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!

128. Adventure 128

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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LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure: with Luna gone to a place Ena cannot follow, the emotional fallout becomes too much for her to handle alone. Meanwhile, Luna's sleepwalking has taken her to learn the truth of Caelum's dark past: one of the first Caelun tribesmen betrayed his people to demonic creatures who were searching for this mysterious pillar. Akamu makes his entrance with his hostage Aloha, but things aren't looking good when Akamu's illegal potion gives him volcanic powers with only Silver there to stop him. Ena and Aloha are on the run to find Luna, but between Aloha's motion sickness and Ena's perverted scythe, things can't get any worse. Luna made it to the hidden monolith, but she had no idea what to do. But with her sole desire to protect the people she loves, maybe she did know what to do all along. Ena's near-death is avoided, thanks to the Power of Love, but now she's left with two mysterious women.

"We are your faithful swords. And we are honored to serve you once more after three decades of waiting, Scarlet Sage."

Well, Ena, you did say The Forge made weapons who could think and act for themselves. And y'know, I hope Amare doesn't think you guys stole his horses from the conservancy center…

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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 raises a peace sign. "And just to let you know, while this story will try to be canon-compliant, we're going to become more canon-congruent. Some past details will be predominantly canon-compliant but with a few changes starting with what's to come." She winks with a thumbs up. "Enjoy the episode!"

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• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

In the Year X382

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• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The riches of the great plains came in deep greens of the grass with rock formations spewing up every now and then. But one flattened path had battled through the winds and grass to approach a secure city behind a stone barrier. If enemies were not dissuaded with the heavy stone, then they surely turned the other way once they saw the lounging Dragons sunning themselves on the rock formations slammed against the barriers. One Dragon had its scales blended into the rock, but it peeked open a pretty pink eye to see two juveniles ramming horns to puff up dominance. To impress his human partner, one Dragon went through the theatrics of transforming into a steel Dragon and looked happy his male looked amazed.

Flattery got you everywhere with human-loving Dragons.

Humans and Dragons milled about the country. The magnificent castle had its fair share of Dragons lurking about, but the ruler had done her due diligence in creating great courtyards with fountains for both man and Dragon to take comfort in. A few children gifted in Magic played an odd game with a hatchling eager to play alongside creatures smaller than her. A Sky Dragon looked warmly at her elderly patient as she healed his abrasion from a nasty fall. A rookie guard stationed at one of the watchtowers nearly peed himself when a large snout snapped inside, though his superiors and the Dragon all guffawed at her expense.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Kingdom of Dragnof located in Ishgar. It is one of the few kingdoms across the world in which Dragons and humans lived together in harmony, and Queen Irene ruled it. The castle at the center of the kingdom is called the Scarlet Palace. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KAN-KAN-KAN!

"Your Majesty!"

"Wait, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, please!"

The corridor was a modest and honest one. Refine tapestry and gifts from neighboring countries had been cleaned and proudly displayed. Guards stood at attention during the time on duty, but a few curious ones watched the small band of elders with their scrolls huff and puff shuffling down the hall.

"Your Majesty!" one rasped. "A word, please!"

Boots came to a stop. "I understand your concerns, advisors, and I will take them all under consideration. But in the meantime…" She turned around with her deep scarlet hair catching the light. Even as a queen, she chose humbled regalia of her cape with her sword close at hand.

She gifted her trusted advisors a poised smile. "I will be retiring for a brief reprieve before my next meeting. This matter can wait until our next session." She lifted her chin, browns warm yet firm. "Am I clear?"

⌜KINGDOM OF DRAGNOF

Name: Irene

Occupation: Queen of Dragnof

Likes: running drills for her soldiers Dislikes: N/A

Special Note: Irene is the elected queen of Dragnof due to her strength and strategy! But doesn't she look awfully familiar… ⌟

Her advisors glanced at each other before they bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I appreciate your cooperation. Good day." Irene turned with scrolls tucked under her arm and walked away. She hummed a laugh when she heard the grumbling of her advisors.

So, they desire for me to marry, do they? Dark browns twinkled, resigned. Well, it's not as if I disagree. We cannot afford the continual territorial skirmishes with the Kangal Kingdom. Not with Alakitasian Dragons relentless with their waves of attacks. My spies tell me our place in the alliance hinges on if I present myself as a 'tamed woman'. The other leaders feel uneasy about a lone woman in such a prominent position of power. It's 'unnatural' in their eyes.

She stopped and sighed before glancing out on the castle windows to overlook her people—her home. How irritating. They come to me and plead for my help in training their soldiers for combat, but they still don't trust a woman to run a country, even at the behest of her people.

She drifted over to the window, and a wild breeze caught her braided lock. With a smile, she watched a draconic pair dance into the sky to see if they were compatible. I wonder… Is this what the Heartfilia Priestess endured? No one has questioned them. If I wrote to Anna, I…

She shook her head. No. I shouldn't. She has her hands full. Fondness sparked her smile. I saw Anna when she was considering having children. I hope she can bring her children here someday.

FWOOSH!

Irene was used to large gusts of wind at this point, but her smile broadened when heard claws hook into the castle. "You know, the advisors are going to throw a fit for this."

A throaty laugh. "Then allow them to throw their tantrums. I do not answer to their hatchling whines."

Irene shook her head in amusement before looking over at the Dragon. He was a bit past his prime, but his beige scales were strong, as were his tusks and horns. "You might not, but I have to, Belserion." She rested a cheek against a propped fist. "Or will you save me when they come banging at my door?"

Belserion's eyes glinted. "I don't think the Scarlet Menace requires my assistance to tame such frail humans."

⌜KINGDOM OF DRAGNOF

Name: Belserion

Age: 1000+

Magic: Sage Dragon Slayer

Likes: sunning Dislikes: juveniles playing with his tail

Special Note: Long ago, Belserion was saved by Irene's mother, and in turn, he has vowed to watch over Irene. ⌟

Irene chuckled. "Is that what they call me now? I was called the 'Scarlet Angel' not a week ago when my plan to recapture one of the cities was successful, but now they see me as a menace because I train them to go past their limits."

"Mockery is a sign of flattery."

"And yet I see you huff when the younger Dragons mock your age."

Belserion snorted. "Juveniles always need to understand their place. And they are quick to learn my bite is stronger than their scales." He shifted to the window with one eye on Irene, serious. "They expect you to wed soon, Irene."

"Yes." Irene stepped back. "I know. And their arguments hold merits. Our alliance must be successful. We can't afford to lose this war. And the other leaders don't trust a lone woman like me. They'll concede if I'm married."

Belserion narrowed his eye. "Do they not understand the Heartfilia Clan has always had a Priestess and never a Priest?"

"You know as well as I Star Maidens are held in a different regard than an unwed queen," Irene reminded. "And General Rung is a…logical option for peace. Perhaps I should consider him more, but…" She sighed.

Belserion pulled back for a moment as light green Magic overtook his body. He folded into the window and landed on the ground by the time his Magic cracked off. A large man with tan skin stood in the hall with a full head of graying hair and a well-trimmed beard. His mountainous form as a Dragon had translated to being a mountain of a man with only a beige toga to cover him. "You should not marry because of a 'logical option'."

Irene tossed him an ironic smile before setting off into a walk. "I believe Dragons choose their mates of the season based on logic and not love."

"But you are no Dragon," Belserion pointed out as he walked beside her, barefoot. "Your wings do not deserve to be clipped by a male such as that general. He smells of sulfur and dirty crotch when he is present." Deep greens darkened. "He would not treat you as you should be treated."

Irene laughed. "Fidelity and loyalty are not mutually exclusive, Belserion," she pointed out. "I wouldn't expect him to have me as his bed partner, but I would expect his loyalty to our political partnership. It's not as if I ever planned for marriage, but my people need stability." Dark browns turned grim. "My army is thinning, not for lack of strength but from lack of numbers. The Kangal military has the numbers we need. We cannot continue our disputes when a war is afoot. You know that."

Belserion touched Irene's elbow to stop her, firm dark greens and deep browns connecting. "And I know that your mother would have never wanted you to select a life-mate this way," he murmured. "She did not want your wings to be clipped."

Irene gave pause with her eyes flashing away. "Yes, well"—her arm tightened around her scrolls—"how am I to know what she wanted when she is not even here?"

Belserion studied Irene for a few moments. "Come. I want to show you something." He guided her down the hallway until they found a set of doors. Inside was nothing more than a guest suite that was sparingly used for hosting purposes.

Irene sighed. "You know the servants would gossip if they saw their queen ducking into a bedroom with another man."

"And they should know I raised you since you were an annoying hatchling," Belserion reminded good-naturedly.

Irene set down her scrolls on one of the tables to cross her arms. "What is this about, Belserion?"

"Do you truly plan to wed that male?"

"It's a consideration," Irene told him. "For the good of my people, I owe it to them to consider this marriage."

Belserion looked down with a heavy exhale. "Then, if that is your wish…" His wrists crossed in the air, but as he drew them apart, hilts appeared out of nowhere with leather sheathes coming out next. "You will need these."

Irene looked at the sheathes in great intrigue and confusion. "What are those? Swords? I have my own—"

"But not swords like these." Belserion looked at the twin swords, wistful. "I have kept them in my hoard upon your mother's requests. These were once the swords she used in combat forged by an Old God." He looked up at Irene. "And they will serve you well, if you let them."

Irene blinked in surprise. "These were…my mother's swords?" Delicately, she took the white leather sheath and brought out the sword. Long and sharp, the white blade reflected her face with its moonstone brilliant. Awe and fascination fell over her as she examined the broadsword. How odd. It feels…alive. She looked back at Belserion. "Why shows these to me now?" No betrayal or accusation, simple curiosity.

"Your mother asked me to keep these swords in my hoard until you needed them the most," Belserion told her. His lips curled in a growl. "I do not trust that male general. Neither do the other Dragons. He looks at us in disgust. I know when he sinks his blade into dumb Wyverns, he secretly imagines that as my kind who sheds blood." He let go of his malice. "But for you, we will fight alongside him."

Irene softened. "Thank you, my friend."

Belserion looked at the black sheath and pulled free a black broadsword with its sunstone flirting with the light. "But you must not turn your back on this general. He may want this war to end, but I do not trust his methods. These swords have pledged their loyalty to your mother and those with her power to defend and protect their wielder. And if you let them, they will do the same for you and your young."

He sheathed the sword to offer it to Irene. As she sheathed the white sword, Belserion mentioned, "These swords will match your valor and ideals if you give them the chance. But be warned: a blackened heart will blacken your swords and dull their blades. You must continue to treasure your heart and humanity if you wish to see the power these swords have to offer."

"Are they Magic?" Irene asked as she accepted the black sheathed sword.

Belserion nodded. "They are."

"I see." Irene eyed the twin swords. These were the swords my mother brought to war with her. "How do I use them?"

"You will know how," Belserion said, cryptic. "Continue your studies in Magic and you will know."

Dark greens fell upon both swords. I know you had told me to wait until she had reached her potential. But I could not wait any longer, my old friend. She must be protected if she mates that male.

Greens sparked. I have done all you asked. I have raised her as she is my own. But I cannot help but wish I had raised her with you.

"I will take these as a gift," Irene decided. "But you always avoid answering when I ask you about my mother and father."

Belserion snorted, crossing his arms. "Your father was a stubborn male. We did not get along. He was sorely mistaken to think the power in his belly matched mine."

Irene admired the swords and asked, "And my mother?" She looked up—

Deep browns widened seeing an affectionate look in Belserion's eyes.

"I have told you she saved me from a fate worse than death," Belserion murmured. "And that is true. As such, she became a close friend. Every day, I learned more about her. She carried herself with confidence and grace. None could fly as high as her." He looked away, jaw set. "And none ever will."

Irene smiled. "I understand. Thank you, Belserion, for the gifts and for the compliments about my mother." She looked back at the swords. "I'll do my best to treat them properly and live up to her image."

She thought to the swords, I will treat you well, for you were my mother's. And please serve me well in return.

Perhaps it was in her head, but she could have sworn she heard dual whispers tickle her ears. Yes, My Lady.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

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

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• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena looked down at the two women who kneeled to her like she was of importance. Nothing made sense to her. Not her new armor, not this ax in her hand, and not these strange women swearing fealty to her.

"'Scarlet Sage'?" she repeated, tone like flint. "I've never been called such a thing." She stepped back, eyes accusing. "Explain yourself. Who are you?"

"We are your swords, My Lady," both women told her. "And we have waited to serve you as your vassals."

Ena's jaw ticked. That's what they said before. They claim to be my swords, but I can't let my guard down. Mother never said a word about either of these swords being capable of turning human. And I don't know who this 'Scarlet Sage' is.

She clutched her ax. Part of me wants to demand answers; however…

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

She glared outside the shield to where the shadow monsters kept clawing and gnawing for a chance to get their pound of flesh. I have no time for an interrogation. I need to find L and get us both back to Silver. And then we need to leave this place and return the villain. She closed her eyes. I must stay focused. I cannot afford distractions.

Both women blinked when Ena pointed her ax at them.

"Fine then. You claim to be my swords. Then I will put you to use," Ena commanded. She pointed beyond them and past the shield to the monsters that waited for bone and blood. "You are to destroy every enemy you see. Leave nothing behind. Serve me well if you are my vassals. And if you dare leave one of those creatures alive, you will answer to me. We can't afford errors. Not when"—magenta aura filmed around Ena—"I have people I love on the line. Do you understand me?"

Both women rose to face the answer ahead. The woman of the Black Sun readied her bow as pulled back the invisible string to gather a solar arrow while the lady of the White Moon prepared her bandages. "As you wish, My Lady."

Ena ordered to Aloha, "Stay here. Do not leave this shield or you will be killed." She faced the enemy and brushed past both women with her battle-ax firm in her hands and a war cry on her lips.

The lady of the White Moon's eyes widened as she saw Ena's scarlet hair. For a moment, she could see an older woman rush to battle with her white cape and calloused hands. And in another, she saw another woman with luscious locks of deep scarlet and her glinting armor as her wings carried her to battle.

Her lips twitched into a relieved smile.

I've missed you so much, My Lady.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 128

•

I'm So Tired

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疲れました

•

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RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

BOOM! BOOM-BOOM-B-BOOM!

Rock broke free from the chamber when the magma monster shoved Silver into the wall. A lava fist pulled back for a punch, but Silver thrashed and roared water into the monster's face. The monster staggered back with an angry snarl when its molten form hardened for a moment. As it tried to chip off the earth, Silver wormed his way out of the dent he created to snake over the monster and blast it with water as he circled.

The monster roared as more of its body was scabbed in earth, but it did not back down. Blindly, it found purchase grabbing Silver's tail with a molten hand and giving his scales a burn they would not soon forget. Silver hissed as cyan lightning whipped down his body to electrocute the monster into letting him go. The monster was not off its rocker yet, but it still stumbled back and fell. Part of its body had hardened into earth and it was getting harder and harder to pick it off.

Scorched tail limp, Silver's mouth parted into pants with his gaze blurry. So…hot… Water… He tried to get to his claws only to stumble and fall over, sucking in air. I need…water…

His thoughts were cut off when the monster had pried himself free of cementer earth to clamor over to the serpent that had done him wrong. Silver snarled his warning, but he was too weak to wrench himself free when the monsters took his horns. He whipped him left and right until he throttled him to the wall. Silver growled and floundered when the monster dragged him against the wall before throwing him down into the lower part of the chamber.

The blow left Silver wincing, but he had no time to save himself when the monster descended on him. His hissing and scratching did him no favor as the monster treated him as a plaything. Thrown onto the ground, burned, and punched, Silver had been put through it all and he could not give retribution for these transgressions. Instinct ordered him to show his teeth and claws, but he listened less and less to his instincts the more he was bowled about like a ragdoll.

SMASH!

The throw to a pillar had made it hard to get up again, but he had to. Blood gummed his teeth and bled from his eyes, but he snarled as fiercely as ever to show he would not back down.

The monster, challenged, tipped its head back and roared. Lava broke the ground to flood the floor, bubbling and popping. An orange haze lit Silver's blue underbelly as he futilely tried clawing away from this bath of magma, but it was too late. His scales might have hardened on land, but lava still set his nerves aflame and singed him where it hurt. He sprayed water, but it came out as a dull mist. All that was left for him to do was climb onto a boulder and hiss like an angry cat, curling his body up as the lava pooled below.

Victory certain, the monster blasted a lava roar across the chambers to cut down lavacicles.

Silver groaned when one of the dull lavacicles hit him, but he could not afford to move off his boulder for flimsy cover when lava would be below him. His wings were not used to him and he was not used to them. His flapping did nothing more than make him out to be a fool.

He was trapped.

Silver curled up more and let out a low growl as though warding off the lava from coming closer. Breaths tasting like metal and chest heavy, he tried to keep his stare focused. But the putrid heat and the stinging scent of sulfur made every part of him shrivel up. He could see how dried out his scales had become and tried to ignore the alarming flaking from his belly.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Silver heaved another bloodied breath. Water… I need water… Have to keep fighting… Have to…get to Lulu and Mistress… But even with such clear resolutions, he could not bring himself to move without his head lulling to the right or left. The crowned horns felt like a burden, and the cyan lightning around his whiskers fizzled into clicking static.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

DON… DON… DON…

It belatedly registered to Silver the magma monster had taken to climbing the walls to reach for the sky. No… No, you can't…leave here… His wings gave a useless attempt, but it resulted in Silver's head laying on the rock with his mouth giving short inhales and his tongue dry.

Water… Water… He coughed with the heat making him dissociate from gravity. Lulu… Mistress… The roars of the monsters muffled in his ears with his own breath becoming ten times as loud.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

As the lava fizzled and toiled, Silver could see blood crust his vision. Ha… Ha… Ha… I need…water… I can't breathe… His throat made a gurgling sound before he wheezed. I can't… I can't…

A falling lavacicle punched his head.

White noise whistled in Silver's ears. His body trembled as he tried to rack in another breath and failed miserably.

CAAAAAAAAAAAW!

Wailing winds and an earth-shaking screech did nothing for him. The orange haze of lava, however, crumbled under the lashes of frigid breezes. It was too late for him to take advantage of such a blessing. His eyes could not hold open, but muffled shouts bounced about the upper levels of the chamber.

You all right there, mate?

The brogue in his head sounded dearly concerned, but all he could respond with was, Mistress… Lulu… Help… Crumbling debris and multiple heartbeats made him numbly shift his head. Humans had invaded the cavern now that the lava had cooled into hardened rock, but he could put together their names and faces. He knew a woman was there, and he could feel the weight of a creature above him, but the bravest one to approach him traveled by cloud.

Dark browns with blue reticles.

Silver's vision blurred and blurred as his savior dared come close. He bared his teeth to ward away this human. The scent of agitating wind and rain made his tail lash.

But he was so tired—so, so tired.

A hand pressed upon his horned nose and his good eye caught a pair of lips.

They moved to string together words.

Blues sparked before they dulled. Mistress… He could feel his scales shed for skin as full-body relief rocked him. I'll leave this to you then…Mistress… He croaked one last breath before his body slackened and his vision faded to nothing.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Luna… Luna… Luna…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

The white space she surrounded herself with cracked when she tried to open her eyes. Everything felt heavy and exhausting, but she could see blue skies and sunshine through her half-lidded gaze. Someone was beside her in this sunny place with the abstract shadow of leaves on a tree imprinting his skin. Her lethargic gaze dragged to catch a black band on his wrist. And he held an old manuscript in his hands with a scratchy title:

The Boy Who Never Grew Up.

A smile with fang. "You're awake."

She hummed, unable to focus. "Sleepy," she mumbled as her eyelids fell. "'m tired…" It felt nice when warm fingers stroked through her hair.

"I know you are. He told me you did something very special today," came soothing praise. Rough hands bode gentility when he moved her head into his lap. "You're going to be very weak for a little while, so you shouldn't use your powers for a little bit, okay?"

She exhaled through her nose. "M'kay…" Her body felt relaxed and slack. 'So tired…' Another heavy sigh. She turned her head to get comfortable with her eyes flickering open for a moment.

A thimble glinted as a charm on his necklace.

A scarred finger tucked her hair behind her ear. "So. The Sea Prince is actually decently strong. And Bambi got stronger too. It looks like I left you in good hands with them." His smile softened. "You have good friends."

She hummed and could feel herself slipping from this conversation, from this place.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you." The guilt. The self-hatred. The remorse. It thickened his words. "I'm going to get stronger, so you don't have to ever go through that again. I'm going to come home. I just needed you to know that." Spice and heat swarmed as he kissed her forehead. "I miss you a whole bunch. But you have to go now, okay?"

She sighed. "M'kay." With the last of her strength, she hauled her eyes open—

Affection emeralds.

His lips moved.

She could not keep her eyes open for long, but she tried to tell him.

---

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

I love you too…Igneel.

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

---

Pup! Pup!

Luna groaned when she felt a large nose sniff and prod her. "Icarus, 'm fine," she slurred. It was straining to open her eyes and move, but when a creature over 300 kilograms hounded and henned you, you had no choice but to respond unless you wanted a mouthful of fur and slobber.

"Oh, thank gods you're okay," came rasp.

Luna's head swayed when someone rushed her for an embrace. Her ribs hurt, but she did not have the mental strength to put together a sentence. Even so, she recognized the red hair and when the person pulled back, she would know their face anywhere. "E?"

Ena sniffed with a watery smile. "You're okay," she breathed, her relief palpable. "Oh, thank god you're okay."

Luna hummed and fell into Ena. "Sorry," she managed to mumble. "Just tired."

"It's fine." Ena took no issue loading Luna into her arms like a bride carrying her bride. "Just rest, okay? You're safe now."

Once she was sure Luna was secure and partially asleep, her features hardened and swept about the whimsical grotto. But where are we? This place… It feels magical, and that doesn't always mean a good thing. She looked around her and saw the empty pond that centered the grotto. I don't understand why this place makes me feel like this. What am I missing? She looked down at Luna. And why did I find her alone? How did she get here?

"My Lady."

Ena turned to see the lady in white had come to her with her bow across her shoulder. "Well?"

The lady in white kneeled to her. "There are no others, My Lady. We have made sure to take care of the enemy." She lifted her head to focus on Luna. Nostalgia hit her hard. She looks so much like her.

"I want one of you to aid Silver," Ena commanded. "The rest of us will follow behind." She glanced at the shaken Aloha at Icarus' side, but her eyes narrowed when he kept throwing concerned looks at Luna. Why is he staring at her like that?

"As you wish, My Lady." The lady in white stood—

"And when we're safe from here, I will demand a proper explanation." Ena left no room for argument.

The lady in white paused before humming her agreement. "Of course, My Lady." And she bounded away to speak to her companion.

Ena watched both women, distrustful. I'm not sure what sort of answers I'll receive, but we need to get Silver and leave this place first.

She looked up at Icarus, who understood and lowered himself. "Mister Elion, I'll need you to get on."

Aloha looked startled. "M-Me?"

"Yes, you," Ena affirmed. "I'm going to put L with you and protect you all from pointe while one of my…swords will be vanguard. I'm trusting you with her." Browns turned to flint. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Ambers glinted before Aloha turned to Luna. "Yes." Resolve hardened his stare. "You can trust me with her."

Getting onto Icarus proved to be an uncomfortable feat without his saddle. But Aloha was delicate relieving Luna from Ena's arms. He curled her side-saddle and looked down at her barley-conscious face. This girl…

Watery chocolates.

Aloha held her tauter. I can't do much, but I can make sure she's safe. He nodded at an expectant Ena. I won't let anyone die here.

Ena nodded back before sharing a glance with Icarus. All right then. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the grotto and the empty pond. Let's get the Hell out of here.

She chanted, "Requip!" Magenta caked her body before cracking off her, leaving her stranded in the Middle Era armor with her battle-ax in hand. She looked at the lady in black with her box around her shoulder. "Are you with me? Did the other one go to Silver?"

"As you commanded, My Lady," the lady in black told her. "I will be your faithful vanguard." She flipped up her hood and pulled on her mask to cover her mouth and nose. "By your leave, My Lady."

"All right." Ena put down the visor of her helmet. "Let's go!" She raced to the exit first with Icarus bounding after her and the lady in black at the rear.

Luna jolted with every bound of Icarus' paw, and she peered past Aloha. The empty pond might not have had the monolith, but she saw Kāne's ethereal glow standing atop the water with no reflection to her name.

Kāne bowed to her before disappearing into a mystical steam of white.

Luna mumbled, "Bye…Miss Kāne." Her lashes fell.

But she could hear a sweet voice in the recesses of her mind. We will meet again. A chaste cheek-nuzzle. And thank you.

Ena pushed herself harder, knowing Icarus and the lady in black could match her speed. Little green flecks bejeweled the tunnel and put everything in a soothing light. I still can't sense Silver. Ever since we came to this place, my senses have been off. Either that or Silver's too weakened for me to sense his presence. Dark browns glistened. Silver… Please hold on. Just a little more.

HIIN!

The company slowed with Ena surprised seeing the Kelpie come rushing towards them with her tack and saddle. Ariel? Dismissing her battle-ax, she held out her hands as the Kelpie whinnied and neighed, stomping her hooves. "Easy, girl," she soothed. "Woah now. Easy. Easy."

Ariel snorted and shook her head, but she did not protest when Ena took hold of her tack. All her clomping and stomping calmed as Ena stroked her nose.

"Where's your rider?" Ena whispered as though the Kelpie had a great secret. "Can you take me to him?"

Ariel looked at her for a moment before bobbing her head.

"Good girl." Ena kissed Ariel's snout. Mounting a saddle she was not used to while armored was not her favorite pastime, but comfortability would have to wait. She held Ariel's reins as she looked back at the group. "She'll take us to Silver. Come on!" She pressed her heels and tightened her hold on the reins. "Hyah!"

Ariel whinnied before breaking into a gallop.

Aloha gripped Icarus fur and leaned forward to keep him and Luna balanced while the lady in black was silent in her running.

Ena looked down the barrel of the tunnel with hard eyes. Just a little more. And then we can all go home. Her teeth gritted. Don't you dare be injured, you fool. Or I will have no choice than to make whoever hurt you pay one-thousand times over.

°•°•°•°

Getting back to the chamber felt too easy, but there was no time to dissect that now. Ariel and Ena broke into the chamber first with Ariel slowing to a stop. Maybe Ena should have held onto her rationality for a fair bit longer, but when she saw an unconscious Silver and Rai standing over him, she lost all reason. "You…!"

Her battle-ax appeared in her hand.

The lady in white came before Ena before she could storm over. "My Lady, wait," she insisted. "It's not what you think—"

"You call yourself my sword." Ena gave her a dark look. "Then cut him down or get out of my way."

CLAP!

Rai looked over with a sunny smile and a deceptively flowery aura about him. "I can sense we have some underlying hostility going on here. What a shame. I thought we were becoming friends, Mistress?"

TICK!

The lady in white held a furious Ena back as she snarled, "How dare you address me like that! I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Let me go! He's mine!"

Kapa signed, face dry, Stop antagonizing her.

Rai pouted. "Oh, fine. Ruin my fun." But he dropped his moue for a serious look. "I understand you have much to discuss," he told Ena, and she stopped to eye him in suspicion. "But right now, there's something more important than that." He gestured for her to look.

Ena crossed the bridge with company in tow. Rai, Kapa, and Kalua had congregated at the center where Kāne's burrow was. But when Rai led her to the opposite edge to see what was below—

Browns widened. What?

Caked in earth with veiny magma hidden beneath, a monster sat in the lower part of the chamber. The light of its eyes was faint and its chest did not pulsate to show it breathed. But somehow, it was alive. Everyone could sense it was alive. Holland took his place before the monster with his fingers on his temples and an opaque film over his eyes.

"What is going on?" Ena had to know.

Rai looked down at the monster, cupping his elbows. "We came here when we sensed the emergence of two other God Slayers," he explained. "But it looks like Mafui'e's God Son went on some sort of rampage. And now, he's stuck inside that monster."

"It wasn't a rampage," Ena negated. "I'm certain he took an Enhancer potion." Chin in her thumb and finger, she thought harder about it. "But you're certain he's a God Slayer?"

"Yes," Kalua chimed in. "Holland and I could sense his power is a fraction of Mafui'e's volcanic power."

"Then that Enhancer drug must've kickstarted his potential," Ena rationalized. "It's very rare for that to happen. Most of the time, Spiritless and Dims who take those sorts of illegal potions end up in a fatal state. At best, they could go into anaphylactic shock. At worst, a ruptured aneurysm, stroke, or seizure. But in some cases, it jumpstarts people with potential. Even so, it leaves them in a critical state."

Her eyes narrowed on the monster and watched as rock started sealing away more of the lava veins. His fight with Silver must've transpired into what we see now. Perhaps the reason Silver's unconscious was the heat. I know little about Elemental Wizards, but opposing elements cause a strain. Silver probably couldn't handle such heat. And this monster worked overtime to say volcanic. And now—

"He's dying."

Aloha came off Icarus with Luna curled in his arms. He peered over the edge with a sad look on his face towards the monster. "If that body hardens, then the boy inside will die inside it," he faintly told the others.

He can't sustain this much longer, but… Ambers glinted. Why…can't I sense it this time? I can't feel Pulotu close, but I know he's dying. His lips twisted. Like everyone else.

Rai looked at Aloha with a frown. What's a civilian doing here? One glance at Kalua and seeing the Custodian focus on Aloha made Rai all the more intrigued. Is he…?

"Mister…Aloha?"

Aloha blinked down as Luna gave him a sleepy look. "Luna… You're awake."

Ena was taken aback. He knows her real name?

"It's okay," Luna murmured, touching his cheek. "He won't die, okay?"

Aloha clenched his jaw. "You don't know that." Everyone dies around me. His hold tightened. Everyone.

He wavered when Luna wriggled. "W-Wait! You're not healed yet—!" But he had no choice when Luna's movement made him cave in putting her down. "Please, you need more rest—!"

"I'm tired, Mister Aloha," Luna told him. "Someone said….I shouldn't use a lot of my power." She held Aloha's hand. "Can you help me? Just this once?"

"You want me to…help you?" Aloha did not understand, his mind reeling. What does she want my help with? This isn't a hospital. I don't have any tools. I'm not a Wiccan or a Healer. I'm a surgeon, but— His thoughts paused seeing Luna's heavy-lidded calm eyes.

"I know you can do it. Because your name doesn't mean 'goodbye'." Luna squeezed his hand. "It means 'hello' too."

Ambers widened before they clouded and closed. She's just a child. She doesn't know what she's saying. His hand trembled. So why…?

• — • — • — • — •

"You're not cursed, Aloha."

A tattered hand touched his cheek, wrinkly and clinical, while a weak smile could be seen beneath tubes. "You're…my precious boy. You'll save so many lives. Your name doesn't just mean 'goodbye'. It also means 'hello'."

Her feeble fingers swept down his cheek to wipe a tear. "Your name means you will share something beautiful with every person you touch, that you'll give them a proper 'goodbye', and you'll give them a warm 'hello'. You…"

DRIP.

A tear went down a cheek.

DROP.

"…are my…Aloha."

And her fingers slipped from his wet cheek.

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP!

• — • — • — • — •

Luna took a step—

—and Aloha stepped with her.

Ena reached out, but it was Kapa who stopped her with a gentle shake of her head and imploring eyes. Ena could only grit her teeth and bear it when Luna and Aloha glowed white and disappeared. What the Hell is happening?

Holland could not afford to look away from one second as Aloha and Luna stepped next to him. "I'm barely hanging onto the threads of his mind here, lassie," he grunted. "You'll need to be quick about it. He's slippin' away."

Luna softly nod and pulled Aloha with her to approach the hardening monster. Its mouth tried to move, but crumbs of earth fell. Its lips split to show it had magma inside, but the heat and flames were dwindling fast.

"All I've ever done is say 'goodbye'," Aloha told her, lost. "I… I don't know what to do."

Luna took his hand and guided him forward to touch the monster's core with her Fairy Tail stamped hand atop his own. "Then start saying 'hello'," she told him, "and I'll join in."

Aloha looked at the monster before looking down at his and her hands. I don't know how to say that. But if I don't, the boy inside could die. And this girl… She believes in me. He closed his eyes with an unsteady exhale. I just…need to say 'hello' this once. Please. He tightened his hand. Let me say this just once in my life. I don't want to curse another person. I just want to say…!

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

LUB-DUB!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Rai and Kapa started with Kalua touching his chest.

Holland could see a faint golden-yellow outline Aloha as a citric wind ruffled with hints of sweet peaches—plumerias. So then… He's really…

Aloha tensed and chanted, "Aloha!"

Luna's lips curled into a smile as her Fairy Tail stamp glowed white. Yes, that's right. And she closed her eyes and breathed, "Aloha."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

WONG!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Ena had never seen anything like this before as white and gold sparked in her eyes. Oh, my…

Aloha and Luna glowed gold and white respectively as tendrils of their aura threaded together and insert into the remaining veins of the monster. Sweetness and citrus and peaches whirled around as the monster's fading glow was pumped with healing vitality. It was worrisome the glows tore apart the hardened earth on the monster's body. Would lava flow out again?

But nothing like that happened.

Plumerias blossomed in spaces from the chipped earth. Akamu's unconscious body could be seen in the haze of sunny flowers, no longer trapped within a feral creature. The gauntness of his face was washed away once the threads of gold and white touched his skin. As he tumbled through the flowers, Kalua whirled air to lessen his fall, so Holland could arrive and get Akamu to the ground safely.

Akamu's expression twitched as he stirred. "Nnngh… What…?" His eyes broke open, lethargic and tawny. "What…happened…?"

"You're all right, kid," Holland soothed. "You'll be all right."

The plumerias faded into specs of golden-yellow. Their work was finished. The glow around Luna and Aloha faded with not a trace on them. But Aloha had to move quickly when Luna slumped against him. "L-Luna!"

Akamu's tawnies flicked over to her. Lu…na… And he could not keep his eyes open anymore as he sunk back into the abyss of sleep.

"Sorry," Luna apologized. "I'm just…a little tired. I think I used more power than I was supposed to." Her eyes shone as she looked up at Aloha. "I knew you could do it. Thank you for saying, 'hello." Her lashes fell. "Thank you…Mister Alo…ha…"

Aloha lowered to the ground to support Luna properly. She's asleep. She needs a lot of rest, but I didn't get to tell her… Eyes shining, he gifted her a small smile. Thank you, Luna. I had forgotten all those years what my mother said. And you reminded me. So thank you. Please get some rest.

He looked at Akamu and his mind switched to ED-mode. "We need to get him to a center," he commanded. "If he drank an illegal potion, we need to flush it out of his system immediately if it's true he's a late-blooming Wizard. Keeping potions like that is still toxic for Wizard. And he'll need an IV for fluids. His body might've adjusted to having powers, but I'm sure he's dehydrated since he's not used to Ether and physiological regulation—"

"There's no need for that."

Rai, Kalua, and Kapa joined thanks to Rai's cloud. Kalua helped Kapa down, but Rai stayed on his cloud to look down at Akamu in slight contempt. He dipped his foot down to move Akamu's head and look at his nape. It was naked, yes, but when Rai's blue reticles appeared in his eyes—

The symbol of Deathhawk appeared.

"He needs medical and Ether treatment," Aloha argued. "We can't—!"

"I understand as a—what are you, a doctor? I understand your white coat concerns," Rai told him. "But we can't take him to a center." His reticles disappeared for disgust. "Not when he's a Hawk."

That made no sense to Aloha, but Kapa signed, surprised, He's a Deathhawk?

"A 'hawk'?" Aloha repeated, perplexed.

"Yes," Rai said to both. "Deathhawk is a guild that moonlights as an international crime syndicate, like the Stellian mafia and the Giltenan brotherhood. Hawk tattoos are glamoured to never appear unless in the presence of another Hawk. When you know where to look, it's easier to figure it out. But it's why Deathhawk defectors are almost always murdered. If one Hawk decides to build its nest on the right side of the law, then it will out its entire flock."

His eyes narrowed on Akamu. "It's not like bringing him to a hospital will out him, but if he came alone, that means whoever sent him knew he could handle himself. And that he isn't a lowly newborn birdie. We'd put targets on our backs if any Loose Feathers learned we were helping him."

'Loose Feathers'?" Aloha echoed.

"Spies," Holland supplied. "They're associates of Deathhawk, but they don't have the tattoo to be one of the nest. They get some nice kickbacks, though." He looked down at Akamu, jaw tight. "And the man's right. We can't publicly associate with the kid. Not unless we want Hawks lookin' into us. And we can't afford that."

Rai's expression thundered. We'll need to find a safe place for both of these two. As of now, Custodians must've sensed their emergence. And I can't afford to let two golden opportunities skate by. But I don't want to get involved with a Hawk. If word got out, my reputation would be tanked and I'd be removed as chairman.

He sighed. "This is becoming such a pain." He blinked and peered at Aloha closer. "Oh, my."

Aloha flinched back when Rai took a lock of his hair. "H-Hey—!"

"We've both been having a bit of a rough night, haven't we, cutie?" Rai kissed the lock of Aloha's hair with a wink. "But I could think of how to get our minds off such dreadfully serious topics…together." His smile widened, saucy. "What do you say—?"

CLAMP!

A frigid Kalua had a dark aura around him with his hand on Rai's shoulders. "Sir, you must refrain from being flirtatious when we have other topics to talk about."

Red-faced, Aloha freaked out on the inside with steam coming from his head while Rai looked like Kalua killed his cat, turning away with a dramatic huff. "I don't see why I can't do both," he complained. "It's been so long since I've had any fun, you know. You can't just tell me not to hit on someone as beautiful as him. And it's not like I can play with the little beastie and his pet anymore."

TICK!

Ena's yowl blundered across a startled Rai, "You shouldn't have been playing with us at all!"

Rai smiled up at her with his flowery aura. "Oh, come now, don't be so bitter, Mistress. After all, I'm responsible for you having the hottest kiss of your insignificant life and for being the main courier for The House of E's international boutique launch. I deserve a little less of a scolding, hm? You should be thanking me sweetly like the pretty pet you are!"

Tick marks bulged across Ena's temples as her cheek twinged. This idiot. Seeing Rai's flowery aura increase made her all the more murderous. I should just end him and be done with it.

"Hn…"

Ena looked down. She had cradled Silver into her arms with Ariel, Icarus, and the ladies of white and black standing guard. As Silver stirred and shifted, she braced herself. "You're awake."

Silver smacked his lips and croaked, "Water…"

"Right. Of course." Ena glanced at the burrow and summoned one of the canteens stashed away back into her hand. Silver parted his dry lips when she placed the top to his mouth and gently spilled water in. Once he had his fill, he turned away, and Ena resealed the canteen. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Silver told her, honest and frail. "Are you okay, Mistress? Lulu…"

"Shhh, we're both fine," Ena soothed him. "You need to rest. No more talking."

Silver did not disagree with her. "Did I…do good, Mistress?" He nuzzled her stomach. "Can you tell me I did a good job?"

"What did I say about talking?" Ena lightly scolded him.

"Please." Silver hugged her before peeking up a blue eye at her. "I want to hear it from you, Mistress."

Ena blinked, surprised, before she softened. This fool… She combed through his hair. "You did a wonderful job, Silver," she praised him, murmurous. "You are my faithful shield."

Silver showed a weak smile as he closed his eyes. "Do I get a reward?"

Ena asked him, "What would you like?"

Quiet for several beats.

Ena passed off Silver was asleep—

"I want you…to remember next time."

Ena did not understand. "Remember what?"

"Our kiss. Next time, I want you to remember it."

Pink brightened Ena's ears and cheeks. Silver… Browns withdrawn, she sighed. "You're very tired," she soothed him, "and I'm sure you don't understand what you're saying—"

"No."

Ena froze when Silver grabbed her jaw to make sure she saw determined blues. What is he…?

"Next time, I want you to remember our kiss," Silver determined. "I want that as my reward, Mistress. I mean it. So promise me you'll give me my reward. You have to promise."

Browns sparkled. Silver… Her lashes lowered. He must be delusional. He wouldn't ask for such a thing from me. Maybe he's mocking me now. Her hand fisted. But I…

"All… All right." Ena averted her eyes. "I'll concede to your request. Now, please rest—" She stiffened feeling Silver's lips brush her jaw. When he let her go, all she could see was the happy glint to his blues and a relieved yet tired smile on his face.

"I have...such an adorable Mistress," Silver breathed, chest heaving. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help it." He closed his eyes. "I'll sleep now, Mistress. Thank you…for my reward. Thank you…" His head turned and his breathing evened out.

Ena was left to watch him with a strange look on her face. Why…? Those sparkling blues haunted her. Why…does he make me feel so annoyed, but then—browns glistened, hazy—he makes me feel…warm? I don't like this. So why did I concede? I don't understand.

"My Lady."

Enough with deciphering this strange feeling. Ena looked to the side to see the lady in white kneeling to her. "What?"

"We must leave, My Lady," she told her mistress. "It may be safe here for now, but we shouldn't linger."

"And that's what I was thinking too." Rai had lifted everyone on his clouds to rejoin at Kāne's burrow and bonsai tree. Holland had been tasked with putting Akamu in a fireman's carry while Aloha clutched Luna against him. "We're going to need to stick together for a while. I'm sure Custodians felt the Ascension happen. It's not safe for us to take off until we get out facts straight."

Ena ticked an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"

Rai smiled. "Well…Here's what I suggest."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Why did opera music sound so sad?

The elaborate set of the fairy tale looked too good to be true. Zhōnguánese imperial times had been beautifully replicated with their hanfu and headdresses. To pay homage to such rich history, symbols of the four Guardians had been strategically placed throughout. The audience in their evening gowns and tuxedos were immersed in this tragic love story between a determined prince who staked his life on riddles and a cold-hearted princess.

Now that the die was cast and the princess hurried to find the name of this determined prince, the prince took to center stage to wait for the dawn horizon and sung to the audience in his rich tenor.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Nessun dorma

Nessun dorma

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Winter had come with its flaky snow and chilly weather. It mourned its bitterness unto an unsuspecting alley and blanketed the trash and the bums who could not get into a house for the night. But a man in a trench coat, a brimmed hat, and with the hair of an Angel stood before a crumbled woman. Blood spilled from the bullet holes in her head with her eyes open and glassy. Her last breath had been a while ago, but those who suspected he had killed her were wrong.

She was the one holding the gun after all.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Tu pure, o Principessa

Nella tua fredda stanza

Guardi le stelle

Che tremano d'amore e di Speranza

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A black hawk fluttered back onto the man's shoulder before preening its feathers. The trench coat man offered the hawk a treat, which it took with a squawked gratitude. As the bird chowed down, the man reached into his pocket for a cigarette and his lighter.

And his puff of smoke splayed vividly against the nippy air.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me

Il nome mio nessun saprà

No, no…!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Others had come to clean up the mess, but the way they moved made them look like a blur of mass. All that could be seen against the blurs was the black hawk and the trench coat man as he smoked into the coldest nights of winter.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

sulla tua bocca lo dirò

Quando la luce splenderà

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Once he finished his smoke and stomped on it, he left the blurry mass to finish the job in the alleyway. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned away from the scene of the crime, but it felt like he moved at a different pace than the world.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio

Che ti fa mia

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The audience members looked moved to tears as the Prince crossed the stage with his heart, body, and soul on the line. So what if the princess said none shall sleep until the prince's name was found? The Prince was confident in his victory and that he may wed the cold-hearted princess of Zhōnguá.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

(Il nome suo nessun saprà

E noi dovrem, ahimè, morir, morir)

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

His loafers stopped before bare feet.

A little boy stood there in the snow with bruises that no child should have and his clothes rippled. But those tawnies had not lost their fight in them, their defiance. He looked up at this phantom stranger as though he was ready.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dilegua, o notte

Tramontate, stelle

Tramontate, stelle

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He had known worse than the man before him. Nights—oh, so many nights—had terrorized him with constant beatings. He had grown numb to his mother drawing up his childish appeal to perverse and pedophilic foreigners. He had survived days of hunger, nights of bleeding, a lifetime of this Hell on earth—

And he would keep surviving.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

All'alba vincerò

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The trench coat man smiled.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Vincerò…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The boy watched as the trench coat man knelt before him. Searching his pocket, he pulled out his hand—

The little boy flinched until he saw a piece of candy was in the palm of the trench coat man. His tawnies looked at this stranger with the shadows of his brimmed at covering his eyes.

…and tawnies watered.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Vincerò!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The opera audience had taken to loud applause as the prince held his tenor note with the swell of the orchestra. He would win this riddle!

And out in the alleyway, where winter had its claws sunken into, where a woman had shot her own head, where blood had been spilled—

There was a crying little boy who was safe with this phantom stranger.

• — • — •

Akamu woke with a slow crack open of his eyes. Mouth like cotton and lips sewn shut, he had little semblance of knowing where he was. If his body would not cooperate and move, his eyes would have to search in their limited view.

For some reason, he could tell he was in a bedroom. Maybe it was the light green and decorations that gave it away he was in a bedroom. His eyes caught an IV drip hanging, but the more his awareness sunk in, he could feel his body giving his mind control. His head shifted—

He did not expect a girl at his bedside; that was for damn sure.

She stirred as though sensing eyes on her. Once she lifted her head, relief visibly showed on her face. "You're awake. That's good! Everyone will be so happy to see you."

His brow furrowed. When his lips unclamped themselves, one word came to mind: "Luna…"

She froze before sparing him a sheepish look. "Yeah. That's my actual name." She scratched a cheek with a finger. "Sorry. I'm not supposed to give out my real name to people, even though I did so to Mister Aloha on accident. I hope you're not too mad at me." She reached for the stand and poured lemon water into a glass. "How do you feel?"

"Fine." Though his voice felt scratchy. He accepted the glass of water to realize he did have an IV in his hand. "Where am I?"

Luna fixed her hair and pushed it across on shoulder. "You're at Mister Rai and Mister Kalua's home," she informed him. "All of us came back here since it's the safest place for us to be right now."

Akamu grunted as he sipped his water. He caught the night sky outside. How much time has passed? I need to get back and report to Lady Lonza before anything. She won't be patient for much longer.

"So you're a Deathhawk."

Akamu's tawnies swung back to Luna, not surprised. "Yeah."

"And…" Luna's stare lowered. "You…weren't being friendly the other day, were you? I was…your target."

Akamu could not disagree. "Yeah."

"Oh. I-I-I see." Luna rubbed her arm with her eyes going to the side. "I really do have a terrible judge of character. Every time someone is nice to me…they end up being bad people." Her shoulders sagged. "I guess I'm not as prepared as I thought."

All Akamu saw was a sad kitten and, inwardly, he panicked. Why does she make me feel so guilty? He hedgingly tried to smooth things over, "Ah, well, y'know…" He rubbed his neck, flushed. "Give yourself some credit. You have some pretty badass friends who will ride or die for you."

A tick mark hit his head as he remembered chibi-Ena with her swords and somehow Chibi-Silver looked like some sort of angry wolf-boy. Psychotic friends willing to commit murder is more like it.

"Yeah, but…" Luna placed her hands in her lap, discouraged. "I should've picked up on all the signs. They shouldn't have to fight my battles for me. I should be better than this by now, and…"

Akamu panicked when he saw Luna's eyes water. Shit, she's gonna cry! He set down the water to wave his hands in the hopes she would not weep. "H-Hey, u-um! Well, uh…!" He pointed at himself. "Look, you captured me, right? Th-That counts for something! A-And you even healed me, so I owe you one! And it's not like your friends are fighting your battles all the time, but you should always be with friends who support you and have your back and stuff, right?"

A dreary moment hit him. Why am I comforting my target?

SNIFF!

Akamu froze, terrified Luna could start bawling.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Luna supposed. "Lately, I've been too impatient to get over everything. I just…wanted things to be better now. I thought if I was stronger, it would happen. And it hasn't. I can't fight like my friends can, but… Maybe…that doesn't mean I'm not strong in my own way." She smiled at him. "So thank you for that…Akamu."

A warm red spread about Akamu's face.

LUB-DUB!

Luna blinked with question marks around her when he turned away from her, a hand over his mouth as red splashed over his cheeks and the bridge of his nose. What the fuck? She just said my name and I'm red like a fricken idiot.

Luna caught the red crawling up Akamu's neck. Oh. He's blushing? Her lips quirked.

A giggle.

Akamu, hot all over, glared at her and barked, "What are you laughing at?" But his bite was lost seeing the shine in her eyes.

"You just…remind me of someone, that's all," Luna told him. "He's just like you. He's really tough and gruff on the outside, but he's sweet and shy on the inside." She could see a flushed Gale, annoyed and abashed. "You both act like such kids when you're embarrassed. It's very cute."

More red painted Akamu's cheeks as his eyebrow twitched. She called me…'cute'? Agitated, he huffed and sternly told her, "I'm not 'cute', Blondie, let's get that straight. Trust me." He looked down as his bloodstained past caught up with him. "Nothing about me is relatively sweet."

He clenched his hands. Not for all the shit I've done. He stiffened when Luna's hand touched his own.

"Maybe you're not a good person," Luna conceded, "but…maybe there's still some good in you. Just because you're a bad guy doesn't mean you're always a bad guy, right?" Her smile tendered. "Maybe you just don't get the chance to be as good as you are."

Akamu felt his neck heat. He snatched away his hand, grumpy, and muttered, "You should be more careful about the people you're casual with, Blondie. You know I came to kidnap you under any circumstances and drag you back with me. Don't think that I won't try it again."

"I know you won't try it again." Luna merrily pointed to Akamu's many bandages. "You'd trip and kill yourself if you tried. And my friends would kill you before you could touch me, right, Icarus?"

Akamu comically flinched back when he saw an angry Icarus in his Natural Form glaring at him right above the footboard. H-He was here the whole time?! Coughing into a fist, he grumbled, "Yeah, well, just because I won't try now doesn't mean it won't happen later. You need to be a lot more vigilante, you know that? Cute girls like you are the ones who get nabbed off the side of the street for thinking everyone's your friend."

"You think I'm cute?"

Akamu froze. Steam puffed from his ears.

Luna simpered behind a hand. He really is like Gale. Stretching her arms, she told him, "Don't worry. I know I need to be a lot more cautious, I won't forget that."

Yeah. I'll never forget this. She kept her sweatdrop to herself as she remembered Ena's severe scolding with Silver and Icarus nodding in agreement as she laid it on thick. Her smile turned dreary. They'll never let me leave their sights again after this.

KNOCK-KNOCK!

Silver popped in with a smile for Luna. "Hey, Lulu. I heard the noise. Everything okay?"

"Yeah!" Luna chirped. "Everything's fine. Akamu woke up."

Silver's smile sharpened as lightning passed between him and Akamu. "So I heard." His smile morphed into a smirk as War entered his eyes. "You're still alive, huh?"

"Yeah." Akamu cracked his knuckles with an icy glare on his face. "Why don't I prove it to you and your psycho mistress, stupid kid?"

Silver leered at him. "If you keep saying such vulgar things with Mistress around, maybe I should make sure you can't talk anymore, asshole."

Luna sweatdropped with a nervous smile as she endured two lethal auras. This isn't going well. She sighed. "Silver?"

"What, Lulu?"

Both young men had wide eyes when Luna clung to Akamu's arm with those doe eyes shimmering (and Akamu comically shuddered with his body red). "Don't be mean to my new friend"—she furthered her pout—"okay?" She turned to Akamu with those browns large and shining. "And please be nice to Silver from now on"—she pressed against his arm—"okay?"

DING-DING-DING!

Both were slack-jawed with shadows over their eyes (and Icarus remained unaffected). This… This isn't fair.

Silver huffed and grumbled, "Fine. I can be civil." He angrily pouted. "But if he says one vulgar word in front of Mistress, I'm putting him in a Water Lock again."

Luna took that as a win. "Done!"

"What?" Akamu gaped. "No! Fuck no! Y-You can't just—!"

"Please?" Luna made her eyes shimmer. "Can't we all just be nice to each other, Akamu? For me?"

Akamu's eye twitched.

Luna had an innocent flowery aura while Akamu hung his head in shame and reluctant compliance (with Silver sticking out his middle finger and his tongue and Icarus not all impressed). "All right!" she cheered. "Mister Rai said when you were awake, we could bring you out to the living room, since we have some things to talk about. So let's go!"

Akamu felt consumed by his gloomy aura as he croaked, "All right." My target… I'm being played by my target… He moved to get up when the IV tugged. "Uh…" He held up his hand. "I need this out."

A smile with teeth. "Oh, don't worry."

Silver loomed with a devious glint in his eyes (and Akamu sweated bullets seeing those water tentacles again). "I'll take it out of you, no problem."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Rai and Kalua's living room had no business being so comfortable and sophisticated. But to be fair, it was the interior designer who had done all the work when Rai had no interest in decorating and Kalua less so. Kapa had taken advantage of the big flat-screen to watch a late-night "tonight" show with the subtitles on while Holland could not get enough of her laugh. The ladies of black and white had become swords again, watching every movement.

Aloha sat hunched on one of the couches with his hands on his knees. I want to get comfortable, but… He tried not to show he was sweating under Ena's laser focus. I can't get comfortable with her staring at me like that.

• — • — •

"Wait. You're 'Mister Aloha'. The creep?"

Aloha looked wide-eyed as Ena stared him down with him sitting on the couch and her looming above him. "Cr-Cr-Creep?" His breath hitched when Ena shoved a warning finger in his face.

"You might've saved a life today, but that doesn't excuse preying on cute and innocent girls like L," she scolded him. "Think about your image. You're too beautiful to be caught in some scandal about approaching minors. Where is your dignity!"

Aloha jumped before trembling. 'She's so scary…'

She lifted her chin with her arms crossed. "Look. I'll let it slide about the other day for one condition only."

Aloha roughly swallowed. "Wh-What's the condition—Hmph!" He feared for his life when his chin was grabbed and he felt like his soul was about to leave his body seeing the fire in Ena's eyes.

"Sell me your beautiful face and your body," Ena declared, "and be my exclusive model."

• — • — •

Aloha's dreary mood intensified. Why did this have to happen to me? All I wanted was to watch anime and never leave my house, and now I'm stuck in this reality. I'm too young to be in a mid-life crisis, right? I'm still young. Thirty is still young.

"Oh, don't make such a distraught face, cutie."

Aloha looked up—

He lost his soul.

Rai looked fresh from his shower and cloaked like an Adonis as his silk robe slipped to show defined muscle and his Caelun tattoo. It did not help his hair was tossed back and rivets of water slid down his neck and onto his exposed chest. He delivered Aloha a filthy grin. "Seeing your face like that gets me so excited. Is seeing me like this getting you excited?"

"No," Aloha creaked out, still inwardly trying to reclaim his soul. "I'm straight."

Rai pouted. "Really?"

"Yes." An awkward look came over Aloha as he scratched his cheek. "A-Actually, there's a nurse practitioner I've liked for a while now. She's always been so kind to me, but…"

He tried not to think about all the times she said hellos and he sputtered something unintelligible before running away. I kept trying to stay away from her since I was afraid I'd accidentally kill her. I'm pretty sure she thinks I'm a complete idiot and incompetent at my job. He sulked as a despairing aura cloaked him. Maybe it is time for me to have a mid-life crisis before I die from embarrassment.

Rai dramatically sighed. "Well, damn. What a pity." He clapped his hands. "Kalua? Where's the wine and cheese board?"

"Coming, sir." Kalua came into the living room with a tastefully decorated cheeseboard balanced on swirling air while he carried wine glasses and a corked bottle. "Your cheese and wine."

Rai blew his Custodian a chu kiss. "I can always count on you, Kalua." He snuck a distasteful look at Holland and Kapa as he both signed and muttered, "Can't you two stay apart for five seconds? Your romance is disgusting and stinking up my home."

Kapa made finger hearts, but she created actual hearts to attack Rai.

"Hey!" Rai made a miniature cyclone to buff away the hearts and scowled at Kapa. "Bitch."

Kapa raised her middle finger at him.

Holland snickered. "And you say she isn't your sister."

"If she was, she could do a lot better than some lost Viking," Rai remarked, snide. "My bloodline has class, not kilts."

Ena was grateful when Kalua gave her wine and indulged in a big sip. This is going to be a long night. She gawked when Aloha downed half his tall glass before his eyes watered and he coughed. Does he not know how to drink wine?

"We're coming!" Luna led the charge into the living room with Icarus back in his Dog Form. "Oh, wine!" She bounced over to Kalua. "Can I have—?"

"No." Ena shot that down. "You can drink when we're back at the hotel."

Luna puffed her cheeks. "Fine." She sat next to Aloha only to frown when he scooted away. "Mister Aloha? Are you okay?"

"Oh, I'm fine." Aloha's smile twitched as he felt Ena burn holes in the back of his head. But I don't want to sell my body.

Attention turned onto Akamu with bandages across his abdomen, torso, and his right arms. Hackles raised, he bristled under the weight of everyone's stares, but he kept to himself for lashing out. He took a seat on one of the accent chairs, refusing to look at anyone, and grunted, "What the Hell do you want with me? Gonna turn me in?"

"No." Rai nodded when Kalua passed him off a wineglass, but he kept his gaze steady on the tense Akamu. "We're not going to turn you in, Hawk."

Akamu did not act surprised, but his jaw clenched. "All right." Tawnies clashed with dark browns. "What do you want from me then? Money?"

"Ha! Oh, little boy, please." Rai looked down at Akamu with a holier-than-thought smile. "I could buy this entire building without batting an eye, and you think I would want money from some lowlife like you? How disturbing!"

Everyone sweatdropped as Rai cackled. He has such a nasty personality.

Akamu growled, "Then what do you want from me?"

"Your cooperation."

Akamu grew taken aback at the hardness of Rai's face. "My…cooperation?"

Rai and Kapa exchanged a nod. "Yes. Your cooperation." He took a set on his coffee table and crossed his legs. "Right now, you, me, Kapa, and Aloha share one thing in common. All for us"—his stare darkened—"are God Slayers."

Aloha's eyes widened. 'God Slayers'?

Akamu stared back at Rai. "Bullshit."

"Don't believe me? That's not my problem," Rai told him. "You can leave my place. But I assure you once you do, you'll be a beacon to any Custodian in the area who can feel your powers settling in. And unlike us, they won't be nice and take you in. They'll kill you without knowing your name and they'll enjoy every moment of it."

Aloha looked sick. Kill…us?

Akamu weighed his options, eyes going to the hall that would most likely lead him out, then back to Rai. His choice was made. "Start from the beginning." An edge carried in his voice. "And don't leave anything out."

Kapa got up as Rai swirled his wineglass. "Both of you are Caelun, so you should know our history." He glanced as Kapa created silhouettes of the Gods. "Over a thousand or so years ago, Caelum had five gods: Tagaloa, Elo, Taema, Fa'tiu, and Mafui'e. And this was all thanks to our Guardian Ao."

Kapa created the great winged Guardian who lorded above all.

"I know this story," Aloha piped up. "We learn about it in primary. The five first gods of Caelum divided the first tribes of our country when Ao created the six Paradises. Our gods gave us minor gods like Pele and demigods like Maui and then we had a really well-known Champion, Kamehameha. But…" His brow furrowed. "I don't think I've heard of God Slayers."

"You wouldn't have because they were rare," Holland piped up. "Slayers weren't exactly the type of people gods and monsters wanted around. Most of the time, Slayers were killed if someone found out they'd become a future Slayer. The Gods were pretty hard-hitting to kill off Slayers who could potentially Ascend into godhood."

"I'm sorry. What exactly is a God Slayer?" Luna asked.

Ena responded: "My guess would be similar to how all Slayers were intended to be. They had a fraction of the power of what they were the Slayer of. They could use the power of the God they were under. And as they acquired more power, they could turn into a god."

"And you'd be right about that," Holland said. "That's why Slayers weren't exactly bein' asked to head to a pub with their gods. Some God Slayers got a lucky lot in life and ended up Ascending without being killed. But more o' them were slaughtered for being a threat to the 'natural order' or things."

Silver echoed, confused, "'The natural…order of things'?"

Kalua nodded to Kapa, who created a pantheon of silhouettes, but they all kneeled towards one muscular man with lightning around him. "The Gods had one leader named Baracles. He was a tyrant, but no god could challenge him for leadership because he was too powerful and too cunning. While many tried to ignore it, Baracles was classist. He had a way of keeping himself on top and everyone in their place. But if a Slayer born with his lightning were to Ascend, they could be the only one worthy of his placement. And as such, he frightened the Gods into killing Slayers or their position would be usurped."

"The madman had gods turning to Seers and Timekeepers and the like to learn about which mortals would be born a Slayer," Holland recalled with a revolted shake of his head. "It was infanticide and feticide… It turned into a game. The Death Gods were furious." He nodded to Aloha." Your God Parent Elo… They couldn't stand to see such violence. I remember how sad it'd made them having to send innocent lives to your Heaven, Pulotu." His eyes softened. "They would've loved you."

Aloha did not know what to say to that.

"I'm not hearing about these 'Custodians'," Akamu bit testily.

Kalua explained, "Custodians were servants to the Gods. They would do whatever their God commanded of them. It didn't matter if that God was one of high status or if they were a demigod. Everyone had a Custodians loyal to them, but your ranking determined how many servants you had. I served as Fa'tiu's Custodian."

"I was Taema's," Holland brought up.

"So…" Aloha tried to piece this all together. "Does that mean…? I-I mean…" He cleared his throat. "If this is all true—what you're saying about us being God Slayers, I mean—does that mean…?"

"Elo never had a Custodian," Kalua recalled. "It was their personal choice."

Aloha looked relieved. "Oh. I see."

Kalua told Akamu, "Your God Father, Mafui'e, had many Custodians. Though…" A dreary look overcame him and Holland as Kalua confessed, "Mafui'e had a very…specific taste when it came to his Custodians and Champions."

Akamu looked at both in suspicion. "And what was his taste?"

"Trust us," Holland and Kalua muttered, equally haunted and repulsed. "You don't want to know."

Well that makes me want to know more now! Akamu cried. He huffed. "Let me get this straight. You two"—he pointed at Holland and Kalua—"are servants. And we"—he gestured to him, Rai, Kapa, and Aloha—"are supposed to be God Slayers? Do you know how insane that is to say?" He got up, shaking his head. "This is bullshit. I don't need to hear this. I'm getting my shit and leaving."

Kapa stopped him and signed, It's dangerous out there. Please, stay and let us explain.

Akamu angrily signed back, I'm not listening to this. I have a job to do. He glanced at Luna with cold eyes. And I'm going to finish it. He threw Kapa off him to stalk away.

Rai took a dainty sip of his wineglass and waited until those angry footsteps went into a room. "Well, at least he knows sign language."

Holland combed through his hair. "This isn't going well. If he leaves right now, Custodians will find him before we can touch him. And even if he manages to escape, if he goes back to Deathhawk and tells them the truth, we will be forced to move."

Silver tuned out the fighting to watch the hallway. Aggravated, he got up—

"Silver?"

He stopped to see Ena giving him a look. "Don't worry." He smiled at her. "I'll be right back." Ignoring the fighting and the way Luna looked concerned over a withdrawn Aloha, he left the living room. Molten earth and spice plugged up his nose, but it was easy to find Akamu back in the bedroom they had liberated him from. "Leaving so soon?"

Akamu wrestled on his shirt. "The Hell do you care?" He winced when he put too much strain on his injured side. "I thought you'd be leaping for joy about me going outside and getting instantly mauled." He searched his belongings—

"I didn't…mean to kill you."

Akamu stopped and looked over his shoulder to see genuine remorse written across Silver's face. Unbothered, Akamu dismissed, "Don't worry about it. Shit happens." And he went back to his possessions—

"I'm really sorry."

Akamu sighed, ruffling his hair. "Look, kid"—he turned around—"I said don't worry about—"

SNIFFLE!

Akamu was stunned to see large watery blues. Shit, not another one!

"I-I don't…get angry."

Akamu did not know what to say as Silver looked distraught with his fisted hands trembling.

"I'm not…normally like this," Silver confessed. "Before, I didn't get angry, not really. I had petty arguments with Mistress, but those seem so long ago now. And now… I feel so much all the time. Everything feels intense. Things that maybe bothered me before… Now I feel out of control. Like… Like maybe I am part-beast or something. It's confusing and frustrating I'm like this because I…"

Blues dimmed. "Because…I'm doing things I shouldn't. Like kissing someone who…who wouldn't have wanted it." He lifted his head with genuine guilt towards Akamu. "And hurting you in a way I was taught never to do."

The guilt faded for anger. "Don't get me wrong. I understand you're a bad person. And I'm more than willing to fight you again if you ever try something like this. But…" He sighed, toying with his fingers. "Fairy Tail doesn't kill, not even our enemies. We might love to fight, but not like this. It's never like this. So…"

He bowed. "I apologize for endangering your life like that. It was wrong. So I'm sorry." He rose, rubbing his neck. "And… Maybe it's not my place to say anything; I don't know. But…" He peered at Akamu. "You should listen to what they want to say about your powers. Being a Slayer… It's not something you can ignore." A mirthless smile. "No. You really can't ignore it. Even if Rai pisses me off, Miss Kapa is nice. You should learn—about being a Slayer, I mean. And after that, go back to doing whatever it is you do or you could work with them. I'm not one to judge. I just…"

He turned away. "I know I would've liked to know about all this—who I am—instead of figuring it out now. Maybe the people I love did it to protect me. That's my best guess. But I have to learn what I can to protect the people I care about. And I'm sure the people you love want to protect you too. If you want to protect them, then you should learn everything you can about your power."

A snowy alleyway. A piece of candy in the palm of a glove.

Akamu lowered his eyes.

Silver cleared his throat with pink stinging his cheeks. "W-Well, anyway, I'm sure Mistress will want us to leave soon. That's all I want to say." He took two steps before pivoting with a stern look on his face as he pointed a finger at Akamu. "And don't even think about trying to take Lulu away from us, you bastard. Mark my words, I'll beat you fair and square the next time you want to fight. And now you'll know I'm actually holding back, asshole."

Akamu tched as Silver marched away. Geez. Stupid kid. He went back to gather his things. Kids like him piss me off. They can spew all this bullshit and not know about what the world is actually like. Who the Hell apologizes for trying to kill someone? He doesn't know what it's like surviving in this world. He winced when he strained his arm.

Silver's words came back to him. "I'm sure the people you love want to protect you too. And if you want to protect them, then you should learn everything you can about your power."

Tawnies glinted. Someone to protect, huh?

A phantom stranger beneath the falling snow.

His hands fisted.

°•°•°•°

"Oh, come now, Mistress, stop being so cruel!"

TICK!

Ena ground her teeth at Rai's mocking coos with Luna playing peacekeeper. "Stop calling me that!" she snapped.

"You could be a little nicer to me," Rai taunted in a faux sweet tone. "if it wasn't for me, the conservancy center would be down two horses and still have that rescue team searching for you and your adorable little friends, wouldn't they?"

Ena (mutinous) and Luna (resigned) admitted, He does have a point.

Luna turned. "Mister Rai?"

Rai looked down—

Luna beamed up at him with sparkles all around him. "Thank you for all your hard work today. We couldn't have done it without you, and we're extremely grateful!"

Rai's eyes glistened. Oh, my…

Luna choked when Rai smashed her into a hearty embrace and cooed, "Oh, she's such a little darling! Who's pet is she? I would be glad to take her off your hands and keep her as my own little pet!" He squished Luna's cheeks and called, "Kalua, wouldn't she look cute as my next pet?"

Kalua tilted his head, and he saw the shimmering aura over a clueless Luna. "She would."

Rai beamed. "Wonderful! We'll need a new room for my pet!"

Ena seethed, "She is not a pet and neither I am, you creep!" Awareness pricked her neck, and she tuned out Rai's demands (and Kalua taking notes on his tablet of all the things Rai wanted to buy for his pet) to see Silver come over with a downtrodden look on his face. "Is everything okay?" Her eyes narrowed. "You didn't pick a fight with him, right?"

DING!

Awkwardly, Silver laughed as his eyes slid to the side. "N-N-Not exactly…"

He sweated when Ena's murderous aura threatened to consume him. I technically didn't pick a fight. It was just a warning. She can't kill me for that, right?

He all but froze when a hand was on his head and his blues swiveled to see her serious look. "Mistress?"

"Let me look at you," Ena murmured.

Silver swallowed. "O-Okay." But when the seconds ticked by, he asked her, "Mistress, what are you—?"

"I could have died today."

Silver went frigid. What?

"I could've…not seen you both smile again, but…" Ena gave her own smile with her eyes glossy. "I still have more time…to make you both happy. I'm glad you're both okay. I'm so glad."

Blues shimmered before softening. Mistress…

Silver cupped her cheek before putting his forehead against her. "Come on. Let's go home, Mistress. It's been a long day." He opened his eyes and let them all to the side. And there's so much we still need to talk about. Something like today… It should've never happened.

Luna blinked as she watched the pair of them. Silver… E… She pulled away from Rai with relative ease and an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Mister Rai, but I think it's time for us to go. I know you offered for us to stay here for the night, but I think we need to go back to our hotel. We just"—her smile dimmed—"need some time."

Rai smiled, genuine for once. "I understand. It's been a long day. Why don't we all meet again at the spring luau at the end of the week to talk some more? How does that sound?"

"Sure," Luna agreed. "It sounds great."

Rai hummed, pleased with himself. "Good." I need some time to make a convincing case so you can become my precious little pet.

Kalua internally sweatdropped as he saw Rai's devious aura against Luna's flowery one. He makes it so obvious what his plans are.

Luna approached Kapa and Holland and signed, Thank you for rescuing us. Will you be at the luau too?

Kapa smiled and signed back, Yes, we will. We're glad you're safe. She unexpectedly hugged Luna for a brief few moments before releasing her to sign, Get home safe.

I will, Luna signed back. You too. She turned to Aloha, sheepish. "I guess it's been a pretty long day for you too, huh?"

Aloha rubbed the side of his neck. "Yes. I'm lucky this week I'm on a four-three schedule, so I didn't miss any work—" He stopped, startled when Luna hugged him. What is she…?

"I told you so." Luna looked up at him. "I told you you could live a happy life. And that you're not cursed. So don't worry as much anymore."

Ambers sparked. "Yes. You did tell me." Aloha smiled as he hugged her back. "I'll try my best to live a happy life." This girl… She's so young, but… She reminds me of something I forgot long ago.

They parted from each other with lively twinkles in their eyes.

Luna held out her pinky to a surprised Aloha. "Make a promise," she decided. "That you're going to start living your life like you're no longer cursed. And that…you won't make the people who care about you worry."

Aloha sighed a chuckle. That my name doesn't mean an ending… It can mean new beginnings too. "All right. It's a promise." He hooked his pinky with hers. "Thank you, Luna." Yes, thank you…for reminding me of my own aloha spirit.

The moment was broken when Akamu emerged. Though his expression grew testy when stares were given to him and he growled, defensive, "What?" He rudely sat on the couch and put up his feet. "I have other shit to do, so start talking." He pointed at Luna with a bit of a flush. "And you. Stop treating people so casually," he barked at her. A tick mark rubbed against his temple when she laughed. "What the Hell is so funny?"

"It's nothing," Luna dismissed. Gale acts the same way. I feel like they'd get along. In her head, she could imagine Gale and Akamu butting heads with Gale's scale and Akamu's lava. Or maybe they should live in separate countries.

Flaring emeralds. "Luna."

Akamu noticed when Luna's lively gaze exchanged for sadness. What's she upset about? I didn't think I was that harsh. He rubbed his wrist, contemplative. Should I…apologize or something?

Silver pulled away from Ena to call, "Lulu, let's…!" He trailed off catching the damp scent of sadness on her. Lulu… It took him a moment to see Akamu was staring at her. What is he…?

It clicked.

Fire lit his eyes. Oh, Hell no.

Akamu jolted when Silver blocked his gaze and mouthed, Never gonna happen, douche bag, complete with a middle finger. Inwardly, Akamu seethed as his cheek twinged with a tick mark. That damn brat! Is he asking for me to punch him!

Kalua answered when his Compact vibrated. It took a moment until the call ended, and he told the three Fairy Tail Mages, "Your Sky Taxi has arrived. And don't worry about the cost. Rai will take care of it."

Rai hmphed and muttered, "Why should I pay for it?"

SHING!

Rai sweated when Ena's swords were pressed against his neck as a fiery aura made her look monstrous. "Because you manipulated my body, you disgusting creep! I should just end your sorry life for that!"

Rai nervously smiled. "I-I'll gladly pay for your Sky Taxi, yes, of course. Not a problem at all." Maybe I shouldn't tease her too much and… He turned his head and avoided the quietly raging Silver behind Ena. If he turns into a Dragon here, he'll destroy my house.

°•°•°•°

Kalua and Holland had volunteered to escort the group out of the penthouse and down the stairs, which left all four God Slayers in the living room. Aloha looked too nervous to speak his mind, but Akamu got tired of Rai and Kapa communicating with their eyes.

"So what is all this?" Akamu demanded to know. "I don't see any point of listening to whatever it is either of you have to say."

Rai poured himself more wine. This night would need it. "I won't force you to listen to what I say, either of you," he prefaced. "But I think you'll want to listen to me anyway."

"Wh-Why would we do that?" Aloha questioned.

A Cheshire grin. "Because what I have to say"—blue reticles glowed in Rai's eyes—"directly involves that girl."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The hotel room staff had done an excellent job wiping down the remainders of last night's drama and making the suite look brand new again. Exhaustion buried bone-deep in all three of them, but their minds felt too active.

Even if none of them had their words to say.

Luna thought to broach a topic when her Compact lit up with a call coming through. This was her out, and she shamefacedly took it. "I'd better, um…" And she answered the call whilst stumbling into her room.

And that left Ena and Silver.

A tense silence rolled between them for reasons neither understood.

Silver opened his mouth. "Mistress, I—"

"You should shower." Ena's impersonal tone felt like dry ice on flesh.

Silver buried the words he wanted to say. "Yeah. I'll… I'll go shower." Sparing her a hopeful second glance and hiding his disappointment she did not look at him, he quietly slipped into his room and shut the door.

Ena closed her eyes. A deep inhale. A deep exhale.

Her eyes opened, browns cold as ice.

Her steps were light to get to the balcony, but her pivot was sharp. Her swords felt heavy in her hands when she summoned them. "Explain yourselves." She threw both swords, and in a fluid transition, both swords returned to the ladies of white and black. "Who are you?" Ena demanded of them. "What do you want with me?"

"We are your swords," the lady in white answered.

Ena was in no mood for riddles. "What is your name?"

For once, both women hesitated.

Ena narrowed her eyes. "What? You can't answer that question without another mind game?"

"No, My Lady," the lady in black told her. "It's just…" She lowered her head and explained, "We do not have personal names, My Lady. It is the task of our wielder to give us our names and our personalities. As such, we have gone by many names before you. And we would be honored to uphold any name you give us now."

Ena lifted her chin. "You both told me your names were Soledia and Lunagr'an. Is that a lie?"

"No, My Lady, we would never lie to you," the lady in white vowed to her. "Those were the names that were given to us by our first master, and they are the names we remember the most. It is"—she tensed, uncomfortable—"difficult to remember the names of our last true master."

Ena latched onto that. "Your last true master?"

"Yes." The lady in white—Lunagr'an—looked up at her through her discomfort. "Our last master… She had awakened her power so we may be her swords." Her solar eyes flicked down. "However, when her heart became warped with despair and hatred, our minds became warped as well. All we remember"—she swallowed—"is that we shattered under her."

Ena blinked. 'Shattered'? She turned to the lady in black—Soledia—and inquired, "You… You showed me when you had been shattered on the battlefield, didn't you?" Dark browns glinted. "You were crying for your master. You were…in so much pain. You didn't understand why you had been shattered. And she never came back for you."

Unlike Lunagr'an, Soledia remained unmoved from the remembrance. "Yes. We shattered three decades ago. However, we cannot be truly shattered. Our blades might come apart for a short while, but given enough time, we can reform ourselves."

"'Reform' yourselves?" Ena crossed her arms. "How?"

Soledia had a response prepared. "The Forge is connected to every one of her creations. While we serve and obey our master, it is her power that allows us to never truly become destroyed. How much time it takes for us to reform can vary. I am to understand"—crescent moons glinted—"that Star Keys are still prevalent in this Current Era, are they not?"

Celestial Spirit Keys? Ena took a step forward, stunned, and questioned, "The Forge created those?"

"Aye." Soledia nodded. "But The Forge has her own secrets we are bound to keep."

Ena's stare sharpened. "Even if your master commands you to spill them?"

"Yes." Lunagr'an bowed her head. "Forgive us, My Lady, but we cannot speak of The Forge's secrets to you, even if you command us to tell them. You may be our master, but… She is our version of a mother." She lifted her head, solar regard strong. "And we cannot break her trust in us, so please understand—" She paused seeing Ena's gentle expression. "My Lady?"

"It's okay. I understand." Tender approval lightened Ena's features. "At first, I was concerned that she had put a spell on you. But those words you said… You will all protect her out of loyalty, not because of force. And, well…" A small smile. "That is acceptable to me. Well done, both of you. As expected of my swords."

Lunagr'an's eyes shimmered. My Lady… She tried not to allow her face to crumble with Soledia closing her eyes to do the same. It is…just like before.

• — • — •

A warm beam. "You both have a loyalty that I can respect." A mane of scarlet that blustered through a righteous wind. The light refracted to catch the tips of one-of-a-kind wings. "And I will always put my trust in swords who understand loyalty. Well done, both of you."

• — • — •

We've waited so many years… Lunagr'an's hands jittered. We've been shattered…and wronged…just for this moment. We were told to wait for this day. So how…? She covered her mouth as tears dripped down her cheeks. How does this still feel like a precious dream?

She froze when a hand was on her head.

"That's enough now."

Lunagr'an and Soledia looked up at Ena as she rested her hand on their heads with an affectionate little smile that showed her exhaustion. "It must've been hard for you both, not being able to show me your true face. I'm sure you've both been waiting impatiently for me to do this all along. I know there's so much we need to discuss. I have so many questions for you. But you'll have to forgive me for being tired. So I hope this will do."

Both women could not move when Ena kneeled to hug them.

"You were both my swords before," she murmured to them, "and you're still my swords now. That will not change. So do your best to serve you well. And in turn, I'll do my best to be a good master to you—and a good friend."

Both women could not keep back their tears and succumbed to quiet weeping. My Lady…

Ena held onto both of them dearly. They're trembling. And I can feel their tears. How strange. Her lips tried to maintain her quivering smile. Truth be told, if I wasn't so exhausted, I would question them. But for now, just looking into their eyes was enough for me. These two are my swords.

Glistening browns looked up at the moon. Father… Tell me… Did you know about this? Could I pretend you sent them to me to watch over me in your stead? Her lashes lowered. I know it's such a silly wish, but… She dropped her head as a lone tear dripped off her chin and burst into Ethernano. For some reason…I can't help but feel so grateful to you…Father.

And for once, when she imagined that door—that sole door that led out of the darkness—that the man leaving would give pause this time around. And instead of leaving out of the door with no remorse…

She thought she could see a hint of his smile.

°•°•°•°

KNOCK-KNOCK!

Luna dragged her Compact away when Silver popped his head in. Pajamas tonight was one of her Poko shirts and some boy shorts, but Silver did not mind wearing old training shorts to be. Icarus dozed on the foot of the bed.

Silver lingered near the door. "Is it okay if I come in?"

Luna nodded. "Yeah, sure." She made room for him and asked no question when he gathered her against him for cuddling.

"Who was on the Com?" Silver asked.

"Just Cane." Luna moved to put her Compact on her nightstand charger before turning back into Silver. Shifting her head, she listened to Silver's heartbeat. "I'm tired."

Silver could agree to that. "I'm tired too."

Five beats of quiet.

Luna broke it. "You turned into a Dragon."

Silver said nothing in response.

A hush fell in the bedroom.

"Why didn't my parents tell me?"

Luna felt Silver constrict his arms around her at his broken question.

"Why didn't they say something—anything—to me?" Silver wished to know, blues twinkling in grief. "What if they weren't ever going to tell me? What if"—his lips trembled—"I'm not even their kid?"

"Don't say that," Luna hushed him, turning into his chest.

"I-I just…!" Silver squeezed his eyes shut. "I'm tired of all this, Lulu." He buried his nose in her hair. "I'm just so tired."

"I know." Because that was all Luna could say to him as she stroked his bicep. "I'm tired too."

"We're all tired." Ena came in after flicking off the lights to the communal living room. Fatigue sagged on her face with her Requiped pajamas on, another silk set from Heartz Kreuz. "I think we should sleep. We can talk about this in the morning, but for now, we should sleep." She made it to the other side of Luna's bed to drape on Luna's other side and took advantage of Luna's warmth as all of today crashed around her.

I could've lost them both. I could've… They could've… She started when fingers threaded hers, but she could feel they were Silver's. Feeling him made her bite her bottom lip to force down her cry. I'm so tired of feeling like this.

"You know I love you guys," Luna confessed in the darkness, "right?"

Silver kissed her hair. "Love you too, Lulu."

"Yes." Ena nudged Luna's back. "Love you too."

"And you two love each other," Luna reminded.

Silence.

"I…" Silver squeezed Ena's hand. "I love you, Mistress."

Browns widened before they clouded. 'Love'… Her lips thinned, confident in remaining silent. He can't mean it in any other way. That's just…not possible. But I… A droplet pressed onto the sheet. I'm just so tired.

"Yeah." Ena squeezed back his hand. "I love you too…Silver."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Ukabi agaru kimi wa

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Blues sparked before they shimmered.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Amari ni azayakade, oh-oh

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Silver closed his eyes as all his exhaustion held a piece of fluttery warmth to it. Mistress… I hope you won't forget what I asked as my reward. The next time we kiss, I want you to keep your promise… That you'll remember it.

And the moon's wandering eyes touched over an Enchantress, a Prince, a Princess, and a Guardian as they fell into their slumber.

---

— • — • — • —

Kimi ga sasayaku kotoba ga sono hibiki ga

Ikiba wo nakushi te heya wo samayotteru, oh

Kaide shimatta kaori ga fureta netsu ga

Nokotteru uchi wa nokotteru uchi wa

•

Ukabiagaru kimi wa

Amari ni azayaka de, oh

Marude soko ni iru ka to

Te wo nobasu tokoro de

Futto kiete shimau

— • — • — • —

---

It was not that the grotto within Kohala could not be accessed on any grounds. But certain criteria had to be met for someone to access. Even if Kāne did not sleep in her burrow for the night, she still set the prerequisites for how to get inside.

KAN… KAN…

Combat boots approached the empty pond with a handsome frown and a touch of a five o'clock shadow. The steps stopped at the edge of the pond to check, but there was no reflection insight. "Huh," he grunted. "So it happened already."

"Cajun." A brusque call. "Report in."

Cajun stood in the quiet grotto with his fingerless gloves and suspenders, a man of the jazz age. "Well, sha did it. Pillar's gone, Checkmate, and so is all the energy."

"Can you feel the primary ley line?"

"Naw." Cajun squatted for a moment to touch the grass. His magenta lit up, but the glow died moments later. "Told ya. Once the pillar's gone, the primary ley line is gone with it. She did what she set out to do like you wanted." He tilted his head when he heard nothing on the other side of the call. "Everything good, cher?"

"I'm fine," Checkmate wrote off. "Minn hjerta is just a frustrating child."

Cajun's lips twitched, but his smile meant nothing good. "Frustratin' chil' because he livin' amongst his kinfolk, cher?" he taunted her. "Those are his people now, cher. Wouldn't do ya any good denyin' tha—"

"You said you had a contact," Checkmate cut in, cold. "Where are they?"

Cajun shifted his weight with one arm crossed. "Told ya. He said he passin' a good time."

°•°•°•°

It was not that the hotel room was messy, per se, but considering the empty bottles of good mixers, the string of clothing, and the random and ripped condom wrappers, it would make sense for people to construe the room as messy. The presidential suite came with its perks, of course. Having a separate living room and dining room that provided elegance and comfort was important, but what most people lusted for was the unobstructed 180° view of the bustling city life.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Gran Cumulus Plaza

Ao's Paradise

Caelum, Ishgar

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

With a fluffy robe on that accentuated certain parts of him, he looked out the window like the city was his muse. A cigarette felt like an appropriate vice, but he settled on a glass of whiskey to settle the nerves. His sips were absent, just like his mind, but he continued to look out the window anyway. It was all he could do from thinking too hard about what had been done and needed to be done.

"Baby?"

He sighed a little when strong arms swarmed him with a chin placed on his shoulder. "I told you not to call me that, Vos."

Vos made a little moue as he pressed against his partner. "Oh, don't be such a stuffy Mint." He nipped an earlobe and kept his hold taut when his partner instinctively shivered and pressed back. "When you called me, I was in such shock, baby boy. You always like to ignore me." His finger danced across a defined chest to tweak a sensitive nipple. "I always thought you loved playing hard-to-get."

His partner, miffed, tried to reason, "It was a moment of weakness, Vos, nothing m-more." He clutched his rock glass when those tantalizing fingers would not stop their strokes. "I told you I couldn't stay long—"

"Mmm-hmm." Vos placed a light kiss on his partner's neck before going in for a love bite and a lick. It's been so long. Even if I have him for the night, I'm not letting him slip away with his excuses this time. Affirmed, he held nothing back and lived for the startled moan in his ear.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"But you should know, Checkmate. He ain't like me. Her Majesty picked him personally."

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Vos could not stand it a moment longer. He pulled away to force his partner to press his back to the glass. Steamed pants shared between them until Vos crossed the distance for a possessive kiss. That tender submission he received made his hands dip to squeeze supple ass for his partner to whimper into the kiss.

Vos pulled away, drunk off his partner's taste. "Mesmerizing," he praised in a whisper. "You're such a beautiful tease, aren't you…"—and he lowered his head to place a biting kiss on his partner's pulse with a small winged tattoo dotted in—"Gigi?"

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Irene Belserion – Rachel Robinson

Belserion – Phil Parsons

Ena Fernandes – Xanthe Huynh

Lunagr'an – Ariel Graham

Soledia – Skyler McIntosh

Holland – Thomas Doherty

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Aloha Elion – Max Mittelman

Raimana "Rai" Kalupe – Chris Hackney

Kalua – Chris Burnett

Aloha's Mother – Nicole Scherzinger

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Akamu –

Red-Haired Woman – Colleen Clinkenbeard

Cajun / Beau – Tony Daniels

Checkmate – Jeannie Tirado

Vos Summeur – Caldwell Tidicue (Bob the Drag Queen)

Gianni "Gigi" Gieves – Billy Porter

• — • — •

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⌟

•

⌜INSERT SONG

⟪ Nessun Dorma from "Turandot" ⟫

José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo

Lyrics by

José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo⌟

•

⌜ENDING SONG

⟪ Film Out ⟫

BTS

Lyrics by

Iyori Shimizu, Jung Kook, Uta⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 129

•

EPIPHANY

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

SWEET DREAMS, FAIRIES…

---

Chibi-Luna beams. "Good day, class!"

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

"Today's lesson is…" Chibi-Luna flicks on the project to show the title card. "Five Fun Facts of Fairy Adventure!"

Her students cheer, "Hooray for random pieces of knowledge!"

Chibi-Luna clicks to the first side to show two versions of Gale. One version looks rougher with war paint and a tank top while the other version looks the same as his Fair Adventure counterpart with his scowl and bandana. "Our first fun fact of the day: Gale was never supposed to be in Fairy Tail originally. While his current trauma is still dark, his first draft version was darker. He was originally designed with a more withdrawn personality and despised Luna."

Chibi-Luna sweats with a nervous smile. "Thank goodness that was changed.

She goes to the next side to show—

Her students cringe when they see an over-the-top selfie of Gary showing an embarrassed Nashi in cheek kisses with a bunch of ridiculous edits. He really is that sort of romantic, huh?

"Uh…." Chibi-Luna clears her throat. "Our second fun fact is about Gary himself. In his first and second drafts, he wasn't depicted as a nice person. He was more how Gray acted when he impersonated an Avatar cult member, actually, and he gave in to the madness of being a Devil. But as the story developed more, Gary's personality softened into who he is today!"

She goes to the next slide that features Icarus. "Our third fun fact! The tale of Icarus and his wax wings did not inspire Icarus' Fairy Adventure character. The Chronicles of Narnia inspired his entire creation. The Narnia series was a favorite of the Author and she enjoyed Lucy and Aslan's relationship. Aslan inspired Icarus to come to life and his relationship with me is similar to Aslan's relationship with Lucy. It wouldn't be until later that Icarus' past romance with a Sun Spirit and his future attack names would take shape after the legend of Icarus."

The next slide shows a map of all of Earth Land.

"Our fourth fun fact of the day: how world-building was created," Chibi-Luna explains. "Some might've noticed the countries and cities have real-world meanings. For example, Caelum's cities are named after Hawaiian volcanos and Kohala is an actual extinct volcano of Hawai'i and one of the largest. Caracole's cities were named after the Spanish name of Spanish fauna. Bellum's city names were from spices. And Zhōnguá's city names come from sewing techniques and materials. Once the Author finishes up pages for each new city and country, the Trivia section will display how the city or country got their name."

The final slide shows Aloha.

"And finally, our last fun fact of the day comes from our resident trauma surgeon and new Death God Slayer, Aloha," Chibi-Luna says. "Aloha's name was not randomly chosen. The word 'Aloha' has such a deep and spiritual meaning that confining it to 'hello' and 'goodbye' isn't accurate, even if that's what many tourists attribute it to.

"Having the 'aloha spirit' is such a culturally complex connotation, but it can be broken down as to appreciate the ebb and flow of life—to understand how to harmonize with all that's around you. Aloha had forgotten his name had such a profound meaning after witnessing death all his life. As Death God Slayer, he'll learn that death is not an abrupt end that disjoints life. It has a symbiotic relationship with life. And the more Aloha remembers his past, he'll understand that he was never cursed, but his gift was a blessing of an ability."

Chibi-Luna shuts off the projector. "That's all for today! We'll have Five Fun Facts and Eight Easter Eggs lessons sprinkled throughout. If you go back to previous chapters, you'll notice the ending cards have changed. The Author will still have 'To Be Continued', but other questions or phrases might be there instead, and they can be interpreted in any way chosen."

A student complains, "Teacher, we still have questions about this episode!"

"Who was that phantom stranger in Akamu's past?" a student calls.

Another student questions, "Is Cajun human?"

"And that woman we saw seducing Darin last episode," a student interrupts, "who is she?"

Chibi-Luna simpers as her students try to talk over each other to have their questions heard. "Telling you that now would ruin the surprise. You'll have to wait until the next episode to see if you get your questions answered, okay? If I just told you it now, I'd spoil everything."

Her students sigh. She does have a point.

Chibi-Luna smiles. "Next episode will feature our Young Nation concert. The episode had to be revamped, so Young Nation will be using the BTS PTD in LA Day 2 set list. And the author just recently learned she shares a birthday with BTS's V. So we hope you enjoy the next episode, ARMY!"