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!

74. Adventure 074

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, Luna's questioning about the castle got her into a sticky situation with Hemlock and, unfortunately, we know what that means. Gary's trauma runs deep, but maybe his love for Nashi can help him overcome some of it. Kyler and Tesla had a deep talk about the past, present, and future that made Tesla a decision in her relationship with Jaxton and in her life. Meanwhile, in Fiore, Silver finally managed to convince Ena to come to swim practice with him and dinner! But not without some embarrassing moments… Carlisle finally awoke and we got to meet Aphtan's spunky grandmother Mahalia and while dinner ended on a drunk note, there's something about Aphtan's ring that seems familiar… Anyways, Peter's doing great at Alexandria College with his fun roommate, but I think it's time he discovers more about his family tree. Lance might not be any closer to understanding where his fáirth is and the ring he sees, but something about Cymbal from the Mount Altana Guild rubs him and Mary Jane in an interesting direction. Once sundown was official, plans took motion. But who are those two women in Alvarez? And what about the man who drew a painting of Lance?

"Who are you?"

Who are you? And, um, Silver, maybe asthma wasn't the best excuse for your lovesickness… Maybe try trauma?

---

Painting your apartment somehow made it feel more like a home than just someplace you rented. Walls decked in a calming wisteria, the three-bedroom apartment was crammed with furniture Ines and her roommate had sweated over for all their years living together alongside their fish tank and her roommate's deaf cat. She shared her apartment with a chess player and she had to stress that because their apartment had medals and awards for her roommate's accomplishments as well as various chess sets and she always had to stress none of that belonged to her. Though, everyone who entered the apartment had to snort at the welcome mat that read:

UNLESS YOU'RE AMAZONE,

DELIVERING TACOS,

OR HOT

WE'RE NOT HOME.

Ines and Ellie had holed up in the room, naked and under the covers as they put on a popular Josean-Cipanguese film about a handmaiden. For once, Ellie let her hair down in its ringlets and Ines enjoyed combing through it with her fingers, splitting her attention between her girlfriend and the film. Ellie could not keep the lazy smile off her face and eventually turned only for Ines to initiate a soft kiss.

"You sure I'm not intruding?" Ellie murmured.

Ines hummed a negative. "No. It's fine. I like having you here anyways." She kissed Ellie's cheek before nuzzling it and smiling when Ellie giggled. "And my roommate won't be coming home until everything is okay with her uncle and then after her tournament."

"If you say so." Ellie twisted to reach for her Compact on the nightstand to check the time only to scrunch her nose. "I really don't want to go to work in the morning, but I have a project I have to bring to Mister Sequen tomorrow." She smiled again when Ines kissed the corner of her mouth. "You know I can take the train since you normally go in later—"

"It's fine, Daisy," Ines soothed. "Besides, getting to work early means I can leave when you leave as long as we don't have anything stacked up. And"—she thumbed beneath Ellie's breasts beneath the cover—"then we can come home."

"My parents wanted us to go to their house for dinner, remember?"

"Right. I forgot."

Ellie frowned. "Do you think they're going to be unhappy I've basically been living here since two weeks ago?"

"If they are, I get it," Ines answered, though her eyes strayed to Ellie's Compact when she saw a call come in. "I think Justin's trying to reach you."

Ellie sighed when she saw Justin's Compact. "So do I." She looked up at her girlfriend. "Is it okay if I answer it here or—?"

"Go ahead."

Ellie answered the call as she turned onto her back, huddled into Ines. "Hey, Mama J. What's up?"

"Outside that we still haven't confirmed about our triple date yet—"

Ellie groaned. "Right. Nashi didn't text back." She left the call screen to go to ⟪ Messages ⟫ and looked for the group chat between the three of them to see if Nashi had replied at all, but she had not. "And we still have nothing yet, but aren't her parents gone until Sunday-Monday-ish? She said her mom gave her essentially babysitting duty."

"I think Luke and Luna are old enough to watch themselves," Justin said dryly. "Besides, she said Gary's going to be here for a weekend, so before she wants to jump him, you and I need to have a serious talk with him as Nashi's parents."

Ellie laughed. "Are we both the moms then?"

"Yes, we are, dear, and I refuse to let our daughter get her heart broken again—Ace, I love you, but if you try to touch my ass while I'm protecting my sweetheart's future, you're not going to have a dick anymore," Justin threatened. A distant chuckle and a close huff later, he muttered, "I hope you're having better luck controlling your roommate than I am."

Ines kissed Ellie's throat and told Justin, "She's got me at her beck and call, Justin."

"Good. That's how it should be." Justin sounded proud. "El-bell, I think we should do a hostile takeover. If our sweet girl wants to not answer, that's fine, but we're storming Gary's condo with make-up and a curling iron and she's coming out on our triple date. She can just drag Gary by his balls or, better yet, I'll do it so he doesn't try to run." A sigh and Justin murmured away from the Compact, "Well, if he comes willingly, then I won't have to touch his balls. That's the point." Two beats. "Well then, you two can be Dom brothers elsewhere. My sweet girl comes first. And since she's mine, she's technically yours too."

Ines murmured to Ellie, "So does this mean Nashi is my stepdaughter in this misfit family?"

"I guess so," Ellie murmured back. "Never thought we'd have kids so soon."

Ines shrugged. "My fish are my kids. I guess it was only natural I get a human kid into the mix."

Justin came back to them as he said, "El-bell, are you with me or not? Because you can be the good guard to my bad guard about interrogating Gary top to bottom and make sure he knows if he screws over our sweet girl, he deals with us."

"You know I'm with you, JJ," Ellie soothed. "But we need to go easy on him."

"That's why you're the good guard and I'm the bad one," Justin reminded. "You get to go easy him and I don't."

Ellie sighed. "Justin…"

"What? I'm sorry—well, not really—but I'm trying to make sure our sweet girl is in good hands," Justin replied. "She deserves the world and you know that. I just want to make sure the world Gary is giving her is one she can thrive in and not one she suffers in."

Ellie shivered when Ines cupped the swell of her breasts with a faint kiss below her ear. "I know, I know. Fine. We'll go good guard-bad guard as long as we keep it pretty even, okay? If you want, we can swing by the condo or go to Nashi's house to check-in with her."

"Sounds good," Justin chirped. "I'll let you two go since Ace is starving and I need to make some kimchi. Kisses to all. Love you." And he hung up.

Ellie put the Compact back onto the stand, locked it, and turned back to Ines who looked at her beneath her lashes. "Sorry about that," she sighed. "Justin's still not over what happened with Nashi being in the ICU and Gary never visiting. It's not like I'm happy about that either, but, well, Nashi wanted us to let it go."

"I can see why he's pissed," Ines reasoned as she brushed Ellie's cheek. "He just wants to protect her." Her hand drifted down Ellie's shoulder and uncover the covers to keep her close.

Ellie looked down. "I know. I do too. We both remember when Nashi was so quiet. She didn't really talk to us and we knew she was going through something. After the whole trial with her going viral, we know what it is." Her expression pinched in pain. "None of us want to bring it up, but I just want her to know we're there for her." Then, she rolled her eyes. "Although Justin wants to meet Skade and interrogate him too."

Ines snickered. "He's a mama bear through and through."

"Tell me about." Ellie closed her as she cuddled into Ines.

Ines brushed out some hair from her face to kiss Ellie's nose. "I think it's definitely time for bed," she decided, amused. "Did I wear you out, Daisy?"

"Yes," Ellie muttered. "Which is so not womanly of you because now I have no energy to do my homework."

Ines raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a week ahead?"

"Details."

"Whatever you say, Daisy." Ines let go of Ellie to find the remote on the bed and turned off the LV to enshroud them in darkness. "Get some sleep so we have time for you, shower, you, breakfast, more of you, and then work."

Ellie could not resist her giggle. "Why so much of me?"

"Obviously because I'm selfish, duh."

Ellie snorted. "You do realize I'll need to walk out of the apartment sober, right?"

"No, you don't. You just need to walk into work with your head on straight." You could hear the mischievous grin in Ines' tone. "Everything else is fair game, Daisy."

Ellie nudged her when Ines laughed. "Remember we have dinner with my parents after work. And maybe we could stop at Gary's condo to see Nashi?"

"Sure." Ines broke into a yawn. "Sleep." She kissed Ellie's forehead. "See you in the morning, Daisy."

Now Ellie yawned. "See you in the morning." With that, she was out like a light.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was apparent the underbelly of the Alvarez Empire had been made, scrapped, and remade with the amalgamations of materials on the wall and their patterns. Different types of stonewall interlaced with each other in a frenzy of patterns with the wiring system left to dry. Light features were spaced out ever so many yards so workers did not have to worry, but for those who traveled the underbelly, all was unsettling. The stench of sewage was nothing to brag about and left a bad aftertaste in the back of the nose and singed noses. Fumes of shit and piss and deteriorating food fit for the flies were shoved into you and you had no choice but to accept it. What was promising was not every hall in the sewer had a stream of dirtied water. Some had little channels that still carried a disgusting scent to it while others had renegaded the dirtied water into wall-bound pipes and in the distance, you could hear where the water was expelled.

Cullen did his job as a living and breathing shadow to get them through as quick as they could through a path he had marked, but not even he could predict the movements of whatever magical creatures and people called the sewer system home and, several times, Kyler and Gary had to alternate them somewhere else as Tesla instinctively knew they did so to avoid an organic obstacle. They kept in a loose unit with Cullen in the front and Kyler in the rear, Gary and Tesla in the middle but more so for Tesla's benefit. Cloaks one, hoods up, Tesla had pulled on her half-face mask and was surprised when Gary did the same while Kyler did not.

When Kyler had them rerouted, Tesla had to think the question, With us constantly shifting, how long will it take us to reach the castle sewers?

It might take the same amount of time or longer, Kyler told her. Cullen knows where we need to go, but the sewer system is vast.

Then, shouldn't we stop and try to figure out where to go? Tesla questioned.

But it was Gary who answered, No. We can't stop moving and risk being caught. We have to keep moving and adjusting as we go.

But we could get lost down here, Tesla protested. Hell, I know I sure as shit don't have a compass to even know where north is.

Gary subtly shook his head. Cullen might be a Shadower, but he has a good sense of direction and so do Kyler and me. Right now, we're headed north-west towards the castle. We dipped a bit, but we're on the right track castle-wise.

That's…impressive, Tesla gave him. How did you learn that?

Gary turned away from her. Not by anything I'm proud about.

Tesla wanted to say something, but she could feel in her gut now was not the time to say a word, so she dropped the conversation and slowed her pace to give Gary the space he needed. She fell into step with Kyler, but she could not help but watch Gary with concern.

He will.

Tesla blinked up at Kyler in surprise. But I didn't—

Sensing emotions comes naturally, but those emotions give way to thoughts more so than you think. Kyler nodded at Gary. He's on edge. We all are. The second we entered the sewers, we had that feeling. He's trying to fight several battles. The battle in his head and the battle to save the siblings are just the most prevalent ones.

Tesla nodded. Got it. Her eyes trailed around the sewer. So you both felt it when we came down here.

Kyler's eyes hardened. Yes. Perhaps it is not the sewer that carries this darkness, but we are close to it. He shot her a glance. You are to be careful, Tesla. For now, allow Gary and me to handle any immovable obstacles that come our way. Your powers will be greatly needed, but we don't know how many enemies are there. If one sees your power and gets away to tell others, we lose the advantage.

I think I understand. Tesla looked back at Gary. These enemies… They'll know Gary, right? Just not the rest of us? So they'll know how to hit it where it hurts for him?

Yes.

Tesla swallowed. If that happens again, do I need to step in?

Kyler was slow to respond. The reason I had you intervene, Tesla, is because at that immediate moment, Gary had exceeded my own limitation. I can't promise he won't again. I don't know who we'll meet or what we'll see. But we'll have enemies who need us all to fight if we want to keep moving forward. We have enemies who know of Gary's past and had a hand in its unfortunate happenstance. But I won't let that lie on you. Too much drain of his Ether can be more detrimental than you think and we can't continuously restrain him.

So then what should I do? What do we do?

We fight, Kyler thought simply.

And once he finds out I have Anti-Ether?

Then, you will continue to fight. Kyler focused on Gary and the subtle twitch in his shoulders. And so will I.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 074

So Below

地下は正体を現している 私たちの記憶の中の暗闇と怪物の向こうには何が待っているのだろうか。

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Warm breath.

Unwanted hands.

"Let me relax you, Your Highness."

Sloshed water.

Rolling nausea.

"Shhhh… Let me take care of you, Your Highness. You'll feel better."

The scent of roses turned bitter.

Salty tears.

A nudge of legs.

"So full of life… Mmm, so perfect…"

A breaking sob.

Fingers threading through hair.

"Shhh, Your Highness. You wouldn't want to worry Her Majesty."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Luna?"

The moment hands touched her, Luna lurched off the bed, eyes wide and filled with panicky tears, and her hands went up to shield herself. It took her several moments to finally hear apologetic cooing and to recognize that she was not in the tube and no one was touching her like that. Nashi was here. Her sister. Her sister who she promised she would tell if—

Nashi's heart broke when Luna abruptly curled into her and sobbed. Her heart had cracked seeing Luna's violent reaction to being woken up, but this was ten times worse. She did what her mother had done years ago, cooed and crooned consolation, and watched Luna carefully as she hugged her and rubbed her back. What did he do to her? Her thoughts went to the worst scenario probable and she closed her eyes to keep back her own tears. Oh, Luna, I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you.

It took Luna a few minutes until she pulled away, furiously rubbing her faces as she sniffled, "I'm sorry—"

"Don't be sorry," Nashi soothed. "It's okay to cry, Lu." She brushed away Luna's hands to brush away her tears from her cheeks. "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

But Luna shook her head. "You're not hurt. So i-i-it's okay."

"Luna—"

"A-Anyways." Luna sat up and sniffed. "You woke me up because it's time, right?" She checked the window to see the moon in the sky and darkness. "We have to go."

Nashi nodded, still heavy with concern. "Yes, we do." She wanted to pull Luna back and just hold her, but she faltered. I just want to hug her. I know we have to do this, but this isn't fair to her.

"It's okay."

Sad hickory looked up to forcibly calm chocolate.

"You're safe and that's what matters," Luna told her with a feeble smile. "You don't have Magic. Mister Invel took it from you. I have to protect you."

"Not like this," Nashi whispered. "Never like this."

But Luna shook her head as her eyes strayed. "I should start meditating." Her tone wobbled as though she was scared to go back into her own head.

Nashi opened her mouth, but what could she say? She brushed Luna's cheek with her knuckles. "I'll be right here," she promised.

Luna swallowed. "Right." She moved onto the floor for better leverage and faced the moon. The Moon blessed her with her ethereal glow as Luna positioned herself.

She's putting on such a strong face, Nashi thought. She shouldn't have to. She shouldn't have had to go through this just to protect me. Just so they could break her. Unable to keep silent, she murmured, "I'm your anchor, Lu."

Luna took a deep breath. "I know." Her voice shook a little. "I'll be back."

Nashi sat up and whispered, "Okay." But she knew Luna had mentally abandoned her for meditation. Swinging her legs to the side of the bed, she sat forward, elbows on her knees, and watched as Luna stayed still save for the rise and fall of her chest. Lu…

She shook her head and got up. If they willed it, a servant would come to their needs, but Nashi had gotten a better scope for her room, after a quick trip to the bathroom, she headed to the closet. Massive as it was, she instantly went to bring out riding boots that were her size that she had spotted when she had insisted her lady's maids tour her and Luna around their bedrooms. As she went to find more suitable clothes, she could not help but think, At least Invel lets us into our closet. Where we're going, looking like a queen of Alvarez won't cut it.

By the time Nashi emerged from the closet, gone was her dress and veil in exchange for boots, pants, a long-sleeve, and a jacket. She had wrestled out silk gloves and a scarf that would have to do with wrapping around her head and covering her nose and mouth. She darted forward when Luna stumbled out of her meditative state, exhausted and flushed. "Are you okay?" she fretted in a low voice.

Luna sniffled and nodded. "Y-Y-Yeah." She shook her head to clear her dizziness. I can get us to the catacombs with the little bit of power Nayda gave me again. I couldn't find Luke, but I found Mister Naseer.

We'll teleport to him then, Nashi determined. Go get your stuff and then we'll leave.

Luna shot Nashi a panicked look. And no one will get hurt, right?

No one will get hurt, Nashi soothed even if that sounded like a lie to her. Go, Lu.

Luna gave a firm nod and gathered her Magic to blink out of existence.

Nashi sat on her haunches as words plagued her and she stared out the window to catch the glow of the Empire laid out before her. Innocent people who knew nothing of castle affairs. People with children and families and pets and jobs and livelihoods. I don't want anyone to get hurt, she told herself. But…if it means saving my family… Is there really no other way?

Luna came back, stumbling a bit, but she had gathered her own set of clothes and one other thing Nashi could not believe.

You brought the Forever Container? Nashi gaped.

Luna winced as she set down her articles and the dodecahedron. Not exactly. Cullen brought it. He thinks we might need it, but I don't know why. She took off her veil, but she hesitated about the rest of her clothing and her eyes skittered to the royal bath only for fear to take place.

Nashi quickly caught on and soothed, I can turn around if you want.

"N-N-No, I just…" Luna turned away from the doors to the royal bath for her eyes to skipped to the floor. "Can you help me?"

Nashi got up. "Of course." She was careful with helping Luna and her eyes saddened watching her flinch when she got out of her dress, but she remained quiet and folded the dress once Luna stepped out of it. Somehow, she knew Luna needed a moment to herself and deliberately turned away.

"I'm ready."

Nashi turned around to see Luna dressed in her own coat, pants, and boots with a scarf covering her hair and mouth and nose. While Nashi set down the dress, Luna got the Forever Container. "If you get tired after teleporting, I'll carry you," Nashi promised her. "Don't run yourself ragged."

Luna nodded. Okay. Hold onto me. I've never consciously teleported someone with me outside of Icarus.

Nashi nodded and took Luna's hand in hers.

Luna closed her eyes and let out a long breath.

Seconds ticked by until Nashi felt Luna's Magic suddenly trap her and tilt her off her axis. One moment, they were in the bedroom, the next she saw white, and then abruptly, she was somewhere dank and foul and instinctively covered Luna.

The catacombs themselves were part man-made and part natural and that much was clear, but where they had ended up had more man-influence. Iron bars cakes in diseased rust formed cage walls and the cells were not that much better. Sealstone coated the cells and any lying cuffs and chains ensure those who were imprisoned were helpless, but if that was not enough, Anti-Ether doused the bars to do serious damage to those to bare flesh who touched it.

Naseer was housed in his cell, lonesome, angry, but his eyes went wide when he saw Nashi and Luna before him. He quickly got over to the bars, but the shackles chained to his ankles could only give him so much proximity. He hissed, "What are you doing here? How did you get down here?"

"We're breaking out of here," Nashi told him in a low voice, "and we're getting you out too. You might not have been part of the plan, but you are now." She looked at the empty cells and her nose wrinkled when urine, vomit, and other extremities caught up with her nose. "This is inhuman. But there's no one else here."

"They brought everyone out of their cells," Naseer informed, "just not me. I don't understand why." He looked at Luna and softened considerably when he saw her eyes droop and how unsteady on her feet she looked. "Are you okay, Your Highness?"

"Please just call me 'Luna'," Luna insisted in a small voice. "I'm fine…" But she slumped against Nashi.

"Luna!" Nashi held Luna close. "Maybe we should—"

"No, no, I'm fine." Luna sluggishly got herself out of Nashi's hold to look at the bars in a mixture of determination and exhaustion. "I can do this."

Naseer regarded Luna in wariness. "Do what? Because the guards didn't care that I was Spiritless. They put me in an Anti-Magic Cage with Anti-Ether bars just like everyone else down here."

"Don't worry. I can do this." Luna gave Nashi the Forever Container as she summoned what little power she had left, but a shaky breath left her and she stumbled forward.

"Luna!" Nashi caught her, worry building inside her each second. "Luna, please, maybe we should…!" Her eyes widened when a glint caught her eye. What the…?

Luna grunted. "I'm…fine…" Her eyes dropped to her wrist in sleepy happiness filled her when she saw her bracelet with Shenlong's scales and moonstone decorate her. Shenlong… Her hand touched the scales and she could feel the coolness of his presence nudged her back. Thank you.

"Luna, what…?"

"My bracelet. It was a gift from Shenlong, the Sea King you saw in Margaret Town," Luna told Nashi as she rubbed the scales and moonstone. What little power she could consciously feel buzzed on her skin, but she felt relief from the strain when she drew out only a fraction of Shenlong's own and shivered at the cool touch. I was worried about my bracelet being missing, but now…

Luna took a deep breath before her eyes opened, a stark white. Her hand moved and went between the bars, but she made a sharp noise of pain as she fought again an enchantment. "Take my hand," she gritted out.

Naseer did not hesitate.

Icarus, Shenlong, Luna pleaded. A little more help. She gasped when a rush shot through her spine and Magic zipped to Naseer.

Nashi's eyes widened when she saw Naseer's physical form waver and right before her eyes… He's… He's becoming water?

"Help me," Luna pleaded to her sister in a strangled tone.

Nashi swallowed and jerked Luna backward so fast. Both Luna and Naseer let out a cry when he passed through his shackles and the bars, but the second he was out, Luna let go and he was solid again. Magic gone, Luna stumbled back, eyes shut, and Nashi held her close, unsure who to look at more, a barely conscious Luna or a panting Naseer. "Are you both okay?"

"F-F-Fine," Naseer chattered after a cough. "Just…strange…"

Nashi looked at Luna and her flush cheeks. Ripping off her glove, she pressed a hand to Luna's forehead. No fever. She's sweating but no fever. That's good. If she contracts a fever, we don't have any choice in what to do. "Lu," she whispered, "you did so good. I can carry you, okay?"

Luna tried in vain to shake her head and keep her eyes open. "But… I-I-I have to…protect you…"

"And you've already done so much," Nashi promised. "Rest, okay? Just sleep. I'll wake you up if we need you."

Half-mast chocolate connected to soft hickory.

"Promise?" Luna asked.

Nashi had no choice but to lie. "I promise."

But Luna took it as truth for she breathed her consent and her eyes drooped shut. Seconds later, her breaths evened out and she relaxed into Nashi's hold.

Nasser coughed as he shakily got to his feet and watched as Nashi adjusted to put Luna onto her back. "She has the strength of a tahr," he remarked. "A strength I admire."

"She's trying to be strong so I don't panic." Nashi was able to swing Luna's arms around her neck and adjusted her hold. "She's taken on so much because I can't protect her." She gestured to the Forever Container. "Could you take that? We'll need it. Just don't ask me what it is. The less you know, the better."

Naseer scooped up the dodecahedron without delay and could finally say he felt solid and steady. "Where are we going?"

"We're headed south-east," Nashi told him. "I might not have my Magic, but my papa was a freaking sadist about dropping my brothers and I into the woods or mazes to get better with senses of direction."

Naseer's eyebrows shot up. "He sounds like a strict man."

Nashi sweatdropped as she remembered her father eagerly leaving them to run off with her mother for "Lucy-Time" while her mother balked that was his endgame. "Uh, yeah… Super strict…" She shook her head as she looked around, eyes narrowed. "No guards?"

"Not at the time." Naseer, too, glanced around. "When they rounded up the other prisoners, all the guards went with them."

"And the other prisoners are like you?" Nashi guessed. "Innocent and knew too much?"

Naseer looked uncomfortable as he grimaced. "No… I don't know what happens to the ones who know too much." His eyes flitted to the empty cells around him. "Every prisoner here deserved to be here. They were predators, murderers—amongst other things." He shook his head in disgust. "My nursemaid told me such things, but I never believed it true."

"Hemlock should be here." Hatred burned Nashi's words. "He deserves to rot in here."

Naseer's eyes fell on the unconscious Luna. "That he does. And to think, he was most respected in the castle." He looked sickened. "He was a friend to me. He seemed kind and knowledgeable." Malice raked his eyes. "And he preys on an innocent child."

"Wolf in sheep's clothing." Nashi adjusted Luna to look down the empty hall. "This is probably a trap," she realized. "They know Lu can teleport. They're probably waiting to see if she'd rescue you and try to escape." She tilted her head towards Naseer. "Scared, Prince?"

Naseer snorted. "I might not have a good reputation with my people, but I was taught many skills when I was her age as well as yours. I can handle myself." His eyes fell back to Luna. "But what of her?"

"I'll protect her."

"I know that." Naseer meant no disrespect. "But we both have to admit they'll attempt to use her against both of us. Her life for our submission." Darkness intensified. "So what will you do?"

Nashi met his eyes and she knew the implications behind his words. Turning away, she looked down the hall. "We should get going." Without further preamble, she began the trek. And after a moment, Naseer walked with her.

If they take her… If they use her…Nashi hardened. No. That won't happen. It can't. Lu can't suffer anymore from this mess. There isn't any choice in that. She felt Luna tense and whimper as though a nightmare plagued her. I'm sorry, Lu, but… I just don't have a choice anymore.

---

The entire camp was alert when militant JLTVs came past the second checkpoint with their low beams on to contradict the darkness. Sure, the camp was still well-lit late at night since sentries to the Boundary Forest slept in shifts, but after a briefing from the sergeant, everyone was prepared to see the Fire and Rescue Team and the Anti-Magic Unit coming through the second checkpoint.

Sergeant Anbessie and Officer Kimbley stood side-by-side, though Anbessie noticed Kimbley pressed his L-Pad to his chest and his feathers were ruffled with anxiety. "Chin up, Officer Kimbley," she murmured. "They are on our turf. If they disrespect you, they disrespect this outfit."

Officer Kimbley swallowed and nodded. "Yes, Sergeant." He tried to straighten up and calm his feathers.

The JTLVs had stopped before the tents, but they did not turn off their lights just yet. Officers paraded out of their vehicles, but it was apparent who was who. The Rescue Rangers wore their Star of Life symbol on their uniforms while the Anti-Magic Unit carried the Ankh symbol to reinforce their Magic Council status.

Sergeant Anbessie cried, "Attention!"

Her soldiers went rigid.

Sergeant Anbessie's eyes narrowed when not only did she see the Rescue Chief—a bespeckled intelligent Chimera who had been an anthropomorphic lion merged with a bat and protruded horns—as well as the Anti-Magic Unit Captain—a bearded ruffian who narrowed his eyes at Kimbley who tried to make himself smaller—but then she saw two people she least expected nor wanted on her territory.

"Captain Sterling-Armstrong," she named, "and Lieutenant-Colonel Wan. What a pleasant surprise considering you are out of your depth." Her eyes slid to an angry-looking man and his harnessed black wolf who cleared were outsiders from the Rescue Rangers. "And you've brought friends…and a pet."

The wolf shot Anbessie a growl.

Brika did not seem to care about Anbessie's displeasure. "My lieutenant-colonel and I had a meeting with the Rose Garden Guard Division and imagine the surprise we felt when your call came through of needing officers dispatched due to a missing child. None other than a precious Fairy Tail child no less." Her eyebrow rose. "And I grew even more concerned considering how the child is missing in a forest this size."

Sergeant Anbessie tensed. "That doesn't explain your presence, Captain. We don't need a Guard Captain out here."

"I think you do." Brika's eyes dropped to Kimbley. "And you have a pet of your own. How quaint."

Sergeant Anbessie instinctively put herself a little in front of Kimbley. "Watch that mouth of yours, Captain," she forewarned, "before I have you written up for racism. But you've already received many warnings for your magist views, haven't you? A racist one might kick you out of the force for good."

Gabriel stepped forward when Brika could only scowl. He gave Sergeant Anbessie and Officer Kimbley a bow. "We mean no disrespect," he smoothly assured. "We offered to come in place of the guards in Rose Garden to handle interrogation alongside the Anti-Magic Unit and Rescue Rangers and help with inspection. No other means."

Sergeant Anbessie's eyes flitted to the Anti-Magic Captain and the Rescue Chief. "And both of you are okay with this? Technically, this isn't their battle once your divisions arrive."

The bespeckled Chimera answered first with a distasteful look swept towards Brika. "While we might not agree with Captain Sterling-Armstrong's views towards Magic, Lieutenant-Colonel Wan's services in interrogation will be useful with our own."

⌜ANTI-MAGIC 26TH unit

Name: Aryal

Species: Chimera (Lion and Bat)

Magic: Miasma

Occupation: Captain

Likes: reading Dislikes: mice

Special Note: Aryal is one of the first Chimaera to procure this high level of a position in the Magic Council, but it is only because he has Magic and is an "intelligent Chimaera"! He still faces a lot of adversity!⌟

The Rescue Chief crossed his arms. "We're here to find the kid and help find where any of those other Wizards could have gone. So I don't give a shit what those two are here for as long as they stay out of our way."

⌜FIRE AND RESCUE COMPANY 26

Name: Block

Age: 38

Ability: Master Marksmanship

Occupation: Rescue Chief

Likes: pink ivory Dislikes: fancy restaurants

Special Note: Block is known for his brash personality and his very unusual collection of a certain genre of movies…⌟

Block jerked a thumb back to Li Kang and Wolf. "Brought this fucker and his beast with me since they're bloodhounds who never forget a scent. Borrowed them from Chief West for this since they were in the area." He called back to Kang, "Get a move on, runt!"

"Don't fucking call me 'runt'," Kang snapped as he adjusted Wolf's harness. "You're the one who dragged me into his, grandpa."

TICK!

A tick marked knocked against Block's temple as he barked, "I'm thirty-eight, you son of a bitch, that's still young! Don't make my beat your ass to prove it!"

Kang snorted. "You'd break a hip before you could even land one on me, grandpa."

"The Hell did you say to me?!"

"Oh, wonderful. I feel like this operation is in wonderful, respectful hands," Sergeant Anbessie said dryly. She turned to Aryal and told him, "If your interrogative officers could go with Officer Kimbley who will show them the interrogation tent we set up, I would like to debrief all of you." She nodded to Officer Kimbley.

"Of course." Aryal gestured to one of his officers. "Officer Shiro will make the introductions while we speak, Sergeant."

With that in place, Brika ordered Gabriel to go with him and she swept closer to the sergeant while Aryal and Block turned around to give their officers instructions. Brika hissed to Anbessie, "I overheard a little bit about the Boundary Forest. Why aren't you Council dogs on this more? You and I both know a simple little sentry camp isn't going to protect people."

"I know," Sergeant Anbessie murmured. "But we received orders we would be the only defense."

Brika sneered. "The Magic Council finds new ways to disgust me."

"As it should."

Brika paused, a little surprised at the agreement.

"We've lost Wiccans, Mages, Magicians, and Alchemists to the Boundary Forest," Anbessie continued. "I've attempt to speak with my betters on the matter, but they have made it a point we allow the client to work through the Council for this request to be met with. And those missing have all been adults…"

Brika scowled. "As much as I dislike Magic, those people are still missing."

"Which my superiors understand," Anbessie said. "But they had made it clear missing reports would never hit the main database."

"But they changed their mind for a child?"

"No." Anbessie gave Brika a look of significance. "I did." Her eyes turned to face front. "You of all people should know the Magic Council being totalitaristic entity has many drawbacks. Before citizenship, those with Magic are under Magic Council jurisdiction. And the Faction attempts to change that."

Brika snorted as she crossed her arms. "Don't tell me you believe that bullshit." She shook her head. "The Faction are Magi terrorists rather than lobbyists and they'll destroy everything to get power."

"You never once thought Spiritless and the Magic Council weren't capable of the same?"

"I never said that," Brika denied.

Anbessie hummed as she glanced at Brika.

Brika decided to ask in a lower tone, "How far deep do you think that order came from to cover up all the missing Wizards? From the Chairman? Council members?"

"No. The Chairman is many things, but he has a genuine concern for others. You know as well as I where the corruption starts if it isn't from the head."

Brika looked over the Boundary Forest that somehow looked larger and darker at night. "What exactly is so special about this forest that Wizards are disappearing and the client is adamant about it being completed?"

"No one can say, but I will say one thing about this that I haven't told Officer Kimbley."

"And that would be?"

"I received correspondence from the client about the job." Anbessie looked directly into Brika's eyes. "Once Mister Redfox had taken the job, the client shut down anyone else from accepting it from anywhere."

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Adélie City…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The home was a little more old-fashioned cabin; however, it did have the charm of some more updated appliances such as a new washer and dryer and a brand-new refrigerator. The home carried more modern relics due to the fact the mother was a foreigner from the USM and, thus forth, her children were more invested in Lacrima Games amongst other things while their father tried and failed to get them into the Iñuipav culture and to speak Iñuipakit. The grandfather's bedroom was the furthest in the house and sparse on the inside with only old hunting tools his son and grandson would one day inherit in his passing.

Uki had traded her boots for a looser pair of boot slippers and left her wool parka at the door to do her work in her wool long-sleeve dress and pants. Herbs and creams had been brought along with her in packets and jars respectively alongside her cross and a few talismans as she sat at the bedside of the grandfather, toothless with his jaw bruised and an ulcer on his foot. A basin of water with a rag sat beside her.

The grandfather croaked in Iñuipakit, "How much time do I have?"

"More time than you think, ilannak," Uki replied softly. "But I implore you to consider contacting a taakti—"

Issumatar coughed softly as he tried to shake his head. "You have not failed us, angakkuq. I have lived a good life thanks to you and your iIisaurri and I will remain in your care until I take my place in Narrow Land."

"You will be going to the Land of Day, ilannak," Uki swore to him. "You deserve rest and to see your nuliaksraun. She waits for you there."

Issumatar closed his eyes as Uki put away her cream to watch her hands in the basin. "Please convince my stubborn igñiga to allow me to go to the ice."

Uki went to her sealskin bag to pull out her granite mortar and pestle bowl and grinder before getting out the right packets. "You will not die on that ice, ilannak. We do not practice such things," she reminded, tone calm. "I have prepared the prayer and ritual so you may speak to the Spirits and they may guide you to the Land of Day." She unfurled several packets of herbs into the bowl before getting a jar of creamy liquid and putting around a teaspoon in. Then, she went to grinding the mixture into a poultice.

Issumatar gave a wet wheeze. "Nakurmiik." His eyes cracked open and he turned his head slightly to her. "Please bless my aIjaukaagaitka. I would like to watch my tutaaluga grow from the Land of Day."

"Kanikairut," Uki assured as she finished making it and went to get the pad. "We are almost done. Then, you should rest."

As she slathered the pad with the poultice, he said softly, "You must save the tuungak. It is lost. You must return it home."

Uki hesitated. Then, she murmured, "This might sting a little."

Overall, the process took her ten minutes. She forced Issumatar to drink an herbal tea to help with his pain and aid him in sleep. He dozed off as she backed up all her belongings and scraped the excess into their own containers. She brought out the candle to light and let the aroma swelter the room. Her cross came next as she moved it in a pattern, throatily singing a song from the Old Religion. Once she had, a peace settled over and she strained to feel a spiritual presence, but nothing had come. Setting aside her cross, her talisman was lifted over the candle as she murmured a prayer and watched it burn into ashes. Closing the prayer and the offering to the Spirits, she allowed the calm to wash over the room for a minute before thanking any Spirits who had listened and blew out the candle.

When she came out, packed up, a worried man was there with the same complexion as his father, but he did not curry to tradition. He wore a branded sweatshirt and thermal pants, but his dark hair were twisted into two lengthy braids. He surged forward with panic in his eyes and spoke in Minstrish, "How is he doing? Did he listen to you about the doctor?"

The man was dismayed when Uki shook her head. "No," she sighed. "He's a stubborn one. The diabetes will soon take his foot, but I'm doing everything I can to prevent it." She noticed the man glared at the door and gently said, "Novak, you aren't to blame—"

"But I am to blame for letting him get this far," Novak hissed, but his anger was self-pointed. "I should have forced him into a hospital a long time ago—"

"How an elder chooses their fate is their choice," Uki carefully reminded. She hesitated. "But he did ask to be put on the ice again."

Novak's face dropped in horror. "You said, 'no', right? I'm not doing that to my father. We don't even practice that anymore!"

"He just wants to go to the Land of Day with your mother," Uki told him with a grimace, "but, yes, I told him, 'no'. When he's ready, I'll perform the ritual so he may speak to the Spirits and the Ocean Goddess and confess his sins so he can rest easier traveling to the Land of Day."

Novak gave a relieved sigh and Uki a beyond-grateful look. "Thank you," he breathed. "We all appreciate you, Shaman Uki."

"Not everyone," Uki said flatly.

Novak gave her a patiently knowing look. "Tradition got us so far," he said, timbre soft, "but it's not the only way to live. The Spirits and our gods can't solve our problems. Doctors can. They're just angry you're trying to combine both when it isn't their way." He glanced at the closed door to Issumatar's room. "If only he'd see it. My kids keep worrying every time he closes his eyes, he's leaving us."

"They're welcome to stop by my home," Uki proffered. "Some children take comfort in the spiritual teachings and it makes it easier for them when a loved one died. Something to think about."

Novak grimaced. "I'll have to ask Aria. She isn't too crazy about…"

"I understand." Uki did not need him to finish. She thinks we're all crazy, but she doesn't want to seem disrespectful to her husband's culture. "Just a thought." She shouldered her bag. "I'll be taking my leave first."

"I'll walk you to the door."

After strapping on her boots and her parka, she gave a final bow to Novak and was set to walk back to her home when she noticed an armored Lacrima Car was waiting for her at the end of the drive. A woman got out, confidence in her golden eyes and turned a few heads. Uki approached her as she drew in any emotions. "Miss Wilson." Tone clipped.

"Shaman Uki." Miss Wilson gestured to the car. "Care for a ride back to your home?"

"No." Uki lifted her chin. "But I doubt I have a choice."

Miss Wilson flashed that smile. "You always have a choice. Your choice is to choose wisely." She opened the back car door.

Uki filed inside and noticed a partition prevented her from seeing the driver. The moment Miss Wilson was inside and situated, the driver automatically knew to start and needed no directions. Uki did not comment on that. Instead, she questioned, "Checking in on me since your client left early?"

"Yes and no." Miss Wilson dropped the pretenses. "I wanted to see how you're holding up with all that Anti-Ether gear and when you'll start trusting Skade to do the right thing."

This was why Uki liked Miss Wilson a little. She cut to the chase. No fruitful words. "The Anti-Ether is working fine," she answered, "and as for the Devil, I think I'll stick to Gary."

"And you think just having Gary for a teacher will kill all those compulsions?" Miss Wilson challenged. "Whether you like or not—which you don't—you need Skade to teach you about your Curse. Gary can only help you part of the way." She shook her head. "Stop acting like a child."

Uki's gaze sharpened. "Stop acting like this is supposed to be easy," she hissed. "I've been living with this forsaken Curse for near ten years and living a façade as a Shaman who can't see or speak to Spirits."

"So you're initial life's purpose got ruined. My initial life's purpose was ten times worse and I turned out fine." Miss Wilson arched an eyebrow. "What are you afraid? The more you learn about the Curse, the more you might give into the Curse's demands and turn out like Skade? Trying to live a life of denial?"

She hit ten nerves with that observation and Uki looked out the window. Well, glared out the window was more accurate. "I'm not ready."

"Finally. We get the truth," Miss Wilson deadpanned. "No shit you aren't ready. You aren't ready to accept that, yes, the Curse you live with is a Curse and, yes, you're going to feel a pull to do selfish, irresponsible things—"

"If you know that this is what the Curse does, why are you all so adamant I learn about it?" Uki tested.

"Because, O Shaman, learning about your Curse and learning what you're dealing with better prepares you to fight back and look for signs," Miss Wilson retorted. "You think Gary was a big ball of sunshine every day and never had urges? Of course he did. But he learned to control him."

That confused Uki visibly. "He's a human though," she pointed out. "How can he be affected?"

"How can he not?" Miss Wilson questioned back. "You keep separating Gary and Skade, but they are one in the same. They share a body. They share emotions. They might have separate thoughts, but they're connected. Gary feels the Curse's compulsions. It might not be as strong as Skade, but he lives with that Curse every day trying to convince him of doing things he would never try to do himself."

Uki snorted. "I find that hard to believe," she muttered. "He seems perfectly in control which is why I only want him to teach me. I don't need that Devil to taint me anymore. He's the reason I'm like this."

Miss Wilson softened. "And they know that," she murmured. "They're trying to make it right, Uki."

Uki shot her a dark look. "Then why is the Chairman ignoring my requests for an Exorcist?" she accused. "I want to get rid of this Curse and that's the best way to do it. Siphon it out of me or something."

"Exorcism isn't as black and white as cultures paint it out to be," Miss Wilson reminded. "And Exorcists are hard to come by. Back when madness ran rampant, Exorcists were targeted and used in power plays." Gold darkened. "Too many bloodlines for Exorcists were wiped out or weren't watched carefully. Those from those bloodlines might get bad feelings from something, but they don't have any power for an exorcism." Her eyes slid to the window. Except for one bloodline.

Uki huffed. "There has to be an Exorcist out there," she argued. "The Chairman would know. He just refuses to tell me because I'm his little experiment."

"You don't know the first thing about being an experiment."

Uki, taken back at the chilliness in Miss Wilson's tone, dipped her head and decided to say, "I just want to be free from all this." Her eyes fled to Miss Wilson. "Please. You have to help me find an Exorcist to get this Curse out of me."

"I don't 'have' to do anything," Miss Wilson muttered. "Listen to me, Shaman Uki, and listen well. Your Curse might seem like a curse, but it would be a blessing to the powerless. You can either learn to control your Curse or let your Curse control you. You can even help people from your Curse—"

"Don't say that to me," Uki snapped. "I've seen what the Curse can do."

"No, Uki." Miss Wilson shook her head. "You've seen what your Curse can do uncontrolled. But have you taken the time to see what your Curse can do controlled? Who you can save and protect?"

"We're talking around the Exorcist suggestion—"

"Uki—"

"You have to help me." Uki was not below begging. "Please. I know Exorcists exist, Miss Wilson, I just know they do. One of them can help cleanse me so I'm not an impure evil monster any more—" Her breath caught when Miss Wilson swiveled to give her a golden stare vacant of everything outside intensity.

"A Curse is not what makes you evil or impure or a monster," Miss Wilson said lowly. "To have no empathy, to kill without remorse, to refuse growth and change, to refuse that sanctity of life—that's what makes you evil, impure, and a monster."

The car stopped, but neither woman got out.

"Let me be clear." Miss Wilson had a sharpness stabbing her words. "People think that light and darkness, good and evil, are from a race. But you've seen it yourself with the people you help. Every person here has light and darkness. So why should anything else be different?"

"Because Curses aren't good—!"

"And the Curse itself might not be good," Miss Wilson gave her with her chin raised, "but I know some good people who are Cursed. And they control their Curse for the greater good. If you'd stop being a petty, prejudiced child, you would see you could be one of those people."

Uki held back from her sneer. "Thank you for the ride home."

"Of course." Miss Wilson sat back in her seat. "I'll be keeping in touch with you during this week and weekend."

Uki exited the car. "Can't wait."

"And Uki?"

Reluctantly, the Shaman looked back at Miss Wilson in question.

"Try to keep an open mind. After all, you're a Cursed Shaman still saving people." Miss Wilson's head tilted. "Think about that." She reached over and closed the door.

Uki took a few steps back as the car drove away before she trudged down the path to her private home. I might be Cursed, but I'll find an Exorcist, she determined. They exist. They have to exist. An Exorcist is out there. She fled into her home, unpacked and disrobed her parka and boots, and made her way to her PAL. While most Shamans were frowned upon for having modern technology, she broke from tradition. But considering she was the first Cursed Shaman, she had already broken tradition. She brought up her search about Exorcists. Please. There has to be one that can help me. And maybe even get rid of the leech Devil off of Gary.

Her eyes drifted over the symbol of the Exorcist—a budded cross.

---

Gary was aware of Kyler's eyes on his back. It bothered Skade—grated the Winter Devil, really—and the longer Kyler's glances were, the twitchier Gary became with Skade prowling in his mind. One moment had led to Skade's growl rumbling through Gary's chest and he hissed, Stop it.

He stares at us, Skade hissed back. I do not like it. Make him stop or I will.

He's an ally, Skade, Gary reminded. He's looking out for us—

Or he is waiting for an opportunity.

Gary's head turned only just. He could tell Kyler was keeping Tesla calm to ensure she did not question their change of direction nor freak out over the use of Telepathy. A pit in Gary's stomach emerged. What do you mean?

You are no fool, brother, Skade rumbled. That fear that you kept hidden is a fear I feel ten times.

Ice traveled up Gary's veins when that small fear he thought he had gotten rid of came back to bite him. The whispers came and went with silences in between. He swallowed. Skade, it's the Curse and this place, he insisted. It's… It's trying to trick us. We can't trust anything right now. His eyes shut for a moment. We're just jumpy. With him close, we're just off-center.

But you thought what I thought. Skade's growl was low and warning. The Enoch… He tied himself to Malã'ika.

Gary's hands twitched and he slowly retreated them into his cloak. Winter breezed over him and his skin crawled. Stop, he pleaded, but that subtle fear was no longer so subtle. Skade, we aren't thinking straight—

It is like before. At the bad place. Skade's voice shook as the whispers crooned in Gary's ears. The Enoch… He is a test for us.

No. But Gary flinched when winter touched his skin. That's not—

"You will become the perfect winter. You will give me a perfect effort."

He's… He's not a test. Gary could hear the giggles and gurgles crowd his head as Skade's own fear and agitation toxically fed into his. Kyler is a friend. He told us himself he loves Nashi like a sister. But there it was. The uncertainty. The seed of doubt that took root and would not go no matter the reassurances.

Winter crowded his ear. "You have five minutes. Do not disappoint me—"

Frost puffed from Gary's half-face mask as he exhaled. Tests… The tests… His mind jumped as memories filled his eyes. Sparse memories of Kyler's tenderness with Nashi. A crying woman tied to a pole, gagged and eyes pleading. The feeling of winter consuming him.

Frost tickled him. "What are you waiting for? Give me a perfect effort."

Silver danced in his eyes.

One moment, Tesla felt disgusting and moist and in desperate need of a shower; the next, she was freezing cold where her nose was numb and she felt like she had been doused in ice water. Her mouth opened—

Kyler put a hand on Tesla's shoulder with a finger to his lips. He murmured aloud, "Gary… Is everything okay?"

It took Gary several moments to respond in a scathing tone, "Yeah. Everything is fine." His hands clenched to fists. "I don't need you to check-in on me. Why don't you worry about Angel considering you were ready to take her away from me?"

Tesla's eyebrows flew up.

Turquoise glowed. "I hope you're not insinuating I have inappropriate thoughts for my sister-in-wings." Kyler measured his tone with care. "I love her as family."

"With the way you look at her, we both know that's a lie."

Kyler pulled Tesla to a stop and Cullen eventually shadowed over to them.

Gary stopped as well.

"Why don't you tell me what this is about?" Kyler asked. "Because I don't know where these unfounded ideas are coming from and, right now, saving those siblings are more important than anything else—more important than your hatred."

A threatening snarl.

Tesla, get behind me, Kyler ordered.

Tesla did so, gulping. Is he having an episode?

Yes. Kyler allowed his aura to gather in his hands. And he plans to kill me to fulfill it. Cullen, get Tesla closer to the weak spot.

What? Tesla sent the Shadower a panicked look when he tugged at her cloak. No!

Trust me. Kyler did not take his eyes off a tense Gary. You can't stay for this.

But… Tesla did not fight when Cullen nudged her back the way they came. But she could not help looking over her shoulder at Gary in worry. Please, Gary, let us help you.

Kyler waited until Cullen had guided Tesla down another hall to say, "You're being blinded by your memories. That's understandable. But we are here to help you—"

"You're here to take her away from me." Hands turned to claws. "You're a test. He said the tests wouldn't end until I came pure winter."

While Kyler knew he had to be calm, even his heart broke hearing the numb finality in Gary's tone like he had accepted that was his life. Tests. Experiments. "The test I stand as isn't for you to prove yourself to that man," he told Gary. "It is to prove Nashi matters to you."

"You're a test." Ice and darkness crawled up his arms. "If I kill you, they won't hurt me. They won't hurt Angel." The whispers and gurgles and giggles plagued him as winter drowned him. "Kill him…" Man and Devil ready to serve their only purpose. "No more tests. Pure…ice…"

Kyler readied himself. Knocking him unconscious is my only bet to keep him sane. I don't want to hurt him and I don't want him to hurt himself, but… He thought back to his early relationship days with Mirella. Restraint might be the only way.

Gary exhaled frost through his half face mask with cerulean gone and only icy-blue-silver remaining. His hands flexed as black claws thirsty to break flesh and bubble blood to the surface. The screams rivaled the whispers and gurgles in his head. Skade howled, vibrating from the need to give a perfect effort.

Wild reds.

With a bone-chilling snarl, Gary whirled around—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

—but the sewer was gone.

His stomach dropped and his heart stopped.

The Room.

He was in The Room with white walls, white ceiling, white floor. No windows and no sign of a door. He thought he was alone. But his ear perked when he heard the sound of sniffling. He turned around.

Blood and urine had sprayed the floor.

Nothing about the body looked like it could leave. Bone marrow and fat deposits had been exposed to leak out in heavy supply. With each harried breath, a new wave of blood poured with no remorse. Jaw dislodged, it became apparent the body's tongue was gone. No. It had been ripped out in a frenzy and let on what remained of the body's leg. But the most noticeable feature was the ice. An arm that should have been attached to the body had been broken solid and shattered off, leaving jagged remains. Eyes that should have been able to blink were keeled over in frost that would never melt away. If you could look past the bleeding and puss, you could see signs of frost in the back of the throat.

A dying body smelt clinical and dusty at the same time. But a mutilated body ripped with no hope of being pieced back together… A nauseating metallic scent tinged in piss, an eye-watering spice, and heavy sweat flooded your nose and you would never forget it.

"No…" Gary stepped away as horror filled him and he could not help but whimper. "No… No, no, no…"

Winter clung to him as a cold hand patted his head. "Very good. You're getting faster as expected." Praised spoiled in detachment and by the tang of blood. "You're almost pure ice."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"No, no, no…"

Kyler lost his edge when the feral look in Gary's eyes dissipated. A film hazed Gary's glare and the burning hatred had broken down into absolute dread. He dropped to his knees as he whimpered and tears of ice rained down his cheeks. Claws tug into his hair as he shook his head. "No, no, no… I didn't… I… I…"

"Gary," Kyler tried to call.

But Gary would not listen as he curled in on himself. "No… Don't make me…" Ice flooded beneath him and ate up the mixture of stone that made the sewer floor. "No… Not her…"

Kyler's breath came out in frost and he did not have to look to know the besmirched water had frozen over without fail with the temperature drop. Ice blossomed and crackled over whatever it could. It would not help it. The ice was an instinctual response and would do its preset duty to spread and spread until everything was ice.

"Please," Gary beseeched, "don't make me… Don't make me…" He violently shook his head and jagged icicles stretched down from the ceiling and poked from the floor to surround Gary as though defending him. "I didn't… I…"

Kyler had to suppress a shiver when Gary looked at him with hazed eyes with iced streaks down his cheeks. "Gary—"

"Kill me," Gary begged of him. "Kill me, please! I-I don't…!" The icicles gained ground and size. "Kill me!" he shrieked. "I killed them! I deserve to die!" He bowed over. "Kill me!"

Kyler waved his hands as a translucent shield appeared to count missiles of ice fired around Gary that hit everything to douse it in the coldest ice known to man tainted in despair. He looked up when snow rained down as a secondary response and a whistle of wind rolled his cloak and hair. "Gary," he called in a collected tone like he was soothing a child. "You don't deserve to die."

"Monster…" Gary and Skade were one they lamented. "Don't…make me… I don't…want to kill…"

STEP… STEP…

Kyler's eyes narrowed. "Come out here right now!" he ordered. "I sense your Curse!"

STEP… STEP…

A thurible gently swung from left to right to left to right as a thing black smoke breathed from its pores and into the world.

"'O ye who believe'," came honeyed voice with maturity behind it and naught else. "'Turn to God with sincere repentance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow'."

Gary whimpered as his claws raked down, his tears burning the ice into dry ice. "Please…" he begged. "Don't make me… I don't… Kill me…"

STEP… STEP…

"'Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord," the honeyed voice continued to preach, "in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord'."

Kyler spread his wings as his Blessing wound around his person. "You who dares mocks the Presence, come and face an Agent of Them," he dared.

STEP… STEP… STEP…

Deep breath in… Deep breath out… "Yes… You are a half-Angel. Impure. A disgrace to the message."

"Kill me," Gary and Skade screamed. "Let me die with them! Don't make me…! No… No…!"

"Release my charge at once," Kyler hissed as his wings flexed as his sight pierced through the haze of snow and ice and despair to seek out the source.

"No."

The footsteps stopped.

"I don't think I will."

Kyler saw them. He saw them through Gary's despaired winter. He saw them stand with that metal mask that showed cowardice as they concealed their face. He saw them in a black ferraiolo and a mitre wrongfully sat on their heads. The thurible went to and fro as it distributed the black smoke, but that was not the only thing that this intruder had brought with them. Hordes of creatures born of darkness and who gave into their selfish desire had come with them, inhaling the despair in the air like it was their lifeblood and their personal arousal. Some panted as they locked their gazes on a distraught Gary, but it was unknown if their predatory gaze was lust or bloodlust for the whimpers and screams that he alternated as he begged for a death sentence.

"A false priest who is a slave to their Curse." Kyler jerked his hand for the Staff of Miracles to obediently lay in his fingers tip, thrumming with power.

"An impure Agent meddling with mortal affairs," the masked priest shot back. "Don't you have more important affairs to deal with considering your kind?"

⌜ALVAREZ EMPIRE

Name: Priest

Curse: Confessional

Occupation: Priest of the Church of Zeref

Likes: N/A Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Priest is not the first "Priest", but a replacement of the Priest before him! Can anyone guess who was before him?⌟

"Right now, my charge you are corrupting is important." Kyler flapped his wing and winds of turquoise sliced through to stall the spread of ice and melt the snow. Gary had caged himself in ice as he whimpered and cried, but his physical grief would not infect anyone or anything else. "I ask you once more. Let him go."

But Priest continued to swing the thurible. "He isn't your charge. He is still under Invel's protection. And he is a Devil who needs to be given his penitence."

Kyler's eyes flickered as Gary sobbed as those ugly wings sprouted from his back and half his face was consumed in his Curse as he begged to die. "And a false prophet traps those who confess in their sins and nightmares?" he spat in question. "You have no right."

Priest did not even flinch. "I have every right, half-breed. The Devil requires penitence only I can give him which will be to complete the journey Invel has set him on. Whether or not you agree is irrelevant. That is Invel's wish."

"To torture and torment the boy again?" Kyler challenged.

"Invel would never torture his greatest possession," Priest supplied. "He only wants to perfect the imperfect and the Devil is still imperfect. And Invel has high aspirations for his precious, little…"

Gary threw back his head as he screamed with the haze in his eyes consumed in black and his tears turned dark as night.

"…Morningstar…"

---

The catacombs were a maze meant to confuse, but Nashi did not panic. Chiseled into the caverns had been pathways, arches, inscriptions, but the lack of natural light from anywhere made it clear they were further down than she could think. It felt like their quiet walk had gone on for hours. Naseer was right. Telling time would be difficult in a dank place like this if Nashi had not been inwardly counting and trying to take note of anything that stood out to mark where they were and had been. Only twice had they had to stop twice for bathroom breaks, once for an embarrassed Naseer and the next for a half-asleep Luna who quickly fell back asleep at Nashi's coaxing.

They were trekking through a particularly dark tunnel within the catacombs. Even if Nashi had her Magic, she would not have risked creating a light with the situational conditions they were in. They had to rely upon their other senses instead and at a slow pace. Naseer had gone before her as he made sure to touch the wall every so many paces in the event of a turn. Nashi had not minded the silence with her thoughts tangled and her attention split so many ways, but Naseer had.

It's harder for me to keep direction without any natural light to see a shadow placement, but we did see some moss a while back, so I think we're headed east. Moss typically grows north here but not always. Still, it's better than nothing, Nashi thought. The moment we can get everyone together, I'll have to have Kyler heal Luna. I know it's a cop-out, but he'll need to keep her calm until we can get home. I don't want her to break down in this place. She's cried enough here. I wonder where they are. He told us it would most likely take them two to four hours on foot—two hours minimum if they don't encounter too many problems.

Her eyes squinted when Naseer nudged her at a turn, and she could see light coming up fast. Naseer and her emerged into the tunnel that had work light wired to the sides. It did not look like a team had been down to clear out the jagged walls and floors for something smoother, but someone had taken the effort to light this tunnel.

Both of them stopped.

Naseer looked down at her. "Well?"

"I don't like being in light, but we have no choice," Nashi murmured. She readjusted Luna. "Let's go."

Naseer nodded and stayed at her side.

They walked in silence for a few moments before Naseer regarded Nashi's somber profile and quietly said, "For a little girl, you're quite resilient."

TICK!

Nashi locked her jaw. "I'm going to overlook that 'little girl' part, but thanks." Her eyes softened. "Don't get me wrong. I'm constantly worrying about what's happening to Luke right now and what happened to Luna and my friends coming to meet us. But if I start panicking, that won't get us closer to freedom or closer to home."

"A wise outlook," Naseer concurred. He hesitated. "Was your life in Fiore always this cruel?"

Nashi shot him a confused yet teasing look. "Really? Small talk? Now?"

"Why not?"

Nashi sighed as her eyes turned front. "Why not indeed?" She paused to resettle Luna and they were off again. "No, our lives in Fiore aren't like this." A beat. "Well, it's not this dramatic?" But then she thought about everything that had happened the past five months and a comically uncomfortable look darkened her face. "You know what? That answer is a little complicated."

Naseer sweatdropped. "A yes or no answer is complicated?"

I mean I could tell you how we're half-Etherious, my papa has four-hundred years over my mama, we've been fighting Demons and Warlocks, Luna and her friend got sent to the past, my team and I got yeeted to Bellum, I nearly died and came back half-Angel, my brother tried to destroy half of our home town, I came out in a poly relationship on international lacrimavision, and my sister can see the future, but, hey, it's all good because I have a stalker boyfriend who likes worshipping me and all of us are pretty much straight A students, but somehow, I don't think you'll be able to handle all that.

Taking Nashi's silence as an answer, Naseer sighed and faced front. "I thought my life was complicated," he confided. "But ever since I was trapped down here, I realized it wasn't."

"Well, yeah, you're a rich prince."

Lightning struck Naseer.

"I've been Empress-elect or however that goes for, like two days, and if you take out the kidnapping, physical and mental torment, and the fact a pedophile has been violating my sister—Lu and I got to eat ice cream with gold sprinkles and I never had to dress myself, so yeah. Your life before all this must have been so complex, old man."

TICK!

Naseer lifted his chin, expression pinched, as he muttered, "I'll overlook that comment for now." Eyes softening, he confessed, "Yes, I know before this, I lived in luxury and took much of it for granted. My own people hate me because I never took my duties as Crowned Prince as seriously as my father wanted me to. Instead of doing public outings and openings for the new section of the royal library and welcoming students to come study here and visiting the clinics, I was…" He cringed.

Nashi hummed. "Let me guess… You were probably out partying…"

Naseer stiffened.

"…and throwing back drinks and maybe even doing drugs…"

Naseer cracked.

"…and you were probably seen with a new girl every single date…"

Naseer was near broken.

"…and, since I saw this on some USM reality show, I'll take a wild guess and say you probably even had a pregnancy scandal."

Naseer was shattered.

Nashi lifted a brow at the mentally down and out Naseer. "Am I right?"

Cheeks a little pink, Naseer cleared his throat. "Maybe."

Nashi snorted and shook her head. "I just don't understand. It's not like I want this power that you have or anything, but I want the power to elicit change in my own way and I'm doing everything I can to do that." She offered him a sidelong glance. "Why aren't you?"

Naseer gave a bitter laugh. "Because I was selfish for years and this is my punishment?" He shook his head. "I don't know. I had plenty of time in my cell between beatings and feedings to think about it, but I don't have an excuse. My people deserve better for me. But even if I was the perfect prince, they would never accept me."

"I don't think that's true."

"You don't know Alvarez," Naseer snorted.

"No, I don't," Nashi honestly admitted. "I don't know anything about this place except my uncle created it and everyone in this Empire wants his bloodline to lead again."

"See?"

"But do you know why they want the bloodline to lead again?"

"Because you're the heir of Zeref," Naseer answered as though the question was obvious.

Nashi shook her head. "From what Lu says and I figured out, everyone worshipped the ground our dead uncle walked on. They loved him. It's not that they love me for me. They haven't even seen what I can do. But they love the idea of my uncle so much." She coughed and sniffed. "I get it. From how it was explained to me, the Alvarezites suddenly lost Zeref and that was that. They didn't even have time to grieve because your dad took the crown or whatever. I don't think they need me on the throne, but maybe they need a proper time to grieve Zeref and celebrate him." Even though he was the Black Mage, turned Papa into a Demon, and is the reason for this mess.

Naseer thought on that. "Maybe…" He shook his head. "But you said you want to incite change. Being an Empress, you have political influence and as the known heir to Zeref, you would be unstoppable."

"I don't want that sort of power or responsibility," Nashi negated. "The change I'll be making might be social and political, but I don't need to rule a country to do that. I can do this without worrying about food shortages and passing laws."

Naseer hummed. "Out of curiosity, what are you trying to change?"

"I'm trying to change perspectives." Nashi shot him a glance. "Tell me this. What's your opinion on Devils?"

Naseer raised an eyebrow. "'Devils'. In religion, they are considered evil. In children's tales, they are evil. That's all there is to know."

"I thought so." Nashi tried to do away with the disappointment. "I'm trying to change the narrative forced on Dark Creatures and people with Curses and also Aberrant. Basically anyone different."

Naseer gave her a wide-eyed look. "Why would you do that? Those people—those things—are dangerous and belong in prison where they can't hurt anyone."

Nashi fought back from the barbed retorted and forced out, "And that's your ignorance talking."

"You think evil can be redeemed?" Naseer argued. "Murderers, terrorists, and rapists, Nashi—that's what they are—!"

"No, it isn't!" Nashi stopped and turned a firm glare on Naseer who glared right back. "No one race—no one power—is just evil or good no matter how much you want to paint it that way! Humans can be doctors and lawyers, but they can also be murderers and rapists. So, tell me this, Your Highness, are all humans good or bad then?" With a huff, she took up walking.

It took Naseer a few moments to catch up to her stride. "You're being delusional—"

"No, what's 'delusional' is thinking that things portrayed as evil will always be evil," Nashi snapped. "My god, what sort of racist and magist mindset is that?"

"'Racist and magist'?" Naseer echoed in disbelief.

"Yes, and I'll say it again," Nashi mocked. "That's backwards logic." She shook her head. "And here I would think someone who wants to do better to give their people what they deserve would be more open-minded."

Naseer scowled as he put a hand on Nashi's arm to stop her. "A good ruler would not allow that sort of evil to descend upon their subjects—"

"No, Naseer, a good ruler would be able to differentiate the good from bad among all races," Nashi retorted. "I'm trying to undo a lot of my backwards thinking too. I still have some prejudices from what we were told when we are kids, but it took me a while to realize good and evil are in everything and everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a Demon or a damn unicorn—everyone is capable of great evil or great good. A good ruler would know that." She jerked out of his hold to start walking.

Naseer instantly matched her, but he said nothing.

They walked in silence.

Damn people for thinking the worst about everything, Nashi growled. But she let go of some of her anger. But… I was like that too. And honestly… If it wasn't for my papa being an Etherious Demon… If it wasn't for Gary and Skade… Would I even be thinking like this at all? It's easy to see why people would hate them considering Demons and Dark Creatures and Curses and Black Magic were on every bad side of a war, but… I'm a half Demon. My papa is a full-blooded Demon. We're not evil; we're just…different. We're people. But how long would it take until the world saw us like that?

Tense moments passed between them before they came to a crossroad in which the next hallway had been excavated to have smooth walls, a flat floor, and more intimate lighting fixtures. As they traveled, their eyes were on anything and everything and it was better to travel in silence. A nice hallway like this meant it was well-traveled or would be traveled eventually. Lucky, no doors were available, but that did not mean people did not use this hallway for whatever they needed.

All at once, Nashi took one more step and three things happened: her shoulders blades burned, Luna roused awake, and the Forever Container in Naseer's hands began to vibrate.

"Nashi…?" Luna wriggled and forced Nashi to put her down on her feet. "Where…are we…? How long have I been out?"

Nashi hissed as she hunched over from the inconvenient burning. "With breaks, we've been walking for over an hour, so you've been out for around that long." Her nose scrunched as she straightened up. "How do you feel?"

"And why is this thing vibrating?" Naseer questioned, eyes on the dodecahedron.

Luna rubbed her eyes. "I feel fine." She tried to blink the sleep from her eyes. "But I felt funny." Her eyes turned down the hall. "Something's down there." Her eyes went to the Forever Container. "I think they sense it too."

"A Demon?" Nashi feared.

Luna's brow furrowed as though that was the hardest question she had ever received. "Mmmm… No, I don't think so. At least not exactly. I can't describe it." Her head turned down the other way of the hallway. "Should we go back?" She stole back the Forever Container with gentle hands.

"No, we should keep going," Nashi decided. "Where did you sense it?"

Luna pointed further down the hall where another hallway crossed over and blocked this hallway from going down anymore. "Down there. Something's not right." She took Nashi's hand in hers. "Should we see it?"

Nashi rolled her lips. "What do you think?"

Luna looked at the Forever Container. "We should. If it really is a Demon…" She shot her sister a worried look, fully awake.

"I know." Nashi turned to Naseer with a cool expression. "Well, are you coming with us?"

Naseer grunted. "I don't have a choice."

"Wonderful." Nashi guided Luna forward. "Let's see what we're dealing with."

For the rest of the walk, none of the three spoke. The Forever Container calmed as though it realized it would see what was pulling it inside. Luna kept her eyes wide and her hand tightly clasped on Nashi's while her sister did the same. It was not lost on her that Naseer looked highly out of his element and she could not help the amusement of it all. Served him right.

The crossing hallway came up and all three stopped.

Nashi turned to Luna. "Which way?"

Luna pointed at the wall. "There."

Naseer blanched. "The wall gave you a bad feeling?"

"It's beyond the wall." Luna let go of Nashi—who stopped Naseer from yanking back her sister with a warning look—to approach the wall after making sure no one else was coming down the hall. Her hand touched the wall and felt stone underneath which was normal for this was a wall after all. Her eyes closed, she let a shoulder rising and falling deep breath take over her and let a jolt of her Magic pass through stone.

Naseer had to take a step back when a section of the wall imprinted itself and cut out dual stone doors with symbols he had never seen before. But Luna and Nashi had seen the symbol before. Nashi swept forward to hold Luna's hand and give it a squeeze as both sisters looked at the symbol.

The upside-down pentagram.

"What…is that?" Naseer whispered.

"Remember how you used to think Demons were kids' stuff?" Nashi asked him. "It isn't, Naseer." She looked down at her sister for a sign she was distressed, but all she caught was a hint of anxiety. "Should we go in?"

Luna swallowed. "I think we should."

"No!" Naseer grabbed Nashi's arm and hissed, "Are you insane? She's just a girl who has been through something horrible and isn't thinking straight—"

Nashi jerked Naseer off her and hissed back, "And this girl is responsible for thousands of lives being saved. Shut up." She turned back to Luna and gentled her voice. "We'll go in together, okay?"

Luna squeezed Nashi's hand. "Okay."

Nashi took the plunge of stepping forward and pushed one of the doors open. It was obvious these doors had been used time and time again for it was easy to push one open with very little noise and dirt coming off it. Nashi entered and kept Luna a little bit behind her, but both sisters had never expected the door to lead to this. A hallway had come about, but the hallway gave way to square openings on one side that could have been windows if they had glass. But those opens revealed a far bigger space than anticipated—one that made Luna and Nashi gawk.

Naseer reluctantly came inside, eyes wild darting, and hissed, "Okay. We've seen it. Now can we…?" But his voice was lost as he looked around. "What the…?"

The room before them was a grand chamber turned into something similar to a shrine or spiritual place—something similar. Stone stars spiraled down from their position and onto the floor. Hundreds of waxy candles were placed within the great chamber, unlit but it was obvious they were well used. A little altar had been present with its own large stone table and two long candles, but it had nothing else on it so it was difficult to say what the stone table was used for. But that was not what had caught their attention.

A sigil had been chiseled into the floor and took up the near expanse of the entire floor. A circle within a circle took place with an unfamiliar language filling the ring. The symbol in the middle was one Nashi could only describe as perfectly symmetrically and sickeningly so. At the north, south, east, and west points, stone stands had gathered with their own bowls, but one of them, instead, had a glass jar sealed for safekeeping.

The Forever Container vibrated.

"What is this?" Naseer whispered.

"I think…this is a summoning circle." Nashi could not believe it. "They're not just trying to summon a Demon. These people are trying to summon a specific Demon."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Naseer tried to shake his head. "No…" He backed away. "No, my father… He would never allow this… Demons aren't real. They're the villains in stories."

Nashi had little patience for Naseer's denial and paid attention to her sister instead. "I can only get bad vibes from being here. I think we can both recognize the demonic energy," she recognized. "But I guess… I guess I never thought about different seals for different Demons." The pocket watches, she remembered. The Warlock pocket watches should have the upside-down pentagram, but… Aunt Levy explained that a symbol is more of a symbol for the cause. Warlocks have tattoos for their specific Demon they contracted, but records of all those sigils for the different Demons are long gone.

"Something isn't right."

Nashi hummed in question. "What do you mean?"

Luna frowned. "I…can't explain it, but something about this doesn't feel right. I know you're right. This is a summoning circle, but…" She cut herself off in frustration as she scanned the larger-than-life sigil. Something about this sigil doesn't seem right. Something on here is…familiar… Have I seen it in a vision? A dream maybe? I can't remember… She shook her head. "Either way, it makes sense about the bad feeling I got from being here. I thought it was just H-Hemlock"—her voice quivered just in remembrance of him—"but now I know it was more." Her eyes widened in fear. "Nashi, we have to destroy it," she insisted. "If they try to summon something, people could die."

"No one needs another rogue Demon," Nashi agreed. "But how can we destroy it? Your Magic can be slightly offensive, but you're not at one-hundred-percent to destroy something this big. Even if you could, we don't know what's underneath." She glared at the symbol. "If I had my Magic, I probably could have screwed up the sigil and purified the place, but we're out of luck on that."

"What do we do?" Luna fretted. "We can't just leave this here."

Nashi tried to consider every possibility. "Well—"

"How are you two so calm?" Naseer snapped. "This is bullshit! A Demon? Are you serious?"

Nashi let out an exasperated sigh. "Naseer, I get you lived under a rock full of sex and drinking and irresponsibility, but, please, wake up," she snapped. "Demons are real. Your childhood stories had a little truth in them. Now, help us figure out a way to stop this mess."

"And you said Demons deserved fair judgment," Naseer sneered, "when all of that was crap that you don't believe in."

Nashi whirled around to snarl, "I do believe in it! But where Demons come, they give some power to people who aren't the most responsible with them! You think I want Alvarez to be overrun with power-hungry Warlocks? I'm thinking about innocent lives unlike you!"

Luna tugged at Nashi's sleeve. "Nashi—"

"Demons? Warlocks? Are you even listening to yourself?" Naseer hissed. "This is just cult nonsense! No one can actually summon Demons just like no one can summon a god!" He shook his head. "Just like I thought. A little girl believing bedtime stories."

"Nashi—"

Nashi scathingly retorted, "And you're an ignorant entitled prince who—!"

Nashi!

"What?" Nashi whipped her head, ready to spew fire, to see Luna's paled face and dread replaced her rage. What's wrong?

Can't you feel it? It's…—chocolate filled with dread—cold…

Nashi did belatedly realize it was cold. She had not even noticed her breath came out in a visible huff or how her skin tingled, warmth draining away. She tried to gather Luna behind her. Luna, stay behind me—

No.

Nashi shot her sister a wide-eyed look when Luna adamantly stuck close. Luna, this isn't—

He can hurt you. I can protect you. Luna grabbed Nashi's hand tightly with strength in her young eyes even though slight fear remained. I have to protect you. I can do this.

Nashi sighed. Lu—

"Your Majesty," came cold chide, "you just seek to disappoint me."

It hit her so suddenly.

Luna gasped when Nashi fell to her knees with her hands on her throat as she wheezed frost, pupils blown in terror. "Nashi!" Luna did not hesitate to grab hold of her sister, but…

Her skin… It's ice-cold… Oh, no…

"And Your Highness… Causing more trouble. Hemlock did report to me you were in such a fragile state." Silk frost expelled. "He's preoccupied with something else, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind to relax you if you continue this behavior."

Terror thickened Luna's tongue as she clung to a convulsing Nashi desperate to breathe. "Stay calm for Nashi," she pleaded herself as she remembered. "Can't… Nashi needs me." Trying to keep her voice strong, she shouted, "Wh-What you're doing is wrong! P-P-People could die!"

Naseer could see a calm Invel standing in the sigil like he had not a care in the world. He had brought no reinforcements with him. There was no need. He pushed up his glasses and sighed, "Your Highness, people can die just as easily from food poisoning. Should they stop eating?"

Luna swallowed and watched as Nashi choked. "Stop doing this to Nashi!" she tried to command, but it came out as a broken plea. "Please! You're killing her!"

"I would never kill an heir of Zeref," Invel assured in an emotionless tone. "But if you truly think I am killing her, Your Highness, then the only way for her life to be saved"—his glasses gleamed—"is for your life in exchange."

"Fine!" Luna blurted as tears stung. "I—!"

"No, she won't!" Naseer stormed over to the stone railing with a scowl ready for Invel. "You're pawning off a child to a predator, Invel, do you understand that? Or is your goal such an obsession that you don't care what happens to the innocence of a child?"

Invel cut Naseer a freezing look. "I've never condoned the actions of taking a child's innocence. And I'm sure Her Highness can assure you Hemlock has never taken that from her for the duration of her stay." His eyes glowed.

Nashi dropped to the ground, eyes wide, as her body paralyzed. Ice leaked from her mouth and burned the stone.

Luna blinked away the tears as a numbness settled over her. "Yes," she whispered. "Hemlock…n-n-never did that to me…"

"You're brainwashing her!" Naseer cried. "What the Hell is wrong with you? She's a child! You're holding her sister's life at stake—!"

Something glinted in Invel's eyes. "You have become a nuisance." He raised a hand and flicked something towards Naseer.

One moment, Naseer was ready to verbally tear into Invel, but the next, the anger in his eyes mellowed into a vacancy that only death could replace. His limbs fell, arms to his sides, and he stood straight. Shackled to his neck law a bejeweled collar crafted of unholy ice.

Invel lifted his chin. "Come, Naseer."

Naseer obeyed.

Luna opened her mouth—

"Your Highness."

Her eyes closed as she tried not to burst into panic and tears.

Naseer mechanically left the safety they were in to come down the stairs and cross the floor until he was loyally at Invel's side. No curses, no fear, no hatred—he stood a little behind Invel like that was his purpose and waited for his next order.

"Please stand, Your Highness."

Luna shakily got to her feet and cracked her watery eyes open to look at Invel.

"I was lenient towards you and Your Majesty," Invel told her. "I understood your purpose would be quite the adjustment. You were used to tantrums and compulsions. The way Natsu raised you was unfit for an heir of Zeref's bloodline, but he was always a disappointment." Gloved hand came to adjust his glasses. "I would rather not have you listen to my commands in blind faith. You are to develop a strong mind of your own. But it is clear to me you need guidance. I was hoping Hemlock and your tutors were that guidance. But look at you. You've caused more trouble for Her Majesty."

Luna bit her lip and her eyes slid to the side to see Nashi barely breathing as snow and ice left her mouth in tandem. Heat backed her eyes. "I-I-I-…" Her eyes fell to the floor as she could no longer hold back her tears and watched them drop to the floor. "I'm…sorry… I-I… I don't want to…cause any more trouble…"

"That's very good, Your Highness…"

Something in Invel's eyes flashed.

"…but that's no longer good enough."

A streak of pink.

It felt like slow motion.

Luna flinched back, but when nothing happened, her eyes opened.

Her jaw dropped. "No…"

Nashi stood in front of her, body lax.

Luna took a step back. "N-N-Nashi…"

Hickories woodenly bewitched. Hands loose. Posture straight. Ice tamed her neck in a collar fit for a pet—a slave.

Invel did not look bothered nor did he look pleased. He tilted his head. "As expected," he predicted. "Your Majesty always breeds great results. But it's a shame your eyes aren't red. No matter. That can change." He crooked a finger. "Come here, Your Majesty."

"No!" Luna latched onto Nashi, but it did not matter. Nashi kept moving. "Nashi, please!" she begged. "Don't go down there!"

Nashi ignored her. Her assignment was clear.

Pants chalked out in uneven intervals, Luna could not help it when she screamed and tried to pull against Nashi, nails digging into Nashi's skin in desperation. "Please!" she cried. "Don't go! Stay with me! Don't do it!"

"It's no use, Your Highness," Invel said in a soft timbre that was not meant for comfort. "Her Majesty listens to me now."

"N-N-No!" Luna held on tight to her sister as Nashi tried to go down the stairs. Shutting her eyes, she begged for something—anything—to help her keep Nashi back. "Nashi! Pl-Please don't go! You don't want to go!"

A pressure built in the back of her head.

A vision burst in front of her eyes.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nashi knelt upon a stone floor with an upside-pentagram filled with blood and sated with the offerings of the elements. Her back was enriched with blood as it leaked from two flesh marks from her shoulders, but her mouth was open in an agonizing scream. Red turned black as the blood gathered itself into the form of brutish wings and Nashi head was forced back as her eyes opened, white inked black and hickory gone with scarlet—

The animavore cared little for the screams the staff and students and servants gave. It was hungry. It wanted to feed. It grabbed its nearest target—an innocent servant boy there to support his family—and its mask opened, paralyzing him as the tendrils wafted out to steal a soul—

The form might have looked human, but something was wrong with it. Black hair mapped onto his head, matted with sweat and some blood and dirt and glorious thorns protruded. Black inked his skin, but it was not like a tattoo. It was like shadows had conquered his flesh and moved around, rearranging themselves as they saw fit. The creature had killed many, but it was not sated. It reached for a screaming victim who had faced his wrath earlier and had escaped with one eye and one arm less, but before the creature could finish the job, his nostrils flared and he turned to see a cloaked woman—

Gary had never looked so sad and so in love like this before. He was at Nashi's mercy in her angered hold, her blood wings, and her red eyes, but he did not care that she was poised to rip his heart from his chest. No tears, but those blues watered with undying devotion as he murmured, "Do what you have to do. It's okay because…because it's you, Angel."

Nashi hesitated.

But with a twitch of her ear, her clawed hand came down—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna screamed. She screamed for the memories of Hemlock's hand coaxing her. She screamed for the pain and blood-stained visions that tormented her present and possible future. She screamed for Nashi's inability to escape this madness and her inability to protect her sister from a fate she never wanted.

Everything just needed to…stop.

"Make it stop!" she yowled through her tears and her pain and her fear. "Make it stop!"

Silence.

Then…

May your wish be granted.

Luna did not know what had made her open her eyes more. The fact that she felt something unfamiliar and earthy all around her, the fact she no longer felt Invel's cold, or the fact that she felt plausibly drained. But her eyes were open, regardless, and she took a look around only to realize she could not see a thing at all, she could only feel. All that she could feel was that they were in an enclosed space, that that space was rough and rocky, and she knew Nashi was beside her.

Luna sniffled and wiped her face. "N-N-Nashi?"

Her sister said nothing.

It was times like this Luna wished she was gifted like her brothers and father to have natural night vision and hyper senses, but she was not, so she could only rely on what she felt. Tentatively, her hand felt up Nashi's arm only to hit a burning cold on her neck. "The collar… You still have it on…" Her eyes flashed around the darkness. "I guess we're too far away for Invel's commands to work on you."

Her sister said nothing.

Luna felt her eyes burn. "I'm scared, Nashi," she whispered. "I don't know where we are and we left Mister Naseer all alone with him. What if they kill him or worse? I-I-I-I don't know what to do; I don't know where Luke is…" Her eyes widened. "Oh, no, the Forever Container!"

RATTLE!

Luna flinched before she rooted in her pocket to feel the material of the dodecahedron. "At least we have the Demon gems…" Her hand glided over her bracelet. "And I've still got my bracelet." Her bottom lip trembled. "But we're…we're all alone…" It was no use. The heat was there, but it was like her body rejected tears and only accepted dry despair. "We're all alone and Invel did something to you and why didn't you just let me protect you?" She hiccupped. "You have that collar on because of me and now you're stuck like this, but I really need you be-be-because I-I-I don't know what to do."

She curled into her sister, huddled beneath her limp arm and whimpered, "I don't know what to do next. I don't know what the next right thing is. I want Mama and Papa and Granny and Icarus. I want to go home. I don't want to be here, but I don't want anyone else to get hurt and…and…" She buried her head into Nashi's abandonment as her shoulders shook. "I'm s-s-s-sorry I lied about H-Hemlock, but I didn't want you to worry or else they were going to hurt you. I'm sorry. Please talk to me. D-D-Don't leave me alone. I c-c-can't do this without you. I'm sorry."

Not a word.

"I'm sorry I can't be strong," Luna blubbered. "I just wanted to protect everything, but I couldn't even do that. If I promise to be stronger, would you please talk to me? Please?" Her eyes screwed shut when Nashi never responded. "I'm s-s-s-sorry. Please talk to me. Please. Please don't leave me alone. Nashi, please!"

But it did not matter how much she begged and pleaded. Nashi never spoke.

And Luna was left alone.

°•°•°•°

Invel had to close his eyes when a quick surge of power floored the room and attempted to crush his winter, but they were open once more to see Luna and Nashi had vanished. He pushed up his glasses. Impressive. I would have thought her mental strain would have had her snap sooner.

Hands clicked a dial. "Shall we stay tuned for the big chase, boss man?"

"No," Invel decided. "We have other preparations to make. I am to understand Naseer was Blanche's favorite toy to torment, but I believe we have run out of time."

Radio needles slushed back and forth. "What's the next command, Capitan?"

Invel looked at the stoic Naseer in bland appraisal. "Tap into his mind. Prepare him. While killing him would be convenient, he might make a decent addition." He turned away, passing Stern as he obsessively turned his dial and whipped through an opera channel and a news forecast with a quick stop at a channel filled with nightmare-inducing screams. "Make sure he receives both the elements and the seven. I think Aamon is going to find him a perfect pet to his collection."

Something dark passed through those ice-laden eyes. "And speaking of perfection… I have my own project to…"

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"…perfect."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

The cage could never be home. It could never replace home. But it was safe and familiar. No one bothered him in the cage. He could not hear the screams in the cage. He could not smell blood in the cage. He knew others were here with him in their own cages, but they were special. They were submissive and afraid. It was rare when they were freed from the cage for any of them to say a word or to cry. As long as they won and behaved, they got their wounds looked after, they were fed, and were even given use of a bathroom unlike the lower cages where he had been before.

For now, the cage was home.

The sounds of keys made his ears pricked and he knew the routine. He was too afraid to deviate from him. He got to the back of the cage, head down, his neck burning from his collar, but he sat on his knees and showed his bandaged hands to show he was not a threat.

"Morningstar." The voice was always cold and detached. "I believe you know Eveningstar."

He did not lift his head. He was not given the command yet. But he knew that scent. He knew both of their scents.

"She will be staying with you in your cage." The next words came out in a biting chill. "Don't disappointment me. Eveningstar is of high value to me, more so than you. She's docile. You will have to feed her and alert The Nurse of any of her other needs. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Tone barely above a whisper. Anything louder meant—

"Good." The sound of feet shuffling. "I expect nothing less than a perfect effort." A retreat and the door closed.

He waited several seconds until he let out the breath he had been holding. The focus lifted in sadness. "I'm sorry." He got to his face as he looked at her. "I'm so sorry…"

She looked back at him with blankness in those hickory pools and a crisp ice collar around her neck to show everyone who she belonged to and what had been done to her.

"…Angel…"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The stories of the Little Devil and the Little Angel weren't ones I ever wanted to publish…

But they were the only way I could write down my memories…

The only way I could make sense of everything.

And this story is called…

'I Would Do Anything'

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was easier than it seemed to take care for a stoic Angel. Of course, The Nurse came to give both of them their standard health checks, but he never came to visit after that.

SLURP.

The focus spoon-fed Angel the broth for today. While she showed no emotion if she found it pleasant or not, she could at least mechanically consume whatever was fed to her as long as he nudged her mouth down. She understood on a base level what to do, but she offered no words of her own, nothing else outside the necessary blinking and breathing.

"We're lucky today, Angel," he told her in a low voice as to not disturb The Nurse. "They never give us anything to warm." He fed her again and the focus looked to see the bowl was halfway empty. "Do you want any more?"

She never answered. She never answered.

"I think you had enough." He would talk enough for the both of them. He found the water and raised it to her lips, spilling some in, and the focus watched as she took a few swallows before he pulled back. "Even the water is cold today. We're really lucky."

She never said a word.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Once upon a time, a long time ago, Little Devil met Little Angel again at The Bad Place, but she was sick and wasn't feeling herself.

So Little Devil was tasked to take care of Little Angel until she could get better.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He had never been here before. The room was a stark white, so clean and untouched. He had submitted to the Anti-Ether chains that rattled around his wrists and ankles, but there was no muzzle today. He stood before a window, eyes down, the fear displaced and instead he was numb. He had to be numb.

"Watch, Morningstar."

The focus looked out the window—

The focus widened.

He could not help it when he shuffled closed to the window to look what was inside. Another clinically whiter room had been built with no door to be seen, but that had not caught his attention. Angel was in there, alone, blank, with nothing more than the clothes on her back.

EEEEEEH!

Something had come in. Armored guards came in, silent as could be, as they rolled in a steel cage. A frothing man was inside, eyes mad, spikes down his back, and fought against the chains that shackled him to his cage floor. He snapped like a wild dog at the armored guards who were not afraid of such threats.

A freezing cold hand touched his shoulder.

"Eveningstar isn't human," came explanation. "She is much more valuable. She is the blood of Zeref and his creation. She is half Etherious." A pause.

He said nothing. He knew better than to ask questions. This was a test.

Everything was a test.

"One day, she will take her rightful place," came continuation, "but she cannot until she frees the Etherious inside her. Her first kill will awaken the Etherious her powers keep hidden." The hand tightened. "Do you have any questions, Morningstar?"

The focus watched as the raving man's nostrils flared and his attention turned away from the guards and onto Nashi with a predatory heat behind them and his claws desperate to tear her flesh.

"But she'll die." He did not mean to whisper it, but the dread he kept locked away surfaced erratically as his heart race. "She isn't strong enough—" He shut his mouth when the hand gripped his shoulder with bruising force.

"I know she isn't," came cool reply. "The experiment she is facing is another Aberrant gone mad from the attempt to awaken their latent powers. It's become unstable and needs to die. But Eveningstar's prowess is far too imperfect and weak to face it." Eyes glowed. "Wings."

Without a word, white wings flared from Angel's back, prestigious and beautiful.

"Her wings will be ripped off, feather by feather," came flat description. "It will probably be eager to tear off her head. Perhaps even go for her stomach."

He tensed as he frantically tried to hold back the plea he wanted to give—

"What do you think, Morningstar?" came question. "Should Eveningstar face her demise today?"

"No." A whisper. A plead.

"Correct." A chill swirled about the two of them. "It would be a waste for Eveningstar to die here. That is why, Morningstar, you have a choice. Either she gets killed or you kill the abomination."

He flinched when a gloved hand grabbed his jaw with crushing force.

"Every day, your tests will be choices, Morningstar," came explanation. "You will choose if Eveningstar will live or die. If you choose to let her live, you are responsible to accomplish the test on your own. You will perfect your winter just as you have been practicing."

He kept himself numb when another hand feathered his battish wings.

"You will become a means to an end. Once I have made you perfect, you will be given a choice for your last test, Morningstar." Frost sprinkled onto his face. "I want Eveningstar to be the perfect heir. Her Etherious must be strong. And to do so, she must kill the perfect victim. You will be her first victim, Morningstar."

He winced when his wing was forcibly extended.

"The sins of the father passed to the son." More frost exhaled. "Your father was spineless and weak just like hers. He was imperfect and did not deserve to know what winter meant. But you will be perfect. You will give me a perfect effort. You will become pure ice. And you will lay down your life for Eveningstar. Do you understand?"

There was no choice.

"Yes." One syllable that meant so much.

The hands left him. "Good." To someone else, an order barked, "Bring Morningstar into The Room."

He prepared for the guards to take him—

"And Morningstar?"

He closed his eyes when he felt the touch of winter gag his throat.

"Don't disappointment me."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Little Angel had a low-risk for ever getting better, the Doctor said

But Little Devil was determined that she could stay safe while she healed.

So Little Devil offered to help heal Little Angel in any way he could…

…even with his life.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He was told the body mangled on the ground in a tangle of blood, ice, bone, and flesh had been someone on Death Rowe, someone who had deserved to be in the Bad Place. But he knew that never matter whenever he stepped into The Room. It never matter what sort of life the victim had before they had come here. All that mattered was that for Angel to stay alive and pure and untouched here, he had to kill what was put in front of him. And if he failed—

Well. He simply could not.

Ragged pants left him with the shadowy tattoos sliding up his body and blood beneath his claws, but the focus watched with intense focus as other people came into the room dressed head to do in fresh linens with masks to obscure their faces. They were part of The Cleaners who would collect the body and all its remains and retain the blood for further use.

Then he walked in.

His winter swelled into the room and filled it.

"That could have been faster." Very rare was there any praise outside the flat "Good". Always was it criticism. There was always room to improve until perfection was attained. "You were slow in going for the killing points again, Morningstar. The next time, I expect you to go through the throat without hesitation."

He spat blood and wiped it from his chin, the focus wide. Whispers fed the back of his mind, crooning their congratulations on his feat, how he should savor the blood, how he should remember the look of death in his opponent's eyes. Bu the focus swung back to make sure Angel was there and a relief he had come to recognize swept him when he saw her there, face blank but she remained untouched.

She was safe.

Even though he was a murderer, even though he had mauled his victim to their demise, even though he had gone numb due to the winter that never left him, he still could feel relief at least she was safe.

A gloved hand touched his shoulder.

Then numb winter was back.

"Morningstar… You have taken care of Eveningstar and sought to her life being spared. But I should hope you realize Eveningstar will become your grim reaper when the time is right. You have no time to indulge in the nonsense of affection for your reaper."

Frost puffed in his ear.

"So I will ask you now, Morningstar, and don't disappointment me. Do you feel something for your killer?"

"No." A barely-there answer. Monotone. Submissive.

"The Nurse has noticed you are more attentive and nurturing towards Eveningstar."

Winter burned and clawed him from the inside out. A lie had been smelt.

"I will allow you to care for Eveningstar as part of your test to become the perfect winter. You are giving me a perfect effort." The hand pressed down. "But if I sense you have become imperfect and have a devotion to Eveningstar…"

Winter choked him and threatened his demise.

"…I will not hesitate to show you what it means to know what winter is. Am I clear?"

"Yes." The focus lowered, submissive, numb, detached.

Winter lessened as the hand left.

"Good." Always "Good". Never anything else. "You will be given a bath. You are to armor yourself next time. You are to be perfect. Perfection is not bloodstained."

"Yes."

"Good." Steps went away. "You are to rest, Morningstar, when you return to your cage. You will resume your tests in the afternoon."

He could feel nothing. The fear, the tears, the protests—they had all been taken from him. "Yes."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Little Devil did everything he could to prevent Little Angel from getting worse.

The Doctor gave Little Devil tasks to help Little Angel's and Little Devil would do everything he was asked to do.

Because Little Angel had been one of the first to show him kindness.

Even though the Doctor warned Little Devil it would only hurt him to care so much about her when her sickness would never get better, Little Devil secretly didn't listen.

Because Little Angel meant so much to him even before coming to the Bad Place,

And he would do anything to make sure she got better.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He was ready.

Angel was behind him, vacant—a slave.

Claws flexed, mind-numbed, the focus watched with sharp eyes as the armored guards opened the door. Another test. Another victim. Another life to exchange for Angel's. Another face to haunt him.

But he could not lose.

The armored guards today did not bring in an "abomination" however. They did not bring in the Damned.

The focus widened.

Oh, no, they did not.

A child.

They had brought to him a child. A Spiritless child. A crying Spiritless child gagged and in chains.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

But one day, the Doctor asked Little Devil a strange request,

A request only he could do and it would save Little Angel

So Little Devil took on the request

Except…

The request was impossible…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He froze.

No.

Not this.

"Morningstar." The voice was on the opposite side of the wall, but they had called into The Room. "Your hesitation is showing."

The numbness receded for him to feel. The focus captured the child looking at him with pleading eyes, smelling of urine and dirt. They had been taken away from their home as he had. They were looking at him as though he could save them. And like they did not know he had been assigned as their executioner.

"Morningstar." Tone hard. "You are to start."

Panic splayed within his heart and sliced it open. Refusal was on the tip his tongue as the fear he had numbed away with each test climbed up so fast that he could not control it. "But that's a kid—"

"I suppose I have my answer."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Little Devil could not fulfill the request.

He couldn't.

But when he refused, the Doctor told him that was the final task that could have healed Little Angel…

…and Little Devil was responsible for everything that happened next…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Focus sharpened, he crowded Angel with a snarl and his ice at the ready when armored guards stormed in. The child was roughly collected, but the guards did not care about a meaningless child. Their weapons were pointed at him. He did not have to see their lasers centered on his chest, but he let out a howl as he drew up his ice as a shield to defend him and Angel.

BANG-BANG-BANG.

Needles pierced through the ice.

Hatred that had been shoved down for too long leapt at his throat when the wall shattered, but he did not care. He did not care about winter. His claws slashed in the air as he froze one of the guards, but he snarled when a needle pierced his skin. With each attack, with his body postured in front of Angel, more needles darted into his flesh.

It took seconds for the first bout of lethargy to hit him.

It took a minute for his hatred to quell into exhaustion.

It took two minutes until the fight in him was gone for numbness and his body was on the ground.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Little Devil tried hard to tell the Doctor he only wanted Little Angel to be healed.

"There has to be a better way!" Little Devil told the Doctor.

But the Doctor said that it was the only way…

…and because Little Devil could not complete the task…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"What's going on?"

Her voice.

Oh god her voice.

He could not move. His eyes fell heavy. His body was slackening. But he felt her touch. So light and mindful and warm, her touch.

"Are you okay?" Panicked. "You're hurt!"

She was so close, but her voice was getting further and further away as the power—his winter—began to bottom out and threatened to take him under.

"Hey! Don't touch me!"

The focus, sluggish, could recognize when one of the armored guards had come for Angel. They grabbed her arm and yanked her across the room, but he could do nothing. No matter how much he wanted to move, his body would not let him. He could only watch in vague as she screamed and fought.

Frost breathed in his ear. "You disappoint me. Rest, Morningstar. You'll need to be awake to watch what your choice costed Eveningstar."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

…he would get sick as well…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Screams of agony.

White wings sprayed in blood.

Hickory and white forced into red and black.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Little Devil was sad when Little Angel's sickness took a turn for the worst and it was his fault

He had tried so hard to help her and please the Doctor…

…but the Doctor couldn't save Little Angel…

And now they would forever be stuck in the Bad Place

•

My stories are never happy.

They don't have happy endings because I've never deserved one.

But I keep my stories to remind me I'm nothing more than what I was perfected to be.

I'm a monster.

I'm a murderer.

I'm the Morningstar.

I'm the Devil.

And only the perfect Angel can kill an imperfect Devil, right?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nothing could stop it.

Gary and Skade could not control it when the Curse tore at flesh, ripped them apart as they screamed, and pieced them back together in an amalgamation of ice and fur. Eyes glossed over in in silver, Gary convulsed as something crossed between Man and Devil emerged, horned and fanged and pained. Darkness spread over the ice as snow swirled and the temperature froze the pipes, cracking them.

Kyler gritted his teeth as he tried to keep the storm contained, but even he had to let out a chilled breath clouded in frost. He's getting worse. If I can't contain him, he could bring down everything here and kill himself in the process. I'm doing everything I can to keep everything together, but…

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

CRINKLE!

Kyler poured power into his shield when waves of darkness and vile frost blurted out and destroyed Gary and Skade's self-imposed cage of ice. Our from the fog of darkness and winter, the Devil stood, panting frost, eyes gleaming silver, and claws out and flexed.

"No more tests…" Gary sounded distressed. Skade sounded possessed. "No more tests… No more tests…"

Kyler clutched the Staff of Miracles as he flinched against the power—the winter—the Devil covered around him. Gary… Please, just hold on…

The thurible continued to sway.

Priest let out a deep breath. "I believe he's ready." He did not have to turn to know the creatures drowned in darkness and sin were poised. "Get him."

Priest vanished.

The creatures bounded for the Devil with rabid intent.

But the Devil had no use to worry about creatures. His silvery gaze locked onto Kyler. His obstacle. His test. The whispers supported him. The gurgles guided him. He had his assignment.

Frost puffed in his ear. "Show me a perfect effort."

The Devil snarled. "No more tests!" A howl escaped him before he charged for Kyler, claws cracking through the ice and stone as he spread his fury, his rage, his anguish, his hatred. "NO MORE TESTS!"

Kyler's eyes glowed as he felt the power of the Staff of Miracles and held firm. I have no choice. His wings flexed and flapped as his aura wrapped around him and blustered in a blessed storm. This is for your own good, Gary.

The Devil was closed as he brought his arctic haze with him.

An Agent of Light versus the tormented Devil stuck in his past.

A storm versus a storm.

Kyler whirled the staff around as the Devil reared up to roar winter on him—

Silvery-gray swirled with white.

Kyler's eyes widened.

The Devil had little time to react.

Tesla defended Kyler with steely grays lightened in a swirl of gray and glowing white, but that was not the most surprising thing. A metallic hilt was grasped in her hands as that intense energy pulled from it like a blade and she swung it at the Devil with precision and no remorse.

TSSSSSSSS!

The Devil was forced back, off-center, as burn marks shattered through the ice and fur on his arm. He took a sniff for good measure, but that sensation was one he would remember. He snarled as he cooled the burn with growing ice and dropped into a crouch as he glared at Tesla. "Hunter… Test…"

Tesla held up her saber again and kept her eyes on the possessed Devil. "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you," she hurried to say, "but I couldn't just leave you here."

Kyler could not believe it. "Tesla—"

"Look. Your job right now is to make sure we have a clear path so we can get to Nashi." Tesla battened down when the Devil paced back and forth, assessing which threat was needed to be addressed and not at all concerned with the horde of Familiars and Dark Creatures aching for his blood. "My job is to snap Gary out of his episode."

"Tesla, he will try to kill you," Kyler insisted. "Please get back—!"

"I can't!" Tesla watched as the Devil's eyes went from her to Kyler then locked onto her. "Trust me. He and I might not know everything about each other, but I get having the monsters in your memories be right in front of you. I told Gary my job is to get him to Nashi. So let me do my job." She gripped the hilt. "So go before whatever the Hell those things are try to murder everyone! I'll distract him!"

Kyler could not risk hesitation. But he did offer, "Don't hurt him." His wings flapped and he jetted towards the Devil.

The Devil swung his predatory glower onto Kyler and was ready to claw him—

WHOMP!

The Devil hissed when Anti-Ether crackled in the air, singeing his fur and ice.

"Gary!"

Silvery snapped onto swirling gray-white.

"You want to fight out your feelings? Let's fucking fight." Tesla raised her saber and tipped it towards him. "We've both got a shit ton of trauma and we've got great as Hell partners waiting for us."

"You do not speak Mala'ika's name, Hunter," the Devil thundered as his tail lashed. "Not worthy."

"I'm not worthy of a lot of things," Tesla snapped back. "Shit, I had a panic attack seeing you turn into this and wanted to run. But I'm staying. I'm going to fight. I know you want to fight too."

The Devil sneered. "No more tests." Ice crackled beneath his claws. "No more tests!" He roared as he sprinted for Tesla.

Tesla softened just a little. I don't know what he's been through, but I know it's been a lot. He can't see me. He just sees the enemy. And I know what that feels like to be in the place. She spun her saber the moment the Devil skidded to a stop and howled for missiles of ice to launch at her. She evaded what she could, but she destroyed everything else with a swing of her blade and just a touch of her Anti-Ether.

But people we care about—two of them I haven't even met—are in there and they're in danger. And your job is to take the evil fuckers out and save them.

Tesla wiped out her hand and gritted her teeth when a javelin of tainted ice tried to pierce her. Anti-Ether coated her hand, but she cringed as shards of ice exploded everywhere and cut through her cloak.

And my job…

The Devil was about to be on top of her and she could see the rage reflect in her eyes.

…is to make sure you get to her…even if you see me as a 'Hunter'.

---

Luna did not know how long she and Nashi had sat in the darkness, but it felt like an eternity. Eyes dry and crusty, Luna snuggled into Nashi's side. Even if her sister never pulled her closer and never made it apparent she was affected, just being at Nashi's side was a comfort Luna could accept. Her voice was hoarse from her pleads and apologies and she had nothing left to give.

Nothing left.

"Remember when we're were younger." Voice barely above a whisper, cracked. "You were always so busy, but I'd always follow you guys around. You guys always did such fun stuff in the forest." A vague smile twitched on her lips at the fonder memories. "I remember when you took me to that field… I was being such a brat and crying. But you didn't yell at me or get mad. You just showed me this meadow with all these birds and butterflies and it was so beautiful…"

She threaded her hand with Nashi's own even if Nashi would not reciprocate.

A dry little giggle escaped Luna. "I still remember when you and Igneel got into this big fight and everything. I couldn't really understand it, but I guess how Luke explained was that you made fun of Igneel about his crush." She shook her head. "Igneel wouldn't talk to anyone for two days straight. You kept saying you didn't care, but we all knew you cared the most. You used your money from a job to buy him some books to take to his crush's house as this cute, little peace offering. Igneel tried to be all stuck-up and reject them, but then he just suddenly hugs you. I can't remember what he said, but he took the books and ran off and everything was fine."

That memory was so vivid to her. She remembered how young Igneel was without his scarf and he eyed the books only to sniff at them. Nashi had been so disheartened, but he relented and quickly hugged her before pulling away and stealing the collection she had gotten him.

"I still remember when Mama and Papa made the mistake of having all of us share that old… What was it again?" Luna sighed. "I think it was, like, the MagiX Cube or something old. But Luke hogged it all the time and he was such a sore winner. He's just so competitive." Her smile faded. "I wonder how he's doing now…" Her eyes lowered as she swallowed. "I wonder a lot what Igneel's doing now. He's been gone for over a month or so, but it feels like he's been gone even longer. I keep hoping he's been keeping himself warm. I know it's stupid, but I just don't want him sick or hurt."

She brushed her cheek. "We're never going home, are we?" A question that lacked hope or faith or sadness. Just bland acceptance. "At least…we have each other, right?" She nuzzled into her sister. Fatigue had appropriately worn her down. "I'll protect you, okay? Just don't leave me alone."

The Forever Container began to vibrate, but Luna could not feel it against the exhaustion claiming her by force.

"Baby girl…"

Her eyes felt heavy, but she knew that voice. "Papa…" Confusion tried to butt against enervation. "Papa…?"

"Shhh…" Her father's voice soothed her and encouraged the fatigue. "I'm right here, baby girl. I've got you and Nashi."

Luna tried to blink her eyes open, but it was a struggle. "But… But…"

"Rest now," her father purred as a fog tried to fill her head and roll over everything else. "You've done so well protecting your sister. You can sleep now."

"Yes." It was her mother, so comforting and warm. "It's okay, Lu. We're here now."

The Forever Container rattled as something tried to slither up its walls.

Something fuzzy and dark touched Luna's skin, but her head spun and her eyes felt hazy. "You're…here now… Really…?"

"Yes, my love, we're here," her mother cooed. "We'll take care of everything. Sleep now."

"But… Luke…"

"We'll find him," her father promised. "We'll get you all out and back home. We promise."

"We promise," her mother echoed.

Together, they crooned on either side of Luna's head, "Sleep, precious one. It's time for you to rest."

Luna's head fell, but she caught it, eyes blurry. Then, it fell again against Nashi, but she had no will to fight it. Her eyes tried to put up a fight against the weight of sleep and blearily flicked down as the Forever Container rattled in her hand. Maybe…we could sleep…for just a…second…

Her eyes fell as her body slackened. A deep sigh escaped her as the weight of sleep poured over her—

Pup! Incessant urgency. You mustn't fall asleep!

Her eyes opened wide and her body jerked to a start, chest heaving. Even if she could not see her own hand in front of her, her stare flashed around. Icarus? Icarus, is that you?

No answer.

Shivering, Luna pressed into Nashi with her eyes darting left and right. "Can't fall asleep," she breathed. "Have to stay awake. Have to protect Nashi." She curled the Forever Container into her lap to keep it close as though afraid it could sleep. I have to stay awake. I have to protect Nashi. It's just like before. I was so tired, and I fell asleep ,and they took me. If I fall asleep again, something will happen. They could take Nashi.

She swallowed. I can't let that happen. I want us to move, but I don't know what direction to go. What if we walk into Invel? Or H-H-Hemlock? What if we walk into a trap? Should I meditate and try to find someone? But what if me meditating gives them the time to take us again? She squeezed Nashi's hand. "I've got you, Sissy," she promised in a whisper. "No one will hurt you. I can stay awake. I won't leave you alone."

Even if Nashi did not squeeze her hand back, Luna pretended she did and that was as much comfort as she needed.

---

Kang and Wolf had been given MPPE equipment in the form of full-face oxygen masks while Kang had been given a stocky bodysuit. The entire group had been fitted the same with a difference in night vision goggles and gas masks and brought with them Anti-Magic weapons and guns and a medic had come with their emergency kit. The sentries stationed outside the tunnel had leered nervously at Wolf, but they had let the group inside. They shifted past the first door and went to the second door when Block spoke up to the party.

"Drop back and let Li and Wolf for their thing," he commanded. "Your responsibilities lie in making sure the area is secure." He glanced at Kang and Wolf. "You two. Don't stray far."

Kang nodded.

One of the officers opened the second door and the pressure of Magic crinkled their suits and some winced at the blowback. But they had no time to hesitate as Block led the charge with Kang and Wolf following and then the rest of the party. Silence breathed between the officers, necessary as they prepared themselves for whatever could happen next. The closer they were in range to the end of the tunnel, the more Wolf looked agitated and a growl barreled from his throat.

"Easy, Wolf," Kang murmured. "I smell it too."

Block looked over at Kang. "What do you smell?"

"I smell the Earth Dragon," Kang reported as his eyes narrowed. "But I can smell sickness coming off in waves. Wolf probably feels it more than me, but it smells disgusting."

Block nodded. "Keep your nose to the ground with the kid's scent." He twitched for his gun. "He might lead us to the other missing cases the sergeant spoke about."

A voice from memory questioned, bewildered, "And they said that?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The tent was for Sergeant Anbessie's office and where she held meetings with the higher-ups who came for regular rotation. The "war table" was a map of the entire Boundary Forest with an "unchartered" zone in the center where the mountains resided. Not even Sky Copters and Sky Boats had been able to figure out what was hidden within the circular mountain range. Block, Brika, Aryal, and Anbessie stood around the table, but Aryal was the one who had asked the question.

Anbessie sighed. "Yes. I had made the plea for an immediate report of the missing Wizards, but they had let me know their answer."

"How did this job even make it to guilds?" Block pressed. "Shit, the Ether analysis on the Boundary Forest should have been enough to lock down friggen Infiorata from tourists!"

Anbessie shook her head. "My assumption is someone pulled strings to make sure the client got their wish regardless of the analysis."

"You're lying." Brika lifted her chin towards Anbessie. "I know that's not what you think."

"No, it's not," Anbessie confessed.

Aryal pieced it together as he stroked his mane thoughtfully. "There have been rumors of corruption within the Council," he murmured.

Block snorted. "Not just fucking rumors. It's fact there has been corruption in the Council period," he reminded. "So someone's pulling strings to let the client bend the rules and post this job, but for what? Two tons' worth of dirt?"

"The resources of the Boundary Forest are rich in Ancient Magic," Aryal put out there. "Not too many forests like the Boundary Forest even exist in Earth Land. I can understand the client wanting those resources." His eyes slid to Anbessie in questioning. "But what I can't understand is why now? There has to be more?"

Anbessie pressed her lips together before she confided, "We had one Mage return." Her eyes flitted to see everyone listened with rapt attention. "He was arrogant and an independent Mage, but when he came back, he looked…terrified." She held up a hand when Brika looked ready to say something. "But we didn't have the chance to question him since he was claimed by the higher-ups."

"Convenient," Brika muttered.

"And smart if this is an inside job," Block pointed out.

Aryal frowned. "But the question is why? Who is the client to the Council?"

"Even we aren't privy to every piece of information from the client." Anbessie said those words gratingly. "We're aware he is a Sanctuary-supporter and that he is extremely wealthy."

"So he's a backer the higher-ups want to dick suck." Block shook his head in disgust. "And they risked innocent lives for this."

Aryal asked Anbessie directly, "What made you call this in? You had to have known the risks even using private communications. It's not that we wouldn't have come, but…"

Brika met Anbessie's eyes briefly before Anbessie said, "Yesterday, I received correspondence from the client that the job was deemed complete and would be taken down. And this correspondence was dated approximately an hour after Gale Redfox accepted the position."

"You think he was the target," Block reasoned. "Why? He's just a kid."

Brika raised an eyebrow. "That 'kid' is the son of Black Steel Gajeel and Doctor Redfox," she listed. "From what I've researched on him in our trip here, he's extremely brilliant. Even part of 'The Society' for high IQ special kids and graduated young."

"And his intelligence is something to treasure," Aryal admitted, "but he's an Earth Magic who can tap into the lost art of Gem Magic. I can understand recruiting him to pull some crystals from the Boundary Forest since he would understand the properties but not enough to risk his life." He shook his head. "We have to be missing something."

Anbessie stared at the "unchartered zone" and murmured, "I fail to understand why the client didn't directly contact Mister Redfox for the job specifically. It makes sense he was the target until that point."

"Did you contact his parents?" Brika questioned.

Anbessie nodded. "Officer Kimbley did, but he received their voicemails. They're currently out of town."

"Convenient." Block stroked his beard. "Mother is Doctor Redfox?"

Aryal hummed. "She's made a name for herself in anthropology and linguistics," he recalled. "She gives lectures I've personally found intriguing." The gears turned. "And if she knew her son was headed into the Boundary Forest, she would have prevented it." He looked urgently at Anbessie. "Can we see the description for the job once more?"

Anbessie nodded as she brought over a cube and tapped it once. A holographic keyboard spread out and she typed before the job description came up in holographic format for everyone to read.

"It doesn't even say anything about the Boundary Forest," Brika spoke almost accusingly towards Anbessie.

"It was the client's wishes," Anbessie sighed, "no matter how much I protested."

"Kid probably thought this was an easy A sort of job," Block murmured. "No fuss or anything. And with the parents gone, why not travel outside of your comfort zone? I'm sure he filled his parents in, but since none of them knew the job was in the Boundary Forest, they had no reason to tell him 'no'."

Brika crossed her arms. "So he was the target, but we are still missing why he was the client's target? What are we missing? If he was just an Earth Mage and had Gem Magic…"

"But was that all he had?"

All of them looked to a contemplative Aryal.

Aryal went on: "I'm not saying Mister Redfox's profile is incorrect or even incomplete. He's displayed those powers vividly in the training camps and at his debut in the Grand Magic Games…" A beat. "However… It's not uncommon for younger Mages to have latent powers. The case of Noah Nakamura comes to mind. He was listed as a simple C-Class Mage in his time for his bare basics in spells. No one ever thought he could have the power to warp reality."

"So you think there's something about Mister Redfox that we're missing and he's missing?" Anbessie questioned. She typed away to scatter the job description and brought up Gale's Mage Profile. It was standard with a recent profile picture of him alongside a full-body scan that detected weak points. A description of his history and powers drifted down with other information of his age, birthday, even blood type, and lineage.

Aryal stepped forward to inspect Gale's Mage Profile. "Possibly," he offered in vague. "His family was an unfortunate victim to Magists in the past if I remember. The case was a brutal one." His eyes went to Brika who did dip her head in respect and offered slight apology for her actions before. "It's not uncommon for family's to hide some of their children's abilities to prevent Magists or even Faction from finding out…"

Block grunted. "Might want to get on with your elaborate explanation a little quicker, Lion-O."

Aryal ignored that. "It could be the client knows something we don't about Mister Redfox's abilities," he proposed.

"Mage Profiles are absolute in the Council's system," Anbessie reminded. "We would have known."

"Not necessarily," Aryal voiced softly. "As much as we like to think our database is absolute, I think we can all agree as eccentric as the Chairman is, he has his own secrets he keeps from even the Council. Is it for the greater good? Who is to say? But it would be easy for the Chairman to hide facts about certain Mages. I'm quite positive he knew about Noah's abilities before the rest of the Fiore Branch was alerted."

Brika looked both irritated and doubtful. "So you're accusing of the Chairman covering up this kid's powers? For what reason would have for that?"

"Protection." Anbessie was to answer that, but she stared at Aryal knowingly.

Block huffed. "So say the Chairman did protect the kid. What good does that do us now if the kid doesn't even know he has these apparent 'latent powers'? Or his folks?"

Anbessie thought back to Gale's cocky attitude, but a realization fell on her as she looked at his profile. "Something tells me Mister Redfox is aware of his powers," she decided. "The Wizards who came in here were arrogant, but when they realized they would be heading into the Boundary Forest, many lost their arrogance. The ones who did held onto a façade. But from what Officer Kimbley reported and what I recall, nothing about going in the forest fazed him. He sounded…knowing, almost. Like he knew something we didn't."

"It has to have been powers that would help him in the Boundary Forest," Aryal convinced as he eyed Gale's red eyes. "His father… He's the Iron Dragon Slayer, yes?"

Brika raised an eyebrow. "Yes, he is. Why?"

"And the twin S-Class Mages have Iron Magic and one has access to Alchemy." Aryal's tail twitched. "Do I have that right?"

"Get to the point, Lion-O," Block sneered.

Aryal hummed. "There might not be a point. I just find it out is all…"

"What?" Brika bit, curious and agitated.

"Doctor Redfox's abilities were passed down, but Elemental Magic is a more prevalent Magic to inherit since it is considered a 'Base Magic'," Aryal told the group. "It makes sense the twins inherited Iron Magic, but Gale… He got Earth Magic, the basis for Iron Magic."

Anbessie piped up, "You think his latent power is Iron Magic?"

Aryal's tail swept back in forth in a lazy wag. "Possibly, but it's not something that is worth protecting him for…" His glasses glinted as he read:

POTENTIAL TO APPRENTICE FOR JURA KNEEKIS

"It's just curious to me," Aryal regarded. "He's quite a strong young man with his talent that even Jura himself takes an interest in him. And, in recent reports of him from early this month when he did a practice match with another Earth Mage, his strength rivals the best of them." He adjusted his glasses. "And his father is a Dragon Slayer…"

"And what?" Brika asked.

"Dragon Slayers can only be taught their Magic through a living Dragon, Aryal," Anbessie reminded him carefully. "Even if it could be passed down, one of the twins would have inherited it since they have Iron Magic. In fact, the daughter most likely would have become a Dragon Slayer."

"I have no doubt you're right." Aryal trailed Gale's holographic form. "But Earth Magic is the basis for Iron Magic, isn't it? And if I'm to remember correctly, a protective law was placed for Lost Arts such as Dragon Slaying Magic to be preserved through their current hosts at all costs. While it doesn't prevent anyone with a Lost Art from getting into a fight, it makes it an international law through the Magic Society to abuse or murder a Mage with that art."

"But there are always workarounds to that," Block slowly said. "Dimaria Yesta was kidnapped and killed, wasn't she?"

"Allegedly," Brika snorted. "The report said she committed Magic Suicide since—" Her eyes widened.

Anbessie and Block began to piece together the unspoken words.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Aryal broached. "He took the job willingly and, with no missing report on him, if he disappeared into the forest, suicide is the instant ruling due to the alert out on the Boundary Forest. He was made a target, but they couldn't do it to raise suspicion. The client is too smart for that. They deliberately waited until his parents were gone to submit the request to Fairy Tail under false pretenses and of course, a strong Earth Mage like him would take it."

"But it doesn't explain any hidden power he could have," Block brought up.

"I just told you." Aryal glanced at Block. "It's a curious thing he has Earth Magic."

But Anbessie shook her head. "But that's impossible," she deemed. "My apologies, Aryal, but a living Dragon has to be able to teach a Dragon Slayer."

"We mentioned the Chairman keeps many secrets for protection."

Everyone looked taken back.

Aryal's wings flexed. "For me to be an intelligent Chimera was unheard of," he told them all. "Intelligent Chimera are rare to come by and we live in small prides to protect each other. As such, even with the EMSPA, our prides have the Chairman's protection to location and those he deems trustworthy." His tail flicked. "So is it that hard to believe"—his eyes darkened as he took in Gale's roguish grin—"that he could be hiding the last living Dragons?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Wind blew and set Wolf's fur on edge. Even Kang had a sneer on his face, but both of them preserved. Some of the wet-behind-the-ears officers grimaced with nervous eyes and unsteady hands on their weapons. Block held up his fist to halt the party when they got to the edge of the tunnel. With night vision goggles on, they could still just scarcely see the Boundary Forest.

Everyone waited for their next command.

Block made a zero with his hand then a parted two and then pointed to the forest. Gun at the ready, he was the first to step into the Boundary Forest. His eyes scanned to see where the digging site was, but there was no sign of Gale. He held up a hand and twirled it around.

The party flushed out of the tunnel with silent steps and ready weapons. Kang and Wolf took the lead, but both were immediately drawn to Gale's left belongings to take a sniff.

Block's eyes shifted left and right. This is too quiet for a forest… Nothing is moving… There's no wind or birds or anything. It's like it's just…quiet. His eyes narrowed. Have we been set up? His eyes shifted when he saw Kang and Wolf heading into the distance and he instantly moved to stop them.

Kang had on scowl on his face when Block put a hand on his shoulder, but he signed:

SCENT FURTHER IN

Block narrowed his eyes and responded in sign language:

NOT SAFE

Kang shook his head and replied:

KID THERE. HAVE MOVE FURTHER IN

Block shook his head, but he turned to the party who could tell they need to look at him for his command. He began to signal for the two parties, one to stay and defend the tunnel and site and the rest to follow him. It was predetermined who belonged in which group and half the forces were ready to follow Block.

Block looked at Kang and signed:

YOU SURE?

Kang nodded and looked to Wolf whose ears had flattened as he stared into the impending darkness.

Block signed to the other officers:

HEADING IN. SAFETY OFF. SHOOT TO INJURE.

The officers nodded.

Block looked into the darkness. I've got a bad feeling about this. Nevertheless, he raised his hand and gestured to Kang. And the moment Kang and Wolf began their stalk, the others followed.

And none noticed a pair of eyes watching them from the underbrush.

---

Tesla had to admit choosing to recreate a lightsaber as her weapon of choice from her favorite fandom had its drawbacks, but when you were fighting for your life against a raving Devil who would murder you, no cap, regrets were not something to think about.

The Devil was Skade's fury and Gary's agony combined. Perhaps it was more fitting to call it Devilman. The powers and body of a Devil with the heart of a man. But he wailed on Tesla with his Cursed Ice and did not care that he could kill them all if he broke a focal point in the structure. His goal was solely to kill the woman before him, but insofar, he ended up with more burn marks from Tesla's strikes, and could feel his power waning each time she touched him.

Tesla's eyes narrowed as she combated against the next ice strikes, but the Devilman stayed far away. He's smart not to get in my face. He knows if my saber touches him, he'll get more Anti-Ether sucked out from him and feel that burning again. She had to get low to avoid spears of Cursed Ice, but she grimaced when her dodge ended up with her sloshing in sewage. Jesus Christ, I hope this isn't how Wizards actually fight because this is disgusting. Her eyes widened and she yelped when ice blossomed around her to hold her still, but she dug herself out with her saber and glared at the Devilman who did not stop in his attacks for a moment. She cried out when wheels of ice spurned her back only to hit her side and she was thrown around. Saber knocked out of her hand, the blaze of Anti-Ether left it as it skidded on ice.

I get it, you know. I really do. Hunters have been your villain. They've hurt so many people. My father is one of them.

The Devilman roared and out from the icy floor, he crafted icy Amarok's, their eyes aglow with bloodlust, and the pack charged for Tesla. She gritted her teeth as she made a dive for her saber, but she miscalculated and ended up sliding it away from her.

Kyler was in the thick of it. The creatures had no intelligence outside knowing murder and he used their sloppy technique and eagerness for his throat against them. Blazing in his aura, the Staff of Miracles served as a conduit of his Blessing. He flapped his wings for his aura to shower those around him and disperse them back into the shadows from which they had been born. The Staff of Miracles glowed as he did and projected zones of turquoise triquetras that lashed down onto the creatures and purified them.

I know you're mad. I know you're hurt and in pain. You can't forgive yourself for whatever happened to you. I know you meant you've killed before. And I know you're not trying to kill me for yourself… You're trying to kill me for Nashi, right?

Tesla's eyes teared up in pain when an ice claw ripped at her leg, but Anti-Either coated her hands and she punched the jaw of the first Amarok, flinching when ice burst off it, only to scream when another ripped at her cloak.

When she brought me back to your place, we talked, you know? About our relationships… She was so worried about how far you were going to make sure she was taken care of and she told me… She told me she thought you felt guilty because of the Hunters.

Tesla fought back when an Amarok tried to claw her back, but she shot out a hand and yanked hard for the saber to get back in her hands. With no hesitation, she fueled it with Anti-Ether and made a mad swipe for the pack only to be clouded in an icy mist. And that was a mistake when a shadow stormed into the carnage. Tesla barely shifted an inch and just missed a large javelin that she knew was meant to take off her head and blow through her throat and chest.

I get it—that you and Skade are the same. That's why she didn't know how to answer. Or, well, why she said you, Gary, were around more than Skade. I watched the trial. I know Hunters nearly took her from you. I know what it's like to have that fear. Believe me, I know.

Tesla had no moved fast enough when walls of ice shot up around her, but it was not to cage her in. The walls surrounded her bellows and lengthened her arms like she was being crucified. The movement was so sudden, the grip on her saber hilt was gone as it fell to the floor, but she could not bend her arms. Steely grays looked at her prowling executioner and his silvery glower.

Kyler had only caught a glimpse of it, but he bubbled a shield around him when he caught it. He saw Tesla being held as a prisoner, restrained, with the Devilman ready to deliver her death sentence. Gritting his teeth, he whirled around the Staff of Miracles for a chain to be unleashed.

I know what it's like to feel like you aren't even a person. That you're an object to someone else. It doesn't matter how many years it's been or how good your life is now. You still keep thinking you aren't worth everything you have and you keep looking over your shoulder. And for us… When the people we love are dragged into our Hell… We'll do whatever it takes to make sure they never have to face what we did.

The Devilman snarled when chains wrapped around his legs to stop him, but it did not make him stop from freezing the chains and breaking them off him. His claws scraped the ice to leave deep wounds. Silver intensified.

Tesla closed her eyes when a creeping cold came from the inside instead of out. She could feel the ice take over her throat as she gasped frost.

But there's something you have to know. Even those of us with powers that can hurt… Those of us you think could betray you… We won't. We have these powers and do what we have to do to protect you.

Dark eyes.

A tear shed as Tesla could feel the ice crawl onto her cheeks, but the tear froze on her flesh. Jaxton… I'm sorry it took me so long to see that. I'm sorry I'm making you wait. Her glowing eyes did not waver as her dark skin birthed ice and her joints locked. You've been…so good to me… I know that now…

Kyler tried harder to put the chains on the Devilman as he shielded himself, but the Devilman was viciously in his attempts of repeated escape. He was this close to victory. He was this close to making sure he had no more tests. He roared ice and snow.

Tesla's chest heaved as her breathing stuttered. Numb. Cold. That was all she could feel from the tips of her toes to her ends of her hair and to her heart. Cold. Winter. I know you feel alone, Gary. I know. You feel like the world is against you as you try to save the one thing that's good in your life… Ice took her nose and feathered up her scalp. It sucks to feel like this and feel backed into a corner with no escape. And I'm…

Ice cast over her left eye and snuffed out the glow.

…sorry…

The Devilman roared.

Kyler's eyes widened. No…

To finish the job, the Devilman reared up on his hind legs, claws at the ready—

The ice threatened to take over Tesla's right eye—

The flash was instantaneous and the explosion followed quickly after.

The Devilman was blinded.

Kyler lost sight of everything. What just happened?

The icy fog had not cleared and the Devilman shook his head to shake off the glare in his eyes, but he never expected when burning chains clamped down around his wrists and ankles. He knew that burn. No matter how much he wanted to use his ice to break the chain, it would not stand a chance against Anti-Ether. He snarled and hissed, but the more he jerked, the more it burned and the more his agitation was fed.

"I understand I'm another Hunter to you…"

STEP…

"To you, I'm a monster from your memories…"

STEP…

The fog cleared.

Steely gray clashed with furious silver.

"But look at me and look at you!" Tesla put a hand to her chest as she glared at the Devilman. "We're not monsters!"

The Devilman sneered.

Tesla heaved as she tried to catch her breath. "You're looking at me the same way people probably viewed you," she spat at him. "You're looking at me like I'm the one who hurt you! Like I'm the one who hurt Nashi! But didn't people look at you the same way! Didn't people try to kill you just because they thought you were a monster!"

The Devilman froze.

Spitting, Tesla lifted her chin and dropped her head. She had his attention now. "I saw the trial. I know that's not everything, but I can guess everything else." A gulp of air. "People hated you and feared you and wanted you to die because all they saw in you was that you were different. They called you things you didn't deserve. They accused you of being a terrorist. And you had to prove to the world you weren't and you're still fighting for the right to have a happy dream. Well, guess what. So am I!"

Tears filled Tesla's eyes, but she was too passionate to care about them. "I'm the daughter of the worst Magic Hunter on this planet!" she shouted at him. "How do you think that makes me feel? I know what people think of Hunters! They're monsters who destroy and manipulate and torture! But I…!" She shook her head. "I'm not one of them!"

Flecks of blue entered silver.

"I'm not a manipulator and a destroyer and a tormentor!" Tesla cried. "My god, I never wanted to have these stupid powers! But I have them and I can't get rid of them! And I know you understand that! I know there was a time when you hated everything about the powers you had and how it made you look!"

Silver faded as swirls of cerulean filled irises.

"You and me—we're fighting to be normal," Tesla told him. "Bad things have happened to us. We were treated so fucking disgustingly because evil people out there wanted to control us. I know that hurts. I know that, but I can't just sit by and turn against someone while there are people in that castle who are waiting for us!" She held out her hand and yanked the saber hilt back to her. "I know you don't trust me right now. I know this is hard for you. Believe me, I know. Stay here and take the time you need to breathe because right now"—she pointed behind him and those blues turned to see Kyler taking on the horde of dark creatures by his lonesome—"I need to help him with whatever the Hell those things are so we can save the people we came for. We want to do that with you, but if you need time to calm down, take it."

Without fear, Tesla marched past him with her saber at the ready. She twirled it around before spitting and broke into a sprint. The first creature who caught sight of her had no chance when she slammed down her Anti-Ether blade. Rather than disperse, it screamed and wailed—

"Shut the fuck up!" Tesla rounded her blade on it again for it to vanquish back into shadows.

"Tesla!" Kyler fought to be at her side and shielded them from the onslaught of the horde to check her. "Are you—?"

"I'm fine." Tesla gave a heavy breath. "Can't feel a thing with all the adrenaline, so let's keep going while I'm on a rush." She spared him a glance. "Don't worry about him. I took off the chains, but it's his choice if he wants to be here."

Kyler gave her a sharp nod. "I understand. Get ready."

"I'm going to need an hour shower after this," Tesla growled. "And several drinks."

Kyler dropped the shield.

The creatures descended upon them.

It was mesmerizing to watch them both work. They covered each other and maybe later, Tesla would panic that, yes, she just fought a horde of monsters with a damn lightsaber she had crafted with Anti-Ether and Kyler would assure her, yes, she did do that, but she was alive. But for now, they worked as a unit without much thought to it. Tesla slashed through her opponents, but she took some hits to her side only for a glowing triquetra to bash into whatever creature tried to touch her. Kyler had a wider range of attacks and defenses at his arsenal, but even he could appreciate Tesla watching his six and taking down an enemy that went for his wings.

But it surprised them both when several creatures exploded into ice. Their alleged comrades were the reason they crumbled as they climbed over the frozen with their claws to get to the enemy.

Tesla glanced once then twice when she saw Gary armored in ice with a halberd in his hand that froze everything it touched without a lick of restraint.

Steely grays connected with cerulean.

One look.

It took one look to change everything.

No words.

Just understanding.

She was no longer the enemy.

He had taken the time to sort himself out.

She was—and would be—an ally.

And he would stay here as hers.

---

It was hard to stay awake even when you really wanted to.

When your body was giving up and you could feel your eyes desperately wanting to droop, but you fought against the urge to cave and sleep—a fight that could last, maybe, minutes to an hour if you had something to distract yourself with. But when you had nothing—when it was just you in one position—your body tried harder and harder to get you to recharge.

Luna tried. Eyes peeled, she spoke to Nashi about everything and anything like they used to when they tried to stay up late together. She buried her fear to keep her tone steady as she explained to Nashi her visions and her dreams and silly little things that had happened in the last three weeks. But talking only got her so far and she could feel her body trying to tempt her into sleep.

Luna yawned as she went on: "…but I really think E and Silver could be good together, you know? Well, if E wanted a relationship. I know she overworks herself. She makes time for me but still. Silver's been such a big help to her. I know she doesn't want to admit it, but"—yawn—"I think she likes having him around and…" Her eyes dropped. "…and…"

Abruptly, she shook herself and rubbed her eyes. "I'm awake!" she promised feverishly. "I'm awake!" She yawned again before slapping her cheeks. "Have to stay awake. Can't fall asleep." But her eyes did not listen when they tried to droop again. "Nashi," she called, "how you think Mama and Papa do you think Mama and Papa will ground us? Maybe for a month? I doubt I'll be leaving the house anytime soon and…" She tried to blink, but it was getting harder and harder.

"I need to stay awake," Luna tried to urge herself, but the fight was draining her. "Nashi…needs me to stay awake…"

"Shhh…" Her father was back. "It's okay, baby girl…"

"No," Luna argued if weakly. "You're not 'Papa'. Go away…"

Her mother's laugher chimed through the darkness. "We're real, baby," she cooed. "You're just tired, Lu, but it's okay. You've done so well protecting your sister. You can sleep now."

Scrubbing her eyes, Luna mumbled, "You're not real. I'm just tired." She held Nashi closer. "But I gotta…stay awake for…Nashi…"

"But you don't anymore, baby girl," her father promised in that rumble of his. "You don't need to stay awake anymore."

The Forever Container vibrated as something tried to encompass it.

"No," Luna mewled in protest, but her head felt heavy again. "I'm…awake…" She rubbed her eyes again. "Stay awake… Please stay awake…" Even the darkness went blurry to her as her body swayed. "Stay awake…"

Eyes closed.

"Stay a…wake…"

Eyes open.

"Stay a…wake…"

Eyes closed.

Eyes open.

A speck of light in the darkness.

Eyes closed.

"Stay…wake…"

Eyes open.

The light drew closer.

Eyes closed.

"Na…shi…"

Eyes open.

The form of man fought through the darkness in his brilliant light.

Her moonstone flashed.

"Mmm…" Luna struggled for a coherent thought as she observed the man walking towards them. She tried hard to blink herself awake and rubbed her cheek. "Are you…Kyler?"

The man continued to walk.

"No… Stay 'way…" Luna slurred as she tried to stand and put herself between Nashi and the intruder, but her knees buckled. She hugged her sister instead defensively and pursed her lips when the luminescent man did not slow his pace. "Go away," she tried to warn off, but her words were too soft, too weak. "Not…my sister…" She squinted when the man's features could be made out.

Her moonstone glowed to bathe over her and Nashi.

A calm settled inside Luna to shove aside the need to protect Nashi and a curiosity came to light with her exhaustion. The man who approached them… He looked too beautiful to be real. Tawny brown skin graced him with his tunic a stark white and brunette hair kept to his shoulders. But his eyes… Those big eyes…

"I…know you," were the first words that came to mind for Luna. "But you don't look familiar… You just feel…"

The glowing man stopped before her then dropped down to a crouch. His eyes went to Nashi, sad and loving, before they flicked back to Luna. He held out his hand.

Luna hesitated and stuck close to Nashi. But her eyes dropped down to her bracelet to see even Shenlong's scales glittered merrily. Taking a breath, she extended her own hand and covered his. The feeling of warmth and love and kindness replenished her energy and her hunger and thirst. But her eyes widened as a white glow flashed…

…and a pink glow flashed in his eyes.

"You're…Nashi's Divine Soul," Luna realized. "Are you…Seraphim?"

The man shook his head.

"You're Cael then?" Luna guessed with a look of sheer disbelief. "Are you really him?"

Cael offered a sad smile as he rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand and deep in her heart, Luna could hear his voice.

Hello, Luna.

---

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…

Cael's here, Nashi and Naseer are under lock and key as Invel's ice slaves, Gary had to relive horrifying moments of his past, Tesla has a lightsaber as a weapon, and now a manhunt is on for Gale… Woo-wee, talk about suspense! Maybe we'll see some hope for our heroes on the next Fairy Adventure!

---

Naseer felt…pain.

The moment his thoughts came back to him, it was like ripping a band-aid but in the worst way imaginable. A pain that festered from the inside out, that threatened to rip out his heart and peel back his skin, doused him as his eyes instantly watered and his mouth opened in a silent howl. But the pain could no erase he was not where he remembered he would be. He was on his knees on an earthy floor with pains tying his wrists together.

Hundreds of candles had been lit in honor of this suffering, but that was not it. The elemental offerings of earth, wind, fire, and air had been accepted, but that was not it either. Representations of the seven sins in their geometric primitives had even been offered, but that was not it either. The grooves on the floor had been filled with…

…blood.

DRIP.

DROP.

Blood dripped down from his chest and splattered onto the floor.

The pain burned Naseer alive as blood seeped through the grooves only for masses of shadows to begin to climb out from the outer ring and made their home in the real world, climbing higher and higher. He jerked and screamed as those same shadows flooded down the grooves and slithered onto his flesh, singeing him and boiling his flesh.

"I accept the offerings you have set before me," came silky croon. "Naseer Raml—you will be bound to me as my willing emissary for eternity. Upon death, your Judgment shall be a life sentence within my realm. In exchange, I will grant you the unlimited power you desire and will guide you any way you wish."

Naseer shed tear upon tear when the shadows went for his eyes and glowing yellows hypnotized him.

"May you be reborn as my disciple and carry my Curse with you always," the silky voice contained as the shadows swallowed Naseer whole. "Should you fail to heed my call, lest you suffer a thousand deaths under your maker—Aamon."

---

Chibi-Luna is beaming and cheery in front of the board. "Good day, class!"

"Good day, Teacher!" the class chirps to her. "What's our Fairy Lesson today?"

"Glad you asked!" Chibi-Luna sets down a cube and pressed it. A full-body hologram of Igneel appears alongside his statistics and a stream of informative data goes next to his body. "Today is a quick lesson about 'Mage Profiles'!" she introduces. "A better term for them would be a 'Wizard Profile' which is made for anyone over the Ether line and entered into a world-wide database. However, the higher-level Mage you are, the more information you receive about the Wizard!

"For example," she continues as she stops the stream of data, "I'm able to see my brother's spells and his official battle history, but I can't see any unofficial matches he's done or any sort of news reports or anything like that with him since my ranking isn't that high."

A hand flies up. "Unofficial matches?" a student echoes in confusion.

Chibi-Luna nods. "Mmm-hmm! There's a division of the Magic Council called the Data Department, but everyone calls them the 'Historians'. We don't know how or where they are, but they're able to record 'unofficial matches' or, essentially, street fights Wizards have with each other that aren't ruled by an official referee."

She goes back to the profile. "Guild Masters and Sorcerers in the Magic Council have access to seeing a Wizard's history, accidents, and news reports, but you can request an official transcript of a Wizard's history as long as you receive permission from your Guild Master. If you're an Independent Mage, you'll have to be able to prove you are an S-Class Mage."

"S-Class?" a student questions. "How can an Independent Mage be S-Class without any trials?"

Chibi-Luna winks. "That's a Fairy Lesson for another time," she promises. "Wizard Profiles constantly update. When Olivia spoke about her Mage Name, a Mage Name is listed in your profile, but you can legally change your Mage Name and it will be recognized in any official match. Wizards can have their information redacted from the public or certain information privatized or even opt-out of their stats being automatically filtered back to their Guild Master, but it takes a lot of paperwork!"

Chibi-Luna shuts down the profile. "That's it for our Fairy Lesson! Author-san apologizes for such a short episode, but some parts of it became a little emotionally overwhelming. However, the following episodes in their draft stages seem to be longer, so please be patient! And that brings us to next time, on Fairy Adventure: EVENINSTAR!"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Eliana "Ellie" Strauss – Alexis Tipton

Ines Sharabi – Michelle Henley

Justin Justine (voice only) – Ian Sinclair

Tesla Greer/Hylia Lynk – Galena White

Kyler – Ray Chase

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Hemlock (voice only) – Alex Organ

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Naseer Raml -

Anbessie – Pam Dougherty

Kimbley – Greg Ayres

Brika Sterling-Armstrong – Stephanie Young

Gabriel Wan – Jim Meskimen

Aryal -

Block – Richard Epcar

Li Kang – Crispin Freeman

Issumatar -

Uki – Devery Jacobs

Novak - James Remar

Miss Wilson / Mirella – Edie Mirman

Skade – Sean Schemmel

Invel Yura – Clay Wheeler

Priest -

Gary Fullbuster (child) – Cristina Vee

Natsu Dragneel (voice only) – Todd Haberkorn

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel (voice only) – Cherami Leigh

Aamon – Héctor Elizondo

• — • — •

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

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Iñuipakit → Fioren-Minstrish

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

ilannak

Old friend

• — • — •

Taakti

Medical doctor

• — • — •

Angakkuq

Shaman

• — • — •

iIisaurri

Teacher

• — • — •

Nuliaksraun

Wife

• — • — •

Igñiga

Son

• — • — •

Nakurmiik

Thank you

• — • — •

aIjaukaagaitka

Family

• — • — •

tutaaluga

Grandchildren

• — • — •

Kanikairut

I understand

• — • — •

Tuungak

Devil / Evil spirit