Or was it bronze? Bronze, then silver?" She shook her head. "I don't know how to explain it, but somehow… I think Nashi summoned it."

Loke had long since stopped eating, appetite gone. "What happened next?"

"That's just it—I don't know." Luna turned her gaze back to her food. "There was this flash of light and then I woke up. I don't know. I think there was a roar—"

CLANG!

Jumpy, Luna's stare fled to her uncle. "Uncle Loke?" She abandoned her food to lay a hand on his arm. "Are you okay?"

Loke mustered up a smile to his niece. "I'm fine, princess. Sorry about that." Hands skimmed for his fallen silverware. "I'm fine. Thanks for worrying about me." A gesture to their plates. "Let's finish up breakfast and I'll walk you over to the Fernandes', yeah?"

Doubt filled chocolate, but Luna pulled away. "Okay…" She went back to her food to pull out her Compact. As she got some egg and rice, she scrolled through her notifications. When she saw a voicemail, her eyes narrowed seeing who it was from.

That's right. Gale sent me a voicemail. Bitterness flooded her. Probably to rub it in my face that he found someone. She swiped left to the voicemail with an option to delete it popping up. She went to press it, but hesitation caught her finger. Maybe…I should listen to it—

A text message from Bleu popped up.

⌜MESSAGES

BLEU

Good morning, Treasure. I know it might be crazy, but have you heard this story?⌟

In her glee, Luna forgot about the voicemail and went straight to her messages to reply.

« And I think I heard it vaguely »

Bleu's message came to her quick.

« A girl and a rich boy »

Luna giggled quietly to herself.

« I take it you're a fan of the movie too? »

« Let's just say I have some spare time and Nolan is a Magia fanboy »

« Speaking of time, are you free today? Unless you're still swept away by that kiss and all… »

Warmth flooded Luna's cheeks. "Dummy."

"Hm?"

"Oh!" Now Luna flushed for a different reason. "Sorry, Uncle. I guess I was thinking out loud." She went back to type a message.

« Hmph. I've had better… Am I free today? Well, I was going to see a friend, but... I might want to see you for some persuasion… »

"Is that Bleu?"

Luna eeped at that and went red, causing Loke to laugh. He had to tell her, "Your mom would get flustered like that too when Natsu was brought up."

"Please don't tell Papa!" Luna begged. "I'm so sorry about last night! We didn't mean—!"

"To kiss on the porch and accept a date from a guy even when your dad is against it?" Loke chuckled as he picked up his coffee. "Little moon, you forget I was a bit of a ladies' man back in the day. I know the whole thing with disapproving fathers."

Luna smiled, relieved. "Oh, thank goodn—!"

"Just never thought I'd be agreeing with one for once."

Luna openly scowled. "What?"

Loke met her glare evenly. "Luna, I'm still standing with what I said. I'm still upset with you that you went off with a boy we didn't know."

"But—!"

"I used to be that guy," Loke interjected. "I used to be the one girls could depend on and their mothers loved me and their fathers hated me. I didn't think anything of it, really. But I was so worried about you last night when you didn't come at curfew. And, on top of that, you show up with some boy?"

"His name is Bleu," Luna sniffed. "Why are you all treating me like a kid? Luke and Igneel and Nashi can go out all the time and you guys don't treat them like this!"

"It's different—"

"How!"

Loke held up a finger. "For one, they've established trust with us and let us know their coming and goings, so we could trust they'll be responsible. For two, they've come into their Magic. Defending themselves isn't the issue. You're back to the basics with your martial arts and have no control of your Magic." He saddled her with a look. "I'm not surprised Natsu has reservations about you dating. I agree with him."

Luna made a moue. "Whatever." She stole her Compact to get off the stool. "Thanks for breakfast. C'mon, Icarus."

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?" Loke called to her.

Luna stopped before she stormed up the stairs to give him an innocent smile. "To get ready for E's, of course. Am I still allowed to go there?"

Loke sighed. "Little moon…"

"Great! I'll be ready in thirty!" Her smile dropped as she stormed up the steps. Icarus followed her with an apologetic dip of the head to Loke.

Loke clasped his hands together and let his forehead rest upon them. "My King, give me strength and never gift me daughters," he muttered in prayer.

"I couldn't get a good look at it, but there was this…silver thing in the snow. Or was it bronze?"

Shamrock green narrowed. She couldn't have been speaking about… No. There's no way.

°•°•°•°

The second Icarus was secured in her bedroom, Luna closed the door and dialed a number. Before the person had a chance to greet her, Luna cut to the chase. "E, I need you to cover for me."

"Well, good morning to you too," Ena greeted sarcastically. "Good Sleep-in Saturday morning to you."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, you've been up since, like, seven this morning in your bed, watching Drag Race with your morning tea, your sketchpad, and avoiding training."

Ena sighed on the other end of the line. "What am I covering for you again?"

Luna rushed to her closet to skim her clothes. "I think Bleu and I are going out today—"

"And you didn't give me a twenty-four-hours notice to pick out your outfit?!"

Luna could not help but smile at her friend. "I'm sorry! It just…happened? We kissed last night and—"

"You did what?!" There was shuffling. "Okay. Here's the plan. Come to my house while the tea is still hot. We're going to talk about our Friday nights. Then, I'll scrounge up something for you to wear this afternoon for Bleu. And if I hear protests, just know I am your sole fashion designer and can make you a fashion disaster."

Luna gave up her search with a giggle. "Fine. You've convinced me. Tea with the queen before a date with the prince it is."

Ena stifled her laugh. "What happened to all that talk of a Dragon?"

Luna snorted as she went about her room. "Ha! Yeah, right! Why have a Dragon when I can have a Prince Charming? Dragons are selfish and greedy. Princes are kind and gentlemanly." She dropped onto her bed with a sigh. "Why are boys stupid, E?"

"Because where's the fun in two smart genders, L?" Ena jested. "Just come over, okay? I'll have everything waiting for you."

Luna chuckled. "Yeah. Thanks, E. Mmm-hmm. Love you too. Bye!" She ended the call with a grin. "Today's going to be awesome." She turned over to her stomach to text Bleu when something odd in her comforter caught her eye. She wriggled it out to see it was a tattered glove. "Huh. A glove? What's this doing here?"

---

Gale groaned as he tossed the ball into the air. He lay on Julia's bed with his shoes somewhere and a new shirt on his back while her LV was on. Julia was at her desk with stationary and did not seem to mind his bemoaning.

"Why do I feel like I did the walk of shame?" Gale grunted.

Julia tipped her head as she thought about what to write next. "We got you out of the barn pretty quick for that to happen. Having sex with one girl but staying the night at another's. You really are inheriting Leo's charisma. Maybe Cane and Dash rubbed off on you."

Gale sat up to point accusingly at her. "Ah-ha! You said his name, therefore, I invoke the right to question you about him!"

Julia rolled her eyes to face him. Twin buns were on her head and a big t-shirt that looked like was once her fathers. Or perhaps Gary's. "Fine," she supposed. "What do you want to know? And keep in mind, you still owe me about the whole"—she piped down her voice—"Slayer time travel thing."

Gale grumbled at that. "Fine, we'll exchange juicy details as long as it never leaves this room." He held out his gloved hand. "Shake on it."

Julia rolled her eyes with a huff. "Dammit, fine." She got up the same time Gale did. She held out her hand to him. "Shake on it."

They clapped hands once, twice, three, for times, before their right elbows, then their left. Julia went to punch him, but Gale easily blocked it. When he tried the same, she did. At the same time, they both acted like they were adjusting sunglasses on their faces before finger-snapping and turning them into guns.

Julia went back to her chair. "We need a better handshake, and no, I'm not avoiding your question," she added defensively when Gale opened his mouth. With a harrumph, she began her narrative. "Listen, it was a moment of weakness, okay? I had gotten rejected, so I saw in the group chat about them going to a club. Went to said club and Dash and Amber were in another fight me-fuck me argument. So I go to the bar and Dash came over to let out some steam and we got to talking."

"You mean flirting and then eye-fucking," Gale corrected.

Julia shot him a glare. "So we flirted. Big deal! He bought drinks and we were both pretty much over humanity. He invited me to dance, so we did."

"Grinding? Seriously?" Gale was disgusted. "Lady J, I am ashamed to call you my best friend."

Julia ignored his theatrics. "We got tipsy and he was honestly great that night," she continued. "I was heartbroken and told him since the guy I wanted to give my virginity to didn't want me, I just wanted to get it over with. And actually…"—her cheeks tinted—"I was the one to push for us to have sex."

Gale blinked rapidly. "I'm sorry, what?"

Julia tugged at the neckline of her shirt. "Well, he was being so nice and treated me well… And after all the reviews he got, I mean why not? He actually was the one to want me to wait for the guy I really wanted, but I was able to persuade him with—"

"Stop!" Gale covered his ears. "Jesus, woman, nope! Not today! I don't want to hear how you got Dash in bed."

Julia snickered. "Well, you're not a virgin anymore, bucko."

Gale shot her a glare at that. "No, but I don't want to hear someone who is like my sister slept with one of my man-whore best friends." Shaking his head, he flopped onto the bed again. "Please tell me you didn't sleep with Cane too?"

"Ew, no!" Julia shivered at that. "No, just Dash a couple of times—"

Gale shot up at that. "'A couple of'?" Reigning in one's temper was one of the hardest tasks to do. "I'm trying really hard not to storm out here and punch him."

"Gale, grow up," Julia sighed. "I wanted it; he wanted it. So we had sex. It was consensual. You're a human encyclopedia, so you should know what that word means." She turned back to her letter.

Gale crowded around her desk. "Just tell me you won't do it again?" he pleaded. "You're smarter than that Lady J—"

"So, what, you get rejected, sleep with a hoe, and the world is fine, but when I do the same, I get chastised?" Julia still did not look at him, but her pen strokes permanently marked her agitation. "Don't go there. What Dash and I do isn't your business." She took a breath. "But… Thank you for worrying about me." Ocean shot ruby a soft stare. "I mean it, jerk."

Gale offered her a lopsided smile full of fang. "I have your back, Lady J."

Julia leaned back in her chair with a raised eyebrow and her pen twirling. "Good. Now that that's out of the way. Tell me what happened with you and Luna."

Gale frowned. "Didn't you—?"

Julia shook her head. "Gale, I'm well aware you can't tell me about your little slip-up. If you haven't told me it now, then there's a reason and I accept that. So tell me how your night went."

Gale ran a hand through his locks. "Shitty," he told her. "Loke found me trying to sneak and Icarus nearly busted my balls for wanting to see her. Had some help, so I got to stay the night, as you know." Ruby looked down. "It felt so nice to just be with her and stay with her. And I fucked all that up. Leaving this morning was torture."

"I'd imagine." Sympathy was in her frown. "Are you going to meet up with her to explain things? Did you test your theory?"

"I was about to…but…"

Julia tilted her head. "'But'…?" she prompted.

Gale's sigh was long and weary. "I don't know, I just… I just couldn't." He went back to bed. "It didn't feel right to do that after what I did. Whatever happened with her and that douchebag… I don't have the right to see it. Her memories are her privacy."

Julia slowly nodded in agreement. "But what about talking to her?"

Gale's shrug was lifeless. "I definitely want to, but… I'm still trying to figure out how to explain things." He took out his Compact to toss it to you. "And check this out."

Julia scrolled through his notifications until she saw them. "That bitch really tried to get in touch with you, knowing you were both using each other?" She tossed the Compact back. "Don't tell me you're meeting up with her."

"Hell no!" Gale pocketed the device. "Found out Drunk Miles gave her my number, but Kitty Kat told me he's pretty hungover and says he's sorry. Nah, I'll turn her down easy, block her, and just forget this happened."

"Do you even remember if she was good or not?" Julia wondered, curious. "If you were good?"

"Not really. Everything sort of just…happened." Gale thought on that night. "We didn't kiss. I know that. I told her I refused to kiss her and she couldn't kiss me on the lips. Maybe she went on about my fangs? I don't know. She said she wanted me to go down on her, but"—he wrinkled his nose—"yeah, no, I'm not doing that for random one-night stands."

Julia's grin was shark-like. "Dash—"

"Woman, I am telling you, and only you, my first-time story. Remember that?"

Julia sobered at that, but her grin remained. "Right, right. Carry on."

Gale rolled his eyes. "Nothing much more to hear," he guessed. "She started saying that I took advantage of her—"

"Which you didn't—!"

"I know I didn't and she knows; she was just desperate, okay?" Gale said in her defense. "We worked it out anyways. Just wish she didn't reach out. Way too awkward and way too…no."

Julia bobbed her head in agreement. "Well, at least that part is over. Now, you just need to sit down with Luna and figure things out. Communication is key."

Gale narrowed his eyes at her. "Says the one who didn't tell me her and my friend screwed each other."

Julia went back to her letter. "And says the one who has a crapload of secrets and can't tell me and yes," she added in emphasis when Gale moved to retort, "I understand why." She shot a glance at him. "You're more than welcome to stay the night. I asked my parents and they don't care. Daddy's actually hoping it'll make Gajeel want to fight him." A shake of her head and a huff. "He'll probably strip too. Why did my father have to be a stripper?"

Gale chuckled to see a text message popped up. "Huh."

"What?"

"Liv texted me."

Julia looked at him at that with raised eyebrows. "Wow. She okay?"

"Yeah." Though, Gale sounded dubious. "She's outside. She wants to talk to me."

°•°•°•°

Gale emerged from the Fullbuster residence to see Olivia waiting for him with her hair in a clamp and her bandana headband on. She looked a little tired as she greeted him without a smile and just a nod.

Instant worry filled Gale. "Hey," he called. "You wanted to talk?"

Olivia nodded, but she still did not smile. Instead, she pushed herself into walking down the steps. "C'mon." She went to her motorcycle and tossed him a spare helmet. "We have somewhere to go."

Gale took the helmet, perplexed. "Where?"

Olivia mounted her bike. "A place where we can talk." She put on her helmet.

Gale spared a glance at Julia who hung back with a shrug. He sighed as he went down the steps. "Okay, but I'm hungry," he warned his sister. "So food is our priority." He mounted the back of her bike.

"Don't worry." Olivia flipped down her shade. "I know a place." Kicking off, the motorcycle zoomed down the street.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And then…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale glanced around as he and Olivia slid into a booth the host led them too. The place might have looked fancy, but the clientele did not have to dress to their nines. Some people even dared to wear sweats and slides. The swirled marble covered the floor with sandstone paint on the walls. If anyone looked classy, it was the staff in their black and white.

"What are we doing at Cake Workshop?" Gale wondered aloud after they ordered their drinks. "We haven't been here in…some time, actually."

Olivia was studying her menu already. "Yeah. Before Leo and I left, I think you and I came here every Sunday for brunch."

Gale smiled at the memories. "Oh, yeah…! After church! Leo would stick around, but we'd sneak off before Mom could wail on us. And she definitely did when we got home." He opened his menu. "Remember when you'd order us liquor?"

Olivia simpered at that, if ever so slightly. "Yeah. We'd come home a little tipsy. Mom was furious and Papa gave us fist bumps, that man. How did we survive?"

Gale chuckled until his memory caught up with him. "Yeah. It was pretty quiet without you and Leo," he murmured. "The old man, Uncle L, and I pretty much trained every day, but I could tell Dad and Mom missed you guys."

"And you didn't?"

"Fuck no! I could actually get shit down and play Lacrima games without you two butting in!" At Olivia's quiet laughter, Gale relaxed even more. "Real talk, though, I did miss you guys. Not the same without Leo getting bitchy because of his shampoo and shit. And you'd put us in our places. No wonder you got Aunt Erza's title for your Mage name."

"I'm actually thinking about changing it."

"Really?" That was news to Gale. "To what? I thought the Council had to give it to you?"

"Depends," Olivia told him. "You have a say in it. The public can give you a name and the Council essentially recommends you one. But you have the right to come up with your own Mage Name. Aunt Erza publicly passed the title to me, but I can have it legally changed."

"What would it be?"

"I'm thinking about 'Steelstriss'."

Gale raised his eyebrows. "Woah. Cool name. Where'd you get that from?"

"Oreo." Olivia stopped when their waiter came by with their drinks and biscuits for them. Once both she and Gale placed their orders and menus were collected, she kept speaking. "We were doing some brainstorming for drinks actually, but he thought that would be a great Mage Name for me."

"I like it." Gale meant that. "Go for it, Liv. It's really cool."

"Thanks." Olivia looked subdued for a moment. "I know you know this isn't random. I've had my mind on something for a while and I guess it's been eating at me."

Gale frowned as he took in the severity of the situation. "Okay. What's going on? Can you tell me?" He corrected himself. "Do you want to tell me?"

"Quit the psychologist tricks," Olivia muttered.

Gale shook his head. "No tricks, honest. And, if we're still on that, Leo and I sort of noticed you've been…out of it since we came home from Margaret. Heck, you'd been out of it since you came home, but we didn't want to push you…"

"It's fine." Hazel warmly met ruby. "I'm glad you two didn't. I didn't really want to talk about it." She collected her thoughts. "Well, Justin set me up on a date for Halloween." She waited for Gale to laugh, but he did not. He waited for her to continue. "It didn't end up well. The guy just wanted sex and nothing more, so I ditched him."

"Which is why you and Orochi were together," Gale filled in. "Didn't he have a date?"

"He did, but she had a date too." Olivia chuckled under her breath. "A girlfriend, to be exact, but she's pretty cool. She didn't mind Oreo bailing her to stay with me, but I really wish he didn't. I felt bad he didn't really get to party."

Gale snorted. "Yeah. Because Orochi is the party guy." He shook his head and brought his pop closer to himself. "Honestly, you did him a favor, but keep going. Sorry for interrupting."

Olivia laid a cheek on a propped fist. "I guess I've been considered…going back to the Metal City. The fight in Margaret Town…with you, I…" Hazel flicked to her drink. "I wasn't strong enough to protect you."

"Don't say that," Gale countered. "I was the stupid one to get tangled with that son of a bitch. That was on me."

"Gale, I'm your older sister," Olivia shot back. "I protect you no matter what. I'm S-Class for Christ's sake and I couldn't even…" She stopped herself. "I was just considering going back there to train and…"

Gale leaned forward. "'And'…?"

Olivia sighed. "Even though you showered, I can smell you were with two people, but one of them was intimate. You had sex, didn't you?"

Gale could not hide his guilt and shame. "Yeah," he said in a small voice. "I have no excuses."

Olivia reached over to pat his head. "I know." And she did. "I'm not judging you. A little disappointed, but I understand. It's difficult. You, Igneel, Leo—you're all struggling and taking it out in different ways. Sometimes, the time apart you spend from some person makes it all the better when you're together."

Galileo blinked at her in suspicion. "Awfully wise for a person who isn't experiencing this…"

Olivia knew the implication and she could not ignore it. Her hand retracted. "Seeing you and Luna… It just reminded me of someone. Someone I knew in the city."

"Male or female?" Gale held up his hands at the glare he received. "Hey, I'm supportive either way."

"Male," Olivia answered. "We got along pretty well. He was…stupidly strong. I think we're still tied for sparring matches."

Gale's eyebrows shot up. "Damn…! I want to meet this guy too! Maybe we could spar. You and Leo were getting pretty boring anyways."

Olivia laughed at him. "Yeah, well, we might've had a thing while I was there, but we agreed until I revisited, we'd still live life." Her smile died. "I guess, once I saw all that destruction… Once I saw some families torn apart and seeing Mom and Dad… It made me think about him and how he might've gone after a girl who would stick around and has a lot more depth."

"Don't you dare sell yourself like that," Gale growled. "Olivia Lily, do I need to hype you up like the old man does? Because you know I will."

"Do that and expect to be dead before dawn," Olivia threatened in good humor. "It's just a thought. You know, insecurities and all. What?" she added when Gale looked at her quizzically.

"You're so confident and strong," Gale began. "It's just…hard seeing you of all people doubt yourself. Not saying that you can't and you have to be on you're a-game one-hundred percent of the time."

"I know," Olivia soothed. "Trust me. Papa made sure that we knew we wouldn't break if we faltered once or twice. I just…" She shrugged. "Seeing you and Luna and Leo and Igneel and Mary Jane… It just had me worry that he might've moved on and I'd be left here." She played with her fingers. "Weird, huh? That me out of all people would worry."

"No, not at all," Gale was quick to assure. "It's natural, really. Sometimes, we have it in our head that we get the love and treatment we deserve. That's how all our insecurities manifest and how mistakes are made. I mean, hey, I thought I was meant to be rejected for the rest of my life." Ruby darkened in bitter sadness. "I was fine with the guys before. Jealous? Hell yeah, but fine. They were the sort that would be in and out of her life. But this asshole?" He took a long sip of his pop. "I got that feeling he would get to her. And my gut was right." His smirk was humorless. "I just wish I wasn't."

Olivia nodded. Not an agreement or anything, just a nod. "How are you feeling?"

"Shitty. Ashamed. Guilty. Y'know, the usual," Gale passed off. "My first time was nothing special and I'm going to regret that. But there's nothing I can do now."

"If she dates him, are you going to do that again?"

"Not a chance in Hell." Gale's answer was flat and to the point. "I did my one and done, thanks. As much as a number is just a number, I don't think Blondie would be too impressed by a high one. One is enough." He wagered before revealing any more information. "Can I run something by you?"

"Is it weird?"

"Definitely."

"Talk."

Gale flexed his hands. "Well, if I'm giving you the cliff notes, I think Blondie and I have some leftover Magic from the time bunny, but that Magic might've sort of become a norm in our bodies. Whoever I touch with my bare hands, I can see into their past."

"And Luna?"

"I don't—" Gale went comically wide-eyed. "Wait, you believe me?!"

Olivia shrugged. "You're not too wrong with your hunches. You got Mom's brains, remember? So, if you say you and Blondie have some new, freaky power, I believe you." She raised an eyebrow. "So what's her power?" Then she got it. "You figured out you two have powers, but you can't talk to her about it right now."

Gale groaned and banged his head on the table, startling nearby guests. "Why did I have to ruin everything?" he lamented. "She's going to be so much pettier now with her stupid mood swings and her stupid yelling and stupid ignoring me…"

"She's a teenage girl going through puberty." Olivia took a biscuit and tucked it in. "Which probably means all this new Magic might amplify some things. Which means, yeah, she's about to get petty as shit. You, little brother, have a long way to go."

Gale groaned again.

"Speaking of ignoring… Have you been thinking about her?"

Gale froze.

Olivia took another biscuit. "I overheard Papa talk about it with Mom… Is it true?"

Gale snorted derisively. "Well, what does it matter?"

"It still matters when she's in your wallet." Olivia frowned deeply. "Gale—"

"Not now, Liv," Gale murmured in beg. "Please. Just…not now."

Olivia swallowed back her own counter to nod. "Okay," she agreed softly. "Let's enjoy some food and talk about the good times, then, okay?"

Gale lifted his head and watery ruby met comforting hazel. He sniffed. "Okay."

---

DING-DONG!

Ena unlocked the door and swung it open. "Hi, L!"

Luna beamed. "Hey, E!"

Ena welcomed Luna in with a hug. "I'm so mad at you for not saying anything to me," she whispered in Luna's ear.

"Later," Luna whispered back. "Uncle's here." She pulled away to see Loke step into the threshold after unclipping Icarus' leash.

Icarus shook out his fur and shot a death glare at the leash. I am a Spirit, a Clifford. I should not be confined to a leash, he growled.

"Yeah, well, the last time I walked you without a leash, we got in trouble," Luna reminded, rubbing behind his ears. "Fiore law states all dogs must be leashed in commercial areas."

As Icarus growled even more, Ena said sweetly, "Hi, Icarus! I have some dog-safe biscuits in the kitchen if you want some?" She was laughing when Icarus pounced on her to lick her face. "Okay, okay, down boy," she giggled, gently putting him back on both paws.

Loke glared at the Clifford. "And you say you're not a dog?" As Icarus whined, ears flattened from the sarcastic quip, Loke spoke to Ena with a smile, "Thanks for looking after Lu. If Icarus gets out of hand, just crate him."

Icarus crouched low at that, tail uncurled and down, his whining even louder.

"We'll be perfectly fine," Ena assured. "Not like I haven't had to handle a dog before. Lelantos and Actaeon are charming all on their own. Where are they actually?"

"Spirit World," Loke answered. "Once a human month, they meet up with other hunting dogs to play and share stories about their current masters. It keeps them all in the loop and helps Spirits who haven't found a home yet know where to look and who to send visions to." Turning to Luna, he asked her, "You'll be here for the rest of the day, right?"

Luna tried hard not to eye roll. "Of course. E and I are going over outfits." A half-lie and a half-truth. "I'll text you on my way home."

"Just text when you want to come home and I'll come to get you," Loke decided. "I'll let you know when your parents come back home too. From what we heard on the Com, everything should be all right from here." He checked his watch. "All right. I'll leave you two to it. Gray and I are heading out to check out a motorcycle."

"Bye, Uncle," Luna farewelled. "Have fun! Bye!" She waved from the doorway until Loke was out of sight. The second he was, she closed the door to see Ena waiting for her with her pen clicking.

"Talk."

°•°•°•°

"Well, he certainly sounds like the whole package," Ena regarded as she updated her last measurement, her cheaters on. They were in her bedroom with the LV playing a Young Nation comeback. Icarus was lying on his side, belly full of snacks and tea. "His actions and his words speak for it."

"I know, right?" Luna loosened her limbs, stiff from posing so long. "Ugh, he was just so dreamy…! I can't believe Mary Jane introduced us! How could she not want to go on a date with him?"

"From what I hear, Peter's charming too." Ena thought about it. "Come to think of it, they played it perfectly. Peter meeting Mary Jane and both of them setting you two up. Nicely done. And they got you a good guy too. Most blind meetings don't always go well." She tapped Luna's right arm. "This arm, please. I need to re-measure wingspan since you moved a little."

Luna raised her arm as asked. "I just can't believe we kissed before the first date!" she gushed. "I hope he doesn't think any less of me for it."

Ena snorted as she measured her shoulder down to the tip of her middle finger. "I doubt it. Nowadays, people skip dating altogether and just have sex, so I think you're good on that end."

"E!"

Ena had to chuckle at Luna's red face. "It's true!" she insisted. "Whenever Aine has Ellie, Justin, Nashi, Mara, Dazzler, and T'oree over, listening to Dazzler and Justin's stories popped my innocence. I think it's cute he asked you out and actually asked you. Some guys don't even do that. Everything's assumed." She jotted down the length on her notepad with a huff. "Honestly, I hope I never get into a relationship. It sounds like a lot of work."

Luna pouted. "What about our relationship?"

Ena grinned when if she was reviewing her notes. "You'd be so high maintenance with your appetite and your loss of fashion sense—"

Luna gasped at her, putting the back of her hand dramatically on her forehead. "The nerve!"

"But I like high maintenance," Ena soothed in a chortle. "Don't worry, L." She abandoned her notes to tackle her friend. "Even if Bleu is dating you, you're still mine! Mine, mine, mine!"

Luna giggled as they both tossed themselves onto Ena's bed. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," she dismissed. "Oh, how did your Friday night go with your mom? Did you ask her yet?" She peeked at her best friend to see her expression dropping. "Are you okay? What happened? Did something happen?"

Ena sighed. "Well—"

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

"Ena? Can I come in?"

Ena sat up while Icarus was slow to stand, eyes glaring at the door. He thought to Luna, Do you know this presence?

It's her brother, so behave, Luna replied as Ena said, "Yeah, come on in!"

Mystogan opened the door to peek inside. He noted Icarus and Luna and offered them a terse smile. "Luna, hello. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thanks," Luna told him. "How are you?"

"Oh, stressed but living," he joked, though a little tight-lipped. "What brings you over to the house?"

Luna smiled over at Ena. "E's helping me pick out an outfit for my pre-date," she said proudly. "Isn't that right, E?"

Ena nodded, though she did not look at Mystogan. "Um, yeah, I—"

"A 'date'?" The tenseness left Mystogan to look at Luna in surprise. "You're dating now?" He feigned peering at her closer. "What happened to the little girl who would follow her sister around all the time and cried when her Poko episodes ended, hmm?"

Luna hid her laugh. "She's a grown woman," she stated haughtily. "Stop holding it over me I cried after Poko's Grand Adventure, okay? I was, like, six!"

"Yes, and your parents banned you from watching it after how sad you got," Mystogan remarked cheekily. "I feel so old now. You're dating? Who's the lucky boy? Is he in Fairy Tail? What sort of Magic does he practice?"

Luna blushed a bit. "No, he's actually…not a Mage, to be exact…"

"Ah." Mystogan understood her hesitation. His voice went considerably gentler. "That's fine too. As long as he makes you happy, Luna, and treats you right, then that's good enough for anyone." At Luna's grateful look, he winked at her. Turning to Ena, he asked her breezily, "Don't tell me you're dating too? I don't think I could handle that."

Ena's smile was slow to grow, but pure when it was there. "No dating for me. I think I'll stick out the 'dating myself' train a little longer."

"Good. No boy is good enough for you," Mystogan told her, dead serious. "And if they think they are, they're going to have to face me first before they're allowed to take you anywhere."

Touched, Ena was taken back. Wow… He really does care…

"After seeing how guys my act, no man is good enough for you, Mom, or A—Aine!" Mystogan's eyes widened. "Oh god, she's on an assignment! Mother still won't tell me where she is and I can't reach Lance!" He shook his head in frustration. "Don't they see how dangerous it is for her? She can't go on an assignment! She should be here resting and taking care of herself!" When he looked back at Ena, dark chocolate had darkened even further. "That's what I meant to ask you when I came in. Have you heard from her?"

Ena shook her head. "No, I—"

"Have you called her? Texted her?"

"No—"

"Why not?" Mystogan demanded. "Ena, that's my sister! Do you know how much danger she could be in? What if she doesn't have her inhaler? What if she can't take her emergency medication? What if she's too far from an ER? Oh god…" He rubbed his temples as he tried to hold back from giving himself a headache. "Ena, I need you to contact her however you can. Report back to me as soon as she says something. With Mother ignoring me and wound up in audit prepping, it's up to me to save Aine."

Ena tried to slip in her protest. "But, if Mom let her go, then—"

Mystogan ignored her and muttered, "Nice to see you, Luna. Ena, report to me immediately." And he fled the room, closing the door behind him.

Luna wrinkled her nose. "Well, that was rude." When Icarus snuffed his agreement, she muttered, "Geez. You'd think he'd slow down. It's not like Aine's in any world-ending danger and she has Lance, Gary, and Nashi with her. I really wish he'd stop worrying about her as much. Nashi tells me Aine feels suffocated a lot."

"Well," Ena started lowly, eyes shadowed, "she is sick and she is his sister. He has a right to care about her. We shouldn't really judge him for it."

Luna frowned at her. "I mean, I guess, E, but you're their sister too. I don't see you getting this worked up—"

"Hey L?"

Luna raised an eyebrow.

"Do you ever think Nashi and Gary spend too much time together?" Ena wondered without looking at her. "Do you ever feel like you've lost your sister to Gary?"

Luna thought about it. "Not really," she supposed. "I mean, yeah, I guess I do when I think about it. All my siblings are always so busy with jobs and assignments and people, it's like…" Chocolate dropped to her lap. "Sometimes…it's like I don't even exist to them."

Ena bit her lip to keep it from trembling.

Icarus laid his head in Luna's lap and she brushed back his fur in nice even strokes. "Is it selfish to think that?" she murmured in question. "Is it bad to think your own family isn't there for you at times? Is it wrong?"

DRIP.

"I know they care, but there are times…"—Luna stopped her pets—"I feel like they don't."

DROP.

SNIFF.

Luna snapped out of her thousand-yard stare to look over at Ena. Silent tears streaked her cheeks as she bit her lip to keep from crying. Alarm flooded Luna as she immediately went to hug her friend. "E, what's wrong?" she fretted. "Is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?"

Ena kept her tears silent and her cries nonexistence.

Luna's eyes softened as she hugged Ena tighter. She smiled as she did so, her eyes falling shut. "It's okay," she told. "You can cry and I'll be right here. It's okay to cry."

Ena gritted her teeth, but her lips twitched. A sniffle. But the dam was breaking. And when her lips twitched next, she let out a sob.

---

Silver popped his head into Julia's room with a sheepish smile. She was at her desk, still writing. "Julia…?" he drawled. "Can—?"

"No."

Silver pouted as he stepped into the room. "But you didn't even—!"

"Not interested, not into it, don't care."

Silver sagged himself behind her and pinched her cheeks. "Julia…!"

Julia let out a terse sigh. "Silver, I am currently writing out my feelings as a very cathartic method, but you are making it very hard for me not to write the words 'fuck off' on my nicely worded letter." Ocean snapped to Maya blue in controlled irritation. "What do you want?"

"Set up a bath for me?"

Julia raised an eyebrow to say Are you serious?. "Silver, I taught you how to do it," she reasoned. "Heck, we even went to Bath and Body Projects to get you bath salts and went to Thrive to get you bath bombs and crap—"

"Please…!" Silver whined, resulting in Julia scoffing at him. "C'mon! You do it so much better than me! Last time, I promise!"

Julia closed her eyes and breathed out her exasperation. "Fine," she conceded. "But you're making vegan mac and cheese for me later."

Silver grinned. "Deal!" He cheered as she got out of her seat. "Thank you, big sister!"

"Don't patronize me," Julia muttered. "Dad and Mom are gone for the day, so it's just you and me which means I will not hesitate to kick you out of the house if you annoy me. I have work to do."

"Work meaning reading fanfiction, watching Agency for, like, the hundredth time, or is now Brooks County Nine-Nine? And then you'll probably get lazy and take a nap—"

Julia gripped Silver shoulder and shoved him past her and towards the step as he laughed. "Vegan mac and cheese," she hissed at him as she went into the bathroom. "Anything else and I'll know. You won't have a toilet anymore."

"I'm not risking that," he assured as he raced down the steps. "Sounding a little cranky. That time of the month again?"

"You can't see me, but my middle finger is up at you!"

°•°•°•°

Silver sank into the bubble bath with a sigh of relief. He kept no lights on but the candles with his bowl of mac and cheese next on Julia's tub tray. He even brought his L-Pad and Compact with him to sit on the tray. He brought up one of his feet through the blanket of bubbles to wiggle his toes. "This feels so nice…!" he bemoaned. "Thank you, Julianna!" he added louder.

"Normally, I'm all for men embracing themselves, but in your case, you are not a man!"

"What? Can't hear you over my confidence!"

"Screw you."

Silver chuckled as he relaxed back and into the bathtub. "So nice," he breathed. "I need to learn how to perfect drawing a bath, so I can draw a bath for my beloved!" He sat up a little to pull the tray closer to him. Propping his L-Pad up, he unlocked it to search for bath drawing methods. He saw a text message roll in and went to it. It was from LULU.

« Do you know if something happened to E? She's so sad today… »

Silver frowned. The Scarlet Witch? Maya blues lit in question. I wonder if Misty came by.

« Did Misty come to the house? »

« Yeah… How'd you know? He was fine until Aine was brought p »

« up* »

Silver cursed. "What should I even say? Should I tell her I was with Fernandes? But then she might get suspicious…"

Someone else texted him with the contact name MALEFICENT.

« Tell L we talked about our feelings last night and my sword goes through your text »

A tick mark pounded against Silver's head. Crazy witch! She threatens to kill me after I helped her? Just like Fernandes to do that. He ignored her to go back to Luna.

« Fernandes invited me out to talk last night was all. You should ask her about it »

Luna questioned it, but she did not answer. Silver sighed as he swiped his screen back to Boogle with his search results. "Dumb witch. Like I'd take orders from you," he muttered. He went to get his bowl of mac and cheese when his spoon dropped into the water. "Dammit," he sighed. He fished in the water for the spoon and brought it to the surface. "Crap, I'm going to need to get up and wash it." He uncurled his hands as he meant to set it on the tray, but something stopped him.

The water he collected… It stayed within his hand.

Silver blinked. "Huh? That's weird…" He plucked the spoon out from his hand and set it on the tray to watch the water. Keeping his fingers together, he slid the water towards them.

They refused to rejoin the bath.

"What the…?" Experimenting, Silver cupped his hands and dipped them into the water. When he brought them to the surface, he watched for the water to drain itself. But…it never did. It stayed in his hands obediently as though waiting for his command. "This is crazy," he whispered. "Mom taught me how to push and pull tides and everything, but this? She never taught me how to do this…" Maya blue stared deeply into the water. What's going on?

The more he stared at the water, the more he felt a tugging in his chest. He could feel the current bathing his skin. He could feel water's cool touch against his cheek. He could hear the echoes of the ocean and all her creations. Deep within his mind, he could see the iridescent blues and greens of the sea. He could feel the fish swimming past him in their schools. He could see the shadows of whales against the sun's reflection.

I feel so…alive, Silver murmured in thought. It's like I'm in the water. No… It feels…stronger than that…

Eyes as blue as the sky pierced his own. There was nothing alarming about them. They felt unwavering and held sagacity for centuries.

Curiosity might have filled Silver, but in the back of his mind, the answer was there, it was just not ready to come out yet. "Who…? Who are you?"

BAG-BANG-BANG-BANG!

Silver was startled and the water dropped from his hands.

"Silver, what the Hell are you doing in there?" came Julia's yowl. "I can see water leaking out!"

Blinking, he took in the bathroom. To his horror, water had begun taking over the floor in thin padding. The dual sinks had been turned all the way up to high like opened floodgates and waterlogged their toothbrushes, combs, and a washcloth. "Crap!" He shot out of the bathtub, nearly tripping, to turn off the faucets. "Sorry, Julia!" he shouted back. "Guess I got a little magically carried away."

"Well, can you clean it up? I don't need Mom accusing me of making you cry and getting all excited about your powers!"

Silver looked around the bathroom and his shoulders dropped. "Yeah. Just give me a minute." Inhale. Exhale. Back straightened. Not a weak point left to give way. He drifted his hands from his chest as though pushing something. The water below him followed his movement as it all gathered to one side of the bathroom. He swirled his hands around each other, each following the other just a few seconds behind. The water followed as it took the shape of an unsteady orb. When all the excess water had gathered, Magic glinted in his eyes as he clapped his hands.

°•°•°•°

Julia tapped her foot as she waited on the other side of the hallway. The door slid open with steam pouring out like no one's business. Silver came out with his lower half wrapped in a towel and waving the steam away in fits of coughing. She sighed at him. "You just had to flood the bathroom, didn't you?"

Silver talked between coughs: "I didn't mean to! I was just in the zone."

Julia pushed herself off the wall. "Try to stay in the zone a little less, then, yeah?" She took in the trouble in his eyes and ventured, "You okay? Must've been some zone for you to flood things. I haven't seen you do that since you first saw Paige in a new light. I'm pretty sure Mom nearly drowned us all at how happy she was too."

Silver's coughing turned into laughter. "I wasn't thinking about my beloved this time."

"What were you thinking about?"

"I was—" He stopped himself. He tried to wrack his brain, but nothing came through. It was like the space where his memory was became blank. "I don't know." Even saying it sounded stupid. "I… I'm really not sure."

Julia observed him with a hum. She went back to her room, patting his shoulder as she passed him. "Well, figure it out, so you can stop figuring it out, okay?"

"Yeah, sure." Maya blue took notice of the letter sealed in Julia's hands. "Another letter today? I thought you were writing out your feelings."

Julia paused at her bedroom entrance. "I was; I am. These letters will never get sent again." Ocean flashed down to the envelope. Jaw locked. "Ever." She went inside her bedroom and shut the door.

Silver cocked his head. "What's up with her?" Shrugging to himself, he muttered, "Whatever. Back to finding ways to please my beloved!" Hearts entered his eyes as he practically flew back to the bathroom. "Oh, my beloved Paige! You'll be so happy when you see how well I can draw a bath!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aine's eyes fluttered open when she felt something press against her lips. Her mouth opened on command and she took in the liquid that was as smooth as water but as thick as honey and tasted like chamomile. She caught glimpses of reality, of the dreary darkness, or the dankness. But she could not keep her eyes open for much longer. Chains rattled close to her ear. Her chest was hurting and soreness trapped her body, but those chains sounded vaguely familiar. Should she wake up?

"Peace, Daughter of Erza," came soothe. "Wake when you are ready."

Aine's eyes fluttered shut at that and she let out a deep groan.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Oberon? Aine? Lunch is ready!"

The focus watched as The Duchess and the Tramp was paused mid-scene when the two canines were staring so ardently into each other's' eyes. A whine came from the focus. "Mom…! We were in the middle of watching Duchess and Tramp eat under the stars!"

Erza stepped out into the living room with a hand on her little pregnant stomach and a smile on her face. She was not far along, but she had that glow. "You can finish it after lunch," she told firmly. "Come on, little warrior. Lunchtime." She called, "Oberon! Lunch!"

The focus left the safety of the couch to go into the dining room. Lunch was pasta today, but she knew where to sit when she saw her medication ready and waiting for her. "I don't want to take the medicine," she complained. "Why do I have to and Misty doesn't?"

"Because," came low gravelly voice, "you're our special little warrior!"

Aine giggled when she was lifted up. "Daddy!" she cheered. "You're home!" The focus turned to see a man smiling down at her with eyes as dark as hers and a face tattoo that would never leave. She poked his cheek. "I thought you weren't coming home forever!"

"'Forever'?" Jellal chuckled at the notion as he set her down at her seat. "I would never be able to stay away from you forever, Aine." He turned to see Erza coming out of the kitchen and was instantly on her with a kiss to her lips. "Did you miss me?" he asked huskily. A hand went to her stomach to feel her rounded stomach. "Did you both miss me?"

Erza was blushing like a schoolgirl at her husband's display of affection. "Jellal…!" she tried to scold as she played with her hair.

Jellal raised an amused eyebrow. "It's cute I can make you blush like this after all this time," he teased her. "You really are scarlet."

A gasp. "Dad, you're home!"

Jellal grunted when Oberon ran at him to hug him. He looked different in this time. His glasses were held together with lace behind his head and his red hair was more tamed than before. The smile on his face was large and welcoming. "How was the mission? Did you win? What sort of monsters did you face?" Oberon rattled off in rapid-fire inquisition.

"Take it easy, Oberon," Erza soothed. "He just got back. Let him unpack and shower and he can tell us all about his journey at lunch. Which means…"—she bent over to be eye level with her children—"you two need to go wash your hands and set the table. This is a task only the smartest fairy warriors can do. Are you two up to the challenge?"

"Aye, sir!" Aine and Oberon promised, resolute.

Erza smiled. "Then, get to it."

The focus sped off to the bathroom with Oberon and Aine fighting to see who could wash their hands first and quicker. Aine giggled, "Daddy's home! I'm so happy!"

"I know, right?" Oberon finished first and went to dry his hands. "You think he brought back any cool souvenirs or fought some real bad guys?"

"Probably," Aine said. "Daddy's the strongest with Mom. I bet he won against the baddest Mages and monsters!" She nudged her brother in a pout and he passed her the hand towel. "How come you got Daddy's Magic, but I didn't?"

"Everyone gets something from their parents," Oberon reasoned. "You probably got mom's Requip Magic. You'll see. It'll come soon. Besides, you're not even ten yet."

Aine sighed. "I guess so…"

A scream.

The focus and Oberon looked at each other. "Mom!" Both rushed out of the bathroom and back down the hall. When they found the source of the screams, they froze. Erza was in Jellal's arms as blood trickled down her legs and dirtied her shorts. Tears had welled up in her arms as she shook with Jellal using the Home Communication Lacrima to speak rapidly to someone on the line.

The focus slowly blinked as Aine took in the drops of blood staining the ground. "Mommy?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aine turned over in her sleep. She did not notice how her clothes had been changed and that she rested on a mat instead of a stone floor. Instead, she mumbled out a name in her sleep. "Mom…"

---

Nashi blinked when all she saw was snow, ice, and people. Buildings surrounded her at every turn. A convenient store was on this corner. A piano bar was just next to a sub shop. The buildings looked like they were made of ice or snow, but earth was there, a metal she had never seen before. The people were odd commodities as well. It seemed as though the natives were paler than normal, but their hair and eyes were dark as night. A few were gifted blue eyes. Some had tanner skin, bluer eyes, but most adopted the dress of various blues covering them in dyed furs and their boots made leather, felt, and fur. She noticed, in particular, a tan woman wearing a choker of some sort with a symbol dangling from it. She laughed as she spoke to her friend. But that was not all.

Creatures invaded this city, but they did so pleasantly. Amaroq appeared in its many forms. The wolf form was popular, shifting like it was ice itself. Then came the hulking wolfman form, standing on its hind paws, slouched over in its armor. Like a soulful golem of sorts, it did not mind doing menial tasks or accompanying mortals. An actual winter golem—a Wechuge—hand a woman dressed in dyed furs on its shoulders with groceries in its hands. Hrimfaxi and Nykur—steeds made of ice and snow—pulled carts or had riders, neighing frost.

'What the…?'

YIP!

Her eyes widened when a Glacumiho passed right through her like she was nothing, pulling a sled of human children. Shakily, she touched her middle. "Wh-Wh-What was that?"

BEEP-BEEP!

Nashi was a deer struck by headlights as a Lacrima Car came down the street. In her vain efforts, she shielded herself….

…for the car to pass right through her.

Nashi gasped, eyeing her body in horror. "What's happening to me? Did I die? Am I dead?"

"Gary! Let's go! Carriage is waiting!"

Nashi's head popped up.

"Coming, Dad!"

She searched around. 'Gary? But that can't be possible. I'm supposed to be in the real world.' Her eyes landed on a carriage with dual Nykurs as the stallions and the drive and old man of pale skin and matured furs to cover him. Hickory took in the scene as two men and a boy were spotted outside the carriage. "Wait, is that…? That's Uncle Gray! And Mister Vasta and…Linus? But, this doesn't—!"

"I'm all set."

Hickory widened.

'That's…him…'

Gary came out of the hotel with his pack strapped on and a cheery grin on his face as he peered up at his father. "Ready to go!"

Gray ruffled his hair. "'Bout time, kiddo. We need to get moving now if we want to get there before sundown," he informed. "Once we set up shop, we'll have dinner and start training tomorrow. Sound good?"

"'Tomorrow'?" Both boys chorused in high disappointment. Then, they quickly glared at each other. "Don't copy me!" they snapped. "No, you! No, you!"

Lyon laughed behind a fist. "The journey is a long one and we're not too keen to throw you into training when you're exhausted."

"But tomorrow is too big a wait!" Gary complained. "I want to start training now, so I can beat stupid Nashi and stupid Linus!"

Nashi's eyebrow twitched. 'Stupid, huh? Wait until I get my hands on you, you idiot pervert!'

Linus snorted. "Real mature, Gary. Using your Magic Power against a girl?" He lifted his nose in the air, above it all. "I'm using my Magic to actually help people like Mages should do."

"I do that too!" Gary retorted. "But I'm going to get strong enough, so no one can rival me—especially her and you!" Forest green and cerulean clashed as competition fired between them. Or maybe it was because their foreheads were pressed together as they tried to outdo each other. "Hear that, Vastia? When we're done here, you'll be begging for me to train you."

"Ha!" Linus's glare intensified. "Not if I beat you first!"

"Easy, tigers," Gray soothed in a chuckle, separating them with ease. "How 'bout we get on the carriage first? Then, you two can talk smack all you want." He went to the carriage and beckoned them to follow. "Come on. All our stuff is packed up."

Linus and Gary muttered under their breaths and with one last glare at each other, they boarded the carriage with Linus following them. Comical rage filled Nashi as she grinned. 'That little shit. I knew he was trying to beat me! Gets me all comfortable, seduces me, and wham! He'll come in for the kill! Well, just you wait, jerk! I'm gonna sic some serious spells on y—Omigod!' She gasped and put a hand over her heart when the scene violently changed into the carriage and she fell over. "Jesus, give me some warning first," she groused. She looked around the carriage that was more like a covered wagon. Supplies, food, and bags had filled it with Gary, Gray, and Linus at the back while Lyon conversed with the driver. "Where am I now? What's going on here?" She tuned into the conversation.

"But the people here have a lot of lore surrounding how they got Ice and Water Magic," Gray went onto say. "A lot of the natives hear learned their Magic through spiritual means, but Master Ur didn't really care for it. She might've grown up here, but she traveled all over the world to learn different Ice Magic styles."

"Wow…" Gary breathed. "Master Ur must've been some master."

"You think she would've taught us?" Linus wondered.

"In a heartbeat," Gray answered. "Just watch out for her temper. She might've been cool as ice, but she had some spirit." He rubbed his head as a phantom pain came back. "She didn't pull any punches; that's for damn sure."

"So why go to Fairy Tail?" Linus had to know. "Why not travel the world like she did?"

Gray shrugged. "Did my fair share of traveling and met some interesting people. But, well, eventually, you stop traveling and look for your home. Fairy Tail's my home. Wouldn't trade what I've got ever. I've worked too hard to have a home." At boys' confused looks, he grinned. "You'll understand what I mean when you're older."

Gary crossed his arms. "Well, I plan to travel everywhere, so the world knows who's the strongest Ice Mage," he declared, arrogance per every word. "Everyone will know my name and Dragneel won't think twice about challenging me." He smirked. "Maybe she'll become a fan instead."

Nashi had to physically restrain herself from launching at him. "You stupid brat! You are so dead!"

Linus smirked with him. "She might become my fan once she realizes I'm the strongest one," he foretold. "She is pretty cute. I wouldn't mind having her in my fan club."

'I'm going to kill you both!'

"Tch." Gary looked away. "Whatever. She's more annoying than cute. Always challenging me and picking a fight. Why can't she just grow up already? It's not like I started it."

Gray's grin looked sly. "Y'know… You go on about Nashi a lot," he drawled. "Don't tell me…you have a crush on her?"

Pink slammed against pale cheeks as Gary spluttered, "W-What? No, of course not!" His cheeks deepened their pink shades as Gray and Linus laughed, though his eyebrows slammed together in his agitation. "Seriously! I don't! She's just an annoying little pest who can't mind her own business!"

Lyon must have overheard for he said, "Don't get so defensive. After all, liking pink-haired pests runs in the family."

Gray rolled his eyes. "You are not my family, jackass!" he called back. "Maybe not liking pink-heads, but definitely liking the enemy," he recalled to Gary. "Your mom was on the opposing side for the battle against Phantom Lord, the crazy woman. Tried to kill me, but she ended up falling in love with me."

"God knows why…"

"Shut it, Lyon."

"Aunt Juvie wanted to kill you?" Linus seemed perplexed at the concept. "So then… How did you two get married?"

Gray did not even have to think of his reply. "Simple. She fell in love with me, stalked me for a good, eh, decade or so, I caught feelings, we saved the world, and we fell madly in love."

Nashi, Linus, and Gary gaped, "How is that 'simple'?"

Gary shook his head. "Well, I'm not stalking anyone," he decided with a bite, "especially Dragneel. If anything, she stalks me."

"You liar!" Nashi cried. She tried hard to hit him, but her hands kept disappearing. "You gave stalked me every day for years, idiot! I'm going to remember this and you'll be eating your words!" She stopped trying to hit him when she felt exhausted. "Ugh, getting revenge feels like too much work," she complained.

Gray chuckled and took out his Compact. "You two should get comfy. I have to call Juvia and see how she's doing. Might want to take a nap. When you wake up, we'll be there."

Gary went to lay down on his back as Gray shifted away from them. 'Enemies falling in love? Yeah, right,' he thought cynically. 'I'll never fall in love. I just need to train to get stronger. And Dragneel won't know what hit her when I come back.' His closed his eyes to sigh and everything faded into black.

Nashi looked around the darkness, curious by it all. "Where am I now?" she whined. "Oh, this is getting so confusing! So I'm in a dream, but I'm not in a dream. A memory, but this is Gary's memory? But how is that possible? That doesn't make any sense."

'Unless I'm still in the link between Gary and I.'

Nashi nearly jumped out of her skin, floored. "Who said that?"

'You said that.'

"I did?"

'Am I talking to myself?"

Nashi held her head in her hands. "Why me? Why does the freaky shit happen to me?" she lamented.

"Gary." Nashi jostled when the darkness did, grunting a bit. "Gary, wake up. We're here."

"Nnngh… Wha…?"

The darkness unfolded and Nashi flinched at the sudden brightness. She saw the inside of the covered wagon, but the supplies inside had vanished. She watched as Gary sat up to stretch with a yawn. "Where are we?" he mumbled. He moved to climb out of the wagon.

Gray grinned. "Welcome to Master's first home."

Nashi got out of the wagon to stand beside Gary. Both of them blinked up at the place before them in wonder. "Oh, wow…/Oh, shit…"

Ur's first home was nothing short of paradise. The house had been built out of winter's elements, of ice, and snow, and stone, but it looked asymmetrical. The first part of the house was an igloo that expanded into the second story. Snow sturdily made towers attached to the igloo home with thick blocks of ices carefully signed into stained windows. However, the house itself was not the only beautiful thing. It had been built against a lake still living even with chilled temperatures. Wildlife enjoyed the chilling lake in glee with Wassets—otters who were water in the sea and ice on land—coming up to squeal and play.

Gary's stony expression melted into wonder. "Check it out… Master Ur must've been rich!"

"She was well-off," Gray told him. "But this was her parents' home. From what Ultear dug up, both her parents were respected Ice Mages, one from Anticados and the other from here. They taught her northern and southern Ice Magic and she learned the rest on her own. But she trained here." He clapped Gary's shoulder as he passed him. "C'mon. Let's give you the tour."

Both Gary and Nashi followed Gray towards the home, enrapt in their respective awe. Going inside (Nashi merely walked through the door when it closed at Gary), the foyer was impressive. The chandeliers were made completely from iced crystals slathered in Magic. While snow covered the ground with furs and rugs, the snow home was not cold. It was shockingly warm. The foyer had the option of going up a metal staircase, down a hallway, or into one of the side rooms. Gray led them down the hallway and into the expansive living room and kitchen. The kitchen alone had been given tile flooring and the appliance looked like they were steel, but one could never be too sure. The living room had a fireplace made from stone and it had been coddled into making flames. But the flames were blue instead of orange.

"Magic Fire," Gray told Gary. "It can't melt snow or ice, but it can still warm you. Ice and Snow Mage isn't just confined to just that. Other types like Fire and Lightning Magic can use properties from it too."

Gary nodded. "Amazing…"

Linus opened the back door with a huge beam. "Guys, check out the training grounds!"

Gary glanced at his father, but when Gray gave him the okay, he rushed towards the door with Nashi hot on his heels. Outside was even more awing. The training grounds had all sorts of equipment and even a ring for sparring. Different types of ice littered the grounds on their pedestals and had been warped over the years yet maintained their molecular structure. With the lake in the background… Everything looked so perfect. But something caught Gary by surprise and he was drawn to it. This particular ice was pitch black, but it felt freezing cold. He approached it with care and yearned to to—

"Don't touch that!"

Gary pulled back his hand as his father stepped between him and the ice. "Why? It's just ice. And we're Ice Mages."

"That's not normal ice," Gray told him heavily. "That's Cursed Ice and needs to be handled with care." He hissed and his hand went to his glowing tattoo. He clamped down on his arm before his tattoo could spread.

Both Gary and Nashi looked alarmed. "Uncle Gray?/Dad?" Gary tentatively stepped towards Gray, wanting to help. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

When Gray was successful in controlling himself, he let out a deep exhale. "Nothin', kid. Just my own Magic actin' up," he informed. "Every time I'm near that damned ice, my Magic flares up like it's responding to it. Don't worry. I should be able to contain it."

Gary pursed his lips. "You're talking about your Slayer Magic, right?"

Gray nodded. "Yeah. Dangerous stuff." He patted Gary's head. "Don't worry. You won't ever have to worry about it. I don't plan on passing this on to anyone. The last user of this Magic will be me."

Everything hit Nashi so clearly that she staggered. 'This memory… The story Gary told me… The story Linus told me… When Mister Vastia and Uncle Gray took them to train, that was when Gary's Devil came out.' She shook her head. 'This memory must've been before Gary was captured. That's not right. This was the trip when Gary and Skade were captured. No!' She clutched her head as horror snaked its way down her throat. 'No, please, I don't want to watch this! I can't watch this! This memory… This is his fears and his nightmare. I don't deserve to watch this! Not after I…!' She choked back a sob as darkness flooded her. 'Please, don't show me this! I don't want it! I don't want it!' Tears escaped her as she rocked back and forth. 'Please, let me leave. I'm not worthy of knowing his secrets. Please. Please!'

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DRIP.

DROP.

Muta was stared seeing silent tears trail down from the corners of Nashi's eyes. "What the…?" He shook his head to stoop down and wipe her eyes. "Kit… What exactly are you dreaming about now?" He sighed, pulling back his paw. "Whatever you're in the middle of, wake up soon." He looked into the blizzard from the safety of their cave. "I can already feel her closing in."

---

Dazzler did not care how she looked at the station with her sunglasses on and her top hat a headband. She had decided to relax on the bench with her headphones popped in and her foot bouncing delicately. Well, she had nearly relaxed. Her words came out calmly, but the coldness in them was real. "Touch my headphones and I won't hesitate to throw you into the ocean, Winters."

John sat on the other side of her with a grin and pale eyes sinfully gleeful. "Used to be a lot more fun than this, D," he jested. He thumbed his lighter. "What happened? Mages fill your head with nonsense?"

"My dad died." Dazzler's voice was frigid and deadpan. "Sort of changes a girl, don't you think?"

John nudged her. "Love, you know I'm gonna miss your old man. He taught me more spells than I could count. But if we're gonna do this together, we're gonna need to cooperate a smidge."

Dazzler dipped down her shades with a raise of her eyebrows. "Honey, I'm cooperating the best I can. Don't like it? Tough." She stuffed her sunglasses up on her nose. "Work with what you got. Dear old dead dad taught you that one."

John sighed. "Would be a lot easier if you knew that too," he suggested. "I thought ya wanted to save ya mate."

"I do," Dazzler assured, "but I don't have to like you to save him. Just like always, Winters is on the case with his dazzling sidekick. The memories make me sick." She abruptly got up and adjusted her coat. "Why don't you stay in one place? I know waiting around isn't your 'thing', but I'd appreciate it." Flipping her hair, she strutted away with ire in each heel click. She made it to a concession line with her nerves frayed and tore off her earbuds. "Stupid occultist," she muttered as she rummaged through her purse for her wallet. "It's been years. Why the Hell is he here now? A 'client'? Ha! Assholes like him always have an agenda."

"What'll it be, ma'am?"

Once Dazzler saw who was behind the counter, she was slow to take off her shades and quick to smile. Brushing her hair over to one side, she fluttered her eyes at the man. "Can I have a Spirit in a bottle? And some gum, please?" She winked a literal sparkle that zoomed over to the man and exploded cutely in his face.

In seconds, the man was over the moon with hearts in his eyes. "Anything for you…!" he cooed.

Dazzler put back on her shades. I've still got it.

"Paying"—she jumped—"for it would've been fine too."

She whirled around, frightened out of her mind when she saw who had rumbled the sentence behind her. She knew that brooding anywhere. "Mister Dreyar? What are you doing here?"

Laxus raised an eyebrow. "What? A guy can't get on a layover train now?" He jerked his chin. "You're holding up the line."

"Oh!" Dazzler whirled around to see the man eagerly holding her items in a bag for her. A sly smile in her corner, she was slow to collect her items. "Thanks, doll." She blew him a kiss that animated itself with red lips. The kiss fluttered over to the man and kissed his cheek for her, making him comically faint. Turning back, she offered Laxus a look. "After you."

Laxus rolled his eyes. "I'm pretty sure the guy's down for the count." He eyed the unconscious man in disdain as the coworkers panicked and tried to wake him. "Walk with me, Lafayette." He trudged away.

Dazzler scrambled to catch up with him and the moment she was at his side, he asked, "What brings you here? Didn't think you'd want to head out this way."

"Didn't I ask you first? Sir?" Dazzler tacked on quickly when Laxus shot her a glare.

"Don't call me that," Laxus grunted. "I'm not a lieutenant or anything. Laxus is fine. You're an adult, aren't you?" Grayed jade slid to her in quiet mirth. "Or are you still that smart-mouthed kid who would turn me into a rabbit?"

Her cheeks tinted pink at the memory. "Only if you piss me off," she joked.

Laxus' smile was small, but it was real. "I got shipped out early this morning. Erza's pretty much tied up with PR, HR, and Grievance with the MC auditors coming in, so I had to head out for some damage control." He rubbed the back of his neck before cracking it. "I was hoping to speak with my daughter, but I was on the first train with Constantine and Ever."

"Mary Jane?" Dazzler questioned. "What's going on with her?"

Laxus growled. "Boys."

"Oh…" Dazzler understood the situation. "Does she like someone?"

"He's not good enough for her," Laxus declared without preamble. "He's after one thing only and once he's gotten it, he's shipping off to some wizarding school and she'll be shattered." Static clacked off him. "Doesn't she see that?"

Dazzler blinked. Pale blinked up at Laxus. "And don't you see who you're comparing her to?"

Laxus shook his head, irate. "Don't start," he warned. "You knew Veronika at the time. Maybe you could talk to Mary Jane? Get her to think this through?"

"Mister Dr—" She rolled her eyes at his scowl. "Uncle Laxus," she amended, "I knew Ronnie and Nik and I know Lance, not Mary Jane. Let Aunt Mira handle this. She has a way better approach than you on handling matters of the heart." At Laxus' grumble, she brought up, "Don't worry. Mary Jane's just going through the first crush stage. Then comes first kiss, then first love—Easy!" Startled was she when lightning bolted before her. She scowled at him. "Watch it, huh? I'm not exactly lightning-proof!"

Laxus' apology was a scary grin. "Whoops. My bad."

Dazzler was about to say something when someone beat her to it. "Ah, bringin' more muscle, I see. Never thought you went for the brawny type."

Dazzler closed her eyes and counted backwards from ten. She turned to John with a sunny smile. "Uncle Laxus, meet Jonathon Winters," she introduced. "World-class asshole. Asshole, meet Laxus Dreyar, second-in-command of Fairy Tail."

John held out his hand. "Please to meet ya, mate."

Laxus' narrowed his eyes at him. "Hmmm."

John smartly put his hand in his coat pocket. "Heard you're the Lightning Dragon of Fairy Tail. Or are you the Lightning God of Fairy Tail?"

"Both." Jade gave John a once-over. "Never heard of you, so you must not be important."

"He isn't," Dazzler assured when John went to speak. "John's a no one—"

"Wait." Laxus pieced it together. "Right. You're the occultist PI." He nodded his half-approval. "Seen some of your work. Not bad for an occultist."

"Not bad ya-self," John complimented. "Not too many meet you and live to tell the tale. I'll count myself lucky then." He turned his gaze to Dazzler. "You ready to hop on the train?"

Laxus took interest in that while Dazzler did not hold back glowering at John. "Off somewhere?" Laxus looked at Dazzler who took an interest in her bag. "You know the rules, kid. Special assignments with Outsiders need approval from Master."

A contrite smile wove onto Dazzler's face. "And if I told you this is for a good cause and involves a Fairy Tail Mage?"

Laxus crossed his arms, unimpressed.

Dazzler's face fell. "Uncle Laxus—!"

A hand was raised to silence her. "If you want to carry out with this assignment and not get a coaching, then fine. I'll come with you," he decided. "Don't argue with me, kid," he cut in when Dazzler tried to protest. "I'm not in the mood." His eyes slid to John. "I don't exactly trust you. I've heard of your work and not in the good way. And you're an occultist, something I don't exactly believe in."

John grinned, puffing a chortle. "No offense, mate, but not too many like the way I do things. Consider me a bit of a vigilante. No hero work. Just clients, good and bad." He nodded towards Dazzler. "I've got a client interested in rifts in dimensional planes. Found a mysterious rift that shouldn't be there. Normally, I'd do it myself, but I'm gonna need the lovely lass to help me out." He tilted his head. "Not sure we're going to need a storm comin' along."

"You don't have a choice." Laxus' rumble was low and warning. "She goes, I come with her. That's the deal."

John looked between the two and sighed, holding up his hands. "Fine, fine. But don't blame me if you end up possessed or something. Mages don't exactly have that great of grasp with the trade. Especially Guild Mages." He gestured towards the trains. "We've got a long way ahead and a lot of not talking to do, so I suggest we skip to it."

Dazzler rolled her eyes. "You are such an ass," she labeled him as she brushed past him.

John followed her, but his eyes stayed on her rear. "Assman," he corrected. He followed after her. "Why don't I conjure us up a couple of drinks for the road?" He nudged her teasingly. "Make some of that beer you liked at Butter Brew, yeah?"

Dazzler tried to hide her amused grin when memories blew past her. "We are not making this a Duchester weekend."

John paused, frowning a little. "How about we make it a Kingston one?" he decided as he jogged to catch up with her.

Laxus only narrowed his eyes as he watched the two of them. "Hmmm…"

---

Peter looked refreshed in his natural clothes. No school uniform to hold him back. Just jeans, a long sleeve shirt, and a vest for today. He dipped out of the store with a bag in hand and grinned down at his items. "I think I have everything for the movie," he decided. "I better let her know." He pulled out his Compact to see a slew of notifications. Mary Jane came first.

« Make sure you get the butter salt! »

« Can you let me know when you're on your way? My dad's out for the day, but my mom should be home soon, just as a warning »

Peter's grin widened as he sent her back a message.

« I got the goods, promise »

« Thanks for the heads up. At least I won't get electrocuted »

"Oh, my!"

Peter looked up from his Compact, but he did not have to look far. An apple had rolled its way to his foot. Stooping down, he dusted off the fruit. "Huh. That's odd…"

"Oh, thank you!"

Peter looked up to see a woman rushing towards him with a grateful beam and kind blue eyes that sparkled like the sky. She looked so young to have white hair in a bun. "O-Oh…" He offered the apple to the woman. "Here you are."

The woman's beam was even brighter. "Thank you!" she appreciated. She tucked the apple away into her reusable bag. "I've had these things for years now, but it looks like I'm going to need brand new ones."

Peter saw all the bags strapped to her arms and offered, "I can help carry some things if you'd like?" She looks like she's about to feed an army with all those bags.

The woman laughed. "Oh, I wouldn't make you do that," she assured as she adjusted the bags. "I can handle myself just fine—!"

RIP!

The apples jumbled out of their torn container.

Her smile froze.

He did not move.

An apple thumped his foot.

°•°•°•°

"It's not too far!"

Peter's smile twitched as bags weighed him down. A sweatdrop fell from his temple. Yeah… I had a feeling this might happen…

The woman pointed up the street. "My house is just on the next street," she promised. "Thank you so much for your help! Your parents raised quite the gentleman."

Peter turned his attention back to her. "It's no problem, really," he was quick to assuage. "My mom would have my skin if she knew I didn't help people in need anyways."

"Women around the world need more men like you," she jested in fair play. "Normally, I'd saddle my husband with some of the bags, but he's out for the day, so it's just me." She hummed a bit to herself. "Maybe if one of my sons were here, they'd help, but one of them lives a bit far and the other one is on a job. My oldest daughter…"

Peter could not help but sweatdrop as she rambled. Wow. She's really open. When there came a silent moment, he told her, "Ma'am, you're really trusting to a stranger, you know that?"

She laughed, dismissing his concern. "Oh, I know. My husband tells me all the time!"

And you don't listen to him?!

Peter took the opportunity to look around as they turned the corner. He smiled a little when he saw a husky-pit mix get scared of a little Maltese, their owners chatting up a storm. Huh. This seems like a nice neighborhood. At least I know she'll be safe. Gold glanced about. Something seems familiar about it… Eyes flicked a particular house where an old dog settled on the porch. Its owner was a graceful woman with crow's-feet and she perked at the sight of the white-haired woman.

"Oh! Good afternoon!" the woman called out as her dog barked lowly in greeting.

The white-haired woman waved back. "Afternoon, Misses Takanashi!"

Peter's eyes twitched as his smile turned more nervous. Oh, shit.

It was only minute later he was on the steps of the house he knew all-too-well as the woman muttered about having too many keys. He stole a look to see the name of the owners in gold lettering on the side of the door.

DREYARS

I should've known I'd end up here.

"Here we are!" The screen door and the front door opened up. The woman went inside and beckoned Peter to follow with a hand. "Come, come! The kitchen's just down the hall!"

Peter followed after her with another glance at the name. He was about to tow off his shoes when he heard, "Just come on in! Don't worry about your shoes! I have to clean the floor anyway!" So he kept his shoes on and traipsed down the hall. Gold caught onto the various pictures hanging up. Most looked years old with four children in the picture or sometimes, a large extended family. A few pictures had more recent affairs such as Halloween and what appeared to be a family outing at a church. When he emerged into the kitchen, he saw the woman was putting away the frozen first.

Cautiously, Peter asked, "Misses Dreyar?"

Mira closed the refrigerator door with the raise of an eyebrow. "Yes?"

Peter set down his bags on the island as he tried to figure out how to break the news. "Well, um… Misses Dreyar, I'm—"

"Peter?"

Peter whipped around to see Mary Jane with her toothbrush in hand and hair messily down. Alarmed, she barely recognized the state of dress she was in as her mismatching eyes only looked widely at the boy in her kitchen.

Peter abandoned the bags to look at her. "Sweets… Hey…"

"What are you doing here?" Mary Jane gasped at her clothing as pink covered her cheeks. "Oh, my goodness, my clothes!" She covered her face. "Please don't look at me," she pleaded. "I look so horrible!"

"No, no!" Peter went to her and his hands slide onto her wrists. He was gentle at tugging her hands away for warm gold to meet with shy scarlet-cerulean. "You look cute as always," he murmured.

Now Mary Jane blushed for a whole different reason. She glanced away but timidly met his eyes once more. Her smile was bashful, adorable. "Thanks." A small mumble of gratitude.

Peter's smile was fuller and he did not hold back his affection as he tucked loose hair behind her ear. "I meant it. Any time."

"Ah-hm?"

The couple looked behind them to see Mira grinning from ear to ear with that plotting look in her eye that everyone in Fairy Tail feared. Her matchmaker senses were coming to life. "Mary Jane? Care to introduce me?"

Flustered, Mary Jane rushed for introductions. "R-R-R-Right! Mom, this is Peter Shuusei-Thompson. Peter, this is my mom, Mirajane Dreyar."

"We've met," Mira simpered slyly, catching Peter's flush. "But it's nice to officially meet you, Peter. I could've sworn I saw you at the festival in Margaret, but I wasn't sure. Even without knowing you, I knew you were a good match for Mary Jane. Very compatible and very much a gentleman. Helps he's a cutie too."

"Mom!" Mary Jane gasped.

Peter chuckled, though embarrassment hit him too. "Misses Dreyar, I really don't deserve those compliments but thank you. You're quite beautiful yourself. I see where Mary Jane gets her looks and her kindness." Gold returned to observe Mary Jane. "Her heart is the first thing I like about."

Mary Jane blinked. "'The first thing'?"

Later, Peter mouthed to her.

Mary Jane nodded and cleared her throat. "Hey, Mom? I actually wanted to ask you something…" She looked at Peter for strength and at his nod, she went through with her request. "Can I go out with Peter today? We wanted to see a movie and maybe walk around town for a little while…"

Mira lifted a humorous eyebrow. "Oh? And isn't it just convenient your father is out while this is happening, hm?" When the couple smartly stayed quiet, she had to chortle. "It's fine, Mary Jane. Just let me know which theater and an estimate when you'll be home. No staying out past curfew."

"Thank you, Misses Dreyar," Peter said, earnest. "I'll make sure she's back before dinner. You have my word."

Mira nodded, impressed by him. "Thank you, Peter, but as long as she's home before ten, that's fine with me." A wink went their way. "Don't worry. I'll make sure Laxus is plenty occupied if you two want to share a kiss."

Peter could not help but laugh due to his nerves while Mary Jane's mortification froze on her face. "Mom!" she snapped. "Ew, gross! We don't need to hear about that!"

Mira's smile was downright sinful. "Fine, fine. Mary Jane, go get ready. Peter, would you mind helping me unload the bags? We can get to know each other while we wait. No protesting, young lady," she diffused when Mary Jane wanted to fight back. "Get dressed. The quicker you look cute, the quicker you can steal him away from me. You know how I think blondes are just the cutest things!"

Mary Jane mocked her mother with a look before turning onto Peter. "I'll get dressed. Ten minutes tops. Think you'll be okay?"

"No, but that's what improvising is for." He nudged her to the hallway. "Get dressed," he urged. "Don't worry. We won't talk about embarrassing stories of you…yet."

Mary Jane narrowed her eyes good-naturedly before dashing back down the hall. She ran up the steps and back into the room, closing the door. Her back went to the door and she nearly collapsed. "No more surprises, Universe," she pleaded. Collecting herself, she pushed herself off the door. "I need to get ready for Mom starts sex talking." She was about to go to her closet when she felt a chill. Mismatching eyes looked over to see the window open. A frown overtook her. Igneel…

She was pulled to go to her open window and hoped for a glimpse of her friend, but he was nowhere in sight. Put out, she sighed and rested her head on her propped hands. "Oh, Igneel… The least you could've done is say goodbye or something instead of just up and leave." She peered up at the sky. It was light out, but she felt like if she squinted, she could see the star he always spoke about. "Last night was…so much fun," she murmured. "I want to keep having fun like that with you." Her hand touched the acorn button. "Don't go to Neverland without me, Peter Pan."

She got off her bed, but she cast one more hopeful glance out the window. When nothing happened, she sighed her disappointment and closed the window and curtains…

…with Igneel right underneath her windowsill.

He clung to the wall with Purple Flare on his hands and mourning eyes. He closed his eyes and let his forehead rest against the wall. I'm sorry, MJ… Saying good-bye is just too hard.

"Oh! Is that you, Igneel?"

Igneel snapped his head up and looked behind him to see Misses Takanashi peering up at him with her sly grin. He blushed as he dropped from the house and landed on his feet. "Hey, Misses T," he greeted, sheepish.

Misses Takanashi beckoned him. "Come, come, Igneel. I know you don't like sweets, so how about I fix you up something real quick for breakfast. And I'm not taking 'no' for an answer," she forewarned when he tried to protest.

Igneel chuckled. "Well, now you're yankin' my chain here, Misses T." He jogged over to her property. "Thank you."

Misses Takanashi chuckled. "You've helped this neighborhood more times than I can remember, dear. It's the least I can do for you." She was going to open the door for him, but he did so instead. She giggled. "What a gentleman," she flattered as she went inside.

"Mom raised me right." Igneel gave another glance to the Dreyar Residence. Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he called, "Misses T? Need any help?" And he followed her inside.

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane came back into the kitchen in a big cardigan and her hair down, the ribbon sectioning off part of her hair into a bumped ponytail. She spotted that her mother and Peter had moved into the living room in the middle of a discussion. The moment Peter caught a glimpse of her, he stood as though taken back by her.

Mary Jane grew abashed all of a sudden. "Hi."

Peter slowly smiled at her. "Hi."

Mira simpered at their actions. "Mary Jane, you've certainly picked a fine young man. He was just telling me about going to an Alchemic school and the recruiter calls he's received."

Mary Jane blinked her surprise. "You've gotten recruitment calls?"

"It's not really that big a deal," he was quick to downplay. "Just a couple of calls this morning from some schools and some stuff came in the mail—"

"Peter, that's wonderful!" Mary Jane stepped down into the living room to hug him. "I'm so happy for you!"

Peter hugged her back. "It's really not that big a deal," he laughed. "Believe me, my parents were less than thrilled about it than you two."

Mira frowned at that. "Do they not support you in this?"

Peter let go of Mary Jane partially—he kept his hand around her waist—to look at Mirajane. "Not particularly," he supposed. "They have their opinions about it, but the decision is mine. I looked into a bit of Magic Education Law. I have the final say on school, but for certain things, I still need my parents' permission, like field trips ranked Dragon, Demon, or God."

"You did your research." Mira nodded her approval. "Good for you. I can understand your parents' concern, especially with you being a late bloomer. I'm happy you are fighting for it. Fight for what you want in life, Peter. Never let something walk away."

"Please trust me when I say"—his gaze swept down to Mary Jane—"I have no intention of letting anything or anyone go that easily."

Mary Jane flushed, playing with a lock of her hair. "We'll be going now, Mom," she decided. She glanced up at him, not ready to make eye contact. "Where are—?"

"He already let me know," Mira assured her. She stood up with her smile devious. "I might've placed some suggestions. I hope you two have fun."

Mary Jane eyed her mother in suspicion. "Peter, I'll meet you at the door," she told him. "I won't be long."

Peter nodded, having an inkling what was about to happen. "Sure, Sweets." He went to Mira and bowed before her. "Thank you for inviting me into your home." He took both of her hands and placed kisses on her knuckles. "And thank you for raising such a beautiful daughter. I'll take good care of her."

Mira let out a dreamy sigh. "Oh, my! You really are the complete package!" As Peter smiled and withdrew, she told him, "If only my husband was as sweet as you, he might be getting a lot more!"

"Mom!"

Peter chuckled. "Thank you, Misses Dreyar. I hope we meet again soon." He turned to a pouting Mary Jane and murmured in her ear, "I'll be outside to give you two some privacy. Don't be too long. I'm an impatient man." He risked a kiss to her temple before ushering himself out of the living room.

Only when Mary Jane heard the door open and shut did she unleash her grievances on her mother. "Okay, what did you do?"

"Me?" Mira feigned her innocence. "What do you mean, Mary Jane?"

Mary Jane knew better than to believe those big blue eyes. "That might work on Daddy, but not me," she stated sternly. "What did you tell him?"

Mirajane mocked pouted at her daughter. "Nothing, really! No tricks or anything, I promise. I just asked him about himself and he was very honest. I asked him about his plans in the future and he hoped to become as strong of an Alchemist and Alkahest as you are as a Mage."

That got Mary Jane to be touched. "He said that?"

Mira smiled and nodded. "Mmm-hmm. He also asked for my permission so he can be your date to the holiday masquerade and for you to be his for his school formal. He plans to ask your father later." Azure observed as Mary Jane smiled to herself and fingered the charm beneath her scarf. "He's a nice boy, Mary Jane," she admitted softly. "He's honest and wants to take care of you and I like that about him. If you want, I can put in a good word with your father."

Mary Jane's gaze snapped up to Mira's knowing one. "You'd really do that?"

"Of course, sweetie." She swept over to her daughter and brushed back her hair. "Your father really does love you and wants what's best for you and your sister and brothers. He might seem a little harsh or overprotective, but he cares about you."

Mary Jane made a little moue. "Then, why does he keep comparing me to V?"

"Because he's scared," Mira explained in a sigh. "I know he shouldn't, but he's scared for his little girls. People aren't always what they seem. Veronika ignored our advice and she and your father aren't close anymore because of it. He doesn't want to lose you. But, at the same time, once he meets Peter, I'm sure he'll feel a little more at ease."

Mary Jane studied the woman who raised her in adoration and gratitude. "Thanks for everything, Mom." Her voice shook a little. "I know I've never been easy—"

"You haven't," Mira agreed. At Mary Jane's look, she smiled and tilted her daughter's chin up. "But neither was I or your father. And, believe it or not, Lance wasn't the easiest to deal with at times either. He certainly wasn't Nik, but he had a lot of moments too. Everyone does, Mary Jane. As long as you find your way, we'll support you." She was not surprised when Mary Jane attacked her with a hug and embraced her back. "We love you, sweetie. Have fun on your date, okay?"

Just like that, Mary Jane pulled back with a red face. "I-I-It's not a date!"

Mira tittered. "Mmm-hmm… Sure, it's not."

"Wh-Whatever! Bye!" Mary Jane scampered to the hall. Before she left, she muttered a quick, "I love you too."

Mira smiled after her. "That girl…" Her eyes went to the kitchen window. Is he still waiting?

°•°•°•°

Mary Jane met Peter on his porch, but she paused to study him. He was not on his Compact, but he was checking out the neighborhood. His smile widened when he caught a band of middle schoolers playing soccer. She walked up to him and was about to—

"Sweets, you can't surprise me." He turned around to see her cheeks puffed. "Sorry. You're just not that great at stealth."

"I've never had any complaints," she sniffed at him. She went passed him and down the steps.

He followed her in an instant. "Yeah, well, they were just being nice," he told her teasingly. He takes her hand into his and swings their interlaced fingers between them. "Everything go okay with your mom?"

"Mmm-hmm. She was just telling me how much she likes you." Mary Jane's grin was that of a jester. "You might want to take cover. Once she gets into her cupid phase, she won't stop at anything. She might even invite you to a family dinner."

"She did."

Mary Jane stopped dead in her tracks, horror taking away from her mirth. "No. Please tell me she didn't."

Peter met her horror with his own mirth. "She did," he confirmed. "She made it very clear I was to come to the dinner on the…Sunday before Christmas, I think? What?" he added when Mary Jane went paled and looked like she could faint. "What's wrong? Sweets, I don't mind meeting your family."

"You should!" she burst. "My family is insane! Don't laugh at me!" she commanded (more like whined) when he did just that. "I'm serious! They're crazy! You met Justin!"

"Yeah, I did," Peter agreed. "I met a guy with goals who is very successful, in a very loving relationship, and he is very protective of you. And he was your cousin. If your family has half his personality, I'm sure I like them just as much as I like you." He tugged them back into a walk. "Besides, I've read about your family in magazines. I know what to expect."

Mary Jane bit her lip. "Not all of them…"

"What?" Peter's eyebrows shot up. "There's more?"

Mary Jane nodded, looking like she wanted the pavement to swallow her. "Um, yeah… To begin, I have an older sister and brother. Aunt Lisanna and Uncle Bixslow have two older sons. Aunt Ever and Uncle Elfman have three older children. And Uncle Freed has a boyfriend, I think."

Now Peter stopped.

Mary Jane could not look at him. Great, he's terrified. Darn it, Mom, why did you have to invite him to the family-family dinner? And for the holidays? Geez…

"Okay."

Scarlet-cerulean clashed with resolved gold. "Okay?" Mary Jane echoed.

Peter nodded, determined. "Okay," he repeated. "We're on a time crunch to get our relationship ready for my transfer and your new training, so okay. We'll fast-track. It's fine. I can do this. Your family loves you, I like you—it's a match made in Heaven." He winked at her cheekily. "Don't worry, Sweets. Everything will be fine."

"No, it won't," Mary Jane protested. "Y-You don't know how crazy my family can get, especially when everyone is home. Nik gets competitive with Ezra and don't even get me started about Esme. Oh, goodness and Pearson brings home a different girl every Christmas and plays pranks with Pacer and Elvin filled me in they always sneak out to get a little too drunk—!"

"Sweets." Peter held her shoulders and took a deep breath. "Relax for me. Deep breath."

Mary Jane did that. Slow inhale. Loud exhale.

"Better?" When Mary Jane sheepishly nodded, Peter wrapped an arm around her and led her down the sidewalk. "It's fine. How about we draw a whole tree of your family members with names to faces to personalities so I know what I'm up against? You can coach me on your family and I'll coach you on mine."

Mary Jane nearly tripped at the insinuation. "I'm going to meet your family?"

"Well, yeah," Peter said this in a duh tone. "Why wouldn't you? Sweets, I plan on making you my girlfriend before I leave and dating the heck out of you. You are most definitely meeting the people who raised me and drove me crazy."

The blush Mary Jane had on was adorable, but she tentatively asked, "But I'm a Mage. I thought they didn't…"

Peter realized the problem. "They aren't racist towards Mages," he soothed. "They're just worried about the danger coming from an inter-magical relationship is all. Once they see you and how kind and sweet and beautiful and gentle and graceful—"

"Stop it!" she whined, though her beam could not be helped.

"Nope." Peter pulled her even closer. "I want everyone to see you how I see you. Just not in every way though."

Wide-eyed, Mary Jane nearly fell over. H-H-H-He can't mean… Steam was blowing from her ears as her eyes swirled. Oh my…

Peter grinned, satisfied at her dazed look. "Hey, no naughty thoughts there, Sweets." He nudged her. "C'mon. My car's back in the underground lot near the train station."

"'Car'?" Mary Jane looked rightfully wary. "How far are we going?"

"Not far," Peter promised, "but I did promise my mom I'd drive instead of taking the train, so you'll have to deal with it. I already have the movie tickets."

Mary Jane frowned. "But I could've paid for mine…"

"Sweets, I am taking you out," Peter reminded. "You're my guest and mine to take care of. Which means I'm paying and don't pout," he laughed. "I get you are independent and have your own money, but let me do this okay?"

She tried to reign in her scowl, but, honestly, she felt warm at his insistence. "Fine," she conceded. "Oh! You jerk!" She poked his cheek. "Bleu asked Luna out and you didn't even text me? That's important news!"

"I was almost certain she texted you too," Peter chortled, "and I was right. Pretty great, though. I haven't seen him this happy ever since he moved here."

"What? Moved?"

Peter nodded. "Yeah, I feel like I've known him forever, but it's only been maybe a couple of years? He instantly clicked and became best friends." Gold darkened just a little. "I don't know why, but I always get that feeling he's stressed about something. His house is so huge for just him. He's never really seen his mom and his dad is pretty hard on him. It feels like he has a lot of pressure on him in his life…"

°•°•°•°

The halls were far too large with antiques over the centuries. Maids and footmen dusted them and preserved timeless pieces of history, but Bleu did not care. He adjusted his cuffs as he walked through the hall, ignoring the bows and the greetings. Luther walked behind him with his head held high while Aleda was at his other side, cattish eyes on edge.

VRRRRRR…

Bleu went to his Compact to pull it out. He saw it was from Luna.

« What do you want to do? E won't let me out of her sight unless she knows what we're doing so she can plan my outfit »

A smile tugged at his lips as he replied back.

« Tell her to dress you for Fall. From what I've heard about her, anything she dresses you in will be amazing »

« I hope you're happy to have won points with my bff. Sneaky »

« When do you want to meet? »

« I have a meeting, so how about three? Text me her address and I'll pick you up from there »

"Young Master," Aleda said, breaking their silence, "I must strongly remind you how important this discussion will be—"

"Relax, Aleda," Bleu sighed as he tucked his Compact back into his jacket pocket. "I know, okay? But I have something equally important." He started down the grand staircase with his hands in his pockets. "I don't need a reminder about today's importance. Of course the bastard would meet on my day off."

Aleda began to lecture, "Young Master, My Lord specifically—"

"Miss Aleda," Luther but in, "I think you heard the Young Master as well as I. He understands all the parameters of this discussion. Prodding him further is unnecessary." He eyed her. "If you believe the Young Master's not focused, I suggest you nag the Lord himself."

Aleda cut him with a glare and a hiss.

Bleu's eyes flicked around. He saw the suits everywhere with their dark shades and stoic expression. Of course he had to come home now out of all times.

°•°•°•°

"So seeing him this happy and this relaxed for once…" Peter tried to come up with the words. "It's just refreshing. I really hope she's the cure he needs to all of it."

Mary Jane nodded. "I think she is. I honestly thought she and Gale were going to be a thing, but I'm happy she's going to be happy." She wrinkled her nose. "From where I'm standing, Gale lost his chance. Bleu's lucky to have my Luna. But he better watch out. Blondes are protective of one another."

Peter laughed. "Trust me. She's in good hands. He told me they have a prelude date today."

"Really? That's so sweet!"

"It is. He said he's busy, but they should be going out later. Who knows? Maybe we'll catch up with them."

"What's he doing?"

Peter frowned in thought. "I'm not too sure," he responded, honest. "He works for his dad's company, so maybe it has something to do with that?"

"What does his family do?"

That, Peter could only shrug at. "Not too sure. Our parents know each other, but that's on a surface level. I know his family owns a big cooperation, but I don't know what it exactly does and my parents just tell me it's lucrative." Mary Jane giggled and Peter announced, "Okay, enough about Bleu before I start getting jealous. C'mon. There's a trolley that takes us straight to the lot!"

Mary Jane beamed. "Aye, sir!"

°•°•°•°

Igneel tried to keep his manners with Misses Takanashi. That was right—he had manners. He just chose to ignore them a majority of the time because what was the point? Unless his mother was bearing down on him, there was no point in him keeping his elbows off the table or actually chewing instead of inhaling his food.

But for Misses Takanashi, Igneel took bites and chewed thoroughly. He wasted nothing, eating everything off his plate, and using please when asking for seconds. He even offered to clean up, but the woman near bullied him away from the sink. So, he compromised into drying them, reasoning he could heat the towels, and she conceded.

Igneel took another plate and dried it. "Thanks for the grub, Misses T. I really appreciate it."

"Igneel, I told you. You do enough for this neighborhood to deserve a meal once and a while," she insisted.

"It's really nothing," Igneel promised. "I like helpin' out when I'm able." A low whine caught his attention and he saw the old family dog lying on his side, breathing deeply. He frowned. "He's getting old, isn't he?"

"He is." Misses Takanashi focused on her dishes to wash. "He was just a pup when we brought him to the house, remember? You and Mary Jane used to sneak over and feed him treats."

Igneel whipped his head towards her, wide-eyed. "You knew about that?"

Misses Takanashi shot him a look full of laughter. "Of course, Igneel. When he started gaining all those pounds, we started keeping him on a tighter diet. One night, he tried escaping us and we saw you and her sneaking over with treats."

Light pink flames danced at the tips of his hair as he lowered his head, apologetic. "Sorry about that. We didn't realize how fat we were makin' him."

"It's not a problem. He liked the attention and he certainly felt more comfortable in the house for it," Misses Takanashi explained to him. She eyed Igneel. "And I also remember a little boy often scaling houses and into a girl's bedroom for a night. Should I be worried about Mary Jane's virtue?"

Igneel nearly dropped the plate as pink flames consumed his hair. "Wh-What?!" He scowled when Misses Takanashi started to laugh hard. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" he whined.

"Your face was priceless!" Misses Takanashi chortled. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't pass it up! You two are at that age and I. When I was your age, I was no longer a nun and the peak near Lake Sciliora was my favorite place to go."

Igneel tried hard to reign in his flame, but the embarrassment just would not go away. "Seriously, Misses T, TMI," he grumbled. "MJ and I aren't like that."

Misses Takanashi hummed. "You're right." She paused. "Do you think it's like that with that young man?"

Igneel knew what she meant and pouted. "Is it bad if I say I hope not?" he mumbled.

Misses Takanashi wiped her hands on a nearby towel to pat his shoulder. "No, not at all." Tone soothing, gentle. "You were so close as children. I remember watching you sneak into her bedroom and even made you snacks to bring to her." She was careful asking this. "What happened?"

Igneel swallowed. What could he tell her of all people? The mistakes he was told he made. That night. That moment. All the memories that ate him alive and he hated himself for being such a glutton for punishment. "I…" He sucked in a deep breath. "I messed up." Choking out the words would be his death. "I had her and then I lost her." His eyes stung; his nose stung. Flames quelled to embers. "I-I-I lost her and I…"

"Igneel?"

He was slow to turn around, but he did not wipe his eyes. Onyx ran deep in despair to meet with understanding azure.

Mira held out her hand. "I think it's about time we had a talk."

---

The place looked too bright to be real. It did not make sense who everything was so full of life. The golden grass went up to her knees and the sky would be forever blue. The focus looked to see a picnic was happening with people she did not know, but, in her heart, she had seen them all before. Flashes of blonde were everywhere with wide beams. Spirits joined the fun. A few Dragon Spirit made appearances, one with a winding body and dark scales that curled particularly close to a blonde female.

'Wh…? Where am I?'

"Lucy!"

The focus spun around to see a familiar blonde rushing towards her. "Faven," she sounded out. "What am I doing here?"

Faven looked every bit as young as she had been in the visions with younger versions of Nayda and Erion at her side. She looked grave as she approached her descendant. "Come," she commanded softly. "This, you must see." She dodged her line of vision with her Spirit children gliding after her.

The focus turned to keep up, but the scenery had changed immensely. A lake appeared before her, but the lake was nothing normal. The universe had been birthed unto this lake with all its stars and galaxies. The focus glanced at Faven who stared intensely at the lake like it held all the answers. "What are we doing here?" Lucy had to know.

Faven held her hand to the lake and touched it. "As Star Maidens and Keepers of the Moon, our clan has had close contact with the primordial ones who were the start of existence," she told. "Death, Life, Destiny, and Fate have never aligned and it is time you see that." She touched the pool and gestured for Lucy to look.

The focus turned to watch the ripple. The universe fled for light to take root.

"Those who run from Death are Cursed with something much worse," Faven told her. "Those who cheated Death are hunted to right the balance. Death has a vengeance when wronged like no other." She tapped the water for three souls to emerge. One was the regular soul of a mortal, white and untainted. The next was a fiery soul who knew no bounds. The last was a blackened soul with red at its core. "Natsu has cheated Death. And in the end, Death will seek balance."

"Natsu?" The focus shook her head. "No, that can't be right. Natsu—!"

"Your children will cheat Death." Faven tapped the water again. Images of Igneel, Luke, Nashi, and Luna came to life. Igneel was somber with his untouched drink. Luke was in a library with his PAL. Nashi lay dormant underneath a torn kimono. Luna seemed content as she laughed at the LV. "Both of your sons have cheated Death once due to Destiny and Life's intervention." She tapped the water again.

"Awaaaah…"

The focus saw the memory clear as day. A set of twins who had cried in her arms, longing for their mother's love and attention. Who she had curled against her to let her scent calm them and her voice soothe them.

"By them intervening, the balance in their lives have changed." Tap. "What once might have been ease has now tumbled into hardship." The water rippled for the scenes to play out. Of Luke and his jet-black hair, eyes as red as sin itself, and the bloodlust he carried with pride. Of Igneel caught in a spiral of his own flames tinged in black and the rage in his emerald glower. "Death will try their hardest to right the balance, but, under Destiny's protection, neither boy will see their end soon."

Tap.

"Why are you telling me this?" Lucy whispered.

"Because it is Nashi's fate that is next."

The water rippled to show Nashi in that cave, flushed and unconscious. Strips of dried cloth were traded out with soaking ones as they lay on her forehead.

"Death will come to claim her," Faven predicted. "Life told me so. Today is the day she will die."

"No!" Lucy jumped to her feet as though physically rejecting the words. "She can't! Faven, she's my daughter! She's supposed to live a long life and make memories and be with her family—!"

"It will come to pass." Faven stood with her dark eyes set on the pool. "If she escapes Death, Death will come after her with a vengeance to right the balance. Fate, Life, and Destiny have spoken to me. She defied the laws of your realm by harboring Divine Souls while she is part Demon. She is unbalanced. Death will seek to correct this balance."

"No!" Lucy did not care about the sob in her voice. She could not imagine it. She just could not. Tears dribbled down her chin. "Stop it! I don't want to listen to this anymore!"

"Touch the water." Faven's command floated over her.

Lucy did not wipe her tears. She crouched and a finger hesitantly approached the water as if it could drown her. She gave it one nudge and the scene rippled. The focus widened. 'No… No, this can't be true…'

Blood.

Snow.

Death.

Nashi lay lifeless among the snow with her hair tangled in ice and blood and lips beyond help. She had known pain in her demise, but that pain was gone. She was to come into the world alone and die in this world alone. The blizzard would be her only friend as she accompanied Death on her next journey.

DRIP.

A tear landed in the lake, but it was not enough to tear the image from the water.

DROP.

"Death and Life together make a cycle." Faven's voice wafted over Lucy in warm waves. "One cannot exist if the other ceases. They stay neutral as worlds progress. But Life does not agree with Death. Fate has always sided with Death, but Destiny remains cunning. Destiny must choose how and if they will protect Nashi. But if Destiny intervenes, Nashi's next encounter with Death will be twice as worse."

"How." The cry was as hallow as she felt. How could she feel when she saw her daughter's lifeless body? "How can we save her?" The focus looked wildly at Faven. "How can we save my daughter? Please, tell me! Guide me!"

Faven held her head high like the High Priestess she once was. "A pride will never have two males," she began in riddle, "but one will live while the other survives. The second prince is key. He will come between Death and Fate when both halves of a whole are ready." Dark chocolate turned to the focus. "Wake, Lucy, and be not mad at your husband." Dark chocolate brightened into blinding gold. "Wake!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Eyes cracked open, but everything was too bright to see properly. What? Where am I?

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP…

Heat (so soothing, so loving, so…home) flooded around her with hands gentle and words even sweeter, but she could barely understand them. The next pair of hands she felt were clinically cold and smelled overly sanitized. Their words slurred together with jargon she did not particularly get. The heat came back, but it was softer now, a distance between them. The heat slipped between her fingers and something in her sparked at that. She tested her eyes again to process the light and the room. People in scrubs were manning every side of the bed as they rattled off her health diagnostics, but her eyes focused on the one person she wanted to be near her.

Loving onyx connected with quiet chocolate.

Natsu was forced to let go of his wife to let the health team carry out their exam. But he refused to lose sight of her in their huddle. Their eyes would somehow meet no matter which CNA shifted. He offered her his trademark grin as a way of letting her know everything was going to be okay. Lucy…

"Mister Dragneel?"

He looked up to see a nurse before him. "Yeah? What's up?"

"We'd like to question Misses Dragneel and do a full-body exam without you present," she let him know without beating around the bush. "We understand she is your wife—"

"Don't sweat it." Natsu was slow to rise, but the relief on his face when his back cracked as pure. "I'll do a lap and get some food. Call the family and everything. Can you let me know when I can come back in?"

The nurse nodded. "Of course, sir. It shouldn't take long. You'll receive a notification when she's ready."

Natsu approached the hospital bed, ignoring that people moved for him. He bent down to kiss Lucy's forehead and gave her his sunny grin. "I'll be back. Be good for these guys, okay? We won't be apart long."

Lucy tried to move her lips. "Na'su…"

Natsu kissed her forehead once more before reluctantly pulling away. He exited the room with a heavy sigh. Without any more hesitation, he took out his Compact and called.

The line connected. "Is she awake?"

"Yeah." Natsu headed down the hall. "Not like I like asking you this…but I need a favor on somethin'."

"Expect to owe me one. What do you need?"

"I need someone like a ninja," Natsu informed. "Can you find Ghost for me and keep him on the Com? I need you both to listen to everything I tell you."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Back in the paradox…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aine twisted and turned as her brows pinched together. Something unpleasant was invading her mind and she wanted no part of it, but she was trapped. Fever broke out with beads of sweat congregating on her brow. A nimble hand wafted light around her. "There now…" came soothe. "Remember…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

The hospital was never the place people wanted to end up. The emergency room brought with its sickness and screams and sometimes death, but also life. The adult emergency room was all around quiet this time of day with a woman bemoaning about opiate medication for her lower back pain. The focus was stranded in a room with Oberon soberly beside her. Erza was on the emergency room bed with hollow eyes as she stared up at the ceiling. The curtains had been shut and the only light came from the cracks and the machines. No one dared speak, but silhouettes of a nurse and Jellal were outside the room.

Aine stood up and went over to her mother. The focus saw the trail of tears that had dried on her mother's cheek. "Mommy," she whispered loudly. "Mommy, it's okay. We're here. Don't be sad." She reached through the bars of the bed to grasp her mother's hand. "We'll stay with you, Mommy."

Erza did not respond.

The sliding room opened for Jellal and the nurse to step in. Jellal went by his wife's side with comforting eyes as the nurse went to check her vitals. "My Scarlet," he whispered. "Nurse Kristi has been wonderful. The lab results should be back within the hour."

"We'll have radiology come down once we have the results," the nurse said gently, "just to check everything is okay."

"Everything is not okay." Erza blinked finally. "They're gone, aren't they? I was told this severe bleeding meant it was too late. They're gone."

The nurse approached Erza's side with a look full of sympathy. "Not necessary," she put delicately. She had the voice of an old mother with experience and hardships. "Bleeding doesn't always mean they've left you. We will have to wait for the blood tests to come back. Urine sample results should drop in at any time now. But the ultrasound is foolproof evidence. The midwife you've worked with in the past was called—a Miss Porlyusica? She said she'll be here in twenty minutes to listen to the heartbeats." She added, "So don't give up hope just yet, Misses Fernandes. There's always hope." With a bow, she left the room, sliding the door shut behind her.

Erza let her tears fall. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be," Jellal was quick to soothe. "I'm not giving up on them yet. We have to have faith, Erza." Something vibrated. "That should be Mirajane."

Erza sharply looked at him as she sniffed. "Does she—?"

"No," Jellal was quick to negate. "I only told her we were at the Crocus Clinic and we'd need her to watch Aine and Oberon for the night."

"We're going to Aunt Mira's?" The focus turned to see Oberon got out of his seat, unhappy. "Why? I want to stay with Mom."

"Me too," Aine desired. "Can we, Daddy? We'll be extra good."

Erza smiled at the tenacity of her children, ignoring the tears in her eyes. "Thank you for wanting to stay with me," she spoke as she squeezed Aine's hands. "But I have to agree with your father. Aunt Mira will take good care of you until we come home."

"But when will that be?" Aine pouted.

Erza chuckled weakly. "Soon, my little warrior. Very soon, I promise."

The nurse opened the door to announce, "We have a visitor here for you."

Mirajane came through the door with cerulean eyes soft and smile warm. "Hi, kids," she greeted. She went to hug Jellal. "Jellal, how are you?"

"Thanks for coming," he murmured to her as he hugged her back.

"Oh, don't worry about it," Mira brushed off, pulling back. "I know you'd both do the same for Laxus and me." She turned her attention to Erza. "Oh, Erza…" She bent down to hug her guild sister. "I'm here for you, Erza," she murmured as a silent cry was unleashed. "It's okay. Don't hold it in."

Jellal quietly picked up Aine and took Oberon's hand. "Come on, you two. Let's give Mom and Aunt Mira some privacy."

The focus glanced back to see Erza's arms slowly closing over Mira and her first sob of many crying from her lips. As the door closed, the focus looked down at the ground as her father carried her. "Why is Mommy crying?" she wondered, curious. "Is she sick?"

"She's in pain," Jellal corrected. "But she'll be better soon. We just have to hope."

Oberon frowned. "Can't we use Magic to help her?"

"I don't think so, Oberon," Jellal sighed. "Magic can only take us so far. But we'll need more than Magic this time."

"Can we use my special powers?" Aine questioned.

Jellal mustered up a smile for his youngest. "Of course, sweetheart," he cooed. "Your special power is your faith. Use it well for Mom. She needs a lot of faith."

Faith… Faith… Faith…

Everything blurred together as though time was an illusion, feelings staining her. Quelled sobs. Muted apologies. Clinical sympathies. Curiosity. Despair. It all wrapped up and balled around her chest, making it harder and harder to breathe. She had opened the pandora's box full of negativity and she had to live with that. But there was one thing left.

Hope.

In a rush, magenta burst around her, all-consuming, ever powerful. It drowned the cries and the sorries and the tears and the grief. It drowned shame and despair. It overpowered everything with something no one could explain, no one could prove, no one could kill.

Faith.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aine woke up with a groggy start, out of it and thoroughly beaten. She could not even make out a word when something was pressed to her lips and she drank it greedily, not even knowing what it was. This time, she tasted coconut and a hint of orange in it too, but the coconut was much stronger. She downed it like she could not get enough and when the bowl was threatened to be taken from her, she bit down to keep it close.

"My child, you need no more of this," came stern scold. "Let go. You have had your fill."

Aine did as commanded. Whatever she drank warmed her belly and cheeks. She could physically feel the color come back to her skin. The knot in her chest was massaged away and breathing was much easier. Her eyes flicked around. She could tell she was inside a temple, but she did not understand why. "Where am I?" She did not even recognize her own voice. So scratchy and well-used.

"My prison. My damnation."

Aine turned to see a woman in chains stopping down with her platinum blonde hair and pale skin, back to her. She did not dress poorly. Surprisingly, the dress was…refracting light. It looked like a prism taking in light and beaming it into color. Aine narrowed her eyes. "Who are you? What are you?" Then, she shook her head. "I mean thank you for saving me, but…" Eyes widened. "Lance!"

"Beside you."

Aine looked next to her to see—

SNORE.

Her face crumbled into comical disbelief seeing her boyfriend snoozing with his mouth wide open and a hand on his stomach. How can you snore at a time like this?! Reigning in her skepticism, she leaned over to brush back his hair. "You dummy," she murmured. "Why did you have to go in be all brave? Why didn't I listen to you about this assignment?"

"Because you were meant to be here."

Aine turned to view the woman. "I don't think so," she disagreed. "All this job has done is bring us more pain and despair. It's all my fault we're in this mess. If I hadn't been so angry—"

"You still would have come." The woman put a cork on a bottle. "It was written in your fate. No matter if you hadn't picked the mission, Nashi would have. Or Gary would have been kidnapped. Your destinies would have varied, but the result would be the same."

"How do you know that?" Aine demanded to know. "I understand you saved Lance and me, but I still don't know who you are."

A smile. "Who am I?" She stood up and turned around. Pure gold clashed with dark chocolate. "You may call me…Hemera."

---

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…

Wow. Can you say "dream sequence" or what? What's Hemera doing here if she's dead? Is Nashi going to die? Isn't she a main character? Oh, man, I can't wait for the next episode of Fairy Adventure to figure this out!

---

Dazzler looked ready to kill someone wrapped in her parka and a scowl on her face. "Great, we're in the middle of nowhere," she praised sarcastically. "Lost your touch, Winters?" All three of them were in Erika Town, but it was the valley they were knee-deep in. Snow had been kind to the land to give it a clean slate, but campers would be thoroughly discouraged at how deep the snow was." John and Dazzler did just fine with both of them walking atop it, Magician Circles appearing with each footstep. Laxus trudged behind them, slowly becoming more annoyed.

John trekked through the snow with a grin as he looked around. "Not in the slightest." He paused as he waited for her to catch up. "Can't you feel the dark energy lingering around?"

"I'm not like you, John. I didn't dive into the Dark Arts," Dazzler retorted, though her eyes quickly glanced around. "Dark Magic…" She shivered once she was next to him. "I never want to dabble again. It cost me too much."

John caught onto her pain and nudged her. "Maybe ya just need the right teacher and a wee bit more practice," he encouraged. "If ya ever want to pick it back up, I'll be glad to show ya a thing or two."

"No thanks," Dazzler rejected without her normal ire. "I'm happy with the Magic I have." She kept walking.

John shrugged, hands in his trench coat. "Suit yourself." He followed after her.

Laxus stopped his trudging to watch as John easily kept up pace with Dazzler. Jade narrowed. "Hmmm…"

Dazzler hopped forward until she spotted something in the distance. "Wait… I think… I think I see a campsite." She took off her top hat to look inside, binoculars at the ready. As she zoomed in, she spotted the dual tents and abandoned supplies dusted in snow. "Yes, I see the camp! They must've been there! We're heading in the right direction!"

Laxus caught up to them in his thick jacket, clearly fed-up with snow. As he looked in the distance, he muttered, "I can't sense any traps, but we should be careful. We don't know what or who lingered around if someone came lookin' for 'em."

"Fair point, mate," John agreed. He brought out a shard of glass and looked through it. Darkness lingered around the campsite, but he found nothing much. "Mmm. Bunch of shadows, but that's it," he told the others. "We're a-go." He continued to walk atop the snow.

Laxus growled as he waded through it. "Why can't you make me do that?"

"I could," Dazzler agreed, "but you threatened to rat me out to the boss lady. This is your punishment." She hopped up with her cheeky grin, leaving Laxus to grumble. She caught up with John at the campsite and took it all in. No one was there, but she was still hopeful. "Hello?" She went to the partially unzipped tents and stuck her head inside. Her eyes widened when she saw Gary's Compact. "Oh, Gare-bear…" She checked it to see calls missed and texts never answered. She came out with the Compact sadly in hand. "Well, now I know why he ignored my calls."

"Not like he was in another dimension or anythin'."

Dazzler shot him a look.

John held up his hands in surrender and took a look around.

Dazzler sighed when she saw the food prepared had been frozen over. "It doesn't look like there was a sign of struggle."

"Yet," John added. He crouched low to the ground as his eyes went out to the meadow of snow. "Somethin's not right here." Magic swirling in his eyes, he blew out a stream of air that turned into a gust of wind. Snow blustered this way and that and nearly blinded Dazzler, but then she saw what John was doing and everything clicked. Footprints buried in snow were brought to the surface alongside a whole in the snow and ice for fishing.

John stood back up. "Looks like ya friends here didn't struggle, but they did over there."

"Nashi and Gary were over there." Laxus joined them. "Winter makes it hard to smell shit, but I can tell. That damn Devil's lust smells disgusting. Must've came. Nashi must have too."

Dazzler wrinkled her nose. "Oh, that is gross. Getting nasty in the freezing cold. That's a little too kinky."

John brought out the glass to look in that direction. He noticed how heavy the darkness lingered near the ice-fishing hole. He put that shard away to bring out what looked like a kaleidoscope. He held it up to his eye and kept it steady. "Revelark te!" he chanted. Through the patterns, he saw a crack in the air charged with dark energy.

"See anything?" Dazzler hoped.

John pocketed his kaleidoscope. "I see the rift, but that dark energy is no joke," he warned. "We're gonna need a better way to crack it open than a bottle opener." He looked at the sun, shielding his eyes. "Now isn't a good time anyways."

"Why's that?" Laxus wanted to know.

"It's a Black Rift, not a natural one," John explained. "Unless you're in the mood to accidentally open the gates of Hell and see your bitch of an in-law, I suggest we wait it out until witching hour. It'll be easier to make sure the rift is going to the right dimension instead of playing ring-around-the-rosy." He tilted his head towards Dazzler. "We're gonna need to get some supplies."

Dazzler understood his meaning and her pale eyes sharpened. "What, you don't have a dealer here?"

"Not exactly one of my hangout spots, love," John reminded. "We could go to the Enchanted Es—"

"Don't—!" Dazzler swallowed back her snap.

John regarded her. "You never went back, did you?" he probed.

Dazzler looked away from him and into the valley. "It was never mine to have," she murmured, cutting off all emotion from her tone. "I don't care if he left it in his will to me. It's not mine to have or live in and I prefer it stays that way."

John moved closer to her. "The estate always did like you better than the old geezer."

"It doesn't matter now." Dazzler cleared her throat. "Fine. I have a dealer I visit in New Azalea." She took off her top hate to fish out a business card. "You're lucky the dealer and I are close friends. He doesn't give teleport cards to just any girl."

John grinned, intrigued. "Never thought you'd take a step onto the wild side."

Dazzler grinned back at him as though their past was forgotten. "A lot more fun and a lot more experimenting," she purred. She turned back to Laxus. "Do you want to come or stay here?"

"I'll come along," he decided. "Mainly because trusting you with him ain't my thing."

John snorted. Dazzler shot John a glare before giving Laxus a smile. "Sure. Just don't throw up, okay? Teleporting can get a bit wonky."

"You've never teleported?" John chuckled. "Hold onto ya lunch, mate, and don't get it on my shoes, yeah?" He put a hand on Dazzler's shoulder. "Come on."

Laxus narrowed his eyes on the contact. "Hmmm…" He trudged to put a hand on Dazzler's other shoulder.

Dazzler twirled the card within her fingertips. "Hold on, boy." She blew on the card for it to turn into flame. That flame ignited and grew and grew until it consumed all three of them in a swirl…

…and dissipated just like that.

Nothing was left behind. No footprints. No Magic. No ash. It was as if they vanished into thin air.

RUSTLE.

The bushes rustled. But behind the bushes was more fascinating. A ship had landed, cloaked in the trees and reflecting the forest. The crew was unloading their cargo with weapons at the ready. Guns linked to their own physique were brought out while the mute one wielded knives of pure Ether. The smaller woman of the bunch watched the valley from the safety of the bushes. Turning back, she opened her palm for a B-Cube to be there. Pressing it, she went to video messages and hit started. "We've located an in," she said. "A Mage from that Fairy Guild and two Magicians have spotted it. From their bio-scans and Ether Scans, we have spotted Mage Laxus Dreyar, Rank S"—an image of Laxus appeared with the data on him scanning by in code—"Magician Dazzler Lafayette, Ranked A, and Magician Johnathon Winters, Ranked S. I am sending you their information."

She risked a glance back at the valley. "They have disappeared to gather supplies for opening the rift. Once they have opened it, we will alert you and follow them. We will have radio silence from there. Out." She ended the message for the hulking man to approach her. "Masahiko," she commanded, "prepared to take Regalia: Ethenator Form on my command."

Masahiko nodded.

She closed the video message and press SENT.

°•°•°•°

VRR-VRRRR…

Bleu was quick to attend to his Compact and silence it when he noticed a video message. Another text came in with the words Found. He smiled. Excellent. Everything should go smoothly from here.

"Are you even listening to me?" came smooth inquiry.

Bleu snapped up his head. The conference room was full of people in their black suits, even the women in the room. Though one of the women wore a lacy black number and no one gave her more than a passing glance. His eyes went to the man at the other side of the table, at the head of it all, the suit amongst suits. Luther stood in the corner of the room with his eyes at attention. It seemed like everyone had brought their most trusted servant. Bleu lowered his eyes. "No, Father," he gritted out.

A low sigh. The straightening of a jacket. "I have told you repeatedly that my patient is being tested with how…defiant you have become. Perhaps it's time you come back ho—"

"No!" Bleu could not help himself. "This is my home! I—!" Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Luther quietly shake his head. Bleu composed himself and stood only to bow. "I apologize for my outburst and neglect to the cause, Father," he said diplomatically. "I assure you I will remain more vigilant."

STEP… STEP…

Everyone bowed their heads.

"You will?" came baritone question. "Shouldn't you have already been vigilant? Am I not important to you? Do my words mean that little?"

Bleu bowed lowered. "No, Father. They mean everything to me. I was being immature and conceited for not listening to you. It will not happen a second time." A bead of sweat fell from his brow when he felt that presence at his side.

"No. It won't." A hand reached forward to straight Bleu out. "You are my only son, made from my flesh. What we discuss today doesn't just affect everyone in this room—it affects you too. It affects you more than the rest because you will be the one to head this once I pass." The hand pressed down. "Do you understand me, boy?"

Bleu swallowed. "I understand, Father."

"Good." The hand forced Bleu to sit. "I won't be so gracious if I catch you distracted."

Bleu gritted his teeth as he tried to keep his heartbeat under control. He looked at the back of a broad man who easily could take down anyone in this room. He was not pale like Bleu. No, his skin was olive-caramel and his beard well-established. Still, Bleu could not help how he tensed. Bastard…

"Aleda has told me you have had trouble keeping focus." The man paused.

Bleu risked a glance at Luther who looked offended from the statement.

"What have I told you about focus?" The question was light, but the threat was there.

Bleu recited: "A loss of focus is the reason They turned their back on you."

"Precisely." The man kept his back to everyone as he faced the projection. "Losing sight of your purpose will cost you everything. So I suggest you regain your sense of focus, boy, and quick. You may be my only flesh and bone and I cannot replace you, but that doesn't mean I can let you live the satisfying life you have now. And you do live in satisfaction, don't you?"

Bleu's hands went to the arms of his chair to dig his fingers into them. "Yes, Father, because of you."

"And you would not want to seem so ungrateful for this life I gave to you, would you?"

"No, Father."

"Glad we have an understanding. Let's return to the presentation," the man announced. As everyone scrambled to find the place they left off at in their presentation notes, Bleu felt violated as a thought consumed him with quiet rage and a combination of men. Aleda has informed me of your frivolous ways with a girl. When I put you on Earth Land, I conceded you to sate your lust. Be quick about this and get her out of your system.

She's not like that! Bleu protested, unable to keep the snarl out of his voice. Keep her out of this. I won't mess up. I made a deal with you.

Yes, you did. Don't forget that because I sure won't…

Bleu saw a flicker of light to see his Compact lit up. It was a message from Luna.

⌜MESSAGES

TREASURE

I'm so excited this afternoon! Maybe I'll find out your REAL name *wink wink*⌟

…Lucifer…

---

The screen is a normal computer screen, nothing special about it. The login is set in place and the screen boots up. A sip is heard from a straw as the screens loads to show an organized desktop. The mouse moves for Safari, but a mail notification pops up. The mouse reverses and clicks the notification. An email is crafted with the subject: CELEBRATION! HAPPY 50TH!

The mouse scrolls to see a link attached and pressed the hyperlink to YouTube. It takes a moment for Safari to load, but the moment it does, everything is up at full throttle with the title HAPPY 50TH ADVENTURE! Before the video plays, the mouse clicks it to maximize the entire screen and presses play.

BOOM!

POP! POP! POP!

Explosions of chalky color, streamers, and balloons go off with preamble. Chibi version of the Fairy Adventure characters filled up every inch of the screen as they say, "Happy fiftieth adventure!"

Plue comes onto the screen with his little dance. "Pun-puuuuuuuun!"

Chibi-Luna and Chibi-Nashi take over the screen back-to-back with their thumbs up. "Hi, fairies and adventurers!" Chibi-Luna greets. "Thanks for joining us on our fiftieth adventure!"

"Yeah!" Chibi-Nashi adds. "We're so happy you've seen us come this far! Thank you so much for your support!"

Chibi-Igneel comes next as he points at the viewer with a wink. "You've been awesome fans! To show our appreciation, Miss Author has an announcement!"

Chibi-Luke is behind a desk on a computer and displays a screen within the video. "Since we're not animated, Miss Author will be doing Fairy Adventure Specials, like OVAs and Omakes and even Showcases, web shorts of different characters in their element." He scrolls down the profile page to show the new series. "While we understand filler episodes will be necessary and will still be here in the main series, the difference is these specials is that they will run a little longer than the average episode and most likely are noncanonical to our main plot."

Chibi-igneel joins him. "Ooo-ooo-ooo! Are we going to have movies too?"

"We're not animated, just fanfiction OC's," Chibi-Luke regarded dryly. "How would we have a movie?"

Chibi-Igneel wallows in his despair. "Oh," he sniffs. "Right. No fair Pops got two movies. What about us? Can't we get just one?"

Chibi-Nashi interferes as she takes up the screen. "Never fear! Miss Author is here!" The screen slams down for a giant chalkboard to come down, knocking Chibi-Igneel out and blowing Chibi-Luke away. Chibi-Nashi takes point in her fake glasses as she points to the chalkboard. "Miss Author has been working hard with her team to develop and storyboard a featured fanfiction for Fairy Adventure similar to a movie! The one planned will feature creatures never before talked about in the series and might even reference some of Mashima-sensei's earlier work! How cool is that?"

Chibi-Luna nods her agreement. "Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm!"

Chibi-Igneel bumps both sisters and their chalkboard off the screen with his toothy grin. "Miss Author has been working hard with her team to provide better characterization and better plots," he tells the viewer. "In the future, Miss Author may rewrite some of the earlier arcs, but she plans to keep going full-speed ahead with one new episode per week and maybe even a short too!"

Chibi-Luke yanks back Chibi-Igneel, adjusting his glasses. "Please note Miss Author does not own the original Fairy Tail, Eden's Zero, or Rave Master or any other references made to other pop culture. For those offended by religion, sexuality, or have disturbances with the darker plots, please note Miss Author does not condone the villains' actions. Religions in her works will touch base with Earth religions but will vary as Earth Land is not Earth."

Chibi-Luna pops over her brother's shoulder. "That's right! All work is here fictional and we give credit where credit is due. As such, please support Mashima-sensei's work! He's the reason Miss Author wrote about our adventures!"

The cast crowds around the screen. "Next time, on Fairy Adventure, MOVING MOUNTAINS!" They wave at the screen. "See ya next time!"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

Dazzler Lafayette - Kristi Rothcock

Robert Lafayette - Jim Foronda

Orochi - Aaron Roberts

Cade le Fay - Ricco Fajardo

Galileo Redfox - Josh Grelle

John Winters - Matt Ryan

Muta the Exceed - Jason Douglas

Nashi Dragneel - Laura Landa

Seraphim - Jameison Price

Etherious Nashi - Laura Landa

Mirella - Edie Mirman

Lynn - Grey Delisle

Diana - Martha Harms

Bael - Paul St. Peter

Mammon - Paul St. Peter

Talia - Serena Varghese

Pazuzu - Patrick Seitz

Maker - Luci Cristian

Gary Fullbuster (child) - Cristina V

Gray Fullbuster - Newton Pittman

Lyon Vastia - Jerry Jewell

Linus Vastia (child) - Leah Clark

Kyler - Ray Chase

Daybreak - Kara Edwards

Kyler's mother - Mary McGlynn

Yuki - Wendy Lee

Luna Dragneel - Bryn Apprill

Icarus - Christopher Sabat

Luke Dragneel - Alan Lee

Loke (Leo) - Eric Vale

Ena Fernandes - Xanthe Huynh

Gale Redfox - Grep Cipes

Julia Fullbuster - Michelle Ruff

Olivia Redfox - Laura Bailey

Mystogan Fernandes - J. Michael Tatum

Silver Fullbuster - Yuri Lowenthal

Hemera - Hetty Abott

Erza Fernandes - Colleen Clinkenbeard

Aine Fernandes - Carrie Keranen

Jellal Fernandes - Robert McCollum

Laxus Dreyar - Patrick Seitz

Peter Shuusei-Thompson - Joe Zieja

Mirajane Dreyar - Monica Rial

Igneel Dragneel - Bryce Papenbrook

Misses Takanashi - Anne Heche

Aleda - Kari Wahlgren

Bleu/Lucifer - Xander Mobus

Luther - James Garrett

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel - Cherami Leigh

Faven Heartfilia - Cherami Leigh

Natsu Dragneel - Todd Haberkorn

Bleu/Lucifer's father - Leo Fabian

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Additional Voices

Opening Narrator - Mary McGlynn

Recap Narrator/Ending Narrator - Melissa Fahn

Explaining Narrator - Mary McGlynn

Unnamed Graduate Woman - Mallorie Rodak