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!

127. Adventure 127

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: Luna, Silver, Ena, and Icarus are off to the mainland after a rough night and a, um, intense morning. Meeting with Director Amare, they learn about the mythical Kohala and the under-grounders called the "menehune" before it's off to the rainforest for them. Eros is wondering what sort of nefarious plans a cunning man like Atticus has for such a normal girl. Ena, Silver, Luna, and Icarus enjoy their fun in the sun with a dip in the river, but their good karma runs out when Silver can't turn off his gills when he comes back on land. Never fear—the Guardian of the Forest is here! But even with Kāne's protection, it looks like our heroes aren't out of the woods just yet.

'Daddy… I miss you.'

I'm pretty sure Jellal misses you too, Ena. And somehow, I don't think this is the last time we'll be seeing Ignia…

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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

WST • — • – Western Ishgaran Time • — • — • — • Caelum • — • – UTC - 0:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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KAN… KAN… KAN…

Kāne led the charge down the narrow tunnel with Icarus at the rear. Luna stepped between them, each move timed to a metronome almost. She swayed in her steps, but she never diverted from her path. And the white glow hazing her eyes would never leave.

KAN… KAN…. KAN…

• — • — •

All she saw was white.

She had been in this white space before where all was calm, all was bright. Where it took much longer to feel fear and anxiety. Where she could dream and escape, but everything felt so real and so vivid.

'Hello, Luna.'

Luna floated through the white space as the voice confounded her. 'It's you… It's the voice,' she thought, disoriented. 'I haven't heard you as much anymore.'

'I know. I am sorry.' Genuine apology. 'I could not reach you then. It is…challenging to reach you.'

'Oh, okay.' So tired. She felt so tired. 'Does this mean I can't talk to you anymore?'

'No.' Was that slight panic? 'I will remain here. This is where you can speak to me, if that is what you wish. But it is time for you to sleep. You still have a little more to go.'

Sleep. Yes, that sounded nice. 'Okay,' Luna mumbled, eyelid heavy. 'Where am I going?'

'To a place that is new in some ways,' came distant response. 'And in others…it feels so familiar. It is called…'

• — • — •

KAN… KAN…. KAN…

Luna continued her swayed steps through the tunnel. But her lips parted. "Ale..koko…"

Kāne's ears twitched.

Luna's bracelet of moonstone and the scales of Shenlong glistened.

KAN… KAN…. KAN…

And Luna kept walking.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena choked.

There was air.

She could not breathe.

No matter how much she wanted to take a step and step again until she could catch up to Luna—she could not. All she felt was a constriction on her heart, a gravity that dragged her down to her knees. The sense of loss and numbness battled for dominance as her body shook. She was supposed to be the one who knew what right thing to do next. She was supposed to get up and go on. She was supposed to rise from the floor and keep going, but—

Glowing whites.

Her breathing came out in short spurts. "L-Luna," she choked, but that was all she could say. She could follow her best friend, but her direction was gone. It felt unfathomable to have this much emotion, but it chained her to the ground and refused to let her move.

There was air.

She could not breathe.

Don't go, she tried to gurgle. Please. Don't go. Don't go. Trembling violently, she tilted up her head as unwelcome tears sprung in her eyes to try and find Luna in the darkness. Don't—

The darkness provided one exit-one entry—a bright white light. The silhouette of a man with blue hair as he left the darkness without a glance back.

Her throat flexed as she tried to push her body to keep going—to go, to move, to breathe—but she could not.

"Ha… Ha… Ha…" Ena gagged on her own inhale as though her body rejected the natural process. Why can't I move? What can't I follow her? I need to find her. But even as the pragmatic part of her goaded to her to do the next right thing, her body rebelled and decided she would succumb to this chaos. Chills trickled down her spine until they numbed her toes and climbed back up to numb her fingers

KAN… KAN… KAN…

Ocean and rain touted themselves.

KAN… KAN… KAN…

Purring washed over her.

KAN… KAN… KAN…

Ena shakily looked up—

Vibrant mayan blues clashed with glazed dark browns.

Intense ocean and rain circled her head. She could taste an incoming storm. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

She could breathe.

"She's gone," Ena rasped, still shaky, still cold, still alone. "Sh-She's gone—" A painful exhale made something in her shift. All that spiraling and drowning—this gravity—pinged into hazy dizziness. "Don't leave… Don't leave…"

The purring increased.

It was hard to know how much one's body weighed until you could feel its weight against something else. Tender hands collected her and she could feel herself as dead weight.

Don't go don't go don't go don't go—

"It's okay, Mistress." A soft hiss. A lilting hiss. "I'm here."

Bone-deep she felt this dizziness. Bone-deep she felt this fear. Bone-deep she felt this exhaustion. As those heady scents and that mesmerizing purring muddled her mind, she could only keep one thought together.

Don't go don't go don't go don't go—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 127

•

The Sixth Pillar

•

6番目の柱

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

What was the point of war?

Was the chaos worth a semblance of one-sided order? Was order worth this blood-filled chaos?

What was the point of war if we lost sight of the peace we had been fighting for?

Death smelled like many things. It smelled like blood and earth and the biting cold. It smelled like sweat and piss and desperation. It smelled like nothing. It smelled like everything.

The bodies looked mutilated. It was ironic, you see. These bodies had come to win a war and only a handful of them would be revered as heroes after they had lived their life, spilled their blood, and would never hear praise in the afterlife.

Were heroes born or were heroes made?

Black and blue streaked the stone like an artist had gone rogue. The carcasses of the enemy had no honor left. Ugly creatures spawned of darkness and sin did not deserve their fangs and claws. But those defending their home were stripped of their pride. Their wings—feathers and veins and membranes and skin—had been horrifically cut out from their backs. It was clear some of them had died knowing their wings would not join them in their afterlife while others had the small mercy of thinking they kept their pride and joy in the great beyond.

What was the point of this war?

The grotto—this haven—would never know true peace again. Creatures killing themselves for a chance at slaughter and blood would never give up the thrill of chasing death. And those in off-world armor with weapons far greater than the enemy would not abandon their home.

They lived as fighters.

They would die as martyrs.

All they guarded against this ridiculous slaughter was a monolith sitting pretty in the middle of a pond that looked too blue to be true. Nothing had been carved into such beauteous black perfection, but these armored and winged warriors would guard this monolith with their life, even if their wings were stolen from them.

That was the point of this war.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

A great roar tumbling with energy that misted life and smelled of sage decimated all those who dared worm their way into such sacred ground.

THWIP!

A lightning flash crossed through those who could escape the roar. It was hard to see her until she finally stopped to take a breath. A powerful woman stood amongst the chaos with hair so white that it felt like one could go snow-blind. Her armor looked unreal with glyphs etched in that had importance. The phases of the moon bombarded her breastplate with one palm holding a crescent black moon and the other holding a crescent white moon. Even her hairpiece was in honor of the lunar deity.

She was a Daughter of the Moon.

THWIP!

A white band zipped back onto her wrist. It was odd to see such a beautiful woman covered in bandages. Some bandages crawled up her arm, a few peeked around her neck, and the rest were on her legs.

Her lips pressed into a smile. "Do you see what this war was for, My Lady?" She turned—

Black and white eyes stared, each with their own moon.

Her smile widened as tears filled her eyes. "Can you see me now, My Lady? Does this place show you my memories? When can I…fight by your side like this again?" She reached a hand as twinkling tears dripped down her cheeks. "I've waited…so long for you, My Lady. Please… I want to fight like this with you again."

She touched the focus—

• — • — • — • — •

Waking up with wet cheeks and a harshly beating heart made Ena unnerved to the core. The feathers and moss and leaves did not register to her. The thin blanket did not register. All she knew was the taste of war and death that sat heavily on her lips.

The moonstone on Lunagr'an flashed.

Feeling this rattled left her naked and cold and alone. Alone. She was alone. The taste of blood and the vision of death poisoned her and she was alone with her tears and her heart and this dream. Her lip trembled as she hoarsely cried, "Mom."

DRIP…

DROP…

Panic seized her unexpectedly. She was alone. She was alone. The panic slammed against the rescinding emotions tied to her dream as the realization crashed down onto her.

Luna was gone.

Too far gone in her mind, Ena scrambled, but her body clumsily listened to her jumpstart. She cried, "Luna!" Her nails scraped onto the stone as she made her way out of the burrow. All that she understood was the fire was gone and Luna was gone. "L-Luna!" Shaking violently, she fought to get to her feet and lost the battle.

Where did she go? Did she leave? Please don't leave me alone.

Ena closed her eyes when the pain and panic were too much, and she sobbed, "Silver!" Dirty and shaky, her hands held her head with her shoulders trembling and her body aching. The dream, Luna's absence, this place—this was too much. This was too much. "S-Silver!"

The overpowering scent of incoming rain.

"Mistress."

Ena felt him before she saw him.

Silver had not much time to think about his actions when he got down to gather Ena against his chest and into her arms. Every shake and panting cry shredded him, but he snuggled her close as he nosed her hair. "I'm right here, Mistress," he breathed, steady. "I'm right here."

"She's gone," Ena sobbed into him. "She's gone. She's gone." Her fingers grabbed onto his shirt. "Why"—HIC!—"did she leave?" She tipped up her head—

Watery browns met saddened blues.

It broke Silver's heart seeing how lost Ena looked. Gone was the mask she adored using. Every ounce of her emotions was laid out. Mistress…

"Sh-She's gone," Ena croaked. 'Wh-Why did she"—SNIFF!—"leave me behind?"

Silver cradled her cheek. "We'll find her," he promised her in a murmur. "Don't worry. Okay? I promise." He kissed her forehead before tucking her back into him and letting her air out the cries she hid inside.

I've never seen her like this. It's…terrifying. He rested his chin on top of her head as he tried to steady his purring. I knew she and Lulu were friends, but… I never realized this is how far her fear goes. I… Blues glinted. I don't want to make her cry like this. I can't leave her. I can't. Not if this is what happens. He closed his eyes. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this doesn't happen again.

It took Ena a handful of minutes until she did not cry or sniffle, but her head throbbed as a reminder of what her emotions put her through. She had little strength to pull away and bask in her embarrassment her mask had slipped. Instead, she rasped, "Where were you?"

"I was sweaty and sticky and thirsty, so I went down to the river with Ariel's help," Silver explained. "I was almost done when I heard you. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up."

It was his apology that made her unravel from him and hide her face to clear her cheeks. "Don't apologize." Her voice held gravel to it, but she eliminated all the vulnerable grief from before. "It's a relief to hear you're feeling better."

"Are you feeling better?" Silver asked.

"Yes." Ena sniffed and threw her gaze to him before it shied away, and she dabbed under her eyes. "All better. I apologize for—" Her words cut off when Silver cradled her jaw and turned her toward him. Shame skulked around her, and she could not meet his eyes. "I'm fine. It was a moment of weakness. I'm better." Even as she said that, she did not pull from his grasp.

And Silver did not let her go. "Does that happen often?"

Ena's shoulders deflated as she sighed.

Silver resigned himself she would avoid—

"A…few times."

An answer. She gave him an answer. The stir in his chest felt immense pleasure his tight-lipped mistress gave him an answer, but he restrained himself from following that want to praise her. "How come?"

Ena's cheek twinged as she kept her eyes off him. But she let slip, "I don't know. It's not that often. It's just when…" She shifted, uncomfortable.

Silver pressed his luck. "'It's just when…'?"

Ena remained silent.

It surprised her when a cheek kiss was gifted to her. What is he…?

"Thank you." Silver nestled the gratitude against her skin.

A warmth spread up her chest and neck to the cheek kissed. "For what?"

Silver pulled back with kind eyes and an affectionate smile. "For sharing something with me. Thank you, Mistress." He thumbed her cheek. "I won't tell anyone, I promise. It's my job and honor to guard your secrets too."

Ena wanted to say something to that, but what? What could she say? Her cheeks flushed and annoyance grappled with embarrassment. She muttered, irked, "Don't say such things so casually to people. Someone could get the wrong idea."

Silver chuckled. "We wouldn't want that."

Ena huffed and skewered him with a glare. "Are you mocking me—?" Her inhale hitched with Silver only a breath away. He's…so close.

"But I meant what I said, Mistress," Silver told her. "Thank you for telling me."

Ena pressed her lips together and turned her head away. "You show gratitude over the strangest things, but you're welcome, I suppose."

Silver could see how red Ena's ears had gotten and held back his laugh. She's cute when she tries to be stern with me. He asked her, "Did you sleep okay?"

Ena lowered her eyes. "I…had a strange dream."

Silver blinked. A strange dream?

"It…felt so real," Ena breathed. "It was the same one too as before." With that same woman…and she looked so beautiful. Like the moon. "I can't understand it. It feels so confusing to me."

A beat.

"Someone told me…that dreams mean something," Silver supplied. "We just have to take the time to figure them out."

"And then?" Ena looked up at him. "And then what do I do?"

"I don't know." Silver was honest about that. "But you owe it to yourself to understand your dreams. Maybe it's telling you what to do."

Ena played with her fingers. "I suppose I do owe it to myself. But then"—browns sparked—"what are your dreams telling you to do?"

Silver swallowed. My dreams… What they're telling me is… His hands tightened into fists. "They're telling me…" He forged a smile at her. "They're telling me I need to get stronger…to protect the people I care for the most. And to never leave their side."

Red stained Ena's face before she coughed into a fist. "W-W-Well, then. About our next course of action." She looked down the path she last saw Luna, and her eyes darkened. "I don't know what's going on, but L and Icarus disappeared down there."

"And Kāne's not here either," Silver filled in. "So it's safe to say the three of them are together, but why? Lulu wouldn't go off like that without waking us up."

Ena thought about it. Why would she leave so quietly? Those glowing white eyes came to mind. She doesn't have the power to command people to stop. But when she looked at me, it felt like she possessed my body to stay in one place. For what? Where was she going that I couldn't follow? And if I couldn't, why didn't she tell me? That's not like her—

Dark browns widened. That's not like her. She stared at the tunnel. But that's not possible… I couldn't sense any other Ether in the area to allow Possession. But that's the only logical conclusion. And if that wasn't L who stopped me…then who did?

Silver tensed, eyes shifting to reptilian blues. A growl worked in his throat.

That worried Ena. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," Silver grunted. His glare zeroed on the lava tunnel they had all traveled down. "It's just… It feels like we're not alone. I feel…angry. Like…" Blues widened and swung down to Ena. "Like how I get angry around Rai."

Ena's eyebrows shot up. "A God Slayer? Is it him or Kapa?"

Silver shook his head, irritated. "I don't know. I don't know how to use my powers like Uncle Gajeel and Uncle Natsu. But I just feel so pissed off." His hands flexed as his skin itched.

Ena pressed his head into the juncture of her shoulder as her swords crossed before her defensive. Silver's growling would not quiet, but Ena's sweet scent took some of the edge off. One glowing blue pierced down the dark tunnel.

Ena braced herself. I can't sense anything. They must be out of my range. But if he senses someone, we can't afford to be lax. If it's this 'Kapa', we can stand down. But—her teeth gritted—if it is Raimana Kalupe…

Angry waves of Magic swirled around Ena and Silver. Lunagr'an and Soledia whirled with their stones glowing the same hatred as their lady.

I will not hesitate this time. Ena's eyes burned with pure malice. Icarus, I trust you to keep Luna away from this. I don't want her to see how I will make this Slayer pay for making Silver cry. "Silver?"

"Yes, Mistress?" Silver hissed as he tasted the spice of her fury.

"If you see him, do not hesitate," Ena commanded. Her chin down, a ring of magenta glowed in her eyes to show her scarlet fury. "Hold nothing back."

Feral War raged in blues.

Lips twitched into a smirk full of shark teeth.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"As your wish, Mistress."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

"Lu, c'mon, wake up!" A fangy grin. The scent of smoke and spice. "Ya gotta wake up, Lu! C'mon! Princesses can't sleep all day!"

The white space felt so comforting and warm and cozy—

Urgent greens. "Luna, wake up!"

• — • — • — •

Luna greeted the world not with a dramatic gasp or a jolt or confusion but with calmness. It was an odd affair, waking up. She felt her mind and body had connected again, and that was that. No theatrics required. The glow was gone from her eyes, leaving her with alert browns, but she did not feel any panic.

She did notice she had a torch in her hand lit with juvenile flames, and she did notice she was nowhere near Kāne's burrow. What the…? She looked at the torch with a frown. What was I…?

Pup.

Luna swung the torch to see— "Icarus?"

Icarus approached her with cautious eyes. How are you feeling?

I… Luna blinked. I don't know. I feel…fine, I think. Just weird. Why am I here? Why do I have this torch? She glanced about and held up the flames. And where's E and Silver? How did I get here…?

Browns widened. Wait…

Luna took a step back and let the flames lit the way. But the smooth tunnel walls were not bejeweled in cosmic greens. Painted pictures had taken up the smooth walls to weave together a text—a story. Wings and claws and grass skirts and weapons—they all took form on the tunnel wall as though they had been painted yesterday.

"What…?" Luna took care in approaching the wall. Her fingers brushed against the ancient strokes. "What is…this…?" She tried to understand the stories presented to her, but her mind was far too mixed up to make sense of it all. "Icarus?"

Icarus rebounded the question. What do you think this is?

"Well…" Luna followed along the wall of paintings with her eyes and let her torch lead the way. "I mean… Stories. They're stories…I think. Like how my pictures tell stories, I guess these pictures tell stories too."

Icarus agreed with her, watching her, not the paintings. Yes. Do you know what the story is?

Luna shook her head. "Um…"

Why don't you try? Icarus encouraged her, nudging her with his nose. And I'll join in if you can't find the right words to say.

But… Luna looked left and right to the darkness of the tunnel. I have to find E and silver. They're probably really worried about me. And Silver might not be recovered. And E… Worry fluttered her heart. If I didn't tell her I was leaving… Oh, no… I have to—

KAN-KAN!

Luna whipped around—

Starry eyes.

Luna softened seeing Kāne before her. "Oh. It's just you, Miss Kāne. I-I have to get back to my friends—"

Kāne blinked, tail swishing.

Luna swallowed heavily. "Are you sure?"

Kāne nodded.

With a sigh, Luna consented. "Okay. I'll… I trust you, Miss Kāne, but…" She waved her torch to the remnants of history painted on the walls. "What am I doing here? How did I get here? What is all…this?"

Kāne stepped forward and looked at all the paintings.

Luna did the same and took the time to separate each painting. She saw the silhouettes of men with their grass skirts and she watched as they became a civilization. "O-Oh, I see. This is like the troupe I saw. This must be the first Caeluns who came to Caelum." She moved down the wall as she watched a great goose circle the people. "And that's Ao, the Guardian of the Sky."

Her brow furrowed as she watched the painting of Ao come to a volcano. What's he doing? As she traversed further, she watched as Ao had gone within the volcano, deep underground, but where magma should have existed, a people had lived with their own crops and wings.

"Oh… These must be the under-grounders," she presumed. "Mister Amare called them the 'menehune', I think. So Ao knew about them and was their Guardian too. That would make sense, but…" She held up her torch higher to see the menehune—a short people—painted with wings on their back. How come they have wings? Were they fairies too?

Luna continued studying the painted texts as she saw the winged menehune work together as a civilization, living in the extinct ducts with their children and their creations and crops. But she noticed as the texts grew more unified that the menehune all moved towards something. Huh? Where all they all going?

She took another step to see—

Browns widened.

The painting on the stone had birthed a brilliant pond. But within those blues was a sleek monolith with no glyphs to offer the world. The menehune circled around the pond as they joined hands as though in glorious celebration.

This… This is… Luna pressed a hand onto the wall. "This is what I saw from Miss Kapa's show. This stone."

She dragged her fingers across the wall with the torch helping spread light upon the entirety of the text. So the stone belonged to the menehune, but… What did it do? What was it for?

She continued her walk as she witnessed the menehune coexist, worshipping the monolith and also attending to their daily chores. The story showed the narrative of Ao guiding the group of five into the volcano. This must be when Ao and the five Gods met the menehune. And this is what started their friendship.

She watched as the five Gods introduced the menehune to the tribes of Caelum. Life between the Caeluns and the menehune looked like a veritable paradise. The menehune looked wowed as the Gods showed their prowess, but the menehune amazed the tribes of Caelum with their way of life. They shared their philosophies and education and agricultural methods. Tagaloa helped innovative minds create better weapons. Elo aided in healing the sick and guiding the dead to paradise. Taema told her stories to the menehune and learned of their oral tales.

Luna understood when she saw the smiling faces and the volcano. I see now… This is Kohala. It's not just a place—it's an idea for peace. She smiled watching another celebration commence of the friendship between the Caeluns and the menehune. This is great. So they really were great friends. She continued her shuffle down the wall.

A frown overtook her when she saw one of the Caeluns had snuck away from the celebration. Wait. Where are they going? Traveling further down the wall, she watched as the Caelun traveled by their lonesome through the tunnels. They looked too pleased for comfort when they saw the monolith. What are they doing?

It felt like the text moved to tell the tale. The suspicious Caelun who had come to sacred ground had sounded some sort of horned alarm. The celebration between two civilizations ended at an abrupt stop as screaming and angry streaks of blood mauled innocents when a charge of creatures of the night invaded. The five Gods stood their ground with those of Magic Power, and the menehune withstood the brash waves of enemies with their wings and weapons, but the enemy had come in far greater numbers.

Horror filled Luna as she watched the masses of enemies murder the menehune and Caeluns in cold blood to infiltrate Kohala. The tunnels were littered with enemies and allies, but it was the monolith all raced to. No matter how much the menehune pushed back to defend the monolith and the pond, the enemy would rather die trying with their sloppy attacks than regroup and recover.

"Oh, no," Luna whispered, her stomach knotted. "They're being killed. This… This is a war. This is a massacre." Her bottom lip trembled as heat backed her eyes watching this relentless slaughter. This is cruel and wrong. They were betrayed and now everyone is dying.

Kāne lapped Luna's tear away.

Luna sniffled. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I don't mean to cry. It's just…awful." She looked at the Guardian of Caelum, aggrieved. "And Ao… He must've been so angry and sad someone he protected betrayed everyone. I-I can't even imagine that…" Her breath hitched and she rubbed her wet lashes.

The flames heightened to pulse warmth.

Icarus came forward to nudge Luna's back. Come, Pup. You are almost at the end of this tale.

Luna sniffed and nodded. "Okay." Looking up, she continued to follow along with the text laid bare on the wall.

The endless raids continued with numbers of those ready to fight dwindling every single wave. The Gods had shuffled the remaining Caeluns in with the still-standing menehune to protect the monolith. Ao had come in his great winged form to shine light on this sacred ground. But he had brought someone with him. Kāne and Ao had swirled around the remaining survivors as those casting a spell.

The menehune's eyes glowed under the influence of both Guardians with the monolith lighting up in response. In a brilliant flash of light, the menehune were gone, and the monolith remained. Ao gathered the Caelun and the Gods on his back and took them away from this war zone—this massacre.

And Kāne was left alone to defend it.

The monstrous enemies had yet to give up, but none had gone against a Guardian. Kāne's form shimmered as her eyes glowed a vibrant green, but she did not stop there. The entrances to the tunnel closed up and trapped the enemy inside. But even as the enemy tried to pursue victory, none were prepared when lava flooded the trapped tunnels in one murderous wave. Any outsiders who dared thought they could escape were turned into trees and flowers without hesitation.

This war was over.

Luna came to the rounded end of the tunnel to see a picturesque vision of Caelum. The five gods had claimed their own floating island and had taken their share of tribesmen who shared their ideas of law, art, healing, skycraft and aircraft, or craftmanship and engineering. Ao flapped his great wings above his own island, the focal point of Caelum's Paradises. And Kāne climbed atop a volcano to oversee and heal the mainland from the gashes of slaughter.

This is… Luna waved the torch as she took a few steps back to capture the work of art. "This is…the story of Caelum—all of this." Sweeping the torch with every pivot, she took in all the text until she looked back at the final drawing. "I think…I understand now. Ao saved the Caeluns from dying, but it must've been too late for the menehune here."

She looked at Kāne, understanding. "And you… You hid Kohala. You healed the mainland. You and Ao are the reason no one knew why Caelum was invaded constantly."

Kāne dipped her head.

"And it was all because of that." Luna shined line onto the monolith. "But… I still don't understand why this was so important."

Her fingers glided up the stone to caress the painting of the monolith. Familiar… Why is it so familiar? Her palm slid up—

KRT!

"Ow!" Luna drew back her hand to see a minor cut sliced her palm. "What th—?"

A wild breeze gusted around her with the aroma of wildflowers and spring. Light prodded her side, but there had been no rumble or shaking of the earth to accompany all this change. The wind snuffed out her torch as though to tell her she no longer needed it.

What…? What was…?

Luna turned around—

Chocolates sparkled. Oh, wow…

Icarus came to Luna's shoulder. Do you know what this place is, Pup?

"It's…" Luna could not help it when her feet moved to go to the edge of the newly opened tunnel.

FWOOSH!

A laughing wind came on the updraft to mist spring and life. Soft light beamed down upon this mystical grotto filled with plants that looked too foreign to be native, with their odd colors and patterns. A few other raintree bonsais had made the haggard journey and flourished into their prime. Perhaps it was a trick of the light to see sparkles of lights take to mid-air, or maybe this was the hidden beauty of the grotto.

Luna did not dare take a step as she brushed back her hair from the laughing wind that welcomed her with great gusto. "It's…beautiful." Her eyes befell the pond that tied the grotto's center, steeped in a perfect blue, and nary a ripple dared bother its surface. The darker-than-black monolith shot from the water with nothing more to offer than its ominous majesty and sides that looked too smooth for nature's design.

Kāne nudged her, and Luna stutter-stepped into the grotto. She looked back at Kāne, worried. "Are you sure I should be here?" She peered back into the darkness of the tunnel. "My friends…"

Kāne came forward to nudge her hand stamp with her Fairy Tail mark, tail flicking.

Luna gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Miss Kāne. I know it's important, but…" She looked at this magical grotto in part awe and part puzzlement. "I… I don't know what I'm doing here. I'm still confused about how I got here in the first place."

She tried to put her finger on an explanation. I remember falling asleep and then…nothing. I was dreaming, wasn't I? But I can't remember what I was dreaming about.

Pup. Icarus nodded to the grotto. Do you know what this place is?

Luna's brow furrowed. I don't know. I don't think so. I know we're in Kohala, but… She gifted her Celestial Spirit a confused look. Should I know? I mean… Her gaze traveled over the trees and the pond and the monolith. It feels like…something I should know, but… She shook her head. I don't…

Kāne took Luna's hand into her mouth with a gentle touch and steered her forward.

Luna tried to resist. "M-Miss Kāne—"

Go with her, Pup.

Luna glanced back at Icarus. Are you sure?

Yes. Icarus nuzzled Luna's cheek. Everything will be fine.

But… E and Silver—

They are fine. Go. Icarus gave her one last nudge before stepping back into the tunnel. He watched as Luna let Kāne guide her, uncertainty on her face. Making sure Luna was far away, Icarus turned back to the tunnel with his tail down and his eyes glowing a vibrant blue. Now that this has been unsealed…

A white glow blustered about his fur and a warning snarl exuded power from this throat.

…I will make sure she has all the time she needs. He widened his stance as he saw the threads of darkness shift from the tunnel. I will protect my cub no matter what.

°•°•°•°

A lethal silence noosed the air.

KAN… KAN… KAN…

The fire built had been destroyed and scattered.

KAN… KAN… KAN…

Equipment—the saddles, the tacks, the food, the bags—had all vanished from Kāne's secret home.

KAN… KAN… KAN…

Two sets of footsteps emerged, though one had been forcibly barefoot, and the other had been allowed boots. Enchanted rope had kept wrists tied together and behind his back with an enchanted blindfold behooved him and stole his sight. A gag crammed down his mouth, and his lavender hair had seen better days, but he looked too tired to protect himself.

A gaze swept across the empty chamber. Huh… The stare flicked down to the Compact in his hand. A pin had dropped on the map his screen showed. The tracker I placed on her should've led me here. That's annoying.

Jerking from his hostage made him tighten his hold as the enchanted rope battened down and burned his wrist. He did not care about the whimper of pain his victim gave as he shoved his Compact back into his pocket. "I wouldn't struggle too much, Doctor," he said darkly. "Keep twitching like this and your restraints won't be too happy with you."

He rolled his eyes when the hostage stopped trying to wriggle away and ended up violently trembling. "Just don't piss yourself. If the girl cooperates, you can go back to your normal life."

His stare sharpened, agitated. Where the Hell did she go? I don't have time for this—

"And who is this 'girl'?"

His gun was drawn before he could blink, but he did not aim it at the enemy. The barrel knocked into the hostage's head. Tawnies remained cool as Ena stood to the side of them a bit away with her own even stare.

Akamu's did not putz around with sarcasm and dark humor. He kept the gun to his hostage's head and warned, "Come too close and he dies."

"Naturally." The word came out like ice. Ena maintained her position without giving away a single emotion on her face. "Are you looking for me? Sorry, but I don't remember your name or your face."

"Where's the girl?" Akamu demanded to know.

"'Girl'?" Ena raised an eyebrow. "You're mistaken. I'm the only girl here—" Her words clipped off when Akamu jerked his gun to the hostage's jugular. Finding her patience, she questioned, "Do you have a name for this 'girl'? Perhaps I can help you. Is she your sister? A lover?"

"Tell me where she is," Akamu snarled, "or he dies. I'm not playing games with you."

Ena notched up her chin. "I'm not playing either. I simply need a little more information. I can't help you if you say, 'girl'. A description, perhaps?" She was none-too-impressed when Akamu adjusted the gun. "Killing your hostage won't do you well to negotiate and enforce cooperation, sir. I'll ask you again: who is the girl you are trying to find?"

"Your friend," Akamu gritted. "And I'm going to need your friend to come with me."

"A 'friend' of mine?" Ena tipped her head to the side as though thoughtful. "How strange. Because, well"—a smile spread on Ena's face with a ring of magenta around her eyes—"I have a lot of friends."

It happened before Akamu could understand it.

A watery tentacle had climbed up his arm to take possession of his gun. The trigger pulled, but it stood little chance against thickened water. He fought hard to keep his gun, but he stood no match against the construct if he wanted to keep hold of his flighty hostage. But what did that matter when more watery tentacles lashed out to barrel down his throat and steal his breath away. Against his will, he was forced to drop his victim as he fought tooth and nail to breathe again.

"Mistress."

Silver watched Akamu through blues glowing War with his water tentacles already threading to nab the hostage and bring him to safety. But he would not take his eyes off the enemy. A need for blood growled in his ears. "What should I do with him, Mistress?"

Ena came forward as her twin swords gathered in her hands. The first priority was to kick the gun away and make sure it could not be reached in a scuffle. This interloper took second place, and Ena did not care he fought for his life to choke back water to suction air.

She studied him through cold eyes. "We'll need to keep him imprison him and take him to the authorities," she determined. "It looks like he was going to kidnap our friends." Freezing fury overtook her eyes as she gripped her swords. "I won't stand for that." She stepped back, but her glare held firm onto Akamu. "Water lock him." She glanced at the curled-up victim. "Leave the victim be. Magic is coming off him."

A snarl built within Silver's chest. "Yes, Mistress."

Ena watched as Silver built a water tomb to house Akamu in. Even if he wanted to swim, the thick water molded like jelly to keep the lock in place. It was only a matter of time until his body could not take the lack of air.

Ena's cheek twinged. Even if he brought a gun, it doesn't make sense. He clearly knew who we are. That means he knows we're Mages. And his gun isn't an illegal Ethenator either. Her eyes narrowed. Was this some sort of suicide mission? If L was alone, she wouldn't have hesitated to his plan with the hostage. But with us here, he should've known we could easily stop him. So why…?

Akamu thrashed and struggled—

Ena blinked when she saw an empty vial float out of his jacket. What is…?

—until he smirked.

Ena's eyes widened. "Silver—!"

BOOM!

A split-second call made Ena draw up a protective shield from the unceremonious explosion, but that did not mean she was saved from the force of it. Silver lashed out to draw the hostage to him, but they suffered through the dust and debris and smoke kicked up.

No one had a moment to rest when balls of lava slammed against Ena's shield and shoved her back. What the—?

Through the smoke and dirt, Silver had to react on instinct alone a jet of lava shot towards him. His water shield kept him from meeting an untimely fate, but he was forced to stockpile more Magic into his shield as humid mist kicked up from the attack and defense. He's a Wizard? He gritted his teeth to push back his shield. But then…why the Hell does he piss me off so much? And him.

Blues glared down at the unmoving hostage. He makes my skin crawl too.

Focusing back on the task at hand, Silver growled as he unleashed water geysers to blast into the haze of humid mist and smoke and debris. He could feel his attacks hit purchase with the blowback fanning away the fumes—

Blues widened. No way…

Akamu shielded himself with both his arms slathered in bubbling lava that cut an edge into his features. His smirk broadened when Silver's attack withered away from shock. So… This is what Lady Lonza meant. I'm glad I drank the vial. He looked at the lava molding over his hands and fingers. I don't know how long I'll have this power. But I need to use it quickly to get the girl.

"You." Ena pointed Lunagr'an at him with offense in her scowl. "Who are you? And what business do you have with my friend? Answer me."

Her scowl darkened as she took in his appearance. I didn't sense Magic from him before. For him to have power now… That vial… Did he drink some sort of illegal Enhancer potion?

"I don't answer to you, Red." Akamu readied himself as the lava cloaked his arms fizzled and seethed. "Where's the girl?"

"I don't know what you're talking about—"

Akamu threw balls of lava at her, but her swords were ready to bat them away. "Where the fuck is the girl?" he barked.

Even with my power, she can block it. And I don't have a solid grasp on how to use this. And if she really is the daughter of Titania, taking her down isn't an option. His priority shift to Silver. But him… He gritted his teeth. He pisses me off.

"Don't take your eyes off me for a second."

Akamu could only dodge when Ena charged with fury in her swords. No matter how much he tried to get away, she was on him and her swords did not melt from the heat he gave off nor touches from his lava. It rattled him when he threw lava at Ena—

—and she flicked it off like it was nothing.

Akamu took a step back and masked his uneasiness. Instead, he spat, "What the fuck are you?"

"Me?" Magic swirled around Ena with her blades sharp and eyes icy. "I am your enemy." She blinded him with her Magic Circle. "Requip!"

Akamu flinched back from the light—

BAKI!

Water packed a punch when it wanted to.

Akamu staggered back with liquid metal pouring into his mouth. He could take a punch no problem, but this pain felt like bricks had been thrown onto his face. He spat out the blood to spear a glare at a furious Silver.

"Stop being so vulgar in front of my mistress," Silver hissed as watery tentacles whipped around. The blues of his eyes glowed with a need for blood. "If you don't stop"—he launched forward with shark teeth bared—"I won't forgive you!"

Akamu pivoted with flaming orange bleeding into his eyes, but he was thrown back when Silver unleashed his water whips with a vengeance. His back hit the earth with a pained grunt, but he did not give up as he spurred lava from his arms to push Silver back and combat every lash out to get him. But even with his lava, he had no experience controlling such strong-willed power. Silver latched onto sloppy technique as he crushed his hands to lock Akamu back into water, but Akamu smartened up enough to burst from it.

It was a struggle to manifest it, but Silver saw the spell come to fruition as the ground cracked and parted beneath his feet to spew lava. His water tentacles sprung him from death, but he was not finished—not by a long shot. He flashed his teeth as retribution snarled from his throat. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here."

Akamu could feel the pain numbing itself as he brought lava around him to fester and boil. "I'm only here for the girl, kid." The orange drowned tawny in dark delight. "But if she's good, I can take her off your hands—permanently."

Cyan lightning sparked from Silver's white knuckles.

Ena's Magic shattered to leave behind her Enchantress armor, shaking out her mane. There now. Better. The sounds of battle irked her with how far away they were as a tick mark twinged her cheek. "Silver!"

Silver had pinned down Akamu with his watery tentacles around his wrist, ankles, and throat, but he gave Ena his undivided attention. "Yes, Mistress?"

"I told you to keep the enemy close so we could switch out!" Ena barked.

"Oh…" Silver gave a sheepish grin as he rubbed the back of his head. "S-Sorry, Mistress. I was just having a little bit of fun."

Akamu's eyes bulged. This is his idea of fun?

Ena huffed. "So you decided to be selfish and deprive me of having my fun?" She flicked her hair. "How agitating. And I thought you served me."

Silver panicked, sweating. "N-No, Mistress, please, I-I was just preparing him so you could have fun too, I promise! I was just angry he was using bad words in front of you! I-I'm sorry, Mistress, please forgive me! Mistress? Mistress, please!"

A dreary aura overcame Akamu as he tuned out Silver's heartfelt beseeches to crawl back into Ena's good graces. I need to get a new job. He muttered under his breath, "Of course I get stuck with a bitch and this psycho."

"What did you say?"

Akamu grew taken aback at the deadly aura Silver reeked with his eyes swallowed in unfathomable rage.

"How dare you call my mistress such a vulgar name," Silver hissed. He lifted his chin as a water harpoon and a water drill warped one of his tentacle constructs. "If you can't treat her with respect, then I should"—he surged forward—"shut you up."

BOOM!

Ena rubbed her temple and blocked out the noise from the violent skirmish. Ha… That fool. He needs to control himself or else he'll put that criminal into a coma. I'll punish him later. Her eyes glinted. Now… She pivoted and sweatdropped as she watched the hostage try and worm himself away. What to do with that one?

All his worming away went for naught when he felt a hand grab the blindfold on his head. He squirmed and tried to plead his case for mercy around his gag—

Ena huffed. "Stay still. I'm here to help you." She ripped off the blindfold—

Aloha lay curled beneath her with tears in the corner of his eyes. His nighttime clothing was dirty and ruffled, and it certainly did not help he was bound and gagged. But light had misted upon him to bring out the shine to his lavender locks and sparkle his eyes.

Chibi-Ena nosebled, fainting. He's so beautiful!

Aloha had no idea what to do when Ena grabbed his jaw, but all his cries for help got choked back, thanks to his gag.

"Oh, my, you have such a wonderful complexion," Ena rasped as she examined him. "A perfectly symmetrical face. Your eyes are just the right shape as well and your nose is perky enough to be a complimenting feature." Steam puffed from her nose. "You would make an exquisite model for me. What do you say? Shall I take you with me?"

In Aloha's eyes, he could see drool from the corner of Ena's mouth and felt alarmed at the hungry look in her eyes. "I'll pay you handsomely if you sell me your body."

Aloha jolted, panicked, and started violently shaking his head.

"Mistress!" Silver blocked Akamu's sloppy attack as he threw Ena a pout. "You're acting recklessly again!" His pout morphed into a teasing grin. "Should I sell my body to you too then?"

Red splashed onto Ena's face. "Stay focused, you foolish pig!" she snapped, flustered (and Aloha tried his hand at wiggling away to freedom).

"Yeah, yeah! But you know"—Silver made a giant fist of water and slammed it down on Akamu—"you already own every part of me, Mistress!" And he threw himself back into the fray.

Ena glared at the ground, heart a-flutter. Foolish pig. How dare he spout such nonsense at a time like this?

Aloha kept worming away—

THWIP!

He sweated bullets when Ena caught him with angry shadows covering her eyes. She showed him her blade. "I didn't say you could run away from me." She did not care how much Aloha was shaken as she kept a firm hold on him with her eyes darting to one of the tunnels.

That was where L and Icarus disappeared to. If I go down that path, is it a guarantee I'll run into her again? If we've truly been teleported into Kohala, there's no telling how many tunnels are here or those dimension portals either. Ena tensed. But I have to find her.

Dark browns darted to Silver's winning battle over Akamu. Silver can buy me all the time I need. If this enemy truly did drink some sort of Enhancer, then it's in our best interest to toy with him. We can't afford for his new powers to spiral out of control into an attack of a brain aneurysm. But if he knows about Luna… She gritted her teeth. I don't have the time to worry about this. I trust Silver. He'll take care of his part. And I'll take care of mine.

It shocked Aloha when his wrists were cut free and the gag on his mouth was forcefully removed. Burn marks harmed his wrists, but all he could blurt out was, "Who are you?"

"Right now? An ally." Ena would not sugarcoat and be the soft support he needed. "I'm going to have to ask you to come with me. It'll be a lot safer than staying here, Mister…"

"'Aloha Elion'." He staggered to his feet, nauseous and dizzy, but he flinched back from the rumblings of the cave and the explosions sounding off. "Where are we going?"

"To find my friend." Ena re-gripped her swords. "She's in danger."

Aloha blinked. Her friend? It hit him. Oh. It must be that girl that guy kept mentioning.

"Are you sure we can find her?" He kept rubbing his wrist to ease the burning, but his gaze flicked downwards. "You should leave me here. I-If she's in danger, you should keep her away from me."

His eyes darkened. If this girl comes close to me, she might be Cursed too.

"Your kidnapper… He called you a doctor."

Aloha looked back up at Ena, but she looked at the chaos. "W-Well, I'm not a doctor. I'm just an ED surgeon—"

"That makes no difference to me," Ena cut him off. "Doctor—surgeon—both jobs heal and support life. My friend could be hurt or worse out there, and I'm going to find her. And if she's hurt, I'm going to need you. So if you're a surgeon, be useful, act like it"—her head turned to show him a hard brown eye—"and start respecting the life that needs you, understand?"

Ambers widened.

Luna's gentle words murmured in his ear. "If we only respect life and hate death…then can we say we respected life at all?"

Aloha blinked, taken aback. Why am I thinking of her, even now…? He closed his eyes. No. There could be a patient who needs me. Opening his eyes, ambers held resolve. "Take me to her. We'll need to run."

"'Run'? I don't think so. Tell me." Ena examined her swords with a cunning smile. "Have you ever ridden a flying sword, Doctor?"

°•°•°•°

Living in a penthouse came with the notion the owner was a wealthy son of a bitch, did it not?

The private terrace and pool enticed those below to have such riches. All the waste of space was filled with barely touched top-of-the-line furniture. How grand was it this place had its own house staff? The chef finished dinner while the cleaning staff had headed out for the evening. Though "evening" was relative, considering the storm outside had worsened with lightning cracking its whip and thunder on the prowl.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Rai and Kalua's penthouse. Normally, personal assistants don't live with their bosses, but Kalua is not a regular PA. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

ZAA…

The shower felt like the winner of the penthouse with multiple jets and a rainfall ceiling feature. Rai took advantage of it as he untangled his curls and let the water swirl down his uhi. The pride of being a Caelun had left him with impressive tattoos down his right leg and some of his back.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Rai and Kalua's Penthouse

Hualālai City

Fa'tiu's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Kalua waited for him like normal when Rai came out. A towel was gifted to him, but Kalua hung onto the robe.

And as Rai dried off his hair, he noted how tightly Kalua clutched the robe. "Something wrong?"

Kalua looked a little startled Rai had called him out. "Oh." He bowed his head. "No, sir."

Rai continued drying himself off with a narrowed-eyed look at the Custodian. That's not like him. Is he really trying to hide something from me?

Kalua tensed when Rai cupped his chin. "Sir—"

"I could do it, you know," Rai warned in a light tone. His thumb drifted over Kalua's bottom lip. "I don't have a preference when it comes to my little pleasure pets. And it's been a while when it comes to you." Blue reticles glowed in his eyes. "Since you pick and choose when you want to be affected by me."

Kalua tried looking away, but Rai would not let him. "Please, sir," he got out. "I don't want that."

"No?" Rai watched as Kalua swallowed. "Then why don't you tell me what's wrong so I don't have to get rough with you."

Kalua flinched. "I-I… I sensed something—a possible God Slayer."

Rai sharpened. "What?" His grip on his Custodian turned bruising. "And you're telling me this now?" Clicking his tongue, he pushed Kalua away from him to finish drying off. "Maybe Hollie is right. Your senses are dulling. Or maybe"—a chilling look crossed him—"you're truly trying to hide something."

Kalua bowed his head. "No, I'm not." He kept his voice steady. "The emergence of a God Slayer is easier to pinpoint when they have their Ascension. I can only sense the beginnings of an Ascension, which is difficult for Custodians to feel since they feel similar to magical awakenings."

Rai stared Kalua down.

Kalua offered nothing more:

Rai turned around and held out his arms. "My robe." He waited as Kalua shuffled and helped him into his silk robe. "Which God Parent is this new one from?"

"I can't say until the Ascension, but if I had to hedge a guess… It seems the energy is coming from below us, sir, on the mainland."

That surprised Rai. The mainland? Calculations drew to one conclusion. If that's the case…

He adjusted his robe's belt. "Why don't you call my sister's fiancé? I'm sure he feels it too. Tell him I think my sister and I should have a nice family reunion"—dark delight filled his regard—"with Mafui'e's God Child."

°•°•°•°

"Hrk!"

Riding a flying sword was seen in Zhōnguánese myth, but Ena had not minded boring it. It was like flying a broomstick side saddle, but with a flat-side of a blade as her seat instead of a handle.

"Hrk!"

Ena expanded her senses, but frustration clicked her teeth. I can just barely sense L's energy. And my sense of direction is shot here. It's like this place was designed to be confusing. Browns darkened. Is it because of that earlier feeling I had? Did Kāne purposefully make it hard to navigate because there's something hidden here? But I have to find L no matter that cost.

"Hrk!"

Tick mark bulged on Ena's temple. However… She could not ignore how sickly Aloha looked as he gripped Soledia for dear life. We can't go on like this.

"C-C-Can we stop—? Hrk!" Aloha looked green with sick bubbles. "I-I don't feel so well…"

Ena forced a sigh as she pulled both her swords to a stop before she dismounted. "Very well," she supposed. "We'll rest for a—"

"Blerg!"

A dreary aura covered Ena as she saw Aloha drop to all fours and retch. Wonderful. He has motion sickness. She turned away from him to let Aloha collect himself, but her stare shifted around. Something about this place has continually made me feel uneasy. And now, I feel more uneasy. I don't understand why. Is L's departure affecting me that much?

Her jaw clenched. This is annoying. L, where did you go? Silver can only toy with that man for so long. She paced the wall—

A trickle of dread shivered down her back.

Aloha finished retching to weakly wipe his mouth with the back of his sleeve, but he noticed Ena had reclaimed her swords and stood at attention. "Wh-What's wrong?" Shakily, he got back to his feet.

"I don't know." Ena's eyes went from left to right, justly suspicious. Something about this doesn't feel right. I felt…darkness. The same darkness I remember feeling during the Harvest Festival—

A pinprick touched her nape.

"Mister Elion, get behind me."

"Wh-What?" Aloha did as she asked, but he questioned, "Why?"

"Because"—Ena looked down the tunnel with her swords humming a warning—"we aren't alone."

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

DON-DON-DON-DON!

BOOM!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

A battle to Akamu meant a sparring match to Silver.

Silver watched as Akamu crashed into the lower levels of stone with an agonized grunt. He kept the high ground with his water whips at the ready, and the War in his eyes refused to leave even for a second. Still, he chanced a glance at the tunnel Ena had escaped from. Please hurry, Mistress, and find Lulu.

He swung out his whips to carry him down onto the lower level, but he could see the lava that covered Akamu's arms could not remain active. He's losing power. However…

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

Blues darkened. His heart rate is high enough for me to hear it. Uncle Gajeel told me about Enhancer drugs. If someone uses too much of their power too soon, it could end badly. He landed and watched Akamu struggle. The most common risk of Enhancer drugs is death. But it depends on what sort of power is given. And if this guy has some type of Earth Magic. The conclusion chilled him. This entire place… It could collapse and kill us all.

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

Akamu panted as he clutched his chest. The harsh beat of his heart made each breath feel unwelcome and forced. It was as though a rock wedged his chest, and no amount of relaxing or breathing would wrestle it out. What the Hell is happening to me? My heart… It feels like it's about to leap out of my chest. Orange freely roamed his eyes as he glared at Silver. But I have a job to do.

Silver watched Akamu struggle to get back on his feet. "You should give up now," he called not unkindly. "Your body can't carry this sort of weight—this sort of power. Why don't you just give it up?"

"Fuck you, kid," Akamu gasped, clawing for his next breath. "I have a job to do." He forced lava to soak his hands. "I'm not leaving without the girl." He charged forward—

Blues narrowed.

Akamu stood no chance when Silver's water whips lashed out and shoved him back against a wall. His wrists and legs and throat were pinned, and he could not summon the strength to ignite himself for his freedom.

"Who are you?" Silver growled, keeping his distance. "Why do you want her?" When Akamu did not answer, Silver raised a hand and gradually folded in his fingers.

Akamu bit back the agony when the water around his throat constricted around him like an unrelenting snake dead-set on killing its prey. Instead of pleading for his life or giving up information, he did not give an inch and croaked, "Killing me means nothing. Other hawks will find her even after I die."

That confused Silver. 'Hawks'? He eased up on his attack and demanded to know, "What do you mean 'hawks'? You're a Chimera?"

Akamu gasped, greedily sucking in air while he had the chance. "I'm not a fucking Chimera!"

I need to keep the kid talking. I haven't ID'ed the girl yet for Vicious or Lady Lonza. And this kid… He tried not to look away when those blues stared him down. He isn't…natural. He looks like a wild animal.

Akamu grunted, "You must be naïve or stupid not to know about Deathhawk."

'Deathhawk'? Silver echoed. I haven't… No, wait, I have heard about them. But… His brow furrowed. It was when…

• — • — • — • — •

"Whatcha makin' this time around, kiddo?"

Silver had stolen the living room for himself. No Julia meant he could knit on the couch without judgment and watch whatever he wanted. He glanced up from his latest project to see Gajeel standing behind the couch.

"Hey, Uncle Gajeel." Silver showed off his work. "I'm still working on knitting a cardigan." He went back to his project. "I know it's easier to crochet one, but I really want to knit a cardigan this time for Lulu. She's always complaining she's cold." He made a face. "And this might get her to stop wearing Gale's sweatshirts. Igneel's going to be pissed when he comes home."

Gajeel cackled. "Ain't that the truth? I told the damn pipsqueak to stop markin' his territory, but he's tryin' to get away with a bunch of shit before his ass is lit on fire." He rubbed his chin, thoughtful. "Maybe I should just watch and let Igneel destroy him."

Silver sweatdropped. 'You're so cold-hearted, Uncle Gajeel.'

"Silver!" his mother trilled from upstairs. "Make sure if Silver is going out on a job today that Silver puts away his laundry first!"

"Yeah, sure, Mom!" Silver hollered back.

Gajeel raised a pierced eyebrow. "Goin' on a job today, huh? And let me guess: you headin' out with Fairy?" He barked a laugh when Silver flushed. "I'm teasin' ya, kiddo. Where are you two runnin' off to?"

"I narrowed it down to two jobs," Silver said as he knitted. "The first job would be out in Ninfea Hollow. I guess it would be more an investigative job since there's a rumor about some strange activities happening there. But the second job would be in Blühenhaven. I think Mistress liked that one a lot better."

A frown. "Blühenhaven, huh?"

Silver frowned up at his uncle. "Is…something wrong? I know Blühenhaven has a lot of crime issues, but we'll be okay out there, I promise."

"I know. Just…" Gajeel scrubbed his face. "Keep an eye on the sky for any type of hawk, especially a Deathhawk."

Silver blinked. "A 'Deathhawk'?"

"Yeah." Gajeel crossed his arms. "Nasty fuckers. They're called Deathhawks because they're the apex predators of the underworld. Once they sink their talons onto something, they don't give up until they die." Rubies steeled. "Deathhawks don't have any sort of room for honor and a sense of pride. They ain't stupid enough to have a code. Each and every one of them is rotten. And if they're a true hawk, they've tasted blood before."

Rubies slanted down to Silver. "Watch your back out there. Protect your girl. Fairy's fuckin' strong, but hawks don't care about who's the strongest. All they care about"—Gajeel's stare hardened—"is where the wind blows."

• — • — • — • — •

"So you're not some stupid kid after all."

TICK!

Silver barked, "I'm not stupid or a kid! My uncle told me about you people!" He braced himself. "And all you care about is where the wind blows."

Akamu's eyes widened. His uncle told him that? But that's… He glared at Silver and demanded to know, "Who's your uncle?"

"Why should I tell you?"

TICK!

Akamu snapped, "Just tell me his damn name!"

"I'm not telling you anything!" Silver retorted. "You're not supposed to tell the bad guy information, asshole!"

"Tell me his name!"

"No!"

"Tell me!"

"No!"

"Tell me!"

"No!"

Silver fumed while Akamu growled, Goddammit. This is why I hate dealing with kids. His mind traveled a mile a minute. His uncle using those words couldn't have been a fluke. And from the looks of this, this kid doesn't even know what that means. I have to keep him talking and figure out how much he knows. Lady Lonza won't be happy with me taking too long to get the girl, but this is important.

He huffed, dismissive, "Fine, don't tell me. It's not like I need his name. You've said enough."

Suspicion glinted in Silver's eyes. "What does that mean?"

"Well… Maybe it's nothing," Akamu said, nonchalant. "But it's not every day someone says the motto of Deathhawk like that. Either your uncle is pretty good with poetry"—orange-tawnies gleamed—"or he might be a hawk defecting from the nest."

Silver froze. What? Uncle Gajeel… He gritted his teeth. No.

Akamu choked when the water snaking his neck constricted even tighter, forcing him to gag and furiously try to get away.

"I'm over this bullshit." Blues raged with the need for blood. "All of you are liars. My family isn't full of bad people. You're lying." He pressed harder as his knuckles whitened. "You're lying!"

Caeryssa taunted him. "Your sister has all the makings of a decent Hunter."

"But your sister knows about loyalty and pain." Maxim's cold eyes. "Tell Nightingale she owes a debt to the Colonel."

Akamu gurgled when the tip of Silver's water whip invaded his mouth. He thrashed like a panicked animal when he took in water and could not spit it back out. Involuntary tears spring up to his eyes as his body convulsed.

He needed air.

He could not breathe.

They're all liars. The stir in Silver's chest goaded from him to finish Nature's intent. Water churned around Akamu as it gagged him and caged him in torrid waves. And if they want to keep lying—a hint of scales flaked beneath Silver's predatory eyes—then I should silence them.

The fight in Akamu looked horrifying to an onlooker. He clutched his throat as his body struck into a seizure, fighting for its right to live another day. Watching someone take their last breath traumatized even the strongest hearts. The way the body moved looked inhuman, but all the mind could command it to do was stay alive. But it was one lungful of water after the next that could not be thrown up—

Akamu twitched.

And then he fell still.

Quiet fell through the chamber as though honoring this man—

Akamu's eyes glowed orange.

Silver took a step back when he saw lava breach Akamu's skin. What's happening?

Laval bubbled and toiled and thickened as it swallowed Akamu whole. But it did not stop there. Hungry for more, it continued to expand and expand until it broke free from the aquatic prison—

BOOM… BOOM…

Silver's eyes widened when feet made from churning lives crushed onto the earth. The lava festered as it built itself into a new form—a new body. Its arms came next and its chest with scabs of molten earth cutting all over its body. The neck affirmed itself, but the head it built looked demented with its mouth jagged and one eye more sunken than the other, but its goal was not perfection. It did not understand such a factor. The magma monster towered over all in its bulky form and dripped molten rock all around it.

And Akamu was inside it.

Silver paled as he looked up at the monster in horror. Oh, no.

The monster opened its mouth—

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

The magma monster roared lava and molten rock upon Silver.

With no way to properly counter himself, Silver launched himself away with his tentacles working double-time. I need to put some distance between myself and that thing.

He narrowly avoided drowning in lava as he swung himself into a lower portion of the chamber and ungracefully tumbled to the ground. The vibrations from every step the monster took shook his core, but he had no time to gawk and make a fuss. He got underneath a covered portion of the section just in time when another roar of lava descended.

The second a wave of it splashed onto the ground, Silver jetted water onto it as he backed up. Gratitude for small mercies came in spades when the lava slowed its belly-crawl towards him and thickened into steaming earth.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Panting, Silver took shelter deeper in the covered section of the earth. Dust and debris plundered his head as the raging monster stomped about, frustrated its prey escaped him. What the Hell is that? What did I do?

His actions came crashing down as hysteria flared. I tried to kill him. Oh my god, I tried to kill him. What did I do? What did I do? Shallow breaths dizzied his head as he tucked into a rocking crouch. I could've killed him. I could've killed him. What is wrong with me? Fairy Tail doesn't kill. Why did I do that?

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

He tried hard to level out his breathing. Don't panic. Keep calm. Mistress and Lulu are depending on you. I can freak out later. A few shaky deep breaths later pulled him back together.

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

Silver tossed an uncertain look at the quaking ceiling. If that guy turned into the monster, it means his Enhancer drug is working overtime. And that's my fault. Magic reacts in violent ways when a Wizard is near death. The power he got must've triggered his last resort and created his monster. If a Wizard has done this, they could hold on to this sort of power for maybe half an hour minutes. But afterwards, they'd run a risk of getting an AE tumor or MDD. But if this guy was a Spiritless who took the drug…

His jaw went taut. Then after thirty minutes are up, he'll have some sort of fatal seizure or a brain aneurysm. And if that happens while he's in this form, he'll kill everyone here with all that lava. Mistress might be able to make herself resistant to lava, but she can't make that happen for the rest of us—

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

His features darkened as he heard the chaos from above. Sweat glistened on his skin from the putrid heat with his nose stinting from the scent of soldering iron and overcooked hardboiled eggs—sulfur.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Silver chewed on his thumbnail. Think, Silver, think. I can't let him die. And I can't let him try and leave here. He's a danger to himself and everyone. But as I am now, my Water Magic won't work on him. His power feels like when Gale uses his lava and molten rock. And I've never been able to beat him as a human—

It clicked. A human…

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

Silver glanced up at the cracking ceiling. Well… His hands balled at his sides. If I can't beat him as a human… Blues glowed. Then I have no other choice.

°•°•°•°

The magma monster slung balls of lava and flaming molten rock across the cave. The raintree bonsai and Kāne's personal burrow never felt the detrimental effects of this monster's blows, as though protected. But the rest of the chamber suffered as once sturdy rock melted and crumbled. The monster inhaled for another roar—

BOOM!

It shrieked when a geyser of freezing water hit its arm. All its heat scabbed into steady earth like a healing wound. It snarled and forcibly broke apart the rock, reinforcing its arm with another thick band of lava. It roared its malice for such a heinous act.

CRUNCH!

Cyan lighting clacked amongst flowing whiskers.

The magma monster roared at its opponent.

Rows of sharp teeth bared in a killer snarl. The winding Dragon refused to back down with its scales as blue as the ocean and his wings tucked into his body. He crafted the crown of horns on his head for royalty. He sneered with his serpentine blues resolved for this fight as his tail lashed. Cyan lightning whipped down his body as he opened his mouth—

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Ena's eyes widened. Silver?

CLANG!

She had no time to second-guess herself. The enemy waited for no one. Monsters glared at her, and while she could dish it right back, it was troublesome trying to find their bodies. Shadows strung together in a mockery to recreate the Frankenstein bodies these monsters once had. She could feel their claws and the nails and their teeth, but her blows went into open air.

Went into shadows.

She was throttled back into the wall, but lucky for her, she ended up within the shield Aloha had been bubbled in. Wiping the blood off the corner of her mouth, her exhale tasted like metal, and she scowled at the waiting army of gleaming eyes and shadowy forms.

Aloha fretted over her. "A-Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Ena dismissed. She got back to her feet. "This is nothing." Keeping hold of her swords, she weighed her options. I've never seen creatures like these before. I can't hit them with my swords which is worrisome. And even if I Enchant one monster to become tangible, it'll break the strength enchantment I put on myself.

She spat blood. Not like it's doing me too many favors fighting like this. I can't waste my time here. I need to find L.

Aloha gulped as he curled against the wall. This is insane. We're all going to die here. Ambers clouded. This is my fault. Death follows me everywhere. And now it's my turn…

"Here. Watch these, will you?"

Aloha grew alarmed when Ena rested her swords against the wall. "B-But wait! Don't you need those!"

Soledia and Lunagr'an made their complaints as their gemstones whirled and flashed.

Ena stood strong. "Don't worry. I'm not just a one-trick pony. They'll protect you." And in the meantime, if I can't use my Cyber Fairy armor, then I have no choice. I can't last as long as Mother, so I'll need to be quick. She chanted, "Requip!"

Aloha shielded himself from the flash of bright life. When it was over, he blinked the glare away to look—

Ambers widened. Oh, my…

Half a skull covered Ena's face, mocking a masquerade mask. Her cloak had its hood up and looked darker than the night. Ghost Fire in its unnatural blue tint accented her skull-themed boots and her gauntlets. A large scythe hung in her hands with its blades reeking Ghost Fire and a large eye at the top of the staff that fluttered like crazy as though excited to have its freedom again.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Like Erza, this is Ena's Phantom Armor, which Ena can wear for a limited amount of time until her body becomes intangible and she wanders into the Ghost Realm to become a Shade. However, Ena's summoned weapon is a scythe named Sheol, which can utilize Soul Magic and shape-shift. But there is a reason Ena doesn't like using Sheol in combat… »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Woah-ho-ho, it feels so good to be free and back in your loving hands, Master!" Sheol crowed, his blade vibrating. "Where's that smokin' blonde beach babe?" The staff shivered as Sheol moaned, "Ooooh, how I'd love to slice her open all over!"

TICK!

Ena ground her teeth. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Sheol. We've got a job to do, you idiot."

Sheol's blade sagged as he complained, "Aw, Master, are you still mad at me? Is that why you never summon me out? It was an accident last time, I swear! C'mon, you know that!"

TICK!

Aloha watched with wide eyes as Ena shook her death scythe and seethed, "You deliberately sliced L's clothes off and embarrassed her because you are such a disgusting pervert!"

She remembered how murderous she felt when she saw Luna trying to cover herself, cheeks pinked, and a pleased Sheol looked so proud of himself for the act.

It was not a good day.

Ena wrangled her scythe. "I would've sold a sick weapon like you if you were worth even a single jewel!"

Aloha jolted when Lunagr'an and Soledia started flailing around and whirling as though in angered agreement with their owner.

"Okay, okay, I got it!" Sheol's eyes bounced around with dizzy bubbles coming from the end of his staff. He muttered, petulantly, "It's not my fault you have a cute friend and the clothes you make her are that easy to slice."

He sweated when Ena towered over him with her lethal aura as she bent his staff. "Do you want me to break you, you disgusting pig?"

"No, no, I'll work, I'll work!"

Sheol straightened up his blade with a huff. What a slave driver. He jolted when the Black Sun and White Moon Swords showed off their sharpened blades. And those damn suck-up swords. His eye landed on a frightened Aloha, intrigued. Oh-ho, and what's this? He has an interesting soul. His eye narrowed. But his Soul Thread to his scythe is so weak. How strange.

Ena sighed as she swung Sheol onto one shoulder. If he wasn't so useful, I would've sold him.

She looked out beyond her protective enchantments to the shadowy monsters clawing for a chance to taste flesh and bone. But his abilities help me rely less on the powers this armor comes with. And he's the only weapon I have that can deal with monsters like this and put them out to pasture. I just need to be quick. If I stay in this armor too long, I don't have Penelope near me to ground me.

Her jaw set. So let's get to work.

Aloha huddled with his knees to his chest while Ena took to the battlefield. Her precision with her scythe looked too graceful to be real. She moved with the stealth of an assassin as she cut down every monster that dared try to kill her first.

Wow… She's so young, but she's so strong. Aloha tucked his chin down. And all I do is bring bloodshed. I'm useless. I thought being a surgeon could help me, but now… She'll probably die since she's close to me.

His eyes glinted in self-loathing. I just… He curled his hands around his legs as helpless frustration overwhelmed him. I wish I could do more than bring death for once.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

LUB-DUB!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Holland started.

The large studio apartment might feel like a deal-breaker for most people, but it had its advantages. The living room sunk two steps into the ground with an electric fireplace and built-in entertainment system, while the bed had its own platform in a corner of the room, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase blocked it off from onlookers. Artwork of course spread from top to bottom of the apartment. Whenever Kapa received inspiration, Holland always encouraged her to create. It helped that they had one enormous wall of windows that led to the balcony, but rain splattered the glass as lightning butchered the sky.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Holland and Kapa's Studio Apartment. The rent was absurdly high before they got it, but thanks to Holland's "negotiation" skills, they're able to rent it a fourth cheaper than the original price. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Kapa finished with her bag when she noticed Holland looking out the window. She came to touch his arm and signed, What's the matter?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Holland and Kapa's Studio Apartment

Lō'ihi City

Taema's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Holland slowly signed to her, I think…I sensed another God Slayer.

Kapa frowned. The same one as before?

Holland shook his head and mumbled as he signed, "No. This one is…different. I can feel it." He took Kapa's hands and placed them over his heart. "In here. It's different."

Kapa pursed her lips and signed, The storm is getting worse. Maybe…we shouldn't go.

"And leave it up to Rai and Kalua?" Holland shook his head to sign and say, "No. We should go. If we could sense both Slayers, that means if there are other Custodians in the area, they'll feel it when the Slayers Ascend. And we have to be ready for that." At Kapa's worried look, he kissed her forehead before pulling back to sign, Don't worry. We'll find them before that happens.

Kapa signed back, They're family, Holland.

"I know, sweetheart," Holland sighed. "You are just like your mother with that dangerous thinking. But we can't promise to keep them safe if both Slayers don't want us to. You know that, right?"

Kapa tossed him a sour look and signed, I can try.

Holland smiled. "Then you try, sweetheart." He pecked her lips before pulling her close.

GORO-GORO-GORO!

His stare hardened as he took in the weather. This storm… It's about to get even bigger than we thought.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GORO-GORO!

PIKA-PIKA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Luna never felt strange walking outside barefoot—her father often endorsed barefoot walking against her mother's henning and worrying they could step on broken glass—but for some reason, as her feet touched the soft mass of grass and moss, she felt most strange, almost rejuvenated. The laughing wind flustered her hair and kissed both her cheeks and she could feel a warmth spread in her stomach.

This grotto was alive.

"I've never seen such a beautiful place," Luna admitted to Kāne. "And you protected this place for hundreds of years. That's amazing, Miss Kāne." She glanced back to call to Icarus, but she frowned when she could not see her Celestial Spirit. In fact, she could not see the entrance to the grotto. "Icarus?"

Kāne stopped when Luna stopped.

Icarus? Luna called, but all she felt was a wall. Icarus? Where are you? Her hand rubbed her arm as she shifted her weight. Icarus, this isn't funny anymore, please answer me.

Nothing.

A wheeze left Luna, but she tried to rein in her fear. I can feel him this time. This isn't Alvarez. I can feel Icarus. He just doesn't want to speak to me. Keep calm. It's okay.

She turned to Kāne on the cusp of panic and uncertainty. "Miss Kāne, I'm really sorry, but I don't know why I'm here. C-Can I go back to my friends now?"

Kāne looked onwards.

Luna followed her gaze to the pond with the monolith in the center. Awareness sparked within her, but she did not know what sort of awareness. I don't know what I'm doing here. This place seems familiar, but… Her thoughts tapered off when Kāne approached the pond—

—and she walked on water.

Luna watched as the great Guardian walked on the water without making a single ripple, as though the pond remained unbothered. The doe stopped before the monolith and looked back at Luna.

Luna swallowed and shuffled to the edge of the pond. But when she peered over the edge, she had no flection. While light had hit the water, it had gifted not even the monolith or Kāne a reflection. What sort of pool is this? Hooves took over her vision, and she looked up at Kāne. Panic hit when Kāne tried to tug her onto the water.

"Oh, no!" Luna snatched back her hand. "I-I-I'm sorry. But I can't do that. I-I, um, I…" She took a small step back. "I-I'm really sorry. I don't think I'm the right person…"

Kāne blinked at her.

Luna sighed. "I know you say that, but I'm…" Her shoulders sagged. "I'm not…my family. I'm sorry. I don't… She looked at her hands. "I don't even know what my powers do, not really. I could only heal because I saw Gale and Igneel fight. I can only use Telepathy and Empathy because of Icarus… And I can see into the future because of Syra. I didn't…" She hugged herself. "I know the Heartfilia Clan was close to Spirits, but…"

She closed her eyes. What am I doing here? I'm so confused.

The laughing wind galloped around her and shoved her forward.

Luna gasped when she fell onto the pool—

—and she was walking on water.

She stilled in disbelief. I'm… I'm on top of the water? But how…? She shuffled when Kāne nudged her before walking back to the monolith, expectant. Steps were hard to coerce herself to take, but she angrily pouted when the laughing wind came back around to force her into a walk. So rude. Gathering her courage, she felt like a newborn deer navigating walking on top of the water. It felt like the water was beneath her feet as padding, but solid mass layered beneath it. And yet, she was certain this pond was full of water alone.

Once Luna got to Kāne's side, she asked, "Now what?"

They both looked at the monolith.

Luna's lips twisted into a frown as she took in the sleek sides sanded down. I don't understand what I'm supposed to do, but… Her fingers slid across the smooth earth. This… This shouldn't be like this. It's so…familiar, but I don't understand why. I saw it in Miss Kapa's show, but… It looked familiar to me then. But why? And why does it feel weird looking like this?

Kāne shifted.

Luna did not understand when Kāne lowered her head. "Miss Kāne?"

Kāne touched the pond and sparked a ripple.

Luna could not understand what was happening until the blues warped to paint a moving scene for her. She saw Ena in her Phantom Armor fighting for her life as she wielded Sheol to combat the shadowy monstrous vying for a pond of flesh.

"E!" Luna dropped to her knees to soak up the picture. It horrified her when a monster had ripped Ena's cloak. "No!" Her hand touched the scene as Ena was throttled back into a wall. She shielded herself before monsters could descend upon her, breathing hard and with angry gashes across her body, but it worried Luna when she saw Ena's right leg flicker in and out of existence. "No, no, no!"

Another ripple took over.

The scene shifted to show a Water Dragon bounce against the chamber walls. He roared his pain when lava was spewed onto his side, thanks to the molten monster, but he gave it back as good as he got it with her watery roar forcing the monster's lava to morph into earth. Still, blood dripped from the Dragon's hissing mouth and he swayed, unable to get back to his feet.

"No, please!" Heat sprang into Luna's eyes. Silver. I know that's Silver. But why…?

Another ripple came about.

Icarus raged his way through the shadowed monsters with his teeth and claws and horn. But he was deviously outnumbered with his opponents. Stardust leaked from his fur as a monster threw him against the tunnel ceiling. Icarus dropped down, weak, but the fire in his eyes would not die.

Luna gave Kāne a tormented look. "Why are you showing this to me? I need to go back for my friends!"

Kāne nodded to the monolith.

Frustrated, Luna shouted, "I don't know what you want me to do! Why can't you tell me? Why do I have to be patient?" All her ire from months' past reared its ugly head as she shook. "Why? Why can't I just save people? Why does everyone have to get hurry? Why…?" Her bottom lip trembled. "Why…did I h-have to get hurt? Why…?"

Her shoulders dropped as she buried her head in her hands. Why…? Why can't I be better? Why am I thinking about this now? Why…am I so angry? I just want to stop hurting. I want everyone to stop hurting. Her fingers slipped away to leave her face naked and her lashes damp. I can't…think like this. Silver, Icarus, and E need help. But I… I don't know what to do again.

"I can't fight like them," she breathed in confession to Kāne. "I don't… I'm not strong like them." She looked at the Guardian and beseeched, "What am I supposed to do?"

Kāne's starry eyes softened. She nudged Luna back to her feet like a tender mother before she nodded to the monolith and waited.

Luna reached for the stone. I don't understand how I got here, what I'm doing here, what's happening, but… Please… She rested her forehead against the monolith. I just want to help the people I love.

A tear shed, glowing of white.

It threaded her jaw—

DRIP.

—and landed on her white Fairy Tail stamp.

DROP.

Quiet.

Then…

WONG!

Luna tipped back her head. White marking had colored the monolith and decrypted so rapidly, it would hurt someone's eyes to watch it. What is this? She watched as the glyphs compounded and contracted repeatedly until they created one form.

The white silhouette of one of the winged menehune with a strange six-pointed star on their chest.

Luna's lips parted—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Alekoko."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

And the entire pond glowed white.

°•°•°•°

SLAM!

Aloha panicked when Ena staggered back into the borderline with Sheol the only thing keeping her on two legs. Aloha fretted, "Are you okay?"

"I'm…fine," Ena panted. She covered one nostril to huff out a clot of blood from the other. "This…is nothing. Ha… Ha…"

Sheol carried concern in his one eye when he saw Ena's right leg disappear for a second before reappearing, translucent. "Master, you should let go of this armor," he warned her. "You can't handle staying in it for much longer—"

"Shut"—Ena gulped air—"up." Her breaths tasted like steel as she looked out from beyond her enchantments. Together, she and Sheol cut the shadows down in numbers, but there were more of them than there were of her. I can't let it end here. I have a civilian to protect and bring home. L needs me. And I can't abandon Silver. I must see this through. She took a step—

Aloha held break her fall when she swayed, but he could not stop looking at her flickering right leg that looked like an illusion. She's disappearing. Her Spirit is…leaving. A haze filmed his mind. She's going to Pulotu. Like everyone else…

Ena tried not to look at her fading leg. If I don't end this soon, I'll disappear. But we can't stay here like sitting ducks—

Sheol fell from her grip and rattled onto the ground. "Master!"

Lunagr'an and Soledia pinged, worried.

Ena looked at her fading hand with a grim smile. "I'm fading." A shaky exhale left her. How poetic. Would it be better if I disappeared from reality, Mystogan? Would that satisfy you? Her eyes closed, warm, as she could remember Silver and Luna's excitement and beams. But… I wanted to make them smile a little longer. Just…a little more.

CRASH!

Aloha held onto Ena when her armor cracked off her and left her in tattered clothes. But even with her armor gone and Sheol disintegrated back to where he came from, her right leg and her left hand faded from this world. He cradled her with his bottom lip quivering. "You're going to be okay," he whispered to her in promise.

Ena puffed a faint laugh. "I'm sorry. You got caught up in my foolishness." She caught both her swords hovering about, with their moonstone and sunstone flashing in fear. "Don't worry, you two. You'll have to protect him. Ha…"

Browns filled with unshed wetness. So this…is what moving on is like. Her stomach fluttered. I thought I'd be more afraid. How funny. Being afraid of the inevitable.

Aloha saddened when he saw Ena's entire right leg had faded into nothingness.

"I can't feel my leg." Ena's tone came out light. "Is it gone?"

Aloha closed his eyes. "Yes. It's gone."

"All right." Ena looked at Aloha with a drummed-up smile, eyes glistening. "I-It's strange. Having you here… I feel peaceful. Isn't it strange?"

Aloha's throat tightened. "No." His eyes opened, ambers soft. "When I'm around a person for too long, they end up dying. But they always tell me they feel better about their death around me. I'm sorry I Cursed you."

"No." Ena gently shook her head as her right bicep started fading. "You didn't curse me at all. I was stupid." Her smile widened as he eyes sparkled. "So, so stupid." I can't…feel the weight of my own heart anymore. Am I breathing?

Shining blues.

Happy browns.

Her hand shook as it reached for the ceiling.

DRIP.

A scarlet tear shed.

DROP.

A little more… Ena's hand started fading. Just…a little more time…with them… Please… Her beam threatened to crumble. I don't want to leave.

A flash shot through the tunnel.

But if…everyone leaves… A dullness overturned the lively glint in Ena's eyes. Then I suppose….I'll go first, okay…Father? Her lips parted in a final inhale—

White hit Ena and a brown insignia glowed on her chest as a six-pointed star with a diamond at its core.

A smile. "Not yet, My Lady."

Magenta burst from Ena's eyes.

Aloha cowed back as light overtook him and threatened to blind him. He could not feel Ena's weight around him, but pressure bombarded him from all sides and made his ears pop. I don't understand! What's going on!

THWIP!

A band whipped around and destroyed several shadows.

THUCK!

A powerful aura expunged the dark monsters from this realm.

When the light no longer felt lethal, Aloha risked turning back his head—

Amber sparkled. Amazing…

When Ena opened her eyes, she had not expected to be in the living world nor had she expected to feel as alive as she did in the living world. Gone were her tattered clothes with abandoned limbs back and stronger than ever. Armor from the Middle Era coated her body in black and gold with the visor of her bascinet helmet up. She looked at the strange battle-ax in her hand with a six-pointed star on its side. Every piece of her armor looked like it weighed kilos, but to her, it felt like she hardly wore anything at all.

What…? Ena looked at herself. What is this…?

Twins smiles, one of white and one of black. "Hello, My Lady."

Ena did not know what to make of the two women who kneeled in front of her. White and black outfitted them, respectively. White hair, white lashes, and white bandages taped around her exposed arms. Her black armor did her service with a shoulder cape, a breastplate, and her armored skirt, with a bandit's gloves. The phases of the moon etched in white carved onto her breastplate, and even a crescent moon hairpiece was gifted to her.

But the other woman looked opposite. Dark skin with honeyed hair and white lips, she was outfitted in white with her breast place holding the golden sun, as did her loincloth and her boots. She held onto her bow, even though she had no quiver for arrows. But she was an archer through and through with her guards on her wrists and the gloves on her hand reflecting a black moon and a white moon.

Ena demanded to know, "Who are you? What do you want with me? And why did you revive me?"

Both smiled wider and responded, "We have been waiting patiently as your swords, My Lady." They looked up—

Crescent moons and large suns dominated their pupils respectively.

"We are your faithful swords," they told her in unison. "And we are honored to serve you once more after three decades of waiting"—they bowed their heads with their fists over their hearts—"Scarlet Sage."

---

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

---

Cathedrals could be thought to be a bit pretentious, don't you think?

The grand cathedral carried centuries' worth of stained glass and memories as it towered above all. The bells had been rung to alert the people of the high-level storm parading about the paradise. Some sought refuge in the safe place of the church to pray for safety and gather about their wits. The sisters and brothers of the cathedral were more than happy to have them, and they offered blankets, towels, and hot beverages to those seeking asylum from the weather.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is one of the Caelum Branch Church of the Holy Eye, located on Ao's Paradise. It also acts as part of a school and an orphanage. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Rachel watched the influx of people before she disappeared into a hallway. The storm stuck to the sky with thunder throwing a fit, but she did not care. She kept walking until she found a closet door. And when she opened it up, a spiral staircase led to the depths of the church.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Church of the Holy Eye

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

It was as though the steps were padded to make sure those who descended made nary a sound. The trip to reach the bottom was long and tedious and none-more-justifiable once you reached the floor. But Rachel did not mind the journey at all.

The bottom floor looked like the type of cellar parents shooed their kids from, full of valuables and antiques that little hands did not know how to be responsible with. Closed doors were all around the corridor, but she ignored screams and sobs and moans to head to the largest door at the end of the chamber. She needed no introduction as she opened the door and slipped inside.

And a second shadow followed her.

The room was nothing more than a gentleman's club. Velvet lounges and chairs comforted the body while aged whiskey and bourbon comforted the mind. Heady smoke razed all, but it was anyone's guess as to who smoked the most. Almost everyone who relaxed within these wine-color walls to burningly slow jazz smoked a cigar or cigarette. Even though everything offered looked from a gentleman's speakeasy, all genders were welcome. Religious habits stayed on as members of the clergy invited those dressed in silk and lace to their sides or on their laps for shared kisses and reciprocated touches.

The church was a place of peace.

This was a den of sin.

Darin sat with two women at his side, their eyes laden in desire for him. They dared not push their luck and kept their strokes to his chest lest he shoo them away for moving too fast. He finished off his bourbon and handed it to a young boy coming around with a tray of empty glasses.

"You said we'd have those bastard God Slayers, Father? Where are they?" A buff woman snarled this. She looked nothing like the clerics here, not with her guns, her tight braids, or the scars she boldly carried. And it did not help she made a necklace of one tooth from every victim she had slaughtered.

Darin passed her his pretty smile. "You Custodians are so impatient," he teased her without fear of being her next victim. "It's not my fault you abandoned your gods and you can only feel their kids when they Ascend, is it?" He tempted the lips of one of the beauties on his arm, but he left her needy for a kiss he did not give her. "And I never said I'd be personally hand-delivering them to you. I only told you that there are three Slayers here."

She reached for her gun—

"Now, now, let's be…rational about this, Father." A slinky young man had been the arrogant voice of reason, and he could calm down his bloodthirsty associate. "If we could speak to the Caelun Primate—"

"And I told you the Caelun Primate is away on business," Darin groaned against the mouth of the other woman. He nipped her bottom lip before pulling away with his pretty smile lazy and satiated. "The Holy Eye is a little too busy to cater to every request we get. And Holy Mother has a little nuisance to handle right now. She's the reason why you're even here, right?"

His pretty smile sharpened. "And thanks to her, you could sneak into this country illegally without raising alarms to the other Custodians, right? Unless…you don't want our protection anymore."

The buff woman clenched her jaw while the slink young man looked properly agitated.

Darin took his quiet victory in stride as he feathered one of the women's cheek. "Be a little more patient, won't you? You waited a millennium—you can wait a little longer, can't you? And right now"—he cupped the chin of one of his women—"we have other priorities." He kissed her with his eyes cracked open, dark.

I heard the Enchantress headed down to the mainland. However, the Children who checked in with our branch reported they couldn't follow her. Holy Mother nearly killed them when she heard. If Ena Fernandes truly is the one we've been waiting for. He moved into the kiss. Then our goal is closer than ever. And Pope Adam will be one step closer to finding Her.

A ditzy smile. "Excuse me, Father. Could I join you?"

Darin moved away from the woman to give this new lady a slow onceover. The poppy pink of her lingerie stood against her olive-tan skin, and it helped she looked curvy yet fit in all the right places. But what drew people in was not her smile or the thick ringlets of hair—but it was the pale blue of her eyes that looked almost whimsical.

She leaned over to let all who wanted leer at her cleavage and offered a kissable pout. "You've been with them the entire time you've been down here, Father. I'm getting jealous."

Darin raised an eyebrow. With one wave, both women got out a cigar and lit it for him before he took a puff and blew smoke onto this newest young lady's face. "You're new," he conceded. "Who brought you here?" He noticed Rachel hanging back and his pretty smile was back. "You didn't have to go through the trouble, Sister Rachel. I can find my own."

But his eyes still trailed back to the new woman with explicit interest. "But you chose well." He shooed both women from his side (they left with pouts and glares towards the new competition they had not expected) and he took another puff of his cigar. "And what's your name down here, beautiful?"

"I go by whatever you want me to be since my name's a secret. Who knows?" Her smile widened. "Maybe you'll loosen my tongue and find out my name sooner than you think, Father."

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Hunh

Lunagr'an – Ariel Graham

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Icarus – Christopher Sabat

Akamu –

Aloha Elion – Keith Silverstein

Raimana "Rai" Kalupe – Chris Hackney

Kalua – Chris Burnett

Gajeel Redfox – David Wald

Caeryssa – Kristin Chenoweth

Maxim – Major Attaway

Holland – Thomas Doherty

Sheol –

Soledia – Skyler McIntosh

Darin Kahanmoku –

Mysterious Woman –

• — • — •

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 128

•

I'M SO TIRED

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

HOW LONG WOULD YOU WAIT?

---

Chibi-Luna waves at her class with a tarp covering a large object. "Good day, class!"

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

"Well, I'm glad you asked!" Chibi-Luna enthuses. "It's…"—she yanks down the tarp to show off a shiny Sheol the scythe—"about Sheol the death scythe!"

Sheol hoots, "Wazzup, kiddos! I'm just your friendly, neighborhood scythe!" He leered at Chibi-Luna with a blush and a heart in his eye. "And I'm friendly for you too!"

A dreary aura captures the class as Chibi-Luna awkwardly laughs. Teacher has such bad luck these days.

"Ahem!" Chibi-Luna clears her throat. "Sheol is Ena's scythe, but he's also a true Death Scythe, meaning Sheol is fashioned from the concept of Death and only those with very powerful souls or Death Gods can wield scythes like these. Death Scythes like Sheol are very hard to acquire, but each scythe has its own personality"—she smiles and sweats as she tries not to pay attention to Sheol's male gaze—"unfortunately…"

The students' moods darkened further. Teacher, please get away from that pervert.

"Death Scythes like Sheol have the ability to help move on, but their scythes don't cut bodies like a normal scythe," Chibi-Luna informs, inching away when Sheol comes closer. "Instead, they separate a person's Spirit and Soul from their bodies. Most scythes will eat the souls, which then can be used as energy or placed back in the Soul Realm, but Spirits p-p-p-pass on…" She shakily puts up her glasses when she's backed into a corner and she squeaks, "M-Mister Sheol, you're very close."

"C'mon, baby, I'm not going to bite," Sheol croons as his blade curves down. "Let me just get a look at you—"

SLICE!

"Ah!"

The students are not exactly sure what more than do outside of gawk while Chibi-Luna frantically tried to cover herself and mourns, "My clothes!"

"Oh-ho-ho, what a happy accident!" Sheol reasons, pleased. "I just couldn't help myself!"

SLAM!

Sheol jolts when Chibi-Ena storms in to strangle his staff. "M-Master!" Crocodile tears leak from his eye when a seething Chibi-Ena drags him away and he whimpers, "No, not again! I didn't mean it this time! I just wanted a quick peek—!"

"I should've broken you inhale, you disgusting pig!"

One student is kind enough to put a blanket over a distraught Chibi-Luna and advises, "Teacher, I think you need better guests and a lock on your door."

A dreary and depressive aura takes over Chibi-Luna with her glasses sliding down. "Yes. I think so too."