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!

72. Adventure 072

Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail, any work professionally associated with it, nor any pop culture or classical references. All original plots and characters are mine.

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

---

LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure, Nashi and Luna got a rude wake-up call as they find themselves trapped in the Alvarez Empire thanks to Invel Yura and with Luke's life on the line, both sisters are stuck trying to adapt to their unexpected guests and behave or else. Silver got his way to join Ena on her day off to New Rosemary which would have been good if it wasn't for those jerks who tried to bring Ena down. Luckily, Silver was there for comfort and protection, though it doesn't seem like Ena's picking up the hints Silver has been putting down. Introducing Dante and Aphtan to each other might not have been on Carlisle's to-do list, but even more so bring dragged into the Reflection Realm by a mysterious man. Just who is he and what exactly is Carlisle? Gale's trip to Infiorata stops at Rose Garden where he meets familiar face John Winters—or, well, familiar to us—and gets a get out of jail card from the meeting. Mary Jane decided to read up more on the month of August when Penelope came to help her cousin out only to leave her with more questions than answers and part of Mavis' memoir. But at least one good thing came from yesterday:

"Nice to finally meet you, Gary."

Kyler and Tesla came to assist Gary in the fight of their lives to bust out the Dragneel siblings—isn't that neat? And, um, Silver, I think you might have been too caught up in your feelings for Ena to realize Luna didn't sound like Luna…

---

The screams were things of horror films and nightmares.

The grandiose hallways once filled with life was swamped with the bodies of servants. No blood had been spilled, however, which was odd. Their eyes were glassy, lifeless—dead. Their bodies lay on the ground, immobile and slack. They looked like dolls that had been thrown onto the ground haphazardly and left to stay there.

The screams continued.

The hallways sped through, passing through the bodies of servants, until the focus had come to the library. Destruction had clawed through the library with shelves and tables having been knocked over, but, again, there was no blood being spilled. Students and staff had been tossed aside, faces relaxed, eyes dead, and their chests never moving for breaths.

The sobbing started.

The focus drifted through the chaos to see dual doors had been clawed open and left unhinged. The private tutoring chamber. Someone—something—had forced its way in. Wild scrambles and slurping pierced the air along the sobs and whimpers and the focus drifted into the chamber.

Mariem and Salma held each other with tears in their eyes and the look of I-don't-want-to-die splattered on their face as they pressed against the wall as though hoping for some sort of escape to appear from this nightmare. But the nightmare encroached closer. Large was not a good enough word to describe the nightmare of a creature, but it would have to suffice. Sharp claws dug into the ground, but it was hard to understand if the creature had skin or fur. Its face looked flat from the angle the focus sat. In fact, it was not that the face itself was flat. An entire mask was its face.

The focus could only watch as the creature bent its head as a shrill shriek left it and the mask opened up like a flower. But whatever was behind the mask had paralyzed the set of women as a bright light reflected in their eyes and their fear, their despair, their need to live—it was gone.

Little strings left the opening on the creature's face, wiry and mesmerizing but dangerous all the same. The flowing strings waved in open air until they touched Salma and Mariem's chest and wriggled their way past the clothing.

What happened felt like slow motion.

The strings withdrew, but they did not come back empty-handed. Oh, no. The strings brought with them dual glowing ovular forms, but the forms were fuzzy as though they could not maintain a state of permeance. The strings withdrew the forms back into the creature's open and the mask shut.

Jaws slack, Mariem and Salma dropped the ground like abandoned rag-dolls.

The creature held no interest in flesh. A whistling sigh escaped it and it shuffled back, apparently done with its job and ready to move on.

The focus shifted backwards—

The creature stiffened.

Without warning, its face whipped to the focus—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna shot up, eyes wide, sweat clinging to her skin, and her chest burning. The plush bedroom that had become her gilded cage was dark safe for the moonlight that fed into the room and cast a dull glow onto the carved furniture that had been dusted and cleaned. But she did not care for that. She waited for her breathing to get under control and the wave of nausea to pass as she clung to the sheets and tried not to panic she was not at home, she was not in her own clothes, and she was nothing more than a prisoner.

What was that? Luna whispered. What was…? What was that vision? That was the future? Tears wet the corner of her eyes as she lowered herself back on the bed—not her bed—and pulled the comforter up to her nose as she tried to take comfort in the minor light the moon provided. All those people… I think… I think that's what an animavore is. So that thing took their souls?

Luna shook beneath her sheets, but she tried to shove back her panic. But why? What was it doing here? She closed her eyes, but they flew open when she remembered the creature's face.

"People are going to die, aren't they?" The words escaped her and ghosted into the night in a quiet hush shaken to the core. "I don't… I don't want anyone to die." She pressed her face into the pillow and drew the comforter over her head as though it could shield her from reality.

Icarus said that my visions might not be permanent—that they aren't Fate. So it might not happen, right? Luna sniffled as she kept seeing Salma and Mariem, lifeless and forgone. "Mama," she whimpered. "Papa. What am I supposed to do? I don't want anyone t-t-to die. I just want to go home with Nashi and Luke." She curled into a ball.

Icarus, please. Please answer me. I need you.

But no one answered her.

Desperate, she let her powers surge again and she was ready to try again and concentrate as she sifted through the minds she could feel and latched onto the bits and pieces of Icarus' Magic scattered within her own—

Luna froze.

Fear flared in her eyes.

He's outside the room. She pressed her hand into her mouth. He's out there like he's…waiting. Her skin crawled like a thousand ants were on her and she urgently wanted to shake herself down. She pulled back her Magic. Cullen, please find Luke, she prayed. We have to get out of here. Latching onto the last pieces of hope, Icarus, if you can hear me, please send me a sign.

He never answered.

I have to be brave, Luna tried to encourage herself. Luke is depending on us. It's just us. We have to save him. We can… We can save him. We have to. But as the tears kept flowing and sleep eluded her with Hemlock lurking outside her door, any hope she had scrambled to find became lost in despair.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

You can do anything

Your hands grab even your life

What will you use them for?

You can take my warm hands

If it makes you feel yourself

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Your Majesty, Her Highness is here for a brief meeting with you. She just finished her breakfast."

Nashi's eyes felt crusted and raw as she opened them and light painfully flooded her eyes. Pain had stiffened her joints and put a kink in her neck, but she was in no hurry to try and rectify it. Her eyes adjusted for her to take in her bedroom and her lady's maids who stuck close. Her eyes drifted to the side to see Blanche was there, waiting for her command.

Nashi licked her lips and noted they were still plump. Probably one of the lady's maids had made sure of that. "Send her in." Her voice came out hoarse.

It took a moment, but the doors to the bedroom opened and Nashi felt great guilt seeing Luna skitter in her new ensemble of a white dress and veil, though it had been apparent she had been crying. Nashi could not help but glare when she saw Hemlock linger. Even with his eyes covered, it took no fool to know where his focus was settled on. She did not take her eyes off him until the doors had closed and a weight was lifted off her.

"Good morning, Nashi." Luna tried to keep her voice upbeat as a servant rushed to get her a velvet stool to sit at Nashi's bedside. "They told me you couldn't come to breakfast, so I asked if I could come to you."

Nashi swallowed and winced when the action felt rough. "I'm sorry." She could not even begin to list the reasons for her apologies, but she hoped her eyes conveyed it.

"It's okay." Luna's hands came forward to hold Nashi's and Nashi wanted to cry seeing her little sister look so forgiving as she wrestled down her own terror. "It w-wasn't bad." Her eyes went to their joined hands. "I'm more worried about you."

"Don't worry about me," Nashi urged. "I'm okay, Lu. I just…" But what could she say?

Luna bit her lip and her eyes shimmered. What did they do to you?

I could ask you the same thing. Nashi thumbed Luna's hands and hated how she had little energy to even sit up and bring Luna into her arms. Lu, what did he—?

It's nothing. Luna turned her head away as though she was composing herself. It's fine. I'm more worried about you. Chocolate clashed with hickory. You can barely move. Did they hit you? Did they touch you?

Nashi subtly shook her head, but her eyes caught Blanche glancing over. Don't look at me. Try to act like you're thinking.

Luna dropped her eyes and her body tensed.

They didn't touch me, Nashi eased. I… I don't know what happened exactly. Invel… He did something to me and I remember bleeding and then… Her brow furrowed as she tried hard to bring back the last memories before her collapse, but she could not recall it. I don't know. I woke up and Blanche told me the maids had bathed me and Invel said I was to be in bed until it was time for the meeting. Her eyes widened. The meeting… Faction…

What? Luna's eyes glance up, but she quickly put them back down. The terrorists?

Yes. Alvarez… The Faction is trying to work with the Alvarez Empire. Nashi's jumbled memories and thoughts started to organize themselves piece by piece. An ache hit her temple as she forced herself to figure out the missing pieces and, when she did, she tightened her hand on Luna's and gave her sister an urgent look. The symbol, Lu, I saw it.

What symbol—?

Demon. Demon symbol. Nashi swallowed again. Ceiling. It was on the ceiling. Lu, I don't think we're just dealing with people anymore. She eyed Luna when her sister remained quiet. Lu?

It's just… Luna let out a breath. I had a vision.

Nashi caught onto the dread in Luna's thoughts. What was it?

A monster. An…animavore. I think that's what it was, but I can't be sure without Icarus, Luna confessed.

'Animavore'?

Icarus says they're soul eaters, Luna explained. In my vision, I think I saw one. So many people were dead, Nashi. There were so many. Their bodies were just…laying there. Their… Their bodies… They were dead… Her little shoulders trembled.

Damn her pain. Nashi grunted as she forced herself up and she fought against the stiffness to lean Luna farther so she could hug her sister. Shhhh, she hushed. No one is going to die, Luna, you hear me? We're going to leave this place—all three of us—and no one is going to die.

But how do you know that? Luna whimpered. What if…? What if something happens and they do something to the people here?

"Then Your Majesty should behave if she wants those innocent to live."

Nashi dared not bring up Blanche's warning and focused all her energy into calming Luna. Luna…

Luna reached under her veil to knuckle her cheek. I know we were kidnapped and we should hate everyone, but Salma and Mariem… They don't deserve to die, Nashi. They didn't do anything wrong. I don't want them to die. I don't want anyone to die because of us.

Luna, listen to me, Nashi thought sternly. Breathe with me. Breathe.

It's so hard, Luna whimpered. My visions just keep showing all these bad things and we don't know where Luke is and—!

We will find Luke, Nashi vowed with everything in her heart. Do you hear me? We are going to find him, we're going to leave this place, and no one is going to die.

But what if they don't give us a choice? Luna let out a sniffling pant as though refraining from flat-out crying. Please, if they make you choose—

Luna—

Don't let people die because of me or Luke, Luna beseeched. They don't deserve to die.

Nashi felt her eyes heat. It crashed on her that her little sister was willing to be a lamb if it meant others could live. No, they don't deserve to die, she agreed, but you and Luke need to get home.

Luna shook her head as she pulled away to look down at the sheets. Nashi—thoughts soft—I need you to promise me something, okay? Her fingers dug into the sheets. If you find a way out—

Stop it, Nashi commanded in a snap. Don't you ever tell me to leave you behind. You are my sister and Luke is our brother. I will never leave the two of you behind.

Luna gave her a sad look. No one deserves to die because of us. Her eyes strayed. Mariem and Salma… They looked at me like I was everything—like I was their hope. Her eyes closed. The students in the library—everyone who works here—they look at us like we're the answers to their problems, and we're not.

I know that, Luna. Nashi winced as she lifted her arm so her hand could caress Luna's cheek and it pained her when Luna flinched. But you are my family—

They have families—

Luna, stop it, Nashi cried. No one is going to die. Not you or Luke or me or anyone here. I will fight with everything I have to make sure that doesn't happen.

Luna placed her hand atop Nashi's. He took your Magic and if I use mine to fight, Luke could get hurt or people could die. You have to promise me, okay? Promise me my vision won't come true and we'll change it so no one dies. Hesitantly, she added, Maybe if they just have me, you and Luke can escape and no one has to die—

No one will die, Nashi tried to get through to her. How could you think I would leave you behind?

I don't want you to get hurt. Luna bowed her head and bit her lip. You've went through so much. I just… I just want you to be safe for once. I don't want you to get hurt again. I… I nearly… A cry bubbled out. I watched you die so many times! I just want you to live! She fell into Nashi and gripped Nashi's nightgown as she wept. I don't want you to get hurt anymore. I just want you to be safe. I don't want to have any more visions where people die.

Nashi was ready to soothe her when Blanche came over with a bow and murmured, "Your Majesty, Hemlocks senses Her Highness is in distress and would like to offer assistance—"

"No." Nashi wrapped her arms around Luna in consolation and protection. "She needs me right now. I can help her calm down." Her eyes narrowed when Blanche looked ready to protest, "That's an order from your Empress."

Blanche bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty." And she moved away.

Nashi pressed a kiss into Luna's hair and thought fiercely, I'm so sorry, Lu. I know it's hard right now. I know you're scared. I know your visions showed you things, but you know what? I am right here holding you. I won't be going anywhere. No one will. We will change your vision so everyone lives. We're going to find a way home. I promise you.

Nashi—

Do you trust me?

Luna sniffled. Of course I do.

Then, trust me when I say we're going home. Nashi nuzzled Luna for a moment before she pulled back and helped her clear her cheeks of tears. We'll find a way. Have faith in your big sister, okay?

I do. Luna sniffed and breathed, "I love you, Sissy."

"I love you too," Nashi whispered. "Trust in me and keep your head up high. Fuck what they say. You are not royalty here. You are more than that. You are my sister."

Luna nodded. "Please be careful today."

"I'll be fine." Nashi drafted up a faint smile. "I'll just be in a stuffy meeting all bored, so there's nothing to worry about." She wished she could clear the lingering concern from Luna's eyes, but she knew better. "Take deep breaths and call me if you get stressed." We can't let them win, Lu.

Luna nodded to both the mental message and the vocal one. "I will. I know." She glanced to the doors.

"I need you to tell me one thing," Nashi whispered as she glowered at the bedroom doors. "Where did he touch you today?"

Luna cringed and her eyes fled downwards. "He…didn't touch me this morning." Her words were forced, numb. "But he… He was there when those ladies were changing me. He wo-wouldn't leave." She must have felt Nashi's rage as she brokenly placated, "But his eyes are covered—"

"I don't care." Nashi fought to keep her voice low and finally had to think, Luna, I promise you not all men will treat you like this. No person should ever make you this uncomfortable in your own body. No one should touch you or look at you like that without your consent. She added gently, I've been learning that for a little while now.

Luna's eyes flew to hers and a sad understanding passed between them.

Please call me if he tries to touch you, Nashi begged of her. I have to know, Luna. I don't care what happens, but nothing and no life is worth that.

Luna swallowed. I will.

Promise me, Nashi demanded. Promise me as a Celestial Spirit Mage. Give me a Heartfilia promise. She saw the conflict arise on Luna's face. I know you don't want me to worry and you want me safe, but this is one thing I need you to absolutely tell me. Please, Luna. I don't want… Her hands tightened on her sister. I don't want you to go through anything like what happened to me.

I promise I'll tell you, Luna quickly swore. I promise as a Celestial Spirit Mage and a Heartfilia.

Thank you. Nashi's shoulders sagged in relief. That means a lot to me that you would tell me.

We can't tell Mama and Papa about…about Hemlock and the…the baths…

Nashi's eyes saddened when she recognized that emotion in Luna's request. When you want to talk, we'll talk, she promised. That choice is yours. She kissed Luna's forehead.

"Your Majesty," Blanche broached, "Her Highness is due for her lessons and must leave."

Nashi pulled away from Luna to give her a small, almost imperceivable nod. "Go. You'll be okay," she soothed. "I love you."

"I love you too." Luna drew up the skirt of her dress and took a breath before she got up and held her chin high.

Simultaneously, pride and sadness crashed over Nashi as she watched Luna leave and have to face Hemlock alone. She watched as Luna shied away when Hemlock moved closer, but the doors closed before Nashi could see anything else. She's fourteen. She's the same age I was when… Her eyes closed.

Blanche came to Nashi's bedside. "Your Majesty, I will proceed with reading your schedule for today."

Nashi tuned out Blanche's voice as Luna's haunting words came back to her. 'Don't let people die because of me or Luke. They don't deserve to die.' Her eyes opened and she stared absently at the curtain-covered windows. No one deserves to die, she agreed. But…that choice… That choice between Luna and Luke…or all these people…

She stopped herself there. No. I can't think like that. We're going to leave and everyone will live. I can't think like there's even a choice about it. Luna's vision was wrong. But in the back of her mind, she knew those choices were there.

And she had no idea how she could face her siblings if she was forced to make that choice.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 072

Behave

行動は生きるか死ぬかを意味する。誰が命令に従うことができるか、誰が反撃できるかを確認するためのテスト

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Infiorata Town smelled like a meadow and Gale felt lucky he had no allergies. The historical buildings and houses and streets were nice, he guessed, but he personally thought the people wearing those traditional clothes did them no favors. He waited at the train station which looked like it stepped out of an old-time movie and his skin prickled when he felt eyes sweep over him and all those stares came from the natives.

I'll give them something to stare at if they keep this shit up, Gale groused. I'm not a damn serial killer.

Sycaña chuckled. Mind the humans, Little Gem. They smell curious—

—and judgy, Gale snarked when a Wiccan (or so he presumed by the touch of herbs he scented) accosted him with a cursory once-over only for their stare to flit away when they caught his leer. He huffed. Goddamn Wiccans. They think they're so clever. I'm an Earth Dragon Slayer, motherfucker. You finger-paint and smoke Maryjane and call it a day. He winced when he felt Sycaña nudge his mind in slight reprimand.

Behave, Sycaña warned in good humor. I may not have a physical body, but in here, I can still bite you for bad manners, Little Gem.

Gale grunted, but he sulkily replied, Yes, ma'am.

Sycaña hummed her mirth. And stop slouching and glaring. You are the son of the mightiest Earth Dragoness that has ever lived and the grandson of the fiercest Iron Dragon who could kill hundreds. You will stand tall and look proper. You are representing our legacy.

Gale snorted, but he did straighten his back and fought down his grin. Yes, Mom. He rolled his eyes when he heard a grating in the back of his head. And Granddad. He shook his head and chuckled his analog watch. The person supposed to come for me should be here soon, but I don't know… He inhaled and exhaled. Didn't you notice it the closer we got?

I did. Amusement gone, Sycaña's tone dropped into a rumble. The scent of winter is fierce, but I felt an oddness to this territory and it leeks from Tāne's Forest.

Maybe I should—

You will no such thing.

Gale huffed. But— He broke off in a wince and rubbed his ear. Dammit. I didn't know you could do that.

I warned you I will bite for bad manners, Sycaña reminded. You are here for an assignment, Little Gem, and you will not be exploring. Your mortal mother and I agree on that.

Gale grumbled under his breath. Yeah, but you'd explore if you were here.

I did not think drakes pouted, Little Gem. How you remind me of Floridia by the day…

Gale remembered the perky little Dragoness barely hatched from her egg and felt insulted. Whatever. Fine. I won't explore. He crossed his arms and scanned the pick-up zone again only to do a double-take when he saw an armored Lacrima Car crawling down the lane. To his surprise, it stopped before him and a sentry came out with their proud Fioren and Magic Council emblem.

"Are you Gale Redfox?" the sentry questioned.

Gale wrangled out his MagID and handed it over for confirmation. "Yeah, that's me."

The sentry studied the MagID before handing it back. He bowed accordingly before moving to the passenger back door and opening it. "Mister Redfox, my colleague and I are here to escort you to the site and will be escorting you to the buyer's home as well."

Gale's brow furrowed. "I thought I was escorting you to the buyer?"

"My apologies." The sentry bowed lowered. "I spoke out of turn. Yes, you will be our escorts with the cargo. Please step inside."

Gale eyed the sentry, but he did as asked and settled into the armored Lacrima Car's backseat. The door closed after him and Gale caught the driving sentry looking at him through the mirror. He jested, "Surprised you guys came in a car. Thought I'd be getting a horse-drawn carriage."

"While the natives aren't fond of modern technology, it is mandatory for sentries to use it," the driver spoke. "Please buckle up. The drive will only take thirty minutes."

Gale buckled and the car pulled off the curb. He looked out the tinted windows to witness some of the locals give the car battered looks of mixed revulsion and judgment, but he let it be. Sycaña?

Tread careful, Little Gem, Sycaña warned.

I didn't smell their deceit, but the one sentry's heartbeat increased when I asked him that question, Gale noted as he pretended to be interested in the outside world. He caught the driver glancing at him from the mirror. The driver smells a little nervous. I don't know if it's because of what's going on or because of me, but I don't like this. Infiorata Town isn't exactly a big town either, so why are we taking a thirty-minute drive?

Sycaña growled. I do not like this, Little Gem.

Neither do I. Gale glanced to see they had passed Hotel Lemon. I'll play it by ear, don't worry. Let's hope I'm just dealing with newbies.

The drive was quiet and sans even radio music to get by. Infiorata Town breezed by and Gale counted the Wiccans and Traditionalist in their homemade shawls and boots and jackets as their eyes darkened seeing the armored car. But in the last ten-minute leg of the ride, the town was abandoned and Gale kept his ears pricked when they had approached a Magic Council checkpoint. He did not need to be outside to know enchantments were in place and the gatekeeper had lowered the shields for them to come through. The rest of the drive had Gale on alert because he saw it in the distance.

He saw the Boundary Forest.

Trees as tall as skyscrapers should have made him at home, but his leg bounced and he felt his skin itch to transition to scales.

Keep calm, Sycaña advised.

But I feel it, Gale growled to her. Something about the forest isn't right and it's setting me on edge. He treaded his pants with his nails.

As an Earth Dragon, you will feel a pull to nature and its imbalance, Sycaña informed. It is why Sorrelo and I were on edge when humans invaded our land. We could feel them tear apart our land for their comfort. Listen to the nature around you for signs of its distress.

Gale made a mental note of that as he peered out the dashboard window to bear witness to a camp coming up with a second gatekeeper that showed no hesitation in letting them in. The camp, much to Gale's agitation, was closed to the Boundary Forest than he had realized with tents sent up and sentries on watch with their magical weapons and curious eyes on the armored car trekking through. The car did not stop until it went to the most prominent tent where a buff woman with a beauty mark and a curled left eyebrow and a smaller man who carried the head of an eagle were waiting for them in uniform.

Gale's door was open for him and he stepped out with his eyes and ears alert. "The job didn't mention being a government job," he said flatly. "If it did, I wouldn't have taken it."

The buff woman inclined her chin. "Well, you did and you are contractually obligated to fulfill your role. Will that be a problem, Earth Dragon of Fairy Tail?"

"Not a problem for now," Gale replied. "But why hide this is a government job?"

"Because the buyer specifically requested for complete privacy by all parties involved," the buff woman informed him. "You will meet him on your travel to his home."

Gale arched an eyebrow. "Am I allowed to know a name of this guy or is that special reveal for when I show up at his place?" he drawled, sardonic.

The buff woman narrowed her eyes. "As said before, he prefers complete privacy unless otherwise mentioned." Tone brittle, annoyed. She gestured to the smaller man with an eagle head who looked quite nervous. "This is Officer Kimbley. He will be your escort to the cultivation site and will show you where you will store the plants."

Kimbley bowed low to Gale. "It's n-n-nice to meet you, Mister Redfox, Sir."

"I'm not a 'sir'. Just 'Gale' is fine." Gale drew his eyes back to the woman. "And you are?"

The woman's nose twitched at the lack of respect in his tone. "I am Master Sergeant Anbessie," she greeted in a flat tone, but she did bow to him. "I apologize for the rushed introductions; however, the buyer requested this service to be expedited at all costs."

Gale hummed. "Right." Rubies drifted over the campsite and he could several sentries glancing over to him before murmuring amongst their comrades. His ear twitched as he listened into the closest conversation.

"…think he'll really do it? What if he starts talking like the other Earth Mage—?"

"Shhh! He might hear you!"

"Well." Gale clapped his hands and slapped on a sarcastic smile. "Let's get this party started because it's colder than a winter's tit out here and I'd rather not freeze my balls off." Childish pleasure filled him when Sergeant Anbessie looked agitated at his less-than-mature words. He nodded over to Kimbley. "Lead the way, officer. Show me where my workstation is and I'll get right to it."

Kimbley jerkily nodded. "Y-Yes, of course." He left Anbessie's side to begin to walk—

"Kimbley."

Kimbley flinched and looked back at Anbessie who lifted her head and pinned her subordinate with a less intense stare. "Don't wander off," she cautioned.

Gale's nostrils flared when he smelt Kimbley's fear wan as the Aberrant nodded and murmured his affirmative. He shot Gale a pleading look and Gale relented, tailing the Aberrant officer.

"It's him…"

"Think he'll do it?"

"Maybe we'll get promoted…"

"I doubt he'll be able to do it…"

"Can't believe the mutant gets the luck—"

"Shut up! He might hear you, dumbass!"

Gale shoved his hands into his pockets to keep from showing his clenched fists, but he kept his mouth shut as he followed Kimbley to what appeared to be a translucent tunnel that led into the Boundary Forest. The sentries on duty allowed Gale and Kimbley to enter the tunnel where a metal barrier and its door awaited them. Kimbley nervously unlocked the door, but he did not go in when there was another erected barrier and door inside.

Gale raised an eyebrow. "What's happening here?"

"W-Well, this is as far as I can take you," Kimbley told him. "The Boundary Forest is in a bit of an Ether flux at this moment and no one can handle the strain." He gestured to the door. "You'll be able to open the door once I close this one and it'll take you into the forest. We put up wards to protect the camp, but…" He trailed off as though he said too much.

Gale examined the further door. So what Mom said about the Ether forecast must've been relating to this. "And what exactly am I doing?"

"Oh!" Kimbley jumped as he remembered. "R-Right! The buyer stated they needed at least two tons of samples from the Boundary Forest—"

"Two tons?" Gale's eyebrows rose. "The Hell does this guy need that much green stuff for if it's not marijuana?"

Kimbley flinched and his eyes flitted nervously.

Gale sighed. "Whatever. Two tons you said? Anything in specific? Any plants or roots or anything?"

"Um, well, n-n-no," Kimbley stammered. "The buyer said he'll take as much as we can give him of anything, but he needs two tons' worth."

Gale crossed his arms. "Okay… But how am I taking two tons from there to here?"

"We supplied enchanted carts for you that are at the end of the tunnel," Kimbley quickly supplied. "Each cart can hold up to two hundred pounds. You're allowed two fifteen breaks and an hour lunch if you surv—" He closed his beak, eyes wide with fear.

If I survive. Gale jutted his chin. "Sure, whatever. Two tons of whatever I can get my hands on." He jerked a thumb to the door. "Can I get going now?"

"U-Um, wait! I have more to say!" Kimbley interject. "You have the option to stay in the Boundary Forest until you're finished or you can come back out. We provided camping supplies in the crates and any equipment you might need. There's also a line that runs down the tunnel. If you pull it, it'll alert the guards something is wrong. We do have a crystal ball down there too if you need to talk or if we need to talk to you."

Gale bobbed his head. "Great. Can I go now?"

"Um…"

Gale sighed. 'What is it now?"

"We have MPPE for you," Kimbley supplied. "The Ether in the Boundary Forest is unstable, so—"

Gale suppressed a snort. "I'll manage," he assured as he began to walk to the door—

"W-Wait!"

Gale paused and it took him by surprise when Kimbley latched onto him and whispered, "Please be careful. Earth Mages, Magicians, Wiccans—they've all come here and they…they didn't come back." His eyes bounced to the door then back to Gale. "You should take the MPPE. Those who didn't…"

Gale did not need the sentence to be finished. In a low voice, he asked, "Where exactly is all this going to?"

Kimbley swallowed. "I-I-I-I…" But he saw the intensity in Gale's eyes and lowered his own. "Sergeant Anbessie says the buyer is very rich and…he's a Sanctuary-supporter," he revealed in a hushed tone.

"'Sanctuary'? That non-MC place?" Gale questioned.

"Y-Y-Yes." He looked at Gale beseechingly. "Please don't think Sergeant Anbessie is mean or anything. I know she might look mean, but she's been very kind to my people and took me when none of the others would. And once the buyer gets the supplies, she promised she'd help me go to the Sanctuary."

"Your people meaning Aberrants," Gale suspected. "Though, your buddies seem to think 'mutant' is a better term." He felt bad when Kimbley let him go and made himself smaller. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"I-It's okay. We are…m-mutants," Kimbley agreed with a hitch in his tone. "The Sanctuary is a place I won't be one anymore." He glanced over to the second door. "Please be careful," he pleaded once again. "That place is dangerous and you might…see things in there."

Gale decided to heed the young officer's warning. "I will." He clapped Kimbley's shoulder. "You are not a mutant," he told firmly. "Don't let these fucktrucks tell you otherwise." A lopsided grin. "In fact, if they call you a slur, you should call them a fucktruck. It's only fair."

Kimbley's eyes were as wide as saucers. "O-Oh, no, I couldn't! That would be disrespectful!" He fiddled with his hands. "A-A-And at least I could be an officer here, so I'm appreciative. B-Besides, they aren't all bad here."

"Yeah, but, dude, you don't deserve to be disrespected like that either," Gale reminded. "You are not a mutant. You are a human being like the rest of us. Bullies like them piss me off."

Kimbley looked touched by the words. "Th-Thank you, Mister Redfox." A little more confident, he murmured, "And you should know—"

"Hey, Kimmie," came drawl from one of the sentries outside. "Better not be getting too comfortable back there. Wouldn't want to tell the Sergeant her favorite pet found a new owner."

Kimbley gulped, hurt, and tried to stammer an apology—

"Hey, fucktrucks!" Gale lazily called (and Kimbley gaped). "He's doing his job unlike you, so mind your fucking business." He grinned when he heard the sentries stutter their apologies. He aimed a shrug at a gawking Kimbley. "Sorry. Can't stand bullies. It's in my nature to dish it as good as its given." When Kimbley stumbled for something to say, Gale went past the first door and to the second. "Wish me luck. And don't let these bastards think they're better than you. They're just power-tripping assholes who peaked in high school."

Kimbley blinked. "U-U-Uh…" He came back to his senses and bowed deeply to Gale. "Thank you, Mister Redfox."

"Dude, it's just 'Gale'. Mister Redfox is my old man and like Hell do I want to be like that pervert." Gale saluted Kimbley. "Go on and close the door. I can handle myself from here."

Kimbley swallowed and nodded. "Please come back safely." He closed the door and backed away.

Gale looked at the second door and cracked his neck. "Well," he breathed, "we've made it this far." His hands wrapped around the handle. "Might as well see it all the way through. Mom's totally going to have my ass for this." He rolled his shoulders. Sycaña, are you with me?

Always.

"Then, let's get this show on the road." Gale's hand twisted the knob and air hissed out on instinct. Pulling the door open—

Rubies glowed and a snarl left his chest.

Sycaña bristled.

Gale started down the tunnel and, sure, light from outside filtered through, and he could see the enchanted carts awaiting his command, but past that was the Boundary Forest that looked like someone had tinted the colors of the forest. The energy that seeped through the tunnel set every nerve Gale had on edge as his nostrils flared. The Wild crouched low and grumbled. He could hear a grating hum of warning the back of his chest.

It smells like sickness and death, Gale growled

I know. Sycaña nudged him. Keep your claws ready, Little Gem. This land is diseased.

Gale nodded and slipped into the tunnel, shutting the door behind him. To his surprise, the door handle went rigid a Sigil of the Magic Council appeared on the door before disappearing.

A Magic Seal? Gale snorted as he turned back to the tunnel. Cowards. He started forward with his eyes trained on the tunnel's end. A breeze bypassed him and he suppressed the Wild as it whipped its tail and poised for an attack. The closer he got the end, the harder he had to shake off the instinct to make claws and let scales blotch his skin. He might not have been even a half mile away from the Magic Council camp, but it felt like he was walking leagues away as the weight of disease impressed upon his chest and shoulders.

He ignored the enchanted carts as he stood between the last inches that separated him from the Boundary Forest.

Deep breath in.

Deep breath out.

Gale crossed into the Boundary Forest with caution and felt a wave of protective enchantments pass through him—

Rubies widened.

LUB-DUB.

Gale buckled and he was down on one knee in the grass as he gripped the material over his heart. Mouth parted, he could only pant as his heart physically hurt in his chest. The Wild whined and shook its head in its pain and even Sycaña was growling.

"What…?" Gale swallowed. "What was that?" He looked up to see the Boundary Forest before him in its murky glory. Trees rivaling the heights of fourteen-story buildings and them some went on for miles with spots of sunlight, but it was as though the shadows had a permanent cast within the forest. Snow had not touched the forest as though winter did not exist. His glowing eyes provided him a sharper contrast of the underbrush and the rocks and a few formations of crystals, but his stare kept straying deep within the forest as though he saw something.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Boundary Forest is located south-eastern part of Fiore and near the border to Sevens. Filled with Ancient Magic, the Boundary Forest houses many monsters, gigantic trees, and rare plant life. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

That, Little Gem, is nature dying.

Gale took off a glove, but he did not touch anything just yet. Scales slipped onto his hand and he threaded his scaly hand into the grass. I might touch everything in see it's past, but my scales pretty much counter my ability. Even so… He concentrated as his power seeped into the earth below him and he cringed when he felt a murky feeling clog his senses, ripping his hand away. The forest is…sick. But I can't understand how a forest this vast and with so much Magic Power could be sick.

Through you, I sense no humans, Sycaña told, but that does not guarantee there are no other creatures who dwell within this forest.

Right. Gale slipped on his glove. What do you think? Should I go in?

No.

Gale frowned. But—

You will not be venturing farther, Sycaña commanded. Not alone, Little Gem. Do what you came to do. Only return to explore when you have allies. It is foolish to think you should cover this forest alone.

Gale's lips twitched. I do have you, Mama S.

You have me in your amulet. Keep in mind, Little Gem, if I were in my physical form and you were my drake, I would have picked you up by my teeth and taken you back to our home.

Gale grimaced and rubbed his neck as though he could feel the visual. I'm good. No exploring for now. He looked around for another moment before he took off his bag and set it inside the tunnel and within the protection of the enchantments. Did you get the feeling something is watching me?

Yes. That is why you are to do what you came to do. Do not start a fight in this place. Old Magic lives here and you are but one drake.

Gale cracked his knuckles as he touched one of the carts and jerked it to follow him into the Boundary Forest as he decided to start with bushes. But if I checked what happened—

I would advise against it, Sycaña warned. The disease in this forest can affect you in ways you do not realize if you attempt to use too much Magic on it. She chuffed. Your curiosity will be satisfied another day. Work. I will stay awake with you.

Gale had to smile as he hunkered down and felt around for the roots of the bush. Mind telling me some stories to pass the time and so I'm not constantly looking over my shoulder?

I can. But keep your eyes and ears alert, Sycaña asked of him. We don't know what it is that is watching you…

The wind whistled.

Gale peeked over his shoulder to see nothing was in the distance.

…and we have no idea what its intentions are with you.

---

Gary's boarding room had made for him alone with the intentions that two was company and three was a crowd, but he, Kyler, and Tesla made it work. Ragna had brought Gary enough breakfast to split between the three of them with white cheese, olives, old cheese, omelets, and had even made a pan of sucuk with eggs and some börek (flaky dough pastries filled with meat). As they ate, Gary had to ask Tesla, "I know things were rushed yesterday, but are you sure you want to do this?"

"And as I said yesterday, yes, I would like to be here," Tesla replied. "It's okay, Gary, seriously."

While Gary still looked hesitant, Kyler gently supplied, "I wouldn't have brought her here if I considered her a liability. Her powers will be an asset."

"But what about school?" Gary brought up. "And Ja—?"

"Don't worry about school," Tesla dismissed before the question could be finished. She kept her focus on her food. "It's not like a majority of my classes need a physical appearance and my mom will cover for me." She looked between Kyler and Gary. "But I will say I didn't appreciate being left in here while you two did whatever."

Gary had the decency to look sheepish. "I'm sorry. We just had to discuss a few details."

"I get it," Tesla sighed. "I honestly do. I'm a wild card here and we just met." She decided to indulge in some börek. "But either way, I'm here to help. Tell me what you need to know or want me to know. All I do know is that Nashi is in trouble."

Gary tilted his head. "And that was enough for you to come to another continent?"

"Yeah." Steely gray clashed with cerulean. "That was enough."

Gary regarded her for a moment before he turned to Kyler. Kyler nodded and got up, dusting himself off. "I think I'll speak to Ragna," he decided. "I need some more information and she seems very helpful." He swiftly left the room and closed the door behind him.

Skade stirred, grumpy and unnerved. She carries an odd scent. I do not like it.

Are you saying she's a threat to you? Gary questioned, amused at the idea.

Skade growled. She is a threat to us both. Her scent smells familiar, but it is difficult for me to place where. But I know it is dangerous. Be careful, brother.

You had to have smelt her before when we passed by her—

I had no interest in your human affairs then, Skade hissed. Your body is mine as well. Be careful.

Gary sighed before he studied Tesla. He was about to ease into a conversation when Tesla murmured, "I don't want to talk about him, so please don't bring him up."

"He's one of my best friends," Gary told her. It was not an excuse or an argument. It was the truth.

"I understand that." A bite was in Tesla's tone. "But right now, I'm more concerned about Nashi than I am about him or whatever is left of our relationship, so we should stay on task."

Gary bobbed his head, but when he saw the slight shake in Tesla's fingers, he knew she was more affected than she wanted to be. "Okay. I won't bring it up," he conceded. "Thank you for coming. You took a risk coming here and you still are. I can't promise you you'll be safe or that you won't get hurt. From how Kyler explained it, both of you are in Alvarez illegally and their illegal immigrant laws are strict. The only thing I can guarantee is I can get you home."

"Then, that's enough," Tesla decided. Her lips twitched. "I didn't come here for shits and giggles. Mister Kyler explained enough to me and the risks. I'm not sure what you know about me, but there's a lot more to me than meets the eye."

Gary nodded. "Good." He smiled when Tesla looked surprised. "We're going to need every sort of power-up we can get for this." His smile fell. "That being said… What Kyler and I spoke about last night…" He shifted. "Tesla, anything I say or that Kyler and I do aren't things we want the public to know."

"I gathered as much." Tesla did not say those words with malice or sarcasm. She meant it.

"Good. So it goes without saying"—cerulean sharpened—"if at any point either of us feel you are a threat to Angel and her family's life, we won't hesitate to make sure you aren't one anymore."

Some might get offended. Others might get upset. Tesla did neither. She matched the severity of Gary's gaze with her own. "I understand."

Gary could feel Skade peer into his eyes for a moment to look for a hint of deceit, but he grumbled when he found nothing outside of honesty. Satisfied? Gary asked the Ice Devil.

Keep me out of your explanations.

Fine. Gary rolled his shoulders. "The reason Angel is here and her sister and brother from what a friend informed us is that they're related to the former Emperor of Alvarez."

"Shit." Tesla's eyebrows flew up. "They're distant royalty?"

"Yes." A half-truth. "We assumed they waited until now to kidnap them because Angel is a legal adult to claim the throne and because of her sister Luna."

Tesla's eyes lit up. "Right. Gale's Luna." Then, she frowned. "Why her?"

"She's…special," Gary tried to explain without revealing too much. "She was sheltered until last year for good reason. Kyler and I suspect her physical appearance outside of Magnolia gave them the confidence they could take her."

Tesla growled. "That's screwed up. What sort of people would do that?"

"People who take a cause to an extreme," Gary answered. "From what a colleague told me, Angel and Luna are inside the castle."

It hit Tesla like a freight train. "I heard stuff on the news about King Ajeel coming out about the heirs or whatever." She put the puzzle together. "They're going to announce them as the next royals, aren't they?"

"Not if we can stop it," Gary told her. He put down his utensils to go to his bag and rummaged around it. He took out a cube and came back to sit before Tesla. "This is the schematic of the castle." He pressed on the cube and, within seconds, a holographic blueprint of the castle popped up with all its layers and halls, and even the rooms had been labeled.

Tesla admired it with wide eyes. "Wow…"

"It's not as impressive as you think," Gary was frustrated to say. "Over the decades, the castle was constantly rebuilt. These blueprints are as accurate as they could get over the past five years, but it doesn't show everything. A friend tried to track down the original designs for the castle, but it's as though they don't exist."

Tesla understood. "So we're not going in blind, but we're going in like a person with bad eyesight forgot their glasses."

"In a manner of speaking." Though, the analogy made Gary chuckle. He reached to touch the holographic castle and zoomed in to a specific floor to show Tesla. "Based on these plans, Angel is probably in the late Emperor's room and Luna is on the same floor."

"But you said Nashi, Luna, and their brother Luke were taken, right? Where is he?"

Gary grimaced. "That's what we're wondering. Kyler spent time trying to locate Luke, but even he's having trouble. We came to the conclusion it could mean one of two things." He zoomed out to enlarge the lower levels of the castle. "Either Luke was taken to a lower level that we can't see or he's not in Alvarez at all."

"He has to be here," Tesla asserted. "If they really are distant royalty, it wouldn't make sense for them to split them all up."

Gary nodded. "Our thoughts exactly."

"Hold on." Tesla squinted. "I thought Nashi had two brothers?"

"She does. Luke and Igneel." Gary sifted through the holographic castle. "But Igneel left Fiore back in December and he wasn't taken."

"How do you know that?"

Gary did not stop sorting through the halls and rooms as he replied, "A friend has told me in good faith he's still free."

Tesla held her tongue from asking more questions. "Okay, then. So what's your plan then to get everyone out?"

"I'm still stringing it along," Gary admitted. "I was a little bit of a mess on my way to Alvarez. Part of me wanting to tear down the entire castle until I found them, but that's not exactly the most discreet plan."

Tesla laughed. "No, but it would send a message."

"A message the world doesn't need." Gary stopped his sorting as he placed his hand on top of the hologram and pressed down until the entire projection has sunk back into the cube.

Tesla cocked her head. "What do you mean by that?"

"I take it you aren't familiar with magical politics?" Gary offered a sheepish grin at Tesla's flat stare. "I had to ask. You're full of surprises." He went to put the cube back in his bag. "For the last few decades, it's essentially been a tug-o-war between Spiritless and Wizards and the Magic Council. Spiritless are growing more afraid of Wizards and are trying to infringe on our freedoms. Wizards are getting tired of being looked down on by Spiritless and letting the Magic Council rule our lives." He shrugged as he settled back down. "Politics."

An odd look crossed Tesla's face. "He never said…" But she stopped herself.

Gary saw where she was going, but he decided not to coax anymore out. "We have to be discrete because of you and Kyler being here illegally and because there are policies in place that prevent foreigners from engaging in magical combat without special permission. Not only that but storming the castle would mean instant suicide." He glanced to the curtained window. "Ragna explained that ever since King Ajeel declared he would publicly speak on the 'true heir' rumors, security has gotten tighter, and more Machias spies are out."

"'Machias'?"

"Living machines or anyone who meets the half-metal requirement," Gary explained patiently. "Thanks to a friend, if a Machias tries to scan me, I'm more on a baseline of a Magician. But the castle has more ward around it then before."

"Is that what that weird vibe I got the second we entered Alvarez?" Tesla cut in.

Gary blinked. "What feeling?"

"I don't know. I thought I was crazy." Tesla ran her fingers through her braids. "The second we stepped into Alvarez, I just got this chill. Like something felt off or something. Out of balance. I could tell Mister Kyler felt something too. But it's like no one else here notices it, so I thought we were just jet-lagged or crazy."

Gary shook his head. "No, not crazy."

"You feel it too?"

"I do." Gary mulled over his thoughts. But this might be another thing I can't talk about. Not yet. Not until we're closer. "Feeling or not, considering the castle is gearing up for a show, using the front door or planning to slip in topside isn't possible."

"Oh, oh! I saw this in an anime! We're getting in through the sewers, right?" Tesla offered a sheepish smile when Gary tilted his head. "Sorry."

Gary's lips twitched. "No, that would be smart if the castle's sewers connected to the rest of Alvarez."

Tesla's brow furrowed. "They don't?"

"No. The castle is a separate entity from the empire itself in terms of piping and anything else," Gary informed her. "It's a smart tactic. Annoying for us but it's smart. I visited the red-light district—"

"There's a red-light district here?"

Gary sighed. "Yes."

"And you went to gather information and not for anything else?" Tesla slowly questioned as she looked at him with challenging eyes.

Gary frowned, a bit offended. "Angel is my everything. I had to visit the red-light district because of that type of information I was looking for."

"And what did you find?"

"Nothing outside of rumors," Gary grunted. "Typical rumors that the castle had hidden entrances and entrances only the late emperor was privy to and a handful of his staff. It was said not even King Ajeel knows them nor his own staff which would make sense."

"Why?"

"From how it sounded and how it does sound, not everyone in the empire was happy about the turnabout of power," Gary explained. "History says that the late Emperor was loved by all his people and it still shows today. If Angel is presented as the newest Empress with the DNA confirmation, the people would accept her without question."

Tesla scrunched up her nose. "Can't she deny the throne?"

"At the risk of painting a target on her back?" Gary shook her head. "No."

Tesla was still in thought. "What about your family back home? Her friends back home? Won't they notice their kids are gone? Would they even know about what's going on?"

"In theory, they should," Gary agreed slowly, "but there are most likely some precautions to avoid that sort of scandal. It wouldn't put it past me if they made sure it looked like Angel and Luna and Luke were still at home." Ceruleans darkened. "I've known worse people who have done that."

Tesla did not ask for an elaboration. "So how are we going to get into the castle? When's this announcement supposed to happen?"

"Later this week," Gary said. "The sooner we pull them out, the better."

Tesla pitched up an eyebrow. "And you were going to do this all by yourself?" She raised her hands in defense when Gary's frown became more pronounced. "No shade. But it just seems unrealistic you could do this by yourself. This seems like an operation you'd need help on."

"It's not like the help wouldn't be appreciated," Gary conceded. "But two people who wanted to come are currently in a legal battle and delaying it for a second or ending things too abruptly would mean consequences no one is ready to live with. And, even without them, I'm not really alone." He ignored Skade's warning growl.

"Well, you have Mister Kyler and me now," Tesla told him helpfully. "He told me we're here to follow you're lead and I get it. Nashi is your partner."

Gary's hands clenched to fists. "Yes, but…it's more than that." Feeling our soul connection violated like that. That ice I felt. That darkness.

Yessssss, Skade hissed. I believe it was him too from the bad place. His growl grew. If it was him—

I know. Gary exhaled frost. I'll be ready this time. We'll be ready. Cerulean tainted with silver. I won't let him escape me if he touched Angel. I'll show him what 'true ice' actually means.

"Gary?"

He snapped from the sinking fury to blink around and he noticed Tesla shivering, rubbing her arms. "Ah. I'm sorry." He forced himself to relax and the temperature went back to normal.

"No, it's fine." Tesla gave him a half-quizzical half-concerned look. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? You had that look on your face."

"What look?"

Steely grays flitted to the curtained window. "The same face I make when I think about my sperm down." Steely grays darkened. "And how much I want to kill him."

If Gary was surprised, he did not show it. He watched Tesla with unreadable eyes before he murmured, "I don't know nor need to know the details about that man. But I do need to know one thing from you."

"What is it?"

"Will you look at me as a monster if I do kill someone?"

Tesla's stare ricocheted and astonished steel gray connected with wintry cerulean. She did not see the "stupid dog" Nashi accused him of being. She did not see the soft boy heartthrob women lusted over. What she saw put ice in her veins and her muted instincts were blaring in fear and for her to run. But she stayed and swallowed thickly. "N-No."

Gary kept his stare on her. "This isn't something to take lightly," he forewarned. "We're going into territory where people are going to try to kill you. They have very little morals. Their cause is enough justification to slaughter us. Fairy Tail, as a rule, doesn't kill. We show mercy where most wouldn't." Frost expelled from his breath. "However…"

Silver flaked into his eyes.

"…there is one person in there I cannot and will not show mercy to. And if you plan to ask me to spare him if I get to that point, you shouldn't come with me."

Tesla's heart race. These were not the eyes of a human that bored into her. These were the eyes of a predatory who smelt blood and would chase down their prey to the bitter end. Still, she did not cower back. "Did this person hurt Nashi and her siblings?"

"Most likely."

Tesla let out a shaky exhale. "I won't stop you," she promised in a low tone. "I don't have room to judge when I want to kill my sperm donor."

"Wanting to kill and being a killer are very different things."

Tesla's eyes widened when Gary looked away from her with a taut jaw. So many questions, so many words—but none of them felt right to say right now.

"The second we step into that castle, we're considered the enemy," Gary told her, low and foreboding. "You can't hesitate for a second. There's no rules. There aren't any timeouts. There's no referee. Everything is fair game to them." His eyes darkened. "There's no time to think about how to peacefully neutralize the enemy. You have to do anything you can to save yourself and push forward instinctively. Kyler and I will do everything we can to make sure we all make it through. But you'll see blood. You might see someone die. You might injure someone. The smell of their blood and the sounds of screaming is something that stays with you."

Silvery-cerulean snapped onto Tesla. "If those are things you can't live with, tell me now and I'll make sure Ragna takes care of you here. Because I won't let anyone show any hesitation when we're trying to save Angel and Looney and Luke from this place." Silver thickened in his eyes. "No hesitation."

Tesla opened her mouth and closed it several times until she found something to say. "I don't know what happened to you nor do I need to," she said slowly, borrowing his words, "but I understand what you're saying. A real fight is different than practice. I've been told that time and time again." Her eyes skittered away from his profile. "Nashi thinks the world of you."

Gary regarded Tesla in curiosity.

"Just from knowing her for a few weeks, it's clear to me she cares a lot about you and your well-being," Tesla continued with a faint twinkle in her eye. She sighed and shook her head so her braids splayed down her back. "I'm not a Mage. Not even close. I don't know what all you guys have to deal with or have to do or have done—I just don't. Maybe I'll panic seeing whatever we see or maybe I'll buckle down—I don't know. I'm not about to tell you I one-hundred-percent know what my reaction is going to be." She gave a self-deprecating laugh. "And I know that's not what you want to hear."

"So why come here?" Gary asked. Not challenged. He asked the question. "Why still want to come?"

"Because my friend and her family is in trouble." Tesla dusted off her hands. "And because my friend would be devastated if something happened to you." Steely grays locked down with promise. "Do whatever you have to do. Don't worry about me. I'll figure out what I can and can't live with, thanks. I have a pretty good therapist for trauma. But, in the meantime"—she pointed at him—"I'm going to do what I have to so you get to Nashi in one piece. Because she's been through a lot. And she deserves happiness. And if you're giving her a little bit of that then I better make sure you stay alive."

Gary's eyes widened and he looked back at Tesla who had a sparkle in her eyes. "Tesla…" He could feel Skade's own surprise and maybe a knuckle of respect for the young woman before him. His eyes softened and he nodded. "Angel is my everything. I might not make her happy all the time, but I plan to be around for a long time to make sure she finds happiness."

"Good. You better." Tesla winked at him. "I just might steal her away from you if you even think of leaving."

And just like that, the tension was broken as Gary laughed. "Well, I can't have that," he supposed. The pair shared a chuckle that fizzled out into amicable sighs. "How has she been doing?" he broached.

Tesla's eyes twinkled in mischief. "Why, Mister Fullbuster," she gasped in a faux posh tone, "are you trying to get me to break girl code and gossip to you about how your waifu practically moved most of her stuff into your house even if she denies it and she's gotten excited to show you what she learned about BDSM?" She dramatically placed her hand over her heart. "I'll never tell you such things lest my sew-ins fall out!"

"Of course not. We wouldn't want that," Gar supposed as those blues were aglow in mirth. "What else wouldn't you tell me?"

Tesla hummed and tapped her chin. "Well, I wouldn't tell you about your shopping trip and all the sexy lingerie she bought." She mockingly sighed when Gary looked so comically pained and excited at the same time. "Damn shame. It's some hot stuff if I'm being honest. I'm sure—no, I'm positive she went for a few crotchless panties—"

Gary covered his face as he let out a loud groan.

°•°•°•°

Mariem and Salma's lessons were fun, as much as Luna did not want to admit it so. With Hemlock and Jay left outside the private study chambers, Luna felt more at ease to ask them questions and both tutors fell over themselves to provide ample knowledge, even bickering amongst themselves over the correctness of their statements. Even now, Luna watched her tutors argue over historical correctness of Zeref's life events.

They might be from this place, but they're so nice to me, Luna thought. It's like back home when Uncle Loke and Aunt Aquarius try to teach and start arguing. She smiled a little as she remembered her lessons with the Water Bearer and the Lion Spirit. The way Loke enjoyed riling Aquarius and she was not afraid to threaten to drown him. Maybe Mariem and Salma are supposed to be the enemy, but… They're innocent in all this. They weren't the ones to kidnap us. They're just people who want a better future for their country.

Her mind flashed to the haunting image of both women on the ground, eyes lifeless and bodies slack.

They don't deserve to die, Luna reaffirmed. No one here is does. We'll find a way out and no one dies. Nashi promised.

A shiver went down her spine.

Luna looked behind her and her eyes widened when she saw her shadow had changed to that of a man who was beckoning her. Urgently, she cleared her throat for Mariem and Salma's attention. "I need to go to the bathroom right now!"

That was how two minutes later, Luna had locked herself in a rather luxurious lavatory that was only for royalty, apparently, and she ignored all the gold and the literal water fountain as she got as far as she could away from the door to whisper, "Cullen?"

The Shadower emerged into the bathroom and wiggled his fingers.

A weight Luna did not realize she had been carrying was lifted and she could breathe. "Oh, thank goodness! Did you find Luke?"

Cullen nodded. He held up a finger for a moment before he began to draw in thin-air with shadows. He drew a staircase and an arrow pointing downwards.

"He's…downstairs…" Luna understood. "He's underground!"

Cullen nodded and waved away his drawing.

"Is it okay? Is he safe?" Luna fretted. "What's happening to him? Did we get him in trouble?"

Cullen struggled to answer at first and his fingers twitched as though he were trying hard to think of a way to respond. He cocked his head as he drew a square with bars and then he drew Z repeatedly and each character went smaller and smaller.

Luna did her best to interpret. "That looks like a cell and Z's are for sleeping, so he's…sleeping in a prison cell?" Her eyes widened. "I remember now! He was in that water tube thing. Is he still in that?"

Cullen nodded.

"Is he hurt?" Luna worried.

Cullen shook his head.

Luna hummed as she held her cheek in a hand. "So he's just sleeping. That means they haven't hurt him, but why is he in that tube? Nothing is making sense." She closed her eyes and reached out. Nashi?

Luna? What's wrong? Did he touch—?

No, no, it's not that, Luna rushed to assure. Cullen is back. Luke's underground in in a water tube thing and he doesn't look hurt.

'Cullen'? Who is that?

Luna aimed a sheepish look at the Shadower who tilted his head. He's this shadow thing that Luke is friends with. I asked him to find Luke for me and he found him. But he must have come back because he can't get Luke out safely.

It took Nashi a considerable amount of time to respond. So he's underground, she mulled over. I highly doubt they'd ever let us underground and, without my Magic and without Býleistr and Icarus, forcing our way down might be difficult but not impossible. Two beats. Have you tried reaching Icarus?

Luna sighed. Several times. But I can't hear him. He's out of reach.

I'm betting they made sure our keys are still in Fiore, Nashi guessed. If Býleistr and Icarus are back in the Celestial Spirit Realm, there's a good chance they have or will run into Mama's Spirits. Hopefully, they'll tell them what's going on.

Luna's eyes widened and she gasped so loudly that Cullen was startled. "That's it!" She looked excitedly at the Shadower like she had hope. "Why didn't I think of this before?" Nashi! I think I can get us help!

What? What do you mean?

It's a long story, but I can meditate into the Spirit Realm, Luna explained. I can get us help! I can get us home!

Nashi was slow to answer. Are you sure you'll be able to?

Positive! Luna wanted to giggle from being this giddy and feeling this hopeful, but she refrained herself. I'll reach out to you in a minute! She looked at Cullen eagerly. "Cullen, can you—?"

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!

Luna froze as Mariem trilled, "Your Highness, are you all right? Your advisor Hemlock has asked of us if we can check on you since you have been in there for quite some time."

"U-U-Um…!" Luna looked at Cullen for help, but the Shadower raised his hands and shrugged, helpless as well. "I, um…! It's going to be a minute!" she called as she sifted for a reason. "I, um…accidentally had dairy for breakfast, so I'll be in here for a while?" She hit the Shadower when he looked like he was laughing and mouthed, Stop it.

As Cullen rubbed his arm, chastised, Mariem awkwardly called, "Oh! I-I-I see! Well, Your Highness, please take your time. I will let Sir Hemlock know."

Luna held her breath and counted backwards from twenty until she deemed it safe only to glower at the Shadower. "Oh, like you had a better excuse," she whisper-hissed at him. Cullen rubbed his neck and ducked his head as though sheepishly apologetic, but Luna flared out her dress to sit on the floor. "I'm going to go to the Spirit Realm. Can you watch my body?"

Cullen nodded.

Luna gave him a nervous smile. "Wish me luck?"

For a moment, Cullen looked down on himself as though trying to figure out how to do such a thing. Awkwardly, he drew a smiley face out of shadows and gave her two thumbs up.

Something in that made Luna breathe a little easier. Maybe it was just the peculiarity of a living Shadow doing his best to encourage her, but she felt something lift off her. Back a little curved, flowing deep breaths, she put her hands in their proper mudra position and concentrated. In and out…in and out…in…and out…

In…

…and out…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Wetness succumbed and lapped against her skin in a relaxing warmth with fresh rose petals skimming the water. The fragrances should have been enough to soothe even the busiest of minds with the water just right and the tub larger than most. But a foreign touch danced on skin with palm-sized loofa, caressing it as though the touch was supposed to be welcomed.

It was not welcomed.

"Do you feel relaxed, Your Highness?"

Tears blurred the vision with her knees to her chest and her arms wrapped around them as though extra protection, as though she could hide herself. Sickness coiled in her gut when she felt that foreign touch drifted down her back and brush aside her wet hair.

Warmth breath tickled her hair and made her want to sob. "Your Highness, if this isn't enough for you to relax"—the foreign touch brushed her side—"I'm afraid I've been instructed for other means to relax you."

A faint voice called.

She stiffened as fingers tethered her cheek and she tried to shy away only for those fingers to turn into a rough grab of her chin. Pain shot up her jaw as more tears squeezed out, but her body was paralyzed in the water, vulnerable. Her eyes closed when she felt his nose brush the side of her hair.

"You're so full of life…like Death can't touch you." A small groan. "I've never smelled anything like you. Everyone can be touched by Death. You are…exquisite."

A hard swallow and trembling lips.

The call grew louder. "Luna…"

The foreign touch drifted to her drawn-up knees. "Come, Your Highness," came a sweet croon that felt sour. "Let me bathe you."

The call grew even louder. "Luna…!"

"Pl-Please," she whimpered in a watery voice filled with grief and nausea. "I-I-I can do it myself—" Her breath hitched when fingers grasped her hair and she was jerked from her protective position as her head was thrown back and water splashed into her ears. Gone was her last defense, her last shield. It did not matter that water and rose petals drifted over her like a sheet. More tears poured and she openly sobbed when she felt that foreign touch graze her stomach below the water. "Please," she begged. "D-D-Don't t-t-touch me—"

She flinched when his nose hit her air and he sighed, "Your Highness—"

"LUNA!"

Luna blinked up, gaze blurry, when she saw a figure standing before her. Wiping away the tears, it took her some time to register Faven was before her with the same eyes her mother and grandmother Anna had filled with despair. Faven gathered her skirt to get onto her knees as Luna sniffled and bit her lip from crying.

"Young Luna," Faven began.

Luna shook her head. "I-It's okay," she tried to explain. "H-H-He didn't do anything else. I'm…lucky."

Faven looked so broken to hear those words. "That's not luck, Young Luna," she told her in reverence as she combed through Luna's hair with a hand. "What he did is still a violation on your body—" She halted when Luna's eyes welled up with tears again. "Oh, my Luna," she sighed.

Luna sniveled and knuckled away her tears. "I can't cry," she whispered. "Nashi and Luke need me to get help. I-I have to be brave."

"And that's admirable for you to be," Faven soothed, "but I hope you realize you may grieve for your choices being stolen from you."

Luna shook her head. "Nashi went through worse." She looked up at her ancestor. "You went through worse. I'm…lucky I didn't." She sniffed again.

"Your sister and I recognize our pasts were harmful," Faven agreed, "but that does not mean we denounce the horror you have been through and are going through." She kissed Luna's brow. "Don't belittle this atrocity, Young Luna. Grieve or grow angry if you must, but never settle that you were lucky. No one is lucky to be violated."

Luna swallowed the urge to sob. "I c-can't talk about that right now," she said, averting her eyes. "I need to find help." She looked around to see she had landed in the same fields she always did when she meditated here. "Where's Meira and Erion and Nayda?"

"Meira had other matters to attend to," Faven informed, still concerned for her descendant. "Erion and Nayda are probably in their own realms or attending to the humans they look after, but they will be here soon with you being here." She gave a slight smile. "They adore you. I fear Nayda grows jealous of your Clifford."

That made Luna sad all over again. "It's not like I have Icarus now." An idea hit her and she questioned, "Do you think—?"

"The Spirit Realm might extend to all Spirits, but there are sub-realms even here," Faven told her. "The Star Spirit Realm and this one do not always intersect with direct lines to each other."

"But I need to get help!" Luna stressed. "Luke, Nashi—they're in trouble and we need to go home!"

Faven thought about it as she shifted for a better position. "Without your mother being physically in the Spirit Realm, we can't communicate with her. Some of the Heartfilia Clan may reside here until we venture to the Upper Realm but walking amongst your realm is a difficult feat without it being the right time of the year."

"And I'm guessing it isn't the right time for that," Luna supposed, dejected.

Faven shook her head. "Nay. It is not. But"—she cupped Luna's cheek—"perhaps there is a way for you to find immediate help."

Luna perked. "There is?"

"Yes, but it is strenuous work," Faven forewarned.

"It doesn't matter. Luke and Nashi need me." Resolve strengthened Luna. "I'll do whatever it takes to help them."

Faven nodded with her faint smile. "Through Icarus, you learned to be able to sense presences around you. With your Spirit, you are strong, but without him, you have much to go. However," she added when Luna looked dejected again, "with the proper help, we can expand your powers for a few moments." She looked up and her eyes warmed. "And here is your help now."

CAAAAAAAW…

Luna looked up behind her to see Nayda soaring towards them in the sky and an automatic smile lifted her face seeing the God Spirit. Without stopping, Nayda descended into her juvenile form to be able to perch on the arm Faven had extended for her. She nuzzled her adoptive mother in greeting as Faven stroked her chest feathers.

"Hello, my little birdie," Faven greeted. "Did you have safe travels?"

'Yes, Mother,' Nayda told her. 'The offerings were abundant and my humans are well.' Her eyes gleamed in excitement when she saw Luna and walked down Faven's arm to greet her only for her eyes to tinge. 'You are sad, Little Mother. I do not like you sad.'

Luna smiled larger for Nayda's sake and stroked the God Spirit's back. "I promise I won't be sad for much longer." She looked at Faven. "Nayda's going to help me?"

"Yes." Faven put down her arm and Nayda walked off it to hop a few steps and grow into her pubescent form, larger with more permanent features. "For our witches and wizards, we can transfer the potential of our Magic Spirits unto another, though it is ill-advisable to do so. Magic Potential is still anchored to the affinity your Magic has taken. To withdraw pure Ether from yourself and transfer to another is difficult to do and can damage your Spirit if you do so too frequently."

"Oh…" Luna's eyes flashed down.

Faven paused. "What is it, Young Luna?"

"Well, it's just…" Luna rubbed her arm. "Nashi had shared some of her Magic with me back in Bellum so I could teleport and, um, it didn't go well as planned."

"Ah." Faven nodded in understanding. "Your sister's powers are…different than typical Magic. A power Enoch has Blessed her and shared his bloodline with her. For you to still be able to live and breathe as you are signifies your Spirit's flexibility against such a power."

Luna hummed, but something struck a chord with her. "Wait. You said Nashi's powers are different than Magic?"

"In part, yes," Faven affirmed. "Not all power from our realm resides in Magic as you know. Curses manifest into power. Anti-Ether does as well. But so does the Spirit."

Luna's brow furrowed. "'Spirit'?"

Faven nodded. "Yes, Young Luna, the Spirit." She watched as Nayda rolled around in the flowers like the silly thing she was. "Inside some are Magic Spirits, Curse Spirits, and, while only two have them, Anti-Ether Spirits. But the Spirit itself is a power in a fusion of with the soul."

Luna so badly wanted to ask questions, but when she thought of her siblings, she thought the better of it. "So how exactly is this going to work? Nayda will give me some of her power so I can…?"

"Expand your range," Faven filled in. "Without Icarus, your range is quite limited. When you extend your range, you do so because his Magic allows you so. Nayda's powers will allow you to expand your range."

Luna grasped the concept. "But…with what happened between Nashi and me…"

"You will only have maybe two minutes at most before you might face corruption," Faven told her. "The spiritual power of a God Spirit is an immense burden. Gods are powerful Ether beings while God Spirits are the spiritual representation. Nayda will siphon her power to you, but you will be unable to handle the strain of her prowess before long. As such, you must keep your search to one area."

Luna bobbed her head. "I understand." She looked over to Nayda. "I promise I'll be careful."

Faven's eyes slid to the God Spirit and she inclined her chin.

Nayda stopped frolicking to grow into her absolute form, towering above ancestor and descendant with ease. Eyes kind, she settled down and half-curled around Faven and Luna. Luna touched Nayda's cheek and pressed her forehead against the great God Spirit. "How will I be able to find anyone if I'm here?"

Faven's voice wafted over: "Let Nayda guide you."

Luna let out a shuttering breath and relaxed. She could feel Nayda hum, a pleasant buzzing noise that put her at ease without even trying. The trickle of power was slow, but it still felt great. Nadya felt lithe like water, smooth and steady and cool to the touch. For a moment, Luna resisted when she felt that water touch her as memories surged, but she broke free and felt Nayda's power wash over her as though she were standing underneath a gentle rainfall.

DRIP.

DROP.

Darkness fed into Luna, but she did not mind it. This was a darkness she was used to. She did not need light for this part. She only needed her senses. Sensing living things around you was a challenge. It was an acute awareness. Remember when you would sit at your desk, typing at your computer, and perhaps it was a prickle in your skin or a frequency in your air or a heat on your nape, but you felt something there? That was what it felt like sifting through the presences of others. You were aware they were there and it tingled. You wanted to badly peer and understand what exactly you were sensing, but you had to move on.

Brushing against presences felt like when a cat brushed against your legs in passing. It was a fleeting feeling that startled you before, but the more it happened, the more you adjusted and you might have felt fur scarcely brush your skin and it made you aware, but there was no harm in it. None of the presences she felt gave her a distinct feeling of recognition. The rainfall fluttering down shook a little harder as she tried hard.

'Please… There has to be someone,' Luna whispered. 'Icarus, please… Send me something.'

The darkness parted when a speck of light grew in the distance.

Hope filled Luna. 'Icarus? Is that you?'

The light sparkled and brightened as she raced for it.

'Oh, Icarus, I'm so glad I found you!'

She could feel it. She could feel the light. She could feel the presence. And she could feel—

—its winter.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

One moment, Gary was in the middle of his extensive search of the castle with both the cube he had brought along and his own holographic PAL that served him well connecting to an off-shore VPN. The next moment, Skade's hackles raised, his body tensed, and he felt an invasion in his mind. Without thinking, his Magic swirled to shield himself in a mass of snow and ice—

Icarus, wait!

Gary stopped and he was sure the shock was apparent on his face for Tesla and Kyler both looked at him. Looney?

Silence.

Gary?

"What's going on?" Tesla whispered to Kyler.

Kyler pressed a finger to his lips. "We aren't alone.

Gary got up—it would not help anything, but he needed to stand—and trailed his hands through his hair as disbelief and relief filled him. Looney! Are you okay?

Y-Yeah, I'm fine, Luna replied and freely fed him her perplexity. I'm so sorry. I-I-I thought you were someone else, but this is great! This is better than great! I found help! You're here, right?

Yes, I'm in Alvarez with Kyler and another friend. Gary began to pace. You're in the castle?

Yes. I'm hiding out in a bathroom to meditate. Nashi's in some sort of meeting and Luke is underground somewhere.

Gary nodded even though she could not see it. How are they both doing?

Nashi was in pain this morning, Luna confessed and fed him her grief and guilt. Cullen says Luke is unconscious. Oh! Cullen is—

Mystogan's Shadower, yeah, I know, Gary answered, brow furrowed. He's with you?

He was Misty's? Now Luna sounded puzzled. He's been with Luke since two days ago, I think.

Gary shook his head. That doesn't matter. Luke is unconscious and underground, but Angel is in pain?

Yes. I didn't see any marks or anything, but she was so stiff this morning. She could barely sit up and hug me. Worry bothered Luna's thoughts. I hope she's okay right now with her meeting.

Looney, I need you start describing things that have stood out to you while you've been in the castle, Gary instructed. We can worry about how this all happened later. Who or what has stood out to you?

Right, um, okay. Both Nashi and I have advisors, um… But there's this man 'Invel Yura' who seems to be in charge of everything, Luna informed, though she could not see the way Gary's pupils shrunk. He said he knew our uncle Zeref. I don't really know much about the castle. I've only seen the library outside of my room and the dining room. Oh, the west dining room.

Skade snarled within Gary's mind. He is there. He has touched Malã'ika. He has touched Oñeaña.

We don't know that, Gary placated even if he knew his thoughts were headed there too. To Luna, he asked her, Have you noticed anything with guards? Any protective enchantments?

I haven't really seen any guards outside the guards that have escorted me from me room to Nashi's room or the dining room or the library. I… I think the windows have enchantments, but that's all I can tell. I wasn't really looking… Should I have been looking?

Gary sensed her panic and soothed, No, you're great, Looney. You're doing perfect. Is there anything that stands out to you or that you can tell me?

Luna hesitated. Then, she explained, They don't really tell me much about what's going on, but I've been asking my tutors as much as I can about Zeref. They…admire him. They admire us. That Invel man… I… I…

Gary stopped dead in his tracks when Luna's pain and struggle tormented her thoughts she sent to him. Looney, he urged. Looney, what's wrong.

I… I can't…talk…much longer, Luna rasped. It…hurts…

"Luna!" Gary called aloud. "Where are you? Who's hurting you?"

Cullen will…help…you… I'm… sorry… Luna gasped, Don't kill them… All…innocent….

Skade snarled and Gary was ready to snarl with him when Luna's touch to his mind faded and was gone. Looney! Looney! He shook his head and his fingers twitched, agitated. "Dammit."

"What happened?" Kyler carefully asked. "I sensed another presence among us. Was that Miss Luna?"

Gary jerkily nodded. "She was able to reach me, but she was straining to keep it up at the end," he informed. "She, Angel, and Luke are in the castle, but they're divided. Luke is underground. Angel is in a meeting. And Looney is mainly in the library with her tutors."

Kyler nodded. "Did she sound okay? Is anyone hurt?"

Gary clenched his jaw. "She said Angel was in pain this morning, she couldn't see any physical wounds on her. She said she was okay too, but I don't know if I believe her." He kept himself from growling. "A man named Invel Yura is in charge."

"I've heard of him," Kyler noted. "The Winter General. He was the royal consul when Zeref ruled this nation, but his prowess before that was unmatched."

Gary exhaled frost. "Yes. And it seems like he's back." His hands tightened to fists and silver glinting in cerulean clashed with turquoise. "He's mine."

Kyler offered Gary a measured look, but he dared not offer his opinion. Instead, he questioned, "Did she say anything else to you?"

"Not too many guards inside," Gary relayed. "But Looney is young. You and I both know guards don't need to be visible to be there. She said the windows were enchanted, but I'm guessing she wouldn't be able to tell about any unusual enchantments or any wards or even a shield. And she mentioned someone is coming to help us."

Tesla's eyebrows rose. "I'm assuming we're talking about Nashi's sister Luna, first of all, and second of all, how is she going to send us help?"

"A Shadower is coming," Gary told her.

That did not help Tesla. "A what?"

"A living shadow," Kyler explained. "Rather nice people and very misunderstood."

Gary agreed with a nod. "He knows where Luke is and he's our best bet to sneaking under the radar to scout out where to go. We just have to wait for him to get here." Ice crystals came out of his nose when he exhaled.

"Hey." Tesla offered Gary a determined look. "This is good news. I might not understand everything that just happened, but we have a little bit more to the plan now."

"You're right," Gary agreed. "I know. Just worried." He rubbed his jaw. "Shadowers travel fast and we aren't going to have a lot of time. Make sure you do everything you need to do now. Once we get started, we won't stop."

Tesla let out whoosh of air. "Right. I got it." She messed with her braids. "What would you recommend? Kind of my first time doing this."

"I prefer to meditate," Kyler confided, "and pray.

Tesla laughed. "I'm not exactly a religious person."

"It differs for everyone," Gary mentioned. "Everyone has a different way to get focused. Because the second we start, stopping isn't an option." He shared a glance with Kyler. "Kyler and I need to speak with Ragna, so…" He went to his bag and pulled out a sleek black Compact to offer to Tesla. "Take this."

Tesla warily took the Compact. "Why?"

Gary gave her a meaningful look. "For Kyler and I, what we do is normal. We've made our peace with it. My family and friends know what to expect. Outside of Angel, I don't need to call anyone." He gestured to the Compact. "But you might."

Tesla swallowed hard. "Why not use this to call Nashi's parents?"

"There's limitations to me being here," Gary answered in vague. He moved towards the door with Kyler following him. "We'll be back."

Tesla looked down at the Compact as both men left her alone. It was unlocked for her and she could so clearly see the call app. Nerves frittered within her as she tapped the app and brought up the keypad. It felt like a minute passed each time she put in a number and, with a shaky thumb, she hit « Call » and put the Compact to her ear as the call rang.

BRRRRRRRRR…

BRRRRRRRRR…

BRRRRRR—

The call picked up.

Tesla had to sit down as she whispered, "Hey, it's me."

°•°•°•°

Gary and Kyler did not stray far from the boarding room. Rather than see Ragna, the pair went to the closest window and watched the streets of Alvarez with sharp gazes. It was Kyler who touched his mind and thought, I apologize for bringing her—

Don't apologize. It's okay, Gary assured. I'm just confused why you won't tell me her ability.

Because, even as mature as you are, you would object to her being near you, Kyler told him. It's best to see her rather than tell you. He noted Gary's deep frown. You take offense to what I said.

A little, Gary admitted.

Kyler tilted his head only just. You know as well as I that your scars run deep. Sometimes, even when you think you're healing, one innocent trigger can set you back.

You think Tesla will trigger me?

As of now, yes. Kyler did not waver. I don't have to read your mind to know Skade is on edge.

Gary grimaced. He feels uneasy with her around, yes.

As do you. You both sense something off about her, Skade more so. Perhaps seeing her fighting with you might make you less uneasy.

Gary crossed his arms. If that's what you feel is best, then okay. But I'm not going to lay a hand on her, Kyler. She's an ally—a friend. And my best friend's girlfriend.

Then please remember that. Kyler patted Gary's shoulder as he turned away. Please remember as dark creatures can be good and bad, so can others. He abandoned Gary to ponder the meaning behind those words.

°•°•°•°

Cullen was startled—it was amusing to see a shadow look startled—when Luna was violently ripped away from her meditation and he barely made it in time to catch her when she fell faint onto her side. A little sweaty and woozy, Luna offered him a weak smile. "Thank you, Cullen."

Cullen nodded.

Luna tried to sit up as she brushed her forehead. "I was able to reach Gary," she told him. "You know who he is, right?"

Cullen nodded again.

"He's in Alvarez with a friend and Kyler who is also a friend," Luna explained. "I need you to find him and help him however you can, Cullen, please. Get Luke out of here. I can help Nashi once Luke is safe."

Cullen offered a slow nod, but he held out his hand for her.

Luna pressed her hand against his own and deciphered what he meant. "I'll be careful, I promise, but you need to—"

"Your Highness."

Luna shot the door a panicked look at Hemlock's voice. "I'll be out in a minute!" She whispered to Cullen, "Go! Come back to me if Luke is safe or if something went wrong!"

Cullen withdrew from her and slunk down as he vanished into the shadows once again.

Luna got up on unsteady feet and stumbled over to the toilet to flush it before heading to the sink to wash her hands. Once they were dry, she surveyed the bathroom once more, then opened the door. It took everything in her not to take a step back when Hemlock greeted her.

"Are you all right, Your Highness?" Hemlock asked.

"Y-Yes. I'm fine. I'm ready to return to my lesson." Luna tried to brush past him when Hemlock grabbed her wrist and held her there. She kept her body still and mouth closed when he took a lock of her hair to inhale her scent.

"Such a divine aroma," he sighed. "So full of life, Your Highness. But there is a nervous energy around you."

Luna closed her eyes and tried to control her breathing. "I'm fine," she forced out. "Please let me go. I want to go back to Mariem and Salma."

Hemlock was slow to release her. "Your tutors are back in the private chamber. I will escort you back to them." He placed a hand on her back.

Luna started forward, desperate to not have his hand on her. "Is Jay still here?"

"No, Your Highness. Lord Jay had a meeting with an important advisor of Alvarez," Hemlock informed. "He apologizes he had to leave so abruptly, but the advisor demanded to see him."

A little relief filled Luna. "O-Oh. Okay." She tried to keep her head up even with Hemlock so close and reached out to touch Nashi's mind. Nashi? Are you there?

Luna! Nashi sounded so relieved. Oh, thank god! What happened? Are you okay?

I'm better than okay, Nashi, I found help! Luna enthused. Gary and Kyler are in Alvarez!

Wait, what? Bewilderment was evident in Nashi's thoughts. Never mind, never mind, okay, they're in Alvarez. Were you able to tell them everything?

I could only speak to Gary, but I told him as much as I could. I might have overdone it a little reaching that far, but I sent Cullen to go to him and Kyler and help them get here, Luna told. They're going to go after Luke. Once they do, I'll get you and we'll leave.

Oh, Lu… You did it. You got us help, Nashi breathed. We're going to escape. We're going to go home.

Luna felt brighter hearing Nashi think those words to her. Home. She gripped the skirt of her dress. We're all going home.

---

Mary Jane trailed into the East Forest like she had done so many times. She rubbed her mitten-covered hands and buried her nose within Igneel's scarf as she took in the scenery around her. The forest proved its beauty all year-round. While winter had shaken down and buried leaves and chased away birds and put to sleep animals, what was left behind was not tattered bones of the forest. Crystals of ice clung to branches and glinted in the light. The snow blanketed the forest floor immaculately.

Mary sighed and drank in the remnants of embers and spice forever embedded in the red scarf. "I should probably visit Lance today," she figured. "Mom said he's pretty much holed himself up in his house. Plus it'll be nice to see Illumi again. He's getting so old now." She could see the Dragneel House coming up in the distance. For a moment, she could see Igneel bursting out of the house, waving excitedly at her, but it was gone with one blink.

Igneel used to always invite me over…and I'd always say 'no'. I can't really count the number of times I came over unless my mom or daddy made me. A sad smile was pasted on her lips. Hindsight really sucks. I wish I had said, 'yes' instead. We would have had more time together. But Igneel wouldn't want me to think about everything we should have done. He'd want me to look toward the future.

Scarlet-cerulean softened. But it's hard to think of the future when he's somewhere else.

Mary Jane approached the front porch and climbed the steps. She waited a few minutes after she rang the doorbell, shuffling her feet, when she heard the sound of paws scuffling and footsteps. She smiled when Luna opened the door with Icarus in his Dog Form with his tongue out and his paws restless. "Hi, Luna!"

"Hi, Mary Jane!" Luna pushed open the screen door. "Come in—Icarus!" She yanked on his collar when he tried to barrel out the door. "Icarus, no! Stay!"

Mary Jane shielded the exit as she pushed herself inside and made a noise of surprise when Icarus was viciously sniffing at her and attempting to jump up. "Oh my god, did you feed him sugar?" she laughed. "I've never seen him so hyper!"

"I'm so sorry!" Luna pulled Icarus back, ignoring his whine. "He's just excited is all. Please ignore him."

Mary Jane giggled as she started stripping off her winter gear. "I've never seen him so excited. It's adorable." She glanced around. "Is anyone else home? You texted me Luke might be here?"

"Luke Dragneel and Nashi Dragneel are within the area," Luna informed as she successfully pushed Icarus back down the hall. "Did you want anything to drink or eat?"

Mary Jane shook her head as she placed her boots on the mat. "No thanks. Sorry to come over so suddenly like this, but I thought it was better to talk in person."

"Personal conversations are preferable to virtual to minimize misunderstandings and interpret intonation and facial expressions," Luna chirped brightly.

Mary Jane snorted. "Now I know you've been hanging around Luke for too long."

"Should we talk in the living room?" Luna offered.

"Sure."

Luna guided Mary Jane down the hall and into the living room. Much to Mary Jane's surprise, the entire living looked and even smelled fresh and restored. Not a hint of dust or anything remained. "I guess your parents gave you chores to do while they were gone, huh?"

Luna cocked her head. "Cleaning the household is a shared responsibility of all those currently in a household."

Mary Jane's nose wrinkled. "I…guess so…" She shook her head and took a seat on the couch only to notice Icarus was chewing on a rubber bone and she had to laugh. "When did Icarus become so domesticated?"

"He's a domesticated malamute-husky breed," Luna said as she sat on the couch with Mary Jane. "Their breeds tend to be more social and energetic."

Mary Jane's brow furrowed. "Yeah, huskies can be a lot, but he's a Celestial…" She shook her head when all she saw was Luna's expectant look. "Never mind. It's not important." She turned so she faced Luna and delicately asked, "How are you and Bleu doing?"

Luna's smile dipped down. "Bleu?"

"Yeah." Mary Jane tucked her hair behind her ears. "Peter told me Bleu has been a little out of reach lately, so I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You didn't say anything and I know it's not my place or anything, but I still wanted to ask. I'm sorry if I overstepped any boundaries."

"Bleu…" Luna blinked and it looked like she was thinking carefully over her words. "Yes… Bleu and I are…fine…"

Mary Jane frowned. "It's okay if you're not," she assured gently. "I promise I'm not ambushing or wanting to attack you or anything like that. I just want you to be happy."

"I am…happy…" Luna's lashes fluttered as though trying to make herself present. "Everything is fine between Bleu and me. There's nothing to worry about it."

Mary Jane still looked unconvinced. "Well, speaking of Bleu, I wanted to talk to you about the dance in February," she brought up. "It might've come up Bleu wasn't taking you directly home after the dance—"

Like a light build, Luna perked. "Yes. Bleu Charming. My boyfriend." She nodded vigorously. "We did talk about this. Bleu agreed we could go somewhere else after this dance."

"Which is nice, but…" Mary Jane hesitated. "Okay, I know this isn't my business, but have you and Bleu gotten…close?"

Luna cocked her head. "I don't understand."

Mary Jane shifted. "I know you and Bleu have kissed, but I'm asking if you two have done any…touching…or anything like that?"

"'Touching'?" Luna echoed. "Intimate touching?"

Mary Jane bobbed her head. "Yeah." She rushed to add, "It's okay if you don't want to tell me or anything—"

"I have no records of intimate touching between Bleu and me," Luna told her. "So, to answer your question, no, we have not touched. We only kiss."

Relief flooded through Mary Jane. "And he's not pressuring you into doing anything you don't want to do, right?" she wanted to check. "I know Bleu is a good guy, but if you're feeling any pressure, just tell me." Suddenly worried about overstepping, she fretted, "But if you don't feel comfortable telling me, that's okay too! I don't want to pressure you into telling me something you're uncomfortable with." She sighed and looked at her lap. "I'm sorry I'm being weird. I know I'm just Igneel's friend, but—"

"Mary Jane Dreyar is my friend."

Mary Jane looked up to see Luna giving her a beam. "I consider you my friend too," she said warmly. "Which is why I want to make sure you're being safe."

"I am safe."

Mary Jane shook her head. "I mean safe with Bleu," she amended.

"I have no memory of Bleu and I being intimate nor of any unsafe feelings with him," Luna confided. "To my knowledge, Bleu has made no intimate advances." She tapped her cheek. "In my text messages to Bleu, we had agreed we would get dessert after the dance and take a walk. Afterward, he would bring me home. My mama and papa have a curfew set for me."

Mary Jane finally breathe. "So no talk of a hotel or anything like that?"

Luna shook her head. "No."

"Oh, thank goodness," Mary Jane whooshed. "Not that it's my business what you two do, I just…" She messed with her hair as she swept it over one shoulder. "I don't know. I'm just worrying over nothing."

"You feel responsible for me."

Mary Jane's eyes widened. "No, no, that's not it!"

"You are a good friend to my brother Igneel. He's gone. You want to watch over me as he did." Luna tilted her head as she scanned Mary Jane in curiosity. "However, in the past, before you and Igneel became friends, you watched over me. What is the reason for that?"

Mary Jane reeled back, then she sighed. "With Igneel gone, yes, I want to protect you even more, but it's not just because I'm friends with him or even because I'm friends with Luke or that we're in the same guild," she confessed. "You're like family to me, Luna. I don't want you hurt."

"By what?"

"Anything," Mary Jane half-breathed half-laughed. "I know that's stupid, but it's true." Her eyes saddened. "When you told me what Gale had done, I couldn't stand it. I couldn't stand seeing you upset like that," she quietly revealed. "I hated watching you put yourself down during the Harvest Festival. I just want you happy." Her shoulders shook as she gave a light titter. "Sorry. I'm being silly."

"I don't think that."

Mary Jane looked up—

Surprised scarlet-cerulean clashed with soft chocolate.

"You are a good person," Luna told her. "My memories tell me so. In the past, you might have acted harsh and unyielding, but you had the best intentions for me and for Igneel Dragneel." Her eyes drifted to the scarf. "Do you have feelings for my brother?"

Eyes wide, Mary Jane's cheeks flushed as she squawked, "Wh-Wh-What?!" She coughed several times and tried to clear her throat. "N-N-No, I like Peter! Wh-Why would you think I like Igneel?"

"After a brief look through my memories, I found you and Igneel to be very close," Luna told her as though talking about the weather. "The memories of you both as children are few and far between, but you two shared an intimate bond."

"Wait…" Mary Jane's abashment melted in uneasy puzzlement. "I'm… I'm sorry. What?" Her brow furrowed. "Igneel and I were friends when we were kids? No…" She shook her head. "No, I'd…remember that…" We were friends? She flinched when an ache hit her temple. No, I… No, that's not…

Luna did not even blink. "The memories Luna Dragneel has of Mary Jane Dreyar and Igneel Dragneel date back a decade ago."

"No…" Mary Jane groaned when the ache worsened. "That's not…"

Fangy grin parted. Vivid emerald. The scent of embers.

Luna's face went blank. "Completing a deep dive into fragments of Luna Dragneel's memories for Igneel Dragneel and Mary Jane Dreyar." She paused for two beats. "Complete. A memory found of Igneel Dragneel introducing Mary Jane Dreyar to Luna Dragneel as his 'Wendy' date approximately nine years, seven months, and seven days ago."

"No…" Mary Jane tried to shake off the pain, but it festered within her as her eyes stung. "Stop… Nnnngh…!"

"MJ!" A wholesome laugh. "I'm back!"

Mary Jane shuddered as the pain shivered down her back and crippled her as she cried out. "No…! This…! I…!" Her eyes blinked and a ring of violet could be shown in them. "This…! We weren't…! Ah…!" She convulsed as noncommittal noises of agony came out rampantly.

"MJ. Do you love me?"

Teary emeralds.

"I love you."

Mary Jane screamed as she collapsed off the couch, furiously shaking her head. "No! Make it…stop…!" she pleaded. "It…hurts…!" She bent her head and her nose buried into Igneel's scarf—

Cackling embers. A trace of the forest.

Mary Jane's eyes shot open—

—and they were a clear violet.

"Igneel," Mary Jane breathed, panicked and worried. Her eyes darted around. "I need you find him!" Her eyes flickered up to Luna. "Luna, please, you have to help me! Something isn't right! I need to find—!" Her eyes shut as another wave of pain washed over her.

Luna did not blink.

Icarus kept preoccupied with his rubber bone.

It felt like minutes had passed as Mary Jane panted and panted and could get her breathing back under control. Dazed and confused, her eyes opened in their scarlet-cerulean mix to squint at the world around her. "What…? What happened?" She touched her temple. "I… I can't remember…"

Just like that, Luna's face contorted into concern. "Are you okay, Mary Jane?" She got down on the floor to help Mary Jane. "You started having a really bad headache. Do you need some medicine?"

"I…" Mary Jane slowly shook her head. "Ah, no… No, I'm…I'm okay, I…" She blinked away the fog in her mind. "Sorry, I just… I can't remember now…" She looked at Luna. "I'm sorry. What were we talking about?"

Luna did not miss a beat. "I told you Bleu and I are going out for dessert and a walk and then he is taking me back home after the dance," she explained.

"O-Oh, um…" Mary Jane slowly nodded, still in a daze. "Right… That's… That's good." She got to her feet with Luna's help. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm just not feeling well, um…" She shook her head. "I think I need to go home. I'm so sorry. I feel like there was more I wanted to say."

"You should rest if you're not feeling well," Luna advised.

"I… Yeah, I should…"

"Here. I'll help you to the door."

Icarus tagged along as Luna helped an unsteady Mary Jane get to the front door and helped her get on her boots and jacket and hat and mittens. After making sure Igneel's scarf was wound tightly around Mary Jane, Luna asked, "Will you be okay getting home?"

"Yeah." Mary Jane tried to shake off her confusion, but it clung to her like the plague. "I'll be fine." Shooting Luna a shaky smile, she apologized, "I'm so sorry about this. I promise we'll talk later when I'm not so out of it."

Luna smiled back. "That's okay. Text me when you get home."

"I will. See you later."

Luna watched as Mary Jane left the house with Icarus sitting obediently by her. She waited until Mary Jane was down the drive before retreating and closing the door. Smile gone, all emotion was wiped clean from her face.

The sound of a machine warming up pinged.

A flurry of data struck through Luna's eyes. "Recalibrating program to match directive. Scanning all data from the encounter with Mary Jane Dreyar. Processing. Uploading to server. Processing." Her hand twitched and she touched Icarus' head for a series of data to stream through his eyes. "Recalibrating Icarus Program to match with directive. Scanning all data from the encounter with Mary Jane Dreyar. Processing. Uploading to server. Processing."

One…two…three…

Luna straightened. "Upload complete. Recalibration complete to meet directive. Awaiting next trial." And she and Icarus stood by the door, eyes blank, waiting.

---

Ricky sighed from inside his apartment. His roommate was locked in his bedroom as he gamed and started shouting out some swear words that Ricky knew his grandmother would drag him to Hell for. For what was supposed to be a chill day since he had cleared his only lecture for today ended up with him sprawled on the couch with Jasmine on the Com.

"I just think it's better this way," Jasmine decided. Before Ricky could get a word in, she barreled on, "Plenty of women conceive from one-night stands and never tell the father. And it's not like he would care, right? He's a fuckboy and ding-ding-ding most of his toys are vanilla."

"Uh-huh." Ricky pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jazz—"

But then Jasmine faltered and fretted, "But what if he tries to get me for paternal rights? What if Scooby asks me years down the line about his dad? I've read all those articles about children who didn't know their father and sometimes, they feel they don't know who they are. I don't want Scooby to feel like that."

"Well—"

"But he's a manwhore." Jasmine's firmness came back. "He's so irresponsible and his work ethic is atrocious. I know for a fact he doesn't have the maturity for this."

"But—"

"And I make enough money already to support Scooby and me," Jasmine inserted matter-of-factly. "I already know his twin, so I know the family's medical history if we come into any problems—"

"Jazz!"

Jasmine went quiet.

Ricky sat up and switched his Compact to his other ear. "You said you were going to tell your fuckboy baby daddy about the child you both created when you got back to the states after winter break. Why are you still hesitating?"

It took Jasmine a long time to answer. "I want Scooby to have stability," she murmured. "And every time I think I can tell him, he has some woman on his arm or he's smoking—" Shaky exhale. "Ricky, I'm not about to let Scooby deal with what I had to deal with. They deserve better."

"And no one is saying Scooby doesn't," Ricky assured. "I'm not trying to tell you the choice you should make, Jazz. Scooby is yours and no one else and you know we'll help you. But I will say some people do a complete one-eighty once a baby's in the picture."

Jasmine scoffed. "I highly doubt this one would." The disgust was palpable in her tone. "Keep in mind I'm not exactly his type."

"You obviously were if he…" Ricky could hear the violence coming from Jasmine's end and nervously laughed. "But that's not important. What's important is that you take care of yourself and Scooby. Tell him if you're ready, but one day, Scooby might want to know about their dad, Jazz."

CRASH!

Ricky frowned as he got up from the couch. Sounds like it came from Jackie's place. He left the living room to slip on his slides.

"I know, I know." Jasmine strung out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I'm just freaked out. And considering my mama is dead set to come visit me, she's bound to notice something different about me."

Ricky abandoned his apartment only to flinch when he heard something slam from Jaxton's apartment. "Whether you tell the baby daddy or not, you might want to tell your mom now, so she doesn't have a heart attack later." Hesitantly, he went over to Jaxton's door. "Jazz, you mind if I call you back?"

"Yeah. I'd better go anyway. Love you."

"Love you too." Ricky ended the call and swallowed when he heard a rather large thump from within Jaxton's apartment. He knocked on the door and called, "Jackie? Everything okay?"

An eerie silence followed.

Ricky was about to knock again when the door opening startled him. Jaxton stood with the door partially closed due to the chain and his face ever passive, but, for some reason, Ricky felt uneasy and shuffled his feet. "Hey, man. I heard some noise and thought I'd come to check on you."

"Thank you, but I'm okay," Jaxton assured in a dead tone. "I'm just having a frustrating day."

Ricky put his hands in his pockets. Why do I feel so nervous? "Everything okay with you and Tesla? I haven't really seen her around in a while." He tensed when Jaxton stiffened and he felt his heart rate. Why am I so afraid? It's just Jaxton.

Jaxton's eyes flitted to the wall behind Ricky as he said, "We're having some trouble."

"Shit. Really?" Ricky's eyebrows rose. "What happened?"

Jaxton's eyes snapped to Ricky's.

Unconsciously, Ricky took a step back.

"I'm sorry. I'm not feeling like myself today," Jaxton apologized with a slight bow of his head. "Please excuse me."

"Jackie—"

But Jaxton closed the door and made sure to lock it and put on the deadbolt. A ragged breath left him before he turned around to inspect his apartment. Furniture had been torn to shreds via inhuman methods and left to bleed out everywhere. Thankfully, the blinds and curtains remained shut to prevent anyone from catching a glimpse of the destruction, but that did not change that destruction had occurred.

Jaxton ignored the destruction as he stepped over shredded pillows and fluff and broken glass to go to his island counter where an untouched mirror remained. Placing a hand on either side of the mirror, he blew on the mirror and watched the surface ripple like a disturbed pond. Gently, he placed his hand on the mirror and let it sink into the mirror—

His ear twitched.

He ripped his hand out of the mirror and his eyes snapped onto this HCL that had lit up with Weiwei's contact. Abandoning the mirror altogether, he went to the HCL and answered the call. "Weiwei."

"There are you," whooshed out Weiwei with relief in her tone. "I've been trying to get a hold of you since yesterday. Did you forget our scheduled calls?"

Jaxton let out a breath that could have been construed as a sigh. "I'm sorry. I've been preoccupied." His eyes flashed over to the mirror.

"No, that's fine. I just wanted to go over some things with you about welcoming Tesla to the compound." Weiwei sounded like she was bursting with excitement. "The recipes you sent that her mom gave you—I wanted some opinions on seeing if we should also dive into her Andüsan roots too. You told me she loves to eat Andüsan food and I want to make sure she feels welcome and supporter—"

"Tesla is gone."

Weiwei paused. "What do you mean by 'gone', Jang-ta?"

Jaxton clenched the HCL. "She hid from me."

It took a minute for Weiwei to respond for she said softly, "I'm sure she just needed some space, dìdì. You told me she's been stressed and you two have been in a rocky place—"

"Rúguǒ tā duì wǒ yǐncángle, wǒ jiāng wúfǎ bǎohù tā. Wǒ kàn bù dào tā," Jaxton cut in with a hint of a growl.

"Bié duì wǒ páoxiāo," Weiwei warned. "You need to keep it together, dìdì. Don't go there. Let her have her space. You can't see everyone—"

"Wǒ zhīdào."Jaxton could not keep himself from pacing as he eyed the mirror. "Dànshì tā chǔyú wéixiǎn zhī zhōng, wǒ bùnéng shīqù tā. Wǒ bù huì shīqù tā de.

"Dìdì, don't do anything you'll regret later," Weiwei forewarned, but it came out as a plead. "Bàba ràng nín líkāi dà yuàn, yīnwèi nín biǎoxiàn chūle kòngzhì lì. Bùyào shīqù nàgè. Bùyào shīqù tā de xìnrèn—"

Jaxton growled as the HCL began to crack under the pressure of his grip. "Nǐ bù míngbái—"

"Jang-ta, please, you need to keep calm," Weiwei begged. "Said If not for me, do it for Tesla—"

That was the last straw. A snarl ripped out of Jaxton's throat as he threw the HCL and watched it shatter against his wall and its pieces lay with the rest of the destruction in the apartment. Ragged pants came out as his shoulders heaved and he stumbled over to the mirror. But when he saw his own reflection, he squeezed his eyes shut and willed for control.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

Jaxton clenched his jaw.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

He ripped himself away from the mirror to tend to his front door. He only unlocked the deadbolt, but he kept the chain on as he opened the door. Dark eyes worsened when he caught a thick beauty outside his door with her choker and those astonishing yellow-green eyes. "Go away." He tried to close the door—

She slammed her hand against it and met his cold glare with her own. "You smell like dog and desperation," were her first words and she did not regret them.

Jaxton growled. "Go – away."

"Why? So you can go off the deep end and stay in your mirror for another day?" She pushed against the door and the door hit a snag when it was at the end of the chain.

Jaxton did not relent. "I'm still working—"

"Forget work," she dismissed. "This isn't about work. This is about you losing control."

"I'm fine." Jaxton pushed against her hand, but in terms of strength, they would be at a stalemate. "Leave."

She did not back down. "Get dressed."

"No."

Those yellow-greens eyes glowed. "I wasn't asking, but I can make you if you prefer." An eyebrow tented under Jaxton's hostile glower. "I don't care if you don't want me in your head. I will make you. So it'd be better if you did what I asked."

For a moment, it looked like Jaxton would defy. But with great reluctance, he unchained his door and opened it wider for her to step into his apartment. She did not offer a mocking comment on the destroyed furniture. The only thing she had to offer was, "I'll contact Damage Control for new furniture and decorations to come while we're out. Get dressed."

Jaxton shut the door. "I'm busy."

"You're busy losing control." She took out her Compact and her fingers flew at an inhumane speed. "You won't do her any good if you're losing control. And I'm here to get you to get rid of all your aggression so you can be useful."

Jaxton's hands flexed then clenched into fists.

She looked up from her Compact to give him a once-over. "Get dressed," she commanded again. "We're going somewhere so you can get rid of your hostility."

"The mission—"

"Comes second," she finished. "We come first. You should know that by now, but you're too stubborn to ever acknowledge that." When Jaxton did not offer a rebuttal, she sighed and ran a hand through her locks. "Just get dressed." Her timbre dropped into a softer one. "Bring your mirror if you need to but get dressed."

Jaxton's eyes flickered to the mirror before he dipped his head. He stepped over the chaos littered on his floors to make an escape for the hallway, but he stopped and asked, "Why did you come?"

She tilted her head as those yellow-greens held nothing but acceptance. "Because you needed a friend who would understand."

Jaxton parted his lips, but what he had planned to originally say, no one would ever know. He dipped his head again and murmured, "Thank you." And he disappeared down the hallway.

---

Like déjà vu, Nashi sat in the Council Room with King Ajeel to her left, Blanche and Invel flanking her, and the council members in their seats as they spoke business in a mixture of Minstrish and their mother tongues. But unlike yesterday, Nashi was not punished for not being mentally present. Eyes vacant, she stared ahead and ignored anything anyone had to say. In her heart of hearts, she could remember the feeling of a tainted winter storming inside her and the threat of it consuming her in ice and despair.

She never wanted to feel that again.

Instead, Nashi let kept silent to show Invel she would behave, but, inwardly, her mind was racing as hope had filled her. I shouldn't be surprised Gary and Kyler came. They probably could have felt when I was cut off from them. I don't know how they got here so fast and I don't care. She blinked as she buried her outward hopefulness to internalize. God, if Gary saves Luke and we can get out of here, I'll go to any hockey game he wants. Her lips twitched, but she fought down her elated beam. Finally, we have a way out. We can get Luke out. We can leave and go—

"Your Majesty."

Nashi blinked and forced herself into the present to witness three older people who knelt before her, hands inside their flared-out robes, skin a taut brown, and tunics in the regal colors of white and gold.

Invel explained, "Your Majesty, these three are Council Elders Three. After some deliberation yesterday after your untimely attack, they have come to present something to you. I would implore you to listen to every word they have to say."

Nashi sneered, I would implore you to shut the Hell up, bastard. But she maintained her collected façade and inclined her head. "Go on."

The minsters three rose and kept their hands locked together within their sleeves. The first minister stepped forward, an elderly woman with thick white hair tamed back through a colorful scarf headband, her skin a steep coffee, and she wore large spherical earrings. "Your Majesty, I am Elder Mozah," she introduced. "It is an honor to be in your presence. You are as beautiful as the rumors speculated." Her eyes twinkled as she glanced at Invel. "And as kind as your mother."

⌜ALVAREZ EMPIRE

Name: Mozah

Occupation: Elder Councilmember

Magic: Divination (Palmistry)

Likes: Ney (Wind Instrument) Dislikes: Regenca

Special Note: Mozah is quite the fierce Elder and is the only woman on the Council Elders Three! There's a reason why she hates Regenca, but she'll never tell!⌟

Blanche glanced at Invel and Nashi braced herself for Invel to take his agitation out on her, but when it did not happen, Nashi nodded at Mozah and tried not to show her relief she had been spared. "Thank you, Elder Mozah. It's an honor to meet you."

Mozah stepped forward and brought out her hands. "Might I touch your hands, Your Majesty?"

Nashi held them out for him. "Of course."

Mozah took Nashi's hands into her own, but she placed Nashi's palms upwards while her fingers skimmed the skin with a delicate touch. "You have the hands of a laborer," she told. "The hands of one who worked hard and who has known suffering." She touched the line that set a boundary for Nashi's thumb and the rest of her fingers. "Yes, your life was painful. But you will find a change in direction." Her fingers shifted to the middle line of Nashi's palm. "You have a talent for public speaking. You can be quite focused and confident, but there are times communication will become a challenge for you." Her fingers moved to the last horizontal line of Nashi's palms. "But your heart is strong and passionate. It has been broken, yes, but, with the right care of yourself, you will piece it together and the love you give yourself and others will be better than ever."

Mozah started with the long, vertical line that ran from Nashi's pinky and curved a little at the end. "Your life has been blessed, Your Majesty, by fate and by your hard work. Never forget that." She moved to the diagonal line. "You appear in good health. Oh, but watch out, my dear, for dairy."

Nashi smiled a little at that, a genuine smile. "I try to stay away from it."

Mirth shown in Mozah's eyes and she went to the last line on Nashi's palm, a straight down line that was short and in the center of Nashi's palm. "Your fate, Your Majesty, seems to be chased by Death." Her brow furrowed. "I'm unsure as to why Death is agitated with you, but I ask for you to be careful. But your fate also shows love in the most beautiful of ways and a happiness you can achieve so long as you work at it." She left Nashi's palm and look at her entire hand. "Yes. The hand of an idealist. And what a blessed idealist you shall make."

Mozah smiled toothily at Nashi. "Would you like me to tell you about your partner, Your Majesty?"

"You can do that?" Nashi asked.

"Yes, she can," Invel cut in flatly. "Elder Mozah, I ask for you to refrain from speaking so casually with Her Majesty. You were not summoned here today for your palmistry."

Mozah chuckled as she put her hands back into her sleeves (and Nashi was shocked she could laugh at this). "I believe there was a time, Invel, when even you sought my readings."

Invel's jaw clenched. "Those days are far behind me, Elder Mozah," he reminded chillingly. "Times have changed."

"No, Invel." Mozah shook her head. "You have changed and not for the better."

Nashi flinched when Invel shifted, but when nothing came of it, she sighed while Invel said, "Elders, you are here today to present to Her Majesty. I ask you to do nothing more."

"Of course, Your Royal Chief," all three elders chorused.

Elder Mozah took the helm of this presentation as her eyes went back to Nashi. "Your Majesty, we have planned for the Empire to celebrate your return to the throne with a royal coronation," she explained. "However, to ensure the people who follow Ajeel will be appeased, we have devised a solution to unite both political parties."

The doors to the Council Room opened.

Nashi's eyes slowly rounded.

Elder Mozah gestured. "And here he is now."

Armored guards came into the Council Room as they forcibly hauled a gagged man. Olive skin tainted in bruises and half-hearted bandages, he could only glare at everyone in the vicinity through one eye with the other one swollen shut. His hands were cuffed behind his back and his hair was unkempt and grown out unevenly. A scarf was what gagged him, tied around his head, and forcibly pushed into his mouth. His clothes, however, were the only part of him that looked untouched and new. He had been given harem pants and a loose tunic to wear that was a regal green and gold.

Nashi could not wipe the horror as her hand covered her mouth.

"Your Majesty," Elder Mozah started, "please excuse his state, but we are happy to introduce your fiancé and the former prince of Alvarez—Naseer Raml."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi's hand trembled as she pulled it down. "What…happened to him?" she breathed.

Invel answered that. "Naseer was less than pleasant when it was announced you and your siblings would rightfully claim the power that has been yours since His Late Majesty's death."

The council members murmured something in their tongues to that.

"That doesn't give you the right to beat him—abuse him." Nashi could not believe what she was seeing as she looked at Naseer who had been dropped to his knees and cringed at the weight of the fall. "What is…? What is wrong with all of you?" Her eyes scanned the council members, but none of them displayed an ounce of sympathy for Naseer. She turned to the blank Ajeel and cried, "That's your son! How could you—?"

"Your Majesty."

Nashi stiffened.

"Must I remind you of the results of your tantrum from yesterday?"

Nashi turned to Invel in half-hatred and half-fear. "I'm sorry for speaking out of turn," she hissed, "but no one deserves to be treated like that."

"And you would be right, Your Majesty."

Nashi blinked in surprise, though she recoiled in trepidation. "I…am?"

"Yes." Invel pushed up his glasses and surveyed the room. "Council, if you would please."

Much to Nashi's confusion, the council members stood, bowed, and filed out of the room without much of a fight. "What…? What's going on?" She looked at Invel. "I don't understand."

"If you were more aware, Your Majesty, Blanche had come in with emergency supplies for the meeting," Invel told her icily. "That kit was not on your behalf Your Majesty, but on the behalf of Naseer."

Nashi was not understanding this situation more and more. "So you're going to heal him?"

"On the contrary, Your Majesty"—Invel's arctic eyes clashed with hers—"you are. It will give you a chance to bond with your fiancé."

"'Bond with'…" Nashi looked back at the injured Naseer and tried to make sense of her thoughts.

But Invel would not allow her. He bowed to her alongside the elders and Blanche. "You may take off Naseer's gage, but the cuffs will not release him without Magic. It would be unwise for you to try given your current state." His eyes cut to Blanche who nodded and he walked away, ushering out the elders.

Blanche showed Nashi the emergency kit. "Your Majesty, for you." She placed the kit into Nashi's laps. "Should Naseer become outspoken and problematic, please do not hesitate to alert the guards."

Nashi rapidly blinked as the present situation caught up with her. Her stare flickered to Ajeel. "What about King Ajeel?"

"He will remain here," Blanche confirmed. "You needn't worry. Ajeel won't be able to lift a finger and interrupt your bonding." She bowed low before she too left the council room and the guards closed the door behind her.

And Nashi was left alone with two former royals.

It took her a moment and she eyed the doors for any hint or sign someone was too close, but she shot up from her chair and rushed over to Naseer with the first aid kit. "Oh my god, are you okay?" she breathed. Her fingers bumped as she wrestled the gag out of his mouth. "What is going on? What happened to you?"

The second Naseer was free from the gag, curses flew out of his mouth in a rough tongue.

Nashi scowled. "I don't know if you're insulting me or insulting the bastards who did this to you."

"Both," Naseer sneered. "What's the matter, Your Majesty? Not a fan that your loyal lapdogs beat up your new toy?"

Nashi did not know whether to be aghast or angry, but she chose to be angry. "Why in the Hell would I be happy that you're beaten up and I'm thousands of miles from home?" she hissed as she fumbled to open the first aid kit.

"Spare me from your little pity speech, Your Majesty," Naseer snarled at her as he struggled against his restraints. "How I weep for the Zeref's descendant taking back her birthright."

Nashi grabbed some gauze and what she assumed to be the antiseptic solution. "I never asked for this," she snapped. "Don't blame me for this. I never wanted to be here with my Magic stolen and my sister being abused." She did her best job to pour some solution on the gauze.

"We both know that's a lie—" Naseer groaned when Nashi began to clean his wounds. "You expect me to believe you, Your Majesty? You and your siblings have been waiting for this day to be spoiled and pampered and ruin Alvarez!"

"What the Hell is your damage?" Nashi snarled as she pressed down harsh on one of his gashes. "We're both prisoners here, so maybe drop being an asshole so we can think of a plan—"

"Why, so you can enjoy running to your guards and telling them I'm trying to steal your throne," Naseer sneered, but he grunted when Nashi tended to the bruise on his jaw. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, for not going along with your plot so you can enjoy watching me be beaten."

All of Nashi's fury and impatience she held back finally snapped as she whispered furiously, "I will never, ever want someone innocent hurt, so just shut up. This entire situation is screwed up, okay, I never wanted to this. I never wanted my little sister to be fearing for her life because her advisor is a damn pedophile and I never wanted Invel to take away my Magic so I can't protect her. All I wanted was to do my interview, come home, and that was it. I don't give a shit about Alvarez. I never have and I never will. I just want to get Luna and Luke as far away from here."

She heaved a shaky exhale. "Now, I am trying to do the mature thing and clean your wounds and think of a plan. Can you stop attacking me for two seconds and let me do that?"

Naseer eyed her with his good idea and nodded.

"Thank you." Nashi found antibiotic ointment and began to slather some on the few wounds she had cleaned. Silence passed between them as she tried to do her work as swiftly as she could and chain back the rage that she desperately wanted to let out.

"I'm sorry about your sister."

Nashi glanced up at Naseer who let his gaze travel to the side. "I am too," she murmured. "She's just fourteen and she's been…" She shook her head.

Naseer looked down at her in half-resentment and half-curiosity. "How old are you?"

"Seventeen."

Naseer snorted and shook his head. "Ya Ilahi, you're just a kid."

"I'm technically an adult," Nashi snarked. "Why? How old are you?"

"Twenty-seven."

Nashi gaped, shocked to the point she stopped giving aid. "Oh, no," she refused. "This isn't happening." She went back to cleaning his wounds. "I'm not becoming Empress and I'm definitely not getting engaged to someone a decade older than me."

"You think I want to be engaged to a literal child or at all?" Naseer grumbled. "But fighting back made me look like this."

Nashi glanced over her shoulder to look at the blank Ajeel—

"He won't do anything."

Nashi looked back to see burning hatred in Naseer's good eye as he glowered at his father.

"He hasn't lifted a finger since they took me," Naseer growled. "He's happy to be their willing lapdog."

"So I noticed." Nashi went back to get more gauze. "How long have they been doing this to you?"

"Days and weeks and months don't really matter when you're in a dark cell," Naseer said with bitterness.

Nashi winced as she spilled solution onto her new gauze and got back to work. "I can imagine. But you've been fighting back all this time. That's pretty admirable."

Nashi barked a humorless laugh. "They let me fight because it's fun to them. They want to break me. But I'm not going to be like my father and take this lying down." Strength touched his tone. "Alvarez is my country and home."

"It is," Nashi agreed. "And you are free to keep it. Fiore is my home. Trust me. My siblings and I want nothing to do with Alvarez."

Naseer offered her a cursory look. "So you've said," he murmured, though unconvinced. "But it'd make sense kids would want this sort of power, especially if it's your birthright. Isn't that what you want?"

"Why?" Nashi branded him with a crazy stare. "Why would any of us want this?" She shook her head as she decided to check his black eye. "No offense, but I'm still having a crisis about moving in with my partner until I'm S-Class and I've graduated from college and I'm a lot more financially independent. I don't want power. I can barely handle everything I have now."

Naseer scrunched his brow. "Then, why come to Alvarez?"

"Because I didn't make that choice," Nashi informed. "Like I told you, none of us made the choice to be here. We were drugged and kidnapped and we're trying to escape."

Naseer watched her for a few moments before he softly said, "Most of the Empire wants you seated on the throne. They adored His Late Majesty." He gave her a look up and down. "You even look like him."

Nashi snorted. "Yeah, that's what dying my hair will do. I'm a natural pink." Her eyes went to his then dropped back to the kit to gather supplies for his black eye. "And I could tell he was hot shit here. But that's not my problem. Hell, that's not anyone in my family's problem. Alvarez has new royalty."

She held up a tiny needle she found. "Now, there are two ways we can handle your black eye. The first way is ethical. I'll claim it and then strap the compress I found in the kit while I finish the rest of your wounds. With my Magic, I can't just make it go away. The second way is the less ethical way. I'll cut your eyelid and under your eye to help reduce the swelling. What do you want?"

"Cut me," Naseer decided.

Nashi nodded. She first cleaned the black eye to free it from dirt before she brought up the needle. With steady hands, she gave him a minor cut on his eyelid and under his eyes. He flinched, but he spared no protest as she cleaned the needle.

Naseer watched her as she went back to maintaining the supplies. "You're very different than what I imagined," he commented.

"You're very different too." Nashi went back to dabbing his wounds clean. "You went from cussing me out to talking to me like a normal person." For all the frustration she had for this situation, she spared a little good humor. "So let's keep that up, so you can go back to ruling your country and I can go back home and take care of my siblings?"

Naseer nodded. "You said you lived in Fiore and mentioned your partner. I assume you have custody of your siblings then?"

"'Custody'?" Nashi focused on changing the bandages on his collar bone. "No, my parents are very much alive and in love."

"'Alive'?"

Nashi looked up at the shock Naseer gave off and nodded slowly. "Yeah… Why? Invel told me not to talk about my parents unless I wanted Luna to suffer, but I haven't. But when I met the staff, they all offered me condolences and I thought they meant because of Zeref's death."

Naseer glared at his father before looking down at Nashi. "I'm sure it was for that," he grunted, "but we had been told His Late Majesty's only other sibling and his spouse had died. You and your siblings remained as orphans. But I see that was never the case." He cursed again. "How many more lies will they tell?"

"As many as they need to, apparently, to make me sit on the throne," Nashi declared darkly. "But it doesn't matter. We're leaving here."

"I wish you luck with that," Naseer snorted. "The castle was always heavily guarded, but since the new heirs have graced us, I'd think they upped every security measure there is."

"So people don't try to kill us or we don't try to escape?"

"No." Naseer raised an eyebrow. "So no one comes to rescue you."

That thought alone was chilling, but Nashi brushed it off. "It doesn't matter. We've got a plan in motion and we're not stopping until we're home," she determined. "So either you're with us or you're against us."

"You think I want to be on their side?" Naseer questioned flatly. "I'm not. My sorry state says as much. But I am telling you the truth. I have known Invel since he came back to Alvarez a little over ten years ago. He is a ruthless man—him and his friends. They will stop at nothing to make sure every threat to His Late Majesty's bloodline is neutralized and that includes any rescuers."

"Don't be so sure," Nashi told him. "I don't care who Invel has. We're leaving." Hickory was concrete with resolve. "Nothing and no one is going to stop me from getting my family out of here."

Naseer observed her until he rumbled, "You certainly have a determination about you."

"Well, I have to." Nashi traded out for some fresh gauze and ointment. "For a moment there, I had some doubts. But I can't have any doubts. My sister and brother are depending on me to be strong."

Naseer hmphed as he looked away. "You're just a little girl."

TICK!

Naseer groaned when Nashi hit his bad shoulder. "Ya Ibn el Sharmouta!"

"That's what you get for being a dick," Nashi grumbled as she began to slather the ointment. "I am not a little girl, thanks. I'm young, but I'm not that young." Snarkily, she added, "But I guess someone as ancient as you would think I'm a child."

Naseer hissed when Nashi went a little rougher when dabbing off the excess ointment. "Then, my apologies, Your Majesty, for insulting a woman of your caliber," he reluctantly grunted. "Whether you like it not, you are young—too young to have such responsibilities on your shoulder."

Nashi hitched up an eyebrow. "No offense, but my parents have saved Fiore when they were my age and my little sister has done a lot more at fourteen than most people do in their lifetimes. I could be seventeen or eighty-seven; it doesn't matter. Luna, Luke, and Igneel are still my responsibilities. Don't you have any siblings?"

"No." Naseer lifted his eyes to scowl at the emotionless Ajeel. "Just my father."

Nashi hummed as she finished dabbing and deposited the gauze to her trash pile. "Your mom?"

"She died when I was young." Naseer sealed off any emotions in his voice. "It was an assassination staged by strong supporters for His Late Majesty. They attempted my life, but, in the end, they received hers instead."

Secondhand grief filled Nashi as her eyes swept the floor. I'm sorry was on the tip of her tongue, but she knew that might not be the best thing to say. Instead, she murmured, "What was she like?"

"I vaguely remember," Naseer said like it bothered in him little. "I know she enjoyed music, but she was traditional and made sure I only spoke to her in her native language. That's all I can remember."

Nashi hummed again as she sat back on her haunches. "For what it's worth, and it might not be worth much," she started, "none of my family would ever want lives taken because of us. My sister—my baby sister—was so devastated at the thought of us escaping might mean people here would be killed."

"Concerned for her kidnappers and prison keepers," Naseer observed. "Her Highness Luna sounds like a strange one. Not many would want mercy on their keepers."

"We were taught justice, not vengeance." Nashi sighed as she inspected Naseer for any more wounds she could treat and decided to continue swapping out bandages. "But I'm pretty sure my papa and Uncle Gajeel got that from an LV show because I know for a fact my guild takes revenge," she snorted. She moved to his side and rolled up his sleeve to see a haphazard bandage had been taped to him. Peeling it back, she hissed seeing open skin that could be infected. "I'm going to need to sew this. I saw the kit has a medical sewing kit. Do you mind?"

Naseer shook his head. "Not at all."

As Nashi prepped bringing out the supplies to flush, clean, and sew the wound, she continued, "Even so, my parents and my teachers were very clear killing wasn't an option unless it was absolutely necessary." Her eyes darkened. "My parents don't talk about it, but I know the battles they went through changed them. I'm sure they did see death and people killed. I know they wouldn't tell us that, but I'm sure it's true."

"It's not a burden they want to place on you," Naseer murmured. "Understandable."

"I'm going to flush out what I can and then clean the wound," Nashi warned. "Are you ready?" When Naseer nodded, Nashi started with the suction cup and did not hesitate when Naseer flinched and let out a soft curse word. "I'm not going to say we haven't faced bad people because we have. We've faced things that wanted to use people for their own game. We've faced people who would have killed for their goal. And even"—her eyes were aggrieved as she remembered Gary's tears—"some of us have been forced to kill against their will."

Nashi inspected her work and was satisfied she had flushed out the wound. She set the suction cup onto a fresh set of gauze while she wet more gauze with antiseptic. "But my uncle Capricorn put it that we differ from our enemies based on our intent to injure and kill. Our enemies take any life on a whim. They'll torture and kill. It doesn't matter who it is. We'll try our best to not kill—"

"But if you killed Invel, it would solve your problems."

Nashi stopped cleaning the wound to peer at Naseer. "It might," she semi-agreed, "but at the end of the day, it's not my job in the world to kill anyone, even if I hate their guts."

"You would not kill your sister's abuser?"

Nashi froze.

Naseer pushed the envelope. "If you had the power to kill the ones who have wronged you or your loved ones to make sure they could no longer hurt them again, would you not?"

Nashi licked her lips and slowly pushed herself back into tending his arm wound.

"Whether you like it or not, Your Majesty, leaving Alvarez will include death," Naseer murmured to her. "You delude yourself into thinking you can leave Alvarez without taking a life. Invel will not allow you to leave freely. There will be a price when you leave. Can you live with yourself by paying it?"

Nashi tensed. "So I'm just supposed to play puppet for the rest of my life while they do god-knows-what to Luke and so Luna can be violated?"

"I'm not saying that." His tone was quiet, thoughtful. "But I am saying the options you have in front of you both have steep prices to pay. My mother married my father and paid the price with her life. I fight back against this and the price I pay are my wounds. But your price is much more. You must choose who life matters more: the innocent people or your family."

Nashi vehemently shook her head. "No. There isn't a choice," she put firmly even as her hand shook. "I promised Lu we would leave and no one would get hurt—"

"You said you are a Mage, correct?" Naseer suddenly questioned. "In your times of fighting magical entities, when did you end a fight with everyone unscathed?"

Nashi swallowed for she had no rebuttal.

"You have endured much, I am sure. But you are still young and naïve." Naseer looked back for his dark eyes to meet hers. "Promises or not, you and I both know the only way to leave here with through death. So the better question is: will you do as your parents did and keep that burden to yourself or will your sister and brother know what you did for their safety?"

Hickories gleamed.

Darkness glinted.

Nashi cleared her throat and hoarsely spoke, "Your wound is clean. Time to sew you up." She moved in silence and was grateful Naseer kept silent as well. He did hiss when she started sewing him up with the nylon thread in the medical sewing kit, but he kept to himself.

I can't think there's no other option, Nashi determined. No one has to die. I promised Lu. We can escape and no one has to get hurt. But the more she said that, the more reasonable answer had pushed itself to the forefront of her mind. The choice she did not want to accept.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

The door opened and Mozah and Invel were the ones to invade the room. Invel looked at Naseer in contempt which was shared when Naseer tensed. "Ah. I see you two are getting along fine," Invel observed. He looked down at Mozah. "Elder Mozah, you and Priest will be officiating their engagement. I expect Naseer to look in peak health for the announcement."

Mozah tucked her hands together and let her sleeves clamor over them. "As you wish, Your Royal Chief." She hesitated and her eyes flared over to Nashi who was focused on her task of sewing Naseer's wound. "Perhaps it would be best if Her Majesty nurtures her fiancé to establish a better bond with him."

Nashi stilled.

Naseer locked his jaw.

Invel raised an eyebrow at the suggestion. "Were you not the one who objected to their eventual union, Elder Mozah?"

"I did because Her Majesty is quite young and deserves certain freedoms until her twenty-first birthday," Mozah reminded in kind and ignored Invel's deep frown. "But as I witness Her Majesty and Naseer together, I may have been incorrect with my assessment."

Invel hummed. "What would you recommend? It would be improper for Naseer to be in Her Majesty's chambers." His dark blues turned icy. "Nor will I allow it."

"Fair." Elder Mozah tipped her head. "Perhaps allow Her Majesty a scheduled visit to Naseer's cell or even allowing Naseer to join Her Majesty and Her Highness for mealtimes. He does need to meet Her Highness," she pointed out. "It would look better to the people if Naseer established a relationship with Her Highness and might soften his brash image."

"A cell visit is out of the question," Invel dismissed. "Her Majesty will not degrade herself to visit the catacombs. I can negotiate Naseer joining Her Majesty and Her Highness for scheduled meals so long as Naseer is restrained."

Elder Mozah chuckled (and Nashi was still both relieved and stunned Invel's irritation did not reflect by punishing her). "You will shelter Her Majesty and offend her strength. Come now, Invel. Even His Late Majesty visited the catacombs for prisoners to better understand them."

Invel's frown looked like it would break into a scowl, but he held back. "Her Majesty is just getting adjusted to her role—"

"You underestimate Her Majesty's will," Mozah countered. "With reports from Mariem and Salma, Her Highness is highly inquisitive about Alvarez and has taken brightly to the history and often encourages Mariem and Salma for stories. Her Majesty has done well today adjusting, has she not?"

Invel let out a long exhale. "She is not ready—"

"She is ready, Invel," Mozah cut in.

"It has been only two days—"

"And he will be her fiancé by the end of this week and move to his own wing," Mozah pointed out. "A few visits will not harm her. In any case, it might strengthen their relationship with constant visits and help push rumors through the servants about Her Majesty's fondness for Naseer. It will aid in the narrative better."

Nashi finished up Naseer's stitches and carefully tied them up before cutting the string, but she was a ball of nervous energy the entire time.

Invel sighed as he pushed up his glasses with a knuckle. "Very well," he clipped. "A scheduled visit with Naseer with myself present. I will only allow that."

Elder Mozah bowed even if she gave him a smile. "Of course, Royal Chief." She turned to Nashi. "Now, Your Majesty, if you would finish up with Naseer, he will be needing to return to his cell. We will finish your meeting followed with lunch with Her Highness and the Elders Three and then the meeting will continue."

Nashi swallowed. "U-Um, right, ah…" She looked over at Naseer. "Can we make sure he isn't hurt until my…announcement?" The word tasted like poison.

"We are not brutalizing Naseer out of pure joy, Your Majesty," Invel assured. "Naseer enjoys throwing the same tantrums as you. As he has no Magic, physical retribution is needed."

Nashi scowled. "But—"

"Your Majesty." Naseer was the one to call her with his eyes facing forward. "There's no need to extend any pity towards me. Doing so is a touching sentiment, but it is not necessary to argue on my behalf." His eyes swept to her with a hidden message.

Not unless you want him to punish you too.

Nashi swallowed. "Okay."

"Excellent." Invel opened the door and the guards came in. After ordering them in another language, he said to Nashi, "Your Majesty, if you would please return to your throne."

Nashi nodded and went to gather up the used supplies only for one of the guards to stop her with a bow of his head. She gathered her skirt and backed away to watch as the guards forced Naseer to his feet, but they did so with more care as though aware of her scrutiny. Naseer glanced at her once more and she could not distinguish if it was out of respect or pity, but his stare was torn from her as the guards hauled him away. Nashi went back to the throne set for her, posture perfect, but she hissed to Ajeel, "Your son is more of a man than you ever could be."

Ajeel said nothing.

Nashi dropped her shoulders as the councilmembers filed in. So he's being imprisoned in the catacombs…underground…where Luke is. Realization hit and her eyes flew to Elder Mozah who was speaking to her other elders. I don't know if she's on our side or if this is a trap, but if we can get underground… Her eyes slid to Invel. Then, he's the only thing standing in our way of leaving.

°•°•°•°

Tesla was the one to see Cullen first.

Gary and Kyler knew it when they heard a wild scream and raced into the room to see Tesla on high alert while a living silhouette of a man stood in the room, scared for his life.

"Tesla, it's okay," Gary soothed. "This is Cullen. He's the Shadower."

Tesla clutched her chest as she panted. "If this is what having a cat is like sneaking up on you, then fuck me getting a cat!" She sank down into a crouch. "Or I'm putting a bell collar on it, my god." She caught Kyler and Gary simpering and flipped them off. "Fuck you both. I'm not used to weird magical shit."

Gary snickered, but he nodded at Cullen who had calmed down once he realized Tesla was not going to gun for him. "Hi, Cullen. It's good to see you, but you're a long way from Misty."

Cullen nodded as he rubbed the back of his head. He looked at Kyler and instantly backed away.

Kyler held up a hand. "Easy, Shadower. I'm not a full-blooded Agent," he calmed. "And I certainly won't attempt sending an ally to the Under Realm."

Cullen sagged in relief and wiped the nonexistent sweat from his brow. He came back over to both men and began to write in the air in shadows. He made a drawing of an arch and an arrow pointed down and then he circled part of the arch.

Tesla's brow furrowed. "This thing can't talk?"

"This Shadower identifies as a male," Kyler patiently said. "Shadowers can't communicate, no. But I'm surprised he can write in thin-air. Most Shadowers rely on gestures."

Tesla got up and dusted her thighs. "Ah, sorry. So he can't talk." She squinted at the drawing. "Down, arch, wall…"

"Underground tunnel," Gary interrupted. "You've found a way for us to get into the castle through the sewer system."

"I knew it," Tesla whispered to Kyler.

"The castle's sewers are disconnected from the rest of the Empire," Gary pointed out to Cullen. But when the Shadower gestured to the circle he had drawn on the arch, Gary's eyebrows bunched together. "Something's…important about the wall? Part of the wall…" As Cullen nodded his encouragement, Gary asked, "Part of the wall is…?"

Cullen mimicked cutting his throat and cracking his head.

"Part of the wall is dead… Weak," Gary guessed. "There is part of the sewer system that's weak within the Empire. If we break it down, we'll be in the castle's sewer system."

Cullen nodded vigorously and waved away his drawing.

"How long would it take us to travel there?" Kyler questioned.

Cullen thought about it then he held up three fingers.

"I'm assuming three hours and not three minutes or anything like that?" Tesla sighed when Cullen gave her a thumbs-up. "Three hours?"

"Reasonable," Kyler told her. "Gary has an updated version of Alvarez's sewer map which has been deconstructed and reconstructed several times in its lifespan considering Alvarez constantly adopting smaller nations into its Empire. Cullen will have no issue going through walls and traps, but we have to account for them and anyone or anything living in the sewers."

Tesla's eyebrows rose. "We're going to meet sewer people?"

"We'll try not to," Gary told her. "If we can, we'll avoid any obstacles that could slow us down. The more time we spend on obstacles, anything could be happening to them in the castle."

"But that being said," Kyler put in gently, "I think I should bring it up again—"

"No."

If Tesla was surprised by sewer people, she was even more surprised when Gary's collected presence withered into violent agitation.

Kyler's stare sharpened. "You are blinded by emotion instead of reason," he reasoned cuttingly. "It would be best for us to wait until nightfall. You know this. Nightfall gives fewer people to see us—"

"And more time for Invel to do whatever he pleased with them," Gary argued. "Our best bet is to move now. We can blend in with the people—"

"But too many people will notice us trying to sneak into the sewers," Kyler countered. "We jeopardize everything if we move in broad daylight. You know this. Don't let your emotions overrule what is best for us and for them."

Gary growled and Tesla took a step back when she saw silver threaten his eyes. "I won't let them be near him for more than they have to," he snapped. "If you think it's better that way, then you don't care about them as much as you say."

Kyler sighed and shook his head. "You're only saying that because your own fears are surfacing." Anger did not taint his words. Just gentility and understanding. "You aren't thinking clearly, Gary." Turquoise glowed. "You aren't in that place anymore."

Gary shook his head as though rejecting Kyler's words.

"Go. We still have hours until sundown," Kyler told him. "Think it over and think carefully. Take your time. You will do Nashi no good if you become this agitated and she needs you to keep a level head." He turned to Cullen. "Mister Cullen, if you don't mind, could you stay and deliver a message to Nashi and Luna and keep an eye on them until sundown? I want to make sure we're on the same page."

Cullen nodded and Kyler ignored a locked jawed Gary to go over to the desk.

Tesla shuffled, not quite sure what to do. Eventually, she reached for Gary. "Hey, um—"

Gary snarled and left the room with a trail of ice in his wake.

Tesla blinked as the door slammed shut. "Um…" She glanced over to Kyler as he found pen and paper. "Hey, Mister Kyler? Shouldn't we go after him?"

"No." Kyler tested the pen then he began to write in a language other than Minstrish. "He'll return when he realizes I'm right."

Tesla slowly nodded and with one more glance to the door, she crept over to Kyler to peer over his shoulder. Her nose scrunched when she could not read his handwriting. "What language is that?"

"The language of Agents," Kyler told her without breaking stride in his writing. "Nashi shares my blood in her veins. She alone will be able to read this even without her powers."

"'Blood'?" Tesla echoed. "Wait… So are you…?"

"I am similar to her sibling and nothing more," Kyler answered. After a moment, he paused. "Forgive Gary for his outburst. I understand his tension. I'm tense as well and I want nothing more than to storm the castle and rescue my sister-in-wings. But we have to be collected." He kept writing. "Gary is young. Mature, yes, but he's quite young and his trauma is still fresh. That extends to overprotection of my sister-in-wings."

Tesla crossed her arms. "He mentioned the name 'Invel' and he sounded really angry, so I'm guessing Invel is part of his past."

"Yes. A terrible past at that." Kyler thought about what to write next. "He's a complex young man. If he had not taken his trauma into a positive outlet in his art, I would have banished him from being near Nashi."

Tesla's eyes rounded. "You can do that?"

"Yes. It's not recommended, but I would have if he was any other young man with his past." Kyler started jotting again. "I can sense your curiosity but also your acceptance." He missed Tesla shoot Cullen an astonished look and Cullen mimicking his own surprise by covering his hands over where his mouth would be on his face. "You're right. Gary's past is not mine to divulge to you."

Turquoise darkened.

"However, I must warn you now." Kyler finished writing and began to fold the paper. "Gary has learned the importance of controlling his emotions, but he isn't as fluid as me. The mere mention of one of someone from his past set him on edge." He turned to give Cullen the paper that had been crafted into a butterfly origami. "The mere sight of a Hunter might push him."

Tesla swallowed and looked away. "I'm not a Hunter," she said resolutely.

"He won't know the difference. He'll sense your Anti-Ether and equate you to a Magic Hunter." Kyler nodded at Cullen who had cupped the origami. "You'll have many challenges in this world with your power, Tesla Greer. You are the daughter of one of the most powerful and feared Magic Hunters and, through you, runs the purest form of Anti-Ether. Many will fear you. Many will want to use you. Many like Gary have been traumatized by your gifts and will not hesitate to attack you."

Turquoise clashed with steely gray.

"But you must show them you are not the Hunter they think you are," Kyler determined. "You are your own person and what you make of your powers is your choice."

Tesla nodded and gave a self-deprecating smile. "So if Gary attacks me on sight—"

"I will defend you from him." Kyler left no room for doubt. "You are an ally here, Tesla, even if he doesn't see it at first."

"And how do you know this power is a good one to have?" Tesla challenged. "How do you know I'm even an ally with this stupid power? The powers of a Hunter?"

Kyler tipped his head. "There are many forces in the universe," he said. "Some forces are positive and others are negative, but all of them have their own ideals. There is no one power that is considered good or bad in the conventional sense just as there is no good and bad race. Your power doesn't define where you stand." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your actions define that." He patted her shoulder as he passed her. "Since we have hours until sundown, would you care to join me? I could use some time to clear my mind and perhaps find something for my daughter."

Tesla looked at her palms and watch them clench into fists. My actions… Not my power… Spine straight, she turned to Kyler and chirped, "Sure! It's my first time and probably last time in Alvarez." She paused to wave at Cullen. "See ya later. And sorry for nearly giving you a panic attack."

Cullen waved his hand as he snuck the origami into his stomach and disappeared into the shadows.

Turning back to Kyler, Tesla asked him, "Do you think you could give me a crash course in what we possibly could be facing so I'm a little more prepared? I don't want to drag you guys down."

"Of course," Kyler agreed as they stepped out into the hall. "It would be my pleasure."

And they shut the door behind them.

---

The ice rink Carlisle practiced at was normally closed skate for him and the other ice skaters during school hours while their adoring fans waited outside in hopes of a glimpse of their idols. Some of the skaters, like Carlisle, would exit through the front entrance to greet the ones supporting them and offer smiles and exchange harmless flirtation while others escaped one of the private side exits or via the private underground drive. Dressed in all black with his hood up and a face mask on, Carlisle had escaped to the private drive with his backpack today and did not have to wait long when a limo pulled up.

A man with a top coat came out with his kind eyes and half-moon glasses. "Good day, Mister Justino."

"We meet again, Mister Hollifield," Carlisle jested against all his nerves. "I guess you're here to take me to Lucy?"

Mister Hollifield nodded as he went to the back to open Carlisle's door. "I'm afraid so." He added when Carlisle's face was splattered with anxiety, "He did request chocolates for you for the ride there."

"He did?" Carlisle looked hopeful but it fell to skepticism. "Is he trying to get me comfortable so he can attack me without feeling any guilt?"

Mister Hollifield chuckled and gestured to the limousine. "Mustn't keep him waiting, Mister Justino. He has strict orders if you attempt to run." His eyes twinkled. "I might look old, but I can keep up with the best of them."

Carlisle huffed as he trudged to the back of the limo. "You and the Chairman both," he grumbled and ducked into the back. As the door shut behind him, he was unimpressed with the plush interior, the leather seats, and the mini-LV as his eyes hungrily went to the basket full of assorted chocolates. "Lucy plays a dirty game," he pouted.

BZZZZZZ.

Carlisle took out his Compact just as Mister Hollifield pulled the limo off the curb and started out of the private underground drive. A text message had come in from his Maman.

« Tu rentres dîner à la maison? Je ne vois plus mon précieux petit lutin! »

Carlisle smiled at the emoticons his mother had tacked onto the end of the message and the crying puppy sticker she sent with its heart broken. He replied:

« Je promets de rentrer demain pour dîner, Maman. »

His mother typed back:

« Tu ferais mieux. Et je veux entendre parler de votre nouvel amant quand vous le faites »

Carlisle's cheeks heated when his mother sent him a sticker of a cartoon woman winking. Oh, Maman. I get all my shamelessness from you. He blinked when someone else sent him a text. It was Dante.

« What do you want for dessert? »

Carlisle felt his smile dominate his face as he typed back:

« Not even a 'hello'? Geez, Prince, I'm starting to think you don't live up to your name X-p »

« Shut up and starve then »

« Aw is Prince all pouty I'm eating with Lola and Tantan? »

« And if I said I was? »

Carlisle paused, caught off-guard. Hesitantly, he replied:

« I'd say it shouldn't matter. Tantan and Lola are like family. You're different (^_-) »

It took Dante a while to respond:

« Ok. »

Carlisle's heart sunk. Maybe Tantan did more of a number on him than I thought. He started to type out an apology when Dante texted:

« Ever heard of an indoor drive-in movie theater? »

« Random question, but no, I haven't. Why OwO »

Carlisle watched as the texting bubbles came and went and decided to help himself to some chocolate (and groaned at the gooey goodness Bleu had given him) while he waited for Dante to make up his mind in what he wanted to say.

« Nvm. I want to do this right and say it to your face »

Carlisle raised an eyebrow and sent back a sticker of a confused panda bear. Dante replied:

« Nothing »

« Gotta head back into work. See you tonite »

« We're finishing that documentary tonight or you sleep on the couch X‑P »

Carlisle clicked his tongue when Dante sent him a smug smiley face as his reply. Jerk prince. He blinked when another message came from Dante:

« I like you for who you are, not what you are »

« Just remember that »

A sadness filled Carlisle as he sent a kissy sticker and message:

« I like you too. Have a good rest of your day at work. Come home all sweaty for me? (＾ｖ＾) »

Dante's reply was a middle finger.

Carlisle looked out the window as he popped in white chocolate and those sea-green eyes with violet flecks sparkled in resignation. I really wish those words were true. He watched as the traffic went by until the limo stopped before a large building with its own valet and awning that spelled the words:

GILTENAN TEA ROOM

Carlisle grimaced when he saw Luther outside in his dapper suit and collected expression. The butler started for the limo as Mister Hollifield came to open Carlisle's door. For a moment, Carlisle wanted to stay where he was, but by the way Luther looked at him, he had no choice. He grabbed his backpack and climbed out from the backseat to give Luther a tentative beam.

"Please tell me he's in a good mood and he actually wants to spoil me?" Carlisle hoped.

Luther inclined his head. "He requested you be brought up to the private room immediately, Master Carlisle."

Carlisle shuffled back. "M-Maybe we should talk another day—"

"No time like the present." Luther took Carlisle's backpack from him and gestured to the red door leading into the tea room. "After you."

Carlisle scowled even if it came off more like a dreaded pout. He looked over at an amused Mister Hollifield and tried to give him puppy eyes, but Mister Hollifield only shook his head. "You best not keep him waiting."

"You all just want me dead," Carlisle determined with a huff. "Fine. Send me to my demise." Arms crossed, he stomped over to the tea room and sent Luther a glare when the butler deftly opened the door for him. He crossed through the threshold.

While Carlisle might have been immune to the tea room's charms, many were not. The first floor was an open space with decorated carpets, extravagant mirrors, and the ceilings was checkered in a gleaming mosaic that, when the chandelier lights hit it just right, the entire room refracted the soft greens and reds and blues and yellows. Giltenan artwork flowed throughout the room through paintings and statues and it was normal for people to speak both Alkyztik and Gordost since both were essentially the same with only a few dialectal and pronunciation variations (though, that would cause a gunfight if you said they were the same language) in the tea room and the staff came exceptionally dressed in smooth, tight-fitting black outfits with chokers and flirty smirks. Tables dressed to the nines, the guests of the first floor were always entranced at such an intense setting.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

«This is the Giltenan Tea Room, a popular place in big cities around the world. It serves traditional Giltenan dishes such as borscht and caviar and an assortment of vodkas. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Carlisle sulked as Luther guided him to the stairwell littered with gold and gemstones. The team room had three floors. The first floor was for all non-members to come in for any given time of the day after ten in the morning. The second floor was for private large parties. But Carlisle and Luther skipped the second to go straight to the third which was a mesmerizing hallway of mirrors, art, and a reflective ceiling. A darling thing with black lipstick and hypnotic dark eyes greeted them and flashed over Carlisle.

"Ah." Those black lips pulled into a riveted grin. "He said you would be pretty. He did not disappoint."

Carlisle did not take the bait and instead asked, "Did he order anything?"

The host nodded with a conspiratorial gleam in their eyes. "He asked we bring in everything once you had arrived and after you two spike." They nodded down the hall. "Come. He will see you now."

"Of course he will," Carlisle mockingly muttered under his breath. He snuck a dark look at Luther tailing him. "It's not like I had much of a choice."

After a minute of brief silence, the hostess stopped them at a door and their hand glinted with Magic at the handle. They opened the door with a simper towards Carlisle. "You may go in." Their eyes went to Luther. "You will stay here."

Luther nodded.

In a fit of nerves, Carlisle lurched for Luther and pleaded, "Maybe we could do this another time—"

"Carlisle."

He flinched at the bone-chilling call of his name and gulped. He's pissed. Head ducked, he crept into the private tea room with his tail between his legs and the door shut after him. The private team room came with a calming little water fountain and the speakers played a Giltenan orchestral ballet. No windows and only one exit to give anyone who entered the tea room absolute privacy.

Which did not help Carlisle's anxiety.

He watched as Bleu sat at the only table in the room, his coat jacket hanging from his chair, his sleeves rolled up, and his light eyes a lethal tint. "Have a seat, Carlisle."

Carlisle quickly nodded and went to the seat across from Bleu. After taking off his face mask, he toyed with his sleeves with eyes on his lap. When the silence had gotten to him, he decided to plead his case, but he ended up blurting, "It's not my fault."

"It never is, is it?"

Carlisle winced. "But it really isn't my fault this time, Lucy," he insisted. "He just showed up at Dante's doorstep—"

"And you answered it."

"Well, I…" Carlisle fidgeted with his sleeves when he tried to find a rebuttal. "He kept ringing the doorbell—"

"And you didn't think to check before you opened the door."

Carlisle sunk in his seat and mumbled, "I knew you'd be mad."

"I'm not mad, Carlisle." Bleu glared at his cousin. "I'm furious." He did not care that Carlisle tried to make himself look smaller as he slowly growled, "I told you—I told you—to never get physically involved and you deliberately go behind my back again and do it anyways—"

"I didn't do this behind your back," Carlisle countered. "I didn't even know he was looking for me until last night." He thought about it. "Though, it was technically at two in the morning when he showed up—"

"Carlisle."

Carlisle shut his mouth.

Bleu palmed his jaw before he shook his head. "You promised me you would do your work from behind the scenes." An icy edge crept into each word. "You promised me and your mom you would keep your head down for your sake and for hers. I didn't care when you got into figure skating. I didn't care when you enrolled in school. Because none of that would attract their attention to you."

"I know," Carlisle mumbled. "But I—"

"Do you know?" Bleu challenged. "Because it looks like to me not only did you confirm to one of them where you sleep at night but you told them who you are after I've told you a countless amount of times how dangerous it is for you."

Carlisle swallowed and blinked back against the heat in his eyes. "I know—"

"No!" Bleu abruptly got up to pace. "You don't know!" His hands raked his hair as though wanting to pull out the strands. "By the Presence, Carlisle, you don't know. You are in a dangerous position and I can't be there to protect you every second of the day when I have to put up a façade for my father and shield Treasure and handle all of my responsibilities. I can't constantly be around you to protect you, Carlisle."

"I know that." Carlisle's words came out small and quivering. "I know you can't, Lucy."

Bleu shook his head. "And now they know what you are? Do you understand what that means for you? For your mom?" He stopped behind his chair and gripped the back of it as though to restrain himself from yelling.

Carlisle piped up, "He said he was family on my père's side too. I could feel it." Hope filled him. "Maybe…he isn't like the others. He said he wanted to get to know me. Maybe he's different." He shrunk when a sarcastic laugh hit his ears.

"I would've thought after all these years, you'd grow out of it." Bleu shook his head. "How many times in the past, Carlisle, did they say they were just like you? That they wanted to connect?"

Carlisle's eyes flooded to the floor in shame and humiliation. "He could be different," he tried to point out albeit weakly. "He's connected to—"

"It doesn't matter who he is connected to!" Bleu snapped so violently that Carlisle flinched back. "Carlisle, you knew the risks! You knew your safety and your mom's safety was at risk, but you still answered the door and you still gave him information!" He rubbed his face with his hands. "How are you this naïve after everything you've been through?"

Humiliation and embarrassment burned in Carlisle's chest as he spat, "I know what's at stake. You don't have to remind me."

"Apparently I do or else you'll pull stunts like this!" Bleu retorted scathingly. "My Presence, Carlisle, why am I always cleaning up your messes?"

That hurt deeply. "I never asked for you to clean up my messes," Carlisle reproached childishly.

Bleu glowered at him. "Don't start with me, Carlisle," he warned. "If it wasn't this, it would be another thing. Don't tell me you let your boyfriend accidentally eavesdrop or he saw something and I'll have to—"

"Don't you dare touch him!" Carlisle growled as his hackles rose. "He didn't hear anything, okay? He doesn't know! No one else knows!" But he remembered those yellowish-amber eyes and he grimaced.

Bleu stilled. "Carlisle." Tight with fury. "How exactly did you get found out? Because I know my shields on you should be pretty tight unless someone was close to you and I highly doubt he was stalking you or going door to door." When Carlisle stayed quiet, Bleu leaned forward and snarled, "Carlisle, what are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing," Carlisle quickly denied.

Bleu offered a sardonic smirk. "You really think it's smart to lie to me?"

Carlisle winced and his eyes dropped to his lap as he messed with his sleeves. "There was an…accident during lunch yesterday…"

"What kind of 'accident'?"

Carlisle licked his lips as a string came loose from his sleeve and he wound his finger around it. "It wasn't anything serious," he tried to dismiss. "But I might have used my powers…" He flinched when Bleu swore in a tongue he recognized but did not sound Minstrish in the slightest. Quickly, he explained, "I was only trying to—"

"It's almost like you want people to know about you," Bleu groaned. "What is it? Is it attention? Is that it? Aren't you getting enough of that from your fans and all your exes?"

Carlisle blinked away any tears and forced out, "I'm not doing this before I want to, Lucy—"

"Yeah? Well, at this point, it sounds like you are asking for trouble," Bleu spat. "Do you know how many times I've had to lie to my father's face or someone else when you decide to act out with your powers? How many times I've put my life on the line for you?"

Carlisle's bottom lip trembled, "I'm sorry—"

"You're always sorry!" Bleu laughed without a trace of humor. "You're always sorry you got caught putting your life at more risk than it needs to be! And then I have to step in and clean up after you like always while you get to still live in your clueless world like always until you come running back to me and cry that you messed up again."

Carlisle rubbed his cheek furiously. "I j-just wanted to help—"

"You help by not helping," Bleu snapped. "You help by keeping your head down. That was all I asked of you. I didn't care what you did. I didn't care about school or figure skating or your friends. I was happy you found something you loved doing. I only asked you to keep your head down from them. And you can't even do that right." He framed his face with his hands. "Why do I even try with you?"

Carlisle sniffled as his eyes became watery. But the fire in him did not die just yet. Instead, he bucked up and bit, "I know what's on the line, okay? I know what I did was probably not okay. You don't have to keep shoving it in my face."

"Don't I though?" Bleu thundered. "Because it seems like no matter how many times we have this talk, you always end up getting into a stupid accident and I'm stuck with getting you out of it!"

"Don't yell at me." Carlisle rubbed his cheek again.

"How else am I supposed to get through to you that what you're doing is dangerous?" Bleu roared. "Carlisle, how the Hel are you this blind—?"

"I'm not blind!" Carlisle rubbed under his nose and he gave his cousin a watery glare. "And at least I did something. What exactly have you been doing? Oh, right. Nothing because you can't."

That was the wrong thing to say when Bleu's eyes turned stormy and he bellowed, "Every day I'm doing something to make sure you and your mom and others can live freely and not be Judged! If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even be here! You wouldn't be in school! You wouldn't be able to do what you want to do! I did that, Carlisle!"

A few tears slipped and Carlisle's tried to stop his hands from shaking. "S-Stop yelling at m-me—"

"If I hadn't found you and your mom, my father would have and you know what he would have done to you," Bleu continued with a vengeance. "There wouldn't have been any hesitation from him. If I hadn't found you, you would have been dead, Carlisle."

Carlisle tried to brush off the tears but more started flowing. "I-I know. Please stop yelling at me—"

Bleu ignored him as he ranted, "It was my job to take care of you both, but I didn't because you both deserved to live. But after your actions, you make me question if you even want to live at all." He shook his head in both disgust and annoyance. "I don't even know what to do with you. We go in circles every time this happens." He buried his head in his hands and let out a shuddering breath.

"I bet you wish you hadn't let us live."

Bleu looked up to see Carlisle had curled in on his self with his face scrunched up and his cheeks wet. Guilt instantly filled Bleu. "Carlisle, no, that's…that's not what I meant."

"Yes it is." Carlisle sniffled. "I wouldn't be your problem anymore. You'd have one less thing to clean up after." He hiccupped as he tried to clean his face, but more tears slipped between his hands coming up to wipe his face.

But Bleu shook his head. "No, Carlisle, it's not—"

"I would've been better off dead."

Bleu froze at the whispered confession. Pain tormented his face. "Carlisle, you don't mean that," he insisted. But when his cousin shook his head, Bleu rounded the table to kneel beside him. "Carlisle, I know you don't mean that—"

"I wouldn't be causing problems for you," Carlisle blubbered, "or Maman. If I wasn't even born, she'd be happy with Père, and you wouldn't have to put up with m-m-m-me—"

"Shhh, Carlisle, don't think like that," Bleu soothed as he rubbed Carlisle's arm. "That's not true at all."

"But it is," Carlisle cryingly insisted. "Y-Y-You all would have been b-b-better off without me since I can't even do what you need me to do!"

Honest remorse broke in Bleu's eyes. "No, Carlisle, that's not true," he tried to placate, though his voice shook. "We wouldn't be better off without you. I'm sorry I yelled and made you feel like that—"

"You were just telling me the truth because it's right." Carlisle leaped from his seat with unsteady feet and his eyes blurred from his tears. "I can't do anything right, and it could cost Maman her life, and I'm making your life worse—"

"Carlisle—!"

"I need to go," croaked Carlisle quickly as he darted around Bleu and threw open the door. He ignored Bleu's calls after him and made a break for Luther. He took the butler by surprise through the quick grab he made for his belongings, but he could not stop when he heard Bleu chasing after him. He sped to the steps and flooded down them to the first floor, but he did not stop and shoved on his face mask.

"Carlisle, wait!"

Carlisle sniveled and broke out of the tea room and into New Azalea pedestrian traffic. Keeping his hood up and his head down, he stepped in with the crowd and tried as hard as he could to blend in. He flinched when he heard Bleu's distance shouts, but he ignored them as he tried to squeeze the last of his tears out even if they seemed endless.

I can't do anything right. Lucy was right.

He wrestled out his Compact when he felt it vibrate to see Bleu was calling him, but he declined the call only for another call to come in from his Maman. He bit his lip when he sent her to voicemail. She probably feels I'm freaking out. He wiped his face again. I just need to stop crying. But it was so hard to stop crying.

When he felt he was a safe distance away, Carlisle ducked under an awning for an old-time movie theater and pulled down his face mask to rub his nose. "I can't do anything right," he whispered. He grimaced when he saw Perench text messages come in from his Maman. "I can't even stop crying so Maman doesn't get worried." Trying to steel his shaken nerves, he typed to her:

« Ne t'inquiète pas, maman. Je vais bien. Je pensais à papa. »

His Maman immediately typed back:

« Tu as besoin que j'envoie ton frère ou ta soeur venir te chercher? »

Carlisle shook his head and replied:

« Non, je vais bien. Soyez prudent à l'entraînement. Je vous aime »

He sent her his favorite sticker of a stuffed bear blowing a kiss in the hopes she would believe him. A minute later, she answered with a cartoon cat blowing a kiss:

« Je t'aime aussi, mon lutin »

Carlisle sniffled and wiped the side of his nose when Bleu's call came in and he swiped to decline it. On instinct, he went to Dante's contact and hovered over the call button, but trepidation held him back. He's at work. I shouldn't bother him. His eyes watered again as he took himself back to the home screen. I don't want to bother someone else with my problems.

Carlisle looked left and right as he tried to control his breathing, but it was so damn hard. He felt twitchy inside and out and he could feel the tingling of power on his fingertips. Desperately, he pressed his hands together in an attempt to squash out the urge. Please just calm down. I don't want to make everything worse for everyone. Please calm down.

BZZZZZZZ.

Carlisle went to decline Bleu's call again when he paused.

Aphtan was calling him.

Biting his lip, he swiped left and put the Compact to his ear. "Hi, Tantan." He forced his tone to be perky and tried to ignore the tremor in his voice. "I thought you'd still be at the rink for a little while longer?"

"Where are you, Carlisle-po?"

Lucy probably called him. Carlisle rubbed his eyes and assured, "I'm fine, Tantan. I just need some fresh air is all." He lightly teased, "Don't tell me you're playing babysitter tag with my cousin again?"

"Carlisle-po."

Carlisle faltered. While Aphtan's voice rarely left its stoic range, he could sense a tonal sharpness. "I'm fine, Tantan," he calmed. "Really. Just had a little freakout."

It took Aphtan several moments until he responded. "Carlisle-po, stay where you are. I am coming to get you."

"Tantan—"

"You promised you would come to visit Lola."

Carlisle sighed as he crouched down and adjusted his hood. "Tantan, I don't think it's a good idea—"

"I am coming to get you, Carlisle-po." Aphtan left no room for discussion. "Please wait for me."

Carlisle's bottom lip trembled and he closed his eyes as his last tear fell. "Okay." He did not hear the line end nor did he have the strength to end it himself. He ended up sitting on the ledge with his head tucked into his thighs and his arms wrapped around his legs. The world passed by, the clouds moved, people walked—but it mattered little to him.

"We're family on my mother's side, yes, even if distant. However, we're family on my father's side too."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The focus widened. "But… That's not…" The focus then narrowed in disbelief. "You're lying."

"You can sense me if you'd like," Kyler encouraged gently. "You can even look into my mind if it makes you feel better. But I'm telling you the truth." His eyes flicked down then back to the focus in great regret. "I'm so sorry for coming too late."

Agony crashed through Carlisle and made his focus go fuzzy. He heard rumblings from upstairs and the focus glanced back before returning to Kyler. "She'll be downstairs soon," he murmured, "so start from the beginning and please be quick."

Kyler swallowed and dipped his head, a flash of gratitude in his gaze. "It took some time for me to gather enough evidence you were here," he admitted. "I was preoccupied with other dealings, but I knew you existed. The woman I had asked about your existence insisted nothing like you could exist. It couldn't be possible. Your mother…" He shook his head. "But I couldn't let it go. It took some time, but when I met Nashi, there was an energy that barely lingered."

"My shield." Carlisle swallowed. "It wasn't for Nashi."

"I know," Kyler soothed. "I know who you were trying to protect. But when you shielded Her, the two of them must have been close in distance."

Carlisle winced at the memory. "Yeah, they were."

Kyler carried on: "Even though the energy was too weak to go off of and my meeting was rushed, the woman finally took my case." Something soft painted his smile. "And I'm so happy she did because I found you."

The focus glanced away then back to Kyler. "Can I…?"

Kyler held up his hand. "Of course."

Carlisle lifted his hand as well almost as fearfully so. The focus widened in disbelief then awe when a tingling sensation spilled over Carlisle and he watched as those turquoise eyes lightened and flecks of light jade protruded for a moment then sparkled away. "You're like me," Carlisle whispered, awed and scared at the same time.

"Yes." Unconditional love shimmered through Kyler's eyes as the pair of them dropped their hands. "I know our mothers' sides of the family are…at odds and our fathers don't exist here anymore. And I understand the immense trauma and stress and pressure you have been under because of that. I'm not asking you to drop your shields and let me into every aspect of your life." A rueful little smile came about him. "Even if I wish it so." He cleared his throat. "But, realistically, I would like to start with getting to know you. And perhaps introduce you to a few people who would like to know you," he added in hope. "My partner would love to meet you. And my daughter."

Apprehension filled Carlisle as he took a step back and shook his head. "That's not a good idea," he discouraged, tone hushed. "Lucy would get mad at me. He's going to be angry I'm even talking to you." The focus turned to see a shadow protruding down the steps.

Kyler's face broke into desperation. "Carlisle, please—"

"I'm sorry, b-b-but I can't," Carlisle whispered. "Please." The focus darted around wildly. "I don't want any trouble. I don't want Maman and I to run again and I don't want Lucy mad at me. Please just leave me alone."

Kyler stepped forward and it pained him when Carlisle shifted back, curling in on himself. "Carlisle, I won't hurt you," he promised in reverence. "Please—"

"I'm ready to go!" came a chirp.

The focus shot Kyler a pleadingly panicked look. "Please protect her," he beseeched. "All of them." He swept away before Kyler could say anything else and ignored the confused call of name by her as he bustled up the steps. But the second he made it to the second floor, he ran straight into Dante.

Dante looked down at him with a concerned frown. "Lips, you okay?"

Carlisle shook his head.

Dante sighed and kissed Carlisle's cheek before he murmured, "Go lay in our bed. I'll be right back, okay? Let me just—"

"Your Majesty, I'm leaving!" came trill. "Don't wait up! And 'member, I don't need a ride for school tomorrow!"

A front door slammed closed and Dante blew out an exasperated breath. "Okay, never mind then." He gave Carlisle a tender look. "Come on, baby. Let's get you to bed."

Carlisle offered no protests and the focus was trained on the ground as Dante led him around. Darkness hit and they were in the bedroom, but the focus could see Dante strip out of his sweats before coming for him. He gently tugged Carlisle's shorts down, nudged him to step out of them, before letting the article of clothing sit on the ground. He saw Dante settle on the bed before he brought Carlisle down to straddle him.

Dante placed his hands on Carlisle's waist securely. "Is everything okay with your family?"

Carlisle kept quiet and laid his hands on Dante's chest.

"What's wrong, baby?" Dante coaxed. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Carlisle shook his head.

"Okay." Dante kissed Carlisle's jaw. "Then let's go back to bed. You've got morning skate." He moved Carlisle with him as he scooted back onto the bed to lay down. Instinctively, Carlisle nuzzled onto Dante's neck and curled when the comforter drew over them.

Stupid tears burned in Carlisle's eyes, but he batted them away and soothed himself with Dante's hold.

Dante must have sense Carlisle was in quiet distress for he gently massaged the back of Carlisle's head while another hand trailed down the base of Carlisle's spine. "Sleep, baby. I've got you."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Carlisle-po."

Carlisle cracked his eyes open and they felt crusty and dry as though he had cried himself out. He picked up his head to see Aphtan crouched before him. It was apparent he left in a hurry with his training gear still on and his coat strapped without caution.

"Hi, Tantan." His throat felt scratchy. "Did I mess up your schedule? I'm sorry."

Aphtan held out a gloved hand. "You never could, Carlisle-po," he assured. "Come. Let's go."

Carlisle took Aphtan's hand and pulled himself up, but he swayed. Maybe it was the range of emotions that made him exhausted or it was the lack of sleep that pushed him over the edge, but Aphtan did not seem to mind. He waded Carlisle through the street of commuters to get to an armored Lacrima Car waiting as the driver held the door open. Carlisle went in first and settled against the far side, head on the window, and Aphtan followed in after murmuring instructions in his mother tongue to the driver.

The door shut.

It was not until they were pulled back into traffic that Carlisle spoke with the voice of a small child, "I'm sorry for causing so many problems."

"You don't cause problems, Carlisle-po." Aphtan crossed his legs.

"Lucy is mad at me."

"I know. And he regrets what he said. But we don't have to talk about that."

A few minutes passed until Carlisle closed his eyes. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me." He shook his head against the cool glass. "I don't want to let go of Dante, Tantan, but I don't want him hurt."

Aphtan's hands clenched for a moment. "You won't need to let go of anyone, Carlisle-po." His eyes strayed to the window. "Sleep. We will be at Lola's soon."

"Okay." With one last sniffle, Carlisle let his emotions weigh down on him and pretended he was back in Dante's arms as he fell into a dreamless slumber.

---

It was grueling work when dealing with nature.

Gale had stripped out of his jacket and was thankful he had packed a headband. Sweat clung to him as he relied half on his Magic and half on the tools supplied to him after that warning from Sycaña. But even so, his stomach toiled as he carefully dug up the land and shifted it onto the carts. Several times, the sickness that infected the Boundary Forest overwhelmed him to the point of vomiting and Sycaña washed over him a maternal warmth to soothe him.

Gale had enough of hearing the forest crinkle and creak and had whipped out his Compact and his MagiBuds with one earbud in as he listened to the music and one ear open and alert for anything incoming. He just finished rinsing out his mouth and had to wipe away the sweat to continue working.

I do not like this. You will catch the same sickness if you remain here too long, Sycaña feared.

It's fine, Gale grunted as he rubbed his hands free of dirt. He had exchanged his gloves for the pair left out for him instead after so long. I can deal. It's not a big issue. He looked at the carts. Besides, this should only take me until the end of the day.

Sycaña buzzed her displeasure. Little Gem—

Gale felt a tingle and looked over his shoulder to see the crystal ball was flashing. He abandoned his work to tend to the crystal ball. The moment he tapped it, he saw Sergeant Anbessie looking at him with her stiff upper lip. "You rang, Sergeant?"

Sergeant Anbessie lifted an eyebrow. "Just checking in. Officer Kimbley expressed concerned when you never contacted us for your first break." Her words were blazed in reluctance.

"I'm fine." Gale grinned. "Never thought an esteemed sergeant would take the concern of one of her offices to this extent."

Sergeant Anbessie's nostrils flared, but she denied him a retort. "I am to remind you, Mister Redfox, that it is strongly advised you take breaks as well as your lunch."

"And I will whenever I get to a better stopping point," Gale reasoned. "I'm not quite a good stopping yet." He raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"

"When you take your breaks is up to you," Sergeant Anbessie told diplomatically. "Officer Kimbley insisted you be checked on like an incompetent child. I was also alerted you called two of my officers interesting words."

"Yeah, I did." Gale lifted his chin. "They had an interesting word for Officer Kimbley in the first place. I returned the favor."

"I see." Iciness invaded her tone, but Gale knew it was not directed towards him. "I'll have to have a word for those officers. We might be different races, but we're all human at the end of the day. As for your inappropriate language towards my officers on behalf of Officer Kimbley, on record, I do not condone that. However, off the record." Her lips twitched. "Well done."

Gale chuckled. "It was nothing. No one deserves to be talked down to like that. Wish Officer Kimbley thought the same."

"You and me both." Sergeant Anbessie cleared her throat. "Continue your work." All the softness in her tone evaporated and it was back to business. "Feel free to take your breaks if and when you feel the need. That's all." She ended the call.

Gale snickered before sighing. "The stuck-up sergeant really does watch over him. How about that?" He waded back over his work and decided to move to a nearby crystal. He removed one of his gloves and chanted, "Topaz Drill." He watched as topaz crawled over his hand and built into a sturdy drill extension grew.

Little Gem…

Gale huffed as he started the drill. Sycaña, I get it. You don't want me here—

We are not alone.

Gale turned off the drill and retracted the topaz. He did not turn around and did not react. Rather, his nostrils flared and his shoulders moved with how deep of an inhale and exhale he had taken. His ears pricked as he listened for every ripple in nature's sounds.

But he heard deafening silence.

LUB-DUB.

Gale shifted as scales and claws climbed over his hands and splotched his neck and half his face, but he held pause.

An innocent stag had come yards away from the designated territory and stepped into the light. Strong and healthy, it kept its head up all proud and confident. Its tail flicked, but it stared at Gale.

Gale did not relax. An illusion? he guessed. There's no way this thing is living in here untouched. Sycaña, your thoughts? He looked down when he felt his amulet appear and panicked. What are you doing?

For a long moment, Sycaña remained silent. Go with it.

What?! I'm not about to—

Little Gem, Sycaña soothed, oddly calm. Go with it. Claws in.

But—! Gale scowled when his scales had receded and gone were his claws. I hate you can do that. He looked at the awaiting stag and withheld back his growl. He slipped back on his gloves before he stepped around his work and left the safe space of his territory to invade the rest of the Boundary Forest. He kept his eyes locked on the stag, but the second he was arms-length, the stag turned and started in a gentle walk.

Gale hesitated, but he followed.

The Boundary Forest, as he realized, was darker and danker the more he walked with spots of light that seemed grayed out. His ears twitched for signs of life, but he heard not a pitter-patter or a rustle from the inhabitants as though they all held their breath.

I don't like this, he growled to Sycaña. This doesn't feel right.

Sycaña stayed silent.

As Gale and the stag waded deeper into the forest, the stench of disease and the slimy feeling the forest gave off caught up to Gale and he had to stop to wretch in the bushes. Panting, he spat and picked himself back up, a little weak and unsteady. But, to his surprise, the stag did not continue. Instead, it stayed close, observing him.

Gale sneered, "The fuck are you looking at?"

The stag blinked.

Gale pushed himself to start walking.

The stag went back to its leisurely stroll.

Gale's fingers kept twitching as he glanced around the larger-than-life trees and the tainted crystal formations. I feel so disgusting, he hissed. This all feels so…wrong. He felt eyes on his back, but when he turned around, he could not see or feel a thing. My instincts are telling me to gear up for a fight.

It took some time until Gale stopped when the stag led him to a pool that had been blessed with grayed sunlight on its water. The stag stood by the pool and looked at Gale almost expectantly. Reluctantly, Gale followed over to it, but he did not dare get close to the pond. "Okay. So you've brought me here," he deadpanned. "What next—Ow!" He rubbed his ear.

Mind your manners.

Gale huffed, but he said no more.

The stag went to the pool and gracefully bent its head for its nose to touch the pool. Ripples spiked from one touch and the entire pool had been affected. Once the ripples had stopped, the stag stepped back to watch Gale.

Warily, Gale approached the pond to peer into it. But, to his disbelief, all he saw was a reflection of himself. What the—? His question was cut off when the water rippled. Only when it settled, Gale saw a different version of himself. Half of him remained human, but the other half of him held a beastly quality with black scales and ruby irises wallowing in black sclera. "I'm… I'm half Dragon." He looked at the stag. "You know what I am?"

The stag answered as it put a hoof forward and bowed low.

Unsure, Gale repeated the gesture.

The stag shifted to touch the water with its nose.

Gale glanced at the stag then looked into the pool once it had calmed. He was still half-man half-dragon, but the reflection of the stag had changed. It was not a normal stag. Rather than, the reflection had shifted into a larger stag with its horn branching out like trees themselves, massive and impressive. Gems glistened off the branched horns of red and blue and green and gold, but the fur of this mysterious creature was a shining white, clean of any color.

Gale pieced it together as his eyes turned back to the stag. "You're…the Spirit?" he presumed. "Are you…Tāne? And the Boundary Forest is your home?"

The stag graced him with a nod.

Gale's eyes widened. "O-Oh, shi—… Uh, wow. I mean wow." He rubbed his neck. "I'm sorry for swearing. I guess I shouldn't swear in front of a Spirit, huh?"

Tāne tipped his head.

Gale cleared his throat. "Why did you call me here?" he asked. "I'm not exactly a spiritual type of person. You'd have better luck with Blondie—err, my friend Luna Dragneel. She's a lot more familiar with you guys."

Tāne stepped forward to Gale until they were mere inches away from each other. Gale held his breach when Tāne dipped his head to nudge Gale's hand.

"My…hand?" Gale's brow furrowed. "You want my hand?" It donned on him. "You want my hand without the glove." He took off his glove and held it out to Tāne.

Tāne's nostrils flared as he sniffed Gale's outstretched palm.

Gale winced. "Yeah, it might not smell that great," he said in apology. "And you might not want to touch it—"

Tāne pressed his nose onto Gale's palm.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Sunrises and sunsets passed by through a flash.

A mountain formation lived within the center of the forest, protective and fierce, but the focus sprinted and went through the mountain formation to emerge to something even greater. A tree that towered over everything remained with its roots deep in the ground. It served as a home for the many, from monster to magical creature to regular beast. Peace and harmony spread for all those who nested there. No blood, no fight for food, plenty of water—it was a paradise.

Tāne visited the creatures who bowed low in respect, but the little ones who listened to none were curious about him. As he settled and lowered his great head, he enjoyed as the little ones climbed on him, pulling his fur and climbing his antlers. Older creatures sought his company and he was more than happy to replenish the strength that had lost in their old age.

A darkness shadowed over.

Tāne lifted his head with a warning towards the creatures and they took their young to remain closed to the tree. Shrinking into that of a mountain goat, he climbed the encompassing rock formation with ease until he got to the top and bore witness to what had tried to invade.

Creatures of darkness labored their Curse onto the mountain range with impressive strength, hurling out their shadows time and time and again. Further, Tāne bore witness to that controlling these dark creatures. A figure dressed in shadows and a half-mask stood behind the lines of dark creatures, elegant and lethal. Something was in the human's hand.

A pocket watch.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale blinked as Tāne retracted itself. "Your home was attacked," Gale put together. "I know that symbol. Your home was attacked by a Warlock." He looked around the darkened forest. "All of this… It's the result of a Curse, isn't it? A Demon? That's why the forest smells diseased and why I keep getting sick."

Tāne nodded.

"Are you the one responsible for the Earth Mage?" Gale had to ask.

Tāne shook his head.

"You wouldn't be," Gale agreed. "Probably the Warlock." His eyes shifted left and right as he thought deeper into the situation. "I doubt a Demon is already here, but…maybe the Warlock is hoping to get the Ancient Magic that resides here to bring one here?" He looked at Tāne for approval. "Am I right?"

Tāne inclined his head.

"And I'm guessing the Ancient Magic is more powerful in the center of the forest where you showed me," Gale assumed. "But they can't get inside or else we'd have a Demon running on the loose. You must have protected it the second you saw all those Familiars and the Warlock." More ideas strung together into one. "But if that's the case, why send Earth Mages in here? Why am I here? The buyer had to know the Boundary Forest was dangerous…"

Rubies widened.

"Unless…the buyer did know the Boundary Forest is dangerous," Gale realized. "And Earth Mages…" His eyes went to Tāne. "Sycaña told me creatures with the same nature can sense each other. You sensed me. That's why you came to me and probably not the others. You need help from someone who understood nature. Who would understand you better than an Earth Dragon?"

Tāne nodded.

"But," Gale went on, "if that's the case… The Warlock had to have known you existed if they can't break into the center or would have known something powerful existed here to seal off a large enough area like that. And the only way to break into the center is to force you to break the protection you have on it. But you wouldn't reveal yourself to just anyone. You'd reveal yourself…"

Gale's blood ran cold.

"…for me…"

Fueled with determination, Gale forced on his splotchy scales and claws and told Tāne, "Get away from me! This is a trap! I was the trap! This whole job was a trap!" He wildly glanced around. "Get away from me! Go! I can—!"

A hand muffled Gale's mouth.

One moment, his claws were tearing into his captive and his fangs were trying hard to bite down…

…and the next moment, he felt nothing but numbness and saw nothing but black.

---

The hotel was a decent size, though Lucy had begun to wish she and Natsu had gotten separate beds because this was getting ridiculous. Lucy stared down at Natsu as he took over the entire king bed, hair a mess, scarf thrown onto their suitcases, and he was snoring like his life depended on it.

"Really, Natsu?" Lucy huffed. "You couldn't just stick to your side?"

Natsu's rancorous snore was her answer.

Lucy rolled her eyes. "And you say I'm the one who snores, you liar." She abandoned the idea of trying to pack up their clothes on the bed and shuffled the suitcases over to the couch. She found the remote and turned on the LV as she started trying to tear apart Natsu's close from the heap he had put them in.

"…Ajeel's announcement has rumored to include an engagement announcement."

Lucy looked up to see FNN was on with John and Yoko hosting, a screen of Alvarez to the side of them. She frowned and went to turn up the volume.

"Yes, John, it looks like the rumors have been more than a little true," Yoko told her co-anchor. "According to some sources within the castle, some predict the new heir and Prince Naseer himself might be the engaged couple to unite the two political parties." She laughed. "Anyone's guess how long that will last. Prince Naseer isn't one told to stay committed."

John laughed with her. "That's right. For those who don't know, Prince Naseer, the next in line for the throne of the Alvarez Empire, is currently on vacation during this stressful political time for the Alvarez Empire," he informed. "Right now, the Alvarez Empire has a majority of supporters for His Late Majesty Zeref, but there are some supports of current King Ajeel maintaining his spot on the throne."

John looked at Yoko. "A political marriage might unite both parties, but the bigger question remains: will a child be produced?"

Yoko nodded sagely. "Yes. His Late Majesty failed to produce Alvarez a child to continue on with the throne. If these new heirs are allegedly true, does this mean His Late Majesty had an illegitimate child? Or maybe His Late Majesty might not have been an only child." She shuffled her papers. "You can join us on Saturday at nine AM Fioren Standard Time to listen to what King Ajeel has to say about the future of the Alvarez Empire."

"In the meantime, up next is more information about the Faction's ideals being pushed in Valchestria, a voice-altered interview with the founder behind 'The Sanctuary' , and more on Wu Xing's unification movement." John nodded. "Right here on FNN. Stay tuned. We'll be right back."

As a commercial break started for the Sanctuary, Lucy carefully folded Natsu's shirts as thoughts plagued her mind. I know we called yesterday, but… Unable to help it, Lucy went to get her Compact and instantly called home. She waited, toying with her bottom lip, as the line continued to ring.

The line picked up.

"Mama?"

Lucy could breathe. "Hi, baby. Sorry to call, but I just wanted to check-in and see how everyone is doing."

"Mama…! You already called this morning," Luna laughed. "Called and FaceCalled."

Lucy tittered and sat back hearing her daughter's laugh. "I know, I know, I'm sorry, but you know your mama's work is never done," she teased. "And of course I'm going to want to check-in because I miss you guys and wish you were here instead of your papa."

Nashi's giggle overcame the Compact. "Is Papa wearing your down for another kid?"

"Stars, no!" Lucy gasped. "Your four are all the kids we need! But you try telling your papa that and, well…"

"We don't need to hear the gross sex stuff, Mom," Luke groused further away from the line. "If he's trying to brainwash you with another kid, just please tell me and I'll knock him out for you."

Lucy chortled. "Always the protective prince," she jested. "Don't worry. I've got him handled." She glanced at the snoring Natsu and watched her husband flop onto his back to scratch his stomach. "Regardless of how unrefined he is." She rolled her eyes as she stuck her Compact between her shoulder and ear to go back to folding clothes. "So how has your guys' day been?"

"Boring," Luna complained.

"And have you been doing your schoolwork?" Lucy questioned.

"No!"

"Luke!"

SMACK!

"Ow!"

"You're such an ass!"

Lucy sharpened. "Luna Anna, you know better than to swear."

"You guys all swear!" Luna argued. "I should be allowed to swear."

Lucy sighed as she flattened down one of the dress shirts she had packed for Natsu that was now horribly wrinkled. "Lu, we're not having this discussion right now."

Nashi came onto the line. "Lu left. Sorry, Mama."

"She's growing more rebellious by the day," Lucy murmured. "Nashi, seriously, how are things at home? Please tell me you've been staying inside of Magnolia."

"Yes, Mama, we're still in Magnolia like we were hours ago and the day before today," Nashi sighed. "But I have to admit we're all a little stir-crazy. Are you sure we can't just step out to somewhere close by?"

"No, and I'm still upset you deliberately left Magnolia to go out with a friend when I warned you again it."

"Mama, I'm seventeen, not a child," Nashi countered.

Lucy put folding on pause to hold onto the Compact. "And I understand that, but when I ask you just to stay home until we're back home, I mean it, Nashi. No wandering off."

"Yeah, whatever. Anything else?"

Lucy frowned, but she did not bother to comment on Nashi's flat tone. "No, I just wanted to check-in and see how everyone is doing."

"We're fine, Mama."

"All right, well…" Lucy switched the Compact to the other ear. "Your father and I will be home as soon as well can, okay? We love you."

"We love you guys too. See you soon."

Lucy frowned when the call ended and put down her Compact. "Maybe I am hovering." She went back to folding clothes. I just can't help but worry like something bad is going to happen. She reached out. Loke?

No, Princess, Icarus and Býleistr aren't here with us.

Lucy groaned. Do you think I'm hovering?

I think you're right to worry, Loke decided. All of us were worried when rumors of Alvarez and the 'true heirs' happened. Having them stay in Magnolia was your best bet to keep them safe. And you've been calling them to make sure everything is okay. It's natural to be worried.

SNORE.

Lucy rolled her eyes when she heard Natsu. Yeah, well, Natsu is taking it pretty well.

Loke chuckled. He's trying to keep calm so you keep calm. We both know if he started to worry, you'd be in full-on Mama Ursa mode.

Jerk. Lucy roughly folded Natsu's dress pants. Well, as long as nothing's amiss, I guess I can stop with the multiple Com-calls and check-ins with you…

Loke snickered. Check-in when you need to. Don't hide your worry. We're all on alert and Býleistr and Loke will come to us if they think something is wrong, all right?

You're right. I'm sorry.

Don't be sorry. You're being a great mother, Princess.

Lucy sighed. A great mother wouldn't keep secrets.

The kids know about Natsu and Zeref, Loke reasoned. There's no reason anyone else would considering Invel is still in prison. These rumors are most likely something Zeref-supporters cooked up and will try to show someone who looks just like Zeref to ascend the throne and they'll fail to the DNA test just like before.

You're right. Lucy forced herself to relax. You're right. Just more rumors and King Ajeel is probably going to address them. Nothing to worry about.

Do you need one of us to come stay with you?

No. I've got Natsu. Lucy gave her snoozing husband the stink-eye. Even if that isn't saying much.

Loke burst into laughter. I'm always available for you, Princess. You just say the word and I'll steal you away.

I don't think Aries would like that very much, Lucy teased. She had to grin when Natsu groaned as he started to rouse himself awake. Speak of the Demon and he shall awaken. She abandoned folding clothes to stand. Let me know if—

Anything is wrong, Loke finished. We will, Princess.

Lucy felt Loke close himself to her except for the thin thread that she could feel with all her Celestial Spirits. She danced around the suitcases as Natsu rubbed his face. "Afternoon, Sleeping Beauty," she teased. "Have a nice nap?"

"Shoulda joined me," Natsu mumbled, voice rough with sleep. "Needed Lucy-Time."

Lucy snorted. "I'm not falling for that, buddy. Your idea of cuddling with me never involves sleeping." She perched on the edge of the bed as Natsu groaned and turned on his side to face her. She leaned down to kiss his nose. "Hi."

"Hey." Natsu moved to kiss Lucy deeply then pulled away for his half-lidded onyx to connect with her gold-flaked chocolates. "I can smell you all nervous, y'know."

Lucy sighed as she ran her hand through Natsu's hair. "Is it bad that I'm nervous?"

"Nah." Natsu scooted closer and guided Lucy to lay down with him on the bed, facing him. "We triple-checked that Invel is still in prison. Brandish is still out of the country. All alerts on Jacob. If anything came up about Zeref being my big bro, we would've known."

Lucy hummed as Natsu rubbed her arm. "Yeah, I know, but still…" She closed her eyes when Natsu kissed her forehead. "I just keep thinking something bad is going to happen."

"You called the brats just now, didn't you?"

Lucy raised an eyebrow as she looked at her husband. "So you were awake and you were just snoring just because?"

"Half-awake," Natsu corrected with a grin. "I didn't want to interrupt you. I could tell you needed to hear 'em to calm down. Not to mention you FaceCalled them this morning…" He chuckled when Lucy hmphed. "Look, I'm concerned too," he soothed. "You think it's easy for me to know my kids could be in danger because of me?"

Sympathy welled up in Lucy. "You did nothing wrong, Natsu," she insisted. "Ajeel even told you so when we came to the funeral."

Natsu shook his head. "His wife died 'cause of me."

"His wife died because people were deranged in believing Zeref was the only one who could lead them," Lucy corrected gently. "None of that was your fault. Ajeel even offered the throne to you and you abdicated it. You told him you knew he would make a great king and he has." She cupped his cheek when he would not look at her. "Hisui is constantly under fire around the world for being one of the only magical rulers. People protest her rule too."

"It's different—"

"It's not different," Lucy insisted. "Natsu, you knew that your place was never in Alvarez. Your place was in Fiore—in Fairy Tail—with all of us." She brought him close to give his bottom lip a loving kiss. "And I'm so glad you did."

Natsu looked at Lucy beneath his lashes. "I am too." He smooched her forehead before giving rubbing her nose with his own, loving the way she laughed. "How about we FaceCall the brats during dinnertime?"

"I like that plan." Lucy poked his cheek. "In the meantime, how about a nap?"

A glint entered Natsu's eyes. "Just a nap?"

"Yes, just a nap, you pervert." Lucy pointed turned onto her other side and smiled when Natsu whined. "I'm exhausted too between everything and could use a refresher." She closed her eyes when Natsu cocooned her with his warmth. "You know when we get home, we're going to have to talk to Laxus and Mira."

Natsu grunted. "Yeah." He nuzzled Lucy under his chin. "Don't remind me. Laxus chewed me out over the Com and my ears are still ringing." He thumbed Lucy's stomach. "You want to go instead? He won't try to electrocute you."

Lucy laughed and slapped Natsu's arm. "We'll go together." Rubbing his arm in consolation, she added, "Do you think Igneel is doing okay?"

It took Natsu a long time to answer. "I think he's doing the best he can," he admitted, onyx eyes glinting in emerald for a moment. "He has to…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Somewhere, far away…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ragged pants filled the cavern. Sweat shed from flesh. A rampant snarl pierced the air before he withered and died into a humane groan.

Hands misted in violet wafted over a violent scar that hissed and burned from the touch of mystic power, but, at some point, the hands stopped waving around the scar and she sighed. "A temporary solution, but it will come back."

A grunt as flesh and muscle moved.

She watched him with observant eyes as he forced himself up. "You can't go on like this," she told him. "It'll continue to fester unless we find an Exorcist." Her face pinched as he ignored her to stand and leaned heavily against the cavern wall. "If you keep this up, it'll mean this August—"

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…

She dipped her head in submission and let out a soft burr in the hopes his anger would be abated.

STEP… STEP…

Eyes lifting, she watched with a heavy heart as he staggered away from her.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"…because if he doesn't…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He got to the opening of the cavern and let out puffs of smoke, shoulders heaving. Leagues dropped down with the cavern ducked into a flat mountainside and he could see the rainforest, steamy and full of life. He brushed past the vines that hid him and he fell forward and into the air.

Slowly, she got to her feet and followed after him to the edge of the cavern.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"…I don't know how he and Mary Jane will survive…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Her head bowed low and birds hooted and flew from their perches as the earth erupted in a violent shake.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW…!

---

Todoke kiseki ja nakute ii

Utsukushikunakute ii

Ikigai tte yatsu ga hikari kagayaku kara

•

Kirenai batterii

Tamashii no kagiri

Shukumei tte yatsu o

Moyashite Abaredasu dake nanda

---

TO BE CONTINUED…

It looks like we've finally got some plans in motion! But is Naseer right that they can't leave without a major consequence? Kyler and Carlisle might be family, but what kind of fathers did they have? Did Gale just get kidnapped? Man, this is getting more and more intense! Better stick around for the next episode of Fairy Adventure to find out what happens!

---

The gentle hums of machines pierced the air along with some typing and the occasional footstep. Screens were the only light provided with their eerie glow as data was streamlined and progress in every aspect was monitored for the most minute of changes. The exoskeletal of a male reflected on one screen as scans went back and forth and accounted for respiratory measurements, heartbeat, blood pressure, and Ether estimation levels as they steadily went in the line. MPPE (Magic Personal Protection Equipment) was mandatory in the darkened laboratory with masks, gowns, aprons, gloves, goggles, or face shields with protective enchanted for their needs. The air in itself was not something the workers could breathe unfiltered.

But of course, that was not the case for everyone.

The pod door hissed as air was expelled and someone entered the premise flanked with three others, two who required a mask to be here and the other who did not. One of the workers scurried to greet the new group with a low bow, "Sir, you've come at the perfect time. Stabilization has been effective since two hours ago."

"Excellent. Is he ready to be woken up?"

"Of course, Sir," the worker affirmed. "But he might be in a bit of a shock—"

"I'm not worried," came smooth assurance. "Stern. You're up."

The companion came forward with his glasses reflecting a radio and all its channels as the needles moved back and forth. A scarred hand touched something on his neck. It looked like a radio dial and as he messed with it, the needles on his glasses moved back and forth. His mouth was forged in a grin as sound came from it, but it did not come from him. An electrolarynx was embedded to him and looked like a receiver as it fizzled and spouted classical music then went into a fizzle for rock and hip hop then it sounded like agonized voices were screaming and fizzled out until—

Stern grinned at the silence he found. "You are listening to your favorite host who is going live in five, four, three, two, one," the electrolarynx spoke for Stern like it was in a recording booth.

The worker bowed again. "We'll wake him up then." The worker scuffled over to his companions and fired off orders.

"And you're certain this time that you've awoken him, Miss Leaf?" came question. "I will not take another misstep. If he comes out half-awake, it is your life."

Nano Leaf lifted her chin. "I understand."

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

GUGGA-GUGGA-GUGGA-GUGGA!

The air pressure around the horizontal tube hissed out miss as the liquid inside was messily drained in the connecting pipes to be stored, purified, and deposited elsewhere. All hands were on deck with eyes trained on the screens for the slightest imperfections that would predict instability. When the liquid was drained from the tube, the next steps were automatic. The top of the tube popped off with an embarrassing hiss dispelling from it and a clump of workers undertook the top with gloved hands and removed it. Others sprung forward as the murmured medical jargon to carefully remove wires and the breathing tube, consciously aware of their subject.

Once the remedial tasks were complete, the workers backed away while he brought Stern forward to oversee the subject as though looking into an open casket. "Wake him up."

"Roger dodger!" Stern clicked the dial once.

The subject jolted.

Breaths were held as a hand emerged from the tube to grip onto the side of the glass opening, clawed and blackened. A grunt left their lips as they hauled themselves upwards with impressive horns blossomed from their hair and black marking inking their skin that had become taut during their time in the incubation chamber. He had been given a modest pair of shorts that could survive the severity of the liquid, but some workers averted their eyes as he climbed out of his incubator with more grace than a newborn. Steps awaited for him that he took until his bare feet stained in black hit the concrete. His gaze lifted as he looked around the chamber, but it was not out of curiosity or panic. He just…looked.

"You're live, boss man," Stern confirmed.

Two confident steps forward cause the subject's stare to snap onto the one who approached him, but it was not out of hostility.

"You have the same blackness in your soul as both of your predecessors," came simple statement. "Perhaps you really are both brothers combined. Time will tell."

The subject stayed quiet.

"Now. What is your destiny?"

"I will avenge Zeref," the subject told as though rehearsed. Tone blank. "I will take his place in this world."

Hands tightened. "Yes. And what have you been taught?"

"Natsu Dragneel is the enemy," the subject recited. "Spiritless are the enemy."

A puff of frost. "And what – must – you – do?"

The subject did not hesitate. "I must kill them."

More frost was expelled. To the workers, praise came. "You have done well. But I want to make sure he understands everything." He carried himself forward to stare down at the subject. Tundra eyes burned with madness. "Tell me who you are." A glove hand clenched the chin of the subject. "What is your name?"

Sclera inked in black with burning sanguine irises stared back, but hints of honeyed amber could be shown if you looked hard enough. Half his face was scarred in a jagged black and his wet hair had been doused in inky shadows, a little longer than before.

The subject's lips parted to show long fangs.

"I am Etherious."

---

Chibi-Luna pops in with a wave. "Hi, class!"

"Hey, Teacher!" the students chirp. "We're ready for our Fairy Lesson!"

"Awesome!" Chibi-Luna struggles as she jumps up and down to reach the hook to pull down the screen and finally manages to do so on her fifth try. "Because today, we'll be learning more about Caracole Island!"

Chibi-Luna scurries over to turn on the projector and pops a map of Ishgar and Alakitasia. "Okay! So!" She takes out her laser pointer and circles an island between Alakitasia and Ishgar. "So Caracole Island sits right here, west of Fiore's peninsula and Alakitasia," she informs. "It's a popular tourist attraction due to the beauty of Caracole Island and its very popular star mango gelato!"

Chibi-Luna clicks to the next slide to show pictures of a beach resort, a zipline and adventure park in the forest, a market place, and a fireworks show. "Caracole Island is filled with so many fun things! They have several beach resorts and adventure hotels people can stay at. Around Caracole are a few smaller islands that people can visit, but no one lives on those islands. Caracole is also part of the Gran Alicanto Islands which includes Estrelmar, and Tejocote solely because most of the islands are where Alicantos migrate to during winter some Alicanto stay on the islands year-round."

A hand goes up. "Teacher, who owns Caracole Island?"

"Good question!" Chibi-Luna cheers. "Politically speaking, as of now, the Grand Alicanto Islands are under the protection of the Fioren Isles Administration, but Caracole is normally referred to as autonomous or independent. However, Alvarez and the FIA can share the waters for international trade and, in return, Alvarez offers navy support for the Gran Alicanto Islands. Even living in Fiore, you'd still be required to bring your passport to come to Caracole."

Chibi-Luna clicks to another slide to reveal a three-story home with its own stellar view of the island and crystal blue water. Dressed in a soft blue with a wraparound porch, it looks like it came straight from a catalog. "Some people purchase summer homes in one of the two gated communities on the island like Gary Fullbuster's house here—"

"That's his house?!"

Chibi-Nashi stumbles in with her eyes as wide as saucers as she takes in the magnificent home. "I thought he'd get a bungalow or something! How the Hell does he have this big of a house on an island?"

Chibi-Gary appears, beaming and peachy keen. "Great investments and a lot of commissions, Angel!" He hugs her close. "Angel should run away with me to Caracole Island…!" He coos at Chibi-Nashi as her eyes swirl, mumbling about Chibi-Gary's wealth.

Chibi-Luna sweatdrops as she laughs. "Well, then, that takes care of this Fairy Lesson for today! Next time, on Fairy Adventure: SUNDOWN!"

The students and Chibi-Luna freeze when they hear Chibi-Nashi's sudden scream: "And you have your own cleaning staff for the house?! How rich are you?!"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Blanche Corday – Michelle Rojas

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Sycaña – Christen Auten

Sergeant Anbessie – Pam Dougherty

Officer Kimbley – Greg Ayres

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Tesla Greer/Hylia Lynk – Galena White

Kyler – Ray Chase

Skade – Sean Schemmel

Hemlock – Alex Organ

Faven Heartfilia – Veronica Taylor

Nayda – Elizabeth Maxwell

Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Lindbeck

Roderick "Ricky" Boseman – Jovan Jackson

Jasmine "Jazz" Strother – Jasmine Brown

Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeung

Weiwei Yang – Suzie Yeung

Unnamed Woman – Amber Riley

Invel Yura – Clay Wheeler

Elder Mozah – Cree Summer

Naseer Raml -

Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer

Mister Hollifield – Simon Pegg

Luther – James Garrett

Lucifer "Bleu" Demiurge – Xander Mobus

Aphtan Ángel – Adam Gibbs

Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh

John Winston – John Michael Higgin

Yoko Cox – Lyrica Okano

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Loke/Leo – Eric Vale

Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn

Deva – Frieda Pinto

Stern – Sam Haft

Nano Leaf -

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn

— • — • — • —

⌜OPENING THEME

⟪ Your Hands Grasping Even Yourself ⟫

Noisycell

Lyrics by

Noisycell⌟

•

⌜ENDING THEME

⟪ Shukumei ⟫

Official HIGE DANdism

Lyrics by & Composed by

Satoshi Fujiwara⌟

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

TRANSLATIONS

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Zhōnguánese → Fioren Minstrish

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Rúguǒ tā duì wǒ yǐncángle, wǒ jiāng wúfǎ bǎohù tā. Wǒ kàn bù dào tā

I can't protect her if she's hidden from me. I can't see her.

• — • — •

Bié duì wǒ páoxiāo.

Don't growl at me.

• — • — •

Wǒ zhīdào. Dànshì tā chǔyú wéixiǎn zhī zhōng, wǒ bùnéng shīqù tā. Wǒ bù huì shīqù tā de.

I know that. But she's in danger and I can't lose her. I won't lose her.

• — • — •

Bàba ràng nín líkāi dà yuàn, yīnwèi nín biǎoxiàn chūle kòngzhì lì. Bùyào shīqù nàgè. Bùyào shīqù tā de xìnrèn

Dad let you leave the compound because you showed control. Don't lose that. Don't lose his trust.

• — • — •

Nǐ bù míngbái—

You don't understand—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Perench → Fioren Minstrish

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tu rentres dîner à la maison? Je ne vois plus mon précieux petit lutin!

Are you going home for dinner? I don't see my precious little lutin anymore!

• — • — •

Je promets de rentrer demain pour dîner, Maman.

I promise to come home tomorrow for dinner, Mom.

• — • — •

Tu ferais mieux. Et je veux entendre parler de votre nouvel amant quand vous le faites

You better. And I want to hear about your new lover when you do

• — • — •

Ne t'inquiète pas, maman. Je vais bien. Je pensais à papa.

Don't worry, mom. I'm okay. I was just thinking about dad.

• — • — •

Tu as besoin que j'envoie ton frère ou ta soeur venir te chercher?

Do you need me to send your brother or sister to pick you up?

• — • — •

Non, je vais bien. Soyez prudent à l'entraînement. Je vous aime

No, I'm okay. Be careful at practice. I love you

• — • — •

Je t'aime aussi, mon lutin

I love you too, my lutin