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!

119. Adventure 119

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

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

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PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure: Galileo's had it rough. His drunken confession to Nashi still stays with him, and we got a glimpse into the last intimate moment he and Nashi shared before they said their farewells. But even if those times are over, it's clear for Galileo that the past can't be forgotten. And that the past can hurt.

"It hurts, Mom."

I know. I know it does."

What this could mean for Galileo's future is still unclear. But it's comforting to know he has family around him to help him find his way.

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Chibi-Nashi appears with a grin and a wave. "Hi, everyone! Ready for more Fairy Adventure? To keep your eyes safe, make sure you read with at least one light on in a low setting! And here is the updated time zone table!"

Abbreviations – Time Zone Name • — • — •— • — Location • — Offset

MCDT • — • — Melandian Central Daylight Time – Melandia • — • UTC +7

CST • — • — • – Cipangu Standard Time • — • — • — Cipangu • — • – UTC +5

SST • — • — • – Sīchóu Standard Time • — • — • — Zhōnguá • — • – UTC +3

CIT • — • — • – Central Ishgaran Time • — • — • — Bellum • — • – UTC +2

CMT • — • — • – Charring Mean Time • — • — • — Minstrel • — • – UTC +1

FST • — • – Fiore Standard Time • — • — • — • Fiore • — • — • – UTC - 0:00

ACT • — • — Arcticados Central Time • — • — • – Arcticados • — • — UTC – 1

CAST • — • — • — • — Caracole-Alicanto Standard Time – Fiore • — • UTC – 1

ADT • — • — • – Alvarez Daylight Time • — • — • – Alvarez • — • — UTC – 2

EAT • — • — • – East Andüsa Time • — • — • – Andüsa • — • — • — UTC - 2

AT • — • — • – Amazone Time • — • — • — • — • — Valchestria • — UTC - 4

EST • — • — • – Eastern Standard Time • — • — • – Meidiland • — • UTC - 6

She winks. "And see you at the end of the episode!"

---

GA-GA-GA!

In the wee hours of the morning, the well-used gym had few takers. Equipment sterilized and wiped down, only a handful of morning people had come in their workout gear to get in reps before they started their day. The gym was unconventional, by which it was stationed in a warehouse setting with power-washed concrete slaps and industrial vents hanging overhead.

GA-GA-GA!

One lady boxer was jumping rope as a warm-up with her EarPods in and bulky muscles that rivaled her smaller counterparts.

GA-GA-GA!

A bulkier man decided to do a bar-hopping exercise to work his arms and shoulders, jaw clenched.

GA-GA-GA!

The standing reflexive punching bag with a spinning bar stood no chance against Dante's practiced skills.

GA-GA-GA!

He kept his attacks consistent and paced. There was no point in a morning warm-up workout that shredded your energy. He slammed hard palm blows before backing up to avoid the bar and delivering a side kick. Sweat clung to his brow and matted his locks, but he kept up the steady attacking.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He was alone.

Well, not really. He could not say he was alone this time. But he liked to sit on the bench in the shade as he tinkered on his latest invention. On occasion, he would look up with a fond sort of look in his eyes as he watched Tesla swing with those grays so shining so brightly. Maybe it was late at night, yes, but it did not matter. They had walked to the neighborhood playground so she could swing and think and he would be her protector and support and tinker.

He went back to his project.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Dante stepped back with breaths heavy. Sweat sheened off his body. He worked better with his hands taped and in his gloves, but he shook out his fists before he readied himself for the next set.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He did not know why something felt off until he looked up.

Mist surrounded him, thick and branded impenetrable. It made sure he could not see more than a meter before him, and the panic set in. He got up from his bench without a moment to lose and called, "Tesla! Tesla! Where are you?"

When the silence pricked his skin, he went to the fog—

"Hello again, Dante."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He bobbed and weaved when the punching bag bounced back in its vain attempt to deliver some of the pain distributed onto it. But the second he found an opening, he struck again.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

His back went rigid. 'That voice… I know that voice.'

With a calming breath, he turned around and stood up straight. "Are you finally going to teach me? Am I going to be your student now? And where's Tesla?"

Lips twitched into a smile.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A burst of secondary energy filled him for the last of his attacks. It was all or nothing.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A throaty chuckle. "Tesla is fine. And yes, Dante. I could no longer ignore your insistent requests. And if you're fine with an old woman like me becoming the one you follow, I promise you to pass down all my knowledge to you—my successor."

A scarred and calloused hand reached out. "I will become your teacher."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GA-GA-GA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He stepped back and settled into his ragged breaths for a moment. He went for a final blow—

"Gone! T-T-Teacher!" Luna's rasping cry. "Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

His fist paused with centimeters between his tightened knuckles and the punching bag. Shoulders heaving, he retracted his fist and brushed back his wet bangs instead.

Cloudy browns. "Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

He stole his water bottle to waterfall his drink before shaking the sweat from his mane. Teacher… The way Goldie looked at me when she said my teacher's name… He capped his water bottle.

"Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

Murky browns hardened. Why was she sorry? I don't understand. His eyes closed with a sigh. But I'll know. I'll be there for you soon…Teacher.

VRRRRRRRRR!

Partially-disturbed, he opened his eyes and took out his Compact from his pocket. A small smile lit his face seeing his screen before he answered the call. Before he could get in a word edgewise, a sleepy mumble complained, "You didn't wake me."

Dante chuckled, gaze soft. "You sleep like the dead. And you had a late-night practice. I thought I'd be home before you'd wake up."

"Yeah, well, you're not," came whine. "And I'm so lonely…"

"Miaow."

"Ew! Get away from me, fleabag!"

Dante stuffed his Compact between his shoulder and ear to grab his towel and wipe his face. His smile grew some hearing Carlisle hiss back as the tomcat gave loud meowing in the background. "He's our cat, not a fleabag, Lips."

"He's your cat," Carlisle grumbled. "He's my worst nightmare. Make him an outdoor cat or something if you want to still date me."

"No."

"Fine. I'm breaking up with you. You can have your ring back."

"Okay."

"Mean, Prince, mean!"

Dante toweled his neck and jaw before throwing his towel over his shoulder. "I'll be home soon," he promised. "Stay in bed for me."

"I'll do what I want," Carlisle sniffed. "Maybe I won't be in bed, maybe I will."

"You are such a brat," Dante sighed as he jerked his chin towards one of the other fighters in the gym. Heading for the locker room, he asked, "Your morning skate got pushed back since you don't have to be at school until later, right?"

"Well, yeah, but—"

"Then stay in bed." Dante shouldered his way to the men's locker room. "I want to enjoy my morning with you."

A pause. "You never play fair, Prince," Carlisle mumbled.

"I never said I did." Dante found his locker and put in the combination. "Love you. See you soon."

"I love you too." Carlisle added in a soft murmur, "Come home soon, Dante." And the call was over.

Dante held his Compact with the background a goofier picture Tesla had taken. She framed herself for an up-close selfie in the living room with him ardently watching something on LV and a dozing Carlisle curled into his lab. Carlisle… You're such a mystery to me. You can be so honest, but other times… I know you hold so much in that you can't tell me. Most people would leave. But somehow…you make me want to stay and not ask for anything more than you can give me.

He made careful work of unwrapping his hands just so he could have the pleasure of getting his ring and slipping it back on his finger. I can't imagine letting you go. But… A frown overtook him. I can't forget what Cane told me that day.

• — • — • — •

"Didn't catch him?"

Dante returned into his townhouse, frustrated and restless, while Cane still hung around the coffee table and magically twiddled a unique card between his hands.

"No, I didn't," Dante grunted. "He's fast."

Cane snorted. "Should I call Dash and have him track down your damsel in distress?"

"Leave him be." Dante settled back in his old post and finished off his whiskey. Looking at the empty glass, he muttered, "I know something is bothering him. But I also know that chasing him down will make him distance himself from me even more. So I'll leave him be." He set down the glass with a sigh. "It's all I can do."

A thoughtful look crossed Cane as he held his card still. "You know his cues pretty well."

"Cues and tells are easy when you observe," Dante dismissed. "It's nothing."

Cane hummed.

"So." Dante gave Cane a square look. "Why did you say something about the fortune wasn't right?"

Cane gave him a long look, but when he found what he was looking for, he twirled the card before sliding it over to Dante. A pitch-black card contained a white Venn diagram of three circles with obvious symbols that stood for the sun, the moon, and the world. But the circles did not stay still. In a mesmerizing push and pull, they switched positions.

"What's this?" Dante looked back up at Cane. "I've never seen a card do this."

"And you shouldn't," Cane told him. "That card is specifically from my Unknown deck."

"'Unknown'?"

"Yes." A darkness filmed over Cane's violet regard. "My Unknown deck was a present from my…father"—his jaw clenched—"when I was younger. They're hard to come by and most fortune tellers can't use them since they have some sort of weird power around them. Not even my mom can use them. But I can."

"Why is it called the 'Unknown deck'?" Dante questioned.

Cane brought out his regular playing cards to shuffle and fidget with. "Rumor has it Unknown decks are actually prophetic and crafted from Time-Space. They reveal themselves in unusual situations. And others say Unknown decks have a mind of their own."

Dante glanced back down at the card. "Have you ever seen a card from that deck before?"

"Once," Cane replied, but it was clear he would not elaborate.

Dante understood that. "So what does this card mean for my future with Carlisle?"

"Well." Cane nodded to the card. "As you can see, the card makes both the lunar eclipse and the solar eclipse, both events that peak conflicting forces. A solar eclipse means beginnings and connection. A lunar eclipse means destruction and change." He collapsed his playing deck together. "And"—his playing deck folded into one singular card of The World—"when you combine it with this card"—he slid The World card next to the Unknown card and tapped them both—"it means that the beginning and end have no negative outcome. In fact, it means that, even in the end, all that has started, connected, and changed…will be in the best interest for many people."

"I see," Dante murmured. 'It all sounds good, but…' His fingers scraped against the wood. 'Why does it make me anxious?'

"The reason I say something isn't right is that an Unknown Card doesn't show itself for anything," Cane continued. "It made sense when the other person summoned an Unknown Card. However, it doesn't make sense that a Spiritless relationship would warrant such a prophetic fortune."

Tension coiled on Dante's back. "Speak clearly, Cane."

"You can sense it, can't you?" Cane asked him, tone low. "You can sense"—violets flashed—"that Carlisle isn't human."

And Dante locked his jaw.

• — • — • — •

SLAM!

Duffel on his shoulder, Dante slammed his locker door shut and locked it up. But the gravity in his eyes would not leave him. Carlisle…

"Dante, I…" Meek sea-greens frocked with violet specks. "I wasn't allowed to say anything, but there's… There's so much to explain—"

His gaze rested on his ring. I could tell back then. I could feel it. He was willing to force himself to tell me the truth. I can't accept that. I want to know the truth on his terms. But… I can't deny Cane's fortune makes me nervous.

"It means that the beginning and end have no negative outcome." Cane's explanation wriggled in his mind. "In fact, it means that, even in the end, all that has started, connected, and changed…will be in the best interest of many people."

Dante curled his hand into a fist. Beginnings and endings that have no negative outcome and are in the best interest of others. That sounds a lot like a 'sacrifice' to me.

Cloudy browns. "Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

Sparkling sea-greens sprinkled with violet. "I love you."

A clenched jaw. I don't know what's going on. But I have no intentions of having an ending with Carlisle. As for Teacher…

"Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

Determination set on Dante's body. It's about time I visited her in person. It's been too long. Darkness flirted with his gaze. And she is the only one…I will ever call 'Teacher'.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

kazoekire nai hodo no omoi wo

itsu made mo okuri tsuzuke te kun da zutto zutto sen mo

•

kurikaeshi gokoro ni chikau yo

te wo nigiri zutto soba ni iru n da soshite kesshite hanasa nai yo

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Getting students excited and awake was always difficult, but with spring break on the line, the students were down to the nitty-gritty on their exams and final classes and rehearsals of the day. Year 12 and 13 students and those on the vocational track had the luxury of fleeing from campus to get their break started and merge into New Azalea traffic before it got busy. Others milled about or came back to campus with club activities to worry about. But the air felt abuzz with anticipation.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Engeki First Academy

New Azalea

Fiore, Ishgar

2:56 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight! Bop-bop-bop-bop-and drop!"

Carlisle examined the ending pose he and his crew did and the wall-sized mirror. Before long, he felt satisfied and clapped his hands. "Yes, exactly that, you guys!" he praised as he fell out of position to address everyone in the dance studio. "The changes made to the final play of the chorus could not have been this perfect and amazing without all of your help, and I want you to know that. This isn't just my showcase. This is a collaboration of every talented dancer here."

The students grinned, some bashful and others pleased.

Carlisle checked the time on his watch. "But! We have been working hard and I feel like this is a good point to stop! Just as a reminder, make sure you're still doing your stretches. A week might not seem that long to you, but you would be surprised how much your body feels different. And"—his smile softened—"have a great spring break. You've earned it."

The students chorused back their replies as they all applauded. Conversation broke off as some went to grab their duffels and water, but a larger spectrum swarmed Carlisle to wish him a happy spring holiday.

"Don't have too much fun with your boyfriend, dude," one dancer jested. "We don't need your back out when you come back."

Carlisle feigned indignation. "Maybe I'm the one who throws his back out." He staggered a little when Mellow hopped onto his back and adjusted him into a piggyback.

"We all know you don't because we see how you sit like a princess almost every day," Mellow teased him with the others chortling.

Carlisle scowled. "Jerk."

With farewells and waves passed around, Mellow slipped down from Carlisle's back with his curly hair in a ballerina bun. He toyed with Carlisle's short ponytail. "I can't believe you're growing out your hair again."

"I always loved having long hair," Carlisle pointed out as Aphtan sidled over with his water bottle. "But then stupid Christophe cut off a large chunk of it because I looked too much like a girl to his friends." He rolled his eyes taking a swig of his drink. "And he wonders why I'd be happy if he fell off the edge of the planet."

Mellow snickered. "He was just pissed Preston made out with you and bragged about wanting to bang you to his frat brothers."

"That was when he thought I was a girl," Carlisle said dryly. But a suspicious look was warranted. "But Christophe never said he got upset about it. He practically yelled at me to never visit his frat house again."

Mellow froze for a moment before shrugging. "I mean, maybe he said that since he was pissed how his frat brothers were talking about you."

"Yeah, right," Carlisle muttered. "Chrissy doesn't give one flying tuck about how I'm talked about. He just didn't want his pan brother to screw up his reputation." He huffed and clenched his water bottle. "Well, who wants to go to a stupid frat house anyway! That jerk!"

Aphtan reminded, "Carlisle-po, we should hurry and get changed. Your sex friend will be coming for you."

"Can't you just call him my boyfriend?" Carlisle begged of him. He started his sweep of the studio to check off everything was in its proper place. "He's not a 'sex friend'. There's a difference."

"I'm sure Mellow knows the difference," Aphtan said with a bit of snideness.

Carlisle arched an eyebrow at Mellow's angered flush. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," Mellow bit with a glare at Aphtan. "But he's right, Car, we better get out now so you can wait at the curb for your man meat."

Carlisle gave him a withering look. "I'm so happy we never had sex. I can't imagine the trauma." But as he unplugged his Compact from the sound system, he squawked when his butt was smacked. "Hey!"

"Please. Dante pounds it harder than that, pussy," Mellow snorted.

Carlisle hmphed. "Jerk." He begrudgingly let Mellow hook an arm around his and guide him so he could scroll through his messages. Group chats poured in from his ice skating friends and otherwise, but he saw a few messages from Justin that came in from earlier in the day.

« Hey baby boy, I miss you »

« Also I'm irked by my best friend-practically-my-daughter's boyfriend being such a try-hard »

« Distract me? You've been such a delicious distraction for Ace and me already »

Pink flirted with Carlisle's cheeks as a bashfulness pierced his chest and made him feel warm all over. All the time I've lived, I've never done this before. Just when I thought I've lived so many lifetimes, I still get new experiences like this. He messaged back:

« I'm sure being on Caracole Island will be distracting enough for you both »

Justin instantly typed back:

« Hmm, maybe. But it'd be so much better if you were here. Ace and I would love to taste every inch of you under the stars »

« We can't get enough of the videos Dante sent. Your face when you cum is so fucking beautiful. »

« We can't wait to see it for ourselves »

As they shouldered their way into the changing rooms, Mellow shot a red-faced Carlisle a smirk. "Uh-oh. Must mean your Daddy and Sir are texting you if you're blushing like that."

"Shut up," Carlisle grumbled, too embarrassed to answer the message. "You'd be like this too."

"Um, no I wouldn't because I've been in a poly relationship," Mellow pointed out as he got them to their lockers. "Plus, Justin and Ace are fucking hot and they want to top you. Embrace that."

More red crept onto Carlisle's face as he opened his locker. "Maybe I get to top them. Don't label me."

"I know you're verse, but I also read those text messages with you to know you're getting topped." Mellow stripped off his shirt with a waggle of his eyebrows. "I could top you too now that you're getting used to being a bottom."

Carlisle snorted and shoved him. "Oh, shut up."

He smiled at his Compact, all shy. But Justin and Ace have been very sweet. Even so… He took off his tank top and touched his chest, feeling that connection. Neither one of them could ever compare to Dante.

"Have you heard back from your cousin by the way?" Mellow asked as he rolled on more deodorant.

Carlisle's cheerful mood and shy smile fell for a melancholic edition of itself. "No… Not in a while, actually."

He picked up his Compact and scrolled, but nothing from Bleu had filtered in. He doesn't even answer my text messages. Maman told me it's normal, considering his position, but… If he could just tell me he's okay… If he could just answer, I wouldn't feel so anxious about him.

A shiver and stuttered gasp left when a silky glove feathered his back. "Tantan?"

"You look tense, Carlisle-po," Aphtan remarked. "Is there something wrong?"

Carlisle faked a smile. "No, just in my thoughts, but thanks for worrying about me, Tantan." Rustling in his locker, he found his deodorant. "I can't wait to go home, shower, and sleep." Home…to Dante… And by the time tomorrow, I'll be meeting one of the most important people in his life—his teacher.

"Gone! T-T-Teacher!" Luna's sob came back to him. "Giáo vên… I'm sorry."

Regard emblazoned in dark thought, Carlisle wondered, And I'll figure out why Luna had such a negative vision about her that Dante triggered. The Forge has lived for quite some time. I still find it odd she chose this realm to live on and hasn't moved on, but that's her business.

"Gone! T-T-Teacher!"

Throwing on a new shirt, he grabbed his duffel and placed the strap on his shoulder. But if Luna's vision means something will affect Dante…then that makes it my business. And he shut his locker.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 119

•

Teacher

•

師匠

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was safe to say university campuses cleared out at this time of night.

Of course, the strips near campus had swarmed with skimpy dresses and roaming hands and the local policemen were out monitoring, but many had fled even further in Araza to hit the nightclubs and pubs for a fancier and freer time. Some students roamed the campus, from skateboarders to a few younger-year couples and maybe students who preferred a library over a pub.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

University of Southern Araza

Araza City

Melandia

11:35 PM MCDT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was not like it was forbidden to be in the lab late at night, but it felt taboo when most of the staff disperse for the weekend. The campus lights had been turned on, cutting the normal bright light of the building in half, and the janitorial staff had done all they could.

And that left Ezra.

Armed with drinks and snacks, he stayed cooped up at his desk with a few programs open, some research documents, and his own notes. Maybe he did look worse for the wear. Admittedly, the gauntness of his face and the scruff on his jaws did not help him look like an upstanding citizen, but at least he could shed his lab coat for his rolled-up button-down. A sequencing program was running an anti-correlation simulation as he paid close attention to the finding he had dug up.

『 According to Reynolds et al (X751) and Stevenson et. al (X768), while mimicry is an evolutionary prey-devised strategy to limit predation via confusion and caution, therianthropic mimicry provides a key element that other forms of mimicry cannot implement—it can transmute hormones and genetic sequences in the body to naturally adapt into other forms and produce the same toxins and pheromones that their source makes without the component of magical manipulation. Therianthrophy provides a concrete camouflage Crowe (X777) that not only can limit possible predation, but it can allow possible reversal in the darwinistic hierarchy.

De Coster (X711) states that "therians" had a spiritual vassal that provided a limited metamorphing to one alter or more alters. However, the true art in therianthrophy—or pure therianthropy—was having an unlimited resource in alternative organic forms without the necessity of gaining an additional Spirit or Soul Endore (X698). 』

Ezra ruffled his hair with a sigh. "Therianthropy, huh?"

He scrolled through more data. We can confirm that Therians or shifters once existed. And peuchens might be shapeshifters, but it's through Magic. But for humans to have the ability to shift without the need of a Magic Spirit or a Beast Spirit? His eyes narrowed. How did we get our hands on a sample capable of doing the impossible? How did we find an actual Changeling?

He leaned back in his chair to stretch out. This is going to be a lot of work figuring out the sequencing, especially when we know nothing about the sample's environmental influences or lineage. This could be a genetic mutation, but it'd be better to have samples from its parents for any hereditary links and if the parents never expressed the mutation but were silent carriers. And what triggered such a recessive mutation to be dominant.

Taking off his glasses, he rubbed his eyes. But that lab said anonymity is key. Shoving on his glasses, his head tipped down to lazily sweep his desk. But his browns rested on one specific item on his desk. His fingers feathered a velveteen kitten with pink fur and pink gems for eyes. A melancholy dimmed his stare. Saudade…

A pang hit his chest and he forced away his hand. I should get some coffee. He pushed away from his desk, swiped his mug, and headed out of the office. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he made the lone journey to the staff and faculty break room with his shoulders hunched and head down.

I feel like I've been running myself ragged. But working this week will be good for me. I can finish up my interpolation and run simulations. And I still have exams to grade for the professor. Proctoring was a nightmare this morning. He sighed. But it's nice to keep busy. Dirty browns darkened. It's better to be busy than anything else.

Most faculty lounges were poor excuses of break rooms, but USA made sure to employ three coffee makers, a well-stocked kitchenette, and even couches and an LV. Ezra had planned on making his trip being a lonesome one, but it surprised him seeing another person in the break room. "Asako?"

Asako lookup as she gnawed on her jerky stick with a tablet in her hands. "Oh. Hey. You're here late."

"Yeah." Ezra went for the coffeemaker and found a Perench blend. "You are too." He situated his mug and popped in the blend. "I'm surprised. I thought you left." After pressing the combination, he went to get the cream and sugar.

"Yeah, I was about," Asako sighed as she took a seat at one of the tables. "But my supervisor dumped me to write up the mainframe for a huge project, and if I tried to take work home with me, I'd start crying."

Erza huffed a laugh. "What project are you stuck with?"

"Nothing fun," Asako grunted as she swiped through her tablet. "It's another conservation project my team is undertaking. Just looking to develop a model and a database to help project population growth and gene inheritance in some nearly extinct breed down to their last male. I guess this organization is trying to do a breeding program with it, but there's so much categorical data to consider with fertility rates, reception to the breeding program, and such."

"That doesn't sound too bad," Ezra offered as he measured out his sugar. "Don't we have previous models to present for that?"

"See, we would, but I guess this particular breed has Ether and has human-like intelligence."

Ezra frowned as his coffee finished and he mixed in sugar and cream. "Like an intelligent Chimera?"

"Mmm, I'm not allowed to say the breed, and to be honest, there isn't even that much research on it, so maybe?" Asako snuck another harsh bite of her jerky. "We'll have a meeting with the organization and the ethics committee. If this breed has human-level intelligence, even low-level, then that brings in so many ethical and legal questions."

"I understand." Finished with making his coffee, Ezra settled on coming over to Asako's table. "I feel like I'm losing my mind with how much we have to deep-dive."

Asako snorted. "Yeah. A couple of colleagues from other institutes said the same. Looks like everyone is being slammed with work from organizations and mainly animal conservations. And it's been forecasted some of these projects could take a minimum of three to four years. Don't even get me started on the data mining."

Ezra hummed and sipped his coffee.

Asako pardoned him with a scrutinizing look. "You look worse and worse every time I see you."

"Ha." A bitter smile dragged onto Ezra's face. "I'm sure I do."

Asako's frown deepened. "If you're feeling overworked, there's the door."

"No, it's not that." Ezra stared into his coffee. "Honestly, working is better than going home."

Wide pinks with diamond pupils.

Expression sunken, his shoulders slouched as well. Going home and reliving the memories… Gulping some more coffee, he could feel Asako probe him and murmured, "Plans for the break?"

"Working. Catching up on laundry. Working. But you seem to plan on deflecting."

Ezra heavily sighed. "It's nothing, Asako." Before she could press, he got up with his mug and hurried away. He tried to ignore the pinned stare nailing his back. Once he was out of sight, he let himself hunch over.

A dimpled smile. "Ezra!"

Another sigh would not do him good, but that was all he could do. Saudade…

• — • — • — •

The shaky focus watching in black watched Saudade with her half-lidded gaze full of understanding as she slumped against someone else. Weakly, her hand reached to touch him.

"Saudade!" he panted, aggrieved. "I'm s-s-sorry—!"

"It's okay," Saudade rasped. "It's okay"—her eyes fluttered and her body started shutting down—"Ezra."

• — • — • — •

He stopped with a shuttered exhale. Saudade… I… Smokey topaz glistened. I didn't…

A heavy growl trampled his thoughts as he saw clawed paws lurking about in his mind. His jaw clenched as he shoved the image away and hissed, You don't get to come out. You ruined everything.

His Beast Soul snarled at him and the image of the beast prowling in its cage flashed, but it was cut off before it could retaliate.

One step forward shook Ezra's balance and he slumped against the wall with a grunt. This thing is growing too strong. Especially after seeing Saudade again. Smoky topaz darkened with determination. I can't hurt her again. Not after everything I did. Pain sliced through his resolve. Not after I…

Shaking off his weakness, he trekked back to the genetics technicians' office and went back to his desk. His eyes lingered on the velveteen kitten and his heart softened. I'm sorry, Saudade. I never should've gotten you involved with me…and this monster.

His Compact lit up, but it flashed Orochi's name.

Ezra hesitated before declining the call. Sorry, Orochi. But…I'm not ready to see you just yet. And as the declined call cleared, it show a thread of missed calls from his family and Gary. I'm not ready to see any of you yet. Not like this. Not until I can find a cure. Keeping his mug on his saucer, he went back to his research. Not until I can find an animavore to eat my Beast Soul.

---

Early in the morning meant the stars and moon were still out and about, frolicking, but it also meant the streets killed traffic off and most kept in their homes with late dinners and later LV shows. Secondary students that had done a backyard party were taking their separate ways. An angry husband done with his wife's weaponized tears, took him and his sleepy son to the car to leave for his mother's. A loner decided to play Magimon GO tonight.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dante's Town House

Poke Township

Fiore, Ishgar

1:34 AM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was not that Carlisle was not willing to rise, but he was not inherently a morning person. It did not matter how sweet the kisses were on his shoulders and neck. He clutched the covers and mumbled, "Go away."

A chuckle. "I can't do that, princess. We have a flight to catch."

Carlisle groaned as more kisses tingled his skin. "Dante…" He hmphed when Dante pecked his lips, but he easily caved to a longer kiss. Once Dante pulled away, Carlisle blearily cracked open his eyes. "Five more minutes?"

"I was nice and got everything in my truck so you could sleep in more, but we really have to move," Dante told him. "The crew won't be happy if we delay any further. And we have a long drive and then a walk to get to Teacher."

Carlisle tried hard to stay awake, but he was slipping back. "Mmmm…"

"Such a princess." Dante gathered Carlisle in his arms. "Come on, Lips."

His lips quirked upwards when Carlisle latched onto him, snuggling. He really is adorable. He strode to the bathroom and had to maneuver to get the shower running. He held in his laughter when he put down Carlisle and stripped him before himself. Washing a sleepy man was not easy when he constantly fell into you or start snoozing against the shower wall, but Dante did not mind massaging shampoo through Carlisle's hair under the spray.

Drying him off went easier for Dante with Carlisle barely more awake than before. At least, he was awake enough to use the bathroom, brush his teeth, and let Dante dress him in comfy clothes. But that was all he was awake for and let Dante situate him like a rag-doll in his arms.

Carlisle could hear muffled slams and footsteps, but it was hard to say. His body jostled and something shifted onto his chest with a click. He tried to open his eyes as he rasped, "Dante?"

A kiss pressed against his forehead. "Go back to sleep, baby," Dante said in a soothing rumble. "I'll take care of the rest, okay?"

Carlisle hummed. Another slam of a door and maybe it was later that an engine turned on. But when the truck started, he found himself drowning in his dreams once more.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Farsa?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The hut was always crammed, but that was what made it home. Books and knickknacks and jars took up every empty surface and shelf. The furniture might have been old, but it was lived-in. Potted plants thrived in this home, some glowing, others intelligent enough to play with the puzzles given to them. One plant entertained itself as it spouted bubbles from its trumpet-like petals.

But around the hut was nothing but greenery and open skies.

"Farsa!"

The focus saw a winged shadow move before it across the grass before upturning in the sky to see the moseying clouds and the canopy of the forest. 'So pretty…'

Deep laughter. "Minn älsklingar! Don't fly too far!"

Childish laughter as the focus looped in the air. "Yes, Farsa!" He felt the breeze consume him as he vaulted to skim the tops of the trees and taste the sweetness the air had to offer—

A warning chime shattered everything.

He hated rain.

The focus huddled with his mother underneath the thunderous strokes that lashed the earth. Nothing made sense anymore. Nothing would ever make sense anymore. Blurred with silent tears, the focus took in his father with lifeless sea-greens freckles in violet with blood flaking his lips. But it was not enough considering the ugly gash that ravaged his chest and exposed half of his beating heart and the pierced mark that had stabbed his forehead.

His mother screamed and cried with her chimes and bells pitched high for her wails as she held his father in her arms. He could not do a thing. He could not wail. He could not scream.

He could only watch as his father's exposed heart beat and beat and beat until…it stopped.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Farsa?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He was not drunk.

Maybe the way he barely stood and slumped against the wall made it seem like he was drunk, but he was not. The hazy fumes and thick scent of sex and sweat drowned him and the neon lighting helped him none when he tried to orient himself. Through the smoke, he caught erotica all around him with cries and gasps of ecstasy waxing and waning through the music.

Wading deeper into the hedonistic trenches, he swayed and staggered. Hands, paws, and tentacles grazed him in his journey to nowhere. A lick here and a sultry come-hither tried to entice him into someone's den of sin across multiple tongues. Croons of his beauty, promises of pleasure, vows to forget—none worked on him.

'I'm defective. I am an Error.'

Even in this den of sin with the corners of his eyes touching intimate scenes, such a gruesome thought echoed.

'I'm defective. I am an Error.'

His knees almost gave out beneath him, but firm hands slipped onto his waist.

Vibrant oranges.

"I've been watching you all night." A pleasing voice, baritone and sweetly sensual. "So beautiful. Your eyes…" Gentle fingers feathered his cheeks. "Gorgeous." Firm lips grazed against his own and left the impression of a smirk.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Want to get out of here, beautiful?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Pain exploded and shredded down everything until it rebuilt into dark walls. A wall-scaled window showed the view of a city no longer confined to gravity with its haunting beauty of off-world metals and gleaming lights. But what did that matter when the focus was shoved onto a bed.

"Please!" he beseeched, focus cloudy. "I-I-I just wanted to speak to my mother—!" But the focus whirled when a smack hit his cheeks. Tears painted the sheets, and he sucked in the cry he desperately wanted to release when a hand angrily shoved him down. "I-I-I'm sorry—!"

"You were trying to leave me!" came a snarl. "I saw that way you were looking at him! You were going to spread your legs for him too—!"

"No!" he sobbed. "Pl-Please! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I j-j-just wanted to talk to my mom! I promise! That's all I wanted! I only love you! It's only you! I promise! I promise!"

It felt like a lifetime until the hand slipped from his head. Wincing from the bruises and aches, he sniffled as he tried to gather himself. Feeling those hands cage him in an embrace made him lock up as the tears kept spilling, but he knew crying would get him nowhere.

Because his tears were what spurned him.

"I'm sorry, Kitten," came husky croon as wet kisses burned on his bruises. "You know I have a temper sometimes. And I hate it when people see how beautiful you are."

"I know." That was all he could say. That was all he would ever say.

Those kisses kept trailing as he pressed his desire against him. "You have to understand. It's not safe for you yet. You're too valuable." Fingers roamed his chest before toying with his nipples. "I'm doing this to protect you, Kitten. If people knew you were the Catalyst, they'd all want you." A harder kiss burdened his shoulder. "But you're mine."

That tone meant something darker, but he whispered, "I know."

Silence.

"I don't think you do."

The aggressive shove on the bed was nothing new, but his heart still raced and he chained down his initial fear. Quickly, he forced his body to relax against his need to tense. If he was passive and submissive, maybe this would hurt less—

"You were meant to be mine, Kitten." Fingers trailed his jaw. "But you've gotten so…rebellious lately."

He bit his lip to keep it from trembling when he felt his ass being palmed. The weak whimper that desperately wanted out was shoved down. 'Relax,' he told himself. 'It'll be over soon. Just relax. Don't cry.'

"You seem to be forgetting I'm all you need." A whisper breathed in his ear. "So I'll make you remember."

He was used to this part. Silence and submission would protect him. A trickle of tears warmed his cheeks, but he made not a sound to alert him that he wept. Every touch and kiss gnarled his insides and made his throat flex, wanting to expel his meal from earlier, but he knew even retching would not stop these touches and what was to come.

Involuntarily jerks twitched his shoulders and arms as he bit his tongue feeling him prepare him. The sweet teasing and slickened fingers that once made him buck for more made him bury his head in the mattress to not scream.

How ironic he could treat his body like a temple to be worshipped and took his time preparing him when those same hands left criminal prints on his flesh.

The first thrust reflexively made him want to claw away. But the fight would mean a worse fate and aggressive thrusts and touches. Shutting his eyes, he gripped the sheets, forcing his body to brace itself for every thrust.

But he was not prepared for this.

All his mindless chants went away when he shrieked.

Something stabbed inside his chest like a dagger forcibly prying into his soul. A perverse slicing cut him raw from the inside as his mind and heart were overwhelmed in his violent war to consume him. His body flinched and desperately fought to get away and his shrieks turned into pleas of it hurts it hurts it hurts.

"You feel so good," he moaned as he grabbed his nape to hold him still. "Just a little more… I need more, Kitten. More… All of it!"

All those talks of love and trust and acceptance that birthed such a bond as his mother had told him had been warped into something twisted and filthy that clawed at his chest until it felt every crevice of his mind and body. How dare his body respond in kind as though gleeful it was connected to such a cruel monster. The pain from those jerks fed him a false sense of pleasure as though tricking him to enjoy such a ceremonial connection.

It hurts. It feels good. It hurts. It feels good.

His sobs mixed with moans as this darkness hooked in his chest spurred him to complete.

"Yes!" he moaned with his thrusts erratic. "You're mine now. No one can have you now. You're mine!" He forced his weight to heavy his bowed back and worked his hand so they could find that sweet release together. "You're mine! You're mine!"

The pressure was too much until—

It was complete.

It felt wrong, cruel, that the sheets held his release as he rocked into his ass with his cock twitching. And all his pain and sorrow melded into a numb emptiness. But he was not empty, not really. Because now, this parasitic connection blighted his chest as it pulsed with his pleasure and satisfaction.

It no longer hurt.

Because it was complete.

A hand cradled his jaw as a kiss was placed behind his ear.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"You'll always be mine now, Kitten. Forever."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Carlisle."

Woozy, Carlisle blinked and instantly noticed a heat backing his eyes. Was I…crying?

"Carlisle."

He grunted hearing that voice and rubbed his eyes. "Cats don't talk, fleabag."

"Yeah, well they do when you need to wake up."

Carlisle groaned as he roused himself into a sitting position. A stretch and a yawn helped him have a little more awareness. Sandy walls of a Sky Boat greeted him with plushy seats facing each other on one side of the aisle while he took up one seat and the one across from him was notably empty. But what he noticed about the seats across was that Muta was stuck in a cat carrier.

Against his confusion, he smirked and snarked, "You deserve to be treated like a dumb animal, pussycat."

Muta—he sat in a cat loaf as a chunky white tomcat with his dodgy little collar—did not look amused. "Watch it, kit."

"Stuff it, Fluffy," Carlisle huffed. "I'm a lot older than you." Glancing around, he tried and failed picking up cues about his circumstances. "But, um… Where are we?"

He peeked outside the window to see the dark outdoors. Dante was on the strip as he spoke to a woman and a truck was waiting for them, but that did not help with his confusion.

"I'm not sure," Muta muttered with a yawn. "This planet is still a mystery to me."

Carlisle grumbled, "Then maybe you should leave."

"I will if you do, Catalyst."

Carlisle froze. His stare found Dante's form, but he murmured, "I don't like what you're implying, Extalian."

Muta watched Carlisle from within his cat carrier and sighed seeing how rigid he had become. I don't like what I mean either. But… His eyes cracked open and he could see a generous psychedelic aura so faintly pulse around Carlisle that it felt like a trick of the light. As old as you are… As strong as you are… Not even you realize that all you've suppressed is beginning to leak.

Dante came back onto the Sky Boat with a smile held for Carlisle. "Here I thought I'd be carrying you to the truck."

Carlisle upturned his nose. "Well, it makes sense since you kidnapped me." But even so, he took Dante's offered hand. "And you even brought along your fleabag minion."

Dante chuckled as he shouldered on Muta's cat carrier. "I think Moon Lily is an adventure cat. I always wanted a cat I could travel with."

"Then let's get a real cat!" Carlisle insisted as Dante guided him out of the Sky Boat. "Like an actual cute cat!"

"He is cute."

"Prince, you're clearly blind. How can that thing be cute—?"

"I find you pretty cute, don't I?"

Carlisle was taken aback on the steps when Dante paused and pivoted. Carlisle might have had a height advantage with the steps, but what did that matter when Dante was unafraid to get up close and personal with a grin promising many things later.

"So I wouldn't say I was blind," Dante said lowly. "In fact, I can see you perfectly, Lips."

Pink dusted Carlisle's cheeks. Dante… "It's not fair when you do this, Prince."

"It's not fair I have such a bratty complainer for a boyfriend, but here I am."

Romance gone, Carlisle gaped as Dante pulled him down the steps. "Mean, Prince, mean!" He huffed hearing Dante's quiet laughter and decided it was better to scope out the area than take all this teasing.

The Sky Port they docked at was none-too-big. Two hangers, a small main building, and an air traffic control tower warranted little staff early in the morn. But beyond the light posts and the fences that caged the port and a bit of flat land cleared out, all that was left was a dark forest. Minstrish was not written on any of the distant cautionary signs either.

"We're in Andüsa?"

Dante got the truck door open and loaded Muta's carrier in the back. "You could tell that?"

"Oh!" Carlisle covered his mouth, shocked. "I said that out loud?"

"Yeah." Dante glanced down at him. "I didn't realize you were multilingual, Lips."

"I-I-I, um…" Carlisle scrambled for an excuse only to weakly say, "I'm…full of surprises." Too many surprises. Too many unpredictable surprises.

Dante hummed, but his face gave nothing away. "Yeah, we're in Andüsa." He looked around. "We're in South Samari, actually. Teacher lives in the swamp here. But getting to the swamp will still take some time."

"But…" Carlisle still did not understand as Dante helped him into the truck. "It should've taken us at least a day or so to get to Andüsa. The passports and the travel and…" He could Dante's averted stare. "Dante?"

Dante sighed, rubbing his neck. "I understand you have questions. But there are certain things that I can't answer. Not without Teacher. I'm sorry—"

"Prince." Carlisle feathered Dante's cheek, eyes soft. "It's fine. Please don't worry about it. I don't need answers right now." He kissed Dante's forehead before his lips. "I'm excited to meet your teacher. If only you didn't ruin it by bringing that thing—"

"He's our cat now, Lips." Dante pulled away with a shake of his head.

"He is not," Carlisle grumbled as Dante shut the door to round to his side. I'm not a child. I don't need some fallen Guardian as protection. I'd banish him if I could, but— He paused as his heart sunk. But then…using any of my abilities would be a beacon. And if Lucy wants this cat near me, then I can't complain. After all—sea-green violets dimmed—Maman and I owe him everything.

Dante got the truck started, but he could see Carlisle's long face from the reflection of the window. Carlisle… Shifting gears, he started driving out away from the hanger and left the private Sky Boat behind. But as he got further and further away, he glanced into the rearview mirror.

The Sky Boat warped as its exterior melted into a thick fog.

And two gleaming eyes met Dante's own.

---

Sometimes, it was a blessing in disguise that Araza City was not a spring break destination.

Sleek and modern, the Sky Port had the capacity for a spring holiday uproar, but more homecoming students and relatives filled the Sky Port and traveled a path well-taken. But while arrivals were not overwhelming, it was the departure people had to be wary of. Plenty of people revved with their spring holiday destination in mind had swamped the lines and security, eager to get started on their break from the mundane. Starfox had them machines whirling as a barista dealt with an entitled pregnant woman. A band of couples ready for their intimate retreat was already shying away from one fraying couple having a heated debate. A military veteran and part of one of the native tribes humbly accepted someone thanking him for his service.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Araza International Sky Port—as known as colloquially as the Lanthanum Sky Port—is the second busiest Sky Port in Melandia with four terminals and is home to Araza Centre. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The pickup zone had it down to a science with attendants helping with traffic, shuttle busses at the ready, and four lanes to help direct the flow of traffic. Emotion reunions would have to wait as everyone hustled into cars and busses.

Hood up and face mask on, Orochi tried once more to call Ezra. Come on, Ezra. Please.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Araza International Sky Port

Araza City

Melandia

10:57 AM MCDT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

When the call sent him to voicemail, he ended it before he could leave a message. He sighed again. Ezra…

Still no response.

No. Orochi briefly closed his eyes. Nothing, Mara. Just like before. He refuses to answer anyone's calls.

Don't give up, Mara encouraged. I wish I could be there. I could help him.

Orochi yanked down his face mask with a small smile. We can't help those who don't want help. And besides, Mara, his Beast Soul—

I know, Mara breathed. Reading its mind again and trying to help Ezra perform Soul Resonance… I could only help Ezra cage it at his request. But I know I can't do anymore.

It's not your fault, Mara, Orochi soothed. Ezra and his Beast Soul… It's their choice if they want to resonate.

And Gary… His thoughts, Orochi. Hearing them—

I know. Orochi sighed as he looked up at the cloudless sky. Gary has his own issues to work out. Dark violets softened. He thought privately, And for his sake and Nashi's… I hope Gary can acknowledge for once that he's not okay…and that he needs help.

"Are you 'Orochi'?"

Orochi looked to see a man leaning against a low-riding and undeniably stylish sports car. Maybe it was the luxury vehicle that attracted the stares, but the man himself captivated many more. Tall, lean, and fair, black hair fell to his shoulders, and combined with his leather jacket and shades, he made more of an attractive distraction. In a smooth movement, he pushed up his shades to show curious green eyes.

Orochi nodded and came forward. "Chace. We spoke on the Com, yeah."

"Ah. Then it is nice to meet you, mon amie," Chace greeted. The passenger door flourished upward. "Welcome to Melandia."

Orochi slung off his bag to round the car and crouched down into the sports car on the left side. As the doors automatically shut with driver and passenger inside, Orochi commented, "I didn't realize genetic technicians make a lot of money."

Chace brought them off the curb to merge into traffic. "Our salaries here are a little cushier since we partner with the Crocus Clinic here in Melandia and a few high-up there laboratories and some big-name animal conservatories."

Orochi hummed.

Getting out of the Sky Port was not sinfully overwhelming, but that did not mean it was easy either. The left side was where to drive and the driver sat on the right side of their cars. The entire experience felt intriguing and a little unsettling to Orochi and he paid a comment on it. "I've never been on the left side of the road."

"It took me some time getting used to it," Chace remarked. "Going home and coming back makes it even more unsettling."

"And where is home for you?"

"Pergrande." A darkness settled in Chace's eyes. "And Stella, once… But the Stella I once knew is long gone. So long as the Holy Eye continues to demand a governmental shift into a theocracy, Stella cannot be considered my home."

Orochi tilted his head, curious. "You don't care for the Holy Eye's doctrine? It's quite accepting."

"Too accepting," Chace muttered darkly. "Yet my nonni and mia madre think otherwise."

"Your father?"

"Mon père lives in Pergrande." A smirk went over Chace's face. "My parents are sporadically married and divorced. Separated, I believe is the Minstrish term. They carry the temperaments of their home countries. Passionate, proud"—his smirk broadened—"amorous. They enjoy the fight to make up afterward."

Orochi chuckled. "I'm sure growing up seeing it was entertaining."

"It was." A fond wistfulness touched Chace's tone. "My father's ties to our family business keep him in Pergrande and my mother will not move without my grandparents, who wish to stay in Stella, thanks to the Holy Eye. You'd think it would be the cause for a divorce, but instead, they enjoy driving the other crazy and stay married even countries apart. The holidays are always interesting having them both together."

Chace laughed. "Though that's when I see them. They're otherwise together unless we need to be in one room."

"Hm." Orochi smiled. "I'm happy to hear they're still in love."

"Thank you." Chace glanced at him. "And you, mon amie?"

Orochi's shoulders rose and fell with his breath. "It's just my mother, my older sister, and myself. My father has been away for quite some time now." He looked out the window with no sadness or bitterness poisoning his smile and eyes, only acceptance. "But he'll be back one day. That's something I've never doubted."

Intrigue sparked in Chace's gaze. "Good to hear it." He turned back to the road. "Thank you for coming to see Ezra. Ever since his return in December and then his spiral in February, he hasn't been the same. It's left the team worried about him."

"Yeah. We're all worried about him." Orochi toyed with the ring on his middle finger. "He's really working all this week?"

"I'll be working and the same with another technician, Hacker," Chace filled in. "As much as spring break would be nice, we still have projects and TA work. However, with the way Ezra looks, it's not safe for him to be working on sensitive information. Our superior thinks he's capable, but the rest of us disagree." He gave Orochi a serious sidelong look. "Seeing Ezra get drunk during La Saint-Valentin… We were lucky to have gotten him out. But that name he kept saying…"

"'Saudade'," Orochi sighed.

"Yes." Chace's hands clenched the steering wheel. "He refuses to speak about her, only that she was his ex-lover. But it's always felt like there was more to the story. At least there was enough that makes him drink to that extent."

"It's complicated." Dark violets went to the skies. "It's always been complicated."

• — • — • — •

"Do you think Angel will like this?"

Precious painting stroked the penthouse walls with various works-in-progress scattered across the tarped floor. But none of that matters when teenaged Gary worked diligently on his ceiling mural and brought alive his spring forest section of rebirth and new life. Various paints and his water jar of brushes had been given their little clip-on ice table.

Orochi sketched out a design in his sketchbook with his ears pierced thrice and a nose ring, his hair grown out to his shoulders. Ezra huddled beside him with his mop of curly white spilling over his face, unkempt. But the dejection fuming off him said he did not care.

"I feel like it's missing something," Gary said as he continued his delicate strokes and color mixing.

Orochi muttered, "Paint butterflies."

A full-body shiver of disgust went through Gary that had him wobble on his ladder. Scrambling, he got himself steady and threw Orochi an angered pout. "Don't even joke about that! I could've fallen!"

"It's not my fault you're afraid of butterflies," Orochi murmured. "And if you fell, I would've laughed."

"Jerk!" Gary huffed and sifted for another brush to use, muttering under his breath.

Orochi continued his drafting over the butterfly. It would not be long until he could start outlining in his thinner ink pens. His eyes softened on the image. 'A butterfly… Just like Nashi.' He glanced up to watch Gary paint with the light back in his eyes, and something moved in his chest—bittersweet resignation. 'But…maybe it's better if I don't say anything. Not now, anyway. Not when…he's finally smiling again.'

"Mister Wolfheim called me."

Orochi and Gary stopped their artistry to pay attention to Ezra. Ezra kept his knees drawn to his chest and his dead gaze stared at nothing. But he said, voice scratchy, "He told me…he could help me."

Gary blinked. "That's great, Ez!" he enthused. "Mister Wolfheim is—"

"But he can't remove my Beast Soul from me."

Orochi and Gary went quiet.

Ezra tightened his hold around his knees. "He told me he could help me, but he can't get out this thing inside me. I still have to live with it. He said he can't get rid of it."

Orochi saddened. 'Ezra…'

"Is it so bad…to have a monster inside you?" Gary dropped to the ground with the smile wiped off his face. "Is it bad…to have to live like this?"

Erza's dark gaze went to Gary before looking away with a hint of guilt. "I can't live with it inside me anymore," he murmured. "Not after what I did." Smokey topaz shimmered. "Not after what I did to Saudade."

Gritted teeth.

Ezra never suspected to be forcibly yanked from his spot nor was smokey topaz ready to meet burning blues. "Gary—"

"You think I don't think the same thing?" Gary snarled at him. "You think I want to live with myself? That I can even look at myself after everything—everything!—I put Angel through? And you think it's so easy for me to get rid of all this inside me? The only way we can break free is by killing ourselves! Is that what you want? You think you were better off dead than to live life having these memories? And you think I haven't tried that?"

"Gary," Orochi warned.

Ezra's eyes shimmered before they flashed down. "You don't understand—"

"I don't understand?" A dangerous tone warred in Gary's quiet echo. "I don't understand what it's like being a monster? I don't understand wanting to die so badly that I'll never hurt someone else again?" Ceruleans glowed. "I don't understand it's my fault Angel could've died because of me?"

Ezra closed his eyes. "I didn't mean it like that. I-I…" His eyes opened, but his lashes were low. "I know you understand." He gathered the courage to raise his eyes in apology. "I'm sorry."

It took Gary a few moments to find enough peace to let Ezra go to sit back on the ground. Frost panted from Gary's mouth as his hands shook, but the glow left his eyes. "I'm sorry," he whispered. All that cold rage dropped to disgust and shame. "I'm sorry, Ezra—"

"It's okay." Ezra winced as he repositioned himself. "It's fine, Gary. I'm okay. I shouldn't have said that."

"Why don't you sit down?" Orochi soothingly coordinated when he saw Gary's chest heave rapidly. "Come on. You should sit. You've been painting for a while. You should take a breather."

Wordlessly, Gary sat down against the wall next to Ezra. He closed his eyes and shored up his effort to steady his breaths and control his winter. Silence filmed between all three boys, but Ezra and Orochi concerned themselves waiting for Gary to calm himself down.

The last puff of frost exhaled before Gary could open his eyes. "Sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Orochi murmured.

Gary nodded and swallowed, but his guilt and shame were clear as day.

Orochi turned his attention to a remorseful Ezra. "I think Mister Wolfheim would be a great person to go to," he encouraged. "He would understand you better than anyone, Ezra. And…maybe it'd be good to get away from everything."

"Yeah," Ezra mumbled.

Orochi turned back to his sketchbook. He flipped to a page he had done of an inked-in puppy and a kitten, cuddling with each other. "Do you think you'll talk to Saudade again?" he quietly broached.

Gary murmured, "She really misses you. She asks us about you a lot."

Ezra tensed before slouching in grief and self-loathing. "I can't." A whisper. A choice. A decision. "It's… It's better this way. My B-Beast… If I get too close to her, he'll…" He flinched back with his breath hitching.

Gary empathized. "We understand." He and Ezra shared a long look of mutual sadness and grief. "But… If you and your Beast really did that to Saudade, it'll be hard to not be around her." Turning away, the haunted horrors darkened his face as he clutched the edges of his shorts. "No matter how much you want to stay away, the moment you get too close, you could spin out of control."

Ezra looked down at his lap. "Yeah… But I—" He gave a terse breath. "I can't… I can't…do that to her again. I can still feel it. I can…see it." He hugged himself as his throat flexed in a gag.

"Saudade doesn't hate you," Orochi promised.

But Ezra took such words with a grain of salt. "She was bleeding," he shakily whispered. "She was… She was crying. I can still…feel everything." He flinched. "And my Beast Soul… H-He isn't finished with her." Smokey topaz grew fearful. "He wants more."

Gary and Orochi exchanged a look before Gary leaned against Ezra and said, "If you want to go to Mister Wolfheim, then we'll support you. And if you can't talk to Saudade again…then we'll support you too."

"Whatever you want to do, Ez," Orochi said. "We'll stick with you 'til the end."

Ezra sniffled. "Thanks, you guys."

Gary smiled and prodded Ezra's cheek. "Don't cry. What are brothers for, right?"

"Yeah." Ezra rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. "Brothers."

Boots came into the room. "Hey, pissant. Let's go."

All three boys looked up to see a white-haired man dressed in gothic black and his yellow gaze ignored all except Gary. He lifted his chin. "I gave you a Compact so you would answer it. Let's go."

"Sorry, Mister Yang." Gary gave his friends apologetic looks. "Sorry, guys. I'll see you later. But you guys can stay here if you want." He scrambled off the floor and rushed around to gather his belongings and put away his paint and brushes.

Mister Yang looked displeased and barked, "And hurry up."

"Yes, Mister Yang!"

Mister Yang snorted and muttered, "Fucking pissant." His ear twitched and his yellows skipped back to Ezra.

Electric blues and yellows clashed.

Orochi blinked in surprise when a low growl stirred from Ezra's chest. "Ezra?"

Mister Yang raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Put those eyes away, Beastie. You're no match for me." Yellows glinted. "Don't make me repeat myself."

The electric blues in Ezra faded and he blinked back for his dark browns. Confusion set in. "I don't…" He looked up at Mister Yang like he was a god. "You…stopped him?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, kid." And Mister Yang turned to his Compact.

Orochi deeply frowned. 'What was that? Did he really stop Ezra's Beast?'

"I'm ready!" Gary came bouncing back with a paint-less set of a shirt, shorts, and sandals. "I'm ready to go, Mister Yang!"

Mister Yang tched. "Whatever." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked away without a farewell.

"Oh, um, sorry about him," Gary awkwardly laughed, rubbing his neck. "He's, um…not a people person, so, um…"

"Pissant!" Mister Yang snarled. "If you make me wait, I swear I—!"

"Gotta go!" Gary blurted as he adjusted his backpack and gave his friends a quick wave. "See you later!" And he scurried out of the penthouse where echoes of his yelp and foreign swears were the last heard before the doors closed.

Orochi stared at the door. 'Huh… Who is that man anyway?'

• — • — • — •

Orochi's eyes fell as he watched the traffic. I know Ezra's worried about his Beast Soul, but the more he suppresses it, the worst it'll be when his Beast shows up. And Saudade… His stomach clenched. All of this really is complicated.

And Chace drove them down the highway in silence.

---

What they told you about Andüsa was a bald-faced lie—get that through your head now.

Wildlife was a part of every continent, but Andüsa was not how The Lion King and countless other media portrayed it to be with the Serengeti filled with "uncivilized" tribes. To be honest, Andüsa was much more diverse than people thought. Some cities rivaled the high-tech facilities of Sela. The culture was rich and the land even richer.

But there were beautiful grasslands in this part of South Samari. Dirt trails had been marked for pedestrians, but scarcely did vehicles use these paths at this time. The mountains served as reputably backdrops.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is South Samari, also known as the Republic of South Samari. The Samarium people have Minstrish as their official language, but over 60 indigenous languages still hold strong. South Samari has the legend of the Guardian Snake Tororut who protects this land and as such, the puff adder is considered a sacred animal. Alongside Tororut, a pantheon of gods were worshipped here prior to the gods' abandonment. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Carlisle stretched and yawned with Dante sending him a glance and a grin. "Are you awake now?"

"I've always been awake," Carlisle excused as he wiggled his toes. "At least, I was awake after the bathroom break and just…blacked out a little." He disregarded Dante's snort to look out the window. "So where are we now?"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

South Samari

Andüsa

6:54 AM EAT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"We're still in South Samari," Dante confirmed. "We're getting close to the Great Kiira."

"The river?" Carlisle checked. "Does your teacher live close to it? That's where the swamp is?"

Dante replied, "Yes and no. She does live close to it, but she doesn't live where some of the cities and villages are. She lives in a thicker part of the swamp."

"'Thicker part?" Carlisle echoed.

Dante nodded. "The swamp is huge. Most of it pretty much floats. But where we're going is across one of the branch-off rivers and it's very dense. The people call it 'al-aemaa', which minds 'the blind'."

Carlisle sat up. "How come they call it that?"

"Because there's a dense fog in that part of the swamp that makes it impossible for any outsider to journey inside," Dante informed. "Conquerors, adventurers, military, and even researchers have come into that part of the swamp for their own purpose. Some come out, but they can't see anymore. And others who go in never come out." He slated a terrified Carlisle a larger grin. "Scared?"

"N-N-No!" Carlisle swallowed and tried to maintain a stiff upper lip. "But you're so mean, trying to scare me like that."

Dante chuckled. "You're cute when you're scared and cling onto me."

Carlisle sputtered. "W-Well, I'm not going to be doing that this time, you evil prince!" He cleared his throat and asked in a small voice, "Are you sure it's safe for us?"

"It's fine," Dante assured him. "I'll be there to protect the delicate princess."

"Rude!" Carlisle huffed and crossed his arms. "Maybe I'll be the one to protect you."

"I'd believe that if you actively trained to defend yourself," Dante said dryly. "Seventy-five percent of the time I try to get you to the Purgatory, you lure me in for sex, and the other twenty-five percent, you have every excuse in the book. You had an allergic reaction to the cat?"

Carlisle flushed. "Cat allergies are very real!"

"He's hypoallergenic, Carlisle."

Carlisle heard snickering in his head and knew Muta was the culprit. He weakly excused, "Technically, hypoallergenic means 'fewer reactions' and not 'no reactions'…" He shrunk when Dante raised an eyebrow. "I'm a lover, not a fighter?"

"You used that," Dante flatly said. "That was when you surprised me with fishnet socks." He feathered Carlisle's choker. "Maybe you need a muzzle or a gag for all your bullshit."

Carlisle hmphed. "Mean Prince."

"You like when I'm mean."

"Well, I…" Carlisle worked his mouth and hated Dante's laugh. "One of these days, I'm going to make you absolutely speechless."

"You already did." Dante softened. "Your eyes took my breath away."

More red crawled onto Carlisle's face and he fiddled with the hem of his shirt. "Prince…"

Dante hummed, amused at Carlisle's reaction, but he paid attention to the road. "The fog won't bother us. But stay close to me. Don't wander, Lips." His eyes darkened. "Promise me you won't wander."

Carlisle nodded and slid his fingers between Dante's in a handhold. "I won't. I promise."

"Thank you." Dante lifted their hands to kiss Carlisle's knuckles. "We still have some way to go if you want to keep sleeping."

"I'm okay," Carlisle assured. "Did you really spend a summer under The Forge?"

Dante slowly nodded. "I did," he answered with care.

"That's impressive." And Carlisle meant it. "I heard most Enchanters aren't recommended to start their apprenticeships until they're seventeen and it could take years to develop all the skills for it."

"Like I said, I'd begged Teacher to teach me," Dante said. "In her eyes, a summer was enough."

"I see." Carlisle leaned against his side of the car, ruminating. One summer, huh? He is talented. I can't deny that. But for a child to learn such advanced skills in one summer…

"I can feel your curiosity, Lips." Dante simpered when Carlisle looked embarrassed he had been found out. "It's fine. I'm a sole outlier and a lot of people questioned my credibility as an Enchanter since it took me one summer to complete my apprenticeship. But I promise you'll understand meeting Teacher. She's excited to meet you."

Carlisle perked. "She is?"

"Yeah." Dante tried not to grimace as he remembered the letters his teacher sent him with long and enthusiastic paragraphs. She even watched all of his past performances and became a fangirl. But I'm afraid telling him that will boost his ego.

Carlisle sneezed.

Dante internally sighed. Teacher… It's been such a long time. He glanced at the rings he and Carlisle wore. I hope you're happy with my choice. Because I know I am. Dark browns glinted as he took in Carlisle's profile as he watched the rolling grass. Human or not.

The journey was kept in silence. Carlisle wrinkled his nose when Dante stopped to harness and leash Muta and let him out to stretch his legs. Dante was unamused of how much Carlisle tried to plead they should abandon their cat when Muta was far away enough.

And Muta made sure to be loudly purr and wind around Carlisle's legs (and once Dance's back was turned, Carlisle stomped on Muta's tail).

Smooth sailing from there on out with an amicable silence until Carlisle sat up seeing a village in the distance. We must be heading there. "Is it safe for us to keep driving?"

"Yeah. The path we're on was provided naturally from the wetlands," Dante told him.

"But what will happen to the truck?"

"We'll see it once we go back, but it'll stay in the village." Dante glanced at Carlisle. "It's too late to turn back."

"And who said I wanted to turn back?" Carlisle challenged.

Dante chuckled. "Right."

The village lived a simple life within their bungalows hovering over the water. Some were placed on dry land with their fences and cattle farms. Some of the women strode with baskets on their heads while the men had their staffs. A few outsiders of the village were shepherding their cattle with a pair of large wild dogs with sharpened tusks and tails. A Ra—a magical falcon— was perched at the Healer's hut and preened its feathers. A Water Mage and a Telekinetic Mage were bubbled up water containing fish so those with spears could pluck out their meal.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Mongongo Village, one of the villages a part of the Kiira Community of the wetlands. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Some villagers saw the truck, but they did not dare stop it and only followed it with their eyes.

One of the broad rivers birthed from the Great Kiira River came before them, but a man was already there in his blue-patterned tunic and a docked flatboat that bobbed on the water. He smiled when the truck stopped and it broadened when Dante got out of the truck. He raised a hand and called, "Mwaiseni mukwai!"

⌜MONGONGO VILLAGE

Name: Jengo

Age: 61

Magic: Wiccan

Occupation: Village Chief

Likes: calligraphy Dislikes: being told to marry

Special Note: Jengo might not look it, but he is quite the chess master and he helps young Wizards of the village train! ⌟

Dante smiled. "Shani, Jengo!" He opened the door to help Carlisle step out.

Jengo looked very pleased seeing the pair of them and strode over to them. "Ah! Mûlume obe?"

Dante gave him an exasperated look. "Iyayi. Temulune wandi."

Jengo chuckled and teased, "Osapanga chipongwe." He turned to the curious Carlisle and switched to accented Minstrish. "Welcome to our village. We have been expecting you."

"Thank you, sir," Carlisle appreciated.

Jengo caught Carlisle's ring and taunted Dante, "I see those rings. I know what they mean." Then he saw Carlisle's choker and gayly laughed, clapping his hands. "You did not waste any time claiming your new husband! Tororut will be pleased by your union!"

Carlisle was ready to faint.

Dante grunted as he got out his bag and put it on his back. "Carlisle, this is Jengo. His village has a good relationship with my teacher.

"Ah, yes. Fula. The Minstrish call her 'The Forge'," Jengo remembered. "She has been very kind to our people." He whirled his staff and when the butt of it hit the dirt, it sparked Magic. "She has gifted us with the means to defend ourselves from the mzungu and the kantu."

Dante finished getting the rest of the belongings, but his expression darkened. "What's been happening?

Jengo sighed and gave Dante a sorrowful look, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You have been away for a long time, my friend. We have much to discuss."

°•°•°•°

The ride through the wetlands was relaxing in its own way. Jengo guided the flatboat with his staff. The marsh did not bother them, nor any of the creatures. An awing silence threaded between the three men as they journeyed down the river with even Muta quiet in his carrier. The great mountains, fogged with clouds, painted a picturesque background, but it was apparent their destination was a wily swamp in the distance. Dante and Carlisle sat spread in the flatboat holding hands, though Carlisle could see the questions looming over Dante.

"The kantu have come in erratic raids," Jengo told both young men as he looked at the horizon. "Savages. Rogues. Blood traitors. I have spoken to others in our community. The kantu come to them with demands of Wizards to join their cause." Such a traitorous word.

"Are you speaking of the Faction?" Carlisle inquired.

"The kantu have no one group. They are all disgraces to this land," Jengo told him. "But there is one group that is not part of the kantu. They carry a clean scent as they come to the villages to scour, but underneath, we can smell blood."

"What are they looking for?" Dante asked.

Jengo replied tiredly, "From what we have been told from further villages, missionaries come with their kindness and healing technology to help our sick and vaccinate our young. And yet, once someone falls ill, they are never seen again."

"They're kidnapping people," Dante theorized, shoulders tensed.

"So we suspect," Jengo said, "but we cannot make such accusations. They bring their chimaera with them. We do not dare go up against those beasts, even with the gifts Fula has given us. We cannot chance striking first if we wish to maintain peace, especially when the Blessing of Ishuko—the Blessing of Luck—is still missing. Instead, we have bolstered our defenses to deter the azungu and the kantu. However, there are others who refused her gifts and have claimed allegiance to these false missionaries and the kantu."

Dante let out a terse breath. "This isn't sounding good, Jengo."

"Our mganga tells us that something is coming. We can all feel a change." Jengo lifted his chin to the mountains. "It is times like this I wish the mashujivu would return."

Carlisle echoed, "'Mashujivu'?"

"The warriors of the Gray," Jengo explained. "They were the warriors who defended us from the kantu and blessed with powers that very few could retaliate against. They have long-since disappeared from our land."

"I see," Dante murmured. "Has the Magic Council been out here?"

"They do not dare approach us here," Jengo laughed. "Those azungu assigned to the branch here and the mshenti who have turned their back on our ways for greed would rather intimidate us from afar."

"But it won't be like that forever," Dante muttered darkly. Why didn't Teacher tell me about this?

Jengo flashed Dante a crooked grin. "Don't worry. We have our skills to ensure those of the Magic Council would not dare try to come closer." He nodded to the couple. "But we have spoken enough of that. I should hope to get an invitation to the wedding." His grin broadened as he cruised the boat along. "I already have a gift in mind for when you start a family."

Carlisle turned stark red while Dante chuckled. "We have a while until that happens."

"Well don't take too long to jump the broom," Jengo drawled. "Life is too short to wait for the right moment."

"I know." Dante kissed Carlisle's knuckles and made sure dark browns and sea-greens clashed. "But some things are worth waiting for."

Carlisle swallowed. Dante… His gaze dropped to the side.

Muta watched the pair with a suppressed sigh. As admirable as that is…some things won't wait any longer.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

People thought the Grand Magic Games was the heightened moment for Mages, but for most younger Mages, that moment was Inter-Guild.

Wizards milled around the broad campus, excited to settle in their dorms and get reacquainted with old friends before orientation started. The Counselor—young adult and veteran Mages alike—were doing their best to keep the chaos organized, but even they had to chuckle at such eager grins everywhere.

"I can't believe we're back." Ezra finished putting away his belongings in the dresser. The dormitory had two single beds, desks, bookshelves, two dressers, two closets, and a mini-fridge and microwave. "I can't wait to see Howl."

"Yeah." Orochi had already set up his side of the room and was back to sketching. "He promised to bring all his drawings so I could check them out." He stopped drawing and looked out the window. Justin was there as he clung to Mara, still shy, but he blushed as another boy chatted with him. "I hope Justin comes out of his shell more." He softened when Justin perked. Nashi had come to visit him, and Justin instantly relaxed as she helped make introductions.

Ezra ruffled around his closet to get out his camp clothes. "I'm sure he'll be fine. He knows how to handle Pacer and Pearson now, so I'm sure he'll get used to everyone here." He paused. "Do you think…it was okay not to come with Gary? It feels…weird. Y'know?"

"Yeah," Orochi sighed. "But he told us he didn't want to go."

"I know, but it feels wrong," Ezra said as his hands dropped down. "I know we shouldn't push him. But he's so…different. He's so dark now and…and quiet. I just feel so worried he'll never be the same again."

Orochi glanced outside where Nashi was grinning like a fool as she spoke to her friends from other guilds and introduced Justin to them all. "He won't be the same again. He'll be different. And I guess it's up to him to make that a good different."

"Yeah. I know." Ezra straightened up. "But he told us we better come back with a lot of stories from him. And that's what we'll do." He went over to Orochi and stole his sketchbook.

"Hey—!"

"We can't stay inside the dorms like we do every year," Ezra determined.

Orochi made a sour face. "I can sketch outside. Drawing is very versatile in location." But he still got off the bed. "And what are you so gung-ho about, anyway? You and Howl basically talk about Super Rangers and none of us talk to anyone."

"Well, we can change that!" Ezra decided. "We have to." He offered Orochi his sketchbook back. "For Gary."

Orochi blinked before he nodded. "For Gary." And he took back his book before grabbing a few more pens.

The co-ed dorm floor they were on was geared for their age group, which meant a lot of loud-mouthed gossip, horrible MCOM songs blaring, lots of giggling, and weird young teenaged rituals neither boys wanted to get involved with. It helped no one wanted to be close to Orochi, not when all they knew was about his poison skin and venomous fangs. Their avoidance made Orochi and Ezra's travel outside easier.

Springtime agreed with the mountain-located campus, with buckets of green everywhere. Orientation at the outdoor amphitheater would start soon enough that it spurred many young Wizards part of the training camp to go outside in their camp t-shirts. Only the arrogant and uppity Wizards showed off their battle gear that was only meant to be worn at the Battle Tower.

Ezra pointed. "Hey, there's Howl."

"Howl", as it turned out, was hiding out in the shade of one of the buildings. Even as just barely an adult, he was tall and it was impossible to see his eyes considering his black hair spilled down to the bridge of his nose. No smile existed on his face either. But as intimidating as he might look, he combatted it with his loose camp counselor t-shirt and shorts. He lowered himself to let two of the younger Wizards speaking to him give him high-fives.

"It's cool he's a counselor this year," Orochi commented. "I hope Hela isn't here this year." He pulled a revolted expression. "She always tries to kiss me because she thinks it'll be fun to poison herself."

"She scares me," Ezra whispered like it was a secret. "She always thinks torture and death is the answer to everything. I hope we don't have to train with her."

"Chi-chi! Ezra!"

Both boys looked to see Nashi rushing towards them with her crew. "You guys better not be late for orientation!"

Orochi tilted his head with a laugh. "We still have time, Nana. We won't be late." But it surprised him when Nashi poked his chest.

"You said that the last time," Nashi reminded him, narrowing her eyes. "And I know you guys just stayed inside the entire time. But not this year, got it?"

Orochi slighted a smile, eyes twinkling. "Whatever you say, Nana."

"We were going to do that anyway," Ezra assured her, brushing his curls from his glasses. "We wanted to make sure when we got home, we had more stories to tell Gary."

"Gary?" Nashi's teasing manner faltered for sadness. "So he… He really didn't come?" She cupped her elbows, her browns doused in grief. "So he's still not feeling well…"

Orochi and Ezra exchanged a concerned look, both unsure how to comfort her.

A chirp, "That's okay, Nashi! We'll make sure we do a lot so we can have a lot of stories to tell him too!"

Ezra looked over—

Bright pink eyes with diamond pupils.

His breath was stolen. 'Whoa… Her eyes…'

Nashi still did not regain her earlier cheer. "Yeah…" When Justin held her hand in quiet solidarity, she gave him a small smile. "Well, come on. We'd better get some good seats. Justin, you do not want to miss orientation. It might seem boring, but it's really cool!"

And that was that as Nashi took charge of leading the group to the amphitheater. Ezra caught the look of longing on Orochi's face and saddened on behalf of his friend. 'Orochi…'

"Um, hi."

Ezra turned—

Smokey topaz clashed with bright pink.

"Um, sorry. I didn't realize you were one of Nashi's friends too. This is my first year here." This adorable girl beamed at him with her cotton candy hair tamed into cornrows and a dimple on the right side of her smile. She held out a hand to him. "I'm Saudade. It's nice to meet you!"

Orochi's lips twitched when Ezra looked a little too tongue-tied, so he introduced, "I'm Orochi. And this is…" He gave his friend a shove.

Ezra stumbled forward and almost fell into Saudade. His Beast Soul rose with his nostrils flaring to take in a curious subtle scent of blood and overwhelming sweet honey. A pleased rumble vibrated from his chest and his Beast Soul urged him to scent this new human once more—

"Um…" Saudade owlishly blinked. "Was that your stomach?"

"N-No!" Ezra felt his cheeks heat and begged his Beast Soul, 'Not now. Please'. Relief swept through his when his Beast Soul backed down and would observe this new human in silence. Ezra wiped his sweaty palms on his shorts and decided he would hide Orochi's colored pencils later. "I-I'm Ezra. It's, um, nice to meet you too." He ignored Orochi's coughed laugh, ears burning, and offered his hand to her.

"Cool!" Saudade clasped her small hand against his larger one and her beam was back. "I guess that makes us friends!"

• — • — • — •

Waking up this late on a Saturday was not exactly a perk to being an adult.

Ezra's body made the decision to rise and an exhale flooded out of him. Without his glasses, the world looked blurry as sin, but he was not so sure he wanted to get his glasses just yet. He grunted as he swept up his pillows beneath his head.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ezra's Studio Apartment

Araza City

Melandia

3:17 PM MCDT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The Beast forced him to listen.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

Ezra opened his eyes. Someone's in my house. His nostrils flared. And they brought…food? He forced himself to sit up and was silently grateful he went to bed in his boxer briefs instead of his nude alternative. Openly groping for his glasses, his fingers found purchase and he was forced to move up his curled bangs to properly regain his sight back.

"Awake, Sleeping Beauty?"

Ezra half wanted to fall back into bed. "Why are you here, Orochi?"

Orochi looked comfortable as he sat on the couch with his PAL and a drink. "You weren't going to meet us halfway." He looked up at Ezra. "So I decided to come to you." He gestured to the coffee table. "Your food is cold, though. I ordered it since your refrigerator is empty. And I know you have a large appetite." He turned back to his PAL. "Come down when you're ready."

Silence.

Orochi kept his ears on alert when he heard shuffling after a few minutes. It took some more minutes for Ezra to climb down, but he did not go to the couch. He went for his fridge to get some water before his feet slapped against the hardwood.

Orochi felt a slight dip in the couch. "Hangover?" He glanced over to see Ezra staring at his water and noticed the ivory scar that crossed down his chest.

"No hangover," Ezra muttered. "Just exhausted." He absently touched the jagged scar on his face before his hand trailed down to the scar on his chest. "How did you get in?"

"You have very caring friends."

Ezra's shoulders sagged. "I told them I was fine."

"'Fine' isn't ignoring all forms of communication from your friends and family, Ezra," Orochi remarked.

Ezra looked to the side. "You shouldn't have come here."

"You're right." Orochi shut his PAL. "I shouldn't have come here. I should've spent with my mom and with Mara and you, Gary, and I could've just texted like we used to do. I shouldn't be here. But I am here because you decided to work yourself into the ground and then drink."

Ezra's shoulders tensed. "I'm fine—"

"You are not – fine," Orochi stressed. "If you were fine"—his arm shifted—"you wouldn't need this."

Ezra turned and his gaze zoomed on the case Orochi held up with clean syringes and black vials stuffed inside. Muscles coiled, he asked lowly, "Where did you find that?"

"A poisonous snake can sniff out poison," Orochi deadpanned. "You've been doping on Anti-Ether. I didn't want to believe that you'd still be injecting yourself with this when we both had to be there when Gary broke down to us and confessed he tried to kill himself with this."

Ezra flinched back like the words lashed him. "I-I…" He set down his water to rub his wrist and he mumbled, "I wasn't going to do that."

"No, I know you weren't," Orochi agreed with that as he closed the case and set it aside. "But the fact that you even bought this? The fact that you use this constantly?"

Ezra hunched over, but he said nothing.

Orochi sighed and put his PAL on the coffee table to nudge his friend. "Eat up," he muttered. "I'm sticking around here this entire week, Ez. And Gary would be here if he could, but—" Another sigh. "He needs this vacation more than either of us." He added, "He misses you, y'know."

Ezra cringed. "He's pissed off at me." He looked at his calloused hands. "We saw the aftermath. We saw it every day with him. He went through so much, Orochi."

"Yeah, he did." Orochi did not deny that. "But if you think for a second Gary would be pissed at you because he had it worse than you? Then you don't know him at all."

Ezra opened his mouth, but he had no counter.

"He's angry with you because you've shut us out," Orochi murmured, gentle. "It was never because he compared your situations, Ezra. It was never like that with him. He understood you the most out of everyone—"

"Not like this," Ezra breathed. "He can't understand this."

Orochi conceded to that. "He can't understand this specifically, no. But he can empathize. Because…he knows what it's like to Bond with someone. And he knows what it's like to hurt them on top of that. He understands, Ezra. And maybe I don't, but that doesn't mean I don't want to be here for you. We're still family, Ezra. You, Gary, me—we're still brothers."

Ezra maintained silence.

Orochi turned back the food and grabbed some containers. "I'll warm this up for you." Once he balanced enough in his hands, he rose and walked to the kitchen—

"How does he do it?"

Orochi paused.

Smokey topaz clouded with despair. "How does he just…live with himself when he knows he caused her to scream and bleed? And how could she still love him after that?"

Orochi softly answered, "He lives with it solely because she can still love him."

"And you." Ezra turned so smokey topaz and dark violets connected. "How can you watch her love someone else?"

Lifting his head, Orochi let out a long breath. "Because…the butterfly is flying again." A resigned smile quirked his lips. "And what more could a lowly snake want…than for a butterfly to spread her wings and fly?" And he left Ezra to ponder such an answer.

---

Drifting across this Andüsan river felt like a lullaby in itself.

The morning had cracked its knuckles and gotten started for the day. Most were wise enough to rise before the sun had enough sense to heat up the earth and set out with their baskets to start the laundry and get done with the daily chores. School would begin soon enough, so the younger ones helped where they could.

Jengo gave the ritual hand signal for peace and passing through whenever they wafted through a village living on the water, but the men and exceed-disguised-as-a-cat maintained a peaceful hush between them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

The Wetlands

South Samari

Andüsa

8:04 AM EAT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The wetlands thickened as floating masses of greens deepened with waterlogged trees banding and their bloated roots surface-dwellers. Cattails and reeds popped up like daisies. Leathery thicket and shrubs added extra padding to the swamp, but it was not until a canopy started to forge overhead that Carlisle noticed an oozing fog sifted through the trees and leaves.

Carlisle tightened his hand with Dante and whispered, "Prince?"

"It's okay," Dante soothed. "We're getting close to Teacher." His eyes shifted to the dripping fog. And I know she warned I wouldn't be alone.

Jengo led the flatboat until the push and pull of the tide guided them up onto land. But before them laid a dense swamp drenched in an impenetrable fog. "This is as far as I may go," he told both men. "I do not have permission to seek further passage."

"We understand." Dante made sure to get off the flatboat with his boots and helped Carlisle get situated before he went back to the cat carrier. He and Jengo gripped arms. "Natotela."

"There is no need for thanks. We owe Fula our lives. Guiding her student is the least we can do," Jengo said. "Yendani bwino. Shalenipo umutende."

"Tsalani bwino, Jengo," Dante wished. "Tionana." With a nod, he stepped back and took Carlisle's hand.

Before Dante could take them away, Carlisle called, "Thank you, Jengo."

"No need for thanks, my young friend," Jengo assured with a smile. But his smile fell as he looked into the fog. "But I implore you to not let go of his hands and do not stray. The fog will not let you go once you have strayed from the path."

Carlisle swallowed, stomach churning, but Dante squeezed his hand in consolation and told Jengo, "I'll make sure he doesn't wander."

"It is best you do." A bad memory filmed over Jengo's eyes. "For if one strays into such a finicky fog, you may encounter someone you do not wish to meet even in your darkest hour."

With that in mind, Carlisle and Dante murmured their final farewells and watched as Jengo pushed off to set sail. Dante tugged Carlisle into a steady walk closer to the fog. Carlisle's heartbeat picked up a little the closer they went—

"I can feel your anxiety," Dante murmured to him. "Stay close to me, Lips. It's okay." His eyes narrowed on the fog. It better be.

The first steps into the fog were not easy for Carlisle and even Muta shifted, disgruntled. The vapor on flesh felt like a light cloth brushing against them, but it was not warm like the weather was. It felt cold, almost cruel. And it was crueler when you barely saw the step in front of you and it felt like one misstep was your last. Dante walked with clear movement, like he had traced this path before, but Carlisle felt sweat dampen his neck.

What type of fog is this? he wondered to himself. It feels…unnatural. And powerful. His hand reached out to thread through the fog. It feels almost…alive.

Not a cricket or a croak or a slosh could be heard in the dead of the foggy, soggy swamp. It was as though the fog soaked up sound to enhance the rush of blood, every inhale and exhale, and every heartbeat. Even the steps taken dampened as though the fog could not grant you that luxury of hearing where you had made your mark on the world.

Muta's fur stood on end as he looked around in the fog, tail fluffing. Somethin' ain't right about this fog… His eyes continued to scan—

Steep browns.

Muta jolted, startled. What… What was that? He forced himself to breathe and calm down. That… That couldn't have been anything. He closed his eyes. No… That couldn't have been her. That couldn't have been—

"Moon Lily?"

Muta's eyes opened wide when he heard that voice. My tigress… Tiger Lily… My kit…

"Moon Lily?" came a feminine call. "Where are you?"

Muta pawed at the barrier of his carrier. Tiger Lily… Tiger Lily!

Dante paused when he heard the tomcat's mournful meows. What's gotten into him? The fog doesn't affect animals. His shoulders squared. What is this? He murmured to Carlisle, "Keep locked onto me, Lips."

"Right." Carlisle nodded. "I will."

And Dante set them off again with Muta scratching at his carrier.

Carlisle tried not to let the gooseflesh on his skin and the hackles raised on his nape disturb him. He clenched both hands onto Dante's own to ground himself, but the sensation between them betrayed his strengthening unease. Why doesn't this place feel right? I can't… I can't sense anything anymore. It's like I'm being blinded on everything—

"Minn älsklingar!"

Carlisle stopped.

So did Dante.

"Minn älsklingar!" came a holler. "Did you fly too far?"

Sea-greens frocked with violet widened. Farsa? His head swiveled as he tried to find the source, heart racing. Farsa?

A jolly laugh. "Minn älsklingar! Come back to me!"

"Farsa…" Carlisle whispered. "Dante, it's mon père." He heard the call again and tried to pinpoint. "I went too far. I have to go home."

Dante's back went rigid. "Lips," he rumbled. "No one said anything."

"Minn älsklingar!" came the holler again. "Where are you?"

Carlisle pivoted to the right once he located the source as those psychedelic eyes deserted light and filmed with a daze glint. "Farsa…" His lips trembled as he took a step in that direction. "Farsa—" But his next step was stopped.

Dante, jaw locked, stared at Carlisle. "Listen to me, baby." He cradled Carlisle's jaw. "There's no one there, Carlisle—"

"Mon père… Farsa… Minn farsa." Carlisle reached out a hand to the fog. His mouth opened—

Dante was shocked when a mournful bell came out from Carlisle's lips. That's… The memory collided from January when he first set foot inside Carlisle's house. The chimes and bells he had heard on his way to the bathroom came back as he heard Carlisle's throat create such a sorrowful symphony. That music… It was never music… That was him and his mom like I thought.

Carlisle loosened his grip on Dante's hand—

"Carlisle." Dante clamped down and turned Carlisle's head towards him, barreling past the stabbing despair when he saw a mooned look on his face. "Carlisle—princess—I need you to listen to me. Your father isn't out there. Nothing is out there."

Carlisle responded with a series of chimes and tried to turn his head back.

Dante shut his eyes. Fuck. His dark regard twisted an ugly glower at the fog. Not even Teacher could convince it. I'll have to do this myself. "Carlisle, we have to go now," he said in a strained tone.

Carlisle could only make another chime as he looked out to the fog.

Dante tried again, "Carlisle—" It was rare for panic to electrify him, but he could not help it when he saw the fog spiral and close in around Carlisle's face. "No, don't—!"

Carlisle inhaled the fog deeply and his eyes fluttered shut.

Angered and frightened, Dante quickly tugged Carlisle away. "Carlisle, please, we have to go—"

A dreamy smile lit Carlisle's face as he spoke only in bells and chimes. He reached for the fog and ignored Dante's strength as his own seeped out to twist free. The fog, ever the predator, waited with open arms to engulf its next prey.

"No!" Dante lunged for him and grabbed his shoulders. Pain pulsed seeing Carlisle's moon expression and dazed stare, but he pleaded, "Carlisle, listen to me. What you hear… What you hear isn't really here. I'm sorry. I know you miss your dad, but he's not here, baby. He's not here."

Carlisle blinked with noise buzzing around him like a dial tone and a hazy confusion fogging his mind. Huh… Is this mortal…talking to me? It looks human. Am I on a terran planet? He blinked again as he tried to focus on the mortal insisting its words on him. What…? What is it speaking? How long have I been on this planet? Where is…Lucifer? My mother… Where is my mother? He blinked again—

Dark tangerines.

Carlisle's pupils dilated.

Dante beseeched, "Carlisle, please—"

BAKI!

He never saw the punch coming.

Carlisle scrambled, desperate, as alarm bells wailed from his mouth and his eyes shifting like a cornered animal. But his attack was not enough to get the drop on him when rough hands grabbed him. He shrieked and clawed and kicked until his foot caught a crotch and forced both of them to topple over.

Dante struggled. Not only did Carlisle do everything in his power to get away, but the raw pain and fear noosed their connection so much so that it forced Dante to be revolted every time he tried to trap Carlisle down. But he did not care and shouted, "Carlisle! It's me! The fog is doing this to you! But it's me! It's Dante!"

But Carlisle kept screaming as he tried to get away. All he could hear was his own blood roaring in his ears as he watched his warden—his personified Hell—clamp down on him. Those orange eyes that looked pained and concerned were a lie. All of it was a lie.

The chimes switched back to panicked syllables and he sobbed, "Please! Please, Hunter, don't do this! Please, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I won't do it again! I promise!"

For a moment, Dante felt struck hearing such a despaired beseech. It felt like he was shot. Being called the bastard's name was one thing. But to watch the aftermath—to watch Carlisle's walled past shatter and show how he lived in the presence of someone who trapped him—it made his stomach clench and something inside him broke. "Carlisle…" He reached to clear those tears—

Carlisle flinched back with a high-pitched whimper.

Dante paused his fingers—his eyes flared with unbound anguish—before his hand clenched. His jaw went rigid. "Carlisle…I'm sorry."

He turned a deaf ear to Carlisle's weeping and promises to gather his boyfriend in a fireman's carry. The unfiltered agony that Carlisle did not know he was giving made every movement Dante made pure torture. A contradicting urging filled him. A need to calm was apparent, but when he was the cause of this chaos, a need to remove himself punched him.

He shut his eyes the more Carlisle sobbed and cried. I promise it's only you. I didn't mean to make you angry. I'm yours. I won't leave you. I belong to you. These sniveled pleas pretensed for a lover's assurances.

These were the lies he told to survive.

Dante waded through the swamp regardless. His cheek twinged, and he breathed out his fury and Carlisle's leaking fear, but he had to keep moving through the swamp even if the connection urged him to attend to his loved one. Each step screamed to be his last and each breath promised the taste of metal—but he kept walking.

He had to.

Carlisle… I'm sorry. Dante tightened his grip. I understand now. It'll be okay. I've got you now. I won't let you feel this type of pain ever again.

Repeating that cooed mantra in the depths of his soul filtered into that shared connection between them. Carlisle's fear and agony were strong chronic diseases, but Dante's promises acted as the only salvage to dull the inflamed pain. Incurable was the pain, yes, but it could be soothed.

Dante took no pleasure of Carlisle's screams and quivering sobs lessened and lessened until he gave one last shuddered heavy…and his body fell limp. The connection bottomed for a moment before it alluded pure fatigue.

Dante paused as his shoulders lowered with his exhale. Giat Hai… Please let me give him the happiness Khong Lo gave you.

And he pressed on.

A shift stirred in the fog, like a panther slinking towards its next meal. It swirled and festered.

Dante remained undaunted.

An echo monotonously muttered, "You have brought the beginning and the end. And you have brought a disgraced Extalian Guardian." Gleaming eyes pierced through the fog. "This is not what I was told."

Dante continued to walk, but his hands clenched. "You were told not to harm my guests."

"A human and a pet," the fog said, echoing into oblivion. "You have not brought a human and a pet. This is not what I was told."

Dante ground his teeth as he slowed to a stop. He served those glowing eyes of the fog a cold look, but he said nothing. He let his amounting silence speak for him.

The glow faded. "You have brought the Catalyst." The last word echoed as the fog churned. "This was not what you were told."

Dante watched as the fog started to part. I know. He tightened his grip on Carlisle. I know.

• — • — • — •

"You can sense it, can't you? You can sense that Carlisle isn't human."

Dante locked his jaw as he sat across from the unreadable Cane. Instead of denying the claim, he said, "How does that factor into this fortune?"

"It does…and it also doesn't," Cane said cryptically. "What I can say for certainty is that, regardless of what Carlisle is, your relationship would still be steered in this direction."

"But if I hadn't gotten involved with Carlisle…this fortune wouldn't exist."

"That's correct," Cane confirmed. "The cards don't tell concrete truths. It's up to me to interpret the path they have framed. However, Unknown Cards can only show up when certain conditions are met. If you were dating someone else—if Carlisle was dating someone else—this Unknown Card wouldn't have revealed itself. But for a reason, it dictated the conditions have been met." He eyed Dante. "Is this your way of contemplating a break-up?"

"No." Dante was honest in that.

Cane nodded as he shuffled his cards again. "Would you like a fortune to guide you to what exactly Carlisle is?"

Quiet.

"No."

Cane lifted an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Yes." Dante held firm. "In my family, there is a goddess we believe in. She's called 'Giat Hai'. And she gifts us with certain responsibilities in this life. Carlisle has become one of those responsibilities. And I'll see it through till the end, human or not. I have no interest in leaving him. And if he chooses to leave me, I still won't leave. Because"—a tender affection warmed him—"not leaving him even if he leaves me…is also one of my responsibilities."

Cane hummed, contemplative. "I see." He expanded his hands to show a full 52 deck of cards. The cards cycled in an endless loop. "Ever since I met you, Dante, something about you has always felt odd to me. You are an old soul who understands the weight of the world in a body that remains unaffected."

"Did your cards tell you that?" Dante did not mock.

"My cards tell me many things. But this was my intuition. Something a good fortune teller needs to have." Cane tipped down his chin. "So, Dante. The cards have spoken that your responsibility isn't human. The question still remains."

Dante met Cane's stare head-on.

"What does that make you?"

• — • — • — •

Dante strode forward.

The fog cleared to show what it had hidden in the swamp's depths. Roots that rivaled a one-hundred-and-eighty-centimeter person uprooted from the ground and curved to make a path. But between the knuckles of the roots sat cranky earth and the mouth of a cloaked cave. A warm orange flickered beneath the curtain to show life existed.

Carlisle has his secrets. He isn't human. And he kept those secrets for the sake of his mother; I'm sure of that.

The clash of metal, the scent of wet earth, and the taste of molten heat welcomed him as he dove past the curtain of moss and leaves. The cave carved out was nature's doing, but it was man's fine-tuning to make the cave a home beneath all these trees and plants.

But…I have my own secrets.

The anvil sparked as a hammer smashed a blade into its newest form.

And I keep them for the sake of a person I care for too.

Dante paused when the tunnel opened up to a bigger cavern. Projects and cast-iron tools were particularly hung against the earthy walls with the hearth obedient to the whims of its master. Leisure dressings took the cave by storm with curtains up to dictate additional rooms, but an old teddy bear lived among the iron and steel on its own little shelf.

CLANG… CLANG… CLANG…

Dante lifted his chin, chest wide. "It's been a long time, Teacher."

CLANG… CLANG… CLANG…

Gloves hands paused to inspect the bow created. It was in good enough shape for a small break. The gloves captured the welding helmet. "Yes. It had been quite some time."

The helmet came off.

The flames from the hearth reached heightened.

A warm smile craved an old face. "How have you been…"

A woman graced with deep brown skin that never housed a single wrinkle outside laugh lines stood in her leathery smock and sweat with hair an ethereal white grappled in a tight bun and her eyes acted as vassals for the moon, glazed and opaque.

Her smile widened. "…my most promising student."

---

— • — • — • —

Come on now, dance tonight

We can boogie till the morning

There's no plans tonight

We gonna have a Good One

Mizugiwa no playground

Konna kyouku wo play

And we can dance tonight

Hey we gonna have a Good One

•

Wanna see you move like this

I like it, you like it

Side to side, front to back

He likes it, she likes it

Wanna see you move like this

We like it, they like it

Upside-down, inside-out

And it's gonna be a good one!

— • — • — • —

---

Smoke penetrated the air.

He walked in a lackadaisical gait as he took a puff of his cigarette, his free hand jammed into his lab coat pocket. Not even the rats wanted to crawl through this portion of the sewer underbelly as though they sensed the vileness reeking from one place. But he pressed on and disregarded the agitating drips of water. A break in this corridor would come soon enough.

He took a longer drag this time.

The corridor spewed into a larger chamber, but who cared how large the chamber was it was soaked in blood and battered bodies. Every single body was ensured its death with head decapitated and hearts dragged out from chests to pump furiously until they flatlined. Even skulls had been punched through with their brains angrily dug out and flung across a carcass.

Finishing his cigarette, he dropped the butt and squashed it with his shoe. "NICE won't be pleased you encroached on their territory like this. You know how those Exorcists can be."

"I don't care." Bloodied fingers gripped swords. "I don't fucking care about those insignificant mortals."

"Of course not," he agreed, casual. "But you have to play nice. So long as there is a Prosecutor on this planet, we can't afford to take drastic actions—" He did not flinch when a dagger flayed past him and cut off a single strand of hair from his head. "I understand you're restless, but you must exercise patience. We'll find him."

"We better. This entire planet is filthy with mortals. And I know it was one of those mortals that took him from me." Stormy tangerines. "But that better change, Warlock. My patience is running thin."

The Scarlet Warlock slightly bowed. "And have him again, you shall. The Wizard you requested to be broken is in its final phases of being devoted to us and us alone. And he will serve as the perfect retriever to fetch your lost kitten. This I swear." He stole another cigarette and lit it up. "Mystogan Fernandes"—he took a drag—"will make sure your precious Catalyst is back where he belongs." As he stepped closer, corrupted light bathed over his mask. "This I have made sure of personally."

Pupils within smoky oranges shrunk before dilating.

A jagged smirk cut across a scarred face to show pointed teeth.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

'You're still mine, Kitten.'

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Dante Princeton-O'Neill – Adrian Petriw

Teacher / The Forge – Julie Mayfield

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Carlisle Justino – Eric Scott Kimerer

Cane Alberona-Groh – Clifford Chapin

Mellow – Lucien Dodge

Aphtan Ángel – Adam Gibbs

Ezra Strauss – Zach Aguilar

Asako Moyo – Crystal Cohen

Saudade Mixa – Enuka Akuma

Carlisle's Father – Andrew Love

Hunter – Daman Mills

Muta / Moon Lily – Jason Douglas

Orochi – Aaron Roberts

Mara – Natalie Hoover

Chace Duchenne – Ezra Weisz

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Ezra Strauss (child) –

Jang-ta "Jaxton" Yang – Eddy Yeong

Jengo – Christopher Judge

Nashi Dragneel – Laura Landa

Scarlet Warlock – Robert McCollum

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn

— • — • — • —

⌜ OPENING SONG

⟪ Walking with You ⟫

Novelbright

Lyrics by

雄大 / 勇太朗⌟

•

⌜ENDING SONG

⟪ Good One ⟫

HIRAIDAI

Lyrics by

EIGO, Dai Hirai⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 120

•

STUDENT

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

HERE KITTY-KITTY

---

Chibi-Luna skates into class. "Good day, class!"

"Good day, Teacher!" her students chirp. "What's our Fairy Lesson for the day?"

Chibi-Luna wriggles down her projection screen and turns on her PowerPoint with her remote. "Today's Fairy Lesson is about Andüsa, where Lupita and Liberty are originally from and where Tesla is rumored to be born!"

She shows the huge continent of Andüsa. "Andüsa has its northeastern part of it connected to Alakitasia, which creates MANA or Middle Alakitasia North Andüsa. Andüsa has over fifty countries and several territories. Legend has it that Wiccanry started in Andüsa as well! And it bodes as the home continent to Anti-Ether Wielders!"

She switched the slide to show more in-depth territorial and geographical charts. "The Magic Council has a branch in every country, but like in many countries, the Magic Council branches are mainly corrupt and radicals lead the charge. Many Andüsan Wizards are offered a better life joining the Magic Council. However, because guilds are mainly a south and west Andüsan, the presence of the Magic Council in the north and east quadrants aren't welcomed and regularly have exercised power on Independent Wizards."

She goes to another slideshow to show one of the cities of Andüsa with the perfect combination of technology and flora and fauna. "Andüsa might be filled with beautiful landscapes, but the culture and technology of Andüsa is even more impressive. Andüsa was the first continent to successfully integrate modern technology while keeping their traditional customs and not disturbing the land, but than can be attribute to many being Wiccans."

She goes to her last slide that shows a roadmap of rivers. "The Great Kiira River is called 'The River of Life' as the river flows through every quadrant of the continent and almost all the rivers are connected to the Great Kiira River too. But as the series continues, we can't wait for you to get to know Andüsa and what this continent and the others have to offer!"

She ends the slide show. "We'll be adding side stories to the end of the main arcs for the spring break cour, so you can see what some characters are up to like the Wilson Family getting acclimated to a mortal amusement park or Luke's personal adventure onto a certain island or even Galileo's end of what happened before he called Nashi! We can't wait to show you the rest, and then show you the Inter-Guild arc which is full of new characters, new powers, and even newer friendships!

"Oh! Did you notice anything special about Ezra and Asako's projects? And the Blessing of Luck Jengo spoke about was Liberty herself!" She waves. "See you after the next episode!"

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

TRANSLATIONS

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

BACHNAMESE → FIOREN-MINSTRISH

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Giáo vên

Teacher

• — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

UNKNOWN → FIOREN-MINSTRISH

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Farsa

Father

• — • — •

Minn älsklingar

My love

• — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

PERENCH → FIOREN-MINSTRISH

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mon amie

My friend

• — • — •

Mon père

My father

• — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

STELLIAN → FIOREN-MINSTRISH

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Nonni

Grandparents

• — • — •

Mia madre

My mother

• — • — •

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

NYNJARI → FIOREN-MINSTRISH

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Mwaiseni mukwai!

Welcome!

• — • — •

Mûlume obe?

He's your husband?

• — • — •

Iyayi. Temulune wandi

No (strongly). He is not my husband.

• — • — •

Osapanga chipongwe

No need to be rude / Don't be rude

• — • — •

mzungu / azungu

White Person/People

• — • — •

mshenti

Traitor

• — • — •

Natotela

Thank you

• — • — •

Yendani bwino. Shalenipo umutende

Have a safe journey. Stay in Peace/Go in Peace

• — • — •

Tsalani bwino. Tionana

Stay well. We'll be going / Goodbye