Disclaimer: I do not own Hiro Mashima's Fairy Tail, any work professionally associated with it, nor any pop culture or classical references. All original plots and characters are mine.
In a land far, far away lies the kingdom of Fiore, a small, peaceful nation of 17 million, and a place filled with Magic found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace. For most, Magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, Magic is an art, and they've devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds, they ply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born. A guild that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name...is Fairy Tail.
LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure, we learned about the start of the romance story between Tesla and Jaxton, but—uh-oh. Things aren't doing so hot in Jaxton's home. Meanwhile, Gale might have had a dream about what happened to him in the Boundary Forest, but a good late-night talk with his Uncle Panther Lily proves this old panther might've had some past and a pretty tigress that could be his future. Mary Jane and Nik might not see eye to eye with swearing and bedtimes, but it's always good to have your older brother give you some advice—even if that advice is about a boy other than your boyfriend. Silver and Erza played a game of chess, but their game came with the ultimate bet—should Erza win, Silver must protect Ena. Gary and Nashi's late-night FaceCall certainly proves this couple has come further than we could have imagined, but it looks like their trouble isn't over yet—and neither are Jaxton and Tesla's.
"Hello, little Hylia. It's nice to meet you. You can call me 'Doctor'."
Something about this "Doctor" guy makes me think we might see him soon. And did the after-credit scene show us two new Dragon Slayers?
Chibi-Nashi appears. "Hi, guys! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure! Author-san wanted to refresh your memory about time zones, so here you are!"
Abbreviations – Time Zone Name • — • — •— • — Location • — Offset
MCDT • — • — Melandian Central Daylight Time – Melandia • — • UTC +7
CST • — • — • – Cipangu Standard Time • — • — • — Cipangu • — • – UTC +5
SST • — • — • – Sīchóu Standard Time • — • — • — Zhōnguá • — • – UTC +3
CIT • — • — • – Central Ishgaran Time • — • — • — Bellum • — • – UTC +2
CMT • — • — • – Charring Mean Time • — • — • — Minstrel • — • – UTC +1
FST • — • – Fiore Standard Time • — • — • — • Fiore • — • — • – UTC - 0:00
ACT • — • — Arcticados Central Time • — • — • – Arcticados • — • — UTC - 1
ADT • — • — • – Alvarez Daylight Time • — • — • – Alvarez • — • — UTC - 2
AT • — • — • – Amazone Time • — • — • — • — • — Valchestria • — UTC - 4
EST • — • — • – Eastern Standard Time • — • — • – Meidiland • — • UTC - 6
"Make sure when you're reading on the screen, you have on some low lighting to protect your eyes!" Chibi-Nashi waves. "See you at the end of the episode!"
Her foot.
Her foot was gone.
PIKA-PIKA!
Blood seeped from the unsightly wound. The bone stuck out, jagged and uncouth, while the muscles holed like sponges.
PIKA-PIKA!
Her foot was gone.
PIKA-PIKA!
Her foot was—
• — • — •
Tesla woke up screaming.
It was difficult to explain this type of pulsating terror that flamed your body and throttled your limbs everywhere. Sweat drenched down her neck in a chokehold, and her screaming and pants came out in a mishmash that broke into a hopeless sob. Harsh tears that pained you when they leaked cut her cheeks, and her nails came out like claws as she fought off whoever had gotten her wrists. Her yells were pure terrorized gibberish with her focus blurry, and it felt like the nightmare would never end.
Whatever had her wrists left, and she was all but a vibrating mess of emotions as she tried to push out sound—words—from her mouth, but she could only wail—
GAAN…!
She screamed as her body jerked—
GAAN…!
Her eyes blinked as they drew back to focus, and her untimely swipes slowed.
GAAN…!
Her heart stopped threatening to leave her as it drastically quelled into a manageable beat. Her stinging tears that gushed like a river slowed into a drip. And her flailing body flattened onto the bed. Her stare blanked as she looked up at the ceiling. Calm did not soothe her, but her panic and horror were gone. A bleak confusion sunk its claws into her instead. Her terror was a distant memory.
Something shifted—
Tesla was on the defensive in a heartbeat with her eyes wide and her saber protecting her with its beam of Anti-Ether—
Darkness clashed with steely-grays.
Jaxton knelt by the bed with clear sorrow in his eyes, but he was not alarmed Tesla was gunning for him. He kept his posture nonthreatening and his hands where she could see him. Slowly, he murmured, "Tesla… Do you know where you are?"
Tesla might not have immediately recognized him, but something in her told her he was not a threat. Her saber dismissed itself as she blinked around. "Where…? Where…?" Her eyes dropped to her feet—both of them. "My foot was gone."
Agony hit Jaxton's eyes. "It was," he confirmed. "But you grew it back."
"My… My foot was gone…" Tesla worked her mouth as she moved her feet. Point and flex. A slow blink. But both her feet were still with her. "My foot was gone, but…it's here…" A bone-deep exhaustion swayed her, and Jaxton broke her fall and helped lower her to the bed. "What…happened t-t-to me…?"
Jaxton ground his teeth. "My mother," he told her. "Her goals put you in mortal danger. Because of her, you were surrounded with creatures you didn't stand a chance with. And that's…" He swallowed before he faced her. "That's my fault." He bowed his head as self-loathing poisoned him. "I'm so sorry, Tesla," he whispered. "There are not enough apologies that I could give for this." His hand clenched into a fist. "I knew my mother was a monster, but…I never expected her to go to this extreme. That's my fault. And I'm so…" He bit back another apology.
Silence.
"I lost my foot," Tesla whispered in too dangerous of a quiet voice. "She knows me as 'Hylia'. She threw me to those…those things, and I lost my foot. I… I…" A nervous laugh bubbled out of Tesla. "I c-can't…d-d-do this. I…"
Jaxton swallowed back a whine. "Tesla—"
"Why did you bring me here?" Tesla whimpered. "I should've st-stayed home. I n-n-never should have come h-h-h-here—" She hiccupped as she covered her mouth. "Y-You br-brought me into th-th-this Hell. I can't…" She wheezed.
Jaxton hesitantly reached for her. "Tesla…"
Tesla scooted away from him with a sad shake of her head. "Don't touch me," she whispered to him. Tears clouded her eyes. "I don't want you to touch me right now, Jang-ta, pl-pl-please."
Jaxton kept himself off the bed, but his hands twitched on the covers out of restrained desperation to hold her and calm her. "I can't give you enough apologies to make this right," he told her, voice quiet. "Tell me what you need from me."
Three beats…
Tesla's voice came out in a barely audible quiver. "Leave me alone."
Jaxton nodded as he rose to his feet. He tried to look at her, but hurt he felt unworthy to feel sliced him when Tesla kept her gaze away from him as her body trembled. His jaw clenched to keep himself from saying anything more and he moved away.
Seconds passed when Jaxton had left the master suite, and Tesla did not utter a word. She breathed and she breathed until she curled up on her side and into a ball. More seconds passed and a sniffle came out. And more seconds passed until the tears were back full-force and her sobs were unrestrained. She missed the calls that came from Dante and Doctor Orr, but those did not take priority. She just could not do this anymore. She—
She just could not.
°•°•°•°
Jaxton stood outside the doors as his heart broke to pieces hearing her loud cries. And it gutted him to know those tears were his responsibility. And now, she wanted nothing to do with him. His hand brushed against the door before he forced himself away.
"Huang Chun."
Huang Chun appeared in his shadowy form before he solidified. His silky-silvers eyed the door as though he understood something.
"Anything she needs, give it to her," Jaxton instructed. "Even if she wants to go home. Anything. Understand?"
Huang Chun nodded.
Jaxton offered a curt nod in reply. Those dark eyes raked the dual doors in loss before he forced himself away. Each step he took from the doors felt like knives hit him and disemboweled him, but he forced himself to walk away. I promised I would respect her decision. Because of me, she's like this. She suffered. And she's in pain. He gritted his teeth as his hair covered his eyes. What have I done?
And no one saw as a tear wrangled down his cheek and dripped off his jaw.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Itsu datte kimi no sono-te wa
Itsu demo sekai o kae reru yo
Tsudzukete ku koto yamecha dame datte
Kon'na mon janaidaro? Susume!
•
Mukuwarenai sono doryoku wa `kabe' o `tobira' ni kaerukara
Kowagarazu ni sa~a nokku shite
It will be OK
Let's go sonosakihe
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
This morning was a busier morning than Silver thought. He had re-dressed in joggers and a long-sleeve on Ena's instance, but he felt like he needed war armor as he heard Ena's fast Perench flying in the study. A tray of calming tea and finger snacks was in his hand as he came into the office to witness Ena pacing with her hand waving around as she laid into whoever was on the other end.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Fernandes Household
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
9:17 AM FST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver was quiet as he set down the tray. He knew better than to interrupt after a few months of monitoring her aggression and got to work pouring her tea. She'll want more milk, he decided. And probably a little more sugar than usual.
Ena socked her hand on her hip as she growled something in Perench.
Silver simpered to himself when he heard the person on the other end whimper pathetically and sound like they were over-apologizing. I might've gotten Ena mad at me, but I think I'm lucky she's never been that mad at me.
Ena huffed as she ended the call. "Fools. Idiots. All of them." She stalked to her chair with Silver patiently waiting. He wordlessly swiped out her Compact for a saucer and a cup of her tea. She took a sip before she murmured, "Silver, when I told them the tolerance around the measurements could be more or less than three millimeters, did I not say it clearly?"
"You did, mistress," Silver automatically answered.
Ena gripped her teacup. "Then, why did they go to five millimeters?"
"Because they're incompetent and unable to listen to your very well-said orders."
"Exactly." Ena sipped her tea again, but Silver took the cup and saucer from her as though he knew when she was done. "Because I made my instructions very clear to them," she puffed. "They're very fortunate I don't drag their name with my heel. This is the third time they've gone over the tolerance." She shifted but grunted in pain, and her hand rubbed her lower back.
Silver knelt beside her, worried. "Is your back hurting again?"
"Yes." Ena stretched to crack her back, but her cheek twinged. "I knew I should've arranged for a chiropractor appointment sooner than later, but I thought I could sleep it off."
"I told you I could help," Silver once again proffered. "My water healing isn't as good as my mom's, but I'd be happy to help you."
Ena shot him a weary look before she sighed and gave a small smile. "I think I'll take you up on your offer," she decided. "Outside of routine check-ups on the tech pack, I had planned for today to be a light day." She turned to him. "Is there anything I need to do?"
"Y-Yeah, um…" Silver's cheeks pinkened as he fiddled with his fingers. "My water healing will be on your back, so your shirt…"
"Oh. I understand." Ena got up from her seat to pat his shoulder. "Come. Let's get this started." Her hand lingered as she passed him and drawled, "I'm excited for you to do me."
"Wh-What!" Silver choked (he could have sworn steam was coming out of his ears). He waved his hands as he tried to explain, "I-I-It's not like that, I swear—!"
Ena turned with an arched eyebrow. "What do you mean? You'll be healing my back, yes? I'm excited about it."
"O-O-Oh." Silver roughly swallowed. "Right. That." He cleared his throat. "I'm, um, excited too?"
"Well, we don't have all day." Ena extended her hand to him. "Why don't we take this somewhere more…private?"
Silver swore Ena had purred this and his mind went on the fritz. She didn't mean it like that. Calm down. Don't freak out. Don't explode. His voice cracked as he stammered, "O-Okay." He took her hand and let her lead him away. Just keep calm. You're going to be okay.
°•°•°•°
I'm not okay.
Silver was a bundle of nerves as Ena laid face-down on the bed with towels beneath her and a beach towel to cover from her lower waist down, but her back and neck were exposed. And all Silver wanted to do was back away and hide in a corner.
Ena murmured, "I'm ready for you."
Saying things like that doesn't make me ready! Silver took a deep breath. You can do this. Mom had you practice on guildmates before. Think of Ena as another guildmate. Just a really, really…—his eyes fell on the curve of her back—really, really…—his nostrils flared to drink in her sweet scent—really…cute guildmate…who I really like…
"Silver?"
"Y-Yes?" Silver winced at how high pitch his voice had gotten.
Ena moved to sit up. "If you can't do it—"
"No, no, I can!" Silver laid his hand on her back to push her down, but a look of wonder crossed her face. Her skin's so soft… His cheeks reddened as he removed his hands like he had burned them. "I'll, um, start now." Another deep breath. Water circled his hands until they made glowing gloves, fluid and pure. Inhale. Exhale. With practiced delicacy, he glossed his water-gloved hands onto Ena's back—
"Oh." Ena jerked.
Silver reared back, fearful. "What?"
"No, it felt…good." Ena shifted. "Please continue. I'm sorry for the interruption."
"O-Okay." Silver slid his hands back onto her back. He watched her reaction as he kept them placed at her center, but when she did not flinch, he started his process. Water healing was about understanding the chi or pulse of a person's body. You flowed the water into their skin, but you shopped around to understand the channels of their chi and where it stagnated, stopped, or flowing.
Silver shifted the water of Ena's back with a frown. Her chi is pretty blocked. I wish she would have let me take a look at her sooner. But unblocking it won't be too hard. I just have to dig a little deeper. It looked like he was scratching down her back with languid strokes, but little by little, he could feel the surface of her blocked chi. There we go. I just need to coax it out and unblock the channels to get it to flow again.
"Mmm…"
Silver's concentration broke a little when Ena shifted. "Ena?"
"It's nothing. It just feels good," Ena mumbled. "Keep going."
"Okay." Silver continued his work. It's weird. Months ago, I don't think I'd ever even offer to do this for her. Now, I wouldn't mind doing this for her every week if it means she feels better. Mayan blues filled with affection. Just more ways I can be useful to her so she doesn't have to do everything alone. I'm grateful to her for helping me out with my pain. If I can return it just a little…that's enough. The chi channel rebelled against his touch, so he offered a harder tug to whittle away the block. He was successful when he felt an outpour of Ena's chi flood down her back.
"Ha…"
Silver's nose twitched when a sweeter scent tickled it, but he was far too in his thoughts to spare a guess as to what it was.
"Silver, as much as you are determined to stay by her side"—heavy mochas—"are you certain there's nothing that would pull you away from her?"
Mayan blues darkened. There can't be anything that would pull me away. I won't leave Ena like everyone else. I want to stay next to her and be there for her. His gums ached, but he was too far into himself to realize the mild pain. His comb back was firmer than it should have been, and her chi channel flooded with no remorse.
Ena shivered and breathed, "This feels nice." She repositioned her head and let her eyes flutter close. "I could get used to this."
Silver vaguely heard her when his mind stuck onto one thought. I don't want to leave her. I just want to stay by her side.
Those blues lightened with a soft glow and dropped to her unguarded neck. The water he had conjured for Ena's unblocking heated as something fizzled in his ears. Maybe if he listened closely, it would not sound like a human. It would sound like a subtle growl. He felt hypnotized when that lure scent drenched his nose, and he could not stop looking at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. She smells…really good.
His tongue darted, but it licked over a fang.
"And you even heat the water," Ena deeply groaned, oblivious to everything else around her. "Silver, I need you to marry me."
That snapped Silver out of his daze as red covered his face and his water disappear. "Wh-Wh-What!" A pounding hit his head and made him stumble back. "Ah, my head!" he groaned as he clutched his temple and crouched down. He whimpered at the pain and tried to dull it with a subtle rub. What's wrong with me? It feels like I checked out for a little bit there. And now my head…
Ena hummed and stretched like a serene cat. "Oh, that felt so refreshing, I could just take a nap," she moaned. Pink pinched her cheeks as she sat up and caved her back. "You have magical hands, Silver," she praised a bit sleepily. "I just wish they didn't stop. You're the only person who has made me feel this good."
Silence.
Ena looked over to see Silver had slapped his hands on the bottom portion of his face, but he looked clocked out. "Silver? Are you okay? I'm praising you right now. You should be grateful."
Silver thought, Yes, grateful and ashamed because…
It was like an angelic choir was singing as Silver looked up at a half-naked Ena.
…this is the most beautiful and horrifying day of my life! His eye twitched as his mind reeled. I need to look away. She probably doesn't realize she's practically naked. He tried to suck in his drool. But I'm already worshipping her like the degenerate I am! She's smart and talented and beautiful and now this?! He wanted to weep. Why am I so disgusting? I just want to crawl under a rock and die!
Ena fluffed out her hair, and those long locks of red covered her chest. "Silver, are you that speechless that I told you I wanted to marry you? It was an honest joke—"
"I'll marry you."
Ena rolled her head. "Even if I entertained the idea of marriage, you'd barely make it past the fiancé stage. I have high standards." She got up from the bed and chanted, "Requip!"
Silver blinked away the glare from Ena's flash of Magic to see her powers redressed her in a tasteful black and shoulder-less long sleeve dress and matching platform boots. "What sort of standards?" he asked, curious.
"Ones I doubt you'd know how to spell."
Silver tried not to angrily pout, but it could not be helped. "I've been doing better in my Minstrish class."
"I know." Ena lifted her chin as she adjusted her cuffs. "I'm the one who gets weekly progress reports on your academics, remember?"
"Yeah, I know." My own mom betrayed me and instantly took Ena's side.
• — • — •
"Mom, I'm home—oh my god."
Silver felt dizzy when he came home with his workout gear to see Ena of all people in his kitchen. He felt and probably looked like a sweaty mess and she was sitting there in her scarlet pillbox hat with a veil and sweat-dress and black gloves while his mother looked over the moon in her craft dress with the good tea-set out.
This felt like a weird dream or a nightmare.
"Silver!" Juvia cheered. "Juvia is so glad Silver is home! Miss Ena stopped by while Silver was out training for some tea!" She was happy enough to hold up an album. "Juvia got to share Silver's baby pictures!"
"Mom!" Silver gaped, even more horrified.
Ena picked up her teacup. "Don't be so embarrassed. You looked…symmetrical for a baby."
Juvia was practically aglow. "Silver, does Silver hear that? Miss Ena praised Silver!"
'How is that a compliment!' Silver cried. He tried to wrap his head around what was happening. "Why are you here, Ena?" Panic gripped him as he checked his Compact. "Did you call me? Did you need me to come into work today?"
Ena blew on her tea. "Calm yourself. I simply came for charming conversation and tea with Aunt Juvia." She took a sip. "I've been sharing with her my concerns about your academia."
Silver's eye twitched. "Well…"
"And Juvia agrees!" Juvia put in. "Miss Ena was so kind to offer personally watching over Silver's grades!" She beamed. "And Juvia knows Miss Ena is an exemplary student! Juvia always came to Ena's award ceremonies!"
"Did…? Did you now?" Silver barely got out.
Juvia clapped her hands. "Silver should be honored Miss Ena is doing this! With Miss Ena's help, Silver will become a straight-A student!" She turned to Ena with her smile. "Miss Ena really is so kind!"
"Thank you, Aunt Juvia," Ena appreciated. Her eyes slid to the focus as she methodically tap her fingers on the table. "I'm sure I can make your son achieve in more ways than he thought possible."
• — • — •
Silver huffed and muttered, "You're more terrifying than people think, y'know."
"Of course I am. I have to be intimidating." Ena approached him and her fingers gripped his chin to tip his head down so those blues stared into those dark browns. "But I have just the right amount of charm to buy anyone off and have them follow whatever I say, don't I?"
Silver pinkened. "Y-Y-Yes."
Ena hummed and let him go to pat his cheek. "Perfect answer." She snapped her fingers. "Time?"
Silver gutted out his Compact from his pocket. "It's nine-thirty-five."
"What do you say to you having an early release?" Ena offered as she left the room. Silver was immediately on her heels. "I don't really need you for the rest of the day. I'm thinking about going somewhere for some inspiration." She put a hand on his chest to stop him. "I'm thinking of doing a gala line. Masquerade. Vintage. Fairy lore."
"Brilliant and beautiful," Silver complimented.
Ena smiled. "A perfect answer." And she continued to walk.
Silver followed. "So…you don't need me?"
"No. Not for this." Ena bypassed the living room for the next hall to get into the study. "I just want to sketch out some concepts and do some research."
"Then… Maybe I could keep you company?"
Ena snorted as she grabbed a few things. "Why would you want to? I'll be talking to myself over you. You'll be bored." She turned around and frowned when she saw him twiddling his thumbs with his neck red. "Silver, I'm not offended if you go home after I told you to go home—"
"I want another date."
"What?"
Silver took a deep breath. "I want another date." When Ena said nothing, he putzed around for more to say. "I know I could go home and train. Or I could do something else. I know, but… I'd like to"—his ears reddened—"st-stay with you…and have another date."
Quiet.
HEEL-CLICK. HEEL-CLICK. HEEL-CLICK. HEEL-CLICK.
Ena kindly guided his cheek so he met her eyes. She searched his gaze. "You're very strange," she murmured. "I'm sure you have better things to do than to subject yourself to a friend date with me."
Silver swallowed. If you could hear how fast my heart is going, you'd probably know I just want to be near you.
"Well." Ena let him go. "I'm sure you can entertain yourself in some way while I become inspired." She smiled. "And I'll treat you to some lunch." She held up a finger when he opened his mouth. "I will be paying."
"But you can't because I asked you out," Silver quickly explained. "And there's a rule that the person who asked for the date has to pay for that date. It's a really serious rule."
Ena's eyebrows slammed together and demanded to know, "Who is making these rules? That's ridiculous!"
"That's dating etiquette," Silver said smartly. He felt he hit the jackpot when Ena looked hesitant. "And you can't argue with etiquette."
Ena shot Silver a withering and agitated look. "No, I suppose you can't," she bit.
"I-It's also etiquette that, since I asked you out"—his hand delicately grabbed hers—"that I get to hold your hand to escort you today."
Ena narrowed her eyes, but she did not pull away. "Where exactly did you learn about this sort of etiquette?"
"My parents." Silver tugged her away. "And Gary. They know a lot about this sort of etiquette."
"This is stupid."
"You said etiquette isn't 'stupid' and you said I had to learn proper etiquette."
"Oh, and you are making me want to summon my sword—"
"Hey, hey, no, you can't stab me! You're not allowed to stab the person who asked for a date! It's a rule!"
"That's a stupid rule! I'll stab whoever I please!"
"But not the person who asked you out! It's etiquette!"
"I'm beginning to hate that word."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure 095
•
Lantern Festival
•
灯籠流し
•
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla laid in a stiff ball as she woke up with her eyes crusted. She could barely move, but she did not know if she wanted to move. Her eyes stayed closed until she groaned and her lids broke open to show bloodshot steely-grays.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Bái Láng Peak
Sīchóu Province
Zhōnguá, Sela
12:58 PM SST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
She cracked her toes and stretched, but she curled back into a ball as the gravity of everything impacted her again. Those monsters, his mother, her foot—the memories were so vivid to her that she just wanted to fall asleep all over again and not wake up until the memories abandoned her. But her body disagreed and kept her awake.
What am I doing here? she asked herself. I shouldn't have run back. I should've left when Weiwei said to leave.
"This isn't your fight."
No. Tesla licked her dry lips. It wasn't my fight. None of this was my fight. I…shouldn't have come here. Her neck cricked. I should've stayed home. I want to go home. Her eyes stingingly clouded once again. I've been trying to hold it together, but…I just can't…
KNOCK-KNOCK.
Tesla stiffened and remained quiet.
"It's not him," came feminine assurance. "I heard you hadn't eaten since yesterday, so I came to bring you lunch. Is it okay if I come in?"
Tesla's brow furrowed. That voice… She croaked, "Come in." When the door opened, she watched as a thick black woman came in with those stunning yellow-green eyes and a skull choker. She recognized her, if vaguely. "It's you…from the restaurant…"
"Yeah, it's me. I'm Marlow." Marlow strode in with a tray and a hesitant smile. She was decked in predominantly black, but she added some pink in her headband and her shirt. "It's nice to meet you, Tesla. Formally, this time. I'm sorry to intrude…and about the other night."
Tesla shook her head as she sat up. "No, it's fine. I…" She took a deep breath and salivated, eyes gleaming. "Do I smell Windy's?"
"You have a nose just like him," Marlow snorted. She sat on the edge of the bed and lifted the dome to reveal two wrapped burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, a drink, and a frosty ready and waiting to be consumed. "I figured you might be hungry—"
"Starving!"
Marlow simpered when Tesla greedily took the burger and would have almost eaten the wrapper too in her haste. "He told me you have a big appetite," she chuckled. She reached for a fry, but she stopped when Tesla coveted the tray with warning in her eyes, like a dog who was protective of its bone. "And he told me you don't like to share."
Tesla finished her mouthful. "I don't." But now she gave the food a dubious look. "Does he think buying me food will make up for everything?" The thought made storm clouds appear in Tesla's mind. I mean, wow, I know I'm easy, but I'm not that easy.
"He didn't buy it," Marlow clarified. "I did. And not by his request," she added when Tesla looked unconvinced. "Actually, believe it or not, Mister Yang was the one to call me and ask me to come here. He told me you didn't eat last night and probably wouldn't eat today."
Tesla's jaw dropped and her eyebrows rose. "Mister Yang called you?" When she thought of Kuen She, all she saw was his impassive demeanor and his dark aura shrouded around him. "You're right." She took another bite of her burger. "I don't believe it."
"I'm just telling you the truth," Marlow promised. She watched as Tesla devoured her food and crossed her legs. "And Mister Yang might have mentioned you had a rough night… A rough few days, actually…"
Tesla slowed in her eating until she chewed and swallowed her mouthful. Head low, she nodded.
Those yellow-greens softened. "I know I'm a complete stranger," Marlow murmured, "but how are you feeling, Tesla?"
"Honestly?" Tesla's shoulders sagged. "Drained and exhausted." She looked at the remainder of her burger. "I've really been trying to handle all this well. I didn't want him to think he was overwhelming me, but this family…" She shook her head. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."
"You shouldn't have taken on this much."
Tesla looked up to Marlow in surprise. "You're…agreeing with me?"
"Yes, I am." Marlow nodded. "I've known Jaxton for a long time, and his mother has been this psychotic mastermind from the start. Her methods are pure evil, and she gets away with it because she always uses those methods for the 'benefit' of everyone." Her hands clenched. "I'm angry for you because you had to endure her. You didn't deserve that. And Jaxton has every right to be afraid that you'll want to leave him and this behind. I can't imagine the horror you went through because of his stupidity."
Tesla frowned. "It's not his fault," she refuted. "He couldn't have known his mom would go batshit insane like this." A stab of guilt hit her. "And it's my fault for wanting to stay in the first place."
"It's not your fault," Marlow disagreed. "You don't have to defend him. He had no right to drag you into his family drama. His mother sees people as pawns instead of living beings. She was using you to get to him." When Tesla did not respond, Marlow pressed, "How does that not make you angry?"
Tesla sighed. "I don't have any energy to be angry right now."
"I understand." Marlow backed down and crossed her arms. She watched as Tesla reached for her drink. Just as Tesla was taking the first sip, Marlow offhandedly remarked, "Now that I see you up-close, it makes sense he's always so eager to get off work so you two can screw like rabbits."
Tesla choked and nearly spat out her drink. "E-E-Excuse me?"
Marlow arched an eyebrow. "Am I wrong?"
"Well, no, but…" Tesla half-laughed half-wheezed. "I just didn't expect you to say that." She peered at Marlow closer. "So you're part of his little…spy thing? And you're older than dirt?"
Marlow snorted and shook her head. "No. I don't do what he does. And I'd like to say I'm young, but, yes, I'm older than you."
"I see…" Tesla scanned Marlow for a slow onceover. "How do all you people look so fresh?"
Marlow smirked. "It's a trade secret," she supposed. "Though, I guess I'm a bit of a cheater with my secret to staying young." She held up a finger when Tesla opened her mouth. "No, I'm not telling you how old I am."
"I'm really starting to think I'm dating a cradle robber," Tesla muttered and finished her first burger.
Marlow simpered. "Well, you are fairly younger than us." Her simper fell as those yellow-greens softened. "To be honest, when Jaxton told me about you, I was very worried about your age."
Tesla kept eating, but it was obvious she was listening.
"I can't say I know everything about you," Marlow murmured. "You aren't my mission, so I don't have access to anything about you outside of any public records and anything Jax wants to tell me about you. So you can take my words with a grain of salt. But…" She sighed and shifted. "Let's just say it's not easy living this life with someone much younger than you. It has nothing to deal with maturity and everything to do with knowledge."
Yellow-greens hardened. "You're born in a world without the people and creatures and wars we had to live amongst. And because of our work, it's not something we can reveal to you. I warned him it could be a strain on both of you. He'll have many things he has to deal with he can never tell you that affect him. And you might not trust him because he can't tell you."
Marlow sighed. "I know it sounds like I'm painting him in a sympathetic light, and I'm sorry for that. I've had to watch a close friend go through something similar and the outcome was something no one wanted and left them heartbroken." She looked at Tesla. "I just want you to think things through very carefully. I'm sure your mind is a mess from last night. No one can promise you nights like that won't happen again. The last thing I want is someone innocent to get hurt."
Tesla stewed in her silence.
Marlow retreated. "Well, that's enough for my spiel." She tapped the tray. "Eat up and shower. As much as you want to stay in here, you're going to need some fresh air."
"Oh, no thank you, I'm okay—"
"Young blood, we're getting you outside," Marlow decisioned, tone final. She tauntingly dangled her fingers over Tesla's food. "Or your food is suddenly going to become mine."
Tesla hogged her tray with a sour look. She grabbed a chicken nugget and ripped off a piece. "You people play too many sick games with me."
"You'll have to forgive us." Marlow gave her a sidelong look of amusement. "It's a very hard habit to break."
°•°•°•°
Huang Chun served as a driver again as he guided Fengfeng the horse on the cleared-out pathways of the wintry forest with Tesla all bundled up and Marlow sitting in the carriage. Tesla kept herself quiet as she took in scenes that looked like they were painted from a novelist's words with humbled evergreens and oaks that looked like they would survive even when humanity was long gone. The cold was a tad intense today—enough that Tesla welcomed the furred blanket Huang Chun had gifted her for the journey.
"I'm surprised you're not asking me a lot of questions."
Tesla faintly smiled. "Sorry. Guess I'm just…not all here today." She glanced over at Marlow. "If there's anything I should know, I guess…?"
Marlow crossed her legs and hummed. "You know I'm old and a friend to your boyfriend." She watched as Tesla lowered her lashes. "How about some stories about him before his mission with you, yeah?"
"Sure." Tesla snuggled into the blanket. "Enlighten me."
"Where to begin?" Marlow muttered. "Jax has never been a funny person. He was always so dead-serious and broody about everything." She heavily rolled her eyes. "Granted, I'm not that funny either. Smiling and happiness just…isn't my thing. I think that's why he and I get along. We were serious about things." Those yellow-greens softened. "I met his mother once and I instantly hated her. She hates me too, so it's mutual."
"How come?"
Marlow heavily sighed. "A difference in values. I understood Mister Yang, though, and I tolerated Weiwei enough." She shrugged. "I've worked with Jax on many missions, trained with him—he's an honest man. A little too honest."
Tesla swallowed. "So then…back at the restaurant…"
"Right." Marlow shifted, and something uncomfortable crossed her face. "I guess there was a time my friendship with Jaxton wasn't as amicable as it should have been," she supposed. "But that's my fault. I did things I shouldn't have done and…Jaxton had no choice but to respond." Yellow-greens saddened. "To be honest, I owe him my life because of that. I was in a dark period of my time. I got desperate for things I shouldn't have been and did something I can't take back. Jaxton saved me, even if he disagrees."
"Then that man…"
Marlow offered a frustrated huff. "Ignore everything he said. He only saw the bad bits of it where Jaxton did what he had to do. He doesn't understand what happened, and he's my mistake to fix."
Tesla studied Marlow. "And are you and he together or…not together but you're exes or, like, you share a kid…?"
"Ha!" Marlow laughed aloud at that, much to her own surprise. "No. No, no, nothing like a kid scenario. No, I'd say more like exes except it depends on your definition of an 'ex'. We were never together to begin with." She waved her hand. "He's a complicated problem."
"I get it." Tesla twiddled her gloved thumbs. "He must really hate Jaxton…and I just happen to be his weakness…" Just like to his mother, I'm nothing more than a weakness to an endgame.
"Yeah. You are a weakness."
Tesla nearly fell over. She gawked at Marlow. "You're not supposed to agree with me!"
Marlow raised an eyebrow. "Why not? It's true."
Tesla huffed and grumbled, "I think I'd like to go back to lying in bed and crying, please."
"I'm honest. I can't help it. Living as long as I have makes you realize lies help no one." Marlow tapped Tesla's thigh for her attention, however. "But as much as you're his weakness, you're also his greatest strength. I've never seen him be so defiant against his upbringing until you. He might have done little things, sure, but it was still with his parents' restrictions. But you've given him great strength to do things he would have never considered. Just like he's your weakness and your strength."
Tesla wanted to refute those claims, but the lies she would spill made her stomach twisted. "Yeah…"
Marlow hummed. "You've changed Jaxton in ways none of us thought would happen." She snorted into a fist. "Frankly, never did I see the day that mutt would turn into a horny teenager."
Tesla choked.
"But, putting that aside, you've changed him for the better. You've made him understand happiness and love." Marlow offered Tesla a warm look. "And I have to thank you for that, Tesla. I truly do."
Tesla opened her mouth only to close it and look down at her lap. I don't understand why I'm being thanked.
"But Weiwei was right. He has changed for the better"—yellow-ambers somber and soft—"and I have you to thank."
I haven't really done anything outside of being a major screw-up, Tesla thought. I did fine in Alvarez, so why couldn't I…? She lowered her head. I haven't changed anyone…let alone myself.
Marlow glanced at Tesla, but she said nothing.
The carriage ride was quiet from then on. Tesla and Marlow were fine to keep to themselves while Huang Chun and Fengfeng did their parts to take them through the forest. Tesla did not notice anything strange about their direction—how could she when she barely understood Jaxton owned this much property to begin with?—until she caught something from the corner of her eye. When she addressed it, she saw sanded red and green-tiled roofs with the mighty symbol of Báihǔ etched into the rounded stone doors and wolf guardians of a resilient stone in front of the door.
What is…? Tesla glanced at Marlow. "Hey… I thought we weren't going anywhere."
"I never said that."
Tesla narrowed her eyes. "No offense, but I like to know where I'm going with people I've just met that day."
"You're on Jaxton's property. Any attempts on you would be suicide," Marlow ruled. "I might put up a fight, but Jaxton certainly could and would kill me if I did anything to you. I mean that literally. He would destroy me."
How the Hell is this supposed to make me feel better? Tesla cried.
"And Huang Chun and I both thought this might cheer you up," Marlow added. "And Huang Chun is deathly loyal to Jaxton. If he agreed with me, then you know you're okay."
"How?" Tesla questioned. "Huang Chun isn't loyal to me and I met him two days ago, so…?"
Marlow groaned and muttered under her breath, "I miss the days I could mind control people who asked too many questions."
Tesla leaned in and cupped her ear. "What did you say?"
"Nothing."
Huang Chun pulled them to a stop beside the stairs to the ancient doorway. He offered his hand to Tesla to help her down first, but he let Marlow to her own devices as he fed Fengfeng, who deserved a treat for all his hard work. Tesla glanced around warily, but she heard nary a sound or saw anyone around. The wall had stretched into the trees, and the roof was too grandiose for her to catch a glimpse of the other side.
"Why am I here again?" Tesla complained. "I'd really rather go back to bed and contemplate. And cry."
Marlow scanned Tesla up and down. "You're a creature with simple pleasures," she deduced. "I'm very much sure what's inside here will make you not want to cry or go back to bed." She huffed at Huang Chun's look. For once those silky-silvers carried a trace of warning in his eyes. "Huang Chun, it'll be fine." She nudged Tesla up the stairs. "She deserves this."
"No, no, I don't think I deserve this," Tesla feverishly protested. "I don't want whatever 'this' is. I really think I'd like to go cry now—"
"It's too late." Marlow parted open the doors and shoved them both inside. "We're already here." She forced Tesla to the railing. "Look for yourself."
Tesla freaked a little. "Wait a minute, now I can't—!" Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Oh my god…"
The entire facility looked professional, a place where athletes would come to train, and looked nothing like how ancient Zhōnguá would have trained. Pitted down below was an open square floor the size of a collegiate gymnasium with padded floors outlined in tile on the edges. The walls stacked weapons that were ardently used, cared for, and loved alongside framed pictures.
Mini-rings had been set up as people dressed in black training wear were practicing their techniques on each other in sparring matches and otherwise. A center ring was not being used, but it looked like it was being cleaned. An anthropomorphic cheetah woman was quick to take down her larger-than-life opponent with furious legs. A smaller boy was sparring with a male trainer, but the boy aged into a full-grown man as he landed his kick before he aged back down into a boy to avoid a blow. A muscular person smirked as they circled around with a taller and toned woman with a nose ring until they both launched at each other.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Bái Láng Kwoon, a martial arts hall. "Kwoon" is the Zhōnguánese term from the Cipanguese term "Dojo". This kwoon is hidden into a pocket dimension with the front door swerving as a Dimension Door, but it looks a little more modern than the ancient kwoons. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
My life… My life is struggle… Tesla did not know where to stare. Bodies…so hot… My mind…so dumb… This… This is what Heaven is like!
"I take it you feel a bit better?" Marlow sweatdropped when she saw Tesla salivating. This LacriNet was right. Bisexuals are very easy people to please. She nudged Tesla. "Try not to get too excited. Some of them down there can smell that."
"That's even hotter!"
Marlow narrowed her eyes when Tesla was sparkling. No wonder she's good for a mutt if she's into that. She crossed her arms and snorted her amusement when a few who had heard them glanced up with their own interest. I change my mind. I like her. Her lips turned into a smirk. She's going to make this place chaotic.
"So who are all these people?" Tesla had to know. And how do I get them all to date me!
"These are the people who live on Jaxton's property."
That snapped Tesla out of her lust spell. "Wait. Really? All of them live here?"
Marlow nodded. "Yes. He collects people from his travels. Most of them don't have a home and, if they did, it's not one they want to return to," she explained. "He provides them with a place to stay and to learn how to defend themselves."
"Wow." Tesla blinked, taking this in, and looked back at the floor below. They all look so different from when I first saw them. But now I see what Jang-ta meant. She laid her arms on the railing and rested her chin on them. It's nice he did that for them. Just like how my mom did for me. Steely-grays softened. Even when I kept sleeping under the bed, she never gave up on me. She taught me how to be comfortable again. And she gave me the tools to defend myself. Those grays saddened. Which still means nothing, considering last night.
STEP… STEP… STEP…
Tesla looked up, but she had to do a double-take. Is that…?
Jaxton had emerged on the floor with his hair matted down and dressed in a tight-black shirt and matching shorts. He had spoken nothing, but the sparring and training had instantly winded down and the people stepped out of the rings to bow to him in respect.
Scowling, Tesla looked over at Marlow and angrily whispered, "What the Hell is this? I can't drool over them if he's here!" She grumbled in her mind, And his sexiness is distracting my depression.
Marlow placed her finger to her lips and whispered back, "Watch."
Tesla huffed, but she reluctantly turned her attention back to the floor. I should've known Jang-ta's friend would still drag me to him. I should've ignored the Windy's and stayed in bed to cry. Her interest picked up when whatever Jaxton relayed got a series of nods back in response. Half of the group scattered to the walls as they plucked staff, nunchucks, brass knuckles, and one had gotten a sword while another had gotten a whip. What's going on?
Jaxton climbed into the center ring and took center stage, shaking his hands. The weaponized group came back and gathered into the ring, but they kept to the boundaries. The others had circled the center ring with eyes careful.
Tesla frowned. What are they doing?
To her horror, she found out right then and there.
Unceremoniously, Jaxton was attacked with little time for recoil and regroup. Sword had nearly gotten to his thigh and even when he dodged it, a staff had come for his head. A whip had lashed out, but he wrapped it around his wrist and used it to avoid a sword from gutting him.
Tesla straightened up, terrified. "What the Hell is going on?" She glanced at Marlow in blatant confusion and fear. "Why are they trying to kill him? We need to stop this!" She summoned her chains around her fingers. "We need to move—"
"Wait." Marlow put a hand on Tesla's shoulder to stop her. "To you, it looks like they're betraying him and trying to kill him. But you're wrong. They're doing this because of their loyalty to him."
What sort of sick ass loyalty involves murdering your leader! Tesla disbanded her chains, but she shook her head. "I'm not following." She flinched when Jaxton got whacked with a nun chuck and it broke across his jaw. Why the Hell isn't he moving faster? I've sparred with him. I know he can move faster.
Marlow watched with no emotion as Jaxton was hit and took the blows in silence. "I don't know all the details, but Mister Yang explained to me you went through something horrifying last night. But all he told me was, 'It was an unfair fight'."
Tesla remembered Weiwei's words. "This is not your fight."
"I know the practices of Cultivation since I was around for the era," Marlow explained. "And I understand Báihǔ's own morals and ethics. Those who move without virtue have to be punished. It's in their bylaws. My guess is Jaxton blames himself that you had to go through an unfair fight. Because of that, he dishonored Báihǔ. He's lost his virtue. To gain it back, he's subjecting himself to the same unfair fight you went through. He wants to feel the pain he put you through."
Tesla could not believe it. What…? She winced when Jaxton's side was cut. He's doing this…to feel my pain?
Jaxton had suffered a harsh fist to the face while a staff had thwacked his bleeding side.
Tesla gripped the railing. But that's…
Jaxton was knocked back when brass knuckles clocked him in an uppercut.
That's…
Jaxton staggered to his knees when the whip lashed at his shoulder.
That's…—teeth gritted—…complete bullshit.
Jaxton took a moment to breathe when the staff raised high into the air.
Tesla sucked in a breath. "You better fight back if you expect me to screw you, Yang Jang-ta…!"
Jaxton froze.
The staff came down.
CLACK!
Tesla had recoiled and closed her eyes on instinct. When she deemed it safe, she peeked her eyes open.
Jaxton had stopped the staff with a hand. Without hesitation, he twisted his arm and forced the staff out of the hands of his opponent and into his. He twirled the staff around, eyes flashing to those who seemed apprehensive about continuing the fight. But he only nodded.
And they descended.
With each blow delivered, Jaxton was quick enough to defend, deflect, and dish it back twice as harsh. He flawlessly took down one opponent after the other with elegant movement that could only come with time and patience rather than raw talent. It took him a fourth of the time than as many people trying to do him in to take them all down and kick them out of the ring until he was the only one standing. He twirled the staff until he stamped it onto the ground.
"Show off," Marlow grunted.
A muscular person in a crop top stepped into the ring to collect the staff and started barking orders in a thick accent to those around. Jaxton stayed behind, however. He turned in Tesla's direction.
Darkness clashed with steely-grays.
Jaxton slowly got to his knees as he held his gaze and she watched, in her amazement, when he circled his arms and his left hand came atop his right. He bowed all the way to the ground and refused to get up.
Tesla's mouth trembled. Sniffling, she whispered to Marlow, "I think I want to go back." She waited for no one when she turned and fled.
Marlow sighed and observed the kowtowing Jaxton. You really have changed. You might've bowed to your mother—she turned and walked away—but not even you would have kowtowed to anyone.
°•°•°•°
Huang Chun looked ready when Tesla emerged. He stopped her before she could trip and righted her before backing away.
Tesla took a breath and flashed him a grateful look. "Thanks, Huang Chun." She gulped and wiped her cheeks to rasp, "You have a really honorable boss, you know that?"
Huang Chun nodded, but he said nothing more.
Tesla felt like she still could not catch her breath. Why? Why bow to me like that? Steely-grays clouded. Don't… Don't treat me like this… Like you think I'm more. I don't even think I'm 'more'. She sniffed when Huang Chun tapped her arm. "Yes?"
Huang Chun presented a Compact to her with Weiwei's name flashing on the screen in Zhōnguánese.
Tesla cleared her throat before she answered. "Hello?"
"Hi, Tesla," Weiwei weakly greeted.
Tesla frowned. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, really, just caught a little bug." Weiwei coughed. "Would you mind coming to visit me? I'm sure there's a lot of questions you have and"—she coughed again—"I'd like to answer them for you if you'd give me the chance."
Tesla swallowed and glanced back as Marlow came out of those stone doors, but she hung back. Then, her stare bounced to Huang Chun, who had given her privacy. She was on her own for her decision. She could stay here and process and cry…
…or she could take matters into her own hands.
The alarm beeped as Luke came into the house with Cullen the Shadower right behind him with books galore. The weather had not been that bad and as he kicked off his boots, he lazily drawled, "I'm home!"
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Dragneel Residence
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
11:25 AM FST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
When no one answered, Luke sighed and finished unraveling himself from his winter gear. Right. Mom's away on another lecture. Dad's probably training. He frowned up at the staircase. But Lu…
Luke adjusted his messenger bag. "Cullen, let's go to my room." Without waiting for the Shadower, he climbed the steps two at a time. His nose caught Luna's scent and Icarus'. He knocked on Luna's door before he shut himself in his own. "Hey, Lu," he quietly called. "I'm home."
Silence.
Luke sighed. "I'm here if you need me." He waited another moment, ears pricked, but when he heard no shift, he retreated to his bedroom. After shutting his door, he threw his bag onto his bed. I really wish she'd talk to me again. Then again…I'm not sure how I'd talk to her. He settled at his desk, but he refrained from logging into his DAL. Nashi and Igneel somehow always knew what to say. I was pretty much the quiet one who let them talk. His glasses came off so he could clean them.
"Even if you were a Demon"—lowered chocolates, sincere—"you'd still be you. You'd still be my brother."
Luke hesitated before he put on his glasses again. I'm just not sure that's true. He signed into his DAL just as his Compact blipped. It was nothing much than a text about possibly tutoring someone, but he saw Mystogan's contact. He tapped onto the thread to look at all the messages he had sent to his teacher that garnered no reply. He looked at his last message.
« Sensei, are you okay »
It's been since December, and he hasn't sent anything back. Luke frowned. Sensei's never been quiet for so long. He would've said something if his job required radio silence. I've been going to his house to make sure to get his mail, and I keep hoping he's back in Magnolia, but…
Two taps on his shoulder pulled Luke out of his worries. He saw Cullen with the Forever Container and sighed. "Not now, Cullen. I'm worried about Sensei."
Cullen hesitated, but he nudged Luke again with the Forever Container.
Luke turned away. "I said not now, Cullen, please. I don't want to think about it." He hoped the Shadower would drop it, but to his dismay, Cullen gently placed the Forever Container onto the desk. "Cullen—" But Luke bit back his snap to glower at the container.
"He said you'd be different." Luna's voice drifted over his ears. "He said you wouldn't have just the power to control the Demons here on Earth Land, but…you could control all Demons."
Luke grabbed the Forever Container with an unsure touch. 'Control all Demons'? Me? I could barely control Igneel. He twisted the container around. A curiosity entangled him. But could I…? Those honeyed ambers fixed on the Forever Container in devoted concentration for a moment before Luke closed his eyes. He could feel the comfort of his Zen Magic, sure, but it did not take him long to find that other energy. It bled into his chest and pelted his veins with its twisted darkness. Goosebumps rose on his skin, and he rolled his head around when his body felt twitchy.
LUB-DUB.
Cullen looked a little alarmed when he saw the roots of Luke's hair start to blacken.
The Forever Container started rattling.
Luke's muscles bunched as that darkness swathed him. It pumped with each heartbeat and tingled his skin as though trying hard to stick to him. A growl bit up in his throat when his eyes opened. One had maintained its honeyed amber, but the other had the whites blackened and the iris a rabid scarlet. The fangs had sharpened, as did his nails, and the Forever Container trembled in excitement—
A sweet lure sweet. "Minn hjerta."
KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!
Luke made a noise of discomfort when his hand spasmed and his head ached. The Forever Container dropped from his grip as his nails receded and his hair faded back to pink.
"Luke?"
He gave pause, fearful, but he tried to answer back in a normal tone. "Y-Yeah, Dad?"
Three beats…
"Is everything okay?"
"Uh, yeah." Luke cleared his throat as he shakily adjusted his glasses. "Yeah, yeah, everything's fine." He tried to calm his rising heartbeat. I didn't even hear him come in the house. What if he could tell I was trying to…?
"Is it okay if I come in?"
Luke shot Cullen a panicked look. The Shadower cooped up the Forever Container and stored it in his stomach before giving Luke an encouraging nod. Nervous, Luke swallowed and croaked, "Yeah, it's fine."
Natsu breached into the room in his training clothes with worried and wary eyes. Cullen had decided to be useful and reorganize books, looking casual, but Luke had shied away and stared at his DAL instead. Natsu glanced at the Shadower then focused on his son. "Are you sure everything is okay? Nothing you want to talk about?"
Luke tried not to tense at the layer of soft pressing in the question, but it was difficult to hide his anxiety. He knew he reeked of it. "Yeah, Dad, I'm fine." He rolled his lips to wet them and tried to keep his fingers from twitching. He flinched when he heard his father sit on his bed.
"Then, would it be okay if there's something I want to talk about with you?" Natsu asked.
Luke froze for a moment. "N-No, that's fine." He reluctantly got up from his desk to sit next to his father on the bed.
A wide silence spaced between them.
Natsu started, "You know… When you were first born…you cried way louder than Igneel."
Luke looked at his father in severe disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Yeah." Natsu grinned with a light chuckle. "Don't get me wrong. Igneel had some pipes on him. But you just screamed. Porlyusica said it's healthy and all when babies cry when they're born, but you were something else, kid. I thought I was gonna go deaf because of you."
Luke flushed and muttered, "Well, sorry."
Natsu snickered and ribbed, "I think I can forgive you." The laughter faded, but the wistful amusement was still there. "You cried more than Igneel did back then. Nothing serious or anything. You were just a total mama's boy." His lips twitched when Luke's flush deepened. "Nothin' wrong with that," he assured. "Lucy's got me wrapped around her finger too. When Igneel cried was when we knew there was a problem."
The amusement traded for something more somber. "It wasn't until we moved you both into your own room when you guys were maybe a year old or so that I noticed something," Natsu continued. "Lucy was pregnant with your sister and she hadn't been sleeping well with the complications, so I told her I'd check in if you and Igneel weren't sleeping well." Onyx darkened with the memories. "It was a pretty quiet night, which was surprising. But I could feel the temperature increase just a little, so I went to check on the two of you. And I was completely surprised."
Luke perked, curious. "What happened?"
"Well, you know you all are half me—half Demon," Natsu explained. "And Igneel was an early bloomer—far earlier than any baby should be showing their powers. Even at six months, he had problems controlling his body temperature, and I had to teach him how to release his flames. But that night, when I went to check on you, Igneel had accidentally tapped into his demonic fire."
Luke watched, transfixed, when Natsu opened his palm and showed a flame in a rich and thick orange and red but black swirled around it. Death and blood and smoke wafted off such fire.
Natsu closed his hand and extinguished the demonic flame. "I was shocked. He was so little, and I didn't think he would have inherited it," he said. "But what you did shocked me even more."
"What did I do?" Luke asked.
"You calmed him down." Natsu looked down at his son. "I couldn't believe it, but you were doing it. It was instinct to you. Igneel looked like he was about to cry in his crib, but you just sat up, watching him, and were calming down his demonic fire until it went out." He shook his head. "I made sure Igneel wasn't hurt, but you both fell asleep pretty quickly afterwards. But it was incredible. And I started wondering how many other quiet nights you'd just been following your instincts when Igneel got out of control."
Luke looked at his hands. "I…did that?"
Natsu nodded. "Yeah, you did."
"But…" Luke gripped his knees. "But I wasn't a…"
Natsu softened. "Thanks to me, being half Demon is something that comes naturally. It's in your blood. For Nashi, she smells less like she's half-Demon, but it's still in her somewhere. For Igneel, he smells like a Dragon, but he still has my demonic scent on him." And for Luna… Her scent… "But for you, you've always smelled half-Demon."
"And now?"
"Now?"
"W-Well now…" Luke fidgeted. "H-How about now? Do I smell like…like just a half-D-Demon?"
Natsu studied him before he murmured, "You smell like my son."
Luke shifted.
"It doesn't matter to me who or what you are, Luke," Natsu assured him. "It doesn't change the way I see you or how any of us see you or love you. You're still my son, even if you smell different."
"But I did bad things," Luke whispered. "I tried to kill Gale, and I…" He flinched back when those battered memories of hard earth and shrieking half-corpses came back. "I might've done other bad things too. I-I didn't mean to, but…" His grip tightened on his pants. "I don't want to do those things again. I don't want to be like that."
Quiet.
"Luke, do you think I'm a bad person?"
Luke's head popped up, wide-eyed, and he blurted, "No, of course not!"
"Are you sure?" Natsu quirked an eyebrow. "I mean, I am a Demon. And Zeref made me to be the Demon King."
"W-Well, yeah, but that wasn't your choice, right? Zeref did that to you," Luke reminded. "And you've never done anything wrong!" Well… He thought back to the countless reports of his father being a menace when he got too excited on a job. Nothing too bad…in a murderous sort of way, anyway… He sweatdropped at the remembrance of how his father would pick his ear when townspeople in bandages would scream at him for the damages with shaking fists and all their medical bills. Maybe Dad belongs in jail, the more that I think about it.
Natsu's sigh popped Luke out of his memories. "I'm not the 'good guy' I always wish I could be," he confessed. "I have a lot of moments where I did things I regret." Onyx saddened. "I hurt your mom. And I went into a death match with my best friend."
Luke probed, "Do you mean Uncle Gray—?"
"No! The Hell would I want a stripper for a best friend!"
Luke shot his fuming and flustered father a withering look. He totally means Uncle Gray. Classic tsundere. He blinked, though, as he mulled over the words. "Look, I know…you…hurt Mom, but…"
Natsu scratched his neck. "Back then…I used to ask your mom…what did she think I look liked?"
Loving gold-tinged chocolates. "Like the same Natsu I've always known."
"Demon, Dragon, human—they're just labels put on people. That's something that I've always believed in," Natsu told his son. "However," he added, "even I get scared sometimes about what I look like."
Disbelief suspended in Luke. "You get scared?"
"Yeah. I do." Natsu jabbed Luke in the stomach and made him laugh. "Just don't go tellin' that to your uncles or they'll never let me live it down." A deep exhale. "I know what I'm like when I don't have control. And I don't want to be like that again," he explained. "I train hard to maintain that control." He nudged Luke. "And Gary is in the same boat as me."
Luke soured. "I thought you didn't like him? Why are you defending him now?"
"I don't like him!" Natsu said defensively. "But…" He sulked. "Nashi said she'd never fight me again and would stop visiting if I didn't treat the stupid ice brat nicer."
Wow. Luke conjured a devious chibi-Nashi as she pulled down an eye and stuck out her tongue with a cluelessly-happy chibi-Gary behind her. Nashi really pulled out the big guns on Dad. "It still doesn't excuse Gary from hurting her—"
"Like I hurt your mom?" Natsu added gently, "Or like what happened with Gale?"
Luke flinched and weakly argued, "It's different…"
"It's not," Natsu negated. "I know it feels different. I know it hurts to think Nashi was hurt. I was upset too. But I understand what Gary went through and is going through." He put in, "I wouldn't have recommended him as S-Class if I didn't think he was training every day to keep himself in control. And Mira wouldn't have seconded my recommendation either. We both understand this power we have."
"But I don't want to understand it," Luke said, distraught. "I just want to get rid of it." He slipped his fingers under his glasses as he held his head in his hands. "I just want to be normal. I don't want to hurt anyone or have thoughts about things… I just want to be me."
Natsu wrapped an arm around Luke's shoulders. "What you are will never change who you are," he promised. "For the last few weeks, you've been going to school, training, playing your games, eating with us—all pretty normal, right? For a Demon Prince?"
"Well…" Luke struggled for a moment. "Yeah, I guess, but…"
"It's normal to have those fears about losing control," Natsu soothed. "But that's why I'm here. I'm here to help you when you feel afraid. I'm here to train you to keep in control. And when you can't, I'm here to stop you and remind you that you're not what you power wants you to be. You're the person you want to be. You're just you."
"Even if you were a Demon, you'd still be you. You'd still be my brother. You'd still be you, Luke."
"We won't leave you." Warm hickories. "None of us will ever abandon you when you need us."
"Don't think for a moment what you are defines you." Harsh dark oaks. "It's what you do that defines you."
"I'm just…me…" Luke pulled his hands away. "Even though I'm a Demon, I'm still just me. And you won't leave?" He looked up at his father. "You won't care?"
"I'll never care about things like that unless you want me to care," Natsu said. "Because it doesn't matter to me that you're now a full Demon. All that it means is that we have to do some additional training. You're still the only kid of mine who hates eating any animals. You take after Lucy with all your book smarts and reading. You're competitive with your lacrimagames—even if I might not understand them."
Luke smiled. "Yeah, because you get frustrated after two seconds and try to set my system on fire."
"It moves too slow," Natsu complained. "And all the buttons are too damn small and flighty. I don't get why you like to play on them." He grinned when Luke laughed. "But that's what I mean. You're still the same person just like I am."
Luke's smile faded. "And…" He looked away. "And with Igneel…"
"What Igneel is doesn't matter either. He'll choose who he wants to be." Natsu locked his jaw. Still… The flames that towered high in western Magnolia flourished around him. He could remember the monstrous phoenix Igneel was burning into. Igneel had warned me about the Phoenix Dragon when I was a kid…and with that demonic wound on his body and without Mary Jane… How long can he keep going until he breaks?
"Could you…? Could you really teach me how to use my powers…for good?"
"'Course I can." Natsu lightly shook him. "I'm a king, ain't I? Gotta teach ya how to properly rule once you're old enough."
Luke snorted. "Yeah, right. You just want an excuse so I'll fight you more."
"What's wrong with that?" Natsu complained. "Is it wrong to want my brats to fight me?"
"No, but you had Igneel to battle with twenty-four-seven because he had all those moods and was willing to fight off all his energy," Luke muttered. "I'm not waking up at three in the morning when you have some insane pent-up energy and need to fight because Mom was smart enough to reject you."
Natsu gawked. So cold, Luke…
As father and son bantered, the atmosphere felt like one you could relax in—could breathe in. Even Cullen noticed as he slowed in his re-shelving about how Luke looked less downtrodden and brighter than he had been for all the weeks before. But he turned himself away from the beautiful sight and pulled out the Forever Container. If he had eyes, he might have looked worried. Because where Luke had been holding the Forever Container…
…cracks had appeared.
Winter in the arctic was in a civil twilight. More daylight had been gained, and it felt good to outside and do the work. But when you were as far out as the late Ur's late parents, the most action you ever saw were ice fishers, the occasional sleigh and its huskies, and wild animals who were respectful enough to leave the house well alone.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Ur's Parents' House
Outskirts of Adélie Town
Arcticados
12:32 PM ACT
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Gary and Uki were outside with their layers bare. Well, Gare was thread-bear with just shorts on, but Uki had been adamant to at least keep on her traditional long-shirt. She had listened and brought a pair of shorts, though she still looked prickly as they sat across from each other on the stone patio.
"How do you feel?" Gary broached.
"Uncomfortable," Uki muttered as she tugged at her long shirt. "Is this necessary in the arctic?"
Gary, however, was patient. "Your Curse allows you to embrace the cold. Since we started, you've been refusing to feel your connection with the cold around you." He did not sigh or look disappointed when Uki huffed. "But today, we're going to tap into your Spirit and give you the connection you've had all along."
"I told you I don't have anything spiritual left in me," Uki grunted, venomous. "It was taken from me."
Gary shook his head. "You might not have a connection to the Spirit Realm like Angel and her family has, Miss Uki, but for you to have power means you have a Spirit. And that Spirit is the Curse I gave you—the Curse of ice and winter." He exhaled frost to show her. "Your meditation hasn't been successful because you've been refusing to use that connection. By refusing it, it'll lash out at you and possess you. It wants to be used—"
"To hurt other people," Uki gnashed.
"But it doesn't have to be that way," Gary soothed. "I use my abilities to protect the ones I love. And I use it as my connection to someone very special to me. You can do that too, Miss Uki, but you have to do the work." He added when Uki did not look convinced, "For an apprentice to become a Shaman, you have to put in the time, the studying, and the work. This is no different. A different power source, yes, but it's no different than you training to become a Shaman."
Uki hunched over, reluctantly accepting. "Just… How do we start?"
Gary smiled. "So far, your entire body is blocked because of your fears and your grief." Cerulean softened. "You've lost your mentor and you feel like you've lost a part of yourself. You're in a constant battle with the old ways and the new ways when it comes to your Shamanistic duties and modern technology. And with your self-isolation, you haven't had anyone to communicate your worries to. You're unsure about your life and what its purpose is."
Those cattish medallions were surprised. "You know that much about me?"
"I do my research," Gary conceded, "but I also understand your point of view. I'm not saying I'm one-hundred-percent an expert, but I do understand. It's why I feel starting you on this path is the right choice."
Uki observed him for a long moment before she straightened and nodded.
A look of approval crossed Gary, but he did not comment. "In both Magic and in Curse, Winter is cruel and unforgiving," he continued. "From those who know it, they see it as all-consuming. It leaves nothing untouched when it comes in and leaves no room for negotiation. It can be war. It can be death. It doesn't just destroy—it blanks everything and remakes it in its own image. It can be a Demon and a God." He added gently, "But when given the chance…" He held out his hand as his other hand twirled around in a fluid motion. Snow flitted down into his palm and ice climbed up from his flesh.
Uki watched in childish wonder when Gary had created a wintry butterfly.
"…winter can create something beautiful and can create life." Gary gestured with his hand, and his wintry butterfly flapped its wings before it took off. It circled around Uki before it landed on her shoulder.
Uki held out a finger, amazed when the wintry butterfly climbed onto it. The wings were intricate, with patterns too thought out for a careless creation. But the butterfly dissolved into flakes of snow and ice crystals.
"I…" Uki swallowed as she looked at Gary. "I never knew…"
"Not too many can do what I can do or my dad or my uncle," Gary conceded. "Most Ice and Snow Mages I work with focus their energy on offensive or defensive tactics." Cerulean chilled. "They use their connection only for power and greed. But my father and uncle's master taught them that winter is more than just destruction. It's creation."
Uki licked her lips and dipped her head. "I'm ready."
"Good." Gary placed the back of his hand atop a palm. "Put your hands like this and drop them to your center. Right here. Right at your core."
Uki replicated him.
"Close your eyes."
Uki obeyed.
Gary's voice turned sweetly hypnotic. "Miss Uki, I want you to imagine winter. What do you see when I tell you to think about winter? There's no need to tell me. Only imagine."
Uki thickly swallowed as she fell into the darkness behind her eyelids. The white noise of the backyard faded and traded for gently whistling winds. The darkness was crucified in a small flurry of snowflakes. But in the flurry, she saw something. Laughter tickled her ears and nostalgia tickled her mind. She was home and in her youth. She was back in the days where her parents' cottage felt like a castle and her brothers entertained her outside with snowball fights and snowmen and sleigh rides.
My home… My family…
The snow thickened for a moment and blurred her home. Worry filled her, but the snow cleared up and she saw a memory she would never forget. A beautiful and strong silver-haired woman with olive skin and strong cheekbones welcomed her with open arms to her new home.
My mentor… When she took me as her apprentice…
Snow blighted Uki.
A blizzard picked up and dizzied her. The wisps of her mentor faded as explosions skirted around in the blustering winter with terrifying screams and emergency warnings howling like a war had been called. Her body trembled as she felt around the blizzard, but she could not see a thing. She could barely feel the ground below her. Chaos strangled her as her heartbeat increased and winter buzzed like an agitated hornet hive.
My mentor… Where's my mentor?
Glowing icy-blues raged through the blizzard.
No… Not this. Please!
Blood soaked through the blizzard, but the snow had parted to show the victims. A child laid still in the snow with their eyes glossed over and their body frozen from the inside out. So innocent, this child. They had years to live, to grow, to accomplish great things. But their warmth had been stolen from them and their lives gone within an instant of carrying such a cold disease.
No… Not the child…
The silver-haired woman lay in the snow with her body twisted in blankets, but it was to no avail. She was too cold. Her lips had stained blue, chapped and beyond repair. Her olive skin had washed out and cracked, married with icy blights. Her eyes had gone starry-eyed, lost to the Land of Day. She could no longer stay in this world.
My mentor… Please… Don't leave me… I'm sorry…
Miss Uki. Gary's voice echoed into the blizzard, clear as day. Your winter shows you your fears because you give it the power to do so. But winter isn't fear, Miss Uki. It isn't just death. It's rebirth.
Uki felt icy-hot tears drizzle down her cheeks as she whimpered, I can't do this.
You can do this, Gary promised her. Because you, Miss Uki, are a Shaman. You don't mourn death. You celebrate life.
Uki shook her head, determined to keep to her misery—
You've grieved over me long enough, kuluk.
Uki could not keep back her shock as the blizzard hailed around her, but the wisps of her mentor with that flowing silver hair and loving blue eyes ghosted across the snow and ice. Her gaseous form was translucent with her wools died in her favorite non-traditional violet and her sister's betrothal choker worn with pride.
Nanuk… Uki wanted to reach for her. How…?
Nanuk flickered, but she smiled in kind at her apprentice and spoke without moving her mouth. Nalligivagit, kuluk. I have always been with you. But you cannot mourn me when there is so much life that needs you.
I killed you, Uki whispered. You'd be here if it wasn't for me. I miss you…so much. A…Aittaaq… The tears burned her when she felt the love and warmth of her mentor combat the hailing cold that tried to nail her into its depths.
You must do your duty as angakkuq, kuluk, Nanuk whispered, her voice echoing, and you must honor all life.
I can't do this alone, Uki cried as she buried herself in the warmth and shelter her mentor had always provided for her. I can't be an angakkuq. I lost my connection to the Spirits. I killed. I can't do this without you!
Nanuk pressed a summer's kiss on Uki's forehead. You have lost only what you think you have lost, kuluk, she told her. You let hatred and fear dictate your path. But if you give yourself a chance, you will learn you have lost nothing and gained everything. She pulled away and into the storm. You are not lost, kuluk. The Spirits chose you to become the angakkuq because they knew you were worthy. Because they knew you, Uki, were a survivor.
It was like a string snapped and something was yanked free.
Uki's eyes opened as her head titled her back. Frost puffed from her mouth and her eyes glowed in the same blue as Gary's eyes. Goosebump-inducing energy that shattered a blizzard made from self-loathing and sorrow. The winds and snow and ice swirled and tossed, but they did so in a dance. The snow was not in a blur. She could see the time and care winter had put into crafting each unique snowflake and ice crystal.
She watched as winter birthed images of itself to her. She could see a mother polar bear helping up its little cub as they crossed the ice. She watched as the falcons flew over the great plains of white. She listened as the caribou bounded across ice rifts. She listened as the wolves howled on those lonely arctic nights to signal to their home pack. She could see her family, her parents, her brothers.
She could see her mentor.
Winter was not a death sentence.
It brought life.
"Do you understand now?"
The snow burst from its swirling in one breath. The glow from Uki's eyes died as she was back on the stone patio in the backyard of her new teacher's home. Her posture had not changed with her hands held at her center. But she blinked to see Gary sitting across from her. Those complex feelings from the other day had detangled into mystic fascination and curiosity.
"Is that what you feel?" Uki asked him. "Is that what you see?"
"Not all the time," Gary confided, "but I do for the most part." His fingers rubbed together to spread carefully crafted snowflakes. "I can feel that a part of you is finally accepting the connection you have to winter. But it will take more time, effort, and energy until you feel that connection seamlessly."
"I saw my mentor." Uki's tone came out hushed. "She was there. I… I felt her."
Gary nodded. "Your body is connecting to your Spirit all over again. And your Spirit is still connected to those you love." He went on: "Your Curse might enact horrible things, but that's only when you leave it alone to let it become something outside your own power. With control, you have the power to dictate who you want to connect to and what you want to do with that connection."
"There's a chance I could reach my mentor in the Land of Day." Uki's eyes lit up. "There's a chance I could see the Spirits again."
"There is always a chance like I've been telling you," Gary said. "People associate Curses and Devils and Demons with negativity and death and hatred. But that's not true at all. Maybe in ancient times, it looked that way, but in modern times, things have changed. Anyone can have humanity and anyone can not have it. I'm a Devil, but I fell in love with an Angel, and we're connected." His eyes warmed. "Who says you having a Curse should bar you from becoming the Shaman you want to be?"
Maybe before, such words would not have touched Uki. She would have snapped at him, agitated he make such loaded assumptions. But hope filled her eyes after all these years. Hope she could live again. But that hope dampened into humbled remorse and guilt.
Gary frowned. "Something wrong?"
"No, it's just…" Uki's posture fell. "You're still willing to teach me after I accused you of being someone…awful," she said, timbre painted in regret. "And after I even thought about…well…" She flinched. "I'm just… I'm sorry for the way I've been treating you, Gary. I…"
"You've been frustrated and grieving for years," Gary filled in, delicate. "I don't like to use psychological buzzwords, but you've been living with untouched trauma all this time. I'm sure that's made you depressed, angry, and your traumatic episodes." He got to his feet. "I'm not the poster child for mental health, but I know what it's like dealing with something no one can understand. That feeling of isolation and cold"—ceruleans darkened—"and the nightmares… It's not easy to talk about. But it's harder to deal with alone."
"I'm not talking to anyone." Uki was instantly on the defensive. "I don't need a therapist—"
"And I'm not going to recommend you one," Gary soothed. "Therapy wasn't for me either, Miss Uki." He strode over to her and looked down, hands on his hips. "I never wanted to talk to a professional about this. To me, it wasn't comfortable. And I knew, maybe, I could find someone to be comfortable with, but the entire idea of therapy never made me comfortable. But still, when I had no way to let out my feelings, I did things I regret." He confessed to her, "I was barely a teenager when I tried committing suicide. I couldn't handle the pain."
No pity went into Uki's eyes. The surprise came, of course, that initial shock of such a serious statement. But then, her eyes lowered as shame wrapped around her. She whispered, "What stopped you?"
"Me," Gary admitted. "Maybe I should be nobler with my reasons. Maybe I should say I thought of my family or my friends, but…I didn't. I didn't think of them. That wasn't what made me stop." He paused. "It was something like divine intervention that reminded me I wasn't just a weapon to take orders. I was reminded about a time in my life I had been happy as myself."
Uki swallowed. "You're very brave."
Gary shook his head. "There's nothing brave about it," he murmured. "And there's nothing stupid about it. It is what it is. It happened. Do I regret attempting? Yes." He watched as she tensed all around and carried on, "But I don't feel ashamed. I know I was at such a low point in my life. I know what I've been through. I'm not ashamed to say I hit that point and I broke."
"And does she know?" Uki looked up and medallions clashed with ceruleans. "Does your Nashi know?"
"She does," Gary murmured. "She cried when I told her." The smile on his face was bittersweet. "I had thought she was crying because she felt sorry for me that I was at such a point in my life at one point. But she still…"—those blues filled with love—"managed to surprise me."
• — • — •
"Don't cry because of me, Angel."
The Giltenan forest was quiet tonight as though the trees and those who lived with the trees knew tonight was going to be a heavy night. Býleistr kept guard with the fire roaring, but he dozed off in his Lion Form with one ear perked for danger.
The focus watched as a sobbing Nashi tucked into his chest, her neck flush. She sniffled and scolded in a watery tone, "Don't tell me not to cry when I'm already crying."
Gary rubbed her back. "I told you, Angel, this is why I didn't want to talk about things like this," he murmured. "I never want Angel to cry because of me. Not when I did something as foolish as that." He nuzzled into her neck. "Don't pity me over something like that." He shifted when Nashi wriggled against him so she could pull away.
She grabbed tissues to blot under her eyes, but those hickories were a force to be reckoned with. Ferocious and angelic and her. "I don't pity you." She strengthened her voice and yet it came out so loving and soft. "I'm not crying because I feel sorry for you or bad for you because of that, Gary." She sniffled and dabbed her nose. Hickories gentled. "I'm crying because I'm so grateful you chose yourself."
Gary did not understand. "What do you mean?"
Nashi sniffled again. Her hand came to intertwine with his own. "I can't imagine what that was like," she said. "I can't imagine hearing Invel's voice in your head and being that scared you were still his weapon." A few more tears slipped out. "You were desperate for a way out. You wanted freedom again—that part I understand." She swallowed. "But in the end…when it came down to listening to Invel's voice and thinking you were a weapon and gaining that type of freedom…you turned around and chose yourself. You chose to break out of Invel's hold on you. You chose you over what Invel wanted."
"I wish I could believe that, Angel," Gary murmured, sorrowful. "But I still…"
"I know," Nashi shushed him. "Not every day is going to be an easy day. Trust me. I know. But for now, I'm happy you chose your version of freedom over the only freedom you could have gotten under Invel. That's why I'm crying." She stroked his cheek and searched his eyes. "Thanks for choosing you."
• — • — •
"She's very wise for a girl so young," Uki softly commented.
"She's an intelligent young woman who has been through terrible things," Gary corrected. "She understands me in ways I can't even understand myself." He held up a finger. "It just takes one person to understand you, Miss Uki. And then it feels like there's a whole new world waiting for you."
Uki sighed. "Just when I think I understand you, you become more of an enigma."
Gary cocked his head. "Was that a joke, Miss Uki?" Amusement danced in his eyes. "I don't think anyone in my life has called me an 'enigma'." He thought about it some more. "But Angel told me, apparently, I was nominated in some magazine her little sister saw as 'Most Likely To Be a Mysterious, Aloof Boyfriend'." He shrugged. "But I'm not quite sure how I got nominated for that."
Uki snorted only to cover her mouth, embarrassed.
Gary grinned. "Angel sent me more magazine nominations, if you want to hear them." He offered his hand to her.
"No, er, thank you." Uki took his hand and pulled herself up. "I'm just getting used to you being a good person. Let's not ruin it with trashy magazine ideals."
"But some of them are really cool," Gary insisted. "My brother told me I was in some weird suggestion thing about boy bands. And I was nominated to the 'dad' of a J-pop group." He frowned. "But I think the article said 'daddy'." He shrugged. "I'm just happy I got nominated. I love J-pop!"
Uki sweatdropped at the halo of innocence around Gary. How is he an adult and doesn't know they were typecasting him as 'daddy'? I'm an ace Shaman, and I know that. His poor girlfriend… "Today has been an overwhelming day, and I'd like to go home." She hesitated. "If that's okay…?"
Gary nodded. "Of course. We can start again tomorrow."
"Thank you." Uki turned away, but she paused and turned back to him. "Thank you…for telling me about…" She grappled for the proper words.
Gary helped her out. "I know we might never be friends, Miss Uki, but I just hope we can have a civil teacher-student relationship. Maybe even friendly. And I want you to know I'm going to do everything I can to help you on your journey."
"If you keep giving chances to people who hate you, you know it might backfire," Uki felt the need to warn. "I'm dangerous and with the whole thing yesterday… You shouldn't just trust me so easily."
"Please don't worry about it, Miss Uki. As I said yesterday"—his smile sharpened and those ceruleans glowed with the resolve of a predator—"if you come within ten yards of Angel with any ill intentions, I'll take you out myself and no one will ask questions."
Uki stilled, wide-eyed.
Gary relaxed. "And besides that…"
His murderer-then-innocent-choir-boy bipolar act might be the thing that kills me, Uki gawked.
"I always wished that someone had been there to teach me this," Gary told her. "I know my dad would have been that person if I hadn't been…" He did not say the words. "I just hope I can do the teaching justice." He nodded to her. "Have a nice ride back home, Miss Uki, and have a good rest of your day. I'll be in soon to sign-off."
"All right." Uki walked away and back to the house. One thing is for sure. I underestimated him. He's not evil. He's…good. She paused before she opened the door to enter the kitchen and looked back. Gary was wandering away. Maybe…he really can help me figure this out. And she opened the door to slip inside.
The guest house looked empty for some reason, even if Tesla knew better. It had all the outward makings of an ancient Zhōnguánese home, though she did think it had a few western touches. Huang Chun had done his due diligence as acting transport and had driven a car (much to Tesla's ribbing Huang Chun might be the Niles to Jaxton's Maxwell Sheffield and Huang Chun's sustained silence). And now Tesla sat in the car, staring up at the guest house, while Huang Chun kept the car running and Marlow sat in the front.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Tē Gōng
Sīchóu Province
Zhōnguá, Sela
3:00 PM SST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Marlow glanced back. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Weiwei said she was informed her psycho mom left the estate," Tesla reasoned with a heavy sigh. "And she said she can answer questions for me." Her stare lowered. Answers I deserve to know about last night. She looked at Huang Chun. "Does, uh…? Does Jang-ta know I'm here?"
Huang Chun nodded, but he offered nothing more.
Tesla narrowed her eyes. "That's it? Really?"
"He doesn't speak," Marlow supplied. "I'm not sure how it works when you leave the Ghost Realm, but this ghost can't speak."
Tesla took a cleansing breath as she scooted to one side of the car. "I'm not going to ask." She opened the car door. "I'll be back." She hesitated for a moment. "And you'll be here, right?"
"If Ping-Mei comes within one hundred yards, we'll know," Marlow assured with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry. We'll be right here." She pointed at the radio. "But don't let Huang Chun suffer for too long. I plan to play Bellish death metal the entire time. Ghosts love the shrieking."
Huang Chun narrowed his eyes.
"I'll, um… I'll pretend to understand that." Tesla got out of the car and slammed the door behind her.
Marlow's yellow-greens flicked over when Huang Chun buzzed down his window and a sliver of disbelief jolted her when he released a silver butterfly that fluttered onto Tesla's back. "Not even his sister?"
Huang Chun kept his eyes on Tesla as she made it down the sidewalk.
Marlow crossed her arms and got comfortable. Jaxton isn't taking any chances, even when it comes to Weiwei. That's surprising. She turned those sharp yellow-greens on Tesla and the wheels turned. Or maybe…it's actually smart.
°•°•°•°
Tesla came face-to-face with the studded tall doors. It bemused her once again there was a modern-day doorbell with a camera and everything, but she rang it. It did not take long before Elijah came to the door. The hulking man looked exhausted out of his mind, and she could not help but feel pity for him.
"Oh, it's you, Tesla. Weiwei said you were coming," Elijah helloed as he stepped aside. "Sorry for my state."
"No, no, it's fine," Tesla assured. She took off her shoes before she entered the house and lined them up with the rest. "How's everything been? How are you? And how is she feeling?"
Elijah closed the door with a sigh. "She's been pretty sick. Her fever hasn't broken yet, and she's been very in and out. I tried to tell her she should rest, but she was insistent to see you." He looked at Tesla in worry. "How are you feeling? Weiwei told me that everyone who went to her mother's party got sick…"
"I feel…better," Tesla supposed with as much truth as she could put into it. "I hope I can, um…cheer up Weiwei while I'm here." She gestured to the door. "But if you think I should leave—"
"No, please. Weiwei was insistent," Elijah assured. He pointed to the back hall. "She's resting in the master bedroom. Just go straight back and to the door on the right." He nodded to the kitchen. "I'm going to try and make her something to eat. I just hope she'll be able to keep it down."
"I hope so too," Tesla murmured. "I'll go back. Thanks." She left Elijah with an awkward wave and made her way past the living room and to the hall. The guest house was on a large scale, so she saw other hallways, but she could tell where the master bedroom was when she saw double doors that slid apart. She took a beat and a breath before she parted open the doors.
A weak smile. "Thanks for coming, Tesla."
The master bedroom came with its own bold living room and faux fireplace and even with luxurious amenities of a kitchenette and a private balcony. But Tesla was more focused on the flushed Weiwei lying in a king-sized bed to her lonesome with a few drinks and crackers by her bed and a Z-period drama playing for her amusement on the flat-screen LV.
"Weiwei…" Tesla slid the doors shut before drifting closer. She took a seat in the accent chair she assumed Elijah had been preoccupying and cupped Weiwei's hand with her own. "How are you? What's…? What's happening to you?"
Weiwei coughed, but she waved a hand in dismissal. "It's nothing too serious," she assured. "The physical symptoms will go away after some time. But I had to use up my spiritual energy to kill all those creatures." Her eyes darkened. "My mother is a true monster, but this isn't the first time she's rooted out the disloyal this way. Before, I admire her for it. She had to be ruthless to make people fear and respect her and keep a leash on those around her. But last night—" She broke into a cough.
"She did this regularly way back when?" Tesla offered Weiwei water.
"Yes. And thank you." Weiwei sipped from her straw until she felt back in control. "Jang-ta is too young to truly remember our grandmother, but our grandmother Ming-Hua taught our mother everything she knew when it came to torture and cunning. She cut the tongues of those who shared secrets and castrated anyone who showed adultery."
She dryly chuckled when Tesla looked horrified. "My grandmother was someone for her people, even if she was fearsome." Her laughter faded. "And I know a woman as cutthroat as her wouldn't have approved of involving innocents like my mother did last night."
Tesla swallowed and did not disagree. "Why did your mom do that? I can respect someone taking out anyone who betrays their leader, sure, but… Servants were everywhere outside of that courtyard. And if those things had broken free of the estate…"
"I know." Weiwei sighed into a cough. "She was hoping, however, that Jang-ta would be the one to save you and everyone else."
Tesla still did not understand. "I'm guessing there's a lot more than just Jang-ta taking over the Tē Sect, huh?" She adjusted in her seat. "Could you…? Could you tell me about it?" She played with her braids. "I-I know this is something I should ask Jang-ta, so if this isn't something you can tell me, don't worry about it."
Weiwei shook her head. "I promised you answers, Tesla, and I aim to give them to you." Darkness softened. "You defended my home and my people with your life and sacrificed so much for a fight that wasn't yours. I'm so sorry you're dragged into this mess. But you deserve to know what sort of mess this is."
Tesla cleared her throat, uncomfortable, but she stayed quiet.
"When Báihǔ left after the Second Black War, my grandmother had a dream," Weiwei explained. "From what I remember, that dream was what led my parents together and then they had Jang-ta and me. I could always tell I disappointed my mother." A sad remembrance gleamed in her eyes. "She loved me…in her own way. She trained me to be as ruthless as her. But she didn't care that much for me outside of professional parameters. And I love Ba, but he didn't know how to interact with me. That's not his fault, though."
"How is that not his fault?" Tesla cut in, incredulous. "You're his daughter."
Weiwei gave a long exhale. "There's a lot about my father that's…different. And I've never blamed him for not knowing how to raise me. He did push for my mother to try and be around me more outside of my Cultivation training, but she argued that she treats all her students fairly. I got along with my sect family enough. To be honest, it was hard to tell I was her daughter." Darkness saddened. "And then Jang-ta was born. And my mother changed.
"Both my parents were obsessed with him," Weiwei continued. "I'd never seen Ba push so hard. He wanted to raise Jang-ta a certain way, but my mother had other ideas. They had to compromise. Once he was independent enough, Ba took him away for some time."
Tesla's eyebrows hiked up. "He just…took him away from your home? For what?"
"Ba wasn't raised like us," Weiwei explained. "In his culture, it was considered 'normal' for this to happen."
Tesla put the pieces together. So this is about what Jang-ta is probably too afraid to tell me. He and his dad must have some big secret… "I understand. Please continue."
"Jang-ta was still young when he came home. It wouldn't be the first time Ba would take him away, but our mother, like I said, was obsessed with him," Weiwei went on. "To her, he was her perfect son who obeyed every word, and my grandmother loved him. Everyone idolized him. He was born with an overwhelming Qi core. No one could match him. He was intelligent and humble and quiet and honest."
Tesla felt like she knew where Weiwei was going. "But…he was never happy."
"No," Weiwei answered, truthful. "I never envied him. I knew how cruel our mother could be. I watched her and my grandmother wipe out an entire palace. As her daughter, I had to be present when my mother tortured those who tried to betray her. Not having her love but her judgment let me live my life." Her lashes lowered. "And make mistakes I regret," she supposed. "But my mother was certain Jang-ta was her golden child."
"But why?" Tesla could not help but ask.
"Because of my grandmother's dream," Weiwei said. "Whatever my grandmother had dreamt had led my mother to believe the child she and Ba would conceive would become the true 'Child of Báihǔ'. God Spirits and Guardian Spirits might walk amongst humans, but it's rare for them to adopt a human and supply them with a personal connection and power beyond belief. Spirits might bless humans but to take them in as one of their own…"
"Oh." Tesla sat back. "So…is Jang-ta…?"
"That's what my mother was trying to find out," Weiwei explained. "For some reason, she has a firm belief Báihǔ will take Jang-ta as his own and grace him with power no one has ever seen. For centuries, she's tried to force Báihǔ to recognize Jang-ta…and Jang-ta obeyed without question whenever he'd come home during Zhōnguánese New Year."
"That's…insane." Tesla dropped her wide eyes to Weiwei. "I mean, no offense, but your mom sounds very crazy."
Weiwei feebly laughed. "I'm sure she does."
"I just…" Tesla wriggled and worked her jaw to figure out the right words. "I understand having a psychotic parent—having two of them—so I…I know what it's like to be under the thumb and to"—steely-grays stained with grief—"never feel happiness under them. I can understand why fighting back was difficult for him…and for you."
"Jang-ta fought back in little ways that our mother never found the need to lay into him for," Weiwei said. "When he was recruited into his current job, our mother spoke with his boss alone. I had asked him if he would do it, but he was quiet. But Ba was the one to give him the courage to do it."
"I had hoped he would find his happiness." Yellow-ambers glistening with subtle affection. "Regardless of what his mother might think, I never believed we should take his Choices away from him when he has so much life to live."
So he must have meant that, Tesla realized. He was the final force for Jang-ta to be able to leave. But if his dad has always been on his side—she balled her hands into fists—why let his son suffer for this long? Why still be married to a woman like that?
Weiwei's voice brought back Tesla's voice: "My mother might have baited Jang-ta, but she gave in to his demands. He got his own property and stepped back from the Tē Sect. He traveled the world." Darkness warmly clashed with steely-grays. "And he met you."
Tesla ducked her head, a little abashed.
"Zhōnguánese parents might be for marriages and everything, but my mother was very…different about it," Weiwei supposed as best she could. "In her mind, it would've been a no-brainer for Jang-ta to enter dual cultivation with another Cultivator of her choosing."
Tesla felt storm clouds warring within her head. So she's really that sort of mom on top of her being a psycho bitch, huh?
Weiwei must have sensed Tesla's thoughts as she regarded her in amusement. "Jang-ta never had an interest in a partner," she soothed. "We have a court matchmaker, but Jang-ta and her had a deal to help get rid of our mother's tricks." She looked thoughtful. "Our mother expanded to other genders too, but Jang-ta never really showed…anything."
Why are the villains always so inclusive, what the Hell? Tesla complained. "So, what you're saying is, I'm what set his ticker off?" She snorted. "No wonder his mother wanted me to die."
Weiwei sobered. "Our mother knew about your powers, yes. To be honest, she was fascinated. I'm sure if she had been a little more charming towards you, she would have tried to recruit you into her own game." She shook her head and went to sip her water. "No, she had other issues. But knowing my mother, she was confident you'd survive last night."
"Because she thought Jang-ta would be my knight-in-shining-armor." Tesla brushed back her braids and blew out her cheeks. "She gambled with my life for her endgame with her own son." A pathetic laugh-snort. "Amazing." It's amazing how much she reminds me of my sperm donor. How they use people to force their own children to play their sick games. Those people… Her teeth gritted. They disgust me.
Weiwei watched as Tesla stood up, and apprehension filled her. "I know this might not be something you want to hear," she started, "and I know Jang-ta must be beating himself up. I know I am too. We were both the ones to convince our parents to have you join us for Zhōnguánese New Year." Her eyes went downcast. "And because of our foolishness, you suffered." A great grunt heaved out of her when she shoved off the covers.
Sadness filled Tesla. Wait…
"Tesla…" Weiwei got to her knees as she slid her right hand over her left.
No… No, please don't…
Weiwei bowed low until she placed her hands on the bed and her forehead rested on her knuckles. "I'm so sorry for the trouble we've caused you." Sincere apology threaded with thick remorse filled her words. "I may not be a Cultivator anymore, but I took a vow to protect the life and to live with virtue with the life Báihǔ gifted to me. And I didn't. For that, I have dishonored your life and my vow. I dishonored Báihǔ. I am sorry."
Tesla rolled her lips as her eyes clouded. "Please don't kowtow to me," she whispered. "I don't deserve it."
Weiwei would not lift her head. "You were disgraced because of us. And you suffered because of us. We owe you more than simple apologies."
"No." Tesla shook her head. "No, you don't." She laid a gentle hand on Weiwei's shoulder. "Please sit up, Weiwei, please." When Weiwei did so, Tesla sat on the edge of the bed while her thoughts gathered. "You guys…couldn't have known how last night would have gone," she reasoned. "No matter how you look at it, crazy is crazy." She looked at her lap. "My sperm donor did terrible things to me." She gagged a little, but she caught herself. "And he would just…keep outdoing himself with all he did to me. Things I wouldn't have guessed he would do."
When Weiwei offered her hand, Tesla fiercely gripped it to keep herself together.
"Having these powers… I'm remembering why he made me do things…why he did things to me," Tesla whispered. "And I keep blaming myself for those actions. I kept telling myself if I had just been quiet or…or if I had said 'yes' instead of 'no' or maybe if I had just taken it without crying…maybe my life would have been better."
"None of that is your fault," Weiwei whispered back, pained.
Tesla looked up at her. "And none of this is yours."
Weiwei swallowed, but she said nothing.
"We have psychotic parents. It sucks, but we do," Tesla said. "Maybe not every day do I believe it isn't my fault. I'm still learning that. But there are days I know it wasn't my fault for what he did." She offered Weiwei's hand a squeeze. "I don't blame you. And…I don't blame Jang-ta. I don't even blame your dad." A half-smile. "He seems like a good guy."
"He is." Weiwei nodded. "He's just…strange."
"Very strange."
Both women chuckled.
Weiwei searched Tesla's face. "What will you do now? Are you heading back home?" Both knew she meant without Jang-ta in her question.
"I…" Tesla sat back. "I just…need things to slow down. I don't want to think about home or the future." She sighed. "I think I want to sleep some more. Think some more. Cry some more." She glanced at the LV and sighed dreamily since the period drama was showing her favorite boy's love couple of a disgraced god and his devoted follower, a Ghost King. "Fangirl that I'm in Zhōnguá and living my Z-drama dream."
Weiwei snickered. "I'm surprised you never got Jang-ta dressed up in a traditional hanfu with a wig or something."
"Well, I tried!" Tesla said defensively. "But the bitch makes it a race thing and says to me, 'I'd never make you put on an Andüsan traditional outfit'," she mocked, deepening her voice. "And I'm like, okay, well, I would if he asked and my mom has traditional Sinnish dance dresses for me." She waved a hand. "And he's a Cultivator? Hello? Does he not realize that Cultivation Z-dramas have been my shit?"
Weiwei cackled. "You're definitely good for him," she approved. "He has a girlfriend who fetishizes his culture."
"Hey." Tesla held up a finger. "I fetishize very odd and namely dead aspects of it." She shrugged. "But now he has no choice but to cosplay as a Cultivator." She kicked her feet in excitement. "He opened up so many doors for me!"
"Almost makes you forget about wanting a werewolf boyfriend?"
Tesla gasped. "Heavens, no! That's like my top-tier fantasy daddy list! Do you know how hot Aaron Gray is from Dawn? I mean"—she waved a hand—"I can do without all the weird machoism and the love struggles, but I would literally slaughter whoever I have to if a real, live Aaron Gray was on this earth. I would get blood on my hands for that man."
Weiwei's eyes gleamed. "Jang-ta told me you were obsessed."
"Deeply," Tesla confirmed. "I'm no Dawn-hard or anything like that. But Wolf Teens and Dawn and then you throw in those supernatural eroticas… Ah…!" She forced an orgasmic shiver that had Weiwei deeply amused. A gasp hit her again and she turned to Weiwei. "Wait. You're, like, super old, right?"
Weiwei quirked an eyebrow. "I'd like to say I look pretty young…"
"Okay, sure, yeah, but, like, you're old," Tesla reasoned. "So, like, you totally lived in a world with werewolves, right?" A giddy grin filled Tesla's face as she bounced up and down. "What were they like? Broody? Hot? Always had abs? Did you ever date one?"
Weiwei laughed and patted Tesla's hand. "Never stop tormenting Jang-ta with this."
Tesla pouted. "You won't tell me?" She groaned. "Come on…! They had to have been alive, right? I've read some stuff about magi-anthropology that werewolves—or whatever the Hell they said—existed way back in the day."
"While I have been alive for some time, some things are better to be read about."
Tesla childishly scowled. "Where was all this 'I'll give you answers' crap happening, huh?"
"You'll get your answers," Weiwei promised conspiratorially. "But you should keep bringing up Aaron Gray to Jang-ta."
Tesla scoffed. "Why? He gets super annoyed by it."
"Of course he does." Weiwei's grin broadened. "He doesn't like the competition."
°•°•°•°
Tesla exited the guest house with a sense of weightlessness about her. She saw the SUV waiting for her with muffled death metal blaring out from it. A glance back to those studded doors. Hearing Weiwei's perspective… It really makes me think…
"I'm so sorry, Tesla." Clouded darkness. There are not enough apologies that I could give for this. I knew my mother was a monster, but…I never expected her to go to this extreme. That's my fault."
And I told him to leave me alone. Steely-grays dampened. His mom is abusive. He's been abused for… It's probably been centuries. And I told him to leave me alone just because I picked a battle I wasn't ready for. He's been suffering under this sort of insanity for god-knows how long. She rubbed her nose. I really need to talk to him…and apologize.
"Tesla Greer."
Her head turned to see Kuen She in more conservative and less layered black-furred regalia as he sat on the veranda with his hands on his knees, like he had not a care in the world. She tried not to show her shock and fear and settled for a respectful bow. "Hello, Mister Yang. I-I was just on my way out—"
"I know." Kuen She turned.
Yellow-ambers clashed with steely-grays.
"But with your permission," Kuen She said, "there's something I'd like to talk with you about." He noticed Tesla's glance to the SUV. "If you don't feel like talking, I understand. I'm sure last night caused you to look at me in a different light."
"That's not it, sir, I, uh…" Tesla sighed. "I'm just processing a lot. And coming to terms with a lot." A burst of courage hit her and she pivoted to face Kuen She. "But I am realizing Jang-ta was raised in a worse household than I could have imagined. If this is what he's had to deal with his entire life, it's cruel and inhumane, sir. And he's your son. With utmost respect, no child should be raised in conditions like this and if you had any sense, you would have taken him away from such a woman. Sir."
Kuen She was quiet.
Tesla's shoulders lifted as she heaved, but her chibi-self was dead. What the Hell was I thinking going off on Mister Yang? I'm in a foreign country with a bunch of crazy, rich Selans—who knows what he could do to me for practically saying 'Hey, you're a shit dad'. Dante, tell my story.
"You're right."
Tesla watched as Kuen She inclined his chin. "I… I am?"
Kuen She nodded. "He deserved to be away from his mother," he agreed. "And the way he was raised… It was unnatural."
"So then…?" Tesla came in closer to sit beside him. "Why…raise him in this sort of environment?"
"I'm sure Weiwei mentioned that I took Jang-ta away," Kuen She said.
Tesla nodded.
"I had every intention of not returning him."
That surprised Tesla. They didn't compromise? "What happened?"
"As of now, you know my wife is many things. She's cunning and ruthless. And she will kill whoever she needs to if they stand in her way. If I let her, she would have killed Weiwei at birth for not being the 'Child of Báihǔ'. And"—yellow-ambers darkened—"she nearly killed me for trying to save our son."
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Fairy Adventure
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla tried not to gape. She… She tried to kill her own husband? A grimace came to her. No, that sounds very on brand.
"In my culture," Kuen She continued, "it is customary for fathers to leave with their sons as a ritual, so to speak. We teach them our culture and let them live in it themselves. Then, we let our sons roam the earth, fully realized. My brothers did so with their sons and, in turn, their sons did so with their sons. And when Jang-ta was born, I fought to make sure I could teach him the culture he was born into."
"So you left," Tesla said.
Kuen She nodded. "It wasn't easy for Ping-Mei to part with Jang-ta. Without sacrifice, she would have never let him leave with him. I brokered a deal with her that she could not refuse. And she allowed me to take Jang-ta to learn his heritage."
Tesla quietly questioned, "What sort of deal was it?"
"One that no one would understand and required great sacrifice." Kuen She tilted his head. "I had little choice. As the only male, he had to learn control. Ping-Mei will think differently, but through him, he was the last of my bloodline. Teaching him our ways was critical." His chest heaved. "We left. And he took to his culture like a natural." Yellow-ambers glinted. "I could not be prouder of my son."
Tesla smiled a little.
The look in Kuen She's eyes faded. "I had known he would be unhappy under Ping-Mei's foolishness," he revealed. "Her delusions of grandeur during her pregnancy solidified my theory she would use him as a means to an end. And as he was my future and my legacy, I knew better than anyone how much he needed the freedom to roam and grow. I attempted to give him that freedom."
A sense of foreboding nestled in Tesla's chest. "But then…"
"It never worked," Kuen She murmured softly. "Jang-ta let me lead him. Back then, he had trust in me. For several days, we traveled. But I knew when our escape came to an end." Something ravaged in those yellow-ambers. "We had come close to the border when I had sensed her and told him to hide."
Tesla tensed.
"He had never seen Ping-Mei's intentions by that point. He was too young and thought his mother's love for him was sincere."
Her stomach rolled. Oh no…
"She was ready to kill me for her ambitions," Kuen She dropped, tone blank. "Had it not been her love for me, I would have died where I stood."
Tesla shook her head in disgust. "How is she so cruel?" she whispered. "You're her husband… You're their dad…"
"Those words mean little to her," Kuen She commented, unaffected. "The title 'husband' means little to me as well. She understands ambition and survival the same as I do. But my father taught me the importance of a unit. We cared for the young and showed loyalty. Our ambitions were to help our family instead of satisfying greed." Yellow-ambers swirled with dismay. "Ping-Mei knows nothing outside of greed."
Tesla held her head in her hands.
Kuen She got to his feet. "I was never the father I should have been to Jang-ta or to Weiwei. We have all suffered under Ping-Mei. Weiwei and I have little room for an escape. But I have the utmost relief Jang-ta is finding his escape." He looked down at Tesla. "And I have respect for his Chosen."
"You're not about to kowtow to me too, right?" Tesla mumbled. "I've had enough apologies for a lifetime today."
Kuen She cocked his head. "I learned Zhōnguánese manners because I am Ping-Mei's Chosen, but I don't actively follow the customs outside political affairs. And we won't bow when it comes to apologies in my culture."
"Can I ask what culture that is?" Tesla probed.
Kuen She inclined his chin. "I think it would be best Jang-ta tell you himself."
"I understand." Tesla clamored back to her feet, but she felt so lost and drained. "I'm sorry that you had to…have to deal with all this, Mister Yang. I'm sure it's not easy."
"It's easy to sacrifice for your young, Tesla Greer," Kuen She explained. "But it's difficult to know they will hate you." His eyes fell. "But I have earned my son's hatred. With time, I hope to at least gain back his trust." His eyes rested on her. "You would do well to remember what you witnessed. Don't ever let your eyes fall from the ones like Ping-Mei. Stare them in the eyes. Show them you are not prey. Show them you will hunt them the same way they hunt you."
Tesla could not add anything when Kuen She walked away. As he made himself scarce down the path, she stood and bowed. "It was nice to meet you, Mister Yang."
By the time she straightened, decisions had been made and Kuen She had disappeared. She marched back to the SUV, and Marlow cut the music by the time she settled herself in.
Marlow looked back at her. "So? What's next?"
"Everyone's talked and apologized," Tesla stated. "I want things to slow down. But…I know that's not something that can happen." No matter how much time I need to process, it won't stop things from happening. I need to stare this in the eyes. "I have a plan. And I need help."
"This should be good," Marlow muttered.
Tesla leaned forward and placed a hand on Huang Chun's arm and Marlow's shoulder with a suspiciously sweet smile. "You, Huang Chun, are going to take me to the only place I know that can help me and then you, Marlow, are going to let Jang-ta know I request his presence."
Marlow raised an eyebrow. "Should we be worried?"
"Not at all." Tesla sat back, satisfied. "This'll be good, I promise." Her eyes glinted. "Just don't mind the screaming."
With the spring half-term recess granted, more and more people were out roaming the streets. The weather was kind enough for a stroll, but it could not hurt to hustle into a café for some good conversation and hot drinks. The lunch rush was still in full effect, with plenty of people cramming the tables. Double Trouble had all hands-on deck with so many adults and adolescents all crowding for their good food. A Starfox had their baristas keep their cool when a very rude creative director was getting upset they received foam on their latte. And Mary Jane found herself walking through all the noise with her headphones on in her denim fur jacket.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Magnolia Town
Fiore, Ishgar
12:45 PM FST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Scarlet-cerulean glinted as she listened to the soulful ballad playing. "Nagare dashita MERODI tsunai da bokura no sono te wo... Tsutsumi komu hachi-gatsu no kaze hibiki atte...!"
Nik's advice floated over the music. "Maybe…ask yourself how deeply your bond with him goes. And if that bond of yours is something you want to go even further."
Her frown deepened as she sighed and could scarcely see her breath. Is there really that much to think about? she wondered. She brought out her gloved hand to look at the knitted bracelet her mother had gifted her. Is it okay for me to even think about him…like that when I have someone else?
Vibrant greens.
Caring onyxes.
Her hand pawed at her empty neck, and a deep sense of loss hit her. I thought if I put away Igneel's scarf and that necklace…maybe I could go back to normal. But I just feel worse. Like I betrayed a friend. I promised him I wouldn't take off the necklace and I broke that promise. Scarlet-ceruleans despaired. I'm the second person he gave it to. He gave it to that special someone from his past. It meant so much to him and he gave it to me… How could I just take it off like that?
The scent of embers and spice. A warmth that touched the heart and filled the soul.
Her face fell. I don't know what to do. I have Peter. It feels wrong to think about Igneel. But… She bit her bottom lip. I just…wish Igneel was around to talk. Maybe… Maybe I could ask him—
"Ah!"
"Shit!"
Mary Jane stepped back and shook her head, a little disoriented. "Sorry," she quickly apologized. "I wasn't watching where I was going—"
"Dreyar?"
Mary Jane looked up to see Gale had been the one she had run into. "Redfox?" She rolled her eyes. "Never mind. I take back my apology."
"Well, hello to you too," Gale muttered as he adjusted his drawstring. "Watch where you're going next time, all right? Not exactly a good time for you to be legally blonde on a busy street." He moved past her.
That was when Mary Jane noticed Gale looked different from normal. His bandana was gone, with his hair gelled up and he looked like he was wearing some skinny dress pants. "Are you going on a date?" she called.
That got him to stop. He whirled around, both annoyed and confused, and stepped closer to her. "No. For your information, I have a shift at Uncle Ben's. Manager called in if I could help until the dinner rush." He shrugged. "Said sure. Not like I'm doin' much anyway outside of training." He circled a finger. "And on that note…" He turned around and walked away—
"Wait."
Gale huffed and whipped around. "Janie, as much as I love our fun flirting sessions, I really need to go—"
"You knew Igneel, right?"
Surprise took to rubies. Gale looked at Mary Jane as though he were studying her and murmured, "Not like we were best friends—"
"But you knew him." Mary Jane stepped towards him. "You knew things about him? And…" She swallowed and shifted nervously on her feet. "And…maybe…how he felt about me?"
Gale lifted his chin. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Such a dropped question was low and serious. "I can't take back what I say once I start talking. Are you sure you want to know?"
She opened her mouth, only to close it. The answer that her heart wanted came at such a price. But the answer her head came up with would lead to more questions and sleepless nights and that feeling of loss and cold. "I-I… I-I don't…know."
Gale sighed through his nose. "All right." He gestured with his head for her to come. "How about we keep things simple? You can come to Uncle Ben's and I can tell you some stories about him."
Relief relaxed Mary Jane. "Really?"
"Sure." Gale started his walk and Mary Jane fell into step with him. "I've got plenty of stories about the douchebag. He was an asshole."
Mary Jane laughed behind a hand. "My brother Nik says the same thing. I don't get it. Igneel was always so kind and nice."
"Yeah, to you and Blondie," Gale snorted. "He was more explosive than a military testing site. If you got in his way, he literally would light your ass on fire." His eyebrows raised when Mary Jane kept laughing. "You think I'm kidding? Ask my mom who had to start adding a fireproof spell to my clothes because Igneel was a nightmare."
"Stop it! No he wasn't!" Mary Jane chortled. "He's so sweet and sensitive."
"He was a vile son of a bitch," Gale said, voice flat. "He was terrifying when we were kids." He shook his head. "You're just lucky you never knew him back then. Dude was mad strong, but he was just…horrifying." He scowled. "And he would never let me be around Blondie."
Mary Jane bumped his arm with her elbow. "He was just being a protective brother."
"I'm a protective brother of my sister too, but damn, Livy would have my ass if I beat up whoever she liked," Gale muttered. "I'd pick flowers for her and the son of a bitch would burn them and tell her he can pick her better flowers over 'Stupid Redfox'."
• — • — •
A chibi-young Gale was left frozen and horrified when all the wildflowers he had plucked fell to ash and smoke.
"Hey. Stupid Redfox." Child Igneel stood before the curious little Luna with those eyes of his a flaming green and his fist ablaze. "No one gives my sister sissy flowers. I can pick way better flowers than your dumbass can!"
• — • — •
"I'd try to share my snack with her," Gale raved, "and he'd just eat it and give her, like, a buffet instead!"
• — • — •
NOM-NOM!
Shadows covered chibi-Child Gale's eyes as he watched in disbelief as Child Igneel polished off his plate and let out a burp. "Hey, Stupid Redfox. Your food tastes like shit." He smirked as little Luna salivated over the mountainous portion she had been given. "Thanks to me, Lu can eat whatever she wants and doesn't have to eat your shitty food."
A wild scream tore up the scene. "Igneel! Did you just steal half our dinner?"
• — • — •
"It was horrible," Gale lamented. "Blondie barely bailed me out!"
"She loves her brother, Gale," Mary Jane reminded. "Sorry, but blood tops potential boyfriend hands-down."
"Oh, yeah?" Gale held up a finger. "Well once, she actually did yell at Igneel for being horrible to me. And it was the best day of my life," he recalled. "It was for her birthday and I had worked really hard to get her a new camera. She was so excited for it and she hugged me. Igneel tried to destroy and argue he would've done better."
He clapped his hands and shook his head. "Blondie stormed right up to him with her finger all in his face and said something like." He pitched up his voice and mocked, " 'Iggy, I'll never forgive you if you hurt Gale because he gave me a pretty camera and I love it. If you hurt him, you're not my brother anymore'."
Mary Jane cracked up. "Poor Igneel!"
"'Igneel!" Gale looked at her like she was crazy. "Don't have sympathy for him! He deserved it! And Blondie gave me this huge kiss on the cheek and promised me from that day, I was her favorite person ever and Igneel couldn't be mean to me." He snorted. "Yeah, he wasn't mean to me…in public. All that fun banter was fun and games until we weren't around anyone." He rubbed his jaw. "He punches like a motherfucker. He hated it whenever I was around Blondie."
"To be fair, you antagonized him a lot," Mary Jane quipped.
"He started it," Gale said in his defense. He rolled his eyes when Mary Jane arched an eyebrow. "Okay, well, I might've start shit some of the time, but that's normal!"
Mary Jane teased, "Best friends often give each other a hard time."
"We were never friends," Gale growled, cheeks flushed. "We tolerated each other for Blondie's sake. I treated her well, he wouldn't go firecracker on my ass. I don't understand how Uncle Natsu is okay with me, but Igneel is a whole, different story."
Mary Jane hummed in thought. "Maybe he isn't, but he's just playing civil for now."
Gale froze. "Shit."
°•°•°•°
DING-A-LING!
Pizzeria Da Domo had never had a big lobby and that showed as families and couples and friends alike crowded the lobby with their vibrating pucks that alerted them their table was ready while others placed their name and number down and left to wait out at someplace warm. Gale jostled Mary Jane through the crowd and offered the relieved hostess a kiss on the cheek before he nudged Mary Jane inside.
"Wow…" She took a look around. Every table packed in guests as waiters navigated up and down with authentic Stellian recipes on trays. "This place has as much energy as Fairy Tail…"
"For sure." Gale led her into the depths of the pizzeria. The bar area was not as shoulder-to-shoulder cramped, but that did not mean it was not busy. He settled her into a booth meant for one person per booth. "Here. Sit tight." He tapped the QR code. "Menu's on here, but I can get you one if you want. Food and drinks are on me."
"You don't have to—"
"Shut it. Igneel would kill me if I made you pay." Gale shrugged when Mary Jane looked at him in disbelief. "What can I say? Dude was a lot more protective of you than you realize, Janie." He tipped his head. "You ready to know how much?"
Mary Jane grimaced.
Gale clapped her shoulder. "I'll be back soon. Let me clock in and get set up. Figure out what you want to—"
"Mimmo!"
Mary Jane's eyes widened in alarm when Gale choked when a strong arm wrapped around his neck and he was lifted off the ground. Oh my god!
"Oi!" Gale hit the man on his round belly to be let down and muttered, "Cosa stai cercando di fo, uccidermi?" He jerked a thumb at the man and told Mary Jane, "This is Uncle Ben, the owner of this fine establishment and the man trying to murder me."
"Ah, chetassi, mimmo," Uncle Ben scolded. "Ero preoccupato per il mio nipote testardo dopo che hai cacciato la te bellissima ragazza."
Gale colored. "Ci sto lavorando, ok? E non è la mia ragazza." In Minstrish, he said, "Uncle Ben, this is Mary Jane Dreyar. She's from Fairy Tail with me and needed a pick-me up."
"Ah!" Uncle Ben took Mary Jane's hands and frivolously shook them. "It's-a nice to meet you! Any-a friend of mimmo's is-a welcome here!" Without Gale's permission, Uncle Ben asked, worried, "Have-a you seen Mimmo's girl-a-friend? She has-a not-a been here in a while—"
"She's not my girlfriend!" Gale growled, though he looked redder than a tomato. "I need to clock in." And he stomped away, grumbling.
Uncle Ben sighed as he wiped his hands on his apron. "That-a boy… He is-a a stubborn one."
"Very much." Mary Jane offered him a friendly smile. "It's nice to meet you, Uncle Ben. My family has gotten your pizza before to order in, but I've never been here in person. It's so lively here and energetic!"
Uncle Ben smiled. "You will have-a to thank my wife for that." He gestured to the area. "Please, eat, drink, and be merry. Ask-a any of the servers for anything, signora. And-a don't-a mind mimmo." He winked. "I-a know if he-a sees his tesoro, he may have a better—how you say?—attitude." His smile widened when Mary Jane laughed. "It was-a nice to meet you, signora."
"You too!" Once Uncle Ben was gone, Mary Jane pulled out her Compact and opened her ⟪ Camera ⟫ to scan in the menu. I didn't even know Gale worked at a place like this. Then again, it's not like we're friends. We just saw each other at the guild. And our only connection was—
Warm onyx.
Mary Jane's elbows dropped. I just have so many questions and their answers… She sighed. Maybe…I'm not ready for them.
°•°•°•°
Luna thanked the troller driver who smiled back and threw Dog Form Icarus a treat. She smiled a little when Icarus gobbled it up and lifted a paw in his canine farewell before she took his leash and they integrated with the pedestrians.
"You're such a good boy," Luna cooed in teasing. "You never do paw tricks at home."
I also am not required to wear such an offensive garment, Icarus huffed. I deserve rewards for being called 'such a good doggy'. Dog? Bah! I used to be a Guardian among these mortals!
Luna giggled. Now you're my guardian. Is that so bad?
Well, you would be easier to keep track of than the mortals I used to keep watch of back when if you were not so stubborn, Icarus teased.
Hey! I'm not stubborn!
Icarus snorted and glanced back at her. Were you my cub, I would have sat on you in the den so you would stop moving against my wishes. Always like pups. Always wanting to stick your noses into everything. He shook his fur. It drove me mad.
Luna smiled. Could you tell me what you used to be the Guardian of?
A race that no longer exists, Icarus told her with a resigned sadness. I blessed them with the ability to shift into what I am. But…they are gone now. Or should one of them exist, I lost the ability to smell their Spirit. After my disgrace caused my fall…I have no connection to the lives I guarded and defended.
That's horrible, Luna thought. She stroked Icarus' side. I'm so sorry, Icarus.
Do not feel sadness. I have…accepted my fate, Icarus promised. And I have you to care for love like my own. It is why when you mentioned Báihǔ, I felt a kinship. He still has my respect. I hope in whatever consequences he faced from the betrayal, that he found solace in having his own cub.
I hope so too, Luna wished. No one should be lonely like that. I hope Mister Báihǔ is still happy, wherever he is. She frowned. Are you really sure I couldn't meditate and find him?
Icarus sighed. I suppose you could, but finding one Spirit is difficult without something with their energy you can follow. He rooted himself to that country Zhōnguá. You would most likely have to find his land and a shrine. There, you would be able to find him easier. And even then, should a Guardian deny you passage into their realm, it is almost impossible to break into it. Doing so may cause disrespect.
I don't want to be disrespectful, Luna murmured. I don't know. I felt…weird seeing his statue, you know?
You are also part of the Heartfilia Clan, a clan of powerful women notorious for walking alongside the Spirits. You have been able to enter and exit the Spirit Realm at will. You even entered Nayda's realm without her permission. You have power. Icarus offered her a puzzled regard.
Luna looked at him strangely. What?
It is most curious, Icarus thought. Upon meeting you, I knew you were strongly connected to the Spirits. Your power is one no one can deny. Yet…you are not a beacon of that power. One has to be in range to sense your abilities when, normally, a power like yours would be felt by greater lives across an entire realm.
Luna touched her arm. And…that's bad… People will try to get me then.
You misunderstand, Pup. Because you are in range, you are shielded, Icarus soothed. I am sure there are assumptions about your abilities, yes, but those on the side of Anti-Life who never knew of your parents are also unaware of your abilities. This is good. You are protecting yourself from harm.
How? Luna questioned. I'm not doing anything. At least, I don't think.
It may be an instinct, Icarus presumed. It is rare, but some cubs instinctively know how to defend themselves without being cognizant. Perhaps that is it.
Luna was not so sure. Yeah… Maybe… She shrunk into herself as her stomach churned. Can we go home now? I'm sure you've enjoyed your walk, Icarus, come on. She tugged at his leash in the hopes he would stop.
Icarus, however, kept walking and yanked her with him. I am walking you, Pup, he corrected. He felt her anxiety and discomfort and soothed her, We shall return home soon, Pup, I promise. But a walk will do you some good. He paused (much to Luna's annoyance) and took a deep sniff. What is that glorious smell?
Smell? What do you—? "Ah!"
Luna nearly tripped when Icarus pounded away across the street and almost dislocated her arm from her shoulder at his impressive strength. "Icarus! Icarus, slow down!" she called. "Heel!" She bumped into something and sheepishly said, "Sorry!"
"Watch that dog!"
Luna wanted to say she was trying to, but she could not say anything when Icarus dragged her down another street corner. She grabbed onto a pole and grunted when she was torn between stopping Icarus and hanging on. "Icarus!" she snapped. "Heel! You're hurting me!"
Icarus stopped and lowered his head as he turned to her, whining his apologies. I apologize, Pup. He came towards her and nudged her only to lower his head more when she turned away from him. This Dog Form makes me feel more like a dog than I suppose. He grew into his Natural Form (and onlookers gaped) and nuzzled his jaw to the side of her face, even when she turned her cheek. I did not mean to hurt you, Pup. Please forgive me.
"We'll see," Luna muttered. "What were you smelling?"
Icarus stepped aside and gestured with his head.
Luna peeked past him and perked a little. "That's what you smelled? Uncle Ben's place?"
You know this restaurant?
"Uh, yeah. Before Margaret Town, I went here a lot with Gale. Plus, Mama and Papa order from here for pizza night. It's the best pizza ever." Luna cocked her head as a wistful smile toyed on her lips. I wonder how Uncle Ben is doing. He's also so happy. Her smile faded. I haven't seen him in a while…
PEKO-PEKO…
Luna rubbed her grumbling stomach. And I am hungry. She patted Icarus' side. "Why don't we get something to eat?" She pointed at him in warning. "You have to stay in this form and stay outside, though. If you're good, I'll buy you a whole pizza and boneless wings just for you. Won't Actaeon and Lelantos be jealous, huh?"
Icarus pranced a little and licked her cheek. Oh, yes, they will be. And I will have great pleasure in taunting them my mistress is better. He quickly added, Though I have utmost respect for Queen Lucy.
Luna giggled. "Come on." She held onto the side of Icarus' saddle as they made it down the cul-de-sac to get to the pizzeria. After Luna amusedly giving the command for Icarus to sit and him doing so, she moved inside and felt bombarded at the humid warmth and all the people. Oh, that's right. It's lunch hour, isn't it? She squeezed into the small lobby, but she grimaced seeing all the people. I hope waiting for to-go won't be too long. She hopped on over to the bar.
The hostess was ready for her spiel. "Hi! Welcome to Pizzeria Da Domo. Are you ordering to-go, picking up an order, or would you like to come inside for your meal today?"
"Um, placing a to-go order, please."
"Great!" The waitress pointed at the bar. "Just go over there and wait in the 'to-go' area indicated by the signage and someone will be right with you."
Luna offered her thanks and headed over. She said her fair bit of excuse me and sorry before she managed to get into the sunken-in bar area. The signs were easy to follow with to-go placement right in a corner of the bar with menu offerings. It's really crowded. Good for Uncle Ben. She flipped open the menu. What to get? Maybe I should text home if anyone wants anything. Luke, Papa, Igne—
She caught herself.
Right. She flipped the page with sadness in her eyes. Just us now.
"Luna?"
Confused, Luna turned around to see— "Mary Jane?"
Mary Jane was across the way at a two-person privacy booth with her carbonara, two slices of pizza, and fries all for her lonesome, but those scarlet-ceruleans gleamed merrily seeing Luna. "Hey! Come on over and sit!" Then she realized what was happening. "Oh, but you're ordering…"
"No, I can sit." As Luna crossed over, she thought to her Celestial Spirit, Mary Jane's here. Is it okay if we talk?
Do not mind me, Pup. Icarus linked his contentment to her. Take your time and speak to your friend.
"So, what's going on?" Mary Jane asked. "I texted you a little after Heart's day and, um…" She sighed. "Look, I just wanted to say—"
"I'm sorry. / I'm sorry."
Both girls looked at each other in disbelief.
"What are you sorry for?" Luna asked. She rubbed her arm. "I was the one not being nice and saying all those things… I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have asked you something like that, Mary Jane. It wasn't right."
"No, it was," Mary Jane soothed. "I was the one pushing the issue about Bleu and Gale on you when I knew that's a complicated topic." She gauged Luna's reaction when she winced. "And it's still a sensitive topic now."
"No, it's…" Luna gripped her arm. "It's not, um… We…actually broke up that night, so…"
"Oh." Mary Jane's eyebrows disappeared into her bangs. "Oh my god." Concern pushed out her shock. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? What do you need?"
"No, no, I'm…I'm fine." Luna swallowed. "It was coming, anyway. And things are still complicated, so…" She shrugged her shoulders, glancing at Mary Jane before glancing away. "Yeah. That's…where I'm at right now." She hurried forth before Mary Jane could offer any pity, "So, um… Ho-How did things with you and Peter go on Heart's Day? I saw your Insta. I'm happy you had fun."
Scarlet-blues went downcast. "Yeah, it…it was fun."
Luna frowned when she sensed the heaviness in Mary Jane's tone. "What happened? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Mary Jane tried to deny with a shake of her head. But she reconsidered her bluff under Luna's concern. "No, no, it's just…" She picked at her knitted bracelet. "I guess… I'm in that boat as you were in with Gale and Bleu with…"
"With Peter and my brother?"
Mary Jane grimaced. "A little. Maybe. No? I don't know. I'm…confused." She pushed her plate of carbonara to Luna. "Eat this." She arched an eyebrow when Luna looked perplexed. "I'm serious. I don't want to eat all those carbs right now while I'm confused."
"Well…" Luna took the fork with hunger in her eyes. "If you insist…"
Faint amusement tickled Mary Jane over how Luna inhaled her food, but it died off quickly. "Can I ask you something about Igneel?"
Luna positively hummed.
"What was…? What was he like back then? With the girl he was in love with?"
Luna slowed in her eating to contemplate. "Well…" She slurped her mouthful and grabbed a napkin to blot around her mouth. "Igneel was pretty mean to a lot of people."
"Oh." Mary Jane's eyebrow twitched. "Is…? Is that right?" Even the sweetest of that family still thought he was mean. Guess it really is true.
Chibi-Igneel appeared with a wink and a thumbs-up. "Remember, MJ, I was almost a felon!"
Mary Jane sweatdropped. Maybe he wasn't lying about that…
"He was always nice to me," Luna clarified. "He just…wasn't nice to everyone else. I only knew about the girl he liked because he told me how she told him stories about Peter Pan and Neverland and she even came up with stories about him. He really wanted me to meet her, but I was too small." She pouted. "He was such a hypocrite. I told him I was big enough to go with him, but he told me it wasn't safe."
Mary Jane chuckled. "He might've been right about that," she supposed. "How did you know he liked her?"
"He always talked about her," Luna remembered. "He was always so blushy when I asked him if she was his princess. He told me she wasn't a princess. She was a goddess."
Mary Jane stiffened. "A…goddess?"
"You're a goddess, MJ." Igneel's honest words filled her ears. "And you should be treated like one."
A minor throb spread onto her temple with enough pain to make her touch it. My head…
"He said she was beautiful and amazing and smelled really good," Luna listed with a snort. "And, I guess, she made these macaroons he went crazy for. She always bandaged him up. I'm pretty sure she was the reason he heavily got into comic books and manga and he supported me about Magia." She took in another forkful. "I don't know. He was pretty much in love, from what I remember, and then…"
Mary Jane caught that off-note. "And then?"
"I don't know." Luna offered a one-shouldered shrug. "One day, I woke up and Igneel was just…sad. He wouldn't really talk to anyone. He slept a lot and he wouldn't eat. I think he was depressed. I gave him a lot of hugs and he'd eat a little if I asked him to, but he was just so sad no matter what we did. And then Gary visited him. Gary visited him a lot back then. And then Igneel acted like a whole new person."
"Really?" Mary Jane shifted. "Do you think he became depressed because the girl he loved died?"
"She didn't die," Luna insisted. But she hesitated. "I mean… Igneel…said she was gone, but I couldn't believe she died. It didn't seem possible to me. I don't know. It took him a while to have that spark in his eye."
"And it came back because Gary visited?"
Luna shook her head. "It was because…" She glanced up at Mary Jane. "Well, it was because at the guild…he saw you."
"Me?" That took Mary Jane back. "But… But I was so…cruel to him."
"Maybe, but…" Luna set down her fork as her regard turned gentle. "Maybe it's none of my business or anything. I don't know. But… There wasn't a day that went by that Igneel wouldn't visit you, Mary Jane. I know you weren't friendly towards him back then. I know that. But he cared about you a lot. Like…a lot a lot. He even left you his " Chocolates glinted. "Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
Mary Jane opened her mouth, but her words failed her for a moment. Instead, she weakly supposed, "Maybe?" And the throb in her head socked her harder to the point she contorted.
"Mary Jane?" Luna reached a hand to hold Mary Jane's. "Are you okay?"
A flood of numbing relief combatted the throb until nothing remained. "Yes, I'm fine." Mary Jane offered her a feeble smile. "I'm good. Thanks, though."
"Sure." Luna smiled. "Anytime."
A new voice drawled, "Janie, I'm telling you, you really should've gotten the…"
Both young ladies looked up, though Luna was more shocked than anything. "Gale?"
Gale had dead-stopped with a look of astonishment pressed on his face. "Blondie?" His lashes fluttered as he remembered to breathe and coughed into a fist. "Uh… Hi."
"Yeah." Luna flushed a little. "Hi."
Mary Jane could only grin as she looked between the two of them and drawled in good humor, "Both of you have such wonderful conversation skills, don't you?"
Gale rubbed his neck, blushing, while Luna ducked her head away, shy. Gale glanced at her and gestured to the carbonara. "Do you, uh…like the food?"
"Yeah." Luna smiled slightly. "This place is always delicious, um…" She gestured to him. "So you're, um…you're working today?"
"Swing shift," Gale explained as he put his hands in his pocket. "Thought I'd help out with the lunch rush."
"That's nice." Luna glanced down at her bracelet to see her moonstone flirtatiously glowing. Her eyes widened. "My bracelet."
Gale jolted. "That's right." He showed her his wrist. Sunstone had wrapped around and flaunted its sheen to the moonstone. "Thought a band might be a little bit too much this time around. So I decided to match you. You know." He coughed into a fist when his ears went red. "It's whatever."
"It's sweet." Chocolates softened. "It's really sweet, Gale."
Rubies gentled. "Thanks. Glad you like it."
Mary Jane looked back and forth between them in high mirth until she forced a cough. "Well. This has been a riveting conversation." Her grin broadened when both flushed and looked away from each other. "Gale, Luna was telling me that she's recently single."
Luna looked at her in panic. "What? No, I wasn't!"
"You're not dating him anymore?" Gale questioned, astonished. His eyes, then, narrowed in anger. "Did that bastard hurt you?"
"No, he didn't," Luna rushed to assure. "Really, I'm okay. It's just…complicated." Though, she threw that word grittily toward a too-smug-for-her-own-good Mary Jane. With a huff, she rolled her eyes at a furious Gale and instantly softened. "Gale, really, I'm okay. I'm fine."
Gale clenched his jaw. "If you say so, Blondie." He pointed at her. "Just know that asshole lost one helluva a perfect princess when he lost you and didn't put up a fight. You were too good for him. Guy was too cocky and clearly not trustworthy. You're better off without him."
Luna giggled. "You've been waiting to say all that, huh?"
"Yeah, and I got a lot more," Gale grunted. He grinned a little when Luna laughed. "You like that?"
Mary Jane cut in, "Yes, she does and you can tell her all about it later when you walk her home after you're finished with your shift and she's done eating with me."
Both looked comically stricken and started up their awkward excuses—
"Cara mia!"
Luna was dragged out of anxiety when Uncle Ben came over, and she could not help but smile. "Hi, Uncle Ben!"
"Cara mia, I have-a missed your presence!" Uncle Ben cried as he clapped Gale's shoulder. "You-a make-a Mimmo suffer because he did something bad, right?" He smacked Gale upside the head and said in Stellian, "Faresti meglio a fo pace con la te ragazza. È bella e intelligente. Potrebbe lasciarti per qualche teppista!"
"Ow!" Gale rubbed the back of his head and muttered, "Non è la mia ragazza." Rubies settled onto curious chocolates. "Ma forse un giorno lo sarà."
Luna was unsure what was said, but her eyes shied away as her cheeks pinkened.
Uncle Ben boomed with laughter. "Cara mia, it is-a good to see you! You have-a brightened my place!"
"Thank you, Uncle Ben, but I should go," Luna said in apology. "My dog is outside and—"
"You bring-a your Butch, yes? Bring him around the back-a. He will eat-a too!"
"Oh." Luna was flustered. "W-Well—"
"That's perfect!" Mary Jane intervened. "Gale can get Icarus while Luna, you can eat with me and wait until Gale's shift is over! Everyone wins!"
I like her, Icarus chimed in.
Luna growled, Be quiet.
"Yes, I agree!" Uncle Ben patted Luna's hands. "Cara mia, you-a stay here with signora and we will-a make sure you don't-a go home without a full belly like mine! Mimmo, go fetch-a Butch and make sure he's fed." He clapped his hands. "I will be back-a with more food!"
Mary Jane grinned as Uncle Ben moved away. "I like him. He's amazing." She looked between the pair. "So… This is a done deal, yeah? I mean, after all, Gale wouldn't try to ditch you because I'm pretty sure he abandoned you once with a guy he didn't trust and that's completely irresponsible of him to do so to such a beautiful young lady."
Gale twitched. You know, those two psychos belong together. He could imagine a demonic-chibi Igneel and a smug chibi-Mary Jane taunting him.
"He doesn't have to," Luna admonished. "I have Icarus an-and we really shouldn't be seen together." Her stare dropped to the table. "I don't want to force him into being around me, so it's really okay, Mary Jane. Please, just let it go."
Mary Jane frowned. Luna… Scarlet-ceruleans darted to glower at Gale who balked.
"No, Blondie, that's not it at all! I—!" Gale sighed and turned around to come closer to her. "Look. I'd be more than happy to walk you home after my shift, all right?"
Luna shook her head as she rubbed her arm. "You don't have to—"
"I want to."
Luna found her chin lifted and sad chocolates clashed with affectionate rubies.
"I want to, principessa," Gale murmured. "Trust and believe that I want to spend time with you, okay?" He held out his hand. "Now gimme that delicate hand of yours, come on." He smiled when Luna did so. "Good princess." He bent down to press a kiss on her fingertips.
A bright cherry red spanked her cheeks. "Gale—!"
"What?" Gale shot her a grin, all fangs and charm. "I didn't do anything wrong, did I, Blondie? Not like you're taken, right?"
"You…!" Luna glanced at a mirthful Mary Jane and swallowed down any weak retorts she had.
Gale chuckled as he pulled away. "You know, Janie, I think you just might have some good ideas."
"Baby, I always have good ideas," Mary Jane told him with a loaded smirk. "You're just smart enough to finally listen to them." She crossed her legs and shooed him. "Run along. You can go back to flirting once you're finished with your shift. And I expect payment in full, thanks, for arranging this little…rendezvous."
Luna flushed more while Gale snickered and mocking bowed to Mary Jane. "But of course, my humble goddess, who I live to serve." He winked at Luna before he walked away.
"Oh, I'm loving this," Mary Jane decided and took the helm of her drink. "The Beauty and the Beast. Classic."
Luna shot her a sour but abashed look. "You're evil," she muttered. "I thought you were my friend? And I doubt Igneel would be okay with this."
"Please. You can't hide behind him." Mary Jane took a swig of her drink. "And if at any point Igneel tries to get in the way, I'll be right there to reign him in. It's fine, Luna." She simpered when Luna still did not look all that happy about this, but she saw that little giddy smile Luna sent to herself. This girl… She sipped her drink some more. Well, Igneel, you'll have to deal that your baby sister really likes a guy you hate or you'll have to answer to me. After all…
Her hand found no purchase when she pawed at the empty space on her clavicle where the necklace would be.
…I guess I'm the girl who put that glint back into your eyes.
Carlisle had his eyes sparkling. "Cool…!" He tugged at Dante's hand. "Look, Dante, look!"
Dante chuckled. "I'm looking, I'm looking."
The indoor convention hall they had arrived at was larger than a football (soccer) field with all the creations involved in their own little booths and stages. Innovative and revolution were the main themes of this event, as magi-engineering technology streamlined everything.
Someone was giving a live presentation about how they could recreate trains through their holographic outline. A perk young woman had scores of attention as she showed off her patented "broom bikes", and the man who looked to be her partner looked proud as could be as she shook the audience to the core with her invention. Another person dressed in a psychedelic tie was explaining his team's efforts to improve Lacrima Cars with automatic sensors and self-driving technology.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Rose Garden Convention Center
Rose Garden City
Fiore, Ishgar
1:19 PM FST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Carlisle was fawning over everything he saw with childish wonder and was more than eager to collect those little pens and keychains and pamphlets each booth offered. Dante took his time while Carlisle ooh-ed and aah-ed to ask questions, grab business cards, and even talk shop with a few more-than-interested engineers who had heard of him, the youngest Enchanter alive.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« The event Carlisle and Dante are at is called ILLUMINATE Expo, a magi-engineering showcase that brings about magi-engineers and Enchanters from across the globe to display their work, host interviews, and a great place for those enrolled into Magi-Engineering schools to find places for apprenticeships. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Dante shook the hand of a brilliant woman with a power-suit and lavender hair just as Carlisle came back bounding over with his event bag filled with more little knickknacks. Dante chuckled when he saw Carlisle had acquired a headband. "Having fun?"
"You bet! This is so cool!" Carlisle cheered. "I would've never been able to do all this by watching a documentary!"
Dante took his hand and guided him away. "I'm glad you liked it. I was afraid you might be bored."
"How could I be bored when all this art is around me?" Carlisle questioned, fascinated. "This is incredible! Human beings are constantly trying to inspire change for the efficiency of others and they bring together science and art to do so! It's really neat!" He sparkled as he looked up at Dante. "You're so cool to do this every day!"
Dante's neck reddened. "It's not that big of a deal," he tried to downplay. "But thank you."
"Of course!" Carlisle took out the sucker he had plucked from a booth a while ago and decided it was time for a sugary snack. He pouted when Dante eyed it warily. "Just one?"
Dante sighed. "Fine. One."
"Yay!" Carlisle unwrapped it and popped it in this mouth. His lips twitched when he saw interest in Dante's face. "Mind out of the gutter, Prince."
Dante watched Carlisle's tongue flatten across the sucker and drag upwards. "For now."
Carlisle rolled his eyes. "Anyway. What have you been talking about with all those people?"
"I have a pretty good rapport in the Magi-Engineering community since I'm an Enchanter," Dante explained. "Normally, Enchanters don't go the Magi-Engineering route, but I did. So I'm building up contacts. My portfolio and who I worked under speak for themselves. If I wanted to, I could quit the garage and work at any one of these firms."
"Why don't you?"
"Flexibility," Dante said. "The money would be good, of course, and the firms would be willing to make sure I finish school, but I like having additional flexibility. Plus, the overtime would be ridiculous and my starting point wouldn't be as hands-on until I got my degree." He shrugged. "I could throw my previous mentor's name around if I was that desperate enough, but thankfully, I'll graduate early since I'm an Enchanter."
"Huh." Carlisle swung their hands. "Where's your mentor now?"
"Retired. She wasn't supposed to take any students. She had retired from the community a while back. But I met her and begged her for a chance, so she took me on. She was pretty revolutionary in Enchanting."
Carlisle smiled. "I can't imagine you begging for anything, Prince."
"Brat." Dante bumped his shoulder. "It was a long time ago. I owe her a lot." He glanced around. I wonder how she would like all this. It's been a while since I've seen her in person.
"Oh my god, it's him!"
Dante and Carlisle paused when they saw a woman pointing in their direction with very excited eyes and a happy beam on her face. As she charged over, Dante muttered, "I should just hide you at this point."
Carlisle offered a sheepish laugh. "To be fair, I didn't think I'd have any fans here of all places."
"Oh, it's so nice to meet you!"
To both of their surprises, the woman had cornered Dante as she vigorously shook his hand with sparkles all around her.
"Uh…" Dante exchanged a confused look with Carlisle. "It's nice to meet you as well, but… Are you sure you have the right person?"
"Hell yes I do!" the woman chirped. "You're Dante, right? Youngest Enchanter to have ever been certified? You were the apprentice to—"
"That's me, yeah," Dante confirmed. "I'm sorry. Have we met before?"
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I just got so excited!" The woman stepped back and brushed back her hair. "I'm Asuna, the creator behind Broom Bikes. It's an honor to meet you, young man!" She shouted over her shoulder. "Oswald, get over here! It's him!" She whispered to both Carlisle and Dante, "Excuse him. He's cranky because he actually had to leave his DAL."
Oswald came over all dressed in a button-down in contrast to his typical jersey and a flare of affection was in his eyes when he looked at Asuna. "You can't just leave your booth, Asuna."
"Yeah, yeah." Asuna gestured to Dante. "But look who I found! It's him!"
Oswald must have recognized Dante when a flicker of interest entered his stare. "Dante Princeton-O'Neill." He held out a hand. "Oswald. It's nice to meet you."
Dante shook it. "You as well, sir." He nudged Carlisle. "This is my boyfriend, Carlisle."
"It's nice to meet you both," Carlisle helloed.
Oswald nodded while Asuna's smile broadened. "You too!" She turned her focus back to Dante. "Sorry for rushing over. Your name is pretty popular since you were the final and only personal student of The Forge. No one ever thought she would take a student again before you and then you became an Enchanter so young!" Her smile turned rueful. "It's safe to say your talent is being sought after by many people here."
Dante laughed. "I've been shaking some hands, yes."
"Is it too bold enough for me to hope that you haven't taken up any of the offers you've gotten?" Asuna hoped.
Dante shook his head while Carlisle frowned and took out his Compact. "I'm sorry. I'm not looking for an additional Magi-Engineering internship."
"That's completely okay!" Asuna was quick to soothe. "But you would be interested in more of a…partnership?"
Before Dante could answer, Carlisle tapped his arm and whispered, "Tantan's calling. I'll be right back." Under Dante's nod, he strolled away and answered the call before it could go to voicemail. "Hi, Tantan. What's up? Everything okay?"
"Everything is fine, Carlisle-po," Aphtan assured. "But I'm calling because I wanted to confirm the make-up looks I sent you. I want everything to be perfect for your burlesque segment."
"I didn't realize you sent them. Hold on, let me look." Carlisle took down his Compact to scroll through his ⟪ Messages ⟫, but then—
GA!
"Ow…!" Carlisle rubbed his arm. "Ah, sorry, I wasn't…" He blinked at who had he run into. "Hold on. Aren't you my brother's friend, I think? Cal?"
Cal looked out of place at such an event in his pleather jacket and heirloom watch, but he offered Carlisle a quick yet nervous smile. "Yeah, I'm Christophe's frat brother. You're Carlisle. Sorry about that. I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Neither was I, so you're good," Carlisle soothed. He glanced around in contempt. "Is Chrissy here too?"
"Oh, um, no. Christophe is back on campus," Cal explained. "I just came here by myself." He nodded at Carlisle. "Are you here by yourself too or…?"
"Oh, nope!" Carlisle shook his head and pointed to where Dante was engaged in a lively conversation with Asuna. "My boyfriend is over here. We're here for him and to explore Rose Garden, of course. But this is a really cool event!" He smiled at Christophe. "You have an excellent choice in a hobby. I could never do all this science-y stuff."
Cal chuckled, but it sounded strained. "No, no, I'm, um… I'm just a spectator." He gestured to Dante. "So that's your boyfriend? Christophe said you got into a relationship after you won the Cup. Oh, uh, congratulations to both, by the way. That's exciting."
"Thank you!" Carlisle appreciated. "Winning the Cup was definitely a rush, but having Dante as a boyfriend feels like even more of a win, y'know?" He cocked his head when he saw something pass through Cal's face. Instantly, his mood darkened. "It's okay if you're like Preston and get uncomfortable I'm pan. I get it. You're Christophe's friend."
Cal looked stricken at the implication and hurried to assure, "No, no, it's nothing like that! I'm not like that, I promise!" He rubbed the back of his neck. "No, um… Christophe had told us you had a hard recovery from an ex of yours, so I wanted to ask politely how you've been doing. I didn't mean to…"
"Oh." Now Carlisle felt bad. "No, that's okay. Sorry for my assumption." He shrugged. "Yeah, Zack was horrible, but what can you do? I wouldn't put it as a 'hard recovery' or anything." He frowned. Why would Christophe even talk about me to his friends? I always hope he just forgets I exist.
"Right. But, um… No, Christophe meant another ex," Cal awkwardly brought up. "He said that's why he was coming home since he wanted to make sure Dante was a good person since you had trouble with bad ex?"
Carlisle nodded. "Oh, I see what you mean." What's he playing? "Yeah. I was at a pretty low point before, but I've worked on myself. And Dante's a great human being. There's nothing to worry about." He casually mentioned, "Did Christophe say anything else about that ex?"
Cal offered a nonchalant shrug, but it looked jerky. "Not that much. He said the guy was just a horrible person all around, and your mom has been protective of you for it."
"Well, he's not wrong," Carlisle laughed. "Maman certainly is protective." Hardness solidified in sea-greens frocked with violet. I never told Christophe Hunter's gender. Back then, he didn't even know I was pan and assumed I was straight. He sized up Cal. So he's trying to fish information from me or make conversation? There's an off energy coming from him. Probing his mind might set something off. He smiled. "Well, it was good seeing you, Cal, but I shouldn't leave Tantan on the Com for so long."
"Oh, right." Cal nodded. "Nice to see you, Carlisle."
"You too." Carlisle walked away. The moment he was out of earshot, he put the Compact back to his ear and said, "Sorry about that, Tantan, but would you mind if I call you back? I need to call Lucy for a second."
"Did he hurt you?"
"No." Carlisle glanced over his shoulder. "He just asked questions about my ex."
"Was he wearing his watch?"
"A watch?" Carlisle frowned as he thought it over. "No. I didn't see a watch at least." Five beats of silence left him worried. "Tantan? What is it?"
"Nothing, Carlisle-po. Call me back once you're finished talking to Lucy."
"But—!" Carlisle pouted when Aphtan hung up. So rude. He dialed Bleu's number still and only had to wait a few seconds until the call picked up. "Hey. Are you free right now?"
A pause. "I have some guests with me," Bleu said with an air of caution. "But they're from a competing company. Could you give me a summary and call me back when I have some more free time to listen?"
Carlisle caught on. "Yeah, sure. It's nothing major. Just feeling weepy over my ex and was hoping you could come over late and bring me some ice cream?"
"Of course. I'll text you when I'm on my way."
"Okay. Bye." Carlisle ended the call with worry sprouting butterflies in his stomach. Lucy was speaking with Demons again. I hope he knows what he's doing. Luther and his brother might be kind, but… He shook his head. No, I can't think like that. Lucy knows what he's doing. And I can't judge them… Not without judging myself. He smiled when a text from Luna dropped him.
« Are you sure I can't come to the burlesque show? I really want to see your routine and meet your boyfriend! »
Carlisle typed back:
« Sweet summer child, that burlesque show will kill your innocence. No. »
Even without Lucy there by her side, his father still took interest. I did all that I could on a moment's notice to shield her. But I couldn't use my full power without being a beacon myself. Which means, in this state, Lucy's dad could see through everything. Carlisle sighed. What am I doing to do? I have to do something. He kept scrolling until he found the one name he still was unsure of.
KYLER WILSON
Marlow had her hands in her jacket's pockets as she stood before the plum blossom pathway. The crowning pavilion looked empty all around, but she knew better as she walked down the path. The lanterns had been lit and, even though the doors had been closed, she had no fear as she walked up the steps and opened up one of the doors. A jaded young man settled in deep medication was at the center of the stone flooring.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Méihuā Tíng (Lit. Plum Blossom Pavilion)
Sīchóu Province
Zhōnguá, Sela
4:34 PM SST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Marlow came forth until she stood next to Jaxton. "I like her," she declared in a casual tone. "She's young, but she shows a lot of promise." Those yellow-greens flashed down to Jaxton. "If she wasn't with you, I might've sniffed at her."
Jaxton tensed.
"But," Marlow added, "she's more your style. She's very extroverted and bold." She added in light jest, "And she has a huge thing with that Aaron Gray from Dawn. You might have some competition with the way she speaks about him."
Jaxton refused to leave his position, but he grunted, "What do you want?"
"Your torment is payment enough," Marlow supposed, flat. She lifted an eyebrow when a growl rumbled from his throat. "Aside from that, I'm not here to pity you."
"Then why are you here, Marlow?"
"At first?" Marlow shrugged. "Your father called me. He felt Tesla might want my presence over yours."
Jaxton opened his eyes, furious. "Of course he would say that," he rumbled.
"But is he wrong?"
Jaxton had no reply.
Marlow sighed. "He was right," she said. "I took pity on her and brought her Windy's. You're welcome for me providing food for her, by the way, after she was pretty much starving. Forced her out of bed and now she's doing much better."
Jaxton had looked bunched up through Marlow's recap, but that tension loosened the moment Marlow mentioned Tesla's hunger. "I should've made sure she ate," he murmured. "Thank you for doing so, Marlow. I appreciate you looked out for her when I couldn't."
"Don't worry about it," Marlow dismissed. "She was in a hard place. She still is. You were right to leave her alone, Jaxton. She needed her space from you and your family this morning." A pause. "But I'm sure, as you know, she did speak with Weiwei and your father. And she learned a lot, even if she didn't learn everything." Her eyes flashed down to him. "She doesn't blame you."
"You don't know that," Jaxton cut her off. "I brought her here, Marlow. I involved her in this Hell. That's…m-my fault." His deep voice fumbled as his distress caught up with him. "I wanted her to know who I am—what I am. And instead, my mother treated her like she was nothing more than prey to manipulate." His hands clenched into fists. "Never should Tesla had to have lowered her head for that woman. She's strong and powerful. And she suffered through all this because of me."
"Yeah," Marlow agreed. "She did suffer." She softened when anguish crossed Jaxton's face. "But so have you," she murmured. "Jaxton… Your mother was a toxic person, and she raised you. You're not as much in the wrong as you might think."
Jaxton looked away, jaw clenched.
Marlow sighed. "I know you don't believe me. I'm not asking you too and I didn't come here to tell you otherwise until you did."
"Why are you here, then? Where's Tesla?"
"It's actually Tesla who sent me to find you," Marlow revealed.
Jaxton whipped his head up at her. "What?" He got to his feet. "What happened? Is she okay?"
"You should ask her yourself," Marlow started, "because she sent me so I could tell you she would like to see you and talk. And this talk is something she needs you to listen to, Jaxton. She emphasized on that. Listen and respect whatever she says."
Jaxton jerked his head into a nod as his stare flew to the doors. "I will." I'll listen to everything she tells me. And if she wants to leave…I have no choice but to respect her wishes.
"We're even now." A glint of wariness was in Marlow's eyes. "Right?"
Jaxton offered her a long and measured look. "You need to figure out your situation with Beau. Out of respect for you, I won't kill him. But if he corners Tesla whatsoever, I won't hesitate to put him down once and for all."
"He won't bother her again." Marlow turned to face him. "I swear that to you, Jang-ta."
Jaxton nodded. "Good. Make sure it stays that way." Without a farewell, he bounded out of the pavilion, and Marlow could hear when he pounded into the snow to get back to his home at breakneck speed.
He really has changed. Marlow sighed as she looked up at the ceiling. Then again…so have I.
°•°•°•°
The gates were open as Jaxton rushed inside. Huang Chun waited for him outside the main doors. By the time Jaxton crossed the bridge, Huang Chun had opened one of the doors with a bow, but he spoke not a word. Jaxton was not interested in respectful pleasantries either. He shucked off his shoes and prowled through the house until he got to the doors of the main suite. He raised a fist—
"Jang-ta? Is that you?"
A physical shiver ran down his back at Tesla's voice. "It's me," he rumbled. "Marlow let me know you wanted to talk. And I'm here to listen."
Silence.
"Okay, um…" Tesla audibly swallowed and let out a whoosh of breath. "All right. I'm going to talk now. Would you mind sitting down for this?"
Jaxton sank to his knees. "I'm sitting."
"Thank you." A four-beat pause. "Look… A lot of people have talked to me today when I barely had a voice to speak myself. Honestly, getting up today was hard. Breathing felt hard—everything felt hard. And everyone just had something to say, and it was a lot, okay? It was a lot for me to take in when I didn't even want to think. Last night was a mess. Never"—her voice cracked—"had anyone made me feel like that outside my sperm donor. And this morning… I felt like I was coming undone."
Apologies were on the tip of Jaxton's tongue, but he kept his mouth shut and his grief extensive.
"I lost my foot, I just…" Another two beats. "I joked about cutting off a finger and seeing if it grew back, but I never thought about this. And I never want to go through that again. I can remember just that numbing pain when it got eaten off. I can't forget that. I c-can't…" A deep breath.
"But…I'm going to put that aside right now," Tesla determined with a stronger voice. "Because everyone had something to say. And I want to say something back, okay? So listen closely."
Jaxton closed his eyes and braced himself.
"I love you."
He stilled. His eyes opened, but he stayed frozen.
"I used to think there was no way you would ever understand me," Tesla murmured. "But you do understand me. You've understood me this whole time, and I never took the time to understand you." It sounded like she was moving on the other side of the doors. "Your mother is batshit insane…but she's just like my sperm donor. She's manipulative and cruel and disgusting to get what she wants… And just like my sperm donor, she uses her own kids for her ambitions. And she's using you."
Jaxton lowered his head.
Tesla's tone softened as though she knew he was digesting the weight of her words. "Your mom threw me to those demonic monsters like I was nothing. But she's been hacking away at you for—well, who knows how long? She's been hurting you all this time. She doesn't care that you're her kid. She cares if she gets her way. And I know what that's like. You know I know what that's like."
"It's different," Jaxton could not help but say aloud. "She's never done half the things that vile man has done to you."
"She doesn't have to for me to know she's nothing more than another abuser to you, Jang-ta," Tesla murmured. "Before I asked Marlow for you, I had an emergency session with my therapist. And I won't go into all the details, but… You've suffered a lot too, Jang-ta. And I'm so sorry I never realized that. You had Weiwei, but your parents… You were just thrown into this chaos. My being here didn't help. But you've been dealing with this for years. My own boyfriend has been getting abused and I did nothing."
"Tesla…"
"Shhh," Tesla hushed. "I told you. I'm talking now. Because I have so much more to say, but…"
The doors clicked and parted.
Jaxton looked up and those dark eyes charged within an instant.
"…I want to show you better than I can tell you."
Jaxton gripped his knees. "Tesla…"
Tesla leaned against one of the doors with her braids draped over one shoulder. Red had spliced her skin in a lacy number that left more to the imagination. And that was always the best sort of clothing. Leaving so little to the imagination with tight and small clothes felt like no creativity or thought had been put into it. True seduction worked in the opposite: more is less. It left you to wonder how smooth the skin was beneath and how you ached to feel every curve.
"I'm shit at speeches," Tesla rasped, tone husky. "Compared to the both of us, I'm the talker. But I'm not that good with things like this." She approached him and dropped down with only centimeters between them. Jaxton kept his hands to himself, and Tesla had no fear he could do anything. She searched his eyes. "We both know what it's like to not feel love," she murmured. "I didn't feel love until my mom. You had Weiwei. But that doesn't mean we don't remember that feeling of numbness. We obeyed because we had no choice. We suffered in silence." Steely-grays clouded as she thumbed his cheek. "You've just been doing it for a lot longer than me and I'm so sorry," she whispered.
"I've had many good moments in my life," Jaxton assured. "But you've been the best thing that happened to me."
"And you're mine—after Dante and Magia, obviously." Tesla smiled when she caught thin amusement on Jaxton's face. "We're both still surviving all of this Hell. But I need you to know that you're not alone in all this, Jang-ta. I'm so sorry I never asked before. But I'm here now. You're not going to suffer alone."
"This isn't your fight—"
"And my sperm donor isn't yours," Tesla reminded. "But you're fighting that battle, so I'm fighting your war. I hate to break it to you, King Tut, but that's the way a healthy relationship works. We support each other."
Jaxton's lips twitched. "Is it now?"
Tesla hummed. "Yes. And also, how healthy relationships work is…you cosplay as a Cultivator when your girlfriend asks—"
"Tesla."
"Well, I had to milk it while I had the chance," she muttered, though she smiled when he chuckled. "I know we have more things to talk about—especially that we need to be in agreement we are spending every holiday, Fioren, Sinnish, and Zhōnguánese with my totally not-crazy mother—"
Both laughed.
"But we have other things to do," Tesla said with a slight pout. "I'm really horny and I missed my boyfriend and I really want to worship you so you know that you're loved."
Jaxton brushed her jaw with his knuckles. "Yeah?"
"Yeah."
Jaxton let himself drink her in to the full extent and had no issue showing his lust for her tampered with love. "And you wore something like this to drive me crazy even when I'd just take it off?"
"I'd planned to greet you naked!" Tesla said in her defense. "But I low-key really wanted to wear this because it looks cute on me."
"It looks sexy," Jaxton rumbled.
"I know." Tesla's eyes dipped below Jaxton's waist in want and could not help it when her hand roamed his chest. "Weiwei told me that the lantern festival and the crossing of the monks and all that traditional stuff doesn't start until very late at night, so I was thinking we could have make-up sex and then eat and serious talk and then we could christen every room in your house and then we can talk about how you'll never get a prenup against me."
Jaxton smiled. "You're very young to think about that."
"Don't push your luck," Tesla muttered. "I'm going to let it sit in my mind that you're nineteen while we fuck. Once I know your true age, prepare for me to make a lot of geriatric jokes and keep my legs closed out of fear your great-great-grandpa ass might break a hip while we do our sex position of the day on my calendar."
Jaxton chuckled. "I technically am nineteen physically."
"But you've been on this earth for—?"
"No. I won't tell you."
"Ugh!" Tesla got up, huffy. "Get up here, carry me inside, and start having sex with me before I start thinking this was a mistake and I whip out my lightsaber on your ass." She snapped her fingers when Jaxton was slow to rise. "Come on, grandpa, I don't have all day."
Jaxton brushed back her braids. "You'll be getting several spankings for that."
"Please. Do your worst," Tesla teasingly challenged. "I can self-heal, remember? Which means I can keep going and going and going." She lifted her chin. "If you can't get with the program and keep up, say bye-bye to me and watch as my favorite vibrator gets the honor of fucking me while I moan out Aaron Gray's name every time I cum." She smirked when Jaxton growled. "What? He is a werewolf, after all, and I told you my fantasy is for him to just—Ah!"
Jaxton had picked her up with a scowl on his face and marched into his suite. "You are fortunate I need to hear you." He softly deposited her onto the bed and that pure love filled his eyes seeing her spilled beneath him. "I love you."
"I love you too." Tesla reached for his cheek, but he took her hand and kissed her palm. "You're very much loved for being yourself," she murmured with raw sincerity. "You aren't a means to an end. You get to find your own means to create your own end. No one can or should take that away from you."
Emotion waved through Jaxton's eyes and he whispered, "Thank you." He kissed her forehead before his lips brushed against hers. "Let me show you how deep my gratitude to you goes." And the soul-filling kiss he gifted her was just the start.
The town center was abuzz with life. The bowling alley was a riot with all the neon lights and music. One of the bars might have had low-key lighting, but it was packed with everyone dressed in their best and drinks to go around. Even Book Land was crowded tonight with its two stories and the inside Starfox alive with customers. A little girl begged her parents to take her to a stuffed animal shop just up the corner. A small group of secondary students decided to swing by a sandwich shop for their dinner. A steakhouse was getting all the excitement as an extended family of around thirty had come here on a reservation with kids and grandkids and great-grandkids.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Eustoma Commons
Eustoma City
Fiore, Ishgar
7:14 PM FST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver and Ena could be seen sitting together out a counter by the windows of a two-story shop that boasted the best gelato in all of Fiore. The pace had picked up tonight as the lines wrapped around the metal railings at the checkout counters. The entire place had been revamped to the classic modern look with a dry-erase wall for people to draw on and innovative menus propped up so people could always know their options.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Dulce Gelato E Café with over 60 authentic gelato flavors. It also serves cake, waffles, and scones! »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Silver had settled for mint and vanilla gelato in a sugar cone with a bowl and spoon at his disposal while Ena had decided on chocolate truffle cake instead. He smiled a little as Ena devoured her cake. "You couldn't even try the gelato?"
"I like cake," Ena said defensively.
"But we're at a gelato place—"
"That also serves cake."
Silver sighed and shook his head. He decided to pluck his spoon and take a small scoop of his vanilla for her sake. "Here. Try some." He added in tease, "You might like it more than your precious cake."
"Doubtful." Ena reached for the spoon—
But Silver yanked it back. "Dating etiquette," he reminded in singsong. "I have to feed you since I asked you." Before Ena could snap something at him, he offered her the spoon and she took to it reluctantly. "So? How does it taste?"
She swallowed and wiped her lips with her thumb before sucking her thumb. "Adequate," she supposed huffily. "Perhaps that dating etiquette exists for a real date, but I highly doubt that etiquette applies to a friend date where both parties have no romantic plans."
Silver blanked as he tried to shore up a reason. "U-Um…" He pointed out quickly, "But you and Lulu feed each other! I've seen it! And I'm sure you guys do it on friend dates too!"
"Well—!" Ena paused, conflicted. "But… I mean… Yes…"
"A-And you can't say it's different because we're also friends," Silver told her, smug (and a little relieved he thought so quickly).
Ena growled and shoved another morsel of cake. "I'm debating if I should revoke that privilege from you." She looked out the window as she tucked in some more cake. "Today was more productive than I thought. I have three gowns already. I'll have to focus on suit options soon enough." She glanced at Silver. "You didn't have to attend to me while I worked."
"I did stuff I wanted," Silver assured. "But I don't mind serving you. Ah, I-I-I mean, attending to you." A bit of red tinged his cheeks. "You work really hard. I'm just here to make things easier as your assistant, right?"
"I suppose." Ena crossed her legs. "But I should return the favor. You also work hard. Is there anything I can do to make your life easier?"
"Uh…" Is 'date me and fall in love with me' something I can ask for? He licked his gelato to spare himself from answering for a minute or so. "Just… Well…"
Ena raised her eyebrows, expectant. "Yes?"
"I, um…" Silver set his gelato into the bowl with his cone resting on the edge. "M-Maybe…you could teach me chess?"
"'Chess'?" That certainly surprised Ena. "You wish to learn?"
Silver reddened and grumbled, "Well, no need for the tone of surprise."
"I can't help it." Ena cocked her head. "Then again, it makes sense someone with your poor strategy skills would actually want to improve."
"I can hear that!" Silver huffed and petulantly looked away. "Never mind, forget it." He did look, however, when Ena rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Of course I can teach you," Ena soothed. "I love playing chess." Her hand slipped away as a wistful smile touched her lips. "Mother and I used to play it all the time. She told me…my dad was an expert player. And he'd be proud I turned out just as good with him. Though, lately, I don't play as much as I used to. I play with nobles on occasion, but…" Those dark chocolate glinted. "I always loved playing with my mom. I just…felt closer to my dad that way."
Mayan blues sparkled.
Ena shook herself out of the nostalgia. "I'll turn you into a fine chess player yet, but learning chess is all about trial and error," she informed. "I can teach you the basics, but you'll have some required readings about chess. I'll have to see if Genius can come up with a better AI program for you. None of those other programs are good enough for you and I won't settle for my student to learn from second-rate programming."
"Right," Silver absently agreed. Chess makes her feel closer to her dad. She's…showing me more of herself. He clutched the material over his heart. She's barely doing anything outside of teaching me chess, but…it still makes me feel really happy.
"Silver, as much as you are determined to stay by her side"—Erza, strong and unyielding, with those dark mochas—"are you certain there is nothing that could pull you away from her?"
"Silver?" Ena offered him a concerned frown when she noticed he tensed. "Are you okay?"
He swallowed. "I'm okay." He decided to use his spoon to eat his gelato instead of picking up his cone, but his head was turned when Ena cradled his jaw and turned him her way. Conflicted mayan blues connected with worried dark chocolates.
"Silver," Ena softly murmured. "I'd like to think I know when something is bothering you. And I'd rather you not lie to me when something is."
His eyes fell, guilty. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Ena took away her hand. "Talk to me." She added gently, "We're friends. It's okay to want to share your concerns with me. I encourage it."
"Ah…" Silver shifted. "Well… I have a…a friend."
Ena lifted a brow. "A friend. I see."
Silver jerkily nodded. "Yeah. He's a really good friend having a problem, so I'm trying to figure things out, but I'm stuck."
"Ah." Ena propped her fist on an elbow and leaned a cheek on it. "Tell me. What is your friend's issue? I'm sure I can offer some insight."
"Okay." Silver played around with his gelato. "So… My friend has been struggling lately. There's a possibility that, for him to learn, he'd have to go away for…for college. Yeah, that's it. For college. He's thinking about going to a college out of the country and, um… It's a really…good school, I think? He could learn a lot there that he has questions about if he goes there and it's like…he's been dreaming about this school."
Ena slowly nodded, following along. "All right. But…?"
"But, um…" Silver shifted, a little hot. "There's this really beautiful queen he's in love with. If he goes to this…school…he doesn't know how long he'd be gone. And he doesn't want to leave her behind because…" Pink flushed his neck and ears. "He really…loves her," he murmured, quiet. "She's talented and confident and intelligent and…everything. And he's so happy to be next to her."
Ena softened and sympathized, "That does sound difficult. I suppose your friend is torn between a move in his career and a love he craves to experience."
"I know it could be a good move," Silver told her. "I… My friend knows that it could really help him. But…" The spoon came to a standstill. "But…"
Ena blew out a breath. "Well, are you ready to hear my advice?"
Silver nodded.
"I say…he go to that university."
Silver froze.
"In my honest opinion, he should choose to further his education," Ena supplied, honest. "I understand he has strong feelings for this astute young lady. Whether or not it is love is something only he knows. But love comes and goes. Maybe he can revisit love at a later time. But opportunities that could change your career are ones you should always take if you have the availability, especially when you're you g. He would be smart to go to that school. Who knows? He might find a better love there than he did in his home country." She took a bite of her cake.
Silver's hand dropped to his lap. "So…he should just…leave her behind? Just like that?"
Ena swallowed her mouthful. "If he's seriously worried about the young lady, he could talk to her, but if she tries to hold him back from his career, perhaps it wasn't mean to be." She waved a hand in dismissal. "He'll be able to find someone out there who supports him."
"He should just…move on…"
Ena paused. "I suppose so, yes," she thought aloud. "And, again, in my opinion, he might find a better match through his travels. You meet so many people traveling around the world. Your friend will probably find someone while he's out there." And she helped herself to more cake only to realize she was down to her last piece. "Do you mind if I go get some more cake? I finished this sooner than I thought."
"Why are you so cruel?"
"'Cruel'?" Ena frowned as she got off her seat to look for her wallet. "I don't know about that, but I certainly have a sweet tooth." She plucked her wallet from her coat. "Do you want anything too? I insisted on paying—"
Dark chocolates clashed with teary mayan blues.
Instantly, Ena crowded around Silver when she saw his tears. "Silver, what's wrong?" she fretted as she thumbed away a few rogue tears. He sniffled as she placed a hand on the back of his head as she pulled him into an embrace. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry," she apologized, regretful. "Please. I didn't mean to imply you should move on from Paige so easily. You're very right. She's very talented and wise and lovely—"
"I'm not in love with Paige."
Ena blinked, stunned, as Silver pulled away with her and sniffled. "What?"
Silver sighed and rubbed his cheeks. "I'm not in love with Paige," he repeated. "I haven't been for a while now, okay? We talked and we both thought we'd be fine as friends."
"Oh." Ena saddened. "I'm sure it's been difficult—"
"I'm not heartbroken either," Silver instantly rejected. "I'm okay about it. I'm fine being her friend, really." He sniffed. "I don't even think I was in love with her in the first place. It's over, okay? I don't like her."
"Ah, well then…" Ena adjusted her cuffs before she crossed her arms beneath her chest. "I see. My mistake and my apologies. I won't bring it up again."
Silver mumbled, "Thank you."
"So, then, this question truly was about a friend?" Ena guessed. She caught Silver's wince. "Unless…? This is still about you?"
"Um…" Silver shrunk a little. "Maybe…"
"I see." Well, if he wasn't talking about Paige, who was he speaking about? Ena wondered. I can't think of anyone in the guild he's close with outside of L, but I doubt he meant her. Then again, it could be someone outside of the guild. I should offer my support regardless. "I didn't mean to brush off your feelings," she soothed. "Your feelings are valid, Silver, and I want you to know that." She added, "However, I would like to see you succeed in everything you do. And university is a wonderful opportunity to excel."
Silver still looked distraught. "You just want me to go?"
"I didn't say that," Ena said, shaking her head. "I'm encouraging you to pursue your career and your own growth at your own pace. People come and go, relationships happen and disassemble, you can fall in and out of love—but you will always have yourself to rely on. You owe it to yourself to learn about yourself and what you want. And I will support you the entire way."
"But…" Silver's bottom lip trembled. "What if…I don't want to go?"
"I won't force you to leave," Ena soothed. "It's whenever you're ready."
"You wouldn't care if I left? You wouldn't miss me?"
"Well…" Ena pretended to think hard about it. "I suppose I'd miss your tea." She chuckled when Silver pouted and brushed his cheek. "How about this? Every time I drink tea, I'll think of you."
"But…you drink tea all the time…" Silver brightened. "So you'd think about me all the time?"
"Ah, how about when I drink my morning tea?" Ena offered instead.
"So…" Silver brightened even more. "I'd be your first thought in the morning?"
Ena sighed. "How about when I clean my sword, I will fondly remember all the times you never met your fate with my blade? That's my final offer."
"I'll take it!" Silver decided. "As long as you still think about me." He fidgeted. "I think about you all the time, so…"
"Of course you do. It's your job to do so."
Silver felt his internal self cry a little. "You're not…wrong." Not like I can tell her I constantly think about her because I'm in love with her. I would meet my fate that way.
"Either way, you are a…valued assistant," Ena told him, "and I am…happy to have you."
That sounded so forced!
"But you are also a dear friend." Ena reached for his hands and threaded their fingers. "And it's natural for me to miss a friend." She offered him a soft regard. "But know that you go representing my name. Your actions reflect my image. I will expect you to make The House of E proud of your skills. I won't settle for anything less than perfection."
Silver smiled. "Yes, mistress."
"Good." Ena patted his cheek. "But if you need to talk about your concerns more, I'm happy to listen to you. You have my support, Silver."
"I know," Silver mumbled, abashed. "I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize." Ena reached up to kiss his forehead. "There is no need to worry while you have me. I was ready to take down anyone who stood in my way when I saw you put on the god-awful sealstone cuffs so you could splash around, remember?"
Silver laughed. "Yeah. That was funny." He softened. "I know I have you," he murmured. "Thank you." He leaned forward—
SLAP!
Ena had her hand pressed on Silver's face to keep him back. "What the Hell are you doing?"
Silver pulled away, red-faced. "Well, you kissed my forehead," he reasoned. "So I just thought…I could…you know…do it too?" His red turned a dangerous shade. "We're on a date and, um, well…"
Ena sighed. "Silver, we're on a friend date."
"But you kiss my forehead because we're friends, right?"
Ena paused. "Well, I…" She struggled for a defense.
"And you kissed Lulu," Silver brought up, giddy with himself. "So you do kiss your friends."
Ena scowled. "Don't ever compare yourself to L," she muttered. "You are the Diaval to my Maleficent while she is Aurora. In this little story, you're a servant who bows to me. Nothing more. So don't get so carried away." She was ready to summon her blade when Silver claimed her hand. "Silver—"
"Servants kiss the hand of their mistress, right?" Silver pressed a chaste kiss on her knuckles.
Ena rolled her eyes at such performatism. "You really are a fool. You're not even doing it right. A peasant would be doing a better job than you bowing to me and kissing my hand." She tried to take back her hand, but Silver would not let her. "What do you need with it now?"
"Well, practice makes perfect," Silver innocently said. He held up a hand when Ena's eyes glowed with Magic. "You can't attack the person who asked you out on a date. It's etiquette, mistress."
Ena growled as she dispelled her Magic. "You are pushing a line." She shot him an onceover before she forked her last bite of cake and muttered, "You're fortunate you're cute."
"And I'm very lucky to have a very beautiful and a very merciful mistress," Silver said cheekily.
Ena snorted. "Yes. Merciful. Perhaps I should start requiring you to praise me as part of your position."
"I can do that!" Silver eagerly offered. "You're very brilliant and talented and gorgeous and—"
"That's enough of that."
Silver went wide-eyed when he saw a bit of pink staining Ena's cheeks. She's…blushing? She's so cute! I need to do this more often. He smiled and teased, "I'm just praising you, mistress."
"Yes, well, praise me when I ask for it and not a second before. Understand?"
"Yes, mistress."
"Good." And she took her last bite of cake. "About college, though. I'm sure you still have a lot of time to think about it. But I'll be coming with you on your move-in day. I know what those dormitories are like and they are ghastly. I'll demand that you will need enough space so my interior designer can work her Magic. You'll love her." She settled back in her seat. "And you will not be eating any of that awful campus food. Nutritious? Questionably. But if you are going to live up to my name, you will need a proper diet. Oh, and a trainer! We'd have to look at a personal trainer. Now, I'm thinking we would ease you into training once you've settled into your academic roster which reminds me. Your grades. If you want a tutor, say the word. I have plenty of resources…"
Silver half-listened to Ena's words, but he was stuck on the beginning. I have some time, huh? He looked back at his melted gelato. But…those dreams make it feel like…I might not have a lot of time left…
Being in Zhōnguá during Zhōnguánese New Year was something everyone had to experience once.
The parade of the Year of the Rabbit brought out all walks of life as people were riveted at the dancers, the ceremonial practices, the comedic actors, and even singers who had come on their own floats. The beat of traditional drums and cymbals and gongs made your entire body tingle. The lanterns that crossed the city were lit in the scarlets and whites and golds as people passed out red candies, and non-natives rushed to buy their lanterns before the Crossing of the Monks ceremony. Vendors called out as they sold lucky foods into the new year that would help with health, wealth, and prosperity. Firecrackers shattered off with some kids running with their sparklers and rabbit ears. All those who visited the great jade statue of Báihǔ touched his paws and said the last of their prayers into this year in the hopes he would bless them.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Guchéng
Sīchóu Province
Zhōnguá, Sela
11:16 PM SST
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla finished up the kabob she and Jaxton had been sharing as they watched the parade. With so many people around, neither one of them felt the cold. Tesla was laughing along when a comedic group in rabbit costumes performed a cute little jig in honor of the Year of the Rabbit.
Jaxton kept her close, warm at her elation, but the somber thoughts in his head would not leave him. He could not get out the image of Tesla in his bed, pained as her ankle steamed while her body put all its energy into regenerating her lost foot.
Blood-red lips. "Jang-ta."
Jaxton's eyes darkened. This was my fault.
Blank steely-grays. "You will never trust me."
"You, the only person who was supposed to just be there for me, but you get the last laugh because you've known everything from the start!"
"I should've st-stayed home. I n-n-never should have come h-h-h-here—"
"You don't love me!"
"Leave me alone."
Everyone grew excited when a well-known Zhōnguánese duet was coming down the road with their float as they sang one of their hit songs.
I've been pushing her, Jaxton conceded. I've been breaking her trust when she needs it the most. She may be strong and doesn't need me to fight her battles, but my mother is a different story.
"Jang-ta, welcome home."
• — • — •
The focus was in the emerald-jade sitting room with gold accents and a grand piano to entertain guests should one like music. His mother had entered without an attendant in sight and had made sure the door had fully closed behind her. Those blood-red lips were curled in a vicious smile and those obsidians were always amused and delighted.
"Mother," Jaxton greeted in Szuchounese.
Ping-Mei cocked her head as she came in closer to sit daintily on one of the chaise lounges. "Is that all the greeting I get? Then again, you were always such an ungrateful son to all I gave you. And always such a person of few words."
"What do you want?" Jaxton cut to the chase.
Ping-Mei feigned a sigh. "When you were young, you used to adore running up and embracing me. You took pride in having the honor of me for a mother. Now you think you've seen the world and know how to place judgment. Won't you pity your poor mother that her child is trying to leave the nest?"
"You have Weiwei."
Ping-Mei flicked her nail claw-guards like she was shooing away an insect. "I might have conceived her, but she is no daughter of mine. Had she acted appropriately all those centuries ago, I might have given her some affection. But she's nothing more than blood to spare." Her lips widened her smile. "My own son giving me such a hateful look. You might send me to an early grave with all this hatred, Jang-ta, breaking my heart like this."
"Leave Tesla out of this," Jaxton growled. "This is between you and me. She has nothing to do with this."
Ping-Mei instantly rebutted, "She always had something to do with this." She picked lint off her regalia. "Don't worry, Jang-ta. I had considered asking my Apothecary to increase your Chosen's fertility against any contraceptives, but it's useless. Her Anti-Ether would negate it. I'll step down from considering your future. But that Anti-Ether of hers…" Obsidians gleamed. "I have never met a more amusing mortal. Anti-Ether Wielders had disappeared after the Second Black War. For her to show up at a time like this… It's almost like it's fate."
Jaxton snarled and moved towards her—
His body stilled, chained in time.
"Temper, temper, Jang-ta, I'm still your mother," Ping-Mei lightly warned. "I have little interest in recruiting your Chosen…quite yet. Under my tutelage, she could wipe out nations. But I have no need for her. She is too young and idealistic." Her eyes danced in dark mirth. "I'm surprised you chose one so young to mate with, my son. But your father's kind ruts any female so long as she's willing. Isn't that right?"
"Don't talk about Dad that way," Jaxton snapped, but he grunted in pain when he felt those invisible restraints tighten around his chest.
Ping-Mei's obsidians sharpened. "I will speak about my Chosen however I see fit, boy." She watched him struggle under the weight of her prowess before she let him go, and Jaxton could move freely. "It breaks my heart you've become so defiant with me. But it's natural for children to rebel against their parents. I did to your grandmother." Obsidians swirled with bloodlust. "Until she died."
Jaxton clenched his hands into fists. "What do you want, Mother?"
Ping-Mei rose from her seat. "Many things." She approached him, but she did not stop. She took leisurely steps as she circled him, crowded him, reminded him that even here, she was the apex predator. "Every year, you have failed to summon Báihǔ. And you have been failing. The monks told me so. Unless…"—she dragged her claw guards down his pulse—"the monks have loyalty to you and have been lying to me. And you have spoken to Báihǔ."
Jaxton kept his cool. "The monks have fealty to you alone, Venerable One."
"Oh, my son, your polite speech sounds so poisonous to me now," Ping-Mei chuckled. "But you are right. Everyone in the west has loyalty to me and me alone. The monks may have Báihǔ's blessing, but I would kill them all if I learned their allegiance was not with me. They are just bags of meat that can be replaced. But you." She caught his jaw with her claw guards. "There will never be another you, will there? You are priceless. The only perfect creation I could have gotten from my Chosen."
Jaxton narrowed his eyes when her hands threaded his hair.
"Such a shame we had to blacken your hair," Ping-Mei sighed. "But I couldn't have everyone finding out the truth about you, Jang-ta. Oh, tell me. How has your Chosen taken to your…other side? Have you lied with her in your other form as well?"
Jaxton kept his lips sealed tight.
Ping-Mei's amusement grew. "Your silence always spoke volumes." She let go of his hair. "Perhaps she and I do need to converse more. She isn't prepared for that side's culture. As her future mother-in-law, it's my duty to give her sage advice when it comes to—"
"Tell me what you want and leave her out of this," Jaxton rumbled. He bowed to her. "This humble son only serves the Venerable One how she pleases."
Blood-red lips smirked. "How amusing. You speak with such venom in your words even when you bend to me." Ping-Mei strolled away. "You alone will complete the ceremony and go to the western temple to summon Báihǔ," she decided. "I petitioned to see the monks before your arrival and they assured me that you are capable of rousing the great Guardian of the West from his silence. I've always known that you're capable, Jang-ta. But you never had the incentive."
Jaxton tensed.
"I'll look after your Chosen." Ping-Mei opened the door. "But I have a special event set in motion for the night. I would summon Báihǔ quickly. Because your Chosen"—she turned her head to show those swirling obsidians—"might be entranced by the fabulous entertainment."
• — • — •
My mother is a monster and cruel. No one—not even my father—could change that part of her, Jaxton thought. She might speak that I'm her favored son, but I'm not more than a tool for her to use for her aspirations. A tool with a weakness. Even if Tesla left me, she would be in danger. Matsumoto more than likely had his dogs report about her. And if he finds out about her Anti-Ether, he would try to capture her. If not him, then my mother.
Jaxton locked his jaw. I've failed at every turn. I was selfish with her life. I thought I could bring her happiness, but I'm giving her a life of more fear and caution. Darkness shimmered. What have I done? She doesn't deserve this sort of fate.
Fur brushed his ankle.
"Miaow…"
Jaxton looked around only to see a white-and-black cat sitting patiently a few feet away from him with vibrant yellow eyes. But the second someone stepped into Jaxton's line of sight, the cat was gone.
The crowd surged as the dance of Báihǔ and the lion-dragons commenced with little jade rabbits. The drums beat as the dancers came with their Báihǔ puppet above them and wowed the crowd with the dancing lion-dragons.
Jaxton watched as the puppet Báihǔ move along to the music. Báihǔ… Are you sure this is right? Are you sure…I can do this?
The wind breezed about him and blustered the wind chimes hanging onto the shops.
CHIRIN-CHIRIN.
"Jang-ta?"
Jaxton blinked down at a worried Tesla. "Yes?"
"Nothing." Tesla shook her head. "I just wanted to see if you're okay. You don't look like you're enjoying yourself, so…"
"Just lost in thought," Jaxton excused. "How do you like Zhōnguánese New Year?"
Tesla smiled. "I like it a lot! I did some research before we came and YouView covered it a little, but to be here in person and watch the traditions live is unbelievable!" she enthused. "I just wonder when the crossing of the monks happens."
"At eleven-thirty," Jaxton told her. "It takes the monks twenty minutes to cross and climb to the next temple. They recite a prayer and then they light the first lantern in honor of Báihǔ."
"And then we wait for Bái Láng, right?" Tesla checked. "The wolf howls, everything is good, and we can all let go of our lanterns?"
"Right." Jaxton tugged on her hand. "Would you mind if we took a walk somewhere a little quieter? We can stay for the rest of the parade and the crossing, of course, if that's what you want—"
"No, it's fine." Tesla adjusted her grip on Jaxton's hand. "Let's go."
Jaxton knew these streets better than most. The main alleys were clogged with pedestrians, which made sense given the holiday, but Jaxton guided Tesla through the in-between alleyways that fell between shops and the ladder streets most would avoid during this time of day. None of these alleys had much foot traffic outside locals trying to scramble through to see someone, see the parade, or find something to eat. They briefly stopped by the bathrooms before Jaxton continued to lead them.
It was Tesla who noticed that Jaxton had steered them out of Guchéng's main city and had guided them to the park area. Vast and with a stratified river filled with artistic lanterns and a bridge many waited on, the park was a sight to behold. It flowed seamlessly into the national park as it beheld mountains and hills and wildlife. In the daytime, you could see the historic mountains in the distance where battles and wars had been fought and won. But nighttime at the park still provided everyone in attendance beauteous sights with clear skies brushed with stars.
A few families had settled in for their last meal of the old year while an old man was honoring his recently deceased son and praying to Báihǔ that his son would meet him upon his spiritual ascension. A couple of vendors had set up shop to provide lanterns and food to tourists who had heard this park would become filled to the brim once the monks had lit the first lantern of the new year.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
« This is Guchéng Park, which is a smaller area of the National Park of Sīchóu. It's a hotspot for astronomy, dates, and Tai chi. »
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Tesla already had her own lantern and was excited to bring it out and make it look all pretty when she and Jaxton had decided to hide in a little secluded area of the park and sat on a stone bench. "Dante's mom is going to freak out seeing this," she cheered. "I wish she could see this." She looked over at her withdrawn boyfriend and frowned. "Jang-ta?"
Jaxton sighed. "I'm sorry."
Tesla turned to him. "For what?"
"For being selfish and conceited," Jaxton said to her. "If I had cared more about you, none of this would have happened."
"I'm going to stop you right there." Tesla got up from her seat, fluffed out her braids, and settled into Jaxton's lap instead. "You – did nothing – wrong." She punctuated her words. "You aren't selfish to want love, Jang-ta, and you aren't selfish to want to show me your home. Your family isn't functional and your mother might be evil, but that doesn't make you selfish with you."
Jaxton still failed to see it that way. "I feel like there are not enough apologies in the world for me to give to you for everything you had to go through."
"Mmm." Tesla understood what he meant. "I know…my life isn't going to be perfect. You're my spy and you're centuries old. My sperm donor is out of jail. My life has been guided and checked for me. But so has yours," she added before Jaxton could apologize. "There are a lot of days I don't feel like I deserve all this—this being my mom, Dante, my friends, you, happiness, my music—all of it. It feels…wrong to deserve it, somehow. Days I'll wake up and be so afraid that I failed my sperm donor, and he's coming to punish me. And other days, I just want to sit and cry because I feel so selfish that I have all this happiness and good, but I don't deserve it when other people are going through worse."
Jaxton pressed a kiss on her temple.
"So I know what it's like to feel the way you feel," Tesla murmured. "But we'll get through it one day at a time, okay? We'll figure out 'happiness' together even against all the chaos, I promise. Whatever it takes."
Jaxton nodded. "Whatever it takes."
GAAN… GAAN… GAAN…
Tesla frowned. "What's that?"
"That means that the monks are starting to cross," Jaxton told her. "For the next twenty minutes, Guchéng will be completely silent out of respect for the monks and their journey. Foreigners aren't expected to be quiet, though, so we can still talk."
Tesla shook her head. "No, it's fine. I want to honor all your traditions and that's what I'm going to do." She mimed zipping her lips.
Jaxton smiled and nuzzled into her shoulder. She's incredible. I can't believe I was lucky enough she agreed to be my girlfriend.
(The lantern-bearers were the first to come down in a methodical line. The front row had white lanterns that would turn black upon their arrival to Huhēiwei Temple. The other lantern-bearers were to the sides with their alternating red and gold lanterns.)
Jaxton held Tesla close to him. I walked along for so many decades. I never minded being alone. I had seen my parents and Weiwei… And I thought I would be better off alone. But then…I saw her…and being alone felt so daunting.
(An acolyte chosen for the journey had come with their incense as they swung it back and forth with the mark of Báihǔ on their forehead. Another acolyte had been chosen to ring the sacred bells that helped gauge the spiritual energy from all life around it and seduce it outward.)
I've been so afraid she would never love me. She's young, but she's endured so much. She had unfairness cast upon her life from the beginning, but she's prevailed. And I've fallen more and more in love with her every day. That's why…
(The monks were in the center in their traditional regalia with the offerings of earth they had brought. All those who saw the monks bowed low in their presence to honor the journey they faced in their crossing and respect their duties toward Báihǔ.)
Tesla felt Jaxton tense, but she held her tongue. He's really tense… No… He's shaking again. Her eyes softened as she kissed his hair and hugged him. He's endured so much for so long. I wish he knew how proud I am of him for having the motivation to keep going. All this time, he's suffered…but he still wanted to live. And it's really selfish of me to think this, but…if it hadn't…I wouldn't have met him. She closed her eyes. And I'm really happy I met him.
(A ceremonial rabbit had been chosen. The rabbit would not be harmed in any way, mind you, but a rabbit had to be used in the processional just as any other animal would had it been the Year of the Dog or the Year of the Ox. It poofed itself on its pillow, relaxed and well-taken care for, as though it knew its purpose.)
Jaxton let out a shuttered breath. I just hope she'll still love me after this. I've put her through enough, but… I have to tell her. I want her to know.
(The brigade ascended up the sacred steps to Huhēiwei Temple as the incense was swung and the bells were rung. Masses gathered below in solidarity as they all waited patiently with their lanterns for the monks to start their prayers.)
Tesla opened her eyes when Jaxton shifted and she removed herself from his lap. She said nothing, but when he offered his hand, she took it and followed him blindly when he led her towards a bundle of trees that would flow into a tamed forest. At first, she thought Jaxton had brought her into such an intimate setting for intimate touches, but it surprised her when he drew away and took several steps back.
Jaxton's sigh expired frost. "I've never…told anyone about this," he murmured. "I had planned to tell you, but… I was scared." He clenched his fist. "I still am because…it's you and… I want nothing more than to be truthful with you."
"Jang-ta…" Tesla whispered.
"You deserve to see me for who—what I am," Jaxton said.
(As everyone settled on their knees with their hands in the traditional position, the monks started up their loud prayer as they thanked Báihǔ for a year of joy, peace, and prosperity and hoped he would usher in such a new year and bless them all with his iron-clad virtue and grace.)
Tesla shook her head and stepped toward Jaxton's. "You're you, Jang-ta. If you're not ready, you don't have to share. It's okay." Steely-grays gleamed. "I still love you for you."
"I know. But…" Jaxton swallowed. "Close your eyes for me." He saw her hesitation. "Please, Tesla. Keep them shut. And… And tell me what you see, okay?"
"Okay." Tesla did as he asked and closed her eyes. A silence thickened around her with the only comfort a nippy wind. She waited, but her worry was winning out. She had little concern Jaxton would abandon her and all the concern of his psyche the longer the silence tolled. "Jang-ta… I'm… I'm going to look, okay?" She waited for his opposition.
Silence.
Tesla took a deep breath and cracked open her eyes.
And those grays widened.
Jaxton's hands were fluidly turning into thicker and clawed versions of himself. The blackness of his hair whitened and lengthened as two canid ears popped up from his head. White fur seamlessly sprouted onto his neck as his jaw lengthened. The darkness of his eyes exchanged for those beautiful yellow-ambers. Not once did his convulse as he bent over and his spine curved. His clothes disappeared in exchange for well-groomed white fur and his feet expanded into hard-padded paws. His tail curled before he lengthened and lowered. He shook himself out before he lowered his head.
Sad yellow-ambers connected with disbelieving steely-grays.
Jaxton towered easily to her shoulder, but his knees were bent as he kept himself low to the ground. He made not a sound as though afraid if he did, she would run away from him. And when she did not move and only stared, his ears flattened as he glanced away.
Look at me, his body language spoke. I'm a monster.
Tesla remained quiet.
(The monks piled at the edge of the temple territory. With sacred fire, one of the monks lit the first lantern of the new year. After murmuring one last prayer, she sent off the lantern into the sky as a guiding force. And all those below waited for that howl that meant they had earned blessings and approval.)
Jaxton might have seen the first lantern make its journey to the park, but he did not care. He stood and he waited for anything. For her to run, for her to call him a monster, for her to leave—he waited.
Tesla took a step forward.
Jaxton froze.
Tesla took another and another until she could reach out. A shaky hand touched Jaxton's forehead. The disbelief was in her stare, but cloudy tears backed it. A sniffle came next. But her whispered words offered no sadness. "This is what you were worried about?"
Jaxton whined and looked at the ground.
"Oh, Jang-ta…" Tesla feathered her fingers down his nose until she cupped his maw so he could see her little smile. "I still see you."
Jaxton looked at her in surprise and in hope.
Tesla looked up to catch the lonely drifting lantern before her eyes dropped back to him. "Go," she urged. "I'll wait for you." She caught him still unsure and added, "I love you, Jang-ta."
The hope blossomed into sweet relief. Jaxton bowed his head before he turned tail and fled into the forest. Tesla dropped her hand as she watched his white form for as long as she could until he disappeared into the shadows.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
It would be later on he would explain to me what he was… That werewolves were nothing more than myths and bad movies… That he and his father were the last Lycans of their kind…
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
The people looked around in worry as they held tight to their lanterns. The first lantern had been lit, but there was nary a sign of Bái Láng or his booming howl. A bit of fear waved through the natives who were accustomed to this tradition, but they held their silence in the hopes that someone might be able to hear the howl.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
I'm starting to learn there truly are mysteries in this world. My friend is the direct heir to the Alvarez throne. My best friend is a Magic Hunter. I met a Devil and an Angel. Those are some mysteries.
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Bushes and trees were nudges and rocks skidded as paws pounded against the earth. The animals of the night did not even leap away in fear. Their connection to nature made them well aware of this sacred creature and their eyes lowered in monumental respect as he passed by them to get to his mark.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
But Jang-ta's heart…
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
Jaxton emerged on the edge of a cliff as the moonlight danced on his fur. He threw back his head and—
GAO…!
Palpable relief spread through Guchéng as howls rang back while lanterns were lit up and thrown into the air. The stars glittered at such new arrivals of red and gold and white and jade. Each lantern had come with its own prayer in the hopes Báihǔ would receive those lanterns and make them come true. Little children giggled as they howled along while the foreigners who had come to this sacred place chimed in too, amused.
But as the winds blew, Tesla tucked a braid behind her ear and watched as Jaxton led the army of lanterns into the night with his deep howl. Warmth and love saturated those grays as she stood there in took it all in.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
That's never been one of them.
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
TO BE CONTINUED…
Looks like we're almost at the end of this arc and man, oh man, am I done with all these surprises. But it looks like we still have one more in store. To find out, tune into the next episode of Fairy Adventure!
— • — • — • —
sugu ni aitai noni aenai
kimi ni sotto chikazuite yuku
honto no koto kikutte kowai keredo
tashikame ni yuku yo
•
aitai noni aenai
hibi mo zutto kimi no tame ni waratta no
"arigatou" tte saigo datta tte
kaomisete baby
— • — • — • —
It was a public lair. Anyone could walk inside and ask for an audience. That was the entire point of it.
The Cipanguese government recognized the historic background of this group and, with no way to prove any of their alleged crimes, it had been forced to recognize it as a legal entity anyone could engage business with. The main building worked as an administrative front where the usual meetings and pencil-pushing would be. People would come with their problems, and the workers, in turn, would have an unconventional solution that ranged just within bounds of the law, but it was at a dangerous borderline.
But it was below that building that the action happened.
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
— • — • — • —
Hōsaku
Gyakuryū Prefecture
Cipangu, Sela
2:39 AM CST (Cipangu Standard Time)
— • — • — • —
• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •
With it so late at night, it made sense that guards would be posted to safe keep all that was hidden here. Their tattoos dripped onto the fingers and their skulls, but the people who took up guard positions kept their spines straights and their eyes alert for any danger. But their ward was not the files and hardware that this building housed. No, their precious ward was what lies behind a thickened vault made from metal not found naturally on this world.
Smoke billowed around a room.
The Pomeranian eagerly at its morsels, which turned out to be a dead body of one who had spoken too much and offered too little. It took glee in tearing into the flesh of this corpse and wolfing down all the muscle and tissue it could cram into its mouth.
A man on his knees was a man who knew his fate. He sweated ridiculously with his eyes round as he tried not to look at his companion, who had been killed in cold blood. Nor did he fancy looked at the dripping shadowy monsters that stood in the mocking form of a man with their masks on to keep them under control. He knew they could tear him apart in a matter of seconds and tried to keep his bladder under control.
A drawl of Cipanguese came out. "Let me ask you this again…"
More smoke paraded about the room and made him sweat even more.
"Did you…or did you not…see the girl on Bái Láng's arm?"
"I-I-I-I did," the man whispered. He cleared his throat and tried again. "I did."
"And you're trying to lie to me in saying that girl carried not an ounce of power in her being?" came a crude drawl. "Has your loyalty shifted to Immortal Yang or is it still to me? Think very carefully before you answer."
The man bowed low and touched his forehead to the ground. Prostration was not a matter of shame when your life was on the line. "I would never lie to you!" he cried. "She didn't have any power inside her! We used the rings and everything and nothing showed up! She's nothing more than a—!"
"Oh, my darling…"
The Pomeranian stopped eating to look up at its master.
The man jerked his head, beseeching. "Please, I tell you nothing but the truth! Please spare my life—! I have loyalty to you! Only to you—!"
A finger pointed. "Dinner."
The Pomeranian turned onto the man, who stood no chance once the small dog had shown its true form. It went for the throat first to stop the man's screaming and the sounds of skin being torn and bones being snapped filled the room.
More smoke piled into the room. "Such utter disappointments. My dogs can't do anything right." A hand lifted up the photo printed out. An image showed Jaxton in his suit as he escorted Tesla out of the SUV and into the Blue Monkey. "Tesla Greer… A common little Spiritless in the arms of Bái Láng." Smoke circled around Tesla's face.
Miya Matsumoto examined the photo with that off-smile and those violet eyes of his narrowed, and he took a puff from his hookah. The smoke spiraled down to cover the photo, but it brightened Tesla's gray eyes.
How amusing.
Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance
— • — • — • —
Tesla Greer / Hylia Lynk – Galena White
Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeong
Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal
Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh
Juvia Fullbuster – Brina Palencia
Marlow / Pandemonium – Amber Riley
Yang Kuen She – Marc Diraison
Yang Weiwei – Suzie Yeung
Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee
Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill
Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn
Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel (voice only) – Cherami Leigh
Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa
Mystogan Fernandes (voice only) – J. Michael Tatum
Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns
Uki – Devery Jacobs
Nanuk -
Elijah – Keith Silverstein
Nikolai "Nik" Dreyar – Jason Liebricht
Mary Jane Dreyar – Erica Linbeck
Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes
Uncle Ben -
Icarus – Christopher Sabot
Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer
Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw
Asuna – Marieve Harrington
Oswald – Kyle McCarthy
Aphtan Ángel – Adam Gibbs
Calcifer "Cal" – Benjamin McLauglin
Lucifer "Bleu" Demiurge – Xander Mobus
Yang Ping-Me – Ming-Na Wan
Matsumoto Miya – Mona Marshall
• — • — •
Additional Voices
Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn
Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn
— • — • — • —
⌜OPENING SONG
⟪ HANDS ⟫
BLUE ENCOUNT
Lyrics by
Junichi Tanabe ⌟
•
⌜ENDING SONG
⟪ Long-Distance Train ⟫
Aoi Yamazaki
Lyrics by
Aoi Yamazaki⌟
Chibi-Luna waves at the class from the front of the classroom. "Good day, class!"
"Good day, Teacher!" the students chirp back. "What's our Fairy Lesson for today!"
"Well!" Chibi-Luna slides back the blackboard to show she had drawn out a little cartoon with bubbled letters that spelled SHADOW CHARMER. "Today, we're going to learn about Shadow Charmers!" She points at her little caricatures of two people with shadows all around them. "Shadow Charmers are people who are not exactly Cursed but they don't exactly have Black Magic or a combination of the two. Shadow Charmers have a Spirit that connected to 'The Black' similar to how those with White Magic connect to the 'The White'," she explains.
She goes to her little caricatures of ghosts and ghouls. "Because Shadow Chambers are connected to 'The Black', they're also tied to creatures and powers from 'The Black' too. They can control Ghosts, Ghouls, Grimms, contract Reapers, speak darker languages, and even Shadow Travel. Though, Shadow Charmers can't compete against Demons or Devils. No two Shadow Charmers are alike, though, and there aren't too many Shadow Charmers to begin with."
A hand goes up. "Why is that, Teacher?"
"Many Shadow Charmers fought in the Second Black War," chibi-Luna explains, "and many of them died. Just like with any power, if you overuse it, you can very well die from illness, and that's what happened to many Shadow Charmers. But Shadow Charmers live abnormally long lives, so who knows? Maybe there are more Shadow Charmers than we think!"
DING-DING-DING!
"That's our lesson for today!" Chibi-Luna says. Next time, on Fairy Adventure: Episode 096 – ON THE HORIZON!"