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!

75. Adventure 075

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.

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

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PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure, with the sun officially down, plans are in action across Earth Land. Nashi and Luna make it down to find Naseer, but they've got a long way to go to meet their friends. Meanwhile, Gary, Tesla, and Kyler let Cullen lead the way through the sewers, but their peaceful journey goes to dust when Gary and Skade have a traumatic attack and Tesla's Anti-Ether only made it worse. We got to meet Captain Aryal and Chief Block alongside new faces ready to storm the Boundary Forest to find Gale, but something isn't adding about this mysterious client and their plot to get Gale. Luna, Nashi, and Naseer found a Demon's Sigil in the catacombs of Alvarez, but Invel is ready for them and uses Ice Slave on Naseer and Nashi to force Luna's hands. But her powers are out of her hands when she teleports herself and Nashi to a location deemed safe enough…so long as she can stay awake! We caught a glimpse into Gary's past to find out he's the 'Morningstar' and Angel is the 'Eveningstar' and, goodness, he's been through so much! But it takes Tesla to show him she isn't the enemy who he hates—she's fighting the same battle as him to find some sort of normalcy. Poor Luna is left to try and protect her sister, but could you blame her for being exhausted? Thankfully, someone comes to save the day.

"You're Cael then?"

'Hello, Luna.'

Cael, it's been so long since we've seen you! But it looks like for Naseer, he might be learning Demons are real sooner than he wanted to…

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Chibi-Nashi appears. "Hi, guys! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure! Author-san wants to forewarn that there will be portrayals of traumatic events and encourages you not to force yourself to read if the event makes you uncomfortable! Dark themes written are necessary to the story, but they can be skipped if you aren't feeling up to it! Just a warning that Curses and Black Magic and darker entities will be seen as they are—very twisted, very manipulative, sinful, foul-mouthed, and-or not at all moral or ethical. So please don't stress yourself to read something that brings up an unpleasant feeling!"

Chibi-Nashi winks. "Catch you at the end of the episode!"

---

He was going to die.

DRIP…

DROP…

No matter how much he pressed down on the stomach wound, the bleeding would not stop. He took shallow breaths to take a burden off his body, but it did not matter. Blood stained his hands and spread throughout his tunic.

His good wing cradled his side, but his captors had knifed and broken the other wing. His escape could never happen this way. A dank basement that once housed slaves was his place of death. He knew the entire estate was a manor, but that did not mean his captives were the manor's true owners. They had shucked him down here and locked the door on their way out as they discussed in Gordost their next moves.

He grunted. 'The wound is too deep on my physical body for my Blessing to work. I cannot ascend into my true form this weakened.' He laid back his head on the stone to swallow away the tang of blood. 'I have heard of the stages of death. But I never thought I would endure it. Mortals are strong to endure this.'

He sighed as he let peace fall over him. 'I failed my mission. The Sinful and its offspring still live. I will report my finding to the Prosecutor upon Judgment. But I…have no regrets. I have served as a Watcher well.'

CREEEEEEEAAAK…!

A heavy grunt and the sounds of chains. "Sadis', devochka."

The top of the stairs hid from him, but he could the silhouette of a large man before the door shut. A thud hit the ground.

Silence…

He looked to see a soul amongst the darkness, youthful and pink and innocent. 'They put a child down here?' He shifted, grunting when his wound spewed more blood—

"Hello?"

He paused, unsure.

A shuffle of chains and little feet. "Hello? Anyone there?" A large sniff. "I smell blood. Are you hurt?"

"I am well, little one," he soothed.

"I'm not little," she huffed, but she moved closer in the darkness. "Luna's little. I'm a big sister."

He had to smile. "My apologies." He investigated her soul even more. 'I've lost too much blood to read who she is, but her soul… It is unique and rare. Is that the reason for her capture?'

"It's okay." Her tone switched to perky. "Are you playing the game too?"

Confusion combatted his exhaustion. "'Game'?" He watched as the soul was only a few steps before him.

"Mmm-hmm! Mama and Papa telled me this is a game," she told him with such innocent certainty. "Bad guys steal me away, but it's a game and Papa saves the day because he's the Dragon hero."

"Your parents told you," he corrected absently as he thought, 'They must know how rare she is to teach her to be calm if she's ever taken from them.' "Yes. I'm playing too."

"Cool!" By accident, she ran into his foot and giggled. "Sorry!" Blindly, she reached out until she found a spot next to him only to grasp his wings. She gaped. "Woah… You have wings! That's so cool! I wish I had wings!"

He unfurled his wing to make room for her. "One of my wings isn't working right, but the wing you touched is. They've been good to me all my life."

"Cool!" She plopped beside him and giggled when she felt his wing tuck her in and those feathers tickled her cheek. Knocking her knees together, she chirped, "Mama says people inter…inter…inter-duce each other to strangers, so they can be friends."

"'Introduce'," he once again corrected. "It is okay. I…may not be able to finish the game."

"Is it 'cause you're hurt? Did Igneel do this to you?" Her little hand covered his own against the wound. "He's so mean sometimes. Luke is nicer-er. Igneel always pushes me. Did he push you too hard? I'll tell on him."

He had to smile again despite the situation. "He didn't push me," he promised. "I got hurt on my own."

"Oh, that's too bad." Concern entered her voice and pity. "I always get scared Luna will hurt herself. She's really little, and Mama says we have to be careful with her. I can be careful with you too. When Papa comes, we'll take you to my house so Mama can heal you. You should hug Luna too. I always feel better when I hug her."

He strained himself to chuckle. "Thank you. Your offer is very kind, but I wouldn't want to impose. You shouldn't take a stranger to your house."

A beat. "Let's be friends then."

"I don't…"—a shaky breath—"have very many friends."

A gasp. "You don't? Why? You seem really nice."

"I have family instead," he assuaged her. "I have many family members."

"Oh… You're not alone. That's good. No one should be alone," she told him matter-of-factly. "Can I be your first friend?"

He blinked, but the action was heavy. "How could I say, 'no'?"

She giggled. "Mama says boys have to say their names first."

"Your mother sounds very elegant," he remarked. "My name is—"

"You can't just say your name. We have to shake hands," she scolded. "Here. Take my hand and we'll inter-duce properly like Mama taught me."

He laughed. "Yes, of course. My apologies." He offered his good hand to her and felt such warmth when he encompassed her little hand.

"And now we shake."

Their hands went up and down in their version of a handshake.

"And now you say your name," she instructed.

His smile widened. "I'm Cael. It's very nice to meet you."

"I'm Nashi." She put her other hand atop his to squeeze it. "It's nice to meet you, Mister Cael."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Cael and Luna's bracelet served as viable light sources, but Cael chased away the shadows with his purity. Luna had struggled to get Nashi up and onto her feet, but it had worked and now she guided her sister town the rocky tunnel by hand. She kept one eye on the listless Nashi and another on Cael, but she watched him with a fascination. He feels like Nashi, all warm and comfy and light.

"Mister Cael," Luna whispered, though it bounced off the walls, "you're not the soul inside Nashi, are you? You're the Spirit of yourself."

Cael turned his head to give her a nod.

Luna hummed and her eyes fell onto Cael's back. The tunic concealed him thoroughly, but she could not help but look at his shoulder blades with an intensity. Would he…? "Mister Cael?"

He cocked his head to indicate he heard her.

"You're an Angel, right?" Luna questioned.

He nodded.

"Nashi's always said this, but… How come you didn't give Nashi wings when you became part of her?" Luna had to know. "She gets wings in her other form, but she's never had wings in her Divine Soul."

Cael stopped.

Luna stopped and forced Nashi to stop.

Cael sighed and his shoulders rolled as he tugged on his tunic. Luna, at first, did not understand his intentions as the back of his tunic slackened and dipped down, but her eyes gradually widened and she had to cover her mouth when she did understand. His back had been mauled with two cuts on his shoulder blade and nubs to show where his wings once were.

"Your wings got taken from you," Luna whispered. She looked back at her sister. "Nashi has two scars on her back too, but she said it was from a training accident." She looked back at Cael in such sadness. "They didn't take wings from you. They took them from Nashi."

Cael shrugged back on his tunic to glance back and give her a nod.

"That's… That's horrible," Luna said, aggrieved. "Why would anyone want to hurt her like that?"

Wings bond in chains beating against their gilded cage. A cloaked girl draped in black approaching the cage with caution. A crowned symbol waving on a flag.

Clarity reached Luna. "My visions… They…make sense…" She looked at Cael in urgency. "Mister Cael, I had a vision about Nashi's wings. At least I think they were Nashi's wings. I-I-I was having this vision about Alvarez and everything, but I saw that there was this pair of wings inside some class cage and they were trying to get out." She caught the knowing in Cael's eyes. "But you knew that, didn't you?"

Cael nodded and began to walk.

Luna tugged Nashi to walk as well. "But… How can her wings still move like that without her?" Her brow furrowed. "It's like with chickens. Igneel was being really mean and showed me some video of a chicken with its head cut off. Without the head, the body could still move, but after a while, it—"

Dread pitted her stomach.

"The body…died…"

Cael dipped his head.

"Her wings can pretty much stay alive like this but only for ever so long," Luna rationalized.

Screams of anguish.

Wings spread made of crimson and black blood.

"In another vision, I saw Nashi with those blood wings." Luna looked back at her stoic older sister. "I'm still confused what that means, but I know it's not good. We just have to find her wings and they're here, right? They have to be here."

Cael nodded.

Luna blinked at another realization. "Are they close? Are you taking us to them, Mister Cael?"

Cael nodded again.

"Thank you," Luna appreciated. "I know you're doing this for Nashi but thank you for waiting so long for her to get here. I might not understand everything that's happening, but I know you're still helping her even now. Thank you."

Cael paused to turn. To Luna's surprise, he lifted a hand to press again her cheek. Chocolate wise, Luna felt the same thing she felt whenever Nashi hugged her.

She felt love.

Luna's eyes watered when she met the brotherly adoration in Cael's eyes. "I could use some more family right now," she whispered to him. "Thank you."

Cael drew his hand away to nod faintly.

Luna sniffed and rubbed her nose to give him a resolved smile. "Let's go get Nashi's wings." She squeezed Nashi's hand. "See, Nashi? We'll protect you and find your wings and find everyone and go home. We're going to be okay." She and Cael dropped back into a walk with Nashi steadily following.

Maybe Luna imagined it.

But she thought she felt a faint squeeze on her hand.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 075

•

Eveningstar

•

イブニングスター

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The walk felt like it dragged on for the trio, but Luna was the one to see a pale light that cracked the darkness way in the distance. It was a few miles ahead and Luna had to stop them only once in her own embarrassment to do her business, but they carried on with Luna's feet aching. Closing in on the second mile, Luna panted a little. "I get I did gymnastics and dance and Mama wants me to do a five-k with her, but I think I'm done walking for a while."

Cael smiled in amusement.

Another mile later, Luna was ready to drop on her feet, but she stayed upright when she saw they had come to a dead-end that had a burrowed open large enough for a small adult to crawl through. She let go of Nashi's hand when a pang of dizziness hit her and sudden nausea attacked her. She stumbled away as she retched and spat. "Nnngh… Gotta keep going…"

After spitting again, she forced herself upright to catch the concern on Cael's face. She tried for a feeble smile and waved a hand in dismissal. "I'm fine, I swear. Just…tired." She slapped her cheeks in an attempt to give herself a boost. "So, what do we have?"

Cael regarded her in worry for a moment further before he swept to the opening and crouched, gesturing for her to do the same.

Luna stumbled over to him and hunkered down on all fours to see what was happening. She tried to keep herself hidden to the side as she scanned what was beyond the opening. She witnessed what looked like an arena etched in stone, but at the same time, it was a mixture of a throne room and an altar with some of the tapestries that hung languidly. The tapestries seemed in dedication to Alvarez as well as show caused a soft-looking young man with black hair and a black and gold tunic. The altar was risen three platforms via stone and chiseled into the stone wall were more pieces dedicate to the soft-looking young man as both life and death surrounded him. The throne, now complete, sat at the altar in its exuberance, decked in the royal colors of black and gold.

But it was what was behind the throne that caught Luna's attention.

Wings bound in chains and held within a glass gilded cage.

Nashi's wings, Luna thought. She watched how they remained still for the time being. Just like my vision. She looked at Cael for confirmation, and he nodded. But my vision showed someone else was here instead of me. She was the one who freed the wings. Or maybe I'm seeing it wrong and she was stealing them. But I don't think she would. It's just a feeling, but she had to have been on our side. She was the one who freed the wings, but if she isn't here now… Maybe it's a possibility instead of set-in-stone?

Luna sat back on her haunches to think. I don't even know who she is, but I can't wait around for someone to maybe show up. I have to do this myself. Nashi needs her wings back. She looked at Cael. "Mister Cael, can you stay with Nashi? I'll figure out a way to get her wings."

Cael shook his head and extended his hand.

Luna frowned, but she took his hand—

A strange sensation washed over her.

Luna looked down only to gasp. I'm invisible? She saw Cael, however, and he nodded at her. "You're an Angel… People can't see Angels. You made me invisible."

Cael nodded.

Luna smiled—or so she hoped she did—and told him, "Okay. Let's do this. I promise I'll be quiet."

Cael was able to phase out of the wall, but he kept himself low, so he could keep a firm grasp on Luna's hand as she awkwardly crawled out of the opening. They rose together, and Cael followed while Luna looked all around. This stone arena was bigger than she could have imagined and now that she could see the inside, she recognized wax candles placed in various spots, but the reason was unknown. Natural moonlight had bored in from openings at the top of the overwhelming cavern and she chastised herself for not listening closer to her mother about solar and lunar positions.

I wonder what all this space is doing down here, Luna thought. She felt something beneath her and looked down to notice a smooth line dove into the earth and stretched out. She saw other lines chiseled onto the floor. Are they making a pattern?

KURRRRRRRRRR….

Cael and Luna froze as their eyes darted to see enormous wood doors that acted as entrance and exit to this stone arena opened. Most of the people who had entered looked unfamiliar. Most likely servants while one looked like a priest with his thurible in hand.

Luna's stomach dropped when she saw Hemlock.

"We have no time to worry about your failure," the priest told Hemlock from behind his metal mask. "The coronation is in due time and His Royal Chief will be furious enough if we don't perform it at the witching hour."

Hemlock sighed. "I don't like having my fun interrupted," he complained. "He was magnificent, Priest, and a work of art. His dance with death was so exciting. Now that he's gone, so went my fun." He sighed again before he turned to the servants. "Please make sure Her Highness is ready for a lengthy bath once she's found."

Luna's blood turned cold.

Priest turned his head. "Perhaps you should leave the little girl alone," he advised. "Invel may overlook your…interest in her as a way for her to be obedient, but she is a girl who deserves to retain her purity."

"Blanche already reminded me to spare the girl," Hemlock assured. "I don't have an interest in her chastity. But her Life Scent…." He shuddered. "I've never smelt anything like her. She smells like spring and creation…" He licked his lip. "She tastes exquisite."

Tears welt up in Luna's eyes and she felt Cael waste no time picking her up and making their way back the way they came.

Priest sighed. "Taste, Hemlock, but you are not to do anything else. There is no need to get carried away."

"I'm not." Hemlock's hands twitched as the tapestries blustered when a subtle wind trickled down from the openings near the ceiling. "I'm taking my time to get her used to me. She's just timid, but she's very willing."

"There, there, Your Highness, I won't hurt you."

Luna clutched Cael tighter as she felt her body shake.

"Hemlock…" Priest warned.

Hemlock laughed and clapped Priest's shoulder. "Her chastity is safe and reserved for whomever the Elders deem her future husband," he promised in good humor. "But smelling her terror and fear mixed with her Life Scent…" He groaned without restraint. "I can't wait for her to be found. Invel promised I can relax her however I please and the last time, she made such charming little whimpers…"

The wind passed by Cael and Luna as she bit down on her hand to stop herself from gasping and crying.

"She's so young and she feels so…"—he licked his lips—"perky." His smile broadened. "And her skin—"

His nostrils flared.

Slowly, Hemlock turned around, nose lifted as he sniffed the air. An expression of pure pleasure comped his face. "Do you smell that, Priest?"

"No." Priest sounded a bit agitated. "What?"

"I smell…"—Hemlock took a deeper sniff—"life."

Cael kicked into action as he tugged Luna further into the cavern to get away from Hemlock.

"Yes." Hemlock took a step in their direction and sniffed. "I'd recognize the fear and Life Scent anywhere."

Priest stiffened. "She's in here?" He turned to the servants. "Spread out," he commanded. "Find her."

"No." Hemlock held out a hand to stop everyone. "She's mine to find." He relied on his nose as he drifted into the cavern. "Your Highness," he cooed, "I can smell you're there. You smell so afraid. Did you do that for me?"

Cael pressed Luna against the wall and crouched to hug her close to him. She clung to him with fearful eyes locked onto Hemlock's wandering form.

"Did you not like what happened before?" Hemlock called. "I was certain you enjoyed it. You tasted like you did and you agreed when I asked. Or did you like it too much?"

Cael's eyes were alit with fury as Luna felt shame knot her stomach and repulsion.

Hemlock chuckled. "You'll adjust, Your Highness, I assure you. It just takes time and practice and we have time. You wouldn't want Invel to hurt your sister, would you?"

Everything for Luna stopped.

As though he knew he had her attention, Hemlock drawled, "Invel was upset you teleported with Her Majesty, Your Highness, and has instructed for us to find Her Majesty where he will lash her for insubordination." He extended his hand. "But you can save her, Your Highness."

Cael held her tighter and shook his head when she peered up at him.

"Come out, Your Highness," Hemlock coaxed. "You have our word Her Majesty will remain untouched if you come with me right now. We'll settle for another bath to help you unwind. No one gets hurt." He added slyly, "And I promise I'll go slow with you this time. My apologies if you felt sore. I was too excited. I've never had anyone like you so close to me before."

Luna bit down harder on her hand to stop herself from throwing up the bile that rose at the mention. She tried to push out the reminder of that ache, but the more she tried to ignore it, the more it reminded her and she accidentally hissed when she broke skin biting her hand.

Her eyes widened.

Hemlock froze. His smile was blinding as his head turned towards her. Even from a distance, it looked like he was looking directly at her, a true predator. "Your Highness." A chilling purr. "I won't be able to stop myself if you force my hand." He extended his hand once more. "Come with me now and you can save Her Majesty from punishment. Isn't that why you were so willing? To save her from Invel?"

Luna released her hand to look up at Cael in plead, but he shook his head vehemently and tightened his hold on her as to comfort and restrain her. Shakily, she looked at Hemlock and swallowed to say—

"Don't…touch…her…"

Eyes shot to see Nashi had stumbled out into the arena on unsteady legs. Her expression was a torn one as she fought against returning to her blank face and glazed eyes. Ire flirted with her as she tried to keep up her glare at Hemlock against the deep-seated pull of the tundra ready to sink her under. Thoughts were hard to catch, but she willed herself to piece them together.

Priest straightened. "Your Majesty. His Royal Chief has been searching for you."

But Nashi kept her eyes on Hemlock between lifelessness and anger. "Don't…touch…my…sister…" She took a threatening step, but she faltered under the weight of the tundra mauling at her mind.

Luna wanted to race and defend her sister, but Cael held her back and covered her mouth. She begged him with her eyes, but he held firm. Frustrated, Luna felt out for Nashi's mind and winced at the weathering cold she felt that rattled her core. Nashi! she shouted. Stop!

Nashi panted and grunted as she fell to all fours. The tundra was stronger than she could ever hope, and she could feel herself heading back under into a wintery abyss. She huffed frost, but she tried to regain ground and gritted, "Take…me…"

No! Luna fought against Cael's hold, but he could not let her go. Nashi! NASHI!

Priest looked at the servants. "Collect Her Majesty."

Nashi's arms buckled and she fell to the ground. Her righteous fury was being frozen over for mindlessness. A haze filtered over her eyes, but she could see Cael and a panicked Luna in the distance. With the remaining strength she had gathered to emerge from her state, she sloppily felt for the link Luna had set for the both of them and thought through the static, I love you… Lu…

Her mind went break.

The life in her eyes was gone.

Luna could not keep herself up, but Cael did so for her as they both watch, despaired, as servants collected the brainless Nashi with utmost respect and care. Hemlock told Priest, "Now we need Morningstar. I hear your little pets couldn't take him out since they were taken out by a new one with the most peculiar power…"

But Luna did not care for the rest as Cael picked her up and waited until the group exited the cavern to speed back over to the hole in the wall. Cael had put her down. He phased through, but he held her hand until she was safe inside. The moment she was shadowed, she let go of his hand and the invisibility dropped. Gasping, Luna covered her mouth with her hands as tears rained down. Cael sat next to her and opened his arm for her to tuck herself into his side. It took several moments of her taking wheezing breaths until she could speak.

"I'm fine," she whispered. "I'm…sorry. I n-n-need to stop crying." She shook her head and wiped her face with shaky fingers, but the panic was too strong as hyperventilation strangled her throat and her eyes went blurry. "H-H-He… It wasn't… And now Nashi…" But the words could not form.

Cael kept his cool when Luna felt like she could not breathe. No sounds came out as her breaths came out sharp and quick and unstable. Gravity was lost on her. Nothing felt real. Everything felt so far and out of touch. She could not feel the rocks beneath her or Cael trying to keep her together. She only felt unstable, shaky—terrified. She could barely see, she could barely breathe, she could barely be. Her throat felt like it was being squeezed. Someone was choking her. Or was it no one and her terror was the culprit?

Vertigo gripped her and she never realized she was falling or that Cael had broken her fall. She choked and hawked until her body had nothing left to give. The shaking dwindled. The terror dwindled. The fear dwindled.

She felt nothing.

She felt so…empty.

"This is my fault," she whispered, numb. "I… I… I can't…"

Cael pressed his hand onto her temple. A flood of warmth overtook the emptiness she felt inside like she was cocooned in a heated blanket. Her eyes fell shut and she could hear him in her heart of hearts.

Sleep, Luna. I will protect you now.

---

The new hall of the sewer was even more disgusting than Tesla could have thought. Down around twenty yards from them were sludge and sewer water all floating to the main waste depository area for the trash to be separated from the water so the water could be purified. Thankfully, they had a sidewalk with railing against the wall with the occasional gaps so people could go down a ladder (though, why they would willing want to wade in sewer water was beyond anyone). Cullen took the front with Kyler and Tesla in the middle and a quiet Gary in the back. The horde would have done a number on them if it was not for Kyler's healing and—

"I can't believe I have regeneration!" Tesla bounced around as she squealed, gawking over her perfect skin. "This is so bitchin'! I'm friggen immortal now! I'm a goddamn Alicorn, motherfuckers!"

Kyler sighed, but he could not help to smile. "Not immortal," he corrected once again. "But it is a handy ability to have. Have you not noticed you had the ability for rapid healing before?"

"No way!" Tesla paused to frown in thought. "Well, maybe. I just thought I could just heal fast whenever I got bruises or cuts or something." Her eyes widened. "Oh my god, this is why I don't get sore after sex! I'm a friggen slut superhero!" She eagerly turned to Kyler. "We should cut off my finger and see if it grows back!"

"No." Kyler chuckled when Tesla pouted. "Tesla, we shouldn't tempt fate. Conserve your energy for the next enemy."

Tesla waved off the concern. "Give me like five more minutes of learning I'm practically immortal and I'll be hyperventilating again about what just happened and you'll have to talk me down from the ledge again." She had a spring in her step as she walked before Kyler. "What exactly happened, by the way, when I left? That horde came out of nowhere."

"A Cursed Priest summoned them," Kyler informed, eyes darkening. "I believe he was responsible for everything that happened. He's most likely allied with Invel."

"Do you think we'll run into him soon?"

"Not likely," Kyler predicted. "I'm sure we'll run into more of those Darklings and the Familiars soon enough. But I think seeing us was enough for him to report back to Invel. They'll anticipate our arrival and put their allies in place to stop or kill us."

Tesla stopped dead in her tracks. "We're all going to die." She shot Kyler a wide-eyed look. "And you people do this every day? What the Hell is wrong with all of you?" When Kyler nudged her, she walked, but the panic was flaring up. "Oh my god, I don't even know if I have an adrenaline left to do anything like that again—!"

"Tesla," Kyler soothed as he expanded his powers to encompass her. "Whatever you can't handle is okay. We're here to protect and defend one another. There is no shame in that."

Tesla let out a whoosh of air. "You say that because you have wings and a staff like you're friggen Angelmon from Lacrimon. I am a normal human being." She shot him a glare at his raised eyebrow. "You know what I meant."

"Our lives aren't always spent fighting," Kyler consoled. "Most Gifted spend their days as average people in the modern age. Some choose to fight, but others choose to pursue school or a career path with their powers. Were your power more common, you would be an excellent edition in the physics department of any university."

Tesla snorted. "Nah. I'm not a brainiac." She looked down at her hands. "But it'd be nice to know more about my powers, you know? My cousin taught me how to summon the Anti-Ether I have inside, but… I don't know. I'm more interested in how I don't blow up and how my body regulates my regular Ether and my Anti-Ether."

"It's normal to want to know how your physiology works," Kyler agreed. "I had many questions for my parents about my own anatomy and physiology."

"I would think with the wings and everything," Tesla mentioned. "Did your mom teach you how to fly?"

Wistfulness crossed Kyler's expression and love. "Yes. She did. My mother… She had the most beautiful wings. I was clumsy during that time. Unlike how birds push their young from their nests, my mother taught me at a slower pace." He laughed. "Though my father was constantly envious we had wings and he was stuck on the ground."

"I'd be jealous too," Tesla chortled. "It'd be so cool to fly." She brightened. "You think I can fly?"

"We can test that theory in a safer space," Kyler promised.

Tesla hummed. "Cool!" She glanced around before she broached, "So…you said you and Nashi did a blood exchange, right? And that makes you siblings? Which totally kills everything I know about blood exchanges from Dawn."

"Dayborne Vampires did blood exchanges as an intimate affair," Kyler informed. "It is common for darker entities to do blood exchanges to solidify some sort of transaction and even the gods and Dragons did a different type of blood exchange to claim their mates." He smiled when Tesla looked so invested in every word. "Agents like me don't commonly do blood exchanges because it is considered frowned upon. It's common and can often result in Judgment if done inappropriately."

"'Judgement'? Like…gossip or…?"

"There would be talk," Kyler gave her, "and I certainly ruffled feathers unironically, but Judgment is a more serious event. It is similar to a human's court of law. Judgment, for the most part, takes place at the end of life where your sins, virtues, memories, goals—all are weighed to understand where you should be placed. But Judgment can be incited without Death being involved if the action is severe enough."

"Like what?" Tesla wondered then she followed quickly with, "If you don't mind me asking."

"It's all right," Kyler assured. "A preemptive Judgment can come down to several things in regard to Agents. Agents are permitted the same rights and freedoms that mortals possess. We can love and cherish and have families. But, just like mortals, when we choose to live amongst them, we can become influenced by sin. Murder, betrayal, overzealous lust, blood exchanges, summoning rituals—all cause for preemptive Judgment."

Tesla nodded slowly. "Forgive me for asking this…"

Kyler inclined his head. "Ask away."

"Well…" Tesla rolled her lips. "You told me you're an Agent. Or, well, half an Agent, which I'm to understand is an 'Angel'."

"Correct."

"But religions talk about Demons and Fallen Angels in their own way and gods that are false gods," Tesla told him. "So are you an Agent of the Christian God or…? Who do you work for?"

Kyler's smile widened as though the question thrilled him. "In every world, in every realm, religion and their deities and practices receive different perception even if it comes from the same religion. While some may feel Angels belong to their religion, Agents work differently. We are not tied to one singular entity. Demons are not tied to what you call 'Hell' nor are they tied to your version of 'Lucifer'. Agents work with the Presence."

"The Presence?"

"A plural and singular entity who is belief and non-belief. A contradiction and confirmation. The question and the answer." Kyler rubbed his hands together and spread them apart for Tesla to be dazzled in symbols from religion. "Mortals founded religions, belief, and even non-belief. Their gods and sacred deities are very much real and respected. But the Presence is not one of them. The Presence is all of them."

"Like a parent," Tesla compared in realization. "The Presence is sort of like their founding father and mother or parent all at the same time."

Kyler vanished the symbols by dropping his hand. "That is correct."

"And that is deep," Tesla murmured. "But what about Fallen Angels and Demons? Is there no good place and bad place? I was sort of hoping to go to Hell since it seemed a lot more fun and freer than Heaven…"

Kyler guffawed. "I can't answer that question and would rather you keep your own perception of the afterlife. I might be an Agent, but I'm only half of one. And even Agents have rules to abide by regarding your 'good place' and 'bad place'. But Fallen Angels and Demons…" He hummed as he put together an explanation.

"Both are considered dark entities, but not for the reason mortals commonly think… While Demons and Agents are mainly at odds with each other, it lies within a morality line. There are many good Demons with an ethical background and moral code. But Demons generally lack morals in certain ways. Powerful entities, yes, however, they have little care for who asks for a fraction of their power. When a Demon shares their power with a mortal, the mortal is bound to them and, when Judged, the mortal will join the Demon in their realm for eternity."

Tesla gaped. "Jesus, I thought books were kidding, but, no, that sounds awful."

Kyler cocked his head. "It can be. But some Demons treat their mortals rather well. I've only encountered a singular Demon who collected intellectual humans for the Library. He bolstered their research efforts and gave them gifts to expand their knowledge and bring it back from across the cosmos. But other Demons use their mortals in other ways…"

"That librarian Demon sounds nice, but gosh, the other Demons who use people badly just suck."

"I agree. That's why it's common for Agents to be at war with Demons. We are under the belief mortals have the right to attain power and knowledge by their own will and to be Judged fairly. Some Demons find the opposite their way of life."

Tesla nodded. "And Fallen Angels?"

"Sinful." Kyler's expression dropped. "They are a…complicated issue. Sinful are Agents who have succumbed to the sins or have even exchanged blood with a Demon for power and they evaded Judgement. While the Presence does not cast a Sinful out, a Sinful can never go to your 'good place'." He rolled his shoulders. "I won't get into the politics involved, but there is a cause for strife regarding the Sinful."

Tesla nodded and knew to back off that particular subject. "If Nashi is your sister by blood…does this mean she has wings like you? She's an Agent?" She feared a little when Kyler's expression turned darker. Maybe I shouldn't have asked that question. "Sorry if you don't want to answer or anything. I didn't mean to overstep."

"You aren't overstepping." Kyler sighed. "Nashi, too, is a complicated case. She has a power called 'Divine Soul' in Fioren-Minstrish. But that power is not Magic alone. She bonded to a Watcher—I believe you call them 'Guardian Angels'—and took on his abilities and life energy. By that alone, she is considered an Agent. And she took on the soul and spirit of a Seraph Agent. An impressive feat that is unheard of. But…" He feathered his hair. "When she bonded to the Watcher and gained his abilities, she was granted wings. But her wings have been…taken…from her."

Gary lowered his head.

"'Taken'?" Tesla's brow furrowed until her eyebrows shot up and she covered her mouth with her hands. "Like in that Maleficent movie where they cut off her wings?"

Gary flinched.

"Yes." Kyler clenched his hands. "Agents are naturally resilient. There is very little that can intentionally kill or harm us. But to cut off her wings… That act of cruelty is something I could never forgive if it happened to one of my kind, but for it to have happened to my own sister-in-wings…" Turquoise flashed in his eyes and danced around his being.

Tesla swallowed and tried to sate, "I'm sure you and Nashi will find her wings. But I hate that something like that had to happen to her."

"We both share that hatred then." Kyler made an effort to calm himself down, but it was not working. "I apologize for my outburst."

"No, no, take the time you need," Tesla encouraged. "Please. I understand this is a sensitive topic. Talk when you're ready." She dropped back to give him the space he needed and fell in step at Gary's side instead.

Silence drifted between them as Cullen lead them into a side tunnel that had an emergency exit and wires running down the side and large pipes on the ground. Tesla and Gary had a pipe split between them as Kyler pulled himself together on Gary's side and Cullen walked right through the pipes like it was nothing to him (because it was).

"I'm…sorry."

Tesla looked over at Gary who kept his eyes low.

"I… There's not enough that I can say to tell you how sorry I am, Tesla," Gary murmured, ashamed.

Tesla frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Gary sighed. "I knew you were a good person," he told her. "I knew that and still I…I attacked you. I knew who you were, but I let everything get in the way of that. I hurt you. And I know just a 'sorry' isn't enough to explain that, but I truly am sorry for turning on you like that." I hurt someone who was supposed to be a friend. I hurt people in Margaret. I hurt…Angel… Cerulean saddened. Invel was right about me.

SMACK!

Gary rubbed the back of his head. "Ow." He shot Tesla a quizzical look. "What was that for?"

"Are you going to apologize to me again?" Tesla shot back.

Gary's eyebrows slammed together. "Tesla, I'm sorry—"

SMACK!

That nearly knocked Gary off his feet as he hissed. "Ow!"

"Tell me you're sorry one more time," Tesla threatened. "I dare you."

Gary warily eyed her hand poised for another hit. "Are you going to hit me again?"

"Yes because I hit my friends when they talk nonsense and act a fool." Tesla lowered her hand to fluff out her braids before she gave Gary a somber look. "I understand why you're apologizing," she assured. "I know you feel guilty you lashed out and you feel like you're this monstrous person who turns on everyone they love and care about." She grinned when Gary flushed. "Ah, so I am right." She waved a hand. "Either way, I get it. But there's nothing for you to apologize about. Episodes happen. Granted, I've never been around an episode like that, but people get triggered and the trauma takes over before common sense can."

Steely grays softened. "Believe me, Gary, I understand that."

Gary turned away and swallowed. "I'm sure you do," he murmured.

A pregnant silence.

"I attacked Jaxton."

Gary turned to Tesla in surprise, but she remained calm.

"This was when we were in a relationship pretty early on," Tesla explained. "I was staying over more, so this was before I got my apartment. I woke up pretty drowsy, but it was like my mind blanked on where I was. I just knew I wasn't in my bed at home." A long sigh. "Now I understand Jaxton had left since his sister had called, but before, I was just so confused and was trying hard not to panic. I heard someone coming in and they weren't talking… The second I felt a touch…I just attacked."

The smile on her face was sad. "You know Jaxton. He was my sparring partner while I was getting my last black belt. He knew how to restrain me, but I just start panicking and screaming. I know I clawed his face and shoulders. It took a lot of his talking for me to calm down for me to recognize him." She rubbed her cheek. "God, I was so embarrassed. I kept insisting I should go and we just wouldn't work out and, you know, all the normal stuff. I just knew he would yell at me or get angry or something. I was waiting for it. But he didn't."

She snorted. "I think that freaked me out more when he acted calm. He just asked me to sit on the bed and he sat down and he asked what he could do to make me feel calmer—comfortable. Like, I just messed up his face, but he's asking about me."

Gary smiled a little. "He loves you."

"Okay, yeah, but this was in the before times of those three little words, my guy," Tesla reasoned. "Most people wouldn't want to put up with trauma patients. It takes work from both of us to make it work and that can be stressful."

"He doesn't see it that way," Gary told her. "He never told me anything about what you've gone through. But he gave me some advice about Angel." His smile widened. "He point-blank told me to cut my losses if I thought for a second she was too much."

Tesla threw back her head and laughed. "I told Nashi the same thing about you." She offered an apologetic grin to Gary's bewilderment. "I stayed over at your guys' place after a pretty emotional dinner. She had told me about her and Galileo at the restaurant, but we talked some more about you." She rushed to add, "Nothing too personal, I promise."

Gary chuckled. "No, it's okay. I'm just surprised. Even Jaxton giving me that advice was surprising. But it's a good point." He rubbed his wrist. "Angel deserves time and respect. She's been through a lot and I know it affects her now. I just want to make sure she always feels comfortable and safe. She's so hard on herself for things that she couldn't control and I wish she wouldn't be."

"I could say the same to you too." At Gary's frown, Tesla further elaborated, "I just mean you're being hard on yourself for what happened back there, and you seem like you're constantly hard on yourself." She placed a hand on her chest. "Granted, pot meet kettle. But I think we could all stand to be a little nicer to ourselves, you know? Learn that our stuff isn't going to fully ever go away, and it's okay when we get those episodes or those triggers." She made a face. "God, I sound like my therapist."

Gary softly smiled. "But it's good advice. Something I hope to learn one day." He faced front. "After everything happened to me back then, it was just a series of bad events. I was questioned, given Veracity Elixir, had a Memory Mage—but nothing was taken as fact. It made me give up on talking when no one would ever believe me. I threw myself into art instead."

"I'm not an evangelist of therapy," Tesla swore. "It's not for everyone. And after going through several shrinks, I wasn't exactly eager to try another one. I hope you don't think I'm trying to push the therapy agenda on you or anything."

Gary shook his head. "No, not at all," he promised. "My parents were torn between what to do with me. My dad isn't one to like therapists, but my mom thought it was a great idea. But it was my choice and I didn't want to go. But my dad still made it clear to me even though he wasn't a fan of therapists, he believed in healing and they'd help me with whatever they could. They bought my art supplies and took me to museums. I was pretty much an ass when I was a kid and thought meditating was bullshit, but I learned to love it. Traveling to new locations to be inspired, learning art styles and techniques from other cultures…"

"That was your therapy," Tesla filled in. "I have to say your therapy seems to have done wonders on you." She cut him off before he could comment, "Regardless of your episodes which are bound to happen, you turned into a woman's wet dream. Hate to objectify you as a way to cheer you up, but it's pretty damn true. I knew of you and Jaxton and I watched your interviews or when you'd guest star on live streams. I follow your Insta—"

"Ah, my friend controls that," Gary said ruefully. "I'm not exactly good with social media stuff, so she pretty much handles it all. Even though she's on a leave of absence, she still does all the posts and everything."

"That's dedication," Tesla complimented. "But, seriously, Gary, you might think differently, but you've turned out pretty well for yourself despite what happened before. I hope you'll give yourself some more credit."

"I hope you do the same," Gary replied.

Tesla snorted. "I'm basically friggen Alicorn Princess Shiny Dawn at this point with me being immortal, hello. I'm going to be giving myself a lot of credit, thanks." When Gary laughed, Tesla jumped in and asked, "Okay, this is a weird question, but I have to know."

"Of course." Gary gave her a warm smile. "Ask away."

"So you and Skade share the same body like a Dawn werewolf," Tesla observed, "so, like…how does sex work?"

Gary froze.

Kyler's ear twitched.

Cullen looked over his shoulder, shrugged, and carried on.

"So, like, obviously, you and Nashi do it," Tesla continued, oblivious to Kyler and Gary's reactions, "but how does Skade come into the mix because Nashi explained she and Skade haven't done anything, but if he's you, then he's involved in some way, right?" Her eyes widened as she gasped. "This is what she meant when she said you were packing, that lucky bitch."

Gary perked like he struck gold. "She said that about me? What else did she say?" He flinched when he could feel Kyler's subtle wrath and began to sweat. "Actually, maybe we shouldn't—"

"Well, the way she was describing you made me think you were some sort of sex god, to be honest," Tesla continued. "But that's so unfair because she's basically with two people at once, but my goodness, she was talking about how…" she snapped her fingers as she tried to remember. "You were…doing something with your tongue and the cold… Shit, what was it?"

Gary nervously laughed as Kyler looked like he could burst at the seams. "Tesla, I don't think—"

"Ah, I know!" Tesla preened. "She said you used your Magic to make your tongue colder while you were eating her—"

"Maybe," Kyler intervened in a tight voice, "we should stick to lighter conversations."

Tesla sulked and looked ready to object when Gary blurted, "Yes! Yes, we should stick to lighter conversations! Of course!" He added to Kyler, "And I treat Angel with utmost respect whenever she's with me—"

"Gary." Kyler heaved a sigh. "I…understand you and my sister-in-wings are intimate. I don't need to know more."

"Right, of course, but I would never hurt her when we—"

Tesla put a hand on Gary's shoulder to cut him off and shook her head. "Now is not the time."

"You brought up our sex lives in the first place!"

Tesla winked at Gary and mouthed watch this. Before he could ask, she hollered, "Kyler…! Gary just told me he plans to kidnap Nashi away to his lair so they can screw like rabbits and, as a woman, I think that's disrespectful!"

Gary gulped and retreated when Kyler looked like he was vibrating with anger. "I didn't say that!" he squeaked. "She's making it up! I wouldn't…" But then he thought about Nashi's visit to his home in Arcticados… The way he immediately carried her back to his room… And then they…

Gary covered his face in shame as heat flooded his cheeks. But I did do that… I couldn't control myself… She was just…so tempting and right there and it had been so long…

"Gary."

Cerulean clashed with narrowed turquoise.

"I should hope you recognize Nashi deserves romance and to be treasured by her significant other," Kyler told him in a tense voice.

Gary nodded vigorously. "Absolutely! Of course she does! She deserves the world! I check in with her frequently and I ask for consent every time I…" He shrunk when it looked like murder was spelled in Kyler's eyes. At least Angel is my beneficiary if Kyler kills me down here. He wouldn't kill me. He's an Angel.

Skade whispered, We are the Devil.

You are the Devil. Why aren't you taking this?

Skade chuffed his amusement. Unlike your fragile need to be cordial and censored, I have no issue with explaining our…intentions with Malã'ika in full detail…with visuals, if need be.

You should be neutered.

We share a body, brother. My balls are your balls.

Dammit.

Tesla was holding her gut, trying so hard not to laugh. "Now, now, boys, I'm sure it's not that bad." She jogged to slap Kyler's back, jolting him. "Come on, Kyler, lighten up a little even though we're in the deathly hallows. I'm sure Gary is treating Nashi just like how you treated your partner when you were the equivalent to his age."

Silence…

Cullen stopped, confused, with Tesla dying next to him while Gary ran for his life.

Kyler wielded the Staff of Miracles and viciously hunted Gary down. "By the Presence, stay still!" he thundered as his Blessing wound around him. "You need to be purified! You will not touch my sister-in-wings like that! She is too young for that!"

"What does that even mean?" Gary cried. "Angel wouldn't like it if you purified me!"

"She'll get over it! Stay still!"

Cullen looked over at Tesla who wiped her eyes with a sigh. "Sorry. It was getting too gloomy. Needed some chaotic good to get us back in a better mindset." She extended her arm. "Well, Shadow Man, shall we follow them before they get us lost so we can find our friends and save the day?"

Cullen bobbed his head and looped his arm with hers. It was like they were taking a casual stroll down the lane at their pace.

Tesla whispered, "Now that they're gone, we should try seeing if I can regrow limbs."

Cullen facepalmed.

---

Dante's little office was nothing special in his opinion. He had bought his desk and bookshelves from a Traditionalist laborer in Infiorata Town and the wood would most likely outlast him. Little tinkering projects and books for class and other reading-for-pleasure books shoved themselves into bookcases.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dante's Townhouse

Poke Township

Fiore, Ishgar

10:05 PM FST (Fioren Standard Time)

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He spent his time dedicated to completing his assignment for his Introduction to Analog Systems and Circuits when one of the little light panels alerted him of someone at the front door. Cracking his back, he left the room in shorts and a tank top and yawned before he headed downstairs to unlock and open the door.

An eyebrow went up at a young man he had never seen. Easy on the eyes and handsomely dressed, but worry rested on his face. "Can I help you?" Dante asked.

"I'm looking for my cousin," the young man explained. "Carlisle?"

Dante remained unconvinced. "And your name?"

"Bleu, but he calls me 'Lucy'."

It clicked. "Ah. Aphtan's mentioned you before too," Dante murmured. "You said you're looking for him?" He glanced at the stairs. "He's asleep right now, but if you can wait a minute, I can wake him—"

"No!" Bleu blurted with a shake of his head. "No, that's okay, ah… I promised Aphtan I'd let him be until he wants to speak to me, but I just wanted to make sure he was okay and he hadn't been answering his Compact…"

"He wasn't feeling that great today," Dante mentioned, "but I'm going to guess the reason he got drunk was that you two might have fought."

Bleu's eyes widened. "He's drunk? But he can't get…" His eyes narrowed and he cursed, "Mahalia." He ran a hand through his hair and let out an agitated sigh. "I'm not sure if I'm the reason he drank, but I haven't been kind to him today. It wasn't so much of a fight, but…"

Dante could read the clear guilt in Bleu's expression and took a step back. "Why don't you come in?" he offered. "You look like you could use a drink and someone to talk to."

"No, it's okay," Bleu sighed. "But thank you—"

"Bleu."

Light eyes clashed with darkness.

"Trust me when I say listening to people is what I'm here for," Dante assured. "Come on in. Who knows? Lips might wake up and you two can talk."

For the second, Bleu looked hopeful. Then he grimaced as he entered the townhouse. "Yeah, if he wants to speak to me first of all…"

As Bleu slipped off his shoes, Dante found him a pair of house slippers to wear. Bleu slipped them on while Dante held out a hand. "I'm sorry. I should introduce myself. I'm—"

"Dante." Bleu shook his hand with a twitch of his lips. "I know. The man who has been tolerant enough to let my cousin stay over this long. You're a legend."

Dante chuckled as they let go of each other. "Nah, he's not that bad." He paused. "Though he is a drama queen."

("Achoo!" Carlisle rubbed his nose with a groan and proceeded to roll over and snuggle with Dante's pillow while Muta looked jarred he had been shifted.)

"Just a little bit," Bleu laughed, and he followed Dante deeper into the home. He noted the little projects and had to bring up, "Engineer?"

"Certified Enchanter," Dante corrected, "but I'm working through my Magi-Engineering degree." They came into the kitchen, and Dante immediately went to the refrigerator. "I have water, lemonade, beer, and then I have stuff for cocktails, but I also have some good whiskey."

"Water is fine, thank you." Bleu watched Dante and tilted his head. "You're an Enchanter at eighteen. That's impressive."

Dante shrugged as he offered Bleu bottled water. "I guess so. There's a big demand for them on this side of Fiore, but the garage I work at is more flexible with my night school schedule." His lips tugged into a knowing grin. "Anything else you want to vet me on to see if I'm good for your cousin? I'm surprised Aphtan didn't tell you to write my name in a death note."

"Ah…" Bleu grimaced.

Dante snorted. "I take it he told you his impression of me?"

"When I went over to his house to see Carlisle, he had…an interesting description of you," Bleu admitted with care. "But I want to form my own opinion about you. Aphtan is just…protective of Carlisle. I am too, but…" He hesitated.

Dante waved a hand. "It's okay. I get it. I put it together Carlisle had a less-than-happy experience with his exes."

"You can say that," Bleu muttered. "His exes might have seemed like perfect people on the outside, but it's easier for Aphtan and me to see between the lines." He chugged some of his water. "But I have to say, even without knowing you, you seem very different than the others. And I mean that in a good way."

Dante leaned against the counter. "Meaning…?"

Bleu opened his mouth to explain, but he thought the better of it. "All I'll say is my cousin is very a touchy-feely-lovey sort of person and his exes knew that and preyed upon how forgiving he could be." The words came out practiced and well-thought. "But you should ask Carlisle about the specifics."

"I take it if I asked you about Hunter, you wouldn't be able to answer?"

Bleu's eyes sharpened. "He told you about Hunter?"

Dante shook his head. "No. Aphtan brought him up," he mentioned. "He said Hunter and I were similar in a way."

"I can't understand why he would say that," Bleu grunted. "Don't take too much of what he says to heart. Aphtan has a certain way about him. He's not one to keep his opinions to himself and he won't apologize for it either." He sighed. "It's admirable, but…"

Dante nodded. "I know what you mean."

Bleu eyed Dante. "Did Aphtan say anything else about Hunter?"

"No," Dante replied as his eyes drew to the ceiling. "But I can wait for Lips to tell me. We've got time." His gaze dropped down to Bleu and something donned on him. "Are you the cousin dating my best friend's first love?"

Bleu blanched. "And your best friend would be…?"

"Gale Redfox."

"Ah-ha…" Bleu began to sweat and backed away. "Yes, I'm dating Luna…"

Dante chuckled. "Relax. I'm not pissed on his behalf. It sucks he's heartbroken, but it is what it is." He shrugged as he crossed his arms. "And he has some stuff he needs to figure out. I've never met her, but from whatever he and Cane have to say about her, she's a good person. Take care of her."

Bleu let out a breath of relief. "I will. Trying to, anyway." A sheepish look crossed with guilt came to life on his face. "Since the beginning of this month, my father's been harder than ever with me learning our family business, so I haven't been as attentive to her as I should be."

"That's rough, buddy," Dante sympathized. "It's not easy to balance schedules and handling anything personal. My friends Kat and Miles have that issue during spring semester often." He rolled his shoulders. "Before Lips, I didn't care how wild my hours were or anything with my school hours. Now?" He sighed.

Bleu decided to take a seat at the small island. "Carlisle's always had a busy schedule from October to March," he explained. "He's passionate about his figure skating career and during his off-season, he's normally still doing light training even when vacationing." He shook his head. "Even got me into figure skating. So brace yourself."

"I played some hockey in high school," Dante admitted, "but I think I'll sit out with figure skating."

"That's what I said, but then he just makes these eyes…" Bleu rolled his eyes. "And when that doesn't work, he enters Child Mode and I ended up learning just to get him to shut up."

Dante laughed. "Sounds about right. But I think I have a good handle on him." He rubbed his cheek. "But with schedules, he explained a little bit about his schedule to me. I just feel bad. I have classes until ten at night and on Saturdays… He normally comes over here after school and waits for me, but still, I don't want him to always do that."

"Are you two in a relationship?" Bleu questioned, curious.

"If I can finish up planning the first date, we'll see," Dante said dryly.

Bleu's eyebrows rose. "I thought Carlisle was just trying to be coy and exchange the truth for chocolate or something when he said you guys weren't boyfriends. He was actually telling the truth. Huh." He had to think on that one. "I don't mean to be disrespectful or anything. He's just… I mean he's been staying here for three weeks now? He's normally bouncing off the roof about his new partner, so I guess I'm just surprised…" He cleared his throat when Dante cocked his head. "Sorry. Never mind. Carlisle just tends to…"

"Rush into it?" Dante finished for Bleu. "It's fine. We just confessed and I'm probably more old-fashioned and want to date first."

"Which is fine," Bleu hurried to approve. "I didn't mean any offense. Like I said, knowing Carlisle, I was just surprised. I'm happy you two are taking it slow. He could use that. Hunter…" He winced.

Dante decided to change the subject. "So if I can ask, what happened between you and Carlisle that has you here at my house at ten at night?"

"I…" Bleu's shoulders sagged. "I had…yelled at him," he admitted in clear remorse. "I was angry, but I should have handled it better. The stress was catching up to me and Carlisle was the one I unleashed it on. He didn't deserve it."

"He didn't," Dante agreed softly, "but if you're that stressed that you get that angry, is there anything you can do to relieve some of that stress?"

Bleu shook his head as he played with the water bottle. "Not right now. My father stressed if I slip with the work I'm given, there are consequences."

"He sounds like a strict man."

"He wasn't before." A wistful look burst in Bleu's eyes. "He used to be a lot more relaxed when my biological mother was around. But she abandoned us and, well, here we are."

"Here we are," Dante agreed as he searched Bleu's face. "Do you miss her?"

Bleu looked at Dante like he was crazy. "Not a chance," he vehemently denied. "I know the type of person she turned into and I don't want to associate with her. Just because she gave birth to me doesn't mean I consider her family anymore."

"Ah." Something glinted in Dante's eyes. "I understand that perfectly. Blood means nothing when it comes to family. Family is what you make of it. In my opinion at least."

Bleu nodded his agreement, but he thoughtfully observed Dante as though he was unraveling secrets. "I know I'm here to hopefully make-up with Carlisle and you're honestly a good guy…"

"Ask me whatever you want to know," Dante allowed.

Bleu hummed and asked baldly, "Are you dating Carlisle just because of his looks or his money or his fame?"

"No." Unlike when Aphtan had accused him of such a thing, Dante did not bristle nor was he grated at the question. "I like him. I've liked him since we couldn't finish what we started at the party we met at." He shook his head with a small smile at the reminder.

This piqued Bleu's interest. "What happened? All I remember was that Carlisle was in a frustrated mood." He glanced at the ceiling before smirking. "And, at risk of his wrath, he might have gone out with some girls to forget who made him frustrated."

"He told me that much," Dante chuckled. "Blamed me for ruining all his dates." He scrubbed under his chin. "He tried to get away. We had fun, but before we could get to other fun, he had a clarity moment." His eyebrow twitched at the memory. "He couldn't leave fast enough. It took me a while to find him again."

Bleu snorted into his next gulp of water and waved a hand when Dante peered at him in question. "Sorry, sorry, I'm just pretty surprised he stopped and just left like that. He's not the type to do that." A moment of realization hit him and his eyes narrowed for a moment before he forced himself to relax. "Well, I'm glad you found him. But his moms definitely want to meet the guy who stole their little boy from them. And I don't mean his brother."

"We have time," Dante promised. "It took my friend Tesla meeting me for an hour and she introduced me to her entire family."

"Tesla Greer."

Dante slowly nodded. "Yeah. I take it you know her?"

"A little," Bleu replied. "And her boyfriend. I met them in Magnolia when she was a little too drunk."

"I must have been working or trying to track down Lips that night." Dante sighed. "Your cousin didn't make it easy for me. I had to set up a Gyndr account to finally find him."

Bleu's eyebrow rose. "Did you not try YouView? He's pretty famous."

"I only had his first name to go off of," Dante defended with a tick in his jaw. "But I've seen how famous he is now."

Bleu measured his next question carefully. "Carlisle can be friendly towards his fans. He always wants to show he supports and loves them. Will that be an issue?"

"No." Dante shook his head, but he shot his front door a dark look. "But I'm bringing a fucking bat if fans start banging down on my door."

"Fair point," Bleu murmured in agreement. He looked at Dante up and down before he said, "I think you're a good guy, Dante, I do. I might not have been happy with Carlisle's choices in the past, but you seem very different. And, as I said before, in a good way. Sorry for all the overprotection he's gotten from Aphtan and even from me. Carlisle's"—he struggled for the right word—"different. And he tends to get into…trouble. I've been protecting him since our younger years, so I guess I can be a little hard on him. I just…" His eyes dropped to the counter.

"I don't want him hurt," Bleu admitted quietly. "He covers up a lot of his pain to everyone, but he's been through a lot. I know I can't protect him from everything, but serious things are happening and it makes me worry I'll get a call from his Maman that he's gone."

"'Gone'?" Dante tensed. "Is he in any legal or illegal trouble?"

Bleu shook his head in dismissal. "No, no, nothing like that. It's just…" Two beats as he gathered the words. "Carlisle and I have an extensive family," he began. "And there are sides to our family regarding how we operate. Carlisle and his Maman aren't on the same side of the spectrum as my father's side of the family."

"He said something about family drama the other night," Dante mentioned.

"And what happened was different family drama regarding another cousin," Bleu explained as best as he could. "But this family drama runs very deep. Carlisle has a good heart. Working under my father and dealing with all the pressure of the family gets to me and he tries to help me in little ways. I can't say I approve, but I know I can't stop him. But it's why I get so worried about him. Sure, I'll complain if he drags me along on a shopping trip or ice skating or he demands I get him chocolate for being my favorite cousin, but he's my family, even if my father thinks otherwise."

Dante took in all this information. "I've never been one to stick myself in issues that run that deeply," he started, "but Carlisle is always welcome to stay here even if we're not together."

Appreciation filtered through Bleu's eyes, but he had to grin. "You'd really let him stay even if you guys weren't together?"

"I would." But Dante offered his own grin. "But I'd conveniently have the guest room locked."

The two shared a laugh until Bleu told Dante in all seriousness, "And just know I'm here too if Carlisle gets too much. I know my cousin gets head-over-heels fast and if he is overwhelming you, just let me know."

"After meeting Aphtan, I don't think overwhelming is a problem," Dante said dryly. "Honestly, I doubt he could overwhelm me. He's amazing and funny and intelligent, but…" He held his chin as he figured out how to say this. "It's like he's holding something back."

Bleu lifted a chin, curious. "What do you mean?"

"It's nothing—"

"It's not 'nothing'," Bleu negated. "You thought of it for a reason."

Dante sighed and supposed Bleu was right. He rubbed his neck as he confessed, "It's like…there's something he's holding back. He's very hyper and bubbly, but… There are just little moments in between when I can tell he's working something out in his mind."

"It could just be about figure skating," Bleu proposed.

"I don't think that's it," Dante countered as his eyes wandered to his cabinets. "And tonight and last night… Just holding him… He just feels off. And maybe it is the family drama; I don't know. And it's not like he needs to tell me everything right away. We haven't even gone on a first date. But I don't want him to feel like he needs to keep a part of himself away from me. I like him for him, not the version he gives his fans." A little smile. A gleam of eyes. "He gets so interested in documentaries like he's experiencing everything for the first time. He's caring towards everyone who supports him. He might like to tease…and can be a little brat when he wants to be—"

("Achoo!" Carlisle rolled to the other side and flattened Muta who began gasping for air and muttering curses not meant for anyone's ears.)

"—but I can tell he's loyal." Dante brushed back his bangs. "Gale wouldn't have spoken to me about him if he didn't think Carlisle was a good person. I've"—he scratched his cheek in embarrassment—"actually been catching up on videos of his past competitions and interviews. And to see that spark when he talks about his passion… It's amazing." His grin turned rakish. "But since you're his cousin, I won't go into everything I like about him."

Bleu exaggerated a shudder. "I'd rather you didn't," he grumbled. But he had to smile a moment later. "I hope you know he does care about you. His past might not be promising, but for him to want to take things slow with you… That just tells me a lot more about how he feels about you." He pointed a finger at Dante. "Just don't feed him junk food and no chocolate for him after two in the morning. He always says he can handle the sugar high, but he can't."

Dante rolled his lips. "I wish you had warned me of that two weeks ago."

"Sorry, man. He's a handful," Bleu apologized in jest.

"Yeah. A beautiful handful." Dante ran a hand down his face as he groaned. "If there's anything I can do regarding the issues Carlisle is in—"

"It's okay. I've got it handled for the most part." Bleu paused, watched Dante for an intense few moments, then reversed his denial. "Actually… There's something I can think of."

Dante jerked his chin. "Go for it."

"Teach him how to physically defend himself."

That surprised Dante. "Really?"

"Carlisle can do damage on his own," Bleu inserted. "But he never wanted to learn physical defense because of the damage he can do. But…"—his eyes darkened—"I'll say this much. After some relatives and…Hunter…I want him to be able to defend himself thoroughly. He didn't want to learn when I suggest it, but…"

Dante understood. "He'll learn." No hesitation or doubt.

"Perfect." Bleu smiled wide. "And please take pictures of his back on the mat so I can roast him later."

Dante raised an eyebrow. "If his back is on the mat, I can't guarantee it won't be for other reasons."

"Then, I'm good," Bleu quickly shut down, regardless of Dante's amusement. He slid off the stool to check his watch. "I'd better get home. I've taken too much of your time." He jabbed a finger to the ceiling. "Can you tell him I spoke to his coach? He'll get some extra rink time tomorrow to make up for the loss today. He'll say he doesn't need it and try to think I'm insulting him, but he'd beg his coach for more time on the ice."

Dante rumbled a laugh. "Yeah, I'll make sure." He walked Bleu to the door and waited until Bleu had gotten on his shoes to hold out his hands. "It was nice to meet you, Bleu."

"Call me 'Lucy'," Bleu insisted as he shook his hand for a bro hug. "Might as well if Carlisle and Aphtan are. I don't mind."

"A nickname?"

Bleu simpered. "Something like that." He opened the door only to pause and look back at Dante. "You're very easy to talk to."

"I get that a lot," Dante admitted. "Tesla likes to tease me I could make someone spill their life story to me after meeting them. It's what happens between myself and pretty much everyone I meet, actually."

Bleu slowly nodded like he understood. "A calm personality that sets everyone around you into a comfortable state. That's a good trait to have." His eyes scanned over the projects. "Good luck with everything. Get my number from Carlisle. Don't hesitate to use it if you need help with him. I've been babysitting him for a long time."

"I'll keep that in mind," Dante promised warmly. He watched as Bleu offered a nod of farewell before pulling up his hood and ducking out into the cold. He waited until Bleu's car was out of the driveway and driving down the street before he hit the lights and went back upstairs. He peeked into his bedroom to see a grumpy tomcat trying to remake a comfortable spot while Carlisle ardently snuggled with the pillow Dante had abandoned.

Unable to resist, Dante went into the room. He gave the tomcat a rub down his spine that had the cat purring and he fell onto his side. Smiling, Dante climbed into bed to press a kiss on Carlisle's brow that trailed down to Carlisle's nose. He rumbled when Carlisle stirred and tipped up his head to let Dante plant a kiss on his lips.

Sea-greens cracked open to clash with darkness.

"Is it morning yet?" Carlisle slurred, tone rough with sleep.

Dante kissed the corner of Carlisle's mouth. "Nah. Still night."

"Ugh, screw you." Carlisle turned away from Dante and buried his head into his pillow. "Don't wake me until it's four in the morning if you want to live."

Dante chortled and kissed Carlisle's neck, inciting a shiver. "Get up. Come sleep in my lap while I study. I could use some eye candy, pretty boy." His laughter grew when Carlisle smacked him.

Opening his eyes to crack a glare, Carlisle threatened, "I will fart in this bed so help me if you don't leave me alone to sleep. And take your little Simba with you on your way out."

"Don't be so grouchy," Dante teased him. "I thought you promised me you'd be bouncing off the walls for me."

Carlisle groaned. "I'm a liar. I sit on a throne of lies. Now leave me alone to sleep…!" He half-growled half-laughed when Dante began to peel off the comforter. "No-ho-ho…! You'll never take me alive!"

"Drama queen," Dante muttered once the comforter was done away with. He moved and dragged Carlisle up in a bridal carry.

"Evil man," Carlisle grumbled. "And put me down. I know I'm fat."

"Shut up. You're the right amount of you."

"I'm squishy."

"In the perfect places, sure."

"I hate you. And I want a blanket. I'm cold."

"You've been awake for two minutes and you're already demanding things." Dante tsked as he lowered so Carlisle could steal the comforter and let part of it drag on the floor. "High maintenance pretty boy."

"That's Mister High Maintenance Pretty Boy to you, asshole," Carlisle muttered as he curled into Dante's hold. "Who gave you permission to wake me up when it isn't morning?"

Dante snorted as he moved them out of the room and down the hall. "I did when you woke me up at one in the morning. Quit complaining. You're supposed to be eye candy. Beautiful but silent." He grunted when Carlisle pulled his hair in retaliation and warned, "You might not want to start something you're too tired for, Lips."

"Ugh. You're so gross," Carlisle complained as Dante bustled them into the office. "Thinking of sex when I'm in my ugliest and most vulnerable state. I'm not a machine."

Dante scoffed as he got back in his chair and arranged Carlisle on his lap. "When I get back from working out and the second I'm out of the shower, you—"

"Shut up…!" Carlisle whined as he pulled up the comforter to cover himself. "It's my moment of weakness when people smell like that. All musky and everything. It's all of your guys' fault for smelling nice."

"Drama queen." Dante logged back into his DAL to work on his assignment. "Go back to sleep so I can work." He hissed and looked down where Carlisle bit him. "You want to go there?"

"I was in a bed," Carlisle bemoaned. "And it was warm and comfortable and you drag me out of it like a brute for me to sit here on your lap and look pretty and be quiet."

"Basically."

"I feel objectified."

"As expected."

"And maybe a little horny, but that's your fault."

"Naturally."

"I want a divorce."

"Sure."

Carlisle huffed when he caught Dante's lips twitching. "I change my mind. I want to be in a throuple with Jaxton and Tesla. Both of them are nice to me and care about my feelings."

"You can barely handle me, Lips. You wouldn't be able to handle Jaxton," Dante remarked as he started typing.

Carlisle pouted. "I can handle you." He shrunk when Dante did not look at him, but he raised an eyebrow. Huffing, he curled into Dante and muttered, "Whatever. Wake me up when it's morning and not a second before unless it's chocolate-related or you get slaughtered."

"Noted. Sleep. I need to work." Dante caught Carlisle's frown and dipped his head to kiss it away. "I just needed you close," he murmured. "Quit whining and just be with me and be cute, all right?"

Carlisle offered a lazy smile and a slow burn of a kiss back. "Yes, Dante."

"Smart mouth." Dante aggressively took Carlisle's lips before tearing himself away to get back to work. "Don't tempt me to put something in that mouth. I need to work. Sleep."

Carlisle sighed, but he yawned before he could make a snippy comeback. "Mmm, night."

Dante hummed his reply as he continued his work. He was only maybe a minute away from finishing up his assignment when an email dropped in from college.

---

College of Magi-Engineering

To: ME Students ⟫

Registration for the iAIM – Friendly Reminder and New Updates!

Dear ME Students:

We wanted to remind you about an opportunity to join in with iAIM – International Artificially Intelligent Machines – during the annual, worldwide synthetic biology event starting the first week of June until mid-August where secondary school, undergraduate, and graduate students work together in multidisciplinary teams to build genetically engineered systems and AIs using the standard equipment given to you. iAIM teams work in and out of the lab to make complex projects to incite positive change to everyday tasks. Every summer, over 20,000 students at a new location every year participate in changing the world, and this year, iAIM will be the Nácarlines in Malaquíta!

iAIM has a special guest line-up every year for this year. We announced in a previous email, but they had just included new guest speakers Fusajiro Nokonoko, the president and founder of Wintengo, and Takeru Collier, the president of Project Humane. Both will serve as judges for the event at the end of the summer and rumor has it both will have special offers for individual students who capture their attention!

Just as a friendly reminder, for students to successfully register, please have one letter of recommendation from your professor. Financial assistance will automatically be given to all students who both register and are approved by the college to attend iAIM.

Don't be tardy to the party! To register, please click here.

We hope to see plenty of Fighting Griffin representation!

Sincerely,

Caro Estroque

Dean of the College of Magi-Engineering

---

Dante read the email again and sighed. His eyes closed when he felt lips press into his chin. "You should be sleeping."

"I sensed your indecisiveness." Carlisle pressed another kiss under his chin.

Dante raised an eyebrow. "The 'force' or something? Or are you telepathic?"

Carlisle froze for a nanosecond, but he gave Dante's chin one last kiss as he dismissed, "Please, Prince, if I were telepathic, I would have forced you to get me chocolate and ramen."

"Brat." Dante shifted and looked at the email again.

Carlisle turned his head to look at it and he read it over as well. He softened. "You should go."

"Are you sure?" Dante asked him.

"What would you have done before we met?" Carlisle pointed out. "This could be huge for you, Prince. You shouldn't waste an opportunity like this."

"If I get accepted," Dante reminded. "And your off-season is basically all of summer—" He hissed and glared at Carlisle, who had such a look of innocent for one who had bitten him. "I will throw you on the ground."

"So violent for one so young." Carlisle offered him a beam when Dante looked less than impressed. "You won't hurt me. I'm your sex object, remember? You'd never hurt your objectified sex object."

Dante sighed. "Lips…"

"Dante, it's fine." Carlisle reached up to stroke Dante's jaw. "I know you want to go. You would have done this before we met anyway. And who knows? We…might not even be together by the time June comes around, so you should think about your future first."

"That's what you think?"

Carlisle offered a sad smile, but he could not meet Dante's intense stare. "It's just a possibility."

"Carlisle, look at me."

Carlisle frowned. "No."

"Carlisle."

"I don't want to," Carlisle denied petulantly.

A beat. "Have it your way."

"I will—Ah!" Carlisle found himself thrown around, too shocked to retaliate, he ended up straddling Dante and faced him with wide eyes. "You are such a brute when you don't get your way."

"You're such a brat even when you do get your way," Dante grunted, but he had to grin a little when Carlisle huffed, offended. "What's been going on, Lips?"

Carlisle paused, but he attempted for a perky grin. "You mean outside of you treating me like the evil man you are?"

"That." Dante checked Carlisle's eyes. "That right there."

Carlisle pretended not to know what he meant, but his heart raced. "What do you mean?"

"You're hiding…something." Dante sounded frustrated at himself and Carlisle. "Ever since you ran out from me in December, ever since we started seeing each other for the past three weeks, you just feel…stressed or distracted or worried. I know it's not about skating," he added before Carlisle could get in a word. "What's got you so worked up?" He looked away. "If you didn't mean what you said—"

"No!" Carlisle cupped Dante's cheeks so darkness connected with sea-greens with specks of violet. "No, that isn't it at all! It's just…family stuff," he answered lamely. "It's just weird drama, Prince, really, it's nothing."

Dante gave Carlisle a long look. "I've never had someone lie to me so many times to my face."

"I'm…sorry." Carlisle swallowed. "I just… No one's ever really noticed before outside Lucy and Tantan…"

"No one can read you that well to know when you're trying too hard to fake it." Dante thumbed Carlisle's cheek. "I'm sorry. I'm pushing. You don't have to tell me anything. But if you're not okay, just tell me that. That's all I ask if you can't tell me the complete truth. So tell me now: are you okay?"

Carlisle was quiet for many moments. "No."

"That's all I need," Dante whispered. "Don't ever worry about saving face in front of me or I will punch you."

Carlisle scowled. "Rude."

"And, speaking of punching, I think it's time you learned how to punch."

That perplexed Carlisle. "What?" He looked around. "Is this a fever dream?"

"No, it isn't," Dante denied. "You're going to learn how to defend yourself and you're going to learn it from me." He clamped his hand over Carlisle's mouth. "This isn't really a choice. I'm being nice and giving you a head's up. Now nod."

Carlisle rolled his eyes.

Dante raised an eyebrow.

Huffing through his nose, Carlisle gave a nod. When Dante pulled his hands away, Carlisle quipped, "I can't believe I woke up for this. Here I was being a good person, checking in on you, and you threaten me with violence and mandatory punching and kicking lessons." He glanced back at the DAL monitor and the gears began to turn. "This hot nerd thing is in the Nácarlines?"

"It's not a—"

"You should go," Carlisle cheered with his eyes gleaming, "and I'm coming with you."

"No." Dante did not care when Carlisle gave him those large, soulful eyes. "No."

"I can do whatever I want and I'm going to the Nácarlines this summer with or without you," Carlisle decided haughtily.

Dante rubbed his face. "Why do you want to go?"

"I have my own agenda that will remain a secret," Carlisle told him. "And I'd love to practice more of my Perlagog." He bounced. "And Coach was telling us the other day about some exhibition stuff happening and I could go to Cosplay Pandemonium since it happens in July in Pirita!"

Dante sighed. "We're going to the Nácarlines this summer, aren't we?"

"Well, I am, but you do whatever you please." Carlisle saw Dante's eyebrow twitch, and he knew what could come at any moment. He purred, "But it'd be a lot more fun if we went together. You'd get to work all day while I got to travel and then you'd come back all sweaty and all tan and hot and nerdy—Mmmph!"

Dante had put a hand over Carlisle's mouth with a flat stare. "Stop with the sweat thing." He moved his hand to curl Carlisle closer to him to take control of his mouse and click the link to register. "Just so you know, this solidifies that we're going to be together for the summer," he muttered. "I don't date just to date. I date because I want something long term."

"I want that too," Carlisle said earnestly.

"I wasn't saying that to warn you. You don't have a choice."

Carlisle glared. "I should call you 'Master' instead of 'Prince' since I'm just your slave."

"Nah." Dante scrolled through the requirements before he clicked he agreed to the terms. "You'd be my sex slave."

"Mean, Prince! Mean!"

"But I do mean what I said."

Carlisle paused, confused.

"I haven't had any actual relationships," Dante confessed gruffly. "I dated a little in high school, but nothing lasted. I get you rush into things, but…" A bit of red flirted with Dante's tan cheeks. "You're not exactly the only one who falls hard first and gets burned."

Carlisle's lips parted in surprise. Dante…

Dante's eyebrow ticked. "Say something."

Carlisle just looked at him. Then Dante felt attacked when Carlisle latched onto him and nuzzled his cheek. "Aw, Prince, you're so romantic! Like an actual Magia prince! I feel so lucky!"

Dante growled, "I will throttle you."

"No need to be so violent!" Carlisle pecked Dante's cheek. "I think it's sweet you want something to last. It's admirable. Most young don't really think about that. They think with lust first, infatuation second, and love third. But I like you think about love first."

Dante snorted. "You keep saying 'young', but you do realize I'm older than you?"

"Ah, right…" Carlisle managed a strained laugh. "You just make me forget sometimes, I guess…" His eyes softened. "You make me forget a lot of things, actually."

Getting to the form, Dante began typing out his full name and murmured, "I hope that's not a bad thing. You have the attention span of a goldfish, so if you lost your memory, you'd just be useless."

"Rude!" Carlisle huffed, "As I was saying, it's a good and bad thing you make me forget. I'm usually not this forgetful. You're the second person to make me like this."

Dante paused. "Who was the first?"

Carlisle winced, but he could not find it in him to say.

Dante resumed typing.

He's hurt…and worried now… Carlisle guided Dante's face down for a soft kiss. "But I know you care and you read me like no one else has before even though you barely know me. You're not just different—you're you. And I like that a lot." He closed his eyes when Dante kissed him back. "You make me feel calm even when I'm worried," he continued as though he needed to purge his thoughts. "You make me feel safe. And you… You make me feel like me. I guess that's the bad part of it."

"That's the best part of it," Dante murmured.

You wouldn't say that if you knew… Carlisle pecked Dante's lips again before sighing. "Finish up registering so we can do to bed…!" he whined. "I want a bed!"

"You go from sweet to being a brat in under a second," Dante said dryly as he turned his attention back to the online form.

"It's my talent," Carlisle preened sweetly. "I have many talents."

"Yeah, well, those talents won't be needed tonight when you have to get up at four in the morning."

Carlisle deflated. "Evil man. Reminding me of that."

"Shut up. I'll cook breakfast in the morning."

"With coffee?"

"No."

"Dante…!"

"That whiney baby voice isn't doing you any favors outside of me wanting to throw you."

"Violent Prince."

Dante sighed and offered Carlisle a haggard look. "Do you want to go to bed now? I can finish this up later and it's not like my assignment needs to be done tonight. It's due by Sunday and registration for iAIM doesn't end until the end of February."

"You should finish," Carlisle urged after a moment. But he lost the battle when Dante pushed back his chair to pick up Carlisle like he was carrying a child and Carlisle looked wide-eyed. "You should put me down."

"You are not fat," Dante told him. "I can finish this later."

Carlisle pouted before he grinned. "Well, if we're going to bed then—"

"No."

Carlisle gawked. "You're seriously rejecting me?"

"Yes." Dante entered the bedroom. "Because I know you'll just complain about it in the morning." He dropped Carlisle and the comforter onto the bed unceremoniously for stripping himself of his tank top and his shorts to leave him in boxers.

Carlisle tried to sound offended as he said, "I do not complain—!"

"Yes, you do. You get whiney that you're sore and I have to hear about it the entire ride to your campus." Dante climbed into bed and stole half the comforter before curling around Carlisle. "Such a brat."

Carlisle hmphed, but he eased into Dante's warmth. "Such a brute."

"Mrrrow!"

Carlisle grunted when he felt the tomcat climb into bed and curl against him. "It's back."

"I'm so sorry he didn't open the front door to let himself out," Dante said dryly. "He's friendly and he likes you. Be nice."

Carlisle could see the tomcat's gray eyes glint over at him and he sighed. "I suppose I could be nice to the little pussycat." He ran gentle fingers down the tom's spine. "After all… He just might be helpful." He closed his eyes. "Good night, Prince."

"Night." Dante squeezed him closer.

And unspoken words floated in the air that both thought of saying, but they held back.

---

Mahalia returned home with a wave back to the friend she had carpooled with and her yawn ready the moment she stepped through the door. She brought home with her new bottle of wine as her prize from the social event she had gone to and was removing her heels when she paused.

A lute was playing stretchy chords from upstairs.

Quietly, she slipped off her heels in exchange for her house shoes and set down her wine and her purpose. She did not bother to remove her coat as she ventured up the grand staircase and listened as the chord progressed C/E to an F as the melody strung along to it. On the second floor, she saw Aphtan's door was slightly cracked and crept forward to peer inside and check on her grandson. Facing the window, the moon bathed his face as he strummed the lute without the need for his gloves.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ángel Residence

New Azalea City

Fiore, Ishgar

10:15 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mahalia pushed open the door with a little noise to give him a choice. He knew she was here and he could stop playing or he could continue.

The chords pushed to a C and ended with a Dm then transitioned to a Bb.

Mahalia stepped into the room, mindful of her grandson's belongings, before she took a moment to settle herself on her knees beside him. The moment, the Bb changed to a C and pushed to a G3, she began to sing, "Ikaw…ang pagibig na hinintay… Puso ay nalumbay ng kay tagal ngunit ngayo'y nandito na ikaw… Ikaw ang pagibig na binigay…sa akin ng may Kapal… Biyaya ka sa buhay ko, ligaya't pagibig ko'y ikaw…!"

Aphtan strummed the first line of the melody as he went to a G#.

"Puso ay nalumbay nang kay tagal…ngunit ngayo'y nandito na ikaw…! Ikaw ang pagibig na binigay…sa akin ng may Kapal… Biyaya ka sa buhay ko, ligaya't pag-ibig ko'y ikaw…!"

Aphtan strummed through the G# that held out until a quick Cm came that changed into a Fm. It blended into a Cm again and it slowed.

"Pagibig ko'y ikaw…!"

Aphtan finished with a slow glissando of a G#.

A harmonic silence filled between grandmother and grandson.

"Carlisle-po loves this song."

Mahalia turned to look at Aphtan, but he stared blankly out the window. "I never hear you play lute," Mahalia murmured. "I thought you had gotten rid of it." She looked over at the Kudyapi. "And your Kudyapi as well. You were adamant gifts from your parents be tossed aside."

Aphtan thumbed his lute. "The instruments are harmless," he supposed. "I can touch them and they don't mind."

Mahalia sighed. "One day, you won't need the gloves," she promised him.

"What does it matter?" Aphtan asked her flatly. "Gloves or not, my parents will never want me to return home. They've made that clear. It would be rude of me to intrude on the lives they built for themselves."

Mahalia softened. "It's okay to feel hurt that my spineless son and daughter-in-law are doing what they promised they would never do," she told him. "I won't think less of you for wishing something different, ápo."

"I don't wish for anything different." Aphtan shifted the lute. "I like the life I have here. I have you and Carlisle-po. I speak to my parents when they remember me." His eyes flickered to his naked hands, so soft and unburdened with the scars of labor. "I don't remember much of them or my life with them to begin with," he told her grandmother. "For all I can remember, you have been there for me, Lola. I don't understand why."

Mahalia combed a hand through Aphtan's locks. "Because you're my grandson and I love you very much. And you deserve a life full of happiness and love. I'm just so sorry your parents couldn't give that to you."

"I'm not." Aphtan looked out the window again. "They deserve a life free from stress. I was a source of their stress and I still am. I don't even think the people at home would remember me now." He reached for his silk gloves and slid them on, only to stop when he found his ring. "It was for the best I left."

Mahalia saddened. "As long as you're happy now."

"I am, Lola," Aphtan assured.

Mahalia hesitated. "We can still go to the Nácarlines if you're interested in seeing home and your baby sister." She spoke over Aphtan when he opened his mouth, "Just consider the thought. I would never force you to interact with them, but perhaps seeing home would be good for you to gain any closure you need."

"I'll think about it," was all Aphtan could off.

Mahalia kissed his temple. "That's all I ask, ápo." She looked at the empty bed. "I suppose Carlisle left with his friend after I left?" She noticed Aphtan tensed. "You can't protect him forever."

"Carlisle-po needs protection," Aphtan countered. "I don't want to watch his heart break again. And I don't want him hurt."

"None of us do." When Aphtan said nothing, Mahalia turned to her grandson and questioned, "Do you know why I asked Mister Demiurge to introduce you to Carlisle when you were little?"

Aphtan recited, "To ensure if Carlisle-po turned, I would—"

"No." Mahalia shook her head. "Your parents and that church have tainted views on the world. I wanted to give you the freedom to make the choice on your own with who is good and who is not. And you know Carlisle has a beautiful soul otherwise you wouldn't want to protect him."

"But others don't know that," Aphtan countered quietly. "Hunter is a prime example."

A flicker of anger towards the name passed through Mahalia's eyes. "I understand your reservations and your perspective," she murmured, "but as his friend, understand his." At Aphtan's silence, she exhaled. "We can bring your concerns up to Mister Demiurge, but for now, let him be. Carlisle seems happier than we've seen him—"

"Since Hunter—"

"—and until we have concrete evidence his new special friend is remotely anyone to worry about, we are to let him be happy," Mahalia enforced. "No arguments on this. If I ever meet this 'Dante' and I feel something off, you and I will both do what needs to be done, but until then, let this go."

"Yes, Lola," Aphtan sighed, defeated.

Mahalia chuckled and kissed his cheek before bracing his shoulder to stand up. "Well, all that wine made me tired. I'm going to bed. Don't stay up too late. Mahal kita, ápo."

"Mahal din kita, Lola," Aphtan murmured. She waited until she was gone from his room and shut the door to get up. He placed his lute back into his case when the light caught his ring. He studied the symbol bumped onto the ring that had been passed down in his family.

A charming yet poisonous smile.

Dishonest orange eyes.

Aphtan's eyes hardened as he stared at his ring. Carlisle-po won't survive if his new lover is like Hunter. It took Lucy weeks to bring him back. His hand clenched into a fist. I will not risk another attempt.

---

Lights off, Mary Jane twisted in bed, asleep and snuggled against Igneel's scarf. The clouds passed over the moon in an endless stream, but the moon did not mind this intervention from her sight. It was a lazy night for her to begin with. Mary Jane sighed and buried her nose deeper into Igneel's scarf.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dreyar Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

10:31 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane moved again with Igneel's scarf moving along with her. Her lips parted as though she were talking, but her words only existed in her dreams.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The ocean was made of clouds.

The ground was soft with grass mixed with flowers never-be-seen. But the view was off the ledge of this cliff, but it did not show an expanse of land below it. No, it showed a sea of clouds and masses of land on their own floating islands. Some had water run off the ends, but the water did not break into the clouds exactly, but the water dwindled into mist that disappeared in the oceanic clouds. Some of the landmasses contained large mountains and fields to frolic in. You could see well-built temples and the fauna grew in abundance. Another floating landmass showed a class between suburbia and city with structures built and it looked like it was busy with life. But the cliff of this view took the cake as it overlooked everyone and everything. A Pegasus soured through the air with her young, but they switched to ravens a moment later. An eager bull chased around giggling nymphs who had teased him too much. Lightning struck down one of the palaces as wrath was incurred.

"Fate is cruel to force us to flee." A voice that touched neither gender. "I created our home and now we must leave."

"I know." A woman who sounded mature and sympathetic. "Our time is coming soon." The focus turned to face a beautiful person, but their eyes were blurred. Hair pulled back due to a floral hairpin, an Adam's apple was visible, but his shoulders were nimble and feminine in his kimono that had loosened. "Have you decided what to do? It is selfish of me, but—"

"I know what you ask," the beautiful person said with a sorrowful smile. "But you know I cannot. Fate has told you what you and your sister must do. Destiny has delivered me options and none involve a fate like yours."

A hand reached out to grab his delicate hand.

"What will you do?" came the question again. "A Slayer is not strong enough for your position, my friend."

"I do not plan to follow the Council and task a guide unto a Slayer," he promised her. "But I… When Destiny listed my options, I only saw one solution. But I require your help." A tear shed.

"Consider it done," came fervent promise. "What do you require of me?" The focus dropped when he touched his stomach and rubbed it. "Are you…?"

"Yes." Another tear shed. "Mother Oella was the only one I could trust to help me. It is the only way I would not forsake the vow of abstinence." He turned to her, smile sad, cheeks stained with tears, but his eyes were still blurred. "I need your help," he whispered. "Until that day comes, I cannot afford for Baracles to find me until I'm ready. I fear I am not strong enough to do this alone."

"You won't be alone," came whispered vow. "I'll help however I can until the little one comes. But did Destiny tell you when?"

"No." The fear broke his voice.

"Come stay at the temple—"

"The hearth cannot remain unguarded," he insisted. "I have already caused suspicion for leaving to see Oshun—" His smile wavered. "What if I chose wrong?"

"You chose right," came insistence. "We will figure out a way to ensure the little one makes it before that day comes. Keep to yourself at the hearth. Do not let the Council into the temple and deflect that you are busy. They would believe that as you are the busier ones of us just as myself. Give me time. I may have someone who can help."

"Who?" he asked. "Who would help a virgin carrying their little one?"

"She is the only one I could ever trust. She will help." Her hand squeezed his. "You and your little one will be safe. I swear to Mother—"

The dream shifted from one full of emotion and pain and hope into something that came from a nightmare. Fire and ash rained everywhere as people screamed and abandoned everything in order to get away. A volcano in the distance spewed its black clouds as lava tore down the sides of it to light the surrounding forest aflame. She felt trampled as she swam upstream from the shrieking masses, but she had to go. She just had to go.

A flash of blonde.

She saw him.

She fought through the masses to see him standing there, panicked, with his blonde hair and dark eyes. "Igneel!" she screamed in relief. "Igneel!"

His head sharply swiveled to find her eyes and his own relief spread across his face. "MJ!" he shouted. He pushed through the crowd to get to her. "I'm right here!"

She reached for him. "Igneel!" She tried taking another step when a hand clamped down on her wrist. She whipped around, but surprise caught her when she saw Peter before her, but he looked…strange. Rather than those gold eyes, he bore scarlet ones. "Let go of me!" she snapped.

"MJ!" Igneel shouted, but his voice grew farther and panicked. "MJ!"

Mary Jane lurched, but Peter would not go. "Where are you going, Sweets?" he purred. "You don't need him anymore. You have me."

"Get off me!" Mary Jane growled. She searched for that blonde hair again, but she found no one and fright clawed at her. "Igneel!" she yowled. "Igneel, I'm right here!" She hissed in pain when Peter's nails dug into her skin. "Let me go! I need to find him!"

"You will never find him."

Mary Jane whirled around, but the screams, the people, the volcano—all were gone. It was her and a scarlet-eyed Peter and that terrified her. "Peter," she whispered in plead, "I'm sorry, but I'm not yours."

"You are mine," Peter snarled as he yanked her towards him. But it was not just his voice that had said that. A gritty voice of a woman had snarled alongside him. "We're bound together forever. He is nothing." He thumbed the crook of her neck and shoulder. "You were meant to love me."

Mary Jane could see Igneel in the distance, eyes a stark green. Tears filled her eyes as she sobbed, "I don't want to love you."

A chilling whisper. "You did before. You'll learn again."

Teeth bit into the juncture—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mary Jane woke up with a start, eyes wide, cheeks flushed, and chest pained. It took a few seconds to calm down and flop back in her bed, but her mind was reeling still. The dreams she had ebbed away, but she could never forget that desperate panic and those stark emerald eyes. Instinctively, she pulled Igneel's scarf over her nose and took several breaths until her heart evened out and she no longer had a dizzy spell.

What was that? she wondered. I remember…there was someone scared…and then I was scared… But now I can't remember why?

She took a peek around her room to notice her book had been set beside her. Mom or Daddy must have come in. She sat back up to grab the memoir and feather it with a hand. I must have fallen asleep reading. She opened where the bookmark had reserved her space. I was reading about Mavis… Ah, yes, I got to her meeting the Black Wizard again after the Second Trade War, I think…

Mary Jane hummed. "I wonder if we have any records of the Black Wizard," she wondered. "I know Mom and Daddy were in the Black War, but… He was mentioned a lot in Mavis' story." She went over to get her Compact and unlocked it to go to a contact. She had no time for a text. She needed an answer now, so she called.

The Compact picked up on the second ring. "Mary Jane."

"Hi, Penelope," Mary Jane greeted. "Sorry for calling so late and I'm really grateful you gave this to me, but I—"

"You wanted recounts of the Black Wizard."

Mary Jane sighed into a smile. "So you knew I'd ask."

"It was inevitable. One side of a story is never as informative as every side to it." Something shuffled around. "Where have you gotten in the memoir?"

Mary Jane skimmed the pages she was on to tell, "Mavis met the Black Wizard in the forest after the Second Trade War."

A pause. "Do you know where in the forest they had met? A map should be included in the memoir with points where Mavis had her most significant events."

Mary Jane frowned. "Hold on." She put the Compact on speaker to slide her bookmark in and flip through the book. She managed to find the map section towards that back that detailed Tenrou Island, but she was able to find a map of Magnolia. A point was in the East Forest. "The East Forest," she told Penelope. She smiled. Where Igneel lived…

PANG!

Mary Jane made an unpleasant grunt as she rubbed her temple.

"Are you okay, Mary Jane?"

"Yeah. Sorry." Mary Jane shook off the pain. "Just my head."

A lengthy pause. "I will gather the records of the Black Wizard," Penelope decided. "Perhaps when you are available, I can show you the locations that happened within this part of Mavis' memoir as well as the Black Wizard. I believe you would appreciate the knowledge. It may be more informative than you believe."

"Oh, um… Well, if you think so," Mary Jane chirped. "Thanks for your help, Penelope."

"You're welcome." A pause. "Mary Jane… I hope you know I never have an issue with you asking for me to use my powers to help you."

"What do you mean?"

"My abilities cause me to peer into the soul and expand it into reality," Penelope told her. "I can unlock your subconscious thoughts and dreams. But I will only do so with your consent."

"Oh." That confused Mary Jane, but the gesture was still appreciated. "Thanks, Penelope, but I'm okay for now. Honestly, I just want to understand why Granddaddy said what he said about me and August. My parents and his nurse told me I shouldn't listen, but… I don't know. He sounded so serious about it and angry that I just… I want to know what he meant."

"There is no shame in that," Penelope assured. "I think you're right to explore what his words meant." Two beats. "What's the first August you remember?"

Mary Jane laughed, perplexed. "My first August?" But she knew Penelope was not one to make jokes, so she thought about it. "I don't really know to be honest. Nothing stands out to me. My parents told me I was pretty sick as a kid. Mmm, I think it was August when I was in the hospital for something or something like that; I don't know. I'd have to ask my parents. Why?"

"It's nothing. I should continue my work. I'll be by tomorrow with the records. When you're free, I'll show you the places where Mavis and the Black Wizard's interactions took place."

"Sure! Thanks!"

"Of course. Good night."

"Night!" Mary Jane ended the call to sigh. Her eyes dropped back to the memoir, but she studied the mark made in the East Forest for her finger to trace it. If Igneel was here, I'd just ask him to take me there. He knew the forest like the back of his hand. She grabbed the scarf for comfort. It was an unfair exchange for the feeling of Igneel's natural heat, but its fluttering warmth was welcome for now. He's gone and that's that. I better get back to reading. She got comfy as she thumbed her acorn button and flipped the book back to her spot to keep reading about Mavis and the Black Wizard.

---

It was clear the soldiers were on edge as they passed by larger-than-life trees in this grayscale version of the Boundary Forest. The moonlight that freckled the forest was opaque and the rare crystal formations that sprouted looked too jaded to touch. Everyone kept their weapons close, but no one would take the first shot unless they were above certain where the enemy lie. A misfire could result in whatever lived here knowing their location and hailing death upon the entire outfit.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Boundary Forest

Fiore, Ishgar

10:47 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Kang might have felt twitchy and on edge, but Wolf suffered more than him. Kang had to remove Wolf's mask to allow the canine to hack and retch into a bush, but the look in Wolf's eyes determined he needed to know what was happening and needed to find Gale. They kept their stalk measured and paced with only a few men stopping when their frittered nerves required them to relieve themselves, but eyes were on every angle with the doctor kept in the middle of them all and five different trackers marked where they had been to ensure they could find a way back.

Wolf and Kang pulled the outfit to an intimate pool surrounded by rocks and crystal. The dulled moon touched the pool, but something was off about the pool. While most pools in nature would at least have fallen leaves or forest debris lying on top of dirtying the water, the pool looked too pure and too clean to be natural, and yet, it was. The entire outfit kept up their guard as Kang and Wolf sniffed around until Kang returned to Block in visible frustration.

Kang signed:

SCENT TRAIL ENDS HERE.

Block looked at him in disbelief and signed:

ANY OTHERS?

Kang shook his head.

NO. ONLY KID.

Wolf growled.

Kang and Block went over to Wolf to see him pawing at the ground, tail twitching in agitation. Kang squatted to where Wolf nudged him and took a deep inhale. His eyes darkened and he turned to Block to sign:

TRACES OF BLOOD

Block replied:

CAN YOU TELL IF IT'S THE KID'S?

Kang shook his head and took a deep whiff again.

Block took a look around and tried to imagine the scenario. The kid's scent trail ends here and there is blood. It means one of two things. The kid must have fought back against his attacker who was smart enough to conceal his scent. Gale cut himself in the fight, but his attacker teleported him away or the blood is the attacker's blood. He signed to Kang:

SMELL MAGIC?

Kang signed:

KID'S MAGIC. DARK POWER IN FOREST. NOTHING ELSE

That rules out Teleportation Magic or Flight Magic, Block reasoned. Kang and Wolf would have smelt if a predatory picked him up and carried him away. But if his scent just vanished out of nowhere… There has to be an explanation. How could he be stolen without any indication he was stolen? This makes the theory that the higher-ups would release suicide on him. Without evidence he was stolen and he disappeared into an unsafe zone, people would believe the kid just up and offed himself and wanted a quiet place to die.

RUSTLE.

The outfit froze.

Block raised a hand.

RUSTLE… RUSTLE…

Without a wind, Kang and Wolf were as left in the dark as the rest of the outfit, but everyone had their ears alert as the gentle crashing through the bushes got closer and closer and closer—

RUSTLE! RUSTLE!

Leaves shook.

Lasers were turned on as guns were immediately pointed to the shivering bushes. Block took point with Wolf ready to pounce and Kang ready to follow both of their leads. Block held up his hand and would give the order—

Barren feet stumbled out of the bushes. Ripped clothes with skin scuffled in minor cuts and scrapes, but eyes were wild and feral.

And red.

Block instantly ordered everyone to stand down, but the soldiers already knew what to do. The entire outfit took in Gale who looked like he had seen better days with his hair dirties and tussled, his shirt near torn to shreds, and his pants ripped. He panted as his eyes darted around to take in the officers, but it was not like he was aggressive or aiming for an attack. He looked…distraught.

"Wh-Where am I?" Gale asked, tone shaky. "What happened?"

The doctor moved to the front ranks and speak to Gale in a coddled tone from within his mask, "Sir, we are here from fire and rescue and the Anti-Magic division closest to the area. Are you aware you have been missing for nearly twenty hours within the Boundary Forest?"

"What? No…" Gale ran an agitated hand through his hair. "No, no, I… I can't…remember…" His knees buckled and Wolf was the one to spring into action to slow Gale's fall. "I… What happened to me?"

"Do you remember your name, sir?" the doctor asked of him.

Gale's expression pinched. "Gale Redfox. I'm from Magnolia. I was…here to do a job, but I…" He shook his head as his hands shook. "I can't remember…"

"We're going to get you out of here, kid," Block promised. "You need to be checked out. We'll make sure to get a hold of your parents, all right?"

Gale gave a faint nod, but his eyes still looked wild and nervous.

As the medic came forth with other officers for the best way to transport Gale and unloaded a spare oxygen mask, Block and Kang shifted back and watched him carefully. Wolf stuck close and let out a purr as a wolf would do for their young. That seemed to calm Gale down a little bit to be able to understand he was among friendly faces, but he latched onto Wolf for comfort.

"He looks bad," Kang muttered as though angered on Gale's behalf. "Whoever took him did a number on him. I've seen a couple of the kid's fight. He's pretty badass and level-headed. A cocky shit, sure. But to see him this unnerved…"

"Doesn't sit with me either. Met his old man once. Hard-assery runs through their blood." Block's eyes narrowed as Gale, with his oxygen mask on, shakily got to his feet with Wolf acting as a guide. He got out his radio and switched to their private channel. "Sergeant, we found the kid."

"Is he all right?" she demanded to know.

"No." Block saw the way Gale limped and looked pained as he took a slow walk. His stare wandered to Gale's exposed arm to show his red Fairy Tail guild mark. "He's been attacked…and he doesn't know by who."

But outside his shoes, there was something else missing from Gale that he himself could not realize right now.

His sunstone armband.

---

Cullen waited everyone had dropped down into another level of the sewers that looked relatively unused even if it smelt like sewer and piss and shit hibernated here. Tesla could not hide her disgust from the smell, but Kyler and Gary could conceal it well. Cullen had stopped them all as he gestured to the wall and crafted a shadowy X to mark the spot.

The three looked at each other.

They had made it.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Underneath Spriggan Castle

Vistarion City

Alvarez, Alakitasia

8:50 PM ADT (Alvarez Daylight Time)

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gary crafted a blade of ice while Kyler readied his staff, but Tesla took out the hilt of her saber to craft her blazing blade of Anti-Ether. Both men watched, bemused, as she stalked to the mall and stabbed it with her blade. She ignored all the sparks fuming off as she carved a misshapen arch that could at least be a good size for her to get through without needing to crouch. Once she finished, she dismissed her blade to make the metal suffer a harsh roundhouse kick and—

ERRRRRRRRRR… BOOM!

Tesla mocking blew on her hilt and twirled it back into her cloak. "Bet you didn't see that coming." She looked sweetly at the Shadower. "Shall we, handsome?"

Cullen nodded.

Gary and Kyler were both gobsmacked. Gary whispered to Kyler, "If anyone asks, we taught her that."

"You didn't teach her that," Kyler muttered, "and I certainly didn't."

Both men peeked from beyond the sewers to see that a stone hall awaited for them lit with archaic torches, but the quality of the design of the hall was something from the middle ages it would seem. Tesla had only taken five steps in when she stopped, eyes horrified. "Hey, guys," she murmured, "that feeling we all had? It's intense now."

The second Gary and Kyler crossed the threshold—

Skade's hackles drew up and he growled through Gary's chest while Kyler was quick to expand his power and shield everyone within it.

"Demon," Gary growled.

Kyler had to agree. "Yes. A powerful one. Bael was powerful, but this one… Its darkness is different than Bael's." He kept the Staff of Miracles close at hand as he looked down the long hall with the dim lighting of torches as their source of light. "Tesla, you are to stay between Gary and me at all times. Mister Cullen," he addressed the Shadower, "as Nashi and Luna have not made it, please find them and make a safe passage for us."

Cullen nodded and slunk into the shadows.

Tesla gulped as she shifted between Devil and Enoch. She crossed her arms to hide her unsteady fingers. "Things are about to get ugly, aren't they?"

"Yes," Gary confirmed. "We've got your back. And besides, you're the Alicorn who can regenerate." He passed her a soft smile. "So don't worry, okay? Kyler and I have dealt with this before."

Tesla jerked her head. "Right."

Kyler murmured a prayer as his staff moved in the name of the Presence, the Spirit, and the Soul. "The darkness bound to the catacombs won't taint us," he assured. "But without Nashi's powers…I just hope it has not tainted her."

°•°•°•°

Elder Mozah tucked her hands into her sleeves as she watched the lady's maids set to work, bubbling around Nashi. Nashi looked and sounded animated as she giggled and gossiped with them like she had been born and bred into this lifestyle, but it seemed everyone conveniently forgot the carved ice collar around her neck that was the reason she was so perky. Bathed and relaxed, she donned a silk robe as her hair and make-up were done. Sighing, Elder Mozah decided to leave the room. The moment she stepped out, she saw Invel waiting for her with his icy gaze and impressive posture.

Elder Mozah was not intimidated. "Yes, Your Royal Chief?"

The doors closed after her as Invel gestured down the hall. "I have come to request a stroll, Elder Mozah, if you would grace me with one."

"I'm impressed you remember how to ask for consent." Elder Mozah ignored Invel's eyebrow twitch in anger. "Very well. A stroll it is, but let it be quick since I am to attend an early coronation."

Invel cleared his throat. "Very well." He guided her down the hall.

Servants spruced up the hallways with a glow about them. They respectfully bowed as Invel and Mozah passed, but they were quickly back to bubbling with excitement as they watered the plants, dusted the painting frames, and polished the knobs and everything in between.

"The castle is certainly abuzz," Mozah commented. "I suppose everyone would be excited when word has leaked the true heir of Zeref will be crowned and they have been invited to a private ceremony."

"Yes." Invel pushed up his glasses. "Her Majesty will become what she was destined to become. Alvarez will be back in the correct hands."

Mozah sighed. "Yes, Your Royal Chief."

Invel raised an eyebrow as he led Mozah over to an observation deck. From below, the landscape artists were hard at work. While the castle would not have an influx of visitors until the weekend once the official announcement, much work was to be done. They trimmed, clipped, hedged, and repotted whatever was according to the designer's eye.

"I know you do not approve," Invel told her.

Mozah raised an eyebrow. "When did you ever make such an observation, General?"

"I no longer go by such a title," Invel stiffly reminded. "As I was saying, I understand out of the Council of Elders, you object to our cause and I have accepted we will agree to disagree. However, I should still hope I can count on you to be at the crowning and advised Her Majesty."

Mozah softened in sadness as she looked at the view of the empire. "I will always serve whoever sits on the throne," she murmured. "Her Majesty is a fine and strong-willed young woman. It is a shame you have stripped her of that will."

"And I will allow it back to her given proper time," Invel ensured. "I admit my error in being too hasty and air regret for not enslaving her sooner."

"Will you enslave Her Highness?"

"She is but a child," Invel dismissed. "It is natural for children to be rebellious. Through Her Majesty, she will learn to carry herself the way Zeref's blood should. She has such grace and beauty and an affinity for life. She will make us all very proud."

Mozah hummed. "I heard you lost His Highness."

Invel's hands tightened and the temperature dipped for a mere moment. "Yes," he supposed, tone reluctant. "We were caught unawares by two intruders who displayed powers we had not seen. But now that he is freed from his humanity and Stern has him attached to me, I see no reason to get upset over his capture. Like END's instinct to find his master, Etherious will have an instinct to return to my side subconsciously."

"A prince turned into a loyal dog," Mozah muttered. "You manage to impress me more and more." She looked out to the far mountains. "The seasons in Alvarez are different than seasons in other continents. We have a desert season and a forest season that packed spring, autumn, and winter within those months. But the people here accept that seasons will change no matter how inconvenient it may be."

Invel offered a sigh of frustration. "Seasons are just seasons, Elder Mozah, but the throne is different. His Late Majesty did not deserve such death and the people have been devastated over his loss."

"I mourned him as well," Mozah reminded. "His Late Majesty meant much to all of us, Invel." A pause. "But the Black War with Ishgar caused for your arrest and Alvarez has yet to answer for the crimes committed."

"We have no crimes to confess," Invel countered icily. "Ishgar is but a weak country. To them, I remain in my cell. I chose to keep them appeased with my capture. But I am needed here to restore His Late Majesty's legacy."

"But at what cost, Invel?" Mozah remarked sadly. "You have forsaken your humanity and so have others. You have invoked one of His Late Majesty's sacred readings to bring forth Aamon. You have enslaved Her Majesty, the prince is your pet, and Her Highness is terrified of Hemlock—"

"Sacrifice is necessary to achieve His Late Majesty's wishes," Invel said point-blank.

"I remember a time when you disagreed with one of His Late Majesty's wishes," Mozah said softly. "I remember a time where you believed in order and propriety."

"If you are insinuating I have lost myself to the mission, then I have done so happily with the knowledge His Late Majesty's dream will attain reality," Invel remarked.

Mozah sighed. "Why did you wish to speak with me, Invel? You are aware of my loyalty to the crown."

"Regardless of our differences, I respect you as an Elder of the Council, Elder Mozah, and I have trust in your loyalty and devotion to the one who crowned our ruler," Invel told her. He led her away from the observation deck to guide her to the elevators. As he pressed the ⟪ Up ⟫ button, he told her, "And so, I have tasked you with one last duty prior to Her Majesty becoming what she was meant to become."

DING!

The elevator parted to show two guards were already inside.

Invel held the elevator door open. "If you'd please…"

Mozah went inside, but she turned to face him. "What is my duty, Your Royal Chief?"

"You are to take this elevator to the top floor where the gardens are," Invel instructed. "He should be refreshed and will need to be guided on the details."

Mozah raised an eyebrow. "'He'?"

"Yes." Invel reached inside the elevator to press the top floor button. "The guards shall summon you when Her Majesty is ready to take on her mantle. You will escort him to her." He stepped back. "And Elder Mozah?"

The elevator began to close.

"I expect nothing less"—those dark eyes could freeze a desert—"than a perfect effort."

The elevator doors closed.

°•°•°•°

Luna awoke with her mouth tasting like sandpaper. Her head had taken a pounding and everything hurt as she cracked her eyes open. Were she at home, she would have curled up with Icarus and slept, but she knew that was not an option. She made little noise as her muscles protested her moving, but her head lolled a little. Cael was close to her, concerned, but he knew she needed her space. She tried to lick her lips and swallow for moisture, but nothing worked. Her eyes went to Cael.

"Hi…" Her voice was hoarse. "How long was I out?"

Cael gave her a piteous look.

Luna licked her lips again as the memories crawled back to her, but she just felt so numb and empty on the inside. Nashi's gone… It's my fault… I couldn't protect her… She's gone… Eyes vague, she sat against the wall. I don't know what to do… She's gone because I couldn't protect her… She's going to get hurt because of me…

Cael sat in front of her ears, eyes sad, and he took her hands in his own to rub them and tried to spread warmth and comfort.

She asked him, "Mister Cael… Could you find Gary and Mister Kyler?"

Cael shook his head.

"I figured." Not even defeated or disappointed. Just numb. "You have to stay close to the wings." She closed her eyes. Her chest hurt so badly. "I can't do anything right. I can't protect Nashi. I can't find Luke. I can't find Icarus. I can't get us home. I can't get help."

She took a deep breath. Why did she do that? I should have gone with him. Nashi has that ice collar on. They could make her do anything they want. I should have done more. I should have protected her better. I can't do anything right.

The tug for sleep came.

LUB-DUB…

They were there in the picture. All of them. Igneel and Nashi were arm-wrestling, both cocky enough to think they would win. Luke looked exasperated as he had to give up reading to play referee between them.

LUB-DUB…

I lost Igneel.

The picture tore Igneel from it.

LUB-DUB…

I lost Luke.

The picture ripped Luke from it.

LUB-DUB…

Now I've lost Nashi.

Torn to shreds was the picture and she was alone like before. Her siblings went adventuring. Her parents left with promises of return from a mandatory job. The Celestial Spirit cared for her in such absence, yes, and her friends indulged her with lunches at Double Trouble and fun hangouts, sure, but...

I'm alone. Just like before. I'm always alone.

An abyss opened before her, bottomless and a perfect cocoon for her thoughts, her emptiness. It felt just like her—numb, cold, lonely. She could handle loneliness. It was better to be alone. No one could hurt her when she was alone. She could stay numb and deadened while she was alone.

I'm alone, she told herself. It's all my fault.

The Forever Container rattled.

Cael looked alarmed when he witnessed shadows slip up Luna's flesh.

A silky voice responded to her, curious, Why do you say that, Bright One?

Because it is, Luna replied. I couldn't protect Luke and Nashi. Igneel left. Icarus is gone. I'm alone. It's all my fault.

I see. No note of sympathy, but there was an aspect of thoughtfulness. It can't be easy to be alone. I, too, have lived alone for much of my life. I can sympathize. No one deserves to be alone.

I was always alone, Luna told the voice. Before I had powers, I was always alone. I could never leave.

I understand the feeling of being trapped, the silky voice empathized. I am sorry you have always been alone and trapped, Bright One. You deserve to live your life how you want.

No, I don't, Luna negated. I can't do anything right. I thought if I let Hemlock…if I let him…I thought if I did what he wanted, Nashi wouldn't get hurt. But I couldn't protect her. I don't deserve anything.

Silence…

I pity your hopelessness, Bright One, the silky voice told her. Perhaps I can help.

You can't help me. You shouldn't help me.

I would like to. Your hopelessness is not something I wish to see. I would like to help so you may feel useful again.

Really?

The Forever Container was practically jumping as it rattled. Cael tried hard to keep a grip on Luna as she sank (literally) below. An abyss had opened beneath her crafted of shadows and sin. Eyes blank, she slowly fell into it as though she was falling into a sand trap. His mouth opened and it looked like he was calling her name, but he had no voice of his own.

Yes, Bright One, the silky voice determined. I will help you find purpose. I will give you the power to protect the ones you love. But there is an exchange for this aid. I, too, seek not to be alone. Will you keep me company?

I wouldn't be a good friend, Luna lamented. I can't do anything right.

On the contrary, Bright One, you would make a wonderful friend to me, the silky voice promised her. You are most peculiar. I cannot travel far, but I have never met one quite like you. I would like you to keep me company and entertained. As such, I will help you protect your family and give you purpose. I believe that is quite fair.

Yes. Darkness took over Luna's eyes. Fair…

°•°•°•°

Trumpets and horns sounded in majestic harmony.

Cloaked masses with their unique masks filled with the stoned arena. They stood, fists placed over their opposite shoulder, and bowed deeply. With one sweep, the candles had been lit and the room had been set. The wooden doors parted open for the crowning party to begin their ascension to the altar. The first came altar servers with the cassocks and surplices red, green, and gold as they filed in with hanging candles lit within lanterns. The ones after them filed in with their bells that they rang at planned intervals with the brass. Following were three who brought in baptismal urns, but they looked different than their predecessors as they wore albs.

Seven women in black abayas came next as they carried the geometric representations of the seven sins (cone, cylinder, wedge, sphere, torus, cube, and pyramid) while four women with dark skin and beautiful eyes, their mouths, and noses hidden behind veils, brought in baskets on their heads that represented the four elements. The Sacred Couple joined them, waxed and cleaned and modestly dressed as they threaded their hands together.

The trumpets and horns faded as the darbuka drums settled on a moderate rhythm. The zills (finger cymbals) chimed in once and a while.

The dancers were next. Their movements were riveting in their red and gold bedlah with fitted tops that cupped their chests, floating skirts, and torsos firm yet agile. Their dance was sensual as it was intellectual. They did not need to adhere to dancing like in Ishgar the involved their entire body. Accentuation on the hips, yes, but their dance was torso-driven and enrapturing to watch.

Priest came next as his thurible swung left to right. He murmured in Dark Tongue as he held up an upside-down cross and arranged it in the air to adhere to the gesture of the Demon. Incense spiraled out with the intent to arise the feeling of sin from those who smelt it. The Sacred Couple looked visibly moved, eyes dilated, and ready to enact their purpose. The dancers found their rhythm taking a darker turn with sharper rolls.

Others of importance were part of the initial crowning party and they filed in to take their place. While Priest led his own to the altars, the others had places that set up a circle around a majority of the arena. The Sacred Couple had their own little circle etched into the ground where servants disrobed them, the man in a loincloth and the woman in a sarong and cloth to cover her chest. The dancers finished their dance with a flourish.

Invel was the last to arrive, but he came to the altar and addressed the crowd, "Presenting Her Majesty, the Eveningstar, and Empress of Alvarez…I give you…Nashi."

The crowd waited with bated breath.

An odd harmony softly infiltrated the arena, subtle and adjusting.

A violin made a scrambling melody full of little trills and riffs.

Bare feet stepped into the area and jingled with the ankle bracelets.

The drums laid one downbeat and slowly more as they tested the waters against the violin.

Hands pressed together as they were kissed with rings and gemstones.

As the drums began to signal their beat, hips adorned with chimes shook with their rhythm as a black and gold skirt flared.

The strings vibrated.

°•°•°•°

Mask on, Gary was the one to check the next hallway, armed with an ice gun. The moment he clocked that it was clear from personnel, he gestured for Kyler and Tesla to come. The next hallway was almost the same as the one before, but the wall had dropped out and left them exposed to winding stone staircases lit up with torches. The floor looked like a barren common area where hallways converged and so others could switch direction and get from A to Z.

Kyler was the one to hold back everyone and it took Gary and Tesla a moment to see cloaked figures emerged from a hall on the floor in a hurry as they hissed their tardiness blame at each other. Kyler and Gary exchanged a nod as they summed their wings. Gary took Tesla who nodded her shaky consent at this plan and both men nimbly left from the opened side of the hallway and glided to the ground without a sound to their movement. Gary's cerulean meshed with icy-blue as he searched the cloaked ones, but he could not see the telling of a Curse within any of them.

He shook his head towards Kyler.

Kyler nodded and looked at Tesla to check-in.

Tesla nodded at him.

Gary took the lead with Skade's eyes as the trio trailed after the cloaked troupe who bustled down another hall.

°•°•°•°

Cael pulled with all his might to keep Luna from sinking into the abyss. He had been able to maintain Luna to keep the better part of her torso above the shadowy sinkhole, but without a true physical form, his strength was drastically reduced and centimeter by centimeter, he was losing ground that he could not afford to lose. He went rigid when a shadow emerged and his eyes narrowed only to widen when the shadow was the living 3D silhouette of a man who held his hands in surrender.

Cullen took a look at Luna and if a Shadower could look alarmed, he looked alarmed. He gestured to Cael the best he could that he would be back, but Cael could barely hold up a finger to tell him to wait and he pointed at the crack.

Cullen slunk forward to check what was outside—

He reeled back and covered where his mouth would be with his hands. Scrambling, he gestured once again to Cael that he would return. Cael offered a short nod and the Shadower raced into the shadows. He looked down at the drowning Luna in silent plea.

The silky voice spoke to Luna, I never like to play games with those I help, but they always like to play games with me. When I give them power, they leave me alone and prefer to not speak to me. But you'll stay with me, won't you, Bright One? We'll have each other for eternity.

Eternity, Luna echoed. I could keep everyone safe…I'd never be alone…forever…

Yes. Bright One. Yellow irises appeared in the abyss. You will have me forever. Trust in me and I will trust in you.

°•°•°•°

The drums and the cymbals began with their sluggish downbeat as the violin led the pace and determined everything else. All eyes were on her as her hips and stomach flexed as the music did. She wove into the arena with tantalizing movements that had the Sacred Couple fixated.

The offerings of the elements had the four women placed in their assigned cardinal directions with the offerings of the sins in between them. The altar servers lit the lamps at the stone table that burned black smoke that fanned and dragged itself into every corner of the arena. The cloaked masses took deep inhales and excitement, lust, and blood were potent in the air.

This melody was meant to tease and entice, to be sensual yet to not give too much away. It balanced aggressive need and painful yearning as the violin pulled your strings in such a way that you bit your tongue, you shifted your hips to relieve the stress, but your chest was heaving and you were begging to have permission to claim that need, that passion. She needed no partner as her body slunk and her hips jerked and shook, and she cared little for the hungry gazes transfixed on her form and that longed to take off her veil, yank down her iced collar, and please her.

The Sacred Couple could not hold back and with pleading looks to Invel, he inclined his chin for his approval. Hands were a mess as they pulled each other into heated kisses, chests flushed against each other as his arousal from watching his Empress had pressed into his assigned partner. Eyes darkened as some watched the Sacred Couple intimately touch their partner, but they could not watch for long as their stares drew back to the temptress dressed in black and drizzled in gold as everyone longed for her, longed for sin.

°•°•°•°

It was difficult to maintain one-hundred-percent stealth in an enclosed hallway, but Kyler kept his eyes aglow and his Staff of Miracles forward to keep Tesla's shuffles quiet. The cloaked troupe approached a fork and they took the immediate left hallway. Tesla, Kyler, and Gary were set to follow them after a few seconds when Cullen startled them (mainly Tesla) and made gestures of grandeur. It was difficult to comprehend until Cullen calmed down enough. His shadowy self shimmered and he took on the silhouette of Luna and pointed to the right hallway. He switched to the left hall and took the silhouette of Nashi and gestured down the hall.

Gary and Kyler exchanged a look before nodding. Gary gestured for Tesla to follow him down the left hallway while Cullen accompanied Kyler down the right. Tesla kept behind Gary at all times as he saw the cloaked troupe hurry down the hall, but his Devil eyes and nose and ears detected they were coming up to more insignificant people that could be a problem. In the right hallway, Kyler followed Cullen to witness the lack of torches and the architecture abruptly stopped in exchange for a tunneled mess of rock formations. His Staff of Miracles lit the way as he stepped over sharp rocks with a nervous Cullen waiting for him every few seconds.

°•°•°•°

Priest began to lead those within the arena in fervent prayer of summoning with the cloaked masses repeating his words. The altar servers took their baptismal urns and opened them to pour out thickened blood into the crevices of the earth. As rehearsed, the officers of the seven sins and the four elements were sat down as the women knelt, hands pressed together, heads bowed in submission.

The Sacred Couple could not contain their lust as the drums beat to their passion. He had unknotted the scarf that hid her chest and greedily sucked her pert nipple as he dragged her to the ground. She panted and withered, sensitive from one simple touch. Skin aflame, both were slaves to desire as the smoke and incense dizzied them and coddled their instinct to give and give and give until they released. Her fingers tore through his hair and she snuck down for an aggressive kiss that he returned.

The Empress had slithered within the circle as her hand slid over her hip and others watched hungrily to what she would do next. Within a snap second, she ripped free from her skirt a scarf and left herself in a black sarong tickled in gold jewels. The scarf was not a tool for seduction alone, but it was an extension of herself as she let it flutter around and dance as though she had not a care in the world. And she did not. Her collar prevented her from having a care. Without her collar, she would have seen what she stood on top of.

An upside-down pentagram that was being filled with blood.

°•°•°•°

Gary stopped Tesla when the cloaked troupe turned down another hall and put a finger to his lips. She nodded and stayed against the wall to watch his six. He rubbed his hands together before breathing frost. A compact sheet of flat ice crafted within his hands. Carefully, he held the ice at the angle and squinted as slightly blurry reflections came into view. A stone door with torches had been heavily guarded, but it was not just cloaked personnel who guarded it. Spectres in their ugly form and Grimms in their slightly gaseous form with glowing red eyes and skeletal faces were amongst them. However, the cloaked troupe did not look afraid. They showed something to the guardians, but Gary caught the glint of silver and knew what they had showed. He dismantled the ice to tell Tesla to give him ten seconds.

Tesla nodded.

Gary took a breath as let Skade take over, black hair to white, and icy-blues overwhelming cerulean. He pivoted out of hiding, but the cloaked troupe was none the wiser. The Spectres and the Grimms caught on, but Skade's eyes glinted silver as he eyed both dark entities. Without hesitation, the Spectres and the Grimms shifted to hold the guardians and the cloaked troupe hostage. The humans struggled and looked ready to cry for help or get angry, but Gary retook his body as he shot out ice to cover their mouths. Their eyes widened, but he moved too fast.

Tesla had counted to ten and when it was time, she peeked over to see the guardians and the cloaked troupe had been banded together with three-fourths of their bodies held in ice and their mouth iced closed. He had stolen two black cloaks for them and handed her one. She eyed the docile dark entities nervously, but she ditched her tattered cloak for this new one. Once she was set, she looked at a readied Gary who nodded and both looked at the doors waiting for them.

°•°•°•°

Kyler disliked crawl spaces, but it did not matter right now. He ducked and weaved through the tiny tunnel space with the Staff of Miracles keeping a consistent light for him. He hit a break when he dropped down into a larger tunnel, but that was when he saw a glowing man with Cullen getting on his knees to help him. It took Kyler ten steps before he rushed over and saw a dark abyss stealing a vacant Luna from this world. Within those murky depths, yellow owlish eyes exist, lurking and waiting for her to drown and join him. Murmuring a prayer, he wielded the Staff of Miracles so it touched the abyss. The entire shadowy pool dissembled and Cael and Cullen were quick to yank Luna out before she disappeared with it.

Kyler got down to a knee while Cullen cradled Luna. The darkness that had attempted to imbue her was gone, but the emptiness in her eyes remained. He set aside the Staff of Miracles as his aura fleshed out to his hands and he massaged her head. He exchanged a look with a helpless Cael who glanced at the crawl opening in the wall. Kyler nodded as he continued to murmur his prayer.

°•°•°•°

Pant to pant.

Skin on skin.

Heated breaths and rushed kisses.

The Sacred Couple had gone savage in their lust. Once he had his fill of lapping at her heat and enjoying her convulse to his touch, she had enough and had freed him from his loincloth. In one smooth motion with her on her back and him above her, they joined with a pleased groan. But they could not stop. Eyes glazed with zealous hunger, they dove into an aggressive union, matching each other for each jerk of hips and moan. He suckled on her breasts and she clawed at his back and desperation that the heat burning her alive would stop. Tears leaked down her cheeks as she pleaded for an overwhelming sensation to consume her.

The Empress' dance was coming to a close, but she did not release herself from her veil. She tossed aside her scarf as her hips moved in a z-motion and the drums beat and the violin forced the strings into a sultry climax. To her knees she went with those blank eyes and icy collar as the congregation continued their murmurs and responses to Priest.

The drums might have stopped their seductive beats, but the drums of summoning came and restrained the strings from joining in.

The Sacred Couple were so close to reaching their peak.

The chants grew louder.

Invel stepped forward. "With the blood of Her Majesty, we invoke you now as the rightful heir to the throne, the ruler of the Alvarez Empire, and the reclaimed birthright of Zeref's blood, and as…" His hand reached into his pocket and pulled out…

…a single white feather.

Her face remained blank as her back wounds opened and spewed an irrefutable amount of blood that splattered onto the summoning circle.

°•°•°•°

Gary opened one of the doors first just a crack, but Skade snarled when he smelt the burning of sin that teased him with images of his Angel and taunted him with victories of vengeance. He brushed them aside to look closer into this next room. Cloaked people were everywhere, chanting their song as though possessed, and none cared about the invasion. He moved in first with Tesla on his heels and both were careful to shut the door as gently as they could before turning their attention to the disturbing collection of people.

Gary motioned for Tesla to stick to the wall and she heeded his order while he moved forward to try and figure out the motive. But Skade was prowling and he knew in his gut what the move was. He was able to find a vaguely clear spot to see the floor of the arena—

His heart sank.

Ceruleans grieved.

He saw his Angel in the middle of the summoning circle with her blood being the final factor. No… Please, Angel, you can't turn into—

°•°•°•°

Shadows swarmed the circle. The blood had been accepted. The sins had been accepted. The elements had been accepted. And when the Sacred Couple released with powerful cries, their liquid from their passion had been accepted.

The conditions had been met.

But this was not to summon a specific Demon.

The shadows and darkness coveted the circle only to rush for Nashi.

The ice collar vanished.

Life returned into her eyes only for indescribable pain to fill them. She could not even scream when such vile darkness overwhelmed her and burned into her very soul.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"…the Eveningstar…"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

He did not like being alone. Being alone was scary, but it was better than the Bad Place. Injuries from his adventures trying to make nice with the other animals had done him more harm than good. Poison might not infect him, but those snake fangs still hurt. Battish wings curled around him, he tried to soothe himself, numb himself, but he could not. He felt too much now.

And he felt alone.

And hurt.

And hungry.

And afraid.

CRUNCH-CRUNCH…

"Hi."

He huddled further into his wings, shivering.

"It's okay." She sounded so small like him. Young. But she carried such a lightness in her voice. Freedom. "I'm not going to hurt you. Please don't hide. I just want to be your friend."

'Friend.'

What an odd word. He vaguely remembered this word.

'Friend'… It meant someone who was kind to you.

Curious, he unfurled his battish wings and breached his self-instilled protection to see this voice.

Blues widened.

"Hi. It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry about your wounds, but I can heal them."

Pink hair.

White feathers.

And her smile…

He had heard about things like her. They called pure things like her that treated people with kindness…Angels…

She was an Angel.

Hickories were warm and true as she offered her little hand to him. "I'm Nashi from Fairy Tail. What's your name?" Her smile widened. "Wanna be friends?"

• — • — • — •

The arena was silent. The little flames of candles were dead. Even the moon had scrounged the clouds to block her sight from this event. No one dared speak or even breathe. The Sacred Couple had done their pieces as his slickness exited her and that unfathomable need for passion ceased to exist. The thurible stopped swinging.

Everything stopped.

Nashi was their focal point.

Blood oozing from her back, she rose to her feet in such a fluid motion, but she spoke not a word. Gentle horns protruded from either side of her head, thick and black. The blood dripping down her back bubbled and shifted until it strung out from her, but it did not splatter to the ground. Her blood webbed together to fan out into two expressive wings that looked thick and deadly. Her clenched hands reflexed to show off her newfound claws.

She lifted her chin—

—and showed inky eyes with red irises.

Without further ado, she tilted her head back and ripped into the air a roar that shook the cavern and shook every single person within the cavern to their very core. When she was finished, she waited expectantly.

It was unanimous.

In unison, fist to the opposite chest, everyone in the arena kneeled before her, their Empress, their Eveningstar.

Invel stepped off the altar platform with his eyes locked onto Etherious Nashi, but his voice projected for all to hear it. "We hail the true blood of Zeref! We hail the Empress to the Alvarez Empire! And we all hail you as our savior—the Eveningstar!" He made a show of his loyalty as he beat his fist to his opposite shoulder and knelt, head low.

Etherious Nashi did not lower her chin, but she maintained her silence.

Invel was slow to rise, but he announced, "However, you are not a complete Eveningstar. Years wasting your potential beneath the false Demon King and his bride, your soul is still pure. But no more." He looked amongst the arena. "Our Eveningstar requires to reap one soul to perfect her image and guide us all to follow the path Zeref has laid for her. Who will take the honor of allowing the Eveningstar in claiming their lives?"

No one answered.

Gritted teeth.

Tesla could not even register what happened.

The flutter of a cape.

Etherious Nashi's nostrils flared as her eyes snapped to the man who stood before her on her territory. She bared her teeth, fangs present, as she observed him. But there was something about him that made her hands twitch and her heart race. It irked her she did not understand and therefore, the urge to kill him was strong.

Invel did not look surprised. "So you've come to join us…"

The hood was thrown back and the mask was yanked down.

Gary faced Etherious Nashi head-on with somber cerulean and clenched fists.

"…Morningstar…"

Gary refused to cower under that name. He kept his eyes locked on Etherious Nashi and just her. He could read those demonic eyes without trying. The winter that violated their bond might have been gone, but a thickened band of demonic energy had put a noose around it. But he felt her through that sliver he grasped onto. She doesn't like me and she doesn't trust me because she's confused about me. She wants to kill me, but she's trying to understand what I am.

"Angel," he murmured to her, "it's okay. It's me."

Etherious Nashi observed him with a slight tilt of her head. His voice killed her need to kill him and brought forth curiosity.

He took that as encouragement. "Angel," he tried again, "it's me. It's Gary. I'm Angel's stupid dog. I'm Angel's partner. You gave me the most incredible nights of my life this month." His eyes softened. "You gave me more reason to love you, Angel."

Etherious Nashi might not have reacted to the confession, but she did seem to take in his words.

"She won't hear you, Morningstar," Invel reminded. "We've tried this before. Eveningstar is your reaper and you are to be the sacrificial lamb. Please don't make this difficult." His eyes sharpened. "Don't disappoint me."

Gary shifted his eyes to stare at the man who caused him so much misery and self-hatred. His hands whirled in the air and an icy dome encaged him and Etherious Nashi who did not take to the change well. She snarled, claws flexing, and her eyes locked onto him like she was ready to hunt him down and rip out his throat.

Skade growled, Let me out.

No. You'll try to—

I won't, Skade cut him off with a growl. But Malã'ika is in her Demon Form. She will understand your presence, but she will not understand the depth. But she will understand me in my entirety.

Gary exhaled deeply. Okay.

Skade came forth, icy-blue and white hair. He eyed Etherious Nashi, but he could not help but appreciate her in this form. From her horns to her claws, he withheld a rumble of interest. But he noted Etherious Nashi perked at his appearance and eyed him with familiarity. She withdrew her blood wings.

Skade growled to her in Dark Tongue, "You know us."

"I know nothing," Etherious Nashi sniffed back.

Skade took a step forward. "You lie, Malã'ika. You know us. You were eager to mate before when we had first met."

Etherious Nashi snarled at him, but it was then recognition flared in her eyes and she looked at Skade with new eyes. "I…remember… " Her eyes narrowed. "You did not look like this."

"Would it please you if I took my true form?" Skade teased with a rakish grin.

Etherious Nashi glared at him and warned him with a throaty rumble. "Insolent Devil. Do not mock me."

"I would never mock you, My Light," Skade crooned in mock sweetness. "But I have missed your boldness. You were so innocent and willing to be beneath us… You gave me the pleasure to taste you."

Etherious Nashi flashed her fangs in warning, but her red eyes dilated. "I was naïve and improperly summoned."

"And now?" Skade took another step forward, shoulders tensed like he was poised to strike. "You deny what you feel for us now?" When she gave him a look full of hatred, he crooned, "Unlike me, you and your Human are the same. You may deny your like of us, but you have cried my Human's names many-a-time in our bed. You gave into us and it – was – beautiful."

"Stop this," Etherious Nashi hissed, but her cheeks had reddened. It was then she noticed how close he was getting to her. "You will not touch me."

"No. I will not. You will ask us to." Skade chuffed when his arrogance proceeded to infuriate her further. "Your anger smells so ripe, but your lust is addicting. You have never been able to separate the two when it comes to us. I have tried many times to convince the Human to pleasure you while you were angry. I could imagine the sounds you would make. You would shriek at us with your curses and moan a moment later."

Her breath came out in jolts, but she held firm. "You are unworthy to be the first life I take. An unimpressive male."

That pissed Skade off within a second and he frothed ice as he snarled at her, showing his own fangs and those icy-blues went to slits in threat. "Do not test my self-control, Malã'ika," he warned. "Unlike my Human, I will not hesitate to show you I am worthy. He has claimed your Human side, but I will claim you as you are."

"You seek to force an unwilling female," Etherious Nashi hissed at him.

Silver threatened Skade at the barb. "I will never hunt prey uninterested in chase." Mischief filled him. "But if you prefer my advances to be given to another female—"

Etherious Nashi cut him off with a wild snarl and stormed to him. It did not matter who was taller, who was stronger. Her clawed hand raised to grasp his chin and those clawed tips pressed into his skin as though letting him know she could draw blood if she wanted, but she showed him mercy. "Do not ever insult me and fuck another. You are mine."

"And you are mine," Skade reminded her. "I refuse to allow another to take what is mine." His hand snacked up to thumb her throat and he purred when she shivered. "You are confused by the darkness within you," he murmured in a considerably softer tone. "You are Light. You are pure and warm. Your Curse is weak because you were never meant to be Cursed. You were meant to be Blessed."

Fury crashed around Etherious Nashi as she ripped herself away from him. Skade was fast and attempted to restrain her, but Etherious Nashi twisted in his grip with a savage hiss and clawed at his arm. Skade never flinched as he tackled her to the ground and grabbed her wrists to placed them above her head. Their chest heaved as lust thickened between them and hatred.

"You know nothing," Etherious Nashi spat. "You are not mine to fuck. You are mine to kill."

"I will enjoy your aggression, Malã'ika," Skade growled to her and inhaled a lungful of spicy fury and sweet arousal. "Your anger and arousal together make me wish we had time for it."

Etherious Nashi smirked. "I knew you were unimpressive." She hissed when his mouth came down to her neck as his fangs pressed against her skin, but they did not break it.

"I am showing you I can take you here if that is what you wish, but I do not," Skade snarled to her. "You would not be pleased if I mounted you here and now before other humans and we mated and I will not chance us conceiving." He pulled back with a shaky breath, but his lips hovered over hers. "But I can kiss you. You enjoy kisses. I have felt them in the bond. You grow happy when we kiss."

"We have no bond," Etherious Nashi whispered against him. "A kiss will not prove that."

Skade whispered back, "It will." He pressed his lips to hers.

Etherious Nashi stilled…

…but she tentatively moved her lips against his.

Honest cerulean. "I love you, Angel."

She shifted and he let her move her arms. But those claws hands did not go for the jugular. Softly, they came down to tussle through his hair.

A light laugh. "Angel is my everything of course!"

White hair grayed then darkened into jet black as Gary held her and moved his head to deepen the kiss. She let him, parting her lips, and groaned when he felt his tongue take control.

"I'm here to fight battles with you, to grow old with you, to live with you, and to die with you."

They came up for air.

His eyes opened to reveal those blues.

Her eyes fluttered open. The white of her eyes had blackened, but…

…her eyes were a teary hickory.

"Angel," he breathed.

"Gary…" Nashi tried to cover her face. "D-D-Don't look at me!"

Gary chuckled as he brushed aside her hands and taken her in watery stare. "You are still beautiful to me," he promised her in open adoration. "You are Angel. I'll always love you." He toyed with her hair. "The black hair is an interesting choice though."

Nashi popped out a cross between a laugh and a cry. "You stupid dog," she murmured in affection. "This is serious and here you are making jokes. What is wrong with you?" She did not wait as she hugged him close to her. "Thank you."

Gary nuzzled her close as he whispered, "For what?"

"Finding me."

"Oh, Angel…" He drank in her scent. "I'll always find you."

KRRR… KRRRR… KRRRR… CRASH!

The dome shattered.

Eyes like the tundra narrowed. "So disappointing."

Gary was caught off-guard when Nashi twisted and used brute force to shove him off her. She groaned and clutched her head, shaking it, but Gary saw why she was in such confusion and pain.

An ice collar was around her neck.

STEP… STEP…

"I warned you long before, Morningstar, that your affection for the Eveningstar would not be appreciated."

Nashi moaned as her voice merged with an animalistic growl. Scarlet threatened to overtake her eyes, but she fought against the winter trying to submerge every thought and sink her back into the plate where she could not think.

"She has gotten strong over the years. But she is not strong enough to resist my winter."

Her eyes shot open, a gleaming blood red, and she let out an inhumane shriek that drowned out her human scream. The blood from her pack sprayed into her blood wings and her skin thickened in leather.

"I had intended to give Her Majesty you as a gift. She could keep you like a pig raised for slaughter so long as she behaved. But your imperfection has tainted her. You continue to disappoint me, Morningstar."

Chest heaving, Etherious Nashi turned to the collected Gary with murder in her eyes and the need for blood to stain her claws and her teeth. She snarled a Declaration of Challenge to the opponent before her. Her hands twirled around and from gaseous black, she pulled forth a chain spear made of bone and wreaked of darkness. This would be what would pierce him and kill him. This was her Weapon of Death.

"Angel," Gary said lowly, "I don't want to fight you."

"You never wanted to fight, Morningstar," Invel remarked. "However, I never cared...and neither does she."

Etherious Nashi screeched and rushed at Gary. Her eyes drilled onto his body as her chain spear broke down and torpedoed towards him like a viper about to strike—

CRACK!

Icy-blue.

Skade had held his arms clamped in front of him as a shield made of Cursed Ice deflect the blow that would have gone to his heart had he been a hair late in his defense. He snarled as he broke down his shield when the chained spear lashed down again and he had to tumble away. Claws extended, his eyes glowed as he looked at Etherious Nashi who flapped her wings and let out a shriek.

"I will fight you, but never for that man's intentions," Skade growled. "We made a promise to you and we intend to keep it." His battish wings unfurled, but he stayed grounded while she floated in the air before him. Rather than burst into fur and ice, he did something he in this body had not done in a while. Ice armored him, gloved his hands, and masked his face. "We will bring you home, Malã'ika."

Etherious Nashi shrieked and charged for him.

Battening down for the battle of his life, to Gary, he murmured, Are you ready, brother?

• — • — • — •

Gary's eyes opened and he took a look around. Half-naked, he stood comfortable in a realm made of ice and snow and mountains and he saw his little home in the distance. This was his soul. This was his place of peace. But his eyes went to the forest that led to an even more beautiful place. A black fog had cloaked the entire forest, but he knew—he just knew—that he would find her inside.

Inside the forest that housed their soul connection.

'Yes,' Gary promised. 'Kyler said it's a slim chance this could work and so did Mirella. So buy me as much time as you can. Don't hurt her.'

'I would never. But Invel will not be pleased if we do not attempt any injuries.'

'I know.' Gary made his way down to approach the edge of the darkened forest. 'Just do your best to give them a show. Keep Angel entertained.' He could feel that vile darkness that had invaded the intimacy both he and Nashi had shared. The forest was the representation of the depth of their feelings, her will for his freedom, his devotion towards her. And it had been defiled by a burning sickness. 'I'll find her.' His hands turned to fist. 'I have to find her.'

• — • — • — •

Kyler continued his work as he watched Luna's eyes for any sign that she had returned from her personal void and continued to pray and massage her head, but his eyes occasionally flicked to the crawl opening that led to the stone arena and he felt saddened. My sister-in-wings… We couldn't get to you in time. I am so sorry.

"Na…shi…"

Cullen, Cael, and Kyler all looked at Luna in hope as her eyes slowly blinked and her spark was dully back in her eyes. She grunted, body aching, and her eyes moved to look at them all. "Na…shi… Is she…?"

"The Etherious inside her is free," Kyler broke to her gently, but he kept a hand on her forehead as he expended calm energy into her. "Gary is trying to help her come back to us."

Chocolate filled with sadness. "I couldn't save her," Luna whispered. "I… I couldn't…"

"Shhh…" Kyler hushed. "We will find a way." My Calm… It isn't working on her. Her negative emotions are still potent.

He tried again, but even though he could feel his Calm dispersed in her, he could not feel the effects nor did Luna's grief lessen. This is odd. It should be working. And it's even stranger… She is half-Etherious, but…she doesn't have a latent Curse… There isn't a Demon Seed… It's almost like…she isn't half-Etherious to begin with.

"Wings…" Luna blinked and sat up, wincing at the strain. "Nashi's wings…" A new sense of panicked urgency filled her as she looked at Kyler. "Nashi's wings! Th-Th-They're in there! We have to get them out! They're in a cage in there!"

Kyler's eyes sharpened and looked to Cael. "Is it a Leviathan Cage?"

Cael gave a solemn nod.

That's why I couldn't sense her wings. A Leviathan isn't natural to Earth Land's ecosystems. They must have been given the cage from someone off-world. But who? Kyler erased his questions for more pressing matters. "We can get her wings," he told Luna, "but I won't be able to do so."

"Why?" Luna demanded. "Please, Nashi's my sister—!"

"It's not that I don't want to," Kyler soothed her, "but I physically cannot. There are not many things that can kill or restrain an Agent, Young Luna, but a Leviathan is one of them. The cage has properties from a Leviathan. Touching it would kill me and would also kill Nashi."

"B-B-But—!" Luna's eyes shifted around until it all came back to her. "But you weren't the one who freed her wings," she remembered. "You're Mister Kyler, right?"

"Yes."

"Mister Kyler"—chocolates filled with knowing—"did you bring a lady with you in a black cloak?"

°•°•°•°

Tesla had to admit she did not know what was terrifying her more. Her eyes were wide as she witnessed Nashi—or this new version of Nashi—do her best to strike down at an elusive Skade bound in ice armor and he had summed his own blade to counter her long-range attacks. But at the same time, even in her cloak, cultists surrounded her, transfixed on the battle, she almost felt too hesitant to breathe in their presence lest they find out she was not into whatever was going on.

What do I do? Gary just jumped several stories down and he's fighting Nashi and now I don't know what to do. Her eyes darted this way and that before they fell back to the battle. Her eyes strayed to study the blue-haired man who stood back onto the altar with the priest and his altar servers. Who exactly are they? I know they're bad guys, but… Her eyes strayed further past the throne and held onto the gilded cage—

Her eyes widened when she saw a pair of wings bound in chains. Wings? But… Those have to be Nashi's wings!

Tesla?

Oh, Mister Kyler, thank god, Tesla gasped. Look, I found Nashi's wings, but—!

They are in a Leviathan Cage, yes, I know.

Tesla frowned. A what? She flattened herself against the wall when a translucent tanned man in a tunic suddenly appeared before her and she went for her saber. Mister Kyler—!

The man before you is a friend, Kyler promised. His name is Cael and he is invisible to all except for you. He will help make you invisible to get to the cage and free Nashi's wings.

Tesla offered a shaky smile to Cael as she let go of her saber. People need to stop appearing right in front of me before I die of a heart attack. She eyed the hand Cael offered to her and accepted it. Her eyes widened when she saw her body had disappeared. Quick question. What is a Leviathan Cage?

Something deadly to Agents. It blocked any sort of spiritual signal I would have gotten from Nashi's wings. I cannot break it nor can I chance Luna to go out there. She is still too weak to inflict any damage. But your Anti-Ether will act as a perfect counter.

Right. I got it. Tesla looked at Cael and glanced at the wings that seemed like they were not just stories but half of a football field away from her. Cael, can you hear me?

Cael nodded.

Tesla rolled her lips. We need a way down that's not going to be suspicious. She brightened. Cael, have you ever done rock climbing without a harness?

---

The apartment was a standard two-bedroom and did not brag wealth. Aurinia preferred it that way. No personal touches, but it did have nice furniture, well-kept floors, and pristine counters. Her bed was seldom used in exchange for her sleeping on her couch by accident while grading or studying. Even now, she had decided to work on her thesis out in the living room while she put on a mindless movie for some white noise. Her bruises had healed nicely and she appreciated that, but the feeling she had gotten had not left.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Aurinia's Apartment

Bombay City, Myanmar

United States of Meidiland, Meidiland

5:05 PM EST (Eastern Standard Time)

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aurinia sighed as she stopped typing. What am I doing? She looked around her barren apartment. Maybe not barren to some, but it felt barren. I shouldn't be here. She looked down at her hand and clenched it. I met him. I should have helped him. That's what I'm made to do. So why…? She closed her eyes. Because I'm a coward, she blamed. I'm such a coward.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

Frowning, Aurinia got up with her shawl and made her way to the front door. She took a peek outside before she unlocked the door and opened it. "Pearson."

Pearson had come in a series of black and gray from his combat boots to his white and gray striped scarf, but his gauges today were a bright red. "Hey. Sorry to stop by like this."

"You mean like you do every other day?" Aurinia questioned with a quirked eyebrow. "I told you I'm safe."

"I know, but I still want to check in regardless and you're not exactly one to answer your Com," Pearson told her wryly. "But that's not the only reason I'm here." He jerked a thumb down the hall. "Can I interest you in dinner before you head out to your classes?"

"Oh?" Aurinia crossed her arms. "Any reason?"

Pearson offered a sheepish grin. "A friend of mine is craving for food and panicking over a situation I'm a little too close to. So I thought maybe you might be a good ear to listen." He grimaced. "But she's in law school, so she might be a little combative."

"What's the issue?"

"Ah… It might be better for her to tell you herself."

"Fair enough." Aurinia looked over her shoulder and sighed. "Well, it's not like I was getting far today thesis-wise, so a late lunch is fine." She stepped aside. "Come on in and give me a few minutes to change." As Pearson did so, she asked him as she shuffled further into the apartment, "Tell me about your friend so I'm not going in blind."

"Her name's Jasmine," Pearson named as Aurinia disappeared down the hall. "She's in the Hawthorn College of Law and she's going to school and working as a paralegal. She's originally from Fiore and she's one impressive person."

"Is she someone special to you?" Aurinia called from the sanctity of her bedroom.

Pearson laughed. "You could say that. We're not dating or together. Just friends," he explained. "Though, we accidentally met when she mistook me for Pacer. She looked like she could have murdered me."

A lofty chuckle. "I like her already." Aurinia emerged dressed in warm layers. "Where are we going for dinner?"

"Hot Spot." Pearson twirled his keys. "She's in the mood for a garbage plate."

°•°•°•°

The restaurant was somehow always packed, but there were two sides to the restaurant that most people would not assume. The first side of Hot Spot was more familiar to the wealthy alumni or those planning for a fancier date. With table cloths, nice carpet, and well-dressed waitstaff, this part of Hot Spot was reserved for a quieter and more enriched experience. The other part of Hot Spot was a bar and grill scene with flat screens, jerseys for uniform shirts, and a pleasant camaraderie. Dividing the two was the Hot Spot to-go with rustic chic and both had doors enchanted so neither noise spilled into the other area. For a Thursday evening, the bar and grill section was overstuffed while a line was at the to-go and pick-up counters.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Hot Spot is a popular restaurant at Hawthorn University that's quieter section is open until 10 PM, the bar and grill has a last call at 2 AM, but the to-go section is open 24 hours a day! »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Jasmine looked sleek, icy, and untouchable in the bar and grill section with her hair in a high ponytail and her eyes casting disinterested glances at the attention she received. She did look out of place for the bar and grill section, but she did not care as she munched on her appetizers. Her eyes brightened when she saw Pearson. "Thanks for coming." She moved to get up.

Pearson beat her to the chase with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "I told you I'm here for you." He snorted at the appetizers. "You sure can eat."

"Shut up." Jasmine looked curiously at Aurinia who had softened as her eyes dipped to Jasmine's stomach with a look of recognition. Self-conscious, she tried for a smile and a handshake. "Hi. I'm Jasmine. It's nice to meet you…?"

"Aurinia. It's nice to meet you as well." Aurinia took Jasmine's hand into both of her own rather than a handshake. Her eyes went to Jasmine's stomach before she looked at Pearson in question. "Are you two expecting?"

Jasmine balked as Pearson choked trying to sit down. "No," Jasmine answered after a moment of awkwardcy. "This isn't Pearson's, but…" She shot accusing eyes onto the Soul Mage.

"Oh, he didn't tell me anything," Aurinia rushed to assure as she took off her coat and took a seat across from Jasmine. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said anything—"

"It's…okay," Jasmine supposed, but her hand subconsciously rubbed her stomach. "Am I showing that much?" Before Aurinia could soothe her, Jasmine suddenly smacked Pearson's shoulder so hard, he nearly fell out of his seat. "I told you my stomach got bigger, boy, and you lied to me! You have some audacity!"

"I wasn't lying," Pearson groaned as he rubbed his injured shoulder. "You aren't showing, Jazz, I promise."

"You really aren't," Aurinia inserted in good faith. "I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable. I just have a sixth sense about certain things is all. You look beautiful, Jasmine."

Jasmine worried her bottom lip. "Thank you…"

Pearson took Jasmine's hand and rubbed soothing circles on the back of it. "And even when you start showing, you'll still look beautiful."

Jasmine smacked his hand away (and he hissed at the pain and rubbed his hand). "Oh, what do you know. I'll look like a whale."

"I'd say pregnancy agrees with you," Aurinia complimented, "but suffice to say the father and your pregnant status aren't things you want to be known publicly. May I ask how many weeks you are if you're comfortable with that?"

"Nine weeks," Jasmine answered as she reached for more onion rings. That brought up something and she looked over at Pearson. "And you don't have to—"

"I told you. It's fine," Pearson insisted.

Jasmine huffed and pointed at Aurinia. "Can you tell him he doesn't have to go all the way back to Fiore with me for the heartbeat exam because it would cut into his work and studying?"

"Why would I do that?" Aurinia asked, amusedly confused. "Do you not want him there?"

Pearson rolled his eyes as he grabbed the L-Pad menu to peruse for his order. "No, she does because she's nervous, but she's getting jitters about the whole appointment. We were supposed to go last week for her monthly appointment, but she got nervous, so we're going back home next month and we'll hear Scooby's heartbeat."

"'Scooby'?" Aurinia echoed.

Jasmine shrugged. "I have to call him, she, or they something, and I wasn't about to call them 'peanut' or—my god—'beanie'."

"Because your unborn fetus would hear that and be so offended," Pearson muttered only to get socked in his arm again. "Excuse Jasmine. She's a violent one."

Aurinia simpered. "No need for excuses. I respect a woman who has strength."

"I like her," Jasmine told Pearson. To Aurinia, she repeated, "I like you. Why haven't I met you before?"

Aurinia accepted the tablet Pearson offered her and explained to Jasmine, "I'm a graduate student in Hawthorne, but my classes are in the evening. I TA in the mornings but for more intimate classes and then I make my escape to my apartment. Pearson says you're a law student here?"

Jasmine slurped her drink as she nodded. "Mmm! Yeah. I packed my classes to be in the morning, so I could work afternoons and evenings." She made a face. "But my boss—who I love for the record—keeps teasing how my days of overtime will be numbered in the second half of the second trimester. Ugh. I love overtime. The casework, going to depos, interviews, the write-ups, the notetaking…!" She sadly sighed. "And now Scooby came and frittered it all away."

"She's also an overachiever," Pearson muttered to Aurinia, but he flinched when Jasmine feigned punching him. "One of these days, I'm going to punish you for all this abuse and take back the pregnancy pillow I got you."

Jasmine snorted. "Oh, the horror, the horror."

Aurinia had to laugh. "If I may, how did you two become friends? I hear you mistook in for Pacer and nearly killed him; however…" She paused when both Pearson and Jasmine made eye contact and assumed, "Did you two ever…?"

"Ew. No." Jasmine wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Pearson feigned offense. "You would be lucky to have me for an ex-lover, I will have you know."

"We're both workaholics," Jasmine said flatly. "At what point could we even be lovers considering we both like overworking ourselves?"

Pearson had to give that to her. "Touché."

Jasmine sighed and wrapped her ponytail down the front of her shoulder. "Nothing intimate or anything like that," she assured. "We just met each other unconventionally and now he hovers over me like I'm about to pop any day now." She glared at Pearson for this who put a hand to the side of his face as though to block her glower. "You would think he's the pregnant one and I'm the baby daddy with the way he acts."

"Yeah, well, you never complain about foot rubs," Pearson pointed out.

Jasmine looked at him like he was crazy. "Um, hello, why the Hell would I complain about getting free foot rubs pre-Scooby let alone now?" She caught Aurinia's laughter behind her hand and smirked. "You think this is funny? Because it gets worse."

Pearson groaned while Aurinia looked eager. "What else did he do?"

"You should have seen him stress-reading pregnancy books." Jasmine took a bite of her crab cake as she snorted a snicker. "He started panicking over what sort of music Scooby should listen to and voice recognition and blood pressure and everything. Lord, I thought I was stressed. No, he takes the cake."

Pearson colored when both women chortled. "I was just trying to be helpful."

"And you've been an amazing help," Jasmine soothed as she rubbed his arm. "But I'm nine weeks, honey, not nine months. I can handle this part of the job." She winked at Aurinia. "If you're interested in him, though, just know he's a shit cook and a worrier."

"I'm not," Aurinia assured. "But I'm happy he's supporting you. And even though I just met you, I feel like you're going to be a great mother. And the baby will be strong."

Jasmine beamed. "Thank you! But we've talked enough about me. Tell me more about you. How did you and Pearson meet?"

Pearson saved an unsure Aurinia from answering. "She TAs a few doors down from one of my classes and I ran into her. Now we're friends."

"That's wonderful!" Jasmine enthused. "Aurinia, what is your grad program about? What do you want to do?"

"I'm in the anthropology grad program with a heavy focus in religion," Aurinia explained. "I plan to go into the Archaeology Society if I can and work within a museum in Ishgar. Preferably Éirulan."

"Oh!" Jasmine's eyebrows went up in intrigue. "So that's where your accent is from." She noted Aurinia's smile of confusion and commented, "You had a little bit of an accent that's not something I hear stateside. You said Éirulan and things started piecing together, but if you're not from then, I am so sorry—!"

"No, no, please don't apologize." A knot formed in Aurinia's stomach. "I…am from Éirulan actually. I just hide it. I don't think anyone's figured that out."

Jasmine frowned as she thought about that. "Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up anything bad by that. It just sort of…felt right? I don't know how to explain it." She pretended to shoot herself in the head. "Excuse my nonsensical mouth. Working dual jobs making sure Pearson doesn't breakdown from stress and actually working makes me ineloquent at times."

Aurinia murmured something unintelligible and withdrew while Pearson scowled at Jasmine. "It is not a full-time job with me and I don't stress out that badly," he defended. "Why aren't you more stressed than me?"

"Because I have you as my personal punching bag when I get stressed," Jasmine said sweetly as she pinched his cheek.

Pearson muttered something that made Jasmine laugh, but thoughts raced across Aurinia's mind. She could tell I'm from Éirulan. No one should be able to. Even Lance couldn't tell. So why…? Her eyes flicked to Jasmine's stomach in suspicion. Is her baby a…?

Aurinia thanked the slight reprieve from her thoughts when a waiter came to set down their orders. A "garbage plate" consisted of greasy and fatty foods that you got to preselect as your "garbage". None of it had to have a rhyme or reason to the combination. For example, the garbage plate Jasmine had gotten for sliders, fried macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and shrimp. Aurinia had settled for a salad with grilled salmon on top while Pearson had gotten a large ribeye.

Once they thanked their waiter, Aurinia cleared her throat and decided to push worrisome thoughts away from her to say to Jasmine, "If you ever need relief from Pearson's hovering, feel free to reach out to me. I'm not one to have too many friends, but I do know a few good quality maternity places we can shop from and I can cook."

"I can cook," Pearson grumbled. "People just don't appreciate ramen."

He went ignored.

Jasmine beamed after taking a bite of her slider. "Thank you! I'd love that!" She winced. "I haven't exactly told my family and my friends just yet."

Aurinia nodded and with no judgment in her eyes, she murmured, "Are you having any doubts?"

"Nothing like that." Jasmine and Pearson exchanged a conversation with their eyes and when Pearson gave her a slight nod, Jasmine confessed, "I admit I did have a slight breakdown when we came back from winter break. But I do want to keep Scooby. I just have some thinking to do with Scooby's future."

"Worrying over it this much will make you sick again," Pearson reminded her—not a chide; a reminder—gently.

Jasmine's eyes watered and she sniffed. "I know."

"I'm most likely stepping out of bounds," Aurinia broached carefully, "but do you mean Scooby's father?"

Jasmine winced which answered Aurinia's question.

Pearson elaborated, "She's just stuck in the middle of a lot of choices. There are some…complications with Scooby's dad." He stiffened for a moment and looked over his shoulder. Whipping back around, he murmured urgently to Jasmine, "You might want to run to the bathroom if you want to avoid him still."

"What?" Jasmine looked traumatized with panic. "He's here?"

A new voice added to the group, awestruck and bewildered. "Slugger?"

Aurinia looked up to see Pacer approached the table, backpack slung on his shoulder, and he had brought along a few friends who excused themselves to get to their booth. He ignored a petite brunette squeeze his arm as she passed him and his pale reds pinned on a frozen Jasmine.

Aurinia's eyes went from Pacer to Jasmine to Jasmine's stomach then to Pearson who caught her look and gave a head tilt of confirmation.

Jasmine gathered her wits and dismissed Pacer with a wave of her hand. "That's not my name, but you don't seem like the type to actually remember a woman's name, baby."

Pacer ignored the jibe as his lips curled into a grin and his eyes lit up. "I've been looking for you everywhere," he admitted to her in one breath. "You dropped tutoring my class and I haven't seen you in the law library in months." His eyes fell to his twin and something akin to both confusion and irritation filled those pale reds. "And I catch you with my brother of all people." He caught Aurinia's eye and offered a half-hearted smile. "And Aurinia. Long time no see."

"Well, now you've seen us now, so bye." Jasmine turned to Pearson and whispered pleadingly, "Let's make everything to-go—"

"'Bye'?" Pacer echoed, furthering his confusion. "I've been meaning to talk to you since you left—"

"And look at that? We've talked." Jasmine flashed Aurinia and Pearson a tight smile. "I'm so sorry, but I'd better get some boxes since I really have to go."

"'Go'? But your food looks untouched," Pacer pointed out.

Jasmine's tight smile worsened as she looked at him. "Yes, but now I want to eat it at home, privately, without any interruptions. But your observations were astute. You'll make an excellent lawyer since you sleep with all your tutors and I was, unfortunately, one of them."

Pacer could feel her animosity and his frown deepened. "Slugger—"

"Dude." It was Pearson who issued the calm warning. "Maybe you should head over to your group."

Pacer glared at Pearson. "It's convenient you've known I've been looking for her for the past few months and somehow it seems you both are friends."

"So now you're policing who we're friends with?" Jasmine asked, sardonic, but Aurinia caught her hands shaking. "Great."

Aurinia stood up when Pacer looked like he wanted to speak. "Jasmine, why don't we go to the bathroom?" she offered. "I'm sure Pearson and Pacer need to talk without making a scene."

"He and I can talk later," Pacer dismissed as his eyes went straight back to Jasmine. "But you and I—"

"Bathroom sounds perfect!" Jasmine blurted as she rushed to stand. She stumbled and Pearson and Pacer both reached to steady her. Pacer got to her first, but she instantly batted away his hands as nausea rolled in her stomach. "Don't touch me," she snapped. She ignored the look of hurt on his face to whirl away from the table with Aurinia hot on her heels.

The moment both women got to the bathroom, Jasmine went to the nearest open stall and had no time to close it when she crouched and wretched. Aurinia locked them both inside to pull back Jasmine's ponytail and rub her back, soothingly cooing at her. It took Jasmine a minute or so until she finished with her hand shakily flushing the toilet before reaching for toilet paper.

"I'm sorry," Jasmine croaked. "I didn't mean to—"

"No need to apologize," Aurinia assured her. "What can I do for you now? Do you want to leave?"

"Yes." A beat. "No." Another beat. "I don't know."

Aurinia nodded. "Okay. Do you think you can face him now and speak to him cordially?"

Jasmine snorted. "I never spoke to him cordially before. I doubt I'll start now." She trashed the toilet paper before closing her eyes.

"Take deep breaths," Aurinia encouraged. "I'm right here. It's okay."

Jasmine choked. "How the Hell is this okay?" She sniffed and pressed the back of her hands to her eyes. "I'm sorry that you have to witness all this and me like a mess."

"As I said before, there's nothing to apologize for." Aurinia tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I know we just met, but I'm here to listen if you're comfortable." It struck her. This must be what Pearson meant.

Jasmine sighed. "I'm just…stressed," she admitted. "Pearson has been a great help and my aunt Share and Maddox, but it feels so overwhelming. I love working and working out, but now I get tired fifteen minutes into workouts or dizzy. The morning sickness takes all morning. I can smell everything—!" She shook her head as a hand went to her stomach. "My mother had severe postpartum," she confessed. "She couldn't…connect with me. And I keep worrying that will be me and I can't connect with Scooby and they'll feel unwanted and unloved—"

Jasmine let out a watery laugh. "And Scooby's dad… My god, that's just a mess."

"I take it Pacer…?"

Jasmine nodded and swallowed.

Aurinia softened. "It's okay to have doubts," she assured. "What are your doubts with him?"

Jasmine made a large gesture with her hands. "I'm well aware of his status," she remarked, "and his partying and the drinking… My cousin told me people can change in nine months, but what if he can't? I'd be fine with co-parenting if I know Scooby will be wanted and have someone there for them, but…" She let out a pitiful laugh. "I know I sound judgy and preachy."

"You sound like you want your child to be well-loved and respected." Aurinia looked at Jasmine's stomach. "May I?"

"Oh." Jasmine took her hand off her stomach. "Sure. Maybe you can give me an honest opinion if I got fat."

Aurinia placed her hand on Jasmine's stomach with care. A sensation tingled and she tried to keep her reaction unmoving. It's so early, but… The power… "Jasmine," she called softly, "did you ever consider you could have twins considering Pacer and Pearson?"

Jasmine looked away. "I read about mothers knowing they're carrying twins," she whispered. "I want to believe it's just Scooby."

"But you can feel they're twins," Aurinia finished. "You've been feeling fatigued easier?"

Jasmine nodded. "Pearson keeps hovering since I keep getting tired so rapidly," she confided. "I don't want the doctor to tell me to take it easy, but I get so drained so fast…"

Aurinia hummed. "And you're not a Wizard? Or have any genes from an ancestor?"

"Not that I know of, no."

Then she can't naturally produce high levels of Ether, Aurinia said as she watched Jasmine's stomach. The children are taking what they need, but it's already more than what she can give. And if they turn out to be—

"You think they're Mages."

Aurinia looked up to a bleak Jasmine and had to nod. "A sign for Spiritless mothers that their child is magical is extreme fatigue early on," she informed. She noticed a stricken look cross Jasmine's face and soothed, "It's okay. You have Pearson and your family and even me to support you."

"You don't know my family," Jasmine muttered. "It doesn't matter that I'm grown with a life of my own. My kids won't be black and I'm not married. I never cared about my kids' race if I had any and I don't want to get married either."

"And that's fine because that's your choice and no one should influence that," Aurinia agreed. "And what you tell Pacer or don't tell Pacer is your choice, Jasmine. No one else." Her head cocked. "Pearson hasn't…?"

Jasmine shook her head. "No. He said he'd let me tell if and when I wanted to."

"He's a good man," Aurinia complimented.

Jasmine sighed. "He is," she agreed. "I feel awful that I made tension between him and Pacer. He doesn't deserve that." Determination locked down on her face. "He's done so much. The least I can do is offset Pacer with one conversation."

"Would you tell him the truth?"

Jasmine's confidence faltered. "Maybe…"

"Go at your pace," Aurinia encouraged. "Do you want us with you when you speak to him?"

Jasmine's eyes swept to the ground. "Is it childish if I say I do?"

"Not at all." Aurinia stood and offered her hands to Jasmine. "Let's get you clean up and we can leave the bathroom when you're ready. You don't have to tell him anything you don't want to. But we're here for you."

Jasmine grabbed Aurinia's hands and pulled herself up. She stumbled and offered a sheepish beam to Aurinia. "Pearson might have to carry me back to my place at this point."

"We'll make sure you eat something and gather your bearings," Aurinia assured. "But let's get you freshened up first."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

10 minutes later…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Linked in arms, Aurinia and Jasmine came out of the bathroom and wove through people and waitstaff and tables. Aurinia had to smile when Jasmine lifted her chin seeing Pacer had settled across from Pearson, neither twin looking happy with the other. Jasmine and Aurinia took their place across from each other and between the brothers and Jasmine mouthed I'm okay to a concerned Pearson, much to Pacer's irritation.

"Slug—err, Jasmine," Pacer quickly corrected. "How have you been? You look beautiful."

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "I've been fine," she supposed. "You? I've heard you nearly flunked last semester and you scraped by to be here now."

"That's true," Pacer had to confess, sheepish. "The materials weren't hard to catch up from and I managed to pass all my exams with A's and B's."

"Congratulations." Albeit the compliment fell flat on Jasmine's tongue.

"Thank you." Pacer leaned in closer to her, but he saw her go rigid and he hesitated. He murmured lowly, "I've been looking for you to talk. When you left, I couldn't contact you—"

"It was intentional." Jasmine raised an eyebrow as she took a bite of her slider. "You're familiar with one-night stands and I'm sure you didn't want to deal with an awkward morning-after routine."

Pacer swallowed and looked impacted by her words. "I…didn't think we were a one-night stand…"

"Oh, please, don't lie and give me that," Jasmine scoffed. "I'm more than sure you had no issue in finding the next warm body. And that's fine."

"Jazz."

Jasmine offered Pearson a glare. "What."

"He's telling the truth," Pearson told her softly.

Jasmine blinked in surprise before she swung her stare onto an uncomfortable Pacer. "You seriously thought we weren't a one-night stand after how much of a dick you were before we were together?"

"I admit I was a dick," Pacer confessed, "but I was hoping I could apologize in the morning to you and see if we could start fresh. But you left and I couldn't find you or contact you…"

Jasmine glanced to Pearson for confirmation who tilted his head as his answer. Guilt festered in her. "Your reputation spoke for itself," she reasoned. "I felt shitty I was just another number added to your body count and that I slept with a student. I didn't want to face being kicked out, so I left."

"I wasn't going to kick you out—"

"Well, I know that now," Jasmine thought, irritated. "But you're not a poster child around here for wholesome respect for women."

Pacer winced. "I know."

"And the times I did see you, you weren't hurting for company," Jasmine pointed out, finishing her slider. "You might be telling the truth, but you're sending a lot of mixed signals."

Pacer's eye twitched. "Yeah, I know…"

"And your grades are atrocious."

"Yeah, I know." Internally, Pacer pouted. Is she going to insult me the entire time I'm here? At least she's talking to me…

"You party instead of study, you drink recklessly, and you seem to have no concern for your future." Jasmine flashed her gaze to Pearson before she went to a wilting Pacer. "But I hear you like kids."

Pacer blinked in confusion as he slowly answered, "Yeah, I do… Before Pearce and I moved here, I watched my little cousins all the time and babysat around the neighborhood."

"And now?"

"'Now'?"

"Do you do anything now?" Jasmine saw Pacer' puzzlement and elaborated, "I know we never talked about your personal life because I very much never cared since you kept making it about very obscure sex stuff—"

Pacer shrank, Aurinia shot him a judgmental look that said what-is-wrong-with-you, and Pearson facepalmed and groaned, Pacer, you absolute idiot.

"—but what do you do now?" Jasmine demanded to know. "Have you even thought about what to do with your pre-law degree?"

Pacer gulped as his eyes shifted to his twin and Aurinia. "Maybe we should—"

"Pacer."

He still looked nervous, but a gentle nod from Pearson made him fess up. "I work as a child advocate," he told Jasmine in defeat. "And I, um…volunteer at a daycare center that does weekend hours for med staff."

This came as a shock to Jasmine and even Aurinia, but Pearson had relaxed significantly. Eventually, Jasmine softened and broached the question, "What made you choose child advocacy and volunteer?"

"It sounds stupid when I say it," Pacer muttered, "but I knew Pearce and I were pretty lucky when it came to our families. But when I saw everything that our uncle went through with adopting both of our cousins—especially Liberty with her home situation—I wanted to make sure no kid had to live like that again."

"And volunteering?" Jasmine asked.

Pacer shrugged, but his cheeks had grown red. "I just like to volunteer there is all…"

"And the partying? The drinking?" Jasmine pressed.

Pacer gave a dry laugh. "I did party a lot my first and part of my second year and I'll go to a few now, yeah, but people like to make up shit and it's not really worth correcting them."

"The women?" Aurinia was the one to ask this.

Pacer flushed. "That part is true..." To Jasmine, he added solemnly, "I did sleep with someone after you, and I regretted it. You saw me with women, but I promise you, nothing happened, Slugger."

Jasmine regarded him for three seconds before her hand shot out and she slapped Pearson upside the head. He groaned while she growled at him, "You knew all of that and you left all that out? What is wrong with you?"

"Only about his work and you kept changing your mind every five seconds every time you asked," Pearson grumbled, rubbing his head. "And when I tried talking about it, you threw things at me and threatened my gauges being ripped out."

Jasmine glared at him, but she took a deep breath and looked at the highly confused Pacer. "We need to talk," she decided—no, commanded. "I'm going to get boxes and we're going back to my apartment and have a nice and long conversation. Okay?"

Pacer moved his mouth several times before he had an answer. "O-Okay."

"Good." Jasmine watched their waiter who caught her eye and nodded he would come over. "Did you drive?"

"Uh… No—"

"Good. We'll take my car."

"Uh…" Pacer jerked his thumb to the group he had come with. "Let me tell my group I'm leaving."

"Go ahead." When Pacer abandoned the table, Jasmine's confidence dropped and she turned to Pearson to whisper, "What am I doing?"

"What do you want to do?" he asked her back. "Do you want him to know?"

"I just don't understand how he has time to work and volunteer when his grades are horrible and I thought he partied often," Jasmine confessed. "Pearson, seriously, why didn't you tell me?"

Pearson sighed. "Pace knows he has a reputation even with our family," he told her. "Yeah, I'm not happy he screwed off for so long, but he got it together second semester in his second year." His brow furrowed. "I'm not sure what happened last year or even this semester that made him miss so many classes and exams, but he takes his work seriously." He saw Jasmine's uncertainty and added, "His soul didn't lie the entire time he talked." He cupped her chin when she huffed. "You're doing great," he promised. "Text me once you guys are done so I can make sure my brother is still alive."

Jasmine snorted. "If he tries to run, he won't be," she muttered. She pulled away when the waiter came. After asking for boxes and extending her gratitude, she reached for the tablet. "And since I made everyone uncomfortable—"

"I've got it." Pearson stole the tablet from her and held it as a shield when she looked ready to sock him. "Bad. No hitting the person paying for your food."

Jasmine huffed, but she had no time to snap back when Pacer came over. "I'll see them tomorrow for study group," he told Jasmine. "Give me your keys. I'll drive."

"You don't know where I live," Jasmine argued.

"Then, you can give me directions," Pacer countered smartly.

Pearson snickered and whispered to her, "Better let him drive, Jazz. You and I both know your motion sickness will thank you later."

Aurinia's eyes widened. Motion sickness?

"I'll thank you for all this sass with my heel on your foot," Jasmine snarked back. "Watch me suffocate you with my pillow one of these days, Pearson. Mark my words."

Pearson snorted. "Then who would cuddle with you and massage your feet?"

"I would."

Both turned to see envy pass in Pacer's eyes with his jaw taut.

The waiter thankfully returned with boxes before silence could envelop. Jasmine was quick in boxing up everything, but when she stood up to get her coat, she slowed when Pacer beat her to it. Innocence in his eyes, he held out her coat for her to put on, but she did not trust that innocence for a moment. Still, as she armed herself with her winter jacket, she told Aurinia, "It was nice to meet you. Hopefully, I haven't scared you off."

"It takes a lot more for that to happen," Aurinia assured her. "Pearson will text you my number. Please feel free to use it at any time."

"I will." Jasmine went for her bag, but she narrowed her eyes when Pacer took it instead to carry. "Pearson, I'll see you tonight, or are you working?"

"I have work, but I'll be over later tonight if you'll have me." Pearson had to smirk a little at the scowl on Pacer's face.

"That's fine." Jasmine fluffed her ponytail out from her jacket and passed Pacer an appraising look when he even carried her boxes for her. "Are you ready?"

Pacer nodded. "Lead the way." It was not lost the moment she strutted before him, his eyes dropped in appreciation of her backside before he flashed a flat-faced Pearson a crooked grin and scurried after her.

Pearson got his silverware to cut into his ribeye. "At least everyone will know the truth by tonight," he supposed. "Pacer is going to be ecstatic and will freak her out like I kept insisting, but…" He shrugged. "You never know."

"Pearson."

Pearson took a bite of his steak. "Yeah?"

"You can see souls, right?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Why didn't you tell Jasmine you could see twins?"

Pearson swallowed his mouthful. "She asked me to promise her if I looked at Scooby's soul, not to tell her anything," he confessed. "I kept trying to push for her to keep her appointment this month so she could know, but she pushed it back the date of the appointment, and, well…"

"And did you know?"

Pearson looked at a serious Aurinia. "Did I know what?"

"Their souls." Aurinia's eyes darkened. "Did you know their powers?"

"Not exactly," Pearson confessed. "But I could tell they were taking more from her than she could give them. I had read pregnancy books with Spiritless having magical kids, but their souls… They're taking more than a magical kid would. But when I kept begging her to let me fill her in, she refused." He caught something that passed over Aurinia's face and pressed, "What is it?"

"Nothing. But I need a favor from you."

"Sure. What is it?"

"Your cousin Lance Dreyar," Aurinia started, decision made. "I need his address."

---

CLANG!

REEEEEEEEE!

RAAAAAAAAAAAW!

SHING!

Aerial battling was never the first option.

SHING!

It was easier to fight on the ground. The ground offered balance and leverage. Wings were used when you needed a quick advantage, but it was not easy to use your wings and stay in the air to deliver offense. Wings were used to carry defensive measures rather than offensive, but that was only on the premise you understood your wings, how much they could carry, and if you could trust them. Skade had spent his entire life with his wings. He knew their limits, their span, what turns they liked. He had attained a trust in his wings.

Etherious Nashi did not have that luxury.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Catacombs

Vistarion City

Alvarez, Alakitasia

9:47 PM ADT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

At best, she was clumsy with her wings. She had experience with the wings Seraphim gifted him to a point, but these wings were new and too large for her to fully control. Her fury and bloodlust were drivers to her strength, but they were pointless for flight. She tried hard to gain some sort of leverage over Skade using a height advantage, but she learned, much to her frustration, she could not defend or attack properly in the air and, like a juvenile bird, she was grounded while Skade could circle her in the air and breathe ice and snow around her.

Etherious Nashi slashed at the ice and spewed an Accursed Roar at him in retaliation. But Cursed battled worked the same as any battle. Experience measured the strength behind an attack. Raw talent would allot to nothing if there was no technique to perfect it. When it boiled down to it, Skade had been a Devil all his life and his Curse had matured as he did. Etherious Nashi's Curse was weak and improperly cared for. As the Accursed Roar fanned out around him, Skade cut through it with his blade. Sure, some of the gaseous Curse scrubbed him and it burned, but it was an insignificant pain.

He smirked, unscathed.

She thundered, furious.

Skade rushed forward as his blade connected with her chained spear. His eyes glowed in want as he breathed in her blood intent and snarled at him, fangs exposed. "You are most beautiful," he purred to her. "But your fight should be reserved when you are underneath me." He flashed his fangs with purpose with his eyes signaling Nature's Intent when Etherious Nashi's snarl hit his chest and his winter was pushing against her tainted summer. "We would be explosive for our mating. I know you can feel it. You want me to mount you."

Her mouth opened and he was forced to push back and duck when she roared Accursed Summer at him that was tainted with black. He belted back his own Accursed Winter and smoke and steam splattered out of the attacks, making everything simultaneously hot and cold. He wiped his chin, smirking, when Etherious Nashi was not finished and used the smoke as a cover for her chained spear to go for his throat.

CLANG!

Skade's blade deflected the spearhead. His eyes sifted through the smoke and steam that fogged the entire battleground, but he did not sit. His nostrils flared and he moved like a panther, circling her. He knew she was aware of him. She would always have an awareness of him. He purred, "Are you wet, Malã'ika?"

Etherious Nashi spun around and whipped out her chained spear, but when it pierced the ground, she drew it back. Rage hardened her heart and the need for blood ached in her sharpened teeth. This male was infuriating to her. He taunted her and mocked her with lust as though she was a mere toy for his amusement. Her hatred for him boiled over when his skin prickled with that awareness of hose icy-blues watching her, waiting for her. A tug coiled in her gut, but it was snuffed out before she could think about it. Her purpose was important and it was drilled into her.

Kill the Morningstar.

Obey the winter.

A drawl. "I never thought you would let a man control you, Malã'ika."

Etherious Nashi unleashed her chained spear, but it pierced nothing and she sneered.

Skade fought back a chuckle. She may be under that man's control, but Malã'ika is strong and stubborn. I just need to keep her agitated. We will break her free. No one will control her again.

• — • — • — •

The forest made it clear no life was welcome, but Gary did not care. He waded through the cursed forest intending to fight back against the whispers that circled him. He ignored the echoes of his and Nashi's voice bouncing around. He could hear her moans and his pants. He could smell sex and sweat. But he knew this game. He remembered it from before. He had to live with this every day. Temptation was to draw you away from what your purpose was. He knew if he followed Nashi's beckoning whispers to join her, he would be trapped in stasis.

So he kept walking.

His eyes glanced around, though, and he felt a sadness as he saw a few decaying trees. 'If she stays too long as a Demon, it will destroy the connection we have.'

"Are you sure this will work?"

He remembered standing beside Kyler as though had met in a private room Ragna had offered them to speak with tea between the two of them and Kyler's expression grim.

"I don't know," Kyler had told him honestly. "Physical contact is the easiest way to configure a link, yes, but your situation is more complex than one I have ever encountered. A Namer Bond is not meant to be received and tapped into on both levels, especially not for dark entities. However, the purpose of the Namer Bond is to establish control. Nashi contradicted the bond when she Named you to give you free will against anyone who would try to control you. The Bond may reflect that or it may not."

Gary had hummed in reply to that.

"However…"

Gary had looked at a contemplative Kyler. "Yes?"

"If Nashi is to become the Eveningstar under the conditions you ruled to me, perhaps you had another option. Nashi may not be pleased, but if you conditioned the same contradiction, it would not affect her too much."

Gary had a sinking feeling of what Kyler was saying, but he had asked, "What do you mean?"

"It's obvious." Kyler had taken a sip of his tea. "When you had spiraled out of control, she Named you to instill your free will from Bael. If Invel will do the same to her…"—turquoise had darkened—"then it might be in your best interest to return the favor."

The memory disappeared as Gary kept facing forward. The lust had disappeared to be replaced with gluttony to tantalize him in straying from his wayward path. He ignored the offerings set before him and the versions of Nashi with her sultry voice, cooing for him to join her for a feast. He did not even give them a passing glance. 'We walked a lot about it that first day. Devils aren't supposed to be able to Curse a person. We can give them Black Magic, but to Curse a person is unheard of for the species. But it's also unheard of for an Angel to Name a Devil. Naming her would be difficult and unreliable. I don't want to try it now when we have so little time for everything. But if I can find the human part of her here that's been pushed aside and bring her back, we have a chance of breaking her free.'

A sad little smile pasted onto Gary's face. 'It was like this before…when he made us fight. He didn't enslave me with his ice. He said it wouldn't mean as much if he ordered me to die. But he had her in that ice collar and forced her to try and kill me. I never let her, but she did give me some deep scratches. He would stop us after a day of fighting and return us to the cage. He'd make me clean both of our wounds and she was just quiet.' His fisted hands relaxed and hang. 'Over and over again, he'd have us fight until we had to eat and rest. Any time I showed any mercy to her, he'd threaten me with her life. I did everything I could to stay defensive, but I had to attack her if I wanted her to stay alive.'

EEEEH-EEEH-EEEH!

"Code Violet! Code Violet!"

Gary had passed through the layer of gluttony and greed had taken its place in the forest. Possession taunted him with his wildest dreams. While money was not his interest, greed made way for his desires for art instead. Versions of Nashi chained and submissive were his for the taking if he simply looked at her. He could possess her for eternity.

He kept walking.

'I remember when we were taken away from that place,' Gary recalled. 'It felt too good to be true when she showed up to the cage to free us.'

A cloaked woman. Kind eyes. "Are you ready to leave this place with your mate, child?"

Gary closed his eyes as he let greed's clutches succumb to sloth. He forced himself to keep going even though sloth was a good contender to pull him. Sloth was an ignored sin assigned to laziness, but it was also the sin that emphasized when you stood by and let the world turn when evil was afoot. Omitting your responsibilities. He passed through the warped temptation that tried to seize him as Nashi whispered for him to abandon his mission, to join her in the home they had built together, sway him to a life of comfort.

He ignored it all.

'She's been so good to me. She believed me when no one else would. I didn't lie to Tesla. I never wanted to speak to someone about my past. She never made me speak about it. But she gave me a safe place with people who understood everything I went through and how we had to hide. I can't thank her enough.'

Gary stopped.

Sloth had not worked.

So wrath played its hand.

Invel stood before him with those arctic eyes, that disappointed face, and his hands neatly behind his back. He stared down at Gary. "I warned you to not harbor affection for the Eveningstar, Morningstar." He pushed up his glasses. "How imperfect you've become. You'll never be able to free her from my winter."

Gary's hands went to fists, but he took a deep breath.

He began to walk.

He passed right through Invel.

A wild cry. "Gary, help me!"

Gary bit down on his bottom lip and closed his eyes. He could not look. He knew he could not look. But he knew what was happening when he heard a flurry of male voices and Nashi's sobbing plea for help. He heard the rip of clothes. He heard their sneers and her begs for them to let her go and she wanted to go home. He knew what it meant when he heard her cry and a male grunt.

Swallowing heavily, Gary forced himself to keep walking. 'Keep calm,' he told himself. 'None of this is real. Angel is relying on you to find her.' But he froze.

His eyes widened in horror and he could not look away. Bile mixed in his stomach.

A drooling young Nashi was forced on her back, blood dripping from her nose, and her eyes glazed from some sort of drug. Her shirt had been torn and her legs were spread was four teenage boys panted for her, one of which was sated between her legs as he thrust while his friends egged him on to go deeper, make her cum, make her squirm, and one of the boys had the gall to touch her growing breasts, fondling them with a salacious lick of his lips.

"They're raping me."

Nashi stood beside him as her hands reached for hers, but she did not look like herself. Death had dressed her in translucent black that showed her black eyes and red irises, but nothing else about her.

Gary blinked away the tears when he was forced to watch one of the teenage boys shudder and grunt his release as his friend tried to shove him, his cock out and eyeing young Nashi greedily.

"They drugged me, but it didn't matter." Nashi spoke to him like she spoke of the weather as one boy pulled out for another to take his place, groaning when he felt her around him. "I felt everything they did to me. I kept screaming, but no one could hear me." Her hand glided up Gary's arm to his nape and stroked it. "They took everything away from me. I never knew who my baby's father was. They violated me…" She got on her tiptoes to whisper to him, "And they're still alive."

Gary's eyes glinted silver.

"They made sure to use a Lacrima Spray," Nashi carried on as she eyed Gary. "All the Dragon Slayers tried their best, but my rapists' scents were gone. They are all still alive."

Frost expelled from Gary's nose as he watched the next boy pick up his pace, chasing his release into a drugged young Nashi. "They're…still alive…after tormenting you like that?" His teeth ached as his hands flexed.

"Yes." Nashi snaked behind him as her hands delicately cupped his arms and massaged his biceps. "They got to live. My baby never did. They killed a part of me, but they live like free men."

Gary growled, but he shut his eyes. "No," he gritted out. "This… This isn't real."

"Oh? Are you saying they never raped me?" Nashi gasped as she whispered, "Look. The next one is coming inside me." The boy cried out as his abdomen shuttered and he jerked his hips. "I wonder if he was the one that got me pregnant?"

Gary rejected her touch as he shielded his face. 'This isn't real. This isn't real.' "Stop it," he snapped. "Stop violating her past like this. You're not Nashi and you have no right to show me this."

"I am Nashi," Nashi promised him as she drifted over for her hands to slid over his hips and he shivered when her hands went lower in his stomach to cradle his crotch. "I'm your Angel, Master. Look at me." One of her hands came up to tug his hands from his face. "Open your eyes, Master."

Gary swallowed when he let her guide his hands away and his eyes cracked open, but the horror before him was not gone. That nausea fueled as anger kissed him and stroked him when he saw the third boy enter young Nashi with slurs towards her as he grasped her rear and pulled her up to go deeper into her without any consent. The angle must have been painful when young Nashi tried to object, but the drugs slurred her speech and broke any reaction time.

"Tell me what you see," Nashi whispered.

Gary swallowed and his bottom lip trembled. "No." He shivered when she stroked him through his pants.

"Tell me what you see, Gary. What's happening to me?"

Gary's hands shook. "They're…r-r-raping you…"

"Good Master." Nashi rewarded him with a firm stroke that made his hips jerk. "Do you want them to stop?"

"Yes." No hesitation. His hands flexed and itched.

She pressed a kiss below his ear. "Kill them."

His eyes dilated.

• — • — • — •

Rock climbing without climbing holds was improbable but not impossible. Tesla first had to find a viable angle for her to begin her descent without bothering the cultists and that was hard enough. Part of the arena still had a rocky enough wall for her to climb down and even large enough juts for her to step down. Cael held onto her. Unlike her, he did not need to move his body. He turned gaseous instead and drifted wherever she was like a ghost.

She got to the bottom and stumbled a little, but she had to give Cael a look of thanks when he caught her before she could kick up debris. Her eyes scanned and she largely ignored the battle between Skade and Etherious Nashi with all her might to look at the glass case of wings. Not only did they have to safely cross the arena and avoid the attacks that tore up the stone, but they would have to get past those at the altar.

She and Cael exchanged a look of understanding and agreement.

Tesla stuck to the edge of the arena. It was the best choice for her to be at the edge and out of the way from the battle. Her eyes kept looking down to keep track of where she stepped and surveyed her surroundings. She had to admit she did flinch and shake a little when the arena dusted as Skade and Etherious Nashi clashed, but she had Cael to keep her grounded. The arena shook again and one of the rock formations on the ceiling broke off and hit the ground. Tesla slapped a hand over her mouth to keep herself from gasping, but her eyes shut as debris and wind bowled over her.

I have to make it there. I can make it there.

Eyes stinging due to the bitter dryness of the dust and dirt, she could not see as she felt around for the wall. But one miscalculating in a micro-step had her trip a little and her hand grabbed onto cloth that strained itself. Deep in her bones, she knew her mistake.

Shit.

Cael just barely pulled back Tesla when a scythe tried to split her in half. She let him go, becoming visible, to grab her saber and lit it with her Anti-Ether blade. The debris lessened, but she had gained Grimms and other Darklings for enemies and none of them looked eager to wait patiently to kill her. They swarmed her with their scythes and claws and tore at her. With gritted teeth, she swung her Anti-Ether blade to decimate some, but she groaned when one of them dragged her by her cloak. She fought back and the damn thing ripped painfully from her neck, choking her in the process.

Kyler. Tesla teared up when something had gotten a hold of her thigh, but her hand pulsed with Anti-Ether, and one touch from her had it die. I've been spotted and could use some reinforcements here.

I'm on my way. Stay alive.

Dammit, I'm trying to but these things – won't – quit. Tesla snarled when she felt skeletal hands twist for her braids and whirled around to cut the Grimm down. "Don't fucking yank my braids! That's bad for my scalp!" She punched the Darkling that grabbed her arm and impaled her blade into the chest of a Spectre that grabbed her shoulder.

BOOM! BOOM!

Tesla could not glance over at the battle, but even she felt the power exalted from it as the arena shook and loose rock and stones and debris tumbled down. Whatever plan is going on here, Gary, please, hurry it up so we all don't die.

• — • — • — •

His claws slid out on their own accord.

That anger that had caressed him fanned into inexcusable rage.

"Don't…touch…Angel…" He snarled frost as he stepped towards the boys—those criminals—those rapists—with his eyes tainted in silver. "You don't deserve to live for violating her. You…raped her. You made her feel unsafe in her own body." He flexed his claws as ice and snow teased the area. He stalked for them as the fourth boy took place between young Nashi's legs while his friends cut a good portion of her shirt off and took turns touching her chest like they were playing a game.

"No…" The rage—the wrath—consumed him and carried over his boiling point as winter rolled around him. It was like he had been on the ledge and this was the push he needed to give in to that pure hatred. He sprinted for them, eyes silver, winter ready, claws extended. "GET AWAY FROM HER!"

A flurry of spiritual white rushed towards him. "Peace, Man-Devil."

Gary had gone too fast to slow down, but the second he passed through the wisps of white, he left his fury behind and he was left alone with the spiritual form. Young Nashi, her tormentors, the other Nashi—they were gone. Wrath had abandoned him and none of the other sins had dared to approach him. He breathed heavily as his eyes transitioned to blue and his claws were gone. "I… I almost…" His expression turned pained. "I almost gave in," he whispered. "Those criminals… I couldn't stop…"

"The Curse caters to manipulation, Man-Devil." The flurry white settled beside Gary, always shifting but it stuck to his side. "As you live with a Curse every day, you are accustomed to the sins tempting you. But your connection with Nashi digs deeper into your feelings for her. The Curse attempted to defile your protectiveness of her."

"I would have done it though." Despair raked through him. "They don't deserve to live freely. They… They drugged her. Oh god." He crouched down as his hands scrubbed his face. "That was a real memory of what happened. I saw it. Angel… She was drugged and they just took turns…" He pressed his lips together as nausea and pain gutted him.

"Aye. It was real," came sad confirmation. "The Curse could not tempt you with fabrications. It tempted you with a dark truth."

"She wouldn't have wanted me to see that." Gary closed his eyes and swallowed. "I shouldn't have seen that. I can't… I can't stop seeing them do that to her. God… She's had to live with that memory for years." He forced himself upright, but he could not erase his emotions. "I'm sorry."

"There is no need to apologize, Man-Devil," came soothe. "But we must make haste. I have temporarily thrown off the Curse's hold onto you, but I cannot do so for long. You must come with me. Nashi requires your help."

Gary tried to shake his head out of that imagery—of her drugged, hazed, and helpless—and turned to the spiritual entity. "Thank you for helping me. You must be one of Nashi's souls."

"I am Seraphim," Seraphim introduced. "While Cael aids in the physical world, I must remain here and protect what little Nashi has left of her humanity. Come. We must hurry." He engulfed Gary.

The sensation felt odd and ticklish to Gary. He felt summer, but it was not Nashi's and that was why it felt odd to him. He felt traces of her, but this summer felt surer, confident, old, and wise. He only felt the sensation breeze him for a few seconds or so before he was deposited. Bleeding hearts were everywhere, but they had bloomed only to be blackened and chilled over. Gary touched one of the flowers that had succumbed to such a fate.

"Invel," he named.

"Yes," Seraphim confirmed. "When he froze Nashi's Magic, she was still able to keep her free will. We experienced a light winter. But now that she has lost her free will, his control over her soul will become tainted and absolute. Cael had told me this had happened once before."

Gary rose to see the castle in the distance. "She's in there?

"Yes. She hides in hopes she can avoid his winter, but she cannot."

Gary nodded and set out to walk through the meadow of jaded bleeding hearts that were frozen. 'Angel, I'm coming. Please wait a little longer.'

• — • — • — •

Luna watched as Kyler rose with his Staff of Miracles as the cavern shook. Cullen had taken to sheltering her from the onslaught of falling rocks and debris and she flinched with every explosion, but she could not help but look at Kyler in pure worry. "Please be careful."

"You as well. Stay here until it is safe," Kyler instructed. "Don't come out for anything."

Luna might not have liked it, but she understood and nodded. "Okay." She kept the Forever Container firmly in her hands. Poor thing looked dreadfully weary. "Please bring my sister back."

"I will," Kyler vowed softly, "for she is my sister as well." He nodded to the Shadower before he let his Blessing cover him. The Staff of Miracles pulsed. He crawled out from the little opening to see the chaos splattered before him. His eyes easily found Skade and Etherious Nashi dancing on the battlefield. She played offensively in her aggression and he teasingly defensive to her attacks. But he watched as her roar missed Skade and hid a rock formation glued to the ceiling. It broke off and clattered down onto the floor, but that was not it. The floor had been punctured.

Kyler's eyes narrowed. That energy…

He had no time to give it any more attention when his eyes lifted and he saw Tesla struggling and being mauled at the scores of creatures who smelt new blood. His wings came out as his Staff of Miracles shielded him from harm during his short flight. Turquoise triquetras spawned by the bucket load and showered down against the dark entities, killing them without hesitation. He wiped out the masses that were too close to Tesla to make his landing and his shield expanded to encompass her. The Darklings could beat as much as they wanted, but they were killing themselves trying to break his barrier.

Tesla panted and grimaced when she took in her wounds that were steaming with Anti-Ether as they automatically started the healing process. "I take back what I said about finding out how I regenerate."

"Glad you see reason this is not the time nor place." Kyler lent her an arm. "Shall we?"

Tesla hobbled and pressed down as she used him for a crutch. "Yes. And let's make this speedy." She looked sick as she watched rabid Darklings slaughter one another to aim for the barrier. "God, they're killing themselves."

"They don't know another way and they were not meant to know another way," Kyler murmured as their pace was slow and steady. He eyed the altar, but none of those who stood on it seemed afraid. None of them cared that the debris from the battle had caused the Sacred Couple, the dancers, the women with the offering—all had perished due to the masses of rock and stone. The ones on the altar kept their eyes locked on Etherious Nashi.

They must not think we're a big enough threat, Kyler thought. We're just flies to them right now. Nashi is the one who deserves their attention as she is the ruler. But I have a feeling once we get closer to the wings, they will make sure to take care of us.

BOOM!

He reinforced his barrier the moment more formations fell and punctured the stone floor. Or they might think the battle will kill anyone who isn't necessary. He eyed Skade's form. Gary… You might not have a choice in what you want to do anymore.

• — • — • — •

The castle, Gary found, was actually built onto a hill that looked over leagues-worth of bluish-green ocean that broke on the sandy beaches. It was not a castle that displayed outward wealth as vines and bleeding heart toiled the castle walls. Nashi was not one to express wealth to begin with. Seraphim was the one to take him inside where Gary felt at home. No, it was not the little cabin he shared with Nashi within their own connection, but he could feel her summer purely and that was enough for him to feel like he was at home.

The stained-glass windows told of her trials and tribulations alongside the love she shared with her friends and family. The mosaics on the floor depicted symbols that meant something to her but not necessarily to everyone else. He caught sight of the Magic Circles that came with her Divine Soul forms, but she had also put down a series of Fairy Tail guild marks. He saw symbols of flames, a yin-yang symbol, and a white heart and he smiled when he knew what that meant. But it did surprise him when he witnessed the symbol of winged ice encompassed with a heart.

'Oh, Angel…'

"Gary?"

He looked up to see Nashi had rounded the corner, eyes distraught and hair disheveled. "Angel…"

"You shouldn't be here," Nashi insisted as she cast nervous glances everywhere. "You need to go. Now." She stepped back when Gary approached her. "Listen to me, you can't stay here! You'll be trapped like me—!"

"No one is getting trapped." Gary was only centimeters away from her as he took her hands in his. "I came to rescue you."

"That's sweet, Gary, but it's not enough." Nashi shook her head. "We got lucky you snapped me out of it once, but I can…feel him in my soul. I know I don't have that much time left until he possesses it." She sighed when he kissed his forehead. "You need to get out of here," she tried again. "Please take Luna and Luke somewhere safe for me."

"You can take them yourself," Gary refuted. "I'm not letting him control you." He kissed her nose. "I won't let you go anywhere."

Nashi groaned. "Gary… You can't save me from this," she tried to explain.

"Angel, I love you—"

"But love isn't enough to stop him from taking me," Nashi whispered. "Love wasn't enough to save Luna or Luke. Love just…isn't enough right now. You have to promise me you'll protect my brother and sister from them—"

"And I will," Gary promised her. "But I'm not leaving you behind to it. We are all going home." He thumbed her bottom lip when her eyes shut and she let out a shuddering breath. "I know love isn't enough to get us out of this. But I can't and I will never abandon you."

Nashi swallowed as tears shed. "You have to." Watery hickory connected with soft cerulean. "You have to leave me behind. I know Invel did something to you. He hurt you. I can't let you get hurt again, Gary, so, please—!"

"Angel—"

"Gary, please," Nashi begged of him, voice cracking, "let me go. My siblings need you more. Don't let Luna go back to that man, please, I know he did more than just touch her—"

"What?" Gary frowned. "Who touched her?"

Nashi took a breath. "Her advisor Hemlock; he was manipulating her so she could protect me. He's been giving her these baths and I know he's been touching her, but I just know, Gary, I know it was worse." She could not help it when she cried. "Please just take her and Luke far away from here. I can't let them get hurt. Invel just needs me."

"He can't have you," Gary refused.

"Gary, don't be selfish—"

"I'm not being selfish. I'm being logical," Gary countered. "But if you think I'm being selfish, have you thought how Looney and Luke would feel if I took them away for you to be Invel's slave? If Looney did so much to protect you, how do you think she'd feel knowing everything that happened to her did nothing? That she couldn't protect you?

Nashi looked ashamed. "I just can't let anyone else get hurt. I… I promised Luna no one would get hurt—"

"And you had to have known a promise like that will get broken," Gary whispered. "People are going to hurt, Angel…"

• — • — • — •

BOOM!

REEEEEEEEE!

Etherious Nashi screeched when Skade had managed to dodge her attack with a taunting smirk. She roared her Accursed Flame at him which he countered with his Accursed Ice. Steam and smoke fanned out, but the sheer power exercised rumbled the entire arena. The cultists were beginning to wizen up and began to flee, but it was too late for those who had been on the ground. Kyler jolted when the earth beneath them cracked. He gave Tesla no time when he carried her and his wings unfurled to carry them up just in time for the floor to give way and break down. The dark entities succumbed to their fate as they roared and scrambled, freefalling into the darkness below. He soared Tesla to a safer spot—

SHING!

Kyler cried out in pain and alarm and both he and Tesla found themselves tumbling to the ground. She groaned when she landed on the leg that had not fully healed while Kyler landed awkwardly in a mess of his wings. He grabbed the Staff of Miracles, but his eyes narrowed on the blade that had pierced his wings.

A Leviathan Blade.

SHING!

Kyler had just managed to roll away when several more blades meant to impale him had gotten the ground instead. He heard Tesla scream for him, scream that they had incoming, but his eyes sought the culprit to see one cultist who had stayed behind as they wielded dual blades and stared straight back at him. He caught their cold orange eyes.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Right now, Kyler, Tesla, Cullen, and Skade are doing their best to make sure we can make out of this alive, but…"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla got out her saber and tried to get to her feet as a horde of dark entities rushed them, but she had not been able to get to her feet fast enough when one of them surged to grab her ankle and bit down. She swore, eyes blurry, and kicked out until she had a better grasp of her Anti-Ether saber to kill it, but what did it matter when dozens more clawed for a piece of her flesh. Kyler did his best to give her a chance to get back on her feet with solid offensive, but he stumbled and faltered when a blade pierced his calf. Eyes burning, he forced himself to pull the blade, but the wound could not be healed. Not with his Blessing. He had little time to act when the horde crowded him as explosions fired off and neither he nor Tesla had any time to breathe as these creatures shredded each other just to kill them and those worrisome blades stung Kyler's wings.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"…even as we do our best, we know the risk. We understood this situation could mean life or death."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Etherious Nashi was still not all that confident in her wings, but she joined Skade in the air. Like gods, they fired at each other before clashing, clawing at each other, and shoving away. She gave chase whereas he did not. Her cries turned ugly and inhuman as her superficial veins were pumped with black blood. She throttled flames at him, but he dodged them. The flames continued to spiral and hit some of the unfortunate cult members who had not been able to get out in time. Screaming in agony, their bodies—their souls—were set aflame with Damned Fire, condemning them to boil and melt and rot until not even their skeletons remained.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Even knowing that, none of us shied away from coming here and rescuing all of you from this horrible situation."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CRUNKLE-CRUNKLE.

Within Cullen's protection, Luna kept the Forever Container in her lap, eyes closed as the rubble threatened to collapse the cavern. She flinched each time the tunnel shook and was left to wonder if this was all there was, if she would be left here. But her hands clasped in prayer and she prayed and she prayed.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Every day, Angel, unfair battles are being fought. Every day, people lose their lives to accomplish their goal."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The flight was quiet for the most part. Spencer had made it a point to walk down the aisle to check in on every one of his subordinates for the mental level, review with them what the plan meant for when they landed, and he rounded over to the agents who lorded over him who settled a few more items before they dismissed him.

He headed back to his seat, but he could not sleep unlike some of his brothers and sisters in this troupe. He went to his overhead to shuffle his bag around and find the book he had been working on. Settling back in his seat, he went to his marking, but he paused.

Gunmetal dark blues softened.

He took out the bookmark. It had replaced his old one with a photo strip of Veronika, Ivan, and Lisa-Jane. The first had the family of three making duck faces. The second had Ivan grinning like a fool as his sister and mother kissed his cheek. The third one was all of them blowing kisses. But the fourth one had not been originally from the photo strip. It was a taped photo of him, Veronika, and the kids from his time staying with them. He dug out his necklace from inside his shirt to show the first initial for the family of three he had fallen for. He brought up the charms to kiss them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"And no matter how strong or how powerful we are, we all have to realize our powers weren't meant for absolute domination."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was a whirlwind of red and blue and white.

Gale had very little time to understand it as his emotions caught up with him and he could not sort his thoughts. Mechanically, he answered questions about his name, date of birth, home, and his parents as he was rushed into the emergency department with a stress on his privacy being made by the officers who had accompanied him. His oxygen mask had been switched for another one.

Wolf looked highly upset he had been rejected from following, only allowing Kang to touch him and calm him down. The hospital was in Rose Garden and it had been quite a rush during the intense ride to get here. Block was the one who was making it clear to management the conditions that needed to be preset with his ward, but he looked over to see both Kang and Wolf looking at the emergency doors in worry.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"They were meant for us to try our damndest to protect and defend and lessen the damage while doing so. They were meant for us to push back when our loved ones were in danger and to not give up until everyone comes home."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Jasmine's apartment used to house a housemate, but once she left to live with her boyfriend, she coveted the three-bedroom with pride. She and Pacer had settled in her living room, but she had made them sit in different chairs, him on the couch and her on the accent.

Pacer had the shock of his life as he looked at a straight-faced Jasmine. His eyes dipped to her stomach then to her eyes. She nodded in confirmation. His eyes widened, but what he did next had surprised her. His eyes watered and he shocked her the moment he knelt before her to hug her tight as he whispered his apologies and his consolations. The stoic mask she hoped to keep on for his visit had fallen as she covered her mouth, cheeks wetting…but she hugged him back twice as fierce.

Pearson was on his way back to his apartment building when something caught his attention. He retraced his steps and entered an alleyway, where he witnessed a rather unusually formed man in a sweatshirt and jeans. The man noticed he was not alone, and he turned to show blackened eyes as his victim—a young freshman with freckles and dead eyes—lay against the wall without a soul to their body. Pale reds glowed and Pearson did not waste a second as he pelted down the alleyway while the animavore snarled at him.

Aurinia had been confident heading down to the mailbox with her small package, but now that she was here, hesitation had set in. She looked at the package itself with Lance's name as the receiver with his address, but she kept her address unknown. Taking a deep breath, she opened the mailbox and slid the package in.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"I know you want us all to be safe. I know you're trying to protect us. But no one gets left behind when the stakes are this high, Angel. No one."

"I'm just… I'm terrified."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla screamed when claws raked her back and her saber could only get through so many dark entities. She caught glimpses of a quickly weakening Kyler being overrun. Not even his power could match against a Leviathan Blade and the damage was done as the poison entered his bloodstream. The dark entities salivated as they tried to take their pound of flesh and Tesla shouted for him, but it was too hard for him to hear her. She battled her way to him, dirtied and teary-eyed, and she cried when teeth dug into her arm. She bashed the skull of the creature with her blade and just barely managed to reach Kyler when both were subjected to hungry claws and fangs mauling their flesh.

Desperate, Tesla did not know what possessed her, but she yowled and Anti-Ether came off in a large wave that killed the horde without hesitation. But the exhaustion it cost her… There was no time to think of it now. She looked at the distance they had left with the wings before she half-carried half-dragged Kyler with her in a hobble to get to the cage.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"I know, Angel."

"So much has happened. Luna's vision… I can't let innocent people die, Gary. I have to keep Luke and Luna safe."

"I know. I know. But you can't do that alone."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Etherious Nashi and Skade were locked in the air when he captured her behind and braced himself. She squealed and twisted and wriggled as she raked her claws down his arms to let him go, but his armor held strong as they took a plunge. The entire grown shook the moment they missiled into it as a spiderweb of crack appeared. Piece by piece, the floor fell out in chunks and the arena began to disassemble. Invel had little fear and neither did Priest as one of the altar servants took a stance and rose the altar off the ground and another cast a spell that shielded them from the fallen debris. Anyone else was deemed an insignificant life meant to be lost.

The cracks appeared beneath Tesla and Kyler and she cried out as she hauled him to the left just as the floor there sunk under and speared into darkness. Her legs buckled and she groaned when she landed on her side. Eyes blurred and crusted with blood, she could see the glass cage. But from the corner of her eyes, she witnessed claws appear of the ledge of the broken floor. Brutish creatures surfaced, eyes yellow and eager for fresh blood. Her saber had been knocked from her, but she strained to summon the hilt back to her. Even so, she knew as the creatures rushed for her, she would never get back to her feet on time.

WHOMP!

The brutish creatures crashed into mid-air. Rabid and angry, they began at the invisible barrier.

Tesla shakily got to her feet to see Kyler was heavily supported by the Staff of Miracles as he prayed and fortified the barrier. He gave her a sidelong look and she nodded before her head swiveled to the glass cage.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"You've been through so much – all of you have."

"We have, but so have you."

"None of you deserve to die."

"No. But none of us will die."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Anti-Ether steam wafted off Tesla's injuries as she limped towards the glass cage. She avoided the falling chunks of the floor as best she could while she had to be mindful of parts of the ceiling that clattered to the ground. But as more and more of the ground crumbled, those yellow-eyed creatures emerged as though crawling out from Hell. Tesla panted, blood in her nose, in her throat, in her chest, but she readied her saber. Her face caught pain when she felt her ankle reset itself, but she dismissed it as she broke into a hard sprint to run her blade through the mid-section of one of the creatures that broke free and stabbed down another.

Kyler could barely keep himself up against the creatures, but when another blade soared for him, it shattered his barrier and pierced his side. He stumbled over as the creatures wasted no time, but his wings sheltered him as a last defense as the Darklings rained down on him and fought to rip him limb from limb.

Skade and Etherious Nashi scuffled in a mass of flames and ice, but they were grounded as they wrestled for dominance. They tumbled over each other with furious claws; neither one was ready to submit, ready to die here. But as their dance of death intensified, neither noticed how the grooves beneath them cracked and deepened.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"But what can you do, Gary? What can we do to stop this?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Spearing another Darkling, Tesla coughed and spat some blood before looking up at the gilded cage that she had been fated to find. She saw those magnificent wings bound in chains and she knew what she had to do.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"We'll do what we always do, Angel."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla's blade rose as she aimed for the glass window.

She swung.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"We fight."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SHATTER!

Tesla flinched away from the broken glass, but she dropped her saber to break the fall of the bound wings. The contact had nearly broken her arms and she gritted her teeth at the metallic tang that lined her mouth, but she had no time to think about it. The wings were large and load-bearing, but they stayed still for her like an animal who knew the human close by was their savior. "Here we go, baby, here we go." She felt the chains and tugged at them. "All right, let's get you out of here before we all die." She reached for her saber—

CLAMP!

Tesla screamed and was lucky she had turned her head so her cheek hit the ground rather than her chin. She looked past her to see the floor had been punctured, but it was not enough for one of the creatures to fully get through. But they had been able to reach out their arm and their claws had dug into her ankle. Growling, she summoned her saber back to her, but the small puncture webbed more cracks for the small puncture to widen and widen. Alarm rose when the claws latched onto her leg to drag her back and she swung her saber to slice the hand and vanished the entire creature. Her eyes watered at the puncture wounds. Sure, steam had risen out as her body began the healing process, but the pain was unbearable to live with.

SCRAPE!

Tesla grunted as she got to her feet, but she peeked over the ledge.

Steely grays widened.

There were not just dozens of yellow-eyed creatures.

There were hundreds.

°•°•°•°

Kyler knew he would die.

The poison from the blades had overloaded him. His Blessing could not fight the infection. He could feel the creatures plucking out his feathers, but none of them had a Leviathan Blade to cut his wings. But he knew—he knew—he would die. His power waned and his heart slowed. A calm settled over him. There was never an anxious thought when it came to death. He what to expect when Death visited him. He knew about the Place of Judgment. He was unafraid.

I am sorry, Mirella, Talia… I promised to come home. But I fear…I will be unable to. His eyes blinked sluggishly. I should have predicted they would hire a Sinful. Only a Sinful can wield a Leviathan Blade. My error is my demise.

The Staff of Miracles vibrated.

A whisper caressed him. You will not die here, my son.

Kyler no longer had a grip on the Staff of Miracles as it ripped from him and burst from his protective shell. The Staff of Miracles burned with the Fire of Life and burned the creatures trying to maim Kyler. The creatures screamed at such purity, most dying at first touch and others resilient enough to last only a few seconds before their death. But the Staff of Miracles was not done. It spewed the Fire of Life all around Kyler to forge a flaming borderline.

SHING!

A Leviathan Blade sailed for Kyler—

—but the Fire of Life heightened and decimated the blade.

Kyler unfurled his wings as he laid on his back. You might have hurt me, Sinful, but even you are not above the Staff of Miracles and the Metatron. His eyes fell heavy as his chest shuddered. I will not die here. Thus said the Lord.

°•°•°•°

Tesla whirled around to rush back to the wings, but luck was not her lady as the floor crumbled beneath her feet. She booked it as fast as she could and tried to get to solid mass, but it was all for naught when she could not outrun her fate. She screamed as she tumbled down in the abyss of those cretins with her saber falling from her clutch, but her hand wiped out and her chains shot out to burst unto the surface and clamped down on the first solid thing it could wrap around. Gritting her teeth, she began to swing and tried hard how to expand her Anti-Ether shield, but the exhaustion did not mix well with the adrenaline. The creatures leaped for her and she shouted when claws nicked her arms and legs and threatened for her to fall.

Her eyes held loss when she felt the chains slip from whatever they had grabbed onto.

And slipped again.

Dammit. I really didn't want to die. Tesla's face scrunched up in pain when a creature clung to her foot and attempted to climb her. She flexed and began to swing herself until she could kick high enough. The creature could not hold on and she folded herself up onto her chain, hanging like a spider. I'm so glad I took pole dancing lessons for this.

CREAK…

She fell further down.

CREAK…

And further down.

SNAP!

The chain could not hold on.

Tesla shut her eyes as she screamed, but a pressure wound around her. Within seconds, her body was flushed onto the ground, the wind was not pouring in her ears and, as she kept screaming, she opened her eyes to see she had made it onto solid ground. Faltering her screaming, she looked to see a flushed blonde and a worried Cullen were right there with her.

"I…made it…" the blonde girl panted. "Oh thank goodness…" She coughed and looked at Tesla with big brown eyes. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine—" Tesla's eyes shot over to see the hole she had been sprung free from was having those vile creatures claw to the surface. "But we need to move quickly." The chained wings were close and she crawled over to them to pluck at the chains. "Dammit, my saber fell. The old-fashioned way it is."

BLEH…

Tesla looked up and worry filled her when the blonde retched with the Shadower rubbing her back and keeping her hair up in a ponytail. "Are you okay?" Her eyes squinted. "Are you Luna?"

Luna finished vomiting to spit and cough. "Y-Y-Yes." She crawled towards Tesla, but she stumbled and fell to her side, breathing heavy and cheeks red.

"Oh shit!" Tesla abandoned the wings to hover over Luna. She pressed her hand to Luna's forehead. "You're burning up. You have a fever." She glanced around. "We need to get you out of here."

"N-N-No…" Luna coughed. "Used…too much Magic…" She tried to swallow. "I'm fine… Finish…the mission…" She rolled to her stomach and pushed herself up.

"Sweetie, you need to lay down," Tesla urged her. "You're making yourself sick. We need to get you out of here—"

"N-N-No…" Luna shakily crawled past her to grab the chains on the wings. She might have looked like she could collapse with sweat dripping, a red nose, and her hands shaking, but those eyes of hers said she was not going anywhere. "Finish."

• — • — • — •

Nashi swallowed as she pushed away from Gary, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "This is insane," she breathed. "We don't even know if this will work. You said it yourself Kyler told you—"

"I know what he said." Gary followed her and spun her around to face him. He cupped her chin. "Look at me, Angel."

She did so.

"Trust me," Gary whispered.

Nashi swallowed. "I do."

"Good." He pressed his lips onto hers. "I'll be back."

Nashi offered him a sad smile. "I'll be waiting."

• — • — • — •

Etherious Nashi had him. Skade was beneath her, hoisted to his knees, and she was standing before him with her spear at the ready. The ground was wrecked, the arena was collapsing, but all that mattered was that she would be the victor. She would kill the Morningstar.

Skade could have stayed will as her chained spear coiled itself like a viper. He looked his death in the eye.

Her spearhead came down.

Honest cerulean. "It's okay, Angel."

The spread stopped centimeters before his heart.

Gary's heart.

From the risen altar, Invel looked down on the pair with narrowed eyes, going from the frozen Etherious Nashi then to Gary on his knees before her. His winter swirled, agitated. What is he doing?

Gary looked at the Etherious Nashi with bottomless love and a little smile, saddened but devoted. "It was like this years ago. Do you remember?" The words came out soft and wistful. "You had me where you wanted me. You were going to kill me. Do you remember?"

The chained spear dissipated.

With a sick Luna leaning against her and Cullen having their backs, Tesla pulled together her Anti-Ether as she broke one chain after the other. The idea was smart. If someone had the power to break the chains, then using one chain would have made their job easier. Multiple chains had swallowed the wings in an effort to slow down the one who broke them out. Tesla glanced over her shoulder to see the brutish creatures had emerged onto solid land and were gunning from them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"You had me on my knees. I could have pushed you away, but I stayed where I was."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla grunted as she whipped around and threw out her chains in a feeble attempt to kill off the closest creatures, but she knew her chains were not enough to kill the incoming horde. She turned her attention back to the wings, but she still had tons of chains to go and hopelessness began to fester. It was then she noticed movement and she called for Luna, but Luna did not listen. Rather, she grunted as she pressed her hands together to create a barrier, blood dripping from her nose and her mouth. Tesla was torn between calling her back, but she knew Luna was sacrificing everything for these wings.

Turning back to the wings, Tesla worked harder than ever to break every single chain.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"I always knew. Invel told me you would be the one to kill me. So I waited and waited…"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The arena was too unstable. More and more of the floor succumbed to crackling and falling into the abyss. Bodies fell to be claimed by the creatures who had been living underneath the arena and were hungry for their next meal. The moonlight was almost drowned out as the ceiling began to crumble and knocked down chunks of rock that smashed into the floor.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"…but you never struck me… You never made that last killing blow."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna's body convulsed as her barrier went in and out of existence just as the ground webbed and crumbled. As if planned, the floor beneath them gave way just as Luna fainted and Tesla had reached her last five chains. Everyone fell. Tesla, Luna, the creatures, the wings—everyone fell.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"You could have. I know it's what he instructed you to do. You should have killed me. You should have killed the Morningstar."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Hissing, Tesla haphazardly began throwing chains. The first of her chains burst the surface and wrapped around the broken cage. The second chain ran down to wrap around Luna and the third chain went down to wrap around the wings. Cheeks wet and dirtied, Tesla gritted her teeth from the weight, but that was not the worst part. They were in the abyss where yellow-eyed creatures lusted for their blood. Grunting, she fed the third chain to her teeth and did her best to yank up the wings.

Just five more chains, Tesla told herself. Five more chains.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Why didn't you kill me?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

She almost lost grip of the wings. The weight of them was off-putting, but she had to make it work. She had no other choice. Heaving, she finally managed to get the wings within a reachable distance, but now begged the question of how to cut him with her hands full. Her eyes darted around to see the creatures were clamoring quickly and she did not have the luxury of time. And with Luna bloodied and unconscious, Tesla knew she would be a target first. She swished around the saliva in her mouth and prayed before she spat.

The first chain steamed before it broke off.

The wings stirred.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Why did you let me live?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla spat again and the second chain broke. Again she spat and the third chain came off. It was hard gathering enough spit for the fourth chain, but she managed and it broke off. Just one more chain around the middle of the wings. One more chain—

CLANG!

Tesla cried out and nearly dropped the wings and Luna. She squinted upwards to see a creature had been bold enough to jump and hung from the main chain that separated her and the wings and Luna from succumbing to death in the abyss. She growled, but she had no leverage to get it off. Desperately, she looked down to see the wings had slipped down further than she could try to appropriately aim and accurately get the chain.

And it was the last chain.

°•°•°•°

Tears crowded cerulean as Gary looked into Etherious Nashi's red eyes and could sense her confusion at such a question that dismantled her animalistic need to kill him. "You're not an object to control," he told her. "You're a person with feelings. You're a person who deserves freedom. You gave me that freedom. I want to give you yours."

Etherious Nashi blinked and blinked as though her mind was at war between such words and the orders she had been given. They mixed like oil and water and left her in a state of uncertainty. She was meant to kill him. That had been clear. So then why did she feel…?

Why did she feel?

The ground rumbled and spidered beneath them, threatening to break.

°•°•°•°

Being stuck between a rock and a hard place never ended well.

The creature was careful in their endeavor to slink down to claim their prey. Tesla knew she would die if it did that. She spared a despairing look at the limp Luna and the wings that needed her to free them.

The decision was obvious.

Tesla let go of her first chain.

And they fell.

"I could never hate you," Gary promised her lovingly. "I meant what I said in Arcticados on New Year's Eve. There's no one else. Even if Angel hates me, there can't be anyone else. I love Angel with all my heart even now." He widened his smile as tears came down. "So, please, Angel, do what you have to do."

Tesla plunged deeper and yanked up the second chain with her free hand to snap Luna into her. She angled them as she reached for the third chain and struggled to pull towards it, but she fought against the strain. She was so close.

The ground rumble as it began to bottom out.

"It's okay because…because it's you, Angel."

Tesla sucked in air as she wrapped the third chain around her and ducked her head to get to the last chain with her teeth.

Etherious Nashi paused and looked at him. She looked at the man before her on his knees at her mercy. He was the Angel's lover and the Eveningstar's victim. He was man and Devil. He was hers but he was not. He was… He was…

CR-CRACK! CR-CRACK!

Claws ripped through the air.

Tesla chomped down on the last chain.

The ground broke.

Ceruleans widened.

A flutter of black hair.

Gary watched as though in the backseat of his own body. He knew he was being shoved aside, but it did not register why he was being shoved. But he saw it from a backseat in his own body. The ground had given out, and he had been shoved onto solid mass.

Etherious Nashi had fallen instead of him.

Cerulean clashed with hickory, and her lips parted.

I'm sorry.

Gary's body could not even react to the shock. No…

The collar broke.

Tesla yanked hard with her teeth until it gave.

The chain snapped.

Etherious Nashi fell. Her wings abandoned her. She was no longer the inhumane Etherious who longed for blood and death. Sclera inked black, her irises were her natural hickory and she watched as she fell down down down into the abyss. She could feel the swarms of dark entities take interest in fresh blood and it was not lost on her a chunk of the ceiling had fallen above her and would soon plummet and crush her.

I lied.

Glistening white wings spread.

Tesla twisted as she threw out her chain. Hope dwindled when she realized her chain would not reach that distance, but Cullen had just barely managed to catch the other end and harshly yanked them upwards.

Time slowed.

She was falling.

Mama told me…love was the strongest Magic…and I believe that that's enough.

Cullen would have gritted his teeth if he had a mouth as he ate up the chain, dragging it yard per yard. It took him a while before Tesla's hand appeared and he dropped the chain to pull her and Luna to safety.

Time slowed.

She was falling.

Wings angled.

Invel… You've controlled everyone here. You thought you had us all figured out. You let a predator touch my sister. You abused Gary. You stole my brother. You even forced me to become a monster. You made us fear you. You made us fear disobeying.

Cael sprung from the wings, eyes desperate, and his body translucent, but these wings knew him and he trusted them. He saw her fall and his hands reached out for her.

But you miscalculated.

Etherious Nashi turned mid-air.

Cael disappeared as the wings reached her.

I love my family and my friends more than I fear you.

No one could see what happened next. One moment, the sky was falling and the floor was breaking. The next moment…

…everyone was blinded by a glowing pink.

---

— • — • — • —

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…

Woah… Just… Woah! I don't even know what to say! Gale's home and Tesla's a badass and there was belly dancing and that Nácarlino song and—! Gods, where do we even go from here? I guess we'll have to wait for the next episode of Fairy Adventure to find out what happens to our heroes!

---

It was not that Alvarez had any sort of unofficial curfew, but tomorrow was still a workday until the weekend hit the next day. Most who roamed the streets were young adults, elders, or those who had an early weekend due to the announcement coming up and most out preemptive celebrating the possible return of Zeref's bloodline. The boarding house had most of its occupants sleeping or keeping quiet in their rooms.

One boarding room—plain as could be—had three entities inside, one who frantically paced, one who lay unconscious on the bed, and another who hovered their right hand over the unconscious one's forehead and their left hand over their chest, a white aura blossoming from their palms.

"Well?" the first one snapped. Impatience was there, but there was heavy concern.

The companion sighed as she stopped her aura and drew away her hands. "There is little even my power can do for the boy, minn ffrind," she told in the softest of tones.

"You're not trying hard enough." The first stormed over to look at the boy. He had been cleaned the moment they locked themselves in the boarding room to wipe away the blood and dirt, but it could not erase his horns, the black hair, or the demonic rune that blackened parts of his skin. "There has to be a way."

"The seed sprouted, minn frrind," the companion reminded, "and he still mindless and under Invel's control."

The first one growled and paced again before circling back to study the boy. Her hand reached out, calloused, to brush again the black splotch on his cheek before caressing one of his horns. "He suffered because of my cowardice," she whispered. Anger gone, grief replenished her tone.

The companion cleared her throat. "There is…another way to free him."

"I know." A long sigh. The first watched as the boy breathed in and out, slow and steady. "I have little choice in it."

The companion stood to retreat.

The first one watched the boy's face. "I cannot fail again." She moved her hand to touch his naked chest and took a deep breath. Aura spread forth from her hand entangled in a kaleidoscopic mesh of light pink, teal, and lavender. A breeze of softness filled the room and smelt a lite sweet with a mixture of ylang-ylang, clary sage, and lavender honeyed with brown sugar.

She closed her eyes as she drew forth the words her father had taught her to use. The words fell from her in soft prayer, "Le gràs duwiathan nan gudars, jag funnit minn hjerta att i älska, att i vårda ac att i skyhail agus hela gu döden…"

The boy stirred, fangs exposed as he gritted his teeth. His body twitched and stress pinched his face as his head began to turn. His clawed hands wriggled.

"Jag ska do mo minn hjerta att i hanner, att i respecktera ac att i leva ac dö för minn halva…" she carried on. Her aura imprinted in his skin and combated away the demonic runes. She flinched at the resistance—the Curse—she felt biting back against her power, but she pushed forward. This Curse was too young and inexperienced to fight properly against her. "Le deas-rites nan gudars, beannaich sinn ni â band sanctaidd skall teid förtens…"

For a moment, the boy struggled against the aura clamping down around him, but she leaned forward and kissed his forehead. A shine waved throughout his skin and instantly relaxed him. The horns retreated as his claws sank back into normal fingers. The shadows that forged demonic rune across his body sunk back into skin. The black hair remained, but the roots sprouted pink to give hope, one day, there would be no more black hair left. The first one retreated to see a softness to his face that replaced that cutting edge he had on before.

The first one sapped her remaining power back into her and drew back her hand. Her eyes brought back a coldness as she stood up. "It's done."

"Are you well?" the companion asked. Not worry. Just knowing. "I know you didn't want to, but you are his—"

"I'm fine," the first one assured in a snap. "He's saved. He'll be none the wiser." She brushed past her companion with her body tense. "I will return once I ensure the Necromancer cannot be reanimated those bodies and ensure their past lives can move on."

The companion stopped the first one with a call, "The first twenty-four hours are crucial and the hardest to survive away from your half. It would be wise to stay next to the boy. He and you are vulnerable right now."

The first one paused at the door. "I trust you to watch minn hjerta." Without any more hesitation, she fled the room and shut the door behind her.

The companion sighed as her eyes swept over the boy. "You have been through much, little prince," she murmured. She waved her hand for a glitter of white and gold to sink into his forehead. "Lest you have pleasant dreams and forgive your half. She never anticipated this. She is still young and has her own prejudice to overcome." She brushed aside black hair from his face. "But she will never leave you unharmed and has a good heart. You have nothing to fear…"—her eyes trailed the Fairy Tail Guild mark tattooed to his right shoulder colored a permanent black—"Luke Dragneel."

---

Chibi-Luna pops into the classroom, all smiles and cheer. "Hi, class!" She gapes when she sees all the students in a dreary mood. "What's wrong with everyone?"

"Teacher," one student groaned, "Author-san put us through the wringer today."

"That totally wasn't fair," another student gripes. "We're all emotionally drained."

Chibi-Luna sighs. "Well, I'll make this lesson brief," she promises. "Uki talked about Exorcists and Mirella was right! Exorcists existed way back when before the Demon Wars. They were trained in the church, actually, but different religions had different rules. But based on it, Exorcists had the ability to see a person or object or thing's spiritual energy and eradicate the evil latched onto it. But people sort of abused this power," she explains.

"Some Exorcists were used in countries against people in the LGBTQ community, other races, and Wizards. Unless someone's spiritual energy is tainted, an Exorcist typically can't use their power against someone's spiritual energy. But once the Demon Wars happened, many Exorcists were stolen from their homes by the rich to make sure they stayed pure. Many Exorcists were targeted and, due to that, the bloodlines containing that sort of Magic died off. The Exorcists that exist now are frauds or are very weak and can only perform basic Exorcists that temporarily banish the evil, but they can't protect that person or object from being tainted again."

Chibi-Luna pouts as she sees her students are still in a dark mood. "That's all for today for our lesson," she supposed. "Author-san has finally incorporated time zones. She had meant to do so in the episode before and will most likely go back to edit so there is a better perspective on when everything happens. The Fiore Standard Time is our central point. Alvarez Daylight Time is two hours behind, Amazone Time is four hours behind, Eastern Standard Time is six hours behind. Not every minute matches up with another scene in another time zone, but that's okay! Not everything is happening at the exact same time down to the minute, but these scenes are put in this order for a reason so you can see everything happening in-between the main battle! You might see more time zones in upcoming episodes to help deviate the scenes and a future lesson about the times of seasonal sunrise, sun-up, sunset, sundown, and moonrise!"

Chibi-Luna adds sheepishly, "Author-san and I hope you enjoyed this episode, but we're sorry it might have thrown you into chaos. The next episode is definitely more wholesome. Next time, on Fairy Adventure: THE STORY OF THE DEVIL-BOY AND ANGEL-GIRL!"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Cael – Jason Griffith

Nashi Dragneel (Child) – Lauren Landa

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Priest -

Hemlock – Alex Organ

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Tesla Greer / Hylia Lynk – Galena White

Kyler – Ray Chase

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw

Bleu / Lucifer Demiurge – Xander Mobus

Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer

Mahalia Ángel -

Aphtan Ángel – Adam Gibbs

Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Lindbeck

Penelope Strauss – Cristina Vee

Elder Mozah – Cree Summers

Invel Yura – Clay Wheeler

Aamon – Héctor Elizondo

Skade – Sean Schemmel

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Li Kang – Crispin Freeman

Block – Richard Epcar

Aurinia – Seána Kerslake

Pearson Strauss – David Matranga

Jasmine Strother – Jasmine Brown

Pacer Strauss – Josh Keaton

Seraphim – Jameison Price

Checkmate – Jeannie Tirado

Companion -

• — • — •

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⌟

•

⌜INSERT SONG 1

⟪ Ikaw ⟫

Yeng Constantino

Lyrics by

Yeng Constantino⌟

•

⌜INSERT SONG 2

⟪ Yearning (feat. Fathi Aljarah) ⟫

Raul Ferrando

Composed by

Raul Ferrando⌟

•

⌜ENDING THEME

⟪ Shukumei ⟫

Official HIGE DANdism

Lyrics by & Composed by

Satoshi Fujiwara⌟