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!

124. Adventure 124

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

---

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

---

LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure: Ena, Silver, Luna, and Icarus make to Caelum, a country of six floating islands and its mainland, thanks to its Guardian Spirits. And—surprise, surprise!—Ena bought tickets to Young Nation's Sky Arena concert! Talk about best friend (and boss) ever! Sylvie's feeling a little regretful for her zero work ethic, but Nora's there to give her encouragement with some little brother love. But warm feelings are lost when Odette spills the truth: Atticus went to Caelum. While Luna learns about the origins of Lycans from ex-Guardian Wolf Spirit Icarus, Silver has a bad feeling about the chairman of Sky Adze—and for good reason. Luna's troubling vision lead her and Icarus to take a walk through the park to regain some of her independence and maybe accidentally meet Young Nation along the way. But while this vacation is starting off on a high, between the Sky Adze Chairman, Silver's secret past, and Luna's own mental health, looks like this will be a long week.

"You don't have to say anything, Mistress. Just say it's okay for me to think this."

"I… Okay."

Looks like Luna will be wishing bon voyage to her ship! But it looks like it's not smooth-sailing from here…

---

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

WST • — • – Western Ishgaran Time • — • — • — • Caelum • — • – 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

Chibi-Nashi winks with a thumbs up. "Enjoy the episode!"

---

The ocean was no friend to Silver.

And neither was this Water Woman he had in his grasp.

"I need answers. And you're going to start talking." He made sure she could see the War in his eyes clear as day. "Now."

Even in her watery form, it was easy to see the hurt and pain that flashed across her features before she gave a resigned sigh. "As…you wish." Once she was deemed trustworthy to be let go, she rubbed her wrist. "I will answer as much as I can, Your Highness."

"Don't call me that," Silver snarled at her. "I just need answers from you about what happened today. I know you know." His sharp teeth came out to warn her else she lie about it.

She nodded. "We could feel you become agitated on the surface." She hedged and quietly added, "Your powers are greatly imbalanced, Silver. If you—" She stopped when his growl overpowered her words. "You became agitated because you were in the presence of a god—a God Slayer, to be exact."

That took Silver back. 'A God Slayer?' Instant distrust built within him. "You're lying. They don't exist anymore."

"They do exist," she said tiredly. "True God Slayers have not walked the earth since the ending of the Second Black War. When the Gods abandoned Earth Land, they took the powers they could bestow with them and no God Slayers were born. However, it would seem with the way change is coming, God Slayers are being born to fulfill the duties the abandoned Gods left." She tried to say, "Just as Dragons—"

"I don't want to hear it," Silver snapped, shaking his head. "I only came to you for answers." He pressed, "So that Rai-guy—he's supposed to be a God Slayer? Then why did he…anger me so much?"

She pondered for a moment. "My guess is that your powers are conflicting."

"'Conflicting'?"

"Yes. Think of it as oil and water," she compared. "The Demons were the natural enemies to all. But the Gods and Dragons were also enemies to each other. Both were extremely powerful races and territorial. Some Gods didn't mind the Dragons, but most Gods thought Dragons were pets or game for sport—beasts. And Dragons considered 'Gods' nothing more than arrogant and weak-hearted children or even food."

Rai's jeer crawled into the forefront of Silver's mind. "My, my, what a temper when someone plays with your things. Or perhaps you can afford to show your temper, unlike filthy beasts."

"And on top of that," she continued, "Dragons and Gods used humans at their leisure. It was safe to say while Dragons did view humans as food, they, like the Gods, also viewed humans as pets and playthings. And with how territorial they were, it wasn't uncommon for an exceptional human to be in the middle of a God or a Dragon battling for ownership." Disgust etched her features. "How gruesome and inhumane."

Rai's cunning dark eyes and smirk made Silver growl. "You have such a well-trained and protective little pet."

'That's why he said all that.' Silver could feel the stir in his chest blunder him for retribution against this little god. 'That bastard. He thought Ena was my pet? And he called me a filthy beast.' Cyan lightning wrapped around his arms as his teeth ached and a need for blood made his mouth water. 'I should've taken care of him for calling Mistress such a name.'

He demanded to know, "What about his assistant? Why did he make me uneasy?"

"That man next to the God Slayer is a Custodian," she told him. "They were servants to the Gods long ago. And as of now, they technically should be aiding the new generation of God Slayers. That is their duty."

Silver caught onto every word she did not say. "But not all of them do that, right?"

"No." She shook her head. "Custodians have become embittered by the abandonment of their masters. Most went into hiding. The neutral ones sought protection within the Archaeology Society as a way to still be involved with their former masters, but they don't reveal themselves. But you'd be wise not to do anything to the God Slayer you encountered. Custodians still have their gifts from their gods. And as it stands, you wouldn't win if the Custodian thought you were a threat to his God Slayer."

Silver snarled at that. "I don't care about that." 'I care about Mistress being involved with these two. She put a sword in that bastard's face. I'm sure when he raised his hands, it wasn't some sort of surrender. It must've been a signal to his Custodian to not do anything. But if they're that strong, what will happen next time? What if they try to hurt her?' His teeth flashed. 'I won't allow that to happen.'

His intent was clear as his body postured for offense.

Take out the threat against what was his.

"Silver," she said in placating tones that could not overshadow her worry, "you need to come home. Your powers are conflicting with your body and causing a spiritual and hormonal imbalance—"

"I have this under control," Silver got out as he forced his voice to be human instead of all snarls and growls. "I got what I needed from you. Stop messing with my head—!"

"You have no control," she pointed out. Gone was her nurturing. She was a teacher scolding a stubborn student. "You can't stay on land like this and maintain control. Your powers aren't strong enough to sustain land for much longer and if you deny yourself training, you could hurt someone."

Silver could feel the ocean listen to his wrath as it tossed and turned. "I would never hurt someone—!"

"You have come very close to hurting people!" she retorted scathingly. "Your land protector saw it with her own eyes how many times you've come close to making a dangerous mistake with Ena—!"

"She isn't a mistake!" Silver thundered. The tides heeded his call as he felt his body shift. The water that painted his skin feathered against growing scales. "You don't know what you're talking about! I'm not leaving her!"

She closed her eyes with a heavy breath and disappointment rolled off her in waves. "If you don't willingly come to the sea, you won't have a choice," she said, tone soft. "If you settle your affairs on land before coming here, the transition will be easier. But if you continue to delay, you will not like the end result." Her eyes opened, pleading for him to see reason. "Come home, Silver. Before it's too late. Before you hurt someone."

"I am home," Silver growled at her. "Stay out of my head!" He whipped around—

He froze.

It was not because of the serpentine body that looked like it could wrap around the world. It was not the mighty crown of horns fit for a king. It was not the sharp teeth or the static clacking off those familiar whiskers.

It was the pain in those oceanic blues.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

'My son—I miss you.'

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He could not breathe.

The cool, crisp air did not help him as he floundered against the railing, choking, gagging, not breathing. This air tasted wrong. He could not inhale it. His neck twitched, agitated, and his body convulsed when he could not breathe—

Pinched pain snapped at his flesh, and the skin around his neck heated before it cooled.

LUB-DUB.

Silver sucked in a lungful of air.

He could breathe.

He stumbled back until he hit the door and slid down to sit. Involuntary tears had sprung, and he rubbed them away, making sure to keep breathing as deeply as he could. It felt like hours until he did not feel the innate need to breathe. His head fell back on the glass with his heart pounding, and he tried erasing the taste of the sea from his mouth, but it was to no avail.

Arm hiding his eyes, his teeth gritted and flashed his canines.

Dammit.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Tobase STAR TRAIN

Tsuki akari wo se ni FLY AWAY

Mada minu mirai he to kakedase

Yozora wo koete

•

Kimi mo Step Forward

Sono Yuma wo nosete Jump Around

Sekai wo hirogete hashirou

Shuuchakueki ha

Kimi no Wonderful World

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

If Hotel Nimbus thought Friday and Saturday were bad, Sunday was worse.

The staff strained their smiles accommodating the surplus of guests. Most had come prepared with their reservations, their ID, and their bags, but some guests were hopeful rooms were available as a first-come first-serve. Bellhops felt they were running a marathon and weightlifting with all the baggage and back and forth, while those at the concierge desk did everything in their power to try to not to have another guest meltdown.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hotel Nimbus

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

9:47 AM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena might have looked refreshed as she drank her tea like she was a Mint (Minstrish) and read the morning paper on her tablet, but Luna winced as she tried to polish off her breakfast. Ena smiled into her next sip before saying, "I told you—"

"I don't want to hear it," Luna groused. "This is supposed to be a vacation."

"And that being said, a vacation doesn't mean your body can become too lax," Ena reminded. "You stretch every day to keep your body limber, even on vacation. And you will continue to condition on this vacation. That's what I promised your parents." She went for her biscuit next. "And frankly, I would have made you anyhow. You have such deplorable stamina and endurance."

Luna tossed her a sour look. "That's because I'm not a monster like some people," she groused.

"'Monster'?" Ena simpered. "How adorable. My mother is worse than me."

I know. Luna remembered the utter dread on her parents' face whenever Erza showed up for a morning training session with her whistle and no-nonsense attitude. Like mother, like daughter.

She caught a peek of Ena's tablet. The article sprawled across, however, made her tense, especially seeing a picture of Spriggan's Castle. "What are you reading?"

"Hm?" Ena glanced down at her tablet. "Oh. I'm catching up on some politics. The UAA seem to be gathering in Shamballa for some sort of private plan regarding the missing royals of Alvarez," she explained. "I'm impressed Prince Naseer and the king are this determined." She sighed, scrolling. "But it makes sense, given the state of things."

Luna's appetite waned. "The…state of things?"

"Yes." Ena piled on some eggs and potatoes and downed them before elaborating, "Alakitasia is in a big of a crisis, magically, politically, and religiously. The Holy Revolution might've blown over, but there's a threat of a Holy War. Not only that, but terrorist groups have also seen the absence of Emperor Zeref's bloodline as a way to gain the upper hand at the continental unrest. And it certainly doesn't help with the magical discrepancies and trafficking."

"Oh." Luna's head bowed. "So… Do you think the missing royals should be found?"

"Obviously." Ena sipped her tea. "I think it's bullshit that one bloodline has this much influence of the continent, but if we want to stop a continental war, then I suppose we really do need the missing heirs to be found.

"Look at Bellum's state of things. The Prime Minister might look good to Spiritless, but to Aberrants and Wizards, he is forcing them to no longer have a place in that country. If the king of Bellum ever makes a recovery, it'll be difficult for him to make any sort of change now that the Prime Minister is turning most of the government into conservative peons."

She shook her head. "It's absurd." Her lips quirked into a frown seeing Luna's fallen expression. "L? What's wrong?"

Luna shook her head. "It's nothing." She toyed with her eggs and sausage with no vigor. If we went back there, all those people wouldn't have to suffer. But—her heart lurched—I don't want to see Hemlock again.

Trying to control her rapid heartbeat, she shoved some food onto her fork. "S-So, um, what else is new?" The urge to rub her arm hit her hard when she felt Ena's gaze burn the side of her face, but she stuffed her mouth in the hopes that would be enough.

Ena sat back, observant, but she did not pry. "It looks like representatives of the Holy Eye will also be in attendance." She jerked down the page to see the Holy Mother of Alvarez and the Alvarezite Primate. Holy Mother Khadija smiled with no teeth as she waved on the Primate's arm. But the Alvarezite Primate looked nothing like a holy father. A darkness touched his face. Ceremonial robes dressed him and the jagged scar running rampant on his face told a nasty story.

Why is the Holy Eye invested in such a political movement? Ena wanted to know. From my research, they have had an amicable relationship with Alvarez during the king's reign. Obviously, they must be concerned for a Holy War, but… Something feels off having that as an answer.

"Morning."

Luna and Ena looked up to see a closed-off Silver had joined them with his plate. A subtle violet tints smeared under his eyes, but his clothes were nice and pressed.

Luna and Ena exchanged a look before Luna prodded, "You okay? You didn't look too good when you came back from your morning workout."

"I'm fine, Lulu," Silver sighed. "Just a little tired is all."

"Maybe…we should stay here?" Luna suggested with an approving nod from Ena. "You can keep resting. I'll be okay here, really."

"And I can head out to Tagaloa's Paradise later," Ena added on, decided. She cupped his cheek, but it spoke volumes to her when he sagged and would not meet her eyes. "Why don't we stay in for a little while long until you're up to it?"

"No." Silver shook his head. "Really. I'm okay. Going outside might help clear my head." He leaned into Ena's touch before covering her hand with his own. "But thank you for worrying about me—both of you. I'm okay." He kissed Ena's palm and warm blues met concerned dark browns. "I'm okay, Mistress."

Ena did not want to back down, but it was better to do so than drag this out. "All right. If you say so." She meant to slip her hand back, but Silver held it hostage and threaded their fingers together to rest on the table. "Silver—"

"Please." A hitched crack could barely be heard in Silver's plea. "Just…a little longer, Mistress?"

Ena instantly submitted and murmured, "Okay." And she gave his hand a squeeze.

Luna darted her gaze between the two of them before nonchalantly going back to her plate. Inwardly, Chibi-Luna was waving her fans with confetti everywhere as she watched a ship depart from the docks. My ship is moving! My ship is moving! Clearing her throat, she quietly questioned, "So what's the plan for today?"

"I took today as a study day in prep for my meeting and then I have a lunch date," Ena informed her. At Silver's pouty look, she amended, "Lunch meeting." Silver squeezed her hand, and she continued, "I won't be back with you two until later tonight. But Silver has everything planned for you both. I believe you're heading to Taema's Paradise."

Silver nodded and lifted his orange juice. "Yeah. There's some cool street stuff happening over there and a whole immersive mural street too that I thought would be fun." He managed a smile at Luna. "And there's a Magia store there and we can shop."

Luna beamed. "Awesome! I'm all fired up!" She poked Silver's shoulder. "We're totally doing a fashion shoot."

"Because every other time we got new clothes, we didn't do that," Silver remarked, wry.

Ena watched as Luna and Silver fell in a rhythmic banter, but she could not decide which one of them needed her attention more. L doesn't normally follow politics. It's not out of her depth to ask a question like that, but… She seemed upset. Her eyes slid to Silver. He barely said much this morning. I don't want him forcing himself, but… I don't want to press him into saying anything. I'll leave it alone for now.

She turned back to her food to listen in to her friends.

And Luna was the only one who noticed neither Ena nor Silver let go of each other the endure duration of breakfast.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 124

•

Hidden Beneath Paradise

•

楽園の下に隠れる

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The woodland was a cross-country runner's paradise with open skies, hidden waterfalls, and trails that stretched kilometers into the woods. Spring sprung spectacularly amongst the reservation. Deer grazed with their fawns who had four unsteady hooves on the ground and acted like they owned the earth. Braces of birds shuffled about the trees. Some had juveniles along them while others had hatchlings to feed. One of the stables already finished mucking the stalls and had lessons start.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Larkspur River Reservation is woodland park that offers hiking trails, equestrian trails, and viewing of the subset of the Ishgaran skylark native to this area called Fioren skylarks. Fioren skylarks have two sets of eyes, but it's unknown why this genetic mutation happened. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was not that Odette was a professional cross-country runner, but that did not mean she dismissed herself from the university XC team. It felt refreshing to sweep her hair into a ponytail, put on her EarPods, and run to the beat of her own drum through the reservation. A few times she passed other joggers, walkers, and runners who were regulars and gave her a respectful bow of her head and kind smile, which she always returned.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Larkspur River Reservation

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

10:11AM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The song she jogged to was a fun pop song about small talk a classmate had dragged her into (and now she had an ear-worm for the song). Her smart-watch gave her a small vibrate to let her know someone was within range, but she paid it no mind.

That all failed with a tap on her shoulder.

Whipping her head, her jaw dropped before she broke into a confused laugh. "What are you here, Your Grace?"

Duke Alexandreux kept steady pace with her in his athletic shirt and shorts and a rakish grin to boot. "What are you talking about? I always run this route."

"Really?" Odette tilted her head with a disbelieving grin. "Aren't you far from your dukedom, Your Grace? I've never seen you run this route."

Alexandreux leaned down with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm a little too fast for you to see, My Lady."

Odette shook her head, amused and exasperated. "I'm very certain I never mentioned this to you, Your Grace."

"No, but you know what they say." Alexandreux's grin broadened. "The maids talk."

Odette would kill her lady's maids when she returned home. Those traitors. I'm sure they took one look at the Duke and couldn't wait to spill to him. "Well, I'll have you know I'll be finished up my run soon," she sniffed.

"And when would that be—?"

"Now!"

Alexandreux laughed when Odette sprinted down the trail before taking off after her. Passersby were used to seeing Her Ladyship make one last sprint down the trail, but many had to double-take when they could a hint of the Duke of Aronia and he was smiling nonetheless. The hard sprint up a winding trail in the forest broke free onto a solitary ledge that overlooked a good portion of the reservation with the Larkspur River visible and a bench to rest on.

Odette and Alexandreux breathed a little hard, but Odette could see the long sprint had not fazed him in the slightest and muttered, "You're in good shape, Your Grace."

"If I want to have a healthy dukedom, I have to stay healthy as well," Alexandreux commented.

Odette sighed. "Why are you here, Your Grace?" She gave him a solid look. "And I expect an honest answer."

"Well." Alexandreux closed in with a tender look on his face. "Will it suffice to say I missed you?"

Color flooded Odette's cheeks, but she could not look at the duke directly. "What are we doing, Dreux?" she breathed. "You should know Atticus doesn't approve of this…"

The mention of Odette's brother darkened Alexandreux's face. "What your brother approves or disapproves of isn't my primary concern."

Odette heard the bite in his words and her curiosity needed satiation. "Why do you and Atticus dislike each other so much? I understand Eros doesn't like him, but Eros doesn't like many people. But I can't understand your dislike of him." She blinked when Alexandreux guided her to the bench to sit, but she remained expectant. "Well?"

Alexandreux muttered, "Didn't anyone tell you curiosity killed the cat?"

"Mmm, yes," Odette supposed, "but if you remember my mother, she was relentless in her journey for answers and she would have killed curiosity before it could kill her."

He chuckled. "Yes. Marchioness Moira." Sitting forward, he explained, "Atticus and I have different political allegiances and friendship circles is all. We've never seen eye-to-eye since our first meeting and I know we won't ever in the future either."

"But…" Odette sat forward as well. "Why don't you get along? I would think, considering Atticus being a gardener and with your potions…"

Alexandreux's shoulders set. "It's because of that that we will never be close." Cutting words. "Let's leave it at that." He risked a speculative glance at her. "Does it make you uncomfortable that I don't and won't have a good relationship with him?"

"No," Odette sighed. "I understand. Atticus has mentioned to me once or twice about being careful around you, but he's doing his due diligence as an older brother. Nora likes you enough. And my father."

Alexandreux pitched a wry grin. "Your father acts cordial because I'm of higher standing. Don't be fooled. He isn't pleased with me. And Nora…" Greens burned with respect and a hint of curiosity. "He's impressive for being so young. I was surprised at the work Dardanius gives him, but considering Nora's efficiency and intelligence, I don't see a problem with him joining us for Round Tables." But the matter of Atticus being the one to advocate Nora to be there still unsettles me.

"I overheard you'll be campaigning again regarding level three to five potion decriminalization instead of legalization," Odette brought up. "I know my father and Duke Antony will have your backing, but what you're doing… It's quite audacious."

Alexandreux's humorless smirk proceeded him. "Yes, well, as much as Spiritless society and nobility don't want to admit it, we're excessively sending Independent Wizards and even Spiritless users to jail for mere possession. And legalizing potions would put them in Fiore's judicial court system. As much as we might not mind that Her Majesty is a Wizard, others have different opinions."

Odette sagely nodded her agreement. "Have you spoken with Ether Potioneer Specialists?"

"I'm hoping to speak with Wiccan for her insight. Practitioner Lupita Bankole is one of the finest Wiccan and Potioneer minds in Fiore," Alexandreux named. "It's hard to get on her schedule. She's a popular practitioner for Wizards of rare and Lost Magics." He snorted. "And it doesn't help that, to get to her, I have to speak to Doctor Mothersbaugh or try my luck with Mister Kneekis. Doctor Mothersbaugh doesn't seem fond of…people. And Mister Kneekis is plain unreachable since there is no contact information listed."

She laid a soothing hand on his arm. "I'm sure Miss Bankole will be more than willing to aid in your campaign. But for her to be the only Wiccan at her level in Fiore—I'm sure she's busy with patients left and right."

"I know." Alexandreux rubbed his jaw. "To be honest, I was relieved to hear she is technically a Guild Wiccan with external licensing."

Odette frowned. "Why?"

"Independent versus Guild Wizards," Alexandreux explained. "As an Independent Wiccan in Fiore, I doubt she would find much trouble. But being a Guild Wiccan gives her the protection of the Magic Council if more…wealthier adversaries wanted to stop her practice. And she mustn't." She could be the key to unraveling my mother's research. If I could just speak to her…

He blinked out of his thoughts when Odette stood up and told him with a warm smile, "I'm sure she won't. And I'm sure once she listens to your pitch about the campaign, she'll want to help with the law you want to pass. Especially when it could affect her patients too. So no need to stress too much about it, Your Grace."

Alexandreux laughed as he drew up to his full height. "I used to detest my title very much." He leaned down for Odette to see the mischief and affection in those greens. "But it sounds so sweet from your lips, My Lady."

A sweet blush brushed Odette's cheeks, but she refused to let herself waver. "I think that's enough resting." She took off in a light jog and called in taunt, "Try to keep up, Your Grace. I won't slow down just because you're of 'high standing'."

The playful look Odette tossed him made him snicker. Such a teasing little minx. He quickly broke into a jog to catch up to her. How could someone so lovely be related to someone so vile?

---

Why was it that being amongst talented artists made one think they were amongst gods?

Beauteous murals and homemade paintings and jewelry and clothing decorated each and every street with small stores that amassed a cult following. Every you turned, art dazzled you in its many forms. Eastern and western influences melded with Caelun culture and proudly parade avenues with fashion fads that could make you shine like a superstar in Pergrande or make you a savvy envy of your peers. The niche restaurant came from all sorts of cultures, with a Giltenan tea room over there and a Perench café right next to a Minstrish-influenced store.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Taema's Paradise, named after the Goddess Taema and how she brought art and cuisine to the Caeluns. Taema's Paradise is divided into two districts: the Kahiko District, which is considered "Old District" since it has many of the historical buildings intact, and the 'Aunana District, which is the "Modern District" influenced with western and eastern ideals. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Once their Sky Taxi dropped them off, Luna, Icarus (in Dog Form), and Silver pushed deep into 'Aunana District and were bombarded with hipsters, teenagers, freelance artists, and the creatures of this land. A Sunday street fair warranted balloons, silly acts, and outdoor hula lessons. Cloud painters turned their art into a spectacle as they made temporary cloud statues and busts and shapes from requests. The extravagant shopping mall had swollen with visitors trying to find the perfect knickknack to shuttle home.

"Oh, wow…!" Luna looked up as she watched as a winged Mage used their Cloud Magic to create art in the sky. "Beautiful!"

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Kīlauea City

'Aunana District, Taema's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

11:14 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver smiled. "I know, right?" He adjusted his bag as he watched a group of people become amazed watching a water troupe of swimmers, two aquatic Aberrants, and Water Mages jump from floating bubble to bubble while a bunyip and an Inumiho worked together to shift and shape the water. "I knew you'd like it."

"Like it? I love it!" Luna nudged Icarus. "What about you, Icarus?"

Icarus glanced to see a springy magical creature using its tail to paint a caricature of a beaming pregnant woman. This place has high energy. It is relaxing here.

Luna agreed with that. "So what are we doing here? Other than shopping, I mean."

"Well…"

Luna blinked when Silver held out his Compact to her. Squinting, she saw a QR code. "Um… Do you want me to scan that with my Com?"

"No!" Silver laughed and used his thumb to scroll up. The homepage of an artistic troupe showed up with a tent and plenty of pictures of their acts. "I got us tickets to see this really cool Hula Pict Trope." He brought down his Compact to look at the pictures himself. "They came highly recommended for people to see. They only have a matinee show today, though."

"A 'Pict Troupe'?" Luna questioned. It hit her. "Oh…! I've heard about those! Those are troupes with Pict Mages like Mister Reedus! And they have Illusion Mages too. They do a lot of storytelling and circus stuff."

Silver nodded. "Right! This troupe does a lot with mo'oelo, or traditional Caelun storytelling with their powers. The troupe is called the Kaona Troupe and 'kaona' in Caelun basically means 'hidden meaning'. So they tell stories, but we get to decipher what it means for us. It's really cool with the dancing and everything." He lifted his chin a notch. "You can praise me now."

Luna pretended to giggle like a fangirl and purred, "Oh, Your Majesty, you are the fairest of them all. Thank you ever so kindly for your consideration."

"I am a pretty considerate guy, huh?" Silver snuck a smirk at her. "Oh, wait. You probably tell Gale that all the time, don't you, principessa?" He laughed when a blushing Luna shoved him.

"Sh-Shut up!" Luna stammered. She threw back, "It's not like I'm not kissing my mistress' hand and foot!"

Now Silver's face was up in flames, but he said haughtily, "Yeah, well, Mistress is a lot better than Gale!"

"Well…" Luna compared Gale as an evil genius with his scales and sharp teeth and Ena as a tastefully dressed warlord with her swords. "Yeah, I can't disagree with that." She shoved away Fantasy-Gale's wounded look to needle Silver, "And you and E both looked pretty comfy during breakfast this morning with your handholding. And what was all that when we left?"

She dropped her voice and mimicked his stern tone, "Mistress, make sure to call me if you get into trouble. And make sure you have a healthy lunch and dinner. Take plenty of breaks and don't strain yourself." She feigned a breathless princess voice and mimicked, "Oh, Silver, you're so thoughtful. How could I ever live without my most faithful pet—!"

"Hey!" Steam puffed from Silver's head. "Sh-She doesn't call me that!" He fiddled with his Com-case and mumbled, "But she treats me like her pet."

"And you like it. Don't even deny it." Luna snickered when Silver petulantly turned away with steam rising from his shoulders. "It's so cute! Seriously! I've never seen E act so…I don't know, just…softer with anyone else." She tapped her chin. "Well, maybe Luke."

Silver whipped his head to look at her, wide-eyed. "Huh? When?"

Luna shrugged, thinking back. "I don't know. When we were little, maybe? It wasn't anything, like, serious or anything. Right, we went to West Gate Park and Luke was getting bullied by these mean kids. Igneel was at home, I think. Before I could even do anything, E set them straight and said something like 'he's mine' or something."

Glass cracked.

Silver went into a spiral. She… She said what? His mind betrayed him with the imagery.

• — • — • — •

"You're all mine," Fantasy Ena cooed to Fantasy-Luke as they somehow were on the top deck of the Champion Tower of Pergrande with starlight and fireworks. They looked beautiful and suave in their own rights. "You'll always be mine, my little pet."

"Mistress," Fantasy-Luke breathed with eyes only for her as he kissed her palm. "I'll be your pet for all times—always." And he leaned down to—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

SMACK!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Ow!"

Luna did not care about Silver's angered pout. She scolded him, "Stop getting into your head. It was a long time ago. And E and Luke don't like each other like that and never will."

Luke and an ethereal woman locked in a crime of passion and tears through a bloodied kiss.

Chocolates went downcast. No… There's another woman out there that will try to come for him. She tightened her hands around Icarus' leash. And I'll be ready to stop her from hurting Luke like that.

Silver's nose twitched. She smells…upset. "Lulu?" he prodded, gentle. "Are you okay?" When Luna looked away from him, he pressed, "Are you having any visions too?"

Icarus whined and nudged her.

Luna tensed before her shoulders slumped. "I… I…saw something…bad. I-It was about Luke. I'm just worried about him." She rubbed her arm. "I know he's strong, but…" That memory of Luke's harsh assault and his escape burned her and made her want to hug her brother.

But that woman in my vision was stronger than him and had the key of the Unicorn—Selene's key. What does that mean for Luke to get Endymion's key? And why—her teeth gritted—did she think it was okay to make him cry and hurt him like that?

"Hey." Silver rested a hand on Luna's shoulder. Her flinch did not go unnoticed, but he made sure to be delicate. "It doesn't matter how strong someone is. Everyone needs protection from something. And if you're worried about Luke, then…we'll have to protect him too."

"How?" Luna breathed. "I don't even know her name, just her face.

'Her'? Silver told her, "A face is good enough. It's easier to remember a face than a name." Pained oceanic blues flashed to him and made him somber. But sometimes…I just want to forget faces too. His fingers slipped from her shoulder as he confessed to her, "I…had a vision too. A dream, actually."

Worry crowned Luna's features. "Is that why you were so off this morning? And why you looked tired?"

"Uh-huh." Silver brushed through his bangs. "It was more what happened at the end of the dream. I just… I couldn't sleep without thinking about it."

'My son'. Anguished blues full of affection and tormented with grief. 'I miss you.'

Silver's blues grew murky with unrest and confusion. "I don't know what to believe," he told Luna. "I heard something…strange. And it doesn't make sense in my head."

"And in your heart?" Luna asked him. "What does your heart say?"

Silver's hand pressed against his chest and could feel the faint pulse. My heart, huh? Lips pressed together. My heart… Fingers dug into his shirt.

Luna read Silver's expression before turning away, frowning. His visions and dreams are taking such a toll on him, just like mine. But I have Icarus to speak to when my visions get serious. I still haven't told Mama and Papa. I'd rather not worry them, but I know they'd understand. But for Silver… I know he's too afraid to tell anyone except me. So how do I…? When her gaze looked up, she caught onto something. Wait a minute…

Silver started when Luna declared, "I'll be right back!" She pointed to a bench nearby. "Go sit over there, okay? Icarus!"

Silver reached for her when she and Icarus darted away. "Wait, Lulu…!" He sighed, half-smiling with a shake of his head seeing her skitter away. "Well, there she goes. Better do as she says then." He wandered over to the bench to sit. All around him were happy foreigners, expats, and natives enjoying such immersive art, cuisine, and culture. But he could not join in on the fun.

'My son.' Those deep blues. 'I miss you.'

Silver sat forward, face long and down. He called me…his son. This isn't the first time I heard that, but it felt so…normal. And I could smell him. He smelled like— His hands clenched. No. That's not possible. That woman was messing with my head again. I have a dad. I know he's my dad.

"Papa!"

Silver jerked his head up to see a tanned man laughing as his son ran into his arm. They spoke Caelun with the glottal, guttural stops and lyrical phrasing. For a moment, he could imagine them as him and his own father when he was young and the world was something to explore, not be afraid of.

"Dada!"

Affectionate ocean blues.

Silver cringed away from the father and son. This doesn't make any sense. This is just my power being out of control. Once I control it, I'll stop feeling like this. Like…—his fingers feathered his heart—that voice and those eyes…should mean something to me.

He blinked feeling a vibration and took out his Compact. Blues softened when Marinette (her contact name listed as "Mari") had contacted him. She shared her photo album of her and an embarrassed Beatrice together. They had taken up a beach house for spring holiday at Akane Beach. Marinette had snuck a picture of her tucked into the dozing Beatrice's side on a lounge chair. Another showed Marinette beaming at the camera while Beatrice looked blushy and irate. A third housed Beatrice arguing with an amused Eros, who, by the looks of it, had come to the beach house to stay, given his luggage.

The last two made Silver smile. Someone else had taken it, obviously, but Beatrice was huffily leaning away, but she held Marinette's hand while Marinette looked enthused at the progress. And the next picture promptly showed Beatrice overwhelmed when Marinette pounced on her, snuggling into her chest, and Beatrice floundered, red-faced.

At least Marinette is getting somewhere with her crush. Silver's heart clenched. I wish I could say the same. What I'd give to hold Mistress' hand like that…and have the right to hug her like that. He scrolled back to the picture of Marinette and Beatrice at the beach. I could… I could take her to the beach—to the ocean. I wouldn't go in the ocean, but… Maybe we could walk on the sand together. And late at night, we could go stargazing. She'd like that. And I could hold her…

He sighed. Who am I kidding? Like I could ever do that.

"I'm yours, Silver, for all time." Hooded dark browns. "Always."

Shadows touched Silver's face. Do you mean that, Mistress? That you're mine? And I'm yours? Blues glowed with intent as the stir in his chest growled. He could not smell that sweet scent and the urge to track it down made his body tense. I want to be yours, Mistress. If you meant your mine—tongue glided over fang—then I could make you—

"Here!"

Luna's chirp jolted Silver and all the crowded thoughts that blurred out the world were snapped away. "Huh?" He zeroed on the bowl of rainbow shave ice—a combination of azuki beans, mochi balls, condensed milk, and ice cream—before looking up at the smiling Luna.

"We always feel better after we eat shaved ice in the summer," Luna reasoned. "Shave ice is different, but I figured we should give it a try, y'know?"

Silver blinked before giving a puff of laughter. "When in Ran, huh?" He accepted the treat as Luna plopped next to him and set up Icarus with his own bowl. "Thanks, Lulu."

"Sure!" Luna spooned some in to moan. "Nnngh…! So good!" She wriggled. "Silver, this is so yummy!"

"Um, Lulu?" Silver sweatdropped seeing a few boys their age (and some a little older) glance over in interest. "Maybe you should be a little quieter…"

"Why?" Luna finished her mouthful, confused. "It's good."

Silver wanted to facepalm, but he sighed instead. Lulu, you're so innocent. "Never mind." He took a spoonful of the shave ice and took a bite.

Luna laughed when Silver looked love-struck with the flavor. "See? I told you it was tasty." As she helped herself to some more, nostalgia caught up with her. "I remember a long time ago when Uncle Gray used to make us shaved ice. We couldn't tell my papa, though, since it'd give him another thing to fight your papa over. But anytime we'd feel bad, he'd make us snow cones and sit with us and we'd talk."

A sad wistfulness brushed over Silver. "Yeah. He'd do that for Gary too. And he taught Gary to do it for Igneel. Julia was always a brat and never wanted any since she could make her own." His vigor for his treat faltered. "It's been a while since Julia's used her powers, right?"

"Well, I guess." Luna thought nothing of it for a moment until she thought about it. "Yeah. Yeah, it has. I wonder why. She always used to make all those shapes for us back then."

"Yeah." Silver dug his spoon into his jumbo rainbow bowl. "She did."

Caeryssa's slick voice disgusted him. "Your sister has all the fine makings of a Hunter."

"But your sister knows about loyalty and pain." That man's sharp smile. "Tell Nightingale she owes a debt to the Colonel."

Silver clutched his plastic spoon. He called her 'Nightingale'. I know he meant Julia. But…why? Why does a sick bastard—a Hunter—like that know her? How could she give up her powers to turn into a monster? She wouldn't. She couldn't. His teeth bared as the stir vibrated, irate. She better not have.

"Silver?"

It took sheer will to smooth ruffled feathers. An urge pulsed again—find her, follow scent—but he ignored it with grinding teeth. The energy it took for him to regain control made him feel like he trekked through a marathon. Exhaustion punished him, but he managed a lethargic look at Luna. "Yeah?"

"You just seem a little upset," Luna haltingly offered.

"I… Yeah." His stare swept back to his jumbo rainbow bowl. "Just some stuff on my mind." I can't tell Lulu about Julia. Not until I know for sure. But… "The dream I had… It wasn't a total accident."

Puzzlement befell upon Luna until it dawned on her. "You went looking for answers."

Silver jerked his head in a nod. "Yeah, I did."

"And…" Luna peered to gauge his look. "What did you get? You told me about the woman you kept hearing. Did she tell you anything?"

A pathetic and bitter laugh made Silver's chest constrict. "Not much." His mind flashed to Rai and his smirk. "Well, I did learn something about Rai Kalupe."

"The chairman for Sky Adze?"

Silver nodded. "He's not just an Air Mage like we thought." He seared her with somber blues. "He's a God Slayer."

"A 'God Slayer'?" Luna echoed. "But… I thought those types of Slayers didn't exist anymore?"

"That's what I thought too, but it makes sense," Silver explained. "He's a true God Slayer. And his assistant isn't just a normal Mage either. He's something called a Custodian. I guess, way back when the Gods were still around, Custodians were like their servants. And without the Gods, they serve God Slayers now, kinda sorta. Not all of them serve, anyway, but this one does."

That worried Luna. "Are you and E going to be okay at the meeting tomorrow? I mean… God Slayers? This… This Custodian person? They'll be strong, right? What if they try something?"

"I think they were," Silver alluded, tone dark. "That informal lunch… The way Rai talked down to me—I think he was hoping I'd slip up and my powers would go out of control."

"But…why?" Luna tried to grasp.

Silver's body went taut. "The woman told me that Gods and Dragons were enemies of each other because of powers and mindsets. Gods thought Dragons were nothing more than pets and 'filthy beasts' while Dragons thought sort of the same about Gods." The stir rumbled. "I think that's why he was egging me on. He was looking for me to lose control. He could sense me like I could sense him."

"'Sense you'," Luna murmured in echo. "So then… That means you're—"

A thunderous snarl. "No."

Luna flinched when Silver's harsh tone whipped her.

Guilt tore him up seeing that. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a jerk like that." He meant that with regret laced in his tone.

"It's okay." The hurt subsided to understanding as Luna stirred her shave ice. "I know you didn't mean it like that. Gale does the same."

That pierced him and irked him at the same time. "But I'm not doing it to hurt you."

Luna sent him a pleading look. "Silver—"

"I know." Silver forced an exhale. "He changed. I know." He angrily took a bite of his shave ice and grumbled, "Doesn't mean I'll forget all the times he made you cry. I'm a lot stronger now. The next time he makes you cry, I can fight him."

Luna tittered. "Don't do that, dummy. We have enough fighting. And Mister Dante told me Gale likes to fight dirty." She smiled to herself. "That's why Igneel told me he fights dirty against him."

Yeah… Silver remembered gawking seeing how easily Igneel crushed Gale in the youth with underhanded tactics that Gale had tried and failed at and he looked like a flaming tyrant with feral eyes as he stood over Gale's body. Silver went to see if his foaming-at-the-mouth cousin was even alive while Igneel went back to sweet and doting big brother to a cheerful Luna. He was a whole new level of monster. Not like she'll believe that.

"Hey." Luna debated asking it, but she decided to go for it. "Is there a reason your dad said you can't go to the beach? I mean, I never questioned it since it's not like I left Magnolia, but he said it so seriously."

Silver slowed consuming his shave ice. "Uh, yeah…" His brow furrowed as he sifted his memories. "Along time ago, we had that huge vacation thing on Tenrou Island. You didn't go, though, and neither did Aunt Lucy. I can't remember exactly what happened, but I remember water and then…nothing. I guess I drowned and got washed up on the beach."

His gaze narrowed as he tried to recall the blurriness of the memory. His vision waning with sheer glimpses of the sky and the feeling of I can't breathe faintly tickled his memory. I feel like I'm missing something from that day. What exactly happened?

"Oh! Is that when Paige saved you?"

Silver could not help the bewilderment he felt. "Paige saved me?"

Luna nodded. "Yep. At least, that's what you claimed when you started crushing on her. She was like…your savior or something or other, I don't know."

"I…said that?" Silver blinked, brow knitting together. She saved me? But… He closed his eyes to piece together the gaping puzzle of that day. Wet sand rashed his skin, but the flowing and ebbing tide brushed his ear. His vision crushed in black, blurring. But the burning around his neck and all his choking puttered when a coolness sloshed over his body like a massage.

Hold on, he thought. I think… Someone else was there. Were they…pouring water on me?

Focusing harder, he drudged up an untrustworthy memory of his eyes opened to see a long-haired silhouette hovering over him, petite. Their lips moved, but he could not hear a word. Lithe fingers, wet and cool, massaged his burning next until it stopped.

Yeah… Yeah, I remember now, but… Silver thought harder.

"Paige!" a distant shout, panicked. "Paige!"

The long-haired silhouette drew back before she shifted out of view and his vision faded.

"I think you're right." Opening his eyes, Silver could not help his confusion. "Paige saved me." But then…why doesn't it feel right to think that? I mean, her name was called, and that girl left me alone when I passed out. So it must've been her.

As Silver stewed on his memories, Luna chirped, "You dropped the savior thing pretty quick. But you still crushed on her, anyway. I remember when you declared your love for her in the guildhall and everything. I think everyone was shocked about it." E was pretty quiet, though. Huh…

• — • — • — •

"My beautiful savior!"

Luna did not know who was more wide-eyed: her or Paige when Silver clung to her. "Um… Silver?"

Paige, red-faced and irate, tried to pry him off her to no avail. "H-H-Hey! Get off me, you creep! I don't even know you!"

"I know you!" Silver told her. "You're my savior, the one I've been dreaming about! You saved me!" Hearts in his eyes, he proudly declared, "I'll pay you back with my eternal love!"

TICK!

Paige barked, "Don't be creepy! I don't want that! And get off me! Penelope, do something!" She gawked when she saw her own twin had abandoned her to read. 'She can be so cruel sometimes.'

Luna giggled from her seat at one of the booths. "Silver can be so silly sometimes."

Igneel snorted smoke as he snacked on his large burger. "He's such a weakling," he muttered. "You're too good for him, Lu."

"Don't be mean, Igneel," Luna scolded, puffing a cheek. "Silver's my best friend!" She upturned her nose. "If you bully him, you're not my brother anymore."

Igneel gaped at her before breaking out into a nervous sweat. "Oh, c'mon, Lu, don't be like that. He's not weak, see? I'm still your brother, right?"

Luna pretended to think about it and let Igneel sweat a little more before patting his head with a beam. "Okay!" She laughed when Igneel nuzzled her cheek. "Ew! You're all gross!"

"And you smell like stupid Redfox. That's gross." Igneel grinned when Luna shoved him away. "Oh, I'm dying! The princess slew the Dragon!"

Luna meant to play along when she caught Ena's sobering expression. Ena's gaze went to Silver and his ridiculous, over-the-top love declaration (and a proud and sniffling Juvia taking pictures to capture this moment) before going back to her drawing.

"E?" Worried, Luna touched her friend's hand. "Are you okay?"

E nodded, sober. "Mmm-hmm."

Igneel gave Ena a cursory look before rudely leaning over to sniff her. "You don't smell fine to me."

Ire flashed in Ena's eyes. "Don't smell me, you disgusting dog."

"Don't be such a priss, Bambi." Igneel showed his teeth to her in a lethal smirk. "I'm a lot more than an animal." A threatening darkness stormed his eyes. "Wanna see?"

Ena's hackles raised and she said reproachfully, "I didn't realize Dragons could be so pathetic."

Challenged, Igneel growled—

"Hey!" Luna scowled at them both. "No fighting! Igneel, you promised you'd be nicer to E. You promised," she firmly reminded when Igneel tossed Ena a glare. "I'm going to get mad if you're mean to her."

Igneel huffed smoke, but he relented in his goading with a warning flash of teeth to Ena before hawking down the rest of his food.

Luna rolled her eyes at Igneel's theatrics then turned to her friend, concerned. "Are you sure you're okay?" She looked over her shoulder at Silver and Paige. "I didn't even realize Paige was his savior. Is he talking about that dream girl from Tenrou?"

"Probably," Igneel muttered, more focused on his food. "It's stupid that was on his mind if you ask me." For a moment, onyx zoned onto Ena and brightened into knowing emeralds. "He should've used his nose. He got the wrong person."

E stiffened.

Luna frowned. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, Lu." Igneel's lips twitched, darkly amused when Ena daringly stared him down. "Right, Bambi?"

Ena looked like she would rather drink curdled milk than agree with him, but she forced out, "Right." Her eyes flickered to Silver before looking away. "Nothing."

• — • — • — •

Luna shrugged it off and finished her jumbo bowl without a hitch. "I'm glad you and Paige are friends, though. Must be nice being friends with your savior," she ribbed only to falter upon Silver's pensive look. "Silver?"

He blinked. "Sorry. What?"

"I was just saying it's good you and Paige are friends," Luna slowly reiterated. "You looked to be pretty deep in thought."

"O-Oh." Silver shook his head. "Sorry, it was nothing." Quickly finishing his jumbo bowl, he popped up from the bench. "We still have a lot of time until the matinee showing. Let's see some more of the district and then go to the mall here and do some shopping, yeah?" He grabbed Luna's empty bowl and spoon. It'll throw these away." He hurried over to the recycling, mind going a mile a minute.

So that's why I crushed on Paige for so long? She saved me that day? A dreary aura weathered of him. Wow, I really was pathetic and creepy. I need to apologize to her for that. As he tossed their bowls and spoons, he pondered something. Was it really her, though? I mean… I heard her name, so… It had to have been, right? He shrugged it off and went back to Luna. Well, it's over now. It's not something to think on anymore now that I have Mistress. I wonder what she's doing now…

°•°•°•°

Judicial and administrative buildings might not have looked all that fun in other countries, but Caelum mixed business and pleasure. Asymmetric and contemporary architecture housed bountiful bundles of personnel in their button-downs, pantsuits, skirts, and blazers. The campus tried not to compact tightly with others to show enough green space for workers to lounge on with their lunches and friendly conversation. A heavy bell blundered late from one of the steeple cathedrals and its glass-stained in windows.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Tagaloa's Paradise, the administrative and judicial island of Caelum. Most people employed her or working here are for Caelum's republic government or for as a lawyer or other authoritative figure. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

More natives and expats paraded about the island that excited foreigners—though that was to say tourists and future university students came by—but they had little time to talk and walk. Still, some gave a double-take.

KA… KA… KA…

It was not that Ena commanded and demanded attention, but her clothes did. With her scarlet sailor dress and pillbox hat with a veil, not to mention her burgundy sunglasses and silk gloves, she looked like the type of person people should be wary about, yet they instantly wanted to get to know like she was a Lady in Red.

After all, red was her color.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Mahūkona City

Tagaloa's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

12:03 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The glorious steps she up-took in her heels were nothing, but she cataloged the dual guardians that looked like an odd combination of salamander and dragons. The building looked refined and old with a clear Minstrish influence to its external figure, but people climbed up and down the steps with their work packs and PALs and Coms either leisurely or hurriedly.

Once she passed the revolving door, the inside could steal someone's breath away, truly. Three levels and a ground floor all dedicated to education with a librarian's round table to serve all those a little lost in the labyrinth. Law students and interns notably swamped the inside, even on a Sunday, but that did not deter her.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Kalakaua Judicial and Cultural Library, one of the main libraries on this Paradise. This library was erected in honor of Caelum and Minstrel's alliance several hundred years ago. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A little smile went a long way. The librarian was more than welcome to help her find all the books she needed. Coupled with her PAL, she took hold of one of the two-person tables near a window, turned on the light, and set herself up for studying.

Her EarBuds tossed a history podcast in her ears as she set to read one of the books she had pulled free.

I would've studied using my PAL, but Caelun literature is difficult to find articles on without it being solely blogs. And something tells me I need to understand a lot more about Caelun tomorrow. I don't like to cram, but Fiore's libraries aren't necessarily full of books like these.

Ena dug out a glasses case to take out her Gale-Force Glasses. She whispered, "Gale-Force Mode: Activate." Slipping on the glasses, the Magic took hold, and with ease, she glossed through the information.

Taema's Paradise had a nicer, niche library and cultural center, but you'd think Fa'atiu's Paradise would have a lot of information of history, and it does—but because people often go there, they miss a lot of pertinent information that this library has about Caelum.

Ena's eyes narrowed as she absorbed the information. For example, this is giving me an in-depth war report about the battles of the mainland. Caelun was never a written language until recent, and it's a major overhaul to get Caelun history onto the LacriNet. This war report must've been oral back then. Which means this translator must've worked hard to hammer this down.

Finished with one book, she went onto the next. All in all, the battles fought on the mainland would be considered massacres. But I failed to understand the reason behind such brutality. History states the people were peaceful, but enemies wanted the bountiful resources. But what specific resource were they looking for?

Ena set down the book with a sigh. Another one without an answer. She picked up the next book—

Huh?

The spine looked a little worse for the wear—clearly this book was a first edition—but it struck her as odd. I don't remember picking out a book like this.

She traced the title with her hands. 'Lost in Time: Fae Edition'. She weighed it. It's rather thin too. Must not have a lot of information. Her thoughts sharpened. But there's no record of Fae ever existing on Caelum. Of course they did, but it never was prevalent in history books.

Ena opened the book. Something happened too fast for her to witness, but her gaze settled on the dedication page. It says… 'To My Lady. The knowledge grows with your experience. You are ready to learn.' Her brow furrowed. A strange dedication, but the author must've written this for their lover or perhaps a daughter? No skin off her back. Either way, this will be a quick read.

She blinked and waited.

But her Gale-Force glasses did not work.

What? Ena blinked. Why isn't this working? I know my glasses are activated.

Taking off her glasses, she truly examined the lithe book in her possession. I can't detect any rebound spells or protective spells. That's not to say this book hasn't been charmed. Suspicion clouded her eyes. But that is to say, if there are spells on it, it means the caster is strong enough for Concealment—it eradicates any traces of Magic, but it's so difficult to cast.

Her shoulders set. Well, here goes nothing. She turned to the first page, but it confused her when she saw nothing more than a part of a hand-drawn map, she presumed, and by no means had a cartographer drawn it. She squinted. Where is this place? There isn't even a compass to show me which side is facing where.

The next page she flipped to had a better black and white sketch. A large stone sat with grass around it. Nothing was etched into the stone, even though it had the perfect flat surface for work to be done.

She flipped again—

Browns widened. What is this…?

Academic formatting had been forgone. The entries had been dated in symbols instead of numerically. But all the writing etched into the paper looked like an entry.

This… This looks like a diary. Her fingers brushed over the paper. And…this doesn't feel copied. This feels real. She glanced around, but no one else seemed to pay her any mind. So she delved into the entry with keen eyes.

『 The days grow darker by the minute. The beauty of our home has become the resting place of innocent lives and pools of blood. Our wings cannot carry us further to the veil. But we must protect this grotto. This will be our last command from Her Majesty. We knew we would not come home. Our wings have carried us far.

Her Majesty entrusted us to safeguard the sixth pillar. We cannot give into the darkness, but I fear the Black Wings grow restless every time they step onto the battlefield. His influence battles with their virtue. It is only a matter of time until the Black Wings become Blood Wings by force.

We have not heard word from those who guard the other pillars. We pray they have not fallen without ensuring the pillars' protection in their final siege.

We shall continue to safeguard the Grotto of Sixth within the safety of Ao's home until our very last breath, Your Majesty. We look forward to the day you will end this needless bloodshed and we may bask in your wings once more. 』

Ena hummed, intrigued. I see. They mentioned wings. If this is the Fae Edition, they must've been written by a Fae or quite possibly a Fairy. They mentioned Ao too and a violent war. So Fae must've lived on the mainland at the time before Ao gave their blessing. But they kept saying 'pillar'. I don't understand that.

She flipped to the other thick pages. Drawing had taken their place. Another nonsensical map with rivers scrawled in. Once showed quite the lovely looking doe as she grazed with her ears alert. And another—

Ena did not realize she held her breath as she examined this intimidating drawing of a commanding lady soldier in plated armor and luscious locks. But her wings—her translucent butterfly wings so perfectly unique and carved—were what fascinated Ena.

She must be a Fae or a Fairy, Ena realized. Her wings… They're beautiful. Is she a commanding officer or…? She blinked when she saw dual swords in the Fae's arms. One looked pitch-black and the other one white, but they were perfect fits in the Fae's hands. She's wielding dual swords. How…peculiar.

Maybe it was her imagination, but through the news podcast, she thought she heard the pleased hums of her swords.

Before she could think more about the absurdity of dual-wielding for the Old Era, her spine tingles and her hackles raised. Taking off her EarPods, she could see others, who clearly had some form of Ether, looked as disturbed as her. The Magic nearby is rising too quickly. Something is going down. Her hand twitched for her Compact. I should call—

She hesitated. No. I'll let him know afterward. He needs time with L right now. Even with her words resolute, something inside her twinged. As she grabbed her books, she commanded, Lunagr'an, Soledia—are you with me?

And her swords sang.

°•°•°•°

It was not necessarily common to use rooftops for travel, but Ena did not care. She bounced from roof to roof with her swords keyed up to come to her aid if necessary.

There's a growing amount of agitated Magic, she thought. But I wonder… Chanting caught her ear. What's that?

She pitched forward a few more buildings before settling on the edge of a rooftop to observe. A swarm of protestors gathered with their picket signs—a Solid-Script Mage, Cloud Mages, and a Magician or two crafted their own signs—and angered in the charts as they crowded before an asymmetrical administrative building. The flag of Caelum and the ankh cross waved from the entryway with Guards protecting the property. But that did not stop the mob of protestors from wanting their voices to be heard.

A protest? Ena adjusted her sunglasses with Magic and enhanced her vision to catch a closer look at the protest. Hm… It looks like none of these are Guild Wizards. They're all Independents. This must be about gaining the Magic Council's protection as Independent Wizards.

She thought with her chin between her thumb and curled forefinger. I paid attention to the news podcast to know Caelun guilds are harder to get into nowadays, considering all the foreigners who move here and become wealthy expats. Richer Wizards are swaying Guild Masters and, unfortunately for native Caeluns, unless they're Tamers, these Wizards and corrupted Masters seldom look at locals for bogus reasoning. But since the Council is hands-off for individual guild affairs, it's not like an Independent or even a Guild Wizard can file a complaint against how the Guild is run.

Her frown deepened. Mother explained that to me. The Magic Council does protect Guild Wizards and Guilds to an extent, but they're very clever about how they go about enforcing their bylaws and when to look away. The Fioren Branch has gotten better with auditing, but that's not the same for everywhere.

And even so, we can't afford to demand tighter scrutiny. The result of that is the widespread corruption in Valchestria, where the Magic Council is targeting certain Guilds and revoking their legal licensing. It's a hard process since revoking the legality requires the approval of a continental council member, so the branches are reluctant to do so, but that's not widespread knowledge. So the threat remains.

Someone with a Bullhorn Lacrima roared, "We're not Illegals! We deserve the same rights as Guild Wizards! We deserve your protection!"

As more chorused and chimed in, Ena's expression darkened. How foolish but predictable.

She cupped her elbows, chin lifted. The protection of the Magic Council is a double-edged sword anywhere you go. It grants you immunity from many government laws Spiritless abide by, including drafts, citizenship examination, and even tax laws. However, it also means the Council has chained and collared you as their pet. And if the Council says the black is white and white is black, you have to be a good pet and obediently agree or you're put down. You go from an alien to a common dog. The question is—her jaw went taut—which is better?

KA… KA… KA…

Ena blinked and her vision went elsewhere—

She tensed. What are they doing here?

A calm smile. "Please, my friends, what troubles you so? Can there not be peace on such a glorious day?"

Some had turned to bear witness to the entourage approaching them. Two Holy Knights had come with their patches brandishing the mystical symbol of the Holy Eye with feminine hands clasped in prayer. They did not keep their weapons on hand, but they looked ready to summon them at any moment. A girl had come with them with black lips and a gothic Lolita nun habit, but the way her head was cocked and her wide eyes made everything about her seem off.

Pointed shoes stopped. "After all"—a young priest with a trustworthy babyface, a dimple, and bronze skin clasped his hands together—"I'm sure Mother would enjoy it ever-so-much if all her children could get along."

⌜THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY EYE (CAELUM BRANCH)

Name: Darin Kahanamoku

Age: 25

Magic: Enchant

Occupation: Priest of the Holy Eye

Likes: N/A Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Darin might have a pretty face and a pretty smile, but there's just something about his personality… ⌟

One of the rowdier protestors sneered at Darin and spat, "Fuck you and your mama. We don't deserve to let this stupid Council tell us we're 'illegal'. We're Wizards too." He burned flames in his hands. "We deserve rights!"

More shouted behind him in agreement, the hostility and aggression rising.

Darin tutted. "Oh, dear. I didn't mean to offend you at all. Of course you deserve your rights," he concurred. "But today is a Sunday. The Magic Council branch might be open with their Anti-Magic Units, but higher-level personnel won't return until Monday. In other words"—his pretty smile widened, but the blue-greens of his eyes with white pupils were nothing pretty—"you are wasting everyone's time. How disappointed Mother must be to see her children so shameful."

Red-faced, the Flame Wizard's arms incinerated with torrid fire. "You cocky little bitch!" he snarled with his Magic Circle blooming beneath him. "I'll show you what you can tell your fucking 'mom'!"

The gothic nun tipped her head down and a black film covered her eyes.

⌜THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY EYE (CAELUM BRANCH)

Name: Rachel Polamalu

Age: 17

Magic: Enchant

Occupation: Sister of the Holy Eye

Likes: N/A Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Rachel's gothic attire might set her apart from her Sisters of the Church, but don't let looks deceive you! She's actually very misunderstood! ⌟

The spell the Wizard worked up faded with his flames, but it was not because he had a change of heart. The fury raging in his eyes sputtered for a serene glaze, and his body relaxed. Others in the protest, gearing for a fight, relaxed as well with their eyes shifted from anger to peace. The rowdy protesters turned docile within seconds.

A firm frown. "How disgusting."

CLACK-CLACK!

The Flame Wizard blinked, the haziness of his eyes gone, but his face scrunched as he tried to find his mental footing. "What the…?"

"This protest is over." The thunderous declaration came from Ena as she stood tall before the Holy Eye representatives. She took off her burgundy sunglasses to show steeled dark browns that would give no mercy. "Go home. Reconvene when your voices can be heard."

SHING!

The Wizard gulped when a blade pointed at him.

Ena tipped her chin down. "Leave." She brought out her second blade and aimed for his heart. "Or I will choose how you leave permanently."

Sweat rained down the faces of the protestors as they yelped, "Yes, ma'am!" And they scattered away with their tail between their legs.

Ena sighed and straightened up, pushing back on her shades. How foolish. None of them had the guts to fight me even after sensing my prowess. She dismissed her dual blades. But on a more serious note…

She heel-turned to face the Holy Eye entourage with a neutral expression. "I didn't realize the Holy Eye thought enchanting emotions into people was considered the will of your 'Mother'. It's unethical." A gleam pierced her eyes. "And toeing illegal."

Darin chortled. "And I didn't think we would meet an Enchanter capable of such a feat to dispel such a high-level of Enchant!" He rubbed his hands. "We've been truly blessed today!"

Ena's cheek twinged. Dammit. I shouldn't have done that. But I couldn't allow them to enchant those people. Enchanting emotions into someone is illegal in the Magic Council laws. But this is the Holy Eye. They abide by their own rules. She ground her teeth. And I just broke my own rules.

Darin's eyes glittered as he examined her. Scarlet hair… A lady in red… The sister swords of Sun and Moon… And that power… His smile widened. "I see now. Are you by any chance…the Enchantress Ena Fernandes?"

Ena stiffened, but she owned up to the claim. "I am."

"Oh, wonderful!" Sparkles came from Darin. "Goodness, Mother must have blessed me today to meet the Enchantress! You're just as beautiful as they say you are! And the way you used your swords looked like something out of a movie!"

Ena sweatdropped as Darin merrily praised her. Ugh. He reminds me of Atticus' cheerful attitude. And I don't want to stick around for that. She turned away. "Thank you for the compliments. However, there is no reason for it nor for you to anticipate meeting me. I'm nothing more than a seamstress, and I have business to attend to. Good day." She walked away

"Oh-ho, as expected." That pretty smile turned into a smirk. "Daughters grow to be so cold without their fathers."

Ena stopped. Her fingers twitched before grasping into fists. "I thought I heard something funny. And I quite like jokes." She swept back—

Cold dark browns clashed with sea greens.

"How about"—Ena's swords burst into her hands—"you tell me a funnier one?" Her blades extended, furious, with their tips inches from Darin, and Ena would not reign them back. "And we'll see if I laugh."

Darin waved his hands as he frantically floundered. "Oh, ha-ha, I'm not actually the funny sort of person, as fate would have it! Mother didn't bless me with humor!"

Ena sneered at him in her mind. He's irritating. But I can't make trouble here. Her blades reluctantly withdrew, and she flicked her hair over her shoulder. "I don't want any trouble. But I don't tolerate such disgusting methods towards anyone."

"Of course, of course!" Darin nodded vigorously as he rubbed his hands with that pretty smile. "We should use the blessings given to us only to spread goodwill to all we come across!" His pretty smile twisted. "I'm curious, though. I've seen your magical stats and as an Enchanter, you rank low. And Sister Rachel is considered a High Enchant. But you didn't even sweat to disarm her."

Ena did not give an inch. "Your point?"

"Oh, it's nothing, nothing!" Darin laughed, dismissive. "I'm just thinking how wondrous it is to meet you! Truly, I am!" Blue-greens flickered. "And how it's such a shame you're a vulgar Guild Wizard. The Holy Eye could help you reach your potential…or perhaps let you use the strength you already have."

To Ena's credit, she kept her body language neutral. "Because I'm an Enchanter. How amusing. Tell me. Why does the Holy Eye have such a fondness for Enchanters?"

"Who knows?"

A dreary aura hung around Ena as rays of sunshine and puppy innocence radiated from Darin. He is so annoying. Sighing, she waved a hand in dismissal. "Right. Good day." A hand catching her wrist stopped her—

SHING!

Darin smiled even with Lunagr'an and Soledia aiming for his throat and heart. The Holy Knights tensed, drawing their blade and halberd respectively, but Rachel looked on with her unsettling eyes curious.

"If you want to see your Mother"—Ena made sure he felt her power—"by all means continue to touch me."

"Being a Guild Mage has made one of our own so violent," Darin chuckled. "But I'm sure with the grace of Mother, you can flourish with your powers. You should come to the church or a temple one of these days." Blue-greens darkened. "Mother would love you, Enchantress."

"I have a mother who loves me," Ena rebuked. "I don't need another one."

"We all have a Mother, but tell me, Enchantress." Darin tightened his grip. "Wouldn't you also like a Father?"

Ena gritted her teeth. I don't have the time for this. He's intentionally riling me up. But I refuse to let it work. Pulling back, her swords flanked at her sides like guards. "This conversation is over." Tone clipped and authoritative. "I have more important matters to attend to. If you'll excuse me." An about-face later, she coiled her muscles before springing into the air.

Darin watched as she disappeared over a rooftop. To meet her in person. I never thought the day would come. Holy Mother will be pleased I had such an opportunity to confirm it. The Enchantress is no low Enchant. His pretty smile sullied with darkness. She takes after her grandmother, Irene. But even more than that, she takes after her great-grandmother like our texts say.

"Father," one of the Holy Knights called, "shall we go after her? Is that not the Scarlet Angel we have been seeking?"

"We won't follow." Darin raised a hand as he walked away with Rachel gliding after him. "Let's go home."

The other Holy Knight urged, "But Father—"

"She's a Guild Wizard under the Magic Council," Darin reminded. "If we, the Holy Eye, antagonized her, we would be breaking the laws set in place for division of church and state. And we can't afford that." Holy Mother has made it clear the Holy Eye has worked too hard to allow such a childish slip-up to occur. Still, we'll report this to Holy Mother and Primate.

He glanced back at Rachel, smiling. "How did you like her, Sister Rachel?"

Rachel eerily cocked her head to the other side, but she said nothing.

"Hm." Darin faced front again. Enchantress Ena Fernandes—you'll come to the Holy Eye. He touched his rosary. And you won't want to leave Mother's grace.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Malls could be therapeutic—just ask a serial shopper.

To be honest, more foreigners and expats came to the historic area, but there was something for everyone here. The restaurants crowded with ravenous guests hankering for exotic eats. It was a no-brainer to have sales on Young Nation merchandise nor was it a surprise that most supplies were slowly dried out given the first concert would be on Wednesday. Spring breakers had clumped into the center without a hitch. A security guard on the heftier side wheezed as he chased after some cloud-surfers and a skateboarded. A group of punk goths gave a look a disdain for squealing Young Nation fangirls. A pet store for exotic animals saw a lot of traction, but a boyfriend had to take it as his girlfriend laid into him how abhorrent pet stores were.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Kahiko Shopping Center, housing cultural events, restaurants, a movie theater, and a heritage center. Even though it's in the historic part of Taema's Paradise, it's considered one of the best shopping malls in Caelum. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna bounced around with a twinkle in her eyes. "Where should we go next?" She looked over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. "Come on, Silver, hurry up! We have so much more to see!"

"Yes, dear. Whatever you say, dear," Silver said dryly as he carried more bags than he knew what to do with. "You do realize you'll have to fit all this into your suitcase, right? And if you can't, you'll have to pay to ship them home."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Kahiko Shopping Center

Kahiko District, Taema's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

12:57 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna sweated nervously and Silver sighed. "If you can't fit this in your suitcase, then I guess I can—" He laughed when Luna side-hugged him.

"Mmm, you're the greatest!" Luna praised him.

Silver snorted. "Oh, yeah, sure I am." He glanced down at all their bags with a worried pout at one of his make-up bags. "I feel like I want to go back and get another body crème and night cream."

"You sure?" Luna questioned. "I thought you liked the night cream you have?"

"Not for me. For Mistress," Silver corrected. "We have Inter-Guild at the end of the month and she dries out quicker the longer we're outside. A more intensive night cream could help with that."

Luna tapped her chin, thinking. "We could go back Peaches and Crème on our way out. I kept debating if I wanted to get a new brush set for my mama since the quality here is pretty good, but it's cheaper than back home." She held onto his arm as they stepped in sync. "Shopping with friends is so nice. At least you give me an opinion. Luke is pretty much clueless. Igneel would just buy anything I touched. And Nashi had…opinions."

Silver snickered. "Yeah. It was always fun shopping with Gary. He always made it fun, anyway. My mom loves browsing, but my dad absolutely hates it and so does Lady J. When we'd go to BC Towers, I used to browse with my mom." Blues held a hint of bitterness. "But it was fun being with Gale and Lady J too." His lips twitched. "I can feel you pouting."

"I don't pout," Luna mumbled.

"You totally do."

"Do not."

"Oh, please, Lulu, your pout is the very reason you get spoiled."

Luna smiled to herself, satisfied. "Maybe." She bopped Silver's chest when he chortled. "Seriously, though. I wish I could've gone with you all those times. I was always stuck at home."

"Yeah, but it was fine," Silver assured. "Gale and Lady J were cool to hang out with."

"Yeah, because you did what they wanted to do," Luna huffed. At Silver's groan, Luna pressed, "If I—!"

"No." Silver sent her a part-amused, part-stern look when Luna pouted. "I'm not falling for your pout, Lulu, no. I told you. It's fine. They're family."

"I have family," Luna reminded him. "I have a lot of family. And I'm just saying they're supportive."

Silver arched an eyebrow. "Since when did you consider Igneel legit robbing places to spoil you 'supportive'?"

"Ah…" Luna colored. "H-He didn't…always rob places."

"Lulu, I love you, but Igneel was a criminal mastermind," Silver deadpanned. "There is no way in Hell you can own that many limited editions the day before they go on sale."

Luna's cheeks burned, and she weakly reasoned, "He…waited in line for pre-release?" Steam felt like it puffed from her ears at Silver's flat expression. "Hey, I've seen Gary shop, okay? And he gets really threatening when it comes to coupons."

"Yeah…" Silver sweatdropped about that. "He does get a little scary…"

• — • — • — •

"That'll be a nine-hundred and eighty-seven jewel, please."

Bullseye was that place you went when you wanted modern interior design, pleasant aesthetics, and good deals. To be honest, Silver was happy when his brother offered to take him to Bullseye with no limit on his spending.

Up until now, at least.

"I'm sorry." Something in teenaged Gary's smile sharpened. "I don't think I heard you correctly. The price shouldn't be that high. Could I see the list?"

The cashier looked too bored to understand the weight of Gary's tone, but they turned their screen to show Gary. "That's your total."

"Oh, there must've been a mistake," Gary chirped. "We only bought five of those because we received a one-fifty jewel discount off. And we bought three of those for the gift card. So as I said before"—icy-blue flashed—"there must've been a misunderstanding."

The cashier, alert, swallowed when it felt like Gary loomed over them like a snake. "U-U-Um, sir," the cashier squeaked. "Th-Those promotions ended l-l-last week—"

"You must be mistaken," Gary said. "I saw those signs still up and have the pictures to prove it. And those signs didn't include the promotion end date." The more he spoke with his pleasant smile, the faster his words became to a sweating cashier. "Did you know it's Bullseye policy to honor any promotion that is still on theshelveswithnopromotionalenddate? I'mmorthanhappytoshowyouthepolicymyselfifyou'reunabletorecallit…"

The cashier gulped and felt cold as ice as Gary continued on. 'I don't get paid enough for this.'

• — • — • — •

Silver internally sweated as he remembered the flowery aura Gary had around him that day as they walked away with their purchases while the cashier looked like they needed several drinks. He doesn't give up when it comes to discounts. And my parents aren't any better either.

He recalled the dark look on his father's face when they had gone candle shopping and the malice in his tone as he rumbled, frost swarming him, "You mean to tell me your sales are a lie?"

And his mother, well…

"Oh, Juvia understands perfectly!" Even though the words sounded perky and accepting, the twisted look on Juvia's face negated everything about it. "Juvia understands that the discount is perfectly valid and Juvia's total should be adjusted."

Silver hung his head, dreary. Someone please tell me my future self doesn't become like them. I'm already crazy enough.

"I spy with my little eye a shoe store!" Luna pointed over to the store. "Can we go?" When Silver tossed her a look, Luna sighed. "And just to look. I won't buy anything, I swear."

Silver grinned. "Good girl."

Luna checked him with a sniff, but she steered them to the store. "I'm on vacation to get away from parents, not for you to become my parent."

"Someone has to make sure you don't go over your budget," Silver reminded her. He jested when Luna pointedly looked away, "Or did your sugar daddy give you money?"

"You jerk!" Luna laughed. "And if he did?"

"Then I'm so proud of my little Lulu growing up and becoming a sugar baby," Silver told her with a feigned sniffle. Albeit, he warned her, "Cane better not have given you drug money."

"He doesn't sell," Luna said in exasperation as they gravitated towards the women's section of shoes. "I yelled at him when I saw he sent me money. Gale—"

"No, no, let me guess what he did." Silver mimicked a deeper voice as Luna let him go to peruse, "You don't need his money, Blondie. I'll give you twice more because I'm a jealous dog and have to claim my territory."

Luna snort-giggled. "Close to that." She shrugged as she eyed a pair of sandals. "Technically, I did promise to marry Cane first."

"Right. First kiss." Silver squinted when he saw the price of heeled boots before shaking his head. "Well, invite me to the wedding as long as the mafia and Deathhawk aren't there." Another set of chunky mary janes caught his eye and he found them in his size.

"Don't be mean," Luna laughingly scolded. "Cane doesn't sell. He said he's 'legit' or whatever that means."

"It means he's trying not to worry you and keep you innocent." Silver plucked some doc martens.

Luna frowned. "I'm not innocent." Her cheeks flamed when Silver laughed. "I-I'm not! You are!"

"Right." Silver's blues danced with amusement as he forced his smile not to broaden. "Let me put it this way, Lulu. You are Janet." He crooned, "Touch-a touch-a touch-a touch me, I wanna be dirty…!"

Luna smacked his shoulder as he went to sit on one of the aisle benches. "I've never been more embarrassed than seeing her just…be like that. She was so bold."

"She was horny, Lulu."

Luna's face heated. "Y-Yeah. That too."

Silver set down the bags and took off his slides with a humorous shake of his head. "You're so sweet." As he went for the mary janes first, a dark thought erased his good mood. "Hey, Lulu?"

Luna decided on trying a new pair of sandals. "Yeah?"

"Gale doesn't try anything with you, right?"

Luna found a shoe box with her size before venturing back to the bench. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, like…" As Silver started trying on the shoes, he asked, tone low, "He doesn't…touch you, right? I mean when you don't want it."

Luna slowed taking off her sandals. "No," she finally answered after a handful of moments. "He doesn't. And before you say anything, he's never brought it up either." Her hand went to her arm. "Honestly? I'm happy he doesn't."

Silver sensed it as he turned towards her. "But…?"

Luna's shoulders sagged. "I just… Wh-What if…he did want something? Y'know?" She rubbed her arm. "I don't feel like I'll ever want that. But he could, so…"

A hard frown.

Luna blinked when Silver knelt in front of her. "Silver, I…"

"My dad told me about boundaries," Silver said. "It's not just you respecting someone else's boundaries. You have to respect your own boundaries too. It doesn't matter what anyone else wants, Lulu. You either want something or you don't. That's your boundary. Gale should respect it. And you should respect your own boundaries, all right? So don't worry about him. And if he does cross a line, you know Igneel would somehow know and kick his ass."

Luna simpered. "Yeah, I know. Thanks, Silver."

"Sure." Silver got up and tapped in his mary janes. These are pretty nice. Mistress told me we're working with a goth client for their wedding dress. I heard goths like wearing these. They're pretty comfortable and sturdy. Pricey, though.

Luna tapped her cheek as she recalled something. "But it was weird, y'know? We were cuddling the other day like normal, but Gale normally wakes up before me, right? But I had to get up to go to the bathroom and I felt something weird."

"Yeah?" Silver went to one of the mirrors to look at the shoes with a grin. "Sleep on your Com again or one of your Poko charms?"

"No!" Luna huffed. "I'm serious! I felt something weird!" It was complicated to explain, but she did her best. "It was like…hard, I guess. I could feel it on my stomach. I thought it was a Compact, but I don't think it was."

Silver absently listened until a horrifying thought shocked him. Wait… She doesn't mean… "Lulu, were you facing Gale when you felt this?"

"I was." Luna put a fist in an open palm. "And I thought for sure it was his Com, but when I got up, his Com was charging on my nightstand."

"I… I see." Silver tried not to show he was sweating. "Please tell me you didn't…touch it."

"I was going to!"

Silver wanted to die. Lulu, no, why!

Luna shrugged. "But it wasn't there when I went back to bed. And Gale said he had to go."

For once, Silver thought gods could exist. Oh, thank goodness she didn't. I'm not about to tell her what she felt. Gale, you owe me for not ratting you out.

Luna peered up at Silver in innocent inquiry. "What do you think it was?"

"Ah-ha…!" Silver slapped on a harried smile. "Your guess is as good as mine, Lulu! Let's just hope you never feel something like that again. Definitely a weird one-off sort of thing, yeah?"

Mistress nearly killed me when I couldn't control myself, so I've been trying to roll her away from me whenever she sleeps with me. But I'm a healthy boy. And if Mistress wanted to neuter me, I can't imagine Lulu's reaction. He sighed. Gale's lucky she's innocent. A disgusted look crossed his face. Or worse—he's into it.

• — • — • — • — •

Somehow, it made sense to imagine this entire affair in a renaissance castle with Luna, the innocent maiden, and Gale, a chaotic and horned villain.

Fantasy-Luna owlishly blinked at her captor. "You want to sleep with me?" She glanced around the bed. "I-I-I'm not sure if there's enough room for the two of us, Mister." She gave him a puzzled look. "I don't think you'll fit."

Fantasy-Gale cackled with a gleam in his eyes. "Don't worry about a thing, my sweet principessa. Just relax." Steam puffed from his nose as he put his hands on either side of her. His fangs were out to play. "I'll make sure I fit."

• — • — • — • — •

A gloomy aura spread over Silver (and Luna remained oblivious as she prattled on, oh look at these sandals, Silver). Lulu, please run as far away from Gale before he corrupts your goodness.

"Does he know he's in the women's section?"

Silver's ears twitched.

A smack of gum. "He's probably gay or something."

Silver found the sources to be two young women a few aisles over as they looked at boots.

"Probably drag," one of the women said dismissively as she looked at the price for faux-fur boots. "It's, like, a thing, y'know, with the gays. He's like a little drag princess and she's his fairy godmother."

The inside-joke laughter grated Silver's nerves and made the stir in his chest rumble.

Luna came to the mirror to check herself in her new heeled sandals. "I think these are pretty cute…" Her words trailed off when she saw Silver's look at the two women. "Silver?"

"They called me 'gay'."

That startled Luna. "What?" Anger set in and she sent both women a scathing glare. "They don't even know you." She shook her head. "C'mon. Let's just ignore them—"

"No."

Luna frowned. "Silver—"

But she could not get out the words when she saw War in those blues and his teeth bared to show his fangs.

"I guess they like to talk." His blues glowed. "I should make them shut up."

It took five seconds.

Horror befell Luna when she saw both the women looked bug-eyed. Their skin flushed with rash-like ruddy reds. Sweat tried to cool them down, but they choked and hacked. Bystanders panicked when both women flailed and panted, but it worsened into a child's scream when the appearance of boils latched onto one of the women's fingers—

"No!"

Luna's hand on his arm was all it took to shock Silver out of his power. The stir that had a need for blood vanished. It was not the same calm when Ena was close and her sweet smell overpowered any emotion. But Luna's touch was still accepted and an influence into a sense of peace.

Until Silver realized what he had done.

Appalled revulsion convoluted Silver's features as he looked at the women who could barely support themselves. "What…? What did I…?" His hands shook as he rapidly blinked. "Wh-What did I…? Why did I…?"

"It's okay," Luna soothed him. "Go sit, Silver. I'll be right back." She made sure a shocked Silver sat before making her way over to the women with a guileless smile. She went over to one of the women and made sure to touch her arm. "Are you okay?"

"I-I-I…!" It was slow but steady as the steaming red on her face faded. "Y-Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay."

Luna nodded and touched the other woman's arm. "And you?"

The other woman recovered within seconds, but anxiety stole her breath from her. "I-I-I'm okay. Th-Thank you."

"Of course." Luna slipped away as bystanders and staff surged to ask questions, but she made sure both women had no sign of red or boils on their bodies. Thank goodness I've been working on my healing. That could've been bad. Sad browns swung to Silver. But about him…

Nothing erased the stunned expression on Silver's face, even as Luna sat next to him. She put her head on his shoulder, but she offered nothing. She knew better than to think her good-intentioned consolations would be accepted.

"I-I didn't mean it," Silver whispered. "I didn't mean it."

Luna took his shaking hand between her steady ones.

"I didn't mean it," he breathed again. "I didn't."

Luna exhaled from her nose. "I know." Accepting words, warm and never blaming. "How about we go for a walk, 'kay?"

He worked his mouth—I didn't mean it I didn't mean it I didn't—but no sound came out.

"You have no control." The warning. The scolding. The premonition. "You can't stay on land like this and maintain control. Your powers aren't strong enough to sustain land for much longer and if you deny yourself training, you could hurt someone."

His head fell with his bottom lip shaky. But he croaked, "'Kay."

°•°•°•°

To be clear, there was a difference between an omnivore restaurant and an herbivore restaurant. Places with meat as their strong suit seldom made the time for pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan diets. It was just the way of things.

So when you found a place that could balance all sorts of dietary lifestyles, it became the place to go.

The restaurant had such a charm to it as it overlooked the lay of the land. Dress it up or dress it down—it did not matter here. The wooden floors and washed blue walls paraded no wealth, though the scores of top-notch liquor might have been a giveaway. The bar section indented the restaurant with rancorous conversation and a couple of LVs to watch sports while the dining section paraded around it, comfy and warm.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Bait Bar & Grill is a popular restaurant that satisfies everyone with their separate grills for separate diets. It's often a place for business lunches and dinners and after-work drinks. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena had a rule to follow. She was never late. Everyone else was simply early. That was what her mother taught her, anyway, and she stuck to it. And as she was the one to accept the invitation, she did not feel an ounce of urgency as she sauntered through the restaurant.

It was easy enough to find her table when a well-dressed muscular man stood up with a jacket on his shoulders and his bleach-blonde hair with black roots was up in a cultured bun. A young thing sat beside him, eager as a beaver.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

The Bait

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

1:36 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The man opened his arms and showed his smile. "Ena, love, it's good to see you." They hugged and gave air kisses before drawing away. "That minx Gigi is so possessive over you." He put his sunglasses in his hair to show stunning baby blue eyes against his olive tan. "You should've told him to come along."

⌜ROGUE MAGAZINE

Name: Vos Summeur

Age: 63

Ability: Magician

Occupation: Editor-in-Chief

Likes: flirting Dislikes: brown clothing

Special Note: Vos might be a bit of a flirt, but he has his eye on one elusive Mint of an ex-boyfriend! ⌟

Ena tittered. "You'll see Gigi during fashion week, V. And I'll stall him enough so you can approach him, but don't say I didn't warn you if he gives you the cold shoulder."

Vos pouted. "Is he still upset about Lincoln Fashion Week last year? I told him I wasn't intentionally skinny-dipping with that model. And he left the gorgeous suite I painstakingly chose for us to share! I should be mad!" He flushed with a dreamy look. "But I can't stay mad at that face! And he's so hot when he's mad!"

Ena shook her head. "And you'll make him even more upset if you surprise him at Lincoln this year."

"It's not a surprise. I have to be at fashion week," Vos pointed out with a devious twinkle in his eye. "So he can't get mad at me if we're accidentally staying at the same hotel."

Ena heaved a sigh. "I'm not getting involved with this. Gigi made it clear I'm not to encourage you."

"Oh, you'd never!" Vos laughed. He gestured to the perky woman, who stood on command. "Oh, Ena, love, this is my personal assistant, Vydia—"

"It's such an honor to meet you, Mistress Ena!" Vydia blurted, already shaking Ena's hand with a strong grip. "I am such a huge fan! You're amazing! I mean, you're, like, a kid, but you built an empire! So amazing!"

⌜ROGUE MAGAZINE

Name: Vydia Lichtenstein

Age: 23

Occupation: Personal Assistant

Likes: conversations Dislikes: silence

Special Note: Vydia might be a bit of a talker, but she's great a listening! When she isn't talking… ⌟

Vos sighed. "Chipmunk, must I remind you how to use your manners?"

"Oh!" It was like lightning struck Vydia. "I-I-I'm sorry, sir! But I mean it's her! And, I mean, she's just a kid, but she's so powerful, y'know?"

Vos put a hand to his temple and looked like he needed an aspirin. "Ena, love, I apologize for my chipmunk. She has a bad habit of running her mouth and not thinking about what she says, but she's the only PA who's last more than two weeks."

"It's fine." Ena nodded to Vydia. "It's nice to meet you as well, Vydia. Had I known you were coming, I would've brought my assistant as well. I'm sure he would've loved to meet you."

Vydia beamed.

"Just sit, Chipmunk," Vos commanded tiredly. As everyone came into their seats, Vos explained apologetically, "I had meant for our little lunch date to be just us, but Chipmunk couldn't stop talking. I was hopeful this would keep her quiet."

Ena arched an eyebrow as Vydia visibly strained herself not to burst out her thoughts. It seems being quiet isn't her forte. She waved a hand. "It's fine. I don't mind the extra guest." Once the waitress came and everyone rattled their drink orders, Ena struck up once she had her menu out, "How are you enjoying your time here?"

"It's such a gas, love," Vos raved as he whipped out his fan. "These Caeluns certainly know how to attract the eyes. Taema's Paradise was a ball. It's shame there aren't fashion designers in the area, but the fashion is so unique."

"But exploited," Ena grimly added. The waitress came back, and they placed orders as she set drinks down. "The name 'Paradise' is used ironically. For tourists, this place is a perfect paragon of paradise. But for those who live here as natives…"

"Yes." Vos' expression darkened as he folded his fan. "I take it you saw a glimpse of what's hidden in the underbelly."

"I wouldn't say that." Ena toyed with her straw. "I witnessed a protest of the Independents in front of the Magic Council branch. Was I surprised Independents were protesting for protection? No. But I was under the assumption Caelum was fair to Independents. That is"—her eyes flashed—"the wealthier Independents."

Vos hummed. "Oh, yes." He flourished his fan to turn it into a fan of Caelun Crown notes. "The rich prosper and the working suffer. A tale as old as time." He changed the notes back into his Zhōnguánese fan. "Caelum's government has a secret netocratic and plutocratic underbelly, if you ask me. Independents who don't make enough from their salaries don't even have a prayer to be accepted into the private magi-universities. And Ether studies are nonexistent. Instead, they degrade themselves to performers and staff. How insulting."

Ena was inclined to agree. "To their credit, they hide it well." I'm sure more protests have struck for better treatment. But if the Holy Eye has shown me anything, it's that they can quell those protests with ease. But why? Wouldn't it benefit the Holy Eye if the Magic Council was harassed? She went on: "Some countries try to maintain propriety and work alongside their Magic Council branches to set up a functional MBI model. But other countries, once peaceful with Magic and Wizards…see the benefit Independents can be to their nation."

Ena tossed Vos a concerned look. "Have you seen any problems? You're a House Magician but still."

"And it took decades until Magicians and our Houses were even recognized." Vos curled his lip in loathing. "And even then, the Council and Mages still look down on us." He sighed. "Luckily, I'm in the clear. So long as I continue to give contributions to my House, the Council will make sure I'm not caught up in all politicking." He added in a lower voice, "That being said, I have some tidbits for you about your summer."

Ena's stare sharpened. "I take it my name is being slandered again?"

"Yes and no." Vos crossed his legs. "As you know, there is much anticipation about your debut into fashion week. You are the youngest designer to take on the main stages. But you and I both know, while the arts are about creativity, add Magic into the mix and suddenly, we're considered cheaters."

"This isn't news to me," Ena dismissed, even. "I've always received a cold invitation from others in the industry. They can't afford to publicly mock me considering my standing, but I know they have no goodwill for me."

"Yes, but it's the who you should worry about," Vos persisted. "It would seem your attendance has ruffled some high-up feathers. Meaning your trip to Lincoln might be cold, but it could very well become destructive." He leaned forward and murmured, "Word is you're a supporter."

That shuttered Ena's expression into a block of ice. I've never been so insulted in my life. Her Magic rose with her temper, but she kept it chained before it could materialize. A 'supporter'. How dare they? How dare they?

Vydia pitched in, clueless, "Um… What's a supporter?"

"Have you not listened to anything I said to you in the past three months, Chipmunk?" Vos demanded to know. He grumbled upon Vydia's sheepish laugh. "I should just fire you," he sniffed. "Your insomnia is the only good thing about you. At least you can be awake when I need you to be. But if you didn't have that, you'd be fired."

Vydia took it in stride. "Right, sir!"

TICK!

Vos shot Vydia a chilling look. "What did I tell you about 'sir', Chipmunk?"

"O-Oh! Um, right, Mister Summeur," Vydia quickly amended. With Ena in a dark mood and Vos contemplating murder, Vydia asked again, "But what's so bad about being a supporter in, um…well, whatever this is?"

Vos huffed as he expanded his fan again. "All you need to know, Vydia, is that the world isn't all honky-dory with Wizards as it was anymore. Bloodlines, the guilds you belong to, the Magic you practice, even who you marry, your pedigree—all of that archaic drivel matters again."

Vydia puffed a cheek. "But that's stupid, sir—ah…!" She nervously smiled under the weight of Vos' glare. "M-Mister Summeur. But it really is stupid."

"That's the way it works in many industries now," Vos remarked. "It's not fair, but it is what it is." He closed his fan and tapped it to his lips. "Before, there wasn't this prejudice. No one worried much about any of this. But times have changed. Wizard athletes are subjected to wearing sealstone jewelry."

Vydia did not understand. "Why not have Wizards compete in their own separate thing then?"

"You don't think they've tried?" Vos rolled his eyes and muttered, "Why did I even hire you?"

"For my insomnia, Mister Summeur," Vydia chirped unhelpfully.

Vos sent her a withering look before continuing his explanation: "Clubs, contests, races—all those used to exist for Wizards. But then the Black Wizard became an international incident. And people realigned their views on wizardry and witchcraft."

Ena added, "Many Wizards became pariahs to their friends and workers. It became commonplace in some countries to outlaw many Wizard-run events. The Magic Council couldn't stop that. Their laws are within the boundaries of Legals, or Guild Wizards. Any external events are outside their jurisdiction. International events for Magic slowly lost favor. People reassessed how much the Magic Council and Wizards truly have."

"And that's when the discrimination started setting in," Vos sighed. "Valchestria, Andüsa, Sela, Alakitasia, and now the USM—they're being hit harder and harder with the deregulation of magical items and regulation of Independents. Wizards who sparked joy in their field found themselves slowly being excommunicated. And it's not just athletes or entertainment—it's everywhere. A Spiritless community accused a Wizard Priest of possessing his followers into a cult and was removed."

"Actors are luckier since having Magic gives them a cutting edge," Ena alluded. "But Spiritless acting unions are foolishly daunted into thinking they'll never work again if Wizards go into the acting industry. Athletes are forced to give up their powers to compete."

"They said it's becoming an Anti-Ether epidemic down in Valchestria," Vos let her know. "The smuggling of AE is skyrocketing for Independents. It's either they shed their powers and avoid inspections and conscriptions or—"

"They join the Faction as a supporter," Ena spat.

Vos shook his head. "Unfortunately, while the Faction is labeled as a terrorist group, they're heroes to Guild Mages sick of the Council's autocratic rule and Independents and Aberrants shunned and on the run. And for all the bad the Faction does, they've managed to secure housing, food, and clothes for all those who seek sanctuary."

"And that's the other option." Ena's cheek twinged. "The Sanctuary. A paradise for all those who no longer want the weight of world governments or the Council to burden them. All they have to do is pack up and move there." What a foolish advertisement. The desperate see it as godsent, no doubt. But the cunning see it for what it is—an Eden. Who truly controls the Sanctuary?

Vydia questioned, "But the Holy Eye seems nice, right? I mean, people can go there, yeah?"

"They can." Vos' frown deepened. "Whether they should is the other question."

Vydia piped, "I don't see why not. The Holy Eye has done some really amazing things! They help with scholarships and give back to the community. My family goes to a Holy Eye church and they don't even request tithing or anything. It's so relaxing and comforting." She clasped her hands together. "I could always go to the Holy Eye when times were tough."

Ena kept her opinion to herself. Of course outsiders find such divine intervention comforting. Whether we like it or not, the human race relies on faith. It doesn't have to be a deity, per se, but it's still faith. And Holy Eye is the embodiment of inclusive faith, which means people naturally gravitate toward it. But the question still remains. Why did the Pope of the Holy Eye and soon to be the elected as Bishop of Ran decide to create such an inclusive doctrine?

CLAP!

Vos whined, "Enough of this downer talk! Time for the real reason why you're here." He pulled his cutest face. "Can you give me Gigi's new number? I think he changed it because a woman picked up the Com when I called him last time."

Ena sweated on the inside. No, I just enchanted Gigi's voice to sound like a woman because he was sick of all your voicemails and texts.

"Come on, Ena, love, don't you remember how good Gigi and I had it?" Vos reminded with a flowery aura about him. "We were so perfect together! The moment we were in a room together, it was like lightning struck and we couldn't get off each other, right? Doesn't he miss that? Doesn't he mention me to you? Come on, I know he tells you things, hmm?"

Shadows of dismay covered Ena's eyes as she was impervious to Vos' cutesy aura. This is why I hate talking to you. Because you always bring up Gigi like this. She recalled how explicit a frazzled Gianni had been going as far as to embroider into a frame: Do Not Tell Vos Anything.

Ena blinked. By the way… Gigi mentioned he'd be on spring holiday as well. She looked out the window—she ignored Vos' hope she would spill something about his minx of an ex—and wondered, I wonder what he's doing now….

°•°•°•°

What was the best option when you needed to get somewhere but had no idea where it was?

Follow everyone else and hope for the best.

Silver and Luna had made it tended-to fairgrounds with the masses in the hopes they were all flooding towards the right direction. The tent was a big clue as to them heading in the right direction with security ready to scan tickets with their Ether Scanners going up and down people to ensure no one was carrying anything dangerous. But it was the inside the amazed you.

The tent's flaps led to a wider inside—they were in a pocket dimension. The ring of stands was not the type that could be broken apart and put together again. They squared solid backing and grounding. A matted floor lay at the center without any acts just yet. But the audience grew bigger by the minutes, packing in like sardines to catch such a phenomenal show.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Kahiko Fairgrounds

Kahiko District, Taema's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

2:00 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna and Silver settled in their seats, forgoing any of the food vendors. A drained look worried Silver's face, and it made Luna stick close to him. Even though excitement vibrated the air, the two of them remained in their own bubbles of loss and concern respectively.

"Do you want to go?" Luna asked, timbre gentle. "We don't have to do this."

Silver slightly shook his head. "No. It's okay. I wanted to do this." He rustled up a weak smile. "You always wanted to see the circus. This isn't exactly it, but I thought it could be a good start." His smile turned genuine when Luna nuzzled his side. "It's okay, Lulu. I'm feeling better for this. Promise."

Luna mumbled, "I don't believe you, but I'll drop it if you want me to."

I don't believe me either. Silver squeezed her hand. "Thank you." He nuzzled her back before glancing around. It looks like the place is getting nearly at capacity. They should be starting the show soon then.

The light flashed and conversation wiped out with the blink of an eye. The dimming came next until the entire tent was swamped into darkness.

The orchestra started with a dramatic rumble of the timpani and baseline. A Suertish man spoke to the audience, "Hello, little friends, and welcome to our world, where we shall tell you story you have not heard. Put away those Coms and watch with a careful eye as we take you through the history of Caelum before it was a paradise."

The orchestra swelled into a trembling chord before disassembling.

An anticipated hush.

Then…

Low throat singing rumbled across the room and put people into an awed transition, gooseflesh spreading upon skin. A lone Ohe Hano Ihu (Caelun nostril flute) made the journey to cross the threshold of strong low voices with its haunting call. Whispered wings shuffled around.

SSFT!

A flaming torch struck up the stage. A man held up the torch with his traditional Caelun garb as he peeked around, seeking for the unknown. The drums beat as the man made his journey to get to the center. As the music grew, intense and haunting, the man performed a ritual prayer from generations ago. And when it came time for him to finish, he sucked in a lungful of air—

—and he blew.

GA!

Gasps of awe and shock split amongst the crowd as the entire tent was warmly lit to show they had been transported to the wilds of Caelum, where the greens were greener and the island gave its people what they needed. The kâ`eke `eke (shute-like bamboo drums) hammered down an arrhythmic beat with the pahu drums. The dancers mystified the audience with their in-sync movements.

CAW-CAW…!

A majestic bird swept around the crowd in its ethereal form with the inside of its wings a translucent rainbow. It misted its power over the dancer as it circled around them.

Luna blinked, understanding. I think I get it. That must be how they see the Guardian Spirit Ao who watched over Caelum. These must be the first Caeluns.

The music wove into the dance. The beauty of the wilds captivated all as the people of Caelum explored their home. But it was more than mere discovery and explanation for the Caeluns. It was where five of them discovered their gifts. One male aided the people as he led them to safety. It transported them to the beaches of Caelum as the man crafted the first boat for his people.

Another person lagged behind due to an unforeseen forest fire that had man and creature crashing into each other to get out. But as the person succumbed to the toxic fumes, a person untouched by the smoke stepped forward. Their prayer led to the separation of physical body, spirit, and soul.

Flinches and wide eyes went when all felt the heat of an explosive volcano and subsequent earthquakes. But one muscular man had the gall to calm the irate volcano from spewing its rage on those not strong enough to defend themselves.

A gust of wind rustled hair to show another person wielding the power of air to bring about wings strong enough to cast off boats, but then—

ZAA-ZAA…

Thunder rumbles above hand with rain pouring down. Even though the rain was nothing more than an illusion, the phantom pitter-patters hit your skin like ice. The one controlling the weather brought about clear skies to beam sunrays down onto the crops planted in the tilled fields.

The last of which showed a strong and kind woman as she created works of wonder and tales of woe that inspired her tribespeople. With the help of the first man of the five, she showed her people the art of tattoo and painting with her brushes. She even wowed them when her paintings of animals animated to their own accord.

This must be about the five gods of Caelum, Silver realized. So… They were human once too? No. That doesn't seem right. They were always Gods, but… I don't know. Blues darkened as they focused on the woman. And something about her pisses me off.

The song and chanting wove about a time of celebration for these five who had shown their people the way of Caelum. They flourished and prospered and expanded their territory to live in harmony with the forest. But upon deeper exploration to find the newest clearing for their crops and harvest, a cave had been stumbled upon. The brave explorers feared little as they took the chance with their torches to step into the jagged tunnel.

The music spun to keep people on the edge of their seats. Darkness and flame battled each other for dominance as the melody darkened into something jagged and rough. Hardship would be met within this tunnel. The fear to survive, to go home to family, persevered in those weary few who took it upon themselves to go on this journey.

A light flared at the end of this maze to nowhere.

And then…

FWOOSH!

Amazement and applause went around as the entire tent turned into a forest grove out of a fairytale. Twinkling lights zipped around with trails of dust behind them. Pixies. They were pixies. The moss, the plants, the dirt, the bushes—all felt so soothing and sating to be around. Life grew everywhere here.

Including very short life.

People no more than a meter tall had foraged in this underground grove in their tunics with their scythes and adzes. They cultivated only what they needed and left the rest up to nature to decide. But in that moment, as the tribesmen met these people—

CAW-CAW…!

The Guardian Spirit of Ao swung overhead to bless such an auspicious meeting.

A ceremonial hula honored the partnership of the first tribe of Caelum and these under-grounders with cries in Caelun and the beat intense and melodic. The five special tribesmen had presented their gifts of grandeur to honor this day. The inventive man honored these under-grounders with a large adze.

The one always close to death brought along a few friends. Luna's eyes sparkled in wonder when glowing animals bounced around them. A humpback whale led the charge as it swam in mid-air. Some had lifted their fingers to graze its belly. Other animals joined in the fray. A doe bounded around and left a cool breeze behind her. Even white silhouettes of fallen tribesmen ran about with their shouts of glee being in the realm of the living once more.

The man who controlled the earth helped these under-grounders mine for tamed magma. He directed the flow of magma to their underground forge and kept the volcano calm.

The under-grounders could not help their shock and awe as the man who controlled wind and storm gracefully watered dying crops to bring new life to their grove.

HYU…!

BOOM!

Luna laughed as the woman among the five dazzled the under-grounder with fireworks. She brought her painted stories to life as she told the under-grounders of Caelun origin and taught them hula.

Silver shifted with his jaw taut.

All seemed well in the world as the Caeluns and under-grounders got along, sharing their wealth, their food, their knowledge, and their hearts. As time passed, more villages prospered under this era of peace and unity.

The group of five found themselves being led through the tunnels of a volcano, but gasps rang about at the beauty people witnessed. Glowing crystals and moss sprayed the tunnel so surreally that it felt like a dream of a dream. But what was beyond the tunnel could make anyone speechless.

"Beautiful" was far too tame of a word to describe a grotto such as this.

A quiet pool in the middle, plants and bushes of vibrant greens and aquamarines and flowers of every shade and tint blossomed to their fullest potential. The glowing lights with their dust trails—pixies—maintained every individual flora here, but the fauna was not neglected either. Silvery butterflies made a home here, but in the right light, they had dim rainbows painted on their wings. Magical creatures sought refuge here, but they took kindly to the five who had been permitted into their home.

But the center of attention was the monolith in the pool.

"Blue" was still not the right color. It looked far too alien for blue to be the sole color. It glittered and gleamed to show glyphs cut into such perfect stone. The water never eroded a single chisel from the monolith. The stone looked never-ending, never-changing, and more important than anything in the grotto.

Luna's brow furrowed. Hey… This feels strange… Why do I…? She felt Silver tensing and looked over to him. "Silver?"

But Silver focused on the woman amongst the five with his lip curled. Something tells me I know what she is if I'm this angry. And I'm not about to stick around.

°•°•°•°

With the show over, bedazzled people walked out of the tent to rave about what they thought the hula meant and what sort of story they had been told. Others lingered in the hopes to meet the talent and offer their congratulations and compliments. They needed the troupe to know how impressive and honored they felt viewing such a Caelun tradition.

Luna and Silver left without wanting to do any of that.

Luna puffed when Silver tugged her along and told him, "Silver, slow down! I'm going to trip like this!"

Silver did as she commanded, but the edge on his face would not smoothen. "Sorry, Lulu." He glanced around. "We need to leave."

"Why?" Luna tried not to make it obvious she looked around. "Is there a bad person here?"

"I think one of the troupe members was a God Slayer."

Her surprise was too exposed. "Really?"

"Yeah." Silver made his power thrum beneath his skin. "I could sense it. The woman playing one of the gods was a God Slayer. And if I could sense her, she could sense me." And if she's like Rai, then she's nothing but trouble.

Luna jerkily nodded. "Okay, let's go then." She kept close to Silver as they moved through the crowd. This is bad. If she senses Silver, what if she wants to fight? We might be part of Fairy Tail, but we don't have permission to battle here. We could out of self-defense, but—

Her thoughts frizzled as she jolted when a leaping gecko came onto her arm. Her little scream turned some heads, but it was such bewilderment this little leopard gecko had suddenly laughed onto her arm with its large black eyes.

Silver looked at the gecko in disbelief. "What the Hell?"

The gecko cocked its head and promptly licked its right eye.

"Uh…" Luna and Silver exchanged a weirded-out look before Luna turned back to the gecko. "Um… Hello, Gecko," she greeted, unsure. "Are…? Are you lost?" She was careful to offer her palm, and the gecko waggled into her hand. "Are you a Partner to a Tamer, Gecko?"

The gecko offered her a slow blink.

Silver tugged at Luna. "We have to go—"

"Wait." Luna studied the gecko with a thoughtful frown. The leopard gecko flexed its throat. "I… I think it wants us to do something."

The gecko slow-blinked again.

Silver shook his head. "Lulu, we have to leave—!" His words smothered a loud growl as his pupils constricted. He pushed Luna behind him and did not care who saw. I can sense her getting closer. He forced out, "Lulu, go—"

"No, I think she should stay."

Luna peeked from Silver's shoulder to see a man approach them. He differed from the natives with his lean stature and angular face—it did not help he had intense pale green eyes—but he looked stranger than the foreigners with his leather biker jacket and his swagger.

The gecko chirped as it rolled in Luna's hands, happy as a clam.

Silver refused to budge as the man kept a meter between them, but he forced himself not to lash out preemptively. "Who are you?" he snarled. "You're not her."

"I'm not at all," the man said with a brogue. "She wanted to come over herself, but she figured she'd already ruffled your scales enough." Those pale greens shifted to Luna in interest. "So she sent her wee little Custodian to fetch you both. And her fetching pet."

Luna swallowed. "So you're…?"

"Aye." The man shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. "You can call me 'Holland'."

⌜KAONA TROUPE

Name: Holland

Age: Unknown

Magic: Telepathy

Occupation: Custodian

Likes: early mornings Dislikes: alcohol

Special Note: Holland is a Suertsman through and through, so what's a Suertsman doing being a Custodian in Caelum? ⌟

"I-It's nice to meet you," Luna offered when Silver was not inclined to reply. She nodded to the gecko. "And this is…?"

"That, lass, is Kapa's Mo'o," Holland told her. "Magical little thing that started coming around to me. But at this rate, she might like you better than Kapa."

"'Kapa' is the…?"

Holland nodded. "She is. And she'd like to speak to you—"

"No," Silver snapped. "We're not going anywhere near you people. I know what you're like." He hissed to Luna, "Come on, Lulu, give him that gecko thing so we can leave. We don't want to be involved with these people."

Holland tilted his head before an opaque glow took over his eyes. "You had a run-in with one of Kapa's siblings. And it wasn't a good experience. Raimana can be a bit of a toss-pot." The glow left his eyes.

Silver tensed and growled, "Don't read my mind."

"I normally wouldn't," Holland confessed, "but we're a bit pressed for time." He nodded to Luna. "But if you don't trust me or my intentions, why not let Goldie here take a look at my mind?"

Luna hesitated. "That's not really helpful," she said. "Y-Y-You could show me what you want me to see."

"That's true." Holland could not keep the slight impression out of his tone. "But you, lass, don't need to read my thoughts to know my intentions. Take a look at my emotions."

Silver sneered. "Lulu—"

"Wait." Luna stopped Silver as she gave Holland a firm look. Her eyes closed, and she took a deep breath.

Holland's gaze shifted into that milky glow.

After a few heartbeats, Luna's eyes opened with a flash of white and she gave an exhale. "He's not going to hurt us," she whispered to Silver. "I could feel that much from him. And the Mo'o is innocent too. I think they do want to talk."

"But about what?" Silver quietly challenged. "What do they want from us?"

"I don't know." Luna dared not try to guess. "But maybe it's worth talking to them. Maybe they could know more about you. Maybe we could learn more about why God Slayers are back, I don't know. But I think we should."

Silver huffed and warned Holland, flashing his teeth, "I don't trust you. But we'll speak to you."

Holland slightly bowed his head before walking away.

Luna and Silver followed.

The tent had three exit flaps—or so both of them remembered. That was why it was surprising to see a fourth flap unbothered by the departing attendees. Luna blinked when the gecko merrily glimpsed up her arm to sit on her shoulder while Silver tried to swallow down the warning growl he wanted to give.

Holland opened the flap and tilted his head. "She's waiting for you."

Silver walked in with cautious footsteps and the need for blood. His slitted pupils flicked to take inventory of this place. A small dressing room with a light-up mirror, a costume rack, and one door that led to the inside. But his blues honed on the sole woman who stood in the room with thick wavy of dark brunette and a disturbing scar of white across her throat. She had shed her traditional dress for a robe and she kept her smile warm.

Silver did not trust it.

Luna looked between an agitated Silver and the woman before offering a wave. "H-Hello." She gestured to the gecko. "I-I have your Mo'o, um, if you were looking for her." She scooped the gecko back into her hand—the Mo'o chirped, indignant—and offered her to the woman. "Here you go."

The Mo'o flicked her tail and rolled on Luna's cupped palms, ignoring her owner.

"Oh." Luna understood. "You'd like me to hold you?"

The Mo'o closed her eyes and smiled as though to say, Yes.

Luna giggled. "Okay. I guess that's fine. I've never held a gecko before. You're very cute."

The Mo'o made a throaty noise as she rolled around Luna's hands.

Holland snorted as he stepped inside. "Don't give that one an ego. Ike's very vain."

Ike, displeased, blew a fireball at Holland.

To say Luna was wide-eyed was an understatement. "It's a Salamander?"

"Not exactly." Holland came to stand by the woman. "Mo'os are shape-shifting reptiles and very vain with how they look, so don't be surprised she's extra nice to you because you compliment her." The woman signed to him and he nodded. "What are your names so I can introduce you?"

"I'm L-Layla," Luna stumbled to get right. "And he's Silver."

Holland signed as he spoke, "This is Silver and Layla. And you two—this is the beau'iful"—he peered at the woman softly—"beau'iful…Kapa."

Kapa's smile widened as she home-signed something to Holland, making his lips quirk, before she turned to Luna and Silver. She signed, It's nice to meet you both. Thank you for coming.

⌜KAONA TROUPE

Name: Kapa

Age: 22

Magic: Art God Slayer

Occupation: Troupe Leader

Likes: rain Dislikes: monochrome

Special Note: Kapa signs in Caelun Sign Language—a critically endangered language—and popular Fioren Sign Language as well! She has little hearing and even with her hearing aids, everything is muffled! ⌟

Kapa took note of Silver's hostility and signed, I understand you don't trust me. You met one of my brothers and now, you don't trust God Slayers at all. I'm sorry about that. But I was hoping to speak to you.

Holland looked ready to translate when Luna chimed, "Silver's just on edge. We're happy to speak with you, but we're not sure what you need to speak to us about."

"You can understand her?" Holland asked.

Luna nodded. "We have a mute guildmate, so our entire guild knows how to at least understand FSL. I can sign, but…" She offered Ike a sheepish smile. "My hands are full."

"Kapa can read lips, so understanding her is enough," Holland assured.

Silver huffed. "I can sign too." He asked and signed, "What do you want with us?"

Kapa glanced at Holland, who nodded. She spread her hands as she wove together a ball of bustling blue energy that crackled and fizzled. It pulsated when her hands pushed down until she spun around her arms and—

FWAH!

The ball exploded to form a—

Blues widened. No way…

A Dragon of glittering blue scales, a crown of horns, and electrifying whiskers swam around in mid-air. It circled Silver and Luna with the wild scents of ocean and rain following it before it exploded into harmless particles of Ethernano.

Silver looked at Kapa, perplexed. "How did you…?"

Kapa explained, I haven't been spying on you, I promise. But last night, I had a dream about that very Dragon. And when I saw your eyes, it made sense. Tell me, is that you?

Silver locked his jaw.

Luna gave him a worried look before apologizing, "I'm sorry. This is sort of a sensitive subject."

Kapa softened. I understand. I won't ask about him again. But could I ask about you?

Luna blinked, startled. "Me?"

Kapa nodded in kind. Yes. You seem to also understand I am a God Slayer. But… There is something about you that made me curious. She glided forward. May I touch you?

Luna ignored Silver's snarling to give an uncertain nod. "O-Okay." She stepped beyond Silver's protection and tried not to flinch when Kapa's hands smoothened on her cheeks. Ike made a quaint chirp wand nestled in her hands.

Kapa studied Luna's face as her hands traced Luna's face and neck. When she found what she was looking for, she pulled back to sign, Your powers feel so different and yet so familiar.

"Oh…" Luna's gaze flicked down. "I-I'm not really sure what type of Magic I have. I'm sorry."

Kapa tapped Luna's chin so uneasy browns met kind browns. There is no reason to apologize. It makes you unique. Her smile brightened. Holland could feel something from you during our performance. He said something inside you spiked when you saw this.

Luna's eyes widened when Kapa recreated the pool and the moonlight between her hands. "I did," she rasped. She looked up at Kapa. "What is it? Could you tell me?"

Holland intervened. "What did you get from the story told?"

Luna thought back to the performance. "Long ago, it seemed like Ao helped the first Caelun people. And in doing that, they gave five people powers. And they became the first five gods of Caelum, right?"

Kapa nodded as she strung together energy while Holland conceded, "Right. The first five gods were the God of Creation, Tagaloa."

Kapa manifested a board-shouldered Caelun man with tribal tattoos (uhi) across his legs and right arm, but golden bracelets piled onto both his wrists.

"Then came the God of Death, Elo," Holland told as Kapa created an androgynous being with a hooked staff. "The God of the Sky, Fa'atiu."

Kapa twirled her hands to create a lean man with an extravagant nose ring and his own proud uhi on his arms and legs. He held an adze in his hands.

"The God of Earth, Ma'fui'e." Holland waited as Kapa moved her hands to create a mountain of a man with a whalebone in his hair. "And the God of the Arts…Taema. And Kapa's God Mother."

Kapa converged the four gods to make a robust woman with one eye dark brown and the other eye blue before allowing her creation to disperse into harmless sparks.

"These five would become Mid-Gods of Caelum," Holland told. "They led the first Caeluns to prosperity. But they hadn't realized that they weren't alone on their island. Deep within the earth, others lived as they harvested raw magma for their creations. Those people are long gone now. But they were responsible for building that monolith."

"What were they?" Silver wanted to know.

Kapa grimaced. We still aren't sure. We have stories of the under-grounders, but the stories of the Middle Era mainly revolve around the wars we fought. And even though I have a clear picture of what those people look like and the grotto, I've never seen it before.

Silver's face darkened. "So what does it have to do with us?"

"Silver," Luna hissed.

But Kapa took no offense and looked at Luna. Something in you recognized when I made the monolith.

"I just… I don't know. Maybe," Luna murmured. "I've never been to Caelum before, so I wouldn't know that much about it. I'm sorry."

Kapa waved her hands. It's fine. Not much is known about our legends from before the war since most storytellers died due to the constant invasions.

"Why?" Silver questioned. "Why did you have all those invasions? Why did your Guardian Spirit make these Paradises instead of saving the island for all those invasions?"

That's something we're still figuring out, Kapa explained to him. Much of Caelum's history is hard to get a hold of. I've asked Rai for his help, but he isn't too interested in our history.

Silver's stare sharpened. "So you do know him."

"Easy there, Beastie," Holland calmed with a hand out. "We aren't tryin' to get under your scales. Slayers can sense other Slayers. We know Rai and his Custodian Kalua, yes, but we're people too. We're not all douchebags."

Kapa smacked Holland's chest. Don't say that about my brother.

"So he's your brother then?" Luna asked.

Kapa gave a rueful smile. No, he isn't. He hates me calling him that. But I still consider him family. I guess we're more cousins since he's the God Son of Fa'atiu and I'm the God Daughter of Taema.

Silver stewed in this information while Holland said, "Most God Slayers and Custodians aren't that benevolent. More Custodians are downright bitter and hateful and God Slayers take after their parents and are inherently selfish." Those intense pale greens rested on Kapa. "But sometimes, you get a diamond in the ruff."

Kapa flushed.

"So wait," Luna interrupted. "Your mama is Taema?"

Kapa shook her head. No. I have human parents.

Holland explained, "The gods had children, of course, with each other or with mortals. And that would make minor gods or demigods, depending on if the parent acknowledged them. But times have changed. The gods abandoned this world. But in doing so, they passed on pieces of their spirits into a generation that could fight in their war. Taema is Kapa's spiritual mother."

A spiritual mother? It hit Luna. So just like Báihǔ is Mister Jaxton's father. He's his spiritual father. She asked Holland and Kapa, "You said five gods. So where are the other three?"

"They haven't awakened their powers yet," Holland confessed. "Custodians are aware that there are three other Slayers here. We can sense lingering energy here. But we can't pinpoint where it's coming from. And once they awaken their powers"—pale greens darkened—"the others will make sure to kill them."

That sickened Luna. "Why?"

Holland sighed. "We aren't all that happy about being abandoned, love. You try being ghosted for over a thousand years and see how you'd feel. Their souls have gotten twisted. Custodians still faithful to their religion and their gods so openly get attacked. And the Custodians that want revenge are out there waiting for more God Slayers to awaken to kill them as their final 'feck you'."

"But… That's cruel," Luna breathed, "and wrong. No one did anything wrong being born with powers."

Kapa looked at Luna in sympathy while Holland sighed. "You're right. But not everyone thinks that way. Some Custodians got lucky." He laid a knuckle on Kapa's cheek. "Back when the gods were around, I was a Highlander off to war. But as our luck would have it, our boat was tanked in some wicked storm. I washed up to shore in Caelum and met Taema on my deathbed. She made me her Custodian to save my arse. And I'm grateful to her for that."

Pale greens glinted. "Also grateful I have her beautiful God Daughter to protect." He smiled when Kapa puffed her cheeks at him. "Kalua isn't as pure o' heart as me. He meant to kill Rai." He shrugged. "Don't know what's the rub with that. He changed his mind, and now he protects Rai. Fully-realized God Slayers versing a Custodian can get a wee messy. But Custodians still in their little phase go after weaker Slayers or the ones bloomin' into their powers. Easy to pick off."

"How many Slayers have been killed?" Luna had to ask.

Grief touched Kapa's face while Holland's jaw locked.

"Oh." Luna swallowed. "I… I see…" She looked down when Ike crawled up her arm to curl up near her neck. They were killed just for being born. That's awful. How could that happen?

Holland jerked his chin at Silver. "But you have a li'le luckier, laddie."

There was something off and edgy with Silver's features, but he rumbled, "Yeah? And why's that?"

"As much as the gods didn't want to admit it, slaying one of your kind was tougher than they wanted it to be," Holland revealed. "Even Monster Slayers had a tough time with ya. But that's what made you beasties all the more interesting. Only a beast could kill another beast."

The way Holland breezily said the words rubbed Silver wrongly. "The Hell does that mean?"

"It means you better shape up, li'le beastie. Because you better believe the lot of you weren't exactly the 'friendly' type." Holland's tone dipped in dark caution as pale greens met blues. "And you never know when it comes to an unpredictable beast. One moment, it barks at ya. And the next…"

A growl worked over in Silver's throat.

"…it bites."

Blues glowed.

---

If it were not for Richard's death glare, Meg would not be here right now.

But the Mint glared at her.

So she was here.

The knights trained at Savant Hall of Knights, of course, but Nora's private instruction was on the estate grounds. He brought his training pads as he and Yunifer went back and forth with heavy-handed wooden blades and a concentration that would not be broken.

And Meg could have been fawning over the newest necklace Nora tried to bribe her with if that old Mint had not glared at her.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Savant Hall

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

3:08 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Yunifer took an opening to twirl her wooden sword around Nora's and disarm him. Before he could fight back, she punched his chest and floored him to the ground. His efforts of retaliation proved futile when her wooden sword's tip flirted with his Adam's apple.

Meg clapped and droned, "Wow, Young Master, you lasted longer by ten seconds."

Nora groaned while Yunifer grinned and sheathed her sword. "She's right, you know. You last a bit longer this time." She offered her hand to him.

Nora took it and pulled himself up. "Thanks." He gave Meg a withering look. "Feel free to leave. I thought the necklace would be enough for you to go."

Meg adjusted her monocle with a holier-than-thou upper lip. "Well, Nora, some of us like to do our jobs." She refused to show him how nervous she was feeling Ricard's glare from inside the house. And that Mint might shoot me on the spot if I try to leave. He confiscated Carson's PAL. A brief moment of joy filled her remembering how slack-jawed Carson had been when Richard had deftly locked up the PAL in a safe. It's his own fault for not doing his work.

Nora took off his helmet, panting. "I feel like I'm lacking. I'm just so far behind." Frustration seeped into his tone. I have to train harder. I have to become a Champion of the Church and find out the truth. He blinked when water was in his face.

Yunifer offered it to him with her own water bottle in hand. "No need to rush. You're ahead of many of your peers. Hell, you're ahead of many just trying to get into the knight program. When you've come of age, you'll be an exceptional swordsman. And I'd be honored to have you in my squad."

"Thank you." Nora took the water and guzzled a few large swallows. "But I don't want to stop at knighthood. I want to be a Holy Knight. I have to be more than 'exceptional'."

A guarded look overcame Yunifer's face. "Why would you want to become a Holy Knight?"

"To become a Champion of the Church," Nora answered with ease.

Yunifer shook her head. "Ah, yes. The Champions. The Holy Knights with such prestige and gifts that the Pope of the Holy Eye himself knights him as his personal guard." She took a swig. "That is a good choice to make."

Nora noted the tension radiating from Yunifer's body. "You don't approve." A statement, not a question or accusation.

Yunifer retained neutrality. "I am more than happy to train knights into becoming the best possible knights they can be. If becoming a Holy Knight is their goal, I'll train them, just as I'm training you."

"But you wouldn't want to advance into becoming a Holy Knight," Nora presumed.

Yunifer's jaw ticked. "Not particularly so," she supposed. "I've been offered, but I prefer where I am." That was all she would say about that. "Why don't you rest for the moment before we start up again?"

Nora watched as Yunifer went over to a tree to sit beneath the shade. Too curious for his own good, he joined her and let a comfortable silence marinate between them.

"Word has spread you might court Ena Fernandes," Yunifer murmured.

Nora anticipated it. "Maybe not 'court', but she's agreed to become my companion." He studied his water bottle with grayed yellows tinted. "I can't afford to date."

"But you can afford companionship?" Yunifer asked of him. "You do understand what will happen once you two become public with your relationship? I could see how Clarion and Johannes were looking at her and the both of you together at the reception. Not only that, but you know how nobility feels about Wizards."

"I know." Nora looked at the estate. "The talk is subtle, but it's there. It's not that magical nobles are rare, but with considerations of Wizards abusing their powers and secrecy behind powers and even displeasure our queen is a Wizard, it's looking like nobles are falling more and more extreme conservative."

"And you'll bring her into this."

"No." Nora wanted to make that clear. "She's well-aware about the closed-door politicking and views spreading. Fiore looks like a paradise on the outside, but it has a rotten underbelly that she knows enough about. And we still have to consider the nobility still in favor of Magic. The house of Normandy and the house of Caliban have always advocated—"

"But that doesn't root out one of the stronger houses," Yunifer smartly reminded.

Nora's gut clenched. I know. Right now, the biggest house backing Her Majesty is none other than the house of Harlequin. And unfortunately, should Her Majesty not have or adopt children, the current Duke would inherit the throne. But that's not the issue. The Duke is actually a benevolent person and he's always been an encouraging sponsor for wizardry and witchcraft. No, the problem isn't him. He clenched his water bottle. It's his health.

Yunifer went on: "The Duke of Bacopa would be a leader if it wasn't for his stage three brain cancer. His seizure put him in worse health."

"I know," Nora grimly remembered. "Let's hope chemo and radiation treatment go well." I do mean that. He's a good friend to my father and a respectful man. But if Her Majesty doesn't decide who to take the throne, the house of Harlequin will be next in line. And if the duke dies, it will go to the one person who cannot have the throne at any cost. His jaw clenched. The duke's magist daughter.

"You know," Yunifer started with a smile, "there are rumors Her Majesty has a secret child."

Nora raised an eyebrow at that. "That doesn't surprise me. She has a lot of rumors about her. Sylvie told me the other day about how her little gossip club spoke about Queen Hisui and Minister Marignano seeing an opera together and suddenly, it's like Her Majesty and the Defense Minister are engaged."

Yunifer laughed. "I don't know how she does it. She has the world constantly watching her. I know people were suspicious when Aaron was the queen's first and last dance at the Yule Cotillion." She wiped the sweat from her brow. "Though, over a decade back, I thought there was some scandal about her and a high-ranking soldier. But it was a blink-and-you-miss-it type of thing."

"Huh." Nora considered it. "Never heard about that from my father."

Yunifer snorted. "Don't let your father fool you when he says he's above all that gossiping. He's as bad as everyone else." She got up. "I think that's enough resting." A grin was thrown at Nora. "Let's see how long you can last against me this time."

Nora chuckled. "As you command, Captain." He got up and dusted himself off—

"Nora!"

Nora, Meg, and Yunifer looked to see Irina crossing the lawn with her maid holding up her parasol and Trinity following. But one unwelcomed addition came alongside Irina in the form of Knight Commander Mauve and that smile of hers.

Yunifer pointedly looked away.

Nora tried not to stiffen. "Hello, Mother."

Irina laughed. "No need to be formal, Nora." She gestured to Mauve and explained, "The Knight Commander had business close-by and wanted to pop in for afternoon tie. I was showing her the gardens on our way to the conservatory since my tea party won't be starting until three-thirty. We saw you and Captain da Capo training, so we thought it'd be a good idea to say, 'hello'."

Nora nodded to Mauve. "Good day, Knight Commander."

Mauve hummed her laughter. "No need to be formal, like your mother said. I'm here as a friend." She faced Yunifer and greeted softly, "Hello, Yunifer."

Yunifer spared her a fleeting glance. "Commander."

Irina clapped her hands and laughed when an awkward hush tried to nudge its way in. "Well, now! Captain, I hope Nora's training is going well. The Marquis and I are so grateful you can help him with his training, truly. Under your personal guidance, he'll flourish as a Holy Knight in no time, right?"

"Yes. He has more than enough potential to become a Holy Knight," Yunifer remarked coolly. "But I'm here to train him to be a knight. What type of knight will be his choice."

"Oh, of course!" Irina sweated through her smile. "I didn't mean to imply anything else. Nora's wanted to be a Holy Knight since he was little! Isn't that right, Nora?"

Nora clenched his hand. "Yes, Mother. I always have."

Yunifer narrowed her eyes.

Mauve questioned to Nora, "Have you found a suitable replacement for the Cursed Sword? It's such a shame you lost it, but I know it's in good hands."

"Not yet," Nora curtly replied. "Father and I will be making a personal visit to a few Enchanters for their recommendation and inventory. I don't plan to be without a magical weapon for too long."

"Excellent," Mauve cheered. "You'll have more of an advantage working with a magical weapon earlier on. And once that happens, I hope you'll come to me for additional training. Working with a magical weapon is vastly different than a training sword."

Yunifer cut in. "I'll be able to handle Lord Nora's training, Commander."

"I know that. I've never doubted your skills," Mauve soothed. "But it would be in Nora's best interest to work with us both, wouldn't you agree? After all, you are one of the finest knights in Fiore. And I've worked with many magical weapons." She showed her star pupils. "I'd like to think we'd be a good team, Yunifer."

Yunifer glared to the side. "If those are my orders, then as you command, Commander."

Mauve hummed and her stare bounced back to Nora. "Speaking of 'teams', your mother told me you and Ena might become one."

Nora pointedly looked at his mother, who averted her anxious gaze. I knew I had the right idea not to tell her about the meeting. She can't keep a secret to save her life. Addressing Mauve, he said, "Lady Ena is an astounding young woman and a gifted swordswoman. It's an honor having a friendship with her. I respect her and admire her."

"As do I," Mauve claimed. "She is quite the young lady. Even Holy Mother is fond of her and so beside herself she couldn't have given Ena a true home where her gifts would be used the right way. I'll trust you and Ena are on good enough terms that your advice is weighed heavily. I hope you continue to show Ena how beautiful the Holy Eye can be."

Nora tried not to grind his teeth and bowed instead. "Of course. I'm aware that even the brightest can become brighter underneath the Holy Eye's grace and support. I hope to bring her to the temple this summer to show her just that."

Irina beamed, proud. "Really? Oh, how wonderful! I'll have to tell Holy Mother about this straight away!"

"We should." Mauve's smile widened. "We look forward to having such an accomplished young lady on our soil."

Trinity came forward to tell Irina, "My Lady, your guests will be coming soon for the party. We should prepare to receive them."

"Of course!" Irina nodded at Nora. "I'll see you at dinner, Nora. Keep up the good work."

Nora bowed with Yunifer and Meg bowing as well. "Yes, Mother."

Mauve hung back as she looked at Yunifer. "Would it be okay if I had a moment with Yunifer, Your Ladyship?" she requested. "I just had a few things to discuss with her about Nora's training."

Yunifer tensed.

Irina did not see the problem and chirped, "Go on! Alayah, would you stay behind and guide the Knight Commander to the conservatory when she's finished with her conversation? I can carry my parasol."

"Yes, My Lady." Alayah the maid passed off the parasol, but Trinity intercepted with a stubborn look at Irina. As Irina and Trinity left, Alayah stayed behind.

Mauve came closer to Yunifer. "I think we should talk."

Yunifer rose, but she refused to look at Mauve. "I said enough at the reception, Commander. There's nothing more to say."

"Yunifer."

The Knight Captain glanced at Mauve's expression before her own pinched. "Fine."

With Mauve and Yunifer distancing themselves, Nora waited until Irina and Trinity walked out of range to straighten up, expression cold. I don't like the implications of that. It's not that the Holy Eye could harm Ena on their soil, but they're allowed to speak verbosely about the Holy Eye doctrine to her there. And I expect their methods of persuasion will be more than a little questionable.

Meg harrumphed as she came to Nora's side. "I don't understand why you humor that woman when she's that far up the Holy Eye's nose."

"Patience," Nora murmured to her. "We have to have patience for this to work." Honestly, appeasing the Holy Eye makes my skin crawl, and seeing Mother believing every lie they tell makes me annoyed. But I have to think long-term. And right now becoming Champion of the Holy Eye is my best chance at meeting Pope Adam. I have to meet him.

Grayed yellows glinted. I have to if I want to understand.

He blinked and looked over at Mauve and Yunifer's hushed conversation. Whatever Mauve murmured was not well-received and her intention to touch Yunifer was rejected. I saw them arguing at the reception ball as well. His eyes narrowed when he saw a chink in Mauve's armor when her face fell a little at Yunifer's shake of her head and a harsh rejection.

I know I have my reasons to distrust the Holy Eye. But I never asked why Yunifer is against it. The approval ratings of the Holy Eye is the highest any international religious organization has ever been. So people don't have a reason to distrust it. His chin lifted as he observed Yunifer's abrupt walk-away and the way Mauve watched her. But something tells me Captain da Capo has a reason I need to find out.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And that night…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Nighttime in Caelum was a vibe, especially in such a grand hotel. The rooftop swimming pool and bar served to be the place to be at Hotel Nimbus. The swimming pool had a special feature of going off the edge of the roof with glass flooring and fencing to create "the floating pool". Only the bravest sought to go to the edges and looked over the rail with their drinks to scope the horizon or look at the city below. The outdoor hot tubs were nice touches as well. A few elderly claimed one while the youth took over the other once.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hotel Nimbus

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

9:02 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SUI-SUI-SUI-SUI!

Silver cut through the water like it was his job as he did laps with his goggles and cap. He blocked out everything but the water's cool touch and his determination. Once he reached one edge, he flipped and jetted into the next lap.

Call Ena "chicken", but she would not get into such water where other people she did not know decided to frolic in. She compromised with her feet in the water with her sarong tied on and her candy red bikini top. A complimentary coconut glass carried her nursed cocktail for the evening as she watched Silver swim.

"This is so good!" Luna came to join her in her white floral print bikini (she heard from her mother who much her father complained about a bikini versus a one-piece) and her own cocktail in a coconut. "I'm so glad you recommended it."

Ena hummed her amusement. "I did that because if I let you choose, you wouldn't understand the proofs. And you're already a lightweight, so after this second one you have, I want you to eat something and drink water."

Luna rolled her eyes and grumbled around her straw. "Yes, Mama." She sipped while Ena simpered, but they both watched Silver do a flawless butterfly stroke.

"He's amazing," Ena commented. "And he's very dedicated."

"Yeah, well, he is a national champion in his division," Luna reminded as she kicked her feet in the water. "Honestly, he could be the youngest swimmer at the Grand Sports Festival if he wanted to. I know he's been scouted. But he said it's not his goal to go into the GSF. He's happy even being able to compete."

Ena's lips tugged into a frown. "What does that mean?"

"Well, I mean, you know about him wearing sealstone," Luna told her. At Ena's wary nod, Luna continued, "Well, the GSF is a pretty big stickler for rules when it comes to aquatic Aberrants or Wizards competing. Aberrants have to compete in a whole separate thing. But Water Mages have to do a lot of rigorous testing, like drug tests, Ether Scans, and they're required to be monitored the entire GSF by GSF official or have an Ether bracelet on the entire GSF to make sure they aren't cheating."

Ena's frown turned into a prominent scowl. "Are you serious?"

"As serious as when I cried during Poko's Grand Adventure," Luna sighed. "That's why Silver's happy to compete. I know deep down, he'd love to be a competitive swimmer in the GSF. But all the backlash and testing isn't exactly encouraging. And it's not just him. He told me some of the other Water Mages and Aberrants he used to do club with say the same.

"And it's not just swimming either. Uncle Gray said Gary's allowed to perform at figure skating galas, but if he ever wanted to seriously figure skate, he'd be put on a lot of restriction that makes it difficult to compete."

Ena took such words into account. On one hand, it's tyrannical and outrageous. Mages might have teams, but with more and more restrictions placed, they can excel nationally but mainly regionally in countries. On the other, it's not surprising. I've always known about things like this. But… She watched as Silver flipped to do a breaststroke. If he wanted to compete in the GSF, he should without having to hold himself back.

"I want to swim." She was thrown back to Silver's swim practice with her first time witnessing him put on sealstone bracelets. "This is the only way I can swim. Does it suck to not feel my Magic? Yeah. It's like I'm missing a part of me. But I get to do something I love, so it's not all bad."

Challenging blues. "If you could work in fashion, but you weren't allowed to use your powers, wouldn't you?"

Ena suppressed a sigh as she watched him. He can be so foolish sometimes. And other times, he reminds me how strong and wise he is. Browns darkened. However… "So this Kapa and Holland—are you sure we can trust them?"

Luna bobbed her head. "I think we can."

"But Rai." Ena gripped her coconut glass. "He's one we have to figure out if we can trust him." He hasn't proven to be trustworthy. He antagonized us. But I didn't sense him being malicious. That doesn't mean we can trust him. But if we can't afford to act cold to him either. She scratched her nail against the coconut. How annoying.

"Are you still going to the meeting?" Luna worried. "After everything we told you?"

Ena nodded. "We will be." She smiled when Luna frowned. "Don't worry. We'll be okay." Warmth covered her as she watched Silver take a quick break. "As long as he's by my side, then I'll be fine." After all, even the sharpest sword needs a shield. Her eyebrow went up watching Luna's cat-has-gotten-the-cream look. "What's with that face?"

"Oh, nothing," Luna said, blasé.

Ena hmphed. "Right."

Luna smirked to herself as she sipped more of her cocktail. If I tell E anything now, it'll derail my ship. I'll just keep this to myself for now. Her wandering eye accidentally caught a curious tawny gaze from across the way.

A broad-shouldered teenaged boy with his earned uhi across his collarbone, one on his arm, and a striped pattern on his leg. It did not help a girl was on either side of him as they chattered with their giggling and seemed to admire the young man's lip ring.

He smirked at Luna.

Luna flushed and quickly looked away with a slight choke. "Anyway, Silver scheduled me for a really cool lecture tomorrow while you guys are at your meeting. And I saw he also he planned a special lunch for you both."

Ena noticed none of Luna's suggestive tone as she watched as a girl approached Silver. Something on her face expressed a shyness, but her words made Silver smile. Ena frowned and said distractedly, "Yes, that's his job."

Luna dramatically huffed. "Did you ever think he likes doing it?"

"Yes, I know he does," Ena murmured, absent. Whatever Silver had said made the girl laugh. What is he saying? She blinked. Why do I care? Shaking it off, she pointedly looked away. "Our meeting should wrap up without a hitch. Afterward, we'll have some fun, I promise." She knocked her shoulder against Luna. "I'm happy we could do this. This is nice. Fun."

Luna laughed. "It's nice to see you having fun and not being my mama."

"I do not act like your mother," Ena denied, miffed, as she stirred her drink. "I'm merely concerned about your well-being."

"I can take care of myself!"

Ena cracked a grin with a raised eyebrow. "Ah, yes. Just what someone would say when they can't." She laughed when Luna flushed. "You're sweet, L. It's up to me to make sure you stay that way, especially when you decide to have a heathen like Redfox around."

"Hm." Luna messed with her twisty straw. "E?"

Ena took up some of her drink, but she hummed.

"You…listened to that voicemail Gale sent back in December, right?"

Ena froze before swallowing her sip. "We did…" She studied Luna's profile. "Did you listen to the voicemail?"

"Um…" Luna kicked her feet a little. "Not exactly… Silver said it was pretty bad. Y'know… Before Gale changed."

Ena's brow furrowed. "L, people don't change."

"Of course they do," Luna quickly inserted. "I know he did. He did."

"I think you're misunderstanding what I meant." Ena turned to Luna and laid her hand on her arm. "People don't change; they evolve and they grow. Change is something that happens on the outside. People can change"—she snapped her finger—"like that. But it's growing that people need to do. That's all on the inside. That's…slow and timeless and motivated."

Luna roughly swallowed. "Do you think I grew?"

"Of course you have," Ena soothed.

"And…do you think Gale did too?"

Ena ruminated over her words. "I think…he is actively growing and evolving just like we all are," she carefully put. "But the key to growing is knowing where you started so you know where to go."

That did not make sense to Luna. "What do you mean?"

"Well." Ena took a beat. "My mother always told me to remember my failures and my successes. It was something that never made sense to me when I was younger. I didn't like failing. I didn't—" Her lips pressed together as she forced an exhale through her nose. "I never wanted my dad to come home and see I was a failure."

"But you're not a failure," Luna assured. "You're not, E—"

"Damn right I'm not a failure," Ena agreed with a hint of a smile. "But I wouldn't have been a success if I hadn't failed. When my mother told me to remember my failures, it was because, in order for me to succeed, I had to improve upon where I failed. Living a life with only success… That's not feasible. Maybe for Liberty, but she's Luck Incarnate. Those of us without that sort of power—we'll win and we'll lose. But if we don't lose, how do we know where to improve and grow?"

Luna wrapped her head around the analogy. "So then…we can't forget things," she murmured. "We have to remember." She clutched her drink. "Is that it?"

"L, what's this about?" Ena had to ask. "What's wrong?"

"W-Well, it's just…" Luna licked her lips. "It's…!" Her courage was gone. "It's…nothing, really. I'm just stuck in my head a little, I guess."

Ena did not believe that for a second. But even so… "All right." She brushed back Luna's bangs. "Take your time, okay? I know 'nothing' can turn into 'something' fast."

"I know." Luna sighed and sniffed. "Sorry. I don't want to be a downer on vacation." She put up a thin smile. "Kinda pathetic, huh?"

"I disagree," Ena told her. "We are on this vacation to do what we want. And if we want to talk about hard subjects, we can." She teased, "And if we want to talk about boys, we can."

Luna snorted. "Since when have you ever talked about boys?" She added before Ena could rebuttal, "And you can't say Igneel because you and Igneel fought. And you can't say Luke either."

"W-Well…" Ena upturned her nose. "I have. My interests aren't as…open…as yours is all. I prefer to keep my desires to myself."

"Oh, yeah?" Luna challenged. "What about Nora?"

Ena flushed a little. "What about him?"

Luna grinned and crooned, "If you really want to talk about boys, then what about your knight-lord-whatever? What have you two been up to, hmm?"

"A-Ah…" Ena gave her cheek and sniffed, "A lady doesn't kiss and tell."

Luna pried, "You kissed him?"

"No!" Ena squawked. "I didn't!"

"We'll need to practice displaying affection." Chibi-Nora appeared too charming for his own good (and Ena's health). "Or is My Lady perchance…inexperienced with matters of the heart and touch?"

Ena turned red as steam puffed from her head. Why did he have to say it like that? I'm not inexperienced. I've read many of those books from Mother's collections! I am most certainly experienced—!

"All right?"

Ena blinked up to see a young Minstrish man had come to hover beside her. It was clear he was a tourist here for spring holiday and was nothing impressive to Ena. She quirked an eyebrow as she issued a flat, "Good evening."

He chuckled as he squatted down. "You have some wicked red hair."

Luna whispered to Ena, "He smells like Cane."

"That would be weed, L," Ena said dryly. Flicking her hair, she addressed the young man, "Thank you for the compliment, sir, but we aren't looking for company and suggest you leave."

"Ah, c'mon, Red," the young man cajoled. "It's spring holiday. No need to be so cold." He nodded at Luna with his eyes on her chest more than her face. "You and your friend can come join us."

"No thank you," Ena said stiffly.

He gave a lazy grin. "Don't be such a priss, Red, c'mon. Look, my friends and I—"

"Is there a problem here?" Silver had come over with his cap and goggles in hand, but his blues pinned onto the intruder. "I think she said 'no'." Water sloshed around him as he rose above in a heated cyclone and his eyes glowing War. Water forged around his arms as whips that he knew how to use. "Fuck off."

The young man paled before staggering away in fear.

Silver lowered himself onto the concrete and let the water slip back into the pool. Before anyone could say anything, he shook his hair like a dog.

Ena's nose screwed up while Luna laughed. "Silver! Watch it!"

"Huh?" Silver realized what he had done and aimed a sheepish grin. "Whoops. Sorry." He plopped down next to Ena with an apologetic pout. "I didn't mean to get you wet, Mistress." He worked his hands to carefully shed every drop of water off her with his powers.

"It's…fine," Ena forced out, trying not to show her revulsion. "Just…do restrain yourself next time when you're in that dirty water."

"It's not—!" Silver sighed. "Yes, Mistress." He kicked his feet in the pool. "So." Blues jerked to find the intruder and pupils slit. "Should I take care of him, Mistress? He was bothering you—Ouch!" All his need for blood went for pain when his ear was yanked. "Mistress!"

Ena huffed. "I had it under control," she scolded him. "I didn't require your assistance handling some high miscreant."

"W-W-Well, yeah, but…!" Silver pouted again. "Didn't I look a little cool? Like your white knight? Just a little bit?"

"No."

Silver deflated. She didn't have to say it so firmly… Glumly, he mumbled, "Okay." Setting his cap and goggles aside, he slipped back into the pool to float about.

Ena sipped her drink, bothered. How absurd. I didn't require saving. Does he think I'm that incompetent? She felt nudging and looked over at Luna, who gave her a look in return. "What?"

"You did it wrong," Luna scolded her. "You were supposed to say, 'Oh, Silver, you're my knight-in-shining armor'!"

Ena huffed a humorless laugh. "No, mm-mm." She shook her head. "I'm not saying something I don't mean. And I don't condone fishing for compliments either, L. That's above us."

"Okay, maybe, but look at him!" Luna pointed at the pathetic Silver doing a depressive jellyfish float. "E, don't be so cruel! Give him a compliment!"

Ena raised an eyebrow. "He'll earn a compliment when he does something worthy of one." She huffed when Luna raised her eyebrows with a you-better-do-it look. "Oh, fine." She called, "Silver?"

Air bubbles were her reply.

Ena tried not to roll his eyes. So dramatic. "I supposed you looked…a little dashing like a knight."

"Really?"

Ena was taken aback by how quickly Silver crowded her with his hands planted on either side of her and an eager look on his face. She internally sweatdropped as all she saw was a husky puppy wagging his tail for praise. He really is like having a pet.

She heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his wet hair. "Yes." Her smile was not intentional, but it happened anyway. "You looked like my white knight." Her fingers drifted to his cheek. "So thank you, Silver." But before he could bask in her praise, she poked his nose with a warning look. "But I can take care of myself."

"Said like someone who can't actually take care of herself," Luna mocked in a mumble, but she pretended to be interested in her drink when Ena sent her a sharp look.

"I know you can take care of yourself, Mistress," Silver murmured. "But I'm your shield, remember?"

Ena softened. "Yes, I know." She thumbed his jaw. "I know you are."

Luna looked between the two with a satisfied smirk before she cleared her throat. "Silver, did I ever tell you how E can't swim?"

Oh, Ena's look was downright murderous.

Silver broke into a disbelieving laugh. "You can't swim, Mistress?"

"I can," Ena insisted. "I can enchant myself to become buoyant if the need arises."

"That's not swimming," Silver told her, looking at her in a new light. "You…really don't know how to swim? It's, like, the easiest thing to do in the world."

Whatever Ena's explanation was would never be revealed when Luna inputted, "E never wanted to learn because she'd have to get inside a swimming pool and she thinks it's dirty. And we tried Dragon Pond, but she said that was dirty. All water is dirty, so E won't swim. And she doesn't like not touching the bottom."

"The next time Penelope wants to dress you up for stress relief, don't expect me to deter her," Ena hissed.

Silver insisted, "Mistress, you have to learn how to swim! It's important to know! What happens if you can't enchant yourself to float? Then what?"

"Then I would drown in disgusting and tainted water," Ena deadpanned. "If you retrieve my body, burn it. It's been contaminated too much to bury me in style."

"Okay, so what happens if you're floating towards a waterfall?" Silver pressed. "You'll have to swim away, y'know."

"Wrong," Ena determined. "I can Requip."

"Okay, but what if you can't?"

"Then it's survival of the fittest. So I'll survive a tumbling spell off a waterfall and float to safety because I'm the fittest."

Silver shook his head, partly amused and partly exasperated. She has an answer for everything. It's cute. "I know Master makes everyone do survival training and that includes aquatic training. You had to have done that."

And once again, Luna had an explanation ready and Ena had to deal with it. "E made a whole PowerPoint presentation on why she shouldn't have to learn how to swim and presented it to her mom. She broke Auntie Erza with all her lecturing, so she bowed out of doing it."

"Thank you, Luna Anna," Ena gritted.

Luna winked and said with a twang, "You're positively welcome, Ena Rosemary."

Ena rolled her eyes and turned back to Silver with a flick of her hair. "Nevertheless, I don't need to learn."

"Nope!" Silver pushed out into the water and beckoned her. "Come on! Mom let me help her teach baby and me swim lessons and I assist all the time with little kids, so I know how to teach. I'll teach you how to swim, Mistress!"

A dark look crossed Ena's face. Is he implying I'm comparable to a pudgy baby? Vexed, she sniffed, "No thank you. I'm perfectly happy right here. I compromised with my feet in this disgusting water. I want no more parts of my person in this."

"Can't you enchant the water to be pure?"

The glare Ena sent Luna could kill a shark with one stroke.

Silver swam closer, lips twitching. "Come on, Mistress," he purred. "I'll be gentle with you, I promise."

"I'm not appreciating the mockery in your tone, Silver," Ena warned. "And I'm not persuaded with pretty words and promises of gentility. I'm not one who needs to be taken by the hand with a delicate touch—" Her words fumbled when Silver slowly breached before her and his nose brushed hers. Ocean and rain fogged her nose. What is he…?

"Then I won't be gentle," Silver rumbled to her with a quick scenting of her sweetness, "if that's what you want, Mistress."

"I-I…" Ena could not think with heady scents clouded her senses. Warmth flushed her neck and cheeks. "That's enough." Her palm pressed against his chest for space. I can't think.

"So, Mistress?" Silver nudged her with his nose. "Want to try?" His hand covered her own.

Ena wanted to retreat, but it felt impossible to pull away, like he was a strong tide that would make her drift back to him. "I-I can…I can try."

"Then I'll help you." Silver slid back into the pool, expectant, but he kept her hand captive to kiss her fingers. "Let's start teaching you how to swim, Mistress."

Ena faintly nodded. It startled her a little when Luna took her drink, but she still stood up and untied her sarong. She tried not to let it phase her she could feel Silver's eyes watching her movements as she walked over to the shallow end of the pool. What am I doing? This isn't… This isn't me. So why do I…?

Luna watched with a happy little grin. It's nice to see them like this. I just hope that—

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

The ocean never seemed so endless. Its hues of deep blues stretched for miles above and below. How could anyone hope to unravel the secrets of the sea when the sea was content withholding so many secrets?

Bare feet shifted against white sand. The sun glared into the focus, but it brightened the whites of a fairytale dress with an elegant renaissance touch. It highlighted the fieriness of such scarlet hair. And it beamed down on such iridescent wings. A plump smile could not be helped.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Ena did not dare come to the steps into the shallow end, at least not with confidence.

It did not matter how calm the water was or that at this point of night; no one hung out in the shallow end. She stood at the top of the steps and saw the water slapping the stairs—and she could not make herself take the first step.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

It was not that the water was testy and stormy as it sloshed and tore. Glowing blues from something too large for comfort came from below the sea. But the closer it approached the sand, the smaller those blues became. The water frothed and fizzled, yes, but the ocean released a man dressed in white with his locks the same hue as the summer sea and his own smile infectious.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Blues shifted into want.

The water was reluctant to give Silver up as he walked up into the shallow-end. The wavy blues lighting up the shallow end made an edge cut his face, but his stare solely land on Ena.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Her bare feet stopped just shy of the tides with her white dress brushing her legs. And she waited.

He did not disappoint as he rose from the ocean, but his boundaries were within the tide and wet sand. But he would not leave without her. He offered his hand, rough from work and scarred from battle. And her own hand that had seen bloodshed and fighting placed into his palm.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Ena only looked up when she saw Silver had come up the steps. With a breath, she looked up—

Gentle blues connected with uncertain dark browns.

He offered her his hand. He could have taken her hand if he wanted. He knew that. She knew that. He gave her an out. But he kept his hand open and inviting and his stare soft and warm.

Her fingers twitched.

It was a long moment for her to raise her hand. And after a few more hesitant moments, she slid her hand into his offered one. His thumb smoothed over her knuckles and his fingers curled into a delicate grasp.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

He led her to the sea.

She did not hesitate when the ocean's curiosity ran cold as its tides lapped at her legs and bothered her. Curious things, the tides. Seafoam tickled her with their kisses and accepted this land-dweller. Her pink-lipped smile widened when he nosed her cheek and pressed a kiss on the corner of her lips.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

The first step was always the hardest—that was how the proverb went.

The first two steps were wet, but Silver postured when Ena froze. He would stop if she stopped. He would go if she went. She took charge.

He gave her an out.

Ena braved the third step. Her toes dipping into the water was not the first time, but it felt more uncomfortable knowing her body would touch the water. Her next step was a little shakier, but she managed. And the next steps had the water lap up to her hips and a chill shuddered up her spine. But she made it to the floor of the pool and closed her eyes when Silver curled an arm around her waist with sweet praises murmured into her ear.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

The ocean was a friend of his, and it would learn to be a friend of hers too.

They walked deeper down the underwater dune together with his arm around her waist and their bodies close. Forget her dress, forget his suit—they strolled into the sea like they were walking through the park. When it was time for them to push off, he went first, but he shifted to keep her floating and protected.

Her face dipped as her lips slanted over his, and the ocean guided such lovers down into its depths.

• — • — • — • — •

• — • — • — • — •

Ena crossed the shallow-end, but she fumbled when she felt the pool deepen. The water teased it could splash her chest if it wanted, if the mood struck it. She teetered between venturing into the unknown and staying where things were semi-comfortable.

This time, he did not give her an out.

Her breath was stolen when he moved first. Her nails would leave indents on the way she latched onto him, but her worries filled when her feet could not touch the ground. Her powers flared in an instant to make her float as she clung to him. He never pitched a laugh or teased her for her reliance on the known. He kept them at a drifting pace with his arm around her waist. But he kept them floating when he found a quiet spot for the two of them.

"Mistress," Silver murmured.

"I'm not scared," Ena whispered in a hurry. She would not allow weakness. "I'm fine."

Silver never discredited her as he kept her close. "I know, Mistress." His power filtered out as both arms circled Ena and she locked her hands around his neck. He kept her supported as his forehead rested against hers. "It's just like flying," he whispered. "You made me fly, Mistress. Let me help you fly this time."

Ena did not know what to say and breathed, "S-Silver—"

"It's okay, Mistress," Silver soothed, nuzzling her. "I'm here."

Luna kept perch at the edge of the pool with her gaze on Silver and Ena. That vision… I couldn't really understand it as much as I could feel it. I felt…warmth…and love and trust. But I could feel pain too. Like it was because of the pain that I could feel that warmth.

Her heart sighed seeing Ena curl against Silver as he pushed them into a lazy drift once more. Well, whatever my vision said, I just hope that right now, they can be happy. She looked at her moonstone bracelet tangled with Shenlong's scales. I hope I can be happy too.

But even as she stayed in that little place of peace, she should have been aware those tawny eyes looked at her. And the moment his gaze flicked to her Fairy Tail insignia—

His lips curled into a smirk to show fangs.

---

— • — • — • —

Ah-ah-ah-ah-akkanbe—

Yodonda sekai to te wo tsunagu no sa

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

•

Ah-ah-ah-ah-akkanbe—

kibanda sekai ni mo itte agerusa

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

•

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

Wo ai ni, wo ai ni

— • — • — • —

---

If you thought Caelum did not have bad parts of town, think again.

The Caelun government did everything in their power to make sure the poorer neighborhoods never interacted with the tourist traps and modern boulevards, that was for damn sure. And it was not that the poor neighborhoods did not bring in crowns, but the question of transaction and good legality. Foreigners with an in visited this district of neon lights, top-of-the-line potions and drugs, where you could buy sin and trade a piece of your soul. But beaten-down Caeluns took up the crowded streets with their earned uhi meshing with gang symbols and a look in the eye meant an instant fight.

And this was his home.

Smelling like dirty crotch and secondhand weed, he had no need to keep his head down here. People feared him with one look at the patch he wore on his jacket. Rival gangs that had thread-bare peace over turf, over drugs, over weapons and potions and magicks—they gave him respectful nods or kept their eyes averted.

The place he went to looked like a normal back-alley pawnshop where half the shit there was fake and desperate people wanting something nice would believe what they bought was the real deal. The appraiser there—a fatter man with his uhi crawling up his neck—gave him a sage nod and opened the flap to let him behind the counter. A steel door to the back could have been used, but that was for inventory.

But he did not need inventory.

An old grandfather clock would do. He opened its door and squeezed inside without an ounce of remorse. Because when he emerged on the other side—

CAW-CAW!

The aviary was a paradise for birds, you see, but it was the hawks that carried their weight with their powerful wings and talons. The aviary was shaped like a life-sized birdcage, but bountiful trees and grass and bushes thrived here with their flying friends eager to nest and hunt.

He crossed through the aviary until he encountered its center with a forbidden fountain and a well that led to nowhere. This was a safe space, a personal haven. Some hawks spent most of their time here with watchful eyes or they dozed off on their perches. But one particular hawk made of the blackest of shades and with unique eyes that reflected the night sky—it perched on a branch of its master while it preened a wing. When he glanced, he could see a few of the hawks were pecking away at a human carcass of a puss-eyed young girl.

"Ah, so you've made it."

He did not flinch when the sultry rasp came from behind. He felt her tail link up his leg, and his tawny stare observed the Leopon (lion and leopard) Chimera with her provocative dress and mischievous eyes. He remained undaunted. "Lady Lonza."

Lonza chuffed, partly as a human and partly as a big cat, and her fingers danced around her shoulders. "Disappointed?" she mocked him. "Vicious doesn't have the time to meet with such a small little kitten like you."

He did not cave to her taunting. "I found Her."

Lonza sharpened. "Are you sure?" she had to know.

"Yes." He would not lie about this. "She came with the Scarlet Angel and the Prince of the Sea, just as the tip I received told me."

Lonza whipped her tail, contemplative. "Then we have no time to waste. She'll lead you to the monolith. And that's where you'll take the stage, little kitten." A claw came out to prick his chin. "Do this and I'll make sure Vicious will reward you handsomely, kitten." She took out a vial from her pocket and held it up.

He glanced at it. "And what's that?"

"Rumor has it the Scarlet Angel and the Prince of the Sea take after their parents." Lonza pressed the vial to his heart. "You'll need this if you want to leave with the pillar's power alive."

He took the vial.

She simpered and mocked him, "You've done well, kitten." She glided her claw down his throat. "So young to be a Hawk. So…unique. I'm sure Vicious would have liked to take you with him to Shamballa, but he has important business there."

"The girl."

Lonza cocked her head. "What girl?"

"Her." Tawnies fell onto Lady Lonza. "You didn't tell me what to do with the girl."

"Oh." Lonza pressed close with her tail slowly wrapping around his leg. "That girl." Her fingers played with his shoulders as she inhaled his scent. A laugh popped out. "Oh, I see. You have an interest in this one. How adorable. A kitten that wants to sink his claws into something." Her fingers went back to his throat—

HRK!

His breath hitched when she squeezed his throat.

"Leave her alone." A whispered order—a threat if he defected. "Vicious isn't here to use his Voice, but you should know better than to do something like that. She isn't for you. Your job is the pillar. Understand that, little kitten." And she took away her choking hand.

A shaky inhale and a few blinks helped in regain his composure. "I understand, Lady Lonzo." He pocketed the vial before turning away.

And tattooed on the nape of his neck was the flying black Deathhawk.

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

The Protector – Kira Vincent-Davis

Mercuphobia –

Raimana "Rai" Kalupe –

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Odette Gosling – Tia Ballard

Alexandreux Caliban – Kaiji Tang

Icarus – Christopher Sabot

Caeryssa – Kristen Chenoweth

Maxim – Major Attaway

Paige Strauss – Erica Mendez

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Darin Kahanamoku –

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

Gray Fullbuster – Newton Pittman

Juvia Fullbuster – Brina Palencia

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Vos Summeur –

Vydia Lichtenstein –

Holland – Thomas Doherty

Meg McMannin – Shara Kirby

Yunifer da Capo – Meredith McCoy

Nora Gosling II – Brad Swaile

Irina Gosling – Pamela Merrick

Mauve Herring – Shelby Lindley

Trinity Delacour – Rachel Lillis

Lady Lonza – Gwendoline Yeo

Mysterious Young Man –

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn

— • — • — • —

⌜OPENING SONG

⟪ Star Train ⟫

Hi-Fi CAMP

Lyrics by

Hi-Fi CAMP⌟

•

⌜ENDING SONG

⟪ Champon ⟫

hockrockb

Lyrics by

堀胃あげは⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 125

•

THE MEETING

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

TO BE CONTINUED…

---

Chibi-Luna raises a hand in greeting. "Hello, class!"

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

Chibi-Luna does ta-da jazz hands at the large sketchbook she clipped to the blackboard with the insignia of a black hawk curling its wings for its flight. "Today we're learning about Deathhawk!"

She tears down the page to show the next and shows an x-ed out ankh cross. "Deathhawk is a Dark Guild, but it's not necessarily a magical guild and runs more like a gang. As such, Deathhawk isn't authorized by the Magic Council. That being said, the Council is aware Deathhawk exists and it's rumored Deathhawk has connections to the Council to keep it operational."

She yanks down the sheet to show the next with a hierarchal pyramid. "Undercover agents that have infiltrated Deathhawk haven't been able to pass along much information. But Deathhawk does have an order. Vicious is the current leader of Deathhawk. Underneath him are three people similar to 'underbosses' and they help control the different factions of Deathhawk."

A hand goes up as a student questions, "But if it's so big, how does the leader control it all?"

"Vicious' control is absolute, but you'll learn more about him coming up in both this arc and in Gale and Julia's adventures in Shamballa," Chibi-Luna explains. "Deathhawk will become a pretty prevalent organization and some of the names will be in ode to foreign literature!"

Confetti and a ta-da little brass fanfare go off as her students cheer, "Hooray for foreign literature!"

Chibi-Luna claps her hands. "And there you have it! You finally got to meet another God Slayer and her more-than-attentive Custodian! We're excited to introduce you to the other Caelun God Slayers and we're excited for you to meet the Guardian Spirits and learn a little more about the lore of the Fae!

"As you know," Chibi-Luna continues, "Igneel is traveling with two Dragons—Wander and Arunima—and is under the training of his uncle Ignia. But you might not remember Igneel mentioned two other Dragons—Heathen and Fay. Their powers haven't been revealed just yet, but you'll learn more about our newest Dragons, what Igneel's been up to, and how much of a pain a chaotic yet tsundere uncle like Ignia can be soon enough! We can't wait to show you!"

Chibi-Luna winks. "Any guesses as to Ena's great-grandmother or Silver's Protector in the sea? Just who saved Silver that day on Tenrou? Have you figured out which real-life culture Caelum takes after? And why does the Holy Eye have such a fixation on Enchanters? Guess you'll find out next time on the next episode of Fairy Adventure!"

She waves. "See you then!"