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!

125. Adventure 125

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

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

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PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure: Silver's dream revealed a crucial fact: Rai Kalupe is none other than a God Slayer. But not only that; it looks like Silver has some sort of connection to the Dragon in his dreams. Ena's research on Caelum confuses her more than educates her, but when she stops the Holy Eye from manipulating the masses, she'll have to be extra careful on the sky paradises. Luna and Silver meet art God Slayer Kapa and her Custodian Holland to learn there are three other unfounded God Slayers—and the news isn't good in Silver's eyes. Nora's training with Yunifer gets interrupted, but it's starting to look like Yunifer knows a lot more than it seems. A day of fun ends with some poolside shenanigans, but Luna's vision makes her more certain Silver and Ena are destined for happiness…and also destined for pain.

'I hope I can be happy too.'

You might want to hold onto that, Luna. Looks like you've got an enemy incoming—and I'm not so sure the Power of Friendship will work on this one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WIT • — • – 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!"

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Most people did not get out of bed until it was 10 in the morning, and when it was vacation time, leaving bed felt like such a violation. The breakfast buffet and the restaurant on opposing sides of the hotel had their fill of guests eager to start their first full day of vacation. One large family had plans to take cloud-surfing lessons together. A friend group wanted to go to a casino, now that the youngest of the group was an official adult. A pair of husbands on their honeymoon felt now was the time to do the shopping they always wanted.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hotel Nimbus

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

9:45 AM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena sat patiently on the stool as Silver did her skincare routine with practiced hands and was already dressed for the day. Luna lounged on the bed with Icarus as she scrolled on her Com, her foot bouncing to the Sugah's song Best Friend.

Ena grinned when she heard Luna mumbling the lyrics. "Since when do you listen to hip-hop?"

"Miss Tesla gave me a whole playlist to listen to," Luna told her.

"And I have to deal with her twerking all around my basement," Silver laughed as he switched to essence. "You're so lucky I love you enough to lock the basement door when Gale came over." He internally sweated remembering meeting Gale's intimidating pose. But explaining to him why he couldn't go downstairs felt like he was going to execute me.

Ena let Silver adjust her head as she murmured, "Your household must always be interesting."

"Well, kinda," Silver supposed. He studied her face for a moment to debate which step to do next. "Dealing with my dad, Uncle Lyon, and Uncle Gajeel all in the same room feels like I'm going to faint. And Gary flat-out hates Linus."

"His face gets so scary around Linus," Luna piped up, frowning. "Linus gives me a bad feeling too."

Silver went for the new serum he bought Ena, grimacing. "Yeah. Gary's not fazed by much, but he shuts down when Linus is with him. Same with Ultear. It's a nightmare."

Luna giggled and teased, "And Rose follows you like a lost puppy!"

"Shut up!" Silver visibly shuttered. "It's so creepy! She latches onto me like a leech and I can't shake her off!"

Ena arched an eyebrow. "Hm. Pot calling the kettle 'black'."

Silver pouted as he tilted up her chin. "Well, I don't do that anymore." He glared when Luna laughed. "I don't," he growled at her. "You know what, I can tell Mistress all about the time Gale got drunk—"

"Oh my gosh, he was so heavy!" Luna complained. "I'm so glad Igneel picked him up. I was about to die from his weight." Though… She sweatdropped remembering Igneel scooped her up and doted on her, but he was dead-set on leaving a drunk Gale on the street with a red handprint on his cheek. Igneel was a little mean to try and leave him…

She blinked when a FaceCall dropped in from Gale and answered it with a smile. Gale took up the screen with massive bed head. She shyly helloed. "Hi."

"Morning, Blondie-girl," he greeted, tone slick with sleep. "Sleep okay?" He gave a lazy grin. "Wear my shirt?"

"L?" Ena trilled. "I'm sure you and your heathen want some privacy, right? Silver and I wouldn't want to overhear anything scandalous."

Luna flushed. "It's not like that!" But even so, she bounced off the bed and hurried off with Icarus padding after her.

"What does she see in him?" Silver grumbled. "He can be such a dick."

"Class good girl-bad boy scenario," Ena supposed in a sigh as she crossed her arms beneath her chest. "Although I'm inclined to agree with you. Bleu seemed like much more of a gentlemanly choice that I approved of, up until him breaking up with her."

Silver agreed with that. "Yeah. Bleu seemed cool. But he's an ass for letting Lulu go."

"Oh, look at you being vulgar," Ena teased. "Perhaps you take more from Gale than you think."

The scandalized look on Silver's face was priceless. "No, I don't!" Though, he would never forget how wide his little eyes got overhearing Gale, Gajeel, and Olivia's colorful vocabulary back in the day. Uncle Gajeel can be such a bad influence. Pouty, he mumbled, "I'm a gentleman just like Nora." His ears burned when Ena laughed at him. "M-Mistress…!"

"I'm sorry. You're just too amusing," Ena tittered. "Silver, I told you; there's no need to emulate Nora. He is him, and you are you."

"But… Don't you want a gentleman?" Silver prodded as he massaged the serum down to her neck.

Ena shrugged. "Why think about that when I have no plans to enter a true partnership?"

"But if you did?"

"I won't."

"But if you did?"

Ena frowned. "Why does it matter? I won't. What point is there talking about an ideal partner?"

Silver finished the serum treatment and went to clean his fingers. "We have five minutes for the serum to absorb, Mistress." As he tried his hands, he settled back in his seat in front of her. "C'mon. Let's do a 'what if'!"

"As in what if you accidentally fell into my sword due to all this nonsense?" Ena asked, dry.

Silver laughed. "Come on." Blues aglow, he leaned forward. "Think about it."

Ena forced out a breath. "I don't know." She rummaged for an answer. "I would want my ideal partner to have gentlemanly qualities, but I don't know if I would want him to always be a gentleman. I would enjoy a partner who understood how to match me."

Silver latched onto every word. "Like how?" When Ena shook her head, he needled her, "Mistress, c'mon, please?"

"Oh…" Ena rolled her eyes as her head turned to the side. "I'm aware I can be…a bit controlling."

"No, not at all!" Silver cheerfully disagreed. But he was shaking on the inside and feeling like a dwarf with the side-eyed glare Ena gave him. You're totally not controlling, Mistress, just very scary.

Ena cleared her throat, adjusting her robe. "As such, I would prefer if my partner could match me. Not by being controlling, but…by giving me a new perspective and expanding my view."

Dark browns softened. "My mother told me what she loved about my father most was how he challenged her views," she confessed to him. "He was a tortured soul. He had endured and atoned. His view of the world was so altered and unique to her own. Where my mother lacked insight, he had plenty. Where she faltered, he had strength. To have a partner like that…" Her eyes twinkled. "I…"

Silver leaned forward. "You…"

"I…" In a snap of a moment, Ena's fondness dissolved. "But that's nothing more than a 'what if', nothing more."

But Silver did not want this to end. "Mistress—"

"What about you?" Ena nodded to him. "Your ideal lady in a 'what if' scenario."

Silver wanted to press more, but the look in Ena's eyes made him drop it. "That's easy." He rubbed his neck. "She'd be…smart and strong and…and different." Looking at Ena, he could not get the words to stop. "She'd be passionate about her work. I'd see how her eyes would light up when she's into something so deeply. She'd be caring, even if she tries to hide it. And she'd be stubborn too."

Neither one realized how close Silver had leaned.

Ena swallowed. "She sounds like a handful."

"No." Silver's hands were gentle in taking Ena's, blues watching browns. "She sounds beautiful to me. It's what I love about her, Mistress." That's what I love about you.

Ena could barely breathe. "Well, now. Aren't you quite the romantic?"

"No." Silver brought up her hands and breathed upon her knuckles, "I'd say she's very realistic to me." And he kissed her fingers.

"A-Ah…" Red burned Ena's cheeks and ears. "I… I see." This was too much. The overbearing scents of ocean and rain, the way heat spread across her hands when he kissed her fingers, her unsteady heartbeat—she felt too out of her depth for comfort. Snatching back her hands, she went for an escape. "Well, that was a nice conversation. I-If you'd excuse me—"

Silver reached out when Ena abruptly shot up and knocked against his knees. "Wait, you're—!"

THUD!

Sometimes, life felt like a movie.

Ena had fallen straight into Silver. She had expected to balance herself but never had she considered Silver would be the one to handle the situation first. It surprised her she ended up haphazardly on his lap and more surprising the way he held her. His scent, his warmth—it swarmed her incessantly.

LUB-DUB-LUB-DUB-LUB-DUB!

Ena clenched a fist over her heart, red sprawled across her face. What is wrong with me?

"Mistress…"

Ena flinched. "I-I… My apologies," she hurriedly blurted. "I-I didn't mean to—"

"Look at me."

Ena hesitated. I don't… She had no choice when her chin was taken. Her face tipped up with her nose skimming the side of Silver's and their lips breaths apart. I don't…understand… Why is he…? She whispered, "Silver?"

That noise hit her ear again.

That purr.

All the nerves and uneasiness muffled hearing that noise, and her nose twitched to take in more of his scent. What is…this…? She tried again, weak, "Silver?"

"I'm sorry, Mistress," Silver murmured. A dark, gravelly tone held his words captive and spread goosebumps on Ena's arms. "I didn't want you to fall."

"That's okay," Ena breathed. "Thank you." Her lashes lowered when she could feel Silver's long intake.

She smells so sweet. But there's more this time. The stir prodded him again, making his teeth ache. So sweet… And she feels so nice too. He whispered, "Is this okay, Mistress?"

"I-I…" Ena's breath hitched when Silver tightened his hold. "I-I should…get off." Clarity de-fogged her and shame gutted her. "I'm so sorry. This is highly inappropriate of me and uncomfortable for both of us." Wriggling a little, his arms loosened and she stumbled off, flushed. Trying to regain composure, she forced out, "If you would excuse me for a moment." And she fled from the bathroom.

Silver slid to put his head in his hands as a ragged breath left him. The stir goaded him—chase, hunt, sweet, Interest—but he shackled himself to his chair and ignored it. This isn't good.

Glancing down was all the confirmation he needed. Shame and embarrassment twisted their knives in him and made him wince when he adjusted. I don't know what to do. He sighed. I'm sorry, Mistress. I'm really…not a gentleman.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Something was going on, and Sylvie did not like being left out.

She had bounced downstairs for a late breakfast when her plans derailed hearing commotion out front. She kept to the foyer and saw the staff bustling in and out with suitcases while Odette and Nora coordinated the entire affair.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Savant Hall

Larkspur County

Fiore, Ishgar

10:35 AM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

With a harrumph, Sylvie invaded her brother and sister's space to demand, "What's going on?"

"We're leaving," Nora absently told her.

That made Sylvie gawk. "Leaving? Where?"

"Saturnus Palace at Akane," Odette answered before thanking the staff for their diligence. "Don't you remember? Eros invited us to join them at Saturnus Palace for spring holiday, but you said you weren't interested. So Nora and I are still going."

Sylvie spluttered. "I don't remember that!"

"I do," Nora told her. "You said you would never be caught dead willingly being around such a 'fun-sucking grandpa' nor do you want to respect someone of higher status."

Sylvie flushed when she saw some of the staff displeased by her response. "Yeah, well, that was then and this is now." She crossed her arms. "You guys were still planning to go without me?"

"I could use a vacation," Nora said, unbothered. "It would be nice to catch up with Beatrice and her brothers. Now that I'll be at the Round Tables, receiving Eros' advice would be helpful."

Odette gave a sheepish smile. "I completed my spring holiday assignments early and Father already approved of our vacation since Eros approached him directly. And Dreux said he would come visit when he could. It's not often we visit Saturnus."

"We do for summer!" Sylvie pointed out. "I can't believe you guys are going without me!"

Nora reminded, "You said you didn't want to come."

"That's right." Odette smiled. "I'm sure you'll have fun with your friends for the week. You normally have all sorts of plans for the holidays." She nodded to Nora. "Ready to go?"

Nora's shoulders sagged. "Absolutely."

Together, they ventured outside—

"Wait!"

Brother and sister glanced back at a red-faced and scowling Sylvie. "Yeah?"

"I-I-I—!" Sylvie huffed. "Just…! Wait for me. I can get ready in fifteen." And she darted away, calling for her maids.

Nora grinned. "You owe me five-hundred jewel."

"Oh, shut up," Odette grumbled good-naturedly. "She's fortunate we warned Eros she would come, but she would have an attitude about." She shook her head. "Had Beatrice not taken her spring holiday there, Eros would probably be running his men ragged. Even Octavius is taking a break from the Tower of Learning. Duke Antony would have gone too, but he's stuck with work."

"I think Beatrice is counting her blessings," Nora chuckled. "His Grace very publicly dotes on her. Eros and Octavius are less...eccentric."

Though they still have their quirks. He recalled how embarrassed Beatrice had been when Eros and Octavius bought the entire inventory of a store solely because she mentioned her love of the brand. They abuse their power when it comes to their little sister.

Odette simpered. "I know Eros is grateful Octavius is taking a break. He works hard at the Tower of Learning. Without that one wizard Mystogan there, Octavius has to juggle a lot of responsibilities on his own. Eros said he's seen him run himself to the ground."

"Isn't there anyone else outside of Mystogan to help him?" Nora questioned.

"There are others, but Octavius says no one is as qualified as Mystogan, so that's why the Council Supreme won't pass off Mystogan's research to anyone else," Odette explained. "How Octavius put it, Mystogan has a lot of crucial research and led a lot of teams. It's normal for Guild Wizards to have GMLA, but Mystogan rarely leaves his responsibilities for more than a week, especially since he has a dedicated apprentice. But it's been months. I know Octavius won't admit it, but he needs Mystogan back."

"Hm."

Odette glanced at him. "Thinking about Ena?"

"Yes." Nora was unapologetic in his admittance, but he would not explain more.

From how Ena puts it, she and her brother don't have a good relationship. She doesn't say it directly, but I could tell. I've heard rumors about Mystogan possibly becoming a Supreme alongside a Sorcerer and his apprentice, Luke Dragneel, is already in university to graduate. And yet, how Ena speaks of him leaves such a different impression.

Nora looked outside. Just what kind of research does he do? Mystogan Fernandes… What type of person are you?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 125

•

The Meeting

•

会議

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was not that each Paradise and the mainland did not have hospitals. They did and talks of Crocus Clinic branching here were big news in the medical community. But when it came to medical research and schooling, Elo's Paradise was it.

Medical students, hospital works, non-hospital healthcare workers—they came in their scrubs, their white coats, their button-downs, and their PDPs as they spread out through the Paradise. Hotels set up close to hospital campuses for visitors to have residence, but it was commonplace for apartments, townhouses, and other homes to sprinkle through and house residents and clinicians alike. Food trucks and little restaurants were always in business thanks to the staff.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Elo's Paradise, the clinical Paradise of Caelum. Elo's Paradise consists of innovative medical research to improve people's quality of life, especially with fatal or chronic diseases. According to the International Index of Health Innovation, Caelum ranks sixth for its research, thanks to this Paradise! »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna felt like a small fish in a big pond and that thrilled her. Icarus stayed in his Natural Form for her to ride and maneuver through the surplus of people.

"Be sure to call if you get lost."

Luna heaved a sigh as she kept her Compact to her ear. "Yes, Silver."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ka'ena City

Elo's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

11:01 AM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Are you sure she knows where to go?" Ena called. "Perhaps we should've accompanied her."

"No!" Luna blurted. "I have my Com and Silver put in the address and made sure I had my ticket. I know where to go—"

"Lulu," Silver soothed, "stay right there. We'll come get you—"

Luna groaned. "Would you guys relax? I'm fine and I can find it myself!" Sighing, she murmured, "I know you guys are worried, but I'm okay, really. Focus on yourselves and your meeting, okay? And I'll see you later." She ended the call.

Icarus commented, They have instincts of a dame and sire when it comes to you, Pup.

Yeah, well, better to have friends who care too much than friends who don't care at all, Luna supposed as she went back to her GPS with directions already in place. All right, we need to go here. She showed Icarus the map. Easy enough?

Of course. Icarus got to walking. So this an Ether medicine lecture?

Mm-hmm! Luna adjusted her hold on the reins. Now that I'm working more with Aunt Wendy and Granny Porlyusica on my healing, Silver found out about this lecture and thought I'd love it. And he's not wrong.

Icarus glanced back at her. Do you foresee your future as a Healer?

My future? Luna had never given such a question much thought. I don't know, honestly. Her eyes fell onto Icarus' neck. When I was little, I told my parents I wanted to take one thousand pictures of all over the world. It was pretty silly, to be honest. I couldn't even step foot outside of Magnolia back then.

You can now, Icarus pointed out.

Luna hummed a mirthless chuckle. Yeah. I guess so. She looked at her Fairy Tail insignia. The thing is, I really do love photography. Pictures are timeless. They tell so many stories. As a Fairy Tail Mage, I never thought of being a fighter like my papa or Igneel or Nashi or doing educational stuff like Mama and Luke. I didn't know where I fit in. And I doubt photography is a Fairy Tail thing to do.

I wouldn't be so sure, Icarus told her. Your guild makes self-defense and strength-training apparent, yes, but you all have different goals your master encourages. And I think if you are honest with her with your desires, she will receive you with warmth and be happy to guide you. That is how I remember Titania to be.

Luna's brow furrowed. You knew Auntie Erza before you met me?

Icarus shook his head. No. But her moniker is after the Fairy Queen Titania, is it not?

Luna spluttered. "Wait, she's real?"

She was, Icarus confirmed. She was a dedicated queen to her people and leader to all Council of the Fae. But fairies do not decide their leaders by birthright. Titania was made into the queen she became. She was noble and strong, from what I recall. She had a relationship with the Elves and Heartfilia Clan, if I'm not mistaken.

Luna could not believe it. Seriously?

Yes. Icarus nodded. Fae did not live on Earth Land alone. Like the Elves, the nine races of Fae had their own realms and they shared a Veil with Earth Land. But unlike Titania's predecessors, she frequented this realm to understand it and its people. And she fought hard in the Second Black War., she and her life-mate. I believe the fairies call their other half 'Fiðere' which meant 'wing'. For a fairy's wings were vital to their survival.

"Huh…" Luna thought about Icarus' words. Hey, Icarus?

Yes, Pup?

Do you think…friendships could last lifetimes? Luna asked him. You said Titania was friends with my ancestral clan, so…

Icarus softened. You and Ena, your master and your dame—you are proof friendships can last lifetimes.

That warmed Luna's heart. I hope so. What else do you know about fairies?

Very little, Icarus confessed. Titania was a prominent figure, as was her life-mate Oberon. Both warriors, both strategists, and both excellent rulers. But matters of the fae were not my concern. It is natural for Guardians to know who the alpha pairings of groups are and if power dynamics shift, but we tend to stay away from internal affairs. That would be overstepping.

I understand. Luna looked up at the sky. Fairies, huh? And we have God Slayers too. The world really was an interesting place. She blinked when she saw someone familiar, and she squinted her eyes. Wait… Is that…?

A suited man caught her attention with his honeyed brunette hair. But his eyes caught hers with a recognizable smile. He waved.

Oh. It's him! Luna smiled. It's Addy! Stop for a second, Icarus.

Icarus hesitated and saw Addy make a beeline for them. Of course… He hunkered down for Luna to dismount, but he watched Addy approach like a hawk. To himself, he rumbled, I can't sense malicious intent from him, but something about this human doesn't feel right.

"Addy!" Luna greeted as he came close. "Hi! It's good to see you!"

"And you as well, young lady," Addy helloed with his assistant nearby. "What are you doing all this way?"

Luna opened her mouth—

Pup, do not tell him anything, Icarus instructed.

Luna hedged. What? Fear gripped her. Is he a bad person?

I'm not sure. I don't have necessarily a bad feeling, but I don't have a good feeling about him either, Icarus told her. Proceed with caution.

Luna kept close to her Celestial Spirit. "Um, not much. I'm just touring the island," she reasoned, trying to keep her tone light and even. "Wha—? What about you?"

"Nothing nearly as fun as touring," Addy quipped. "No, I have a little bit of business to attend to, sadly. Quite dreadfully boring." He cocked his head when Luna could not look at him. "My apologies, miss. It would seem I've made you a tad uncomfortable by greeting you." He courteously bowed. "I wouldn't want to overstay my welcome here."

"N-N-No, no, you're okay," Luna feebly assured. "I guess I'm not feeling all that brave today."

Addy nodded. "Nevertheless, I'll be on my way, Layla." He bowed and strode off with his assistant scrambling after him.

Luna hurriedly got back into Icarus' saddle. Was I being rude? Do you think he'll follow me? Is he from Alvarez?

We have much time until the lecture. Icarus started walking again. I will make sure we're not followed. Your deal with the Alvarez Empire is still in place. There is no reason to think Invel would send someone so blatantly to approach you. But you are doing very well being cautious, Pup.

Luna tried to keep evenly breathing. But what if he is a bad person? I talked to him the other day…

It's not in your best interest to think of every person you encounter as an enemy, Icarus advised. Instant hostility can create actual hostility. Cordiality, like how you were yesterday, is the correct approach. You've maintained your fake name. Ena has given your sunglasses enchanted with Prosopagnosia so others can't determine your face. You have not done anything wrong.

Icarus paused, however, feeling Luna's rising anxiety. Do you wish to go back?

It took Luna a while to answer. No. I… I can do this.

If that is what you wish. Icarus resumed his pace. For what is it worth, I am proud of you. You are doing wonderful, Pup.

Luna gripped the reins with a little smile towards him. Thanks, Icarus. She looked ahead. I can do this. She sat up straighter. I can do this.

°•°•°•°

You would not think such floating islands would have rolling hills, but it meant you did not understand Caelum as much as you thought. Wind turbines harness the flow of breeze with their tall statures. Hangers were common on university and business campuses with new designs for Sky Boats and airships constantly being built, monitored, evaluated, and tested.

Winged Aberrants, Sky Wizards, and flying magical creatures thrived under such conditions. Most aviary magical creatures did not mind hauling baggage from A to B. A new model of an airship was being launched off its port for another test run. A Stellian café that had recently opened already found itself at full capacity with residents and tourists alike. An atmosphere phenomena research facility had a Lighting Wizard and Water Wizard conduct more explosive tests on the clouds provided in an Atmosphere Lacrima Chamber.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Fa'atiu's Paradise, named after the god of wind and storm. While Lacrima is used, wind-power predominantly powers much of this Paradise. While Mafui'e's Paradise does more with engineering, much aerospace engineering and research both in Magic and Spiritless, meteorology, and climatology are conducted on Fa'atiu's Paradise. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was not that Ena and Silver did not have better things to do. In fact, Siler had plotted for them to come to this museum in the first place for a better understanding of Caelum's relationship of the wind and sky. A research facility latched onto the museum, but all within this historic place were fascinating to learn from. Evolution of the prototypes of the first Sky Boats to air balloons to airships and all the famous faces behind such improvement.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Māhukona Aviation Museum, or MAM, a non-profit museum founded in honor of skycraft and aircraft and its evolution. It is said that, because of Caelum's migration to the sky, Caelum is responsible for creating the first Sky Boat and airship and still houses the first models in one of the museum hangers. MAM sees around 300,000 tourists a year. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It did not feel like a Monday morning given how many tourists had come in wonder of all the skycraft and aircraft. Tour guides were more than welcome to offer their services in multiple languages or let guests roam to their leisure. It was adorable to see a daycare had brought their finicky kids to this place with volunteer staff and parents trying to keep the little sprites in their groups. A group of five veterans had come to see a warship used back in their days of blood and smoke.

Ena and Silver decided drifting was the best course of action for them.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Māhukona Aviation Museum

Fat'atiu's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

11:47 AM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver was unsure what to make of the silence as he escorted Ena down one of the long corridors. She looked curious about the plaques and prototypes and often pulled him to a stop to read and absorb the information. He, on the other hand, could not help his frazzled nerves.

We haven't talked about what happened? We had breakfast and sent off Lulu. We're okay, but… Shouldn't I apologize? Silver questioned. Maybe she's waiting for me to apologize for this morning?

Decision made, he started, voice cracking, "Mistress, about this morning—"

"It's forgotten."

Silver blinked. "Huh?"

"It's forgotten," Ena repeated. "It's not that big a deal, Silver. I was about to fall. You, as a gentleman, saved me. Case closed. It's nothing to dwell on." She stopped again and examined another piece of history.

Silver blinked again, perplexed. She's…not bothered by it? She doesn't care? It was hard to say if that was a good thing or a bad thing, but if her mind was made, then he could do naught about it. "R-Right." He glanced around. "How do you like the museum?"

"It's beautiful," Ena conceded. "Of course learning more about the value of aviation in Caelum will be vital to the meeting tomorrow, but I find it all fascinating."

"But isn't it weird Caelum had the first Sky Boat and airship when other gods could've done it?" Silver asked her.

But Ena shook her head. "Not necessarily. Both skycraft and aircraft date back to long ago, but in similar methods. Tamers with flying Partners and those who could fly in other means simply didn't feel the need to share that ability. And I doubt the technology had progressed enough for Sky Boats and airships."

"True," Silver supposed. He smiled as a blind child rode their sentient cloud as their guide. We live in such an exciting world.

Their stroll through the museum guided them down some steps to show more models of airships and Sky Boats. Some allowed people to board them and see the old school mechanics behind making such beasts fly. A floating statue of Fa'atiu held the center as clouds and wind swarmed him.

"We'll be in a room with Rai again." Ena looked over at Silver. "Will you be okay with that?"

Silver's chest twinged, but he grunted, "I'll be fine." He carried on at Ena's insistent worrisome look, "I will, Mistress, I promise. He was just trying to annoy me, but I won't fall for his tricks." He looked down at her and cautioned, "But you need to be careful too. One wrong move and there's no telling what happens."

"The perk about having famous parents is that we don't have too much to worry about in terms of violence," Ena stated. "He won't harm us as long as we don't harm him. I'll control my temper. But we still need to be vigilant." Browns examined the statue of Fa'atiu. "He mentioned us bringing a third. He knew L would be with us. But how and why? We never advertised her coming along."

"And your spell—"

"It's still in effect," Ena promised him. "I promised Aunt Lucy and Uncle Natsu that I would continue with the enchantment. Even if she takes off her sunglasses for a moment and puts them back on, the effect will take."

"But you're still worried," Silver pointed out.

Ena tossed him a look. "And you aren't?"

"I'm always worried when it comes to Lulu," Silver confessed. "I still don't understand why we have to do this, but our parents wouldn't be this serious about it if something wasn't wrong."

"But the question is what's wrong," Ena finished for him. "I'm sure we'll learn someday." Her eyes caught a glimpse of two overly-affectionate young adults close to public indecency in their poor choice of hiding behind an airship. "Disgusting."

Silver caught Ena's line of vision and flushed seeing the two before looking away. "I don't get why people can't do that at home," he mumbled.

"You're not a fan of PDA?"

Silver pouted at Ena's amusement. "I am, but not like that," he justified. "I still have some dignity."

"Uh-huh." Her lips twitched.

Silver nudged her and good-naturedly growled, "I'm serious." Shaking his head, he went on, "It's sort of gross seeing PDA whenever I'd go to swim team parties or whatever, but I think hand-holding and little kisses and stuff are really cute." His cheeks heated over her low laughter. "Mistress, don't make fun of me."

"I'm not," Ena simpered. "You're truly adorable." Sighing into her smile, she told him, "Aunt Mira used to tell me about all the little things my father would do for my mother. It's not that either of my parents were against PDA. But they caught each other off-guard."

Dark browns twinkled. "She told me she would catch them in those little moments. Mother worked late at the guild, thanks to a lot of the changes. This was before Number Five, of course. My father would always come get her and carry her home. They were hand-holders, or so Aunt Mira would tell me. Before my father came to Fairy Tail, Aunt Lucy told me my mother would always brush out her hair. She never cared much about her hair, but my father loved her scarlet hair. And when my father came back…he would do it for her. It was their 'thing', so to speak."

Silver could hear the warmth in Ena's words. "That sounds beautiful."

"I think so too," Ena agreed. "My when my mother would brush my hair, she would tell me something I forgot over the years."

• — • — • — •

"Ena? I want you to remember something."

Low-lightning warmed Ena's room as she sat before her mother on the bed. The gentle strokes of the brush against her hair made her feel sleepy and calm, but she kept her posture straight.

"Yes, Mommy?"

Erza sectioned off another part of Ena's hair and continued to brush. "When I was very young, your father gave me the last name 'Scarlet' because of my hair. I didn't take care of my hair much growing up. But seeing your father free from his past… It reminded me of how much he cared for me when we were young. He even tried to comb my hair a few times."

Ena giggled. "He did? That's silly."

"Yes. I suppose it is silly." Erza laughed to herself. "Although he had to use his fingers. Still, it touched my heart that he cared." Warmth and sadness battled in her eyes. "This is what I want you to remember, my little fairy. Your hair and its color mean something very special to me and your daddy. And if you someday want to have someone else in your life, they should care for your hair just like Daddy cared for mine."

Ena thought about it. "Do you think Daddy could brush my hair like you do?"

"I know he will when he comes home," Erza told her. "And the person you let into your life will do the same. And your daddy and I will know that person loves you. Because you are a very special little fairy." She finished brushing. "Can you promise to remember that? For Daddy?"

Ena nodded and touched her heart. "For Daddy."

• — • — • — •

Ena blinked when Silver blotted under her eyes with a handkerchief. "I'm all right," she promised him. "It's just a pesky memory."

"But it meant a lot to you." Silver made sure Ena's face was dry before pocketing the handkerchief. "It's not just a 'pesky memory', Mistress. Not when it's about your dad."

Ena did not agree or disagree. Rather, she pulled Silver and her to a soft stop before a dedicated work of air of the five gods of Caelum and the under-grounders upon their friendship. "It feels silly to remember something so long ago," she murmured. "I had such a delusional dream of my father brushing my hair like he did for my mother."

"And now?"

"I suppose…I woke up." Ena gave him a dim smile. "As nice as the sentiment is, it's just a fantasy." Her gaze returned to the artwork. "There's no telling when my father will come back, if he will at all. And I doubt brushing my hair would be on his mind. No." Browns downcast. "I'm the furthest thing on his mind, most likely. It's been so long… I'm sure he's forgotten me."

Silver felt his heart ache on Ena's behalf. Mistress…

She abruptly cleared her throat and looked away. "Well then. Onto the next?" Taking a deep breath, she made a vague gesture. "I'm sure we could—"

"Mistress, look at me."

Ena stiffened. "I'd rather not."

"Mistress—"

"Silver, we have plenty more to see before the meeting—" But her command died when Silver moved to catch a few silent tears threading her cheeks. She kept trying to look away. "Please, can we move forward? I'm fine."

"Of course you are." No mocking or sarcasm, just gentle agreement. He plucked out his handkerchief to dab at her face, blues tender. "I can keep brushing your hair until your dad comes home, Mistress. I don't mind."

"You do that because you're an overachieving assistant," Ena wrote off, trying to move his hand. "It's fine. I told you it's nothing more than a delusion to want such a thing."

Silver shook his head. "I didn't brush your hair because it's my job, Mistress," he murmured to her. "I did it because I wanted to. I still want to."

"But… That doesn't make sense," Ena weakly countered. "Why would you want to?"

"Because…" Silver struggled for the right explanation until he settled on what felt the most truthful. "I want you to look your best for when your dad comes home."

Browns widened. Silver…

He finished drying her cheeks to brush back her hair. "I don't mind brushing your hair. I liked doing it. You said your mom took care of her hair every day until your dad came home, right? I'll keep brushing your hair so your dad knows you're being taken care of. That way he doesn't have to worry too much when he comes home."

Her lips parted only to close. I… I don't understand him. Her fingers trembled. Why am I…feeling like this? "I… I…" She swallowed. "I…don't know what to say again. You have bad form of making your mistress speechless."

"I'm not trying to." Silver meant that. As much as I want this to be a selfless request…it's also me being selfish with you, Mistress. I want to be the one to take care of you in little ways like this.

"I don't know how to repay you," Ena admitted, shamefaced and off her kilter. "You've been astoundingly considerate towards me. I-I…" She looked up, hopeless browns meeting caring blues. "I don't know how to properly appreciate you for this."

"I don't need a 'thank you'," Silver told her. "I don't need anything really."

"But…!" Ena scrambled to make this make sense. "You must want something for your kindness."

He shook his head. "No. Not really. I don't want anything. This is just what happens when people care about you, Mistress. We don't need anything back. We just want to take care of you, okay?" Slowly, trying not to startle her, he threaded their fingers together in a comforting hand-hold. "And when your dad comes home, he'll want to too. He hasn't forgotten you."

"How do you even know that?" No accusation or malicious challenge. A disbelieving breath of a question.

And Silver smiled against it all. "Because who could ever forget someone as beautiful as you, Mistress?"

Pink burned Ena's ears and cheeks.

LUB-DUB-LUB-DUB!

Silver blinked when Ena looked away from him and cleared her throat. "Well, of course no one could forget about me," she sniffed. "I don't need someone like you to tell me that."

"Of course, Mistress!" He snickered on the inside seeing Ena's red ears. She's so adorable when she's embarrassed. "Should we keep going? We still have a lot of time left." He strode forward—

Ena stumbled from his sudden movement and failed to keep up with him. "H-Hey! Now just wait a minute!" But he could not slow down and she growled, "Silver!"

"What?" Silver stopped to peer down at her with a grin. "It would seem you can't keep up with me, Mistress." He held up their joined hands. "It's a good thing I'm holding onto you or else I might leave you behind." Before Ena could rebuttal, he walked again and tugged her to his side.

Ena stutter-stepped again, flustered, but she caught his pace in no time. What a distasteful, cocky attitude. I'm supposed to lead him, not the other way around. She seared him with a displeased look and caught his broadening grin. I know he's making fun of me. I won't stoop to his level. Her gaze sunk to their linked fingers.

Have his hands…always been this big?

---

It was one thing to see a castle and another thing to stay in one.

With a private beach, the estate racked up serious acreage with trimmer green grass, private cottages, and its own staff. The main castle looked like it was yanked free from a storybook with its tower and stone and a ye old moat and bridge that still worked to this day. The staff event had special whimsical uniforms to appease the foreign tourists who flooded the estate on their spring holiday.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« The Grimm Brothers inspired the design of Saturnus Palace by the seaside in Akane Beach. Saturnus is the summer home the Queen retreats to for one month, normally in July. However, the queen allows nobles access to the estate from Spring to Summer and regular people can rent out one of the cottages for 540,000 jewel a week. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Beatrice was the first one to come down the grand staircase to see Odette, Nora, and Sylvie while staff members took hold of the luggage. "I see you made it," she greeted. Making it to the first floor, she went for Odette first. "Now that you're here, get my brothers out of here."

Odette laughed. "I'll try my best."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Saturnus Palace

Akane Beach

Fiore, Ishgar

12:56PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Beatrice pulled back to grin at Nora. "And you and I have some training to do, Young Lord."

"I'd expect nothing less, My Lady," Nora quipped.

Beatrice was about to say more when someone called, "I hope you'll include me in your training, Trissy."

She scowled to see both her brothers and Marinette making the journey downstairs. "Why can't you go train with your subordinates?" she demanded to know of Eros. "I don't want your help."

"She's right, Eros." Octavius puffed his chest. "I can help her instead. My Magicianry will be a lot more challenging than your puny sword. Right, Trissy?"

Eros narrowed his eyes. "If she's in the mood for parlor tricks."

Octavius smirked. "Don't get all bitchy because I'm the one who gets to see her more often."

"I'm the one who reserved the palace for her vacation," Eros darkly reminded. "So which one of us is the favorite brother now?"

Lightning sparked between them.

"Lady Beatrice!" Marinette cut through the tension to cling to a flushed Beatrice's arm and pout. "You didn't even wait for me, My Lady! I thought for sure I made you tired enough that you wouldn't get out of bed."

Red stormed Beatrice's face when she heard Odette and Nora's failed suppressed laughter and she frantically explained, "She just means we've had a very busy day! That's all!"

Marinette, however, said, "But all we've done is stay in bed and—"

Beatrice slapped a hand over Marinette's mouth with loud laughter. "We were very tired!" she blurted. She hissed down to Marinette, "Not another word from you or you can spend the nights in your own room."

No! Marinette could imagine how cold and cruel it would be if Beatrice slammed the door in her face. Anything but that! We were making such good progress, My Lady!

Eros embraced Odette for a few moments before letting her go with a smile. "I'm glad to see you, Odie. It's been some time since we've spent our days here." His eyes twinkled. "And I received word I should expect a visit from the Duke of Aronia. Anything you wish to tell me about that?"

Odette pinked. "N-No."

Octavius snickered as he propped his elbow on an unamused Eros. "Don't even try that, Odie. We saw the way Dreux was hanging onto your every word." He sighed. "I wish Circe would cling to me like that, but her nosey cousins think I'd be corrupting her. It's like Trivia and Dazzler think I'm a horrible person!"

"Because you are," his siblings dryly agreed.

Octavius could have fallen over, but he sniffed, "Oh, yeah? Would a bad person agree to be this over-worked?" He rubbed his hands together, devious. "And if Ron doesn't come back by the summer, I might be getting his apprentice."

Nora raised an eyebrow. "Is that possible?"

"Sure!" Octavius grinned. "The Council is already trying to recruit Luke to join the Tower of Learning now that Ron can't intervene anymore. He'll work with them directly for a little while, but I get to supervise him." He preened. Finally, an apprentice of my own! I'll get to—

"You just want to pass all your responsibilities onto him, don't you?"

Octavius gawked at Eros. He's a mind reader! Clearing his throat, he negated, "No!" He withered under Eros' imposing stare. "Maybe a little," he confessed. "But it's not fair Ron gets a competent apprentice. None of my aides or assistants last long enough to get the job done and he gets to train a genius. It's not fair. I want a shot at that life too."

"Hm." Odette placed her chin between her fingers with a thoughtful frown. "I've heard about Luke Dragneel. I know he was Mystogan's apprentice, but I hadn't realized how extensive his name went."

"That's because Ron's too protective of him," Octavius complained. "I don't get why. Others of our status love to brag about their apprentices like there's no tomorrow. But Ron gets all cold and pissy."

• — • — • — • — •

"Why are you nagging me about my apprentice?" Mystogan shot Octavius and the others a look that could freeze summer in a heartbeat. "If you have time for insolent questions, then you obviously don't have enough work to do."

He took off his glasses to show molten oaks. "Shall I look at your progress? Or perhaps this is you begging for me to give you another project to do?"

Octavius and the others trembled at the prospect of more work. "N-No, thank you!"

• — • — • — • — •

As everyone moved inside, Octavius crossed his arms. "I'll never understand that guy. He's so secretive about his capstone too. I mean, it's not like you go bragging about it, but others still talk about it. But the Council just says to not bother him with it. He doesn't even have any assistants to help him with it."

"Is that normal?" Nora questioned.

"Not really." Octavius looked up in thought. "Almost all of us working towards being a Sorcerer have aides and assistants at our disposal, especially if we can afford it if we're approved with a pretty big research grant. Ron's secured some massive funding for his capstone, but he never made a team for it." He shrugged. "Hard not to be curious about his capstone, though. The Supremes think he's a genius, even if he's a loner. They even let him bypass protocol and take an apprentice who isn't registered with the Tower. Talk about favoritism."

Nora thought about Octavius' words. He is the son of Titania of Fairy Tail. That could leave some leeway for him. And his father… "Mister Fernandes—Mystogan's father—wasn't he also offered a position at the Tower?"

"I don't know about that one, but he was spoken highly about it, from what I do remember," Octavius confessed. "But no one really talked about his dad with Ron since it put him in a pretty dark mood if someone did." He scratched his jaw. "No, his dad wasn't a Sorcerer or anything. I think he was just close to the Supremes."

He laid out his hands as he shrugged. "Still sucks they favorite him so much. Apprentices outside the Tower are unheard of. They should've enlisted Luke first thing, so it always bothered me they wouldn't because Ron said not to. But I'm not one to care that deeply about drama."

Shadows covered Eros and Beatrice's eyes as they imagined Octavius turning into Pinocchio. He is such a liar.

"I understand." Nora maintained silence as everyone spoke about him. It's clear to me Mystogan Fernandes has more influence in the Tower of Learning than I originally thought. But the question is: why? I understand Luke Dragneel's family to be important, the same as Mystogan's, but how does that factor into Mystogan having so much authority? And if he still hasn't given his permission, why would the Supremes try so hard to bring Luke to their side without Mystogan's knowledge?

He internally sighed. This is becoming more and more confusing. Grayed yellows glinted. And more and more suspicious.

---

The medical center had a tropical feel to it with its green grass and proud palm trees. The God of Death Elo had a statue erected in their honor with their hooked staff. Magic imbued the large center to project animals playing upon the mirror windows. Already an ambulance pulled in thanks to a teenage tourist irresponsibly cloud-surfing. A few residents were making fun of one of their supervisors.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Palakiko Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with the West Elo College of Medicine (WECM). This center regularly hosts lectures to help with CPR training, levels of emergency and mental health training, medical lectures, and even invites secondary students! »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The circular lecture hall had its fill of old and young with Lacrima Screens in a cube for the countdown to the lecture and a collage of lectures past. Some gave side-eyed to a group of adolescents who had come with their hair-flipping and drama following them. A young couple, both in medicine, could not resist such a prime lecture. A few from a retirement community sat together with plans to go to a brunch after all was said and done.

Luna kept to the back with Icarus in his harness. He kept watch over her as she stayed in her seat with her expression wavering. Whining, he placed his muzzle in her lap. If this is too much, we can leave.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Palakiko Medical Center

Ka'ena City, Elo's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

1:30 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luna stroked his muzzle. There's just…a lot of people. But it's okay. I promise. She squared her shoulders. I want to do this. I want to be independent.

Yes, but… Icarus sighed. Just… There is no need to rush leaving the den, Pup. You have shown strength in abundance. Pushing yourself is always encouraged, but don't push yourself too much.

I'm not, Luna mumbled in retort. I'm fine.

Icarus's stare glanced away. All right.

Luna sighed. Sorry. I'm not trying to snap. She rested a cheek in a propped hand. But I'm okay. If it gets too much, we'll leave, I swear. Delicately, she lessened their connection to feel his approval shine through. Her gaze danced around with mild interest. It's pretty neat they do lectures like this. Aunt Wendy and Granny Porlyusica would like it. Her Compact lit up on the workbench before her.

It was her grandmother Anna who texted.

« Starlight, I have a surprise for you! »

Luna smiled and messaged back:

« What is it? Do I have to guess? »

« First off, how much do you love your grandma? Enough to change your last name? »

« Granny! »

« Fine, fine. But your papa is horrid for giving you such a last name »

« One of our summer learning assistants won't be able to help during the semester due to an unfortunate circumstance. Your mama left the decision up to me to recruit another LSA »

« Would you be interested? »

Luna blinked, surprised.

« Me? »

« But…I'm not that experienced »

« You, Starlight, are much more experienced than you give yourself credit for. You wouldn't be a teacher's aide. You would be working with no more than three students to help them with their studies, bonding with their Celestial Spirit, and summoning. »

« But if you're not interested or comfortable, that's okay too. There's no pressure »

« I don't know… »

« Would you like to think about it a little more? »

« Is that okay? »

« Of course, Starlight. Take your time. Let me know by the first of May »

« I love you! Have fun on your trip ❤️ »

« I love you too, granny ❤️ »

Icarus cocked his head at Luna's musing expression. What is the matter?

Nothing. Luna looked at the thread with her grandmother. "It's just Granny Anna. She's asking me to be a learning assistant at Saint Layla's this summer. I'd just be helping a few people with their Magic and studies, but…" She looked at her own Star Spirit. What do you think?

It is your decision, Icarus told her, honest. Starting in a small group could be beneficial to you, if that is what you wish. But it is your choice. Whatever you decide, you have my support.

Luna wrinkled her nose at him. You can't ever give me a straight answer, can you?

Icarus chuffed his amusement. A Star Spirit, like a Guardian, is to advise—to guide. We do not give orders. He playfully teethed her stomach to make her giggle. And you should be fortunate I do not or else you would stay in the den with the finest furs where no Male could sniff you.

A fangy smirk. "Quite the puppy you've got there."

Luna whipped up her head—

Chocolates widened. It's him—from last night.

His tawny gaze came across as humored and kind, but he looked out of place somehow. No, it was not because of his leather jacket or his all black and dark gray attire—she was used to Gale wearing nothing but black and red—but it was something about him that made him stand out.

And that was not necessarily positive.

He glided into the seat that was a seat away from her as though to make sure she had her space. "Is he a Malamute or a husky? And, uh…?" He gestured to his nose. "What's going on with, uh, the carrot top?"

"Oh. Oh!" Luna awkwardly laughed. "N-No, no, um, he's not a dog-dog. He's my Celestial Spirit, Icarus. He's a Clifford. Ah…" She flushed when the young man cocked an eyebrow. "Just… He's from the Canis Constellation."

"I see. And, um…" His lips quirked in a charming grin. "Does his owner have a name?"

"Layla."

"Akamu." He stretched his hand out to hers. "Nice to meet you."

Luna daintily shook his hand. "You too." She let go fast and gestured to the hall. "So you're here for the lecture too?"

"No." Akamu had a dead-serious face. "I'm here to pick up girls." He laughed at Luna's wide-eyed look. "I'm kidding." Leaning back in his seat, he crossed his arms. "No, I'm here for the lecture. A friend of mine wanted to come, but they got sick. So I'll be doing a recap for them."

"That's very sweet of you," Luna complimented.

Akamu snickered. "There's nothing 'sweet' about me," he teased her. "But it's nothing, really." He nodded to her. "What about you? Here to see the lecture or here to scope out men?"

"'Scope out'…? Oh! Oh, no." Luna quickly shook her head, scratching Icarus' head to comfort herself (and Icarus' bag leg thumped in glee she scratched the right spot). "No, I'm just…here for the lecture too with Icarus, I guess. Honestly, my friend scheduled this for me for our spring break."

Akamu shifted. "Gotcha. So you're a tourist haole then."

"'Haole'?"

"Foreigner," Akamu translated. "And judging by your shirt, I'm guessing you're here for that Young Nation concert at the Sky Arena?"

Luna's shirt had was dictated to YN21 and she had to beam. "Yeah! Well, not originally, but my other friend surprised me with tickets to their concerts, so I'm super excited about it! I've never been to a concert like this, so I know it'll be fun!"

"You've never been to a concert?" Akamu made sure to face her, incredulous. "How?"

"Well…" Luna felt embarrassed saying it aloud. "I was a little bit sheltered growing up. My best friend and I always did the virtual concerts if we could afford it, but no, I've never been."

"You better be careful. I heard J-pop lovers can get pretty crazy," Akamu joshed. "Make sure your boyfriend protects you from all the fans."

Luna tilted her head, confused. "I don't have a boyfriend."

"Really?" But he did not look too surprised with the softer grin on his face. "That's a shame."

Luna remained puzzled. "Why? I'm okay with it." Her gaze dropped to the workbench. "To be honest, I'm not really looking for that sort of thing. I just…want to learn how to be me for now." Her strokes through Icarus' fur slowed. I need to figure out my powers. I want to get stronger.

"Your Highness." Hemlock's cruel whisper came through. "Stay still for me."

She tensed and furiously scrubbed away all that pain. No. I don't… I don't need to get stronger because of him. I want to get stronger because of me. She popped free from her thoughts hearing low laughter and blushed a little when it came from Akamu. "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing," Akamu dismissed, shaking his head. "I think it's pretty cool you're focusing on yourself, really." He added, "I guess you saw I'm not on the same wavelength."

"So that was you last night!"

Akamu shrugged. "Yeah. I saw that douchebag give your friend a hard time, but I guess that other guy is your friend? The one who did the whole cyclone thing?" He shook his head. "Damn. He must be a crazy strong Wizard."

"O-Oh, yeah." Luna scratched her cheek with a finger and awkward smile. "That's…him." Two versions of Silver popped up for her, the one full of rage and the one jellyfish floating in the pool. He's strong enough to mess with people, but he turns into such a kid if E won't compliment him.

"Hello and good afternoon, everyone!"

Attention drew either to the Lacrima Screens or center stage. A small team of clinicians was clustered together with a table of supplies and a test dummy. The ring leader looked to be an older Caelun woman in her white coat and A-line skirt.

She waved her hand at everyone and introduced, "I am Nurse Practitioner Donna-Marie Hollingstead and I am the Director of Nursing of Palakiko Medical Center and also the Head Wiccan of our Wiccan staff. The colleagues standing with me will be introducing themselves in a moment, but I wanted to welcome you to our healing lecture."

⌜PALAKIKO MEDICAL CENTER

Name: Donna-Marie Hollingstead

Age: 65

Magic: Wiccanry

Occupation: Director of Nursing, Head Wiccan

Likes: aerobics Dislikes: working from home

Special Note: Donna-Marie has met Lupita at a Wiccan conference and finds her an inspiration! ⌟

Applause rang about, and Donna-Marie smiled. "Today, we will talk more in-depth about the most effective way to repair the mind and body as well as the relationship of physical and mental health. But we'll also speak more about the dangers of always using healing abilities or potions can be."

Aunt Wendy and Granny Porlyusica spoke to me about this, Luna shared with Icarus. In one of my lessons, I remember they told me healing can't be for every little thing.

• — • — • — • — •

"But…why not?"

Luna had not minded helping at Porlyusica's hut. Elvin looked content cataloging and sorting out fresh herbs and plants he had gathered. Wendy and Porlyusica worked on crafting more poultices and potions with Luna helping with measurements.

Wendy told her, "When it comes to healing by Magic, it should be used sparingly. Not only could someone's body get used to Healing Magic, but if that happens, it means we have to pour more Magic in them. And we could accidentally overdose them with our power, which could harm their body negatively. And the same comes with healing potions and poultices. Once the body becomes too used to absorbing its power, it will require more power to heal properly. And that could cause problems."

"Not to mention how stupid humans get addicted to pain-killing and numbing potions," Porlyusica grumbled. "It's because of those idiots that some people who need our help don't want it. They're afraid they'll become too dependent on Magic to solve its problems."

Luna slowly pieced everything together. "Okay… But…" Her grinding with the granite mortar and pestle came to a halt. "But…shouldn't we always use our powers to heal if someone needs it?"

"In many ways, yes," Wendy agreed. "But there's a reason Porlyusica and I have to access our patients before we start healing them. We have to understand the severity of their injury. If someone becomes disabled, then using our powers would be useless. Healing Magic can't 'cure' disabilities. If a bone is sprained or twisted, we certainly could heal it—"

"But because the bone didn't heal on its own, it'll weaken the more we heal it," Porlyusica finished. "That's one of the negative side effects of it. If we don't let the body at least finish healing on its own, then the structure won't learn how to repair or regulate itself and it'll weaken and eventually crumble." She bopped Elvin over the head and barked, "That's tansy, you idiot little beast. Be more delicate."

"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am!" Elvin stammered. Being more delicate with his herb supply, he said, "Luna, I know it sounds pretty silly and like Healers don't care about patients but giving their bodies a jump-start to healing is a lot better for them in the long run. A good Healer knows when to let the body repair itself. But shady Healers promising to cure everything are the ones you should stay away from."

"That's right," Wendy agreed. "When I became an official Healer, it was important for all Healers to understand where our powers stop and where nature begins. It's a hard lesson to learn that we can't heal everything." Her eyes darkened. "Even in the event of a dying patient, we have to consider all possibilities. As much as we want to heal them completely, sometimes it's not feasible for us to do so."

"But they're dying," Luna pointed out.

Porlyusica muttered, "Death is inevitable for all creatures. We can't change that if that's their fate. If someone is on their last breath, no amount of healing we do can put them back into good health. And with their body so weak, us healing them with Magic might cost them their vitality in the end. We have to determine the wants of the patient and the most likely outcome. At best, we can give a dying patient enough time to say their good-byes or enough time to be put on life support. But a Healer must understand the nuances of life and death."

"We have to respect death, even if it sounds backward," Wendy told Luna. "If someone is on death's door, then our job is to make them comfortable. Forcing them to live a non-functional life isn't healing—it's a punishment."

Luna slowly nodded. "Okay…"

Wendy shot the cranky Porlyusica a teasing smile. "But it took me so long to get that through my head. Porlyusica practically scolded me every time I'd try to sneak off and heal someone completely."

Porlyusica huffed. "And now you know better." She pointed a finger at Elvin. "And that goes for you two, idiot beast. Don't you think you can steal from my herb supply and go healing everyone either!"

Elvin laughed. "Yes, ma'am."

Luna tried to go back to grinding away the combination of herbs, but… "What if…you can't see the pain?"

All three took in Luna's forlorn expression.

"What if…it's inside someone's head?" Luna questioned. "Do you think you could still make them better? Can we heal that?" 'Because if so, then… I want to…' She blinked upwards when Porlyusica laid a hand on her shoulder, stare gentle.

"I asked myself that many times when that old crow Makarov was diagnosed with dementia," Porlyusica murmured to her. "I thought there was a spell or a potion… I thought there was something I could do to get that old man back, but…" She sighed. "Mental wounds are ones we can't heal. The mind is much more complex than the body and requires such fine-tuned care and processing. I'm sorry."

"Oh." Luna's lashes and shoulders lowered. "Okay…"

"But…that's not to say there isn't a way for the mind to be healed."

"Really?" Luna peered up at Porlyusica in hope. "What is it?"

"Patience," Porlyusica told her. "No person processes mental wounds like the other. There aren't any cheats or shortcuts you can do to help someone's mental healing." She cupped Luna's chin when she looked dejected. "I know that's not what you want to hear, little human girl."

"No." Luna averted her eyes. "No, it's okay." 'So I guess…I'm just going to be broken like this.'

Porlyusica murmured, "But the good thing about mental healing is that it depends on you. Your determination for what you need can help you heal. Never feel like you need your mind to heal because of the person who hurt you. You should want to heal because that's what you want."

"But…" Luna's brow furrowed. "I don't get it."

"You will," Porlyusica promised. "It's hard to understand now, I know. But you'll understand the difference."

Luna was not certain of that, but she mumbled. "Yeah…" Her gaze fell back to her granite bowl. "Okay."

• — • — • — • — •

The memory stayed fresh in Luna's mind. Not needing to heal because of someone else but wanting to…because of me. I'm starting to understand that. She internally sighed. I guess I just need to be patient.

To the healthcare team's credit, the lecture was chockful of useful information, enough that Luna started keeping notes in her Compact. The lecturers were more than happy to answer questions about the difference between applying first-aid and applying healing spells. Some of the questions opened insightful debate and discussion, especially when it came to fractured minds and trauma disorders.

"The difference between a fractured mind and a trauma disorder is the way it comes about," a young man educated with his white coat, badge, and faded haircut. "In spiritless psychology, a fractured mind can be in referral to Dissociative Identity Disorder, Schizophrenia, or the like. But in the magical community of psychology, a fractured mind can also come from telepathic or empathic blasts which we diagnose as 'Psionic Deluge Disorder'."

⌜PALAKIKO MEDICAL CENTER

Name: Scott Henney

Age: 36

Magic: Telepath

Occupation: Neuropsychologist

Likes: bruschetta Dislikes: vacuuming

Special Note: Scott is a high-level Telepath called a 'Psion'!⌟

The screens showed a catatonic patient staring out of the window of his hospital room.

"PDD," Scott continued, "is something commonly seen in wartimes when Telepaths were used primary communication. Telepaths were called 'Radios' back then in which they served as transmitters and receivers of battle orders and telepathically linked units together. However, many Radios succumbed to PDD alongside PTSD when they were burdened with too many minds to juggle and could not keep their own conscience separate.

"However, Radios could always cause PDD to those connected to them. When a Telepath goes through a telepathic breakdown, they can implode or explode. An implosion means the Telepath themselves succumbs to PDD and all links they had set up simply cease. But an explosion means the Telepath cannot control their power and everyone connected to them will feel the weight of the overload."

A hand went up and a question was asked. "If it's that serious, how many soldiers were diagnosed with PDD? And why did they keep using Telepaths if they could be that dangerous?"

Scott smiled. "Excellent question. Telepaths causing and enduring PDD were taken into consideration when the Magic Council banned guilds from participating in wars. Prior to that, Radios on the threat of ePDD—with the little 'e' being for explosive—or iPDD—with the little 'i' being implosive—couldn't be recognized as which type would happen. Because Telepathy was still under-researched at the time, Radios who caused ePDD were often given capital punishment. Radios with iPDD had slightly better options, but capital punishment could be enabled depending on the highest-ranking officer.

"As of today, the use of Radios is more for special ops teams that require virtual radio silence. Most militias have converted to using Communications Lacrima. And now that Telepathy is being closely studied, Telepaths who go to school for their craft learn preventative measures for PDD in both causing it and having it. And we have better treatments in place for PDD, but it could still take years for a diagnosed patient to regain fifty percent of cognitive function."

Luna typed down as much as she could of Scott's speech. Did you know about this, Icarus?

I am aware Telepathy and Empathy can be overused, yes, but I did not know the clinical terms for it, Icarus supplied. It is why I am careful in training your empathic and telepathic prowess and learning how to control the connection. Outbursts are possible, but you should know when you are about to experience an outburst so you can cease all connections with anyone else. As you are now, I can handle the psychic feedback. But a weaker mind would crumble.

I see. Luna considered that. Mister Rocko must know all about this too. I'll have to ask him about this. She licked her lips. I'm getting a little hungry… Icarus?

As you wish. Icarus poofed back with his key gleaming.

Akamu raised an eyebrow as Luna quietly got up. "Going somewhere?"

"To get a snack," Luna whispered. "I'll be right back." She crept over to the door and made sure to open and close the door with caution. I know there were vending machines close by…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

GORO-GORO!

Luna picked her pretzel pizza rolls from the vending machine, her arms already fitted with jerky for Icarus. I knew I should've double-checked if I packed any snacks, but…

"Are you sure you have snacks in your bag?" Chibi-Silver had pressed. "I know how your stomach gets. You turn into a bloodhound for food when you're hungry. Did you double-check?"

Luna huffed. I could've sworn I did! A dreary aura overcame her as she turned around to leave. But I'm not telling him I actually didn't check. He'll never let it go.

Last night came to mind seeing Ena and Silver in the water. This trip is already turning out to be amazing. Kapa and Holland's troupe came to mind. I can't believe God Slayers exist. Miss Kapa seemed really nice. But this Rai-person doesn't seem like a good God Slayer. I wonder what he actually wants. And if there were five gods of Caelum, there are three God Slayers left. So I'm curious…

Chocolates sparkled in thought. Where are the other three? And if they awaken their powers, how will they be protected from the Custodians who want them dead? She sighed as she rounded the corner. "Just another mystery—Gah!"

PLUNK!

Food spilled onto the ground.

Luna shook her head. "Ouch…"

"A-Are you okay?" came timid question.

"Uh, yeah." Luna dusted herself off. "I'm fine. Are you okay? I'm so sorry for running into you. I should've looked where I was…" She looked up and her eyes widened. "Wow… You're really beautiful."

"Ah…" His appearance looked like a rare beauty with his lavender hair loosely tied into a carefree side ponytail. Burnt skin and shy amber eyes accompanied him with curled lashes and his youthful appearance contributed to his androgynous look. The white coat and his badge stated he had importance in the center. "Um…" He scratched his cheek with a finger. "Thank you."

⌜PALAKIKO MEDICAL CENTER

Name: Aloha Elion

Age: 31

Occupation: Trauma Surgeon

Likes: manhua Dislikes: being the center of attention

Special Note: Aloha's name comes from the Caelun word 'Aloha', which has a rich history as it means "hello", "goodbye", and "to live in harmony"!⌟

Luna flushed. "Sorry! I promise that was a compliment!" She stuck out her hand. "I'm Luna. I'm here for the lecture. It's nice to meet you, doctor."

"Oh. I'm not a doctor." But Aloha daintily shook her hand as though she would break. "I'm a surgeon. My name is Aloha. It's nice to meet you too."

"A surgeon?" Luna gaped. "Oh, wow! That's really cool!"

Now Aloha flushed, his ambers falling to the side as he mumbled, "It's not that cool."

"I think it is!" Luna insisted earnestly. "You get to save people every day! You're like a hero!"

Aloha blinked. Me? A 'hero'? He looked at his hands, stare dejected. No. More like I'm cursed.

"Anyway, sorry to bump into you," Luna laughed. "Let me just get my snacks and I…" She trailed off when she realized what had all fallen onto the ground. Aloha's sandwich no longer stayed its wrapped protection and had touched the tile.

Silence.

A dreary aura loomed over Luna as she raised a finger. "I'll…buy you another one."

°•°•°•°

To the medical campus' credit, it offered plenty of places for residents, attending, and administrators of the like to have a place to tuck in their food. The cafeteria always served as the busiest place on campus no matter which building you were in, but terraces and little benches had been built if someone wanted a quieter place for their meal. A few residents had come out onto the lawn to sneak in a quick game of hacky-sack while they finished their meals. A couple of surgical technicians begrudged having to cover lunches of others in their field.

Luna and Aloha had claimed a bench in the shade to eat, and she found her sandwich a much better alternative to her pizza rolls.

"This is good!" A flowery aura burst around Luna as she was near finished with his sandwich. "There's nothing like good food to make your day even better!"

Aloha hummed his agreement as he was more conscientious of each of his bites.

Luna looked up at him. "What made you want to become a surgeon, if you don't mind me asking?" Wait. Why is this scenario familiar? Lightning hit her as she remembered meeting Addy and making his ice cream fall. I need to be a lot more careful with where I walk or else I'll spend all my money buying people food.

"Why I became a surgeon?" Aloha repeated, thinking the question over. Ambers darkened. I could tell her the truth, but I doubt she'd believe me. She's only a child. I shouldn't scare her.

"You won't scare me."

Aloha looked at Luna, wide-eyed. "You read my mind?"

"No, no, I didn't!" Luna swore. "But, um, well…" She awkwardly smiled as she looked at her sandwich. "Your emotions were sort of loud. I didn't mean to read them or anything."

"Oh. It's okay," Aloha told her. Curiosity bore him as he truly observed her. She read my emotions so clearly, though. How peculiar. He sighed as he put down his sandwich. "If you promise not to get scared."

Luna gave him a serious nod. "Nn. I promise."

Aloha looked at his fisted hands. "When I was born…I was Cursed."

That surprised Luna. What? He's Cursed? But… I don't feel a Curse from him.

"Everyone around me… It seemed like I was destined to see them die no matter what," Aloha confessed. "All around me, I'd always find people or animals or plants dying." His knuckles paled, strained. "I was Cursed to always see death. And maybe…I was the cause of it." Even my own parents, I…

He pushed back the memory of flames and smoke and ash. "Being a trauma surgeon lets me help people in critical condition. I can stop them from dying. Or at least…I can help make their deaths stop being so painful." His hands opened and he looked at his smooth palms. But still, I don't want to keep being Cursed. I just… I just want to find a way so people can live around me.

"I don't think you're Cursed."

Aloha sighed. I knew she wouldn't believe me. "You're a child. I know you wouldn't understand—"

"No, I understand everything you said," Luna negated. "But I still don't think you're Cursed."

Aloha looked away. "You barely know me. You don't know anything." Ambers glinted. What would an innocent child know about Curses? She doesn't know what I've done. No one does.

"But…I know that you're really sad about your parents."

Ambers widened. How did she…?

Luna looked despairingly at her lap. "I know it still makes you said now," she murmured. "I know you really want to help people…and that you think that if you can keep people living, then you won't be sad anymore. But…" Chocolates burdened with melancholy. "We can't heal everyone. It's sad that we can't, but… If we only respect life and hate death, then can we say we ever respected life at all?"

Aloha stayed quiet.

"I get it," Luna continued. "There's someone I love very much. And seeing her die… I don't think I could bear it. I'd do anything to make sure she kept living." She remembered the never-ending loop of Nashi's demise. I don't want Nashi to die. I just…want her to live. She clutched her shorts. But I…

DRIP…

DROP…

"I still don't know what I'll do if she dies. But I…" Luna locked her jaw as a few tears cut her cheek. "I'm going to do everything I can so she can live. And so she doesn't have to feel pain again. So when it's time for her to go, at least"—more tears crowded her face, but she met Aloha's stare with a pained smile—"she'll have had a happy life."

Ambers sparkled. She…

Luna blinked when a hand rested on her head. Aloha offered her a soft look. "You're a little too young to make such sacrifices," he told her. "And I'm sure it's not the person's wish for you to give up your happiness for them. Why don't you try living a happy life too? That way, when the time comes, she also knows you lived a good life. And she can leave with no regrets."

Browns sparkled before they watered.

Aloha panicked when Luna kept crying. "Or not! Y'know, you don't have to listen to me! Please don't cry! I'm not really good with crying people!"

Luna wiped her eyes with her arm. "But what about you?"

Aloha blinked twice and pointed at himself. "Me?"

"Yeah." Luna sniffled. "You should live a good life too. So you don't worry everyone who cares about you too. Even if they're gone, they'll still worry about you." Visions of Meira and Faven came before her. "So you should have a happy life. So they know they left with no regrets too."

This girl… Aloha huffed a quiet laugh. "Yes." He looked up at the blue sky with glossy eyes. "I need to live a happy life too."

Behind one of the outdoor pillars close by Aloha and Luna, Akamu leaned against it with his arms crossed. I see. How sentimental. He looked at the vial he kept in his coat. Sorry, sweetheart. As cute and emotional as you are—tawnies flickered as Akamu pushed off the pillar—this doesn't change anything for me.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Of course an airfreight company would have a floating building.

It was not that all of the building floated. Its large campus had ports and hangers to welcome and deliver shipments from their airships and Sky Freights, depending. Most of the workers, labor or administrative, worked in buildings connected to the Paradise. Upper management, however, had the privilege of working in a levitating tesseract with two elevators to get to it. Most of the offices had large windows, though some made sure their windows were one-sided while others did not mind the lack of privacy in exchange for a breath-taking view.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Sky Adze Express Corporation—also shortened to SA Express—a multinational shipping & receiving and supply chain management company, which also focuses on e-commerce and business services. In fact, most mailing systems and e-commerce businesses like eBuy, Amazone, and Maker's Market contracted Sky Adze for order fulfillment. Under Rai's leadership, as of two years ago, Sky Adze became the largest courier company internationally by revenue alone and still holds that title today! »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

DING!

Ena and Silver departed from the elevator to enter reception. Marble christened the walls with vinyl on the floor. Ena immediately went to one of the secretaries with Silver glancing around, muscles bunched beneath his business wear.

I can tell he's close, Silver growled. I don't like it.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Sky Adze Corporation

Lāna'i City, Fa'atiu's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

2:30 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena saw Silver's tension and whispered, "Keep calm. We have a half-an-hour until the meeting starts and this secretary is taking us to where we can wait." She skittered away when Silver reached for her. "Not here."

Silver swallowed his growl for a pout. "But…"

"It isn't professional," Ena hissed under her breath before smiling at the secretary.

Silver kept his argument to himself as he followed after both women through the corridors. She's right. I don't want to mess this up for her. Assistants don't hold their boss's hand. But… The stir in his chest made him twitchy. I can't calm down. At least around Kapa, I eventually calmed down. She seemed decent enough. But I don't know what Rai is going to pull this time.

"The gods abandoned this world," Silver remembered Holland explaining. "But in doing so, they passed on pieces of their spirits into a generation who could fight in their war. Taema is Kapa's spiritual mother."

A 'spiritual mother', Silver echoed. So then…

Blues as deep as the ocean. 'My son.'

He clenched his jaw. No. That's not possible. I have a dad and he loves me. It's that woman. She's putting things into my head. And he tried to dismiss that niggle of doubt in his stomach.

The secretary passed them off to a quiet hallway. Large black oak doors would open when one of the secretaries or assistants came out for their meeting time slot, and water and tea were available at any given time. With no one else in the hall, Ena and Silver chose one of the waiting couches. Between the pair of them, they had Ena's L-Pad, a backup charger, a leather-bound folder containing the negotiation terms just in case the electronic version failed, and pens.

With Ena's hair up today, she fiddled with her lace gloves as she crossed one calk under the other. This is like any other negotiation meeting. I have not lost one negotiation yet. I will stay calm. I will stay collected.

More relaxed, her shoulders slumped. "Now then." She turned to Silver. "How are you—?" Her eyes widened seeing the way Silver's teeth were bared and the look on his face. His eyes… Hesitantly, she touched his arm. "Silver?"

Silver went rigid. The stir in his chest burned him alive under Ena's touch with Nature goading him. "Mistress," he gritted, "don't touch me."

Ena took away her hand, not at all hurt. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? If you're more comfortable to stay outside—"

"No." Silver winced at how throaty his rejection sounded. It pained him to soften his voice when he could feel his own water heat beneath his flesh. "N-No. I can do this." Calm down. Just keep calm. But his mantra and his breathing refuse to quell instinct. He blurted, "I need to smell you."

That made Ena's eyebrows go up. "Excuse me?"

"I-I-I…!" His head throbbed and he grimaced under the pain. No, no, no, stay calm. But even as much as he wanted to, instinct appealed to him. Reptilian blues focused on the doors. Nature whispered in his ear.

Take out the threat.

"He called you a 'pet," Silver got out, half-human and half-snarling.

Ena rapidly looked around when she saw the complimentary fish tanks and vases for fresh flowers had gone into a tizzy. Worry filled her. His powers… He's losing control of them. Turning to Silver, she struggled for a solution. But what do I do? What do I…? The idea was not all that pleasant, but if it worked…

Silver could feel War rise—

Sweetness hit his nose.

The stir paused.

Silver froze when Ena had embraced him into her shoulder. What?

"You said you needed to…smell me," Ena said stiffly. "I am hoping you were right and this is calming you down." It made her skin tingle feeling his deep inhales, but she bore the oddity of it. "There, now. Please be calm."

It worked like a charm, and Silver was too focused on breathing to acknowledge any embarrassment or shame. The more he inhaled her scent, all his anger and need for blood lessened until nonexistence.

Ena could feel Silver relaxing and felt she could breathe easily again. "There. That should do the trick." She started withdrawing. "Do you—? Oh!" It did not occur to her he would latch onto her person and hold her still. "Silver, this is highly unprofessional." She grabbed his arms—

Her entire body locked down when she felt sharpness press against her neck.

A tense silence spilled between them, high heartbeats, shallow breaths, and no words.

Silver pulled away first with a twisted look of remorse and agony on his face. "I'm sorry. I-I…"

"It's fine," Ena hushed him as she tried to hide the shake of her hands. "Don't worry about it. Just…focus on keeping calm for the meeting. I understand Rai harassed us the other day, but we can't let him get to us today, all right?"

"Right." Silver could not look at her. I can't tell her that's the only reason I'm on edge. I made Lulu promise not to tell about why God Slayers bothered me so much. I just… I just need to control this.

"You have no control." The water woman's words. "Come home, Silver. Before it's too late. Before you hurt someone."

Silver's jaw ticked. I won't hurt anyone. I won't. I can control this.

Silence ticked on between the pair with Silver brooding and Ena trying to remain unaffected. But as easy as it was to school her features into nonchalance, she could not help her internal strife.

He wanted to smell me? she repeated, bewildered. Why? This isn't the first time I thought he was doing so, but it's the first time he outright asked and confirmed it. And him trying to bite me…

None of this made sense. What's going on with him? I want to ask, but… She spared him a glance. I don't want to press him. It's his right to share with me what he's going through. But… Her fingers touched the place between her shoulder and neck. He's a Water Mage. Since when do Water Mages act like this when they're out of control?

Each to their own thoughts, the quiet widened. Neither looked at the other. Neither wanted to look at each other. All they wanted to do was wait.

CLICK!

The grand doors opened. The board members filed out with their assistants. None gave Ena and Silver a passing glance, and that was fine. They talked amongst themselves about plans as their assistants went over the approved minutes.

Kalua was the last to file out as he held the door open. "This way, Miss Fernandes. The chairman is ready for negotiations."

"Thank you." Ena rose with Silver trailing after her.

The board conference room looked nothing out of the ordinary with a long table, comfortable black chairs, a DAL, and the back wall a window to show the pedaling clouds. Lemon water was already out and provided for both parties.

A wolfish grin. "It's so nice to see you again, Mistress." Rai cleaned up nicely in his bespoke suit, though he chose to have the top few buttons undone to show his chest. He leaned back in his chair at the head of the table like he had time to waste and nowhere to be. He winked at Silver. "And you brought your beast with you." He blew a kiss with a chu.

Inwardly, Silver raged with his water tentacles. This idiot!

Ena told Rai, "Let's not beat around the bush." Chin down and eyes steeled, she said, "I'm sure you're aware we know who and what you are, Mister Kalupe."

"Kapa told me." Rai kept his eyes on Ena and Silver. He let out a deep breath. "I had known the little beastie would be going to Kapa's show."

Ena took a step when Silver pulled out her chair at the other end of the table. "But you have faith we won't reveal your secret," she affirmed. "No one would believe us if we ran rampant and spoke about God Slayers. Or rather"—her hands clasped on the table—"it's the fear that dangerous people would believe us and come for you."

Rai chuckled. "You're such a smart pet. Tell me something, Silver." He leaned forward with a deep sigh, his cheek on his propped knuckles. "How did you get such an intelligent one? All my pets are such delicate creatures. But I like yours."

Silver did everything he could to keep his powers in check. "Watch your mouth, Little God," he growled. "Don't talk about my mistress in such a vulgar manner."

"Oh?" Rai's grin broadened. "Showing your fangs now, Little Prince? How adorable." His eyes glinted in ugly mischief. "Does your pet know your little secret?"

A snarl raged in Silver's throat.

"Mister Kalupe," Ena called, stern. "I would appreciate it if you did not antagonize my assistant. And as such, I will ensure he does not antagonize you any further and apologize on his behalf for his bad manners."

Rai winked at her. "Apologies accepted, Mistress."

Silver bristled and inwardly, Chibi-Silver flipped a table. Why does he have to piss me off so much!

Rai looked between the two after a deep exhale. Kapa was right. It looks like the Little Prince is honest with that rare friend of his. But he keeps his pet in the dark. She didn't smell offensive the last time we met. But the air wreaks of his stench overpowering hers. If he was an adult, I'd tease him more about marking his little pet.

His lips tugged in a frown as dark browns hardened. But he's nothing more than an uncontrolled beast. And I can't let that slide after all my hard work.

CLAP!

Rai beamed. "Now then! Shall we get to the semantics and negotiations, Mistress? Normally, the negotiation delegation would meet with you, but I pulled every string I could to be the sole negotiator on this venture? Aren't you lucky, Mistress?"

TICK!

Ena ignored Silver silently fuming. This is going to be a long meeting. She opened her tablet and primly consented, "I consider it an honor to meet with you. Let us begin our negotiations." With a flick of her fingers, the contract was sent to Rai's tablet and projected between them on a holographic screen. "As you can see, I have offered that…"

It was not that Silver wanted to zone out from the logistics, but his eyes strayed to Kalua and how he stood a little diagonally to Rai. I don't understand. Holland and Kapa said Kalua meant to kill Rai. And the bastard is annoying. So what stopped him from killing Rai? Isn't he a bitter Custodian? So why willingly work with him? And…

His nose twitched. Brow furrowing, he tried to take an inconspicuous deep smell. What the Hell is that smell?

Ena continued listing out the terms of the control, but a bout of dizziness hit her. Ugh… My head… Trying to blink away the strain, she pressed on like nothing was wrong. Maybe I'm a little dehydrated is all. I just need to get through this part, then I'll take a sip.

Rai let out another deep exhale.

Ena lazily blinked when a haze clouded her mind. Her mouth moved, of course, but she felt detached from her own words. A fog had been put up between her mind and body. What…is happening to me? Am I poisoned? Her powers felt too far to reach from. My Magic… I need to…enchant myself… It took work for her body to listen when she turned her head to Silver. I need to warn him.

LUB-DUB.

Her hand clenched as heat burdened her chest. My body… It feels like it's on fire.

Rai exhaled again.

A heated breath left Ena as hooded eyes focused on Silver. Why is my heart like this? I feel…

Her pupils dilated.

The scent irritated his nose, but he knew better than scratch at it and shake his head. Ugh… This is so gross. What the Hell is this—? A new scent hit his nose, pleasant and thickly sweet. What the—?

"Silver?"

He peered down at Ena, bewildered as all get out seeing the blush on her face and her hooded gaze. Is she okay? He inhaled deeply. She smells so…sweet. He came forward, leaned down, and whispered, "Mistress, what's wrong?" But the more he took in her scent, the more his power fizzled.

The stir in his chest vibrated.

"Something's not right," Ena panted. Her fingers slipped onto his cheek. I… I just… I can't think. Her stare flickered to his lips. I just want…

Rai puffed a steamed breath.

Silver took a shaky inhale. The intoxicating scent messing with his head goaded him for more, but he did everything to stay in control. "M-Mistress, you—Mmmph!" Eyes wide, he froze when something he never thought would happen could happen.

Ena was kissing him.

The shock of her lips quieted everything within him. Her warmth, her scent, her touch—it made every part of him blank.

His pupils went to slits.

His returning kiss was less gentle and shy as it was inexperienced and rough. First kisses with any person always went this way. The awkward workarounds to understand what your partner liked and disliked. The uncertainties of the kiss being good or not. Not knowing when to break away and when to stay. Balancing coming up for air and drowning in each other.

But they were learning together.

Ena might have been bolder for the sudden initiation, but she was softer compared to Silver's aggressiveness. They fumbled through the first two kisses with noses slightly bumping before reassessing and evening out the next one and perfecting the next one. The little noise Ena whimpered forced Silver to grip her chair.

Interest, the wisps of Nature mocked him and pressed upon instinct. That was what the stir tried to warn him. The potent Scent of Interest could not be ignored as they both pulled away with steamy puffs and stung lips between them. His fangs felt heavy in his mouth, and every part of him simmered when Ena touched his chest.

A deep frown. "How disappointing."

A feral snarl let loose as Silver turned the War in his blues onto an impassive Rai.

"It makes sense why a dog humps a bitch in heat. It doesn't know any better." Rai tilted his head. "But for a little prince like you, it's disappointing you'd give in to such cheap tactics around your pet."

Silver rooted around for his human language and thundered, "What the Hell are you talking about?"

"Silver," Ena breathed, her hand sliding up his neck.

Instinct coerced him to turn his attention to her. That sweetness tempted him, enthralled him, and an involuntary purr vibrated his chest. More of Ena's tender touches made his priorities shift—

Rai gave a deep sigh.

An unpleasant scent hit Silver's nose, but before he could snap, horror overtook him when an unconscious Ena fell against him. "Mistress?" He held her up with careful hands, but she did not respond. "Mistress!" A killer's glare speared Rai and Silver could not keep out the Wild from his voice. "What the fuck did you do to my mistress?"

"Relax, beastie. She'll wake up when I allow her to." Rai conjured a ball of tussling zephyrs in one palm. "You should know by now I'm a Sky God Slayer. My God Father is none other than Fa'atiu, the god of wind and storm. And as much as he was worshipped for helping with agriculture and managing the weather, he was a selfish god. Wouldn't you say so, Kalua?"

Kalua remained silent.

Rai continued: "Fa'atiu could create winds for the sails and rain for crops. But he also"—he clenched his hand—"could use his powers to manipulate whoever he wanted, as long as they inhaled his wind. It's no wonder my father had a harem of lovers. With one breath, he could make someone mindlessly in love with him. And with another, he could force them to kill each other for the right to his bed."

He laid his arm across the table. "It's funny. I've never had to resort to such tactics to fill my bed. I can use my wind to make people more susceptible to my ideas. And here your pet is, so easily succumbing to my breath to the point where she grew so desperate for you. Aren't you lucky?"

"Wake her up," Silver demanded. "Wake her up right now!"

Rai's expression narrowed a pinch. "I don't think you understand the position you're in."

Silver blinked as he took in the serious intent in Rai's eyes. This asshole… His whole aura is different now.

"You see, the Gods were much more careful, barring a few of the crazier ones," Rai told him. "Unlike your kind, we weren't animals—mostly, anyway. But do you want to know the reason the Gods mocked you and your kind?" Dark browns turned molten. "Because beasts like you could be so astute one moment…and uncivilized animals the next."

Holland's words haunted Silver. "You never know when it comes to an unpredicted beast. One moment, it barks at ya. And the next…it bites."

"Your forefathers weren't as lustful as they were aggressive savages," Rai continued. "Lucky for us, the breeding cycle for them was scarce and limited. It was more common for beasts to quickly rise to anger than anything. But as you know now, the times have changed. You're not just your ancestors. You're also a human with needs. And growing up, you'll be hit with a lot of emotions. If you were solely human, it wouldn't be a concern. But you're part beast. Which means your emotions are amplified to unspeakable measures."

His stare sharpened. "Such as turning into animal instinct."

"That's not true," Silver barked. "That's not—!"

"So all that growling was you, then?"

Silver grew taken aback.

Rai pressed, "All that scenting and purring—that was you?" He did not wait for Silver to find an answer. "Face it, little prince. Without proper training, you're becoming an unstable animal. And your little pet will suffer the consequences if you let your emotions get the best of you."

It was not that Silver did not want to argue; it was that denying Rai's words felt more and more difficult. "Why do you care?" he snapped scathingly. "You were fine enough to piss me off before. Why care about me now?"

"On a personal level, I don't care about you or your pet," Rai made clear. "But on a different level, let's just say I have certain stakes in place. And I won't let an untamed beast and his little pet ruin the work I've built." He lifted his chin. "Let's call this a warning. You need to learn to control your powers before you do irreparable damage to your pet and those around you."

Silver gritted his teeth. "I have control—"

"You had no control when your pet couldn't get enough of you thanks to me."

Silver stilled.

No triumph or victory flashed through Rai. He leaned forward and made sure his point was hit home. "Had I not put her to sleep, I wonder how far your instincts would have let you go?" he challenged. "You think you would have stopped at innocent kissing? Don't fool yourself. You would have succumbed to something unfathomable—and your pet wouldn't have cared until it was over."

Silver's jaw twinged. "Stop."

"I know all about your kind's purring and scenting. Tell me, little prince, when your pet realized the position you put her in, would you have manipulated her to keep calm?" Rai accused. "If another person touched her, would you have enough self-control not to lash out?"

Silver closed his eyes. "Stop it."

"And if someone attacks her, how will you take defense?" Rai pressed on. "Would you be able to restrain yourself?" Darkness shadowed his face. "Or would you tear them apart without a hint of remorse because it's in your Nature?"

Savant Hall flooded back Silver without his permission. The undulated rage that frothed within him. The shrieks of those cloaked men as their skin broke out in boils while they foamed at the mouth—

He could not take this. A water whip burst around his arm. "I said enough!" His whip lashed—

Kalua's eyes opened.

SLICE!

The water whip sliced clean apart with nothing more than air.

Dark browns remained unshaken.

Mayan blues glowed with War.

Sky blues around pink pupils looked blank.

"You are unstable," Rai stated. Not a bold-faced accusation or a dramatic whimper. A cold statement. "As you are now, you won't be given a choice of whether you want control or not. As you are now, you will become a beast." Elbows propped, he clasped his hands before his mouth. "These are things I can't afford a child like you committing. Not for everything I worked for. I'm sure your parent can teach you. There's no need to drag this on."

Wind swirled around Rai. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be. If you don't make a choice, I guarantee you will hurt everyone around you, starting with the pet in your arms."

Silver growled. He's lying. I can control this. I can. "I don't have to trust a word you say."

"You're right. You don't have to trust a thing," Rai agreed. "But now, you've tasted your pet. You felt her respond, didn't you? You felt her passion for you—"

"Because you made her—!"

"And you'll remember every moment of it," Rai went on like he was not interrupted. "It's not hard to tell how much you want your little pet. I'm curious. Will one taste satisfy you? Or will you try for more?"

"I would never do that!" Silver snapped back. "Not if she doesn't want it—!"

"But she didn't want it now, did she?"

That gutted Silver.

"You could smell something was wrong—don't deny it," Rai remarked. "And still, when she gave you an opportunity that wasn't of her own will, you fell for it like you had been lurking for an opportunity. I could see it in those dangerous eyes of yours. Maybe the human side of you has genuine intentions. But that beastly side of you… It's waiting for your pet to show weakness so you can have her."

"I-I…!" Sickness spread through Silver's body and made him want to gag. No… No, no, no, no, no, I didn't… I wouldn't… No… "No," he whispered. "No, that's… That's not true…"

Rai watched the hysteria mount Silver's features. So, he still has his humanity left in him. He isn't too forgone. If he was, he would have kept growling at me. So it looks like he still has time left before he can't hold himself together. His eyes flicked to Kalua.

Kalua slightly bowed his head and walked.

Rai sat back in his chair. "Look. I have no interest in how you and your little pet maintain your relationship. But if you make trouble for me while in Caelum"—murderous intent consumed his stare—"then I don't care who or what you are. I won't play nice anymore. And you'll understand why our kinds never got along."

The threat hit Silver and made him curl around Ena, but his snarl increased when Kalua came close. "Get away from us!"

"Relax," Rai sighed. "Kalua will wake her up. She'll have no memory of what happened. In fact, it'll feel like she just sat down. But you'll still have the memory of your pet desperate for you, little prince. Consider this my little gift to you. You now have a taste of the forbidden fruit of Eden." His lips twitched unto a smirk. "I wonder how long it will take you until you need a second taste?"

Silver restrained himself as he looked down at Ena. What did I do? I just… No. There's no excuse. She was being manipulated and I… I still kissed her. Self-loathing churned his stomach. Maybe I am just a filthy beast. He righted Ena in her chair before letting her go. Nodding to Kalua, he rasped, "Do it."

Kalua waved his hand once over Ena's face before stepping back.

All three men waited.

Ena gasped awake, confused and alert. "What…?" She grabbed the table to ground herself. "What the…?" What happened to me? I remember starting the negotiation and then…nothing.

CLAP!

Kalua slipped back to the other end of the room while Rai beamed. "Are we ready to continue this conversation, Miss Fernandes?"

"I…" Ena cleared her throat, slipping back into her cool mask. "Yes. Yes, Mister Kalupe. I apologize for the inconvenience." She straightened her tablet. "Where were we?"

Her automatic glance back at Silver gave her pause seeing pain on his face. What's wrong with him? Brushing it off, she went for the contract. "Listed in the offer, the House of E includes…"

And Silver could not listen to a thing with his eyes to the floor and self-hatred piercing his heart.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Well, I think that covers it." Rai put down on his tablet with his electronic signature and the date confirmed. "I think this is the start of a beneficial relationship, Miss Fernandes. Normally, negotiations take three days. I'm impressed with your offer and your terms are agreeable."

"I try to consider the long-term effects of any partnership." Ena stood up and met Rai in the middle for a firm handshake. "The House of E thanks you for your cooperation and generosity, Mister Kalupe."

Rai smiled, but his gaze flicked to Silver. I hope he took my words seriously. I won't have a savage like him ruin what I have worked towards. "I see your assistant reserved for your partner to come to Ao's Grand Luau at the end of this week," he mentioned. "Why don't you join me? I normally attend as a representative for Sky Adze. I'm sure I could introduce you and have you shake a few hands with the right people."

"I'd be honored and appreciative," Ena told him. "Your generosity knows no bounds."

"No." Rai watched Silver tense. "It truly doesn't." He took back his hand, but he guided the duo out of the conference room with Kalua following. "May I ask what other plans you have for Caelum?"

"Tomorrow, Silver's planned for us to visit the mainland," Ena told. "We'll be going to one of the conservatory stables to be fitted with a horse and take up one of the nature trails. I'm excited."

"An equestrian tour of Big Island—how fun!" Rai pouted. "I miss the days I had such free time. Kalua—"

"Your schedule is full for the week with locked-in meeting times, sir," Kalua regarded.

Rai made a moue. "Boo. You never let me have any fun."

As they came to the elevators, Rai pressed the button before stepping back. "Thank you for traveling all this way for our negotiations, Miss Fernandes. I hope the international launch of your boutiques fares you well. I'm sure you have not even reached half of your potential."

"Thank you. That's kind of you to say." Ena glanced at Silver, perturbed. Why is he so silent?

DING!

The elevator opened up.

Silver boarded and held the door open when Ena lingered. She managed a respectful nod at Rai and Kalupe. "I hope both of you gentlemen enjoy your week and we'll see you at the luau."

"Enjoy your holiday, Miss Fernandes." Rai locked eyes with Silver. "You as well, Prince of the Sea."

Silver looked away as Ena got in.

And the doors shut.

Ena could not take the silence anymore. "Silver, what's wrong?" But when he could not answer, she touched his cheek, "Silver—"

"Don't." Silver squeezed his eyes shut. "Please. Just…don't." I don't deserve you being nice and worried about me. Not like this. Not after all of this. He hated how much he caved when Ena came closer. "Mistress—"

"I won't ask questions," Ena soothed as she stroked his arm. "I can just be here, all right?" She clasped her hand to his. "Is that okay?"

"I…!" Silver had a mix of what to say. No, you shouldn't touch me. Not after I can still feel how soft your lips are. Not after I couldn't control myself. Not after I crossed your boundaries. You should run away from me. He had meant to say it. He worked himself up to say it. But all his hard words crumbled when Ena kissed his cheek and all he could remember was how soft and pliant she had felt against him.

He could not help his disgust. And it furthered even more when all his resolve weakened because he was starved for more. More of her touch. More of her taste. "Yeah." He tightened his grip on her. Weak. He was weak. He was disgusting and weak and selfish. But…he wanted a little more. Just a little more. "Okay."

°•°•°•°

The chairman of the board had one of the larger offices as a perk, but Rai was meticulous in all he kept in his office. The entire back wall was nothing more than a one-sided window with modern interior design through. No personal touches ever crossed into his office. He did not have the time to muse on the past. He went to the window with his hands behind his back and looked down below.

Kalua stayed standing as he busied himself.

Blue crossed Rai's eyes like reticles. His vision zoomed to see when Ena and Silver exited the main building. How annoying. I had heard rumors about one of those things—the Dragon Prince reborn as the Phoenix Dragon. But upon further investigation, as powerful as he is, I couldn't use him. He would've killed me on the spot. But this one…

He watched as a Sky Taxi came for the duo. I can use this little weak prince if he learns control. And his pet… She truly is unique. I heard she caused trouble for the Holy Eye. As the Enchantress, I'm sure they're desperate to recruit her.

The blue reticles in his eyes faded. But I'm more interested in the third they brought along. Yes. She's all I need to find Baracles' God Son. His hands clenched. If he's just like his father, I can't kill him. But if I can get on his good side, then I can stay alive and survive what's to come.

He felt Kalua help him out of his blazer. "Kalua, what did you think of the beast and his pet?"

"He's young," Kalua remarked as he hung Rai's blazer on a hanger. "But she seems too sharp for her own good."

"Yet she remains oblivious which one of them is truly the master between them," Rai mused. How foolish of him. He craves to please her and be subservient. But a beast is still a beast. And sooner or later, he'll give in to his nature. His hand reached to grab Kalua's chin.

Kalua remained unbothered. "Sir?"

Rai glanced at the Custodian with his thumb crazing Kalua's bottom lip. "We need to find the other three God Slayers. Have you made any progress?" He blew in Kalua's face.

Kalua inhaled deeply. "No. Neither three are close to awakening. But I will continue my search before the other Custodians have the chance."

"Good." Rai's gaze went half-mast. "I can only trust you, Kalua. Don't let me down."

His personal Com rang.

Rai dropped his hand. "Get the Com." He turned away to start unbuttoning his dress shirt. He could hear Kalua take the call. His hand held out and Kalua spilled the device into his calm. Needing not to glance at the contact name, he greeted, "You're impatient."

"You'll have to forgive me for it. But I've hit a bit of a wall and I could use your help."

"My help?" Rai allowed Kalua to help him remove his shirt. "You've received more than enough of it, haven't you? You're not the only one searching for something."

"My apologies. But this wall hinders both of our plans. You see… It looks like she doesn't trust me anymore. But it also looks like…she found one of your precious God Slayers like you hoped."

Rai stilled.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Elsewhere on Caelum…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The lecture might have been long over, but the masses still hung around campus with new friends, late lunches, and good conversation. He crossed his legs in his chair as he sat outside on one of the terraces for an outdoor café. A cereus blooming flower twisted between his thumb and finger.

He grinned. "Oh? Did my words not intrigue you enough to help me?"

"I find it hard to believe she found a God Slayer when my own Custodian hasn't sensed a thing."

"Perhaps his senses would be sharper if you weren't constantly possessing him to become your obedient little dog," he pointed out with a mock-guileless tone. "Here's the deal. I'll help you uncover the identity of this newest God Slayer if you help me."

"And how would I help you?"

"All I need you to do is to create a situation where she can rely on me again," he said like it were easy. "Create a situation where she feels helpless and is forced to remove her disguise. And that's where I will enter the stage." He smelled the trumpet-like petals. "I'll become her white knight and finally unmask Cinderella. Such a story deserves to be in theatre."

A long pause. "And if I don't?"

"Then you will continue to be unaware of the identity of the newest God Slayer. And as for our other agreement… I'll end it." Grayed yellows watched as the cereus flower. "The deal is off the table. And I'll walk away with nothing to lose and everything to gain."

Another long pause. "I understand. We'll discuss more later." And the call ended.

Tinkling laughter hit his ears and made him smile. My dearest cereus… So rare… So beautiful… How I have longed to watch you blossom. And yet, his hand moved to force his cereus blooming flower out into the sunlight. Within seconds, it wilted from the brilliant sun. You'll need to depend on me for survival if you want to blossom to your full potential.

The cereus huffed its last breath as its white petals were scarred into burnt orange.

Or else you'll wither and die.

---

Octavius should have been used to bringing work home with him at this point.

The sun hung low in the sky, desperate to see his hard-to-get lunar wife. Akane, however, was about to become the life of the party in a few hours. Akane Amusement Park, the resort, and the casino already had issues with overcrowding. What could they say? Akane Beach was a hotspot for tourists and natives to come for their spring break.

Octavius would give anything to hit the casino, but woe was him for having work to do in one of the studies.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Saturnus Palace

Akane Beach

Fiore, Ishgar

5:36 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Eros knew the value of knocking when it came to being a civil gentleman, but he never knocked for his own brother. He came into the study and looked dressed for a night on the town. "You're working."

Octavius shoved his Gale-Force glasses into his hair. "No rest for a weary Wizard," he supposed. "Not like I'm not used to pulling all-nighters."

Eros crossed his arms. "You came here to rest if I remember correctly."

"And I can do that later," Octavius shot back, leaning in his chair. "Where are you guys off to? The casino? You and Odie?" He grinned when Eros' expression pinched. "Aw, your little tail is coming with you."

"Sylvie is not my tail as much as she is an irritating child," Eros muttered. "Trissy had planned to go to the casino tonight to introduce Marinette to her friends. Odie and I thought it right to accompany them." A loathsome look crossed his face. "And Sylvie made it clear she would come with us or sneak into the casino and make a scene. How can Odette be related to her again?"

"Outside of basic biology and sex ed?" Octavius snickered at Eros' scowl. "I'm fucking with you. It's not like she can gamble anyway. Babysit her for an hour and she'll get bored enough to call a cab back here. And you and Det can go have your adult fun. Just be careful. Duke Alexandreux won't be so happy to hear about how his new duchess is in some gossip blog with her 'childhood friend'."

Eros long-sufferingly sighed. "You're as crass as ever." He opened the door. "Don't work too late."

"Yes, Commander," Octavius sassed back.

"I'm serious." Eros made sure his brother met his eyes. "Don't overwork yourself. You know Mom wouldn't want that."

The sting and grief of their mother's death made Octavius pause before he gave a ragged exhale. "Don't drag Mom into this. I won't overwork myself, all right? Go have fun and try not to spend your budget on gambling."

"I'll do my best," Eros said dryly.

"Here up, grandpa!" Sylvie yowled. "We're going to leave without you!"

Eros forced a sigh from his nose. I have to be nice to her because she's Odie's sister, he reminded himself as he left the study.

Octavius chuckled and put down his glasses to get back to his work. Scrolls and books levitated around him with his PAL opened up and a couple of Lacrima Screens holding scanned old literature. We're getting a lot busier. But that's not necessarily a good thing. We're lucky enough the Council protects us from all these stupid politics. But then again…

He stopped tying as he saw fatal words.

PROJECT: FACE

PROJECT: ETHERION

His features etched in shadows. The Magic Council has politics it'll drag us all into—and we'll have no choice. A knock came and stirred his curiosity. "Come on in."

Nora slipped inside. "I hope I'm not bothering you."

"Not at all." Octavius locked his PAL and screens before taking off his Gale-Force glasses. "What's up?" He took off his books from the stool he was using, so Nora could sit. "Didn't feel like going to a casino to not gamble?"

Nora winced as he sat down. "Sylvie…might be a lot, but I promise she'll be better."

"Hey, I'm all for her getting under Eros' skin," Octavius snickered. "If he's going to rule our dukedom, then he'll have to get used to all sorts of personalities, including ones that annoy him."

"I suppose." Nora took note of Octavius' materials. "Work for the Tower?"

Octavius messed with his unruly hair. "Yeah. Like I said, Ron being out on GMLA makes shit a lot more difficult. We're normally swamped with work to do, so it's nothing new."

Nora nodded. "And Mystogan… He's essential to the Tower of Learning?"

"As much as I don't want to say it, he is." Octavius cocked an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

Nora shifted. "I understand Mystogan is Ena's older brother, but she seldom speaks about him or her older sister. I could tell they're both sore subjects for her, so I was curious about your opinion."

"Ah. Aine." Octavius nodded to himself. "Ron doesn't speak much about family to us. Even in his own lab and study, I don't think he has any personal photos. Actually, he might have one, maybe, I think. But it's hazy. I know Aine is working to be an RN. I never had the pleasure to meet her, but from what I do know about her, she's sick."

"With that?"

Octavius shrugged. "I don't know. Never bothered to ask Ron since he gives us an even colder shoulder if we ask anything about his personal life. Geez." He puffed a cheek. "He's so stingy, y'know? I mean, he could at least be courteous, but even when the Supremes forced him into joining for team dinners, he acts like such a princess and sits away from everyone like he's better than us." I mean, he is, but he doesn't have to be so blatant about it!

"How did you know Ena was his sister?"

"Huh? Oh. He told me."

That surprised Nora. "He spoke about her?"

"A few times, yeah." Octavius did not see it as that big of a deal. "But it was a while ago. Like, way back when we first got promoted to specialists in the League."

• — • — • — • — •

"Hello? Are you listening?"

As a pre-teen and with a mother who took haircare seriously, Octavius' looked like a noble with his braided ponytail tied off with a bow and his sorcerous robes for his status in the League. He frowned over at Mystogan as he remained steady in his re-shelving.

"You're not listening to me at all!" Octavius accused.

"Because you don't have anything interesting to say," Mystogan muttered.

Octavius scowled and shook a fist. "I do too! You just don't want to listen to me!" He huffed and went back to his stack of books and scrolls. "Y'know, we're the youngest ones here. The least you could do is be a little friendly. It wouldn't kill you. I've been talking to you all week and you barely talk to me."

"Why should I?" Mystogan pushed a scroll into its proper place. "We aren't friends. At best, we're competition. And I don't make it a habit to speak to my competition. It's stupid."

TICK!

Octavius ground his teeth. 'This jerk!" He sniffed. "Fine! Be that way! I can give you the silent treatment too." And he moodily went back to his work.

Blissful silence spilled between them—

"You're really not going to tell me anything?"

Mystogan sighed. "What would you like to know?"

Octavius tapped his chin. "Like… Oh! What's your family like? Your mom is the Fairy Tail Guild Master and a dame, right? So what's your dad like?"

Mystogan paused.

"Is he a knight too?" Octavius assumed. "I heard about your dad from my dad. He sounds super cool—"

Mystogan's teeth gritted. "That man is not my father!"

Octavius was stunned into silence. It took him a few moments until his shoulders hunched and he mumbled, "Sorry." He turned back to his shelving and decided staying quiet would be in his best interest this time around.

"I have two sisters."

And just like that, Octavius whipped around, eager for more. "You do?"

"Yes." Mystogan's shoulders fell a bit. "I do." He put back another book.

Octavius pressed, "And? What are they like? My little sister is such a tomboy."

"Hm." Mystogan slowed in grabbed another book. "My one sister used to be like that. She's not so much anymore. She's very sick." A sadness carried in his words. "She's been sick for a while now." He reached for the book—

"And your other sister?"

Mystogan froze. "My…other sister?" He looked down at the book he selected. It was an older book with golden trimming. "She's…so small…and so weak. And she can't really take care of herself. It's annoying how helpless she is."

Octavius frowned. 'She must be a baby or something. But babies are supposed to be weak.'

"But…"

Octavius perked, hanging onto Mystogan's every word.

"She'll be strong one day." Mystogan clutched the book harder. "She has to be because…" He huffed. "This is ridiculous." He forced the book into the slot. "Get back to work. I won't be stuck reshelving because you decided to be a nuisance."

TICK!

Octavius growled. 'He really is a jerk!' "Fine!" he spat. "I don't want you to slow me down either!" And he angrily went back to his work.

• — • — • — • — •

Octavius waved a hand. "He was a right asshole but a smart one. Outside of that, he never spoke to her. But he did have her articles saved."

Nora did not understand. "What articles?"

"Like her interviews," Octavius explained. "He had them hidden in some false bottom in one of his desk drawers."

Nora raised an eyebrow. "How would you know what?"

Octavius froze before he turned away like a creaking robot, sweating. "I…may have broken into his office."

Nora sweatdropped. It is astounding he's called one of the brightest minds of the Tower.

"Well, anyway, he found out and nearly killed me," Octavius complained. "It's not like I was going to steal anything from him or anything. But he's so damn secretive all the time. I just wanted a peek since he's so stingy. And then he sicks all these spells on me! Who does that? He could've seriously killed me!"

You did break into his office, Nora pointed out. Tuning out Octavius' ranting, Nora dwelled within his thoughts. From what it sounds like, though, Ena has no close relations to her siblings. And it doesn't sound like her brother made any effort to get close to her. So why keep anything about her in his office? To keep tabs on her. But they're both in Fairy Tail. He could easily ask her.

Octavius crossed his arms. "I don't know. Circe told me Ron's not that great of a guy at home, or so her cousin Dazzler tells her. I guess even his own mom refused to acknowledge him, thanks to him being a dick. She said it might've been because Ron never interacted with Ena, but I'm not sure. It's not like it's my problem. And it's not like he'd let anyone get close enough to confirm anything."

"I see." Nora held his chin, contemplative. If it's true his own mother virtually disowned him due to maltreatment of Ena, then why would such a high-standing Wizard risk that? Is he that stuck in his ways? But why ignore Ena at all? She's accomplished, talented, dazzling—from my perspective, she's done nothing to earn someone's resentment. But I don't know her family dynamic.

He stood up. "Sorry to bother you."

"Don't worry about it," Octavius dismissed. "It was nice to take a break, anyway."

Nora nodded. "Don't work too hard."

Octavius chuckled. "Don't worry. I won't." He waited until Nora had left the study to slump into his chair.

Sorry, Nora. I'm sure you're curious for the sake of your lady friend. But this is something I can't tell you. He looked up at the ceiling, eyes hard. Oberon… I sure hope you know what you're doing. You better come home soon, you sorry bastard, before it's too late to fix this.

---

Tonight, Hura Park had gathered more people than before, but considering spring holiday was now in full swing, it made sense. Another Josean dance group had stroke up one of the squares for busking and danced to ALPHA X's What's Goin' On?. Large bands of tourists had come out to visit all the food trucks and talk about the memories they made on Caelum, but it was the couples to be wary of this time of night.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hura Park

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

8:25 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Some boys looked at Silver in envy. After all, he held hands with a fierce scarlet maiden and was arm-in-arm with a beautiful blonde.

"It wasn't like that!"

"L, we leave you alone for a few hours and already some grown man wants to be quote-unquote friends with you and you want me to not believe that it's a red flag?"

"You weren't even there!"

"I don't need to be there to know he was trying to lure you!"

Too bad he was caught in the middle of an argument.

Luna blew out her cheeks. "It wasn't a red flag! And Mister Aloha is really nice!"

"He is a creep," Ena put down. "What possessed you to share a meal with him?"

"I made him drop his food—!"

"L, it's called a scam!" Ena shook her head. "I don't what to do with you. What am I supposed to tell your parents? That you've been hanging around unknown grown men?"

Luna gave Ena a suspicious glare. "Why do you have to tell them anything? He wasn't creepy!"

"L, I understand you might think he's friendly, but please keep in mind how old he is—"

"Oh my gosh, I'm done talking about this." Luna let go of Silver's arm. "Icarus? Let's go." And she speed-walked away with Icarus trotting at her side.

Ena growled. "Luna Anna, we're not done talking about this!" She let go of Silver's hand and hurried to get to Luna's side.

Silver held vague amusement watching Ena laying it on thick about stranger danger with her hands moving like a Stellian and Luna's eye-rolling and mimicry. Maybe Lulu's right and Mistress does act like her mom sometimes. He shoved a hand in his pockets, exhaustion weighing him down. But his other hand touched his lips as the sweet memory of Ena's kisses flooded back. Even now, I can taste her.

Disgust nauseated him and wrenched his hand away from his lips. But…I know she wouldn't have kissed me. I know that. I knew something wasn't right, but… When she kissed me, I… His head lowered, distress and shame buzzing in his mind.

"And still, when she gave you an opportunity that wasn't of her own will, you fell for it like you had been lurking for an opportunity." Rai's dangerous words with a cold look in his eyes. "I could see it in those dangerous eyes of yours. Maybe the human side of you has genuine intentions. But that beastly side of you… It's waiting for your pet to show weakness so you can have her."

No. No, I wouldn't do that. But I…! Silver bit down on his bottom lip. But I did. I did do that. I… I was… I took advantage of her. The revelation sucker-punched him and made him want to gag. What did I do? What did I do? He dead-stopped with a shaky breath and the back of his eyes heat for the incoming tears. I didn't want Mistress like that. I didn't. I don't want to remember kissing her like this. I never wanted this, but now I…!

The urge to retch his dinner was strong.

Someone had bumped his shoulder and made him stumble. His Compact landed on the ground, but Gary's contact splashed upon the screen. Silver reached for his Compact, but he did not answer the call. I… I couldn't answer Mom and Dad's calls today because I couldn't talk to them after I… Saying it again would be the reason he lost his meal. But if I don't answer, they'll get worried.

He accepted the call and greeted in a thick tone, "Hey, Gary."

"Hey." Noise died down before Gary said, "Sorry about that. Tesla and Justin found a club for us to go to, so forgive all the noise."

"It's fine." Silver pushed himself to slowly trail after Ena and Luna still locked in a debate. "Did Mom and Dad make you call m-me?" He cursed for his stammer.

A pause. "Yeah," Gary supposed. "But I would've called either way to hear about your vacation in Caelum, but I feel like I should've called sooner. What's wrong?"

"Nothing—"

"Silver, I know what you sound like when you're upset. And I know that's why you didn't answer when Mom and Dad called because they know what you sound like when you're upset." Gary softened his tongue. "What's going on? You know this won't get back to Mom and Dad."

Silver tried to keep it together as he pulled to a stop. "You're busy—"

"If you've ever thought me—me—going to a club is more important than you, then I did a bad job showing you otherwise," Gary stated over him. "I told Angel I had to step out to call you. And the rest of our friends have plenty to keep them busy. So, no. I'm not busy." After a few beats, he murmured, "What's hurting you, Silver?"

The dam burst.

"I d-d-did s-something terrible!" Silver sobbed. "She didn't want to kiss m-me, but I still kissed h-her and I'm gross—!"

"Okay, okay," Gary soothed. "Silver, where are you right now? Can you sit somewhere?"

Silver sniffled. "Uh-h-h-huh." He managed to move off the path to go to a free bench and sat down. The tears clambered down his cheeks and not enough rubbing or blinking could make them stop. "I-I"—HIC!—"sitting now."

"That's good," Gary praised. "Can you tell me what happened the best you can?"

Silver jerkily nodded even though his brother could not hear him, and he sniffed again. "Th-There was this guy. And he made Ena…feel things. He made her feel like she liked me and she kissed me and I—" He coughed and then sniffled. "I kissed her back," he croaked. "I kissed… I kissed her back." More tears spilled. "And I know she wouldn't have wanted it—I know she—!" HIC! "I know she doesn't like me like that, but I still k-k-k-kissed her. I t-t-took advantage of her—!" He herked, about to throw up.

Gary hushed him. "Shhhh, I know you're upset, but you're making yourself sick, Silver. Remember what I taught you? There is air and you can breathe. Deep inhale through your nose." His inhale crackled over the Com. "And deep exhale through your mouth. There is air and you can breathe."

Silver shakily inhale. "Th-There's air…"—he released a crying exhale—"and I can breathe." Again. Inhale. "There's air"—deep exhale—"and I c-can breathe."

"That's it," Gary placated. "There's air and you can breathe. Inhale through your nose and out from your mouth. There is air and you can breathe."

It took Silver several shaken breaths until he did not feel like heaving up his dinner and he could wrangle his tremors into steadiness. His hand circled his face to collect all the wetness stinging his cheeks and flicked it onto the grass. "Thank you," he hoarsely appreciated.

"It's fine. Now. I'll tell you what I got from what you said. I'm not going to make you repeat it, so you can agree with me if I got it right or say if I got it wrong, okay? You met a Mage who was able to manipulate Ena's feelings. He manipulated her into thinking she wanted you and that's where she kissed you. You kissed her back. Am I saying everything correct so far?"

Silver nodded. "Uh-huh."

"Okay. Is Ena aware of this manipulation?"

"N-No."

"Okay. Do you want to tell her?"

Silver did not know what sickened him more. That he knew he should or that he was debating it. "D-Do you think I should?"

A long sigh. "Do I think you should? I do," Gary admitted. "But not just about the kiss. That Mage is a danger to you both to be able to manipulate feelings to the point of high levels of attraction. You don't know what else he is capable of."

"I know, but…" Silver thickly swallowed. I feel so gross. How can I even think about what to do? I know what to do. His blues clouded again. But… I don't want her to hate me. I'm pathetic.

"I know it won't be easy to tell Ena about the kiss," Gary said in dulcet tones. "I can't tell you how she'll respond. I wish I could. From what I know of Ena, she's a very rational and pragmatic person, but that doesn't mean we should assume how she'll react once you tell her. But I think you should."

"What if she hates me?" Silver ended up questioning. "What do I do?" I don't want her to hate me. I know she'll hate me. But I… I don't want her to leave.

"What you do after that is your choice," Gary said, grim. "I know that's not the answer you want. I know. If she comes to hate you, all you can do is apologize and accept her hatred. It's her right. I can't stand her and assure you she won't be upset. But I can tell you it's okay to be upset about all of this and feel afraid she'll hate you. I know she means more to you than a friend. I know that. But no relationship does well on secrets. Trust me." A heavy sadness burdened his words. "It's something I'm still learning."

For a few moments, Silver spared empathy for his older brother and his own tale of woes. "I know." I have to tell her what Rai did. I have to. But I… "Would you be okay if Nashi hated you?"

Gary gave a self-deprecating laugh. "A part of me lived with the possibility she'd hate me. Would I be okay mentally? No. But I'd have to be. Her hatred is her right. I'd have to respect that. It's her boundary."

'Boundary', huh? Silver clutched the Compact. "I get it. I'm sorry you had to call me."

"Don't be. I'll let Mom and Dad know you're okay." Five beats. "I'll still be up later if you want to talk after everything is said and done. And I know Looney is there for you too."

"But she's—"

"She's your friend and Ena's friend. You've known her long enough. You be the judge if she would stand by you, but you know the answer."

Silver glanced to see Ena, Luna, and Icarus making their way back to him in much better moods. "Yeah, I know." He looked down at the ground again. "Thanks, Gary."

"Of course. I love you."

"I love you too. Talk to you later." Silver ended the call with his blues heavy on his Compact. I need to tell her. His eyes twisted with despair. About everything.

"Silver?"

He looked up as the trio came to his bench. Ena took a seat beside him while Luna stood, but both girls looked worried about him.

Ena laid a hand on his arm. "Everything all right? You've been a little quiet since we left our meetings."

"I…" Silver set his shoulders. "I need to tell you something." He met Luna's eyes. "I need to tell you everything." His blues met Ena's browns. "Can we talk somewhere private?"

Ena's brow furrowed, but she nodded. "Yeah, that's fine. Do you want to talk in the hotel then—?"

"No, you two can talk here." Luna gestured across the way. "I'm just gonna…" And she traipsed away with Icarus at her side.

Ena's fingers drifted to his cheek. "Are you sure you're up for it, though? You don't have to tell me anything, you know."

Silver's hand cupped her own. You keep saying that. But this time… "I'm sorry, Mistress, but I have to this time." I know it's selfish, but please don't hate me. Please… Please still let me stay with you. He held back from kissing her palm. "There's something I've been keeping from you, Mistress," he murmured. "Something…I haven't been saying for a while now."

"Yes, I know, but you don't need to—"

"Ena."

She fell silent.

Silver sighed before slowly withdrawing his hand from hers. He was not so cruel to jerk away from her touch, no, but he could not touch her. Not now. Not when everything raw that he kept inside came to the surface.

His lips parted.

"I'm not who you think I am."

---

— • — • — • —

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 being named "Aloha" was bad enough, try living in a condo building with irresponsible neighbors.

Aloha would never get used to the fighting in the hallway, but it was better for him to stay inside his home than to confront his neighbors and become entangled in their drama. So he made finished his late-night dinner and turned on his LV to play some anime in the hopes to drown out the screeches of accusations of infidelity.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Aloha's Condo

Ka'ena City, Elo's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

11:51 PM WIT

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Aloha munched on his grits and fish with little gusto as he watched the episode play out. Though, his eyes softened seeing the main female character come out with her bountiful blonde hair and smile.

That girl… Aloha could remember Luna vividly. For some reason…she spoke like she understood me.

"There's someone I love very much. And seeing her die… I don't think I could bear it. I'd do anything to make sure she kept living." Teary browns. "I'm going to do everything I can so she can live. And so she doesn't have to feel pain again. So when it's time for her to go, at least"—a wide smile through the pain—"she'll have had a happy life."

Aloha gradually stopped tucking in his dinner. She's so young to be thinking about things like that. What could've happened to her to think about life and death like that? Though, it's not like I have much room to judge. After all—ambers drenched in resignation—I was younger than her when I killed my parents with this Curse.

"You should live a good life too." He remembered Luna's watery encouragement. "So you don't worry everyone who cares about you too. Even if they're gone, they'll still worry about you. So you should have a happy life. So they know they left with no regrets too."

Aloha chuffed. Ha… And I agreed with her. He cut into his breaded cod and scooped up his cheesy grits, but he could not help his small smile. Even if it's a childish sentiment…hearing her say that to me… It felt comforting. Plenty of people much older than her have said something similar. Every time I've lost a patient, my supervisor would give me the same lecture. But hearing her say it…

Ambers sparkled. Why did I believe it for once? Even if it was for a moment?

DING-DONG!

Aloha frowned. A visitor? He set down his dinner to attend to his front door. He checked his security camera to see no one was out there, not even his raging neighbors. But a parcel laid at his doorstep. A package? At this hour?

He unlocked his dual doors to open one of them. The parcel was nothing too large, but he needed both hands to pick it up. Squinting, he tried to make out the name of the sender. This says it's from—

"Mister Elion?"

Aloha looked up—

Ambers widened.

A hooded young man was in front of his door, dressed like the night. All that could be seen was a burning tawny gaze. "Look at my elbow." His arm folded to show an attachment on his elbow—

PFFFFF…

Aloha stumbled back when gas was thrust into his face, accidentally inhaling some. Tears sprung up as he raggedly coughed, but his coughs went to muffled cries when a thick wad of cloth was shoved in his mouth to gag him. A numbness chilled him as involuntary streams wetted his cheeks. His fall was nothing graceful and he vaguely was aware he was being tied up.

CAW!

In the last moments of his vision, a shadow had taken up his window.

He lethargically blinked.

A black hawk was in his window with eyes like the galaxy staring him down.

And then he was out.

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Sylvie Gosling – Leah Clark

Nora Gosling II – Brad Swaile

Odette Gosling – Tia Ballard

Atticus Gosling / Addy – Steven Cannon

Erza Fernandes – Colleen Clinkenbeard

Beatrice Normandy – Faye Mata

Eros Normandy –

Octavius Normandy – Kyle Hebert

Marinette Witenagemot – Cassandra Lee Morris

Mystogan Fernandes – J. Michael Tatum

Akamu –

Hemlock – Alex Organ

Donna-Marie Hollingstead –

Wendy Marvel – Britteny Karbowski

Porlyusica – Linda Young

Elvin Strauss – Micah Soluso

Aloha Elion –

Kalua –

Rai Kalupe –

Holland – Thomas Doherty

Octavius (child) – Brittany Lauda

Mystogan (child) – Brina Palencia

Gary Fullbuster – Griffin Burns

• — • — •

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 126

•

TO THE MAINLAND

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE?

---

Chibi-Luna comes into class, beaming. "Good day—Oh!" She gawks seeing her students keeled over with dark auras around them. "What happened this time?"

"Teacher…!" a student moans. "You can't leave this episode on a cliff-hanger!"

Chibi-Luna sweatdrops with an awkward smile. "Well, next week's episode will be sure to clear up what happens, I promise!" When the students groan, she claps her hand. "All right! Let me get on with the Fairy Lesson!" She wheels in her whiteboard to show a laurel wreath with an owl symbol inside and several pinned pictures. "Today, we'll focus a little more on the Tower of Learning!"

The students moan again.

Chibi-Luna coughs. "Anyway! The Tower of Learning is an educational place that constantly moves from place to place and has multiple points of entry for guests and for those who work and learn at the Tower! While the League of Sorcerers is technically a research guild legalized by the Magic Council, those who work in the Tower don't have to be Wizards."

She continues as she goes to the pyramid flowchart she made for the League that goes as follows:

Guild Master / Chairman

Supreme

Sorcerer

Specialists / Professors

Apprentices

Technicians / Assistants / Aides / Audit Officers

Students

"The Tower of Learning has its own structural hierarchy that corresponds with the League's hierarchy, though the titles might be a little different depending on if you are just part of the Tower or also a part of the League," Chibi-Luna informs.

A hand goes up from the only perky student in the class. "Teacher, what's the difference between a student and an apprentice?"

"Excellent question!" Chibi-Luna cheers. "Students normally are part of the Tower and nor part of the League. They attend one of the universities within the Tower of Learning. But an apprentice is hand-picked by a professor, specialist, or Sorcerer for one-on-one guidance and learning.

"As Octavius mentioned, apprentices are normally students of the Tower, to begin with, but students who want to become an apprentice and haven't been approached with an offer can take the Apprentice Exam. Students take annual exams, yes, but the AE tests students on higher theoretical knowledge as a writing portion and as a practical exam to have students produce high-level potions, spells, and even mock-fights, depending on the proctor.

"Students are not allowed to approach specialists, professors, or Sorcerers for an apprenticeship or bribe them in any way. That's why, before an apprenticeship contract takes place, a Supreme or the Guild Master must review and approve."

"Who is the Guild Master of the League?" the same student asks.

Chibi-Luna puts a finger to her lips. "You'll find out! Now that the Tower is recruiting Luke, we'll get some more answers about life at the Tower and what secrets Mystogan and Jellal have been keeping!" She steers away her whiteboard. "And now a message from the author!"

『 I will be updating Finding Fairies and a few other of my reference works in this upcoming month. Insofar, Fairy Adventure has expanded upon other nations and continents. I'll be gathering everything I've said about those places for reference. If you have followed that series and receive multiple notifications, the reason is because I will be mass-uploading.

I received PMs regarding Jellal and Igneel.

Jellal will be back in the series. The mission he undertook, however, is very important to the current saga. If you have picked up on the subtext regarding Jellal, I will not confirm nor deny your presumptions. Jellal has always had his children in his heart and he does look out for them.

Igneel's 12-episode spin-off The Disappearance of Igneel Dragneel is almost complete. Each episode contains a memory of Igneel's childhood and showcases his current activities as of April with the other Dragons, Tiger Lily, and the people they saved alongside one episode to show about his trip to Giltena. As of now, the 13th episode is considered an "Omake/OVA" episode. The series will not be released until the Shamballa Arc. Mary Jane's side-story corresponds with Igneel's spin-off. And because of how Igneel's spin-off ends, there is a consideration for a part two.

Questions such as Silver's savior, Ena's dual swords, or the under-grounders will be answered in this arc. Questions about Deathhawk, Vicious and his Voice, Lady Lonza, Thirteen and Gajeel's origin stories—they will be answered in the Shamballa Arc.

If you watched Doom Patrol, I hope you enjoyed the reference. No, it was not a mistake Luna gave her real name to Aloha.

And the PDD explanation, like every explanation given, is relevant.

End of speech. 』

Chibi-Luna clasps her hands. "That's all we have for today! Next episode, we head for the mainland and meet someone very special! Until then, see you next time!"