Fairy x Adventure

by Magnafeana

In a new era after the Alvarez War, Lucy, Natsu, and the rest of Fairy Tail not only face new challenges but watch as their kids go on new journeys, learn new powers, and battle new enemies and old! Join Luna, Nashi, and the upcoming generation of Mages on Fairy Tail and more on their never-ending adventure!

105. Adventure 105

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.

---

PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure: Silver and Ena's eventful morning turned informative when Nora revealed the secret he was keeping: the Black Sun Sword Soledia and the White Moon Sword Lunagr'an belonged to the great Scarlet Angel, who has more relevance than Ena could know. Silver learned that even the staff is suspicious of Irina after learning the late Marchioness was a force to be reckoned with—not unlike Ena! Nashi's S-Class training took a turn when Býleistr and Loke are ready to duke it out, but it's time for them to shake it off because Nashi's done dealing with their feud. Nora's goals are bared to Ena and Silver, but in the true Fairy Tail fashion, they offer to become his allies on his risky journey to succeed. But their journey to the Savant Hall of Knights has just begun as they meet Knight-Captain Yunifer da Capo, eager to receive them. Little did they know, someone else was waiting for their arrival.

'Yes. Mother Clarion is excited to meet you. As am I, Ena Fernandes. You have the true potential to become a Child. Oh, yes. A true Child indeed.'

Something's smelling fishy around here… But maybe that's Gale's sweat from all of his torment he went through his morning...

---

The campus was alive as knights gathered in their training armor and took up their training weapons, excited to demonstrate their skills. Two jousters had already been chosen and their horses were being prepared. But Silver could not feel a lick of it as he looked up at Father Johannes in his ceremonial dress with the stir in his chest agitated and that noise bottled up in his throat.

We didn't even realize he was behind us until he spoke. His nostrils flared on instinct, but it was still lost on him why. He smells…strange. Those blues narrowed. Who the Hell is he really?

Father Johannes offered his hand with his smile. "It's an honor to meet you, Miss Fernandes. You've made quite the fame and fortune for yourself, and for one so young. I'm severely impressed."

"Thank you." Ena was quick to daintily shake his hand and pull away. "I wouldn't think you would know who I am. I'm but a humble seamstress."

Father Johannes chuckled. "Of course I would know. With your talent in sword art, you could make a magnificent knight for Her Majesty and for the Church. But to be honest, your Enchant is quite mesmerizing to behold. You have talent and the potential to expand it." His lens glinted. "If you only allow others to guide you in the right direction."

Nora came forward before Ena could lay a response with a respectful nod of his head. "Father Johannes, it's nice to see you again. I was told you would be visiting a few archbishops today."

"I couldn't help but need my curiosity sated when I was informed this extravagant young lady would be coming to the Hall of Knights." Father Johannes smiled at Nora. "And you, Nora. I had heard you and the young lady were injured, but you both looked as good as new. I'm happy to see your recovery has been so swift." His eyes glittered. "I hope this means I will see you at the reception ball."

Nora replied: "You will, Father."

"Sister Irina told me the young lady would be on your arm for the ball." Father Johannes' smile widened. "How delightful. Young lady, I can vouch for the honor of Lord Nora. He has shown excellent ambition mixed with humility. You'll find him a perfect gentleman and a scholar—someone to match wits with."

"I'm sure," Ena said, tone polite. "He's already shown me he's a charismatic and caring young lord…Father." The word came out forced.

Father Johannes clapped his hands. "Wonderful. It makes me happy to see two bright young people having a meaningful relationship. With time, I'm sure your relationship will deepen to see more sides of each other. Hidden weaknesses"—those dark eyes pierced Ena—"hidden strengths."

Nora tensed while Ena stiffened.

"But enough of that." Father Johannes did a one-eighty as he patted both Nora and Ena on the head. "Please tour the camp. Miss Fernandes, we welcome any questions you have for us and hope you find these knights up to standard for defending your honor and liberty. Please observe all that you can." Something darkened his smile. "I hope you see all the Holy Eye has to offer you." And he strode away with Mauve and Sanders in tow.

Silver growled, "I don't like him."

"Nor do I," Nora murmured, "but his power here is absolute as the Fioren Primate. Not even my father has jurisdiction with Father Johannes' actions, not really. His religious status protects him." He glanced at Ena. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Ena assured. "Let's get on with the door."

Nora nodded. "Very well." He offered his arm.

Ena took it as she let go of Silver's hand, but she kept her eyes pinned on Father Johannes. He wasn't subtle with those insinuations. Using Nora's loyalty to them and our relationship to their advantage against me. Her mind turned its gears. A small smirk delighted her face. And something we can use against them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

CLANG!

The knights had put on their practice armor and padding with wooden replicas of their preferred weapons. Everyone swarmed into two separate teams in the large clearing, each with their own tower to protect with a flag posted atop of either red or blue and the knights on either team had markings on the gear for their selected team. The commanders had on one-shouldered capes and plums to signify their ranks as they worked through the masses with a battle strategy while their captains the word CAPTAIN on their fronts.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Battlefield

Savant Hall of Knights

Larkspur Country

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver, Nora, and Ena sat within the observer's box while those not participating in this battle sat in the stands. Ena had summoned her opera glasses for the fight with Silver eager to serve her the champagne and small snacks the staff had prepared. Once she was settled, Silver sat beside her, elbows on the sill.

"So, what's this demonstration?" Silver asked. "It looks like Capture the Flag."

"It is," Nora supplied from beside Ena's other side. "While the training Holy Knights do is brutal, these strategy games are timeless. They play Knight's Chess on the battlefield as well."

"Huh…" Silver looked at both groups. "Sort of like our training for Inter-Guild. We do Cops 'n' Robbers but with parkour. It's a lot of fun, but we have to do a lot of strategy depending on our team."

A whistle blew, and Yunifer jogged out as the referee for the match. The "commanders" for both sides came into the middle to shake hands and talked a little smack before Yunifer broke them up and sent them on their way. She headed out of the action as the teams readied themselves. On her mark, her hand sliced down, and she blew her whistle.

The battle started.

Ena brought down her opera glasses to watch the entire affair. I can already tell which were recommendations versus those with proper knight training. Though, I'm sure some would surprise me. She asked Nora, "What's the wager?"

"The winning team gets the showers first and go to the mess hall first," Nora told her. "The losing team will have extra drills to complete. And I'm sure all are hoping to impress you enough."

Ena snorted. "Hardly."

"No, I'm serious." Nora shifted in his seat. "You're quite the talented and famous young lady with support and clientele from around the world and the daughter of a Dame internationally recognized. Add onto that, that you and your mother have armor and weapons made by The Forge—it's a no-brainer those down there are hoping to catch your attention for connections they could only dream of."

"Mmm. Fair," Ena supposed. She did not need to say a word when Silver gave her back her champagne flute. She took a few dainty slips. They're sorely mistaken if I could help them meet The Forge. Not even I have met her. And Mother would die with the secret of The Forge's location. But it'd be foolish for me not to recognize they'd hunger for that sort of power and opportunity.

Her nape prickled.

Giving Silver back her flute, she pretended to scope the field, but she saw Cinders, Mauve, and Father Johannes sitting in the box with them as they all observed the demonstration below. Her eyes narrowed, and she turned back around. I could feel Johannes looking at me. He's trying to unnerve me. She clenched her hand into a fist. It's working.

She crossed her arms and tucked them beneath her chest as she crossed her legs. I have a feeling things will get much worse before it gets better. After all, I meet the father. Her cheek twinged. It's a matter of time before I meet the mother.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 105

•

Dinner and Dessert

•

晩ご飯とデザート

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fioren farmlands were gorgeous with and without snow. The official replant season would not be until April, but that did not mean they did not have acres upon acres of green and gold fields to tend to with trees acting as boundary lines. The horses and other livestock were happily grazing as the springtime air wafted through their fur. In these parts, traffic lights were a rarity, but surprisingly, the roads were immaculate. You could suddenly be bombarded with a small commercial district with all the trimmings before it spat you back out into the countryside.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Gloriosa Country is part of Fiore's beautiful countryside with its sweeping vistas, cozy country inns, and its infamous farm where a popular Magia movie about a country girl turned rock star was filmed. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale drove down the road in his truck with his arm outside his window. The truck had seen better days, but considering Olivia no longer needed it, Galileo did not need it today, his mother was taking the car, he did not mind using the pick-up and mumble-sang along to his music, "I was working at a waitress in a cocktail bar… That much is true… But even then I knew I'd find a much better place… Either with or without you…"

The building he was headed to did not do a good job of being discrete. Part Middle Era and part Current Era, the architecture looked too out of place for the countryside, but everyone was used to it. It had its own indoor botanical garden within a half-dome and even a landing pad. It was a little odd how the parking lot was smaller than what it should be for a building its massive size, but Gale knew why. He barreled down the drive to see the underground parking garage and swiped his badge for entry. Thankfully, members got their own spaces, so it was always easy to park. By the time he got out with his bag—decked in his signature black with a red bandana headband keeping his bangs from his eyes—and up the elevator to the lobby, it felt like he was in a different dimension.

The lobby looked like a cross between retro and futuristic, and that was intentional. A hologram of the globe was projected with Lacrima-Visions showing news stories and various accomplishments worldwide with all sorts of languages. A few students padded along with their backpacks, joshing with each other, while a tour guide was giving potential members a look at their future base.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is The Society, an international organization that intakes the best and the brightest either due to intelligent testing or contributions to arts, sciences, and Magic. The Society base in each accredited country is a safe zone for its members to study, research, and receive academic counseling. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale trekked up to the third level and made his way to the counselor's wing before he took a seat in the small waiting area where fun brain games sat on the coffee table for self-entertainment. He blew out his cheeks and took out his Compact to look at his notifications. Julia had texted him:

« Are you free right now? »

« Nope. »

« Dammit »

« Why? »

« …because Eiji and I are trying a date-thing kinda. Don't be pissed. This is like the free trial before a subscription »

Gale raised his eyebrows at that:

« Well fuck »

« Right »

« I'm scared as shit »

« Why? »

« You know why. I don't do…this »

Gale hummed.

« Have you talked to Tesla? »

Julia's text bubble came up and disappeared several times before she replied:

« Not really. We just got back into texting. But it's a step, right? »

« I feel like the desperate ex »

« Except we didn't get to screw, like, one last time after our breakup and I'm v regretful »

« like REALLY regretful »

Gale snorted.

« You're not desperate. You just want your best friend back. It'll take time »

« Yeah, I know, I know. I just miss her »

« Also. Don't kill Carlisle tonight. This is the happiest Dante has been »

Gale huffed.

« Fuck you. I won't kill him, but why did I agree to this again? »

« Two words: Luna Dragneel »

« Fair »

Julia's text bubble came up, down, and back up again.

« Tell me I'm not making a mistake by doing a date thing again? »

« If you want honest advice? No. Dash might be a dick, but you guys seem pretty all right together And he's clean, so there's that. »

« You tell him yet about your kink? »

« Shut up. »

« I knew he'd be into that. Y'all sum freaks »

« Shut up. »

"Gale?"

He looked up and locked his Compact when he saw the counselor poke her head out and got up. You would not think she was a counselor. She looked like a legitimate child with her lavender pixie cut and weird socks from a fantastical wizard anthology and her jumper, but all those letters are her last name made it clear this woman was qualified for several things. Her office looked so peppy to match her personality, yet it was not cheesy. She had paraphernalia from some of her favorite fandoms and her bookshelves crammed with books. It made too many people laugh at the photo she had of her and her dog—a larger-than-life Asena.

Gale sat in the accent chair while she scrambled up to her seat with eyes that held decades of wisdom and a kind smile. "Gale. It looks like you're here today because you're still struggling to pick out your summer program."

⌜THE SOCIETY (FIORE BRANCH)

Name: Nice Genoard, DO, Ph.D

Age: Unknown

Magic: Unknown

Occupation: Academic Advisor, Teacher

Likes: Peach Tree Bellish Blond Ale Dislikes: her flat chest

Special Note: Nice might look like a child, but she's one of the oldest people within The Society and even drives and smokes! Some say she committed a Taboo with her mysterious Magic that forced her to stay looking how she is! ⌟

Gale scrubbed his face. "Yeah," he grunted. "Nothing really speaks to me for this summer."

"Well, I did some research into possible programs you might want to do this summer based upon your interests and your file." Nice went to her DAL and signed in before she allowed one screen to show Gale the list of options she had. "The top three are your most viable options. The first one matches your interest in Magic Theory. Sorcerer Prospero is looking for an assistant for the summer and your credentials match everything he's looking for in both assistant and personal student. We'd be happy to give you a recommendation."

Gale rolled his lips as he debated it. "What's the next one?"

"The next one would be a direct assistant underneath Warrod Sequen," Nice told him. "You'd be studying about Natural Magic Law Theory there underneath him."

Gale sighed. "And the next one?"

Nice blinked before she stopped and drew her hands together on the desk. "Gale," she started, "I have a feeling I could run through every option, but you won't be satisfied." Her eyes softened when Gale slouched. "Is there something on your mind?"

"Not really," Gale muttered. "I'm just not sure what to do. Both of those programs sound…fantastic. And I know I'd learn a lot from Mister Sequen. I mean, he's a Wizard saint. It's just…"

"It's just…not what you're looking for," Nice delicately completed for him. When he mutely nodded, she told him, "There's not too big of a rush when it comes to summer programs for you. Most students have to deal with nudging everyone else out of the way for registration. You have some more leeway considering your status." When Gale sat back, she changed the subject. "How's everything going outside of academics?"

"Fine, I guess," Gale supposed with a vague gesture. "Nothing to write home about."

Nice smiled as she retrieved a clean mug and her coffee pot. "Doctor Redfox was excited to tell everyone your sister was coming home for Parent's Day. That must be exciting for everyone at home."

"Yeah." A ghost of a smile showed on Gale's face. "We text a little, and I know she's loving it out there in Wu Xing. But it'll be nice to have her home." He raised an eyebrow when Nice produced vodka, Kahlúa, and whipped cream. "You're, like, the best advisor ever."

Nice laughed. "Only a few drops. You're lucky I've known you since you were born, and Doctor Redfox knows about this." She fixed his Hot White Giltenan as she asked, "What else is new?"

"Like you and my mom don't gossip."

"We might, but she's good at keeping the conversation off you and your siblings." Once Nice was finished making the drink and did a dollop of swirled whipped cream, she offered the mug to Gale. "Here you go."

"Thank you." Gale took a few sips and loved the taste. "I don't know. Everything's fine." He tentatively added, "Therapy's been nice."

Nice shot him a warm smile. "I'm happy you enjoy it. It's always difficult to find the right therapist on the first try, but I'm glad to know you like yours."

"He's a pain in my ass," Gale muttered. "But…he's pretty good at his job." Those rubies glistened. "I'm not sure I'd be as far as I am right now without him pushing me. He's a good dude."

"I'm glad to hear it." Nice sipped her coffee as her eyes sparkled in amusement. "And how's Luna doing?" She laughed at Gale's haggard look. "That bad, huh?"

"She tricked me into going to dinner with the world's most annoying person," Gale grumbled.

"Oh? Sweet little Luna did that to you?"

"Yeah, she did!" Gale told her, insistent. "She did the whole eyes thing—like the puppy eyes thing—and then she's like, 'Please, Gale? For me'?" He huffed. "I feel deceived. She played me, and now I have to try and not kill my friend's boyfriend who annoys me to death."

Nice tittered. "I'm happy to see you and Luna are back together."

"Yeah…" Gale's dopey smile faded into a sad one. "But it's… It's not like that. You know? Like…we're not trying anything romantic or anything like that. Not right now. Things are just…complicated."

Nice sagely nodded. "I'm impressed you knew when to work on yourselves," she told him. "Most people your age are focused on romance and relationships that they try to project their issues onto their partner. Even at my age, it can still happen. No one is perfect. And everyone wants a companion to help them either navigate their reality or pull them from it. But sometimes, a strong friendship can help you more than an unbalanced romance."

"Guess so," Gale soberly agreed.

Nice hummed. "I did hear you had a successful investigative mission and watched your match with Master Erza. Congratulations to both."

"Thank you."

Nice studied Gale. "And Master Erza might have mentioned the name 'Jura Kneekis' to you."

That perked Gale, but he was still wary. "Yeah, she did…"

Nice sighed. "I'm going to tell you something in good confidence, Gale," she warned him. When Gale gave a sharp nod, she confessed, "Mister Kneekis has requested you as his apprentice since you tested into The Society."

"What?" Gale straightened. "Are you serious?" Nice nodded, and he followed up with, "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because you are in The Society as a registered Legal Mage, should another Wizard request you for a program, I have to consult with your Guild Master. She approved of the programs with Prospero and with Mister Sequen." She added, "However, she didn't approve of a summer program under Mister Kneekis."

Gale's jaw went taut. "Why?" he demanded to know in a growl. "Why would she deny that?"

"Her reasons are her own. But my reasons, I can explain."

Gale blinked, stunned. "You denied it too?"

"I did. And I have my reasons." Nice had not an ounce of remorse, even when Gale looked both hurt and frustrated. "Gale, what you need to understand is that Mister Kneekis will train you until he feels you are ready. For what? That's his decision to make. But he will have no time for regrets or second-guessing. Under his tutelage, both myself and Master Erza believe you could one day surpass him. Even Mister Kneekis was certain you could under his teachings. But he made it clear you won't return without his say-so, meaning that you will be with him for however long he sees fit."

"Okay, and?" Gale did not understand, and his patience was thinning. "So what? What, we're talking about a year or something?"

"No." Nice stared him down with those deep violet eyes. "It could mean a decade until you return home."

Gale opened his mouth, heated, when her words registered. He sat back, astonished, and unable to muster a defense for himself.

"You'd be better asking your parents about when Mister Kneekis approached them to take you under his wing, and I'm sure Master Erza will divulge her reasons for you when you instigate a one-on-one with her about your future plans." Nice absently stirred more creamer into her coffee. "But my reasons to you were for that. For Spiritless students of The Society, programs can't extend further than a semester. But Wizards are different. It was and is considered an occupational hazard to have wanderlust to acquire strength. And Mister Kneekis can train you to surpass him, but that requires the sacrifice of leaving behind everything."

Nice emphasized, "Which means you need to leave behind no regrets or any second-guessing or any sort of hang-ups. You need to be at peace with what happened at home, so you can focus your energy on Mister Kneekis' teachings. So, tell me, Gale. Is there nothing happening in your life that needs your attention before you leave?"

Soft chocolates.

Venomous pale reds.

Blank golds.

Gale rubbed his mouth, quiet.

Nice sighed. She leaned forward to murmur, "Mister Kneekis is adamant to train you, Gale. And I know you're equally excited about a master of Earth Magic wanting to train you. But you must think about this carefully."

Those deep violets spoke of a time of sadness and loss. "Your journey needs to be focused on you and your growth. Trust me when I say if you leave and have too much unresolved conflict left behind, you won't grow stronger. You'll grow remorseful, and your journey will be for naught. So think carefully about what you want your future to be. Can you afford to leave now without resolving anything? Or can you spare patience for a bit of time to finish what you started so you can move on?"

°•°•°•°

Gale headed to the lobby with his mind in a bit of a tizzy as he replayed his office visit with Nice.

"Can you afford to leave now without resolving anything? Or can you spare patience for a bit of time to finish what you started so you can move on?"

Gale's lips pressed into a frown as he pressed the elevator button to go to the garage. What loaded questions. I was pissed at first to hear everyone and their mom vetoed an apprenticeship with Jura freaking Kneekis, but…

Soft chocolates.

Venomous pale reds.

Blank golds.

BEEP!

Gale climbed into the elevator and pressed for one of the garage floors. He leaned against the wall as the doors closed, and he descended. To be fair, it's what I'm learning in therapy. Not like people with issues can't be in relationships or do shit or whatever, but… I know I need to get my shit together. I can't half-ass it. I made a lot of mistakes and…then there's Emma and shit at the Boundary Forest…

He ruffled his hair before he pulled up his hood. If I turn tail now to train, I'm bailing on everything I worked hard for. But at the same time…

BEEP!

Gale pushed himself off the wall to go into the garage level. Maybe I'll talk to the old man before I do any sort of one-one. He looked at the folder in his hand and opened it to see all the flyers and the packet. Nice gave me a packet with all the offers she picked out about a summer program. Maybe one will be a good filler in the meantime. He looked up—

He stopped. Oh, Hell no.

Rubies hard, Gale stormed to the truck.

Bleu stood at the bed of the truck dressed in his business attire of a dapper suit with sunglasses in his hair. But he remained unfazed when Gale swung a bunch and caught it with an open hand. Those lights eyes darkened. "Gale, I can do this all day. But I need to speak with you—"

"Fuck that!" Gale wrenched his fists away with his fangs out and the Wild whipped its tail, yearning to pierce skin. "You fucking asshole! You break her fucking heart like that, and you think it was a good idea to come to me?" He shot Bleu a middle finger. "Fuck you," he snarled. "You're not even worth the fight." He turned his back, but his snarl loudened when Bleu's hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"I don't want a fight," Bleu told him. "But I need to speak with as your employer to a job you accepted and signed a contract for."

Gale snarled, the Wild wanting its pound of flesh on behalf of its little starlight, but it agitated him how, in the eyes of Magic Law, he was still employed. He backed up with a fist balled up and barked, "Talk."

"First thing first." Bleu's eyes softened with twinges of sadness. "How is she?"

"Fine, no thanks to you," Gale spat. "What the Hell is wrong with you? You had her—the most beautiful and kindest fucking princess in the world—and you just dump her? Are you shitting me? What, you thought she was easy to play petty games with and when you got bored, you called a quits?"

Anger flared in Bleu's eyes, and he gritted, "Watch your tone."

"Oh, don't." Gale lifted a finger in Bleu's direction with his eyes aglow with fury and warning. "Don't fucking tell me to watch my tone. You don't get to tell me to watch it. You…" That rage inside him could not be contained as he pulled back a fist. "You son of a bitch—!"

"Don't touch the young master." Luther had appeared, chin lifted, with one hand behind his back as he caught Gale's fist with the other with ease. "Master Gale, I would advise you not to threaten or commit a violent act against the young master."

"It's fine, Luther," Bleu sighed. "Let him go."

Luther dropped Gale's fists, and Gale stepped back, glaring. He looked from Luther to Bleu and hissed, "What the Hell is going on? Why…?" The words fell apart from him in angered confusion. "Why would you let her go like that when she needed you?"

"It wasn't my first choice," Bleu quietly admitted with a grimace. "It was…a last resort." He rubbed his cheek. "Believe me. It's not something I wanted to do." Those light eyes dimmed. "And it's not like my feelings have changed either, but…" He shook his head. "It doesn't matter."

"The Hell it does—!"

"Did you receive my email?"

Gale blinked, still angry but now muddled. "What?" It clicked, and he was glaring again. "Right. Your little birthday party invite? Yeah. I got it. And newsflash. I'm already her plus-one."

"I figured when her RSVP came back she was bringing someone," Bleu said. "But I need you to have your own invitation." He ran a gloved hand through his hair. "My birthday… It's more like a…gathering of family and associates. And I share it all with my father." That paternal word sounded bitter. "I can't be there for her during it. I'm at least happy she'll have you there."

"Why is she even going to it?" Gale questioned. "She doesn't owe you a damn thing, and if you're blackmailing her—"

"I'm not," Bleu snapped. But he lost his frustration for exhaustion. "Trust me when I say I'd rather her not be there. But…" His muscles coiled. "Things are…different right now. If she's coming, at least she'll have you."

"Yeah, and she'll have your shitty cousin too," Gale rumbled.

Bleu shook his head. "Carlisle isn't invited."

Maybe Gale did not like Carlisle, but it shocked him at the news. "Wow…" He tucked his folder under his arm to mockingly clap. "Bravo. You really fuck over all your loved ones, don't you?"

"He knows he can't come, and he doesn't mind. Look—" Bleu scrubbed his face with a long sigh. "I told you that speaking about Carlisle isn't something that can happen. Having him at the party would ruffle feathers since he's technically 'removed' from the family. I'll see him and his mom later to celebrate." Those light eyes hardened. "But do not speak about him or his mom at the event, understand?"

Gale snorted. "The Hell should I—?"

"Gale."

Light clashed with ruby.

"Do not speak about them," Bleu emphasized.

Gale eyed Bleu. A part of him wanted to rebel out of spite, but deep in his bones, he could sense something wrong would happen if he defied the order. "Not like I'd want to speak about that idiot," he muttered. "He's annoying as fuck."

"He's family." Love glossed over Bleu's stare for a moment as he thought about Carlisle, then it fluttered away. "I only came to talk to you about that." He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I'll go first." He stepped away with Luther—

"Wait."

Bleu paused, but he did not turn around.

"Why?"

Bleu's shoulders tensed before they slackened as he sighed. "Because I realized the same thing you did." He turned for light to connect with ruby. "She'd only know pain being with me any longer." He nodded at Gale's folder. "You should look at that third option." And he left with Luther trailing him.

Gale's jaw locked as he unlocked the truck and threw his belongings onto the bench. He started up the truck, but he sat there for a moment. "Dammit," he breathed. "I really do hate that guy."

But… His lips trembled in a frown. He's not wrong… As much as I wish I could…I know if we were together, I'd just bring her pain right now. I really need to figure out myself. So what the Hell is he trying to figure out?

He was about to pull away when he glanced at the folder. The third option… He grabbed the folder to take out the packet. He flipped and read over the offer.

Huh… His lips curled into a grin. Well I'll be… Nice, you ain't that slick…

The option read:

Saint Layla's School of Starcraft

Summer Semester Teaching Assistant

---

The jousting arena was nothing too special and modernized. It served for official jousting tournaments to be held by a renaissance group, but for today, the knights used it well. They rallied at the fence as they slipped in their bets and cheered on the chosen knights. The preparations had been complete, and all were gearing up for the three rounds between both knights and their trusty Pure Sinnish Horses.

Silver was a bit confused about everything going on and asked Ena, "Why do people joust again?"

"It was a warfare tactic and still is in countries that have little access to modern weapons," Ena informed him. "Then, it turned into a duel for honor and glory and even marriage proposals rode on a jousting duel. Now, it's more performative, but it still holds honor. This tournament is held in my honor, but it's still a theatrical performance."

Silver hummed. "I see." Wow. They're doing all this in her honor. She really is amazing.

"Attention!" Yunifer commanded, and the field fell quiet. "Our first pass will begin between the chosen knights—the Chevalier of Clover and the Chevalier of Jasmine. Knights, you will joust for honor and glory alone, not for vengeance or pride. Your victory will honor our guests, and I accepted your wages. Are you ready?"

Both nodded and kept their horses steady.

"Then…" Yunifer lifted a hand. "Joust!" Her hand cut down.

Silver was wide-eyed as both competitors raced towards each other with their lances and when lance clattered with metal, everyone was hollering when both knights were cleanly hit, but the Chevalier of Clover lost the tip of their lance and their gauntlet broke.

"Whoa…" Silver beamed. "This is cool!"

"Really?" Ena arched an eyebrow with a humored grin as the knights' support teams made sure they got the knights together within the two minutes they had for a reset. "Because I seem to recall you often degrading things like this just a few months ago."

Silver flushed. "Well, I changed, okay?"

Ena chuckled. "Aye." She looked to the field. "That you did."

Silver fidgeted as armor locked in and both knights got a new lance. The crowd drowned out into a muffle when he buried himself in his thoughts. I really have changed. And I can say…I said some nasty things to her I shouldn't have.

"The first pass has ended! The Chevalier of Jasmine has been awarded six points for a clean hit and shattering a lance. The Chevalier of Clover has been awarded four points for a clean hit!" Yunifer announced. "The second pass shall commence. Knights, are you ready?"

Both knights nodded.

"Then…" Yunifer sliced down her hand. "Joust!"

Ena, entranced, watched the knights barrel down the field—

"Ena?"

Ena's smile broadened when the Chevalier of Jasmine knocked the Chevalier of Clover off their horses and offered applause for such a clean hit. "What is it, Silver?" She felt a tug on her shirt and huffed. "Silver, can't it wait—"

"I'm sorry."

That sullied Ena's annoyance for confusion, and she looked at a regretful Silver, brow knitted. "Pardon?"

"I…" Silver wetted his lips. "Well, um…"

Yunifer decreed, "The second pass has ended! The Chevalier of Narcissus has been awarded eight points. The Chevalier of Clover has been awarded none!" Yunifer announced. "The second pass shall commence once the Chevalier of Clover has re-mounted."

Ena turned to Silver, worried. "Is something the matter? Are you okay?"

"I, um…" Silver roughly swallowed as he played with his sleeves. "I'm sorry…for all that I said before, I…" He sighed. "I'm sorry about being a jerk to you all this time. I never got to say it to you before, but… I just wanted you to know that."

Ena blinked, surprised. Silver…

"The Chevalier of Clover has re-mounted for the third and final pass," Yunifer declared. "Knights, are you ready?" When they nodded, she put her hand up. "Then…" Her hand came down. "Joust!"

The knights rushed with their horses.

Silver continued, "Lulu always told me…you had your reasons for being against love. I was just too much of an asshole to listen and understand." Those blues were crestfallen. "You never went over that line. Sure, you called me names and insulted me, but…I took it too far a few times. And I know it hurt you. I just…didn't care. Which makes me sound like even more of a jerk, and…"

"The third and final pass has ended!" Yunifer cried. "The Chevalier of Jasmine has won with sixteen points and will proceed to the next round!"

Silver shuffled. "I'm sorry I said all those things to you," he apologized, meaning every word. "I'm sorry I never saw things from your point of view and crossed that line. You never deserved that. I hope I can do better to understand you in the future."

"Oh…" Ena softened. "There's no need to apologize. The words might be nice, but your actions have more than made up for it." She smiled. "Truth is, we both said things, meaning harm. We both acted like 'jerks', I suppose."

Silver shook his head. "No. You acted…perfect. I was the one acting like a jerk."

"Well, I won't argue if you insist," Ena quipped, though she sighed when Silver would not look at her. "Silver, I'm going to hold your past words over your head until the end of time," she soothed. "You've done more than enough for me to know you're a sincere and good person. Clumsy? Yes. Bull-headed? Certainly. But you have a good heart. Don't let the past diminish your future. You've changed. I've changed. Both of us for the better. Let's leave it at that, okay?"

Silver sagged, relieved. "Really?"

"Yes." Ena simpered behind a fist. "You're much cuter this way, anyway. An adorable puppy."

Silver could have fallen over. Again with making me a pet? Seriously? He sighed before he smiled. "You've always been a sweet mistress. I'm sorry I was too sour to notice it."

"Enough with the apologies," Ena told him. "We've noticed each other now. That's what should count, right?"

Right, but… Would you ever notice me the way I notice you? But Silver widened his smile. "Right." His smile faded when he caught Cinders looking over at them. The stir in his chest vibrated as a prickling distrust filled him.

Ena frowned and caught where he was staring before whispered, "Don't."

"He's staring like he knows something," Silver rumbled.

"I'm sure they all are. Don't give them the satisfaction that they're affecting us." Ena wrapped her hand around Silver's. "Indifference, Silver. Show them indifference. They want your hatred because it means you're interested. It's better to show them nothing."

Silver kept his eyes pinned to Cinders. That stir fed the desire for a challenge.

Ena fumbled for what to say until it came to her. "Praise me."

That jumbled Silver out from his aggression when he flushed and gaped at Ena. "Ex-Excuse me?"

"Focus your emotions on me rather than them," Ena commanded of him. "I'm not asking. I told you to praise me when I instructed it, so praise me. Now."

Silver blurted before his mind could catch up with his mouth, "You're perfect. Absolutely perfect. A-A-And you're one of the hardest workers I've ever seen." He took a breath to look at their hands and that stir sent him a thrill down his spine. "You're incredible," he murmured to her. "Every day… It's like I get to be honored seeing your work. Sure, you might be a little bossy and frustrating, but… I love watching you do what you do. It's amazing. You're amazing."

A thickly sweet scent filled his nose.

"And when I saw you battled Master… You were beautiful," Silver breathed. "It was like your hair was red fire. You looked…like an Angel." His breath through his mouth made him slightly shiver when he tasted that sweet scent. He looked up—

Dilated blues connected with wide browns.

Silver took in Ena with her pink cheeks and her slow heaving breaths. She smells sweet again… It's the sweetest I've smelled her…

LUB-DUB-LUB-DUB-LUB-DUB.

I can hear her heartbeat… It's fast like mine… It never hit him how he could hear her racing heart. That intoxicating scent blocked off any questions as his teeth ached. That stir in his chest was nosing at him to do an action, but it was confusing what it was urging him to do.

Ena lowered her lashes and swallowed, a little shaky. "V… Very good. Y-You should be fine now, ah…" She swallowed again, neck hot. "We should watch the—"

"Look at me, Ena."

Her eyes found his, hypnotized to see those blues glowing. His eyes… Her bottom lip trembled. I… I don't understand what's wrong with him or me. I feel like I have a fever. She whispered, "Silver—" She trembled a little when Silver leaned closer. "Th-That's enough."

"It's not," Silver whispered back. "I could keep going." His lashes fluttered when he heaved a lungful of air. So sweet… Those blues fell onto Ena's neck, and the stir vibrated as though urging him to do something. His teeth hurt and his tongue ran over fang. He breathed, "Ena… I—"

"I'm sick."

That shattered the tension like a hammer as Silver looked at Ena in panic. "Wait, what?"

"I think I'm sick," Ena told him, fretting. "I feel hot. And my stomach… It doesn't feel right."

"Seriously?"

Nora watched in amusement as Silver worriedly doted on Ena while she panicked. They certainly are interesting. But I think he'll have to wait a while until she understands his loyalty to her is more than friendly devotion. His amusement died when he caught Father Johannes looking at the pair. Yet I can tell Father Johannes is observing them to see if Silver is a threat. Whether I like it or not, Mother made it clear the Holy Eye is very interested in my relationship with Ena. And I can already tell if something threatens it, they'll do what they can to eliminate that threat. And yet…

Boils fleshed onto skin, ugly and gruesome. Blood trickling from cracked lips. A snarl that could rattle trees.

Nora's eyes darkened. I have a feeling Silver Fullbuster won't be an easy opponent for them to eliminate. If anything…

Vengeful, glowing blues.

…the Holy Eye should tread lightly not to mess with him or his mistress.

Yunifer declared: "The third and final pass has ended! The Chevalier of Jasmine has won with twenty-four points and has won the jousting tournament! May the Chevalier of Jasmine feel the honor of Her Majesty shining down on her!"

Applause thundered through the arena as the black knight with a yellow and white plum paraded the arena fence atop their horse. But the knight stopped and yielded their horses before Ena. Their hands came up to unlock their helmet and revealed the face of a gorgeous woman with ebony skin and tight braids down her skull. But what was unique about her was that she was born with auburn hair and raging green eyes.

"My Lady," the woman said, "I have won this tournament in your honor and hope you will accept my tassel as a token of my victory to you." She retrieved her tassel of yellow and white and offered it to Ena.

⌜JASMINE COUNTY

Name: Beatrice Normandy

Age: 17

Ability: Expert Swordsmanship

Occupation: Lady of Jasmine

Likes: rowing Dislikes: tea ceremony lessons

Special Note: While Beatrice is not a knight, she received the backing of her father, the Duke of Jasmine, to enter the exams in becoming a Holy Knight and is known for her skills with her halberd! ⌟

Ena smiled. "I accept, Chevalier of Jasmine, and will forever remember your victory in my honor." She accepted the tassel with a gracious bow of her hand and gripped Beatrice's arm. "You fought valiantly, Chevalier of Jasmine. I'm impressed. And I will hold this tassel and wish good fortune to you so you may become what you desire the most."

Green eyes shining in pride, Beatrice opened her mouth—

"Lady Beatrice…!"

Everyone looked over when a scrawny young lady hurried over with her practice pads on, blue hair in a short bob with a flower clip, and a face full of freckles. Her eyes sparkled seeing Beatrice as she hurried over. "Lady Beatrice, I—!"

SLAP!

Silence was held when the young lady had tripped on air and smacked to the ground. Then sweatdrops went around.

Beatrice's eyebrow twitched as a tick mark raged on her temple. "Pardon her. She's a lost cause." She turned her focus back onto Ena, chest puffed. "Knight-Captain Yunifer has awarded me the honor of touring you around our camp. If you'd like—"

"Lady Beatrice…!"

Beatrice gave a small growl before she glared over at the scrubby young lady and snapped, "What?"

"I brought you your water!" The young lady eagerly held up the large water bottle, beaming as though Beatrice had created the stars. "And I can help you get out of your armor! It's no problem at all!"

⌜WEDELIA TOWN

Name: Marinette "Mari" Witenagemot

Age: 15

Ability: Novice-Level Swordsmanship

Occupation: Lady of Wedelia

Likes: being near Beatrice Dislikes: Painting

Special Note: Marinette is the daughter of the Viscount of Wedelia and a major anime and Magia fan! ⌟

Beatrice huffed. "My support team will do that, Marinette." She steadied her horse to look at Ena. "A tour?"

"I'd like that very much," Ena accepted easily. "We'll wait once you're ready."

"Thank you." Beatrice pressed her calves, and her horse trotted away.

Nora smiled. "I think you'll like Beatrice," he told Ena, offering his arm to her. "She's a strong contender for becoming a Holy Knight."

"Oh?" Ena took his arm and let him guide her away. "Is she now? Is she recommended or from the knighthood?"

"She's recommended, but she has proper training," Nora assured her. "She's the only daughter of the Duke of Jasmine and has two accomplished brothers. All of them are known to dote on her." He laughed. "She's the toughest one in the family, believe it or not. Rumor has it the Duke cried when he gave her his recommendation for the exam. He was hopeful she'd stay his little girl, and Father tells me he carries Beatrice's pictures with him everywhere to boast about her."

Ena laughed as well. "They all sound like a treat."

Silver went to follow, but he looked back at the downcast Marinette and offered her a shy smile. "Hello. I'm Silver. It's nice to meet you, Marinette."

Marinette perked to beam back at him. "It's nice to meet you too!" She had a pep in her step as they followed Ena and Nora. "Your lady is amazing! Beatrice admires her and Dame Erza! You're so lucky to have her!"

"I know." Silver's smile turned loving as he watched Ena's animated expression. I'm really lucky. He turned back to Marinette and noted her appearance. "So you're a knight too?"

"Oh, me? No, no, no!" Marinette tittered, embarrassed. "N-No, I, uh…came here on a recommendation. It took a lot to convince my parents to give me one, but I just had to come and support Lady Beatrice! She's so amazing!" she trilled with stars in her eyes. "I really am trying my best to train with everyone else, but Lady Beatrice lets me get her water bottles and we even got to room together! It's like a dream come true!"

She sighed. "I wish she'd accept my help a little more," she desired. "She always shoos me away when I want to help." That sparkle of determination was back. "But I'm not giving up until Lady Beatrice notices me!"

A brainwave shocked Silver. This girl… She's just like me!

"Marinette."

Marinette stopped to see a comically stern Silver.

"We're the same," Silver told her, tone dead serious. "I want my mistress to notice me too. It would be my dream come true."

That same brainwave hit Marinette.

They gripped arms as a serious aura surrounded them to the point where they looked like comic book characters.

"So," Marinette said, tone grave, "that makes us…"—the seriousness intensified—"best simping friends."

• — • — • — • — •

Chibi-Silver, dressed like a teacher, drops down before a blackboard. "Hi, class!"

"Hi, Teacher!" the class choruses. "What are we learning today?"

"I'm here to talk about our word of the day!" Chibi-Silver enthuses. "Today's word of the day is…"—he pushed back on the chalkboard slates to display the word—" 'solidarity!'"

"Oh! What does that word mean, Teacher?" the class asks.

Chibi-Silver explains "'Solidarity' is defined as a unity or agreement of a feeling or action between people with common interests! And Marinette's interest and mine is simping over our crushes even though they don't know it and probably never will!"

"Wow!" the class says. "You're both degenerates!"

Chibi-Silver beams (ignore the comical tears running down his face). "I know! Isn't that great?"

• — • — • — • — •

It was not too long before Beatrice came out from her tent, but she had redressed herself in athletic capris leggings and a fitted sleeveless high turtleneck tank top. Even though she was young, she looked like a warrior made and had put back in her septum piercing.

She smiled wide at Ena. "Thank you for waiting. Are you ready for your—?"

"Lady Beatrice, wait!"

Beatrice huffed as Marinette scrambled forward. "What—?" She lunged forward when Marinette nearly tripped again and righted her. "Slow down," she commanded, tone brusque. "I'm not going to be there all the time to make sure you don't fall, so watch where you're going."

Marinette giggled. "Yes, Lady Beatrice!" She offered the water bottle again, a bashful blush on her cheeks. "Here's your water bottle. Please make sure you keep hydrated and healthy, Lady Beatrice."

"You…" Beatrice sighed and took the water bottle. "Thank you," she supposed, gruff. "You…" She turned away, both agitated and shy. "You do the same." She turned away to guzzle a few swallows while Silver had to catch Marinette and quickly fan her before she fainted in excitement. She turned to Ena. "Sorry about that."

"Not a problem," Ena assured. "She's right. Staying hydrated will only make you a better candidate to become a Holy Knight."

Beatrice puffed her chest, proud. "Thank you." It was then she noticed Nora, but she gave him a grin rather than a respectful greeting. "Back for another fight? Heard you got your ass handed to you."

Nora chuckled. "I suppose I did."

Ena frowned. "I didn't mean for your loss of our duel to cause you this much trouble and talk."

"Not a trouble at all, My Lady." He took her hand into his. "If it takes my loss for us to be this close, it has been worth it." He kissed her knuckles.

Red spread onto Ena's cheeks. "You make a fine brother of the quill," she mumbled. She turned to Beatrice and said, "Let's begin with the tour." She let go of Nora's arm to be closer to Beatrice.

Nora smiled after her, amused. Her blush is certainly adorable. He noticed Silver giving him a sour look and flashed his smile his way before following after the young ladies.

Silver huffed with him and Marinette stuck in the back. "I really hate that guy."

Marinette sympathized, "I hate Lady Beatrice's suitors too." She stared dreamily after Beatrice. "But she's so incredible that it makes sense people fall in love with her. She told me she doesn't have time to give them a second look."

"Ena's said something similar. It's why she keeps her distance from people, but it makes seeing all those sides to her even more precious," Silver said. He pouted a little. "It'd be nice if I could hold her hand for a little longer, though…"

Marinette gasped. "Right? I just want to hold Lady Beatrice's hand in mine forever!"

"Exactly!" Silver said, enthusiastic someone understood. "And wouldn't it be nice if we could cuddle with them all day!"

Marinette quickly nodded. "Mm-hm, mm-hm! Lady Beatrice kicked me out the other night since we had room inspection," she told Silver. "But she feels so nice when I get to hold her! It's like a—!"

"—dream come true!" Silver finished with her. Their eyes were sparkling that, at last, someone in this world understood their devotion and emotions and they cheered, "Besting simping friends!"

Beatrice and Ena both shivered and turned back, sweatdropping when they saw Marinette and Silver comically crying happy tears as a sparkly aura filtered around them as they did some very strange chant. We'll just ignore that…

°•°•°•°

A greenhouse might have been a peculiar addition to a training campus, but it served its purpose. And this greenhouse was not like most. It was large with multiple open levels to house various plants with its own irrigation system and a few fountains and benches.

Ena looked around in wonder. This looks like New Rosemary's gardens but drastically bigger… She asked Beatrice, "I know you said you'd introduce us to the greenhouse, but what purpose does the greenhouse serve?"

"During exams, the greenhouse teaches responsibility, observation, and patience," Beatrice recited like a student answering their professor. "All those for the exams have to tend to the greenhouse and have a vast knowledge of botany. We have to plant bulbs and care for them, know what soil to use, test the water to make sure the plants can drink it, depending on the level, and even spot invasive species. Both knights and Holy Knights are expected to understand herbalism and basic potion making. Some trials have been having competitors come into the greenhouse and piece together what's wrong or what to use in a crisis."

"Fascinating," Ena breathed as she took it all in.

Nora joined her and leaned over. "Would you like to explore?"

"What a stupid question to ask me." Ena was already drifting away with Nora lazily following her.

Marinette came over and startled Beatrice as she grabbed hold of Beatrice's arm with her beam and insisted, "Lady Beatrice, we should go smell the lavender! It's your favorite scent, and I've been working really hard on them for you!"

"You idiot. You should be focusing on your assigned plants," Beatrice scolded. "I know lavender wasn't assigned to you."

"I've been taking care of my plants too," Marinette promised, serious. "But you like lavender, so I asked if I could take care of a lavender patch too!" She tugged on Beatrice's arm. "You should really smell them, Lady Beatrice! I've been following advice to make their scent even more potent!"

Beatrice fought down her embarrassment and huffed, "Since we're exploring, I guess I could smell your flowers."

"Really?" Marinette's beam was blinding with happiness. "Thank you, Lady Beatrice!" And she guided an annoyed yet shy Beatrice away, excitedly chattering.

Silver remained, but he watched with softness as Ena floated around the greenhouse and stops to smell the flowers every once in a while. I remember how happy she was when we visited the garden in New Rosemary. She had that same smile on her face. It was just as beautiful as it was now. His softness soured when Nora crouched down with her. Whatever he had spoken into her ear made her snort behind a hand and bump his shoulder.

An ugly jealousy filled Silver's stomach. I know I don't have a right to be jealous. She's not mine and…I'm not hers. Sadness drowned jealousy. He tried for a weak smile when Ena looked up to wave at him, but it felt hard to smile. He turned away from her to breathe a little. It's not like I can offer what Nora can. He's the prince in the fairy tale, and I'm just… He sighed, drifting over to a patch of flowers. I'm just a minor character serving the queen.

"Hiding from your mistress?"

Silver tensed before he looked to see Cinders prowling towards him. He lifted his chin, eyes hard. "No. She's smelling the flowers."

"How quaint," Cinders mocked. He stopped before Silver with his stare unyielding. "I'm happy your mistress is up and moving. The way I heard it, yesterday was traumatic for her and for Nora. But it's even more of a miracle your mistress got out and back to her room before the knights could retrieve her. You're quite the attentive little servant."

"Of course I am." Silver aimed his voice low and casual. "My mistress asked for me to act accordingly and gave her life to me to care for. Isn't it natural I'd be trusted to look after her?"

Cinders hummed, but it came out like a growl. "Just how did your mistress wind up back in her room before the knights could retrieve her?" his eyes drifted to Ena as she and Nora spoke. "Perhaps I should ask her what she remembers—"

A threatening snarl.

Cinders snapped his eyes back to Silver and watched those blues look at him in menace. "Hmph." He straightened up. "I'm sure the experience would distress her," he supposed. "Considering her weak constitution, distressing your mistress is the last thing on my mind. Though, I'm sure the rain yesterday helped her sleep. It makes for good white noise, doesn't it?"

Silver said nothing.

"How strange a storm that massive happened all of a sudden," Cinders continued, searching Silver's face. "Didn't seem possible since none of the weather reports stated we had any chance for rain."

"We are getting close to April," Silver bit. "It'll be rainy season soon enough."

Cinders leaned down to hiss at Silver, "You're playing a dangerous game, mate."

"What 'game'?" Silver shot back.

Cinders growled, "You know what—"

"Cinders."

Mauve stepped in with her apologetic smile and closed eyes with Cinders begrudgingly retreating. "I apologize, Silver, for my captain's insubordination. As you know, everyone is a little on edge with such a shock of events yesterday. An odd explosion, the severe ambush on Ena and Nora, Nora's poisoning, a sudden storm…"—her eyes cracked to show those star pupils—"strange monsters in the sky."

Silver tensed.

"But I'm sure we'll all be calmed enough at the reception ball," Mauve assured with cheer as her eyes closed. "Nothing like a ball to smoothen ruffled feathers." She looked over at Nora and Ena. "And spark new romances."

Silver tried to hide his white knuckles.

Mauve hummed her laugh. "Well, my captain and I must be going now. Please enjoy the camp." She strode away with Cinders reluctantly following her.

Silver let out a terse breath. That was close. He looked down at his hands and could see them clawed and scaled before he stuffed them in his pockets.

I need to talk Mom and Dad, he determined. I don't understand what's happening to me. But I had to watch everything that happened with Gary. I have something inside me that could make me a target like him. He breathed out, not even surprised when a cloud of humidity formed. All the more tense. And if it makes me a target…

Ena laughed at something Nora said as they went up a ramp with archways filled with flowers.

…it makes her one too.

°•°•°•°

Ena arrived on the second open floor, marveling at the well-kept garden. Knights and others bowed their heads in her and Nora's presence, but neither of them was aware as Ena took in these luminescent plants and herbs and Nora was content to watch her.

"Oh, this is beautiful," Ena breathed. "L and Eliana would absolutely love it here."

"Friends of yours?" Nora prompted. "Or family?"

Ena replied absently, "More family than friends. L is Luna Dragneel, practically my sister. And the Strauss-Dreyar Clan has been good to me for all these years that Eliana feels like a cousin." She patted herself down only to scowl. "Damn. Silver has my Compact. I'll have to find him to take pictures for L."

"'Luna Dragneel'." Nora tested the name as they strode through the garden. "I've heard of her parents and her siblings. The whole family is incredible." He laughed. "Sylvie might have a thing for the Duke of Aronia, but she might have a slight celebrity crush on Mister Dragneel."

Ena chortled. "It's amusing to me about that. L's older sister Nashi would tell us all the weird stories she had to put up with whenever Uncle Natsu would be hit on. More than often, he was clueless about it. But he somehow always knows when Aunt Lucy had admirers."

"She's a beautiful woman with an incredible mind," Nora stated. "I might be Spiritless, but it's no secret about Saint Layla's being such a prestigious school and her work within starcraft."

Ena ribbed, "Is she your celebrity crush?"

"Maybe." Nora's lips twitched. "I know she's Tristan's. I think he'd faint if he was in her presence."

They shared snickers at that before an amicable silence fell over them. The guzzling of the managed fountains and the snips and sprays from those caring for the flowers took up space between them. Silence was never a horrible thing with conversation. Silence was a conversation. Some might feel compelled to feel the void, but after you fell into a comfortable rhythm with someone, that silence was just as appreciated as words.

Ena paused (Nora followed shortly) and smiled serenely when she saw Beatrice and Marinette. Beatrice's eyes were sparkling as she wafted the scent of lavender, but when Marinette perkily said something, it was easy to see it embarrassed Beatrice and annoyed her. A cute contradiction. She upturned her nose, but Marinette was still beaming, clinging to her arm, and Beatrice ever pushed her away.

"What happened to Beatrice's mother?" Ena asked Nora.

"There was a serial arsonist over a decade ago," Nora informed her. "And that arsonist claimed the late Duchess' life."

A sorrow welled within Ena as she looked at Beatrice. "I see. A former guildmate of mine… Her mother was claimed in those awful fires as well. And that serial arsonist still lives to this day." She shook her head and kept walking. "It's dreadful."

Nora matched her pace. "It is. The Duke of Jasmine was as devoted to his wife as the Marquis had been to the late Marchioness. From the rumors, the Duchess was once a Magician and kept as a concubine in a foreign country. The Duke of Jasmine bought her and brought her to Fiore. Once she was made a citizen, he gave her the freedom to live her life as she pleased."

"That was kind of him," Ena murmured.

Nora nodded. "It was. The rumors state she did leave his dukedom to continue her magical studies and made powerful contacts. The Duke quietly supported her and had fallen in love with her already, but he didn't think she would see him as much more than a benefactor and a friend. Imagine his surprise when she accepted his offer for a meal and officially earned her hand in courtship. The rest is history."

Ena hummed. "And what of Marinette?"

"She's one of the daughters of a Viscount, but she doesn't attend Erigeron," Nora informed her. "I'm unsure how she and Beatrice met, but it was never lost on me that Marinette is always eager to be at Beatrice's side." He smiled. "Though she is a bit clumsy. From what I hear, it invites ridicule from the others competing."

"I'm sure Beatrice finds it endearing underneath her scolding," Ena tittered.

Nora offered her a sidelong look and teased, "Just as you find your attendant endearing even when he displeases you, My Lady?"

"Hardly," Ena chuckled. "He has the cuteness of a puppy still trying to understand the world. But I'm sure that young lady he's taken with will find his clumsiness a different sort of cute."

Nora's brow furrowed. "He told you he's in love with another girl?"

"Yes, he did. He had an unrequited crush on a guildmate of ours, but I suppose he's feelings transferred onto this new young lady." Ena shrugged. "I'm not sure her name. I never really pressed. But I hope it all works out for them." She frowned. "Although he tells me he doesn't have a chance with her. I call bunk. I'm sure with some time and patience, she'll notice him."

Nora blinked before he stopped and laughed.

Ena kept frowning. "I didn't think it was a laughing matter…"

"It's not." Nora quieted himself into a rueful smile. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to laugh. I'm sure your advice was sound. With time and patience, I'm sure whoever Silver loves will notice him."

Ena approvingly nodded as she got them walking again. "Exactly. He's a relentless fool. As long as he respects her boundaries, I'm sure he'll manage."

"Aye," Nora agreed. But it's because he's respecting your boundaries that he knows he doesn't have a chance with you. He silently sighed. We really do have a lot in common, except I'm not feeling that sort of torment every day. Other men would break boundaries for their own greed. But he must truly respect her to hold back from saying anything. Those yellows softened. You can't help but respect him.

Ena slowed as they came to one of the walls full of vines and stopped before a fountain against a wall. A statue of the praying woman with a bandage of her eyes was there and her weeping spewed a stream of tears into the stone fountain. "So… This is Mother."

"Yes." Nora offered for them to sit on the bench before the state, and Ena obliged. "Make no mistake. The Holy Eye has made it clear they will never invalidate any deities, considering there is viable proof of multiple deities existing from multiple religions. In fact, they offer their services to the Archaeology Society to help in religious studies."

"So what does 'Mother' represent?"

"I'm still not sure," Nora told her. "But no one has questioned it. Some people think she was an Old God. But I'm just not certain that's correct. Either way, she is preached about—not publicly. But Tristan had told me, when he dug deeper, you could see traces of the word 'Mother' in older languages. But none would explain what or who she was or what she was the mother of. Fertility? Belief? No one would know except for the Holy Eye."

Ena hummed, thoughtful. "Silver and I went to the Contemporary Art Museum on a date—"

"A 'date'?"

"A friend date," Ena clarified. "Anyway, there was this sort of chapel in the basement level with all this stained glass. Each glass piece had a representation of a lost race of Earth Land, from the Fae to Vampires to Lycans to Devils and Angels and Gods and Demons. But all of them were paying homage to this woman, who I now recognize as 'Mother'."

Nora processed this. "Was the piece trying to say she was their mother?"

"I don't know, but it feels right to theorize that," Ena admitted. "I'm not familiar with all the lore behind lost races, but their religions were heavily diversified. I'd have to ask my guildmate Penelope or Luke for more information if their religion had an all-encompassing mother figure." Mystogan would know. Her cheek twinged. But he'd never speak to me unless it dealt with Aine.

"When Tristan returns, I'll ask him to look into it," Nora proffered. "He sent me a letter he'd be back in time for the ball. It arrived during your investigative interview."

That surprised Ena. "A 'letter'? Not a text?"

"No." Nora's eyes darkened. "That's what worried me. He left so suddenly without a farewell. It was explained to me his father demanded him home, but for him to not even send a text or call worries me. Granted, I'm not that great with Compacts, but he spams me constantly with texts and now he's just…silent."

That worried Ena as well. "How did you receive the letter?"

"He has a trained messenger bird," Nora told her. "He uses it whenever he's grounded from another scandal, but for him to use it now…" He shook his head. "He let me know arrangements have been made for him to attend the ball, but he'll be out of sight."

"Why would he be going through all this?" Ena questioned.

Nora sighed. "I'm not sure." Nothing about his search should have warranted a prompt return. What did he find? Startled out of his thoughts, he looked down to see Ena patting his hand.

"Your friend seems like the type of person to keep away from serious danger. Trust in his skill," Ena urged.

Nora blinked, then softened. "I do, but I worry about him." He snorted. "Although I must be crazy too. If it weren't for me bringing him here to the estate, his parents would have murdered him with all his scandals." He shook his head while Ena simpered. "Though, I think my favorite has been a figure skater he was interested in. I liked the man well enough, but I was laughing when Tristan got rejected."

"A figure skater?"

Nora nodded. "Yes. He's a pretty famous one and he's pansexual like Tristan. He's one of his celebrity crushes. We met him at random, but he seemed like a really cultured and down-to-Earth-Land person. His friend, however, seemed a little…intimidating. After Tristan got a picture with him, he asked him out and was instantly shot down with a smile." He grinned. "Tristan wasn't used to be turned down, but the man was so energetic and smooth about it that I had to take a picture of how shocked he was."

"You're horrible!" Ena laughed.

"I've been hosting Tristan as my 'companion' ever since we met, and I learned how much trouble he caused. This was the least I could have done to him," Nora dryly remarked.

"Even I wasn't that bad when Silver used to drive me up the walls with his ideas of 'romance'. We just fought like cats and dogs all the time."

Nora's eyebrows hiked up. "Really? I can't believe that. He looks at you like you created the world."

"I wouldn't say that," Ena chuckled. "But, yes, we're closer than before. Once upon a time, we were spewing threats and insults at each other all the time. It drove L mad. She used to have to break us apart before we got into a truly heated argument. Actually, this one time…"

As Ena delved into a story of her trying times with Silver and Nora hung onto her every word, neither realized Father Johannes was watching from a far position in the garden with those dark eyes glittering. "What a beautiful sigh. A future Champion and our Enchantress. Mother is smiling down at us. Don't you agree"—he touched his earring and the Lacrima glinted—"Mother Clarion?"

"Oh, yes, Father Johannes," Mother Clarion responded. "Mother will be pleased about this blessed union between her Children. What of the attendant?"

"Don't worry, Mother Clarion." Father Johannes let his eyes dart to Silver when he came up the ramp. "With Mother smiling down on us, the boy will be no threat to this union. We will make sure of it."

---

Eustoma Commons was winding up to become even busier tonight when people would flood the stores and the streets for beer, burgers, and beats. Already it had a healthy populace walking around and taking advantage of the warmer weather. Outside patios would not be ready until April, but that did not stop people from stopping at street vendors and taking their food to-go. Book Land had an unusual influx of customers, but that could also be because they had expanded their comic selection just in time for the up-and-coming superhero film. Forever 22 had Young Nation's newest song blasting and one of the workers was doing the JSL (Josean Sign Language) that was in the music video. A couple in an uppity kitchenware store was having an argument over what color scheme they wanted for their supplies.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Eustoma Commons

Eustoma City

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale and Luna joined the pedestrian traffic with two opposites of dress. Gale preferred dark colors, but Luna was blooming in brightness. She had a spring in her steps, but several times, Gale had to grab her and keep her from running into someone or charging ahead.

"Jesus, Blondie, I should've bought you a leash if I knew you were going to try and run off everywhere," Gale teased her.

Luna smiled, sheepish. "Sorry. I'm just…really nervous and excited," she told him. "This is my first time at the Commons and I'm meeting Carlisle's boyfriend." She looked at the present in her hands. "Do you think he'll like me and the gift I brought him?"

"I don't understand why you felt the need to bring him a gift, but yeah, Dante's pretty chill," Gale assured. "You'll be fine, Blondie, quit worrying—Ow!" He rubbed his side and gave her a crazed look. "The Hell was that for?"

"Don't tell someone nervous to stop worrying," Luna scolded. "What if he doesn't like me?"

Gale rolled his eyes. "He will. Quit—" He stopped when Luna poised to strike him again. "All right, all right, Rocky, no need to get physical. Dante might look like he can't be bothered, but if he's crazy enough to have Carlisle as a boyfriend and Tesla as a best friend, you should be fine."

Luna sighed. "I hope so."

Gale eyed her, curious. "You're really worried about this." He asked when Luna nodded, "Why? It's just Dante."

"To you, maybe, but…" She sighed again. "Carlisle's…been a really good friend. You know? Like, obviously I tell E and Silver everything, but I don't know. He's been really helpful and insightful. And I want his boyfriend to like me because… Well, because I want to be just as supportive as he has been to me."

Gale softened and wrapped an arm around Luna's shoulder (though, in part to guide her away from someone about to collide with her). "Listen. Dante is going to love you. You make his baby happy. Automatically, that puts you in his 'nice' list." He refrained from kissing her temple and opted to rub her shoulder. "And if Dante doesn't like you, I'll set him straight."

Luna giggled. "I've seen pictures of him, Gale. I'm not sure you could take him."

"Excusez-moi?" Gale feigned an offended gasp. "You think I'd lose to him? Because you're exactly right. He'd beat my ass." He grinned when Luna laughed. "Thankfully, he's a gentle giant. Just, uh…don't comment about his size. He might not react like a normal person, but he's self-conscious about it sometimes."

Luna shot him a puzzled smile. "Why would I do that?"

"It's just a precaution. Now come on. We're almost there. Dante said it was a wait for dinner, so they went to Book Land."

While the NAC Book Land was the biggest one in the nation, the Eustoma Book Land had its own beauty to it with two floors and a basement level and even a small eatery. Gale had to shake his head in amusement when Luna went through the rotating doors, giddy as get out, but it faded a little when she caught a group of boys Gale's age noticing her. Gale tucked her into his side and led her to where Dante and Carlisle were.

In the children's section of course.

Luna perked at the bright tones of the children's section with its runaway train and glued down Lego masterpieces and even a "cloud machine" (a Lacrima of Cloud Magic) making fluffy little clouds that gave you the giggles and the tickles. "Oh, this is really neat."

Gale smiled. "Right? It's—"

"Oh my goodness, it's my Beauty!"

Gale's smile dropped as he scowled while Luna visibly brightened. "Carlisle!"

Carlisle stopped playing with the train set (it was set up for kids, but who cares) to open his arms. "Come here!" He laughed when Luna shoved her present into Gale's arms before rushing over to Carlisle. He picked her up and spun her around. "I was waiting for you for, like, ever!"

Luna was set back down, but she beamed at him. "Sorry for that, but we're here now! And I bought a present for your boyfriend!"

"You're so sweet!" Carlisle cooed. He looked over his shoulder and called, "Prince! Come meet my Beauty!"

Gale came to Luna and murmured in her ear, "Remember what I said."

Luna playfully smacked him, eager to meet Dante. "Why would I…?" Her playfulness dropped into jaw-dropping shock when Dante came out and her eyes went wide. "O-Oh, my…"

Dante came up, but it was not that he looked intimidating. Unlike Gale, with all his black, Dante wore rich and complementing colors with his V-neck, Cipanguese cardigan, joggers, and the backwards cap. But it did not matter what he was wearing. What mattered was that…

Oh my gosh, Luna thought as she tilted her head up. He's so…

Carlisle glowed when Dante kissed his cheek and slipped an arm around his waist. "Luna, meet my prince, Dante," he introduced. "Dante, this is your Beast's Beauty, Luna." He jested to Dante, "Play nice. She's a cute one."

Dante looked down at Luna, face impassive. "Hello. It's nice to meet you."

"Uh…" Luna could not stop gaping. "It's, um…nice to meet you too." She blinked, but she could not stop staring. "You're, um…very…very…."

Carlisle did not understand why Luna was gaping until he panicked. Oh, no. She's going to talk about Prince's size!

Gale facepalmed. Dammit, Blondie, I told you not to say anything about—

"…very handsome!"

Silence.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

~ Wow ~

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale was wide-eyed, Carlisle gawked, and Dante was looking down at Luna, who had sparkles all around her.

"Wow…! You're a lot more handsome in person!" Luna praised. "Those pictures don't do you justice! I could take better ones for you because wow… Just…wow!"

Carlisle puffed out his chest. "Right? Isn't he handsome? Isn't he though?" He patted Dante's chest. "And he gets better. He has man boobs."

Luna gasped. "Really?"

"He does! Do you want to feel?"

"Yes!"

Gale sweatdropped as a sparkling Carlisle and Luna had a ball feeling Dante's chest while disturbed parents moved their children away from the scene. Well. At least she didn't comment about his size. Most people get freaked out he's a giant. He approached Dante and they fist bumped. "What's up?"

"Nothing, I guess. I'm just being felt up in public," Dante said, tone dry. "She seems nice. I understand why Carlisle and her are friends." He sighed when Carlisle was raving about him, even though he was right there. "The wait shouldn't be much longer. We had to come here or else Carlisle would've run off to try and have dessert before dinner—which he can't have regardless."

Carlisle pouted up at Dante. "Come on…! It can be my cheat day!"

"That was yesterday," Dante reminded. "And you got caught red-handed trying to have sugar after two in the morning. No, you don't get a second cheat day after that stunt."

Carlisle sniffed and told Luna, "See how he treats me? He won't even let me eat what I want."

"Because you have a strict diet to follow," Dante pointed out, exasperated. "And Aphtan would murder me in my sleep if he found out I let you constantly cheat off it. No dessert." He narrowed his eyes when Carlisle furthered his pout. "Nice try. No."

"Brute," Carlisle muttered.

Luna tittered when she noticed Carlisle's choker and fingered it. "How come you've been wearing this lately, by the way?"

All three men froze.

Carlisle looked at Dante, panicked, but Dante's lips twitched and he crossed his arms, not saying a word. Sweating, Carlisle offered a nervous smile and explained, "Ah-ha, it's a fashion statement! I'm just trying something new, I guess, and I really like it!"

"Oh!" Luna accepted that with a sunny smile. "That makes sense! It looks good on you!"

Dante rumbled, "Really good."

Carlisle blushed. "Come on, Beauty. I have so much to show you. Let the boys play outside or talk about car stuff. We have better things to do." He enthusiastically steered Luna away and avoided Dante's heated stare.

"Should I be worried Blondie will see things she shouldn't see?" Gale jested as Dante and him slowly followed after the pair. "Not about to play that cute footsie shit under the table, right?"

"Unlike Jaxton, I can keep my dick in my pants," Dante muttered. He stopped to exam a popular series about gods. "Everything go okay at The Society, by the way? Did you find a summer program?"

"I might have." That reminded Gale of his encounter with Bleu. "Hey… Does Carlisle ever talk about his cousin to you? Bleu?"

"Lucy?"

"What?"

Dante glanced back at Gale. "He calls Bleu 'Lucy' from his first name, I think. I know that it's hard for them to talk right now." He sighed. "Carlisle tries not to let it get him down, but I can tell it bothers him not being able to speak to his cousin often. But he says it's a family thing. Why?"

"Nothing." Gale shook his head. I just don't understand what sort of drama warrants Carlisle to be banned from a birthday party of all things. If they really are that close, then… He dismissed the thought. "Did you have that meeting with the lady you said was interested in a partnership?"

Dante shook his hand. "Not yet, but I will tomorrow. Things are picking up at the garage, plus I have a lot of prep work to do for the iAIM program in the Nácarlines." Annoyance entered in his expression. "I made the mistake of letting Carlisle choose which apartment we rent because he whined at the options I gave him. I shouldn't have. I gave him a deadline since I have to put in my temporary residence with all the paperwork by April."

Gale snickered. "You might look irritated, but I know that face. You're over the moon."

"A bit," Dante confessed. "For all his whining, he brought up a lot of logistics I didn't even consider. I can tell he's taking it pretty serious about how we'll be living there for the summer, and I'm happy." A ghost of a loving smile toyed on his lips before it faded. "But I'm not sure how much time we'll be together. iAIM is said to have a rigorous schedule. It's an intensive program where you're expected to work long hours. I don't want him being bored."

Gale raised an eyebrow. "Have you met your boyfriend? I think you should be more worried his fans kidnap him if you leave him alone for too long."

Dante chuckled. "Yeah, that is true. But Aphtan will be going with us—"

"Wait." Gale put a hand on Dante's arm. "The guy you're, like, ninety-nine percent sure has a thing for your boyfriend, is staying with you and he'll be there to comfort your boyfriend when he's all alone? Dude."

"He's not living there," Dante explained. "He'll be living elsewhere, but he'll be coming over." When Gale still looked suspicious, Dante added, "Aphtan's Carlisle's best friend. I'd never come between that. And I trust Carlisle." He went back to scanning books. "Back to the meeting, though. I'm a little suspicious about it."

"Why? I thought you said they seemed genuine?"

"They did." Dante picked up a novel to skim the blurb on the back. "But I've gotten offers of partnership before since I was the final apprentice of my teacher. And when you read the contracts and go to those meetings, it's clear I'd be a trophy horse instead of actually being part of the innovative front. She says she's a private contractor—both her and her partner—but still…"

Gale hummed, rubbing his jaw. "Well, you won't know until the meeting if they're any different," he supposed. "Man, I envy you, though. Tesla would rave about all your offers, but we get why you ignore them."

"Yeah, none of them are my speed," Dante said. They kept walking down the book aisle until they stopped to see Carlisle and Luna. A padded little "woodland" playground was in the corner of the kid's action, and both had taken up the vine-clad swings, holding hands and chatting. It was clear to see the love in Dante's eyes as he looked at Carlisle.

Carlisle looked up and waved before he got up.

"I guess I could've been rich," Dante supposed. "But I want to be wanted for my talent, not the connections. It might sound like a backwards approach. More often than not, talent gets you part of the way, but it's the connections you have that give you a better opportunity. But I could tell how sad it made my teacher seeing her students choose fame over her teachings. I just hope I'm honoring her."

Carlisle helped Luna up, and they looped arms as they came over.

Gale offered to Dante, timbre soft, "I think you are. I think she's pretty proud her star student focused on broadening his horizons the right way with her teachings. I know as shit we're all proud of you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Dante was quiet for a moment. "Thanks, Gale."

Gale nodded. "Sure."

Carlisle was skipping as he and Luna came closer. "Beauty and I have come to an agreement!" he announced. "We've agreed we both deserve dessert as payment for you both having the honor of being in our presences!"

Gale raised an eyebrow and drawled, "Oh, really?"

Carlisle nodded proudly. "Yup! So you have to agree or we're doing our own date! Right, Beauty?"

Luna laughed. "Right!" Her eyes pivoted to Gale, but her chocolates caught Dante's darkness—

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Wet earth, metal, and humidity never should be a combination.

The cave was well dressed in the sounds of the swamp—maybe it was a forest—cawing outside of the cave. Rather than annoying, it was considered peaceful white noise. The cavern floor was earth smoothed down with the help of nature, but the cast iron tools and others were benched and shelves by someone.

The hearth that lit the cave felt like fire, but the fire felt unnatural—like it had not been sparked from coal or charcoal. It felt controlled in its temperament and maybe that was because of the person who tended to it understood its nature or perhaps the fire was more freethinking that it should have. The anvil was of black glittering mass that looked like nothing Earth Land had ever seen.

But there were signs someone lived here for both business and pleasure. A curtain hung over a carved-out hallway to deeper into the cave, but the only keepsake in this cave was an ardently coveted ratty teddy bear.

"So…you came for me."

A woman had uttered this from within the cavern, but the fire could not brighten her form. It was apparent she had her working gloves on and her apron and you could make out goggles on her head, but she leaned heavily on the anvil. A sad smile sounded through her words. "I always knew you'd come"

Something changed to see who she was talking to. A shadowed man was before her, tall, muscled, feral. He pointed a gun at her, or so the weapon outline spoke of, but the flames flickered to show he had a mask covering his nose and mouth. Still, his eyes could not be seen.

"Please." It did not sound like a beg and yet it was one coming from this woman. "Please."

The man tensed and he readied his weapon—

"No!" came a wild roar. "Giáo viên!"

The man pulled the trigger—

BANG!

The woman fell back as the bullet went right through her heart, but her next breath puffed frost.

"Giáo viên!" came a rapid scream-sob. "Teacher!"

The man's head turned—

Vibrant ceruleans marred the focus—

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Luna gasped as her knees gave out. All three men were quick to get her, but Dante was the fastest as she violently trembled, eyes glassy, and concerned filled him for this young woman he had barely met. "Are you okay—?" It shocked him when her hands touched his face, but her eyes were still clouded.

"Teacher," she rasped. "Gone. T-T-Teacher… Why did he…?" She inhaled on a shaky wheeze. "Giáo viên…" Her eyes watered as she whimpered. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Dante was stunned. 'Giáo viên'?

"Shh, Blondie, I've got ya." Gale took her away from Dante and stroked her hair as she clung to him, eyes wide and wet. She mumbled incoherent apologies with her eyes still trapped in that vision, so Gale told both Carlisle and Dante, "Sorry. She gets panic attacks at random. We'll be right back." He cooed something as he took the brunt of Luna's wait to guide her away.

Carlisle could not help the severe concern on his face as he stared at Luna and Gale. I could feel her be pulled. She had a future vision. But nothing should have prompted it. He looked up at Dante and his concern fell onto his boyfriend seeing a troubled expression on his face. He cupped his cheek. "Prince? You okay?"

"Yeah… Yeah…" Dante slid his arms around Carlisle and accept the chaste kiss to his chin. "It's just… She spoke in Vanlongese. Does she know the language?"

Carlisle did his best to not freeze. "Not that I'm aware of. Why? What did she say?"

"It's probably nothing," Dante wrote off. "'Giáo viên 'means 'teacher' in Vanlongese. It's what I always called my teacher when I apprenticed under her. It caught me off guard was all." But the more he considered it, the more it bothered him. It could be a coincidence. But when she looked at me, it felt…strange.

"Prince," Carlisle softly called. "I can feel you. What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, baby." Dante kissed Carlisle's forehead. "It's nothing much. I guess hearing 'giáo viên' just reminded me of my teacher. She's been advising me on which of my little tinkers I should advertise." His mind started turning. "Maybe I should pay her a visit. It's been a while since I've seen her."

"Can I come too?"

Dante looked down at Carlisle in surprise. "You want to come?"

"Sure." Carlisle shrugged. "It's obvious she means a lot to you. It'd be nice to meet all the important people of your life." He grinned and teased, "And I want to as her how you begged to be her student."

"You're such a brat." But Dante rubbed Carlisle's side and pecked his lips before tucking him under his chin. "Sure. I'm sure she'd like to meet you." I'll have to look at flights. We can only fly part of the way. Then we have to walk. His tension faded when that hook in his chest impressed the same purring warmth Carlisle was nuzzling on him.

"Teacher. Gone. T-T-Teacher…"

Dante exhaled through his nose as a pit jabbed his gut. And maybe we'll have to do it sooner than later.

°•°•°•°

Gale crowded Luna into a corner of Book Land left undisturbed. Granted, it was an unpopular geographical section, but he did not need nosy workers and curious customers disturbing him as he rubbed down Luna's arms. The Wild yearned to press its scent onto her skin and purr, but he held back from the instinct to wipe her tears and keep her upright.

"Do you want to do five-four-three-two-one?" Gale asked her.

Luna shook her head, sniffling. "N-No, I'm okay," she whispered. "Sorry. I couldn't control it—" She hiccupped.

"I know, principessa, it's okay," Gale soothed. "What do you need from me?"

Luna gasped. "I don't know, I don't know—"

"It's okay. I've got you." Gale instantly held her against his chest and shushed her gently as she trembled. "Keep breathing with me, okay? And it'll be over soon, I promise." He felt Luna shake her head, but he persisted, "Breathe with me, principessa, okay? First one. Deep breath in with me." He exaggerated his inhale, and, to his relief, Luna tried it as well. "Then exhale with me."

They both breathed out.

But Luna coughed and whimpered, "I-I-I c-c-can't do this—"

"It's hard, I know, but breathe with me and I promise it'll get better," Gale insisted. "Come on, Blondie, another big breath." He sucked in and praised when Luna did as well, "Good girl. And breathe out nice and slow, okay?" They both exhaled, and he said, "See? You're breathing better than me when you tormented me this morning, yeah?"

Luna wetly laughed. "Th-That was funny."

"I know it was. Keep breathing better than me. Another inhale, okay?" They both breathed in. "And out for me." And a long whoosh of an exhale.

It got to the point Luna could mirror Gale's breathing until her panic and shaking quelled down. Shame and exhaustion battled for dominance as she leaned against Gale and tried to hide herself away from the world. She mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Gale eased. He kissed her hair. "I'm sure whatever you saw wasn't good, Blondie. It's okay. And we can talk about it later. Right now, I want you to focus on breathing. You're doing great. Just tell me whatever you need from me."

Luna nodded and pulled away to sniff and wipe her eyes with the butt of her wrist. "I feel better," she promised him. "The vision just…shocked me, I guess, I…" Her eyes lowered. "I…"

"Shhh. We don't have to talk about it," Gale assured.

Luna hesitated. "Could…? Could I show it to you?"

That surprised Gale. "You want me to look? Are you sure? I have as much control over my shit as you do, Blondie." When Luna lowered her head, he sided and stroked her cheek. "We can try it when we're home just in case something goes wrong," he murmured in promise. "Do you want to go home?"

Luna shook her head. "No." She hugged Gale again and mumbled, "But Dante probably thinks I'm a lunatic."

"You can spell 'lunatic' without 'Luna', so technically—Ow!" He grunted at Luna's hard pinch while she gave a watery chuckle. "Yeah, you definitely feel better with all your violence," he muttered, sarcastic. "And don't worry. Dante isn't judging you. He helps a lot with Tesla's panic attacks. I'm sure he's more worried than anything about you." He teased, "And he might even cave on dessert for you and Carlisle if you play it right."

Luna perked. "Really?" She tugged on Gale's arm. "You should have said that to calm me down."

"Well, zoinks, Daphne, next time, I'll do that," Gale muttered. He pulled Luna under his arm and murmured into her ear, "You just let me know when you're ready to go home and if you need anything, Blondie-girl. You know I'm willing to ditch and cuddle if it means I avoid Carlisle's annoying ass."

Luna smiled. "I'm okay. But I will." She fought down how rattled and raw she felt from her vision. I don't understand. That woman… She died. But she didn't feel bad. And that voice… And then…

Vibrant ceruleans.

A foreboding nausea rolled around in Luna's stomach. I'm sure this was a possibility. That wouldn't happen. That would never happen. But that feeling in her stomach told her otherwise.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nora and Ena left the stables with Silver trailing behind them and drifted across the property to head to the annex. It felt surreal looking at all the preparation being made for the final inspections, but the workers focused on their tasks to make Savant Hall the perfect estate for their guests.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Savant Hall

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"What sort of guests should I anticipate?" Ena asked Nora. "I know I'll see the knights and members of the Holy Eye, but will the reception ball be bringing other nobility? Outside the Duke of Aronia, of course."

Nora chuckled. "Yes, you can anticipate the noble parents of those recommended will be in attendance and a few others. You'll have to pardon me. I'll be receiving every guest with the rest of my family, so I won't be able to enter with you officially, but I'll be there to offer my arm once the official greetings are over."

"That's not a problem. I'm sure I'll be entertained."

Knights opened the doors for them to enter the annex with works inside spiffing up this section of the estate for official inspection and even some designated workers using special creams and solutions on the armor and weapons to make them shine for whomever came through the annex.

"Did you enjoy your visit to the Hall of Knights?" Nora asked.

Ena's smile could not be contained. "It was wonderful! The facilities are well-thought out, and it felt wonderful to shake hands with those knights and watch some of their training." She looked back at Silver. "And you seem to have made a new friend, Silver."

"Marinette's pretty great," Silver gushed.

In his head, he remembered how he and Marinette jumped around as they ranted and raved about their lady loves and ignored all the weird stares. She's the only one who understands me. I'm sure Gary could relate to me, but… He sweatdropped thinking of all the times Nashi fled like the hounds of Hell were on her heels while Gary blissfully frolicked after her. He's a lot more intense than me.

"Well, you'll see Ladies Marinette and Beatrice at the reception ball," Nora assured. "The estate knights will be guards for the event to allow all participants in the exam the opportunity to dance and mingle."

Ena clapped her hands together. "It's not like I don't have noble contacts, but I keep thinking of all the new clientele I could gain." Her eyes sparkled. "I could lay down the groundwork for interest in my Fae renaissance line. This would be the perfect time to hear feedback and let the rumors circulate. Wonderful!"

Both Nora and Silver simpered. She's so adorable. It was like the pair of them knew what the other was thinking when Silver scowled at Nora, and Nora flashed him a smirk that made him bristle.

"Tonight is my last tailoring appointment for Ladies Sylvie and Odette to make sure all my measurements are accurate," Ena said, breaking up whatever static mental battle Silver and Nora were going through. "I'm sure they earn the favor of a few knights." She patted her pocket where Beatrice's tassel was. "Do they follow the tradition of embroidering handkerchiefs? Lady Beatrice surprised me with her tassel. It's such an Old-Middle Era tradition to follow."

"Aye. Many knights still follow those traditions." Nora's eyes twinkled in amusement. "Odette has a mastery of sewing and craft, but Sylvie's still rough with it. She never wanted to learn it, and the Marquis never thought it was necessary to enforce it unless she had an interest in it."

"Your father is more progressive than I care to credit," Ena said. "Considering the nature of high society and the officials, he's ahead of his time handling modernization."

Nora agreed. "Richard tells me Father was constantly scolded for his forward thinking. And with the late Marchioness, they defied many standards. Thankfully, Father was respected and his deep contributions to our monarchy forced people to accept his actions and ideals. Even the Duke of Aronia might have talked about his potioneering, but no one will blatantly speak about it since much of his researching has saved countless soldiers."

"I don't envy the life you all lead," Ena murmured. "Even being the daughter of a Guild Master and attending functions, people there can be vultures and try to exploit any tidbit about you against you. It takes a strong will to hold your head up high and a stronger will to spar with them."

Nora softened. "I can't argue that. I always hated attending functions when I was younger. As the illegitimate heir, no one was on my side. I was punished for a crime I didn't commit. Even some of the staff resented me. But the Marquis, my mother, Odette, and even Sylvie defended me, and I learned how to stand on my own feet here."

Ena hummed. "And what of your older brother?"

"Atticus…" Nora tried for the right words as he and Ena and Silver went up the staircase. "Atticus…defended me as well. He's always told me he's been on my side, and to his point, he helped convince the Marquis and my mother to let Tristan become my 'companion'."

Ena observed Nora's profile and said, "I can't wait to meet him and judge him for myself."

"Yes." Nora's eyes darkened. "I'm sure he feels the same about you."

Nora escorted Ena all the way to her bedroom. Silver opened the door and waited for Ena to cross into the threshold, but when she moved for her farewell, Nora led her in place. "Since we did speak of traditions and you have learned such traditions…" His smile turned mischievous. "Should I hope My Lady gifts me a handkerchief once I enter the exams to become a Holy Knight?"

"Me?" Ena blinked in surprise. "I'm not sure how much good a handkerchief from a humble seamstress would do you on such a rigorous exam—"

"It would do me wonders," Nora murmured. "Having a token of good luck and goodwill from a talented and beautiful lady would make any person strive to be victorious and impress her. Wouldn't you think?"

"A-Ah…" Pink touched Ena's cheeks. "Well, I…" She worked her mouth and weakly guessed, "I…suppose it would… But I'm plenty sure, My Lord, you have richer offers—"

"If I do, I have no knowledge or care for them," Nora told her. "I have no interest in receiving tokens from people who hope to claim a higher title through using me as a means to an ends or people who have little interest in my actual life." Grayed yellows burned into dark chocolates. "But to receive a token from a young lady I can cross swords with… I have much more of an interest in that."

Ena blinked thrice, a little tongue-tied. "I…"

Eyes glittering in mirth, he bent to kiss her knuckles. "I'll retrieve you for dinner, My Lady. Please enjoy your time with my sisters." And in a smooth fashion, he left.

Ena did not stay rooted any longer and headed inside, skin a healthy flush. I think I'll be relieved when we leave this place. She touched her warm neck. Perhaps a shower before the butler comes to escort me to Odette's apartment.

"Are you okay, mistress?"

A shiver racked down Ena's back when Silver's presence swarmed her. "I'm fine," she breathed.

"Are you sure? You looked flushed, mistress." Silver came before her, those blues unreadable. "Did he say something rude to you?"

Ena swallowed. "Ah, no, he didn't, but thank you for your work." She smiled at him, albeit feebly. "I'm thinking of a refreshing bath before the butler comes for my final appointment with Odette and Sylvie and…" Her smile faded when Silver leaned in closer. That phantom sharpness prickled against her neck. "Silver?"

"You smell sweet, mistress," Silver softly hissed as those blues went to her lips then her neck and back to her face. His nostrils flared as he greedily took in that sweet lure-scent. "You smell sweet around him a little, but you always smell so sweet around me."

Ena's breathing hitched, but her escape was blocked with Silver before her and the wall behind her. Her bottom lip trembled. "S-Silver—" She placed a hand on his chest, but her lashes fluttered when his nose nudged her neck. "Wait—"

"I've been waiting, mistress." He pulled away, but he kept his lips close to hers, allowing her to feel how, with one twitch, he could cover her mouth with his. "I'm tired of waiting. Aren't you, mistress?"

Ena whimpered, "Silver—" But she could not breathe when his hand cradled her cheek.

"You smell even sweeter now, mistress," Silver whispered only millimeters from her lips. "So sweet." His hands plunged into her hair and that moment of her shock was used to his advantage when he kissed her hair and felt every part of him relax and coil at the same time tasting that supple vanilla—

"Silver?"

Silver blinked to see he was still in front of Ena. Was I daydreaming? It registered how annoyed Ena looked and he scrambled back with a nervous laugh, his face a wild red. "U-U-Um, sorry, what were we talking about?" Oh my god, I was daydreaming! What's wrong with me?

Ena sighed. "I was saying I would like my bath prepared—"

"Bath! Got it!"

Ena watched Silver scurry away in a mixture of confusion and amusement. He truly is one odd person…

°•°•°•°

"Ha… This I could get used to."

Silver had made sure to return with a fresh robe for Ena and a fluffy towel, but it amused him to see Ena so relaxed in the bathtub with her facemask, her hair clamped, and she had a cocktail and little snacks at her disposal. He got out the L-Pad from under his arm and settled down at the stool.

"I've decided when I move, you're to come with me and make baths like this for me every night," Ena declared after sipping her cocktail. "I wasn't asking you."

"Of course not, mistress," Silver chuckled. "But I can't take the credit. Julia always used to make my baths for me, but she'd get pissed doing it for me all the time, so she taught me how to do it myself."

"Oh." This was news to Ena. "I didn't realize you liked baths too."

Silver nodded as he went through emails. "My whole family would have spa days. Julia would make fun of Gary and I since we loved having spa days, but she was the one who got acrylic nails and the whole works." He snorted. "Though, when Gary was younger, I remember he'd pretend not to like them to be tough and would make fun of Nashi for them."

"Sometimes, I wonder how he changed so quickly," Ena murmured as she soaked in the tub. "I remember, albeit vaguely, about his kidnapping. I'm sure he's fighting silent battles about his memories of it. But I scarcely remember he was quite rude. It was always a little shocking to me how mellow he became."

Silver slowed in his scrolling as those blues saddened. Yeah… He could remember all the days Gary's door was closed, and his mother keeping hold of him when Gary's nightmares would take over and only his father would help pull him free. He certainly did change…

Ena sighed. "Well, you're free to join me if you enjoy baths. I don't mind."

"What!"

"What?" Ena did not see the problem. "Did you not hear me? I said—"

"No, no, I heard you!" Silver knew he was steaming, and his face was an alarming shade of red. "H-H-H-How could you ask me something like that so casually? I-I mean…! I'm a boy! And you're a girl!"

Ena hummed. "That's a fair observation, yes."

"Don't you see something wrong with us sharing a tub!"

"Hmmm." Ena shifted. "No, not really. My mother would embarrass your dad and Uncle Natsu with stories of when they took baths together as children. I don't see the difference."

"But there is a difference!" Silver cried. "A big difference!"

"Okay. What are they?"

"Huh?"

"Well, what are the differences between our parents taking a bath together and us?" Ena adjusted her rejuvenating eye mask. "I'm listening."

"Well—!" Silver worked his mouth several times. "I-I-I mean…! You're a girl and I'm a boy! We're not supposed to be in a bathtub together! I-It's inappropriate!"

Ena hummed, contemplative. "I suppose. But Luke and I have shared a hot spring together on a mission before. I see no difference in that than with this."

"W-W-Well, there's—!" Silver stopped. "Wait. You guys were in a hot spring together?" Uncalled for jealousy hit him. "When?"

Ena shrugged, unbothered. "I'm not sure. It was the mission L and I went on with Igneel, Luke, and you, remember? Prior to Margaret Town?" She snorted. "It was a mess. But Igneel found a hot spring. I'm unsure what you were doing, but the rest of us decided to relax. L left to find you, I think, so it was Igneel, Luke, and I, and then Igneel got out since he was worried Gale would try to call her, so it was Luke and I. It was nice and relaxing. We talked, we relaxed, and then we got out."

Silence.

Ena hummed loudly. "Silver? Are you still there?"

"Do you like Luke?"

That got a genuine laugh out of Ena. "Where on Earth Land did that come from?" She snort-laughed. "Forgive me. It's just…!" She laughed even more. "Oh, goodness, no. He's fairly attractive, of course, I won't deny that. Even Igneel had his charm. But no. Why?"

"Well, I mean…" Silver floundered for something to say. "Why would you get into a hot spring with him if you didn't…?" Now his steam made a thin veil within the bathroom. "Well…you know…"

"Silver." Ena's tone dripped with teasing. "Are you implying that I seduced Luke into a hot spring with me for wicked things?"

"No!" Silver did not know if his heart could take that imagery. He liked Luke enough, but he was starting to understand why his mother would go nuclear when unsuspecting people "flirted" with his father. "N-No! It's nothing like that!"

"Good. Because if you were"—Ena's tone dropped to murderous—"I would have to punish you."

Silver clamped his hands around his nose as more steam puffed from him. Saying things like that is bad for my health!

Ena sighed. "The reason why I proposed we could share a luxurious bath is for the same reason Luke and I were comfortable in a bath together. There is no mutual attraction."

THUNK!

Chibi-Silver dressed in black with a veil as he attended the burial of his pride with its own gravestone with the funeral march playing around in his head. He comically wept, She says such hurtful things and I'm still into it. Why am I the way I am? A funeral-goer labeled SIMP stood next to Chibi-Silver and patted his shoulder.

Silver muttered, "That makes me not want to have a bath with you even more."

"Aw… Did I wound my precious Diaval's ego?" Ena laughed when Silver huffed. "Well, take my opinion none to heart. After all, you could care about that young lady you're smitten with. In fact, I'm surprised that was not your first argument."

Silver opened his mouth, but he blanked on his defense. He ended up saying, "She'd be fine with it."

"Really?" Disbelief couched Ena's tone. "She'd be okay with you bathing with another lady?"

"She would. She's, um…encouraging it."

"Oh, my." Ena coughed. "She sounds like a trusting and very, ah…liberal young lady. I'm not sure I have that sort of strength."

That piqued Silver's interest. "What do you mean?"

"Well…" She splashed her feet. "Were I to take a partner, I think I'd be too selfish with them. I'd imagine my career would still be important and I'd still be busy, but…I'd still want to savor moments just between us that no one could touch."

Silver softened, and he murmured, "That sounds nice."

"It sounds like make-believe that happens in a Magia movie," Ena dismissed. "Back to your young lady, you haven't shared much about her. I didn't want to pry, but I'm always here to lend an ear. Perhaps advice, maybe?"

You'd end up giving me advice about yourself. That irony was not lost on him. "Thanks, but I'm okay," Silver assured her. "She won't want me no matter what I'd do. I'm not really on her level."

"Oh, nonsense," Ena admonished. "I forbid you to put yourself down like that."

Silver sighed. "I'm not lying, though. She's just…on a whole different level than me. And anyway, she doesn't want anyone, remember? And I have to respect her choice. I'm fine where I am." Please stop pressing this.

Thankfully, Ena dropped it. "All right. I'll let this go," she decided. She moved her hands around underneath the bubbles. "Come. Get in the bath with me and if it makes you feel better," she added as though she knew Silver was about to protest, "you can keep on whatever clothing you like. But you've been working hard. Relax with me."

Silver bit his bottom lip. He wanted to decline, but the notion of being in a relaxing bath and spending more time with her was too appealing to turn down, even if he was leading her astray about "no mutual attraction". "Okay."

"Good." Ena sighed. "Hurry before I fall asleep then."

Silver gulped. "Okay."

He danced out of the bathroom before trying to calm himself. Okay, you can do this. This isn't hard. It's just a bath. Fairy Tail has co-ed baths, right? It's just like being at the guildhall. Think about it like that. It's like being at the guildhall.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

This is not like being at the guildhall.

It was easy to make his boxers waterproof, but Ena had enchanted them to act the same as swim trunk. He sat on the other side of the tub with his knees drawn up as he tried to keep his eyes on the bubbles—

"Ah…" Ena shifted. "Thanks for turning this into a hot tub."

"What?" Silver blinked down to realize he was toasting the water with bubbles flaring up. "O-Oh, um, right. No problem." I didn't even realize I was doing that, but there's no point in telling her that. He splashed the water a little. "So, um… I have something to tell you."

"Well, go on then. What is it? I'm all ears."

Silver tensed as he remembered the phantoms pains from yesterday. "I, um… When I…fell, I heard some things you should know about," he started. "I accidentally overheard the Marchioness speaking to someone I couldn't recognize, but she called him 'High Brother'." His stare darkened. "And they were talking about bringing you over to the Holy Eye and matching you with Nora. They sounded…so confident their plan would work once you met this 'Mother Clarion'. And that with me being here, I would mess things up, but considering what happened yesterday, they might've been trying to kidnap you—"

"Did they threaten you?"

That made Silver blink. "What?"

Ena repeated slowly as she moved in the tub, "Did they threaten you?"

"I, um…" Silver tried to remember everything verbatim. "They talked about removing me, I think, but you—"

"I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about you." Ena crossed through the bubbles and had taken off her rejuvenation mask to stare him down in hard worry. "Considering the way they've been watching me, it makes perfect sense for them to talk about me like that. I can handle it. But now they're threatening you."

"Okay, so?" Confusion hit Silver. "You're in a lot more trouble than me. You were nearly killed yesterday, Ena, and you're walking into the lion's den tomorrow. You could've been kidnapped or worse. And these people aren't afraid to use Anti-Ether, Ena."

Ena brought her hands out of the water to touch his cheeks. "I can handle it. I know—"

"No, you don't."

Ena backed down when Silver smothered her cheeks with his hands and was surprised by the level of fury in his eyes.

"Don't try to comfort me about this and turn this around like you always do," Silver harshly scolded. "I can handle myself, Ena. I might not be as strong as you, but I can defend myself. You need to focus on yourself. You didn't see how small and broken you looked the other day. It's clear whoever is after you can kill you. They used Anti-Ether on you, Ena. Don't you get how serious that is?"

Ena frowned. "I do—"

"No, you don't," Silver barked. "You don't. You don't know what it's like to trapped like that. You have your swords? What happens when they take your sword? You have your hands? What happens when they chain you so you can't use them? Then, what? You think people like this want to talk it out? Make peace?" He shook his head as though ugly memories from Margaret Town surfaced. The kicking. The lashes. The punches.

The pain.

"You might think you're prepared for anything, but you're not. You don't know what it's like to be completely helpless—where you can't even fight because they keep beating you and you can't even defend yourself because they've got you chained." His throat caught. "It doesn't matter how strong or smart you think you are. You don't know what that's like. You don't know what you'd do because y-you can't do anything."

He dropped his hands as that pain from those chains and those beatings made him sick and despaired. "You just don't understand what that's like," he breathed. "You think you do, but you don't. You can't even scream. You can't do…anything. And you just have to wait until it's over."

Ena stroked his cheeks as a sadness filled her for how desolate Silver's tone had taken, "Silver—"

Lightly, Silver pushed her hands off him. "I need out."

"Silver—"

"Don't touch me." Silver softened his bite, "Please, Ena."

Ena stopped.

Silver climbed out of the bathtub and kept his back to her. "I get it. You're strong—stronger than me. You're perfect and powerful." He shook his head, shoulders shaking. "But none of that's going to help you against people who don't care about crap like that. They don't care about 'honor'. They don't care about anything other than making you feel pain."

His breath hitched. "I'm not going to listen to your hero speech about how you can handle this. They got Lance. They got Uncle Gajeel." His lip trembled. "They got my m-mom and I c-c-couldn't—" A deep, shaky breath. "And they're stronger than you. So don't tell me you can handle it when people like that are after you."

He whispered, voice cracking, "Those people who use Anti-Ether kidnapped my brother for three years, and you want to tell me you can handle this when I had to listen to him scream in his sleep, begging to die?"

Ena's expression broke in pure regret. "Silver, I'm sor—"

"I'll be outside."

Silver left the bathroom. He could have slammed the door, but he was gentle in closing it and that hurt a lot more than Ena cared to admit as she fell back in the water, distraught and alone.

---

New Azalea City was always busy, but it felt exceptionally eventful tonight. Maybe all the warm weather was driving everyone out of their homes and into the open city. And tonight was also in preparation for the bars and clubs to be full with eager people forming lines to drink and dance the night away. A rap battle was occurring in front of the entrance to a department store. A raggedy jazz band with a dance baritone saxophonist played a funky beat on a Sky Train platform. A fatter Guard chased after skateboarding hooligans down a strip, but everyone knew he would not catch them.

A particular street with six lanes—one on either side for parking alone—was one of the busier one as valets had to rush with precision as well-dressed clientele that flashed all sorts of bling and fancy cars, and the waits were ridiculous as some had to wait weeks to months to get in. The Giltenan Tea Room this side of town was packed, but it was obvious who the true Giltenans were and who were the "foreigners" coming to such a place. One electro-restaurant gave their customers quite the show with slinky dancers. Another was doing a cabaret night and everyone was shooting and cheering for the drag queen singing.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Mid-Manna is the "mainland" of New Azalea where most of the action happens and also the location of the Azalea Botanical Garden. "The Neighborhood" is a popular strip for many high-rise restaurants. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

An SUV pulled up to a valet in front of XOX. Quickly, workers came to open the doors. One worker had gone to the passenger's side and opened the door with his hand extended, but his mouth watered when a manicured hand slid into his own.

He choked out, "Good evening, miss."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

The Neighborhood

Mid-Manna, New Azalea City

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A pearly-white grin. "It certainly is, baby. And seeing you made it all the better."

Tesla stepped out with her hair white as the driven snow in bountiful waves a person would get lost in. Her light jacket did nothing for people to not see her short lace dress that hugged all the right places. She let her hand dance up the man's arms as she crossed onto the sidewalk. "Come on, ladies."

"We're coming." Justin followed her with his hair in a pumped high ponytail with his cropped bomber jacket and a blue mesh shirt with the same blue of his hair glossed onto his lips. "Blame Nashi and her car-shaving."

"It keeps legs smooth, and Nashi needs it!" Ellie defended. She decided on high-rise pleather pants with a long sleeve that had a plunging neckline, and she straightened her hair down for the evening. She bumped Justin's shoulder. "I know you'd be doing the same."

Justin whipped out his fan that spelt DADDY on it and rolled his eyes. "I would never."

"Yes, you would and you have." Nashi was the last to get to the sidewalk in her shoulder-less long-sleeve minidress colored in a fluffy pink to match her hair and even her shoes went along with it. "You love looking smooth for Ace."

"We have gotten to the point where fuzz is still sexy, thank you," Justin sniffed as Tesla and Ellie wrapped their arms around his. "Come on, my beautiful little whores. Time for din-din and then we go to Soho."

XOX had a sizeable wait for the evening, but that was to be expected. It was a fabulous establishment, perfect for dates, and tonight was the perfect night for a date. But it came as a surprised to the four of them when the host saw them and perked, calling, "Benson, party of four?"

Justin blinked when the host beckoned them forward, but he said, "I'm sorry, but none of us have the last name 'Benson'."

"I know." The host's eyes twinkled. "But you do know someone who has the last name. And he reserved a table for your party." He took up four menus. "Right this way, please!"

The four looked at each other, perplexed, but they followed the host through the throng of waiters and guests. Jaws dropped when they realized their reservation was within a private section, and the host grinned as he set up their table and made sure they were seated.

Justin shot the host a suspicious look. "Are four nosy Guardian Angels having all of you on their payroll?"

"I've been sworn to secrecy," the host jested. "Your waiter will be with you shortly." And he hopped away.

Justin groaned. "Okay. Who spilled the tea?" He gave Ellie an accusing look. "It was you, wasn't it? You sellout bitch, that's why when I picked you up, you looked all giggly. I knew it. She bribed you with orgasms."

Ellie hung her head. "Yes…"

Tesla tsked. "Lady, you have to power through that sort of bribery or keep them legs closed. It takes some serious skill to not blurt out secrets or go all 'yes, sir, whatever you say, sir' when they're right up in there, but it feels like a superpower once you master it."

Ellie moaned. "Je sais, but it's so hard…! She's just so…talented!"

Justin snapped his fingers and pointed at her. "Did you tell her which clubs we'd be hitting up too?"

Ellie was about to say something with a guilty face, but their waitress came over with a shit-eating grin and a tray of waters. "Hi, everyone. I'm Wanda, your waitress for the evening," she introduced as she set down water for everyone and their utensils and straws. "What can I start you off with today?"

"A round of whatever our partners ordered for us," Justin groused.

Wanda laughed. "They did have their recommendations, but it's up to you what you want, I promise. Money isn't an issue, just to let you know. I'm to tell you all to order whatever you want."

"I can't even be mad at those sons of bitches for being this sweet," Justin grumbled.

Tesla shifted. "Tuh. I sure as Hell ain't about to be salty. If they want to spoil us on our night out, let them. This night is about us using our bodies to get what we want." She sweetly smiled at Wanda. "Bring us what they ordered for us, please and thank you, but we're about to order a lot of food."

Wanda chuckled. "I understand. I'll be right back with your drinks." And she turned away.

Justin flicked Ellie and whined, "Ell-bell… We made a whole pact and everything, remember? And do you know how hard it was for me to keep it when Ace was practically edging me all night long?"

Tesla sipped her water and muttered, "I love that for you."

Ellie rested her head on Nashi's shoulder and mumbled, "Sorry. She just…got it out of me. I'm weak, okay? She makes me weak." She held Nashi's hand. "And our sweet girl blabbed about one of the bars to Gary."

Nashi blushed. "No I didn't!" She shrunk under Justin's glare and said, "All right, in my defense, we were talking and I was…feeling some things—"

"Girl, say what it was. He got you with virtual foreplay and you panted our secrets while he sex-talked you to the edge. Goodbye." Justin shook his head. "At least Tesla said nothing."

"Nope." Tesla popped her p. "And let me tell you, I had to be strong to endure all of Jaxton's seduction. He pulled out some of the good-good shit too. The man was making muscles I didn't even know I had work overtime, but I kept my silence." She and Justin high-fived in solidarity. "I'm bummed Carlisle couldn't come out with us."

Justin nodded with a groan as he stomped his feet. "Honey, I know. But know that I would've left you all behind if it means I get a piece of him all to myself." He fanned himself. "Sneak off with him to every dark corner of the club."

Ellie giggled as she stirred her water. "I might have to pray for him to endure you. Ace told me he had to reel you back in with your love language showing."

"But I love buying presents!" Justin complained. "And I just know he's going to look so good in all that lingerie. I can feel it." His mouth watered. "I just need to see it. And let's be real, Ace is hungry to see Carlisle in it too, so he can't complain about me getting the drop on this."

Wanda came back with a tray of cocktails for the table and her amused smile in place. "All right, ladies, I have the drinks your partners said you'd want to start off with. But have you given any thought to our appetizers today?" Her lips twitched. "You might have some suggestions about those…"

"If I said I wanted one over everything, is that allowed?" Justin innocently question.

Wanda chortled. "We can certainly do one of everything. After all, your 'Guardian Angels' said money wasn't an option tonight."

"We are not doing that," Nashi negated, shooting Justin a look. "We're not breaking banks tonight." She opened her menu and scanned the first two pages. "How about…? Can we do garlic fries for the whole table and mac-n-cheese bites and…"—she pointed at something for Ellie to nod—"Josean fried cauliflower and dynamite shrimp?"

Nashi's expression withered when Wanda looked like she was trying to hold in laughter. "That's what was listed, wasn't it?"

Wanda offered a helpless shrug. "Sorry."

Nashi sighed. "We'll take it."

"Great! I'll put that order in then and be back shortly!"

After Wanda left, Nashi said, "At least Chi-chi is at the tattoo place tonight, so he won't be watching us."

"Exactly." Justin slurped his cocktail. "Because I am about to get turnt and Chi-chi always stops me before I can. We deserve this outing to drink until we can't." He held up his cocktail. "Here's to us partying like the world is ending."

"Here, here!"

Clinks went around and sips were taken before Ellie mentioned, "Honestly, it's sort of nice we get to do this and leave our husbands at home." She shrugged when Nashi raised an eyebrow. "Ines is fine with being called 'husband'."

Nashi snorted. "Yeah, it is nice," she agreed. "I don't have to worry about keeping Gary on a leash."

"He's like a lovesick puppy," Justin muttered.

"I can relate to that," Tesla agreed.

Justin laughed. "Tesla, if Gary is a puppy, your man is a wolf."

"Ha!" Tesla could not help but cackle. "Ah-ha-ha…! Girl, oh my god—yes. Yes, you are exactly right, Justin, Jang-ta is a wolf." She crossed her legs with a saucy smirk. "And you don't even know the half of it."

Nashi shook her head in amusement and smacked Tesla's arm. "Hey! Keep it in your pants while we're in Caracole, young lady. We're not paying a fine because you and Jaxton got 'lost in the moment' and have to go at it in the sand."

"Okay, listen." Tesla clicked her tongue. "Number one: we only let spectators watch in designated areas where it's accepted to do that. Number two: we have never got caught having public sex, thank you. And number three: neither of us would be caught dead having sex in the sand, are you kidding? That gets everywhere like glitter. Hard pass."

"We just lay down a blanket," Justin admitted. "But we don't go full-in. Foreplay? Sure. Sex? No." He pointed at Ellie. "Write this down so you and Ines can start racking up points for all the crazy places to have fun."

"I have my points, merci," Ellie said in her defense with a slight blush when everyone looked eager for details. "We, um… Well, I had to go to the library for school stuff and, um…" The heated memories made her head feel light. "Let's just say she was happy I was wearing a skirt."

"Stan. I love that for you," Tesla clucked with a clap.

Nashi shot everyone an exasperated look. "Do we have to talk about sexcapades?"

"You brought up the possibility of Jang-ta and I giving everyone an all-access pass to our sexcapades," Tesla pointed out. "I blame you for making this about sex and will raise this conversation to explaining how I had sex in a stranger's car with my boyfriend in vivid detail with the cold open sentence being don't ever let Jang-ta do seven body shots on my person."

Nashi threatened, "I can change your hair back."

Tesla dramatically gasped and touched her hair. "You dirty-ass bitch."

Nashi shook her head. "No. No sex talk." She gave an exasperated exhale when the others looked at her in offense. "It's not fair all of you can satisfy that itch to scratch wherever-whenever. I have a weekend per month, okay? Can't I get pity and we can talk about something else?"

Ellie rubbed Nashi's cheek. "C'est juste. We can talk about something else." She looked at Justin. "I'm honestly curious about how your conversation with Dante and Carlisle have been going."

The appetizers came flooding in soon enough and, just as they rattled off their entrees, all of them were chortling that their partners had predicted their selections down to a tee, even with any modifications. It was not too long when dinner came by the tray-load, and Justin offered for them to say grace to their one and only deity—Queen B—before they heartily dug into their meals.

Justin moaned, and Ellie laughed, "JJ, quiet down before they start thinking we really are your whores."

"Then they'll also think you're giving me a nice, meaningful blow job." Justin moaned dirtier for the effect while the other three tittered before he turned to Tesla. "So, let me get this straight. We can come to a block party and ogle at your single, hot as fuck cousin?"

Tesla rolled her eyes as she finished her morsel. "Basically. It's a spring block party we do in my hometown. Our neighbor is a Sin-fest, basically, and my mom loves to help plan and organize it. We eat good food, drink our tequila and our beer, we dance until we can't anymore—it's fun." She heaved a sigh. "And yes, Diego will be there."

"Ça a l'air amusant!" Ellie cheered. "I'm in!"

"Same!" Justin chirped. "Sign me up! And Nashi said she's coming—"

"I didn't." Nashi gave Tesla a sheepish look. "I'm not sure I'd be up for it. I'm a horrible dancer, which is very depressing because both my brothers and my sisters can dance and it all got inherited from my mama. I got my papa's rhythm in a very bad way."

Tesla brightened. "No time like the present to learn! And I invited Luna too, and she said she's happy to come. I could tell she had some rhythm in her hips and let my mom know, so she's excited for her to learn how we Sinnish do what we do."

Nashi laughed. "If she's going and more than likely going with Gale, I'll come." She tossed back her hair. "I just need this semester to be over, so I can relax for the summer."

"Did you figure out your plans?" Tesla asked as she shoveled in more food.

Nashi hummed. "In a way, sort of. Acceptance deadline isn't until the first of May, so I still have a little over a month to figure out where I want to go." She leaned against Ellie, who leaned against her as well. "I'm sad we won't be at the same university."

"I know," Ellie sighed.

Tesla prompted, "Where are you going?"

"I got early acceptance for Ardennes University and Research Institute," Ellie said. "It's in the Lagelands, and Mister Sequen gave me a glowing recommendation since it's a super private and competitive school for Wiccans, Green and Plant Wizards, Eco-Alchemists, and then other environmentalists and ecologists."

"That's amazing!" Tesla congratulated.

Ellie beamed. "Thank you! I'll be spending the summer interning with Mister Sequen for a study as one of his assistants, but I have to be at the university a few weeks early since I'm in their advanced track, which means I miss out on the GMGs this year."

"Don't make me cry," Justin muttered. "Because I'm seriously going to miss you even though I'm so happy for you."

Ellie laughed and grabbed Justin's hand to hold it. "Unlike Ezra, I promise I'll be home for every big family gathering. Mom and Dad made sure that if I don't have the money, they'll fly me out."

Tesla blinked. Ezra… Her brow furrowed. That name…

"Ezra, it's okay."

Electric blues. "Get away!"

"Your cousin…" Tesla started. "Ezra… He's the one I met at the Christmas party at Pleasure Palace, wasn't he? He's the one that I saw…" She trailed off when she saw Nashi, Ellie, and Justin exchange nervous looks. "What? What's going on?"

"We weren't sure if you'd remember," Justin said with a grimace. "What…do you remember?"

Tesla thought more and more about the absurdity of that night. "I remember…hearing someone in pain outside. They didn't look…human. And then that woman—Saudade?" She received confirming nods. "She rushed out and tried to help, but she passed out. And then…" Her brow furrowed. "My mind is blank afterwards. I think that's when I fainted."

Justin nodded as he turned to her. "So, here's some hot tea on that entire thing. One, we're so sorry you had to witness that. Two, we're so sorry we didn't explain anything. When you told the Guard you didn't remember much, Evie made the call we drop it since it was unclear how much you knew."

Tesla did not bristle. She understood, all things considered, and looked at the three of them. "Can I ask what exactly happened?"

"It's not a pretty story," Ellie said after sipping her cocktail. "Saudade and Ezra dated when they were younger. Ezra's had a lot of issues being comfortable in his own body and with his Magic… He was special growing up. But he and Saudade fell in love pretty fast, and you couldn't tell he was struggling. He was happy and…so was his beast."

Tesla echoed, "'Beast'?" Her mind flashed to Jaxton. Is he the same as Jang-ta? A Therian? A shifter?

Ellie tried her best to explain, "Justin and I come from a family with a lot of Soul Magic, from Take-Over to Seith Magic. My dad's Magic is called 'Take-Over: Beast Soul' which lets him transform into beasts, but Ezra…has one singular Beast Soul."

Tesla did not understand. "Okay…?"

Ellie sighed. "It's not like Ezra…started with it like that. He had really powerful Magic that let him transform into a beast. But I said he was special growing up, so he had sort of like…a divorce from his Magic Spirit, is the best way to put it. Because he couldn't accept it and struggled so much, his Magic Spirit sort of branched off from Erza's Spirit and took control of that Beast Soul. So Ezra was a bit out of control."

Tesla nodded, following along, when it hit her. "So that must've been what I saw…"

Justin nodded. "Yeah, that was Erza—well, a facet of him. It's not like his Magic Spirit can detach from him fully. If that happened, he couldn't use Magic. but when you neglect your powers long enough, it'll take over your body. Normally, your powers' will aligns with yours unless it's some sort of emergency. But it can form its own unstable will if you're not careful. It's still you, but it's like the mental breakdown version of you, unhinged and wild-childlike."

Something hit Nashi as Gary's words came back to her. "It's easier for me to draw upon my power without Skade coming out. He's been quiet, though. Nothing bad, but he's just quiet."

Something…doesn't add up now, Nashi slowly realized. Gary always struggled calling upon his powers because he felt like Skade would take over and drag him under. But now he can use his powers without worrying about Skade surfacing. And when I met Gary in the forest and looked into his soul…

It pieced itself together. Why didn't I think of this before?

"That makes sense," Tesla acknowledged. "Is that why he lost control? Did he ever hurt Saudade in that form?"

"No!" all three blurted.

Ellie hurried to say, "No, Ezra never hurt anyone. His Beast never did either." Her eyes fell, sad for her brother. "Honestly, Esme and Evie might know the whole story. All I know was that Ezra broke up with Saudade and it was awful. Daddy was in shambles trying to figure out what she did wrong, and Ezra wouldn't speak to us and explain."

"Which is why it pisses me the Hell off Ezra's still in love with her," Justin growled. "He breaks up with her, and yet he's pining after her all these years?" He shook his head in disgust. "He needs to check himself."

"Maybe more happened that we don't know," Ellie reminded. "We can't judge him, JJ. We don't know the whole story."

"Eliana, we were with Daddy when she was sobbing and completely heartbroken over the breakup and how she kept begging to know what she did wrong and how she'd fix it," Justin harshly pointed out, making Ellie wince. "She sent herself to the hospital getting that worked up. And her parents, remember?"

Ellie grimaced and told Tesla, "Her dad was furious and came to the house. He wasn't all that…happy Saudade was dating someone outside their race, but he got to be pretty open-minded, and we invited her family over for gatherings. I know Mom and Misses Mixa had a blast planning out Misses Mixa's herb garden. When Saudade got herself sick worked up from the breakup, Mister Mixa came and it wasn't pretty. Mom and Dad just kept apologizing, but Ezra refused to see her."

Tesla's eyes widened. "Jesus Christ, that's terrible. I mean, he's your brother—"

"No, it was terrible," Ellie agreed. "Everyone got over it. Saudade was severely depressed, but she got better. And she met Majime, and she's happy now, so there's that."

"And to that point, that's why I have no sympathy for him," Justin sniffed.

"And that's why Justin was extremely angry Gary wasn't with me in the ICU," Nashi supplied to Tesla. "I'm not sure of what went on, but I know Gary and Orochi were there for him. They're all pretty close still."

Justin snorted as he lifted his drink. "Chi-chi told me he's going to visit Ezra in Melandia." He rolled his eyes as he slurped his drink. "I guess he was leaving some troubling voicemails on Heart's Day."

Ellie tried, "Laissez-le tranquille—"

"Ellie, we witnessed one of our good friends get hospitalized twice because of him. No." Justin shook his head. "Don't ask me to 'cut him some slack'. No. All he had to do was tell her, 'Hey, Saudade, this is why we broke up', but he decides to ghost her."

"I can see this is a sensitive topic," Tesla delicately broached. "We can table this, put a pin in it—whatever. But let's not keep the conversation too heavy. We're here to shake ass and get free drinks and twerk and grind."

Justin sighed. "Right." He raised his glass as both a toast and a truce. "Then let's skip the heavy, start the slutty, and get our hoe on, agreed?"

Tesla, Nashi, and Ellie exchanged grins and raised their glasses. "Here, here!"

CLINK!

---

The beginnings of civil twilight might have been part of the twilight cycle with fading light and a dying sun, but you could comfortably see without needing any sort of artificial light. Still, the stores had turned on their lights. The upper 50s had settled in the air for a slight cold and it did not help with the wind and partly cloudy skies, but most came prepared with long sleeves and jackets. Game Spot had people swarming in to preorder a new game for the MagiSwitch. The Cake Factory had quite the wait, but it was adorable seeing middle schoolers all fancy for the Cake Factory. A yoga class was in session. A few community college students were heading back to the apartments within the Commons.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Eustoma Commons

Eustoma City

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Oh my goodness, it's so cute!"

Gale's eye twitched. How in the Hell did we end up here?

The store was a stuffed animal store owned by a stuffed animal lover, and that was apparent with how full yet organized the entire store was with playful tanks for reptile and fish stuffies and cute little sets and backgrounds for others. You would not think that a stuffed animal store would warrant much clientele, but the store was full of adults and children who welcomed snuggling up with the small pools of stuffed animals and relaxing or finding their special stuffed friend.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Fluff 'n' Friends, a stuffed animal store where people can donate their old stuffed animals or original stuffed animals are created for people to buy. All stuffed animals here have low-level protective enchantments to keep them liquid-proof and flame resistant and constantly hygienic. Customers can even come to relax and cuddle with stuffed animals. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gale had a grimace of disgust on his face as he watched Luna and Carlisle blissfully roll around in stuffed animals with flowery auras around them, all giggly and giddy. "Ugh. This is now how I wanted my night to go." He looked over at Dante to complain—

—and sweatdropped when he saw the stoic Dante look all sparkly and he could practically see a tail wagging.

Gale's eyes dropped to the Poko stuffy in Dante's hand with a Winnie the Pooh costume on and snorted. "I can't believe her gift to you was a stuffed animal."

"I can't either." Dante looked down at the stuffy.

"This is for you!" Luna said brightly told him. "Carlisle said you were into them, so I hope you like it!"

Dante stared at the Poko stuffed animal. This thing is—sparkles went off around him—so cute and precious like Carlisle.

Gale sweatdropped again. I can feel how much he likes it. He shook his head. "You can go roll around in there too, you know," he reminded. His eyebrow twitched as Carlisle and Luna buried themselves in stuffed animals. "I'm sure you'd have just as much fun."

"No, I'm okay."

Gale squinted in disbelief as Dante radiated an excited dog aura. It's fairly obvious he wants to go and frolic. He sighed. Whatever.

He softened seeing Luna laugh at whatever Carlisle had told her, grinning ear to ear. But it's nice to see Blondie so at ease. I was worried about her meeting Dante. Not that he's a bad guy, but I know she smells a lot more uneasy around bigger men. But there she was, asking him questions and didn't smell panicked once. The dude has a gift for keeping people calm around him.

"I like her."

Gale looked over at Dante, who was watching Luna and Carlisle.

"Luna. I like her," Dante said. "She feels very…bright. Similar to Carlisle."

Gale eyed him in suspicion. "She's not, like…turning you bi or anything, right?"

"No," Dante said as he observed Carlisle bringing out his Compact to curl up and show Luna something. "Her brightness feels very different than his and yet the same. I can see why Carlisle likes her so much." He glanced at Gale. "And you."

"Yeah?" Gale's lips twitched. "I get the Prince's seal of approval then?"

But Dante was not amused and instead asked, "What happened to her?"

Gale froze. "What do you mean?"

"It's like Tesla. She feels…sad like Tesla," Dante described.

Gale slowly nodded. "I get'cha." He looked back at Luna and Carlisle. "It's not something for me to tell you."

"I understand." Dante meant it. A few beats. "But she does seem good for you. She feels very bright whereas you feel very dark. You could balance each other if you're careful."

Gale scrubbed his neck as he spread out his legs, slumping on the bench. "Yeah. But right now, we're trying to work hard on making sure we don't consume ourselves, let alone someone else."

"That's good," Dante softly murmured. "I was always so protective of Tesla against Jaxton because I worried what would happen if she never tried to process her sadness. I didn't want her to shatter. And she never wanted to become codependent on someone. She was afraid of that to her core. But I'm relieved she and Jaxton worked at a balance, and she's processing things on her own, separate from him."

A beat.

"You told me you were proud of me." Dante looked at Gale. "I'm proud of you too."

Gale blinked. Hearing those simple words might not have seen like much, but it affected him. He felt touched. He cracked a weak grin to joke it off, but seeing how serious Dante looked, the grin faded and he swallowed. "Thanks, Dante." His tone wavered. He met his eyes to show Dante who much those words meant, the Wild humbled, before he looked back at Luna and Carlisle. "I have older siblings. Livy and Leo and…E-Emma and…"

He swallowed again.

"But all of them were gone—and are still gone—for a long time," he carried on. "Leo's home, but…he was gone once he and Livy won S-Class for that whole time." He shifted. "When Lady J begged me to take her to see her new friend somewhere, I said, 'sure'. And I met you." He cleared his throat, uncomfortable and shy. "I… What I mean is…"

"Gale."

Timid rubies connected with soft darkness.

"Don't worry about it. I know. I understand," Dante assured.

Gale blew out a relieved breath. "Thank you." He shivered and made a melodramatic gesture of revulsion. "Not exactly good with all the 'feelings' bullshit."

Dante chuckled. "I think you are. But it varies per person." He nodded at Luna as she cuddled a bear while she and Carlisle watched something on his Compact. "You feel much more open with her around. It's not like your guard is down around our group, but I can tell there are things you're holding back. It's a lot less with you around her."

"You're freaky with your aura reading shit," Gale grunted.

A touch of a smile flashed across Dante's lips. "Am I wrong?"

Gale smiled a little when whatever they were watching brought Luna to tears. He was sure it was another animal rescue video she loved to watch and sob over. "Nah."

"Then my point stands." Dante put the Poko stuffed animal next to him as he crossed his arms. "Both Tesla and Jaxton feel the same way about each other. When they returned from Zhōnguá, I could tell they felt it even stronger than ever. And I feel the same way about Carlisle."

Gale huffed. "I hear your warning loud and clear, Prince. I won't touch your pretty boy."

"Thank you, but that's not where I'm going with this." Dante paused. "And if you did touch him, I would take you to The Purgatory and make you understand why I'm called 'Prince'."

Gale roughly swallowed, and the Wild cowered. "Noted."

Dante went on, eyes shining in sweet affection as he watched Carlisle cry with Luna as he snuggled into his wolf stuffy: "I'm aware that Carlisle has a past and possibly an entire life he's hiding from me. And I can tell it's something he's both uncomfortable and reluctant to talk about. But I still can feel he doesn't have his guard up around me. And the same goes in reverse. We might have our pasts, but we make sure to diminish what effect it has in the present for a better future."

His eyes darkened. "Tesla had to work hard to get to where she is now, and I couldn't be prouder. She might fall back into the habit of covering up her pain, but she's actively working to make sure her past has a minimal effect on her current life. The same's for you.

"I'm not sure what happened in your past. But you left it too untouched that it affected your present. Once you figure out how to minimize the damage your past does to your present—maybe not resolve it, but understand it, recognize it, and facilitate it—then I know you're ready to move on and push your present into your future.

"It's impossible to fully resolve our pasts," Dante continued. "Whether we like it or not, the past happened and it left scars. We can keep working ourselves to the bone to erase our scars, but they'll never leave. They can only heal and fade a little if we allow them to. And once we accept we have those scars and can talk about how we got them without getting affected, we can move on. You can start going where you need to go."

Gale looked bewildered at Dante's words. How did he…? Did he know about that thing with Jura? No, he wouldn't. But he's just…so accurate.

Nice's words haunted him. "Which means you need to leave behind no regrets or any second-guessing or any sort of hang-ups. You need to be at peace with what happened at home, so you can focus your energy on Mister Kneekis' teachings. So, tell me, Gale. Is there nothing happening in your life that needs your attention before you leave?"

They're both right, Gale realized. I can't leave Magnolia to train without looking back until I figure out things. I can't fix things and nothing will ever be one-hundred-percent. Igneel might've had shit-timing to leave, but…he left knowing everyone would be cared for. I'm sure Nashi being in the ICU threw him for a loop, but he knew she'd be okay. But… If I just did what he did…

He looked at Luna.

I want to get into a better headspace, he determined. Igneel wasn't running when he left. But I would be. Nothing can go back to what once was, but…things can be on better terms. I can't leave here still blaming myself and being fucked up. I don't deserve that. I deserve to train unbothered.

Dante watched the pair—

"Thanks, Dante."

He glanced over to Gale before he looked back at the pair with a gleam of approval in his eyes. "Sure."

°•°•°•°

Luna and Carlisle were over the moon as they linked arms with their ice cream (a cone for Carlisle and a milkshake for Luna) with Dante and Gale following them with a few bags loaded on their arms (Gale had wanted to tease Dante for buying a fair few stuffed animals, but his joshing died when Dante gave him a look). Luna was grateful for her retro jacket as the wind picked up and giggled when she felt cold inside and outside from the weather and her treat.

"We should've eaten this inside," Luna laughed.

"No way! I feel better walking and eating!" Carlisle turned his head to glare at Dante and muttered, "This was the condition we had to follow if we got ice cream." He sniffed at Dante's amused look. "Hmph. Brute." He turned back to Luna. "You should really come by the studio, though! I think you'd like it!"

"Maybe," Luna supposed. "I wouldn't want to interrupt your rehearsals."

"You wouldn't," Carlisle assured. "It'd be amazing to have you there! We have our timed rehearsal in front of the board to approve of the choreography, and then we hit it with location shooting. I think the experience would be good for you."

Luna sighed. "You're right about that."

"And, Maman would love to see you," Carlisle crooned to sweeten the pot.

Luna brightened. "She wants to meet me? The Diana from the National Fiore Ballet wants to meet me?"

"Well, yeah!" Carlisle tittered. "She loves meeting my friends, but when I told her you were a dancer, she said she'd be thrilled to meet you and talk some shop if you're interested."

"I'm interested!" Luna had eagerness written unashamedly on her face. "I'm definitely interested!"

"Good!" Carlisle licked his ice cream. "I'll see when you guys can have a little prima ballerina powwow. Honestly, you should just come over. Mom had a private studio built for Maman as an anniversary present."

"Aw…!" Luna pouted, amazed. "That's so sweet and thoughtful and amazing."

Carlisle puffed his chest. "I know, right?" He said loudly, "If my prince would—" He choked when Dante tugged at his choker. "Hey!" He huffed when Dante let him go. "Evil man," he grumbled to Luna's hilarity. "See what I put up with?"

"I know." Luna rubbed Carlisle's arm in mock consolation. "It's okay. When I get rich, we can live together in NAC and dance for a living."

Carlisle gasped, excited. "Yes. One-hundred times, yes."

"Um, how about no?" Gale popped into the conversation with his drawl. "She's not living with you. You're bunking with Prince over here. Keep your annoying ass with him."

Carlisle stuck out his tongue at Gale. "Please. Prince would be grateful for the vacation."

"He's right," Dante said. "I would."

Carlisle gaped. "Rude! You're not supposed to agree with me, you evil man! You're supposed to be sweet and sappy and tell everyone how much you'd never want me to leave!"

"Why?" Dante raised an eyebrow, lips curled upwards. "I wouldn't have to put a child clamp on my sugar jar if you were gone. It sounds like a win."

Gale cackled and Luna simpered while Carlisle huffed, "You can sleep with your stinky cat tonight then and I'll enjoy the bed alone."

"Okay."

Carlisle growled at the amusement on Dante's face and muttered to Luna, "One day, I'm going to get him. And it'll be great, you hear me? It'll be a spectacle and have the most views on YouView."

"Whatever you say, Carlisle," Luna giggled.

They crossed the street, and Luna and Carlisle were content going when Gale called, "Hold up!"

They looked back to see Gale pointing at a cigar store with Dante beside him and said, "We want to stop in here." He narrowed his eyes at the pair. "Will you two behave and not go far, or do we need to tie you to a pole?"

"That's on Wednesdays, Beast Boy, but nice try," Carlisle snarked.

Gale snarled, "You—!"

"We'll be back," Dante said. "Stay close to the area, you two." He looked at Carlisle and rumbled, "I'd rather not use a leash to keep you here, but I can."

Carlisle flushed, but Luna had question marks all over her head. Carlisle muttered, "Just go. We'll stay put while you buy your gateway drugs."

"Yup. And we'll enjoy our drugs very much." Gale winked at snickering Luna. "Be careful." He led Dante into the cigar bar.

Luna wrinkled her nose as Carlisle led her to an open bench to sit at. "I don't get why he likes them."

"Right?" Carlisle unlinked his arm from her to invest in licking his ice cream. "Dante's friends have, like, a cigar and whiskey thing on occasion. His friend Miles doesn't since his mom is like a bloodhound, so we talk, but it's so gross." He grinned toothily and confessed, "But when Dante kisses me with all that smoke and whiskey, I'm in Heaven."

Luna giggled. "Nasty!"

"It's not 'nasty'! It's called refined taste!"

"Whatever. You're crazy." Luna drank more of her milkshake. "So what's your maman like?"

Carlisle beamed. "She's amazing and wonderful and awesome," he gushed. "We speak Perench to each other a lot so we don't lose the language." Those unique eyes softened. "She's very sweet, but she can be fierce too. She always knows what to say, and she taught me a lot of songs from my pere's culture and recipes. Seeing her dance as her therapy… It got me into dancing. She really is…amazing."

Luna scooted closer to Carlisle and murmured, "Can I ask…what happened to your papa?"

Carlisle sighed, but he did not dismiss the question. "He was killed." Soft words that would have been lost in the wind if Luna had not been so close. "He didn't do anything wrong. None of us did, but… He was killed trying to give Maman and I a chance to run."

Heavy rain falling in spades like drums beating for war.

"He sacrificed himself for us…and all we've done…is run."

DRIP…

DROP…

Carlisle quickly wiped away his tears. "I'm sorry." He took one of his napkins to blot beneath his eyes. "I don't normally get teary about this, I promise. He's been gone for a long time."

"But it doesn't make that pain any less," Luna soothed. As Carlisle sniffled, she asked, "What was he like? Did he like to dance?"

"Maman said he did." A bit of a glimmer came back to Carlisle's sad eyes. "I was…young when he was killed, but I remember how beautiful they looked dancing together. He couldn't really look." He laughed to himself. "Maman normally took care of that. But he could make this one recipe from his culture that felt like it could cure anything. He was a bit of a one-trick pony when it came to cooking."

Luna smiled. "What else?"

"He loved anthropology," Carlisle remembered. "He taught me about all sorts of plane—places and religions and languages and their music. He was different than a lot of people from his home, so no one wanted to interact with him. But he never let that get him down." He rubbed away a tear. "Maman says I have his smile and his eyes."

"You have a lovely smile."

Carlisle wetly laughed. "Thank you." He rubbed his nose with his napkin and looked at all the people. "When Mom approached Maman, it felt like a landmine. Maman tried not to show it, but I could tell she felt like she'd be betraying Pere if she loved again. But I told her Pere taught us we never stop loving anyone. We start loving others."

"I like that saying," murmured Luna.

"I like it too." Carlisle's breath caught when his eyes stung as he choked, "I really like it."

Luna leaned her head on Carlisle's shoulder and thumbed his arm. "Your papa sounds wonderful. Thank you for telling me about him."

Carlisle nodded, but he could say anything as slow tears trickled down his cheeks and he tried to ignore them. A comforting silence spaced between them as Luna leaned her warmth for silent support, and Carlisle took it as he let that sadness he shoved down deep surface for just a moment.

Luna asked, "Is your papa's death…the reason you can't go over to Bleu's house and you two haven't been talking much?"

"In a way." Carlisle could not lie about that. "It's complicated. But Lucy's always been good to Maman and me. It doesn't bother me I can't go over to his house or to the birthday event. Besides, he's not my only cousin. I found out I have another cousin."

Luna looked up, surprised. "That's cool. Do you like them?"

Carlisle grimaced. "I don't know. They have proof we're cousins, so to speak, but I'm still nervous about talking to them. Maman and Lucy are against it all together because of what happened with Pere, and I don't want to make them upset." He sucked on his bottom lip for a few moments. "But…part of me wants to meet them again and talk."

"I could come with you if you want," Luna offered. "I don't have to be in the conversation, but I could wait for you."

Carlisle smiled. "You're sweet. Thank you, Luna. Dante offered too." He sighed. "I don't know. I'm still thinking about it."

"Nothing has to be decided right now, right?" Luna reminded. "Take your time." She yawned into a hand. "None of us are going anywhere. We've got your back forever."

Carlisle saddened. Sometimes…I wish 'forever' didn't exist. Then I could be finite and…I wouldn't have to watch everything change and fade. But he sighed and rested his head against hers. "Yeah." He closed his eyes. "I've got your back forever too."

---

The last of the workers had clocked out from their time in the annex and would be coming back in tomorrow for final preparations before the Marquis and Marchioness strutted about the castle for the inspection. The weapons gleamed, marble buffed, and everything looked as good as it had been when it was first built.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Savant Hall

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nora came to Ena's doors dressed down in a loose shirt, slacks, and boots. He poised to knock on Ena's door, but it surprised him when Ena opened the door. He smiled, a little breathless from her being a vision in red with her long sleeve bodycon dress, and readied his arm. "My Lady, I…" His smile faltered when Ena's eyes would not meet his and a gaunt expression filled her normally cheerful one.

"Ena?" Nora brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "What's the matter?" He looked past her, but she had closed her door. "Is Silver not coming to dinner? Should I have something sent up—?"

"He went down to see if he could help the staff," Ena told him, her voice a little hoarse. She took his arm. "I'm…alone tonight." She cleared her throat and lifted her chin. "Thank you for the escort. Shall we go?"

Nora wanted to say something, but he withheld. "Of course, My Lady." He guided her away, but the concern lingered.

Ena kept to herself, withdrawn, as she played the memory back. I… I don't understand.

"Silver?"

• — • — •

The focus gently pushed open the door to Silver's bedroom, surprised to see him dressed in his vest and button-down. "O-Oh. You're already dressed," she observed, keeping her tone light. "We have some time until dinner still—"

"I'm going to see if Miss Erica needs any help in the kitchen," Silver told her as he fixed his cuffs.

"Oh." Ena swallowed and tried to be cheerful. "Well, that's…that good then." She drummed her fingers on the doorframe. "I was just hoping we could talk."

"Sure." Silver's tone was clipped. "Did you think about what I said?"

The focus bobbed. "I have…"

"And?" Silver fixed a button.

"And…" Ena took a breath and gently breached, "Your concerns are valid. But I think you might be overreacting due to past experiences—"

"Are you serious right now?" Silver looked at her with a harsh glare in his eyes and disbelief. "I'm 'overreacting'? That's it? That's what you got from that?"

"Ah…" Ena cleared her throat. "I misspoke. Apologies. I simply meant…that while I understand your concerns come from a…traumatizing perspective, you have to understand that the situations are different—"

Silver snorted and shook his head with a smirk. "I knew it." He fixed his collar. "I knew you still wouldn't get it. Perfect Ena Fernandes still feels invincible. Of course. She's been trained to vanquish evil, so why would she think anything could stop her?"

Agitation prickled Ena's skin, but she forced herself to be calm. "I'm going to overlook your tone since it's obvious you're becoming sensitive—"

"I'm not 'sensitive'!" Silver snapped. "I'm not—! You know what? Forget it." He sat on the bed to put on his shoes. "I'm not about to argue with a selfish lunatic who thinks she stands a chance against Hunters."

"There's little evidence to prove the two I faced were Magic Hunters," Ena reminded him as she scrounged for her patience. "I understand you had your encounters with them Silver, but this is different—" She bit back her growl when Silver shook his head, dismissing her. "You could at least act mature and look at me and listen when I speak."

Silver glared at her as he tied his shoes. "I'm not a child," he sneered. "If you're going to keep spouting bullshit, why should I listen to you?"

"Oh, yes, very mature," Ena snarked.

Silver finished his knot and stood up, prowling towards her. "You know what's immature? Thinking that you can just defeat anyone you call an 'enemy'? It doesn't work like that. It's never worked like that!"

"I know that—!"

"But you don't!" Silver bellowed. "If you knew that, then you'd be more worried about the fact your attackers tried to poison you with Anti-Ether! They could have kidnapped you or killed you or worse and you don't care!"

"I do care about my life," Ena shot back. "But you're comparing your situation to mine, which is apples to oranges. This is different, Silver." She growled when he turned and walked away. "Don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you!"

Silver stopped in his tracks. He turned around, face stoic, and he bowed. "I wouldn't dare, mistress."

"I'm so happy you can be this mature," Ena bit. "You're overreacting, Silver, grow up! I know the risks! I can handle the risks! If you're sensitive and can't handle what I deal with, that's not my fault. I'm sure what happened to you and Gary and everyone was God-awful, and I won't denounce that, but I'm not going to have you undermine me and my calculations of the risk because you're still in the past!"

Silence.

Silver stood, eyes blank. "Understood, mistress." Venomous sarcasm dripped from his words. "May I take my leave, mistress?"

Ena shook her head. "If you're going to be this childish, by all means, go."

Silver bowed again. "As you wish, mistress." But when he left, it was not like before where he was gentle with his exit. No. The door slammed.

• — • — •

I don't understand, Ena whispered. I thought I did everything. I told him I do need him, and I told him I'd be careful. How isn't that enough? She cut off her perplexity with anger. I don't owe it to him to coddle him. He doesn't dictate my actions. I've done this by myself before. And this will be the same.

She ignored the twinge in her heart.

Nora led her down to the dining room, but he stopped her. "Just to warn you. I do dinners slightly different from formal dinners in the main estate."

Ena frowned. "What does that mean?"

"It's better to show you." Nora slid open the doors.

Noise bombarded Ena, and the scene before her left her perplexed. Quite the spread had filled out the table with main dishes and side dishes with some sweets mixed in, but the plates remained blank. And the chairs around the table had Erica, Carson, Meg, Richard, and Silver in them as they chatted with Carson chugging his energy drink.

Erica looked up with a beam and a wave. "Good evening! We're glad you two could make it! We were about to start without you, and you would've been left with the sides!"

Nora smiled. "We wouldn't want that." He guided Ena inside to her seat to his left while he took the chair at the head of the table. "Normally, we all eat together in the annex whenever Father isn't home," he explained to Ena. "Erica likes to try cooking us different dishes from all across the globe whenever the ingredients come in."

"That's right!" Erica chirped with a wink. "You're my guinea pig, and I welcome any feedback!" She pointed at Richard. "Except from you. You Mints hate anything with a little seasoning on it."

Richard sipped his drink. "Well, pardon me I find drenching my food in your quote-unquote 'Baby Mama's Zesty Hot Sauce' to be unappetizing and even unethical."

Meg sniffed, "Excuse us for wanting a kick to our foot, Your Royal Pain In My Ass."

"Okay, I'm digging in before the insults get out." Carson finished his energy drink before forking some meat onto his plate.

Richard huffed. "The young master should be preparing his plate first, Carson," he scolded. "Then he prepares a plate for the young lady, and then we prepared our food. You have such a lack of class."

"It's all right, Richard," Nora assumed. "Let's eat, everyone."

Forks and spoons and knives scraped against ceramic plates as everyone piled on food onto their plates. The selections made had a home-style in mind with the baked macaroni and cheese with blazed breadcrumbs on top and garlic mashed potatoes and even herb-roasted brussel sprouts. Prime rib served as the meaty main course with a thin red for the table.

Conversation did not feel as stiff as it had been in the dining hall the first night. It was clear Nora's trusted team all had their flaws and quirks. Erica enjoyed pranking Carson by sliding in one disgusting ingredient into his portions while he was not looking. Meg and Richard were betting people and had wagers going strong for their MagiCross fantasy team. But they all shared embarrassing stories about Nora often ditching his lessons to tend to Soledia or play "knight".

Ena laughed with ease at the wild stories as she sipped her drink, but her eyes wandered to Silver. He was animatedly speaking to Carson about whatever lacrimagame he had gotten hooked onto.

The wine tasted even sourer as Ena took a few sips, and Nora noticed her falling mood. He murmured, "If you'd prefer dinner in your room, I can arrange it. Don't hesitate to ask."

"No." Ena tried to a smile that did not touch her eyes. "I'm fine." She went back to drinking before Nora could press. She glanced at Silver before she pulled her stare away. At least he learned how to be indifferent. She traded her wine for a rehearsed smile and complimented Erica, "Erica, the food tastes fantastic. Thank you for the meal."

"I'm glad you like it!" Erica replied, merry. "We're a little more unorthodox here, I know, but it gives us a lot more creativity. When I applied for this job in the annex, I was certain I'd be making royal meals. It surprised me to learn my employer was just a snot-nosed kid who wanted mac and cheese."

Nora flushed. "I never said that."

"I concur," Richard agreed. "The young master always craved mac and cheese and garlic fries in his youth. Miss Erica had to learn to be independent on the menu in order to force him to try new things."

Ena grinned and teased Nora, "Then we should praise Erica for your refined palette. Without her, you'd be living off the children's menu."

Chuckles went around (Silver gulped his drink to avoid joining in) while Nora sighed. "I wasn't that terrible," he said in his defense. "I was just—"

SLIDE…

Polished boots. "You were just what, little brother?"

The amusement died into quiet tension.

A cheery smile. "I'm waiting."

Nora hardened before he pushed out his chair and stood. "Atticus." A slight hiss. "I thought you'd be more interested in joining your sisters for dinner. You didn't tell me you were coming to the annex for your meal."

"Yes, well…" Polished boots stepped. "I changed my mind. And the knights were happy to let your big brother through to dine with you. It's been so long since we've had dinner together." Those boots stopped next to Ena. "And who is this lovely rose?"

Ena rose to curtsy. "It's an honor to meet you, My Lord. I am Ena Fernandes, daughter of Dame Erza Fernandes. Please to make your acquaintance and I thank you for letting me stay in your home."

"Any guest of my baby brother's is a guest of mine." A gloved hand captured Ena's as boots bent when he knelt. Atticus Gosling looked every bit of how the son of a Marquis should look with his regal attire to show his rank of knighthood. A honeyed brunette combed suavely to one side, but he shared the same grayed yellows as Nora. That smile of his spoke of being a friend with the threat you dare not turn into a foe.

⌜LARKSPUR COUNTY

Name: Atticus Gosling

Age: 19

Ability: Expert Swordsmanship

Occupation: Lord of Larkspur, Year 2 BSc Student

Likes: horticulture Dislikes: bribery

Special Note: Atticus is known to be one of the friendliest faces of Savant Hall, even if his assistant is nervous to be around him 24/7! ⌟

"A belated welcome to you, My Lady, to the Savant Hall, my home." Atticus's smile widened. "I'm also pleased to make your acquaintance and am overjoyed to have such a talented young lady in our presence. Truly a gift!" He kissed her knuckles, but his lashes fluttered for those yellows to clash with blues.

His smile twitched into a smirk for a moment. "Yes. How wondrous it is…"—he peeked up from his lashes with a glint in his eyes with his smile innocent—"…to meet such a supple young rose."

Silver and Nora's knuckles turned white.

---

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Father Johannes – Marc Diraison

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Nora Gosling II – Brad Swaile

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Nice Genoard – Jad Saxton

Lucifer "Bleu" Demiurge – Xander Mobius

Luther – James Garrett

Yunifer de Capo – Meredith McCoy

Beatrice Normandy – Faye Mata

Marinette "Mari" Witenagemot – Cassandra Lee Moris

Cinders – Brandon McInnis

Mother Clarion – Linda Leonard

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer

Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw

Teacher / Giáo viên – Julie Mayfield

Tesla Greer – Galena White

Justin Justine – Ian Sinclair

Eliana "Ellie" Strauss – Alexis Tipton

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Saudade Mixa (voice only) – Jill Harris

Erza Strauss (voice only) – Zach Aguilar

Erica Ryans – Felecia Angelle

Richard Caine – Tom Hollander

Meg McMannin – Shara Kirby

Carson Moretti – Jean-Luc Hester

Atticus Gosling – Steven Cannon

• — • — •

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⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 106

•

THE MAN WITH SCARLET HAIR

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

BIG BROTHER IS ALWAYS WATCHING