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!

52. Adventure 052

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

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

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Previously, on Fairy Adventure, John, Dazzler, Ghost, and Laxus met up with some old friends to get a clue on Gary's location. Meanwhile, while Aine learned the truth about Hemera's appearance, Mirella let her true feelings show to Kyler and man, was it about time! Nashi finally woke up on a planet called Morozko for Muta to explain how her death could be the key to their victory. Does Nashi know what she's asking to be a part of? Gary has been remembering more of his past for us to catch a glimpse of the first time Skade met Nashi. So that's why they call her 'Angel', huh? Putting aside their differences, Gary and Skade conclude that it was time for their real work to begin. At the Fernandes' house, Ena and Luna prep for Luna's date with Bleu with Silver stopping by. It's so cute, having your best friends with you before your first date. But when Luna and Bleu leave, Ena finds a strange voicemail from Gale the night before. Lucy returns to the Dragneel House with an overprotective Lion Knight and a Dragon King at her side—could it get anymore Alpha Male here? But it's not all fun and games when Loke explains he has an evil little brother who could be the only chance in saving Nashi from her predestined death. Mystogan has it out for Erza for letting Aine go on a mission by herself, but it looks like Erza has some words for her son too. Yeesh, even Gajeel has words for Gale too. I guess parenting isn't all that easy, is it? Dazzler and the gang saddle back up for a different way to find their friends and gets into the rift with some help from John. Looks like Luna and Bleu are having a fun time at their skating date with Mary Jane and Peter crashing the party. Double date! They take their date to a fun arcade restaurant with great games and great food! Well, everything would be great if Mary Jane could hear back from Igneel and Luna wasn't having such strange visions. Nashi and Muta are fighting the good fight against Yuki when things go south real quick. Nashi is tormented in such an inhuman way, even I had a hard time watching it. Everything's feeling the aster with Nashi's life on the line and little time for them to come up with their plan. But it looks like Loke and Luna are going to do what it takes to bring Nashi the help she needs before it's too late while Dazzler's team finally breaks through on their mission to find their friend.

'What is…that?'

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!

Oh, no. Nashi, please hang on! Help is on the way!

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ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!

Pink pulled Nashi in as she felt sleep tug at her. It was like feathers were caressing her and whispering sweet lullabies in her ear. Her eyes cracked open to reveal lifeless hickory eyes.

'Is this it? Is this me dying?' Nashi wondered to herself. 'Seraphim… Can you hear me?'

A glowing pink egg with the symbol of the Seraph burning in gold appeared before her. 'I am here, Little One,' came Seraphim's grave greeting. 'I am sorry I have failed you.'

'Don't be sorry,' Nashi hushed. 'I'm the one who's sorry.'

'For what, Little One? You have brought me great honor to bond with such a warrior of justice,' Seraphim told her. 'There is no other mortal I would rather know than you.'

DRIP.

DROP.

A tear shattered into particles.

Nashi let out a shuttering breath. 'Seraphim… What happens when we die? Could you tell me now?'

'I cannot say,' Seraphim regrettably informed.

'I see. Then, can you stay with me until I'm there?'

'Always,' came fierce whisper. 'I will be there to help you cross. Once you are ready, I will take my leave and return to my duties as an Agent of the Creator.'

Another tear shattered.

'Will I be able to visit my family?' Nashi wondered. 'Will they know?'

'I cannot say. I am bound to the laws set for Agents.' The glowing egg dissolved into white energy, powdering over Nashi and embracing her in life energy. 'Rest easy. The journey will be short, but I will be with you every step of the way, Little One. Where you are going, you will know no sadness or tears or sickness. It will not be a paradise, but it will be peace.'

Emotion clogged at Nashi's throat. 'Stay with me until I fall asleep?'

Seraphim did not hesitate. 'Always.'

Nashi let out another breath. 'I love you, Seraphim.'

'I love you too.'

Her eyes fell shut as her chest rose and fell. 'Okay." She could feel her spirit give way to the energy surrounding her. Her soul was dissolving. It was moving on. She was moving on. 'I'm ready to go.'

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A shadow fell over Nashi's limp body that had been dusted in snow. A breath of frost cleared away the dust while a paw dug out Nashi's body and pulled her to safety. A growl turned into a whimper as a nose sniffed Nashi's body. With no breath and no life scent, it reared back. A loud whine. The nose came forward to nuzzle her.

"Hey!"

A head snapped up and the shadow swallowed Nashi protectively.

Muta came out from his battle in his Lion Form scathed, but he had eyes for Nashi. He observed the creature protecting her, how massive it had grown, its claws and its wings. But he saw the look in ice blue eyes. He knew that look. Muta transitioned to his Battle Mode Shift. He raised his hands in surrender. "Look," he said slowly, "I'm a friend of the kit, not the enemy."

Skade growled even more. "You took her away from me," he accused, the memory still fresh.

Muta scowled. "You would have mated her without either one of you knowing the damn consequences," he snapped. "Don't get fresh with me. You know it was right for me to take her away and get her back to normal."

Skade snuffed his growl, but he still looked displeased.

Muta went into his kimono and pulled out a vial of creamy liquid. "This is the blood of an Angel—my kit," he explained. "This has the power to save your lady. She's not dead yet, but her soul is freezing fast. She'll need this to live."

Skade dared not move, but he sniffed the vial in veiled interest. Suspicion was in his eyes, but he spoke lowly, "How do we infuse the blood?"

"I've been feeding it to her," Muta confessed over the blizzard. "But that was when she was capable of swallowing." His ears flattened as he saw Nashi's body. "We'll need to force-feed the blood to her."

Skade nodded. "Give it to me."

Muta held out the vial and Skade transitioned his paw into a hand to grab it. Circling Nashi, he hunkered down to bring her body close to him. He uncapped the vial with his teeth. There was no hesitation as he tipped his head back to take in the liquid, holding it within his mouth. His head tipped down towards Nashi helplessly lying in his arms. Hesitation hit him then.

My Angel… My Light… My life…

Claws sheathed, fingers gently parted her mouth.

I know I am unworthy of you…that I am sin and you are virtue…

Skade dipped down his head.

…but I am too greedy to let you leave me.

A pair of lips brushed over another.

So come back to me…Nashi.

Lips captured another.

The world did not matter at this time. Nothing mattered. It did not matter that the blizzard was slowly dying out. It did not matter that Muta was gaping at something in the distance. Nothing matter except Skade's lips on hers, parting her mouth and hoping she was taking to the blood. His hand was raised to massage her throat and forcing her body to swallow what he gave her. When the blood was drained, Skade came up for air, eyes half-lidded as he studied her.

Nothing.

Skade's grip on Nashi tightened. Angel… His eyes closed as he rested his forehead against hers. The beast holding his beauty, his salvation, his angel. "Come back to me," he whispered. "Please, my Angel. I do not understand this emotion—not completely—but I…" He took her lifeless hand into his monstrous one. "If you come back to me…let me learn how I…"—his lips hovered over hers—"how I can love you."

Energy burned onto Nashi's back in a pair of folded down wings with a heart connecting them. It blazed for three beats, pulsed for three beats, before fading away.

Silenc—

Her eyes shot open.

GASP!

A startled look splashed on Skade's face when he felt Nashi convulse in his arms. Ice-blue widened as he took in Nashi heaving and breathing as she curled into him, pain evident in each movement. "Malã'ika?" he breathed.

Nashi shuddered as she coughed, nose running. Hickory flicked up in her agony. "Skaði," she rasped. Her hands shot up to catch his face—

—and pulled him into a kiss.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ah utsukushii sekai

Utsukushii mirai

Utsukushii kehai no suru sono saki wa

Subarashii sedai

Subarashii kitai

Subarashii sekai

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The kiss was over within two moments, but to both of them, those moments felt like a thousand years had crossed between them. Hickory and ice-blue clashed in a reckoning between summer and winter, heat and cold. Nothing could come between them.

Skade searched her eyes. "You came back." Awe threaded through his words.

A weak smile was on her face. "I never left," she whispered to him. "Skade, even if I die—"

"Stop," Skade hushed her. "Never speak that way around me. I will never let you leave me." He pressed his forehead against hers. "You are mine. You do not leave unless I allow it."

A cough. "You're too greedy," Nashi teased. Another cough. "I'm s-s-sorry I worried both of you." Eyes heavy like lead. Words stammered with slurs in-between them instead of spaces. Energy that had coursed through her body to give her life's breath was fading and quick. "Thank you for saving me."

"Shhh…" Skade kissed her forehead with all the gentility of a snowflake. "Hush now, my Angel. Be still and save your strength. Can you stay awake for me?"

Nashi nodded against his touch. "Mmm-hmm."

"Is the kit okay?"

Skade looked back to see Muta standing at a safe distance in his normal Exceed Form. The Ice Devil nodded. "She will live, but she is weak," he reported. "We need to get her somewhere safe and away from this place." Observing Nashi's relaxing face, he said, "Magic Cat, tell me. The blood I fed her… How much of her strength has returned?"

"Think of it as a quick dose of adrenaline," Muta compared. "She's alive, but she needs to rest to repair and recuperate. She has enough Angel blood to light up a city. While she sleeps, her body will automatically heal itself, courtesy of the blood. Won't take her too long, but I want Kyler to monitor her. Overdosing her with Angel blood might do more harm than good in the end." He nodded at Nashi's drooping eyes. "Keep her awake for as long as you can until we get her somewhere safe because once she sleeps, there's no telling when she wakes up."

Skade nodded gruffly. "You have my thanks, cat." Gentle was he as he wrapped her in his arms to stand. "My Female, keep your eyes on me," he murmured in command. "You must not rest yet. Do you understand?"

"Mmm…" Nashi hummed.

Skade hardened. "Answer me with words, Malã'ika."

Tired humor danced in hickory. "Mmm, yes, Master." Her teasing lilt sounded more like a drunk mock.

A warning growl tinged in heat. "Do not tempt me," Skade rumbled in a low tone. "You are far too weak to survive me finishing what we started." He risked another kiss to her forehead. "But we will finish what we started soon." He went to move towards Muta when a glint caught his eye, hidden in the snow. Curious, ice blue observed the tundra floor and he used his foot to dust the glint. A silver key emerged from snow's embrace with its tip as a lion head, mouth opened in a roar.

Skade frowned. "What is that?"

STEP… STEP…

"That would be my key, snowflake."

Ice blue and gray snapped up to see a hulking beast with blood staining his teeth prowling towards them. Lion with the brutality of man had combined and stood on two large paws. A mane of fiery orange and red suited the beast well with gold fur and shamrock green eyes that could pierce the strongest of wills. The blue warrior's pants were stained in black blood and tattered, but they would hold. His claws raked through the snow as he walked, but those wild greens raked over Nashi in…

…interest?

Skade bared his teeth and pulled Nashi closer. His Curse wound around him. "Did you hurt my Angel?" he seethed.

The lion hybrid paused in his steps, but he said nothing.

Skade snarled and was ready to launch a preemptive strike when Nashi yanked him from it with a weak breath: "Wait…"

Skade looked down to see Nashi staring at the lion monster with half-lidded eyes. "Angel? Do you know this"—ice-blue glowered at the creature—"cat thing?"

"No, not really, but…" Nashi tried to peer closer at the lion hybrid. "You seem…familiar… I… I know you." She tipped her head. "Who are you?"

The lion hybrid narrowed his eyes as though the question irked him and his ears flattened. "Who are you?" he demanded to know in a low snarl. Tail lashed. "Why the fuck did you summon me? You're too weak to summon me—"

Skade's ice-breaking snarl stopped the lion hybrid. "You will not speak about Malã'ika in such a way, cat."

The lion hybrid sneered. "And what's it to you, Wolverine? You think you can protect the girl from me?" He flexed his front claws. "I can cut you down with one hand—!"

"Enough!"

Hackles raised, both males were shocked when a white lion started forward. The lion hybrid was boxed in the ear and growled in displeasure as he retreated. Stardust parted from his being and his piercing eyes followed the battle-scarred lion. A growl thundered from his chest. He let loose power and the snow shook from it. Nashi flinched under the strain and Skade was dug an inch into the snow, but he refused to falter. Muta let out his power with ease as he took a protective stance, acting as a barrier between Skade and the lion hybrid. It was easy to see which one was more powerful as the lion hybrid flinched and tail curled.

Muta lifted his chin as he sapped his power back into his chest. "Looks like I cut you down with just a paw, cub."

The lion hybrid bared his teeth. "I'm a lot older than you, Exceed."

Muta ducked his head in threat. "But you lack the finesse and experience, Spirit."

Skade blinked. "A 'Spirit'?"

Muta raised his head, unafraid to glower into the eyes of the hybrid. "State your name, Spirit. I smell the connection. The kit's scent is tied with yours. She summoned you."

Hatred flared as the lion hybrid's eyes darted to Nashi. "She had no business—!"

Skade was about to come forth when Muta took a paw-step forward, a deadly snarl rendering both males quiet, if irate. "Your key appeared before her in her time of need! I don't know much about Star Spirits, but the fact she summoned you makes her your business and makes you mine. So." The Exceed flicked his tail. "I suggest you start talkin'. By my nose, you ain't got the time to putz around."

The lion hybrid curled in on himself, but he did not look like he wanted to argue. "Fine," he growled out. "I don't know how I got here or why. All I remember is being stuck in the Void." He looked around. "Tell me, Exceed. What year is it? I don't recognize the stars here either. And this…language… This dialect." His ears flicked. "What the Hell am I speaking?"

Muta stayed on his feet, but he lost most of his aggression. "You are on the Snow Planet Morozko, cub. A long way from home. These stars aren't the same because you're not close to your solar system." He nodded at Skade and Nashi. "Your summoner belongs to Earth Land. Not too sure the year, but it should be in the X-eight-hundreds. She speaks Fioren-Minstrish."

"'Earth Land'… Minstrish… Last I remember, Old Minstrish was spoken and sounded nothing like this." The lion hybrid took that into thought. "Tell me, Exceed, about the girl. Her power…"

Muta nodded like he understood. "She's not an Agent, but she has the powers of one. Her father is Father Demon to the Etherious Demons and King of his realm's Dragons. Her mother—"

"Is a Heartfilia." The lion hybrid slid his gaze back to the nodding off Nashi. "I felt it when she summoned me. It was just a moment, but I recognize the Heartfilia scent and their power anywhere." His lip curled in a mocking smirk. "How ironic. A Heartfilia reviving me from the Void when one caused me to go to it. She looks so young…like prey."

A warning growl.

The lion hybrid saw Skade glaring at him and his smirk broadened. "Who's the wolverine?"

Skade's growl intensified.

Muta blocked the hybrid's view with a reproachful glare. "That 'wolverine' is your summoner's partner - both Devil and human. Don't tempt the wolverine, cub. He won't go down easy."

The lion hybrid snorted. "I may have been gone since before the turn to this whole…X-century system transpired, but I won't let myself be defeated by something as reckless as that." Rising to his paws, he checked to make sure his wounds were healed and not a pint of stardust left him. Satisfied, he moved to crack his neck, then his back, then his knuckles, loosening the tension from his muscles. "Been so long since I've been able to fight. Missed the thrill of the kill." Retracting all but one claw, he licked the last drop of blood of it and chuffed. "Delicious."

Muta was unimpressed. "So who exactly are you, cub?"

The lion hybrid chuckled darkly as he strode forth. He swiped his silver key in a single motion and twirled it on his one claw. "I'm a Leo Minor. Nothin' special, Exceed." He caught his key and held it up for all to see the lion on the head of it. "See?"

"You can call me 'Muta'."

The Leo Minor Spirit understood the implication. "You can call me 'Býleistr'." He stopped twirling the key. "Haven't used that name in quite some time. Not sure if I like it when my backstabbing mentor gave it to me." He bypassed Muta and went straight to Skade.

Skade shielded Nashi with a snarl.

Býleistr lifted an eyebrow. "Temper, temper, Wolverine. I'm not here to pick a fight. Just need to speak to your little Angel. She is my summoner, isn't she?"

Skade was set to refuse when Nashi coughed, attracting his attention. Her smile was weak as she lifted a shaking hand to his cheek. He harrumphed, but he kissed her palm as his reluctance acceptance. She turned to look at Býleistr with tired eyes as he hunkered down to meet them.

"So… What the old hag said was true," Býleistr muttered. "An Agent with black blood would be my savior… What's your name, wench?"

"Nashi Dragneel," she responded in a scratchy voice.

"Full name, wench."

Nashi coughed again. "Nashi Layla Heartfilia-Dragneel."

Býleistr nodded, but he laid in contemplative silence.

Nashi observed him as he went into his thoughts. "I know you don't like me," she started, "and I'm sorry for summoning you. I… I don't know how it all happened—"

"Only the current Leo can break the key of a Star Spirit," Býleistr recited with a bored drawl.

Nashi took a few moments to understand and when she did, her eyes widened a bit. "B-B-But, my uncle wouldn't—!"

"So you call the mighty Knight Leo 'Uncle'?" Býleistr cackled an ugly laugh. "Of course. How fitting. The current Priestess-Queen must be treating him like family." The word dripped from his tongue like acid. "Must be nice to have a family that doesn't ship you off to the Void without listening to your side of things."

Nashi withdrew a bit at that. "I'm sorry." Her voice wavered. "I didn't mean to summon you. I'm not even a Celestial Spirit Mage. Y-You can go back. Thank you for everything."

Býleistr raised both eyebrows. "'Go back'?"

"Yes," Nashi whispered. "You're free to go. You're free."

Something in her words struck something with Býleistr. Graveness swept away the cruel and cocky look in his eyes. "I will never be free, little princess," he murmured to her. "You were meant to summon me from the Void. You were meant to be my summoner. As long as you roam the physical world, I am your Spirit and you are my mistress. So it was written in my constellation." He dropped to a knee to place a fist over his chest.

Nashi peered at him in worry. "Býleistr…?"

"I am in your debt, little princess," the Leo Minor Spirit rumbled. No mocking, no sarcasm—just flat facts. "Allow me to serve it by being your personal Spirit."

Confusion and exhaustion made for a horrible combination. "But I'm not a Celestial Spirit Mage," Nashi reminded. "I thought you hated me?"

Býleistr opened his mouth, closed it, thought about it, then opened it again. "There's so much I could hate," he started in a murmur. "There are so many things that have happened that I hate, memories I hate, Star Spirits I hate, enemies I hate… But you…" Shamrock greens pierced hickory with broken sincerity. "I can't hate you," he whispered. "Our meeting was predestined. And as I look at my predestined summoner, as much as I spent millennia hating your existence… I can't hate you now."

"Wha…?" Nashi yawned. "What are you talking about?"

Býleistr did not let that yawn go unnoticed. "Enough talk," he gruffly demanded. "You're tired as shit and we pumped you with Angel blood. We need to get you somewhere safe before something decides to wake up, smell the Agent, and want a piece of the Presence's divine child for a little late lunch." Claws fully gone, he fingered his key before reaching for Nashi.

Skade tensed.

Býleistr took Nashi's limp hand into his own. He was about to place his key into her palm, but hesitation hit him. He closed his eyes, let out a shaky breath, and let the key glide into her palm. "Keep this safe." The words choked from his lips. "We don't have the luxury of settling our Rigil Vow now, so we'll do it once you're safe and better rested." He let her go like she was acid to turn his back on her. Gold covered him as he bent over to get on all fours. Particles shattered to reveal a golden lion in its wake, mane darker and thicker and the symbol of Leo Minor burned onto his hind's side.

Skade looked torn between annoyed, baffled, and awed, whispering, "Another Magic Cat."

Býleistr glanced at the empty horizon like he was waiting for something. "I don't have time to explain the extent of my powers, but one thing that I got that big brother didn't get was Stargates."

Muta's gray eyes could be seen as they widened. "You can create gates?"

"When I want," Býleistr absently supposed as he turned to Nashi. "But if I make a Stargate now, we'll end up somewhere different than how I remembered."

"Then, can you take us to a place I know?" Muta stepped forward. "My kit and I have a place protected by a Demigod and Enoch. Nothing evil can get in there. She'll be safe."

"Can you share thoughts with me?" Býleistr inquired. A moment passed and both lions grinned. "So I see. Project whatever you can that should help me get a Stargate there. I can't sense a Heartfilia close by, so Earth Land might be a couple of jumps away." He eyed Skade. "Not that I appreciate being a pack mule, but you'll need to get on my back, Wolverine." He turned to Muta. "And you. Get on my back too. Exceeds should still have the power to shape-shift into your nine forms, right?"

Muta snorted as he shrunk down to his Cat Form. "You'd think," he huffed as he darted over.

Býleistr crouched down as Skade approached him. "Uh… Might want to lose the whole Devil Form and settle for permafrost," he suggested to the Ice Devil. "My summoner will be protected from the intensity of Stargate jumping because I am her Spirit. The Exceed is strong enough to endure. But you… You're a Dark Creature. Shit's not gonna fly with my powers."

Skade huffed, ticked, but frost poured from his pores as he deflated and retracted his wings and horns. Human skin covered him, but it was not for long. Permafrost developed like a second skin. Translucent snowflakes peppered him like a veil in an almost fashionably way. He was gentle in helping Nashi mount the Leo Minor Spirit before himself. Nashi fell forward and nuzzled her face into Býleistr's mane with a satisfied hum. "So soft," she murmured, voice muffled by his mane. "Pretty kitty…"

Býleistr was a bit put off at that before chuckling. "Careful there, little princess, or else I might get other ideas as to why you want me around."

Nashi seemed too weary to understand the innuendo, but Skade more than comprehended and his lip curled to show teeth. He snaked his hands around Nashi to cover her in his winter. "The only one you will snuggle with is me." Though the words might have been sweet and promising, they more sounded like a jealous threat.

Muta easily leaped into the small space in Nashi's lap and settled in. "Well? Get on with it then."

Býleistr grunted as he got to his feet. "I see the place you're giving me, Muta. You sure about it?"

"Only safe place for the kit," Muta assured.

Býleistr sighed. "Great. I've been summoned centuries later and my first purpose is to be used transportation." He spread his hind legs to prep himself. "Hold on. I haven't jumped or made a Stargate in some time." Without further ado, he broke into a walk, and then a trot, and then a canter, and then into a full run. Magic sparked from his paws and left star indents into the snow. Gold crowded around the Spirit's form as his key warmed from within Nashi's hand. A rumble vibrated his chest until he could no longer take its power and let it go with a roar.

Heatwaves burst out until Magic hit the air and a Stargate was formed, a ring of golden Magic with the center a mixture of dandelion gold and sunset reds in the shape of a lion's head. Everyone tensed as Býleistr picked up the pace to the Stargate before leaping. The Stargate accepted them with a rush of Magic before it crumbled after them as though it was never there.

And no one was there to look at the lifeless body of Snow Woman Yuki carved in claw marks.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 052

In this Time of Fear

今こそ勇気を持つ時だ! 最大の恐怖は最大の決意となるでしょう。

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ghost tumbled out of the rift of darkness in a clumsy bowl. He righted himself mid-air, but his eyes were swirling and he looked torn between needing to sit down and needing to throw up. "Oh, sweet Mother Mary of Nazareth, this feels weird," he bemoaned as he tried to right himself.

Dazzler was the next to spill out in a more graceful manner. She landed on one knee, fist to the ground, and her hair a curtain for her face.

Ghost finally got his eyes focused to ogle at his fellow guildmate. "Woah… How did you do a superhero landing?"

Dazzler flicked up her head with a grin. "Comes with the territory," she teased, getting to her feet. "Believe me. It took some time before my landings were perfected." As she dusted herself off, she took a moment to look at her new surro—

Her face fell flat. "This better be a fucking joke."

Laxus spilled out next and he landed on his feet. Static clacked around him and he might have looked a little green around the edges, but he stayed strong. "Am I supposed to taste bad eggnog in my mouth?" he complained as he kept trying to get rid of the taste.

"That should go away in a couple of minutes," Dazzler dismissed as she glared about her new environment. "I'm sure the bathroom should have mouthwash."

Laxus blinked. "'Bathroom'?" It was then he realized where they were and he scowled. "What the Hell is this?"

John popped from the rift and landed the same as Dazzler. A groan escaped him as he cracked his neck. "Ugh. Never did care for how stiff I get from jumpin'," he muttered as he got to his feet. "After this, maybe I'll visit Kerala to get a good rub down."

A ticked jaw. "Are you sure you don't want me to give you one, Daddy?"

John smirked as he rubbed his neck. "Cor, Bunny, I didn't think you'd want to restart—" His words were choked out when large hands grabbed the collar of his trench coat and static-filled grey-green eyes glowered at him.

"You have ten seconds to explain this shit, Magician," Laxus snarled, "before I electrocute you into ash."

John glanced around and was immediately bewildered. The place they had landed in looked like nothing anyone could have predicted. A dungeon—a sex dungeon. A love hotel room. Take your fancy. The room was the size of the first floor of a house. No kitchen was available except for a microwave and a mini-fridge. But that was not the eyesore.

Saint Andrew's Cross was.

The bed was made for a king, but the pink collar with a dainty bell hung over it with a chain was made for that king's queen. Or, perhaps vice versa. Two loveseat couches were in the room, but they were neither here nor there. A table had laid out an assortment of floggers, ropes, blindfolds, plugs, and cuffs. A spanking horse was in the middle of the floor, pristine and clean. A sex swing was in the corner of the room, untouched. A spreader bar had been delicately placed on one of the loveseat couches. The worst was, compliments to whoever created the room, that lube and condoms had been set out for the occupants.

John blinked, once, then twice. "All right, I did not see that coming." When Laxus shoved him away, John took the time to fix his collar and an answer. "Bloody hell, this…"—his cattish eyes slid to Dazzler as she eyed the spreader bar—"seems like quite a familiar scene, doesn't it, Bunny?"

Dazzler stiffened. For once, she could not argue. For once, she was…red-faced and out of her element. Or maybe she was in her element.

Laxus growled and blocked John's view of Dazzler. "Start talking, Magician. Now."

John took out his lighter and summoned another cigarette. "Easy, easy, Tall, Brawn, and Dashing," he soothed. Lighting the cigarette, he took a hit and puffed smoke in the shape of the word SEX. "I told ya the rift would pop us out wherever it wanted. We came through a back gate. Blame this one the 'Unpredictability Law'."

"He's right," Dazzler sighed, crossing her arms. She eyed the Saint Andrew's Cross. "No point getting pissy, Uncle Laxus. Jumping without a set location makes it pretty unpredictable where we end up."

"So your stupid rift led us into a love hotel?" Laxus seethed towards John.

John shrugged. "I prefer 'dungeon', but to each their own."

A snarl tore from Laxus as he lunged f—

"Um… Guys?"

John and Laxus looked at Ghost, but he was looking behind the two of them with an unsteady pointer finger. Everyone looked to see the rift was blindingly still open, but that was not all. A swarm of shadows seemed to be approaching the rift and were hellbent of crossing to the other side. Laxus cursed, "Dammit. I knew we were being followed."

Ghost went bug-eyed. "You knew and you didn't tell us?"

"Everyone, calm down!" Dazzler barked as she came to John's side. "Can you close it?"

John shook his head as he dropped his cigarette and snuffed it out with his shoe. "Not in such little time. Stitching up the thread of time and space ain't exactly as pleasant as a peach. Rifts normally close on their own."

"My wards are still in place so long as I live and breathe," Dazzler told him. "Chameleon is in full effect and Muffle should keep us. As long as we don't move or breathe too loudly, we should be fine." To Laxus and Ghost, she told them without turning to look at them, "Keep still and keep your breathing steady. If you need to move, do it slowly. Chameleon blends us in with the surroundings, but it doesn't make us invisible. Don't say anything."

Laxus' jaw went taut. "I don't like this," he rumbled. "Fairy Tail doesn't lie low like this. We fight our way out."

"And that will get you killed," Dazzler snapped quietly. "If I learned anything from you, it's that we analyze and then we attack." She turned to sear him with a look. "Don't go all hypocrite on me now." At Laxus' impressed look, she turned back around to face the rift. A shuttering breath left her lips as she saw the shadowy forms come closer to the rift's opening. "Here we go." Eyes widened and glanced down.

John's hand had grasped on to hers.

She looked back up, but John was watching with a ready stare for their newest opponents. And she did the same.

The first form broke from the rift like a newborn and rolled onto the floor. Standing tall, a woman with skin a dark and flawless brown looked around, her eyes split between dark brown (almost black) and amber. Her thick hair had been braided with a bodysuit tight against her and crafted in an athletic black with a navy-blue stripe running down her front. A utility belt hung off her hips with a winged symbol as its buckle. A beaded headband blended with her dark hair color. Heterochromatic eyes glowed in tangerine energy as her stare swept the room.

Dazzler swallowed when the glowing glare pierced her. Like a natural reaction, her hand gripped John's even tighter. And he gripped back.

Another shadow emerged, but they flew in. A Shayla hijab suited her well in its blackness and her bodysuit a tight black, extending to her knuckles and her feet, though she did not wear shoes. What made her most peculiar was her eyes. They looked moon-touched, white and big, almost like her corneas had been removed. She glided around the room and seemed to take interest in Ghost's position, even if she could not see him. Ghost clamped his mouth shut in slow-motion and tried to stop his shaking. The third and fourth came out together. The first was a pale girl in a leather jacket and a bodysuit with a gold stripe down the front and ankle boots. Her hair was a passionate red that had been matted under a Corinthian helmet. Eyes colored light brown, her lips had been died a crystal white, contradicting her hair.

A man came next in cinnamon skin and a medium crop of hair with a side part. He wore agile gloves and his bodysuit included a headband underneath his bangs and a utility belt. He shuffled the redhead away from the rift.

The last of the shadows emerged.

She was a small thing with dark skin and patches of tan marring her body in the most beautiful of ways. Hair strictly white and eyes lavender, she looked like the most fearless one, if the shortest. Her uniform was a black bodysuit that wrapped up her head and crafted a band for her forehead. A pouch was strapped to her side.

But everyone paid attention to the gun in her hands.

The small woman paused. "Masahiko."

The gun jumped from her hand to cloak itself in deep violet. The form went from gun to a hulking man. Energy shattered off the man to reveal a brute with a mohawk, no-nonsense eyes, and a clean beard. Belts crossed his shoulders and chest to form an X, multiple pockets filled with God-knew. He deviated with a black long-sleeved shirt, a jacket, black military pants, and boots. He scented the air before his lips curled in threat. And his eyes went straight to Laxus.

The woman with deviating eyes stopped her search with a click of her tongue and cheek. "They here," she murmured low, though her th sounded more like a soft d. "They camouflaged themselves." The more she spoke, the more her voice floated with the vowels and softer on the consonants.

The smaller woman nodded. "So I see, Hybrid." Her eyes went to the man closest to the redhead. "Psyphon, stand-by. Highlight?"

The teenaged girl in the Shayla hijab nodded. Her moon-touched eyes closed as her hands went out. Violet energy surrounded her body as she focused. Her eyes opened, covered in violet, and she looked to see four consciousness that had not been present before. "Four." Her r rolled a little in a combination of an r and a d. "Though, one seems without a body."

The smaller woman nodded again. "Regalia," she commanded, "Eliminator."

Laxus tensed and whispered urgently to Dazzler, "Drop the shields. We're already found out. We need to figure out their threat level."

With a tiny nod, Dazzler closed her eyes and let out a breath. When she opened her eyes, she held it together when Hybrid was in her face with fascinated eyes. "Huh," Dazzler remarked. "The stealthy type."

Hybrid's eyes flashed. "Mi undastan… You a hitey titey Obeah-lady." Her head slowly tipped to the side to gauge Dazzler before turning to John who watched her. Her lips curved into a smile. "You as well. Obeah-man." She nodded. "Waa gwaan?"

"Hybrid."

Hybrid bowed back, but her eyes held an interest in John. Then, she moved on to Laxus, craning her neck to meet his eyes. She tipped her head to the other side without fear. "A big massa. A brawla." Her lips grinned and she teased her bottom lip with her lip, a click coming out of her. "I like dis one. He has nuff power."

Laxus lifted an eyebrow. "You wanna speak Minstrish, girlie?"

Hybrid left him with a sly grin.

The smaller woman eyed Highlight and gave a signal. Highlight drifted down to circle around Ghost like she could see him in her violet haze. "Bhūta," she sufficed to say. "A living spirit with no physical host. I can sense his fear. His memories date back five years from their planet's orbital calendar year."

"Are they from Earth?" Psyphon asked. "Mutants?"

Highlight shook her head. "Nā," she negated. She stopped circling to stare Ghost straight in the face with her glow intensifying. "I'm searching his memories now."

Laxus growled as his lightning clacked from his skin. "Get away from him!"

The smaller woman did not even hesitate. "Cascade?"

Cascade—the redhead—lifted a hand towards Laxus and slowly allowed her hands to squeeze the air. Laxus' lost touch with his Magic when he felt pressure on all sides, his body being restricted. Angry grey-green sought Cascade. "You tryin' to pick a fight, girl?" he threatened.

"Uncle Laxus," Dazzler hissed. "Drop it."

Laxus shot her a dark look. "Do not order me, Lafayette—"

"I am finished." Highlight reached a hand…

…and touched Ghost's cheek.

Ghost stiffened and tried not to panic as Highlight stared at him with her aura gone and her moon-touched eyes left. She reported, "Confirmed from Earth Land. I am unfamiliar with Earth Land and its galaxy, so I am unsure which version. All data you gathered, Atomic, was correct. He'll will be pleased we have found them."

John decided to step in, letting go of Dazzler's hand. "Now, I get we're not all cozy and close, but, ya see, ya went through my mate's head and followed us through the rift." He lifted his chin to Atomic. "I think we have a little bit of a right to know the gen here, Atomic. What's your deal?"

Masahiko tried to block Atomic and get in John's face, but Atomic held up a hand. She stared at John with unflattered eyes. "You are Jonathon Winters, a Magician born on Earth-fifty-nine."

His eyes widened.

"An Occultist and a Jumper," Atomic recited, "with incredible powers in the Dark Arts. Son of Baron Winters and Amora." She turned to Dazzler. "You are Dazzler Lafayette, a Magician born of Earth Land. A White Witch descendant. Daughter of Robert Lafayette and Clara Van Sinclair."

"Wait," Dazzler gasped out. "How did you know my mo—?"

Atomic turned to Laxus. "Laxus Dreyar, a Mage born of Earth Land. A manmade Lightning Dragon Slayer. Son of Ivan Dreyar and Ilona."

Laxus' face went white as a sheet. "How did you—?"

"I know many things," Atomic interrupted. "I know your histories, your secrets, your lovers, your dislikes. It comes with the territory." She nodded at Highlight who flew away from Ghost and Cascade dropped her hand to free Laxus. The crew of powered humans stood behind Atomic. Once that was done, Atomic met the eyes of the Fairy Tail Mages and the Magician. "Our mission here isn't to hurt, harm, or kill you," she explained. "We were given an assignment to rescue, secure, and retrieve Nashi Layla Heartfilia-Dragneel."

That caught the Fairy Tail Mages' interest and suspicion. "No offense," Laxus started, "but who the Hell are you to her? Who gave you this mission?"

"Our orders come from the man who gave us a place to be ourselves," Atomic answered vaguely. "His name isn't important. We are nothing to Miss Dragneel. We aren't family or friends. But we have been assigned as a rescue task force and we will complete this mission."

"And by 'complete this mission', that means ambushing us?"

"Uncle Laxus," Dazzler tried to shush.

Laxus held up a hand to her for silence as he approached Atomic. "I'm not one to really trust people who ambush us, know all this crap about us, and then suddenly decides to play the heroes in this fairy tale," he growled. "Start talkin' more detailed facts, Atomic. Do you even want to bring Nashi back to her home? Why did you follow us?"

Atomic met his glare levelly. "We're assigned to retrieve Miss Dragneel and bring her home. Whatever it takes. We checked your guild's database for any and all requests and their catalogs. Mister Gary Samuel Fullbuster, Mister Lance Makarov Strauss-Dreyar, Miss Aine Juliet Fernandes, and Miss Nashi Layla Heartfilia-Dragneel are all legal guild members and accepted the request located in Erika Town Valley. We followed their paper trail and were investigating the campsite when Highlight and Cascade sensed you. We stayed hidden from then."

"Why didn't you show yourselves?" Dazzler blurted. "This could've been easier if we—"

"Our mission is covert, Miss Lafayette," Atomic reasoned. "We were not meant to get involved. Once we heard Mister Winters had the capabilities of opening the rift, we waited for it to open to cross through."

"And you knew you'd run into us," John concluded.

"We weighed the options," Atomic assured him. "We knew Mister Dreyar had spotted us."

Laxus nodded, crossing his arms. "Yeah, I did. But I couldn't sense any malicious intent."

"We had none," Atomic answered the unspoken question. "We still don't. We're here to retrieve Miss Dragneel. We have no interest in you."

Dazzler thought on her next words carefully. "And what about my other friends? Will you save them?"

"No."

Ghost came forward to touch Dazzler's shoulder, but he said to Atomic, "But they're our friends. You wouldn't save them?"

Dazzler relayed the message. "My friend and I are both confused about why you wouldn't save the others too."

"Not our job. Not our assignment."

Laxus narrowed his eyes. "What kind of Mages are you?" he wanted to know. "Independent? You mentioned task force and I see your…"—his eyes raked over their clothing—"uniforms. Are you military dogs?"

Atomic's eyes lit in a silent fury, but she mellowed back down with a touch from Masahiko. "We're not Mages and we're not from our government. Where we're from, the government isn't our enemy nor our friend." Her eyes swept across the three Mages. "Look, I'll be straight with you. I understand you know little about us. You don't need to know much except we have powers and we use them to help those in need. You don't stand a chance rescuing your friend without additional help. We can either help you or we'll do things our way. Choose."

Laxus opened his mouth, but Dazzler cut in with an uncomfortable smile. "Would you excuse us for a moment?" She rounded on Laxus and beckoned Ghost and John closer before unleashing her inner thoughts. "I think we should join them."

"What?"

Dazzler looked Laxus straight in the eye as she said, "They're right. We're walking into the Demon's lair with no back-up, no connection to the other side—nothing. We need all the help we can get to save everyone."

"I'm with Dazzler," Ghost interjected. He shrunk a bit as Laxus swung his cold glare onto him. "We really do need some extra help. Did you see their Magic? That Highlight girl can see my consciousness. And the Cascade lady stopped you without touching you."

Laxus growled a bit at the reminder. Gray-green snapped onto John's thoughtful look. "Well? What do you say, Winters? You haven't cast your stone yet and I'm feeling outvoted."

John played with his lighter for a few moments. "She knew somethin' about me that I didn't," he relayed, timbre soft. "She knew my parents. My home."

"John." Dazzler let a hand smooth over his. Their eyes connected, hers gentle and his a bit broken. "I thought we talked about this."

He sighed as he took her hand in his and raised it to her lips to kiss her knuckles. "We did, Sparkles," he murmured against her skin. "But she knew. I have mental blocks in place and she blew past 'em. She found somethin' in me my doctors said I'd never recover. She saw through the bloody amnesia. She saw them." Desperation scratched his throat. "I can't let that go. You have to know that."

Dazzler swallowed and gave her consenting nod. "And your job? Ours? My friends?"

John's gaze bounced to the floor then up to Laxus. "We have some points to negotiate," he reasoned, "but I say we party up. Because, no offense, mate, but your little light show won't cut it."

"Don't act like you know me, Winters," Laxus warned. "I'm your senior and outrank you. I've faced bad guys before."

"Not like this."

Everyone turned to see Highlight grounded and approaching them, moon-touched eyes concerned. "Ever since I checked the consciousnesses in this room, I've been scanning as far as I could go. If it wasn't for our own blocks, we would've succumbed to the evil floating around."

"How many more?" Psyphon asked.

Highlight shivered. "Millions," she whispered. "Billions, maybe."

"Of people?" Ghost presumed in a dreadful tone.

Highlight nodded as she hugged herself. "Hā. People, animals, creatures—all of them have a chain keeping them in this evil place." Her moon-touched eyes went to Laxus. "Mister Winters is right. I can sense you have powerful lightning. But against whatever evil lives here, you would still die."

Cascade signed something to Psyphon who nodded and turned to Atomic. "She's saying she can sense minds similar to Hemera, Angel, and Devilman," he translated. He watched as Cascade continued to sign. "She says they're far, but as long as she keeps on Garuno, she'll be fine."

"Angel and Devilman?" John quirked an eyebrow. "Sounds a little bit like an old anime. That really their names?"

"Codenames," Atomic explained. "All of us go by our codenames when in uniform. When we're in civvies, we're allowed to use our real names." She turned to Laxus. "I understand you're not comfortable working with us. For this to work, all members have to be in agreement."

He eyed Hybrid. "What exactly are your Magic types?"

"We're not Mages."

Laxus settled his stare back to Atomic expectantly.

Atomic sighed. "Masahiko is my second." She gesture to the hulking man. "He has the ability to shape-shift into any sort of weapon, even parts of his body."

Masahiko did a demonstration as he turned one hand into a gun and the other arm turned into a blade before transitioning back to blood, bone, and flesh.

"Psyphon has two abilities. His first origin is the power to steal powers, siphoning them from any organic or inorganic life," Atomic explained. "It's based off how long he touches you. If he touches something for a long amount of time, they lose their powers forever."

Dazzler shuffled back a little bit. Psyphon noticed and grinned at her. "Nothing to fear, little lady." Oh, his voice sounded so melodic. He wriggled his gloved-covered hands. "The gloves keep me in check. Just means I can't kiss anyone without my suppressants." He motioned to Cascade. "This is Cascade, an omega-level telepath and telekinetic. She's near deaf and she's a bit self-conscious about her voice, so she uses ASL unless you say it's okay for telepathy." Cascade seemed disinterested in them and kept herself busy leaning on Psyphon.

Ghost mouthed to Dazzler, ASL? to which she shrugged.

Atomic gestured to Highlight. "Highlight has a range of abilities, but they all come from whatever energy field she has around her."

Highlight gave a timid smile and wave. "Namastē."

Atomic went to Hybrid who stepped forward with an interest in Laxus. "Hybrid is just exactly that. She's something even I can't tell what. She sees things, knows things… We're not entirely sure of the extent of her powers, but the energy she has is incredible."

Laxus waited for Atomic to explain herself, but when she did not, he prompted, "And your power?"

"None of your concern." She ignored Laxus' scowl. "So. Are we a team or not?"

Laxus kept up his scowl for a few moments, but when Atomic refused to back down, he huffed. "We're a team."

"But," John stepped in with a raised finger, "we do things on mutual terms, yeah? This originally was my assignment for a client. Figure out the rift, shut it down, and report it to 'im." He glanced at Dazzler. "Things changed. We partied up to find these Fairy Tail Mages and bring 'em home." He pointed at Atomic. "I get yer job is just to grab the lass and git, but we could use some help saving the other three."

Atomic nodded. "Very well." She turned to Cascade. "You sensed a mind like Angel?" When Cascade nodded, Atomic looked at the Mages. "We were told Miss Dragneel seemed intimately connected with holy-like beings. Our friend Angel is the same way. In regard to the minds similar to Hemera and Devilman… Hemera was a light goddess who disappeared from our Earth and Devilman is an Underworld creature who bio-merged with a good friend of ours. Sound familiar?"

"Well…" Dazzler drawled. "Your Devilman friend sounds like Gary and his Devil."

"That'll be our mark then," John decided. "We need to get movin'. We can't risk them decidin' to get hay fever and make a run for it." He looked over at Ghost. "Here's a test to your Reaper skills. You think you can phase us out of here?"

Ghost looked a tad bit confused. "I can do that normally. But I'll need everyone close. Phasing this many people should be fine. But where are we headed?"

"Here." Everyone was driven closer to Dazzler who had taken off her hat to look inside. An unusual radar had magicked itself within her hat with a glowing blue pulse eastbound. "Gary's here. I can use my Locator Spell here. Looks like he isn't moving." She looked up at the newly assembled team. "So we should move now."

Atomic nodded. "Highlight? Cascade?"

Highlight nodded. "I sense suras all around us."

Cascade signed to Psyphon who relayed, "She says she can keep their minds preoccupied and keep us out of sight. But we'll need to be quick. Working with corrupted minds can be dangerous." He looked toward Atomic. "What's the move?"

Atomic nodded towards Dazzler. "We move out like normal. Highlight set a path. Cascade, I want a telepathic link set up."

Done.

Ghost and Dazzler were surprised at the voice in their head and how cold it sounded. Cascade nodded to her leader. Atomic looked at Highlight who glided over to Ghost. She slowly circled him and he tried to keep up with her until she stopped right before him. She placed her hands close to either side of his head. "Do not be alarmed, bhūta," she murmured. "I will show you the way, okay?"

Ghost swallowed and, with a nod from Laxus after a nervous glance, he murmured, "Yeah, okay."

Highlight glowed her violet hue once more and let Ghost be consumed in it. His phantom eyes took her hue as their own. "I've got it," Ghost announced. "Dazzler, Mister Dreyar, John, you should be able to touch me since you can see me. Make sure the others are touching you."

All three nodded and went forth to press their hands on Ghost's back. Dazzler commanded, "Everyone, touch one of us. Ghost can phase us, but only with contact, even if it's inadvertent contact."

The others fell in line with hands on the backs of Laxus, Dazzler, and John. Ghost covered them in his phantasmal aura, an eerie sea-green, before warning, "Okay. You might feel a little out of it, but here we go." With a twitch of his hands, he sunk everyone down below, away from the room.

And on their way to find Gary.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

On Earth Land…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane glanced out the window as a MAGNOLIA CITY LIMIT was passed on the lone road. "Home has a lot more forest before we hit the heart of it," Mary Jane told Peter. "Getting to the Dragneel's is only a twenty-minute drive."

Peter nodded as he followed Bleu's taillights. "Pretty sure he knows," he muttered. "Idiot's going to get us pulled over if he doesn't take it easy." He took a hand off the wheel to comb his fingers through his hair. "I just can't blame him. I know I'd be going crazy if I didn't know where you went," he supposed, casting her a meaningful look.

"But you barely even knew me," Mary Jane countered, a bit flustered at the memories. "I still don't understand why you followed me."

"Instinct." Peter reached over to interlace their fingers. "Meeting you at the Hallow's Eve Spell-tacular was fate, Sweets. I knew there was something special about you and I couldn't just let it go. And I'm not going to let it go." He smiled when he saw her blush. "That's why I get Bleu right now. He's pissed at himself, going over every detail to wonder what he did wrong, probably thinking the worst, and he's driving like a maniac because he needs to see her himself to know she's okay."

Mary Jane ducked her head a bit. "But you both just met us," she protested, albeit weakly. "How c-can you feel so strongly about us?"

Peter's smile widened like he was withholding a secret. "I'll tell you someday." He kissed the back of her wrist before letting her go to keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Mary Jane looked down at her lap with flaming cheeks and a silly little grin. Wow. I've never felt like this before. It feels…

"So right?"

Mary Jane stiffened.

A chuckle. "I agree. It does feel nice to be wanted by our champion. He always had a way of making us feel so…special. So loved."

Scarlet-cerulean shakily glanced over to the window. A reflection of Mary Jane sitting in the car looked back at her with the same terrified expression. Her hand went to the window, watching as her reflection mimicked her every move, every expression. When all seemed well, she let out a sigh. I'm just worried about Luna. That's all it is.

"Oh, is it?"

Mary Jane stiffened. Her eyes went to the side mirror to see another version of her sitting in the backseat like it was nothing, eyes sanguine and grin malicious. She glanced at Peter hurriedly, but he did not give a single indication something was wrong as he followed Bleu. She opened her mo—

"I wouldn't do that."

Mary Jane froze as her red-eyed double leaned back with a victorious smirk. "Our champion can't hear me," she informed. "I'm only in your head, not his. Unless…"—scarlet slid to watch Peter—"you want me to be."

A sudden bout of fury filled Mary Jane. "Leave him alone!"

"Sweets?"

Mary Jane was startled out of her anger to see Peter giving her a wide-eyed look. "What do you mean by that?" Peter asked. "I can't leave Bleu. Not when he's like this."

"O-O-Oh!" An awkward smile toyed on her lips. "Right! I'm sorry! I wasn't thinking! I-I-I was just so worried about Luna and my thoughts just got all jumbled…"

Peter looked like he understood and he took her hand in his again. Glancing at her, he kissed her knuckles. "We'll find her," he promised without a trace of uncertainty. "I think you and Bleu have a point. I don't know Luna well, but I know how most kids think. I did my homework on accidental spells. She most likely did go to her parents where she felt the safest, protected, and in control." He squeezed her hand. "So we'll find her. Bleu won't rest until we do. Neither will I."

"You?"

Peter chuckled and glanced at her again, taking in her surprise. "Well, yeah. She's important to my best friend and to the girl I plan to make my girlfriend. She's genuinely sweet and I consider her a friend already. Friends don't abandon friends." He thumbed her knuckles. "Have faith, Sweets, okay?"

Mary Jane could not help but smile back at him and believe his every word. "Okay."

"My, my, doesn't he have a way with words?"

Mary Jane stiffened again and her eyes darted to the rearview mirror. Her double in her scarlet eyes grinned at her as she got more comfortable in her back seat. "I like that about him." Red-eyed Mary Jane tipped her head to observe Peter, slowly crossing her legs and letting her chest contract. "Mmmm… Isn't he a dreamy one? Looks, charm, sincerity…" She licked her lips. "I can see him being an excellent lover to give away your virginity to. Can't you, Mary Jane?"

Mary Jane's lip quivered, but she had to be strong. Stay away from me and him, she warned. Get out of my head.

The moan red-eyed Mary Jane gave was pure heated desire. "No can do, Mary Jane," she tutted. "You see… I am you. And you like him. So long as you continue to like my champion…"—she leaned forward for her hands to caress Mary Jane's neck—"then I'll keep coming back until you give me what I want."

Mary Jane tried not to shake. And what do you want?

"Blood." Red-eyed Mary Jane licked Mary Jane's ear. "Chaos… Power… Death… But, most importantly, my champion…" Whispering heatedly, she added, "You will give in, Mary Jane. You will choose me. I will make sure of it. Just like"—she took Mary Jane's arm and guided it towards her lap, tugging Peter's hand with it—"I will make sure you give in to desire… Because I promise you, Mary Jane, once he begins to touch you…he won't want to stop…"

Mary Jane held back her whimper as she shut her eyes. She knew where this was going. Blood poured into her ears as her heart pounded. She did not want it. Not like this. Not now. She was not ready for it. But fears rooted her. It caged her will and barred her fight. Nothing was left except helplessness. Nothing was left excep—

"Mary Jane."

Mary Jane's eyes burst open. Her double was gone, and yet…she was not. Her eyes went to the mirror to see a different version of her with kind cerulean eyes. Relief flooded through Mary Jane and she opened her mouth.

Blue-eyed Mary Jane shook her head, putting a finger to her lips. "Say not a word," she whispered. "We have not a moment to waste." Her mouth dropped to a frown. "You need to let go of your concern to Luna Dragneel. She is safe and you can feel it deep within you."

Mary Jane kept schooling herself face into indifference, but she had to ask, What's going on? What's wrong?

Blue-eyed Mary Jane looked out the window. "You can sense it too, can't you? A heat we've never felt before. Fury. Pain."

Mary Jane looked down at her lap. Yes, she whispered. I… I thought I felt something, but…

"It's him, Mary Jane."

Mary Jane shut her eyes. No. No, it can't be. We just saw each other. He's fine…

"Mary Jane."

Mary Jane snapped open her eyes.

"You and I both know when he left this morning, you had a bad feeling. Even someone mentioning his name sent you into unease. He did not answer your call, your text… He left, Mary Jane. And you didn't know why. Look at you. You're holding the charm he gave you."

Mary Jane looked down to see that was exactly what she was doing and let go of the charm like it was hot. I can't help but worry for him. He saved me from myself. He took the time to get to know me. He fought for me. He… He's my friend—

"Then, abandon this mission to save one that needs no saving."

Mary Jane let her palm come up to cup her charm.

A whisper tickled her ear. "He has saved you from yourself…so save him from himself. You will do the right thing."

Mary Jane knew when the blue-eyed version of her was gone because no longer did she feel like she was being watched. Her eyes shut as she weighed everything around her. What should I do? What should I do? Luna needs us, but Igneel…

Vibrant onyx.

Wrathful emerald.

A playful smile. "Oh, MJ…!"

SNIFFLE.

Peter glanced over, but then he did a double-take. "Sweets?" he whispered. "Sweets, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Mary Jane could not help when a few tears dribbled down her cheeks. "I don't know what to do." The words came out in a murmured whimper. "Don't know what to do…. I don't know what to do…"

Peter locked his jaw. "Screw it." He swerved the car to the side of the road and put it in park, not caring how crazy his driving look, not caring Bleu's car took off into the night. He unbuckled his seatbelt to lean over and take Mary Jane into his arms. Holding her as she cried into his chest, he rubbed her back. "Shhh, it's okay, Sweets," he promised. "We'll find her. I swear to you, we'll find her."

"No… We can't."

Peter blinked when Mary Jane pulled away, rubbing away her tears. "Sweets? Can you sense something?"

Mary Jane nodded, sniffing. "I can."

"And?" Peter thumbed her cheeks. "What's going on, Sweets? Where's Lu—?"

"It's not Luna."

Peter was taken back when Mary Jane's mixed eyes peered straight into his golden ones. "What?"

"It's not Luna. It's Igneel." Mary Jane cleared her tears and was torn between determination and uncertainty. "I need to get to him."

°•°•°•°

BOOOOOOOOM!

Shrieks pierced the air.

Gale staggered back against a railing with half his clothing scorched, a second degree burn on his shoulder, and a first degree burn on his leg. His Diamond Shield was securely on his arm without fail, but that did not mean the world was right. Sweat clung to his skin like a coat and soiled through the remains of his shirt. Ragged pants danced off his lips as his eyes darted around.

Red flames and their rancid smoke consumed everything in their path with no remorse. Freed's violet ruins chained themselves to the buildings on instinct, but that did not mean the people were safe. Those ruins could only save the people from Magic. But the smoke… The smoke was a byproduct of Magic Flame. It was not Magic—it was a natural chemical reaction.

And just because the flames could not invade the buildings did not guarantee safety on the ground.

A mother rushed her son out of their apartment as they coughed. A service dog barked and whined, soot on its fur, as it stayed close to its owner that had fallen from the panic. A group of teen girls screamed as they ran from the flames with soot on their clothes, though one seemed to not care for her friends and rushed off in a different direction. A middle-aged man helped an elderly citizen rush away before the storm of flames and smoke swept them up.

Something clouded Gale's mind and it was nothing good. Another shockwave made him lose balance and drop to one knee. "The Hell?" he grounded out. "I've never…faced this sort of heat before." Blearily, he saw flames crashing down the street in a fiery tidal wave. He hauled himself up and planted his bare feet on the ground. With gritted teeth, his hands went out before going up. The stone in front of him shot up in response and blocked off the entire street from the hellish flames. Fire slammed against the wall, shaking it, but it did not break.

Gale let out a huge breath. Gotta get everyone out of here… Gotta get 'em to safety. His first priority was the service dog owner that had fallen. The service dog whimpered, but Gale went to the owner and immediately checked for a pulse. "Still alive. Heartbeat is slow, but he's warm." He went to get up, but the burn on his leg made him hiss in pain.

Dammit… Why the Hell did that idiot have to attack me now out of all times? he cursed. He's never given me burn marks before. What is he trying to do, blow up the whole city?

"Y-Y-Yes. I'm on Cherimoya Lane, I think?"

Gale's ears twitched over the roar of blood in his ears. He turned his head to see a frantic woman trying to get a signal as she spoke on her Compact. "No, I-I-I didn't see anyone," she spoke over the screams. "Yes, there's fire—I don't know if it's magical fire!"

"We're on Cherimoya Lane and we need help!"

Gale turned to see another man was on the Compact with two people covered in soot and smoke leaning on either side of him. "Please, send anyone you can! A terrorist is on the loose committing arson and we need help! Please!"

Shit, Gale cursed. They're calling the Guard. Which means those dispatchers are going to alert the guild, the third unit, and the Wisteria Guard. Which means Igneel is fucked.

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Gale cringed when he saw cracks in his stone wall. "Jesus, he's going to kill us all!" His eyes widened when the cracks did the same. Hastily, he dipped down and slung the owner over his good shoulder. He jerked his chin at the dog. "C'mon, Fido. Let's scram." Grunting, he shifted his weight and jogged through the emptying street, pushing through his pain.

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Gale flinched, but he would not give up. Gotta get as many people out as I can, right? He stamped a foot onto the ground and the earth rumbled. He did not have to look behind him as stone rose up to form five golems, all sturdy, and all large. "I command you to help those in need and bring them to safety. Do not engage with Igneel Dragneel."

The five golems nodded and sprinted off to find those in need.

Gale flinched when the earth shook and glanced back. The cracks were becoming more defined. Fuck. He's going to destroy the whole goddamn town at this rate and everyone in it. Jerking his chin and a free arm, the earth formed a half-bubble beneath him and he rode it away. Uncle Natsu, Dad… I need you.

°•°•°•°

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP… WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP…

STEP-STEP-STEP-STEP!

Boots hit the ground as soldiers filed next to their vehicles, uniforms pristine. Magic creatures of water, fire, and earth in their vests and harnesses were at the ready with their handlers. Ankh crosses threaded in gold were on everyone's uniforms and their dog tags. Some took to their crosses in silent prayer. Others stood at-attention with eyes braced for their battles. Weapons were already loaded up and ready for battle.

CLUNK… CLUNK…

Heavy boots marched forth. "Atteeeeeeeeeention!"

Everyone snapped into at attention position with their chin up, chest out, shoulders back, and stomach in. All looked to the front where their captain, their commander, and their lieutenant who stood, demanding the attention in the room. Captain Angelo Sterling took a step forward with his eyes sharp and boxing gloves firm.

"All right, ladies," Angelo groused. "We got a report in Magnolia Town about an arsonist who took it too far. From the reports we've got, we can conclude this isn't just some punk who wanted to get off to some flames. This is Magic Fire." His eyes squared on an ensign. "The Fire Force and Rescue Rangers are already on their way as we speak, but they'll need back-up. As civil servants to the Magic Society, it's our duty to make sure no lives are lost and that fire has been contained."

"The captain is right." The commander stood a little bit behind her superior with her hair clamp and her eyes a crystal green. "Not a single one of us will go home tonight until Magnolia Town has been dealt with and nothing but ash remains. I strongly encourage you all to take comfort in these next seconds. These are the last calm seconds you will get before we board the vehicles and open a warp."

⌜ANTI-MAGIC THIRD UNIT

Name: Gwne Binegar

Age: 29

Occupation: Commander

Magic: Geo-Force

Likes: black cats Dislikes: ladybugs

Special Note: Commander Binegar is a little bit superstitious—but she swear black cats are the root of good luck and ladybugs are not to be trifled with! ⌟

The lieutenant was a mid-sized man with hair in a samurai bun, droopy and tired eyes, and his nose covered in a mask connecting to the long neck sleeve of his uniform. A cup was in his hands with him capping it with a palm and dice freely rolling about. "Honestly, it's not worth even getting calm," he muttered. "Get ready or don't, you all have a chance of dying today."

⌜ANTI-MAGIC THIRD UNIT

Name: Adrien Cotheran

Age: 27

Occupation: Lieutenant

Magic: Dice

Likes: blondes Dislikes: monopoly

Special Note: Lieutenant Cotheran is a bit of a mystery with his upbringing and with how little he talks. Though, one of the Guards swear they've heard Lieutenant Cotheran giggle before! ⌟

Angelo sighed. "No need to say that," he muttered. Squaring his shoulders, he commanded, "We roll out in t-minus sixty. Board up and move out on my command." He nodded at them. "When we get to Magnolia, expect a battleground. Brace yourselves. And come home." He smirked. "My girlfriend will have my ass if I don't make it home tomorrow for date night."

The company laughed as they fell out of position to board their vehicles and get their creatures in line.

Gwne looked over at Angelo. "Sir… From what the dispatchers are saying, it looks like we have a code level Dragon. Which means—"

"I know, Commander. I had a feeling." Angelo's shoulders sagged as he turned his back on his commander and lieutenant. Some would think he was staring heroically into the distance.

No, this man was quaking in his boots with comical dread in his eyes.

I didn't think I'd have to see her so soon, Angelo squeaked. She's going to be so pissed to see me after last time. He could imagine his sister with her steel blade at his throat and the hellish glint in his eyes.

"If you won't fight, then fine, Magus!" she would seethe in threat. "I will cut you down on my own and drag you into Hell!"

Angelo trembled even more, not hearing his commander call his name. She even called me such a mean word. Oh, she's going to kill me…!

°•°•°•°

"I'm going to kill him!"

A man quietly dressed in his Fiore Guard uniform with his patch stating NEW FIORE GUARD – FIRST – WISTERIA in a circle. A seven-pointed star with a crown at the top serviced as his badge, standing words BASIC COMMAND UNIT within a circle and the words E R at the center. Beard clean and eyes dark, he watched as his captain thrashed about the room.

Brika threw another sword that went straight for the bullseye at the dartboard and broke the game in half. Heaving her rage, she spat, "How dare they call that farce of a human being. A Magus?! It sickens me how reliant this country is on such an ugly thing."

"Captain Armstrong," the man addressed, "we must take our leave soon. The Magnolia guardsmen have been dispatched and are quickly being overwhelmed. It's our duty to aid any town, with or without the help of the AMU."

⌜WISTERIA FIRST GUARD DIVISION

Name: Gabriel Wan

Age: 40

Occupation: Lieutenant-Colonel

Ability: Master Marksmanship

Likes: driving Dislikes: fencing

Special Note: Lieutenant-Colonel Wan is the epitome of calm and collected. But you should see him when his Wi-Fi slows down from his sons' gaming! ⌟

Brika growled and strode forth to pluck her sword from the wall. "Has this hit any news reports?"

"Yes," Gabriel replied. "Two local news stations are covering the footage. No drones. They're unable to spot the instigator."

Brika inspected her trusty blade. "Which means Fairy Tail can cover themselves a little longer. But it won't be long until drones are in the air and we found the perp." She sheathed the blade in a fluid motion. "Are my men prepared?"

"All of them are ready and accounted for," Gabriel confirmed. "The Fiore Fire Force and Rescue Rangers have been alerted and are on the move. ETA stands at most five minutes until contact. Fairy Tail has yet to respond as a unit. Available Mages have been coordinating emergency procedures, but the last I checked, the mayor and the Guild Master were on an emergency call. Evacuation sirens were pulled two minutes ago."

Brika nodded. "Good. When we arrive on the scene, I want it clear no man is to rest until every civilian is accounted for, dead or alive. That Magus will not show up the true protectors and servants of this country. Not while I'm standing." She brushed past as she gathered up her hair and put it into a bun.

Captain Sterling, you are a disgrace to this nation, she sneered. Guild Master Fernandes… I repaid my debt to you. I will hold nothing back.

°•°•°•°

Erza set down the Communications Lacrima with a headache and Number Five already sat down two pills and a glass of water for her to drink. Erza looked at her in gratitude. "Do we have everyone gathered downstairs?"

Number Five bowed slightly. "Affirmative, Master. Those not present in the guildhall are being streamed or called into the meeting. We have notified any and all abled-bodied Mages this is highest priority. Those already gone from their assignments will receive the Mavis Alert and a full synopsis of the situation that will automatically update every five minutes."

Erza took her medication and had three swallows of water. "And Laxus?"

"No answer. He will be notified with the Mavis Alert and we will continue trying to reach him."

Erza took another swallow of water before exhaling. "Thank you, Miss Five." She stood up with a heave. "Let's get going."

Erza and Number Five left the Master's Quarters with Constantine waiting for them. The three of them persevered downstairs, but the clatter was sucking them in. Mages and Fairy Tail personnel were on high alert with Compacts out as they watched live streaming of the fire from civilians to the two journalists on the scene. However, once everyone saw Erza stepped onto the stage, they put away their Compacts to hear what their Master had to say. Freed was already on stage with heads of departments on stage with him. Screens had taken a backdrop, from streams of the fire to social media pages in the chaos.

Erza held her hand up for silence once she was in the center of the room, but there was no need. Everyone was quiet. "My fellow guildmates, we have entered emergency level: Dragon. We have confirmation from the NGT and the mayoral office that a mandatory evacuation has been sounded for the western quadrant from Sections A40 all the way down to C67 which will be blocked off. I am ordering all Fire, Water, and Earth Mages or those who can produce similar spells to attend to the western quadrant on the front lines. Water Mages, you will be zoning the flames and doing your best to keep all flames already created down and defeated. Ice Magic is not to be used. Only S-Class Mage Gray Fullbuster has been authorized to use his Devil Ice to combat the flames and to make contact with the perpetrator should the moment arise. Do what you have to in order for the perpetrator to be caught. Earth Mages and Fire Mages, you will be our tanks. Switch out whenever you feel is necessary.

"We have word that the Fire Force and Rescue Rangers are on their way alongside the Wisteria First Guard Division and the Anti-Magic Third Unit. They will be joining us as allies to aid in the evacuation and the arrest of the perpetrator. I do not want any Mages outside those authorized or those S-Class to engage with the perpetrator." This came out as a warning. "No one is playing hero on my watch."

At Erza's nod, Freed stepped forward, "Based on Constantine's analysis, we have pinned down the locations of the two news anchors on the field. We have assigned the position of escort and bodyguard with each journalist team getting two Mages a piece. You will guide them to designated safe zones. The Chairman has sent us an approved DA notice. We are also assigning the mayoral office two Mages. Constantine and I will be the liaisons for the arrival of the external forces who have their respective captains on the line with us today." He looked at Constantine. "Now, Constantine, you can send out the alerts and messages."

Erza scanned the faces. "We are at level Dragon, my fairies. You are to don Fairy Tail uniform. Those who do not wear their uniforms or bring their MagID will not be permitted to continue with assistance as a Guild Mage. At this time, any and all use of Magic is restricted to only those who wear our guild's crest. Those who do not have Fairy Tail articles, please see Miss Five for further assistance. Fairy Tail personnel who have already been alerted will be working with the Magnolia dispatchers to keep us updated on our situation. With Member Warren away, we will continue to use earpieces as communication. Stay vigilant. Stay alert. And let Mavis be with you." She straightened. "Now, let's roll out!"

As most of the Mages already had on their equipment, but some were weaving through members to get to the front of the stage. Erza bowed away for Number Five to have a Compact for her at the ready. A raise of an eyebrow was all it took for Number Five to nod. Erza put the Compact to her ear. "Guild Master Erza speaking." She paused. "Chairman, I thank you for how quickly you acted."

"Don't thank me, Master Erza," Draculos warned with no humor in his voice. "The Super Archive was designed for this sort of thing. We're lucky Magnolia's mountains are not volcanic, but the disturbance is just as great. I will do whatever I can to keep this out of the media, but you need to make sure those live streams are taken down and social media is controlled. I can do my best to keep the ministers at bay once they hear the news, but I assure you they will gun for identity, for a purpose, and for punishment."

"I understand, sir," Erza murmured, voice low. "I assure you, we're doing everything to contain this." She hesitated. "If it's all the same to you—"

"No need to ask, Guild Master, because I will deny your request. Gryder's services will be needed." It sounded conspiratorial the way he said it. "I understand you're not a fan of the Magic Council's methods of containment, but keep in mind, without them, rumors of a Dragon's return would spread, of Demons, or Warlocks…and of certain powers."

Erza closed her eyes. "The reminder was not needed, Chairman."

Two beats of pause. "Is the girl within city limits?"

"Yes." Erza opened her eyes to see a screen before her with a grid. Dots appeared all over, fluttering about with different colors representing different rankings and codenames appearing. Some dots recently popped up as more and more activated their trackers. Erza pinched the screen to look at the red tracker that seemed to be going fast on a dirt road to the city. "She's headed into town. She knows, Chairman, with or without our telling."

"I know Natsu will take care of this, but make sure Misses Dreyar is present. I believe her services will be required."

"Yes, sir."

The call was dropped.

Erza sighed and looked down at her Compact. In a sheer moment of desperation for comfort, she went into her photos and drew up one of her favorites. She saw a lone boy with blonde locks and a look of passion on his face as he conjured his first flame. Oh, Igneel… What could have triggered you to do this?

°•°•°•°

Luna sat at her mother's side on the staircase while she watched her father get ready, Celestial Spirits Loke, Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Aquarius, Plue, and Actaeon and Lelantos all out from Lucy's end while Icarus was out from Luna. Happy and Charla had immediately come to the Dragneel household with their two eggs, Charla holding them dearly while Happy snuggled against Lucy's side to calm her.

Luna stroked Icarus' muzzle as she watched the Spirits and her father shuffled about. Her eyes felt heavy, but she needed to stay up. "Papa, please, let me come with you," she begged once more. "I can help!"

Natsu patted himself down to make sure he had everything. "Baby girl, we all said, 'no', okay? Not this time."

Luna gave her own version of a growl, defiant. "But I can help!" she protested. "Igneel listened to me last time—!"

"How do you even know it's him?" Lucy pointed out.

Luna rolled her eyes. "It's obvious," she responded in a duh tone. "Besides, I…" Her face dropped, chocolate disturbed and sad. "I was there when he and Gale got into a fight. It was…so awful. I was there when he lost control in those caves in Margaret." She rested her forehead on Icarus' snout. "I need to be there for him. I can calm him down." Lifting her head, she glared at her father in sudden passion. "I'm coming too!"

Charla harrumphed, crossing her arms. "I hope my kittens aren't as stubborn," she muttered under her breath.

Lucy pulled Luna back to her side. "Not this time, young lady," she said sternly. "Your papa and your aunts and uncles will help out. Igneel will be safe and sound and home before you know it."

Luna let out a deeply unsatisfied groan. "Ugh…! I'm so sick of being treated like a child by you people!"

"Luna!" Lucy gasped when her daughter rudely moved away.

"No!" Luna got to her feet with her glare fixed. "This isn't fair! I can help too! I have Magic too! You said I could help when I got powers, but this is…! This is…!" She cut her father with fury. "This is bullshit!"

Visions flashed before her eyes. Unwanted flames filling the stoned streets with screams of terror in the air. A doll was washed away in the fire with no chance left to be with her owner. Then, everything glitched to a street perfected long ago with people roaming its floors. Another glitch. The streets were baselessly charred beyond belief with an unhealthy cloud of smoke and ash.

"Luna Anna!" This bark came from Aquarius as Luna swallowed back a groan to hold her head. "Don't you dare talk to your parents that way, girl!"

"I agree with Aquarius," Charla spoke up. "Never speak such language to your mother, child."

Luna shook her head, shaking away the pain and the chastisement. "I will," she snapped. "Because it is! It's bullshit! I can help and they know I can! They just want to keep me locked up here in some stupid house because they think I'm just a weak link of the family—Nnngh!"

A woman crying with bleached blonde hair falling around her face as she gunned down the street with the train station in sight. A glitch. The focus stood on the edges of the train platform with the train long gone and an opened letter in hand. Another glitch. The train was docked at the station as someone called a name so desperately, it was heartbreaking.

Happy's eyes watered as he peeked at Luna behind Charla. "Luna…"

Virgo might have been stoic, but she claimed, clearly affronted, "My lady, that is simply not true. All of us value you the highest and our opinions will never change. This is for your own protection—"

"My 'protection'?" Luna repeated, sardonic and breathless. "What, from my own brother?" A scoff. "Igneel would never hurt me or Luke or Nashi. He loves us. He wouldn't do that. How could you think that about him?"

Natsu was beginning to feel irritated. "Baby girl, you don't understand the situation—"

"No, I do perfectly!" Luna interrupted. "You think Igneel is some sort of monster who would hurt his own family and I can't even help him. What sort of parenting is that?"

A sealed letter with the initials I.Z.D.

"That is it!" Lucy pointed up the steps with a steely scowl. "Go to your room, young lady! You are grounded!"

"Fine!" Luna sassed back. "Not like I wasn't already grounded before!" She stomped up the steps with Icarus ducking his head apologetically to everyone in the room before following her. She huffed, blowing out her bangs, as she kept up her stomping on the second level.

Icarus breached, Pup…

Luna whirled on her Spirit when she got to the doorway of her room, pointing down the hall. If you're going to lecture me, either go back downstairs or disappear. Turning on her heel, she marched into her room and heard paw steps tentatively trail her. She fell onto her bed with anger in her heart and fury in her eyes. I can't believe this. I have powers. I can use my powers for good. I can use my powers to help Igneel. And they just stick up their noses and say, 'Not today'. She curled onto her side and instinctively grabbed her Poko stuffed animal to cuddle with. It's so not fair. I'm a Mage too.

Icarus got onto the bed and sniffed her over. He laid at her side and curled around her, almost protectively, like he was trying to shield her from the root of her anger. Come now, my pup. Your frustration is warranted. Having power and still being helpless is not a combination I particularly like. But there is a time and a place for everything.

No, there isn't. A sniffle. Hot tears gathered in her eyes, but she aggressively sniffed and rubbed them away. I hate this. I hate them. I just want Igneel back. I just want to help. I'm useful too.

You are, Pup, Icarus agreed as he lapped at her cheek. Your big heart and endless kindness and love is something we all need from you and look to you for. Igneel will need that when he returns home.

Luna leaned back into Icarus' fur. Yeah… When he returns home… Her eyes widened. 'Home'! Shooting up from the bed (ignoring Icarus' whine of discomfort), she shimmied off the bed in her urgency.

Pup?

I totally forgot about Bleu and Mary Jane and Peter and Ena and Silver! Luna squealed through their link as she dug through her apple bag. She pulled out the Compact to see the multiple messages, voicemails, and notifications she had missed from Ena and Silver alone from Ena's Compact. Everything else came through specifically for Ena. Oh, goodness, I better call Bleu first! She dialed his number without thought and put it up to her ear, chewing on her lip.

RIIIIIIIIIIIING…

RIIIIIIIII—

"Who is this?"

Luna smiled hearing his voice. "Bleu?"

"Luna?!"

Luna sat back on her heels, shoulders slumping. "Oh, Bleu, it's so good to hear your voice!"

"You too," Bleu told her, choking up a bit. Then, he cleared his voice and added gruffly, "But I'm angry with you, Treasure."

Luna sighed. "I know. I—!"

"We can fight later after I come to you, hug you, and kiss the Hell out of you," Bleu decided, cutting her off. "Where are you? I'm within Magnolia city limits right now. Actually, I'm on my way over to your house."

Luna perked. "Really?"

"Yeah." You could hear the smile in his voice. "Treasure, I told you. I'm going to lock you down. Which means I'm high-key stalking you to make sure you're safe. Are you at your house?"

Luna nodded. "Yeah, but—!"

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

Luna frowned. "Bleu, give me a sec. Someone's at my door."

"Mute me, but keep me on the line," Bleu commanded. "Update me later."

"Okay." Luna did as he asked before answering the door to see—"Luke?" She moved aside when her other brother bustled in with frazzled hair and a broomstick in hand. "I thought you were—"

"Will you come with me to see Igneel?"

Luna's eyebrows disappeared in her hair. "What?"

"Igneel. Will you come with me?" Luke sounded impatient with each word.

Luna worked her jaw. "U-U-U-Uh… Y-Y-Yeah, but—"

"Good." Luke glanced about her room to find one of Igneel's old sweatshirts she had stolen long ego and tossed it to her. "Here. Put this on. We need to get going." He turned back to her door. "We'll sneak out the backdoor in the kitchen and use a Chameleon. Mom's in the living room with Happy—"

"Wait!" Luna forced the sweatshirt over her body. "Luke!" She found her voice again. "What's going on? What's happening? And how are you home?"

Luke stopped with a weary exhale, too loud for comfort. "We're going to save Igneel from himself no matter what it takes." He turned to her and intense honeyed amber tinged in red clashed with chocolate. "We might not be able to save Nashi, but we can save Igneel."

"Wait… Nashi?" Luna was startled in realization, pausing as she swiped Icarus' key. "Wait, Luke, Nashi—!"

"Keep still." Luke shoved off his messenger bag to get out a potion. Blue liquid sat in a flask that had a thickness to it that did not look all that assuring. "Drink this. It's Magic Coolant. It's all I could come up with on short notice." He shoved it into her hand.

"Luke—"

"Drink." Luke uncorked it for her and put it to her lips. She took the bottle to drink herself while Luke let Magic flow through his veins. His Magic Circle blossomed between both siblings as he wound a hand in a counterclockwise motion. "Koūromina flamente…!" The spell hissed as magical glitter burst upon their clothes and skin before ingraining itself into each thread and each cell.

Luna winced at the small pain—it was like getting a shot—when she finished the potion. Taking it away from her mouth, she smacked her lips in disgust. "Ew… What is that? It tastes like something with pulp."

Luke powered down to take his flask back. "Never mind that." He shoved the flash into his messenger bag. "I have a couple of emergency potions in here for disasters just like this." He swiped a flash and showed a pink drink, thick like Pepto Bismo, but it did not smell as sweet as bubblegum. "We get Igneel to drink this entire bottle, he's out like a light and his flames too."

Luna's head was spinning at all this information as Luke adjusted his satchel back onto his shoulder. "That's great, but you should know… Nashi—

"Come on!" Luke grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room. With a look from Luna, Icarus vanished back to the Celestial Spirit World, but he kept his key warm to comfort her. Luna stumbled after her brother as they took the alternate steps down to the kitchen. Their footsteps were rushed and quiet with Luke's eyes glowing gold.

The moment they hit the ground, Luke waved his hand at the backdoor. Gold Magic covered the door for both siblings to rush into it and appear on the other side, untouched. Luna glanced about worriedly for anyone to be on guard duty as Luke mounted his broom. He jerked his chin and she joined him, hugging his back with one hand.

As Luke took off without a hitch, Luna unmuted her Compact and put it to her ear. "Bleu?"

"What's going on, Treasure?"

"Um, maybe don't come by my hou—Woah!" Luna hugged Luke closer when the broomstick jerked faster. "Hey! Watch it!"

"Sorry!" Luke shouted over the wind.

"Treasure?"

Luna turned her attention back to the call. "Right. Sorry. So, Luke and I are headed…" To Luke, she shouted, "Luke, where are we doing?"

"Westside!"

"We're headed to the west side," Luna relayed. "My other brother Igneel is over there and he's gone a little crazy, but we're going to help him calm down. I don't want you getting hurt, so—"

"F.R.I.D.A.Y., find me the nearest accidents in Magnolia Town," Bleu commanded, though not to Luna.

Luna's eyes widened. "Wait, Bleu—!"

"I found him. Treasure, it doesn't look good. I'm looking at all these reports... My god, the streams of the flames are unbelievable. And you want to go there?"

"He's my brother," Luna argued. "I can't just leave him! I can't just let him go like I—!"

Warm hickory.

Luna clamped down her grief. "I'm going. Please, keep to the east side and—!"

"Already changing course. F.R.I.D.A.Y., keep me updated on any and all reports and make sure to set alerts for any guards."

Worry fluttered within Luna. "Bleu, don't—!"

"Treasure, I said I was coming to you and I meant it," Bleu reminded, putting down her argument.

"But…you're a Spiritless, right?" Luna could not fight the desperation in her voice. "This isn't a place for you! I need you to be safe, okay?"

Nothing.

Luna checked her Compact to see the call still going. "Hello? Bleu?" Panic entered her voice. "Bleu, are you there?"

Two beats.

"Don't worry about me, Treasure." Bleu's voice sounded so warm and soothing like warm honey. "I'll be fine. I've got some tricks up my sleeve to keep me safe. But I need you to promise me you know what you're doing. Calming down someone as furious as him… Treasure, this isn't an easy job."

Luna swallowed. "I know." Her admittance was quiet, understanding. "But he's family. He would do the same for any of us."

"Then, be safe. And be smart. I'll meet you—What the Hell?"

"What?" Lightning alert struck her. "Bleu, what's wrong?"

The sound of angry shifting. "It's Petey," Bleu growled. "Dude's going off the rails and driving like a maniac. What is he doing?"

Luna sunk onto the bit of information, but it donned on her. "Wait… Mary Jane's with him, right?"

"Yeah, she is but—" Three beats. "Shit." Tires squealing. "They're going to get themselves killed!"

"No."

Luna looked up at her brother. "Luke?"

"They won't be killed," Luke assured as his hard eyes went to the seductive orange glow in the distance and the skyscrapers of smoke. "If anything…she'll be the one who saves him."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

At the Fernandes' house…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver and Ena sat back with Luna's Compact in Ena's hand and both their eyes looking at the voicemail from yesterday. Uneasy contemplation passed between the duo as they mulled and debated.

"She can't hear that," Silver let out in a whoosh. "If she did…it would crush her."

"Would it?" Ena asked. "She is with Bleu…"

Silver snorted. "You really think Lulu lost all her feelings for Gale due to this guy?"

Ena squared her shoulders. "I don't know what to think," she muttered. "Everything between Redfox and L is such a gray area. There was a time I knew everything. Now? We hear about this date she has today, we see Redfox left her behind on Friday…" She dropped her head into a hand. "What is going on? They were so close. I thought…"

Silver knew what she was thinking. "I did too," he agreed, soft. "But things change."

"I thought this was going to be just a drunk rant." Ena shook her head. "Was he trying to just pick a fight? Did he mean to record—?"

"No." Silver put his foot down. "Gale might be a jerk sometimes, but that's crossing a line—even for him." Pain splattered on his face. "I just keep imagining if Lulu listened to it…"

Thoughts churned slowly within Ena's mind. "Maybe…she needs to listen to it…"

Silver's head snapped up to gape at her. "Okay, I get you're against love, but Fernandes, this is taking it a little too far!"

Ena sprung off her bed to pace. "I'm not against love, you idiot," she spat, irked. "No, I'm just…" She stopped with a long sigh. "Look. All I know is L wanted nothing to do with Redfox today. We learned Redfox abandoned her to have sex with some girl and L and Bleu found each other. And it looks like they both really like each other. But if I know L, which I do—"

"Which we do," Silver interjected.

Ena stoned him with a glare. "Which I do," she stressed, "she might be into Bleu, but there's a part of her that cares about Redfox. But this?" She gestured to the Compact. "Maybe she needs this as her closure. To finally move on."

Silver leaped off the bed to confront her. "What if she doesn't need to move on? What if she really has feelings for him?"

"I know she has feelings for him," Ena confirmed, "but it doesn't mean she'll act upon them. The chance she has with Bleu is a good one and a healthy one. I, personally, want to see my best friend happy. Don't you?"

"How can you ask me that? Of course I do!"

"Then what's your problem, Fullbuster?" Ena challenged. "Why are you so against—?"

"Because if she can move on, that means Paige can move on!"

Silence.

Ena stared wide-eyed at the equally wide-eyed Silver, both surprised at his confession. Guilt touched Ena while shame consumed Silver. She reached for him. "Silver… I—"

"Forget it." Silver partially gave her his back. "Do whatever you want. I need to get out there. I have my assignment."

Before Silver could get away, Ena latched onto his shoulder. "Silver," she pleaded. "I know we're not the best of friends, but… I didn't mean to make you upset this time." She took a step forward and tried to get a look at his face. "What's wrong?"

Silver sagged in defeat and grief. "It's… It's just…" He licked his lips. "Ever since we came home from Margaret… My beloved has been ignoring me more than usual. I've been trying so hard to think it's different this time, that she's just busy, but… It was a couple of days ago. I tried to get her attention and…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Oh, my beloved!"

The focus watched Paige with lovesick eyes and a gallant voice. Paige was hunched over by her sister with a scowl on her face as Silver took her hand. "My beloved, I've been worried sick! You've barely come by to the guildhall," Silver pointed out. "Have you been eating? Have you been sleeping okay? Have you been—?"

SLAM!

The hand flinched back as Paige rose from her table. "My beloved…?"

Paige shook. "Get away from me."

The focus slowly blinked. "Belov—?"

"Didn't you hear me?" Pale red burned into the focus. "I said, 'get the fuck away'!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"I'm so used to her blushing around me in her cute blush and maybe she'll swat at me, but this?" silver shook his head. "It felt…different."

Ena withdrew her hand. "That really got to you." It was like a revelation to her. "Her snapping at you… It really hurt."

Silver nodded.

"But… I mean you're…you," Ena lamely pointed out. "You're a one-man cupid, a lovesick fool… You've never let this get to you before. Aren't you planning to secretly make her dinner or something? Maybe some encouraging little love notes?" She blinked when Silver was silent. "C'mon, Fullbuster," she laughed, a bit awkward. "I mean you were the one going on about something about drawing a bath for her and—"

"Ena."

Grief-stricken Mayan ocean struck hard to deep chocolate.

"I'm not strong like my mom," Silver admitted in shaky murmur. "She dealt with a lot when she tried to get with my dad. She told me my journey in love wouldn't be easy. My dad was a lot stubborn, she said, and he came and went, but she weathered her storm for him. I can see Gary doing that. No matter how many times Nashi got angry with him, he wasn't scared to keep going. But I…" He choked up a bit. "I'm human too. I have feelings. I want my beloved to love me back, but…maybe she's moving on for good."

"I thought it wouldn't matter if she did?" Ena questioned slowly. "Wouldn't you still chase after her?"

"I thought I could, but…" Silver curled in on himself. "I don't know anymore."

Ena broached a subject she thought she could avoid. "Is this…about Margaret Town?"

Silver stiffened.

I knew it. Ena stepped closer. "Fullb—… Silver… You helped me sorting out my own feelings… Let me help you this time." She held out a hand for him.

Silver looked at the hand before looking at her entirely. His hand raised, but it was hesitant and slow. It took a few moments until his hand slipped into hers, their eyes deeply connected. Silver observed the red-headed girl a few inches below him as something washed over him. His ears could gently hear the whispers of the ocean.

I've felt this before…haven't I? Silver questioned himself. This feeling like…like water is calling to me…

"Silver?" Ena called to him, drawing his attention back to her. "Where did your mind just go?"

Silver refused to take his stare off her. "Nowhere," he promised. "Just that…" His grip on her hand tightened and he pulled her even closer to him. "I…"

BEEP-BEEP-BONG!

In a flash, Silver felt his head pound and he doubled over in the pain of the migraine. Ena ignored Luna's Compact going off to comfort Silver. "Are you okay?" she fretted. "Do you need me to get anything?"

Silver grunted as he held his head in his hands. "Nnngh… No, this is just… Ugh… Just a migraine," he assured her. The aggressive pulsating had considerably dulled enough for him to stand, but he was still winded all the same. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Ena brushed the back of her hand to his forehead. "No sudden heat," she diagnosed. "Mmm… Maybe take some meds before you go." She double backed to one of her bedroom cabinets and pulled it open. "I should have some headache stuff in here somewhere…"

"Hey."

Ena turned aro—

Her eyes widened to see Silver nearly on top of her. "Wha—?"

"Thank you." Silver offered a small smile full of gratitude. "Really."

Ena shoved him away with an eye-roll. "Yeah, well, my debt to you has been repaid," she stiffly remarked. "Now, shoo! Go on! Go be a hero or whatever and be a firefighter. I need to get in uniform and go help the evacuation."

Silver nodded. "And…the voicemail?"

Ena sighed. "We can compromise," she decided. "The voicemail stays, but she gets to choose if she wants to hear it after one of us warns her this could ruin a friendship. Fair?"

"Fair," Silver agreed before walking towards the door. He paused at the doorway. "And…Fernandes?"

Ena was shuffling over to her closet as she shouted, "Yeah?"

"Misty's an idiot for not recognizing how great you are."

That comment froze Ena's body in her shock. Then, annoyance touched her face. "Was that supposed to be a joke, Full—?" The question halted when she realized the Prince of the Sea had vanished from her room. She tried to keep up her scowl as she went back to her clothes, but her scowl softened without her command and went in a little smile. "And Paige is a fool for not appreciating how devoted you are to her," she murmured after him.

And as she went through her hangers, she did not notice Luna's Compact lit up with a message.

And that message from…Jay.

⌜MESSAGES

JAYBIRD

Hey… I know it's been a while, but… Can we talk?⌟

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And in the paradox…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aine had Lance's head in her lap as she gently stroked his cheeks with the tips of her fingers. Not much had changed in the time passed with Hemera shuffling around with her potions and Aine keeping her thoughts to herself. Her eyes never strayed from Lance's face.

This is so odd… He should be awake by now, Aine fretted.

"Don't worry." Aine looked over at Hemera who poured one flask into a large pot. "When I finish with my brew, we should have the boy up in no time."

"But he should've been awake," Aine insisted. "Why hasn't he woken up? What's wrong with him?"

Hemera focused on her brew. "It's that black lightning he has inside him."

"His…what?"

Hemera finished the pouring to take to stirring the brew. "I may not have all the power the real Hemera once had, but I retain a majority of her senses." She nodded towards Lance. "A Demon's power has been laying within him all this time. Haven't you noticed anything strange with him?"

"What?" Aine's eyes danced around as she ruffled through memories. "No… No, I would've noticed something was off." She needed to believe that. She had to believe that. Clutching Lance closer, Aine squeezed out, "I'm sorry, but you're wrong."

Hemera stopped her stirring her brew to look at Aine with a sad smile. "I won't judge you if you haven't noticed it," she assured quietly. "The boy has a strong will, a will he maintains through his care and love of you. In all defense, he might have minimized the signs in efforts to keep the worrying off himself."

Aine looked down at her unconscious boyfriend as old fears and frets fluttered within her heart. I should've been more careful. I knew this would happen. He's setting aside his own problems to take care of me. To Hemera, she asked, "Can you tell me how long this Demon power has been inside him?"

Hemera thought on it. "No telling, but it's been heavily neglected is all I can say. It's been bottled up. He must have recently used it if he's this drained and this exhausted." Glancing up at Aine, she asked, "Has he had any nightmares lately?"

"What? No, he—" Aine found her words halting as a chilling reminder came over her. "I-I don't know. Every time I spend the night, he's always up earlier than me. I rarely caught him even napping."

"Most likely nightmares." Hemera went to grab a handful of leafy herbs and drizzled them into the brew, smiling at the fumes of gold she received. "A Demon's power has the capabilities of turning even the purest of minds into a madhouse. For him to fight madness is a testament to his strength. Even I am impressed. Only the purest minds can keep a Demon's power at bay like this." Her eyes looked up to peer at Lance closely. Or perhaps a different type of mind…

Sadness coated Aine's face as she stroked back Lance's bangs. She caught the minuscule contortions in his face and felt like a fool for not seeing them earlier. "You stupid man," she whispered to him. "I told you to never hide your problems from me."

"But—"

Aine jumped hearing claws scrape the earth.

"—none of you can hide from me."

The shadows that had protected them and sheltered them banded together to forge a horse-sized black panther of twin tails and ravenous claws. Markings crawled against his fur, but the beast of glazed eyes did not seem to mind such markings. He stopped to assess the situation in front of him. He cared little for Aine and Lance. His stare settled for the after-image demigod.

Hemera did not seem alarmed. "Come to kill me after all this time? I'm surprised you knew where I was. Then again, a Devil still connected with their Maker would."

A 'Devil'? Aine gasped. He's like Gary?

The black panther made a show of teeth. "That sounds like an insult, demigod." He tasted the air. "Forgive me. False demigod."

Hemera drew herself up. "I might not be the true demigod she once was, but her name was 'Hemera'."

"I don't care." The panther stalked towards her, flexing his claws. "My prey have no names—only blood." His tail lashed and he was set to pounce when Aine shoved herself in front of him without worry for her life. Agitation swept through pale eyes. "Stand aside, human female, before you taste my claws."

"No," Aine barked back at him, defiance in such dark eyes. "I won't let you hurt her."

The panther flicked an ear. "Fine." A paw raised; claws gleaming. "I will kill you first!"

"Pazuzu."

The paw froze in mid-air.

Aine's resolve slackened for her own confusion. Turning around, she witnessed Hemera standing up. "Hemera…"

Hemera waved her hand at Aine, but she kept her eyes on Pazuzu. "Don't worry, child. He wants me. But he won't harm me. I'm sure of it."

Pazuzu easily brushed past Aine to get closer to Hemera. No claws were raised, but his guard was up and he sneered at her. "Killing you ensures my Maker succeeds," he told her. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't gut you now."

"Try it," Hemera dared, "but you won't be able to do it. Bael may be a Demon, but he is one of the oldest and smartest. You think if anyone could kill his greatness weakness, I would still be here?"

Pazuzu growled as his annoyance grew. "Then, who can?"

"Hemera's daughter," Hemera explained.

"Mirella?" Pazuzu thought on that and nodded. "Okay. I will return with her so she can kill you."

"What?!" The pair looked over at the bewildered Aine. "Hemera, why did you say that? How could you tell this…this thing that your daughter is the only one who can…?" She could not bring herself to say it.

Hemera understood Aine's concerns. "Aine, child, it is all right. In twisted ways, it would seem Pazuzu's goal align with ours. He seeks to take down Bael." She gestured to herself. "I may not be the killing blow, but Hemera was Bael's weakness. He just didn't know it. Killing me would cut off his ties to anyone soul who is not too far gone and weaken him, if only just." She nodded at Pazuzu. "Bring Mirella to me. Hemera had final words she wanted to impart on her daughter. I'll deliver them before she kills me."

Pazuzu let a rumble expand in his chest. "I take no orders from a false demigod," he jeered at her, flicking his tails. "I will return with Mirella because I have orders from my Maker." Pale stare went to Lance in interest. "He smells like Forneus." His snout dipped lower to sniff Lance.

Aine swiped at him. "Leave him alone!" She curled Lance closer to her to glare at the Panther Devil. "He has nothing to do with you!"

"He smells of Demon Cursed, human female," Pazuzu growled. "Which makes him part of my business." His head tipped to the flasks and potions. "A purity potion." A statement. No questions. Turning to Hemera, he muttered, "You have less than thirty terran minutes to finish this before you die. Be swift."

Hemera lifted an eyebrow. "Is the human part of your orders?"

"I cannot overlook an Accursed," was all Pazuzu gave her. He turned his back on them and stalked back into the darkness. "Thirty terran minutes." And the shadows ripped him apart until he disappeared into thin air.

Aine tried to understand what happened in front of her was reality. "What are we going to do?" Her forehead went down to touch Lance's. "What will we do? He's coming back so your daughter can kill you."

"We prepare."

Aine looked up to see Hemera shuffling in her chains to get back to her brew. "Hemera…"

"I need an assistant," Hemera told her as she furiously uncorked a bottle and shook out the mist inside into the bucket of brew. "You will have to help me, Aine. Time is of the essence."

"Hemera—"

"I am not 'Hemera'."

Aine froze at that while Hemera looking pointedly at her concoction.

"Now, in order to help your partner, I need you to chop this root into an unrefined powder," Hemera ordered.

Aine swallowed. "Right." She gently put Lance back down on the blanket to scurry over to Hemera. She took the blade set for her and the oddly gnarled root and set to work. But she could not help but glance over at Hemera and the stiffness of her shoulders. Hemera… I know you aren't the real, living demigod… But you have a life too. A life that is precious. A life that will give Mirella hope.

°•°•°•°

The moment John, Dazzler, Laxus, Ghost, and their new teammates phased into the alleyway, Laxus keeled over in his nauseous and looked about done with travel. Everyone else took to scoping the alleyway and making sure they were in the clear, while Dazzler and Ghost hovered around their guildmate.

"Unc—"

Laxus held up a hand as he held a fist to his closed lips. "Don't."

Dazzler held up her hands and slowly backed away. Her eyes strayed all over the alleyway. Much to her curiosity, a thin layer of dust had gathered on windowsills and windows alike. Old shops with antiques and old gowns had no light to shine on them. "Huh… I wonder what's the story here." She found herself walking towards John as she inspected the alley. "So. This it?"

"Almost," John told her as he looked out the alleyway to the passersby whom ignored their presence. "Now to play a little bit of knock-down-ginger." Silver flickered over to her. "Ya know, I have to say…being in that dungeon… It brought back some memories, didn't it?"

Dazzler snorted. "Bad ones."

"No, Bunny." John's fingers touched her cheek and their eyes clashed in a smoldering blaze. "Plenty of good ones."

Dazzler shook him off. "I have no doubt you replaced me with another 'Bunny'."

A hand reached for wrist.

Dazzler looked back to see John looking at her intently. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, "C'mon, Winter, don't be such a—"

"Dazzler." John tightened his grip only slight.

Dazzler swallowed and looked around. She would look anywhere if it meant she did not look at him. "John, let's not—"

"Let's." John pulled her close, slipping an arm around her waist. "Now's a good as time as ever, love."

Feeling something pressing against her, Dazzler shot him a dirty look. "Really? Now out of all times?"

A cheeky grin from John. "Can't blame a lad." A hand went to her cheek. "D, I—"

"Mrrow."

Tension evaporated as Dazzler pushed John away like she was burnt. Their eyes fell on a chunk of a white cat with acute eyes and a flicking tail. John ruffled his hair, visibly frustrated, while Dazzler was besotted with the furry creature that encroached on their moment. "Aw, such a pretty cat!" she cooed. Stooping down, she held out an open hand for it. "C'mon, kitty. Here boy."

The cat looked at her hand before looking back at her. "Mow…"

Dazzler crept closer. "Here, boy… Come on. Come to Mama."

The cat got onto his paws and arched its back in a stretch. Curious, it took a paw step closer, ear twitching. Another step. And an—

"Ah!"

All heads snapped up to see Ghost being thrown up and back into the alley. Thoughts of the cat was abandoned as Dazzler and John rushed over to the group to see Ghost hovering over steps that lead downwards to a knob-less door with only a cat door at its bottom.

"What happened?" Dazzler demanded to know.

Highlight flitted over Ghost in worry. "We were checking the different places here for signs of life. For some reason, all the consciousness I sensed here have been blocked. Your friend volunteered to go inside this one."

"And?" Laxus asked, impatient. "What did you see?"

Ghost rubbed his forehead. "It didn't look human," he explained. "It looked like a monster in there."

After Dazzler relayed this to the group, Psyphon proposed, "Maybe it's one of the evil things running around here?"

"No." Hybrid cocked her head with an amused smile curling on her face as she eyed the door. "Not an evil monstah. Brawla. Lovah. It has a name."

"What else can you see?" Psyphon asked.

Hybrid twinkled her hands before her face as her irises lightened. "I do not see. I just know," she corrected. "Obeah-baby. Powerful. Sleep. Sik. Two sleep. Broni uman sik. Eboe uma. Two backra. Deh pure. One backra has two faces. Both want deh sik uman."

"She said she sees a sick white woman, a tan girl, two white men, and a sick little girl," Atomic translated. "One of the white men has two faces and both of them want the sick woman." She looked at the Fairy Tail Mages. "Does that mean anything to you?"

Laxus shook his head while Dazzler thought on it more. "Ghost saw something that wasn't human. Hybrid said it was a brawler—so, like a fighter—and a lover, but it wasn't a monster. And it has a name. It has two faces…" A conclusion came sharp. "That's Gary! We're in the right place!" Without warning, she clambered down the steps to knock on the door. "Gary!" she called. "Gary, it's me! It's D—Mmmph!" She glared at Masahiko who covered her mouth with a heavy hand.

"Keep it quiet," Atomic snapped in a whisper. "We don't know who is listening to us or if it really is your friend. We can't risk becoming targets." She nodded over to Highlight who nodded back. Highlight flew down the steps and a blue hue washed over her as she passed through them both and into the room.

Masahiko let go of Dazzler's mouth to pull her back a few steps, ignoring her vile glare. Everyone watched in bated breath for Highlight to come back through.

Another moment passed… And another passed… And more passed…

"Mrrow."

Dazzler was spooked as the white cat from before went between her legs, gave her an odd look, then disappeared into the cat door. She scowled. "Damn kitty."

Another moment passed… And another… And an—

CLICK.

The door opened and everyone was on full alert. When it opened to its full extent, Dazzler's eyes went wide with relief. "G—!" A hand was slapped onto her mouth and she made a noise of protest.

Hard cerulean looked around at the party formed. "Come inside, all of you," he hissed softly. "Be quick. We don't have time to waste." He grabbed Dazzler and pulled her deeper into the store with her mouth still at the mercy of his hand. She caught an eyeful of the antiques, but her eyes were focused on Gary and it looked like she wanted to cuss him out. When he brought her safely to the check-out counter, he let her go to dive into an explanation: "Sparkles, you have no idea—"

"Shut up."

Gary tensed nervously when Dazzler pointed a finger at him. "Yes, ma'am."

Dazzler huffed. "Jesus Christ, you gave me such a fucking heart attack, you asshat." Emotion took over her and she threw himself at him for a hug. "But I'm so glad you're okay."

Gary relaxed and hugged her back. "You're getting too sentimental, Sparkles," he teased her.

Dazzler sniffed and let him go. "It's been an emotional roller coaster; what can I say?"

"Fullbuster." It was Laxus who grunted this as he approached the S-Class Ice Mage. Both men grabbed each other's forearm in their greeting. "Nice to see you're alive. Interesting choice of location for a job assignment."

"You're telling me," Gary sighed as he let Laxus go. "It's good to see you guys, really. But how did you get here? And how did you know I was here?"

"That would be me."

The trio turned to see John approaching with easy eyes. He lazily saluted Gary. "Nice to meet ya, mate. Heard tons about ya. I'm the bloke who gathered this little band to crash the party."

"Well, the help is well-needed," Gary indulged. He turned to Laxus and Dazzler with distress on his face. "Something happened to Angel. She's weak and healing, but we need to get her out of here."

Before either Mage could offer a suggestion, a timid voice called, "May I help?"

Gary's eyes landed on the nervous, yet earnest Highlight and an eyebrow arched. "Who are you? I'm sorry, but I've never seen you around the guild before."

Atomic stepped forward with the door firmly closed behind her and her team. "She's not a Mage," she explained. "None of us are. We're here to rescue Miss Nashi Heartfilia-Dragneel."

Gary looked at Laxus and Dazzler for confirmation, but John said, "It's true. These fellas are here to save the lass. I'm just here on an assignment from my contractor. Your little guildmates came for the lot of ya. Thanks to me, we all assembled into one big lovely team. You're welcome."

Gary looked like he had a lot to say, but he decided against saying it. Offering a gentle look to Highlight, he murmured, "Well, if my guildmates trust you, I trust you. Angel's upstairs. Let me take you to her."

The white cat jumped up to the counter. "I'll take 'er," he rumbled.

Dazzler gaped. "That… That cat is—"

"Talking, I know," Gary chuckled. "Shocked the Hell out of me too, trust me." He turned to Muta. "Thanks, Muta. You'd be a big help." To Highlight, he assured, "You can trust him. He'll take you to Angel."

Highlight nodded as Muta leaped from the counter to lead her away. Laxus decided to carry the conversation towards Gary and said, "Obviously, there's a lot we don't know and a lot you don't know. We need to exchange info and set up shop." Jade flittered around. "Where's Lance and Aine?"

Gary tensed and looked away. "About that… They—"

"Don't start without us."

Everyone looked towards the staircase opening to see two people entering the ground floor with armor protecting them. A beautiful man with turquoise hair brushed into a warrior's bun while the woman had golden eyes enriched in curiosity. Their armor shined like nothing anyone had ever seen.

The woman lifted her chin towards the group. "If it's all right with you, Little Devil, I think it's time we play a game of introductions."

°•°•°•°

The group had settled down at the floor table in the dining room with tea, ale, and water passed around. Mirella and Kyler had long-since introduced themselves to the group with everyone exchanging names and the flow of information and stories well-received. Kyler impressed Cascade with his knowledge of ASL and she merrily signed to him. Masahiko was interested in Mirella who grinned at him and snapped her teeth at him in her amusement.

The silent weapon shifter had the corner of his lips twitch.

Laxus took a long drink of his ale. "Can't fault Lance," he decided to say. "Did the right thing followin' his girl."

"What's the use of following her if neither of them survive?" Dazzler muttered, morbid. "God!" She ran her hands back through her hair. "Guys, what are we going to do?" She ticked off a finger for each problem. "Nashi nearly died and she's pretty much in an induced coma until otherwise. We have a big bad Demon overlord funneling more souls than Aunt Cana does with a keg. Lance and Aine are missing. We have no way home." She threw up her hands. "I'm starting to feel like this was a suicide mission."

"Does that make us the suicide squad?" Ghost wondered in a self-mutter.

"Calm down, D," John soothed. "Just because everything went all to pot doesn't mean it's hopeless." He took out a cigarette and struck a light with his lighter. Lighting it up, he took a drag. "Just need to rearrange our tactics."

"He's not wrong," Mirella spoke, overhearing them and effectively quietening all side conversation. "We all came here for different reasons, but our goals lead down one way. To keep the people we love or came for safe and finish our assignments, we have to take down Bael."

"The question is 'how'?" Psyphon questioned. "Even I can't siphon that much energy from something as massive as that."

Atomic hummed, thoughtful. Turning to Kyler and Mirella, she stated, "We're out of our element here. We have powers and we've faced terrible mutants before, but we've never faced anything like this. As Angel-born and a Demigod, your insight would be helpful."

Mirella straightened her shoulders. "Bael is one of the first Demons born in a Universe or realm. He controls around sixty-six legions of lesser Daemons, Darklings, and Dark Creatures. As you can tell, appearance, illusions, invisibility—these are all his special attributes."

"So what made you think you could face against him?" Atomic challenged. "I saw the battle armor. Even for both of your bloodlines, wouldn't it be—?"

"Bael is my father."

The room was stunned (with the exception of Gary and Kyler) as all eyes fell upon the unashamed Mirella.

Kyler whispered to her hurriedly, "Arezodi, you don't have to—"

"No, Kyler, I do." Mirella warmed her hand over his in assurance. "It's okay." Turning to the group, she said, "I am the creation of a Demon and a Demigod. My mother—Hemera—was a Demigod herself. From what I gather, she didn't consent to Bael at all and, in the process, she fell pregnant with me. After he killed her, he kept me. He trained me to be the perfect weapon. I am one of the few remaining children of his. But I am the only child he considers worthy for his succession."

Dazzler blinked rapidly. "So, you're—"

"So let's talk weakness," Laxus interrupted. "You were under his thumb for years—"

"Centuries," Mirella corrected.

"Centuries," Laxus amended, not even flinching at the implication. "Did he have any noticeable weaknesses?"

Mirella chose her words carefully. "As you have seen or will see, those with darker natures are slaves to the seven sins. If something appeals to that sin, it's natural they will do what they can to have it." Her eyes went to her lap. "My mother was most likely his greatest weakness," she revealed. "She was the thing he coveted most."

"He not luv her," Hybrid piped up, casting Mirella such a knowing look. "He nevah did."

Mirella consented to that with a nod. "He didn't. He's too far into Demonhood to ever love anything. But in some sick, twisted way, he cared about her."

"He was greedy for her."

Dazzler jumped and yelped, hand over her heart as she bumped into John while even Laxus' eyebrows shot up and John looked a bit disturbed to see Skade had overtaken Gary's body with serious icy-blue eyes and arms crossed along his chest.

"He felt no love, but he felt the insatiable need to keep her and possess her. She was his obsession," Skade theorized. "He lusted for her every hour, held greed for her, held envy for any who captured her attention for a moment, held wrath to those who touched her. She would never escape his ultimate sin." He looked up. "Are you going to shoot me?"

Atomic had gotten up the second Skade merged with Masahiko transitioned into a gun and pointed straight for Skade's forehead. "Are you friend or foe?" she asked back.

"Neither," Skade snapped. "I am Angel's. I am hers. She is mine. Nothing else matters."

Atomic studied him for a moment before nodding. "All right." She let the gun go for Masahiko to shift back into his human form.

"Wh—? 'All right'?" Dazzler wheezed. "What the Hell is going on because I'm so fucking shook right now—!"

Skade cut in, "But the mother is dead. So we will have to try another weakness." He tipped his head at Mirella. "Any other weaknesses?"

She opened her mouth, but a scowl overtook her just as Skade growled. "He's here," she snarled.

On alert, the entire table took up arms with Cascade putting back on her helmet and Laxus charging himself with lightning. "Who?" Laxus demanded to know.

Mirella got up and stalked out of the dining room. With her gone, Kyler took up answering the question. "From what I gather, Bael, like most Demons his age and strength, have a weakness to light and purity. He's unable to touch me because it burns him."

"That's a thing?" Dazzler questioned dubiously. "The whole 'I'm melting, I'm melting' isn't a sham?"

John nodded his agreement with Kyler. "Makes sense. When I'm dealing with things from the Hellscape, the moonstone does the trick to put 'em back through the gates of Hell." He snuffed out his cigarette. "But that is a bit problematic seeing how we're down on things all good and pure. No offense, mate, but your energy in comparison to the energy I feel from the motherfucker doesn't look like it'll fair well."

"And we need to worry about his second-in-command," Kyler tacked on. "His name is Mammon, a Daemon that's followed Bael for millennia. He is not someone to be easily trifled with, even if he is a servant."

Psyphon asked, "Have you faced him?"

"Never," Kyler admitted. "Mirella can tell you more. She sparred with Mammon."

Muta came into the dining room in a Cat Form with Highlight walking behind him. She bowed before entering and announced to everyone, "I have done what I can for both Nashi and Talia. They both require rest for their spirits, but their physical bodies are healed."

Kyler bowed in deep appreciation. "Thank you, Miss Highlight. Your hard work is greatly appreciated."

Highlight waved her hands to dismiss such gratitude. "Oh, please, don't thank me! If anything, their own blood did most of the work." She went to sit beside Atomic and Muta flopped on his back beside her, meowing. She giggled and entertained him with scratches to the head. "They will be just fine."

"Good." Mirella came back into the dining room with an acidic expression. "Because Nashi's mate is here."

The moment Pazuzu came into the room, Skade was on his feet with teeth bared and fury overtaking his body. He reached with a fist of cursed ice made and went to punch Pazuzu when Mirella caught the first with ease. "Stand down," she snapped at him. "He's not here for you guys to start measuring dicks."

Skade shook her off to keep a firm glare on Pazuzu. "That is not why I wish to harm him, but that fight will be fought another day." A threat that held merit.

Mirella scoffed. "Please, you're just bitchy because you didn't get to stick it into the princess and only got to do foreplay."

"Hold up!" Dazzler pointed at Skade. "That monster tried to have sex with Nashi?"

Skade bristled and pierced Dazzler with something chilling. "My name is Skade, wench,"he sneered. "You would do best to remember that. And do not think I have forgotten how you have treated my Female. I am showing great restraint from fighting you for insulting her as you did only on her request."

Dazzler swallowed as guilt gnawed at her while John rushed to her defense. "Oy, mate? Let's take a little easy, ay? Nice an' easy. Sun's gettin' real low."

Skade gave Dazzler one last curl of the lip before turning to Pazuzu. "Our business is not finished." A low snarl couching remembrance.

Pazuzu nodded. "It isn't," he acknowledged in confirmation. "Another time."

Skade resigned and fell back, but he kept his eyes on Pazuzu.

Mirella sighed, gesturing lamely towards Pazuzu. "For those of you who don't know, this is Pazuzu, another Devil and the apple of Nashi's eye, apparently."

"I Marked her," Pazuzu explained, ignoring when Skade's claws unsheathed and dug into the table. "I am still under the control of my Maker. Their business involves taking down Bael and seeing the first princess alive."

"Another Devil?" Laxus grunted, perturbed. "What the Hell sort of place is this?"

"I'd like to know too," Atomic put in. "It seems around every corner a surprise is waiting for us. And I don't like surprises."

Mirella sat back down next to Kyler. "Last surprise, I promise. Now." She looked at Pazuzu. "What was so important you decided to drop by? Don't tell me. Here to try and kill one of us."

Pazuzu shook his head. "No. I am here for you, actually."

"No," Kyler cut in, shaking his head. "I don't care what you want, but no."

"Kyler," Mirella growled.

Kyler whirled on her. "This could still be a trap," he insisted. "I'm shocked you thought letting him inside was a good idea. He's allied with your sister, Mirella."

"Not necessarily," Mirella negated. Fingers went to his cheek and caressed them. Searching his eyes, she murmured, "Trust me, Kyler. All you have to do is trust me."

Kyler searched her eyes for a moment before sighing. He turned to kiss her fingertips. "I do."

Mirella hummed.

Pazuzu looked around at the new faces and assessed. "I can sense the amount of power in this room. All of you combined would make a worthy opponent for Mammon. But Bael is the one you have little chance against. He is as cunning as he is powerful. And with his ties to the millions of creatures in his little realm, he has an infinite amount of power."

"People being used as batteries," Ghost whispered.

Pazuzu shot Ghost a puzzled look before looking at Skade. "Is this your Reaper?"

"Then, we need to tear out the batteries," John deduced as Skade shook his head to Pazuzu's question. "If those people are his lifeline, we need to cut the cord. But the question is how? It seems like the bastard has himself pretty covered."

"Yes, but so do we," Atomic reminded. "We have a variety of powers with many ways to use them."

"Finite ways," John countered. "Magic and mutations may do just fine within the laws and systems of our realms. But this is a realm far beyond our own laws and systems. We have to fight in a new set of rules we don't know."

As Psyphon spoke about to dive into his own theories of the logistics of this realm, Pazuzu gestured to Skade with the tip of his head. Both Devils drifted out of the dining room with everyone aware of their leave, but no one wanted to follow after them or stop them. Once outside, Pazuzu told Skade, "I would like to see her."

Skade hardened. "She is sleeping."

"I am asking you out of courtesy of your emotion towards her," Pazuzu reminded in veiled warning. "Do not make me ask again. There will be no second time."

Skade knew that, but it did not mean it sat well with him. He wrestled down the whispers of challenge to begrudgingly nod and lead Pazuzu up the steps. The second floor was quiet, save for the murmurs of the downstairs. A few bedrooms resided with sliding doors and one had a westernized door that swung open. Skade took him to the second door on the left and slid open the door. Before crossing the threshold, he called quietly, "We have a guest, Sabertooth."

Following after Skade, the first thing Pazuzu noticed was that Nashi was not alone. A battle-scarred lion lay at the floor at the foot of the bed with elongated fangs and watchful eyes. The symbol burned onto is its powerful hips made Pazuzu realize what it was. "A Celestial Spirit."

"Býleistr," the Leo Minor Spirit greeted with no warmth. He flicked his ears before looking over to Nashi.

Pazuzu followed its gaze to see Nashi atop the covers dressed in a loose kimono almost like a hospital gown. Color had flooded back into her skin with her chest rising and falling in slow breath. Someone had bathed her. He could smell that much. He could smell the tingle of divine purity oozing from her pores. It burned him a little like when someone smelled too much mint or eucalyptus, but he grew accustomed to it after a few moments. Skade had gotten onto the bed to murmur his encouragement to Nashi, stroking her hair (it had been tied into a bun). Something about the scene pained Pazuzu in a way that he refused to show. Instead, he had to know, "What happened?"

Skade did not look at him as he answered, "She tried to leave me. The Sabertooth, the Magic Cat, and I made sure she did not."

"She is overflowing with divinity," Pazuzu noted. "Blood transfusion?"

"Something similar, yes," Skade answered in vague. "It was the only way to save her."

Pazuzu nodded and made a move to the bed. He stopped when Skade tensed and the Lion Spirit lifted its great head with warning in its eyes. Pazuzu did not show teeth as he said, "Do not make this any harder. I simply will sit on the bed and will not touch her. I may have the ability to kill you, but I recognize your need for her. I did not respect that before. I respect it now." He took another step.

Skade did nothing.

Pazuzu sat on the edge of the bed to get a better look at Nashi. He saw no blemishes, no bumps, no bruises. She looked as good as new. "You gave her the Enoch's blood mouth to mouth," Pazuzu predicted.

Skade looked up, baffled. "How—?"

"I was once a young Devil too," Pazuzu reminded. "Anyone with an eye could see how you could not handle another person touching her, let alone putting their mouth on her. And operating a typical terran transfusion would not work in this environment. You must have bathed her too. I doubt you allowed any creature to see her naked." To Skade's surprise, he saw a flicker of pride cross Pazuzu's face. "You have taken care of your Female."

Skade tried to push down his embarrassment. If he was in his Demon Form, he would be licking his chest to save face. "Yes, well… She is the only one for me. No other human could compare to her." Darkness masked his face. "I had hoped her hand would be the first to be on my dick."

Pazuzu assessed the Winter Devil. "Bael."

Skade nodded, silent.

"He is a cruel and domineering Demon," Pazuzu conceded. "Being Devil-made, I rarely appealed to him. He made his attempts and forced me to cum, but he never thought me worthy of being his newest plaything. But you… You are a Devil-born. You hold more interest."

Skade squared his shoulders. "As does my Female."

"Yes." Pazuzu looked back down at Nashi. "Both of you are at the right age for mating. It will be worse for her. Not only is she the firstborn Etherious Demon, but she carries with her a permanent purity not even sex can ruin. Darklings will try their hardest to possess that purity for themselves. Only mating can tone down her purity."

A snarl. "If you had let me finish—"

Pazuzu's snarl overruled his. "Not in these circumstances," he snapped back. "She is too young to survive a full mating. And in both of your Demon Forms, you might have accidentally conceived. Neither of you are ready for the weight that would carry. She would constantly be followed with creatures waiting to snatch her and your kit. If you did not conceive, she would be driven into a heat until you conceived. If she was alone during that time—"

"I would never leave her alone—!"

"You would be forced to!" Pazuzu bit. "Don't act like you know better. I have seen this and lived this. Even leaving to hunt for her would leave those who want her a prime opportunity to kidnap her. Even leaving her side to pee would leave her vulnerable. Don't act so selfish. Think of her life. Think of how much your sated lust would impact her lif—!"

"It's not just lust!" Skade insisted in a hiss.

"Then, what is it?" Pazuzu hissed back. "What are you—?"

"Mmm…"

Both Devils froze when Nashi let out a deep moan of distress. Skade went to her side to hush her, curling her into his arms. She fell against him and the wrinkles in her forehead smoothened out.

The Leo Minor Spirit got up to shake his mane and spoke quietly, "If you two want to have a pissing contest, do it away from my mistress. She needs her rest and I will be damned if you two rob her of that." Claws unsheathed, Býleistr glared at them. "Understood?"

Pazuzu forced himself to breathe. "Yes. The princess does need her rest." He eyed Skade. "Just know… Regardless of how I may treat you all, the princess' best interest is my target."

"I know." Skade flicked his eyes up to meet Pazuzu's. "I never smelt you lying when you said such things. I cannot help but wonder why she means so much to your cause. But I cannot find myself to care." Attention turned back to Nashi. "As long as she is protected and safe, I care little who it is from." He rubbed his cheek against her temple. "She gave me the greatest gift of all: a name. My debt to her is endless."

"But it goes deeper than that," Pazuzu recognized.

Skade nodded. "The Dark Tongue has little words that the humans do for their species' romantic tendencies. But as I learn more from my human's speech and feelings and cues and his memories, I hope I may understand my own emotions towards Angel."

Pazuzu watched Devil coddle Angel in a series of coos and nuzzles. As Býleistr settled back down with a big yawn, Pazuzu could not help but think, He is evolving faster than I imagined. His care for the first princess is more than Master had thought. Now it's the unpredictable human side we need to watch.

°•°•°•°

Mammon wiped the bit of blood from his cheek with a handkerchief. "Sire…?" He looked around.

The office was nice and neat unless you looked to the right where a quarter of the waitstaff had been thoroughly screwed before their mangled deaths. The last one in particular had endured their genitals being ripped off prior to their release and Bael was suited back with cattish eyes and a pensive expression as he sat behind his desk. He looked like he was pouting almost.

"May I remind you we have aliens in your game?" Mammon reminded. "Are you sure you want to play?"

Bael sneered. "What I want is Mirella back and she isn't here." He served his second with a glare. "Why isn't she on my lap, Mammon? It was your responsibility to bring her to me alive."

Mammon was not deterred. "You know as well as I once Mirella got back her daughter, she would run."

RAH!

Bael had flipped his desk in seething rage, eyes turning pure gold and a feline muzzle shifting his face. Nails extending into claws, he hissed, "I want her here, Mammon. She is the only thing left I have of Hemera." Grunting, he shuddered at the name. "My Hemera. The creature who could be my match. She was perfect. The way her legs opened…" He shivered as his hand went boldly for the bulge in his pants.

Mammon did not blink. "Sire, you can only look at the after-image, but you can't touch. Hemera killed—"

"Don't say it!" Bael roared as he threw a vase for Mammon (he dodged it with a simple tilt of the head). "No, Hemera would never leave me! She loved the way I fucked her. Every time I came inside her, she would beg for more. She would never kill herself! Only I get to kill her!"

"Of course, Your Darkness," Mammon conceded. "But with her gone, Mirella is the only one with Hemera's genes. You will have to settle for breeding her instead. And might I suggest you do not use claws when you do."

Bael panted before taking a deep breath. In his moment of peace, he withdrew his claws and became noticeably more human. "You're right, Mammon," he decided. "I'll take her in my human form before she sees my true form." He looked outside and wrinkled his nose. "Speaking of humans, I've had my fill. Their species is too tame for me to fuck."

"Where to, then?" Mammon questioned.

Bael shrugged as he waved a hand. The cosmos appeared before the pair of them. Mammon seemed conveniently the center of another planetary system while Bael walked through a miniature black hole. He scooped up a planet darted in red and blue. "The Sakura Cosmos seems interesting," he noted. "The Collector owes me some prime pussy anyways."

"Sakura Cosmos, it is." Mammon lets his feline eyes glow for a moment. It appears something disturbed him when his eyes stopped.

Bael arched an eyebrow. "Lost your touch?"

"No, My Darkness, I…" Mammon had an odd look on his face. "I can't move it."

Bael rolled his eyes. "If you didn't want to do, say it to my face." His own eyes glowed as he—

Nothing.

Nothing happened.

Teeth gritted, Bael growled, "The Hell is this? Why aren't we moving?"

°•°•°•°

It was a grunt that had everyone looking at Kyler as two fingers pressed into his forehead. Mirella consoled him without hesitation. "Kyler, what's wrong?"

"It's Bael," Kyler gasped. "He's trying to shift the labyrinth."

Psyphon looked alarmed. "Can he do that?"

"What do you mean by shift it?" Atomic demanded to know. "I thought we said no more surprises?"

Kyler groaned as more pain hit him while Muta intervened. "My kit here tied this labyrinth to Earth Land to keep Bael from stealing more creatures from other universes and ensure the kit upstairs and all the terrans from this planet can make it home. Earth Land hasn't been cultivated yet with any gates."

"Does this mean the dimension will move?" Highlight feared.

Mirella shook her head. "Bael may be strong, but his power against Kyler's is iffy," she confessed. "Essentially, they're playing tug-a-war."

"And I'm winning," Kyler wheezed. Shooting Mirella an urgent look, he croaked, "Get everyone ready. Once Bael sees he's not going anywhere, his wrath will take over. I've been over this with the Time Oracle. Muta will know what to do." His eyes closed as he bit his lip from crying out at the searing pain.

Dazzler's face pinched in worry. "We can't just leave you," she insisted.

Kyler managed a rough smile. "Don't worry, Miss Lafayette. This fight is one only I can succeed in. Fighting a physical battle with a Demon is taxing, but a mental battle is the real fight." Smoothening a hand over Mirella's, he whispered, "Go. Get them ready."

Mirella searched his eyes before nodding. "Piss him off and you have my love for a lifetime."

"I already do." Kyler doubled over in a choke before he could finish his cocky remark.

Mirella looked to the group and the expressions about them. "Double down, people. Kyler's fighting the good fight, but we're about to hit the next battle in this war. I want you suited up or whatever you mortals do. Because when Bael realizes he lost, it's over for us and the millions to billions of souls he collected."

°•°•°•°

This time, Mammon dodged a ripped-off leg heading straight for him as Bael raged, veins ready to pop. Bael shouted, "This is my labyrinth! Mine! I should be in control of it! Why aren't I in control of it?"

"The Enoch," Mammon guessed. "It is quite possible the Enoch is held responsible for this. No other creature would dare defy such a vile lord as yourself."

"Compliment-time isn't now, Mammon," Bael snapped. He began to pace. "So, Mirella's little fuck toy wants to play? Fine. Let's have playtime earlier than I liked." He glared at Mammon. "Where is my labyrinth tied to?"

Mammon's eyes glazed over before he returned to normal. "We're tied to a planet called 'Earth Land', a terran planet that still retains an Ether Core."

That called Bael's interest. "An Ether Core, you said? Earth Land?" A maniacal grin exploded on his face. "So, we're on the same planet the Etherious Demon King is on?" He licked his lips. "That must mean that juicy little mate of his is on this planet and the youngest female everyone has been dying to get their hands on. The Enoch did all the work for us, Mammon."

"It would appear so, Sire," Mammon agreed readily. "What is our next move?"

Bael chuckled as he headed over to the window. "I think it's time we drop the veil between our world"—his eyes glowed—"and theirs."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

On Earth Land…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KRRRRRRR—!

"Are we li—?"

KRRRRRRRR—!

The static flickered.

"Ar—?"

The picture glitched in and out. A man came into the picture with static making it difficult for all the pixels to keep his body in one place. Screams and crying blew around him as people looked up in fear or were quick to getaway. He had a hand to his earpiece before the static cleared. Looking off to the side, he gave a tiny nod before looking into the camera. "This just in. Without any clear explanation, an entire small-sized country of a city has seemed to appear in the sky and has been steady falling."

He jerked when a woman bumped into him in her haste to leave. "We received word out Sky Boat has not been given clearance to further investigate until the military has officially diagnosed the situation. Still, though, Irma… This is insane!" He looked up with his own fear splattered across his face. "It looks like the sky is literally falling! Folks, you have to—"

KRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CLICK!

The LV was shut off with just one press of a button. The remote was set down on a stand. The room was horribly filled with shiny things. It had been remodeled, but it kept the sound structure from centuries ago. It was the Blue Sitting Room with furniture, drapes, curtains, and the wallpaper all in hues of blue to keep the theme tied together.

Men and women in suits and ties and pencil skirts and stockings had gathered in the room, each muttering about their theories and ideas and worries about the situation. Some stood on the outskirts as simple bodyguards, not paid to voice thoughts, only to protect.

A handkerchief wiped at a chapped mouth. "Is de pers verzameld?"

"Ja." A woman with luscious brunette hair was the culprit in her pantsuit and bright blue eyes ready for anything. "De persconferentie kamer is helemaal klaar. We wachten op de laatste aankomst van de Times dan zal ik u voorstellen." She hesitated. "Maar is het echt verstandig om Zijne Majesteit niet bij de zaak te betrekken?"

A croaking chuckle, calculated. "Adjunct, Zijne Majesteit is hier erg bij betrokken. Waarom, zei hij dat ik de briefing met de pers moest verwerken."

She bit back a retort to instead say, "Ja, maar... De mensen hebben Zijne Majesteit niet al te vaak gezien. Zelfs ik heb niet het genoegen gehad om in zijn grace te zijn. Kan ik voorstellen—?"

"Viceministre-premier, ken uw plaats."

She bowed her head after irritation flickered through her eyes. "Mijn verontschuldigingen, ministre-premier." She gestured to the grand doors. "Als je me wilt excuseren, zal ik zien dat de media kalm worden." With the jerk of her head, her security detail followed her and her executive assistant. The grand doors opened with shouts and camera flashes going off before closing again.

A hard frown. "Directeur, als de vicepremier te onbevooroordeeld begint te worden..."

The Director—a bald-headed man with a farmer's tan—nodded. "Natuurlijk, meneer." He nodded to one of the bodyguards who slipped away. As he watched the person on the couch get up, he questioned, "Kunnen we je iets bestellen…?"

The person cracked their back before adjusting their glasses to show frigid hazel and a beauty mark beneath the left eye.

"…ministre-premier?"

"Zijne Majesteit blijft in hoge spirituelen. Onze arme zieke koning...alleen overgebleven lid van de late koninklijke familie…" His eyes drifted to the portrait in the room. It had been painted and kept restored. A family of the queen mother who had passed and the prince consort, a shining pair with his red hair and her fanged smile. One son was graced to them as the oldest and five daughters. The daughters shared freckles and their mother's brown hair and tenacity while the eldest looked shy, hiding an eye behind his red hair.

The Prime Minister went up to the painting to touch the young boy's face. "Gedwongen om koning te worden na de tragische dood van zijn hele familie. Waarom..."

°•°•°•°

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

A cold room so clinical and so unnerving. The curtains had been shut to avoid any natural sunlight and a PCNA sat in the room full alert with two guards against the wall at all times.

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

The patient was covered in a few blankets to keep them warm. A ventilator was the only thing keeping them breathing and an endotracheal tube was down their throat. His TEDs (anti-embolism stockings) would need changing soon, as would the catheter, but the caregiver would be doing that in a few moments after checking his monitor screen again.

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

The heart rate still kept its slow rate, only regulated through its defibrillator. Not a single human sound came from the patient wrapped in gauze and stunningly deep red hair kept short to keep him from sweating,

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

°•°•°•°

"Ik weet niet of hij wakker wordt." The Prime Minister knocked back a sip of water. "Zelfs niet de kreten voor hulp van zijn volk tegen de likes van Magi." He held out his hand and his assistant rushed to get the glass. "Het is tijd dat we onze grote ingang maken en de mensen geven wat ze willen."

His assistant—a lean man with a baby face and uncertain murky eyes—nervously piped, "W-Wat zou dat zijn, minister-premier?"

"Een oorzaak," the Prime Minister answered as he buttoned his jacket. "Een reden om deze kleine 'Magische' onzin voor eens en voor altijd te beëindigen."

°•°•°•°

Everyone was up and moving with gear being adjusted and readjusted and chants and prayers alike flitting about. Mirella was double-checking Kyler's armor was fitted right and making sure nothing shifted. Psyphon grabbed Cascade's hands with his gloves on and rubbed his thumbs on her palms. Pazuzu looked like he was centering himself in meditation. Laxus and Atomic were exchanging low words with Masahiko close by. John absently played with his lighter when he noticed Dazzler looking at the opening the led up the steps. He nudged her. "Shilling for ya thoughts?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Dazzler brushed off, though her tone sounded unconvincing.

John glanced at the opening and back at her. "Go on," he whispered. "We'll be doing one last rundown of the plan anyways. Get ya mate and bring 'im down."

Dazzler looked at John in a mixture of hope, hesitation, and anxiety. "You sure?"

John tucked locks behind her ear and nodded. "Go."

Sending him a grateful nod, Dazzler slipped out of the throng to dart up the steps. She cursed when a step creaked under her, but it did not deter her from making it to the second floor. When she did, she immediately knew which one was Nashi's when she saw the door was half-open. Slowly, she approached it to take a peek inside. It was a normal bedroom, but when she saw the giant lion that stared directly at her, losing her cool came close. A deep breath was taken and she summoned enough strength to come into the room…

…only to see Skade hovering over Nashi.

Dazzler had to tamper down the need to bat Skade off when she truly discovered what he was doing. He was…whispering sweet nothings? "Ahem," she coughed.

Skade did not look at her as he rumbled, "What is it you want, wench?"

Dazzler twiddled her fingers. "I wanted to see Nashi for myself and—"

"You saw her. Get out."

Dazzler took all her agitation and swallowed it down. "Look," she began, "I understand we didn't get off to the best start, but—"

"You called me a 'monster' and insulted my Angel." Skade kissed Nashi's forehead, but he showed Dazzler his sneer. "You chose for us not to have a 'best start'."

A throaty chuckle.

Dazzler turned, wide-eyed, to see the lion was…laughing at her? "Okay…" she whispered to herself. "Talking cat races. Just gonna ignore that. I've seen weirder shit." Back to Skade and Nashi. She took off her hat to twirl it between fingers. "You're right," she agreed. "I did call you that. And I did insult Nashi. I might have apologized to Gary and Nashi for it, but I didn't apologize to you."

Skade paused.

Now that Dazzler had his attention, she was not about to let it go. "I am truly sorry for offending you on different levels. I hit where it hurt and that was low of me to do. You see, Gary has been my best friend since I came to Fairy Tail. He's been there for me in so many situations and cared about me that I became one of the worst protective tropes a character could be. You're not a disease Gary has and I know better than that. You are a creature with a heart, a mind, a soul, and feelings. Feelings I hurt. And I'm so sorry for that."

Skade was still quiet.

Dazzler rolled her lips. Hope deflated within her. "Well, I guess I should go then… That was all I wanted to say… So…" Even her hope he would stop her died a little when she turned around and made her way back to the do—

"Wench."

Dazzler whirled around, eager to be forgiven. "Yes?"

"I still do not like you."

Dazzler blinked, taken back. "Oh… I see."

"The human has female companions I tolerate," Skade continued. "But you touch him in a familiar way that I do not like. I cannot control the human's actions, but I can control mine. So let me make this clear." Head lifted, icy blue pierced glacially into her eyes. "My body belongs to Angel. No female will touch it. That is a sign of disrespect towards her. Her feelings may be confused with my human, but she and I have a different relationship. There is no 'convenience' in it."

Dazzler swallowed and nodded. "I understand that now."

"Good," Skade grunted. "That is all you will get from me. The human kept pestering me to 'make up' with you, as you humans say. I have done that."

"Wait." Dazzler wanted to know if she was hearing this right. "Gary was saying for you to do this? When?"

"Now." Skade flinched and rubbed his head. "The human would like to…apologize for my less than friendly words. Which I do not understand since I am being 'friendly' considering my claws are not ripping out your throat."

"He can hear you?" Dazzler gasped (she dutifully ignored that last sentence). "But…how can you—?"

"We share a body," Skade explained, not caring he was cutting her off. "We allow each other to sense through the other's senses. When he fucks Angel, I fuck her too. When he kisses Angel, I kiss her too. When he licks Angel's—"

"Okay, I got it," Dazzler promised, holding out a hand for him to stop.

"So do I." Býleistr rose his head in annoyance. "Wolverine, don't openly fantasize about the little princess. I can taste your lust, asshole. Don't even think about trying to wake her up that way."

Dazzler gaped. Oh, my God! How could he say that when Skade—

CHUCKLE.

—is laughing?! Dazzler shrieked within her mind.

Skade's shoulders shook. "Do not worry, Sabertooth. Until Angel has given me consent to rouse her with my fingers and tongue, I will keep them to myself for now," he promised in good humor while Býleistr grumbled to himself and laid back down.

What is going on? Dazzler cried. Taking in deep breaths, she decided, Okay. Now's not the time for that. Time for answers. Clearing her throat for a second time, she asked Skade, "Just to be clear here… You and Nashi didn't, like…you know…" At Skade's cocked head, Dazzler put her pointer finger through her fist.

"Not yet," Skade answered, though he sounded put out at such a negative answer. "Soon, yes, but not yet."

"Yeah, about that," Dazzler stepped in. "How does that work, exactly? Like, are you and Gary in an open relationship or polyamorous or plain 'this is a throuple' thing or…?"

Skade furrowed his eyebrows. "I understand not any of those terms," he put it bluntly. "Angel is with me and the human. We agree when it comes to Angel. We will share Angel."

"And…you're okay with that?"

Skade shrugged. "The alternative is to battle to the death. But as the human is me and I am the human, it would be a suicide," he reasoned. While Dazzler mouthed okay to herself, Skade continued: "It does not matter. We feel what the other feels. The human has yet to learn how to block me for I am stronger than him."

"What if Nashi only wants one of you?" Dazzler pressed. "What, are you going to fight then?"

"No. She will always want me," Skade said simply.

Dazzler nearly fell over. What an ego! "Well," she breathed aloud, "say your good-byes and get ready because everyone is ready to rock and roll downstairs." She turned around to let herself out—

"Thank you…Sparkles."

Dazzler froze. Slowly, she turned to see one of the Devil's eyes was full of warm cerulean. It was blinked back to icy blue for Skade to go back to ignoring her and paying attention only to Nashi. A smile on her face, Dazzler left and shut the door behind her. A few more moments won't hurt them…

°•°•°•°

Everyone had gathered in the store part of the house full of antiques, even Býleistr who rescinded back to his half-man half-lion form. He kept close to the staircase with one ear always open for any noise the two upstairs occupants could make. Mirella and Kyler took pointe as they assembled the team. Mirella whistled for quiet and she got it. "Listen up, people and creatures. I don't care what race you are or what realm you're from. We have a Demon to kill and millions more to save. There is no back-up. There is no help. It's just us."

"And that's enough," Atomic added.

Mirella nodded. "The only thing we can rely on is the government of Bellum will announce a mandatory evacuation on Ketchum and its neighbors."

"Right," Kyler agreed. "It will take hours for any emergency support and military to rally enough to come to where we are, at the heart of Ketchum. Which means we need to take down Bael once and for all and get as many people out of here as safely as possible.

We've already paired off. Mirella, Muta, and Pazuzu will be leaving to see how they can detach Bael from the millions trapped here. We're on the ground floor. Ghost, Highlight, Cascade, the three of you will be crowd control. Making sure no attacks hit the innocent and sectioning them off so it's easier for us to fight without knowing they're in harm's way. Right now, if you find any dead, make sure they are moved from any obstacles."

"And be careful with non-human creatures," Mirella added. "Psyphon, that's where you come in. If you catch non-terran creatures, take away their powers momentarily and knock them out. The last thing we need are humans to go insane over seeing creatures that haven't lived here in centuries. Hybrid, that's you too. You know things, sense things. Keep your eye on anything that is non-terran, knock them out, and stash the bodies where a regular human would not look."

"Dazzler and Jonathon," Kyler called, "as you are both Mystics with a profound magical vocabulary, you both will be in the field to manage the disaster zones. I want you clearing out dust, fixing cracks in the earth, and locking down buildings."

"Laxus, Skade, Atomic, and Masahiko, you four are our cherry pickers," Mirella commanded. "Any Dark Creatures alive and you make sure they're dead. Kyler will be using his staff to not only assist each of you and maintain direct command, but he will be taking down the more severe threats and looking out for Bael. Once he appears, Kyler will renew orders." She looked around. "Any questions?"

No one said a word.

"Then, it's showtime." She took her helmet and put it onto her head. She looked to see Kyler doing the same with his wings resting folded against his back.

Catching her stare, Kyler smiled. "Don't worry," he soothed. "Everything will work itself out."

"That's not what I'm worried about," Mirella muttered. "I'm worried about you and if Bael shows up too early before Pazuzu, Muta, and I get back. He's an unstoppable force who kidnapped and abused a Demigod. Kyler, the fucker has Midgard Dragon for a pet!"

"Which is why my mother gifted me with the Staff of Miracles," Kyler reminded her. "The Evil One's heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go."

"Oh, don't bible verse me," Mirella snapped at him without any real wrath. "This is serious, Kyler. Bael isn't one to mess with or take lightly. Knowing all my history on religion, there were ten plagues used with that staff. Ten miracles, Kyler. You have ten miracles before you don't have anymore."

"Which is why I don't plan to use it as my first line of defense," Kyler reasoned. He silenced her next words with a finger to her lips. "Thus saith the Lord," he murmured to her.

Mirella sighed and kissed his finger. "Just be careful," she prayed. "Talia and I just got you into our lives. We're a family, Kyler. She needs to meet her f—"

"Arezodi," he warned.

Mirella sighed again. "Bastard."

Kyler hummed his laughter. "Your bastard."

Skade rejected conversation to approach Býleistr. The Leo Minor Spirit arched an eyebrow at the approach of the Ice Devil. "Can I help you, Wolverine?" Býleistr asked, bored.

Skade flashed his teeth with no aggression backing it. "You are to watch my Angel with your life," he commanded. "I understand enough about Stars and your ties to humans. A contract must be to bind you to the human. You have no contract with my Angel which means you have no loyalty to her. But I warn you now." Frost huffed from Skade's mouth and misted over Býleistr. "If she is harmed in any way, I will not kill you. I will continue to shred you piece by piece, but it will be slow enough to ensure you do not immediately go back to the Star Realm." Silver entered icy blue. "Do you understand?"

Býleistr flattened his ears. "Loyalty or not, the girl is a Heartfilia. A Star's oath is to the Heartfilia Clan. She will be here when you return and perhaps awake." A dirty smoke crafted on his muzzle. "As long as she's not thoroughly exhausted from breaking my back and riding me all the way here."

Something lethal consumed Skade and his claws came out, ice threatening to sprout when Pazuzu appeared to push him back. "E shi hammoare," he ordered the Ice Devil in a low growl.

Skade kept his glacial glare on a smug Býleistr. "Yana bant'soma ni. Ke ji somero ea ka hao Malã'ika," he snarled.

"He may have an interest, but if you know much about Stars"—Pazuzu hit Býleistr with such an unnerving stare—"you know they are forbidden from being intimate with their masters. Not only would it strip away their Star status, but it would damn them back into the Void. Isn't that right, Cat?"

Býleistr tried not to let that affect him. "I'm not her little plaything yet, kitty-cat."

"But the Stars are loyal to the Heartfilia Clan, in your words," Pazuzu rebutted. "Wouldn't that mean fraternizing with them would be almost worse in a way?" He stepped closer to hiss in Býleistr's ear. "Watch yourself. I am capable of honing in his claws and teaching the boy how to handle himself. But if you dare touch the princess, you will answer to me. A Lion may have heart, but a Panther has their head." He stepped back with a flash of his canines. "Do we understand each other?"

Býleistr reigned in his growl. "Yes."

Pazuzu nodded and turned back to the frothing Skade. "We have no time to say a final good-bye to her," he reminded.

"Thoi'ma Malã'ika," Skade growled as silver threatened to overturn icy blue. "Bolaea ka…"

Pazuzu hissed and grabbed Skade while whispering something in the Ice Devil's ear. Every so often, Skade would look back at Býleistr as though he wanted to attack him, but he let Pazuzu guide him away.

Býleistr sighed. Stupid dick. His kitten might be attractive, but I'm not screwing up my one shot of getting back into the realm. Not again. Not this time. He glanced up the stairwell. But it just makes me wonder… Is she really the redemption I've been waiting for?

---

Brika had her eyes closed as the JLTV rolled out onto the dirt roads. Others followed in military camouflage, blending with the night. ATVs fanned out with their riders in black gear and their headlights the only thing allowing others to know their locations. Magnolia was within sight with a smoky orange haze climbing into the atmosphere and terrified screams and cries and sirens piercing the air.

One of Brika's specialists was in the driver's seat with a sergeant, two techs, and a private alongside her and her lieutenant-colonel. Communications came through with the Fiore Force and the Rescue Rangers keeping an ETA status with them at all times and the Magnolia-station guardsmen updating their own status of the situation. Her hand cupped the pommel of her sword like she was in prayer. Gabriel sat back with his arms crossed, eyes closed, as he readied himself for battle.

"Incoming," came crackle of the radio. "The AMU third unit has made gates."

Brika's hand gripped the pommel. "Specialist Couffaine," she muttered, "what's our ETA?"

"We touch in under two minutes," the specialist replied.

"Make it one." Brika opened her eyes with a burn inside them. "I will not let that group of Magusi interfere with real government work."

"Yes, sir."

"And the rest of my men?"

"Fanned out upon your orders to respond as necessary."

She glared up to one of the techs. "I want an update on the Fire Force and Rescue Rangers. Have they touched?"

"Negative, sir," one of the techs responded. "T-minus one minute until they do. Both captains have confirmed they will be arriving in our designated meeting area. We've made contact with Fairy Tail's third-in-command, Freed Justine, and he has confirmed Guild Analyst Constantine and himself will be joining us. The mayor is spearheading emergency management, but representatives from the mayoral office will be coming in his stead."

"Good." Brika leaned back to cross her legs. "Brace yourselves, men. You are the servants of Her Majesty. You are my men, men of Armstrong. And you will not disappoint me."

Everyone straightened at that. "Sir, yes, sir."

The division was meeting at an evacuation station outside of town and on the west side. The Magnolia guardsmen had set up tents for the soot-covered civilians with water, towels, and blankets being handed out to everyone. Fire Force and Rescue Ranger squad vehicles arrived just a few seconds afterward. The Fire Force carried their Saint Florian Cross on their uniform with pride while the Rescue Ranger sported their Star of Life, a six-pointed star with the Rod of Asclepius. Not all members were present with most on the field with their respective orders. But their two chiefs and respective assistants were on board and prepared for battle.

A woman dressed in dangerous heels and a witch's hat had pressed against Constantine and drew a finger up his chest, the Saint Florian Cross on her uniform shoulder. "My, are you sure you haven't gotten any enhancements, Con-stan-tine?" She hummed her laughter as her lips went to his ear. "I swear your chest has gotten…firmer."

⌜FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY SIX

Name: Cheshire Archer

Age: 36

Occupation: Fire Chief

Magic: White Flame

Likes: dark chocolate Dislikes: swimming

Special Note: Chief Archer is one of the only female Fire Chiefs on the Fire and Rescue Services of Her Majesty! She's tough as nails, but for Constantine, it looks like she has a weakness!⌟

Constantine looked down at her as he analyzed her data. "Fire Chief Cheshire Archer," he reported. "From my internal research into the worldwide database and briefly recounted previous videos, it appears you are…flirting." He tipped his head. "I understand the concept amongst humans is preferable when seeking a compatible mate."

Cheshire laughed again. "You'd be right."

"But I am not fully human," Constantine pointed out. A touch of bewilderment was in his robotic voice. "Shall I find you a suitable mate using my database?"

Freed facepalmed, turning away. "This is going to be a much longer night," he bemoaned.

"Then, let's make this quick, Justine."

Freed's head turned to see a man approaching him with the Star of Life on his uniform shoulder and on his front badge. He nodded in greeting. "Rescue Chief West, thank you for responding to the call."

Rescue Chief West was a buff man with a buzz cut and a hardcore attitude while the man beside him looked too angry for his own good. A black wolf with vibrant blue eyes followed them with a vest and harness strapped to it. Rescue Chief West came to Freed and shook his hand. "Justine, always a pleasure to be called on by Magnolia." Sarcasm dripped with each word. "What is this? The fifth time in the last two months?"

⌜ FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY SIX

Name: Xakaryeh West

Age: 42

Occupation: Rescue Chief

Ability: Master Weapons Specialist

Likes: golf Dislikes: hip-hop

Special Note: Rescue Chief West might look like a difficult man, but it's only because he cares so much for his job! And for his twin little daughters! ⌟

Freed coughed. "We'll…try not to make it a habit."

"Obviously." The second man crossed his arms as he looked at the red haze. "And Her Majesty calls you her personal and most respective guild?"

⌜ FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY SIX

Name: Li Kang

Age: 27

Occupation: Assistant Rescue Chief

Ability: Super Sense

Likes: kickboxing Dislikes: being told to "be patient"

Special Note: Assistant Rescue Chief Li has some rage issues and intense abilities and even a wolf! The only one who can reign in both of them would be his girlfriend! ⌟

Kang scoffed as a hand came down to pet the black wolf. "Hear that, Wolf? Her Majesty's Guild is becoming a failure and we have to clean up their mess. How do you like that?"

The black wolf growled at Freed and Constantine.

A smirk. "I like a man who has actual taste."

Brika and Gabriel arrived with their own guards at their side. Brika nodded towards Kang. "I like him," she stated. "You certainly have a competent assistant chief on your side, Chief West."

Xakaryeh gave a sidelong glance at his assistant. "Competent, yes, but the anger is something we're still working on." He looked back at Brika. "Captain Sterling-Armstrong, it's good to see you. It's been too long since we've seen each other."

Brika set her sword before her and lifted her chin. "Unlike you, Chief, I don't need to miss another company to be inspired to fight." She ignored his glare to look at the emergency set-up. "Third-in-command Justine, report about the activity of your…Mages. Is one of them responsible for this?"

Freed narrowed his eyes at her. "There is no certain answer," he gave in response. "Whether Mage or Spiritless, they will be punished by law, be it Magic Law or Her Majesty's decree." He turned to call, "Captain Sterling! We need a briefing!"

Angelo slunk away from helping carry blankets with both his lieutenant and commander coming to his side. He tried to avoid the burning hatred in Brika's stare to look only at Freed. "Let's get on with it then."

Freed nodded over at Constantine. Constantine's eyes glowed as he projected a screen for all to see a map of Magnolia Town from an aerial perception. Blue dots signified Mages, yellow dots signified Fairy Tail personnel, and red meant civilians. "I have analyzed Magnolia Town and have pinpointed the heat across this land." He pointed at the burning red located at the centralized west side. "The origin of this heat and flame is on par with Earth Land's maximum temperature of around sixty-three degrees Celsius. I have come to the conclusion the source has signs of humanoid heartbeat patterns that are at risk for sinus tachycardia. Should the heat expand across the city, Lake Sciliora will experience a boiling point of fifty-three degrees Celsius and kill all substantial life forms."

"Environmental disasters would be eminent," Cheshire deduced. "A wildfire could happen with a single wind."

"Animals and livestock would evacuate or die," Gabriel added on. "Neighboring cities would get caught in the smoke and ash, at worst case."

"Vegetation would be destroyed if the soil gets too warm," Kang muttered. "The air around here would become too polluted with carbon dioxide being the culprit."

"Not to mention the ice on the mountains may melt," Brika pointed out.

Constantine nodded as another screen popped up with a list being scrolled through. "I have predicted a series of natural disasters after scanning my database for a history of disasters Earth Land has incurred and their origins. The heat source may produce enough solar radiation to cause even more health hazards. Nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers, eye diseases such as pterygium and yellow spot, immunocompromization, and so forth." He went back to his mainstream. "With the help of distant friends Chrome and Opera as well as Genius' intellect, we have deduced how to stop the source and rebalance the environment."

Freed stepped in. "Your government-issued L-watches should be accepting Constantine's schematics and suggestions where each team should go and with which team members. Constantine has done extensive research and checks with permission from both a trusted Minister and the Chairman to thoroughly search through the respective databases and learn each member's power, weakness, and capability under stress."

Brika scoffed. "I don't like this," she declared. "Going behind our backs like this? Just like a Mage to do." A glare was thrown at Angelo who sweated bullets as he raised his hands in his innocence.

"You misunderstand, Captain Sterling-Armstrong," Constantine told her. "I am not a Mage. I am a Lacrima Android, a Lacroid, if you will. I was created to have the capabilities of Magic, but my powers do not conform to the logic of this world. And I did not go, as you say, 'behind your backs'. I received permission from the proper authorities. You were not notified of my research because we are on emergency level Dragon." He tipped his head. "Do you not agree with my methods in response to the situation, Captain?"

Brika turned her head with a scowl in place.

Cheshire giggled. "Now, now, everyone, let's not get too twisted, hmm?" She placed a hand on her witch's hat as she checked her watch. A mini screen appeared and she nodded her agreement. "I think these teams are doable, especially where Assistant Rescue Chief Li is placed, don't you think"—her eyes flashed as she turned to her second—"my Florica?"

Florica appeared in a glide with her witch's hat and her feet not touching the ground. Thick hair covered in her headpiece and freckles dusting her face, her eyes flickered over to Kang, whose lips twitched, before she levitated near her chief. "Yes, Chief Archer," she answered.

⌜ FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY SIX

Name: Florica Wenman

Age: 25

Occupation: Assistant Fire Chief

Magic: Pneuma Flame

Likes: flying Dislikes: social media

Special Note: Florica comes from a long line of Gypsies and uses her heritage into her Magic! Did anyone notice that look between her and Kang?⌟

The other leaders looked down at their watches and looked like they were accepting what was preplanned. Xakaryeh took out his radio unit when Florica shook her head. "No… If all leaders are in agreement, allow me to relay orders." She winced and looked at Cheshire. "I-If that's all right with you, Chief…"

Cheshire laughed and made a gesture. "Oh, go on, Florica, you know I love it when you do your thing."

Florica nodded and took a breath. Spreading her arms, her eyes glowed a dandelion orange as she let flames feather from her fingertips and into the air. Threads of flames steamed from her and into anyone wearing the symbol of the Star of Life, the Fairy Tail mark, or the Saint Florian Cross. Moments passed until Florica said, "Psychic link established. I've let them know their orders. They agree and will do as was told."

"Of course they will." Brika looked at the haze in judgment. "That is their duty to protect and serve." Her eyes slid to Freed and Constantine. "I wonder if Guild Mages have the same policy." She whirled away with her sword and Gabriel following. "Now, I will take my place with my men on the battlefield. I suggest you do the same. And hold nothing back once you find the person responsible for this chaos." She paused to sear Freed with one last look. "Spiritless or Mage."

And she strolled away without a second thought.

°•°•°•°

The elements were overtaking the city.

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR…!

Gale crumbled against his earth wall with barely anything to show for it. Burns crawled up his skin, digging deeper and deeper, but they could not pierce bone and muscle. The egregious scar that had burdened him since Margaret Town bubbled with the threat to make it even worse. Burning flesh and blood made bile claw his throat and he vomited, lungs stained in smoke and eyes bloodshot. This isn't a fair fight. A loveless smirk. Sycaña…you sure picked a bad Slayer. Coughing, he looked around. Buildings stood high, but everything outside had been swallowed in smoke, flame, and ash. Can't even save myself or my home.

You have saved much more than you could know, Sycaña shushed him. The pendant winked from the light of the flames. You have saved the lives here with your comrades. And you will save more. The pendant glowed. I have wanted to train you and guide you to use your power…but we have no more time. I must force you to use a Dragon's power.

Gale balked and looked down at his pendant. Are you sure?

Yes, Little Gem. The pendant gleamed in shades and tints of green. Sparking, it covered Gale in its glow.

LUB-DUB.

Power shot through Gale's veins and forced his spine to straighten as blood trickled from his nose and mouth. Ruby was passed through with wild greens as the answers to the Universe were opened up to him. On instinct, the symbol of the Dragon's head burst upon his chest as his Magic lashed out. Pain and power grappled for the upper hand, forcing him to crumble onto his hands and knees and blood to spew.

"S-S-S-Sycaña…!" he gasped out.

Accept my gift to you, Little Gem, Sycaña urged. Allow me to awaken the latent powers passed to you from Metalicanna!

A Magic Circle fizzled beneath Gale in a stark green threaded with gold and black. His fingers dug into the earth as he watched Ancient Language checkered beneath him. An uncensored grunt left him as he hacked more blood. "Wh-What's…happening…to me…? Ah…!"

Whispers spilled into his mind as his body twitched and convulsed. Grating words of spells, enchantments, ideals, morals—it overwhelmed him as blood tears gathered to the corners of his eyes. Those whispers turned to murmurs turned to chants turned to growls.

The Ancient Language rearranged themselves on their own volition.

Gale lifted his own shaking hand to see the burns he suffered from being overwhelmed. Blood dribbled as his skin flushed out the damage and shed for scales. Skin-colored scales, but they had hardened and itched. Blood tears streamed from his cheeks as he felt his skin being mauled off for scales to arrive. "Nnngh…! It hurts…!"

STEP… STEP…

He draws near, Sycaña reported. Come, Little Gem, you must accept your latent powers before it is too late!

Gale dropped to his stomach as power tore apart his skin to rebuild him another. He could feel the blood in his veins rush through him. He could feel his mind being shaped and shown images he could never even imagine. His hand twitched as the earth around him dented into a circle. The Magic Circle impacted and glowed into the earth as vines seeped through the stone.

STEP… STEP…

Flames shot through and climbed onto buildings, breathing death and despair. A doll left behind was washed away in the thick of it. Vendor stands were clamored in the fire without a chance to be recognizable once again.

The vines dipped down to turn Gale onto his back. Eyes bloodied and half-lidded, he saw the embers and smoke take to the sky as vines became to shield him and make a dome to suppress him and his Magic Circle.

STEP… STEP…

Igneel looked like a god of flame.

They clung to him like a second skin with the Wild in his greenest of green eyes. With each step he took, flames scattered. They buried into the ground to break it up as though heating up the mantle beneath. He inhaled oxygen and exhaled smoke, his flames gaining ground with each life's breath. His eyes saw no destruction. His eyes saw nothing but the one he needed to kill. "I have lost…" he whispered, "so much…"

BOOM!

Flames crawled into an open door of a townhouse and flooded it with its ire.

"I have waited…so long…"

B-BOOM!

Lightning struck out to kill three trees that had tried to stand tall.

Hands clenched into fists. "But you… You were lucky to have one… She knew you. She could love you. And you fucking blew it." The Wild looked down at the vine dome in hatred so heated, it could rival the sun. "I tried to be good. I did. I was good. I was good." The butt of his palm dug into an eye as madness swarmed his being, flames burning red and streaks of black. Tears marred his cheeks. "I lost her. I lost everything. They took her away from me. But I can still feel her. I feel her. I can't—!" Fingers tugged into his inflamed hair. "I can't live like this!"

Something snapped.

"So why you?" Igneel whispered. "Why do you get to have one and keep one? Why do you still get the choice? You don't even love her. You don't even want her." Teeth ground together. "You betrayed yours. I would never betray mine." He stood tall as flames wrapped around his arms like vipers. "Those who disrespect Nature don't deserve second chances." Flames coiled behind him, bound in lightning. "So die."

Flames and lightning shot forward like a whirling tornado drill towards the dome of vines. The heat wilted the plants before the flames and lightning smothered them in their wrath. Igneel watched as plants were consumed in his Magic, in his power, in his hatred. There was no chance for survival and no satisfaction when he saw crisps of vine floating in the air with the ember brethren. But he did not dare turn and leave. He watched as his flames continue to tear apart whatever they could.

A terse grin. "Earth Dragon's…"

Emerald widened.

"….Rooooooooooooooooooooooooor…!"

°•°•°•°

Gajeel and Wendy both fumbled in their work. They had taken up tasks at an evacuation center with helping burn victims in their Fairy Tail jackets. Wendy was in the middle of using her Magic to draw out carbon dioxide from a patient when she flinched and gasped. "Oh no," she whispered. "Gale…"

Gajeel had a load on his shoulder of more supplies when he staggered a bit and a scowl overcame his face. Goddammit, he cursed. They're both pushing themselves too much. Stupid brat. You're becoming a Slayer too fast.

As Natsu rushed through the flames with Lucy's Spirits and Mira at his side, he could not help but scowl too. Dammit, he snarled. You're not ready, Gale, to take on Igneel. Not when he's like this. He put more power in the flames at the soles of his feet. Even with your Slayer Magic, Igneel could still kill you. Don't provoke him…unless you want to get killed.

On the back of Luke's broom, Luna tensed up against him as they flew over Magnolia's abandoned streets. Her eyes sought the orange heat as something within her hurt. This feeling… What is this feeling?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Sabertooth…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SLAM!

"Dammit!" Sting cursed from his office. Rogue had joined him with their Exceeds in the room, both worried. Sting messed with his hair. "This is crazy! What the Hell are Natsu, Gajeel, and Wendy thinking? Kid's only had a month and he's turning?"

Rogue crossed his arms. "I don't think it was intentional," he rationalized. "If I remember anything from four-hundred years ago, it was this. Our training was timed and paced, but when it came down to it in the present, our powers fully emerged under strain and pressure. Our origin emerged." His eyes closed in on the map of Magnolia Town. "They were all born with latent powers, but Igneel was the only one born to naturally access them without training or need for a parent. Gale is the third one to find a teacher, but this teacher is still alive. I wonder…"

Crimson flashed.

What could this Dragon be thinking in turning Gale into a full Slayer when it's clear he's not ready? What the Hell is happening in Magnolia?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Era…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The Super Archive was a giant globe in the middle of the room and no one could ignore it. Specialists were at their stations on the wall with their headsets, the tablets, and their own screens as they cataloged the magical data and feedback in different languages and dialects. Mages from all over the world, from every race, culture, ethnicity, and nationality, could appear on any screen. Scans of potential threats orbited the Super Archive globe without fail as images of Mages and emerging Mages came up.

Draculos watched as Igneel Dragneel and Gale Redfox appeared with their own screens with Igneel deemed a massive threat. Iris followed him closely, looking at the Super Archive in wonder. Draculos noticed and smiled. "Something interest you, Miss Monics?"

Iris blushed a bit before clearing her throat. "Sorry, sir, I'm just always so amazed seeing the Super Archive," she supposed. "It can sense anyone with Magic potential on the entire planet."

"Not just that."

Draculos and Iris looked to see a mountainous man approaching them. "Ah. Wizard Saint Neekis," Draculos greeted. "Come to watch?"

Jura had not lost his rock-solid strength over the years. He continued to wear his traditional dark kimono with his arms resting within his loose sleeves and geta sandals. His black and beady eyes were strained on the screen focused on Gale's profile and whatever drones that had captured him. "Hmmm." He stopped at the railing to watch and the Chairman and his assistant watched with him. "This battle is a defining one for both boys."

⌜TEN WIZARD SAINTS

Name: Jura Kneekis

Occupation: 5th Wizard Saint

Magic: Earth

Likes: hot baths Dislikes: comments about hair

Special Note: Jura Kneekis is one of the humblest men you'll ever meet and defends his allies with his strong honor…unless they talk about his baldness… ⌟

Jura raised an eyebrow over to Draculos. "Have you figured out a plan of how to deal with the fallout?"

"It's forthcoming." Draculos straightened to watch the glow of the Super Archive. "Honestly, my main worry is the disappearance of those Mages worldwide. And when both the second-generation Devil and Nashi Heartfilia-Dragneel disappeared, it put me on more edge."

Iris frowned as she checked her own tablet. "The dimensional rift found in Fiore was closed after our agent went in, but we've lost all contact with him." She looked at her superior. "But he does give good results on any mission assigned."

"That he does," Draculos agreed. "So." He turned to Jura, curious. "What will you do, Wizard Saint Neekis?"

"I will wait." Jura lifted his chin. "He's not ready to become my student…but if he can survive this…he will be one step closer to meeting me."

°•°•°•°

Igneel looked around him. His flames had been partially extinguished and buried in dirt, sand, and other minerals. Surprise caught him. My flames… He can put them out?

"You're wrong."

Igneel tensed. Emerald flicked over to see Gale emerging from the scorched ground and ash. Drinking him in, the differences angered Igneel. Scales marked Gale's skin with sharper fangs and crimson filled with his own Wild. No longer did the burn marks hold him back. Vines wound around him like protection, unafraid of the heat, as cassiterite claws came from his knuckles. Quiet fury overtook Igneel. "I'm not wrong," he snarled. "You had a chance and you ruined it."

A flash of fang. "And?"

Igneel blinked his shock. But that shock brushed off as his flames and lightning coiled around him. "'And'?" He could not help it when the flames and lightning swallowed him whole—

—and he reappeared right on top of Gale. "'AND'?" Flames and lightning powered through his hands as he formed a ball of his power. Nature pounded in his ears, panting for blood, for this declaration of war.

Gale showed no fear this time as his arm came up…

…and his scales went from tan to jet-black.

BANG!

Igneel watched as his flames turned to embers and his lightning puttered away into sparks against Gale's scales. What? Gritting his teeth, flames burst from his fists to jet him away and back to the ground.

Gale put his arm down as the black on his scales disappeared. "You're right!" he shouted. "I did have a chance. But you know what? I didn't ruin it!"

"You're wrong!" Igneel growled as his flames rose up and compounded into sharp tentacles brimming with heat as though it was moving lava. With the wave of his hand, he forced them to come down upon Gale.

Power wound around Gale in a green haze as he raised his own vines and braided them together into thicker ones. He flexed his hands like the vines were extensions of her arms and put them against the flames. Earth and fire met, locking each other in deadly combat. The vines strained to survive the heat as they batted away what they could. But should have not been Igneel's main concern. Gale made his move as the earth rumbled beneath him. He saw orange peek into the cracks as magma surged beneath their feet. Taking a step forward, Gale slammed his hand into the stone.

Igneel went off balance as the earth shook and rolled beneath his feet. Much to his own disbelief, he was forced to retreat when magma broke to the surface and lava spread out to slide towards him. He growled at Gale. "This the best you've got? Lava isn't just earth." He took two fingers and circled them around the lava. Using his other two fingers, he burst out steam. As each second ticked by, the molten lava lost its heat to cool back into earth.

And Igneel had little time to react when Gale fired another attack with his Magic Circle blooming beneath him and his hands winding up. "Earth Dragon's…Gaia Fissure!" Grunting, he forced his hands to part as the earth shook and rocked before accepting the power flowing through it. The stones covering Magnolia Town parted brick by brick, stone by stone, before the cement cracked and snapped open. Dirt came next and puttered down as the earth parted in half.

Purple Flare covered Igneel's hands as he jumped away and clung to a building. He watched as the fissure trickled down the street and even broke a bridge. Glowering at Gale, he snarled, "You deserve to burn! You ruined everything! How could you do that to my sister? How could you do that to Luna?" Purple Flare dissipated as Igneel freefell. He threw himself into a spinning tuck as his flames captured him. "Flame Wheel!" The landing was rough, but he became a wheel of fire, a vortex of hatred, and he drove himself towards Gale.

Gale drudged up the earth to lead Igneel down another street alongside his earthy wall, skating along. That's right, Igneel. Use your spells. Become a human, not a monster. Aloud, he shouted over the rush of blood, "I regret it! I know I did something I shouldn't have done! But I'm human! I make mistakes! And if this mistake is the reason I drive away Blondie for the time being…then so be it!" He turned himself around as Magic charged on his hands. "Because I'll never give up trying to get back in her good graces! I'm not like you, Igneel! I won't give up like you did! Earth Dragon's…"—his hands came up, twitching, before painfully forming fists—"Sink Hole…!"

The earth crumbled as sinkholes emerged where Igneel's path may be, but he avoided them without question. The Flame Wheel spun onto the earth wall, scorching it, and ruby followed its movement to pull to a stop right as Igneel sprung from his wheel with jet-black flames at his beck and call. Trying to punch Gale with them proved to be futile the moment Gale swiped at him with his claws and caught Igneel's flesh. Pained, Igneel landed at an awkward angle, but he pushed himself forward.

"You think I gave up?" Igneel seethed. "I never gave up!" Whirling his arms, he stretched out his hands for his black flames to swirl into a ball. "Dark Ignition!" He fired his shot.

Gale swung himself onto the wall to avoid the blow, but he barely made it when Igneel lashed down with his flaming whip. "That's bullshit!" he hissed. "You fucking stayed in the friend zone and never took the leap! You thought waiting patiently was going to get you anywhere?" He pushed himself off the wall to land on the ground. Spells were difficult to chant when Igneel lashed his whip and forced him to leap back a safe distance. "Goddammit, Igneel, you're such a fucking coward! Getting this upset about Mary Jane having a stupid boyfriend so you decide to nearly wipe out half of Magnolia Town? Get over yourself, man!"

His hands went into a revolving motion to circulate stone in front of him to avoid more of Igneel's ignition pulsations. He refused to flinch when those balled flames broke down stone after stone and kicked up debris. "I made a mistake. I'm going to kick myself in the ass for that mistake and I'll never do that again. It's on me that I didn't man up and confess. So if you really waited, if you really cared about her…"—the defense stopped as Gale hit a wall, but he refused to let this take him down—"then why didn't you just confess your feelings?"

Darkened scales climbed up his neck to cover his face from the next att—

"You think…that's what this is about?"

Ruby widened as Igneel drew back, the wild emerald in cold disbelief. "You think…I'm like you?"

Gale flinched when he saw a wire tower spontaneously combust.

"You think I…didn't 'confess'?" The Wild in Igneel's eyes blazed into something far worse as Igneel hunched over like the madness was pain and the pain was madness. "You really"—he thrashed back—"know nothing."

SPLAT!

Ruby widened as flames he had never seen burned into his eyes. A monster he had never seen burned in his eyes. My God…

It tore out from Igneel's chest to cover him in its essence like a fallen Angel. Stained in the crimson of madness and with eyes just as bloody, it erupted with its wings and its cry of death. The creature of birth and of death. The creature who stood for revival and for time. The creature of sunrise and sunset.

Is that…?

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW…!

The monster flapped its wings to spread waves of its heat as it protected Igneel like that was its life plan. Majesty and terrifying, it was a beast that once tried to destroy this world and rise from its ashes.

…a phoenix?

Igneel dug his fingers into his scalp as he let himself lie into the phoenix's body. "You don't know a DAMN THING!"

All Gale knew from there were red flames.

°•°•°•°

Peter kept his cool as he gunned down the road. The car was silent between them. Mary Jane leaned against the window and looked down onto her lap. Peter's eyes flicked to his rearview mirror to see Bleu's headlights following him closely. He must've realized it too. Maybe Luna contacted him. He lifted a hand to adjust the mirror when he caught Mary Jane's expression in it. He stopped fiddling to put both hands on the wheel. Gold slid once to her then back to the road.

Peter took a deep breath. "Do I want to know how you know he's in trouble?"

Mary Jane flinched before straightening up. "W-Well, I…" She caught her acorn button between her fingers. "It's… Well…"

Peter sighed. "Sweets, you can tell me the truth." He hit her with an assuring smile. "I won't be mad. Honest."

This time, Mary Jane took a breath. "It's like this… I have this…connection with some people," she tried to explain.

"And…Igneel is one of those people… Isn't he?"

Mary Jane nodded. She risked a glance to catch the expression on Peter's face, but she could not decipher it. "Are you sure you aren't mad?" she wanted to check.

"I'm not mad, Sweets," Peter assured as he rubbed a hand down his face. "I've heard guildmates have strong connections that can be like a sixth sense. It's not common, but it's not rare either." He looked over at her to grab one of her hands and interlock their fingers. "You have a connection to Igneel. It's okay. Just like Luna probably has a connection to the Earth Dragon Gale Redfox." His smile grew. "Though, Bleu's a different story than me when it comes to your guys' 'connections'."

Mary Jane looked behind her to see out the rear window. "Do you think he knows?"

"About which part?" Peter wondered, glancing into the rearview mirror. "About the part where Igneel's causing mass destruction or the part where Luna and Gale have this crazy connection?"

"The first—u-uh, both, actually," Mary Jane corrected.

Peter looked over at her. "I'm sure he figured it out by now on both accounts. He's got his own sort of sixth sense about these things—"

"Peter, look out!"

Peter looked back front and his eyes widened. "Shit!" He slammed the breaks before pulling his own emergency break. The car swerved and Mary Jane choked when her seatbelt tightened, but the Lacrima Car stopped just feet before the flashing lights, Guard barricade, caution tape, and Guardsmen. Both driver and passenger would have been flung forward had it not been for their seatbelts and reorienting themselves took a second.

TAP-TAP-TAP.

Peter winced, but he rolled down his window. Look up, he spotted a member of the Anti-Magic Unit. "Officer," he noted. He looked around to see vehicles, guards, and lights everywhere. "What's going on here?"

The Anti-Magic Unit officer leaned in. "Looks like an arsonist got way in over his head. Some of the town is under major fire, but the entire town is being evacuated. Only authorized personnel can get in. You understand, kid."

"U-Um, excuse me?"

The officer looked over at Mary Jane who shied from his stare. "Well, I am a Fairy Tail Mage," she explained. She swept her hair to one side to show off her guild mark. "I am Fairy Tail Rank A Mage Mary Jane Dreyar. Codename: Dark Empress. See? Can you let us in?"

The officer leaned back. "Sorry, Miss Dreyar, but no can do. We have to see MagID now."

Mary Jane made a nose of desperation. "Can't you scan my guild mark? You'll get my authenticity from that!"

"Scan your mark?" Peter echoed, perplexed.

"About two decades ago, some Master proposed infusing the Magic that binds our guild marks to us with a sort of scanning spell," Mary Jane rapidly explained. "It's not pleasant to have it scanned, but I'll do whatever it takes to prove myself. So?" She looked at the officer guard. "Please, sir?"

He scratched his head, visibly uncomfortable. "Sorry, miss, but we still can't let you in. We'd need your master's permission for a mark scan and paperwork to fill out—"

"You foolish mortal!"

Both Peter and the officer were taken back to see swirling scarlet glaring at them. Mary Jane pointed at the officer and growled with two voices combined, "How dare you speak to me like I am a simple human you can control! I am—Nnngh!" She gripped her head as pain tormented her. "No!" she shouted. "Get out!"

The officer tightened his hold on his weapon. "Ma'am, I'll need you to step out of the vehicle," he commanded.

"No, wait, please!" Peter leaned forward to grab Mary Jane's arms. "Sweets, talk to me," he pleaded. "What's wrong? What's going on?"

Mary Jane shook her head as tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. "She's trying to—Ah!" She keeled over. "She's trying to…take over…!" She violently shook her head. "Get out! Get out of my head!"

The officer whistled. "I'm going to need some back up over here! We've got a Rogue!"

Peter snapped at the officer guard, "Give us a second, for the love of God—!"

"Is everything okay?" Bleu had stepped out of his car to join the officer, looking between him and Peter in suspicion. He caught Mary Jane's agony and his eyes narrowed. "Is she okay?"

"I'd calm her down if we had some space." Peter spat that at the officer.

The officer scowled. "Kid, you have a possible Mage in the car with you about to turn Rogue," he explained. "Believe me. You'll thank me later for this." He gestured to the two other officers to come closer with weapons and cuffs in hand. "We'll strap some sealstone cuffs on her and take her to an Anti-Cell. Once she's medically and magically cleared, we'll verify her identity and bring her home."

"Hey, hey, easy does it…" Bleu soothed, smoothly stepping between the officer and Peter. Gesturing to Peter behind his back with a rolling finger, he spoke to the officer, "Guys, I'm sure this is a misunderstanding. See, my friends and I…"

Peter turned to Mary Jane to comfort her. "Sweets, I'm here," he promised in soothing murmur. "I'm here. Don't be afraid. We'll get you some help." He hugged her tighter. "Bleu's giving us some time. C'mon. Let's get out of here and—"

"No."

Peter blinked his confusion as Mary Jane pulled away from him. "Sweets?"

Mary Jane looked up at him with clear cerulean eyes. Kindness was in them, but the somber kind. "I apologize, Peter Shuusei-Thompson, but I cannot stay here. Someone needs my powers. Someone more than Luna."

"Wait…" Peter did not understand as blue energy glowed around her figure. "Wait, Sweets, what's happening? What's going on?"

Mary Jane let a hand caress Peter's cheek. "She will explain everything once she returns and she will return to you, Peter," she assured warmly. "She is faithful to you. Fear not what is next to come. Trust in her as she trusts in you." Cerulean glowed as Mary Jane phased from her seat and upwards, out of the car through the roof.

"Mary Jane!" Peter shouted.

Bleu and his conversation with the officers came to a ravaging halt when all gaped at Mary Jane floating into the sky with blue outlining her body and glowing in her eyes. She looked onwards to Magnolia and her eyes narrowed as she scanned it. Through all the flames and smoke and ash, she saw two entities. The first entity was emitting solar radiation as he stepped forward with flames surrounding him while the second controlled earth for defense.

A whisper escaped her. "There you are." Mary Jane wasted no time jetting off, setting off a sonic boom in her wake that knocked back nearly everyone below.

Peter stuck his head out the window with his bearings gathered to see a blue streak in the sky. "How did she do that?" he whispered. "How the heck did she do that?" He looked at Bleu who, too, watched Mary Jane fly off to Magnolia Town. "Did you know she could do that?"

"No." Bleu crossed his arms. "I didn't." She's progressing faster than I anticipated. If the media or one of Father's spies gets a hold of this… His grip tightened. No… I can't think like that. He hit the top of Peter's car, startling everyone. "C'mon, man. We have to catch up. Luna told me she and her other brother are headed that way. Get in my car."

"Hey!" one of the officers called. "Kid, no one's getting into that—!"

Bleu whipped his head around with hard eyes. "We'll be going in."

The officer flinched, then he scratched his head. "Uh, right. You'll be going in as authorized personnel. Our mistake, sir."

Bleu nodded and turned away to go back to his car. He heard the death of a car as a door opened and slammed. Footsteps quickly caught up with his own for Peter to shoot him a wild look. "Dude, what the Hell?" he whispered urgently. "What did you just—?"

"I'm a Spiritless, Peter," Bleu interrupted. "No Magic involved. Time to stop asking the wrong questions."

Peter swallowed back the many questions he had to nod. "Okay. Fine then. How are we supposed to beat Mary Jane to Igneel? How are we supposed to help in general?"

The boys split to get on the respective sides to Bleu's car that automatically opened its doors for them. "You looked up some YouView videos on Alchemy and Alkahestry, right?"

Peter ducked into the car. "Well, yeah, but—"

"Perfect." With Bleu settled into the car, the doors closed on command. He pressed his thumb to the ON/OFF button before he grabbed the wheel, removing the handbrake. "Then, you better get ready to use it."

The L-Pad on the car completed its diagnostics for a feminine voice to sound, "Good evening, Boss. Where to this time? Still Magnolia?"

Peter jerked at the voice. "Wh-What the—?" He pointed at the built-in tablet. "You never told me you—!"

"F.R.I.D.A.Y.," Bleu cut in, "guards out front. No one gets in, only out. Protocol three-three-five. Override the risk factor conditions. You know what to do."

"Yes, Boss."

As F.R.I.D.A.Y. started revving the engine as the AI-controlled the car's gears and shifted its weight around, Peter pressed, "What's going on? Dude, what the heck are you—? Oh my God…!"

The entire car was off the ground and in the air for only a few seconds as it sailed over the barricade before easing into a decent. The car folded its tires back to normal as it hit the ground running, kicking up dirt in its tracks. Bleu headed straight for the orange haze while Peter panted as if his life depended on it, hand over his heart.

"What was that?" Peter wheezed between pants. "Your car can fly… Your car can fly!"

"Not fly, just…jump," Bleu corrected. "Hold onto something, Petey. F.R.I.D.A.Y, Protocol Sixteen."

"Protocol Flash starting, Boss."

"'Flash'?" Peter echoed, gawking. "What does she mean by that?"

"She means…"—Bleu grinned when he saw a seventh gear waiting for him—"we're gonna crash the mode." He shifted to seventh as his foot pressed down onto the accelerator—

—and the entire car booted forward as Peter screamed for his life.

°•°•°•°

Natsu rushed through down with flames sprouting from his hands and feet. His teeth gritted as flames reflected in the depths of emerald-tinted onyx. He saw Mages, Fire Force, Rescue Rangers, and guards alike fighting the flames and smoke and guiding all forms of life away and to their emergency disaster zones. He had to slam to a grinding halt as they got closer to the flames to see an infernal wall. He took a big inhale as he sucked in the flames, chomping down on them, while Lucy's Spirits and Mira in her Demon Soul crowded behind him, tense beyond belief.

When Natsu finished his meal, he whipped his mouth with his arm. "Kid's got spicy hot flames," he muttered. "I'll give him that." He scanned the flame-ridden road ahead. "It only gets hotter from here."

"Like the fiery depths of Hel," Loke related as he stepped forward. He and Sagittarius looked comfortable in such flames while the others (especially Scorpio and Aquarius) were sweating. "Remind you of anything, Capricorn?"

Capricorn adjusted his sunglasses. "Yes. It haaaaaaaas been quite some time since we visited aaaaaaaan Otherworld."

Loke murmured to Natsu, "Can you sniff him out?"

"No. The scent of his Magic is overpowering his natural scent," Natsu growled, irritated. "Damn brat!" A tick mark pounded against his head. "It's no fair! He gets to nearly take out all of Magnolia, but I'm not allowed to heat up Dragon Pond for a hot spring! Totally uncool!"

The Celestial Spirits sweatdrop collectively appeared on their temples. He's such an idiot…

A hand on his shoulder had Natsu turning to Virgo. "Master Natsu, you may punish us appropriately for your mistreatment later," she promised, "but Lord Igneel needs our assistance. Only you can find him. We will aid you in any way we can."

"Keep those flames down," Natsu commanded. "Do what you have to do to make sure these flames are kept well under fire. Aquarius, Scorpio, I want you two at the rear. Loke, Sagittarius, you're with me. Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo—take the middle. Abandon if you have to and help anyone you see in need. I can take Igneel by myself. He'll listen to me."

"Will he?" Aquarius gestured to the wild flames. "Natsu, he's not exactly 'stable' right now. We don't even know what triggered the boy."

Natsu looked onwards as Freed's runes cracked under the pressure of searing flames. Jaw taut. Fists made. Before, I could predict his mood swings. It wasn't hard to see he was a loose cannon whenever Mary Jane was involved. But Mira told me Mary Jane's out of town… Eating his flames as he throttles them wouldn't be hard. But keeping him from throttling them…

"Natsu."

Natsu turned to the demonic Mirajane with her rougher tongue and sharper eyes. But she had not lost her kindness. He understood the look in her eye before turning back to the flames. "Let's go! I'm all fired up!" he roared just as the flames did. Flames rocked from the roles of his feet and the palms of his hands as he surged forth. "Igneel…! We're coming for you!"

°•°•°•°

Luna could not help the terror dipping into her stomach as smoke and flame clamored atop each other, dressing up Magnolia Town in their war-laden colors. Cobblestone streets and bridges had been painted in orange and red with tinges of blue and black in them. The canals broiled over with sea creatures dead and drifting to shore. Sweat beaded at her brow as golden Magic clung to her nose and mouth as an oxygen mask. The screams, the roars, the curdling taste of blood… Her fingers dug into Luke even more as she nuzzled her head into his back. Maybe due to her own fear of Igneel's wrath. Maybe due to the shame of feeling afraid of her own brother.

"Igneel…did this?" she whispered.

"Yes." Luke scanned the flames with hard eyes and his magical oxygen mask upon his face. "And we're going to stop him." He turned to his little sister. "Luna, I hate to ask you this…but we have to use your powers like last time."

"I know," Luna murmured into his back. "I don't know what my Magic does exactly, but I know what certain spells can do." Her shoulders squared. "I can do it. But how are we supposed to land?"

Luke pointed at a building. "We'll have to land there," he deduced. "Are you ready?" When he felt Luna nod again him, he took the broom down low. He circled the top of the building once before lowering them onto the roof. Luna dismounted before Luke. As he situated himself, she went to the edge of the building. Chocolate was nearly consumed in the solar brightness of this hellish flames. They ate what they could and smoked what they could not. Nothing was safe from their reach.

How could he do this? Luna wondered through her threaded link with her Canis Minor Spirit. He's Igneel. Yeah, he's a wild child sometimes, but he'd never do this.

Pup, while most life has been evacuated, I sense your littermate as the source, but I also sense the drake as the next life-form closest to him.

Luna rose up in her shock. "Gale's here?"

"What?" Luke came over to her in a hurry with the broom in hand. "Did you just say Gale's here?"

Luna swallowed. "I-Icarus can sense him."

Luke gritted his teeth as he closed his eyes. His aura enshrouded him for a few moments until he found what he was looking for. "Dammit. I sense Gale's vīrya. But that's not all. Dad and some of the Spirits are catching up and fast with Aunt Mira. Soldier guards, Fire Force, Rescue Rangers… They're closing in! You know what that means, right?" He did not wait for Luna's answer as he snarled, "Igneel's going to be arrested and prosecuted."

"No!" Luna refused to even believe the notion. "We won't let them take Igneel! We can't! W-W-We have to save him!" Her stare swept to the open flames as the past caught up to her present. Past mistakes, past failures. "I didn't listen when it came to Nashi," she whispered. "I didn't listen. But I am listening now. I can save Igneel." She found herself wound in Luke's embrace as tears clung to her skin. "We have to save him, Luke."

"I know." He looked out to the flames with purpose as a flicker of crimson flashed through his eyes. "We owe it to Nashi to make sure we keep everything else within the family." He let her go. "I should be able to levitate us down. We can't run or make any too sudden movements. The Flame-Resistant Charm I applied to us both will hold up and so should the Air Bubble I created. But our Coolant is a potion. It can burn up and be sweated out, just like normal water. And we don't need Igneel sensing us and getting even more pissed off."

Luna nodded to the bag. "And the potion?"

Luke patted his satchel. "Still here and still prepped. You get him to calm down. I'll worry about the rest. Hey," he added when he saw uncertainty flash on her face. "You can do this. You're Luna Heartfilia-Dragneel. Two Magic Bloodlines with incredible powers." He offered her a smile alongside his pinky. "You've got this."

Luna gave him a firm nod and hooked her pinky to his. "So do you."

Pup, Icarus sounded, startling her, might I suggest a psychic link between the two of you? Neither one of you is a born-Telepath, but I can delegate. I am sure Igneel's hearing has increased alongside his power. He will recognize your voices within seconds of you being meters away from him.

"Icarus is saying a psychic link might be the best play," Luna translated as they released each other.

Luke nodded his agreement. "Good idea. Let's do it."

Luna took out her Celestial Silver Key and offered it to Luke. When Luke told hold with her, both felt a flood of Magic wash over them. Memories nearly drowned them both, but it was Luna who felt like she would be lost. Anguish and misery messed with her mind while grief played her puppeteer in this game. Crimson eyes bared into her very soul and heart as she felt madness overflowing with each passing second, madness and guilt. The bitter aftertaste of shame came next, but the madness was too strong for it to stay. Cries and screamed melded together into a furious roar fit for a d—

Luna! Luna!

Blinking out from her stupor, Luna saw her brother and the heavy worry written on his face. H-Huh? I'm sorry… I zoned out a little. What were you saying?

Are you okay? Luke fretted. Oh, man, this was a bad idea. I'm taking you back home. This is too overwhelming for you—

No! Luna winced at her outburst and so did Luke. Psychic outbursts were much more of a pain than verbal ones. No, I'm… I'm fine. Let's just go. I'm getting restless not being able to do something.

Doubt filtered through Luke's gaze at her, but he did not further press. Okay. He took several steps back before taking a deep breath. His Magic Circle pulsed beneath him as he curled his legs together mid-air crisscrossed and let his hands take on mudras to rest upon his knees. I'm going to get us down here. Don't move or squirm or breathe too hard. It takes a lot of concentration for me to move actual humans.

I trust you, Luna promised. You can do it, Luke.

Luke nodded and began to meditate. His Magic Circle pulsed again before retreating as energy that clung to his skin. Sunset gold shimmered off Luke's body. Luna felt an enlightened emotion trying to gnaw away her concerns to see that same Magic possessed her. Moments later, her feet were slowly off the ground and she felt pressure contorting her body into a cradling position like she was being picked up. Her eyes closed, but they did not pinch shut. They naturally closed instead as she was carried over the roof and lowered to the streets.

Separately, to Icarus, she whispered in thought, Icarus… Did you—?

I did. He sounded disturbed. His madness… When I touched his mind briefly back in November, I sensed it was there, but it was small and unrefined. But just now… It felt like the very thing that kept it back has been cracking and leaking madness into his system.

Nashi, Luna whispered, mind gone cold. When Nashi… She could not even think the word, but she had to. When Nashi nearly died… Luke must've felt it.

He's consumed in his own grief, but his grief took an ugly form, Icarus predicted. He's so wrapped up in it, he cannot feel that her life still remains intact, if only barely. The Star Spirits would have noticed another Heartfilia joining our ranks.

I need to tell him, Luna resolved. He needs to know.

But will he listen?

Luna was about to answer when her eyes popped open. Her feet were on the ground and Magic crackled off her, done with its work. Luke joined her only a few seconds after, but he was less graceful as he caught his bearings. Luna lurched forward to catch him, but a raised hand stopped her intent. Luke stood back up, took a deep breath, and looked on to the flames.

This way, Luke deduced. Igneel and Gale's life forces are this way. He took Luna's hand and led them down their path.

Luna fell into step as she watched her brother. Luke… There's… There's something you should know…about Nashi.

Luke nearly faltered. You don't have to say it. I know what happened. His grip on her hand tightened. I felt what happened.

But you didn't feel afterward, Luna argued. Luke… Yes, Nashi maybe died for a few minutes, but… Luke, Nashi's alive!

Luke flat-out stopped. What?

Luna smiled. It was weak, but she needed to show him a strong front. Nashi's alive, Luke! Uncle Loke and I sent her help and she's alive!

Luke dropped her hand.

Timid fear struck Luna as her smile died. Luke?

My sister is dead.

Luna took a step back when a force hit her. A painful force hit her. Not painful as in it hurt her. A secondhand pain.

I felt it. I felt something break. I felt her gone. I don't know how, but I felt – her – gone. And the bond hasn't repaired. Nashi is gone.

Luna flinched when corruption filled her mind. Thoughts of Life and Death in their endless dance with Death becoming the victor, Life limp in their arms. Thoughts of Nashi with eyes dull and mouth parted, a single drop of blood-shedding from her lips. Thoughts of her cries, of her screams, of her pain. Her eyes could barely stay open as she kept an eye on Luke, but something around them warmed. Crimson spread from his body like a plague, overtaking any trace of golden zen he normally gave.

Wh-What…is this? Luna croaked. What's happening to him?

His madness. Even Icarus sounded pained. It's starting to manifest. Pup, calm him down now! Before he corrupts us both!

Luna surged forward against the crimson ocean with both hands grasping her brothers. Snow-white blossomed from her chest and her guild mark. Luke, I'm here.

Luke's eyes widened as the crimson surrounding him vanished without a trace. He looked down to see Luna at his side with such understanding eyes. The crimson that flooded his eyes lost their fight to his honeyed amber. He squeezed her hands. Thanks, Lu. I know that I can count on you. He turned back to their path. C'mon. Let's go see a man about some fire.

Their walk was a hazardous one. The flames snapped at their heels and smoke clamored for a piece of their faces. A thick heat saturated the air, or what little air there was left. Poison. That what it should be called. It was poison, lying in silent wait, ready to invade their beings and fill them with something that would end their lives or get pretty damn close to it. No corpses had been found yet—at least not human ones. But stray creatures who could not leave quick enough had caught fire and died in the scorching heat. At one point, Luna had to shield her horrified eyes when they found a family dog left behind in the rubble who was burning alive, melting in an alley at such an agonizing pace. Luke had taken it upon himself to kill it with his Leonis Sword. They hid when they needed to when the Fire and Rescue forces in their teams of Anti-Magic Unit and Guard Division soldiers were running about to null the flames and find any survivors.

Luke hid Luna in another alleyway when a medical troupe passed by with a stretcher and an oxygen masked latched onto another burn victim, shielding her with his body. Luna stared at the ground with Icarus' key firmly in her hands. How could Igneel…do all this?

His rage… Icarus thought to her through their link. It is not to be trifled with. Tread lightly. Both of you. I sense so many human souls around here… All of them are friends, but they will take you both back if they discover your positions.

Yeah, but…

Luna looked up at her brother as he watched another stretched pass by. Luke…

That's not what I'm really worried about, Luke murmured. The amount of damage Igneel's done… It's inhuman.

Chocolate widened. Luke… Luna shook her head. How can you say that about—?

We're not human, Luna.

Taken back, Luna was quiet.

A wan smile graced Luke. We were never truly human. We're second-generation Etherious Demons, courtesy of Dad. I know I never told you this, but… Luna… Throughout our lives, the government and the Magic Council have been watching us closely to see if we'd keep our human heart…or if we'd succumb to being the Demons we are.

Luke… Luna refused to believe this truth. No… That's not—!

Don't be so naïve. The thought struck harsh and quieted Luna's protests. Regret simmered the cruelty of Luke's thoughts as he sighed. When Nashi was… When she wasn't herself all those years ago… I was the one to keep watch over Mom while Dad was away.

You did…what?

Dad was gone a lot during then. For a time, I chalked it up to grief. I thought he was hunting down the bastards who did that to her. But then… Luke looked at the wall. But then…when I thought Mom was alone for the night…she brought guests over.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luke felt like falling asleep. His little eyes drooped as he leaned against the railing. The focus was about to close for a final time—

"Oh! You're here early…"

Luke snapped to attention hearing his mother's surprised tone. He scooted down the steps to see the kitchen had emptied out. Going to the bottom, he saw the coast was clear. Footsteps made his ears twitch.

'Oh wow… How many are there? Let's see… One…two…three… Nine people?' Luke's eyes narrowed in his own suspicion. 'But…why so many people? And I can't smell any of their scents.'

"You know we like to be punctual," came lofty remark. "And also…"

"I know." The sadness in his mother's voice made him tense. "This…isn't a friendly visit. Right…" A sigh. "Well. How about we move this to the dining room? I already have tea prepped."

Panic struck Luke as he rushed up the first part of the steps to hide on the platform before his mother led his guests in. She came first with tired eyes, but a fresh set of comfortable clothes on her back. But the rest of the guests looked…unfamiliar.

'Huh… I've never seen them before…'

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

From their little meeting, I learned those guests were Chairman Draculos Hyberion and his assistant, Minister Marignano and his secretary, Mest Gryder and his lieutenant, a representative from Her Majesty, and two other people who didn't say their name, but I remember their faces, Luke recalled.

What did, Luna whispered, they talk about?

Us. The hand on the wall crumbled to a fist. They talked about the future of us, of our powers, and what to do with us. Because all of us were the only Etherious Demons alive, it was natural the government wanted to study us. Honeyed amber narrowed in disgust. Probably to become weapons, a new type of military dog like Sorcerers have become. Mom was horrified. She said it was inhuman to take us to a research facility to poke and prod until we found our demonic powers. The Chairman and Mest agreed with her. I don't remember all of the night and I still try to make sense of it. But eventually, it was concluded…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Then, we'll watch them…but from a distance," came declaration with Luke's eyes widening.

"Minister Marignano," Lucy whispered. "No disrespect, sir, but those are my children—"

"And they are creatures this world has yet to see," Aaron interrupted. "Misses Heartfilia-Dragneel, you were one of the Mages who fought Etherious Demons in the Calamity Battle. And you have witnessed the Black Mage as well as your own husband who would go to extreme lengths to keep their ideals within reach."

"But Natsu—!"

"And where exactly is Mister Dragneel at this moment?" came overruling question.

"Well, he's…" Luke could sense his mother was in a losing battle. "He's… He has other matters to deal with at the moment. Our oldest daughter… She experienced something that has understandingly traumatized her—"

"Which makes her an easy target to give into the power of a Demon."

A chair was knocked back. "Wait! Hold on! Nashi would never—!"

"Misses Heartfilia-Dragneel," came cool female warning, "we understand these are your children. As you are a mother, you are blinded in your attachment and love for them. We are not. Not only are your kids a potential risk—other children of Fairy Tail and Sabertooth are. An irony not lost onto us. Your guilds have always been…troublesome."

"What our associate means is," Draculos intervened to mediate, "Lucy, you have known since Natsu's encounter after your quest against the Dragon Gods that he and the other Dragon Slayers were granted immunity and grandfathered into Fioren citizenships. That being said, because of Natsu's unique physiology, he agreed for us to administer biopsies to research and agreed to the deal should he turn Rogue, he will meet his own fate. From the genetic research of your children from the vials we gathered from their births, they possess a good part of his genetic make-up."

"But that doesn't mean they'll turn into Demons." She was pleading. His mother was pleading. "Please… They're only children—!"

"So was your husband when he was turned into a monster by his own brother!" came snarl.

"That's enough!" Mest shouted over the chaos.

Luke had covered his mouth with honeyed amber wide. 'Dad's a… Dad's a…Demon?' He took his hands down to look at his palms. 'That means…we're Demons too? We're monsters?'

A weary sigh. "To put it in simpler terms," Mest said to Lucy, "we are asking to monitor your children as they grow up. Regardless of Nashi's divinity and Luke's zen power, all your children are equally susceptible to encountering their Demon persona. If that were to happen, we want to be ready if they were to turn on us. This is all theoretical, of course."

Luke shook his head. 'No… No Dad can't be a Demon. He can't be. Mom wouldn't… Mom wouldn't marry a Demon.' Fear grappled him. 'Unless… Is Dad the bad guy and kidnapped Mom? Is Mom in trouble?' He clamored up the steps. 'I need to tell Igneel! We're all being tricked!' And as he rushed up the steps, he only heard the last words.

"I think everyone is forgetting about the youngest daughter…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

You knew. Luna looked at her brother in a new light while he could not face her. You knew all this time that Papa was a Demon…and that all of us were Demons…and that the Dragon Slayers came from four-hundred years ago. Memories hit her. That's why you weren't upset that day. Because you knew. And you kept it from us. Betrayal stabbed through her thoughts and straight to him. Why? Why didn't you—?

Tell you that our lives were a lie and we were the very thing everyone depicted as monsters?

A hitched breath.

Lips twitched into a smirk. Yeah. That would've gone well. And, to be honest…I was trying to make heads or tails of it myself since that day. Between watching Mom and keeping an eye on Nashi and keeping Igneel in check and my studies… It took a back burner. But I noticed. I noticed we were being monitored. You know how, once and a while, Dad goes on those 'business trips' with Uncle Gray or Uncle Gajeel?

Luna blinked. So they…

Mmm-hmm. I'm assuming so, Luke guessed. That's probably when they'd do biopsies to test him. Our doctor's appointments weren't normal either. I'm even thinking about the shots they gave us weren't always the real shots we needed. Probably fluid inserted to seek out and suppress any inkling of demonic power. And now… He pushed up his glasses. With multiple slip-ups from Igneel…this will be a nail in his own coffin.

Luke… What are you saying?

I'm saying it's no accident we haven't encountered anyone from Fairy Tail, Luke told her. Igneel is causing a town-wide disaster. As long as no one dies, I can imagine our Master talking to him of suspension from Fairy Tail with base pay and relocation. But if even one person dies because he couldn't control his emotions and lost himself to his own power, to the Demon we all have half of inside us… Honeyed amber narrowed. We'll never see our brother again. Just like…how we'll never see Nashi again.

Luna closed her eyes. I don't believe that.

Luke blinked and looked down at the determined smile on Luna's face. Lu…

We're going to find Igneel and bring him back to his sense, Luna promised. And then, we're going to get on a train to go find Nashi and bring her home. After that? We'll have the whole family home to do like we normally do in December. We'll make cookies and get our ornament-of-the-year.

DRIP…

DROP…

Luke's eyes widened seeing a teardrop onto her cheek. Luna…

It'll all go back to normal; you'll see. Luna let her beam shine as her tears dripped. Everyone will be home, just like normal. We just have to save them. That's all, okay? You'll see…

Luke smiled in his own sadness as he thumbed away Luna's tears. Oh, Lu…he thought to himself. If only the world was as simple as you made it to be… His ears twitched. A hard scowl pressed upon his face as he shielded Luna. Before she could make a noise of protest, he shushed her. Stay down. I hear the footsteps of a whole group of people. I can't check them, but… I can sense incredible Magic from all of them. Wait. He gritted his teeth. Dammit.

Luke? Luna fretted. What is—?

"Luke? Luna?!"

Both winced at the heavy tone of…

Luke shifted off Luna for their sheepish eyes to meet fuming onyx. Luna offered a little wave. "Hi…Papa…"

Natsu stormed down the alleyway with Mira right on his tail. He towered over both his children with a glare. "What the Hell are you two doing here?" he growled. "Dammit! This is off-limits territory!" He pointed at his daughter. "You should be at home, in your room, because Lucy grounded you!" He whipped over at Luke. "And you said you'd be at the library!" He leaned down to sear his children with his firm glare, watching them squirm beneath it.

Luke started. "W-Well, we…" He and Luna exchanged a glance for he took a step forward. "We're here to get our brother back."

"Yeah!" Luna hid partially behind Luke when her father swung his glower onto her. "I-I mean… Yes, we're here to rescue Igneel. We're going to bring him home."

"Oh yeah?" Natsu drawled. He crossed his arms. "Hear that, Mira? These two kids think they can calm down Igneel all by themselves."

"Yes, Natsu," Mira responded with a little smirk in her demonic tone, "I heard them. How cute."

Luna puffed her cheeks. "It's not cute," she objected. "It's the truth! We can—!" Her words sputtered off when a heavy hand landed on her hair and Luke's too. She found her hair ruffled and fought off her father's grip. "Hey! My hair…!"

Natsu flashed his trademark grin at both of them. "Y'know, I'm pretty impressed by the stunt you two are pulling," he had to give to them. "When I was your guys' ages, I was doing stunts like this all the time. Gramps didn't find it too funny but to me? Family is family, am I right?"

Luke and Luna exchanged surprised looks as eager smiles wove onto their faces. "So does that mean you'll let us come with you?" Luke hoped.

"Not a chance."

Luke and Luna's face fell. "But…"

"Nope. Don't wanna hear it," Natsu cut in, raising his hand. "I said what I said for a reason, Luna. You two really don't know what we're dealing with. You just think you do." He scratched his head. "Guess I'm a hypocrite since, if I were you two, I'd be gunnin' after my bro too. But things are different now. Back then, I didn't have my dad to boss me around. But you two have me." A thumb pointed at his chest.

"But, Dad, we can do this!" Luke insisted.

"No"—a slow frown grew on Natsu's face—"you can't."

"Natsu's right," Mira piped up. "Sorry, kids, but this isn't the time to play heroics. While we both admire how much you'll stand up for your family, you need to head back and stay safe. Igneel wouldn't want you to get hurt by his hand. It's over, kids… Time to go home."

It was not long before Luna and Luke found themselves at the embarrassing mercy of Virgo and Aquarius being led away, Luke with anger in his eyes and Luna with irritated puffy cheeks.

Virgo scooted them along. "Come now, Lady Luna, Lord Luke. You may punish us later after you are back in your bedrooms, safe."

"This is so not fair," Luna muttered. "We can save Igneel."

SMACK.

Luna covered her head from the bump already on it as she side-glared at Aquarius. "Hey! What was that for?"

"For being a naïve, little brat just like your mother," Aquarius barked. Huffing, she added, "Geez, why did you have to take after her? Why couldn't either of you take after Layla or Anna? Those women had guts and realism on their side."

"Love you too," Luke drawled, sarcastic. He flinched when Aquarius raised her urn.

With a sigh, she set it back to her side. "Listen… There are things in this world you two aren't ready to understand," she explained. "You two are too young and have too many ideas that are childish and reckless. And while that idiot Lucy married might be both of those things, at least he has experience and power. Something both of you lack." She looked past the fire abyss and to the stars. "Natsu will deal with Igneel accordingly. After all…isn't it fitting a king deal with the prince?"

°•°•°•°

Dammit, dammit, dammit!

Natsu shook his head as he flattened down flames with his own power. Dammit, dammit, dammit!

Mira noticed his stressed and raised an eyebrow, asking, "What's wrong now?"

"I'm just…angry at myself."

Mira blinked as a tense grin appeared on Natsu's face.

"Those kids…" Natsu murmured. "I can't help but feel proud they'd do so much for family. Hell, I know we've done that and more for our family. But I can't let them risk their lives like this. Gah!" Furious fingers wrecked his hair. "Dammit…! And Lucy would kill me if I let them come with us too!"

Mira let out a little smile. "This new generation is full of surprises. We can't get upset with them for doing things we once did." Her smile fell. "But that was then and this is now. Their powers are growing into unknowns. If we were younger, I'd say let the kids come along. But right now…the adults need to handle this."

"Mira's right," Loke put in. "Hey, Natsu? Sense anything up ahead?"

Natsu took a big sniff. "Nah, nothing. And that's the problem. Normally, I could at least get a gut feeling on Igneel's movements, but now I—" Onyx widened just as Mira flew before him, tail batting him away. She yanked her claws away as violet energy gathered between them to form a half dome right in the nick of time when a body slammed into it.

Everyone rushed around Mira as she lowered the dome in the ground to reveal a withering Gale half covered in scales, some of his hair singed, and flashing pained fang. Natsu reached for him first to get him out of the dome. "Gale, the Hell happened to you?" he demanded to know. "Why are you even here?"

Gale coughed smoke. "Igneel," he gasped out. "I was… I was there when he literally spontaneously combusted." He winced and leaned against Natsu. "I thought I was calming him down. He started using spells again. But I said something and he went into a fucking rampage."

Mira let her dome disappear to touch the ground. "This is worse than what we thought," she muttered. Eyeing Gale, she added, "I didn't think to become this advanced of a Dragon Slayer was possible at your pace."

"Not without a cost," Natsu said darkly as the memories hit him. He put Gale close to Taurus. "Taurus, take Gale out of here."

"No!" Gale's scaled hand reached for Natsu's shoulder as desperation surged in his eyes. "You can't! Uncle Natsu, Igneel… Something's wrong with him! I don't know how to explain it…but there's this…thing attached to him—consuming him."

Natsu hardened. "What did it look like?"

Gale let him go as ruby looked at the scorched ground. "I… I guess it looked like…a phoenix." He looked up to see the adults tensing and pressed, "What? What's going on? Why are you—?"

Natsu turned his back on him. "Taurus. Get Gale somewhere safe." A vibrant Magic Circle flamed beneath him. The Dragon's head opened its jaw as its eyes brightened from orange to black. Flames shot up as the Magic Circle rose to pass through Natsu. Curved horns sprouted from his head, black and majestic. Leathery wings broke skin and shirt as they expanded out for all to see. Nails sharpened as his teeth grew jagged and pointed. Eyes burned from onyx-emerald to the whites soured in black while the irises brandished carmine-red and the pupils burned emerald. Red-orange fire danced on the ends of his hair, his calves, and his arms as though clinging to him, to their master, their king.

"Uncle Natsu!" Gale shouted as Taurus picked him up. "Wait! You don't know what you're getting into, man! Dude's gone bat-shit insane!"

A grin. "It's okay. You just worry about yourself from now on." Emerald-carmine met baffled ruby. "Thanks for doing your job as a Slayer, brat. Leave the rest to the pros." Wings curled before quickly unfurling and flapping to lift him off the ground. "I'm going on ahead!" Without a second thought, he flapped his wings and left behind his party.

Gale ground his teeth together as Taurus jogged them away. Uncle Natsu… Whatever you do…save a piece of Igneel for myself. I'm gonna kick his ass for this.

Natsu tilted as he flew right by two walls of flame. He did not need to know who was tailing him as he said, "You should stay back. This is my fight. So back off."

Mira flapped her wings and easily kept pace with Natsu in all his maneuvers. "Think about this, Natsu," she insisted. "He hasn't this bad since he lost—"

"I know." Eyes soured into black with red rises, he was forced to look at the flames ahead and how they began to tear down Freed's protective runes. "Let me handle this alone."

"There's no chance in Hell I'd let you go alone."

A smirk. "Thought you say that," Natsu teased. "Damn. You're all sweet until you go into your Satan Soul."

Mira smirked back. "Laxus sure loves it."

"Why ya gotta be gross, Mira…?" Natsu mockingly groaned as Mira rumbled in laugh—

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW…!

Mira and Natsu were forced to stop when the mere sound waves grounded them. Their claws sunk into the stone to keep themselves from blowing away with jaws locked. Both their eyes had found the source of it. A raging beast with wings of flame had consumed Igneel in its core, their eyes gleaming a bright red with black at the tips of their fire.

Natsu settled himself. "Igneel," he murmured as his flames surrounded him, "you need to cut it out!" Wings flapping, he took back to the sky to charge for his son.

The monstrous phoenix cawed and with a giant flap of their wings, a burst of red-black flames fired.

Natsu did not dodge the attack. He held out a scaled palm to disperse the flames at his will. A grin. "You'll have to do better than that!"

The phoenix cawed again as it and Igneel looked up to the sky. Tears of liquid fire dripped down Igneel's cheeks as he looked up at the haze of smoke and stars. "MJ"—his whisper was echoed in both human and beastly speak—"I need you." The phoenix flapped its wings as it began to take off into the sky.

Natsu tensed. "No, you don't!" Eyes swirling in both emerald and crimson, both man, beast, and Devil snarled, "Stay down."

The phoenix cawed in distress as though pressure was keeping it from going any forward. With every ounce of its strength, it fought against this presence invading it. Igneel's glowing eyes caught onto his father's and he growled, "Let me…go…"

Natsu winced when he felt a tug, that pinching feeling of being rejected. "Damn kid," he snapped. "Stand down, Igneel."

The phoenix churned its wings as it fought to break free and climb the skies. Red and orange flames darkened as black ate at them. "No…" Blood-red flickered to a tinge of black. "LET ME GO!"

Pain thrummed within Natsu's head as he felt the tug break into a punch. He stumbled back for Mira to catch him, rubbing his head in a groan. "He's not listening," Mira growled. "I thought you have a hold over him?"

"I do," Natsu gritted out. "He's too pissed off to listen to me."

Mira's eyes swirled in black violet. "Should I give it a try?"

STEP… STEP…

"No… Allow us."

Mira looked over to see soldiers had slowly invaded the street in their fire-resistant gear with their symbols stitched on and their stripes glowing. The Rescue Rangers and guardsmen had gathered hoses and extinguishers while the Fire Force was reigning in whatever flames they could around them and keeping them at bay. Anti-Magic soldiers had their Magic and weapons and magical creatures right at their side. Horror besot Mira when she saw a sniper checking his gun, but it was no ordinary gun.

It was an Ethenator.

"No," Mira whispered. Shouting, she added, "No! Get back! That won't work!"

It was Cheshire who stepped forward in her witch's hat, ignoring Mira. "All right! On my count!" She raised her hand.

"No!" Natsu tried to stop. He lunged for Cheshire. "Don't—!"

A hand dropped. "Now!"

Igneel's eyes barely opened as he saw water, gas, and flames spiraling towards him. The world's time began to slow. Fury overrode him as the flick from crimson to black went stark black. Flames of darkness fled from his skin to eat up every untainted flame. "NO!"

°•°•°•°

CRACK!

A bob in the water.

The soul was a harmless ball of light bobbing in spiritual energy. Scales erupted on a side as black and red wrestled to taint every last innocent inch of the soul. But inside the soul, a seed lay waiting.

Inside the soul, a seed tried to sprout.

CRACK!

°•°•°•°

RAAAAAAAAAAW…!

It took everything Natsu and Mira had to keep standing.

Guardsmen and soldiers and rangers alike had been flattened to the ground and no mercy to coddle them. Fire-resistant clothing helped them, but it was all-too-soon that some of the outfits were scorching. This fire was not natural. It exceeded the limitations set in place on their clothing and everyone knew that.

A silent ringing invaded Natsu's ears. Black fire had rained down to consume everything in its path. Freed's ruins stood no chance as the fire ate and burnt up Magic to tear down buildings, tear down livelihoods, tear down homes and safe havens.

Natsu could not believe it. No…

RAAAAAAAAAAW…!

A focus tilted up to see the raging phoenix attempting to take flight once more. A calloused hand braced in a black bracelet reached for it. No… Igneel…

°•°•°•°

Luke and Luna glanced at each other when a shiver traveled down their spines. Hardness entered as Luna gave him a nod. Luke closed his eyes and took a deep breath as a colorless Magic wrapped around his crooked finger. Luna turned to Aquarius with an apologetic frown. "Sorry, Auntie A."

Aquarius raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Luna opened her mouth, but it was too late. Luke's broom swerved so violently, both Celestial Spirits were caught off-guard. Luke mounted and yanked Luna on as he circled around before jetting off back the direction they came. Both could hear the angered cries and threats of Aquarius, but neither one of them cared. Their eyes were looked on the road ahead, though desperation broke down onto Luna's face.

"Did you feel that?" she murmured into Luke's shoulder.

Luke tightened his grip on his broom. "Yeah. All the people I felt surrounding Igneel… Half of them are unconscious." He side-eyed Luna. "Lu, can you…?"

"I'm trying." Luna's voice wavered as she mustered up any Magic. "I'm trying, but…" She sniffled. "I-I don't know what's wrong with me. I can't feel any of my Magic."

It was then Luke noticed it when he turned to face her. He saw the bags under her eyes and the purple shade she was acquiring. Guilt and sympathy wrapped around his stomach. "Oh, Lu… I'm so sorry," he whispered to her. "I should've realized. You're exhausted."

Luna tried to shake her head, but the world became dizzy to her. "No, I… I can help. Really. Just… Just give a minute and…"

Luke slowed them to a hovering stop. "Your anger and adrenaline got you this far…but this is as far as you can go."

Luna clung to her brother. "Please." Voice cracked. Pain leaking out. "Please, Luke." Chocolate opened half-lidded to show her need, her desire to save. "I need to help him. Please let me save him."

Luke opened his mouth, but Luna felt a soft presence thread into her mind with no threat, with no malicious intent, and only peace. Luna, came echo of two voices, your work is done here.

Luna knew that voice and peaked up at the sky. That was when her eyes caught on. "Mary Jane?"

Luke looked up and was blown back at the figure floating in the sky. Like an Angel, Mary Jane bobbed high in the air. Blue-as-the-ocean energy wound around her like soft flames and made her eyes glow. A warm smile was easily well-put on her face as she looked down at brother and sister. No, an Angel was not the right word for her. She looked like a…

I can take it from here, Mary Jane assured. One voice had that touch of maturity and wisdom only the oldest of souls could have. The other sounded soft and full of teenage innocence. Cerulean slid to Luke. Take your brother and go. Igneel is mine to handle.

"But how?" Luna whispered, ignoring Luke's spluttering of what was going on. "What can you do that Papa can't? How can you fly? What's going on?"

Mary Jane looked into the distance, a frown settling on her face. I must leave you now. Tell Peter to worry not about Mary Jane's connection to Igneel. And tell Luke there is no work for either of you here. You must go. Armed forces will storm to claim you and place you in holding as accomplices.

"They're…'connection'?" Luna questioned. "But… What do you—?"

But you must choose. Mary Jane lifted her chin, but her eyes went to Luna. You have two connections, two destinies, one fate. Choose wisely. Do not let anger blind you from the Truth. Allowing herself to be consumed in such cerulean energy, Mary Jane shot off in a streak of blue, a sonic boom bursting behind her.

Luna blinked at Mary Jane. Icarus… Did you understand that?

No, Pup, Icarus regarded, peaking through Luna's eyes to watch. But this Mary Jane… She is more powerful than we believed. Her words only spoke the truth. We should have faith in her actions.

But what about what she said about me? 'Two connections'… 'Two fates' and 'two destinies'? What can that even mean?

"Luna!"

Luna was jerked from her connection with Icarus to see Luke pointing where Mary Jane had gone and stared at her like she was crazy. "What was that? What just happened? That was Mary Jane?"

Squaring up, Luna told him, "Forget about Igneel. Mary Jane's got him covered. We need to leave. Mary Jane said armed forces are coming here."

"Which means we're placed under arrest." Luke cursed at the implication and forced his broom to take them upwards. "Dammit. I hate all this 'not knowing'. What happened, Lu?"

"I don't know," Luna answered, honest and frustrated at the same time. "But Mary Jane always believed in me. So it's time I believe in her."

°•°•°•°

RAAAAAAAAAAW…!

The monstrous beast made from flame and sun reared back its mouth and roared a blazing Hellfire into the air. Eyes crying from the soot and the ash and the flame, eyes wide from the distance and watching from tents, eyes watching a screen—they all watched as a ball of Hellfire wound in the red-hot lightning of the gods entered the lower atmosphere to gather itself for its final launch. Clouds parted, scattering away from its wrath, fearful of its power. From jittery deer to birds, they fled from Magnolia and deeper into the forest for protection against the feel-it-in-your-gut fear.

Brika's eyes narrowed at the flame-made meteor as she directed troops to handle the untamed flames. Whatever did that must be stopped. She held her ear and muttered, "Jabberwocky, are you in position to shoot?"

Static, then, "No, sir, but I'm close."

Brika tensed. "Then, get closer and fire when you have a clear shot. I want that thing out of my skies."

"Sir, yessir."

Brika lowered her hand to sneer. I've got you now. I don't know who you are, Magus, but you will prove to the world Magic is unfit for it.

°•°•°•°

From the highest window in the Dragneel household, Lucy slowly lowered her telescope as fear splashed on her face. "No," she whispered. "No…"

A tattered woman of kind tawny eyes and a smile ready to greet death. "Lucy… It's for the best…"

Tears of despair, of lost hope, or grief. "Please, no…!"

Lucy dropped the ground as her grief caught back up with her, grief she thought she accepted. "E-Éclair… This is… This is just like…" Her lips pressed together as tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Plue frowned as he nuzzled against his mistress to try and comfort her.

"L-Lucy?"

Lucy looked over to see Happy's watery eyes. "Oh, Happy…" She opened her arms.

Happy flew directly into her chest. "What's going to happen to Igneel?" he sniffled into her shirt.

Lucy hugged him tightly. "I don't know," she murmured into his fur, taking Plue close to her with her other arm. "But Natsu will bring him home. You'll see. He'll bring my sweet dragon home." Forcing a smile, she rubbed Happy's fur. "Hey now. Everything's going to be okay. Everyone will come home because if there's anything Natsu and our friends taught me. It's because Magic wasn't meant to bring sadness. It was meant to bring joy." She hugged him again as her own tears outgrew her forceful upbeat tone. "It'll be okay, Happy."

Charla watched the pair of them with sad eyes, ears down. Oh, Igneel… You foolish human… Something struck her and her eyes were consumed in its Magic.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A scorched street with two hands lifeless, fingertips just five centimeters apart.

A sealed letter laid neatly on a desk.

A chest heaving as tears spilled down cheeks and dropped from the chin. A golden glint. An acorn button flashed as a mouth moved into what looked like a song.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Charla blinked away the vision. What did that mean? I know it has to deal with Igneel, but…what?

°•°•°•°

Mira clenched her jaw when she saw the flames gathering in the sky. "Natsu," she growled, more demonic than human, "you have to do something! If we try to destroy it, it might explode! We need to stop Igneel here and now!"

Natsu opened his mouth when a click caught his attention. His ear twitched and his eyes tried to find the source. A shadowy figure was laying atop a building with a rifle as his weapon. Natsu followed the line of focus to see it— "Mira," he said urgently, "there's a sniper at your six."

Mira let him go to discreetly look at her six o'clock. Her eyes were ravaged in violet. "I'll take him out. You deal with Igneel." Her tail thumped as her wings carried her away.

Natsu looked back at the phoenix trying to escape his hold and the Hellish fire about to rain down on them. Emerald swallowed in black reflected such vibrant flames, able to look at them without flinching. For just a few moments, that ball of fire transitioned in pure solar energy with lightning wound around it. The land around him wavered back into the back of the mechanical phoenix meant to grant immortality to those who conquered it. The sky filled with blood as death awaited the ground below.

DING-A-LING…

Magic swept by his ear. If that makes impact, everyone will die.

Natsu tensed when he felt a familiar warmth ruffle his hair and tickle his scales.

Natsu…came whisper, save them.

A nod. "All right then." Eyes to his son, Natsu focused on the present. Not on the phoenix of his past. Igneel, ya damn brat… Hunkering down, wings expanded. You always did cause more trouble than what ya should've. With a snarl, Natsu launched himself into the sky.

In the Dragneel Residence, Lucy murmured soothing nothings to comfort herself and Happy while Charla looked on and Plue watched the flaming ball in the sky. Luna nuzzled into Luke's back with exhaustion-kissed pain splattered onto her face. Frustration mixed with worry had diseased Luke's face as he flew into the night, quickly shielding them from the forces marching down with fire extinguishing equipment. Brika was spouting orders with Cheshire to bring their wounded back and to exchange them for fresh faces.

The sniper locked onto his target and his thumb pulled b—

SLAM!

Mira had the sniper within his rifle in her claws. With a cruel smirk, she bent the weapon and melted it.

You fought me on everything when you were a kid, you know that? Thought you were big and bad and could take me on. Tch. Stupid kid.

Natsu got on par with the phoenix-consumed Igneel. Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled a trail of searing flames. The phoenix took the hit before roaring back a combination of flames and solar energy. Rather than dodge, Natsu ate the hit.

In Sabertooth, Sting and Rogue watched the newscast with bated breath. In Era, Jura, Draculos, and Iris looked at the screens with only Iris bursting with anticipation. In a lone manor, Minister Aaron Marignano took a sip of his tea as he watched the news from the privacy of his home office, eyes unreadable. Mest sat back in his office with Aella at attention, eyes focused on a screen.

RAAAAAAAAAAW…!

Natsu and the phoenix quickly circled before the phoenix charged. Natsu wounded it with his claws shredding the flames to get to the flesh within. As quick as it could, the phoenix healed itself to try and fly off.

But even so…I never once believed…that there was a place you'd go where I couldn't get to you.

Memories hit. Memories of darkness turned into flame. Memories of flame turning into a sharp grin. Memories of a sharp grin turning into a scaled beast king. Memories of a scaled beast king turning into a peachy baby of flesh, of wisps of gold, and of sleepy face.

And right now…if you want to go to a place where you can feel anger and hatred, then fine. I'm coming with you.

Natsu's eyes swirled jade as flames whipped from his arms to shackle around the phoenix's legs. It cawed, enraged, and fought hard, but Natsu kept his flaming chains close in hand and pulled them to his side.

At the evacuation center, Gajeel wrapped a blanket around his wife and kissed her temple while she sensed something was amiss with him. Wendy leaned on Sheila for support as Sheila consoled her wife. At an outdoor emergency set-up, a car drifted to avoid it. Erza finished up her own work to look at the darkened sky and the impending ball of sun and flame with despair written in her eyes. Half sheathed in black, Gray used his demonic ice to put out the fires and ordered Mages at his side to fan out. His eyes caught onto the energy ready to burst down and he gritted his teeth. People were startled and guards went on alert when the car broke past barriers and plowed into the fiery depths of Magnolia. Peter clung to his ceiling handlebar for dear life while Bleu drove with stride and confidence.

Guards and soldiers gathered behind Brika and Cheshire with their Magic and weapons aimed for one target. Cheshire and Brika pointed at the phoenix-consumed Igneel. "Ready?" they shouted.

And their men steadied into their positions.

Natsu roared as he wrapped the chains again to drag the phoenix closer. Because I made a promise to your mom. I made a promise to Lucy. To Igneel. To not give up. To go forward…and live for the future. Igneel… You…Nashi, Luke, and Luna… Happy and Lucy… Fairy Tail… You are all my future!

A blue streak breaking the smog and ash.

"Aim!" Cheshire and Brika commanded.

I won't give up on you, Igneel! Do you hear me? I don't care if your anger burns right now! I'll take your anger! So you can live and grow as my son! As…

"Nyaaaaaaaah!" Natsu roared as he held tight to his chain as lightning sparked around him. He charged for the final blow. "Igneeeeeeeeel…!

Their hands dropped. "Fire!"

The phoenix thrashed. RAAAAAAAW...!

A flash of blue.

A golden acorn glinted.

TINKLE.

"Stop."

Natsu blinked.

Everything froze.

Not everything.

Bullets and waves of Magic were frozen in time. The miniature sun waiting to disintegrate it all was frozen in time. The flames violently tearing into the city froze. Guards, soldiers, civilians, and Mages alike looked on in confusion at this phenomenon. Flames with life in them that could not move. Destruction that could not continue to pave its way.

The phoenix's eyes sought the cause of all this. It sought a flaxen-haired maiden dressed for a date and wrapped in such a calming, familiar energy. Mary Jane smiled at him with that sad, knowing, welcome home smile. "I know," she spoke in her two voices. "I'm so sorry. You went this far because you had no choice. I'm sorry."

Crimson softened to glowing emerald. The phoenix flapped its wings, but it made a low burring noise at her.

Mary Jane's smile broadened as her eyes glowed. The chains Natsu had strapped to the phoenix dispersed into blue particles. The Hellish ball in the sky evaporated into Magic that sprinkled through the land. Keeping eye contact, Mary Jane led the creature down onto solid land, allowing her energy to diffuse all flames and destruction in her wake. The Magic that dusted sprouted new growth where it sought fit and repaired what once was lost. The phoenix landed on the ground with her, folded wings and a cocked head. It ruffled its wings, but it made a low chirping noise at her and dipped its flaming beak low. Mary Jane still did not touch the ground as she went to stroke its beak, unafraid of the flames. For these flames would never burn her.

"I have missed you too, old friend," Mary Jane regarded in warm murmur. "It has been far too long. I apologize for that."

The phoenix closed its eyes as it let Mary Jane rub its beak all over. It rumbled.

Mary Jane's smile softened. "I know it's been hard for you. He's not ready for you. But you both nearly completed the ritual on Mary Jane. It's a struggle, I know." She forced the bird of flames and life and death to meet her eyes. "But it is your duty to be at his side in times like this. It is now he will go and you must be there to guide him."

The phoenix softly cawed and nuzzled into her hands.

Mary Jane tittered. "Yes, his heart too." She patted its beak. "Now. May I speak with the rest of him?"

The phoenix cawed and dispersed its flames for flesh to remain. Clothing had not survived Igneel's burst, but his red scarf and necklace had never been touched. He was put to his knees before Mary Jane as her feet touched the ground and a fresh groan slipped from his lips. He was slow to crack open his eyes, but the emerald was gone for pure onyx to be his eye color.

"Nnngh… MJ?" Igneel guessed.

Mary Jane shook her head. "Not quite." She got to her knees to tip Igneel's chin up with a finger. "I will let her speak with you. But first, young prince, a word of advice. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and distance is necessary to grow into yourself. To step into your power, you must see the world. For the world may be Mary Jane, but a bigger world is one you must conquer."

Igneel could not make heads or tails of that. "Un… Wha…?" He rubbed his head. "MJ, y'er talkin' funny…"

Mary Jane laughed loftily to herself as her eyes closed. "We will meet again, young prince." The blue energy surrounding her disappeared. Eyes blinked open for mismatching scarlet and cerulean to stare at… "Wait… Igneel?" Eyes wide, excitement and worry jumped Mary Jane to throttle herself at him for a hug. "Oh, Igneel! You're okay!"

Igneel might have been confused and exhausted, but he made sure to keep himself up to hug her back and bury his nose into her hair. "MJ… My MJ…"

Mary Jane felt the fresh sting of tears in the corners of her eyes. "You worried me so much when you didn't say, 'goodbye'," she murmured fiercely, unable to keep the break in her voice.

"I know." Two words that meant so much.

Mary Jane tightened her hold on him to stop her shaking. "You scared me." Her cry was there. "Igneel, you scared me so much."

Igneel's grip was harder. "I know."

"Why?" Mary Jane pleaded. "Wh-Why would you…? D-Do you hate me so mu—…? Igneel, why…?"

Igneel pulled Mary Jane away to see the tears streaming down her face and her grief prominent in such beautiful eyes. "MJ…"

Mary Jane sniffled. "Y-You once told me…th-that I was your friend…th-that I was your pa-pa-pa-pa-partner an-and-and…"—another sniffle—"to not shut you out. Tha-That no one ge-gets left behind… B-But you left an-and—..!" She hiccuped as Igneel's thumbs began to wipe her cheeks.

"Don't cry, MJ," Igneel murmured to her. "You always look so much prettier when you're smiling."

Mary Jane gave a god-awful wheeze. "H-How can I smile when y-y-you're in s-s-so much pain?"

Igneel let his hand go to the back of her head. "Well, I guess…I'll have to work even harder to see it, huh?"

Mary Jane could not stop her next wave of tears. "You moron," she insulted with no ire, just grief. "How could you…? How…? A-And now you've…?" She shook her head. "Is this what your Magic does? It makes you angry and leave? Because if it is"—HIC!—"I don't want to be a part of it."

"Hey," Igneel hushed. "Don't worry." He let his forehead rest against hers, his thimble and her acorn button clinking like old lovers. "It's just like I promised you. We're in this together."

Mary Jane could not stop her loud wail at that.

Igneel brought her into the crook of his neck and let her shake and shiver and sob into him. Mira landed beside Natsu for both to revert back into the Mage attire. Guards and soldiers lowered their weapons and Magic with understanding drawn from the young maiden's loud cries. Cheshire exchanged a look with Brika for both to nod while Florica and Kang drifted closer as though they felt the emotion in the air too.

Cheshire sidled up to Brika. "We'll start packing up and heading out. With no flames, the Fire Force isn't needed. What about you?"

"As will we," Brika said, observing the pair with something in her eyes. Into her headpiece, she commanded, "Men, fall back. Regroup with Lieutenant Colonel Wan for further instruction in regard to clean-up." With a resounding response, she sighed and crossed her arms. "The paperwork on this case will be an outrage. The amount of witness reports to gather will be a nightmare."

"Come on, sis."

Brika's eyes widened while Cheshire grinned. "Captain Sterling," she ground out. "This is a private commune-line reserved for my men only."

Angelo laughed over the com. "Yeah, well, they lent me an earpiece. I just wanted you to know my orders. By decree of the Magic Council Chairman and Lord Magic-Speaker of Fiore, the AMU won't be reporting the exact perp of this arson."

"What?!" Brika's eyes flew open as she looked at the Anti-Magic Unit guards. "You damn fools! I don't care how young the boy is! He threatened an ecosystem, could have killed us all—!"

"Captain!"

Brika's rant was cut short when two specialists came, one with a communications pack on their back and the other with the speaker and receiver in hand. Her eyes sharpened. "What?"

"It's a call from the Minister Marignano," the specialist explained as the other took a knee. "Rescue Chief West is listening in and Fire Chief Archer should listen as well." With a bow, he passed the speaker and receiver to Brika for both captain and chief to listen in.

Brika cleared her throat. "Minister, you have Captain Sterling-Armstrong and Fire Chief Archer present."

"Excellent," came smooth praise. "Soldiers, you are given the order to stand down. Once evacuation procedures and retrievals have been completed and all citizens have been accounted for, you are to report back to me in all accounts. No other minister."

Brika growled. "Excuse my interruption, Sir, but I—!"

"Would you like acting-Prime Minister Arcadios to step onto the line, Captain Sterling-Armstrong," Aaron cut in coldly. "I assure you his words align with mine. All reports come directly to me and me alone. This threat was level Dragon meaning should a soldier defy this order and report to another minister, they will be court-martialed and dishonorably discharged effective immediately." Three pauses. "Did I make myself clear?"

Brika and Cheshire straightened as both captains and chiefs murmured, "Sir, yessir."

"Excellent. A briefing will be tomorrow at ten A.M. in my office. All four of you will be present."

The call dropped.

Brika ground her teeth while Cheshire laughed behind her hand. "Well, that takes care of that," Cheshire supposed. "Honestly, it doesn't bother me about this." She sighed as she watched Igneel and Mary Jane. "We're protecting true love here, Brika. What's more patriotic than that?"

"Actually arresting the criminal." Brika whirled away. As always, Fairy Tail, you evade due process and justice isn't served due to a Magi…

Igneel smiled a little as Mary Jane's cries melted into sniffles and distressed mewls. "Geez, MJ, if you cry this much, you'll end up drowning us both," he teased lightly. When she relaxed in his arms, his smile broadened. "That's better."

Silence.

Worry gnawed at Igneel. "MJ?"

Silence.

Igneel shifted, but Mary Jane fell into his arms. He turned to see her unconscious face. Anguish stabbed him. "MJ!"

LUB-DUB.

Igneel's vision doubled. What…? What is this?

He did not know what was happening until it happened. He had let go of Mary Jane and she rolled onto the ground without a care in the world. Shouting took place when he fell as well, his thimble making a chime as it hit pavement. His eyes were only on Mary Jane, but they began to tunnel. MJ…

A hand reached for her.

Mary Jane fluttered her eyes just a bit to see Igneel beneath her mental fog and her lashes. Igneel…

But before their hands could meet, exhaustion swept them into sleep. Neither one knew their respective parent coddled them, shouting their name, and yelling for emergency assistance. Neither knew they would be wrapped up and put onto gurneys with oxygen masks.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And just like that…the great fire of Magnolia was swept away…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CR-CR-CRACK! CRACK!

Gray stopped to look up when a raindrop hit his cheek. The clouds had banded together to pour their tears over Magnolia, the thunder their condolences to the loss of land and nature. He lifted a hand to capture a couple of raindrops for himself before they slid away. "Rain, huh? In December?" He shook his head to shield his vision as he looked up at the clouds. "Man… This city just keeps gettin' weirder and weirder…"

People all over Magnolia looked up at the rainstorm that had come unprecedented. Little ones splashed in the freshly made puddles, forgetting their homes could be destroyed. Others looked on in confusion for rain in December was not common in these parts of Fiore. Levy, Gajeel, Wendy, Sheila, and others stepped out from the evacuation center to watch the rain under the awning. Erza smiled to herself as she took in the rain. Freed and Evergreen exchanged relieved nods. Dash and Amber were too busy kissing in the rain while Julia had a hand on her hip, half smiling, and Cane had a coin with one side the goddess and the other side the phoenix flicker between his knuckles. Lucy held Plue close as they watched the incoming rain with Happy and Charla. Pantherlily shook out his wet fur, smiling sheepishly when a soldier glared at him. Bruno howled and splashed in puddles with Liberty on his back.

Gale looked up at the sobbing sky with a tired smirk. Ya did it…Devil Woman… You saved him… His eyes closed and he took a shuttering breath as his scales shed for skin.

Luna and Luke were back on solid ground with Luke conjuring an umbrella out of his broomstick. Luna let the rain catch in her palm. Mary Jane… You did it…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

As the rain came down, a sense of calm came upon Magnolia. This wasn't normal rain. It was the rain that forced new growth to come from destruction. Homes would need to be rebuilt…but this rain encouraged the life around it to return and make Magnolia home again.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

News vans stormed the blockade with journalists and anchors out with their cameramen and boom-mics to capture this moment, even in the rain. All of it was local, but none could get quotes from the stony silent guards. And with the show of force the guards exuded with weapons, Magic, and magical creatures, none wanted to take their chances. Social media was a different story. Snaps and stories and twits that once hosted updates on the fire were unreadable and gone.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The news came as quickly as they left. Auntie Erza and Mayor Elric promised an interview once damage control had set and people were cleared to come back to Magnolia. All those social media posts about the fire were gone. We can thank Genius for that.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SLUUUUUUUUURP…

In a dimly lit room, monitors took up a chunk of the wall with anime and video game merchandise cluttering the room. A figurine of Sailor Moon had been freshly polished. A signed Mystery Machine was in its own glass case. Bookcases were filled with behind the scenes and artwork, graphic novels, comics, and walkthroughs. The comic Defenders: Assemble! Vol. 1 Issue # 1 was signed by the original creator himself, the first edition. A few photographs had been framed and, on the walls, but only one had its own frame and stand on the desk. But with it being so dark, only the silhouette of a woman could be perceived.

Genius sat in his chair with his VR headset on as he slurped his protein shake and simultaneously went through code. He grinned. "Nothing can stand against the genius…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

I would learn it a little later tonight that Igneel, Gale, and Mary Jane were moved to separate locations. Since Gale turned into a full Dragon Slayer and Igneel started the fire, Granny Porlyusica took them in. Mary Jane was admitted to the Crocus Clinic in Magnolia.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

VRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

Luna and Luke looked to see a car gunning down the street. Luke forced Luna behind him as a Magic Barrier appeared with the glow of his eyes.

SKRRRRRRRRRT!

The car went into an abrupt side turn to slow itself to a stop. Luna easily recognized the car and tapped her brother to lower his shield as the car doors opened up. Bleu came out and immediately sought Luna. She ran to him and out of Luke's protection to leap into Bleu's arms. He swung her around before they landed in a passionate kiss, Luke wide-eyed and eyebrows disappearing into his hair while Peter leaned against the car, amused.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Bleu and Peter would come back with Luke and I. Mama wasn't too thrilled about us sneaking out, but she cried when she held us. I cried too. I knew what we were crying about. We were crying because of Igneel. We were crying because we couldn't save him this time.

However…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Era, Draculos, Jura, and Iris stepped out from the Super Archive room. Draculos nodded to Iris. "Miss Monics, if you wouldn't mind getting the Sky Boat ready?"

Iris bowed. "Right away, sir!" And she scurried off.

Jura cocked his head. "Interesting turn of events, wouldn't you say so, Chairman?"

Draculos sighed. "Say what you want, Jura."

"The boy is a Magic Criminal." Jura got straight to the point. "Arson, theft, burglary, kidnapping—and countless misdemeanors. Are you going to neglect his criminal status and bring him into the bureau or let him walk free?"

"As I recall, Wizard Saint Neekis, others on the council once had criminal records," Draculos regarded icily.

Jura remained silent.

Draculos walked down the hall. "As for the Dragneel boy… His freedom from prosecution comes with a steep price. Don't worry, Jura. He's already aware of the price he has to pay." He paused in his stride. "But at least he got to see the girl one more time before it." He tilted his head. "Any new thoughts on the youngest Redfox?"

"He's not ready to be my student," Jura decided, mind made up. "Too raw in power. I will train him when he and his Dragon progress a bit farther."

Draculos nodded. "Very well. Good night." And he slipped away.

Jura nodded. "Good night…Vampire King."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And in the paradox…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mirella put her hand on her hip, eyebrow arched. "So…" She and Pazuzu stood side-by-side as the ruins of a temple lay before them. Floating patches of land were sprinkled in the air and they stood in the middle of a well-used battlefield. "You wanted to bring me to Bael's playground…why?"

Pazuzu nodded towards the shadowed opening of the temple. "It's what's in there that's important."

"And we didn't Shadow Walk in there…why?"

Pazuzu turned to her. "Because I didn't want to shock you. Also, your Shadow Walking is atrocious."

Mirella conceded a nod as she started forward. "Fair point." She waved a hand. "Now, c'mon, pretty kitty. Let's see if you backstab me and lead me to my doom." She put her foot on the first step—

Pazuzu held his breath.

—and kept going when she realized Pazuzu was not at her side. She threw him an annoyed look. "If this is some cheap, underhanded tactic to try and kill me, just know, Zuzu, you haven't even seen me as a raging bitch yet." She continued up the steps, not caring if he followed. As she made it to the top, she looked into the opening of the abyss. "Seriously?" she muttered. "How old does Bael think I am? Unlike Lynn, I was never afraid of the dark."

"Excellent." Pazuzu came to her side. "Then, let's take a stroll."

Mirella rolled her eyes and easily walked through the threshold. The darkness was comforting to her in a way. The chains of Bael's Curse did not seep into the hall. Mirella kept her eyes ahead, but her senses were on full alert. This is too weird. The kitten brings me to a place that doesn't even feel like Bael? I can't sense any killing intent, but he could always be masking it. I'd like to think I'd still be able to tell after centuries of being a murderer, but my skills could use some fine-tuning.

"Looking a little tense."

Mirella saw Pazuzu's glazed eyes through the darkness. "Well, I'm in the dark with my dead sister's pet. Humans would call this 'Seven Minutes in Hell', I believe?"

Pazuzu snorted. "Human games make no sense to me," he muttered. "I have no respect for their lackadaisical culture and abrupt relationship rituals."

"Oh? Someone's pulling out some of the big words," Mirella teased with a smirk. "What's a matter, pussycat? Not all for the mortals and their one-night stands? To think, a Devil would be opposed to using someone for a single night of bogus pleasure. Doesn't that give me the warm and fuzzies inside."

Pazuzu growled a little to snuff out her jesting, but he put it to rest when her statements were half-truth. "A harem of playthings might good on paper, but…I wasn't always this cruel."

Mirella dramatically gasped. "Ooo, is this backstory monologuing time? Are we going to learn about our pasts while trapped in darkness together?" She hooked an arm around him and snuggled into his shoulder, fluttering her eyes at him for she knew he could see through the dark as well as she. "Go on. Tell me your story, dead-sister's-pet."

Pazuzu rolled his eyes. "All right, all right." He did not shake her off even if he looked like he wanted to. "Don't be so surprised. You knew I was Devil-made, not born. Just like you knew I had a life before this, I knew you had a life before committing cold-blooded murder."

Mirella wrinkled her nose at him. "Touchy," she muttered. Adding a sigh, she said, "Okay, fine. So you were Devil-made, not born. Are you saying in your past-life, you were an upstanding citizen?"

"You could say that," Pazuzu supposed. "He—he being the me of my past—was in line to be the next chief of my prowl."

Mirella thought on that. "So you being the Black Panther Devil and becoming the chief of your next prowl…" Realization hit her. "Get out. You were part of one of the Felidae planets?"

"The original Panthera," Pazuzu corrected.

Mirella looked at Pazuzu up and down in shock. "Damn… You really are old…"

At that, Pazuzu did rumble something akin to a laugh. "Not as old as a star, but I am old for a Devil-made. The life before me… He was taken fairly young." Something harsh raged in glazed eyes. "He had much on the line. Reports came in of other Panthera acting strangely. Rumors spread about a secret alliance in place with Neofelis to wipe out one of the other groups. The Lion King was written to be at hand for this, so my sire set up a meeting. And let's just say…the meeting didn't go well."

A strange sense of déjà vu occurred to Mirella. "I think I heard about this," she murmured. "I wasn't born, but this was probably a few centuries after my mother died when Bael took me to Eden. I heard about a new Devil arriving at Eden, a Devil from Panthera. I learned about conquered planets in Mammon's lessons." She looked at Pazuzu in a new light. "So that was..."

"Yes." Pazuzu's voice came out soft. "My old home."

Mirella swallowed. "I won't apologize." Tone gentle. "There are no words of comfort to someone who lost their home. But I understand your sense of loss. To know you turned a Devil, though…"

"It wasn't conventional," Pazuzu admitted. "Originally, it was my past life's father who was sought after. He was a strong Pantherine, one most looked up to. But when he willingly offered himself up to keep us safe, my past self couldn't stand it." His fists clenched. "He offered himself, reasoning he was more valuable since he was younger. He pleaded for his family to be safe."

"And let me guess… There was an offer for you?" Mirella guessed. "You would become an eternal servant at the cost of your wishes being granted." When silence wafted between them, she added, "But someone still died."

"My father, yes."

Mirella nodded. "And, probably, your family was taken and you were told they would be kept alive if you continued to work your job."

"Yes."

She looked away. "Losing my home with Kyler to be at the mercy of Lynn who was being pulled by Bael… Having to kill so many innocent lives just for scraps of information, to keep Talia safe and Kyler safe… I understand that much. But what I don't understand is your intentions towards the first princess or her family." She looked back at him. "You have every reason to throw them under the bus. You could have brought her to Bael. He would've given you a ticket out."

"And he would have raped her."

Mirella swallowed thickly. "Yes."

"He would have beaten her," Pazuzu continued. "He would have impregnated her just because he wanted her to suffer. And he would have used her as bait for the rest of her family to rescue her. He would have the Etherious Demon King's mate in his clutches and tormented her to fuck with the King. And he would have captured the youngest to bring to Eden."

"All of that is true," Mirella admitted without an ounce of shame. "Bael is a terrible being. But in exchange for you giving up Nashi, you would have had your family back."

"My Namer wants the first princess alive and well," Pazuzu confided. "They also want the Winter Devil alive and well."

"And you?" Mirella challenged. "What do you want?"

Pazuzu paused in his steps, forcing Mirella to stop with him. He chose his words with care. "There is no redemption for me. Not since my Maker forced me to commit such heinous acts. And with so much blood stained on me, I doubt my family would want me back in their lives after explaining what I did."

"I'm sure that's not true," Mirella whispered. "I'm sure they would forgive you if you just explained—"

"You think my family is dead."

Mirella opened her mouth to try and counter it, but her mouth closed.

"So do I," Pazuzu admitted, voice low. "Ever since I was given a new name, I am certain my Maker killed them and with it, my only hope of getting out of this Hell. My Namer is not a cruel being. They are a neutral being who is not good and is not evil. The acts I commit are things I may not be proud of, but I can still look my past mother in the eye to tell her what I've done as the monster I am now."

"And what you've done now?"

Pazuzu sighed and led her back into a walk. "I'm not going to let anyone be destroyed at the hands of Bael. As much as Dark Creatures have little boundaries, I stand firm that consent is necessary and death is only justified for an unspeakable sin."

"Probably because, when they turned you, you had relatively good ideals," Mirella theorized. "When someone is turned into a Dark Creature, their ideals normally are inhuman and sinful. Some are turned with thoughts of greed and lust for power… But you were turned to protect people. That makes you different." She patted his arm. "I can see the appeal. If I didn't have a literal Angel for a boy toy, I think our hook-up would've been off the charts."

Pazuzu shot her a roguish grin. "We still have a chance."

Mirella patted his cheek, smile teasing. "Darling kitty cat, we have no chance. Only pussy you get to see is Muta, got that?" She saw the dim light at the end of the tunnel. "Besides, you've sunken your dick into way too many holes for me to want to fuck you."

"At least I didn't fuck your sister," Pazuzu reminded.

Mirella scoffed. "Fair point, but still, no thanks. I don't need to be catching a disease. I like my current man candy, thank you. He's such a little innocent gentleman in the streets, but a total freak in the sheets. A mortal terran saying," she added when Pazuzu looked confused.

"Ah." Pazuzu nodded. "Just don't start air-fucking like some of the flying Darkling do and we'll be good." He stopped her before the dim light could craft them shadows.

Mirella looked around. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Pazuzu tightened his grip on her arm. "Just a little on edge." He moved them forward.

Mirella shot him a funny look as the light bathed them. "What's got your tail all in a—?"

"Mirella…"

Mirella hitched a breath as she froze.

This could not be happening.

Because if it was happening, if this was true, then Mirella was staring into the kind eyes of a woman who should have died thousands of years ago. If this was true, that woman was alive and breathing right in front of her. If this was true, then her mother was smiling at her with open arms, ready to embrace her in this dank tomb in her rags and chains.

Mirella's lips tipped into a cold frown as she slipped away from Pazuzu. "I see."

"Mirella." Tears came to Hemera's eyes. "I've been wishing for this day."

Shadows covered Mirella's eyes. "Me too." She raised an arm and shadows covered it. "All my life, I waited for this day." The darkness ran to her fingers to form a staff. A scythe blade appeared at the type, bloodthirsty and large. Mirella twirled the scythe in her hand before cutting it through the air.

Hemera froze.

The scythe blade was curled around her.

"Now is the day…"—the shadow lifted as cold gold glared at Hemera—"I kill the last puppet to that sick bastard's games."

°•°•°•°

A woman screamed as she was swept up in the partial loss of gravity. Around her papers and lighter food and some flora shifted upwards into the atmosphere. And she was not alone. People and creatures not crouched to the ground or hanging onto things were having trouble keeping grounded. An adolescent squid boy could not hold on with his tentacles and found himself drifting upw—

"Uoy snwo ytivarg, dnuorg eh tot dnuob!"

The humans and creatures alike dropped to the ground unceremoniously. Most were grateful to have solid mass beneath whatever feet they had while others were a little indignant about it. John stood at the center of a flaming star before letting his Magician Circle burnt out. He looked over to see Dazzler enchanting underneath her breath as pale silver glowed. Hat in hand, she used her Magic to put back together a building that had fallen apart, saving the civilians inside.

John came over to her when she finished with a grin. "Just like old times—?"

"Pots!"

John looked over to see a vile creature with a foaming muzzle and glazed eyes frozen and wrapped in Dazzler's Magic. He arched a teasing eyebrow at her. "Different than Budao, isn't it?"

Dazzler threw her hand, throwing the creature far, and rolled her eyes. "Yes. And we're not repeating Budao," she retorted. "Must've gotten lax in your studies. Your Gravity Spell used to cover way more than this."

John chuckled as he took out a box of matches and struck one. "When you have to recalibrate various little species and their natural gravity"—he dropped the match and it turned into a pad of fire—"you let me know." He stepped onto the pad and let it carry him away.

Dazzler side-glared at him. "He is such an ass," she grunted. Her eyes caught onto a large Ferris Wheel about to topple over with its patron and her eyes glowed as she grasped her hat.

Meanwhile, three creatures—water in that shape of a woman, scaled man with horns and butterfly wings, and a lanky tree man—tried to outrun a small tower, but with the shadow larger than them. It was only a matter of time. Just as the small tower was about to crush them, Ghost swooped in to grab all three of them.

BOOM!

With the dust and debris scuttling up, the three creatures were amazed when they found themselves walking away—or perhaps walking through—the wreckage. Ghost let them go the moment they were safe with a satisfied smile to get a higher view. Millions were rushing away, but he had steered most into cleared out areas. He witnessed Cascade using her telekinesis to make almost a maze while she hovered in the air, leading the people and creatures to the cleared-out areas. To his right, Highlight used her abilities to get those who were struggling mentally and physically.

A beastly creature with ugly fangs and spikes down its spine was raging through the streets, confused of what was going on. Unbeknownst to it, if it kept going, it would run into Highlight as she helped calm down an anthropomorphic crocodile going through an asthma attack. It roare—

Its eyes glazed then it tumbled down, kicking up the stone in the road.

Psyphon pulled back his hand from the creature's fur to sigh in relief. Looking up, he witnessed Hybrid and her curious gaze atop a building. Hybrid looked until she spotted a werewolf frightened and threatening to shift in front of a group of terrans huddled and trying to get to shelter. She leaped in the air to get onto the ground and burst off in a speedy that rivaled both Jet and Dash. For the werewolf could shift in its terror, Hybrid appeared to promptly lay a cooling hand on their cheek. The werewolf sagged in euphoria, eyes mooning over.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Hybrid looked over to see Atomic in the distance. Masahiko had turned into a machine gun and she had cornered familiars and ravenous Dark Creatures desperate for pure flesh and bone and was killing every last one of them they could.

CR-CRACK!

Laxus struck down a group of hungry Darklings with his lightning bolts. He charged another attack to kill a flaming Darkling when a bout of ice froze it over. He looked to see Skade in his Ice Devil Form, icy fur, tail, claws and all. All he could do was watch as Skade did not let anything stop him, spraying ice and tearing into his meek prey before setting on his path. He called, "Hey kid! Where the Hell are you off to?"

Skade seemed to not hear him or ignored him as he kept launching himself deeper and deeper into the labyrinth.

Laxus followed Skade's path to see where he was headed. With a smirk, he turned back to his own opponents. Arrogant kid. Not like I can stop him now.

Skade checked his shoulder into a mammoth of a tentacled Darkling with icy blue eyes still locked onto the building, onto the Luck Duck Casino. Landing back on his paws, he drove himself towards it. Demon… I am coming for you.

°•°•°•°

While Bael seemed to revel in his handiwork, Mammon straightened out. "Sire, it appears the Ice Devil is attempting to storm your palace."

Bael had noticed as he watched another bout of ice appear in the distance. A smirk graced him. "So it appears." He pushed himself off the glass to crack his knuckles. "Mammon, keep him busy. As much as I'd like a repeat with the little darling, I need to start searching this disgusting planet for that Heartfilia heir and the Etherious boy."

"Please be careful, My Eminence," Mammon told. "It would appear the Aasimar has taken a liking to—"

Bael let out a groan. "I know… Fuck, don't I know." He pouted a little. "I'll stay away from the little bitch. But the Priestess-Queen is mine." He ran a hand through his hair as he walked over to the table containing his game board "When I get back, have my baby boy ready for me in my throne room, will you? Chained down and at my dick level. First time he opens his mouth in my presence, he'll be sucking me off."

Mammon bowed. "As you wish."

"And Mammon? I know it's been a while since you've gotten to play my game." Bael studied the game board and the pieces. "Since you're going into battle, what do you want to be this time? I made you a Tabaxi for the last time, but I think you might like a little change." He looked up at his most faithful servant. "After all the classes I made, any thoughts? I'm open to suggestions."

Mammon had an answer already prepared. "A Beastfriend Warblade."

Bael raised his eyebrows, then he shrugged. "An unusual combination, but, as I said, suggestions are welcome." He flourished his hand for a die to appear. "I'll roll the dice for your initiative. Do you want to settle into your new form before you head out?"

"No thank you, Sire." Mammon was already making his way to the door. "All I ask is for inspiration."

Bael chuckled as he shook the die. "As always"—he threw the die on the table to show a natural twenty—"my most faithful Warblade."

°•°•°•°

Hemera and Mirella were at a standstill, eyes locked. Mirella did not look like she would hesitate and Hemera accepted that. Mirella tightened her hands around her scythe and continued the motio—

"Stop!"

Mirella kept her eyes on Hemera when Aine appeared before Hemera, protecting her. A begging look sought Mirella as Aine insisted, "Please! You're Mirella, aren't you? Don't do this! Don't kill your own—!"

"That's not my mother."

Aine's eyes widened.

Mirella said, tone quite frosty, "My mother died when I was young. She died because Bael raped her. She killed herself, in better terms." She squared her shoulders. "Whatever this thing is isn't my long-dead mother. This is the final test. Bael is testing me. If I don't kill her, I don't have what it takes to be his heir and he'll simply give me a new test. If I succeed, the testing ends."

Aine shook her head. "Please, don't—!"

"I'm sorry, but who are you?" Mirella finally turned her attention to Aine. "Are you the terran girl the first princess and the blonde boy were looking for?"

Aine swallowed. "Yes. I'm Aine Fernandes."

Mirella took this in. "Well, now, let me tell you a little something, Aine Fernandes." A hiss came out, bitter. "As a terran—a human terran—you cannot fathom the ideals the cosmos has, the wars being fought, the people slaughtered, or even how big it really is. You can't begin to understand the darkness just this universe alone has and I don't expect you to. What I expect you to do is get the fuck away from that thing, so I can kill it in the quickest and cleanest way possible."

"I won't," Aine bellowed back, suddenly defensive. "This is a life. This is a soul and you're going to kill it? Just like that? How can you—?" A hand was placed on her shoulder and she looked to see Hemera staring back at Mirella. "Hemera…"

"It's all right," Hemera soothed. "Let her and I talk."

"But—!"

"Aine." Hemera looked over to Aine with a sparkle in her eyes. "It's time."

Aine searched Hemera's eyes as though desperate for something before she nodded. She rushed to huge the afterimage and whispered, "Thank you for everything." After shooting one last plea to Mirella, Aine drifted back over to Lance.

Hemera looked back at Mirella and smiled. "Mirella. It's good to see you."

"I'm sure." Mirella pressed her blade closer to Hemera. "Tell me, fraud. What did Bael have to do to get you as my last test? Are you a Shifter? A Persona? Are you a mortal who endured surgery?"

Hemera shook her head. "Nay. I am none of those things." An explanation was in order. "I am the product of a deal made. You're correct. Hemera is gone. I am her after-image. I retain her memories, her thoughts, her feelings, and morals. But I am not her."

"Of course not." Mirella gritted her teeth. "Just like the sick bastard to do something like this. First, my daughter and now this? Fucking creep."

Hemera had to concur. "Before you kill me, may I have one request?"

Mirella arched an eyebrow. "Depends what it is."

"I would like to give you the true last words your mother always wanted to tell you."

Silence.

Mirella drew herself back as her scythe stood at her side. Everyone watched as she gave the smallest of nods for this image of Hemera to continue.

Hemera drew a breath. "Thank you," she murmured. Eyes closed, she began: "'There was…so much I wanted to say to you, my beautiful baby girl. There was so much I wanted to do for you. There were so many times I wanted to take you and run so far away, that all of this would seem like a nightmare… But I couldn't. I know you don't understand it now, but at the time… My darling, I had no choice. Your f—… Bael… He made me choose. If I went free, he would keep you for himself. If I stayed, you would live in bliss. Even with me being the daughter of a Light God, I couldn't return to the God Realm to give you the sanctuary you deserve.

"You'll hate me after this. I know that. You'll hate me for leaving the way I did, for not being there for you, for being selfish and leaving you with a monster. My reasons will never be good enough. But I want you to know how much I will always love you. You were the only hope I had during my time with Bael. You weren't just my reason for living. You were the reason I knew Bael would be defeated. My sweet girl, you will'—"

SHING!

Aine's eyes slowly widened.

SPLAT!

A choke escaped her.

THUD!

A shaky hand rose up to cover a mouth.

Mirella stayed in her lunged position with her scythe in hand. She did not need to look at the two halves of the afterimage to know she hit her mark. She did not need to watch as the creation disintegrated into a massive pile of skin and clay, steaming off dark energy. Flicking the fluid off her blade, Mirella stood up, hair covering her eyes. "You there. Aine Fernandes."

Aine could not stop looking at the slaughter that she witnessed. Nausea and horror filled her very being to the brim.

Mirella let her scythe evaporate to turn her back on the scene. "I advise you and your boyfriend to stay in here. It's not safe outside. We'll return for you when it is safe." She began to walk away.

"H-H-How…?"

Mirella kept walking.

Aine curled over as though she was in physical pain. "H-H-How could…?" A tear came. Then another. And another. "How could you do such a thing?" She curled over even more. "How could you kill her just like that?"

Mirella paused in her stride. "The Gods are fickle and selfish creatures. Their kids are no different." Words stone-cold cut through the air. "I don't give a damn what that woman had to say as her last words. I made my peace with her death. That thing you clung to wasn't alive. It was a little toy crafted up so Bael could play another game with me. This is a story I've been through over and over again."

"B-But she was alive," Aine whispered. "She was alive."

"She wasn't." A bite. Threat of a growl. "She was never alive. My mother is dead. Her soul returned to the God Realm. That creature was dishonoring her memory, so I took care of it. I passed the test." She took up her walk again. "Now, it's time to face Bael." She did not care as the shadows around her grabbed at her to sink her into their darkness. When she emerged, she found herself back in the streets of the labyrinth with gravity shifting and the noises of battle and wind filling her ears. She did not need to look to see Pazuzu had followed her. "I'm not about to cry."

"Good." Pazuzu looked at her. "If you were, you're not what I thought you were at all."

Mirella looked up at the sky and hummed. "I've tried to kill my father and my sister, but I only succeed in killing her. How ironic. I killed the one person I thought I wanted to see the most."

"Fate's a fucker like that," Pazuzu told her as if he knew all about it. "It always wins in the worst of ways."

Mirella drew in a deep breath, then she exhaled. "Yeah. That's one way to put it." She looked over at him. "Are you up to kill a Demon?"

Pazuzu grinned. "Are you?"

"Yeah." Mirella let her ugly wings sprout onto her back, shielded in armor. "I've had enough family drama for one of my lifetimes."

"You just have one more family member to kill," Pazuzu reminded.

"Thanks the gods," Mirella muttered. "Any more family members and I'd kill myself." She flapped her wings. "Come on, kitty cat. Let's go play a fun game of Die, Daddy, Die."

---

Igneel's eyes opened, dreary and bleak. His eyes swept down to see his hands were free and he had been put into a bed. The woodsy smell and the ting of tea let him know where he was. He sat up without a word. "I'm not in the basement." Tongue heavy and throat dry, he did not care.

He turned his head towards his father leaning against the wall with an unreadable look. Natsu shook his head. "No, you're not. You're at Porlyusica's, just like Gale is. He's in another room."

Igneel nodded and looked out the window. The rain was still pouring down and beat against the window in a series of arrhythmic patterns. "Why let me free this time? What's so different about this time?"

Natsu shrugged. "Because this time, you know what's on the line."

Igneel tensed.

Natsu moved from the wall to sit on the edge of the bed. "Can I ask you something?"

"Do I have a choice if I want to answer?"

"What made you explode?" Natsu pressed on, ignoring the question. "I get things were rough. But I really thought after Friday…" He took the time to crack his knuckles one by one. "What happened to make you that angry?"

For too many moments, Igneel kept his silence. Then, his voice shook as he murmured, "I didn't mean to get angry." He turned fully away from his father to look out the window. "I just… I…" He hid his mouth beneath his scarf. "Something happened," he mumbled. "And I guess…it just got to me."

"Hey."

SMACK!

Igneel groaned with comical tears in his eyes as he rubbed his head. "What was that for?" he whined.

"This isn't the time for secrets or games, Igneel," Natsu huffed. "Just spit it out. What happened?" He noticed the hesitation on Igneel's face. "Are you protecting someone?"

That snapped Igneel out of it. "Wh—? Ow!" He rubbed his forehead from the flick Natsu gave him. "C'mon, Pops, seriously?"

Natsu poked Igneel's cheek repeatedly. "Spill it, kid. I need to know what happened out there." He sat back to cross his arms while Igneel wallowed in all his hits. "Sheesh. I get you want to protect someone. But I need to protect you too. And I can only do that if you tell me everything."

Igneel looked down at the sheets. "Even if what I said might hurt a friend?"

Natsu softened instantly. "Maybe Lucy and I didn't do too bad with you brats."

Igneel arched an eyebrow. "Wh—?" His eyes went wide and he choked when his father hooked an arm around his neck and brought him in close. "Dad!" he gasped. "You're…choking me!"

Natsu loosened his hold. "It's great you want to protect your buddies. Heck, I'd be doing the same thing," he remarked with a grin. His grin faded into a sober frown. "But Igneel… Both you and Gale need to tell Gajeel and me what happened. I can guess for myself what happened and…"—his arm slipped away from Igneel—"trust me when I say I don't want to be right."

Igneel sat crisscrossed and his hands went to his knees. "What you're thinking is probably right," he said woefully. His nails dug into his skin. "God, Luna… What are we supposed to tell her? And Ma…"

"We'll worry about both of them later," Natsu assured. "Did smelling Gale make you want to fight him that badly? Was it just for Luna?"

Igneel hesitated again, but his shoulders sagged in resignation. "No," he said, tone full of regret. "It started earlier than that. I just…!" He buried his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do," he whispered. "I keep trying for her. I don't want to feel like this. No, that's not right. I want to be with her, but I can't be. And it hurts, but I'm trying to be better. But smelling Gale made me realize…what if she…?"

Natsu understood and ran a smoothing, heated hand in circles along Igneel's back just as Lucy would do to him. "You don't have to say it," he soothed.

"What am I supposed to do if that happens?" Igneel croaked. "Just thinking it…" He violently shuddered. "I don't want to feel like this," he whimpered.

Desperate onyx clashed with solemn onyx.

"How am I not supposed to feel like this?" Igneel beseeched. "What am I supposed to do?"

Natsu's eyes bore into his. "You know what you have to do. But doing it takes a lot of guts." As Igneel turned away, Natsu continued: "I want you to know by doing this…you're even stronger than me and all the other Dragon Slayers."

"How?" Igneel wanted to know in a mutter before sniffling.

"You're doing something all of us are too selfish to do," Natsu remarked. "You're doing something I could never do. And while you're a kid too."

Igneel growled without any violence. "I'm not a kid," he puffed.

Natsu barked a laugh. "To me? You're pretty much a baby. I do have over four hundred years on you."

Igneel smirked as he snuck his father a sly look. "Talk about a cradle robber with the age gap between you and Ma."

Natsu felt like that was a punch to the cut and comically croaked. So cruel, Igneel!

Igneel thumbed his scarf to look down at the thimble with a sad sort of smile. "Would I have been treated differently if I hadn't…you know…?"

"Oh, absolutely."

Igneel nearly fell over. You didn't have to say it with such certainty!

Natsu thought about it. "You definitely wouldn't have Laxus on your back all the time. And I don't think you and Mary Jane would be like this. You guys would be in a different scenario altogether." He put his fist in an open palm. "You guys would be rivals."

What is wrong with you?! Igneel sighed. "I guess you're right, though. We definitely wouldn't be like this."

"Hey, stop looking so down."

Igneel blocked Natsu's pat on the back before it could make it full force only to be surprised at his father's grin.

"If it wasn't for you, Mary Jane wouldn't even be in Fairy Tail, right?" Natsu reminded. "Or maybe she would. Who knows? Your mom might've made it to Fairy Tail without my help or maybe she could've joined some other guild. But who cares about the 'what if's? It's all about the 'right now's. And right now, you have something important to do." He let Igneel go to stand up.

"Dad…" Igneel mumbled.

"You'll do the right thing." Natsu shot him a thumbs-up. "I'm sure of it. No one knows what's best for you more than you do, so don't let anyone tell you what to do. We'll support your decision." He stepped away.

"If I do this…will she hate me?"

Natsu paused.

"Will she…even want to be friends with me after this?"

Natsu let silence drift between them. Then… "You're thinking those same words I had all those years ago," he remembered lowly. "When Gray grilled me before I married your mom, you know what I realized? Even when you want to protect her, you'll make her cry. You'll hurt her heart. You'll make her mad. That's her right."

Igneel flinched with each word. "I know…"

"But…"

Igneel looked up. "'But'…?"

Natsu reached for the door's handle. "But it's up to you to make it up to her. It's up to you to hug her and wipe away her tears. Let her get a good punch in or two. And just tell her you're home. That's your right. You're not just any kid, Igneel. You're my kid. And Dragneels don't let their family be sad for too long. So I want you to take the time to cry now. Because if this is what you truly want, when you face her, you need to be strong for her tears." He did not even have to look to know Igneel was silently shedding his tears and rubbing them away.

As Natsu closed the door behind him, Igneel took a big sniffle. He buried his nose in his scarf and his eyes pressed shut, trying to keep his cry at bay. MJ… I'm so sorry… I don't deserve your forgiveness… Please know I was trying to protect you…from me…

°•°•°•°

The Magnolia Crocus Clinic Emergency Department and Clinical Decision were busy at this hour. Not to say an emergency department was ever slow, but they had their moments when the patients were at rest, the rooms were prepped, and the calls were minute things.

Smoke and burn victims were pouring into the emergency department lounge with those trained in emergency services trying to attend to as many as they could. It was not as hectic as it had been hours ago during the overwhelming flames and the fresh relief of them. Most patients had been treated and the more severe ones were heavily sedated. At this hour, the ones coming in had first-degree issues that could be handled with ease.

The Clinical Decision ward was quiet. Patients asleep with their loved ones on pulled up cots. Single rooms had been doubled to keep patients comfortable and in rooms. Nursing assistants were exchanging for change-off from their four-hour rotation to go to a late-night snack. The ICU and the PICU thankfully had not gotten a lot of patients in need of intensive care, only two altogether.

To-South was a longer inpatient ward for those who needed extra care. The floor was quiet with PCNAs sitting with a few of the more severe patients that could be touch and go. A service dog refused to leave its mistress with bandaged ankles and fur clean from soot as its blind mistress lay with a CPAP machine and a heart rate of 68.

But the Rehabilitation Center connected to the main campus was where one lay hidden from the others with two Fairy Tail personnel taking guard and only cleared medical personnel allowed.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

Mira stayed awake as Mary Jane rested with pale skin and closed eyes. Mother brushed the hair of the daughter while cerulean shined in the sadness of the moon. A Compact was pressed to her ear.

"Mom," came rumble, "you need to rest."

"Please, Mom," came feminine beseech, "you've been up all night."

"I'm not leaving your sister alone," Mira told them lightly. "I still can't get to your father and Lance."

"If you had just let Aunt Ever stay—"

"Nik." The tone was warning. "Your aunt Ever needs to be with Eloise right now with the smoke in her lungs and Elfman is with her and trying to keep your cousins at bay. And Lisanna and Bixslow had to keep the triplets calm and reach out to Pacer and Pearson."

Nik growled over the line. "This is bullshit!" he dubbed. "Where the Hell is the Old Man? He should be with you and Janie!"

Mira sighed as she stroked Mary Jane's cheek with the back of her knuckles. "Laxus wouldn't have disappeared like this unless it was something important. Neither would Lance. They'll come home. But I can't have you two coming here. Not right now. I need to sort out everything with Mary Jane."

"Janie wanted to come up to spend some time with me," came female confession. "Why not let her?"

Mira paused. "Veronika… Are you sure?"

A loud swallow. "Of course. Sh-She's family. She's my sister. And besides"—her voice took a steely turn—"looks like Laxus is giving her some trouble anyways. She could use the time away."

Mira ignored the last part. "I didn't realize she wanted to visit you. When she's better, I'll discuss it with her. But for now, I'll make sure to do everything I can so she's not right back where we started." She gripped her Compact as she looked around. "We're not in the same room, but just being here..."

"We know, Mom," Veronika soothed. "We don't want her to remember either."

"I can't believe we even can say that," Nik snorted in disgust. "Not wanting our little sister to remember her life? What the fuck sort of siblings are we?"

"Great ones," Mira quickly bolstered. "You two and Lance have been amazing to Mary Jane."

KNOCK-KNOCK.

Mira glanced at the door. "I'll call you two back later. I love you both."

"Love you, Mom."

"Love you too."

Mira hung up and murmured, "Yes?"

The door opened for a Fairy Tail employee to peer into the room, concerned. "Sorry, Mira, but there's a boy here who has been sitting vigil and… Well…"

Mira perked. "Oh, send him in!"

The employee hesitated. "But—"

"It's okay." Mira smiled. "He's allowed."

The door widened for a haggard Peter to slip inside. No sleep, hair still damp from the rain, the poor boy looked positively dreadful. Golden eyes shone in despair when he gazed upon Mary Jane, but he kept a respectful distance. He bowed to Mira. "Misses Dreyar, I'm so sorry."

Mira tilted her head. "For what?"

"I should've been looking after Mary Jane," Peter told her in a frustrated murmur. "This is my fault. She surprised me with her powers, I… I didn't even know she could do half that stuff and I let her get away—!" He shook his head. "That's not an excuse. She was hurt because of me. I'm so sorry for disappointing you."

A chuckle.

Peter looked up to see Mira laughing behind a hand. She waved apologetically. "Oh, dear, sorry. Forgive my laughing. You're just such an adorable gentleman." She let down her hand to smile at him. "No need to apologize, Peter. Believe me when I say no one could have stopped Mary Jane." Looking at her daughter lovingly, she explained, "Not even Mary Jane could have stopped herself. Her powers are like nothing anyone has ever seen."

Peter nodded vigorously and took a step closer. "What happened to her?" he had to know. "I thought she was a Lightning Mage."

Mira sighed heavily. "Come. Sit."

Peter obliged as he sat on the other side of the bed. His hand reached out to take Mary Jane's in his, thumbing the back of her knuckles.

Approval flashed in Mira's eyes as she started, "Mary Jane has never been a…normal Mage. We've tried hard to suppress her powers, but… There're moments when her emotions get the best of her and her powers come out."

"Why suppress them?" Peter wanted to know, curious and not bit judging. "I mean her powers could save a lot of people."

"Yes, but…" Cerulean darkened. "Her powers have hurt a lot of people too."

Peter took that into consideration. "I can't really say I understand all of what you mean, but I do sort of understand." He looked down at Mary Jane. "The energy her eyes gave off sort of gave me that vibe, I guess. When her eyes turned completely red, I could feel her rage. But when they were blue, it was like she was soft and warm and…wonderful." Cheek pinkened at that. "N-Not that she isn't wonderful already."

"I understand," Mira tittered. "Thank you, though, for coming to see her. You didn't want to go home or stay with the Dragneels?"

Peter's lips twitched as a wry look overcame him. "My friend tried to take me back to my car, but it's been impounded for the night. He offered to take me home, but my parents are a little angry at me. Staying at the Dragneels would've been nice, but…" His eyes dipped back to Mary Jane. "But I wanted to be here when she opened her eyes." He laughed to himself. "It's funny. I'm a little angry with her for rushing off and putting herself in danger like that, but… I admire her strength. From what Luna told us, it seems like she did something no one else could do."

Mira observed Peter closely. "She saved Igneel from himself."

Peter nodded.

"Do you think there's something more between them?"

Peter jerked his head up in surprise. "Wh—?" He closed his mouth to shake his head. "No, no, that's not it at all!" At Mira's look, he ducked his head sheepishly. "Okay… Maybe a little..." A longwinded exhale. "I guess, from what I understand, he has feelings for her. Maybe more feelings than a friend should have. But Mary Jane told me she only likes him as a friend, as part of her family. And I trust her on that."

"Do you?" No challenge, just curiosity.

Peter nodded. "I have a friend who showed me trust is really important in a relationship by being a bad example himself. If I don't trust Mary Jane, how am I supposed to have her trust me when I'm away?"

"Trust is important," Mira conceded, "but so is time. Do you have enough time to establish that trust with my daughter?"

"I'd like to think I do," Peter answered steadily. "But it's not up to me. I leave the choice to Sweets when I ask her to be my girlfriend." He flinched. "U-Um, with yours and Mister Dreyar's approval, of course."

Mira was already giggling. "Well, you have mine. You're a bright young man with such an ambitious future and you're a gentleman towards Mary Jane. I'd be quite happy to call you my son-in-law."

Peter's cheeks reddened even further. "I think we have a lot of time before that," he jested, a little nervous.

Mira nodded. "Sorry. My husband tells me whenever romance is mentioned, I get a little bit carried away," she mentioned. "Either way, Peter, you've been very kind and very caring. Your parents certainly raised you to be an amazing person." Eyes flickered back to Mary Jane before flickering to the window. "I just want to say you…if you want to date my daughter…I give you permission to do so."

Peter hesitated. "And…Igneel?"

Mira kept her eyes on the window. "I have a feeling Igneel won't come between you two. And, at the end of the day, it's Mary Jane's choice. She chooses who she wants to be with and I hope both of you can respect that."

"I do, Misses Dreyar," Peter promised earnestly. "If Mary Jane will have me, I hope I can help her be happy." An emotion stronger than like colored his eyes as he gazed at the unconscious maiden.

Mira tore her eyes from the window to say, "Peter, I know you don't want to, but would you mind calling your parents to see if they're okay if you stay the night?"

Now that had Peter surprised. "Really? You'd let me?"

"Of course," Mira agreed with ease. "I'm sure Mary Jane would like to see you when she wakes up and explain everything." She got up. "Why don't you call your parents and explain to them the situation while I take a walk down the hall? If they need any reassurance, I'll be happy to explain it to them when I come back."

"Really? Oh, thanks, Misses Dreyar!" Peter refused to let go of Mary Jane's hand so he got out his Compact using his other one.

Mira smiled, though something in her eyes dimmed. "It's no problem, Peter. I'll be right back." She went to the door and slipped out with a quiet sigh after shutting it. "Do you really have to, Mest?" She turned around.

Mest stood there with Aella slightly behind him, eyes straight ahead. Mest did not give to the lack of warmth in Mira's eyes. "Mira, you know the regulation," he reminded, though a bit uncomfortable. "I know it's not something Erza wanted. But we can't run the risk of anyone know her powers outside of the people who made their vows. I already performed it on all the men on the east side at the barrier, on some civilians, and on all the men who were at the scene except for Chief Cheshire and Captain Sterling-Armstrong. Draculos and Minister Marignano requested they be left out. All that's left is those two boys."

"You didn't get to Bleu?" Mira questioned.

Mest shook his head. "The boy was rather quick in escaping, but don't worry. We've got a plate number from his car and investigators on his tail as we speak. Mister Shuusei-Thompson is my second-to-last appointment."

"But he's just a boy—!"

"A boy who knows too much," Mest refuted albeit regrettably. "Mira, I know this isn't pleasant. This isn't pleasant for me either. But this is what we all agreed too."

Mira looked like she wanted to argue, but she did not. Instead, she put her shoulders back and asked, "And Igneel?"

"He's still protected," Mest consoled. "The Chairman made sure. He'll keep his memories. As he didn't try to complete what he started, I can't touch him and I don't want to." Pain tore into his face. "I've put them both through enough. Letting him retain his memories is the least I could do."

"I still say we're harming him," Aella commented loftily.

Mira's eyes sharpened. "How can you say that?"

"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Misses Dreyar," Aella apologized smoothly, "but the boy actively knowing what she is to him seems to drive his emotions out the window. If he didn't know who she was—"

"We've been over this through the simulations, Lieutenant," Mest growled. "Even relocating them without their memories would present the issue of them being drawn to each other. You were there with Misses Redfox brought up the research. What he did is irreversible. It's natural they'd be attracted to each other. With Igneel knowing, he can actively prevent anything from happening." Turning back to Mira, he sighed. "May I…?"

Mira took a deep breath. "I still say he's a sweet boy, but… I know he needs to be protected." She went back to the door. "How much of his memory will be taken? He's known about one of her sides since November."

"The Chairman already approved those memories would remain intact," Mest reminded.

"Then, why—?"

"Mirajane."

Mira went quiet as she slid open the door. Mest went in first, then her, with Aella taken vanguard. Peter was whispering on the Compact to his parents with his eyes solely on Mary Jane. It seemed he was so engrossed in the conversation, he did not hear anyone approach him.

Mira could not watch as Mest silently summoned his Magic and put a palm close to the back of Peter's head. His Magic Circle bloomed (it symbolized the mind with a clock atop it) before his fingertips as his eyes glowed a pale teal. No chant came out of his mouth as his Magic dust onto Peter's h—

ZZZT!

All three were shocked when scarlet red combated the dust in a violent burst of lightning.

Peter jumped and turned around for his jaw to drop at the new additions to the room. He muted his call as he said, "U-U-Um… Hi?"

Mira quickly took over the stage with a smile. "Sorry about that, Peter. We tried to call you, but you didn't seem to hear us." She gestured to the other two. "This is Captain Mest Gryder and his lieutenant Aella Rouge. They're here to check on Mary Jane from the Magic Council."

Peter stood up to bow. "O-Oh! Hello, sir! Ma'am!"

"Sir is just fine," Aella remarked in amusement.

Mest's smile was strained. "Hello, Mister Shuusei-Thompson. Would you mind stepping out for a few moments? We'll be quick, I promise."

"Of course!" Peter cast one more glance at Mary Jane before going to Mira. "Misses Dreyar, my parents…?"

"Of course!" Mira escorted Peter away with a side-eye to Mest. "Let me speak with them while we're in the hall."

The door slid open and slid shut.

Aella lost her position and her amusement. "How could that happen?"

"I don't know," Mest answered, deeply troubled. "That shouldn't have been able to happen. My Memory Control is absolute. Even Natsu can be influenced by it. How could he reject it? Is it his Alchemy? His Alkahestry?"

"I don't know, but…" Aella peered at the unconscious Mary Jane. "She's a Lightning Mage who has red and blue eyes? Something tells me she and he are more connected than just dating…"

At that, Mary Jane let out a deep sigh.

°•°•°•°

Luna stayed awake in her room with the lights dark and her eyes wide. Icarus lay around her, acting as her pillow and guardian of the night. The Canis Minor slept better with his ward right beside him, though Luna could not sleep better with him there tonight. Instead, she stared at her Compact and to the voicemail she had missed. She could not stop staring at the one Gale left her from Friday.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Her mind drifted back to the conversation of before.

Rain poured around the focus as Silver and Ena stood on the porch, sopping wet and breathless. They exchanged looks before Ena tentatively added, "It just means…you should think about it before you listen to that voicemail. This could change somethings you're not ready for."

Luna snorted. "What, is he cursing me out or something?" The focus looked down at the voicemail on her screen. "I think I can handle that."

"No, Lulu, you can't."

The focus looked back up at Silver who had such a sober look. "Silver?"

"Just…please think about what we're saying," Silver asked of her. "What Gale said on there… Everything that's on there… It could change a lot of things between you guys." Mayan blues of the ocean settled deep into the focus. "So think about it, okay? Do you want things to change how they are right now? Or do you want to break something that can't be fixed?"

SHHHHHHHHH…

Luna sighed and let her Compact rest against her chest. 'Change', huh?

Vibrant ruby.

Luna turned onto her side. Do I really want to change things between us? What if this could be a good change? Or…maybe it's bad… She sighed and curled into herself. I wish I knew… Memories of their fight invaded her mind. Memories of his abandonment. Old anger filled her. You know what? He was the one who left me. Maybe it's time for a change. She went to the voicemail and hit pl—

Her Compact screen brightened with an incoming call.

Luna's face lit up. She answered and whispered, "Hi."

"Hi, Treasure."

Luna could not keep the smile off her face. "Calling me this late in the night. My sister warned me about guys who do this," she teased.

Bleu laughed. "Give me more credit than that, Treasure. At least I call you during the day too."

"That is true," Luna conceded. "To what do I owe your call so late, good sir?"

Two beats of pause. "Treasure… We need to talk."

Luna frowned, worry flurrying in her stomach. "Why? What's wrong?"

"I'm still upset with you for rushing into danger like that."

"Wait, what?" Luna sat up as a hardness took over her. "How could you say that? I couldn't just leave my brother like that."

"I know." A strain was in the frustration of his voice. "It's just me being selfish. You did something honorable. You went after your brother even when the world was against him. I just… I hated that feeling I couldn't be there for you."

Luna instantly melted. "Oh, Bleu… Really, it's okay. At the end, Mary Jane was the one to save him. And Luke and I weren't too much help. Besides, it was Magic Fire. I might not be a powerful Mage, but my brother's flames never hurt me. There's no telling what they'd do to you."

"Doesn't make me worry any less! Treasure, you ran into fire!"

"For my brother! I don't expect you to go after me!"

"Why wouldn't I? You're the girl I care about! Of course I'm going to chase after you!"

"But you could get hurt doing that! Especially running into Magic Fire!"

"Then, don't go running into fire!"

Luna paused. Then, she had no choice but to laugh. "Did you just quote a Magi Movie?"

A chuckle from Bleu. "I guess I did."

Both of them laughed until Luna sighed. "Why are we fighting?"

"Because we're both stupid and we're stupidly in-like with each other?" Bleu guessed. "I'm sorry. I'm freaking out over nothing. I just… I hate not being able to protect you. And not knowing what's going on."

"I know." Luna did know. "I'm sorry I'm making you feel that way."

"It's not your fault," Bleu soothed. "I'm just venting. It'll take time for us to know more about either of us."

"I guess so…"

"Or…"

Luna perked. " 'Or'?" she prompted.

"Or we could start now?"

Luna grew excited. "Really? How?"

"Say the word, Treasure, and my car and I will wait for you as close as we can't without alerting your parents."

"We're sneaking out?" At first, Luna was a little fearful of the notion. She had seen her siblings do the same thing before. But a rebellious gleam of want filled her. "When?"

"Are you saying the word?"

Luna giggled. "I—"

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

"Luna?" came Lucy's call.

Luna could not fight her scowl. "Can I call you later?" she whispered. "My mama's knocking on my door."

"Sure. Do you want me to start driving over?"

Luna rolled her bottom lip under her teeth. "Um…"

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

"Luna? It's about Gale…"

Luna's choice was made. "Yes, please. Stay hidden. I'll let you know when the coast's clear. Bye!" She hung up and cleared her throat. "Come in," she answered boredly.

Lucy poked her head in before coming all the way inside. "I could've sworn you were asleep and then I heard voices from the Compact you're not supposed to have."

Luna's smile was sheepish. "Well…"

Lucy sighed. "No, don't tell me. I know Natsu gave it back. Honestly. That man will never change. His women always have a soft spot in his heart." She went over to the bed to brush back Luna's hair. "How are you feeling?"

"A little tired," Luna answered quickly. "I took a nap when we got home, but I feel wide awake now. Everything is just so fresh."

"I know," Lucy agreed, morbid. "A lot happened."

Luna nodded and did not look at her mother.

Lucy sighed. "Luna, you know we love you."

"I know," Luna glumly responded. "I just don't get why I'm treated so differently than Nashi, Igneel, and Luke. I can't go on solo jobs like them or save people like them or—"

"You are treated different because you are different," Lucy reminded. "Your brothers and sister grew up with their martial arts and their Magic and, yes," she added before Luna could speak, "I know you did gymnastics and dance, but learning martial arts and learning Magic Theory is still very different than that."

Luna blew out a breath. "Whatever," she muttered. "So what's this about Gale?"

"He's awake," Lucy breathed. "And he'd like to see you."

Luna arched an eyebrow. "See me?"

°•°•°•°

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH…

Luna and Lucy stepped off Lucy's broom with Luna carrying the umbrella. Porlyusica was out on her porch with a scowl on her face that was less frightening when her eyes settled on Luna. Lucy looked over at her daughter in concern. "You sure you don't want me to go in with you?"

"That's okay!" Luna yelled over the storm. "I'll spend the night here! You should get home before Papa worries!"

Lucy sighed. "Love you, baby! Be careful! And one of you needs to be on top of the covers at all times, you hear me?"

"Yes, Mama! Love you too!" Luna turned and rushed off to the porch while Lucy watched to make sure. Once Luna was climbing the steps, Lucy pulled off. Luna closed the umbrella and shook off the rain on her coat. "Hey, Granny Porlyusica."

"Human girl," Porlyusica rumbled in greeting. "He's awake."

"And my brother?" Luna asked, hopeful.

"Not taking visitors, thank the Heavens," Porlyusica muttered.

Luna was instantly downtrodden at that. "Oh… I see." A hand landed on her head and she winced to see it was Porlyusica.

"Chin up, human child," Porlyusica ordered gruffly. "Let the human boy have his peace. And make sure you take care of the other one just like I taught you."

Luna grinned. "With a broom?"

Amusement danced in Porlyusica's eyes even if she did not smile. "And the wrath of a Dragoness." She jerked her head inside. "Second door to the right."

Luna tittered and went into the hut. The main room of potions and herbs and plants was resting for the night with only an enchanted broom tidying up things. Her eyes lingered on the door to the left, but she reluctantly went to the right door. She knocked thrice. "Gale?" she called.

"Come in," came low rumble.

Luna carefully opened the door to see Gale struggling to sit up. Panic and worry overrode her want to give him the cold shoulder and she dropped her umbrella to rush to him. "Gale!" She was at his side and trying to force him to lie down. "Don't push yourself, you dummy!"

Gale resisted her to sit up. "I'm not pushing myself," he snapped at her through a grunt. "I just want to sit up, dammit."

Luna rolled her eyes and decided to help him in his goal. When he was settled, she sighed. "Fine, idiot. Better?"

Gale grinned. "Better view of you? For sure."

Luna might have blushed, but she chose to ignore it. "So." She crossed her arms and took a few steps back. "What do you want?"

"Hey now. That's no way to treat the injured," Gale teased. "What happened to you being my nurse and everything?"

"Oh, I don't know," Luna drawled, tone dripping with acid. "Maybe that all went away when you ditched me?"

Gale groaned. "Blondie, I did not—!" He sucked in a deep breath. "Fine. Okay. I'll let you believe I did that," he decided.

Something snapped within Luna. "You—!"

"Shhh, Blondie, no fighting," Gale pleaded for. "C'mon…! I'm injured here from the ass-beating your brother gave me."

Luna sobered herself at the words and finally noticed his wounds. Bandages and gauze wound around the expanse of his torso and abdomen. They ran up his arms and legs and his right foot too. Ends of his hair on one side had been singed off and left him with a choppy mop of hair that smelled like ashes and bad choices. Unable to resist, Luna's fingers combed through his hair. She noticed his eyes closed as she combed his hair like a cat who was being scratched in the right spot. "You'll need a haircut," she deemed in a mumble.

Gale shrugged. "Eh. Not like it wasn't coming. Mom wasn't a fan of the look anyways."

Luna's hands drifted to his face to see a burn mark crawling from his neck up to his jaw and cheek. "He hurt you so badly." Hands lightly drifted over his chest like they were too scared to hurt him more. Down they went until they hit his middle abdomen and saw a peek of the ugly scar that would never go away. "That scar," she whispered. "The one you got in Margaret Town."

"Is my trophy," Gale finished for her. "It's my badge of honor. I came out from a fight alive with someone who really could've killed me."

Luna shook her head, swallowing. "Gale, it's more serious than that—"

"I know that, Blondie," Gale murmured to her. "Believe me. I was there. I know. But I'm proud of my scars."

Luna bit her lip. "Are you…? Are you mad at Igneel?"

"No."

That surprised Luna. "Really?"

Gale's shoulder shook as he chuckled. "Nah. He had a reason to get that mad at me," he brushed off. "I think me fighting him pissed him off even more. He's a stubborn dumb ass, but he's a pretty good fighter."

"That's Igneel," Luna supposed. She dropped her hand and looked away from Gale. "Listen, Gale… I appreciate you were trying to stop Igneel…and I understand you were trying to help…"

Gale laughed a bit nervously. "Why do I sense this isn't going in a good direction?"

"It's obvious there's a lot I have to learn," she went on like he had not interrupted. "And with you being a…" She did not say it. "Well, I just think…maybe some time apart to train would be good for us."

"Hold up." Gale refused to believe what he was hearing. "You want us to break up?"

Luna winced. "When you put it like that, it sounds worse than it seems." Hurriedly trying to explain, she added, "It's just because, well, with training and everything—"

"Bullshit," Gale called. "Don't lie to me, Blondie. You think we should take a break because of 'training'? Uh-uh. What's going on here?"

Luna rubbed her arm. "Gale, I just think—"

"Blondie, if this is about pissing off Igneel or quote-end-quote 'ditching' you, you have to know—"

"I saw your Insta, okay?!"

Gale blanched. "What?"

It took great strength for Luna to push down her anxiety. She had seen her siblings do it so many times. Pushing down the emotions to wear a mask of no expression. "I know about those girls, Gale," she established without a hitch to her tone.

Fear trickled in the back of Gale's mind. Theories poisoned his mind. "You do?"

"Oh, yeah." Chocolate hit ruby with ire. "I saw you kissing them and dancing with them at a party." As she half-turned from him, she did not notice Gale visibly relax at this revelation. "And that's fine, Gale, really, it is," she insisted with a bit to it. "I get it, y'know? I should've known you'd actually want to do what kids do on Friday nights. Hanging out for me is a little too 'childish' for you."

"First of all, you are putting words into my mouth," Gale stopped her right there. "I'm sorry, Blondie, but you're overreacting and being a little dramatic."

"'Dramatic'?" Luna echoed. "That's what you think it is? I'm just making up drama?"

"Uh…" Gale slowly nodded. "Yeah… You kinda are."

"Oh, my bad, Your Grace," Luna hissed as red punched her cheeks in her fury. "Am I offending thee with the truth?"

"What truth?" Gale cried with an incredulous snort. "When did I ever say any of that? Ever say I even wanted that? Huh? Did I saw those things?"

Luna scrambled for a rebuke. "Well, you acted like—!"

"There! I 'acted'! And that's just your interpretations of my actions!" Gale fired off at her. "I think I was pretty honest where I stood and that I wanted to be with you instead of in a room full of randos and socializing which I hate even more."

"But…! But…!" Luna pointed at him as if she had him. "Those girls on your Insta, huh? What about those?"

Gale groaned and his hands came to cup his nose. "Blondie-girl, listen, all right? Those girls were randoms I met and I don't even remember what they look like or their names. Nothing happened," he insisted, earnest. "Okay, so I was a little pissy and drunk and high and things got out of control—"

"You did drugs?!"

Gale cringed. "Okay. Maybe I should've omitted that…"

"No. You said the right thing." Luna's voice wavered as she took a step back. "Maybe E was right. We're both changing. And we're changing in different directions."

"'Changing'?" Gale echoed. "What?" He shook his head. "Blondie, you're not making any sense here. What's changing outside of us going through puberty?"

"Don't you hear yourself?" Luna whispered, unable to keep out her disgust. "Gale, you're talking about being with random women and drinking irresponsibly and doing drugs. Drugs, Gale. Drugs."

Gale tried to throw up his hands in exasperation, but it hurt like Hell to do it. "I fucked up!" he laughed, disbelieving. "I admit it! I – fucked – up! But doing weed doesn't make me a horrible person! It was once to take the edge off of such a shitty night!"

"Right," Luna muttered, furious. "Because you wouldn't have had such a shitty night if you could've gone out with your friends instead of babysitting me like Papa told you? Yeah!" she added when Gale opened his mouth. "Yeah, that's right. I know all about your secret little buddy thing with Papa. Pretending to like hanging out with me just to babysit me? Really, Gale? Did you think I was stupid not to figure it out?"

"Right now, I think you're stupid only because you're trying to figure out something that isn't there," Gale said straight up. "Yeah, your old man reminds me to look after you from time to time. Big fucking deal! Newsflash, but a lot of fathers ask their daughter's best male friend to do that. He just wants to know I have your back—which I do!"

"No, you don't!" Luna cried. "You were the one who wanted to walk away from our partnership—!"

"Like you didn't threaten that!" Gale retorted. "You were just doing it minutes ago! Am I supposed to think you don't have my back then?"

"What?" That threw Luna off-guard. "What, no! No, of course it doesn't! I'll always have your back, Gale! No, if you really had my back, you would've wanted to be around me!" She stormed up to him to prod his chest. "You would've wanted to hang out with me!"

"My apologies, princess," Gale said scathingly, "that I didn't want to stick around and watch you and your little boy toy flaunt it around the mall. Lo and behold, I have feelings too."

"Could've fooled me," Luna sneered. "You blackmailed me!"

"What, and you thought I'd go through with that?" Gale shot back. "Blondie, open your eyes! The dude's not good for you!"

"What, and your little harem of women is good for you?"

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean? How do you even know what a harem is?"

Luna poked his chest against, harder than the last time. "I read manga too, you know!" she snapped. "I know what a harem is and it looks like you love it so much you had to post about it! Did you really think I wouldn't see it?" She whipped out her Compact to shove it in his face. "And I have a nice little voicemail from you too that E and Silver kept saying would change everything. Maybe I should listen to it now, huh? I bet you just started cussing me out, didn't you?"

Gale's eyes widened and his hand shot up. "Blondie, no!" His hand wrapped around her wr—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nipped wings whipped around them in a white haze. Ice glistened within this storm. "You don't stand a chance against me, Cleric," came frosty remark. The sheen of a blade came through the snow and ice as it sunk down to hit fle—

A glitch appeared and a foggy haze of a bedroom transcended the snowstorm. A little giggle rung in ears, agitating as all get out. "Oh, yeah," came sultry purr (or the attempt of one). The silhouettes of hands drifting over the focus to caress skin. "I like it rough."

Warmth fluttered into the next scene so overwhelmingly, both felt like they were being drowned. The focus pulled back to feel the smiles and giddiness of it all. A face was before it, charming and a little flushed, but absolutely wonderful. A hand camp up to brush the bottom of a pair of lips before the face dove back in for another k—

The scene spun away from them as flames spun before them as hot as the sun. Streets were smoldered in the masses of fire with a being stepping through the flames, smoldering emerald eyes wild and feral. The scene shifted into a landscape never seen before. A forest with trees taller and thicker than most buildings. It glitched to show chaos reigning down in the peace with divots and fissures drudged up in the earth with explosions of Magic and power. Then, the scene glitched to the forest at night with stars just right and an aurora borealis light in pink, blue, and violet. Then, it glitched to show two lips coming close for a kiss while gold charms shimmer—

The scene rapidly shifted to a darker room with the glow of the Lacrima-Vision the only thing letting them see silhouettes. One under the other with tension between them, tension that burned and crackled, ready to explode. A hand came up to a firm chest with little pants coming off their lips. "I can't," came plead. Or was a needy mewl. "Please."

The larger of the silhouettes lowered so their lips brus—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CRACK!

The Compact was on the ground with a fresh new crack in the screen protector.

CR-CRACK!

The storm raged on.

CRACK-CRACK!

The storm clouds traveled this way and that was thunder roared. But, in that one moment, the moon peeked out to understand the happenings of Earth Land. And as the moon flitted into the room, it bathed children in its light to show Gale and Luna frozen in time. Gale had pulled his hand back while Luna stood where she was, both in a daze.

"What was that?" Luna whispered, voice so hoarse, she nearly did not get out the words. "Were you…inside my head?"

"No." Gale breathed the word like it was sacred.

"Was I…inside yours?"

"No."

Luna's hands shakingly went into her hair. "Then… What was that?" She was gasping for air. "What…? What was…?" Her chest heaved as her breaths became more audible. "What's g-g-going on?" Her knees buckled and she found herself falling.

RUSTLE!

Gale caught her in his arms as Luna's pants came into wheezes and her body shook. "I've got ya, Blondie," he soothed. "You're going through a panic attack, but I have you."

Tears began to blur her vision. "What was that?" she choked out. "I d-d-don't understa—!" She hiccupped as she tried not to throw up.

"Shhh-shh-shhh," Gale hushed. "We're going to get through this one moment at a time. You're having a panic attack. Do you understand me, Blondie?"

Luna hiccupped again as she tried not to cry. "Y-Y-Yes," she hissed out in a stutter.

"Good." Gale held her close. "Then, we'll ride out this attack together. You keep on breathing and I'll keep on holding you. We'll keep on keepin' on, okay? Just you and me." As Luna shook and sniffled and cried and panted, Gale closed his eyes and rubbed her back. "Just you and me," he promised her in secure whisper. This is more overwhelming for her than I thought. Her emotions are all over the place. She can't deal with this sort of power. It's taking a toll on her worse than it is on me.

When Luna found her breaths again, Gale slackened his hold to pull back. He rubbed away her tears and he could smell her embarrassment at her attack. "Nothing to be worried about," he soothed. "It's just me. No one's judging you, okay? It's just me."

Luna sniveled. "That's what makes it worse," she whispered. "That it's just you. It's always been you. It always has been, but…" Her eyes welled up with tears. "I just can't do it anymore."

Gale had the feeling her words were shifting away from her panic attack. "Blondie, what's going on?" he wanted to know. "Talk to me. I can't understand if you don't explain it."

Luna closed her eyes, bowing her head as a few tears shed. "E warned me things between us could change…and she was right. Goodness, she was so right."

"Blondie, where are you going?" Gale asked her, trying to search her face for answers. "C'mon, where is your head at? Can you take me there with you?"

"It's just…we're changing, Gale," Luna told him helplessly. "Maybe… Maybe this is the sort of change I needed."

Fear took root of Gale's heart. "Don't say that," he pleaded with her. "Okay? Nothing's changed. We're the same as ever."

"Can't you feel it?"

This time, watery chocolate and desperate ruby collided.

"Something's changing," Luna whispered to him. "We're changing, Gale and—" She shook her head. "This wasn't going to work."

Gale was about to touch her, but when she flinched, he did not. "Blondie, look at me." Not a command. More of a desperate plea filled with uncertainty. "Look at me, Blondie-girl. You need to know how sorry I am for leaving you, okay? I need you to know that." He pointed to the door. "That party I went to? Biggest fucking mistake I made this weekend. I was miserable the whole entire time instead of being with the one person I wanted to be with the most."

"And then you say things like that!" Luna suddenly burst. "Stuff like that, saying how important I am, how much you want to spend time with me and I just—! I—!" She held her head in her hands. "Gale, you can't say stuff like that to me."

"Why not?" Gale challenged her. "Why can't I? What, because it's true?"

"It's not true," Luna whimpered sadly. "It's not true at all. You with India and all those random girls and the drugs—"

"That was a onetime thing," Gale promised. "I swear. I never wanted that sort of life like Dash and Cane have, Blondie—you know that!" He peered at her closer. "What is this really about?" Timbre gentle. "Blondie, I need to know. What are you actually trying to tell me?"

"Gosh, I don't know, I don't know," she bemoaned into her hands. Shaking her head, she shifted her hands down for her eyes to peer at her lap. "I don't know what's happening anymore. I just… I always feel so confused. I wasn't confused when you weren't there and it was just me, but then every time I'm around you, I feel confused again and I don't like it."

Ruby shimmered. "Blondie…"

"And then these dreams." Luna quickly swallowed. "These dreams and visions and Luke's been acting weird and Igneel's been acting weird and Nashi—" Air swept from her lungs. A choked, forced inhale. "Nashi… I… I could've saved her. I should've told someone about her, but then I didn't and I should've and I'm so, so very sorry that I didn't—!"

"Hey…" Gale shushed her. "Hey, hey, hey, hey… None of that. None of that being hard on yourself stuff, m'kay?" He tried to catch her eyes. "You are dealing with so much in such a little time to deal with it. I'm sure Margaret Town is something you're still processing and the assignment before that with the festival and Igneel getting hurt." When he saw her flinch, it confirmed it. "Thought so."

"How could I not?" Luna demanded to know, defensive. "My family is getting hurt and I can't do anything to—!"

"I never said I was against you thinking about it," Gale calmed. "I'm just saying you're dealing with a lot." He tried to touch her, but he could not bring himself to do it. Ruby searched to see his gloves on the nightstand. Holding back a grunt of pain, his arm shook as he stretched it to grab one of his gloves. He stretched one onto a hand and when to rub Luna's cheek with a thumb and her jaw. "Nashi… You were having nightmares about her, weren't you?"

Luna sniffled. "How did you—?"

"I just know," was all Gale said. It's not the time to hit her with all this. "Talk to me, principessa."

"Why should I?" Luna asked, glum. "We hardly talk as it is anymore. Ever since Margaret Town, we don't talk together. We don't really text. We just see each other randomly and that's it."

"Changing the subject, but okay, I'll let it slide," Gale decided. "Blondie, we've both been busy these couple of weeks. Don't forget—"

VRRRRRRRRRRRR…

The pair froze.

Chocolate and ruby clashed.

Luna shifted—

"Don't get that." A quick plead from Gale.

Luna ignored him to grab her Compact. When she saw the message, she wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and shielded her emotions. "I have to go."

"Aunt Luce can't wait?" Gale pressed. "Blondie, we were in the middle of something important—"

"Mama isn't picking me up." Luna pushed herself onto her feet and tried to minimize her shaking. "Bleu came to get me."

It was breaking. He could feel chips of his rock-hard heart breaking off. "Can't he wait?" he pressed once more. "Blondie, please, we just need another minute to talk about this."

"Talk about what?" She would not look at him. "There's nothing to talk about. Absolutely nothing, okay?"

"If there isn't anything to talk about, then why are you so confused around me?" Gale dared her to answer. When Luna tensed, he went on: "What gives, Blondie? Why do you care so much if I'm with random girls if you have Bleu, huh? Could it be that you're jealous? Maybe you secretly wish it was you who was dancing with me? Maybe you wish it was you I was kis—"

"I kissed Bleu."

Silence.

Gale blinked. "You…what?"

Luna tightened her shoulders. "I kissed Bleu," she repeated, tone thick with emotion.

"Why?" Gale found himself asking. "Why would you kiss him?"

"Why not?" Luna sassed back, but in defeat and not in irritation. "Bleu doesn't confuse me. He's amazing. I th-th-think you two would get along if you wanted to take the time to."

Gale could not help when he snapped, "Right, like I really want to get to know your new boy toy. Blondie, this guy is just using you for one thing!"

"Just like you were using those girls."

Gale froze.

Luna pathetically laughed. "You're so cruel and confusing, you know that? Getting upset with me when you did worse. But that's okay." She faced the door. "Tonight's the night I set you free. No drama, no more tears, no more arguing. You're free to do what you want to do."

Gale could barely find his voice. "Blondie, please," he beseeched. "Don't go."

"Thanks for listening to Papa," Luna continued like he had not spoken a word. "And thank you for everything you've helped me with."

"Why does it sound like you're saying 'good-bye'?" Gale tried to laugh, but it was pitiful. "Hey. C'mon, Blondie-girl. Why so serious? This is no time for a good-bye."

Luna held her head up high even as a tear ran down her cheek. "You're right." She let him see the side of her forced smile. "See you later." She walked over to the door.

Gale fisted his hands and dropped his head. "Blondie… Would it change anything if I said anything now?"

Luna paused at the doorway. Taking a deep breath, she took a hold of the knob and pushed the door open before closing it behind her, leaving Gale cloaked in silence and darkness. She zipped up her raincoat and took back her umbrella. With Porlyusica standing guard and no sign of Igneel, she slipped outside. Her umbrella came out for her to splash through the wildness.

DRIP.

She rubbed away a tear that had mixed away with the rain.

Gale pressed his lips together as he shook, a single tear streaking his cheek.

DROP.

The rain raged while the winds whistled. Another minute passed by on the grandfather clock. A bellflower filled with water tipped over to release its contents.

SLAM!

A fist punched into a wooden floor. The tear fell right atop the glove.

"Blondie," came shaken whisper. Ruby closed as Gale's head tossed back into a deep, grieving roar drowned in the clap of thunder and lightning.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And so, that night was not just raining…

It was weeping for all of us.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SLAM!

Bleu got out of his side of the car as Luna ran to him. He had parked beneath a coniferous tree, thankful for the relief from the storm. As he went to open her door for her, he knew something was wrong when she did not slow. So he braced himself when she dropped her umbrella the moment she was underneath the tree and arms were wide and accepting when she ran into them. Concern etched his face, but he whispered sweet soothes in her ear as he hugged her close.

In the Rehabilitation Ward, Peter had been given a cot to sleep on and stay close to Mary Jane. His hand still loosely held hers as he fell into a deep sleep. The room's bathroom was occupied with Mira inside, so that left Mary Jane on her own with her heart monitor never changing from its slow beat.

BEEP…BEEP… BEEP…BEEP… BEEP…

A stir. A flutter in breathing. A change in the pattern.

BE-BEEP… BE-BEEP… BE-BEEP… BE-BEEP…

Eyes pressed together before slackening. Eyelid cracked so eyes could see the world, scarlet-cerulean eyes. Mary Jane could not feel much and her mouth felt like cotton. But something still tugged at her through the fog she was in. Ign…eel…

Deep in a Demon's labyrinth, Nashi lay in her loose kimono with Býleistr taking up his post at the edge of the bed to keep an eye on her. A deep sigh escaped her as something within her trembled and filled her mind. A cold she could not forget. A cold that kept her awake and yet it served as her personal lullaby. "Mmm," she sighed. Gary… Skade…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

None of us knew how much changed the night.

It wouldn't hit any of us until tomorrow, the amount of change we were forced to go through.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Bleu pulled back when he sensed Luna was feeling better. "Treasure?" he cooed. "What's wrong? Is it your brother?"

Luna shook her head. "No," she sniffled. "I don't want to talk about it."

"That's okay too," Bleu told her, understanding. "Want me to take you home? You look like you need to sleep. I can even get you a late snack—"

"I want to stay with you."

CR-CRACK! CRACK!

Bleu looked at the slightly crying Luna in such delicacy. "Oh, Treasure," he sighed. "You know your parents wouldn't be okay with you staying over my house. I know sneaking out is against their rules too, but to sneak you into my house? I don't want you to get you into any trouble."

"Bleu, please," Luna pleaded. "I don't want to stay alone tonight. And I know I have Icarus, but…" Her eyes welled up with tears. "B-B-But I…"

"Hey…" Bleu shushed her as he kissed her forehead. "Okay, okay, we will think of something," he promised her. "Let's get you a snack because I know how much food will cheer you up"—he smiled at Luna's watery laugh—"and then we can plot our next move. If you don't want to go home, I won't make you. I might encourage it, but I won't make you, okay?"

"Okay," Luna mumbled. She pressed into him for another hug. "Thank you."

Bleu softened. "Anytime, Treasure." He let her go to help her into her side of the car. When he made sure she was safe, he closed her door before jogging to his side. He was about to put the car in Drive when Luna stopped him. She pulled him towards him and Bleu slanted his lips onto her for a much-needed kiss.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And as night would turn into day…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Natsu and Lucy lay in bed together with Lucy exhausted and in deep sleep beside her husband. Natsu lay awake with an arm wrapped around his wife and his eyes set onto something he could not explain. A stir had him look over to see Lucy's lazily blinking. "Mmm… Natsu?" she slurred.

"Right here," Natsu murmured back to her. "What's up? Have a bad dream?"

Lucy nodded into his chest, still delirious in her exhaustion. "Dreamt you left again…"

A pensive expression crossed Natsu's face. "Lucy…"

"No, Natsu, don't." Lucy pushed herself up with half-lidded eyes filled with love. Taking his face into her hands, she smiled at him, humming. "You left at a time when we lost so much and you came back so much stronger. We all had to leave to come back better than ever."

Natsu reached a scarred hand to tuck her hair behind her ear before caressing her cheek. "Yeah, I guess."

Lucy hummed. "You know, everyone expects great things from you. And you know what? So do I."

Natsu snorted. "How great could I be when I can't even get raising kids right?"

"Natsu," Lucy sighed, "one thing you taught me is that kids will be kids. They'll stumble and falter, but they're finding their way. We just need to be there to give them a nudge in the right direction and support them."

Natsu groaned. "Ugh. I hate it when you get all Smart Lucy on me."

Lucy giggled. "Yeah, well, one of us has to be the smart one," she teased. She leaned back down to kiss his forehead, then his nose, then his lips. He captured her for another before letting her go. She fell back into his chest, sated, and snuggled up to him while Natsu held onto her.

Natsu took a deep breath and turned to kiss her hair. "It's freaky you know me so well," he murmured.

"That's what marriage does," Lucy sighed. "C'mon, Natsu." She tipped up her head to show a glimpse of chocolate eyes. "We're in this together."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

As each life took its own turn…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale had made it back onto his bed, but sleep eluded him as he stared at the ceiling with deep-seated loss in his eyes. His amulet flashed almost in concern. Luke stayed up in his room with his desk lamp on and his eyes wide and free of glasses. A search was on with his PAL as he looked up articles regarding the phoenix.

A hotel room only had the LV on with fast food and convenience store food wrappers littering the desk table and two large containers of water and juice almost half gone. Luna lay asleep in Bleu's arms with her raincoat thrown on the floor with her boots and cheeks tear-stained even after being freshly showered. Blue lay awake as he stroked her hair, worry guarding his stare.

A vibration ruined it.

He reached over for his Compact on the nightstand. Notifications had poured in, but he saw a message from FATHER.

⌜MESSAGES

FATHER

You have until January.⌟

When Luna shifted, Bleu adjusted their position and let his Compact fall onto the bed. He held her close as his eyes steeled over.

SPLASH! SPLASH!

A silhouette rushed through the back alleyways of Magnolia, using the storm and the darkness as cover. It fished between two buildings until it came upon a very dead street with a couple of guards keeping watch. It turned down the other way, adjusting its hood, and went this way and that, doing whatever it could to avoid any signs of life.

SPLASH! SPLASH!

The splashing stopped when he peeked out of a narrow alley.

CRACK-CRACK!

And right in front of it was the Fairy Tail Guild.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

…the world would wake up to change in the form of a pure massacre.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KRRRRRRRR!

We interrupt this program with an urgent public service announcement.

By decree of the Prime Minister and His Majesty, all citizens in Ketchum City, Caraway City, Cardamom, and Twin Sage have a mandated evacuation order. Attention, citizens in Ketchum City, Caraway City, Cardamom, and Twin Sage. All have a mandated evacuation order.

As more cities are given mandatory evacuation, we will show them. Please listen for your city.

Please stand by for further instructions.

This message will now repeat in Bellish.

Wij onderbreken dit programma om je een dringend weebericht te brengen. Bij decreet van de premier...

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

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… So much to happen and so fast! Is this the end for Gale and Luna? What about Nashi? Is she okay? And Mary Jane? Ugh, I'm so sick of this damsel in distress! I hope we see some more action from them soon. To find out if we do, tune in to the next Fairy Adventure!

---

CLINK!

Erza stirred from her long stint of PAL work when a saucer was set down with a mug in warm honey vanilla chamomile tea set for her with an abundance of sugars. She looked up to see Number Five as the culprit. "Thank you, Miss Five," Erza appreciated. "You didn't have to stay up with me. I'm just pulling reports." It was true. Candles had been lit to conserve energy with only the PAL the only electric item running. The reports were full of spreadsheets, emails, and cross-referencing from the Fairy Tail Archives.

"Nonsense, Master," Number Five dismissed. "These reports are our priority as the Chairman and Minister demanded. Constantine's data reports have been most helpful, but he can only do so much. And I wouldn't want to leave you alone on a night like this." Her eyes went to the big windows as a storm blustered about. "Quite a storm."

"Yes," Erza agreed. "Always a calm before the storm."

"And afterward, it leaves destruction." Number Five bowed her head. "Just be careful, Master. This storm seems like it will bring more despair than a rainbow."

Erza sighed. "I have that feeling too."

KNOCK- KNOCK-KNOCK.

Both women exchanged looks. Number Five set down her tray to get the chains shackled around her ankles at the ready while she moved to the door. She looked through the peephole for a few moments before popping back down, shoulders nice and at ease. She opened the door for a dripping wet silhouette to step through, face hidden in the shadows of its hood.

Erza straightened. "Can I help you?"

Hands went to the hood. "Yes." The hood was pulled back to reveal blonde hair. "I have something to ask you."

Erza closed her eyes. "I see." She tucked back her hair. "Well, then. What can I do for you at this hour…?" Her eyes opened to look at her guest.

CR-CRACK!

The lightning revealed vivid emerald eyes.

"…Igneel?"

---

Chibi-Luna appears with disheveled hair as she scrambles into the classroom. "G-Good day, class!"

"Good day, teacher!" the class choruses back.

A male student raises his hand and says, "Teacher, why were you gone so long? What's up with that?"

Chibi-Luna is settling back at her desk as she explains, "I had other business to take care of since our last lesson. It looks like you'll be getting a substitute intermittently as I keep rushing off to these conferences, but let's dive right into our lesson since I have a special announcement afterward! Okay, everyone!"

"Yes, teacher!"

Chibi-Luna turns on the projector. "Today, we hit you with a lot of information, so I'm going to break it down for you as best as I can. Today, we'll focus on Dark Creatures and their types." She goes to her first slide. It holds three separate creatures with their statistics and names. One looks like a werewolf, but they have longer front arms and longer canines. Another looks like a woman made of pure gold. The third is a creature covered in flames with golden holes for eyes. "These are called 'Darklings'," Chibi-Luna introduces. "Darklings aren't necessarily these creatures, though. They're essentially a creature in league with any sort of dark entity like a Vampire or a Djinn."

A hand goes up. "But, then, what's a Warlock?"

Chibi-Luna points at the students with a happy beam. "Thank you for asking! Warlocks differ because of the contracts they have and the way they are created." She shows a picture of Bluenote. "A Warlock can only be contracted to a Demon and nothing below them. They're siphoned off some of the Demon's Curse to use. A Darkling isn't given the same attention. It just means they're allied with a Dark Creature or have been turned into a Dark Creature." She goes to her next slide of a puppet-like monster with a sowed smile and button eyes. "This is a Familiar. Familiars are purely created from matter and most of the time, they don't have any intelligence. But Familiars created for good purposes, like being a Witch's Familiar, will show some intelligence."

She goes onto her next slide to show Skade and Pazuzu. "These are called 'Devils'. Devils have more power than a Darkling, but they aren't contracted like a Warlock. They're not as common in any Universe since it takes time to create them and for the creation to survive the process. Instead of being given a Curse, they are created with their own personalized Curse to wield. That's why it was such a surprise to see Pazuzu. But Skade is a Devil that was born. Born Devils are rare since most beings aren't naturally born Cursed."

A female student stands up with her hand raised. "Teacher, why did they keep talking about names and makers and stuff?"

"Excellent question," Chibi-Luna assures. "Like anything in life, any abiotic or biotic matter has a name. For neutral or good beings, names aren't necessary from their creators to give them freedom over themselves. A name might add to our character, but we don't really need a name. For darker beings, it's different. Someone can create you, but whoever names you has that control over you. Whoever names you makes the difference between control and freedom."

Another male student raises his hand. "And that means…what, exactly?"

A female student with pigtails turns to him and says, "Teacher means it's about intent. If someone with good intentions names you, it means you have freedom over your life. But if someone nasty names you, you're guaranteed to be their slave."

"Correct!" Chibi-Luna cheered. "Skade was really lucky it was Nashi who named him. If the Demon had, Skade would've been in some real trouble." She ends her projection. "Now, onto the announcement. The Board has been working on a few light-hearted projects and, after some inspiration, they've decided Fairy Adventure will have their own D-n-C Campaign! After working hard to understand the rules and gathering a few Fairy Tail members, nine Fairy Tail members will be premiering in their first campaign titled Ark of the Spellscarred which will feature eight mighty adventures called the Fae Riders." She turns back on the projector to show a clip with Luke at the start of it. "Here's their campaign starter!"

She presses play.

Luke is in the room with a dungeon-like background behind him. "Hi, everyone. Welcome to our channel and to the start of our campaign for D-n-C!" A clamor of happy chanting goes around him as he smiles. "I'm DMing for this campaign which we are calling, uh…"

"Ark of the Spellscarred," comes Orochi's voice.

"Ark of the Spellscarred," Luke repeats, pointing off-camera. "Thank you, yes. Um, so, we'll be getting together roughly once a week to basically nerd out and play D-n-C for a few hours. I am"—he laughs a little—"horrible with NPC voices and sound effects and stuff like that, so I may have a little help from time to time with my Magic. But for the most part, it'll be me creating these really impressive plot threads for our mighty eight to get through and they'll definitely be challenging me with their unpredictability."

"Tell them when we start," comes Ellie's insistence off-screen.

Luke frowns as he looks slightly to the right of the camera. "I thought we didn't know our premiere date yet. No?" As some negative agreements hit, he turns back to the camera. "So we're not one-hundred-percent sure when we're premiering since we're in the middle of developing characters and backstories and we've gotten our most talented and beautiful mother-daughter pair of the guild, um, which would be Laki and Amber to design out game board and are finishing up with our figurines for the game." He points to himself. "I know I've been really pumped with designing the gameplay."

"Tell them which edition we're using," comes a hiss from Ellie again.

"We're using edition…five?" Luke has to pose it as a question until he says more confidently, "Five. Yes, so we're using the fifth edition. Please forgive us if we forget a few things. I'm doing all my research; they're doing all their research, but we're human, guys, we'll forget, so just be patient with us and uh…" He claps his hands. "I…think that's it? Unless we have anything else…? Oh!" He points a hand. "Looks like our videographer has some words for us."

Luke scoots a little to the left to allow Majime to take up the screen with a little wave. "Hey, guys. I'm Majime from Lamia Scale." He hears playful boos and he has to laugh. "Yeah, yeah, get it all out now before I start filming and I film you picking your nose," he jests. To the camera, he adds, "No, more on a serious note. I just want to thank Fairy Tail for letting me be a part of this campaign. Um, my girlfriend, Saudade, has been working with Justin on the marketing and the designs which I think everyone will like. Just want to remind everyone this will be on a separate channel and to tune in and watch. The more people who watch it, the more things we'll do. Who knows? You may see me in a cow onesie if enough people tune in?" He shrugs as Luke bursts into laugher and so does the others. "Who knows?"

"A cow onesie?" Luke shakes his head. "Oh, we'd love to see that."

Majime grins. "Anyways, that was my two cents. Bye!" He starts to move off-camera.

"Well, you heard it. Tune in and you may see us do something crazy," Luke tells the camera. "I can't reveal all of our adventurers and who is joining us, but what I can say is this team will definitely surprise you. They are great people and I can't wait to work with them all." He waves. "All right, that's all! See you guys at the start of our campaign!"

The video ends and Chibi-Luna comes to the front of the class. "So, for those who like D-n-C and need a little bit of a breather from the dozy we're having with these days, I strongly suggest you check it out! Next time, on Fairy Adventure, THUS SAITH THE LORD!"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

Nashi Dragneel – Laura Landa

Seraphim – Jameison Price

Muta the Exceed – Jason Douglas

Skade – Griffin Burns

Býleistr – Scott Freeman

Ghost – Stephen Saunders

Dazzler – Kristi Rothcock

Laxus Dreyar – Patrick Seitz

Jonathon "John" Winters – Matt Ryan

Atomic – Tamara Ryan

Hybrid – Shay Moore

Highlight – Zehra Fazal

Psyphon – Steven Yeun

Cascade – Kari Wahlgren

Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Lindbeck

Peter Shuusei-Thompson – Joe Zieja

Red-eyed Mary Jane – Erica Lindbeck

Blue-eyed Mary Jane – Erica Lindbeck

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Captain Angelo Sterling – Mark Swint

Commander Gwne Binegar – Marisha Ray

Lieutenant Adrien Cotheran – Matt Mercer

Captain Brika Armstrong-Sterling – Stephanie Young

Lieutenant-Colonel Gabriel Wan – Jim Meskimen

Erza Fernandes – Colleen Clinkenbeard

Number Five – Melissa Fahn

Freed Justine – John Burgmeier

Draculos Hyberion – Mark Oristano

Luna Dragneel – Brynn April

Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh

Charla the Exceed – Jād Saxton

Aquarius – Jessica Cavanagh

Happy the Exceed – Tia Ballard

Virgo – Terri Doty

Icarus – Christopher Sabat

Bleu/Lucifer – Xander Mobus

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Paige Strauss – Erika Mendez

Aine Fernandes – Carrie Keranen

Hemera – Hetty Abott

Pazuzu – Patrick Seitz

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Mirella – Edie Mirman

Kyler – Ray Chase

Mammon – Paul St. Peter

Bael – Paul St. Peter

Deputy Prime Minister – Christine Auten

Director – Bob Carter

Prime Minister – Ed Blaycock

Fire Chief Cheshire Archer – Lipica Shah

Constantine – Paul Bettany

Rescue Chief Xakaryeh West – Chris Ryan

Assistant Rescue Chief Li Kang – Crispin Freeman

Assistant Fire Chief Florica Wenman – Venus Terzo

Sycaña – Christine Auten

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Sting Eucliffe – Michael Jones

Rogue Cheney – Garret Storms

Iris Monics – Karen Straussmen

Jura Neekis – Kent Williams

Loke (Leo) – Eric Vale

Capricorn – Michael Johnson

Mirajane Dreyar – Monica Rial

Defense Minister Aaron Marignano – Kevin M. Connolly

Mest Gryder – Christopher Wehkamp

Gray Fullbuster – Newton Pittman

Genius – Derrick Snow

Nikolas "Nik" Dreyar – David Matranga

Veronika Dreyar – Hilary Haag

Aella Rogue – Kate Higgins

---

Translations

Is de pers verzameld?

"Is the press gathered?"

Ja. De persconferentie kamer is helemaal klaar. We wachten op de laatste aankomst van de Times dan zal ik u voorstellen.

"The press briefing room is all set. We're waiting for the last arrival from the Times and then I'll introduce you."

Maar is het echt verstandig om Zijne Majesteit niet bij de zaak te betrekken?

"But is it really wise not to involve His Majesty?"

Adjunct, Zijne Majesteit is hier erg bij betrokken. Waarom, zei hij dat ik de briefing met de pers moest verwerken.

"Deputy, His Majesty is very much involved in this. Why, he told me directly to handle the briefing with the press."

Ja, maar... de mensen hebben Zijne Majesteit niet al te vaak gezien. Zelfs ik heb niet het genoegen gehad om in zijn grace te zijn. Kan ik voorstellen—?

"Yes, but… The people have not seen His Majesty in quite some time. Even I haven't had the pleasure to be in his grace. Might I suggest—?"

Viceministre-premier, ken uw plaats.

"Deputy Prime Minister, know your place."

Mijn verontschuldigingen, ministre-premier. Als je me wilt excuseren, zal ik zien dat de media kalm worden.

"My apologies, Prime Minister. If you will excuse me, I'll set to it the media is calmed."

Directeur, als de vicepremier te onbevooroordeeld begint te worden...

"Director, if the Deputy Prime Minister begins to get too inquisitive…"

Natuurlijk, meneer. Kunnen we je iets bestellen…minister-premier?

"Of course, sir. Can we get you anything…prime minister?"

Zijne Majesteit blijft in hoge spirituelen. Onze arme zieke koning... alleen overgebleven lid van de late koninklijke familie...

"Just ensure His Majesty is kept in high spirits. Our poor sick king… Only remaining member of the late royal family…"

Gedwongen om koning te worden na de tragische dood van zijn hele familie. Waarom...

"Forced to become king after the tragic death of his entire family. Why…"

Ik weet niet of hij wakker wordt. Zelfs niet de kreten voor hulp van zijn volk tegen de likes van Magi. Het is tijd dat we onze grote ingang maken en de mensen geven wat ze willen.

"I don't know if anything will wake him up. Not even the cries for help from his people against the likes of Magi. I think it's time we make our grand entrance and give the people what they want."

W-Wat zou dat zijn, minister-premier?

"Wh-What would that be, Prime Minister?"

Een oorzaak. Een reden om deze kleine "Magische" onzin voor eens en voor altijd te beëindigen.

"A cause. A cause to end this little 'Magic' nonsense once and for all."