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!

108. Adventure 108

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

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

---

LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure, Ena arrived at the reception ball ready to slay and confront whoever is in her path—even if that meant she could not have Silver at her side. Deep in the Mikage Forest, Gale and Gajeel find the old church that served as a base for Avatar, and after their own banter, they find a face we've seen before—ex-Avatar Briar. Meanwhile, Dante and Carlisle have a wacky time with Dante's excitable parents, but even as their relationship deepens, it looks like they have some serious roadblocks ahead. Julia and Tesla's dinner together brought out some harsh truths, but in the end, their strong friendship prevailed. About time too! Ena met Eros and Octavius Normandy, the latter a surprising friend and colleague of Mystogan from the Tower of Learning. But the shocks didn't stop once Atticus cashed in on his chance to dance with Ena.

"I'm looking forward to witnessing your elegance, my sweet scarlet rose."

Something tells me this night will be one we remember. And Gajeel, fair warning, but the wife is always right.

---

Dancers had gathered for this spectacle. This waltz was commonplace in Ishgaran monarchies and ballroom performances, with most nobility expected to have learned this dance either for their own debutante ball or for cotillions in general. Pairs had gathered in an expansive circle as the orchestra re-tuned for the anticipated waltz. Some had danced this before, experienced and fine-tuned, while others were still breaking into the steps and hoped their partner could guide them in the right direction.

Ena took up her position with Atticus as they waited for the music to start. She tried to make it seem like her stare was coasting by. No sign of Mother Clarion. And neither Holy Knights nor Father Johannes are joining in for the dance—

"Missing my little brother already?"

Ena's eyes snapped to Atticus and gave as much of a smile as she could. "No. And I did promise you one dance, My Lord."

Atticus laughed. "That you did, sweet rose. I'm sure Nora doesn't appreciate me stealing you away for a dance. I promise to return you to him in one piece if he has not run after Sylvie."

"Will she be okay?"

"My sister likes to get what she wants," Atticus relayed with a quiet sigh. "She's entertained an affection for Duke Alexandreux for far too long, even after we gently discouraged her. She'll throw a tantrum and Father or I will soothe her with something else she desired." Something flickered in those grayed yellows. "But I never thought the Duke would pursue Odette."

It was something in Atticus' tone that set suspicion off. "I would think you'd be pleased someone respectable and reputable approached Lady Odette," Ena assumed with feigned nonchalance.

"Yes, the Duke certainly has a reputation, doesn't he?" Atticus chuckled, but his smile felt tainted. "He certainly enjoys researching." But the poison in his smile left. "Onto more pleasant things. If this waltz isn't familiar to you, know that I'll help guide you through the steps. We do change partners, but almost everyone with us tonight is experienced."

"Thank you for the concern, My Lord, but I assure you I'll fare well," Ena said as the maestro lifted his hands and conducting wand and led the orchestra into the grand opening for the waltz. "Thankfully, I got a few refreshers about this waltz."

"Ah, yes. I'm certain Miss Layla Heart will be the one to thank for this refresher. Such a sweet and beautiful little cereus."

Ena tried not to stiffen. "Yes," she said slowly. "She's been helpful in the reminders."

"Wonderful. Tell me, My Lady, I would love to more about the cereus you keep dear." A wider smile. "And about that masked man who looked ready to keep such a rare cereus to himself."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 108

•

A Worthy Opponent

•

立派な相手

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Before Ena could respond to Atticus' command, the waltz commenced. First, the partners bowed and curtsied before gathering together again. Lazy sways and twirls served for a simple introduction as the circle of dancers rotated counterclockwise. It went sway-turn-three-sway-turn-three-one-two-three, and both would dip to one side, stepping out. And they repeated this cadence until they dipped to the other side.

Thought swamped Ena over Atticus' request. He's asking about L and Gale? I don't understand why he keeps pressing about this. Sure, others have been curious about L and hopeful to shack her up with one of their sons, but not to this extent.

Atticus chuckled. "Though, I'm sure My Lady would know little of the masked man. No matter. Layla Heart is fascinating enough." He spun her twice as the waltz dictated. "A student of Saint Layla's. What a treasure to learn under the Heartfilia Clan."

Ena tried to keep it hidden her shields were up. "Yes. The Heartfilia Clan is rumored to be the original masters of Celestial Spirit Magic. A myth, I take it, you believe."

"I do," Atticus admitted. "I find Magic Bloodlines as fascinating as my dear flowers. And the Heartfilia Clan are all cereuses, so elusive and rare to blossom, but once you meet one"—his eyes glittered—"you have to use that opportunity to your advantage to keep them in bloom. Don't you think?"

"Yes, My Lord." Dark chocolates hardened. Now he has an interest in the Heartfilia bloodline… I can't get a clear read on his motive.

Atticus hummed. "As Miss Layla Heart came as your model, would you happen to know her status in Saint Layla's? She must have her own Celestial Spirit, I would imagine."

"She does, My Lord."

"Fascinating. And as she sat at your table with Mister Dragneel and his son, I can assume she is acquainted with Misses Heartfilia-Dragneel? Even with her being a student at Saint Layla's, I could assume she's met the lovely Misses Heartfilia-Dragneel."

Ena took her time with her answer. "I assume she's met her, but I can't confirm it. Our talk mainly revolved around her dress and the arrangements for her to accompany me to the cotillion. I regret we spoke of little else and am sorry to disappoint you, My Lord."

"Not a disappointment at all, My Lady. In fact, my beautiful rose…" Atticus spun Ena out before spinning her back to his side. He whispered for her ears only, "What you didn't say has given me more than enough to know about such a beautiful cereus."

Ena had no time to drum up a reply when Atticus gave her away to her second partner for the waltz, with whom she would spend a majority of the middle. She fell into her partner's strong arms as they dipped and waited for the waltz to pick up. The introduction was over, and now was time for the waltz to take them on a stroll. The music started, and Ena quickly realized her partner was the more experienced when his strong guidance and affirming hand washed over her. She had no qualms relinquishing her control to him.

And it left her mind to wander…

He couldn't figure out L was Layla Heart, Ena convinced herself. Our plan was airtight. I even enchanted a Glamour on the mask to give her blue eyes and give her minor alterations to keep her from having too many physical similarities with Uncle Natsu and Luke. No one would've made the connection. No one. I made sure of it. Her mind darkened with worry and agitation. I made a promise to protect her. She's like my sister.

Blue hair. Warm browns.

Ena batted away the image. The only sister I could rely on. A bit of bitterness seeped into her thoughts. I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. He can't suspect anything. And what would he stand to gain from knowing her identity either? If L were older, I could see the appeal. Considering Aunt Lucy's wealth and notoriety and Uncle Natsu's fame, if Atticus married her, he'd have a better standing to both the Magic community and to the Heartfilia Clan. But their age gap should cross that out.

She tried to ignore the quiet fear and a whisper fed her, He might not care about age—just power. She canceled the bizarre thought as quickly as she could, but the doubt twisted in her stomach. No. We're in the Current Era. That would never happen. But dread mixed with reason. But…she's the most guarded of the family for a reason. She barely left Magnolia. Even in interviews, we all keep quiet. Logically, if people knew she was traveling around, she'd be the easiest in, but… Quelling her fear turned out to fuel it.

"Are you all right?"

Ena shivered at the rumble in her ears and that phantom sharpness prickled on her next. "Yes," she breathed. She had to wait as her partner spun around and lifted her, but her mind was in a tizzy to catch a face to her partner. "My apologies. I suppose I'm distracted."

A hum.

Ena was twirled to land with her back to his front, and they swayed. She swallowed when she realized the full capacity of her partner and his closeness to her. I must be getting sick again. I feel... She shivered when that rumble was back in her ear.

"I'm sure you wish Lord Nora was here in my place, My Lady," came purred assumption. "It's no secret you're both…close."

That made Ena shut down. "Actually, I'm perfectly comfortable with and without his presence, My Lord," she sniffed. "But thank you for your concern."

A smooth chuckle. "I offended you."

"Mayhap," Ena grumbled.

"I wouldn't want a lady as beautiful as you upset with me." You could hear a faint grin. Ena tried to hide her swallow when his words imprinted on her neck as he held her tight for their final moment together with his ring glinting. "For offending you, I apologize…"—his hand thumbed hers—"Mistress."

Dark chocolates widened. "Silver—"

The words were robbed when she was hurriedly spun and passed off to her temporary partner (whom she would later abandon to get to Atticus, per the waltz's step). She wildly looked around, but none of the partners carried any of Silver's traits. Her racing heart diminished into confusion. But… I thought he was… He was there and…

She sighed and sullenly fell into the steps. He… He wasn't there. Because of me. A wan smile covered her lips. Isn't it just like me to chase after ghosts who don't want me?

"Ena." Her mother's sharp tone. "Silver is not Mystogan."

Dark chocolates were crestfallen. I know he isn't, Mother. She let herself be spun out to glide into a circle with all the other partners. Maybe…that's why it hurts even more.

°•°•°•°

Sylvie did not care where she was going, but she needed to go. With a mean look at the guards (who knew her temper could make them go deaf and potentially blind if she started swinging), she barged out of the reception hall with her skirts gathered and rushed away, out of the range of Odette's calls and Nora's attempts to dissuade her from doing anything rash.

Of course she gets him. She gets everything.

Poisonous thoughts doused in rage diseased her mind as she scuffled down the hall. She stomped up one of the stairwells to escape the dancing and the laughing and the smiling.

She gets Mom's horses. She's Daddy's favorite. And she gets the Duke. Of course. Just like always.

Sylvie made her way down the corridor, determined to go to her room, but she faltered and ended up huffing and puffing on a windowsill with her eyes vengeful. She glared at the night sky liked it wronged her, arms crossed, and her heart raging. It's not fair. She gets everything. She gets to wear Mom's clothes and her jewelry. She gets to go with Daddy to all the important meetings.

Heat backed her glossy eyes, and she swiped a tear. She did not want to be sad. She wanted to be mad, but now she felt like irrationally crumbling. And now she gets the Duke too? How is this fair? Her anger turned to sadness. Why did she have to be the older one? How come…? How come I couldn't get some of Mom's stuff too? She was my mom too.

She rested her head against the glass with a heaved breath and looked up at all the stars and shades of violet-blue painted. "Maybe Daddy can let me turn in early," she hoped. "I don't want to go back down there." She wiped some tears. "Not if they're going to be together."

"Why so sad, My Lady?"

Sylvie did not jump at the masculine concern, too engrossed in her own self-pity party. "Nothing," she sighingly mumbled. "Everything." She swiped under her nose. "I think I'm done with that stupid ball." She dried her cheeks. "I think I'm just going to go back to my room."

"That's a shame, My Lady," came pitiful mock. "I thought you'd be open to conversation."

Sylvie's eyebrows knitted together. "No. I'm going back to my room." She turned around—

"I think you owe me a conversation, Lady Sylvie."

Sylvie scowled when she saw the masculine cloaked figure. Forget fear—she was tired and angry and wanted to scream. She stood up, arms crossed, and stance defensive. "I don't owe anyone anything," she snapped back. "I don't know who you think you are, but you're not welcome here." She hollered, "Guards!"

"Oh, My Lady, that won't be necessary." A hand came out from under the cloak to show a ring. "I just ask for a minute of your time."

Sylvie rolled her eyes, ready to storm off. "Guards!" she shouted. "Guards, there's a—!"

LUB-DUB.

Her scream died for shock when she felt her heart lurch and her head spin like she had gotten ridiculously exhausted. What…? What the…?

LUB-DUB.

A shocked cry escaped her when her knees weakened and she fell to the ground. An instant sweat perspired onto her forehead with a panic setting in she had no control over her heart. "What's…happening to me?" she panted.

"I just need a few minutes of your time, Lady Sylvie," came soft croon.

Blearily, she looked up to see that glinting ring mock her, the only focused objected in her doubled-vision. "What…?" she tried to speak. "He… Help…"

"Shhh… We have to be quick with our talk, Lady Sylvie." The cloaked man's other hand brought out a strange pocket watch to check the hour. "This won't take longer than a few minutes." He shut the pocket watch with his ring back in her main focus. "All right, My Lady." A twisted smile. "Your High Brother will keep this simple."

And her vision went to a chaotic blur, then to black.

°•°•°•°

The waltz ended with dramatic twirls, another one-two-three, and a slow dip that had everyone in the audience clapping. Denver and Irina clapped as well with Irina overjoyed, but Denver looked a bit distracted from the performance. Applause doubled for the orchestra and the maestro as the dancers bowed to them before bowing to their partners. It looked like Beatrice would not be shrugging off Marinette soon since Marinette had the gall to dip her and looked so pleased with herself while Beatrice was an irate and blushing mess.

Atticus and Ena finished their bows, but Ena had no chance to escape when Atticus put a hand on her back and told her lightly, "If you wouldn't mind, My Lady, my little Nora hasn't been doing that grand of a job introducing you to some of the more important members of the ball. I'd like the honor."

Ena pursed her lips. "Perhaps Lord Nora could bear that privilege?"

"He could," Atticus said cheerily, "but alas, he's nowhere to be found. And while you are more than capable of socializing with those who approach you, you'll need a proper envoy to introduce you to other more esteemed guests."

Ena flicked her eyes around to scope out Nora, but she could not find him in the throng. Where did Nora go? I'm sure he's looking for Sylvie. And if I reject Atticus' offer… She suppressed her sigh. "You're right, My Lord. Thank you for the offer."

"Wonderful! I can't wait to introduce you!" Atticus guided her forward. "Though, I'll have to ask you to refrain from speaking about Miss Layla Heart to them. I'm sure you've been bombarded enough with requests for information on her. Perhaps some were bold to hope you'd introduce her to their children."

Ena did not like where this was going. "There have been one or two inquiring…"

He laughed. "I'm sure. No one expected a prodigious student to be in attendance at one of the biggest winter social events. But I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to keep from speaking more about her to those curious."

"And may I ask why?"

Atticus hummed. "I suppose I'm a jealous gardener. Miss Layla Heart is a rare flower after all—one of a kind." His next words came out with a smile teased in something darker. "And what gardener wouldn't want to keep that flower all to himself and possess such beauty?"

Ena felt a chill go down her spine. "My Lord—"

"Keep smiling, my dear rose," Atticus reminded her. "Wasn't that your plan considering the discrete eyes on you? The busier you seem, the less likely those eyes will seek you out."

Ena kept her chin high even when she wanted to tip it down. "Right. Yes, My Lord." She could feel her swords reach out, ready to defend her, but she fought down their urges.

I need to call Aunt Lucy the second I get back to my room. If he thinks he can use me to get to L—a glint of Magic shone in her eyes—he doesn't know what lengths I'll do to protect her.

---

The city might not have been as large as Magnolia or as important, but it had a vigor within its walls that could not be beaten. Now that it was safe and warm enough for the outdoors, the city came alive with its notorious outdoor marketplace full of recycled items, fresh goods, and shouting vendors. This late at night, the marketplace kept itself open. Those who sold fresh goods in stands had retired, but others had come out with food stalls and other sold wares. The restaurants bustled with life. A few students stopped as they overheard a sale regarding some unique parasols. A mother tittered as her stubborn daughter wanted to approve of the fruit they were buying for their meal today. The park in the middle of the city with a large playground had a late-night baseball game going on and had accumulated quite a crowd at the bottom of the seventh.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Malba City, close to the Mikage Forest, and has grown with most immigrants stopping hereafter they receive citizenship from Crocus. This city had once been an attempted sacrifice to the Avatar's Purification Plan. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The emergency department Gale and Gajeel waited at was low on patients this evening and that was a good thing. Within five minutes, the department quickly saw those who shuffled in with something wrong, but Gale and Gajeel were the only ones actively waiting in the reception area. It had been recently built and was predominantly used as an ED with a few primary care physician offices and a lab for blood testing, but other than that, administrative workers came here.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Crocus Clinic – Family Health Center Malba

Malba, City

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A door opened, and a nurse hollered, "Gajeel Redfox?"

Gajeel stood up and jerked his chin for Gale to follow him to the nurse. She led them to the registration and triage center of the emergency department. The scent of sickness, blood, hints of urine and sweat, and the overwhelming medical cleanser muddled Gale's nose, agitating him, but Gajeel was unbothered. The nurse took a seat and swiped her badge before unlocking her DAL.

Gajeel rested against the counter and murmured, "How bad?"

"She's in critical care at the moment," the nurse supplied. "Upon your authority, we've withheld informing the Guard about Miss Briar escaping the Xavier Asylum, even though it's against our policy—"

"Thanks for your compliance," Gajeel said gruffly. "When will she wake?"

The nurse sighed. "Waking up can take hours to weeks. According to her extensive injuries, we had to intubate her." She showed the screen to both men to click through the multiple scans they had done. "Because she had some swelling in the brain, we had to put her in a medically induced coma. We found broken ribs, multiple fractures—including a fracture on her skull—and…" She sighed heavily. "We did find vaginal tearing. After a check…"

Gale felt sick, and Gajeel's eyes glittered in rage. "How old are the injuries?"

"We've scheduled for a gynecologist follow-up, but the physician could see the tearing wasn't recent. Miss Briar's body has been unable to heal the abrasions properly. We suspect that even if her injuries heal, the trauma might prevent her from waking up in any close time frame," the nurse told him with a note of apology. "I'm sorry, Mister Redfox. Once she's out of critical care, we'll need to transfer her to an inpatient unit for follow-up and observation. She'll require mandatory physical therapy and, with a psychological evaluation, I'm sure she'll need severe mental care."

Gajeel ran a hand down his face, puffing a breath. "Fuck." He shook his head.

"We did put you down as Miss Briar's proxy," the nurse told him, "so we'll notify you of all changes. However, as Xavier Asylum's charts are synched with the Crocus Clinic, we're aware her labeled emergency contact is a mister Gray Fullbuster. Would you like us to notify him of her hospital stay?"

"I'll let him know first," Gajeel sighed. "He needs to hear it from me. But he'll probably call here to get updates."

The nurse nodded and brought over a stapled packet to offer. "These are Miss Briar's updated charts and the potential follow-ups we have listed alongside the number you can directly reach for triage." She hesitated. "About the Guard—"

"If some Inspector or a Guard comes poking their nose around, you let them know Captain Black Steel has this under his jurisdiction," Gajeel told her with an edge in his tone as he swindled the packet. "I'll catch up Fullbuster on Briar's situation and from there, we'll make the arrangements for her transfer back to the asylum, but we can't do that if she's put on a waiting list for a trial for escape."

The nurse sagely nodded and cast a worried look to the doors that led to the critical care unit. "I'd suggest you do it soon," she whispered. "One of the other older nurses recognized Miss Briar from…before she wanted to heal. And they aren't happy we're treating her."

"Shit," Gajeel swore. "We'll be quick about it. Thank you."

"No problem." The nurse's eyes softened. "My uncle was a part of Avatar." She said this with no hint of shame, just sadness. "Not many people know it—my own parents didn't tell me. I only knew he was in prison before he got released after a decade or so." She looked down. "I… I'd like to think he's changed." She shook her head. "He claims he found religion."

"Ah. He's a God-fearing person then," Gale said dryly.

The nurse shook her head, frowning but not offended. "No. He entered the Holy Eye denomination." She shrugged. "He seems better, but… My family still isn't accepting of him since he was part of all that chaos."

Gajeel's eyes narrowed. "The Holy Eye?"

"Mmm-hmm." The nurse nodded. "I don't speak to him as much, but the last I heard, he joined the Holy Eye organization. But my mom isn't convinced he's changed at all, religious or not. But the Holy Eye supports her church, so…" She gave another shrug.

Gale stuffed his hands into his pockets, but he kept his mouth shut. Exchanging the Avatar for the Holy Eye, huh? That's different.

Gajeel wrapped his knuckles on the counter. "Thanks for your cooperation. We'll be in touch." He pushed off the counter. "Have a nice night. Pipsqueak, let's go."

"Right." Gale followed his father, but he looked over his shoulder at the critical care unit. Hmm…

°•°•°•°

The walk back to the truck was quiet. Gajeel had to slip another patch from Wendy's gift to him in order to drive and turned on an old hip-hop and R&B station. Both father and son took a moment to sit in the truck and let the excitement of the nightlife wash over them.

"I feel like you're leaving out a lot, Old Man." A testy edge was in Gale's voice. The Wild did not dare bare teeth, but it itched with agitation towards its sire. "Starting with the fact that that woman was an Avatar—"

Gajeel's jaw clenched. "Pipsqueak—"

"And then," Gale continued in a growl, "she was in an asylum, and Uncle Gray is her benefactor—!"

A raging snarl.

Gale attenuated his seething as that phantom ache came back in his jaw. Eyes down, the Wild kept a rumble, but there was no more challenge. That snarl was a warning of what to come if he pushed for a fight he could not win.

Gajeel gripped the wheel and started shifting. He pulled out of the scarce parking lot and onto the road. It was more common to take trolleys or walk everywhere, but cars could parade down the street. Pedestrians and restaurant lights passed by, but the tense silence never wavered.

Gajeel sighed and raked his hair. "Yeah, she was in the fucking cult," he dropped, aggravated. "I had the pleasure of arresting her. Saw to her trial with Fullbuster and everything. Since she was in the inner circle of the Avatar, she got twenty-five to life for her attempted genocide on Malba." He shifted. "But there was a deal she could take after fifteen—a deal Fullbuster managed to bargain. She dotted her I's and crossed her t's and played nice in prison and wanted to take steps in bettering herself, she'd get a life of parole, but she'd be going to an asylum first."

"Why?" Gale found himself asking. "Why would Uncle Gray do that?"

"Guess while he and Briar were in Avatar, she was the first one to put her faith in him. She…confided in him," Gajeel carefully explained. "And to have one of the head cultists on our side meant we could uncover some secrets. Give me the gum in the glove compartment."

Gale tched, but he did as asked. "You could at least say, 'please'." He passed his father a stick before claiming his own.

"Yeah. And it wouldn't kill you to have manners either." Gajeel chewed on his gum with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Guess you got your shit attitude from me, Pipsqueak."

Gale huffed. "Whatever."

Gajeel lightly chuckled before it faded away. "Most of those Avatar elitists got slammed in Fioren court and MC court and, right now, they still have a lot of serving to do. But whatever Fullbuster said to Briar made her consider the offer. Hyberion approved the offer only if Fullbuster was kept as her 'legal guardian'."

Gale's eyebrows shot up. "Isn't she, like, an adult?"

"Shit doesn't matter. Fullbuster signed it that he'd be her little benefactor should she take the deal," Gajeel relayed with a snort. "He became a glorified Mother Hen if you ask me. Took about a decade until Briar went back to court to revisit the offer and accepted." A ghost of a grin. "I'd tag along on Fullbuster's visits to try and rile her up for some answers. Stubborn woman. But did she sing for that fucking stripper."

Gale cracked a smirk. "I'm sure Aunt Juvia was loving that."

"Goddamn Rain Woman at first was ready to drown her on sight," Gajeel cackled. "Ya shoulda seen how crazy she got when Briar just casually told her she has a thing for the stripper. I had to drag her away before she got arrested." He shook his head in mirth, shoulders shaking. "But Briar played nice for the first fifteen before she got a transfer to Xavier. She did all right for herself. She opened up more about Avatar and her grief. Got her shit together. Six months down the line, and she's scot-free. Only condition was her meetings and check-ups, and Fullbuster would hear about it if she missed it. But she didn't."

Gale softened. "It's cool Uncle Gray did that for her. And that she got better."

"I think we were all pretty shocked at that, considering the other elite Avatars were tight-lipped and psycho," Gajeel muttered.

Gale hummed. "So if she got better…why did you say she should be back at Xavier? Did something happen?"

Gajeel's expression darkened. "Yeah," he rumbled. "Fullbuster got a call. Turns out Briar had some sort of Black Breakdown."

"'Black Breakdown'." Gale realized what that meant. "The Black Magic she had inside turned against her?"

"We think," Gajeel stressed. "But we weren't too sure. Still aren't. But whatever happened set Briar off into some chaotic abyss. She was unstable and inconsolable and started speaking all sorts of gibberish. Wouldn't let anyone touch her without Fullbuster present. Finally got her on some meds, but it was clear she couldn't be out in the public. She's been in Xavier ever since her breakdown."

"But she somehow escaped," Gale pieced together. "And Uncle Gray wasn't notified."

Gajeel's hands tightened on the wheel. "That's what pisses me off the most. Ether Asylums are made to help Ether-wielders who are unstable with their powers, or mentally unstable in general. The precautions are as ridiculous as they are with MC prisons. So how the fuck did Briar escape, and no one called it in?"

"You think someone helped her escape and covered it up," Gale theorized. At Gajeel's nod, Gale pressed, "But if she was dedicated to getting better, why would she—?"

"I don't know." Gajeel ground his teeth. "I don't know, and that's what pisses the shit out of me. She was on the straight and narrow, helping us locate mini branches of the damn cult, she goes through a mysterious breakdown, gets on a stabilization plan in a secure location, and she just…escapes out of nowhere? And I know Fullbuster is about to have a field day."

Gale nodded, but he said nothing. It's times like these…I remember that the generation before me went through a lot more than I could imagine. There's so much that I don't know—so much I want to know. There are so many answers I'm trying to get. But it's like I get one answer and then have fifty more questions. So many secrets. His hand clenched. Not like I'm not keeping my own secrets.

Gajeel pulled to a stoplight and tapped on the wheel with a finger. "You okay over there, Pipsqueak?"

"Wow. Acting like a father for once, shitty old man?" Gale grumbled.

Gajeel snorted. "I'd say I miss when you were actually nice to be around, but you've been a prickly fucker since the day you were born." He teased, "But you get all soft in the scales around Squirt like a love-sick drake."

Gale flushed. "Shut up, Old Man."

Gajeel snickered. "I'm just tellin' the truth," he crooned. "Damn. Guess Redfox men really do like the short and smart ones."

"Whatever." Gale glared out of the window, but a dopey little grin caught him. "She is pretty short, though. She's like a little princess."

"She technically is," Gajeel said. "Which means you better watch your ass, Pipsqueak, around the king." His tone took a serious warning to it. "He doesn't need to see you fuckin' around. Salamander showed you mercy before. Pull that shit again and he won't be nice."

Gale rolled his eyes, but he did heed the warning with a bit of fear. If he had witnessed Igneel's version of not-nice, he could only imagine how Natsu would be. "Loud and clear, Old Man."

Quiet.

The light turned green, and Gajeel pushed the truck forward.

It took Gale a few moments until he murmured, "Therapy is helping, but… I know I'm not ready for anything outside of friendship." He muttered under his breath, "But Blondie sure knows how to drive a Dragon crazy."

"See, if you had played your cards right, you could've done what I did," Gajeel drawled.

"I'm too young to be a baby daddy," Gale said flatly.

Gajeel smacked Gale upside the head. "Damn right you are," he growled. "Christ. Fucking smartass."

"You cursed Mom's big ball of light in the sky," Gale ribbed. "She's gonna be pissed at you."

But Gajeel smirked. "And she worships me a helluva lot more than that fucking 'Jesus' guy, so I'm winning in the end."

Gale made a face. "Why are you so gross?"

"Say stupid shit, get a stupid answer."

"Ugh." Gale crossed his arms, shifting. "Who the fuck did I piss off to have you for a father figure?"

Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "Who the fuck don't you piss off?"

His father had him there, and Gale knew that. "Touché."

The tension had resolved into a familial silence between the two without the weight pressure of their finds and all the reveals of tonight. But it was Gajeel who broke up the silence with a cough that had Gale look over, curious.

"When we got the call you were in the hospital after you went to the Boundary Forest," Gajeel said, "your mom made it clear… She wanted to know what happened."

Gale stiffened. His throat went dry. "Yeah… I remember…"

"It's nothing for you to force yourself to say." Timbre softer, gentler. "I'm glad therapy's working for you. I knew it did your mom wonders too. Take all the time you need." He added carefully, "Get yourself in order before you leave."

Rubies sharpened. "Is this about Jura?"

"It is," Gajeel confirmed. "Dude wasn't subtle about his interest in being your teacher. You actually met him when you were a baby."

That stunned Gale. "I did?"

Gajeel grunted. "Yeah. You wouldn't remember. You were too young. But it seemed like you liked him enough when he held you. Touched his bald head and everything." He could not keep the mirth from his tone. "He told us he knew you'd surpass him. He wanted to train you when you turned ten."

"And let me guess," Gale sighed. "Mom put her foot down about that?"

"We both did."

Gale scowled. "Why?"

"Same reason we all wanted to hold off on a lot of things," Gajeel started, cryptic. "You needed to grow up. You're still growing up. Your mom and I were content to wait until you graduated, but your smart ass had to do that early—"

"Not my fault I got Mom's smarts," Gale muttered.

"But we stuck to our guns we wanted you to have your shit together before he took you gallivanting who the Hell knows where to get stronger," Gajeel continued. "I get you're a Dragon now, Pipsqueak. But you still have work to do." He glanced at his son, sanguine reds approving. "And we see you are doing the work. Just be patient with yourself a little longer."

Gale heaved a loud exhale. "Yeah, I know. I will be." A pause. "But Blondie—"

"Look. I ain't gonna try and stop you two from sneaking around." Gajeel's lips twitched when Gale flushed a bit. "Salamander is looking the other way about this too as a test. But"—his hands tightened on the wheel—"both of you are young, Pipsqueak. She doesn't have your power or your instincts. Don't give in to those instincts again, understand? You've seen what happens when you do…and when you complete it."

Gale vividly remembered the raging fire in western Magnolia and those murderous emeralds ready to strike him down. "I know," he mumbled.

"It's a learning curve," Gajeel gave to him. "None of us could've predicted what happened with Igneel. For fuck's sake, he was so little. We never thought that he would…"

Both understood without the words.

"I told Luke I had thought about…Marking her," Gale admitted in a small voice. "He was pissed, but… When we were doing our report, he told me something I can't get out of my head."

• — • — •

"You know she would've forgiven you, right?"

The focus concentrated on the screen, but confusion bowled over Gale, and the focus swiveled onto Luke, who worked on his share of the report on his PAL. "Say what now?"

"Lu." Luke sipped his tea. "She would've forgiven you."

"Okay…" Gale still did not understand. "About…?"

"if you had Marked her. She would've forgiven you, Gale."

That effectively quieted Gale.

But Luke was not finished as he typed. "If you hadn't realized it, Lu might get angry over things, sure, but… She's a lot calmer than most of us. If anyone seriously harms her…she doesn't know how to react. She tries to find the good when there shouldn't be any good." He sighed. "It ticked off Igneel a lot how she forgave and faulted herself for things."

The focus looked down at Gale's lap. "I'm not so sure she would've forgiven me for…for trapping her like that." Admitting that his instincts—his own thoughts—had driven him to that madness made his stomach sour.

"You guys talked after you attacked her, right?" Luke asked the question without violence in his tone towards Gale's misdeeds. "What happened? Did she get angry at you?"

"Ah…" Gale could not forget their talk. He remembered smelling her guilt and despair to match his own, except he had shame to bear. But he could not remember any screaming. No. He remembered her tears and her whimpers and her pleas for him to stay.

"No." A small confession. "No, she… She wasn't angry at me. She…" Oh, this was painful to remember. "She blamed herself. She thought…she was at fault. She just…wanted me to stay with her."

"Gale."

The focus looked up to honeyed ambers.

"That's the kind of person Lu is," Luke said softly. "If you had done that to her, she would've forgiven you."

"So if I had, it all balances out?" Gale snarked, bitter.

Luke shook his head. "You misunderstand what I'm saying. Luna doesn't know how to process those sorts of emotions," he relayed. His eyes fell. "Maybe she just hides her anger; I don't know. But from what I can feel, she blames herself for bad things that happen no matter what. And she's been doing that a lot lately with…other stuff.

"You want to know why Igneel was so protective of her? Partly because of that," Luke explained. "Because he knew that if you had wanted her and took her, she'd forgive you like that. She's not…confident enough to say, 'you hurt me'. That's what terrifies me the most. That's what terrified Igneel. We don't want to see her in a bad situation, and she tries to smile it off and blame herself."

Luke closed his PAL to look Gale square in the eyes. "Honestly? I'd feel better if Lu didn't date right now. She has…a lot going on. And I know you guys are friends, but there's just something more there. So this is me talking to you as Luna's brother and not as your friend." Honeyed ambers glinted with red. "Don't you ever take advantage that she'll defend you even when you treat her wrong. Don't. Don't take the easy way out when she tells you she's sorry for something you did. I want her to know her worth and respect herself. And I know you can help her with that."

The red threatened to overtake Luke's eyes. "But I won't have anyone take advantage of my sister like that. So even when you get to a better place, you need to know that even if she doesn't hold you accountable for whatever you pull on her, you need to hold yourself accountable. I can only hope she realizes she deserves to blame the person who hurt her. But if you still want to go after her after all this is said and done, remember that. Because Igneel knows that's her weakness and so do I. And no one"—he bared fang—"is going to exploit that weakness."

• — • — •

"Even after I…"—the Wild gagged, ashamed—"slept with someone… Even after I abandoned her to a guy I never trusted… Even after I attacked her… You know what she said to me?" It was a rhetorical question. "She cried and said she was sorry for pissing me off." Such words bothered him to the core—saddened him and infuriated him.

"I know I have shit I have to figure out," Gale went on. "I know that. And I know it's not my job to teach Blondie to stick to her guns. But I don't…" He flexed and clenched his hands. "I don't want her to ever get in that situation where she just…forgives and forgets no matter what happens. I can't save everyone. I know that. But fuck if I don't want Blondie to stand up for herself."

Gajeel hummed. "You can't save everyone, no," he agreed. "That sort of shit is something Squirt will have to learn on her own. Bunny Girl and Salamander are raisin' her right and givin' her the right lessons. But she's the only one who can apply them. Same to you."

"Save your big 'father' speech," Gale grunted. "I get it. You're teaching me life lessons. Doctor O is teaching me how to go legit. I get it. Doesn't mean I necessarily enjoy it."

Gajeel laughed. "Never thought you would. You know how many times I used to bite and growl at my shitty dad when he tried to teach me anything? Fucker would lay his heavy ass tail on me to keep me still. But he taught me how to eat."

"Yeah, when Mom's gone, your version of us eating together is we have to fight for what we want on our plate," Gale huffed. "We eat like savages and almost kill one another for a scrap of meat."

Gajeel hmphed. "Yeah, and now you know that if you don't act for what you want, you'll end up with an empty plate and a hungry stomach."

They passed through one of the archways that oversaw an exit of Malba City.

"Metalicanna taught me the same way, and Igneel did the same with Salamander," Gajeel explained. "If you want something, you have to do something about it. If I wanted to eat, I had to hunt the right way and protect my food from him trying to sneak it away from me. You learned the same way. You stopped making all that racket and learned to hunt the right way that got you your dinner, not scaring it away stomping around everywhere. And if you didn't want me getting in your space and stealing your kill, you had to shove me out of it."

"If this is how you think Blondie should be taught to stand up for herself, I think we're thinking of two very different blondes," Gale said dryly. "Blondie ain't the type of girl you pull that shit on."

"You'd be surprised," Gajeel said, thoughtful. "We all start somewhere. And Salamander is teaching her that little by little. He's going easier on her than he was with her brothers and Nashi."

Gale raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. Because trash-talking really helps those survival skills."

"Gods, you're such a little shit," Gajeel grumbled. "He's pushing her out of her comfort zone to fight back. Bunny Girl wasn't too happy about it when we talked over Squirt's training. She thought it might be too harsh. But you see her training now, don't you? She isn't whining or getting upset or lettin' shit fly. She's fighting back. She's learning that her old man won't let up, so she has to throw down. She's getting there. With time, she'll be where she should've been if she started training sooner."

Gajeel grinned. "And soon, you'll have a full-grown meat-eater snapping and snarling at you when dinner comes to fight for her food and keep it away from you. Even your mom gets testy with me when I try to lift something from her plate. She's got her own teeth."

"Because you try to steal and then eat her silverware, asshole," Gale muttered.

Gajeel shrugged, not seeing the harm. "True. But Shorty ain't no Dragon and she bares her teeth with the best of them. Same with Bunny Girl. And Squirt will learn how to show her own teeth too, don't you worry. We'll make sure she goes into the world prepared. You just worry about your own lessons and sharpen those claws of yours. You're gonna need it when your little princess puts up a fight."

The Wild perked. The prospect of its little moon challenging it brought a fire in its belly and its tail whipped, eager for the day to see her teeth. Rubies glinted with scraps of emerald, and Gale could not fight his fangy grin. "Now that…I can't wait to see."

Gajeel snorted. "Yeah. Your fucking scent gives that away, Pipsqueak."

Gale turned scarlet and barked, "Sh-Shut up, you shitty old man!"

BRRRRRRRRR.

Gale and Gajeel honed onto Gajeel's Compact. Gajeel saw Galileo's name and answered it. "What's wrong?"

"Looks like those sensors and camera you planted in that church worked, Dad," Galileo explained. "We picked up some movements before we got the audio and video. You can take a look at the footage when you get back, but this…you need to see."

PING!

Gajeel jerked his head for Gale to grab the Compact. "What'd you send?"

"It's a picture," Galileo said. "It's an image I took from the video. A little blurry, but…you'll understand."

Gale swiped to Galileo's message thread and his brow furrowed when he expanded the blurred picture. Those rubies darkened. Shit… He showed the Compact to his father.

Gajeel glanced once, then did a long stare down at the picture and swore. "Fuck."

"Gajeel." Panther Lily came on the line. "You know what this means?"

Gajeel ground his teeth. "Yeah, Lily, I know." Dammit. I wish Oswald and our mysterious friend had been wrong. I wish Thirteen was wrong. But shit keeps catching up to me. He glanced back at the picture to see a blurred and naked forearm with a black tattoo of a crowning bird.

"What are we going to do?" Gale asked his father.

Gajeel had a rumble going through his chest. "Keep our stakeout going to understand what the Hell is happening there and why those fuckers aren't in Blühenhaven."

Rubies burned. What the Hell are you going this far away from your nest, Deathhawk?

---

"No…!"

"Come on, Angel, you know you want to…"

Call it the sips of liquid courage she had taken, but Nashi was grinning like a fool in one of Gary's shirts as she lazed about one the bed with the LV quietly playing one of her trashy movies she and Tesla bonded over about a Sinnish cheerleader in the USM moving to a whiter and richer neighborhood and competing against the head cheerleader and resident mean girl to become an all-star cheerleading squad (it was trashy, but they swooned over the leading lady and her love interest's chemistry. Býleistr had taken to being in the living room, indulging in his own trashy series while drinking some sort of whiskey concoction.

(Though, Nashi nearly threw him back into the Celestial Spirit Realm when he saw him blatantly salivate over two black housewives shaking their junk during a vacation episode.)

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Gary's (and Nashi's) Condo

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gary was outside from how the FaceCall looked, in nothing more than his shorts, but he grinned over Nashi's cheeky flush and mocked, "If Angel loved me enough—"

"I'll stop you right there, mister," Nashi laughed. "You're not allowed to manipulate me with that."

Gary's lips twitched. "But Angel manipulates me doing what she wants by showing me her body."

"That's…!" But Nashi could not find a valid argument and weakly said, "That was Tesla and JJ's idea. Blame them for that."

Gary chuckled. "I believe that." He gave her male appraisal over her wearing his shirt. "But I don't mind Angel tempting me to get what she wants." He laughed when Nashi shot him a middle finger. "I thought you were staying at your parents' house tonight?"

"No." Nashi sighed as she got comfortable. "I wanted to come home—" She stopped herself.

Gary noticed her pause and reminded, "I don't mind you calling my home your home, Angel." He sighed when she still looked stiff and looked a little disappointed. "Too soon still?"

Nashi nodded and felt bad when Gary looked away. She could feel his emotions drizzling within her. "I don't want to move too fast," she soothingly explained. "I'm still figuring out where I want to go to university, Gary, and…this is all so new—"

"I know." Gary offered her a weak smile. "I'm just hopeful."

Nashi toyed with her bottom lip. "We can revisit this once I'm past my first year of university, okay? Just…not now. Not when we're thousands of miles apart. Okay?"

Gary let out a steady exhale. "Okay." A bit of a pout was in his tone, but his emotions only betrayed his reluctant acceptance of this compromise.

Nashi tittered seeing Gary put out. "How'd your day go today? You said you were visiting another Shaman today, right?" The atmosphere darkened with Gary's expression at her words, and she gently prodded, "I could feel you getting upset. Was that when you were with her?"

"Her name is Yuka," Gary murmured. "She's the oldest Shaman in Arcticados and she told me…things. It just put my mind back into a dark place is all." He rubbed the side of his nose as he sniffed. "I didn't mean for you to feel it. I'm sorry."

Nashi frowned. "There's nothing to apologize for," she promised him. But when Gary shook his head, she thumbed her Compact, upset for him. "Gary…"

"I should let you go." A hollow tone. "I'm sorry, Angel—"

"Hey, no, no, no, I'm not going anywhere," Nashi was quick to soothe. But when he kept shaking his head with a pinched look on his face, she pried, "Gary, what's wrong? What happened?"

A breathy sigh. Gary ran fingers through his head as he collected his thoughts and figured out the right words to say. "When you went to the burlesque show last month, I… Well, Miss Uki…" He licked his lips. "Miss Uki…invited me to a Full Moon Festival. Remember when I told you that?"

"Yeah, I remember. My granny told us all about Full Moon and New Moon Festivals my ancestors would hold," Nashi remembered with those memories warm. "It's an amazing spiritual event. For Uki to invite you to one means she thinks highly of you. I'm happy you got to witness it."

But Gary did not look all that happy about it. He looked downright agitated and upset. "It was great," he described lamely. "I met some nice Shamans and their apprentices, but it felt like…like I was intruding. I mean, it felt like a religious event and being a Devil and all…"

"Oh." Nashi had not thought of that. "Did everything turn out okay for you in the end?"

Gary jerkily nodded. "It did. I told you. It was fine, but…" He swallowed. "I ended up…seeing things. I saw Miss Uki's teacher during the festival. Honestly, the entire thing felt like an acid dream."

"You've done acid?"

Gary shook his head. "No, but I'm imaging what I saw could compare to tripping on acid."

"Ah, okay." Nashi prompted, "You say Uki's former teacher meaning…you saw her Spirit?"

Gary nodded. "I saw a lot of Spirits, but…her teacher, Nanuk… She told me things, but… Then she brought a friend with her to see me specifically."

"Oh, wow." Nashi's eyebrows shot up. "Who did you see?"

Gary hesitated before whispering, "Your grandmother."

Nashi did not understand. "You say my granny Anna?"

"Not her, Angel." Those cerulean burned with unease. "Your mother's mother. Misses Layla Heartfilia."

Nashi sat up like a bolt of lightning hit her, shocked out of her mind. "But that's… That's not…possible."

"It happened." Gary looked as mystified as her, but his bewilderment had a haunted edge to it. "I saw her. I could describe her to you, but… She said she was your mother's mother. And that she had to meet me because she had important things to say about me…us…"

"'Us'?" Nashi echoed. His uneasy winter fed into her subtle panic. "Gary, you're scaring me. What did she say about us?"

°•°•°•°

Arcticados looked like a vision at night with a sea of stars with streaks of violet, blue, and black bruising the sky. With spring rearing its head, daylight could persevere long, but the nights in the arctic could not be beaten. The subtle northern lights in the background—a picture of it could have more than one thousand words about its majesty and ethereal beauty.

Gary sat on the deck of the house as he looked over the enviable scenery, but while his winter felt sated he was in his given environment, it did not soothe him from his worries.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ur's Parents' House

Outskirts of Adélie Town

Arcticados

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Gary scratched his chest as he remembered the encounter. "She was thankful you got your wings back—that you were whole again," he recounted. "Your family was thankful for it. But she didn't come to thank me. She came to warn me about the future she'd seen. She wasn't supposed to warn me about it, but she had to." A swallow. "She told me our relationship would be…tested."

Layla's voice haunted him. "When you think love has failed you, know it has not. But all must believe it has. Even you may believe your love has crumbled."

That worry made a flurry of winter and he could not help it when he blurted, slightly panicked, "Angel, you know I love you, right?"

"Yeah, I do." Part confused and part sad, Nashi looked at him. "I love you too."

"And you won't leave, right?" The timorous timbre would not give in to anything stronger. "You'll stay with me this time?"

The way Nashi looked at him crushed him. His words did not offend her. She was crushed feeling the weight of his winter. "I shouldn't have left you the first time," she whispered. "I was being stupid thinking I could change anyone's minds. But I won't leave, Gary. You have me, and I have you."

Gary sighed frost and felt her summer warm him and take on the brunt of the storm waging inside his chest. A little foolish, he mumbled, "I'm sorry. What your grandmother said… I guess I've been a little worried."

"My mama says Spirits might be mischievous, but when they give warnings, they give them in good faith you can overcome them," she told him. "I'm sure we'll be tested about other things. But we can do this. Any problem that comes up, we'll do the hardest part together, remember?"

"Right. I know." Gary's eyes fluttered closed to selfishly cling to her summer. I'm worrying over nothing. And Miss Layla said that our love wouldn't fail, right? Then I shouldn't worry. Angel won't leave. He could relax as though Nashi was hugging him from behind and touched his heart. "Thank you, Angel."

Relief touched Nashi's face. "Of course," she murmured. "Did she say anything else?" She added, "Anything you're comfortable with talking about?"

Gary remembered that miscellaneous golden-eyed stare. I don't want Angel to worry about things with the laboratories. It was never a secret the Doctor had high hopes for revamping my race. But…

A glacial regard.

He confessed, "She told me something that Yuka elaborated on." A long yawn. "It was about Invel and…" Ceruleans darkened. "Just…the choices I have with dealing with him."

"It's clear your relationship to Invel runs deeply in you, whether you wish for it or not." Yuka's soft yet ill-omened words. "And I can say that your relationship with him will continue on. You both are two unstoppable storms that have the power to destroy each other. However, something tells me…"

An eye of glacier and another eye of cerulean.

"…you will both experience some sort of calm in the storm that will destroy you…or him."

Gary tightened his grip on his Compact as he shakily let out a stream of frost. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Nashi soothed him. "I wish I could give you a lovey hug right now. I think you need it."

"I do," Gary croaked.

Nashi sighed through her nose, hickories sad and loving. "I told you. I can feel how complex your feelings run with Invel," she reminded him in a baby-soft tone. "I can feel how much you hate him. But I can feel the other things too. I can feel how much you wish you could kill him, but… I can feel how you're afraid of him too."

"I'm not—!" But Gary's harsh defense wavered and died into a choke.

Nashi continued as she bathed him in her affectionate summer: "I can feel how you're confused about him. Your dad might have Ice Devil Slayer powers, but… The power Invel has… It's something that's hard to describe in words, but it feels familiar to you. And I know that as much as you hate it…"—hickories despaired—"you craved for his approval…and you felt…something towards him."

"He called me his 'prodigy'. His 'son'. His 'perfection'." The first words were hoarse and aggrieved, but anger and resentment burned through towards the end. "I couldn't… I couldn't feel much. B-But then…" He sucked in a breath and whispered like he was telling a scandal, "He'd…reward me. It felt like…like he could be my…"

"Gary…" Nashi looked heartbroken for him.

"I have a dad," Gary whispered, eyes stinging. "And I love him more than anything. I hate this. I hate…feeling like this." He hid his eyes with his arm and had to take a deep breath when his winter threatened to smother summer with its hysteria and grief. "I have to kill him."

"I know." No judgment or the starting of a long lecture. Nashi had none of that. A quiet and despondent acceptance lay in her hickory stare.

"Would you still love me?" All those sordid fears he shoved down whispered in his ear. His winter blackened and fed him back his neglect nightmares, and he could feel his throat constrict. "I've killed so many people. I can still see them in my dreams. If I killed Invel, would I see him too?"

Tears glistened in Nashi's eyes. "Gary…"

"I know he needs to die." But the cry threatened to overtake Gary. "I have to kill him. I have to do this. Maybe… Maybe all those victims could know peace. But if I killed him…" He shook his head and sniffled. So badly did he want to bury his head in his hands and whimper. Memories of those years under Invel slammed into his present. The orders. The punishments. The rewards. A sick sense of happiness when bare minimum kindness was shown.

"Igneel loved this superhero team called 'The Paladins'. Did I tell you about that?"

The clamoring emotions were bit with perplexity from the topic change, but Gary would not look a gift horse in the mouth. "No." He wiped his cheeks. "Who are they?"

"Um…" Nashi looked like she was struggling to keep her own tears at bay. "So, um… They were this young adult team in GC comics, I think. Igneel loved them. Obsessed with them, really, when we were kids. So I asked him what was so special about them. And you know what he told me?"

"What?"

"They killed."

Gary paused. "What?"

"They killed," Nashi repeated. "Igneel told me this Paladins team was from the darker side of the GCU—or I guess just Genius Comics at the time for they did their movie. But they killed, and it was shown in the panels. I told Igneel that they weren't superheroes if they killed. But you know what he told me?"

"No. What?"

"He told me…even if it isn't shown, everyone has blood on their hands," Nashi murmured, tone hushed and thoughtful. "It was so profound for him to say, but I was too stumped to stop him, so he kept going. It was a lesson Papa taught him when they went hunting. Papa had showed him all of us are takers. All of us have blood on our hands. But what matters is the type of blood we have on our hands and if we give those we stain in that blood proper rest.

"Igneel told me the Paladins in his comic stained their hands with bad blood—blood from the bad guys. Some bad guys, they only injured. Others were such threats that they had to kill them. And if the Paladins killed an innocent, they made sure the body could rest in peace."

"You're right." Gary offered a small, feeble smile. "That is profound for him."

Nashi tittered. "It is," she agreed. "But I understood his point. Gary, I know your ledger is dripping in blood." She added upon his flinch and recoil, "But I know you've tormented yourself and agonized over those you killed and did everything you could to show respect to their journey into wherever their souls went. You didn't kill because you loved it—"

"But what if I did?" Gary feared. "What if I did kill them because I couldn't help myself—?"

"That's your fear talking," Nashi soothed. "But if you truly think that…" She took a breath. "I can't tell you how you can and can't feel. I know there are times I felt like maybe I wanted it that night."

Gary's stomach twisted like it had been jackknifed. "Angel—"

"That's how I know you're going to have those same fears," Nashi told him. "It doesn't make you a bad person for having that feeling, Gary. It doesn't turn you into a psychopath or a killer or the one to blame. I'm not going to abandon you because of those feelings either. I'm still going to be here, and I'll sit right there with you until you feel better, okay?"

Somehow, the cold bothered him. It was a different sort of cold. It felt raw and exposed and vulnerable. "I wish I was past this." A confessional and one he regretted as he closed his eyes when he felt upset summer. "Angel, don't be sad. I'll be fine. It's okay." But he winced when he felt summer's distress. "I'm sorry. That was the wrong thing to say. Please don't be mad."

"I'm not mad at you," Nashi assured him, dismayed he would think such a thing. "I just…don't want you to feel like you have to hide from me." As Gary rubbed his face, she pressed, "I can feel when you're upset, Gary, or when you're scared. You don't have to be strong all the time—"

"I wish you couldn't feel me."

A stunned silence filled their conversation.

Instant panic and remorse came about Gary when he felt and saw Nashi's hurt. "No, Angel, not like that. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant I wish you didn't feel the negative." He sighed and felt even worse, like he was saying all the wrong things. "I don't want you to feel that part of me," he confessed, voice small. "You shouldn't have to feel my pain like that. It's not something I want to force on anyone."

"But you aren't forcing me," Nashi tried to explain, though the hurt had not left. "I want to feel that—"

"Why?" Gary rasped in a desperate attempt to understand. "Why would you want to feel this—me?" He shook his head. "I don't want you to feel the fucked-up things my head goes through. I don't want to torture you with that. What if my emotions get out of control? You'd feel it. And I'd be forcing that sort of pain onto you. I don't…want that for you. I just want you to be happy."

"And I am happy." A slight panic and exasperation bled through Nashi's words. "I'm happy with you—"

"For now," Gary whispered. "For now, you are. But what if I get out of control? I could hurt you. Fuck." He closed his eyes, anguished. "I have hurt you." Nauseous words filled with shame and overwhelming guilt. "I don't want to put you through any more of that."

Silence.

"It'll hurt more if you shut me out."

Aggrieved ceruleans connected with teary hickories.

"I don't want one side of you, you stupid jerk," Nashi sniffled. "I want every side of you. I'm selfish. I don't want you to hide away all of the bad in your life. No one is perfect. Everyone has pain and sadness in their lives. And I know it sucks having to talk about it. But my papa told me that candles can't hold light unless they burn. We have to be there for each other through that bad to get to the good."

"Angel—"

"You might regret us having our Bond, but I don't."

Gary's heart broke when he saw Nashi wipe a tear, and his bottom lip trembled. "Angel—"

"I remember falling in love with you the first time," Nashi went on. "And I don't regret it. I don't regret being able to feel every part of you. I know I didn't know what I was doing at the time, but I don't regret it. And I don't regret doing it a second time. I don't care if you don't want m-m-me." She swallowed and steeled her voice. "If I have to be a selfish bitch, then fine. If I'm the only one who wanted this, then fine."

"You're not," Gary promised her, ashamed. "Angel, you're not the only one who wants this. I do want this. I've wanted this for a long time." His lashes lowered. "When I meditate, I can feel your heartbeat," he told her. "I can still comfort you when you're sad. I'm with you anywhere. I could never not want that." A long sigh. "I just wish I was better."

"You were captured for three years," Nashi patiently reminded him. "No one expects that to not follow you. I know I don't. Sometimes, those memories might control you. I understand that. But I still want to be there when that happens."

Gary woefully shook his head. "I could hurt you."

"Well. I was once when someone got out of control, they needed a nice, long fight or a nice, long fuck." Despite the wetness in her eyes, Nashi offered him a grin that could rival her father's. "I could take either or with you."

Gary had to laugh. All the tension dispersed when he let out a deep chortle. "I don't think you could handle the latter when I'm like that, Angel. I could destroy you."

"I hope so. Gives me plenty of ammunition for all those nights away from you."

Smiling, Gary shook his head. "Yeah. I can definitely tell you've been hanging around Tesla."

"She's been pumping up my confidence teaching me more about BDSM," Nashi sheepishly admitted. "She told me some people might like the shy and maidenly type, but Jaxton is the wolf who prefers his Little Red Riding Hood to be upfront. And I thought to give it a try." She flushed, bashful now. "Is it working, Master?"

Gary subtly adjusted himself with a wry grin. "It's working."

"Oh." Nashi's blush deepened. "That's… That's good then."

He chuckled and teased her, "Where'd all that confidence go, Angel?"

"I'm working on it," Nashi mumbled, curling up when Gary's rumbled laugh had an effect on her. "But I meant what I said. Even if you're out of control, I could handle it."

He sighed. "I know, and I don't know." A truthful admission. "I don't know what would happen if we were together when I lost control. I know I'd recognize you. I doubt I'd fight you. But if you remember the last time…" His grin broadened when he felt summer's embarrassed heat. "Are you sure you'd want that?"

"I-I don't know."

Gary cocked his head when more heat expanded in his chest, and those ceruleans lit in excited mischief. "We still have a few months until I'm home. I don't think we need to worry about me losing it around you until then." His expression turned serious. "But I want you to know I'd never force you or take you out of anger, Angel."

"I know that." Nashi meant every word. She mulled for a moment before she asked him, "Gary?"

"Yes, Angel?"

"How has your control been lately? How's Skade?"

Gary frowned. "Still quiet. I don't hear him as much. He comes out when the sentries come for my signature, but it's like… I don't know. It's like I'm forcing him out. Like I'm yanking him out of quicksand every time." He tried not to let it bother him, but it did. "I know he doesn't like Miss Uki, but I never thought he'd be so upset, he gives me the silent treatment."

°•°•°•°

Nashi frowned as she listened to Gary. So it's harder for Skade to come out, huh? "But can you still use your powers without bringing him out?"

"Yeah, I can. That's what's even more strange. I can use both my regular ice and use all my Devil powers."

Nashi hummed. I knew it. But I'd have to do a Soul Read to confirm it. If Skade's going quiet, but Gary can use his powers without him being there then… "When we get to Caracole and have a moment alone, do you think I could look at your soul?"

"Sure," Gary agreed easily. "Whatever you'd like, Angel."

"You're not going to ask me why?" That surprised Nashi.

Gary shook his head. "No. I don't mind you looking into my soul. Our souls are connected, after all." He raised an eyebrow. "Did you want me to ask?"

"Not yet," Nashi said slowly. "Once I look at your soul, I'll let you know more."

"Sure." Gary shifted as he got up. "I'm sorry for freaking out—"

Nashi laughingly groaned. "Enough with the apologies. You're going to make me feel bad again that we're Bonded at this point."

"I'm sorry—"

They shared a chortle.

"We all need to freak out once in a while," Nashi stated as she smoothed a hand down her shirt. She pitched up an amused eyebrow and jested, "You freaked out a little when you came home to my gift to you before your vasectomy."

Gary colored a little, but the memories of that weekend fanned a lustful winter within her. "I didn't expect to find you at the house, for one. And two…" A velvety husk couched his words. "I was completely surprised Angel greeted me like she was a trained submissive."

"Tesla helped me a little," Nashi admitted, but her thighs squeezed together as she, too, remembered that weekend filled with new experiences she doubted she could ever forget. "But I could tell you liked it."

"Your effort was beautiful," Gary purred in compliment. "You looked powerful, Angel. Don't ever forget that. You will always have more control than me." Ceruleans gleamed with unspoken erotic promises. "I can't wait to see you."

"I can't wait either," Nashi breathed. "Don't leave me alone with Jaxton and Tesla or JJ and Ace or Ellie and Inez, please. You promised you'd be on the same flight as us. I don't think I can handle Tesla and Jaxton joining the Mile High Club again…and again and again—"

Gary chuckled. "I'm fortunate I had an Enchanter rework the house to soundproof the bedrooms. It's actually why the house is popular for groups and families. When people learn they can go wild in their room with no consequences, it becomes a bidding war over who gets to rent the house." He paused. "Though, I doubt Jang-ta and Tesla would mind if anyone heard or watched."

Nashi laughed. "Tesla might've mentioned once or twice about that." She shook her head. "JJ was all for it and said he'd pay for that. I'm not sure about me. It feels like an invasion of privacy."

"For some, it can be," Gary conceded. "For others, it's erotic, but it's to each their own. Jang-ta has moments where he doesn't mind and other times where he wants that privacy."

Nashi asked him, eyes to the side, "And would you…want that sort of thing?"

"Not without us discussing it," Gary replied. "It can be a highly sexual experience, but it can also be an emotional one. I'd want to talk about it more. But it's nothing we have to talk about or try any time soon."

Nashi's shoulders deflated with relief. "I never knew how much talking went into this."

"It's why I like aftercare and debriefing when we're finished. It helps figure out what went right, what pushed a limit, and what might inspire a new experience." Two beats. "Did…? Did you and Galileo never…?"

Nashi's brow furrowed, confused, but it hit her. "Oh. Oh. No, we talked before, during, and after we had sex, but it's just…" She chewed on her bottom lip when she felt slight envy of winter. "Gary…"

"I'm sorry," Gary spilled out, upset with himself. "I know… I know that was before me…"

Nashi knew that there was a but he would refuse to say and could feel his guilt and self-loathing. "We had to talk the entire time," she revealed delicately. "It couldn't work if we didn't talk. I would panic if it got quiet, and he didn't want to frighten me. Anytime we tried something, we had to talk through it." She fingered her shirt. "I know it's not what you want to hear. And I'm sorry it hurts you—"

"It was before me, Angel, and I know that. I don't blame anyone in this except for me bringing it up when I knew I wouldn't like…" Gary sighed. "I should go. I don't think I'm saying anything right tonight."

Worry splashed on Nashi's features. "We promised each other we wouldn't go to bed angry or upset." She swallowed and tried not to let her anxiety show when Gary looked away from the screen, exhausted. "I… I just want you to know that no matter what, you mean a lot to me. Even if both of us say the wrong thing or not, I still think you mean a lot to me—"

"But you don't know what I've done—what I've had to do." Shaky despair flushed out the fear.

Nashi's bottom lip trembled. "Gary—"

"I don't want him to still have this…control on me." The distress strained through Gary's ashamed admission. "But it feels like everything is coming up again. I'm trying to be at peace and then I remember."

Nashi sat up and sorely wished she could pull Gary into her arms when she saw how hysterical he was turning. "I'm right here," she cooed as she did everything in her power to swarm him in her summer over his erratic winter. "I'm right here. Talk to me."

Gary gulped. "No matter what I do, I'm a threat." He shoved back his pangs, ceruleans glossy. A pathetic laugh left him on the cusp of a cry. "I'm a mess. I thought I was past this. But those words about Invel… They sounded so real. And I know—I know—deep down they're right. And I hate how I feel about him so much. And your grandmother warning me about us and how there might not even be an 'us' for some reason—"

"Gary," Nashi stopped him, firm yet soft. "Look at me, please, Master."

Anguished ceruleans connected with loving hickories.

"Neither one of us knows what could happen in the future. And I know we're both stressed about the future. But you're the one who taught me I needed to focus on the now and how we feel now," reminded Nashi. "What do you feel from me now?"

Gary touched his chest and took a moment to breathe. "I know you love me," whispered he, miserable. "And I love you too. But she said—"

"What exactly did she say?"

"She said…" Gary licked his lips. "She told me there would come a day when we had to convince people there was no love between us anymore. But she promised me even when everyone believed it and I doubted myself too, that it…that it wouldn't matter because you do love me in the end."

Nashi took in that warning. Maybe I should ask Lu or Mama or Granny to find Grammy in the Spirit World. Why did she tell him this and not me? He's safe now, being in the public eye. Why would we have to convince everyone we weren't together?

Býleistr's tale mocked her. "Having a Devil on your planet was a bad omen. People would slaughter Devils and force their powers onto someone else to make it more controllable. Born-Devils were coveted like trophies if you conquered one."

Gary once mentioned a man called 'The Doctor' who was his original captor, Nashi remembered. With Gary being in the public eye, I'm sure this 'Doctor' person wouldn't try anything. So why would Grammy warn Gary we'd need to act separated? She downplayed her own queasy qualms with an ominous omen and soothed Gary, "Even with that warning—even if that comes to pass—she said I'd still love you, Gary."

"I know, it's just…" Gary sighed. "I'm just worried. I'm worried about what her warning could mean. I'm worried about Invel. I'm worried about you."

"And I'm worried about you," Nashi told him. "But I promise I'll do everything in my power to help share your worries, okay?"

Gary solemnly nodded. "I wish I could hold you."

"Back at'cha." Nashi settled back onto the bed. "I know nothing is going to get resolved right this second, but you need to know I'm with you, thick and thin." Her lips stretched into a provocative grin. "And not just because you offered me access to your bank account, credit cards, and your other assets or because you're good in bed."

Gary raised an eyebrow as a sly smirk overcame him. "Just 'good', huh? Those sound like fighting words to me, Angel. And one I won't take lightly when I see you."

"I look forward to it," Nashi purred coquettishly.

Gary chuckled darkly with a shake of his head. "Angel teases too much. But that's fine." Ceruleans glittered. "I'm more than happy to show Angel what happens when she's a tease—thoroughly, in fact." He bit his lower lip as he watched Nashi shift with hooded eyes. "Or maybe I'll talk her into screaming my name right now."

"That's not fair," Nashi weakly protested. "I had some wine in me."

Gary hummed his mirth, blues twinkling. "Justin already sent his mandatory conditions about staying on the island—including alcohol." His lips curled upwards when Nashi groaned.

"I'm sorry about JJ—"

"It's okay. From what Ace told me, I'm slowly getting back in his good graces," Gary remarked in good spirits. "And Ace promised to distract Justin from potentially cock-blocking me. Jang-ta said he would never make such a promise, but Tesla told me she'll keep him busy. And I fully believe she's capable of that."

Nashi snorted. "It's so nice you're all getting along."

"Ines and Ace are great people," Gary said, honest. "Though Ace says it's no secret he and Justin are inviting…I think their names are Dante and Carlisle? Yeah, Ace has to hold Justin back from overwhelming Carlisle from an invitational threesome or foursome."

Nashi remembered those sea-greens freckled in violet. "Yeah, JJ is getting antsy about it." And I really need to meet Carlisle. Something about his eyes… "You've never met them?"

Gary thought about it. "I don't ice skate anymore, but I've watched Carlisle's competitions, and he's phenomenal. Never met him in person, but I can tell Ace likes him. And from Jang-ta, Dante's a Dom. It'd be nice to meet him."

"For what? Trading secrets and slut stories of how you torture your subs?" Nashi asked dryly.

Gary's mischievous grin did not make her feel better. "Something like that," he supposed cryptically. "We talk like how you and Ellie and Justin and Tesla talk about sexual stuff, but with less…vigor. Mainly about techniques, if we're planning something, or advise of some sort." He shrugged before he got up, and Nashi tried not to drool seeing his abs when he stretched (she would rather die by embarrassment than let Gary see that). "Had I known about Dante and Carlisle sooner, I wouldn't have been opposed to them joining us. But Jax told me…"

Nashi spaced out when Gary was moving his Compact as he walked aw. She teethed her bottom lip as feminine appreciation filled her every time Gary's biceps flexed. I think JJ and Tesla have been bad influences and I'm sex-deprived, she lamented.

"—gel? Angel?"

"Huh?" Nashi snapped out of her daze to focus on the conversation. "What?"

Gary came inside as a slow grin lit up his face. "As I live and breathe, I never took Angel to be such a pervert."

Nashi reddened. "I'm not a pervert! I just…! Ah…" Her mind blanked when Gary had shifted his Compact down his arm and side to a glimpse of those toned obliques and the beautiful ink telling a story on his skin. "I just…"

"Yes, Angel?" Gary could barely hold back his amusement from his voice.

Nashi wanted to whimper when she saw his V-line leading into his shorts and would chew out both her Divine Souls and Býleistr for laughing at her when she growled the moment Gary robbed her and turned the Compact back to his face.

"Angel's a pervert…!" Gary sang in teasing. "I hope Angel can keep her hands to herself at Caracole. I'm going to be shirtless for probably the entire trip." He simpered. "Though, Jaxton might punch me if Tesla starts trying to touch me. Sparkles demanded I send her one of a picture from after my workout to post on my Insta, and I guess Jaxton got pissy Tesla was drooling." He shivered. "The woman will be the reason I'm killed by that old man in my sleep, I swear it."

Nashi could already envision her harmless Winter Devil being subjected to Tesla's very thorough inspection and sympathized with Jaxton's foul mood. I love her, but I might kill her if she does that to Gary.

(Shimmying on some cotton panties, Tesla paused to sneeze.)

"How is Dazzler doing?" Nashi asked.

Gary yawned. "She's okay. We talk once a week." He rolled his eyes as he turned off the lights on the first floor. "Cade's pissed off with me I won't give up where she is, but I'm not betraying Sparkles like that. She has something she needs to do. But she said she's my social media manager first and foremost. Though she mentioned that she'll back off wanting any workout stuff for my SNS. She thought you'd appreciate that."

"I'm not jealous," Nashi went on the defensive.

Gary cocked his head. "I never said you were." But his eyes glinted. "But I don't mind if Angel gets possessive of me. It'd be sweet seeing Angel get territorial. I might faint."

"I totally believe that," Nashi muttered. "Tell her to do what she feels is best for your SNS. I don't care." She hedged and blurted, "But you should have at least a tank top on. And I'm not saying that because I'm jealous," she quickly sniffed. "It's for your benefit."

"Really?"

Nashi did not like Gary's tone and gritted, "Yes, it is. I mean… Think of your clients, right? They wouldn't want to do a background check and see a bunch of half-naked pictures of you, right?"

Gary smiled, but he cooed, "Angel's right. I should think about my client base. Thank you, Angel, for being so considerate."

"Don't patronize me," Nashi groused. "I think it'd be better for you if you wore a shirt for the entire trip at Caracole. Or whatever the male version is of a burqa." Her cheeks burned when Gary's shoulders shook with laughter. "I'm serious," she insisted. "There could be crazy fangirls on the island, you know!"

"Tourists? I'm sure. Natives? Not really. And I'm not that famous to be hounded by fangirls." Gary grimaced. "At least, I hope not. I'd trade every fan I have if it meant Angel went crazy over me."

"I already do, you stupid—!" Nashi's eyes widened and she desperately tried to backpedal when Gary looked too smug for his own good. "Th-That's not what I mean! You make me go crazy because of…um…other things?"

Gary chuckled when Nashi looked angry with herself. "Admit it, Angel. You're crazy about me."

"Bite me."

"Where?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Aw. Really?"

"Don't sound so put out about it either, you perv!"

Gary had to laugh. "Angel's so cute when she's flustered and goes boy crazy over me. I'm touched! I want Angel to go crazy for me all the time like I go crazy for her!"

"You were crazy the moment we met," Nashi said flatly. "And you just got even more insane with time. You belong in a mental facility."

"Not even an insane asylum can't stop me from seeing my Angel!" Gary declared cheerfully.

"How is that not supposed to concern me!"

Gary beamed. "Hey, Angel?"

"What."

"I love you."

Nashi jolted, and all her embarrassment and irritation melted—

"And I love it when Angel drools over me—!"

"Screw you!" Nashi ended the call in a huff and pulled the pillow over her head. Stupid dog. She could feel the redness of her cheeks pinch her and fought down her smile for a scowl. I really hate him.

DA-DUM!

Nashi pulled back her pillow to see messages drop in fast from Gary.

⌜MESSAGES

My Dumb Devil

My adorable Angel, I'm sorry for teasing⌟

⌜MESSAGES

My Dumb Devil

I go crazy over you too all the time. How can't I? You're perfect⌟

⌜MESSAGES

My Dumb Devil

But if you ever do feel crazy or jealous, don't forget—I would never want to be connected to anyone like I am with you⌟

⌜MESSAGES

My Dumb Devil

I'm all yours, Angel. Every battered and screwed up piece of me, if you'll have me. And I'll take whatever you give me of yourself⌟

Damn him for making her heart sigh and her eyes cloud. And damn him for making her want to smile and squeal a little over his thoughtfulness. Another message came down—a picture—and she opened it up.

Hickories gleamed with unshed tears. Gary…

He had sent a picture of his coveted arm tattoo with two feathers Orochi had done for him. One feather was beautiful in its clean white coloring, clear from sin, while its partner crossed behind it was roped in a deceitful black. But the words inked onto the feathers meant much more to her and him than anyone could understand.

Gary had texted again.

« Your Devil misses you, Angel. Get some sleep. Sweet dreams. I love you »

Nashi texted him:

« Your Angel misses you, Devil. I love you too. »

She lingered on the photo of the tattoo before she locked her Compact and put it on the nightstand with a sigh. Gary… Skade… The wheels turned. I always wondered why something felt off about Gary having two souls. It never felt like Take-Over Magic. And if I'm right and the Soul Read confirms it… Oh, Gary.

She pulled from under the pillow the photo taken of them from last year's Harvest Festival. I'm worried you might shatter if you found out the truth about how you've been coping all these years.

---

A strict social hour had started up once again with Denver and Irina making separate rounds as they talked shop with other nobility and knights, shook hands, and made promises of tea and conversation at a later date. The orchestra had quieted into some lazy jazz to keep the conversations abuzz and everyone alive and thriving at the ball. Octavius got caught in entertaining a few older women hoping to set him up with one of their children. Beatrice would have enjoyed her enthusiastic conversation with another knight about sword technique when Marinette bounded over with a plate of hors d'oeuvres for the pair of them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

West Ballroom

Savant Hall

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nora tried hard to stay away from all the mingling, but his grayed yellow regard often found Ena on the arm of the cheerful Atticus as he tittered with ladies smitten with him and talked up Ena about her occupation and aspirations. His hands clenched. I hate it when Atticus plays stupid games like this. I want to interrupt, but I know he'd already be ready to send me off. And I don't want to embarrass Ena with so many people here.

He locked his jaw. But the fact I don't know what his motives are disturbs me. What are you playing at, Atticus?

"Nora!"

He looked to see Odette waving him over and kept his head down to make a beeline to her. "Did you find Sylvie?"

"No." Poor Odette looked more miserable than she knew what to do with. "I think she left the ball. Father will be so upset." She shook her head. "She's just inconsolable. I don't know what to do. I feel like this is my fault."

"It's not your fault," Nora soothed. "You know how Sylvie gets. She'll calm down and talk to us when she wants to. Not even Father threatening her by taking away her Compact could get her to speak."

Odette sighed. "I want to leave to find her, but I know we can't. I'm expected to socialize with the ladies, and Father wants to introduce me to some of his friends since I'll be taking over the horses officially this year."

"And the Duke?"

Odette's cheeks pinkened. "What about him?" She looked to where Nora nodded to see Alexandreux nodding along as a parliament member cornered him to let off steam about their last session, but as if he knew she was sparing him a look, those shamrock greens lifted to catch her eyes. She deeply flushed and looked away. "It's nothing, Nora."

"That looks like a little more than 'nothing', Odette, considering he asked you to dance and he's been your main partner this entire night," Nora pointed out.

Odette wanted to be happy, but she refrained. "Yes, and because of that, Sylvie ran off to who-knows-where—"

"She left?"

Odette and Nora looked up to see Eros had mysteriously swept over to them with a pensive expression pinching his features as though he were agitated about something.

Odette curtsied in respect. "My Lord—"

"Odie." Eros' voice had taken a kinder tone. "We've been friends for quite some time. There's no need for formalities. You know that."

She smiled, sheepish. "I know. Sorry. My head's in a tizzy."

"It's fine, Odie." Darkness spread on Eros' face. "I take it you were talking about your little sister and how she made a dramatic exit because she didn't get what she wanted?"

Odette laughed behind a hand. "I shouldn't be laughing, but… Well, yes. I'm certain she left the ball. She's probably wandering around the estate and cursing my name as she does so."

"She has a vicious temper for someone so small," Eros commented with a twinge of his cheek. "If you'd like, I can retrieve her. She should know better than to run out when she's one of the hosts of this event."

Odette teased him, "You know she'll try to hit you and cuss at you, Eros. She's never like you."

"The feeling is mutual," Eros muttered. "Beatrice is much more of a lady than your sister, Odie. She might have been upset during her debutante ball that she even had to have one, but she played the perfect hostess and saves her tongue for closed doors. Sylvie could learn to be more…subtle with her emotions."

"Mother had a penchant for being dramatic," Odette told him. "You remember that."

"Yes, but the late Marchioness understood how to command and demand respect," Eros reminded stiffly. "Your sister somehow lacks all of that and ends up looking like the dramatic child she is."

Nora and Odette grinned before Nora said, "Yeah, that's Sylvie."

"If you want to go get her, be our guest," Odette proffered. "But she hates you enough, Eros. You'll have to drag her back kicking and screaming."

"And she would kick and scream. She's done that before." Nora felt traumatized remembering Sylvie's ultimate temper tantrum.

Eros flexed his jaw. "So be it. She claims she's in such a hurry to become a full-fledged lady, but she needs to learn ladies control their tempers." He nodded at Odette. "I'll be back with her, Odie. Make sure Octavius doesn't drink. We don't need him embarrassing himself singing about Circe again and her"—his eyebrow twitched—"measurements."

Odette grimaced. "You're the one who has to tame an upset Sylvie."

They looked at each other and their tasks ahead before whispering, "Good luck."

Eros departed with confident strides and an annoyed scowl. A glance told him his jovial father (a muscular man with a lumberjack beard, shared his complexion, and auburn hair) was excitedly speaking to a few people. He caught Alexandreux's shrewd look and nodded before he left with a flutter of his one-shouldered cape. The hallway had a few people in it as they took their conversations to a private setting. If he looked closely, he could see some of the younger knights who had drunk too much were trying to find a place to hide for an intimate affair.

I don't understand how something so small and annoying could be related to Odie, Eros groused as he went down the corridor and the music and mumbling faded away. Odie has always been graceful and kind-hearted and thoughtful. But her sister is somehow the opposite of that in every way. He got to the grand foyer when he saw guards stationed and approached one of them. "Has Lady Sylvie passed through here?"

The guard hesitated.

Eros narrowed his eyes. "If she threatened you into silence during her childish temper tantrum, know that you will still keep your job when you tell me where she went. She doesn't hold your employment. The Marquis does. And he's much more level-headed than a sixteen-year-old girl, don't you think?"

The guard coughed. "Yes, My Lord. Lady Sylvie went upstairs. I assume she was going to her apartment."

"Thank you."

With a sharp nod, Eros went to the grand staircase and marched up to them. Threatening her own guards. How childish. He made it to the second floor. His gut told him to go left so go left he did. I pity the poor young men who gun for her. The Marquis will have gray hair by the time her ball comes on the solstice. Odie was never so willful. The storm in his eyes softened. She's sweet and refined. It's no surprised Dreux raced to be her first dance.

His stoic expression broke a bit. Odie always insisted Dreux would never look at her. If she knew about all the times he's noticed her, she'd have that adorable blush on her face.

His softness towards his friend faded for agitation. I think it might kill her sister to be pleasant for once. Dreux is almost five years her senior, and she's throwing a fit he never looked at her? Just like a child.

He glanced down at an intersection, but his eyes raged into a narrow glare when he saw Sylvie's back. There she is. He approached her with loud footfalls, but it irked him she continued to ignore him. He slowed seeing what had taken her attention. A great portrait had taken up a sizeable portion of the wall in dedication to the late Marchioness. With fierce dark brown eyes and thick brunette hair, she smiled as she held the muzzle of her prized stallion. Even in the fields, she dared to wear a ball gown and looked even more beautiful being in her element.

It was no secret the late Marchioness had a beauty on the outside as well as within, and this portrait said so in a thousand different ways.

Eros stood beside Sylvie as he admired the portrait with a pang of sadness. My memories of her were brief, but she certainly made the Marquis happy. I could never understand how he could have a mistress. Even Father remarked how madly in love they were. And yet…he still committed adultery… He murmured to Sylvie, "Are you finished with your tantrum and ready to go back to the ball?"

Silence.

He suppressed a huff as his cheek twinged. "Sylvie, now is not the time for your 'silent treatment'." He looked down at her—

It perplexed him when Sylvie did not look all…there. A daze filmed over her eyes that were not as focused on the portrait as they should have been. "Sylvie?" He bent a little to nudge her. "Sylvie."

Sylvie snapped out of her trance. A mixture of confusion rolled upon her features, and she had half a mind to question where she was when her eyes snapped to Eros and she scowled. "What are you doing here, Grandpa?"

Eros straightened, vexed. "I'm here because you rudely stormed out of the ball without any notice, little girl," he gritted. "Odie understands her responsibilities for tonight, unlike some children."

Sylvie rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, puffed up and full of sass. "I'm not a child, Grandpa."

"And I'm not a grandfather, little girl," Eros bit back. "Are you finished acting like a child and can tend to your responsibilities or should I let you stomp around and threaten guards some more? I'm sure the Marquis will surely think you're ready for your ball." He added in threat, "Or perhaps he'll think your little display means he should wait another year for your introduction to court."

"He wouldn't do that." But incertitude took hold within Sylvie. The threat should have rolled off as a bluff, but if it could happen… Shrugging off the uncertainty, she lifted her nose and purposely pushed him with her shoulder as she moved past him. "And anyway, I didn't need you to hunt me down, Grandpa. I was going to come back when I wanted to. And now I am. So there."

Eros felt a headache coming on as he easily kept up with her quick pace. "To be clear, you're returning to the ball because I snapped you out of your spacing out, little girl. And you should apologize to Odie for upsetting her and the Marquis for dishonoring your family name by acting like a bratty child."

Sylvie shot him a middle finger. "Screw you," she hissed at him.

"Yes, you're truly proving you deserve to be a lady of the court," Eros muttered. "Perhaps I should speak with the Marquis about my observations of your unsightly behavior."

Sylvie narrowed her eyes at him. "You wouldn't. You don't have the balls to talk to Daddy like that, Grandpa."

"Keep testing me, little girl, and you'll find out what I'm capable of," Eros remarked, impassioned. "Keep – walking. I don't want Odie to worry too much."

Sylvie huffed, muttering profanities towards him under her breath, but as the pair of them made their way back to the reception hall and bypassed a window, neither one of them noticed Sylvie's shadow—her dark reflection—looked much taller and bigger than herself for a few seconds before it quickly shifted to mimic her shape.

°•°•°•°

As Ena offered the perfunctory laughs at the right intervals, she could not shake off that chilling sensation, and her stomach twisted and knotted beyond belief. She did not like being out of control. She needed to be in control.

She held her fan and whispered to Atticus, "My Lord, if you'll excuse me, I think it's time for me to powder my nose."

Atticus glanced down at her with a smile. "Why, of course." He, however, discretely tightened his grip on her. "You can go find little Nora instead of me. I have some business to take care of. But I'll find you soon." His smile widened. "I would still love to hear more about your elusive cereus of a model."

When he let her go, Ena felt like she could breathe. "Yes, My Lord, as you wish." She dished out respectful farewells and curtsied before gathering herself and striding away, paced and refined.

It feels like a snake's been toying with me an entire night. I can't shake off my worry about him pressing about L. It's not like in older times age mattered, but in the Current Era, it does. But why would he focus on her? She's not the only Celestial Spirit Wizard.

Her eyes darkened. Is there something I'm missing about her that could make Atticus this pushy for information? But how would he know it? And why would L hide it from me?

Dark chocolates flitted about. I can't find Nora anywhere, but I need to. I need to tell him more about Atticus. If his motive is for L, then he clearly isn't with the Holy Eye. But why would Father Johannes meet with him in that greenhouse? To recruit him, maybe? And Atticus rejected him, so that's why he looked angry? She withheld her growl. I don't like this. There are too many variables.

"Cake, My Lady?"

Ena gave reasonable pause when Tristan had come over with a tray of cake slices and his lopsided grin. She smiled a little to dismiss her fan and stole a plate of cake for herself. "You show up at the most convenient times."

Tristan winked at her. "For you, Red, I'll show up anytime you want."

"That's what pets are for, dear." Ena took a bite of her cake. "And I'm not fond of pets, frankly."

Tristan's grin widened. "I'd be whatever you want me to be."

"I do like my men compliant. But I'll have to decline."

"Damn. Another time then." Tristan turned to offer other guests cake and let them pick their sweet treat before he whispered to Ena, "Nora has been looking for you. Are you looking for him?"

Ena nodded. "Can you take me to him?"

"Yeah. Follow me." Tristan straightened with his plastered smile and moved—

"Ah. Chocolate cake. My favorite."

Tristan and Ena stiffened.

A finger full of rings reached for a plate of double-fudge cake to covet it. "Pardon me. I admittedly have quite the sweet tooth. Something I think we share in common, is that not right, my dear?"

Ena kept her head high, even as her heart pounded. "I suppose so." I should've known. I let my guard down.

Thin lips pulled into a smile. "It's nice to meet you, my dear. You're quite the hard one to speak with. I've noticed you flitting about like a busy butterfly. I hope the ball has been to your satisfaction for connections and friendships."

"It has." Ena subtly shot Tristan a look, and he moved away with a moment of hesitation. "I apologize, miss, but I didn't get your name."

"Oh, my." A light laugh. "My apologies. I failed to introduce myself to you." The smile widened. "I came with Father Johannes. I'm a representative of the Fioren branch of the Holy Eye if you would believe that in my old age."

Ena studied the woman with a minute narrowing of her eyes. Right. Old age.

The woman before her might have had her wrinkles, but she had aged with grace and beauty as though Time was reluctant to blemish her. Her black tunic fit her frame with a white thin scapular that had mysterious feminine hands of golds circling around a symbol that meant nothing to outsiders. Her white under veil tucked back her hair. A scoping veil had the stitched symbol of the Holy Eye and those feminine hands once more and even her beaded rosary did not have a cross like the Holy Rosary should. A golden crying woman with a band over her eyes replaced the cross for the rosary. And those rings glittered like they had more meaning than they should have.

The older woman showed her pale eyes with her thin-lipped smile. "I'm the headmistress, if you will, of the Enchant Convent located in Fiore. I'm Clarion and a good friend to the Gosling family. But you, my dear"—those small glasses glinted—"may call me 'Mother'."

⌜THE CONVENT CHURCH OF THE HOLY EYE

Name: Mother Clarion

Age: Unknown

Magic: Enchant

Occupation: Holy Mother

Likes: sweets Dislikes: wrinkles

Special Note: Not much is known about Mother Clarion except that she enjoys reading stories about the Old Era! ⌟

"It's a pleasure to meet you…Miss Clarion." Ena made sure to stress the title to get her point across. "It's an honor to meet such an esteemed member of the Church. I apologize I'm unable to curtsy in your honor."

Clarion chuckled. "Nonsense, my dear. Father and I have no need for such political formalities, but I appreciate the sentiment."

"You have no use for political formalities and yet you make an appearance at a political function undetected," Ena said with her voice even.

"Considering this has become the examination grounds to root out the next Holy Knight, I'd say we can make an exception to the rule," Clarion jested. "Though I can't say I arrived undetected. They announced me prior to you, my dear. As I am not overseeing the exams directly like Father Johannes, we thought it would be best to enter separately."

"I see." Ena wished she had a drink in her hand, but she would savor this cake to ground her.

Clarion continued: "I must say you made quite the impression upon your announcement. I'd say you've been making impressions since your arrival here. Daughter Irina told me about your triumph over Nora in your duel. I offer to you my congratulations. But I expected nothing less than victory from a daughter of a high-class Dame."

"While I appreciate the sentiment and accept your congratulations, my skills are my own and are separate from my mother," Ena said. "While my actions do reflect on her reputation, I have my own reputation to uphold."

Clarion simpered. "I mean no offense. Your reputation is one to behold. You've turned out the successful lady for one so young. Your accomplishments are staggering. I dare say your fame and fortune intimidate potential suitors. I'm sure even Nora felt he needed to puff himself up to earn your acknowledgment."

"That's funny." Ena was not laughing. "You misunderstand. I'm but a humble Mage and seamstress with a few awards to my name. For the son of a Marquis to cower before someone as insignificant as I is laughable."

"I disagree," Clarion refuted. "Nobility may have an established order that we must adhere to, but we must also remember those in power cannot remain in power without power. Dame Erza could have easily been claimed by a Duke had she extended her hand. Her prowess would cause severe backing and knowledge. Never sell yourself short, my dear. You two would amass that much claim."

"I'd rather not." Ena kept her words clipped. "I find the constraints of high society something I cannot fathom, let alone comfortably move about in. I'd prefer to keep to my space."

"I'm sure." Clarion subtly tilted her head. "But the rumors talk that you and Nora have gotten awfully close."

There it is. Ena swallowed her next mouthful. "We have," she admitted. "I find Lord Nora charming, intellectually challenging, and kind-hearted. He's gone to extreme lengths to ensure my comfort and safety. I could not ask for a better host." She added, "Or a better…companion."

Thin lips showed pearly whites.

"That's good to hear," Clarion said with a mild chortle. "I've known Nora since he was a babe. He's always been the reserved sort of gentleman, but it makes me happy to hear he's treated you with utmost respect and care." Pales glinted. "I hope this week has given you opportune moments to deepen your friendship with him."

"It has," Ena confirmed with care and popped in a shy smile. "I just hope I pleased the young lord enough that he'll extend a deeper friendship. As I'm sure you know, we had a horrible ambush during our duel at the same time as the potential terrorist attack. Perhaps the young lord believes I'm the causation to these unfortunate events."

"My dear, from the way Nora danced with you, I have a strong feeling he wants to protect you from whoever did such atrocities," Clarion tittered. "And protect you he will once he becomes a Holy Knight. I assume you're aware of his ambition."

Ena laughed. "He spoke about it once or twice," she slyly confessed. "I find it admirable he chooses such a path. Once he enters the exams, should I still please him, I hope to offer him my handkerchief of good fortune."

Clarion looked all too delighted to hear it. "My, my… You do carry affection for my Nora."

"I wouldn't go as far to say 'affection'. I'm just…intrigued, I suppose." Forgive me, Nora. But in the end, this will help both of us with our goals towards the Holy Eye. If they think you have me close, they'll bring you closer…and me.

"I can say with confidence you, my dear, intrigue him," Clarion assured like a grandmother confiding in a potential in-law. "I do hope all goes well. He feels like a grandson to me, and I would like to see him happy with a strong person by his side. I hope he'll bring you to the temple on one of your outings. It's his second home."

"The 'temple'?"

"Yes. While the Holy Eye does support other convents and we have the one Enchant Convent for the Fiore branch, the Enchant Convent is connected to our temple grounds. That was where Irina was raised and Nora was born."

"How unusual."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I was under the assumption that should a nun give birth and want to keep the child, she would have to leave the Religious Life behind," Ena presumed. "Is that not true?"

Clarion's laugh bordered amused, like someone had told her a joke. "It is true when we speak of Catholicism and its sister branches and other religions, but the Holy Eye does not have such stipulations for those who become sisters and brothers of the Church. We welcome new life. As the saying goes, it takes a community to raise a baby. We do, however, prohibit sexual and romantic relationships, but should a sexual relation conceive a child, we are honored to bless enough life into the temple."

"How kind of you." But Ena made sure to stain each word into her mind. What an unusual principle for a nunnery. But at least I know their branch is within a temple. I've heard of the Enchant Convent but not a word about a temple. And the convent… "Speaking of the Enchant Convent…"

"I'm sure you've seen our letters then," Clarion guessed. She was smart. She did not sound like she gunned for this opportunity and kept her interest level, but they both knew better. "And I apologize for the consistency of them. Dame Erza made sure we understood you had chosen the life of a Mage with your…weak Enchant ability. But my, how that ability has grown to where you are now, hasn't it?"

Ena hummed. "Yes, well, I'm still a fairly weak Enchantress." With her cake finished, a server came by to exchange her plate for a flute of champagne. And she needed it. "Thankfully, I earned my strength in my mother's Requip, else I'd have little to contribute to any magical competitions."

"I disagree." Clarion pushed, "I think under the right tutelage, your Enchant can become powerful. You have all the potential and the makings to become the enchantress the world calls you to be. It'd be a shame if you did not attempt to make the effort." Maybe a lesser person with their head full of unrealistic ideals would have gleaned their pride and perhaps thought her words as advice from an elder. But a disparaged undercurrent threaded through the advice.

"I wouldn't want to disappoint those who tried to teach me," Ena excused. "I'm fortunate I can use my powers for fashion. But in battle—"

"'Battle'?" Clarion chortled at the absurdity. Again, like Ena had told her such a witticism that she had to laugh. "Oh, my dear girl… While we have participated in the Holy Revolution of Alvarez and a few Holy Wars in other countries, our Enchanters do not come to learn for the sake of the fight. That is why we employ our Holy Knights and Spiritless Enchanters to handle all weaponry and nonsensical mêlée affairs."

When she advanced towards Ena with subtle steps, a significant glim penetrated that pale regard. The dedicated steps came quiet, but her advance was imposing, and Ena would remain unmovable.

Two sharks in the water, waiting to see who was weaker.

"No, my dear. The chosen few blessed with Enchant are given a deeper purpose than bloodshed." Portentous words bold with each syllable and meaningful all the same.

Ena readied her reply. "I can't think much of what my power could offer to such a global organization." Half a truth. It would not do her well to gamble in lies. "I see no future where my power could be molded for something other than clothing."

The hummed mirth felt like claws pulling forward. "Sweet Child…" A finger crooked to lift Ena's chin as pale regard stared into dark chocolate. "You have been led astray to neglecting your gift given to you by Her." A hypnotic preaching to some but a mockery and an insult to Ena's upbringing. A pinned disgrace. "Your gift has been misused and ill-tended, and that is no fault of your own." More pretty words to hide the ugly blame. "Under the correct guidance and nurturing hands, you could become a true Child of Her."

Ena latched onto those precise words. "'Her'?" she echoed. Her undiluted curiosity and confusion played effectively in these tête-à-tête. "And who is this 'Her'?"

Clarion smiled like she was indulging a child with their stupid question. "She's everything." A quiet release of Ena, but she could not step back. "There is none more powerful than Her. I see you and know you would adore Her just as we do. And perhaps"—glasses glinted and reflected Ena's expression—"you already do."

"Mother."

Clarion and Ena looked up to see Nora parting through the crowd to get to Ena's side. Clarion's smile broadened upon seeing him. "Nora, my darling. I've been getting acquainted with this young lady right here, and I must say, she's something special."

"She is." Nora glanced down at Ena with what others perceived as contemplation, but Ena and he both knew it meant we need to talk. "I apologize for interrupting the conversation, Mother Clarion, but could I borrow Ena for a moment?"

Clarion's eyes twinkled. "Of course, Nora. Don't let me intrude." She nodded at Ena. "I'm sure we will meet sooner than we both think, my dear. Please consider my words. You'd make an exceptional addition." And she turned away.

Ena did not mind at all when Nora took the reins and escorted her away, but she could feel his anger radiating and wanted to settle this. "Nora—"

"Not – now," Nora gritted for her ears only.

Ena bristled and downed her champagne. She barely scraped it onto a serving tray when Nora hustled them out of the reception hall at a near canter. Ena noticed upon their brusque walk she caught a glimpse of Yunifer, heated, whispering furiously while Mauve frowned, but Nora swept her away before she could listen in.

They minded their smiles and murmured helloes to guests out in the hall, but Nora did not have time to stop for idle chitchat. He kept moving them deeper into the estate with a thick wad of silence brewing between them. The stairwell Nora chose was not as grand as the one in the foyer, but he helped her climb it to the second floor. They rushed past artifacts and pictures as they wove by windows with the moon splashing them once in a while.

Ena, however, felt this charade had gone on far enough and dug in her heels to yank them to a stop. "Nora. I understand we need to talk, but I will not allow myself to be rudely yanked around," she told him with clear warning.

"But you'll allow yourself to be put into harm's way speaking to her; is that it?" Nora challenged. "And judging from how Mother Clarion looked, you fed her lies about the nature of our relationship."

"You never lie while doing espionage," Ena sighed. "You tell half-truths. That's a basic fact. You should never put yourself in a position of lying because you could risk yourself being contradictory. You tell partial truths instead. And what I said were partial truths."

Nora paced before her, agitated. "And what exactly did you say to her?"

"I told her you intrigued me," Ena confessed without shame. "I paid you in spades with compliments of your care towards me for the duration of my stay and said I sought for a deeper friendship."

"'Friendship'. A man's favorite words," Nora grumbled. "Did you think for one moment what you just did?"

Ena lifted her chin. "I'm going to overlook your condescension if you can overlook mine. Yes. I'm aware of what my words started. I told you before I was willing to help you—"

"And I told you we would discuss it at a later date, separate from your current visit," Nora snapped. "What part of me not wanting you involved do you not understand?"

Ena's hackles raised. "I am involved," she retorted. "I have been involved ever since the Holy Eye wanted to recruit me, and I'll remain involved so long as I have my powers." She added when Nora shook his head, "And this provides us both with opportunities to know what's beyond the veil. Clarion even suggested you bring me to the temple—"

"The 'temple'?"

Ena slowly nodded when those grayed yellows looked alarmed. "Yes. The temple."

Nora advanced upon her with hands on her shoulders. "Ena, are you sure that's what she told you?"

"Yes." Ena did not understand his stress. "She said the temple was your second home, and that she hoped you would take me there." She stopped Nora from pulling away with an itch to hold him at sword-point. "Tell me what's wrong with that offer. It could be good—"

"You don't understand about the Holy Eye," Nora told her. "Going to the temple wouldn't be good, especially if we were to go together, Ena, don't you see that?"

"No, not until you start explaining things to me," Ena snapped back.

Nora let out a huff. "Look. The temple Mother Clarion is referring to… It was my first home. It is where my mother had me. But it's not…" He shook his head. "It's not something 'good'. Tourists can come to visit there. It has a public courtyard. But what's inside the temple…"

Ena softened her irritation for curiosity over Nora's distress. "What's inside the temple…" She touched his cheek when he did not answer her. "Nora," she prompted. "What is it?"

For a moment, it looked like Nora would stay quiet, but he murmured, "I was baptized into the Holy Eye, but even so… I left the temple before I could recite the vows to be a 'Son of the Church'. Back then, because I wasn't a 'son', I didn't have access to every part of the temple. But my mother did. And she—"

He turned his cheek to rid of her hand. "You shouldn't have done what you did. You shouldn't have gotten involved." Tone hard, unbreakable. Gone was that moment of weakness. "I told you this was my fight alone, Ena. You should've respected that. Especially when you want to fight alone. I thought you'd understand the boundaries."

Grayed yellows darkened. "You set those same boundaries with Silver."

The reflex happened too fast for her to control.

Nora did not flinch when Lunagr'an was pressed into his neck. It was not enough to break skin, but with the right pressure, the blade could. He did not care. Grayed yellows stared down into stormy dark chocolates.

"Don't – say that – to me." The threat hung in the air with true danger lurking behind them.

"Why?" Nora did not raise his voice or goad her. The question rang dry and toneless. "Isn't that the truth? You spoke of fighting alone and when he inserted himself to help you instead of accepting, you abandoned him?"

"I did not abandon him," Ena snarled. She shoved him away, but Lunagr'an would not leave without her mistress sated. "And our argument is none of your concern, My Lord." A scathing title. "But for your information, I have accepted his help—"

"Bullshit."

Significant outrage filled dark chocolate. "Say that again, My Lord," she hissed with a thin veil over her embitterment—like agitated waves ready to swallow you whole—"if you wish to face both my blades."

"You didn't accept his help."

The words came in low and steady, unhurried and unprovoked. He traveled through her incensed waters with a steady hand on his ship, a captain ready to face the approaching storm with nothing more than the clothes on his pack. The calm in the tempest. "You said you did, but you didn't. You comforted him with pretty words, told him what you wanted to hear, but when it came to anyone warning you and begging you to see you can't do this alone—you shut him down and shut him out. And that's why he refuses to be next to you."

His next words might have been soft, but they were the last drop to make the cup run over. "Because you want to be alone."

Decorum was gone forgotten. The waves sloshed, ready to capsize whatever stood in its waters. The scarlet of her hair matched the scarlet of her fury. "You think I want to be alone?" A rhetorical challenge. The beginning of an end. A hurricane in the making. "You think this is fun for me? You think I like feeling this unwanted? It was their choice to leave me, not mine. I accepted that choice."

Nora shook his head with his eyes firmly on her. He would let her have her tempest, her tantrum, and weather this hurricane to get to the eye of it all. "No. No, if you had accepted that choice, then you wouldn't have looked so hurt Silver wanted nothing to do with you."

"I wasn't hurt—"

"Bullshit," Nora called again with no remorse. "You know what you did was wrong."

"So I pushed him when I wasn't supposed to," Ena snapped like she was lightning and he was her next victim on her warpath. "I know that was wrong—!"

"Don't give me that, Ena!" Nora fired back. "Don't act like you don't know what you did wrong. You know what was wrong—"

"Okay, fine, I know I upset him! Happy?" Ena snarled. "I know I wasn't putting his needs above mine, and that was selfish! And I know I have to apologize! What more do you want from me?"

"You can't even say it?"

The hurricane was howling to drown this challenging calm. Ena cried, frustrated and over this, "I said what I needed to say, Nora! What else do you want?"

"How about this? Stay out of my business," Nora commanded. "I don't care that we're friends. I don't care that you thought you were being helpful. Don't get involved in my life. This is something I can and will handle on my own. Your help isn't and will never be needed." A gauntlet thrown. He gave her his back to embalm he would abandon this hurricane.

"You fool!" Ena thundered. "You do need my help!"

Nora lifted his chin. "Why? Why would I need your help?"

"You're a fool for thinking you could get far alone!" Ena sneered. "And you're a fool for thinking you could calculate the risks and the dangers alone. Don't you get it? You need help to accomplish your goal, and I am offering that to you! I did us both a favor out there! You should be thanking me—!"

"I never asked for your help." Nora's voice held steady, controlled. The tempest was riding to its climax, and he would be an unwavering captain of his ship. "I never wanted your help. I told you we could discuss it later. What possessed you to even think I'd want to take you up on your offer?"

"Because I thought you weren't foolish enough to deny help when you clearly need it," Ena hissed. "I understand that you think you don't need my help. But you do. I've been there. We're both fighting for the same things, Nora—!"

"And that's not enough, Ena." Nora tipped his chin down so she could see in his eyes that his words were absolute. "It doesn't matter what you've been through. It doesn't matter that we're friends or fighting for the same things. I can do this on my own. I particularly don't care about your feelings about this. We're done."

"You insolent, prideful…!" Ena gripped her blade as Nora turned his back to her. A tempest would not be ignored. "Listen to me! We'll be stronger together for this!" But when he kept walking, she adamantly refused to abandon this storm. "You can't do this alone! You taking on the Holy Eye alone is laughable! One Holy Knight is stronger than three of you! You aren't strong enough to take them alone—!"

"Then how are you strong enough to face Magic Hunters?"

Ena lost her fight for startled confusion. "Ex… Excuse me?"

Nora turned back around, face expressionless, but he was not walking away anymore. "You're absolutely right. The Holy Eye is more than likely more dangerous than we could comprehend." He approached her until they were toe to toe and stood in the eye of this storm together. The tempest danced on the outskirts, but they were in the calm of it. "Alone? I stand no chance. An entire country is battling their current government versus the Holy Eye."

"Then why won't you let me help you?" Ena asked of him as Lunagr'an dismissed herself. Her question struggled with exacerbating as the winds from her hurricanes depleted for misty-eyed confusion.

The long look Nora gave her said he had much more to say that she wanted to listen to. "Why do you think you stand against Magic Hunters?"

"I… I…" Ena shook her head, mind dizzy with these questions and her burnt-out anger. Emotional whiplash fatigued the best of them. Her tempest scrambled for reformation, but she could not pick up the pieces of her anger when everything felt too baffling and rubbed raw. "That's…" She shook her head as though trying to clear out this vertiginous fog clouding her. "That's neither here nor there—"

"But that's the thing—it is," Nora murmured. Those grayed yellows softened a little, but they held a sternness that commanded attention. "You have every right to be furious with me for the arrogance I had for wanting to take down a global organization by my lonesome when I have no powers and am transitioning weapons. It's suicide to do that. But it's suicide for a Mage to take on Magic Hunters alone when they inject you so you have no powers and take away your weapons to leave you to die."

Ena rapidly blinked. "I… I-I-I… I didn't…" She looked back up at Nora as the fearful realization crept up on her and put her in pain. "This…is what he felt?"

Nora cupped Ena's cheek. "I think he deserves to tell you more than me," he relayed. His tone was the balm to soothe her rawness. "But as for what I can tell you, I understand your desire to help matches your desire to uncover the truth. Was I a little annoyed you jumped the gun? Debatable. But I can't stay angry long with you, I'm starting to realize. And I think your help would benefit us both. But we can talk about it later, My Lady." He looked over her shoulder. "I think you need some time to yourself.

"I…" But Ena was still in a massive daze and words would not agree with her.

Nora smiled slightly before he pulled back to take her hand and kiss her knuckles. "Take a moment to find yourself, My Lady," he instructed in kind. "We're close to the southern balcony and far enough away from the reception so you're undisturbed. But I think you need a minute."

"I…" Ena swallowed. "Okay."

Nora gestured behind her. "Past those curtains are the doors to the balcony. I'll keep watch while you collect yourself." A beat. "And Ena?"

Dazed dark chocolates connected with affectionate grayed yellows.

"You servant wanted me to relay a message to you." His smile deepened. "Be wary of strange men swaying you off your balcony or else he'll have to act accordingly." He nodded in encouragement. "Go on."

Ena glanced over to the curtains and drifted to them as her hand slid from Nora's. Emotional fatigue set in as she bypassed the curtains to unlatch one of the French doors to head outside. Chilly March air did not agree with her as goosebumps pebbled her flesh, but the slap of the cold was not enough to eradicate her trance and exhaustion. She hugged herself, mind and body exposed, rubbed raw, and glided to the stone railing of the balcony like she was possessed.

Below splayed a yard with stone pathways, trimmed hedges, a turned-off fountain, and replanted flowers that extended for a good way until the forest took up space. But she could not bring herself to care. A fog clouded her, and she yearned to get out and see.

"It doesn't matter how strong or smart you think you are." A distressed whimper. "You don't know what it's like."

"Those people who use Anti-Ether kidnapped my brother for three years, and you want to tell me you can handle this?"

Ena dug her fingers into her arms.

"I don't want your sorries! I don't want your pity or your excuses of your comfort!" Seething blues. "You would have died, Ena. You could have been taken like Gary. And you still think you have everything under control! That if you just get stronger, facing Hunters will be no problem for you. Gary begged for our dad to kill him, Ena, because of those people!"

Her teeth gritted.

"Why am I upset? It's because you put yourself in danger when you didn't have to! It's because you laughed at me when I told you this was a bad idea and it was! And it's because I had to see you look like you hate shattered, and I couldn't protect you from that!"

"I need you too, mistress…" A sweet croon. An affectionate truth. "And I promise you I'll lay down my life and become your trustworthy shield for all time."

DRIP.

"Always."

DROP.

The moon's light flushed onto those glistening tears running down Ena's cheeks. They would not stop, those damn tears. And she had no fight in her left to do what she did best and hide it all in. The exhaustion had eaten away her reserves, and she freely and silently cried with the moon and stars as her witness.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

I…am a fool.

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DRIP.

Honest blues. "Make a promise to me. Promise me that you won't keep your heart shut off. And that you'll share it with people you trust. It's okay for you to want to be alone. But… Fairy Tail isn't just a guild we joined. They're family. So, trust them a little with your heart. And they won't let you down."

DROP.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

I…am a coward.

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DRIP.

A comforting warmth. "I'll stay by your side forever."

"How could you tell me that you're lacking and invisible and no one sees you! I see you!"

"Mistress!" A sunny smile. "Ena!"

DROP.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

I…am afraid.

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DRIP.

Dark oaks. "We don't want you here."

A ghost of a man slipping away behind a door that would never open.

Hollow blues. "I don't…want you."

DROP.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And I…am alone.

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Oh, these tears had no mercy as they thickened, salty and hot, and stung Ena's cheeks as though they were the constant lashing reminder for her pain and despair. And she could not care less. She would not dare wipe her tears. She deserved these welts and the aftermath of red, puffy eyes, a headache, and no appetite left. She deserved all of it.

This is my fault. I ruin…everything. The cries would not come out. She was not as much of a wailer as most. But she could snivel and sniffle and quietly sob until she had nothing left to give.

Her eyes fell to the moon like a worshipper begging her deity. I just… I don't know what to do. I know I need to apologize, but I just… She sniffled as a ruffian of a wind blustered around her to cool her tears and stroke her hair.

She let the air carry her whimpered words, "I just… If I could see him, I just want to… I…" Her eyes shut as a new wave of tears battered down her cheeks.

"Mistress?"

Her eyes shot open, glossy and hopeful and wrecked, and she looked down. "Silver—"

But her breath caught when below her balcony was not the one person she wanted to see. The devastation of seeing this dashing young man with eyes that were not the right color and a face that did not have the same features wrecked her so badly, she threatened to unleash an actual cry. But she held it together. Chin high, spine straight, shoulders back—she knew how to keep her emotions in line when it mattered.

"Can I help you, sir?" There. She sounded even enough. She hoped whatever this conversation would be, it would be short.

A settled quiet.

"You seem upset," the young man commented, quiet and with an accent that was all shades of wrong to her ears. "Would I be able to be of service? Perhaps a late-night stroll to help with your stress?"

Ena kept it together even when she was close to falling apart. "No, thank you." Her tone wobbled, but she would not waver until whoever this was let her be. "I appreciate the concern, but I would appreciate my privacy even more. Good evening to you, sir."

She closed her eyes and controlled herself. Keep it together. Wait for him to leave. Then you can break—alone.

Another wild wind chased around her, but this wind carried that unmistakable scent of incoming rain.

"I told you to stay away from balconies. But you gave me permission to act according."

Ena just about had it. "Sir, I think you need to…" But as her eyes opened and she shoved back her anguish for ire, all dropped when the young man glided upon a controlled cyclone to meet her. His face was wrong. His eyes were wrong. His clothes meant he had come for the ball. But her heart felt shattered seeing this young man as though he were responsible. "You need to leave." Before I break.

But this young man shook his head. "I can't. You gave me permission to act accordingly if you're on a balcony, mistress—"

"Don't—" Ena's reined back her sharp tongue. "Don't call me that. Please," she added to soften the blow. She did not owe this man anything. But she remembered her manners against the storm inside her.

"Mistress—"

Ena willed for her blades to come to her aid, but for once, her blades resisted her call. It was not an ignorance of it. They acknowledged her orders, but they decided to stay back. Defenseless and raw and teary-faced, she moved back. Run. She needed to run. She needed to escape. She needed to be alone.

"I don't know how you are," she whispered—she could not yell anymore, but she could whisper and whimper and beg—"but please leave me alone. Pl-Please—"

She was breaking. She was shattering.

And she was not alone.

The young man stepped off his cyclone to go onto the ledge of the railing. He jumped down and did not care that Ena looked like a wildcat ready to flee at a moment's notice. His hand came to his ring. "Mistress…"

"No!" Ena felt her legs betray her as this fresh round of tears was the most agonizing. "I-I-I'm fine, please—please—get away from m-m-m—" But the word could not be finished when that ring on his finger slid off.

Calm mayan blues settled onto clouded dark chocolates.

The world stood still for half a second.

With the last scrap of her will, Ena forced her body to straighten. The despair gnarled in her eyes shoved aside for a cool blankness. She could shatter on the inside. But she refused to shatter on the outside. Not now. Not until she pushed out the words.

"I owe you an apology." The words tumbled out, but they lacked sincerity. Not because she did not mean it. But because she would have nothing left if she showed emotion now. "I understand, acknowledge, and accept I hurt you. You didn't deserve that sort of pain, and you didn't deserve me pressing you. For that, I apologize."

STEP…

"I see I was wrong in my approach and execution," Ena continued in a deadened tone. "I understand your intentions and your fears. And I apologize for not reconciling those with my own situation. You were—are—absolutely right. I was a fool to think I could face a Magic Hunter alone. I cannot. And I apologize for rejecting your words for my pride."

STEP…

"You have every right to be upset with me when I disgraced your trauma and the trauma Gary and countless others befell to those monsters. I apologize."

STEP…

Ena kept her chin high as the tears rolled. Blank dark chocolates stared into those soothing mayan blues. She would not back down or avert her eyes away. She did not know what it would cost her if she moved.

"Mistress. It's cold outside." He took off his jacket to wrap it around her stiff shoulders. "You should be more careful and keep yourself warm." He made sure the suit jacket was securely around her.

Ena said nothing.

The gloves came off to tuck into his pocket, but he pulled free a handkerchief and nuzzled her wet cheek with it. "You're crying. Don't worry, mistress. I can wipe away your tears for you."

Ena kept quiet and strained herself do not break do not break do not shatter—

"Mistress." A quiet smile that meant a thousand things. "I'm sorry I left you alone for so long. I won't ever leave you alone again, mistress." And if those words did not go deep, he murmured, "I need you, Ena."

And the world crashed in a half a second.

When Ena fell forward, she shattered.

Weak fingers clung to his shirt as her forehead fell to his shoulder and she broke. She was not a wailer. She did not wail. But she cried as everything she had dissolved so she could spill out her anguish. And he caught her, cradled her, and kept her close as she broke and cried. The scent of rain and sea and him wrapped around her, but that only brought more tears that she could not control.

Another wild one of a breeze blustered around them, but Ena's whimpering sob would not get lost in the whistles of the wind. "I'm sorry…!" Her plea, her weakness, her bend. "I'm sorry…!"

"I know, mistress." A soothe. A murmur. "I know." He pulled back to cradle her head, and the moon glowed down his back. Those blues glowed with sincerity and a calm that had not been there before. "I'm sorry too. I made you cry."

Ena could barely work out the words, but she choked, "S-Silver…"

Silver's smile was her strength, her straight to her bend. "Please don't cry, mistress. I won't leave you alone." He gently rocked her back onto his shoulder and whispered, "You're the one I want around, mistress."

Dark chocolates widened before they welled up with tears.

°•°•°•°

Nora stood against the wall with his eyes closed and his ears listening to Ena's cries. Ah. I see. So that's why you requested that of me.

"Are you sure this will work?"

• — • — •

Nora's study was nothing to Denver's sizable one, but it was certainly something to brag about with shelves stocked with Nora's personal collection of books, a few collectible globes, a nice marble fireplace, and even a mini-fridge.

Silver sat on the other side of Nora's desk in his attendant attire and a solemn expression covering his face. But he kept his chin lifted and stare firm as though daring Nora to try him.

Nora shook his head. "I've barely begun my friendship with her, and you're asking me to jeopardize on a thought." He sat forward with his hands clamped together and resting on the desk. "Think this through, Silver. This could hurt her more than help her and you."

"I know it's a crazy idea, but it'll work," Silver told him, resolute. "My best friend reminded me of something that I never thought about. Ena has her flaws and her pride, but she never had what I had or you had when it came to family, not really. All she knows deeply is how to be abandoned and how to be alone. The thought that anyone would be there for her is so impossible for her to think of that she just…doesn't think about it."

He shifted. "I know she's prideful. But I know she's defensive. She thinks it's a weakness for her to start expressing how lonely she's been or admitting she needs help." Those blues flickered. "Our mutual friend knows that firsthand. Ena's so used to being on her own that admitting her way of living is wrong makes her lash out. And in a way…she reminds me of my older brother. If my dad or mom pressed him too much, he would shut down and lock himself away. But his girlfriend is breaking him out of that habit a little by little—or so he told me. And I want to break Ena out of it."

Nora shook his head again, but his stare lingered at how serious Silver looked. "You do realize she might not react to me as strongly as she'd react to you?"

"She'll react to you because you'll be acting like her," Silver said, confident. "She doesn't like losing control. She absolutely hates it. And the second you take control, she'll react."

"Why don't you just talk to her—?"

"Because this time, talking to her won't help." Now it became apparent about Silver's exhaustion on the matter. "I can't talk to her. Not without me getting upset. Not right now. And this isn't just about me right now. She needs to understand the point of view of those around her. There are people who want her to know she's not alone, but…she's too far into her shell. I can talk all I want to her, but…" It was like a decision had come across Silver's face.

"But it's my job to teach her how to rely on people the right way," he declared. "It's my job to teach her it's not a weakness to admit she needs someone—especially when there's danger. And it's my job to teach her that she's not alone—and she'll never walk alone."

Nora sat back in his chair as he considered this. "And you think arguing with her will be an effective teaching method? I mean, you both argued, didn't you? I'm not sure she's learning much outside trying to hide behind miserable."

"It's why I can't argue with her. But yes, this will be the best way," Silver determined. "Showing her what the other side is like by someone not close to her will hit her more about what's happening." His knuckles turned white. "I can't stop her tears. But I can hold her through them. And she does everything she can to not cry and keep everything bottled up. But she can't keep living like this. I won't…let her live like this."

Nora regarded Silver and softly murmured, "You're going to shatter her this way, Silver."

"Maybe." Silver refused to look away. "But this time when she shatters, I will be right there to show her we can pick up the pieces together if she lets me. Look. Two people I respect asked me to take care of her. So I'm asking you now"—blues intensified—"I know you care about her too. So, please, Nora… Help me take care of her."

• — • — •

I was skeptical such an aggressive method could work, Nora admitted with a slight smile. Truth be told, I was nervous. I still am. But she did everything Silver knew she would. I wasn't happy when he told me she'd involve herself with my mess, but… We can talk about it later.

He sighed as his eyes cracked open, grayed yellows glinting. Whoever asked him to care for you, know this… You made a wise choice trusting Ena to him.

°•°•°•°

It took Ena some time until her cries turned into ragged breaths and her tears stopped. Her soul felt depleted and everything in her was gone, but she could fall because he was there to catch her and keep her up. She kept her eyes closed as she let his scent and his warmth and him keep her steady from falling into another bought of mind-numbing misery.

"You came back." Whispered words, cracked and hoarse.

"I never left," Silver promised her. "I just…needed some time." He felt Ena shift, but he kept her steady when she pulled back and his handkerchief went to cleaning her cheeks free of wetness.

Ena sniffled, but she gave in to his ministrations. "I truly am sorry," she vowed to him. And she would say those words over and over again if he needed her to. "I shouldn't have pressed like that. You were upset and I… I said all the wrong things to you—"

"We were both upset," Silver corrected. "And I wasn't acting all there either." Once her cheeks were dry, he pocketed his handkerchief to cup her jaw and search her eyes. "I look up to Gary so much because of everything he had to endure. But his kidnapping was a wake-up call that we're not invincible. And everything from when they took me… And Caeryssa… I couldn't stop remembering feeling that sort of torment." He welcomed Ena's unsteady hand thumbing his cheek.

"I panicked when I found out you were poisoned with Anti-Ether," he confessed. "I couldn't stop remembering everything from the past. When you were unconscious, I felt so worried if I'd been too late, it could've been three years until we found you. Gary might look fine, but…I'd see him when he thought he was alone. It was like looking at an empty shell. And if that happened to you…"

Ena wanted to bring him comfort, but she held herself back. He was not finished.

"You were lying there and there was all that blood," Silver whispered. "I couldn't think straight. I looked at you, and I started getting so worked up that this was what Gary went through every day for three years. And if I hadn't gotten to you, you could've been where he went. I spent three years crawling into his bed and praying I'd see him again because Hunters took him away. I couldn't go through that again—especially not with you. You could've died." Impactful words that affected them both. "You could've died, Ena."

Ena's throat felt dry. "I know."

"I can't watch that." Silver sadly shook his head. "I can't watch someone I lo—…someone else I care about get taken or be so close to dying. And I know I was getting too far into my anxiety. But I couldn't stop worrying and remembering. I can't lose anyone else, Ena. I can't lose you."

Ena's eyes drifted down to his chest. Seeing the grief in his eyes was too much and dug out more of her guilt that she was to blame for that resurgence of memories. "After meeting those Holy Knights and Father Johannes and Clarion… I could tell those people knew manipulation like the back of their hand. And hearing Nora tell me he wanted me to do nothing while he took them down…" She licked her lips. "I'm so sorry," she told him, pleaded. "I didn't know. I couldn't see. I couldn't…understand."

"I know."

Ena swallowed. "I feel like up until this point, everything I told you were empty words."

"They weren't empty words," Silver assured her. "I know you've been trying. I see it every day that you're trying. I know you meant what you said, you just…didn't understand how deeply to say it. You didn't understand. You knew, but you didn't understand." He palmed her cheek. "And now you do."

"I do," Ena echoed. She did. "I don't want to feel like that again." Her eyes flicked up to hold those blues as weakness pitted her. "I can't lose you either."

Silver smiled, touched, and his heart soared. "You wouldn't lose me," he swore to her. "I promised to become your shield for all times, always. I'll stay by your side for as long as you want me. And other people will too when you give them the chance. Like Lulu or like…" Those blues went to the balcony doors. "Like…Nora. He'd stay by your side."

A hint of amusement entered Ena's stare. "It hurt you to say that, didn't it?"

"A little, yeah." Silver reveled in Ena's quiet giggle. "Are you mad at me for hiding from you?"

Ena shook her head, expression soft. "No. You needed time. I couldn't push you." She added in a half-hearted mutter, "But I didn't appreciate you using a Glamour Ring to dance with me. I didn't know you could afford one."

"Yeah, well, um…" Silver tried not to sweat. "I, um…inherited it from a relative." He coughed and shoved aside the imagery of Gary looking like a god as he bestowed the Glamour Ring to Silver so he could stalk Jasper and Ena. "But I think you owe me a dance."

"What?"

"Mmm-hmm." Silver wedged out his Compact and started tapping.

"But…we did dance," Ena pointed out, perplexed.

"I was cheated, though," Silver told her. He kept a firm hold of her as he set his Compact on the railing. "You snubbed me at the Yule Cotillion and me being your temporary partner for a dance doesn't count." He set them up with his hand on her waist and the other clasping her free hand. "So, yeah. You owe me a dance, mistress."

Ena quietly huffed, but she put her hand on his shoulder. "Very well. What's the waltz—?"

A big band crooned through the Compact with a lackadaisical swing.

Silver's smile broadened when Ena looked up at him in awed disbelief. "Is this okay?"

"You remember," Ena breathed, mystified as the strings wheedled away. A lone trumpet took the help with its drawls and improvisations. "But… How…?"

"You told me your mom would rock you to this song because she and your dad danced to this as their first dance for their wedding," Silver recounted. "And you watched their wedding video, and you thought this dance was romantic. You hated romance, but even you had to admit you felt something seeing them dance to this." His smile turned boyishly sheepish. "To be honest, I suck at waltzes. Lulu told me more than once I was a lost cause. But I figured this would be okay."

He blushed a fair bit, all bashful and worried he had crossed a line. "Is it…okay? I know this song means a lot to you… It was your mom and dad's wedding song and all. You know what? I can change it. I should change it—"

"Silver."

Shy blues connected with warm browns.

Ena's lips curled into a small smile. "It's okay."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Never thought that you would be

Standing here so close to me

There's so much I feel that I should say

But words can wait until some other day

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Songs like this where the jazz was bluesy and emotional and a big sound did not require much more outside of heartfelt swaying from two partners with a slow turn. Ena could remember the home video like it was right in front of her with her mother in her beautiful white dress and her husband—Ena's father—dressed dapperly in black as they held each other against a song that spoke volumes about their journey to find their way back to each other after a long, long time.

As the memories washed over her, Ena closed her eyes and let her head drop onto Silver. He was tall enough she could rest the top of her head against his jaw, and she used that. Silver stiffened, taken aback, but he went with her as he tucked their clasped hands close and adjust to wrap his arm around her waist as they swayed.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time

Haven't felt like this, my dear, since can't remember when

It's been a long, long time

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Maybe there were parallels to that home video to now. Women with scarlet manes and scarred hearts guarded in iron and steel fell weak and warm into the arms of a patient man with blue locks and tormented eyes.

Their walks in life were different. For the wedded couple, they had been to Hell and back with heartbreak, pain, and self-hatred dividing them for so long. For this young one underneath the moonlight, they had clashed and quarreled and snarled at each other until one of them realized his bites hurt and her snarls came out of a dark place. Physical distance had never separated them. Their separation stemmed from his ideals and her isolation.

But through that separation, both had found each other and grew stronger than ever.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

You'll never know how many dreams I dream about you

Or just how empty they all seem without you

So kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver savored this feeling, this warmth. He savored every moment Ena gave him an inch and let herself drop her blades and armor and her glare to show him another side he selfishly hoped he was the only one who bore witness to.

Our argument was something I couldn't imagine happening. I was angry and hurt. I couldn't stop seeing my past. And even after Lulu let me cry to her, I kept wondering why this was so hard? Why love was so hard? But then…I remember something.

"It just doesn't seem logical that love would be easy."

• — • — •

Elvin Strauss came into the focus all awkward and shy with Magnolia all around the pair of them. He scratched under his chin. "Thing is, it seems like, to me, the love that sticks around is the love you work at and fight for—or, well, at least for my sisters. The easy love isn't love."

Those focused echoed Silver's question. "But… What about when…you don't know if you should fight for it or not. Doesn't it make you feel guilty about not fighting for it?"

"I'm not too sure about that. I guess it depends if you think the love you're fighting for is worth it."

• — • — •

Silver thought, Mom would always tell me she fought for Dad, Silver remembered. I thought that's what I was doing with Paige—I thought I was fighting for her, but the truth was…I wasn't. I was persisting against something that wasn't there. I understand what Mom meant. She knew Dad's flaws, and she fought back against them. She fought back when he isolated himself. She fought back when he was reckless. She fought for him to be better. She fought to teach him love.

And…I understand that now. Love isn't a feeling—it's something you have to work at. It's a commitment. It's a choice you make to fight for or let go of. In Fairy Tail, we don't give up when things happen. We fight. And it's the same with this. We both have our flaws. But I'm choosing to fight. I'll fight against her walls. I'll fight against her pain. And I'll keep going until I've seen every part of her, and she never has to pretend around. I'll fight until she knows I'm here.

Silver tightened his hold around Ena and inhaled her heady sweet scent to always remember the scent of her. I'll use my powers to fight. I'll become her shield and maybe one day, her sword too. And even if she doesn't love me back, if I could make her see herself the way I do… That would make me happy too. I'm going to fight for her. And I'm going to do everything I can to win.

Silver whispered down to her, "Don't worry, mistress. Leave your life with me, and I promise you, you'll never know that sort of loneliness again. I'm here."

A single tear shed down Ena's cheek. "For all time?"

DRIP.

Silver nuzzled against her head and felt that intimate purr buzz from his chest. "Always."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

DROP

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nora did not look up as steps flooded down the corridor, but he smiled. "It took you long enough."

"Had to ditch the eyes." Tristan had lost his server platter and took off his mask. "You owe me an entire spa day for this sort of fieldwork, you abuser. I have never walked so much in my life."

Nora sighed. "You play rugby, Tristan. You're used to this." He opened his eyes to look at his friend. "What do you have? Did you pass the message?"

"I did. Your girl is a smart cookie," Tristan reported. "I'm sure she understood it. By the ball, I'll have all the materials I'll need to support my theory."

"And you're certain about this?"

Tristan gave a hard nod. "I don't screw around when it comes to backing my theories with viable evidence, Nora," he reminded with a bit of grunt. "I know it's outrageous, but I saw what I saw. And it was clear to me Mauve knew I saw something I shouldn't have based upon my sudden boot from the estate and my books being confiscated before I was kicked out. But June will buy me time to quietly gather more intel."

Nora sighed. "I knew she was special, but this…" He shook his head. "How long until the toxicology report?"

"Slow your roll on that, Chief. Toxicology reports take weeks, unlike how the media portrays it," Tristan told him. "But I did some digging into Atticus' greenhouse to see if one of his plants could be the suspect. All plants come with their own side effects, but only two of his could have caused such a violent reaction."

"I don't want to believe Atticus would, but his motives are never clear," Nora rumbled.

"Yeah, well, it's clear he was getting chummy with Red because he was more interested in her friend," Tristan told. "Followed them around while I could. Looks like Atticus keeps pushing for more information about the pretty little blonde Red had tag along to debut her dress at Yule Cotillion. I'll run a secondary background check, but if Atticus is pressing this much, Red might be hiding something."

"I won't force her to reveal her secrets to me," Nora firmly stated. "But I'll offer support in protecting her friend from Atticus. That's all."

Tristan nodded and crossed his arms. "Once you and Red bounced Mother-May-I and Daddy had a powwow to discuss things, but I couldn't get too close without tipping someone off I was eavesdropping. But whatever they were whispering about looked pretty serious. It's possible this is just the beginning."

"This is the beginning." Nora wished it was not. "I'll speak to Ena about how she wants to help me. We'll have to do it soon. Any further delay could be a step back. But we need to be careful. If we move too slow, we'll be even further tangled in their web. And if we move too fast, we'll trip an invisible alarm and everything will have been for naught."

Tristan agreed with that. "I'll call in some favors." He smirked at Nora's less-than-thrilled look. "What? My reputation can be helpful sometimes. And as long as I lay off any public venues for my venues, my dad can't get too upset with me." He grimaced. "At least, not made enough to send me to military school."

"You're hopeless." Nora pushed off the wall. "We'd better get back. I already alerted the guards to steer clear of this section and to allow Ena safe passage into the annex. She'll be fine." He walked away—

A frown dipped onto Tristan's face as he called, "Are you seriously okay with this? I mean, you've had a thing for Red ever since you saw her at the live-steel demo, right? Never took you to foist your crush off to your love rival."

Nora paused. "A head start."

Tristan cocked his head. "Huh?"

"I'm giving him a head start. He has the advantage over me. He's by her side day in and day out, and he can do so without expectations following their friendship and their outings. I don't have that luxury right now. So I'm giving him a head start." He glanced out the window with soft eyes on the swaying Silver and Ena.

He's selfless with his love for her. She doesn't see it, but I'm sure she feels it. I have respect for him. He turned away to stride down the hall. But once I'm in a better position, I'll fight for her too, Silver. Maybe you're not an enemy. A ghost of a smile. But you certainly are a worthy opponent.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The townhouse was dark, save for the muted kitchen light that stayed on just because. The dryer was on its last cycle, but the clothes had been carried upstairs and put into separate piles for tomorrow to be a morning of ironing, folding, and handing. Before they had left, Dante had been meticulous in making sure dishes were done and counters were wiped down. He preferred to leave with a clean house to come home to a clean house.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dante's Townhouse

Poke Township

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Naked and flushed, Carlisle and Dante sprawled onto the bed beneath a thin layer of sheets. Dante had tucked Carlisle into his side, trapping him there, and Carlisle offered little to no resistance as he mindlessly traced one of Dante's tattoos.

Dante kissed Carlisle's hair as he thumbed his side. "If you need anything else, let me know, okay?"

"You gave me a massage and a bath, Prince," Carlisle reminded with a light smile. "I'm okay. I told you. Nothing hurt me. I love every second of it." He stopped tracing when one of Dante's large hands folding into his fingers for a loose handhold. "Though, my butt is going to have your handprint on it tomorrow."

Dante chuckled. "That was your punishment for lying about me begging you to go out with me."

"Well, I couldn't very well tell your dad how it happened," Carlisle protested. "We nearly had sex at a party, then you used Gyndr to stalk me, and then we turned sex into a relationship? You wanted me to say that?"

"You'd be surprised how okay my parents are with that sort of honesty," Dante told him, smiling when Carlisle huffed. "To be fair, though, you were already mine when I saw you. It was a matter of time before I got you."

Carlisle tried to move away and struggled against Dante's impressive hold. "Evil! You evil brute!" he whined. "I'm not some rabbit you can just hunt down!"

"Nah. You're fluffier than that."

"Evil!"

Dante forced Carlisle onto his side, but before Carlisle could spit protests, Dante cocooned him in his warmth with a leg knocked between his and his arm clamping around his middle to keep him in place. "Don't worry about what my dad said. I'm not naming my firstborn 'Bachram Dante'."

"You really do want kids?" Carlisle questioned, surprised. "You're—I mean we're so young to think about it."

Dante hummed, shifting a bit. "Tesla always never wanted kids. I always did. I might change my mind, but… Yeah, I want kids." He added, "It doesn't mean I'm baby crazy. I wouldn't want any kids until I was older."

Carlisle reached up for his fingertips to drag against Dante's bicep. "I always wanted kids," he confessed, voice small and a little sad. "I… Well, I…" He harshly swallowed.

Dante gently said, "If it's something from your past, Lips, it's okay. I understand."

"No, it's…" Carlisle sighed and soaked in Dante's protection and comfort. "It was a long time ago," he started, timbre poetically soft. "After Hunter. There was... There was this little boy I found abandoned. He was dying, and I knew he had been abused. So I…took care of him."

"That's sweet of you," Dante murmured with a chaste kiss pressed below Carlisle's ear.

"I wish I could think so," Carlisle whispered. "He was so little. Lucy was upset with me because I wanted to keep him. A lot was happening, and the little boy would've been in worst danger with us than on his own, but… I couldn't leave him there all alone. I told Lucy he'd have to figure something out because I was going to take care of this innocent little boy." Eyes stinging, he closed them when the first tear shed and saved Dante's gentle massage on his side.

"It wasn't easy. I knew the boy was traumatized from where he came from. He couldn't eat or move. His muscles atrophied, and he couldn't speak. But I couldn't leave him. I couldn't—" Carlisle's voice hitched for a moment. "I would hold him when he'd have these terrifying nightmares. Lucy caved and helped me get what I needed to feed him. My pere had this broth that felt like it could cure anything. Maman and I like to eat it when we're homesick. And I'd like to think the little boy liked it."

Carlisle smiled a little. "He couldn't see very well. And Lucy didn't want to risk him remembering our faces since we had so much happening. But I still remember how the little boy would perk up when he'd see birds or hear them. He actually whistled once."

"Did he?"

"Yeah. It was the cutest thing. I think it was something that comforted him. I'd whistle with him too when the birds were close." Carlisle's lashes fluttered when Dante kissed his shoulder. "He was so small and broken. I couldn't leave him alone. I helped him stretch and sit up. And I'd have to sleep with him so he wouldn't hurt himself over his nightmares." A feeble laugh. "I don't think he liked Lucy. Maybe he knew Lucy wasn't happy we were staying around, and that's why he clung to me, I don't know. But I thought… Maybe I could start over. I could have a family. I wasn't ruined. I could help the little boy, but I…" His voice cracked.

Dante laid placating kisses on Carlisle's neck and shoulders.

"I couldn't keep him." A wretched truth. A horrible memory. "It was like…there was no happy ending no matter what I wanted. I-I-I…" He ducked his head and tried to free himself from this protection and safety when he felt sickened and undeserving, but Dante clamped him down. "Dante, please—"

"Shhh…" Dante pressed a kiss below Carlisle's jaw. "Talk to me, Lips."

Carlisle rolled his lips as self-loathing itched on his skin. "U-Um…" He swallowed. "Lucy couldn't protect us." Forced truths. "I kept telling him he could, but he just looked at me and told me all he was doing was delaying the inevitable. That was the first time we got into a serious fight. I-I-I couldn't… I couldn't leave him there when he was so small and healing. But I knew if I took him with me…he would've been in so much danger because he's…" Sniffling.

Dante rocked Carlisle on his back and covered him with his body. Peppered, lazy kisses trailed over Carlisle's face and neck as though keeping him grounded from his grief.

"I knew Lucy was right, but I didn't want him to be. I didn't want him to be right about this," Carlisle breathed. "But he was—he was—and I couldn't… I couldn't believe it. I couldn't stop crying. I just wanted…family. I hadn't seen Maman in a while with everything happening. But I thought I could save this little boy from his demons. And I couldn't. I couldn't an-an-and I had to…" He put his hands on Dante's shoulders in a weak attempt to push him away. "Prince, please—"

"Carlisle." Dante kissed away one of Carlisle's tears. "Tell me what happened, princess."

"I abandoned him." The truth was out—this horrible secret that would nag him and nag him with loathing and disgust and torment. "I kept begging Lucy—I cried so much that we couldn't leave him. We couldn't, we couldn't, we…!" A shaky wet inhale. "But we had to go. If we stayed, it would've been so much worse for him. If he got involved…" He shook his head as the tears fell. "We had to leave him. We couldn't…couldn't take him with us no matter how much I wanted to."

Dante trailed kisses across Carlisle's breath and breathed words into his skin, "And then what, princess?"

Carlisle sniveled. "I couldn't not think about him. I couldn't." His hands threaded into Dante's hair as those sea-greens fraught with violent and glazed in tears looked at his boyfriend. "I kept worrying and panicking about him. I couldn't, so I… When Lucy had me safe, I did something I wasn't supposed to do. But I couldn't help it. I couldn't let that little boy stay alone, so I…"

A deep breath. "I…sent someone to him," he confessed, pained. "I couldn't help it. He needed help. I couldn't leave him alone. I spent weeks figuring out who to help him. If I couldn't help him…he deserved someone who could and could help him find a home. He was so little. He needed a home, Prince."

"I know, baby." Dante pressed a kiss on Carlisle's pulse. "I know."

Carlisle barked a pathetic laugh with no humor. "You should've seen Lucy. He blew up at me for risking his hard work. But I had to. I know he was just scared something could've happened to me, but I couldn't leave that boy to suffer. So I… I did what I had to do to send him someone who could help him."

"And where are they now?"

"I don't know." Shame. Gut-wrenching guilt. "When Lucy found out I did what I did…I had to make a choice. And something happened, so… I can't remember what their faces look like or their voices or much else. It feels…fuzzy. But I remembered what he smelled like."

Dante lifted his head to stroke Carlisle's cheek. "And what did he smell like?"

"Like fresh snow," Carlisle whispered. "Once I got him clean, he always smelled like the first day of winter. I know it's weird. But that's what I remember from him. I can't remember who I sent to him, but I remember him." He closed his eyes when Dante kissed his forehead. "Lucy knows. He always knows everything. He gives me vague updates about the little boy when he can."

"Yeah?"

Carlisle nodded. "Yeah. From what Lucy says, he's doing okay for himself now." A bittersweet smile wove onto his lips. "I doubt he'd remember me. We weren't together for very long. And I'm sure his new home is treating him so well that he'd rather forget all of that. And even if he did remember me, I'm sure he hates the person who abandoned him."

"Does he know you sent someone for him? Is that person still with him?" Dante asked.

"Lucy said the person I sent for him is still with him, but he wouldn't say much after that." Carlisle sighed and sniffed. "It's better this way, anyway." A weak laugh. "He's living his life now. I'd be doing more harm than good. As long as he's okay, I'm happy. But taking care of him made me want to take care of other children." He closed his eyes under Dante's sweet and slow kiss.

"I think it shows your beauty and compassion for the way you cared about him and made sure he was okay when you had to go," Dante murmured. "Even if you can't fully remember him and he's forgotten you, I'm sure he's happy that someone once showed him that kindness."

"I abandoned him," Carlisle put out there, distraught. "How is that kindness?"

"Maybe he doesn't see your abandonment as the only feeling to that memory," Dante offered. "Sometimes, those random acts of kindness are remembered and treasured more so than the bad." He mouthed a kiss on Carlisle's cheek.

"I wish I could tell you everything," Carlisle lamented.

"I've never been someone who needed to know everything. We have time. I'm a patient person. And if you never want to tell me, I understand. Your secrets come with wounds that haven't even scabbed yet, let alone scarred." Dante drew back for loving darkness to connect with clouded sea-greens with freckled violet. "But I can feel you. Giat Hai blessed me with that. And that's all I need to know about you, Lips.

A new round of tears took over Carlisle. "Prince…"

"If you ever want to find that boy, I'll come with you," Dante promised, though he shushed Carlisle before a whimper or a protest could come out. "It's just something for you to think about. That boy you cared for is important to you. Doesn't matter if the time you spent together was short. And if you want to find him and see him, I'll be with you for that."

Dante knuckled away Carlisle's tear. "In my mind, he's your family. You helped raise him. You helped get him through something traumatic. Yeah, he lives his own life and has his own family, but I'm certain he considers you important too. Maybe he thought you could be family to him too. And I want to meet your family. And I promise you when I do put an actual ring on your finger, I don't give a fuck what your cousin says. If you want a kid, Lips, all I'll say is 'when'."

"D-Dante…" Carlisle heaved a watery breath. "You don't understand. E-E-Even if I want to, I can't—"

"Do you want one?"

Carlisle closed his eyes.

Dante brushed his lips against his and whispered, "Do you want one?"

Carlisle's bottom lip trembled. "I do, but—"

"I'm going to keep praying to Giat Hai that we have one," Dante swore to him, voice low and husky and resolute. "I'm going to pray she protects you and whoever else comes along. If you want a family, Lips, you'll have one."

But Carlisle wrestled with his misery. "Dante—"

Dante would not hear any more protests and swallowed them with a hard kiss on the mouth. He savagely took control of the kiss and forced Carlisle into sweet abandon before pulling away for sweeter kisses to coat the corners of his lips and down his throat. "Say, 'yes', baby," he hissed in controlled command.

But Carlisle could not and tried to appeal, "Dante, please—" But the rest of his pitiful plea half-sobbed half-choked up when Dante ground against him with a biting kiss on his pulse that had his body sizzle with heat and want.

"Say, 'yes'." Dante rose to whisper the demand in Carlisle's ear. "Just one word, baby. Say, 'yes'."

Carlisle felt himself breaking, but he pleaded, "Prince—Nnngh!" He jolted under Dante's heavy hand and twitched, the tears from frustration and exhaustion and a burning need. "Dante, please…!"

"I am going to make love to you—my beautiful princess with such a big heart and with those wounds you've carried for so long," Dante stated like this was an erotic fact rather than a sensual option. "And I'm not going to stop until you let me give you what you want. I can feel you, Lips. I can feel how sad you are." He watched with molten obsidian dominating his eyes as Carlisle withered and mewled at his touch. "You don't have to tell me the reason behind you being sad. But you deserve to have what you've wanted. You deserve that happiness, princess."

Dante pressed a promising kiss onto Carlisle's lips with a love nip, but he pulled away to hear Carlisle's crying moan. "Tell me what I need to hear, princess." A command that would not be ignored. "Tell me."

Carlisle felt the word burn on his lips and try to come out. He tried in vain to keep it away, but the gasp that rattled him from Dante's surprise grip made all his resolve crumble and shatter. "Yes!" he sobbed. "Yes!"

With a loaded snarl, Dante took possession of Carlisle's lips and that connection flowing between them burst with Carlisle's pain and sadness and grief from his past to a love of his present and a dreamy hope for his future. He could not stop it. Nothing he could do would block it. Dante would keep that barrier down if he had his way. And they rode into that blinding white-hot pleasure through Carlisle's tears and pleas and Dante's promises.

Because their pasts might have not been kind to them.

But their futures could be.

°•°•°•°

A breathy sigh.

Muta sat crisscrossed in his Exceed Form with his black yukata wrapped around him neatly as he buried his paws into his sleeves. His ear twitched and his tail swayed as the springtime breeze crossed over him. The neighborhood Dante had settled on was not one for action and thankfully, had come with older couples with rarely any children of their own unless grandchildren made the visit. Quiet and discrete, it served as the perfect haven for those child-free or elderly.

A cloud waxed over the moon.

Muta relaxed his shoulders a bit. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. A frothy aura of his power misted off his person. Nothing fancy. Considering most humans had their eyes in front of them and none of the humans in the area were Ether-sensitive or otherwise, none would notice him expanding his energy and meditating on the roof. Animals would steer clear, prickly of his presence.

Ever since I got here, I understood the concerns. With more time, the more Carlisle deepens his bond with that God-touched smith Dante, the more measures taken to keep his identity a secret, the more those same measures start to slip, Muta thought. The report Carlisle was nearly attacked at that human club was enough for us to stop waiting for him to decide. We were fortunate he was saved. But it means we have to do things our way.

A stray cat hissed when another stray encroached onto its territory. Whining mewls and low-sweeping tails were exchanged. They would fight with words before the claws came out.

It was a risk for us to approach that Prosecutor. But Kyler didn't want to wait when his source told him Carlisle had a near-attack. Muta exhaled as he kept his energy steady to cover the entire townhouse. That Prosecutor and that butler of his—I could tell they would have killed us if we were a threat. But with some convincing, they let me stay here since the Prosecutor has his own shit to deal with. Moving Carlisle to Kyler would be too risky. And the Prosecutor and I agreed it's better to shield Carlisle from the truth.

Closed eyes cracked open to reveal a sliver of gray. That if The Catalyst completes his bond—it will cause what we've all been fearing for. A Ragnarök. An Eden. Agents will swarm him to kill him before that happens. Demons and Sinful and Warlocks will bleed trying to reach him.

But… His tail swished. We can't do the alternative.

• — • — •

The café in Zvonvratia was seaside and showed the incoming boats and all those who went down to the beach to spend their time as the burning sun set itself on a collision course with the horizon. The mixed languages across the café blended into a misshapen harmony that had potential. Coffee beans grinding and blended tea to create a unique aroma you could not get anywhere else.

"Our options are limited."

Muta had come in his Human Form in his black yukata with a scruffy look about him. He knew from the corner of his eyes that Luther was not simply sipping tea and reading his book, but he was profiling every entity who entered the café. Muta thanked his Nine Lives this café allowed an Éirush splash in his evening coffee.

As he brought the drink to his lips, he said, "But you understand that we have to choose one, right? He might not be that close to us, but he has no awareness he's been followed."

"I know." Since their table was by the window, the person who had spoken had turned to it, dressed like an attorney with a brimmed hat that covered a significant portion of his features save for his jawline. "For millennia, he's been careful outside of his encounter with his ex-partner. I understand why Aphtan found this one reminiscent of Hunter." A clenched fist. "But a Sinful and a God-Touched are two completely different entities. I can feel their connection. It's consensual and blessed. That Sinful plagued Carlisle with a connection that was like a Leviathan leash. He had no choice but to cry and accept it. And look at him now…"

A haggard sigh. "I can't. I can't tell him to break it off, Moon Lily. And I know you don't have the stomach to tell him either."

Muta did not bristle at the use of his name as he chugged some of his Éirush coffee. "You're right," he sighed. "I don't." He looked out the window. "Those gifted with such a blessing… It's rare. You can't walk away from that sort of connection."

The gentleman glanced over. "You did."

Muta did not flinch. "I did." He acknowledged that. "And because of me and my view and my mistakes, my ward has no trust in hers. She'd rather kill him or die than be with him. And he would let her kill him because he can't forgive himself for becoming her traitor." Another swig of his drink. "But we're not talking about me, Lucifer."

Twitching lips. "Call me 'Lucy'. 'Lucifer' is my father's name." A thumb caressed the cup he had in his hands with his hot beverage. "If anyone found out The Catalyst had a connection, there would be no choice in it. And I know Carlisle. He's made some of the hardest choices a person should make. I helped him survive Hunter. But he can't survive this one."

"So, what, we're fucked then?" Muta asked in an unimpressed mutter. "Kyler told me Prosecutors are the argumentative lot. The Hell's this—your withdrawal from representation?"

A faint chuckle. "There's not that many of us. I've rarely met my six aunts and uncles." A three-beat silence. "But considering the activity going on, I'm taking measures into account. I've had to make some hard choices this weekend too." A sliver of exhaustion and anguish. "The longer Carlisle stays with him, the stronger their connection gets and the more at risk these people are in."

"And we ain't gonna tell him."

"Not yet. Diana knows." A scrub of a jaw. "She was the one to beg me to not take Dante away from Carlisle. She barely survived her devastation. She had Carlisle as her motivation to overcome the loss. But I told her I'd ruled out that possibility unless it was an absolute necessity." A glance. "You wanted my trust."

Muta shrugged. "Maybe. It'd help."

"Then earn it. You have a substantial amount of energy since you're one of the last generations of Extalians—"

"Exceeds," Muta half-heartedly corrected.

"First and foremost, you are an Extalian," came a hard truth. "Because I can't live with Carlisle anymore, I am entrusting you to shield Carlisle when he slips. We will not have another accident like what happened last month." A warning, not a threat. "On June sixth, you'll especially need to keep close to them. A lot of…business partners and relatives of my father's will be coming for our shared birthday. The slightest detection and Carlisle won't stand a chance. I'm a Prosecutor, but I can't pass Judgment until my father gives me the title or dies. Something that's constantly reminded to me."

Muta sipped more of his drink. "You think clueing in Dante on this would be beneficial? He's inherited Giat Hai's Calm. I think he could handle it."

"Right now, it's not a discussion I'm willing to have. In the future, maybe." Crossed ankles. "Meeting him in person solidified he's a favorite to a Mid-God and an Old God. But until I understand why he's a favorite, I reserved judgment."

"What a funny choice of words," Muta snorted.

A long sigh. "Muta." A pause. "Please protect him with everything you have. He is my family. And he never deserved to be cursed as The Catalyst."

Muta's nostrils flared as he exhaled. "He's become my ward. Kyler's grown with a family and a kit to care for. I've served my sentence as Guardian with him well, and I'll remember those times. But my sentence isn't over. I'll remain Guardian until it's my time to go. I'll watch over him with my life. Don't you worry about that one."

A gentle hush.

"You tigress is doing well." A soft comment. "She upholds the values you taught her to fight the good fight. And your panther has found his place in a human home with a Dragon. You've been serving your sentence well, White Lion Guardian. All your wards have grown into accomplished people."

A sadness burdened Muta and reminded him why he was a drunk. "Thank you. But I couldn't protect the one I was supposed to protect. And it cost me everything."

"I understand." No judgment. No cooed words that were empty. An acceptance. The chair scraped as the gentleman stood up. "You'll see them again. It's a red line. You will see them again. And they'll be happy to see you."

"I raised that tigress into the fiercest warrior the cosmos could have seen," Muta whispered, grave. "And I'm so damn proud of her. And because of me, she'll use what I taught her to put down the one cat that was meant to share her Nine Lives with her. That's not happiness. That's a cycle."

"I suppose you'll have to wait and see." The hand trailed the brimmed hat. "Cycles can be broken. You claim because of you, she'll kill him. Then maybe because of you, she'll give him a second chance." He tipped his hat. "We'll meet again." He strode away as Luther silently slipped out with him.

Muta stayed there as he watched the sea and the burnt sun. 'I hope the cycle ends.' And he sipped his drink.

• — • — •

Muta let out a cool stream of air as his ear flicked as he heard a late-night Sky Boat pass by overhead. I've spent my life as the White Lion Guardian. That was my original duty on Extalia. And I failed. For that, my title would've been stripped…but that damn minx took the fall. And now she's nothing while I'm an exiled warrior with my Guardian title and no planet to go back to.

Another steady exhale. But I will do my duty and continue to take on wards to protect until they no longer need me. I raised a fierce tigress. A loyal panther. I've raised an Agent. But something tells me…

(Endless tears poured down cheeks as Carlisle succumbed to Dante's fervor and his love.)

…Carlisle will be my last one.

---

"Okay. Since Nashi texted she was watching Bring It On, you know we have to watch it too."

Tesla came out of the kitchen in one of Jaxton's older t-shirts and some ratty pajama bottoms with her face mask on and her knotted scarf a lovely cheetah print. Cocktails were in her hands, but her hips gyrated to the Sinnish beat bumping from her entertainment center.

"It's so trashy that's good." She went over to Julia lounging on the couch with her hair braided in her bra and shorts she borrowed. "Your drink, madam." She stuck out her tongue as she sang along, "Ya Mamá, ya Mamá…! Ya Mamá, ya Mamá…! Ya Mamá ya Mamá, amor de verdad…!"

SMACK!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Telsa's Apartment

Poke Township

Fiore, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tesla giggled when Julia smacked her butt. "You spank it. You pay for it. Spank bank, remember?" She jiggled her butt for effect before plopping down on the couch.

"You really need to stop saying it because it does not mean what you keep saying it means," Julia laughed before she sipped her cocktail. While Tesla had done a hydration mask, Julia had decided on a charcoal mask. "Remember when Jax lost it when you told Dash you needed him to add to your spank bank for unsolicited hits?"

"To be fair, Minstrish is not my first language, and I like to pretend to no hablo minstrés," Tesla defended with a cackle. "And Jang-ta had me screaming 'Ay, Papisongo, dámelo, dámelo, dáme…'!" She dramatically let out a body-shivering moan and fell back on the couch while Julia guffawed. "Dude, I'm totally buggin' over what to pack for Caracole, help me…!"

"Ugh…!" Julia groaned. "No… I hate shopping!"

"Bitch, please, come on, don't make me go shopping with Jang-ta," Tesla begged. "You know all the sick and twisted things he'll buy me to wear for the trip!"

Julia raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't he already do that?"

"Yeah, but come on, please…!" Tesla whined. "Dante's fashion sense is debatable. He'd have me wearing a turtleneck and a chastity belt. And I missed dragging you around the mall so you can tell me how hot I look."

Julia snorted. "Yeah, fine. But I'm driving."

"Fair." Tesla slurped her cocktail as she watched the movie. "What are you going to do for spring break?"

Julia stiffened for a moment before she relaxed and saved herself a few seconds of answer by sucking on her cocktail. "I'm thinking about taking a me-vacation to another country if I can swing it."

"Oh, far out!" Tesla enthused. "Where would you want to go?"

"I'm not sure yet." Julia gestured to her. "Any ideas for me?"

Tesla squealed her delight as she pulled out her Compact. "Okay. So. In my professional opinion, if you are on a manhunt—or a gender hunt, I don't judge—Melandia and Valchestria are musts to go sight-seeing for all the right sights."

"You are such a whore," Julia muttered. "I'll bring you back some souvenirs from wherever I go."

Tesla blew her a kiss and a wink. "I knew we became friends for a reason. But you know, if you ask Dante to come with you—"

"He's surprising Carlisle, remember?"

"Oh, shit, right!" Tesla wiggled her toes. "Mami and Auntie Diana and Mama Minh and Daddy Bachram are out here planning a whole ass engagement party for the pachanga, and you don't know how much fun the cake testing was. I don't think Carlisle knows his mom is helping out with this, but he's going to be so surprised." She waggled her eyebrows. "If you're not careful, you and Speedy are next in line…!"

Julia barked a laugh. "Fuck no. If I were to ever get married, I'm keeping it discrete and doing it at a courthouse. I had enough wedding bells to last me a lifetime with yours and Jax's relationship block party. And your boy's eyes were pretty happy when people congratulated you on a young engagement."

"That was bule," Tesla grumbled. "People thought I had a bun in the oven. Shot that shit down quick and bingoed their asses. Like, sir, no, I will not be splitting my labia open for a crying watermelon. My circle of life does not include a Simba, thank you."

Julia stirred her cocktail. "I can't believe we unleashed the wedding planners for this party. Aunt Adrienne and Miss Minh are insane planners."

"They are the parents those US sitcoms talk about with the PTSA," Tesla remarked. "This is going to be insane." She grinned. "Mami is trying again to set Diego up with another nice chiquita. He really can't catch a break, but considering he pulled some shit with Jang-ta, I can't find it in me to pity him."

"Dude, his ex-girlfriend was nasty though," Julia remembered with a shutter. "She gives white people a bad name, like, everywhere."

"The word 'Bitch' has no skin tone. And she was a straight-up bitch," Tesla grunted. "I don't know why Diego stayed with the gringa for as long as he did, but I'm glad he's in a better place."

"Yeah." Julia dreamily sighed. "The Bachata Bae."

"No-ho-ho…!" Tesla laughed as she reached over to hit Julia's arm. "Don't sport a boner for my cousin! No seas asquerosa!"

"He's hot!" Julia playfully cried. "You see those hips of his moving and it's like he could get you pregnant."

Tesla wrinkled her nose. "You're so nasty. Eres muy fea. That's my primo, chica, and my couch is not waterproof, so let's not ruin any panties or couches because of his dumb ass, vale?" As Julia sniggered, Tesla saw her Compact light up and looked at the message. Those grays brightened.

"Uh-oh…" Julia sipped on her cocktail with a knowing look before she teased, "I know that look. The big bad wolf is trying to lure our little red for a booty call, isn't he?"

Tesla snorted with her own wolfish grin as she typed back. "Oh, he is. But he's no Aaron Gray, baby. If any wolf was to come and claim me, it'd be him and him alone. Only Lycan I would ever give my everything to is Aaron considering the man is built like an Encan god—"

BANG-BANG-BANG!

Tesla and Julia exchanged an amused look. Speak of the Devil (or wolf in this case) and he shall appear.

Tesla innocently trilled, "Who is it?"

"Open the door, baby girl."

Julia silently chortled while Tesla snootily drawled, "Sorry, mister, but no one in here is named 'baby girl'. I can recommend you to our main girl Candy if you'd prefer."

"That's fifteen spankings, Tesla," came growled warning.

Tesla cursed and hurried to put her cocktail on a coaster on her coffee table. "Shit. I keep forgetting he's been racking up all my infractions for tomorrow. Dammit." She scurried for the door and nervously tittered, "Coming, mi amor!"

"You'll earn another one if you don't answer—"

Tesla hurried to unlock her apartment door and swung it open to see an agitated Jaxton on the other side in a fitted athletic t-shirt and shorts. She tried for a smile. "Jang-ta, what a surprise!" she greeted, anxious. She shrunk a bit when his dark eyes glared down at her. "Ah-ha… No hablo minstrés—"

"Aaron Gray." Jaxton advanced upon her and pinned her against the doorframe. He growled low for her, "That's the wolf you want?"

Tesla gulped. "N-No?" She flinched when Jaxton's hand came up to feather her throat. "It was a joke," she frantically whispered. "C-Come on, he's a fictional character—"

"But you want him."

Tesla whimpered. "Jang-ta—"

Jaxton ripped away from her with his jaw clenched and eyes full of sinful promises. "Wǒ xiǎng nǐ xūyào tíxǐng nǐ yīnggāi xuǎnzé nǎ zhǐ láng, tián xīn." Without letting Tesla speak, he peered into the apartment and said, "Julianna, I'll be back with Tesla in a half-an-hour."

"Okay!" Julia called. She crawled down the couch to peek past the wall to wave at Jaxton. "Make sure she can walk, please, or you better be ready to carry her to bed, big guy."

Tesla shot Julia a desperate look. "Julia, help me here! Don't sell me out!"

Julia shrugged as she got up to go to the door. "This gives me time to sext Eiji, so buh-bye. Oh, and practice safe sex!"

"No…!" Tesla clawed at her door when Jaxton lifted her into his arms. She hissed at Jaxton like an angry cat (much to his entertainment) before imploring her best friend, "Julia, don't leave me with this man! He can do a lot of damage to me in thirty minutes, and I am fragile!"

Julia smirked and leaned against the doorframe as Jaxton hauled a squirming Tesla down the hall. "Tesla, you might want to start talking sweet to your captor," she hollered. "The more you struggle, the more he'll punish you later on. Right, Jax?"

Tesla froze, wide-eyed, while Jaxton chuckled.

Julia stepped back to shut the apartment door with a shake of her head. Those two never change. Her smile fell off for a darkness to ruin all the joy tonight had brought her. And neither does my work. Pushing away from the door, she did not stop walking until she got to the miniature backpack she had brought with her. Her hand expertly dug through all her emergency supplies to bring out the burner Compact and reached for her own Compact that had one message on it from a random number.

⌜MESSAGES

+1 (XX) XXX - XXXX

Hey baby. U up?⌟

Julia closed her eyes with a heaved heavy sigh. She opened her burner Compact to call the only number in the contacts. The moment the line connected, she hissed, "I hate 'baby', Noko."

Noko snickered. "It's simple and effective. But I call my girlfriend all sorts of things if you want to know—"

"Pass." Julia sat crisscrossed on the couch. "Is what Maxim sent legit? I'm surprised it took you so long to get back to me on this."

"You're not the only one I'm servicing, Nightingale. I had other matters to attend to and prioritized them over you. Jealous?"

Julia snorted as she scrolled through her Compact. "Shouldn't your girlfriend be jealous you're 'servicing' others?"

"Nah. We keep it pretty open."

Julia pitched up an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"JK. She's my one and only, and I will beat down anyone who looks at her. She's way too gorgeous for you mere mortals to gaze at her. I'd worship her every day if she'd let me, but sadly, I can't. C'est la vie."

Julia shook her head. "One of these days, I'd love to meet the girlfriend of a loser like you. Unless she's your body pillow. Then, no thank you."

"Hey now. Body pillows are nice. And actually, she's popular enough that people do sell body pillows of her." You could hear Noko's angered pout. "She made me promise not to hack the websites and declare her body pillows out of stock, and I'm not allowed to just buy all the stock either. But someone neckbeard out there is totally cuddling with my woman!"

"It's a body pillow, Noko."

"It's the principle of it!"

Julia felt a headache coming on. She always felt one about to happen when their conversation prolonged more than sixty seconds. "What do you have for me, Noko? Is it legit?" She opened up a photo to show a screenshot of a fancy virtual invitation decked in red, gold, and black that had, in cursive, Nightingale as the addressee.

We request the pleasure of your company

NIGHTINGALE

For the Spring Silent Auction & Fundraiser

April XX, XXXX | Cocktails at 6PM

Burj Al'umi Hotel | Dinner at 8PM

"It's legit," Noko confirmed. "The Principality of Shamballa is the place where the wealthy and the wicked come to play. It's a pretty hyped island part of Alakitasia. And it's not uncommon for the Burj Al'umi to be a hub for social events. But I pulled in my connections about this silent auction."

"And?"

"And it's not pretty," Noko grimly confessed. "The emir of Shamballa has been theorized to host illegal auctions, but his people make sure to shut it down. It doesn't stop backdoor online forums to talk about it. I've had to be careful, though. The second a user with too wide of a nose clicks on a forum, the chats are overrun with information that the true theories get lost in. From what I've seen and heard, though, the silent auction is actually three auctions."

Julia's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Check your Com."

Julia watched as her Compact was overrun with images and information from multiple chat forums that automated translations that all tied the words Shamballa and auction one way or the other.

"The emir has to put on some sort of front, right?" Noko reminded. "There's an actual silent auction and fundraiser for charity happening. The emir invites the high socialites of the UAA to it and other trusted friends from around the world. Anyone from old money will be there with blood on their hands and anyone with new money and killer instincts.

"The second auction is where things get murky," Noko continued. "Technically speaking, while slavery is outlawed in Alakitasia, prostitution and servitude aren't."

Julia understood. "So we can assume that's where they'll sell Wizards and Aberrants and children, huh?"

"Bingo." Noko had a heaviness in his voice.

"And the third auction?"

"Forums call it the 'Black Auction'," Noko named. "It's where things from the underworld pop up. Enhancer drugs, Limiter drugs, illegal Magics and potions, bids on experiments or sponsoring an experiment. Even…" Disgust filled his voice as he told her, "There are rumors that people can bid on an unborn child there from one of the breeding experiments."

Maybe in her youth, Julia would have fallen sick. But her stomach clenched as righteous anger filled her. "Are you serious?"

"Deadly, Nightingale."

Julia fell back to Heart's Day weekend and could remember those disgusting words from that ethereal being called The Assistant. "The Doctor has no current plans to reclaim the Morningstar. We failed in procuring the contract to have it breed with its chosen mate."

If they had gotten that contract, I can't imagine what they would've done to Gary and Nashi. The fury rose in Julia and she could not calm it down. Those sick bastards would've caged them. They would've thrown money down to bid on their unborn child.

"How do I get in?" she demanded to know.

Noko sighed. "I was afraid you'd say that. Access to all three auctions looks to be the same. You have to know someone. Because Maxim invited you, I think that means you'll be seeing all three auctions. But I'd rather you not go alone."

"I prefer to work alone, Noko," Julia flatly reminded.

"Well, you won't be for this or I'm revoking all my help."

Julia scowled. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Nope." Noko popped the p. "You're not only going to be in international waters, but you don't understand Shamballa like I do."

Julia watched as news articles popped up onto her Compact, but what caught her attention was an article with a picture of a haunted young socialite with beautiful tan skin and waist-length black hair being escorted into a private Sky Jet.

Shamballan Second Princess Escaped Only to be Caught 51 Days Later – Here's How She Was Caught

"You think Blühenhaven is bad, but Shamballa makes Blühenhaven look like a kid's playground," Noko informed. "Everyone wants to visit Shamballa because it's one of the top places to visit in the world with its technology second to a country in Andüsa. But it has a lot of ties to the underground—including Deathhawk, the Syndicate, the Wild Child Gang, the Chernobog Brotherhood, and the Kakushibori Syndicate. Maybe even Immortal Yang and some of the slave trades in Seven."

Julia skimmed over the article about the princess in her attempt to escape. "How has no one taken an investigation seriously with it?"

"The ISAC has claimed Shamballa royalty has no part in any illegal activity and their ledgers are clean."

Julia narrowed her eyes. "They have an inside guy or they have money."

"My bet is an insider. The ISAC is known to reject even the most tempting of brides. But with an insider, Shamballa can have the ISAC turn the other way without the entire organization realizing it."

"Shit, this just keeps getting better and betters." Julia could not believe this. What the Hell was Maxim thinking inviting me to something like this? What is he trying to do?

"You've done great for home missions, but as your first away mission, you will have back-up, young lady, and if you argue, know I have awesome powers and I'm older and therefore I'm allowed to clap back, 'because I said so'."

There was no point in arguing with this man-child. "Can I at least pick who I go with?" Julia asked. "How long is my stay there?"

"I booked you for the entire week in Shamballa. I have business to attend to, but I'll make sure you're covered for your eyes and ears. We'll do a tech debriefing before you leave. If you want to bring someone with you, I'm still going to assign you silent backup. But whoever your plus-one is needs to understand the way the underworld works, Nightingale. Bringing in a normie will cause too many problems with them screaming about ethics."

"I mean, it is unethical."

"Yeah, well, I know that and you know that, but we're all about espionage, Carmen San Diego, and we fight the injustice silently. If you bring a loud-mouthed activist, prepare for me to arrange your departure home with a lot of metal in you."

"Your vote of courage brings me oodles of joy," Julia said dryly as she set down her Compact to rub down her face.

"I already arranged for two tickets and booked you a suite," Noko informed her. "If you think of someone, let me know. I'll need to run a background check on them first just to make sure they have no inadvertent connections and do a quick psych eval to make sure they're mentally prepared. Hell, I'm tempted to do one on you."

That rubbed Julia the wrong way. "I can handle this."

"I'm not saying you can't, Nightingale, but it's if you should."

Julia's scowl furthered. "I'm not following."

Some shifting. "Let's just say I'm…experienced with these sorts of things. And it can put a sane, ethical person in a very weird headspace. You see things you couldn't imagine. You might witness a demonstration from an experiment. It could be a test of power or you might see a breeding SESSION up close, Nightingale." His voice considerably softened. "It messes up the best of them. I would know."

That tempted Julia's curiosity. "How do you know?"

"All I'll say is my relationship isn't perfect," Noko told her with something hard and haunting backing his words. "And you don't know how often I'm thanking every deity out there for my girlfriend to have the life she has now. It's not perfect. But it's better."

Julia knew it was time to drop the subject, but she felt her heart go out to Noko. She might not have ever seen his face, but she could sympathize with his plight. "If you want me to do a psych evaluation beforehand, I will. I'll think about who to bring that could be a good enough cover. Thanks for doing this, Noko."

"Don't get all sentimental on me, Nightingale," Noko joshed, upbeat once more. "I'll have you know I'm way too old for you and in a committed relationship. Oh, yeah, speaking of relationships, Quick started texting you cute 'miss you' messages."

Julia growled. "Stop looking into my Com, you dirty pervert. I thought you had better things to do."

"I do. But fucking with you is a good stress reliever since my girlfriend isn't here to relieve all sorts of tension in my—"

"Fuck off." Julia ended the call with a disgusted look. "The Hell does he have to be my support?" Her eyes brushed over the article of the escaped and recaptured princess. How is such a tourist hotspot so bad that its own princess spent three years plotting her escape? She went back to look at the invitation. A silent auction for the bastards of the underworld.

She gripped her Compact. I can't wait.

°•°•°•°

The room was unceremoniously lit with the panel of Lacrima Screens that beheld data, maps, and coding (although one screen was playing an EMPHASIS comeback that had live-streamed earlier this evening and this was a replay of the event). Fingers flew across the keyboard to keep up with the data stream. A target kept locking onto a series of dates and transporting them to a calendar while another target locked on groups of numbers and running them through a satellite map. All the action figures and popped features gleamed from the bright light of the monitors.

"T.A.D.A.S.H.I."

T.A.D.A.S.H.I. arrived in the room in the blink of an eye and bowed to his creator. "Sir?"

"Put me into contact with HYPE Entertainment the first thing tomorrow morning," came command. "Let them know that their largest stockholder will be mandating a vacation for Kyary. EMPHASIS has a reset from the back half of April to May. I'm not asking them—I'm telling them."

"As you wish, sir," T.A.D.A.S.H.I. obeyed. "I have put in an urgent email to the chairman and head manager of EMPHASIS, sir. I have checked their meetings and have already made the arrangements for you to be addressed first."

"Thank you, T.A.D.A.S.H.I." A pause. "Did The Forge's apprentice take the deal? I can't remember."

"No, sir," T.A.D.A.S.H.I. reported. "Shall I submit a counteroffer or reach out for a meeting? Should I render subliminal messages again?"

"No. Better to let this one resolve itself without our help." Keys pressed down in a flurry of passion. "Put in a request for me to have a private meeting with Emir Kareem on April XX. Let him know the topic is about a breeder's bid."

"Of course, sir."

"That's all, T.A.D.A.S.H.I. Thank you."

T.A.D.A.S.H.I. bowed. "You're welcome, sir." And he blipped away.

Fingers kept moving as the blurred reflection of data scavenging reflected on the sleek VR goggles before the fingers stopped and an answer revealed itself. Just as those numbers Luke gave me predicted. The screens pieced together to show a stream of data that merged to show Shamballa from a satellite angle and particular coordinates. The screens jerked to move in closer until the coordinates were given a clear light of what they were pinned on.

It showed the first set of numbers he gave me were the dates. But now it seems the second set were coordinates. But nothing is in order, which is what I can't understand. Why wouldn't the dates match the same order as the coordinates and why aren't the dates in order?

Those VR goggles looked up at the grand, ultramodern Burj Al'umi Hotel that towered over Shamballa with its sleek design. And what do all these dates and places have in common?

---

The big band song washed over Silver and Ena as they kept swaying underneath the moonlight with no more than the stars as their spectators. But as the jazz song about a returned lost love started up again, Ena could not keep back her smile.

"You put the song on repeat, didn't you?" Ena softly teased him.

Silver flushed, but he chortled with her. "I'm not that great with jazz music," he admitted with a note of apology. "I can turn it off if you want—"

"No." A breathed word against his clothes. "It's okay. It sounds foolish of me, but I… Well, if you let go now, I have that feeling I'll feel the other feelings from before." A hummed titter. "Silly, isn't it?"

Silver lightly shook his head. "I don't think that at all," he promised her. "That's why I liked holding you. It felt like you were there with me and safe. It's stupid, but—"

"It's not stupid," Ena assured him. "I didn't think that before, and I certainly don't know."

"O-Oh. Okay then."

They rocked in a steady spin as the trumpet blew his horn high and swung it low.

"Did Gary…really beg for death?"

Silver frowned. He was not offended. The question had spilled out unsure and hesitant. "He wasn't all there all the time." He had to tread carefully telling a tale that was not his own. "Some days and nights were better than others. And some were worse." Blues saddened. "In the end, he moved out. He thought it was better for him to move out and take his demons with him since he thought he'd be helping us in the long run. But it made things worse for a while. We'd make all these excuses to sleep over or help him out. But then…"

Ena prompted, "'Then'…?"

"Mom came home in tears from her visit to see him," Silver told him. "He didn't hurt her physically or anything like that. But he snapped. She wasn't crying because he snapped at her. She was crying because what he said about himself had been so horrible. But we gave him his space. Dad was the only one he let come to see him once a week, but he'd always have a drink after coming back home." His nostrils flared to capture a damp scent threaded into Ena's sweetness. "Don't be sad, mistress."

"I can't imagine what it must've been like for your family." Ena truly could not. "I know people conventionally say, 'I'm sorry' in these situations, but…"

A funny smile claimed Silver's lips. "But there's nothing to be sorry for when you weren't the one who kidnapped him," he finished for her. "It's okay, Mistress. It took some time, but we moved past things."

"I see."

They kept swaying.

"Did they plan to take you too?"

Silver knew Ena meant his own capture and vividly remembered Caeryssa's eyes. "I think so. I'm not sure. What they told me was that I had something inside me that was hidden. And this woman used her powers to bring it out of me."

"Maybe that explains your headaches and attacks?"

"Maybe." But Silver was unsure about certain aspects of that sort of pain. "They had us in cages. I think they might've planned to sell the others." He tightened his hold on Ena to anchor himself in the present and not the deplorable past. "Before I blacked out, T'oree and Cade helped me. T'oree did this…thing to snap me out of whatever was happening to me. And I watched them…watched them get shot in front of me."

Ena tightened her hold on Silver as a silent gesture of I'm here.

"It happened so fast. I thought it worked in movies like that, but… Cade was shot right before my eyes."

A crumbled Cade flat on his backpack. His skateboard awkwardly beside him.

"And then… Miss Tori was shot."

T'oree—the fierce Vanhallan Princess of the three suns—in a heap of herself, the clear shock registering on her face before she fell limp.

"They wouldn't wake up when the Hunters closed in," Silver rasped as the affair passed through his eyes. "I couldn't defend them. I got shot and I was out. When I woke up, I was in a cage." He blinked away any tears. Now was not the time for them. "I was… She…touched me…"

"Aw, look at the poor thing." A coo that made his stomach flip. "There, there, little boy, nothing to be afraid of."

Hollow eyes void of life. "Stay still, Silver."

"When I would pass out from the pain, they'd force me awake." Undiluted horrors of the past plagued those blues, a tormented ocean. "I thought I could fight back. But they wouldn't stop punching me until I couldn't fight. I tried to be brave like my parents. But I couldn't."

"It has nothing to do with bravery," Ena told him with traces of sorrow. "You were badly hurt by people who had no right to touch you, Silver."

"They said something was inside me." A numbness threatened to talk over Silver to keep back the memories of nightmarish agony that could make a weaker person wretch. "They wanted it out. And that woman…Nano Leaf…she said…she'd make me less painful for me since my dad saved her once. But I remember feeling it. I could her…inside me. She was ripping me apart from the inside—"

"Silver."

Those blues about to gloss over with the past connected with the dark chocolates of his present.

"You are strong."

Those blues, dulled with the past's trauma, lightened in perplexity.

"You are one of the hardest works I know," Ena continued. "You persist even when you shouldn't. You are loyal and kind."

"What…?" A slight pink gifted Silver's cheeks as he blinked away his past to look down at Ena in a combination of surprise, embarrassment, and confusion. "Ena…"

"You have amazing friends and family. You're a gifted athlete. And you try every day without fail to do better than the day before." Ena looked up at him, searching his gaze and smiling when she saw what she needed.

But Silver did not understand. "What are you saying? Why did you…?"

"I'm not practiced when it comes to emotions," Ena admitted. "I'm used to distance. L is the only one I ever felt compelled to help when she was hurt or upset. She's my best friend." She tipped her head to the side. "But you matter to me too, as a friend. I was wrong in the way I tried to comfort you before. I wasn't giving you what you needed. I was giving you what I thought you needed."

"It's fine, really," Silver insisted. "I just needed some space, that's all."

"I know. But I know me pressing didn't help," Ena told him. "You're my friend too, Silver. I don't want you to feel like you have to hide when you're upset. I'm going to try harder to be what you need when you're upset if…"—her confidence wavered for uncertainty and a slight fear of being turned away—"if that's something you want, of course. If it's not, I understand."

Silver could not help but look down at Ena in utter admiration. She wants…to be what I need. He decided to be honest with her. "I don't get upset about much, but… You're the first person I've been open about with my capture."

Ena raised a challenging eyebrow. "Even L doesn't know?"

"Okay, second."

They exchanged grins.

"But it's different, y'know?" Silver could get lost in those browns as the starlight imprint in them made them look so beautiful and right. "Yeah, I tell Lulu everything just like you do, but… It's different with you." He blushed and his blues went to the shy, nervous and shy. "Is that…? Is that something you think too? If it isn't, you can forget I said anything—"

"It's different," Ena said softly with a touch of confusion. "I don't understand why it feels different. I can trust L with almost everything. But when I talk to you…" She blanked. "Sometimes, I feel sick."

It was like lightning struck Silver. At least she's honest.

As he silently mourned her confession, Ena continued: "But most of the time, I feel… Well, I…" A hint of light pink touched her flesh. "I trust you. And I feel better when I speak to you and I feel…safe with you. It's like you're my therapy dog."

More lightning struck Silver, and he could imagine his pride dying in an early grave. She doesn't need to be this brutally honest! He turned his head away to keep his pout to himself. "After all this, I'm still nothing more than a pet for you, huh, mistress?" he muttered.

Ena hummed her giggle. "I'm not a pet person to begin with. So you're lucky I've made an exception for you." She could see Silver's pout thicken and decided to put him out of his misery. "But I see you as more than a pet—"

"Really?"

Ena squinted when an eager and bright aura beamed around Silver. Oh god, he's becoming shiny again. Just like a puppy. She sighed. "Yes, Silver, I see you as more."

"Like how?"

"Excuse me?"

"How do you see me?"

"Well, I…" Ena did not like nor understand why Silver's innocent question made her nape heat or fluster her. I'm feeling hot again. Am I coming down with something? She tried to stave off the answer, "Oh, well, you know. I see you as more."

Silver nudged her. "Ena…"

She huffed. This boy was going to give her chronic breathing problems. "Fine. If you must know…" She heaved a breath, but she could not bring herself to look at him. "Before I thought you were immature and coarse and unrefined, like a blithering idiot—"

Silver inwardly cried. Please don't hold my stupidity against me!

"—but…!" Another sigh. "As I got to know you, past all the pettiness… Well…" A heat nipped her cheeks and ears. "I noticed you were sweet and very kind." The words she was reluctant to part with tumbled freely without her to stop them. "You're a phenomenal chef and tea brewer. You can organize and plan at the drop of a hat. You're a talented artist and it impressed me to know you could knit and embroider considering your insults to my passion."

Silver panicked, even though Ena's jab was lighthearted. "I was being stupid!" he scrambled to say. "I was being really stupid—!"

"Yes, I know." Ena looked up with eyes gleaning amusement. "It seems even a queen's servant can have moments of stupidity."

Relief filled Silver she was not upset (nor going to bring out her swords on him). "I can't even be Prince Charming in this fantasy?"

"No. You're no Prince Charming." But Ena's gaze sparkled as though she were figuring out an intricate puzzle. "But it seems I misjudged you. You're much more thoughtful and caring. Maybe you've always been. Sometimes, I'll look at you working and wonder why I didn't see it there before."

"I think the same when I see you." Silver licked his lips, his heart beating a little faster. "Lulu was always trying to tell me, but I ignored her. Instead, we argued all the time."

"I like you better this way." A teasing grin slid onto Ena's face. "You look more adorable flustered."

Silver pouted. "Like a puppy, right?"

"Well…" But the agreement escaped Ena when the moon hit at the right angle to give Silver's shadow a healthy white glow, and she caught those gleaming blues that rivaled the blues of the ocean. Or perhaps those blues caught her instead in that hypnotic gaze. "Your eyes…"

Those blues intensified. "You told me you like my eyes," Silver breathed.

"Yes." A hushed agreement like speaking louder would disturb this peculiar intensity that had sucked her in. "I've seen many blues eyes, but… Your eyes… They look like the sea." Hints of rain and the calms of the sea filled her nose. "You smell like rain sometimes…and the ocean." An admission she could not take back. Maybe she did not even realize what she had admitted.

"You smell sweet," Silver confessed to her, tone as breathy and quiet as hers.

"I do?" A whisper.

"Yeah." Silver could taste that alluring sweetness and felt his teeth ache for a moment. That stir spurred him to do something, but he could not do a thing right now. His ears pricked to hear a racing heart that matched his own. Her heart's beating fast like mine. And she smells so sweet. "Ena?"

"Yes?"

"I…" Silver felt like ensnared prey to those melted dark chocolates gazing up at him. All those words he never thought he would say now of all times pressed onto his tongue for a desperate release. But even wrapped in this intensity—this connection—trickles of fear bugged him. Yet he did not want to shatter this illusion. He wanted to covet this moment. "I really… I…"

"Yes?" Ena whispered in prompt, too drunk off this connection herself.

An invigorated swell of sweetness hit Silver to the point he could have swayed on his feet. But it bolstered him and did away with his fear. His lips moved—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

HYU…

HYU…

HYU…

DON-DON-DON-DON!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver and Ena paused to look up as explosions bombarded the sky in colorful disarray. It was strange to call an explosion "beautiful" like it was an oxymoron of some sort, but the explosions inaugurated a fleeting beauty of those fireworks with their whites and reds and greens and golds. Everyone at the ball had hurried into the courtyard to bask in the sparkling array lighting the sky.

A tipsy Octavius was crooning about how the beauty could not compare to Circe while the person he unleashed this on had a tick mark on their temple. Yunifer watched with dazzled eyes, but when she glanced to see Mauve watching her, her jaw clenched. Odette jerked when a hand brushed hers, but upon looking up, she flushed how close Alexandreux had gotten and how his eyes were on her.

Beatrice found the spectacle a treat, but when Marinette clung to her with her arm circling her waist and that sunny smile, she lost her frostiness for a moment and let Marinette stay with her. Eros could not be happier for his sister or his friend, but the huff at his side let him know Sylvie was still in a foul mood. Nora came over to nudge his half-sister only for her to sniff at him. But when he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, she gave up her bad attitude to calm down and enjoy the display.

Denver had a touch of sadness as he watched the fireworks. My Mona… If only you were here now. He closed his eyes with a quiet breath. I'm not sure how you'd react to everything that's happened. But I've done my best.

"Denver?"

He opened his eyes to look down at the concerned Irina as she whispered, "Are you okay?"

Denver faintly nodded before turning back to the spectacle. It wasn't easy. Our children and our close friends couldn't understand it. Some still don't. But I've done as you asked me to, my love. His eyes flickered to Mother Clarion and Father Johannes. I can only hope what you asked of me to do all those years ago won't be in vain.

°•°•°•°

Silver felt Ena's silent sigh and peered down at her, concerned. "Everything okay, mistress?"

"I'm fine." Ena closed her eyes against him. "It's been an exhausting trip. I think I'm feeling the aftereffects. I'm sure you think poorly of me."

"I don't." Silver took the lead as he rocked them to the big band sound while the haze of fireworks lit up the sky. "We can return to the annex if you want. Nora said he'd handle your disappearance from the ball. Or if you want to go back to the ball, we can."

Ena was quiet for a long moment. "I want to stay."

"Okay. Sure." Silver tried not to feel crestfallen his time was up. "Let me just turn off the music—"

"You misunderstand me." Ena pulled back with those dark chocolates glinting in something sweet and kind. "I'd like to stay here. Just for a little while longer."

Silver shifted his head so his forehead rested against hers. "Are you sure?"

"Mmm." Ena nudged to rest her cheek to his chest. "I missed you." Maybe she had not meant to say such a confession aloud. Maybe she hoped the wind would carry them away if her words were quite enough or the explosions would drown them out. Maybe she hoped that her words got muffled and lost in translation as she pressed them into his clothes.

But Silver heard them nonetheless, words that made his heart sigh and that stir in his chest pleasantly purr. In the end, I couldn't tell her. It's not the right time for me to do so. But…I can't help but feel happy she missed me. It makes me feel like maybe she could notice me one day. Eyes closed, he rocked with her and whispered just as quietly as she had, "I missed you too, mistress."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

You'll never know how many dreams I dream about you

Or just how empty they all seem without you

So kiss me once, then kiss me twice

Then kiss me once again

It's been a long, long time

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

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Birds chirped outside, ready to start their day. Nests needed to be built and reestablished for some while others were in the process of laying eggs and safeguarding them from birds of prey that would not hesitate to steal an egg for their meal. The sun had peaked over the horizon to wake up all those he lorded over and reminded them to start their day. Vacuums went off as workers cleaned the estate. As long as the master and mistress of the house were awake, the workers had good authority to use vacuums. The Hall of Knights was already operational as the early morning condition had concluded and Yunifer was barking commands for drills.

Silver's bed had been stripped of its bedding with all his clothes packed up and ready to be taken down. But he was not in his room.

SUYA… SUYA…

Ena's belongings were packed and accounted for. Ena snored softly with the sheets bunched up around and her eye mask on. She had taken her intricate hairstyle down so she could sleep in a messy bun.

NORO… NORO…

A tray with prepared tea slid onto the nightstand before weight added to the bed. Gentle fingers brushed her cheek. "Mistress? It's time to get up."

Ena snorted and smacked her lips (all ladylike of course), but she grunted. "Someone better be dying if you dared to disturb my slumber."

"You slept in, Mistress."

Ena sighed. "A lady never sleeps in, Silver. Everyone else simply wakes up early."

A chuckle. "Yes, Mistress."

She moved up her rejuvenation eye mask to see Silver patiently waiting for her, showered and dressed for the day. "You abandoned me."

"You're cranky because you haven't drunken your tea yet, Mistress," Silver told her as he picked up the teacup and offered it to her. "You would've been more upset if I stayed and didn't have your tea ready."

Ena hmphed as she took her tea. "Perhaps." The first sip of her tea was the one she always savored. "Are we ready to leave?"

Silver nodded. "I confirmed Mister Hollifield's ETA. He'll be here at eleven as promised. Nora wants to have a private breakfast with you in his study when you're ready."

"I understand." Ena took another sip of her tea. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine." Silver was truthful in that. "I had coffee so I'm wide awake." He smiled a little when Ena's hand reached out to cup his cheek. He played his hand on top of hers, those blues soft and affectionate. "Do you want me to draw you a bath, Mistress?"

"No, not this morning. I have final goodbyes I'd like to do since I was unable to do them last night," Ena reasoned. Her eyes dipped, shy, when Silver claimed her hand to kiss her knuckles. "Why do you do that?"

"What?"

"You don't need to kiss my hand, Silver," Ena mumbled. "You don't know where it's been."

Silver popped up an eyebrow. "You are one of the most hygienic people I have ever met, and this was before I started working for you. You'd always snap at me to use hand sanitizer every single time Lulu got us to go out for food or…anything else."

"Because the world is a dirty place," Ena defended. "You don't know what you're touching. I'm saving you from potential disease. You should be grateful."

Silver snickered. "Yes, Mistress." He thumbed her knuckles. "Please let me do this," he requested, timbre tender. "If it bothers you, mistress, I'll stop, but… Please let me."

"I…" Ena pursed her lips when Silver kissed her hand again. "I'll allow it for now," she supposed quietly. She set down her tea and laid back to close her eyes.

Silver frowned, worried. "Are you still tired?"

"A little," Ena yawned. "Would you lay with me for a bit?" She could feel Silver's shifting and the bed dipped. His presence couched her own when he felt him nudge her into a light hold, nothing restrictive or trapping, just a simple touch that sparked more awareness than she understood. "After this week, I feel like I need a vacation." She turned her head into Silver's touch when he brushed her flyaways.

"Would you like me to set up something, Mistress?"

Ena slowly exhaled. "No. Our trip to Caelum is next month. I'm sure I'll enjoy myself there." She fully shifted to her side with her nose seeking out Silver's scent like it was instinct. She was too tired to realize her actions or think them through. She followed what she wanted and buried into Silver's warmth.

Silver watched her in quiet reverence. "I can arrange a day for you at Balsam Village if you'd like, Mistress."

"That sounds heavenly," Ena murmured. "I'll have to ask L if she'd like to come. If she's up to leave Magnolia, I think she'll like Balsam."

"I think she would do," Silver agreed. "Gary used to take me all the time."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Silver smiled at the memories. "I know it sounds weird, but we both like spa days. It feels relaxing. Julia hates them, though." He chuckled. "She told us she never understood how she had brothers whenever we'd ask her if she wanted to come with us."

Ena lazily hummed. "Everyone needs a spa day. You're more than welcome to come join me and L."

Silver hummed. "Thanks for letting me be honest about myself," he told her. He hurried to add, "It's not like my friends wouldn't accept me or anything, but…"

"I understand," Ena promised him. "And it's no problem. I want all my friends to live their truth and be comfortable."

"I know." Silver smiled when Ena curled into him. "Mistress, you have to get up. You have breakfast, remember?" But he kept his thoughts to himself. I wouldn't mind a day we could stay and cuddle like this, though. He inhaled her scent. She smells sweet, but she smells like me too. The stir within him felt satisfied and at ease with this knowledge.

Ena pulled away. "Yes, I suppose it's time to get ready for breakfast and our departure." She clasped her hands and pulled up her arms to stretch and arch her back. The smile on her face could not be stopped when Silver got off the bed to offer his hand. Her hand slid into his. "I'm not this much of an invalid that I need help getting out of bed."

The corners of Silver's lips twitched as his eyes danced in mirth. "Of course not, mistress." But he helped her to her feet regardless. "I pressed and hung your outfit for today and approved of the breakfast menu."

"Thank you." Ena cocked her head. "Do you want to help me get dressed?"

"What!" A furious red burned Silver's face as he leaped back from her, scandalized. "I-I-I-I—!"

Ena laughed behind a hand. "I'm teasing, Silver. You were acting so mature. I just had to be sure it was still you."

Silver huffed, puffing his cheeks, but the red would not fade. "That wasn't funny," he grumbled.

"I'm sorry." She surprised Silver when she reached up to kiss his forehead. "Forgive me. You're too easy to tease. It's cute." She passed him with her fingers living a burning imprint on his cheek. "Give me twenty minutes. I'll be ready soon enough."

"U-Um, sure." Silver waited until Ena closed the door to the bathroom to cover his face and slowly sink down into a crouch. One hand slid to clutch the material over his speeding heart. She really shouldn't tease me so much. He covered his eyes. I can only take so much of this, mistress.

°•°•°•°

Nora had his hair parted in a topknot with the rest down and had decided on a button-down today while he dissected the correspondence his father had sidelined for him to examine, edit, and approve or bring about a denial and his reasons for why it should be denied. He had gone over expenditures and now he moved on to the itinerary for the summer marchion tour. His eyes narrowed when he saw one of the stops.

HOLY EYE PARISH

THE FIRST TEMPLE OF HER

Nora rubbed his jaw as he looked at the destination. Hmm…

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

He set down the itinerary to press a button to the kitchen. "Enter."

Ena had opened the door and peered inside, alone and dressed in a comfortable red and blue polka dot twofer dress that mimicked a voluminous mock neck top and a bodycon skirt. "Good morning."

Nora smiled seeing her as she closed the door behind her. "Good morning." He got up and gestured to the square table at the center of the room. "Please. Breakfast will be here shortly."

"Thank you." Ena moved to the table, but a shy smile betrayed her when Nora got there first and pulled a chair out for her. "Thank you. You're being far too gracious with me."

"I'd say not gracious enough." He took her in before taking the seat beside her just as the servant's door opened up. A smiley worker came in with a cart and amused helloes as though she knew what was happening. Once she deposited the trays and drinks, she bowed and hurried away.

Ena laughed when the worker had deposited a vase with a single rose. "Should I assume they're hoping for something more to happen?"

But Nora was not happy at all when he saw a note attached to the rose. "No. This is a rose from Atticus' garden. And my guess is that it's a note for you."

Ena sobered. "Ah. I see." Carefully, she plucked the note from the rose and unraveled it to look at Atticus' beautiful calligraphy.

My sweet rose,

I'm afraid I can't wish you farewell, but it was a delight to meet you.

Perhaps for your next visit, you could bring your lovely cereus as she blossoms.

I would love for a proper introduction to such a rare beauty.

We will meet again.

Atticus

Ena hardened and folded the note into her palm. Nora watched her and asked, "Something wrong?"

"Your brother is insistent to meet the dancer I was with at the Yule Cotillion is all," Ena told him. "He's been rather insistent to make her acquaintance and makes it no secret he's an admirer."

And now, all I wish is to turn back time and tell L to have stayed home. I don't like he's pushing to meet her. But I know he's doing this as a courtesy. If he wanted to, he could exert his rank. She crushed the note. Bastard.

"I'll be on the lookout if Atticus leaves any paper trails of investigating your friend," Nora offered. "I'd like to think Atticus wouldn't do anything…inappropriate, but I've never been able to read him. Society thinks he's the perfect and friendly son and I know there's talk of holding a traditional courtship ball for him since he's so popular. But Odette and I have always been cautious of him. Even Mother and Father are. But Sylvie adores him."

"And Duke Alexandreux." Ena watched as Nora unveiled their breakfast. For her, it was a cheese, spinach, and mushroom omelet with a blueberry muffin and potatoes while Nora had settled on eggs over medium with hash, toast, and bacon. "How is she after last night?"

"She's still not talking to Odette and would've mauled Eros if I hadn't stepped in, but Father knows about her foul mood," Nora sighed. He poured them both water even though there were morning cocktails for both of them. "She'll get over it once he buys her something she wants. I'm sorry about her behavior last night. She can be a bit of a brat sometimes." He chuckled. "But she got really quiet when Eros loudly told Father he wanted to speak with him about her debutante ball."

Ena laughed as she dug into her breakfast. "What's the story there?"

"I'm not sure. Eros has been a friend of Odette's since I came here," Nora explained. "They were usually each other's dates and wrote letters. But I remember when we were younger, Sylvie suddenly hated Eros. At first, we were all pretty shocked and Eros didn't know why she started hating him, but now he's used to it and pretty much ignores her and handles her tantrums." He raised his cocktail. "Tristan thinks Sylvie had a crush on Eros."

"She certainly has a trend of liking men older than her," Ena remarked. "Speaking of Tristan, how did you manage to sneak him in?"

"He has his connections," Nora said with a slight grin. "He had to leave directly after the party, but you'll see him soon."

"Yes. Sylvie's ball." Ena tilted her head at Nora. "I'm assuming I'm invited and not crashing the party. I mean, my guild is notorious for party-crashing…"

"No. But that's something I want to talk to you about." Nora stopped eating to adopt a serious look. "I wanted to ask if you would be my date to Sylvie's debutante ball. She'll send you your own invitation of course, so you're free to come alone."

"But it would be better for me to be your official guest to garner support that we're interested in each other," Ena finished for him with the quirk of her lips. "I take it you're not as upset with me as you were yesterday?"

"Truthfully, I was annoyed but not angry."

"Really?" Ena remained amusedly unconvinced.

Nora sighed. "Yes. Really. I didn't like that you went behind my back when I said we'd talk about it, but I realized you were right to take the opportunity." Grayed yellows darkened. "The Holy Eye runs too deep and too wide for myself and Tristan to handle this alone."

"Tristan?"

Nora nodded. "He might be a flirt and has scandals all around him, but he has more knowledge and inside resources about history and well-kept secrets than I'd ever get. But even with us two, it'd be difficult to get far. With their interest in your Enchantment, it'd prove easier for us to cover more ground." He added, "But there's still a risk for you."

"I know." And Ena did know. "But I still don't know who attacked me. And I still don't understand why they're collecting Enchanters. Those are answers I want to get. So I don't mind the risks. And this time, I won't be alone when I face those risks."

Nora hummed. "I take it you and Silver are talking again? You look less miserable than before."

"I wasn't miserable," Ena protested, though her ears tinged pink. "And yes, we did." Dark chocolates softened. "I guess, no matter how much I've trained and prided myself on my strength…I still have a lot to learn in life and friendship."

"Nothing to be ashamed of, not having all the answers and still needing to learn," murmured Nora. "Father tells me the same, that he's learning every day from a different experience. We might have teachers for science and our swords, but sometimes life is the best teacher."

"Very wise," Ena complimented. "And very true." Although…

Vibrant mayan blues.

For as clumsy as he is…—Ena gripped her glass with a fond smile—it feels like he's teaching me more and more than I realize.

She downed a gulp of her cocktail before she inquired, "Have you found a new weapon to suit you?"

"I plan to visit the armory. If nothing feels right to me, I'll use the summer marchion tour to seek out a swordsmith and see if any of their weapons feel right to me," Nora explained.

But Ena frowned. "What about the weapons of the annex?"

Nora shook his head. "I'm sure you could feel it. Those are older weapons that were crafted allegedly from The Forge. The reason they were retired was because of their weight."

"'Weight'?"

"The Forge crafted weapons with their own personality—their own free will," Nora reminded her. "And those weapons in the annex are tired from fighting and ready to sleep. And to show that, they might not have increased in size, but their density significantly increased to make it impossible for them to wield. Other weapons committed a sort of suicide. They made themselves breakable to shatter if they were used."

"I've heard rumors about that," Ena said, stunned, "but it's incredible that it can happen." She could feel Lunagr'an and Soledia fill her with assurances and promises to never commit the same faith. "Although, my swords are making sure I know they'd never do that." She shook her head. "It'd be nice to meet The Forge. They created weapons that were second to none. It's a shame they closed their school."

"Her age is rumored to be older than even some of the oldest Wizards," Nora gave to her. "It might've been her time to retire. But her teachings live on with her students, even if they don't share her craftsmanship. They're brilliant Enchanters. But that last apprentice she had… I think many people were hopeful they'd sway him if even The Forge thought his abilities were great. He would've helped generate weapons for armies."

"That could've been his reason against it," Ena debated. "Look at Wizards. It's outlawed for guilds to be contracted for war, but it's still legal across the board for independent Wizards to be drafted while Spiritless can enlist. And countries are making it more difficult for guilds to be established or even maintain themselves under strict ruling. Her apprentice might've seen the damage happening around the world, knew his creations would've been used for war like hers had been, and refused."

Nora entertained the theory. "It would make sense." He changed the topic. "But if he nor The Forge could make me a weapon, the tour will be a good way for me to find a weapon. Most Holy Knights have a weapon from The Forge passed down from families and those who don't go through a secret ritual to procure one. But it's better for me to have my own weapon."

"You mentioned the 'summer marchion tour', but what does that mean?"

"With Sylvie's ball in June, Father will be taking us around Fiore for personal introductions and meetings. Since Sylvie is a lady, she'll have more responsibilities like Odette and it'll give her better opportunities for one on ones with anyone she might be interested in," Nora explained. "And since it's social season, the tour is mandatory in a way." He cocked his head with a slow smile. "You could come with me."

Ena snorted. "Amusing."

"It would build rapport between us and help spread rumors," Nora incentivized mischievously. "You'd be expected to stand at my side and make me look good."

Ena arched an eyebrow. "Really?"

"No. You'd be expected to know about politics, current events, and have to speak at length about your profession."

Ena brightened. "Now that I can get on board with," she tittered. "But I regretfully decline. Minstrel will be having men's fashion week, then Pergrande has back-to-back men's and haute couture, and then I fly to the USM for swim week."

"If you have me the dates, I'm sure we could align it with the tour," Nora casually suggested.

Ena offered him an incredulous smile. "You're serious."

Nora shrugged with eyes glinted in mischief. "Perhaps."

"Oh." Ena stopped tucking in her breakfast and her smile faded. "I'm not even your official companion. We haven't even discussed those sorts of details—"

"Which we will." Nora leaned towards her. "We've sown the seeds that there's a growing interest between us. We'll have to discuss the further semantics to trick high society and the Holy Eye that interest in blooming into something more if we want to accomplish both of your goals. You wouldn't have to join my family for the official tour. But if you were my companion to a few events, it would help support our pretend 'courtship', so to speak."

Ena found it hard to argue with that. "Yes, but…" She shook her head. "Nora…" She jumped when his fingers slid onto her jaw. Her cheek or her hand—she did not know which one was warm. Maybe both were.

"But not everything is necessarily pretend, My Lady," he murmured with a beguiling smile and a magnetic drawl. "Some things are very much real."

Ena blinked and tried to work her mouth for a response, but nothing came out.

Nora smoothly slid away from her to go back to his breakfast. "I'm sure you'll enjoy your fashion weeks. Is this the first time you've gone to them?" His eyes glinted in mischief when Ena was still reeling. "Ena?"

"Y-Yes. I mean no…" Ena blinked out of her surprised daze.

Nora retained his amusement. "Are you sure about that?"

"No." Ena found her footing and cleared her throat. "No, this isn't my first fashion week and it will certainly not be my last. My mentor took me with him to a few fashion weeks and shows since I met him to get the experience. He'll be accompanying me during these shows since my house will be presenting for the first time this summer."

"Congratulations are in order then," Nora told her, impressed. "Are you nervous?"

Ena sheepishly laughed. "A little. I never expected my house to grow by such a large margin. Gigi—my mentor—has been wonderful helping me with connections. He had to hold my hand when I first started, but when he told me he'd be stepping back, it was nerve-wracking. But he told me to trust my house since they've never let me down."

"And it helps you have quite the assistant," Nora told her.

"Yes." A deep and sincere smile brightened Ena's expression. "I never thought he'd take his position so seriously, but he's managed to impress me. And for all his hard work, he deserves some relief."

"Uh-oh." Nora grinned. "That sounds like you have a plan in mind."

Ena smiled into her next drink, but she offered no reply.

Nora snickered. "Have your secrets. It's impolite to pry a lady of them."

"Thank you, My Lord," Ena said good-naturedly.

"Finish your breakfast," Nora said with an amused shake of his head. "Your driver will be here shortly and you still have your farewells."

"I know." Ena paused taking her next bite to adopt a soft look. "Thank you for everything, Nora. And I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused."

Nora shrugged. "The wing can be rebuilt. The investigation will continue. But you're not at fault for the tragedy this week, so there's no reason to apologize. We'll figure out the reason behind our attack and the explosion." While Ena looked troubled, Nora took hold of her hand to bring her attention to him. "Ena, the only thing you are responsible for is dueling against me. Nothing more. If you feel bad about anything, feel bad about the hit to my reputation."

"You don't need any pity from me," Ena muttered.

"On the contrary, I think every gentleman would be beside himself having a beautiful lady soothe his bruised pride," Nora jested. "And as my partner in crime, it'd be fitting to have you fit the role, wouldn't it?"

Ena tilted her head with a narrowed-eyed smirk. "Hmm. You're cute. But this lady doesn't baby those who aren't actual babies. Your pride will heal. And if I feel your ego has gotten too big"—she shrugged—"I'll simply defeat you again."

"I'd say that our duel wasn't fair given the circumstances," Nora ribbed. "Will someone with honor truly count that as a win?"

"I might have honor, but I'm from Fairy Tail. And where I'm from, My Lord"—Ena leaned forward with mischief in her dark regard—"a win is a win, fair or dirty. I'd watch your back if I were you. And don't take your eyes off me for a second when we duel again."

"Believe me, My Lady"—Nora's eyes dropped to Ena's lips before those grayed yellows burned into dark chocolates—"it's hard enough for me to take my eyes off you as is."

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK.

"Mistress?"

Nora chuckled as he sat back. "He must have some sort of radar." He hollered, "Enter!"

Ena frowned at Nora. "What do you mean by that?" But she got no answer when he shook his head. Huffing, she looked back to see Silver waiting at the door and broke into a smile when she noticed him glaring daggers at Nora. He's cute when he's protective. He'll have to get used to it, though, once Nora and I outline our agreement. "What is it, Silver?"

"We're almost ready to leave," Silver told her as he dragged his gaze back to Ena. "I just, um, wanted to let you know…"

"We'll be finished with breakfast soon," Ena assured him. "Double check the room and make sure Bianchi semi-ridge is on the very top. I want my Bendi Baguette with me for the drive back home."

Silver quickly nodded. "Understood, mistress. I have your tortoiseshell oversized sunglasses ready."

"Brown-brown or black-brown?"

"Black-brown."

Ena smiled. "Well done. Thank you, Silver. We'll be done soon."

Silver's eyes lit up at her praise. "Yes, mistress." He passed Nora a cursory look and a nod before he stepped away and shut the doors.

"He certainly knows your needs," Nora commented.

Ena turned back to her breakfast. "He's observant, something I never pegged him for, but… Perhaps it's something I simply didn't see before." She frowned and paused taking up her morsel when Nora's shoulder shook in his mirth. "Something funny?"

"It's nothing," Nora assured. He lifted his drink. "I just have a feeling he pays extra attention to you and observing you, My Lady."

"Well, yes." Ena still did not understand. "That's his job."

"I suppose it is." Nora took a sip of his drink and casually remarked, "Though it'll soon be my job as well." He cracked a grin. "And I'll know your every need."

The way Nora had purred the words brought a tinge of red to Ena's cheeks. "We should finish breakfast. I wouldn't want to keep anyone waiting." Her ears burned a little as she caught Nora's low laughter.

°•°•°•°

Mister Holifield was outside the SUV as he waited by the backdoor to open it and escort his ward inside. The parade to wish Ena farewell was as big as her arrival reception with spared workers coming out to give her their respected goodbyes alongside the knights stationed at the estate and everyone in-between.

"I'm going to miss you so much!"

Ena held a comically crying Sylvie in an embrace as she sniveled. "I'll miss you too," she cooed, patting Sylvie's back. "But you'll see me soon for your fitting for your debutante dress, remember?"

"That's right!" Somehow, all of Sylvie's tears were cleared up at the mention and pulled back to beam at Ena. "And my dress will definitely catch me a few knights since someone already took the Duke!"

Odette sighed when her sister shot her a sour look, but she aimed her smile at Ena and welcomed the hug. "We were happy to host you," she told Ena. "I'm so sorry your visit had so much drama to it, but I promise you the next time we'll need, there will be significantly less."

Ena pulled away with a cocked eyebrow. "That will be on Sylvie's debutante ball."

"You're right." Odette tittered and whispered, "Then be in for quite the show."

They shared a laugh before Ena moved on to Irina and Denver with a curtsy. "Thank you for your hospitality and generosity, Most Honorable Marchioness and Marquis," she appreciated. "I shall not forget your grace and kindness."

"It was wonderful to have you here, Ena," Irina enthused and added in hope, "Perhaps we'll see you soon?"

"Come now, Irina, I think it might be too soon for that," Denver good-naturedly scolded.

Irina chuckled. "A mother can hope."

"Actually…" Ena deliberately slid her eyes to Nora and held his gaze. "I hope so too."

Sylvie gaped, Odette and Denver tried not to laugh, and Irina looked all too excited. Nora raised his eyebrows, but he did not hide his amused smile from Ena's claim.

Denver said, "Well, my dear, thank you for the delightful conversation and our match. I appreciated getting to know you and I hope the Black Sun Sword treats you well as it was meant to."

"Thank you, My Lord. I'll treat her well." Ena's lips twitched. "I should warn. If you keep asking for a rematch, I might win the entire set from you."

Denver's eyes twinkled. "I look forward to it. Be safe. I know we'll meet again."

Ena curtsied once more and murmured her gratitude before she moved to the waiting Nora. "I feel like our goodbye is a little unnecessary, but here we are."

"Here we are," Nora agreed. "I had a runner give you information to Lady Beatrice and Lady Marinette upon your request. I'm sure they'll contact you after the exams. Technology isn't necessarily banned, but during the trials and the exam, it's frowned upon to use Compacts."

"I understand," Ena assured. "And speaking of communication…" She lifted her hand and rolled her wrist to produce two cards. The Call Cards had a chibi version of her listed with the bold words CALL ENA. "This is for you and for your companion. Here."

Nora took the cards, a bit confused. "What's this?"

"They're Call Cards." Ena nodded at them. "Use them if you need to call me in an emergency." She smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be your knight-in-shining-armor."

Nora chuckled. "Thank you for these." His eyes flicked to the SUV. "The gifts from the family are already in your vehicle, including mine. However…" He produced a card from his pocket and gave it to her.

Ena took it, but her brow knitted together. "This is a Com number."

"My Com number," Nora corrected. "If you'd rather have me work through your assistant, then there's no need for you to use it. But if you'd rather for us to have direct communication, feel free to use it." His lips pulled into a larger grin. "I'm sure your assistant wouldn't want to intrude in our intimate conversation."

Silver's ear twitched.

Ena laughed and kept the card close. "Thank you, Nora," she appreciated. "Thank you for everything."

"I should be thanking you," Nora replied. "I'm happy to consider you a friend and future partner." His eyes gleamed. "In fact…"

Ena bit back her laugh when Nora got down on one knee. The workers were in a tizzy, wide-eyed and whispering. Sylvie and Irina gaped while Odette looked on curiously and Denver looked like he was about to have a heart attack. Silver looked ready to blow a fuse when Nora took hold of Ena's hand (on an unrelated note, one of the gardeners looked curiously at the fountain near him as the water bubbled and broiled).

"May we meet again, My Lady." Nora stared into Ena's eyes as he kissed her hand. "And may our relationship bloom like a rose."

Ena rolled her lips to try not to laugh while Nora slowly rose to his feet and came in close. "You certainly have the same dramatic flair as your sister," she whispered to him.

"As long as you like my theatrics, I'll take that as a compliment," Nora whispered back. "Unless you can't handle it…"

"Challenge accepted then."

Nora went into shock when Ena came in close and cocked her head only to kiss his cheek.

Sylvie had a hand over her mouth, scandalized, while Odette hid her mirth. Irina looked like she was about to cry happy tears and her husband looked ready to sit down. (On a very unrelated note, the gardener had the scare of his life when the water from the fountain burst up in an angry geyser and ran around in a panic.)

Ena whispered in Nora's ear, "I can handle it, My Lord." She pulled back to see Nora's flush and winked at him, mouthing bye. "Silver?"

"Coming, mistress!"

Ena held out her hand for Silver to give her her sunglasses and she shoved them onto her face. She strode away with Silver after her, and Mister Hollifield opened the back door.

Nora touched his cheek and could still feel Ena's lips, warm and soft. Wow…

"Oh, and Nora?"

Grayed yellows looked to see Ena had one foot up to climb into the SUV, but she looked at him over her shoulders with Silver claiming her hand to help her up. She grinned. "Remember one thing. You are now a friend of Fairy Tail. Come Hell or high water, we protect our own and do things our way." Her grin broadened as the wind blustered through her scarlet hair. "That's just the way things are in our guild. If you dare try and act alone"—she tipped down her glasses so her dark stare was seen—"I will have no choice but to punish you. Understand?"

Nora blinked. Ena… Those grayed yellows softened, and he bowed. "I understand"—his lips stretched into a grin—"Mistress."

Silver gawked as Ena hmphed and went into the car. "Did you hear that?" he furiously whispered. "He used my name I gave you!"

Ena snorted. "If he wants to use it, who cares?"

Silver gaped, betrayed, as he climbed into the car. "Mistress, but that's…! That's my name for you!"

Ena brought out her contact mirror to check her lips. "You don't have a trademark on it. He's free to call me as he wishes." She snapped her mirror shut as Silver silently pouted, put out. "However…" She slid her fingers onto his jaw so those blues could stare into her sunglasses and she murmured sweet and low, "Hearing you say it sounds much sweeter, don't you think?"

Silver blinked, shocked. "Re…? Really?"

Ena chuckled as she pulled her hand away and sang, "Teasing, Silver. Always teasing."

Silver instantly turned red and whined, "Mistress…!"

Mister Hollifield made sure all the doors were closed before the black SUV pulled away from the curves and left waves and shouted farewells as it paved down the long driveway. A springtime zephyr chased after it before circling back to ruffle Nora's hair as he stared after the car.

I'll see you soon, My Lady, Nora thought. Please…

And in the car, Silver pulled out his tablet, trying hard to cool his flaming cheeks.

Take care of her in the meantime, Silver.

°•°•°•°

As the car exited the gates of Savant Hall, Silver reported to Ena, "I reconfirmed with Mister Gigi about our mock runway slated for the beginning of May. And the contract for one of the models finally returned, but her agent states they want to renegotiate being a potential Settler once your expansion is complete."

Ena sighed. "Let the agent know I'm open to negotiations, but I hold firm that her client will not be considered for an exclusive modeling job at the House of E."

"Understood."

Ena laid back in her seat. "This entire week was exhausting."

As Silver typed out the email, he asked Ena, "Do you still want to meet Mister Gigi for dinner tonight? And how soon did you want me to schedule your trip to Balsam Village, Mistress?"

"Yes, we'll still have dinner with Gigi. Make my appointment within the next two weeks," Ena instructed. "And find a monster-hunting job. I'll need to start practicing with Soledia effective immediately to get comfortable with her in time for Inter-Guild."

"Yes, Mistress." Silver paused in his typing and tentatively broached, "Am I…coming with you?"

Ena took off her sunglasses and swept her hair over one shoulder. "Did I say otherwise?"

Silver bit back his smile. "No, Mistress. Right. I'll look at the job board soon."

"Good." Ena closed her eyes.

"And maybe…" Silver decided to push his luck. "Could I schedule a friend date after the job too, Mistress?" He frowned when he saw Ena trying to get comfortable. "Mistress?"

"Sorry. I'm just tired," Ena told him.

"No, no, that's okay. If you're not comfortable, um…" He shuffled his feet, pink-cheeked. "Y-Y-You could use me…i-if you want to and everything." He found himself rambling, "I mean, I'm sure you don't want to and everything and it was just a suggestion. Y-You don't have to—" He yelped, startled when Ena's head came onto his shoulder. "M-Mistress—?"

"You told me I could use you." Ena nuzzled into his shoulder, trying to get comfortable. "Be quiet and let me sleep. Wake me when we're thirty minutes out from home. Wake me before and you better be dying because I will end you if you woke me for something idiotic, understand?"

Silver tried not to laugh and murmured, "Yes, Mistress."

"Good." Ena drew in a long breath and a long exhale. "Go ahead and plan our date," she mumbled to him. "Down to the minute, Silver. Don't waste my time."

"I wouldn't dream of it, Mistress," Silver promised.

"Very good." Ena yawned and shifted once more. With a few event breaths, it was apparent she had passed into slumber.

Silver went back to typing the email, but he could not help it when his heart warmed and a dopey, love-drunk smile tempted his lips. She called it a date. I know she meant friend date, but it still makes me feel all warm inside.

He finished the correspondence and sent it off. He knew he should log into the Fairy Tail app and look at the job board for a monster assignment, but he found himself straying to go to « Messages » and found his thread to Luna that synched with his Compact. He glanced at Ena to make sure she was asleep before messaging:

« I need help »

Luna was quick to respond:

« Anything. What do you need? »

« It involves Ena »

« Oh then I'm definitely down. What's up? »

« You know how we're going to Caelum for business? She works so hard…I want to surprise her with something nice »

« Ooooo like a date-date? »

A sticker came through with Nicky-nyan in a hachimaki and pompoms cheering for him.

« Not a date-date. Just…something. But I'm going to need your help to pull it off. Help me? »

« Babe, obvi I'm going to help you »

Silver wanted to type his gratitude and searched for the right sticker when Luna texted him again.

« did you tell her yet? »

Silver hesitated, blues subdued.

« No… Not yet. »

« Silver. You need to tell her. »

« I know, I know, it's just… Things are good right now, Lulu. »

« I know they are, Silver. Trust me. I've known E longer than you to know this is the happiest I've seen her »

« But you need to tell her, Silver before you lose this AND her. You know that right? »

« I hate you »

« No you don't. You love me because I tell you the truth »

« Tell me a lie then? »

« Silver. »

« Yeah, yeah »

« I'll tell her, just not right now, okay? »

« Okay, but… »

« Just tell her soon, okay? I love you both. I don't want to get in the middle of this. I don't want either of you hurt. »

« I know. I'll tell her soon. TTFN »

« Kk. Love you »

« Love you too »

Silver sighed. I know I need to tell her. The feeling I get with my dreams… This weird power… All of it. But she's lost so many people. I can't lose her. I just want to be selfish for a little longer and keep thinking this could last forever. Blues dropped to the asleep Ena.

With soft lips, he pressed a kiss on her hair and closed his eyes. "Forgive me, mistress," he whispered—pleaded—as he took in her addictingly sweet scent. "Forgive me for being selfish with you."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

saikin sukoshi yowaki ni natte iru kamo

kesa mo kimi no henji wakitenai

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nora was about to head inside, but he staggered when Sylvie jumped on him. Blindsided, he was subjected to her hyperness and adjusted to her weight, but when Odette came over, Sylvie upturned her nose. Odette tried to needle out some words from Sylvie, but Sylvie refused, and Nora was comically caught in the middle of their one-sided sisterly feud. Denver looked upon his children with a sense of soft pride and affection.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

denwa shitara meiwaku kakechau yo na

gaman shite mo homete mo kurenai

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Wooden sword sparring matches commenced as knights and those with recommendations put on their practice gear for the mass training session. Yunifer was no less than a military drill sergeant as she snapped at sloppy technique and corrected off-kilter forms. Those who could not keep up were sent to run laps until they earned their right to spar again.

Marinette flinched as her partner thrust upon her and earned another loss in her sparring match. She set up for the next round, but she froze when an irritated and blushing Beatrice came over to help correct her form. Though Beatrice grew alarmed when Marinette melted with a dreamy expression and severe nosebleed.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

kono mama ja itsuka kitto

honto ni ienakunaru yo

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Denver took a stroll alone in the estate, but he pulled into a hallway and stopped in front of the portrait of his late wife with that winsome smile of hers as she posed with her prized horse. And unbeknownst to him, Atticus was watching just around the corner as he gripped those strands of broken-off scarlet behind his back.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

ima ikanakucha

riaru na kimi no koe mo wasuresou da

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Trinity strode down the hall with her chest out and chin held up high. A guard opened the door for her to enter the estate's private church. Irina sat at the front bench with her eyes looking at the stained glass like it held all the answers. But when it did not, her eyes fell back to the pendant in her hands that had engraved feminine praying hands. But when she brushed her hand on the side of the pendant, it slid open to reveal there was an ovular picture inside that broke her heart to this day. She saw Nora, swaddled in a blanket as a fresh newborn.

But the woman in that hospital bed holding him was not her.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

sugu ni aitai noni aenai

kyori ga zutto futari o jama shiteru no

surechigatta mama de baibai

sonna no iya da yo

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Tristan traveled in the carriage of an old-school farmer and his trusty mule. The farmer was the whole straw-in-the-mouth, straw hat, and overalls sort of old man, and he was used to Tristan's antics. As they traveled through the dirt path and vast rolling greens on either side of them, Tristan had pulled out the book he had managed to sneak away to show a black and white sketch of a warrior of a woman with flowing hair and twins swords of black and white. But the most beautiful pair of translucent wings with an intricate design grew from her back.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

aitai noni aenai

hibi mo zutto kimi no tame ni waratta no

"erai ne" tte atama o nadete

nakasete yo baby

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Galileo had taken to one of the branches as he tuned into his earpiece and tapped into any activity shown in the Mikage Forest, decked in a comfortable camouflage. It surprised him when something nudged him, but it was just Gale who had come with a drink for his brother and for himself. He made himself comfortable on the gnarled branch as he sipped his drink and offered the other to his brother. Galileo softened before he took the drink, screwed it open, and he and Gale shared a silent toast before they both took swigs.

°•°•°•°

A routine CNA came into the critical care unit. Briar had been bathed and redressed in a hospital gown with liquids pumped into her. Soon, she would need a hygienic flush, but she remained unaware of reality. And she was unaware that Gray shared her curtained-off section with her with a haggard look on his face as he watched over her unconscious form.

°•°•°•°

Nashi opened the door with Býleistr bounding inside in his Cat Form. She called for her family, but she got no response. Kicking off her shoes, she treaded inside to hear noise and crossed the living room to look outside. Hickories widened then softened. Luna and Luke were outside as they did an evening training session while their father barked commands, watching their moves with well-versed eyes. Their mother huddled up on the deck with Actaeon, Lelantos, and Icarus, but she looked up when Nashi loomed over her. And both watched with a sense of relief as Luna worked up a sweat as she did her best to dodge Luke's attacks.

°•°•°•°

The gang was altogether in Miles' backyard to shoot the breeze and rag on one another. Sitting on Jaxton's lap, Tesla was hyping up the pachanga, which made Carlisle excited as he tucked into Dante's side with their rings glinting. Julia smiled at Tesla's enthusiasm before being surprised when Dash laid a hand on hers. She never looked at him, but she threaded their fingers together, ardently listening to Tesla's ranting and raving and ignoring the warmth in her chest. And none noticed a stray white tomcat watching them from his perch on a wooden fence.

°•°•°•°

Uki looked in her bedroom mirror as she wore Nanuk's choker with a carving that had been just for her. Making sure it looked okay, she left the sanctity of her bedroom where all the racket was and paused at the hallway entrance as she watched dinner commence.

Daniel and Eva had given up bickering to pester Gary with every question under the sun about his life as a Guild Wizard and all the danger he faced. Even André and Akna pitched in questions and regarded him with friendly curiosity. Nuuva was taken with him, her nine tails vibrating in happiness as he petted her. Uki shared a look with Yuka, who nodded her approval, before she came in to join them all.

°•°•°•°

The bar was not necessarily sleazy or cheesy, but it was a hole-in-the-wall bar where the servers had low-cut shirts and flirty smiles, and the patrons mainly swung in the upper twenties to forties. The bar was a smoking zone, and most took advantage of that as servers seductively offer to light their cigarettes or bum them a smoke. Shockingly, the food was something everyone had to try with greasy burgers topped with a secret sauce and parmesan-garlic fries that were addicting at first bite.

PYU…

Nice hung at the bar counter. No one dared speak ill that she looked like a child. She was enough of a regular that everyone knew she was much older than she looked, and if anyone dared take the cigarette from her hand or cut her off from her drinks, they could be paying more than their tab tonight. She had finished her fifth beer and her second entrée while she snuck a drag from her smoke.

SCREECH…

Nice did not look up as an imposing presence settled on the stool next to her. "Never thought I'd see you in a place like this," she drawled, not unkindly. "Lupita would disapprove of you being here…"—she took a long drag, blowing the smoke towards the mountain of a man in a traditional Cipanguese yukata—"Jura Kneekis."

"My business with Lupita remains my own, Nice," Jura firmly reminded, every word sounding like the oncoming of an avalanche.

Nice hummed. "When are you going to propose to her? It's been several years since you saved her and brought her to your house." Another long drag until the cigarette was too small for another one, and she put it out in her ashtray. "I'm disappointed you two aren't engaged yet."

"Nice," Jura rumbled.

She sighed. "I can't help you, Jura," she said tiredly. "He's just a boy, and he has emotional hang-ups he needs to consider before you take him from home. You should focus on getting everything straight with Lupita before you try to wear me or his parents down. And I happen to really like Levy. She reminds me of me when I was younger."

Jura remained unmovable. "What happened to him at the Boundary Forest, Nice?"

Nice took a swig of her ale. It would take some time until a tipsy blush touched her cheeks. "You know I can't tell you that," she sighed, tired. "But before he becomes your student, he'll need to return there. He needs to finish what he started." She stared into her drink. "And you can't help him through it, Jura. I know you considered it, but you won't."

Jura raised a hand to decline the bartender from coming over to them, but those beaded dark eyes trained on Nice. "I will train him to surpass me, Nice. You told me there would be one born who would surpass me."

"I didn't lie about that, Jura. I'm old, but my memories are intact." Nice took another gulp of her drink. "Be patient." Softer words. Kinder words. "He's still just a boy. And he's had tragedy on his shoulders that he needs to set free before he can follow you. You might be able to move mountains, but even you know moving an unstable mountain can cause unfathomable damage."

Jura said nothing to that.

Nice glanced over at him. "Your old master is about to retire. You should take her offer."

"I have no interest in running a guild," Jura reminded in that serious rumble of his. "I told this to Ooba."

"And I'm telling you now. You should take her offer. It might help you in the future." Nice sipped more of her ale.

Jura moved off his stool, but he hovered. "Lupita worries about you too. And she has enough to worry about." A light warning that was neither kind nor unfriendly. "You should be more careful. The chairman—"

"Draculos has enough respect for me to not interfere," Nice cut in. "But I'll visit Lupita soon enough."

Jura nodded, satisfied, and offered a slight bow to her. "Good night, Nice."

"Tell Lupita I can give her the ingredients to a legitimate fertility potion on my next visit," Nice tossed over her shoulder.

Jura gave considerable pause. "I will." And he strode out of the bar like the mountain he was.

Nice sighed and decided it was time for another cigarette. She lit one up and took a lazy puff, cycling the smoke. "Well, well… This Current Era certainly continues to surprise me."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

kimi no yume nara subete

kanau you inoru kedo

risou no asu no kimi no tonari ni watashi

irareru kana

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

With dinner cleared away, Erza and Aine had decided to stay in the dining room together, both equally tired and nursing their late-night hot drinks like it was their elixir of life. They had polished off their deserts for their evening and with the sun riding low and violet lording over the sky, both would retire soon to start the day with fresh eyes.

Aine cupped her mug. "Is it true?" She looked at her mother with sad eyes. "Are you sure?"

Erza nodded with a quiet sigh. "Yes." A sip of her beverage. "She won the sword fair and square. Now she has the sun and the moon in her hands." Her eyes closed as she tried to comfort herself. "I don't know whether I should be proud of her or terrified for her."

"This is my fault," murmured Aine as those browns ricocheted back to her drink. "This is all my fault."

Erza studied her daughter. "Do you regret what you did?"

"No." Aine meant that with her heart. "I have no regrets. I couldn't let you suffer. And I wanted her to live with everything I had. I knew what I was doing when I did it. And I don't regret a thing." She gripped her mug tighter. "But in the end, I don't know if I saved her to be in a better life. Once she finds out, she might hate me more and think I shoved her into this."

"Things will change," Erza gave to her delicately. "Things have changed. Ena might not understand your sacrifice now, but she will one day. I don't think she'll hate you, Aine."

"She already does, Mom." A tone of grief in Aine's words. "I understand it. In her eyes, I had everything she wished for. I had Dad and you and Mystogan. It doesn't matter about the circumstances. She was alone because of me."

"That's never been true, Aine," Erza soothed, kobichas mourning. "We all had a part to play in breaking Ena's heart. But slowly, she's piecing it back together with help." She reached to lay a comforting hand atop of Aine's. "She loves you, Aine. She'll understand."

"Will she?" Aine whispered. "Will she understand when she finds out the truth about what I did? Maybe to you, it looks like a sacrifice, but…" She absently touched her stomach. "To her… She might think this was a punishment. And honestly…" Her eyes clouded. "Sometimes, it feels like it is a punishment to put this all on her. Like I'm skipping my responsibilities."

Erza exhaled deeply. "They're her responsibilities now," she softly reminded. "And she'll honor them beautifully when it's time. We'll have to endure her anger for a little longer. But I'd rather have her furious with us and alive than the alternative." She held Aine's hands when the first tear rolled. "Aine, you gave me my daughter. You gave yourself a sister. No matter what, you saved her from joining her siblings in death before she had a chance at life. And I couldn't be more thankful that you did that."

Aine closed her eyes and swallowed.

"And your father," Erza added, thumbing away a tear from Aine's cheek, "will always be so grateful to you for everything you've done."

And another tear fell.

DRIP…

…DROP.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

kaomisete baby

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In Gianni's home, dinner was a home-cooked delight, and there was never a lull in the conversation. He listened with rapt attention as Silver and Ena told their tales from Savant Hall as he swirled the wine in his glass, but he had a glint of happiness and approval as he watched the closeness between Silver and Ena while the poor boy flushed over Ena's teasing yet looked so smitten with her every word, and the automatic glances Ena gifted to him, even if she did not realize it herself.

And within Ena's bedroom, on her dresser was the Rainbow Rose gifted to her huddled in its glass cloche. But its second blossom had gone into full bloom and two more buds had sprouted off, eager to bloom. The white and black queen maintained a guard to the Rainbow Roses on either side with their peculiar material shining as the moonlight touched them.

And for just a moment, a swirl of gold and emerald touched over the glass cloche and the two queens before it vanished into thin air.

---

•

•

•

•

SEE YOU NEXT TIME, FAIRIES…

•

•

•

•

---

The fireplace was lit with its tamable flames since the moon and stars alone served as pisspoor lighting for the study. Denver sat in his night robe as he took up a cigar in his accent chair. Some of the good Scotch downed two rock glasses. A chessboard had been set up with him being black and his guest to be white, but they were both missing their queens for their match. He closed his eyes as he cycled out the smoke.

"Have a light on you?"

Denver's lips quirked in a wry smile. "I'd say you have a pretty handy lighter yourself. You don't need a light from me." He opened his eyes as the presence took a seat in the other accent chair.

That peculiar lighter clicked on to burn the butt of the cigar. It settled between lips for a moment before a warm puff of smoke was exhaled. With the cigar in one hand, the lighter was shut off and stuffed back into a lab coat pocket.

Denver remarked. "You took your time. I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."

"I always have time for a chess match with an old friend, Dardanius."

Denver throatily chuckled. "Always calling me that wretched name." He vaguely gestured to the board. "As you can see, I lost both my prized queens in my latest match today. If you like, I can replace them with queens from other sets."

"That won't be necessary." Another puff and a smoke-filled hush. "Thank you." All that swagger and lackadaisical air had toned down for a somber rumble. "You didn't have to do that. But I thank you for doing so."

"What's a favor between old friends?" Denver supposed as he sighed smoke.

"I can pull some strings to get your ward a weapon he can truly wield." An honorable offer. "You should be proud of him, Dardanius. He'll make an excellent knight."

A strange smile lit Denver's face as though he were torn between affection and melancholy. "He will," he agreed. "It's funny, the things we do for love. He's had to endure many hardships and he has more. Without the public endorsement of Duke Anthony and Duke Alexandreux, I was worried Nora wouldn't be received well by the public. But I couldn't be prouder of him."

A slight smile. "Now you sound like his father."

"I am his father," Denver said, tone firm. "Through it all, he is and will forever be my son. And I'll support whatever he needs or wants." A deeper smoke. "It's what Mona would have wanted. And it's what I want too."

"Well said." A shift and a drag.

Denver relaxed in the grandfather's chair as the flames crackled. "Speaking of children, that Ena Fernandes… She certainly is a young lady a parent should be proud about. She's driven, ambitious, well-spoken, and equipped with strength in body, spirit, and mind. And the look in her eyes… It's one I know so well."

"Yeah?"

Denver hummed. "She has that same look in her eye as a friend I knew. I could never forget that look. So…serious and captivating. A stare that commanded attention and spoke of confidence."

A slow release of smoke. "That's some description you have just for eyes, Dardanius. I'm not sure if you can compare eyes from one look alone."

"I suppose you're right," Denver chuckled. "Though… There was one feature I could compare without fail."

"Oh, yeah? And what's that?"

"Her hair." Denver's eyes flickered. "She had such familiar scarlet hair." Those yellows slated to his guest. "Wouldn't you agree…"

And as the flames got a little wild, their orange bathed amongst a jawline with an untamed five o'clock shadow before reflecting light onto a partial face mask. But that orange haze could not douse the blatant reds of those locks.

"…Warlock?"

And around that cigar was a smile.

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Atticus Gosling – Steven Cannon

Erza Fernandes – Colleen Clinkenbeard

Sylvie Gosling – Leah Clark

High Brother – Joe Ochman

Gajeel Redfox – David Wald

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Galileo Redfox – Josh Grelle

Panther Lily – Rick Keelings

Nashi Dragneel – Lauren Landa

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Layla Heartfilia – Wendee Lee

Yuka – Eva Marie Saint

Býleistr – Josh Tomar

Odette Gosling – Jad Saxton

Eros Normandy – Travis Willingham

Tristan Lauderdale – Chris Burnett

Mother Clarion – Linda Leonard

Elvin Strauss – Micah Solusod

Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw

Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer

Muta – Jason Douglar

Lucifer "Bleu/Lucy" Demiurge – Xander Mobus

Tesla Greer / Hylia Lynk – Galena White

Julia Fullbuster – Michelle Ruff

Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeong

Noko – Derrick Snow

T.A.D.A.S.H.I. – Greg Chun

Caeryssa – Kristin Chenoweth

Nano Leaf –

Dardanius "Denver" Gosling – R. Bruce Elliot

Irina Gosling – Pamela Merrick

Nice Geonard – Jad Saxton

Jura Kneekis – Kent Williams

Aine Fernandes – Carrier Keranen

Scarlet Warlock – Robert McCollum

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn

— • — • — • —

INSERT SONG 1

⟪ Künstlerleben (Artist's Life), Op. 318 ⟫

Vienna Philharmonic & Willi Boskovy

Compoosed by

Johann Strauss II⌟

•

INSERT SONG 2

⟪ It's Been a Long, Long Time ⟫

Harry James and His Orchestra with Kitty Kallen

Lyrics by

Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn⌟

•

INSERT SONG 3

⟪ Ya Mamá, Ya Mamá, ⟫

Alabine, Ishtar & Los Niños de Sara

Lyrics by

Goz Samy, Maza Pedro Luaces⌟

•

⌜ENDING SONG

⟪ Long-Distance Train ⟫

Aoi Yamazaki

Lyrics by

Aoi Yamazaki⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 109

•

THE CHRONICLES OF PARENT'S DAY

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

---

Ending Arc Notes

— • — • — • —

Y'all about to see Luna uppin' her game with some trash-talk with this Parent's Day Episode because Natsu is ready to push his daughter's buttons fighting dirty—and Luna is ready to fight back.

「A Certain Magical Sorcerer」, which was scrapped, framed Mystogan's childhood, how he came to the Tower of Learning, and his meeting of Octavius, Circe, Trivia, Cullen, and his own mentor—Dreamcatcher—and seems to be looking better by the day. I'd love to revisit it. It was a 12-episode spin-off. Aine, Mystogan, and parts of Jellal's origins were there, and a bit of Dazzler's origin too.

「The Disappearance of Igneel Dragneel 」- I considered doing a twelve-episode side story for Igneel's current arc that you have gotten glimpses of. There is an episode that glosses over Igneel's journey in the future titled 「Igneel Alone」in honor of Avatar: The Last Airbender 「Zuko Alone」, but maybe a twelve-episode spin off would be something people are interested in to meet our two other Dragons and learn more about Ignia, a bit about Mercuphobia, and a bit about Anna Heartfilia and Layla Heartfilia.

If you are an MCU fan, you know the song It's Been a Long, Long Time is the one Steve and Peggy danced to in Avengers: Endgame and the other Captain America movie. Ena mentioned briefly to Silver about her memory of the song way back when. I told you. Even random moments create a bigger moment in this story.

I'll be combing through Fairy Adventure and start uploading the character profiles, locale, power systems, magical animals and deities spoken about to the other "stories" listed on my profile. It'll take some time to upload everything, but please be patient. I understand I've introduced to you a wide series of characters and locations and am more than happy to give you the profiles so you can flip back if you've forgotten a character or place.

If you are confused about the plots—thank god. Because we have over 300-400 episodes in counting to go for this first saga of Fairy Adventure and many more episodes for the next two sagas. And I'm laying down the groundwork for multiple characters of which everyone's stories overlap. Think of this like WandaVision or Loki. I'm laying down minute details that, when pieced together right, give you the whole story.

Two episodes away from the next arcs, all of which (both the episodes and the arcs) will be less drama and more grounded with some fluff, friendship, and feels before we get to the arc that has to happen to any anime—the tournament arc featuring the Inter-Guild Training Camp. I hinted at most of the new characters to be seen in the Inter-Guild Training Camp Arc and I am excited for you to meet them.

If you have some Latin in your blood, please enjoy the pachanga episode coming soon. I'll provide translations as Sinnish (Spanish) will be used intermittently.

Thank you for your support. I enjoy hearing about your questions and theories.

Would you like me to start answering questions from any reviews left at the end of episodes? Would you prefer not Author's Notes? Would you like them? Should I do all my notes at the end of each arc?

See you next episode.

End of speech.