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!

134. Adventure 134

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

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

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PREVIOUSLY, on Fairy Adventure: all those numbers Luke sent to Genius look like there's nothing suspicious about them, but what is Genius hiding? A trip to The Society has Luke considering his summer internship now that Mystogan is out of the picture. The Tower of Learning might be the better option to spend his summer, but it's it a little strange how the Sorcerers are trying to recruit him? Afterwards, Luke and Luna's trip to the mall ends up being more trouble than it's worth. Luke would rather take handsy fangirls than deal with Cane's ominous fortune about the crossroad he's at in his life. Still, Luke tries not to let it get him down after a refreshing meeting with Erza and Gale's written belief in him and his abilities. But someone's belief in you can only take you so far. You have to believe in yourself.

"Do you remember the story I told you about Galuna Island?

Now that's a name I haven't heard in a while! And if Checkmate is Lisandrus' daughter, then what does that make her companion?

---

"Galuna…Island?"

The name vaguely resonated with Luke, but it was not enough to conjure a clear memory. He moved from his desk to look at his map of Fiore with little pins marking all the places he had been and the places he yearned to see. Galuna Island resided off Hargeon Port, from where he found it, but seeing it still tickled no such remembrance. "I don't think I remember a story about it."

"You might've been too young to understand it," Natsu recalled, thoughtful. "And it wasn't the full version anyway."

Luke frowned. "How come?"

"Want me to tell you it now?"

Luke gave reasonable pause. "O-Okay…"

"Your mom, Happy, and I high-jacked an S-Class mission when we were younger," Natsu told him. "That mission was to go to Galuna Island to save those who were cursed."

Luke sat on his bed. 'Cursed'?

"If your mom ever tells you I dragged her, remind her she got a nice key out of that mission," Natsu whispered, a bit huffy. "Because I know when she tells it, she makes it sound like I ran off with her, but she was the one dragging me when she found out the reward was a key! She just wants to make me look like a villain!"

"That's because in most of her stories, you do drag her somewhere," Luke said, dry.

Natsu squawked, "No, I don't!" He added in a sheepish mumble, "I don't anymore." He cleared his throat. "But we're getting off tract here."

You're the one who got off track, Luke wanted to counter.

"Your stripper uncle and Erza ended up crashing our job and stealing our reward," Natsu added in a mutinous grumble. "But still, all we heard about Galuna Island was that, by day, the people were fine. And at night, they turned into monster." His voice darkened as he said, "They turned into Demons."

Honeyed-ambers widened. What?

"The villagers told us it was the moon doing this to them," Natsu carried on. "Like they were werewolves or something—which I could totally beat, don't let that stupid stripper tell you otherwise."

TICK!

Luke's eyebrow twitched with a tick mark on his temple. "Dad, please stay on topic?" he tightly requested. And he wonders why Igneel's attention span is horrendous.

"Right." A few beats. "We did fine a Demon there named Deliora, but that's more your uncle Gray's story than mine. What we found out when everything was over was that the moon never had anything to do with the villagers being Cursed with Demonhood. A dark spell has messed with their memories. It was never the fact that they were Demons that was unnatural. Their human appearance was unnatural. They'd just forgotten."

Luke's heart quickened. So then… They were… He breathed, "You're telling me there's an island full of Demons?"

"Yes." No tricks. No nonsense. The truth. "There is."

"B-But…!" Luke huddled over, wide-eyed and breathless. His chest felt like lead poisoned it. How? How is that possible? There's an entire island full of Demons and no one has spoken about them? But how…?

But even through all of his questions, one stood out. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It wasn't the right time," Natsu murmured. "You think I don't know how much you stress yourself and worry over your powers? I do. I notice, Luke, every single day we train together. You're unsure and hesitant in your abilities, which is why you don't have control. You're afraid of our powers. You're afraid of what they could turn you into."

"I…!" Luke's voice caught as his cheeks burned in shame. I thought if I trained hard enough, he wouldn't notice. His teeth gritted. But instead…I'm just disappointing him.

"Don't you dare for think for one fucking second I'm upset with you over this."

Luke stiffened.

Natsu would not lessen the sternness cutting his words. "Not once have I been upset with you over this or even remotely close to disappointed with you. I know that's what you're thinking and you know why I know that? Because I'm not just your dad—I'm your teacher too. Nothing you have done has disappointed me, you hear me? I know you're working hard."

Luke's bottom lip trembled. "But I'm not making any progress," he said, hoarse. "I'm not… I'm not…"

"I know how fast you want to master this," Natsu said, tone hushed and soft. "But you of all people know you can't rush training. I was a brat about it when I was your age. I wanted to get stronger faster. I was always impatient to be better—to be the king my dad was. And it took some time for me to realize I could never become him. I had his power inside me, but I'd never be 'Igneel'. I had to slow down and learn how to use my powers to be 'Natsu'. You will never be me with your Demon powers, and I don't want you to be. I want you to learn your powers to be 'Luke'."

DRIP.

A tear pressed into Luke's sweatpants.

DROP.

"If you're offended I didn't tell you about Galuna Island sooner, I am sorry as your dad, but I'm not as your teacher." A separation of roles. "You weren't ready to learn about Galuna Island. And I know you're still struggling now. But if you want to use your powers to be who you want to be…" A heavy breath. "Then if you're up to it…do you want to see Galuna?"

That caught Luke's throat. 'See Galuna?' His voice barely caught up with him as he asked, "Wh-What…? What are they like there?"

"I'll let you come to your own conclusions on them yourself," Natsu told him, offering cryptic insight. "I'd rather be with you when you go, but if you truly want to go to see how those Demons live, you just let me know and I'll make it happen. But it's your choice. I won't be disappointed if you're not ready. You decide when the conditions are right."

Luke swallowed. There's the word again—'condition'. He looked up to see Cullen before him, who offered him an encouraging nod. I don't want to fail Sensei or Dad. And more importantly… He gripped his Compact. I… I don't want to fail myself. I just want to know what else can I do with my powers.

His mind was made up. "Dad? I know what I want to do.

"Yeah? And?"

Luke opened his mouth—

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Ame no youna kaze no youna

Dareka no koto jama suru youna

Hito ni nante naritaku wanai kara?

Hare no youna hikari no youna

Dareka no koto teraseru youna

Hito ni naritai!"

nante itai tte dareka no koe ga?

Kikoetara nanda

Nagutte kowashite sayonara DILEMMA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Early morning meditation felt better in springtime.

Sunrise was not for three hours or so, so the moon had ironclad control of her sky and militant stars. The weather heed a love-child of spring and winter early in the morn as it taunted to hit the freezing point any minute now. Luke's meditation remained unshaken, however. It was his responsibility to keep himself warm as he found his center. His sensei would have a conniption if he could not this far into his training.

But the reason he liked meditating in the spring was due to how connected he felt to life.

All seasons brought creation in various ways—it was a misconception spring was the only season that could produce and provide—but spring's creation felt refreshing and soothing, like his mother embraced him. He could feel the earth, taste the wind, scent new mothers and their offspring, and feel that much more connected in this cycle of life.

He meditated full-lotus, spine straight and steadfast, and he never moved from his position a handful of centimeters off the ground. A gold aura pulsed around him as his Zen Magic arched and stretched. For a moment, he felt content to find mindfulness in his Magic, but…

It was easy for him to summon hints of his demonic power.

Black Curses intertwined with gold Magic, almost in a dance. His Magic was neither prudent nor skittish, satisfied in its wielder. But the demonic presence had an unfaithful tie with him. It would not bully and beat him into being a puppet host and it was an aggressive parasite. But it reflected his own nerves, almost fragile in its task to thread through him.

His brow minutely pinched when he felt his Magic and Curse breach into an intimate merge—

HA…

Luke relaxed his expression and climbed down from his mindfulness to murmur, "Leaving so soon?"

A deep exhale later left both his powers retreating into his center with tendrils remaining should he need either again. He lowered himself onto the grass and was aware of each quiet footstep approaching him.

"Sorry." Gale's voice sounded rough with sleep and something else as he eased onto the grass beside Luke. "Didn't mean to bother you with your meditation—"

"It's fine." And Luke meant that. Reflex made him daintily sniff Gale. Luna's scent clung to Gale's clothes and skin, as expected, but he wrinkled his nose scenting lingering desire. "I hope you were decent towards Lu."

Gale snorted, but his frustrated rake of his hair was not lost on Luke. "I'm a healthy, growing boy," he said in his defense. "Shit, I'm a growing Dragon. Things like this happen." He added in a grumbled, "And yeah, I was 'decent'. I have to cut early anyway since Lady J warned me we needed to leave by four in the morning. If I didn't get out of bed soon, your sister was gonna drive me crazy."

He smirked seeing blatant distaste on Luke's face. "Oh, don't act all high and mighty, Your Highness. Morning wood ain't an unholy thing."

Luke pinkened a little and muttered, "Can you try to not talk so liberally about it? I know it's a biological and healthy reaction. I'd just rather not speak about that and my sister in the same conversation."

"Fair enough," Gale agreed. He stretched out his legs. "And I wouldn't do anything like that with her anyway, so don't worry about that."

"Good." Luke sighed, however. "I'm a little worried how Inter-Guild will go. I know Igneel wanted to be here when Luna could finally go, but things change. Still, I know how camp can get." He could not keep back his unhappy expression. "And I know Lu attracts the wrong people."

"Hey!"

Luke flashed Gale a flat look.

Miffed, Gale muttered, "At least I don't have a foot fetish." He dropped his head back. "Ugh, Archie is going to be a fucking nightmare if he sees her feet, isn't he? Goddamn parasite."

Luke grimaced. "Probably."

"Fantastic."

An amicable silence fell over both boys.

Luke looked over at Gale. "Where are you and Lady J going for holiday?"

"Shamballa." Gale massaged his shoulder. "She has a whole ass itinerary planned out and everything." He smiled to himself. "But I promised Blondie I'd bring her back a souvenir and call every morning." His smile faltered underneath Luke's appraising look. "What?"

"You still are in love with her."

Red burned Gale's ears and cheeks, but he averted his eyes from Luke's probing stare. "It's not like I ever stopped." The words came out quiet and reluctant, a secret unwilling to be divulged. "It's just…not something I'm confident I can express it healthily to her. Not right now."

Luke hummed. "Therapy going okay?"

Gale nodded and tilted his head up to look at the stars. "You know, I thought therapy wasn't anything I'd like." What was the harm of sharing more secrets? "My mom saw her grief counselor all those years ago, and it helped her, but I never liked the thought of paying someone to listen to me and say, 'How does that make you feel?'. But Doctor Orr is somethin' else."

Rubies softened. "It's weird. It's still awkward whenever we start a session, but once I start talking, I don't want to stop. I guess I never thought I had much to talk about and here I am, still having weekly talks with a shrink."

Luke blinked before half-smiling. "I see." He, too, looked up at the stars. "Igneel will be happy to hear that. You know. After he beats you senseless for attacking Lu."

Gale shivered and gave Luke the stink eye. "Thanks for reminding me of that," he growled. A tick mark barged his temple seeing how sparkly and content Luke was. And you don't have to look so happy about it either!

He forced out a breath, brushing back his bangs. "I already know how Igneel's going to greet me when that arson asshole comes home, so you don't have to say it. I deserve whatever he sees fit," he supposed. Rubies glinted as he frowned. "I know what I did. I won't give him any excuses for it, and I won't ask him for forgiveness."

His teeth showed. "But…" His fingers clenched. "I'm going to work hard in improving myself. And if she'll still have me after all of that, I'm not going to back down even if he tells me to."

"And if she doesn't want you?" Luke had to know.

A sardonic smirk twisted Gale's mouth. "Then she doesn't. And I'll have to be fine being stuck in the friend zone."

"I understand." A serious Luke sparkled as he gave Gale a thumbs up. "You've really grown up as a person. I'm proud of you."

Gale comically bristled and barked, "Don't act like a proud parent!" He got to his feet and dusted the dew and grass off his clothes. "Geez, the Hell do you take me for?"

"A vulgar person with questionable morals and even more questionable motives," Luke deadpanned.

Gale could have fallen over. You don't have to be so blunt about it! He huffed and crossed his arms. "Look, I learned my lesson for last time, all right?"

"There shouldn't have even been a 'last time'," Luke put out there with poorly-concealed agitation.

Gale could not defend himself. "No," he softly agreed. "There shouldn't have been a 'last time', but there was, and I won't forget that. I don't know how long it'll take for me to get my shit together. And I know sure as Hell I can't move on. But I know she can." The thought still pained him and the Wild could not hide its burning envy its little moon could find another sun. "And should that happen, I'll have to deal. It's not right for me to take her choices away from her."

The vivid recollection of his instincts from that night surfaced. Her tears, her pain, her desperation—none mattered when his mind fixated on the pressing Nature's Intent when her scent thickened under his nose and her body flushed against his.

She had choices.

The Wild would strip her of that to be her only.

He would be the only sun his little moon would ever know was alive.

Those perverse, dark thoughts churned Gale's stomach with cycled self-loathing and disgust, but he dared not show the cracks in his scales, not now, not when he knew Luke watched him for weakness. "Thank you, though," he murmured. "For last night. You didn't have to let me come over."

"I didn't." Luke would not disagree with that as he glanced back at the house. He smiled to himself. "But you know I can't say 'no' to her."

Gale chuckled. "Yeah. No one really can." Rubies twinkled in deep-seated affection. "She really…has that way about her."

"Yeah." Honeyed-ambers softened. "Yeah, she does."

Another silent filmed over them, breezy and lush and graceful.

Gale cracked his knuckles. "So." He nodded to Luke. "What about you?"

Luke frowned, perplexed. "What about me?"

"You doin' anything?" Gale reworded his question when Luke's puzzlement persisted, "You have any plans for spring break?"

"Ah…" Luke's lashes flicked down for a moment. A quiet puffed laugh escaped him for a moment, the type where your shoulders shook once and your almost-smile could curl into a real one if you let it. "Yeah." His chin tipped up and a sneaky falling star streaked across his eyes. "Yeah, I do."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 134

•

Galuna Island

Part II

Pirates

•

ガルナ島

後編

海賊

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

HOOOOOOOONK!

The boisterous marina roused cranky outsiders, but natives of this old fishing port waved off the honks and cries as white noise. The fishers and boatmen had taken to their loads with some drive to them. The seafood market had become swollen this time of year with the seasonal hauls on top of many natives hosting their traveling relatives and friends. The train station saw a few seedier characters coming into the town, but most boarded the train to leave. The old town had its charm, though, make no mistake. The historical buildings and the more modern Traditionalists with their reenactments brought tourists to live through the authentic old times.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Hargeon Town

Fiore, Ishgar

10:56 AM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

HOOOOOOOONK!

Luke leaned against the railing overlooking the marina. The seagulls called out to one another as fishermen went about their business. The salt and musk of the sea did not bother Luke's nose as much as the thick scent of dead fish. He checked his Compact to the last messages he and his father shared.

Dad said a boatman will be here to ferry me to Galuna Island. He gave me a guesstimate for time, but he said he'll let me know when the boatman made it to the docks. A quiet exhale. An island full of Demons… I wonder what they're like? If Dad is letting me go, then they can't be all that bad, but still…

He pushed off the rail and tried to quiet his lingering unease. I still have some time for a second breakfast.

With that thought in mind, he turned to skulk deeper into Hargeon. The townspeople came across well-mannered with their breezy helloes and poise. The Traditionalists who claimed a street to themselves were at it already with their morning chores. A Bellish community settled down in Hargeon and already could the themes from their homeland sway a passerby.

Luke glanced around with his hood up and face mask on. He had gone with his vest hoodie to try and cover his hair, but he lost his nerve trying to put on contacts and opted for a face mask instead. Dad always liked to tell us their love story started her when he met the fake Salamander, even though Mom says it's a lie.

Honeyed-ambers softened remembering those nights his parents playfully bickered of where to start their love story as they gathered their children and the dogs on their bed. Dad would always argue their adventure started here, and he'd manage to convince Mom later on. He held admiration that the love between his parents grew with each passing day. The start of an adventure…

The wind tussled his hair as he paused in his walk. I wonder… By going to Galuna Island, what adventure this will start for me?

A sign caught his eye that read:

PROPER GROCER

Luke blinked. Didn't Mom say that was a Magic Shop?

Deciding to chance it, he ducked into the shop to check the inventory. Baubles and charms glittered hanging from the ceiling. The store's second floor had been opened up to reveal the upper deck having much more of a focus on crystals, Lacrima, and other fragile valuables. Potions and magical equipment had their own shelves and displays, and classic reads for any aspiring Wizard had their own place. The latest "choose your own adventure" book series that enchanted a person into the plot had its very own promotional display. A cauldron frothed and steamed at the center, but it was for show to lure Mages in to see the joke potions and candies inside. An employed Magic Broom, however, did some sweeping.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Proper Grocer is the sole Magic Shop of Hargeon Town, given that only 10% of its populace can use Magic. While it's stock used to be poor in range, under new management, Proper Grocer has a better selection for native and wandering Mages alike to choose from. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luke looked around. Huh… This is impressive. He trailed further into the shop and smiled a little as a free-moving train chugged past him. Neat. He continued his stroll until he stopped to see a glass-case cabinet to show off a chained selection of books with no title to their names.

"Oh, no way," Luke breathed as he came closer for inspection. "They have grimoires in book form here too?"

"You could recognize they're grimoires."

Luke whipped his head back to see a youthful and spirited man behind him. His cloak looked like something a Wizard of academia would wear and his light blue hair had been tamed into a ponytail that caressed down his shoulder. The feathered earring made him stand out, but so did his plethora of bangle bracelets on his arms, each jeweled, inscribed, and a different size and thickness.

"Um, yeah." Luke looked back at the six chained books. "It's pretty easy to sense they are."

"Hm." The young man approached Luke's side to peer at the grimoires. "And how could you tell? Almost everyone who has come into the shop is under the impression these as forbidden texts with the way darkness reeks from them."

Luke shook his head. "That's because no one cleansed these grimoires." He found himself excited to impart knowledge from his studies. "Grimoires are extremely rare texts nowadays, but it's not that hard to tell them apart from normal books when you understand their magical frequency. But I'm surprised to see six of them."

"And why is that?"

"Because of how extremely rare they are," Luke answered. "High-up Magic bloodlines who founded and cultivated their abilities normally used grimoires as a generational chronicles to catalog any more spells or adjustments Wizards in the family made. But when magists figured that out and started the year-long book burn of magical texts, the entire society learned how to turn grimoires into magical instruments and Familiars. Seeing grimoires in book form—their original form—is uncommon. Most Mages can't use or read a grimoire in its raw form and, even if they can, if their magical energy can't resonate with the grimoire's unrefined energy, then their learning is for nothing."

The young man hummed, intrigued. "You know an awful lot about this sort of thing. Are you a student?"

Luke shook his head again. "No, I'm a Guild Wizard. But I have a teacher too." He stepped back from the display case to look around. "I didn't think a shop in a Spiritless town would have such rare inventory." He smiled at the young man. "It's cool that you do, though. I know I'm not complaining."

The young man smiled back, a twinkle in his eyes. "So I see." He gestured to the rest of the shop. "Take a look around. I'm here if you have any questions."

"Thank you," Luke humbly appreciated. He took his time examining what the store had to offer, but the potions section caught his attention when he noticed markings on the glass ones. He took stock in one boldo potion with a calligraphic C hooked onto chokeberries pressed into the bottom of the glass. "Are all of these potions by certified Potioneers? I recognize the Caliban symbol."

"You have a sharp eye," the young man gave him. "Are you familiar with Potioneers in this country?"

Luke's smile came off as shy. "Only a little," he tried to downplay. "My teacher is really picky when it comes to potions. Our Guild Healers are both certified Potioneers, but my teacher has relations to the Duke of Aronia. I learned a lot about the political debate regarding legalizing and decriminalizing higher level potions and about the illegal trade happening. And I also learned about Potioneer Stamps, so I knew who made the Potion and could verify the authenticity."

"You have quite the teacher," the young man complimented. "But you must be a quick-study of a student. Most Wizards your age wouldn't bother learning about the intricacies of potion legalese or the politics behind it, especially a Guild Mage. And I don't mean offense."

A bit hot and embarrassed, Luke murmured, "Sensei always told me that if I limited my understanding of the world to what I could see, I would be blinder than a good Alkahest friend of ours. If I wanted to become a successful Wizard, I needed to understand how Magic affects not just me but the world." He yanked down his face mask. "Sorry. I guess that's a little…"

The young man chuckled. "No, no, I agree with your teacher." The young man looked around with something wistful in his eyes. "These days, Guild Mages have two options: to become political or to become compliant. With the protection of the Council, there's no need for many Guild Wizards in wealthier countries to worry themselves about the international state of magical affairs. But in poorer and more corrupt countries and Council branches, they force Guild Wizards to worry. That's why I'm impressed a boy such as yourself is well-versed in politics."

"I'm fifteen," Luke mumbled.

The young man's smile grew. "A young man then," he amended. "And I especially admire your mother's work. Lucy Heartfilia—Ah, excuse me, Misses Dragneel certainly has taken it upon herself to lead the next generation of young Star Wizards."

Luke's eyes widened. "You know who I am?"

"Pink hair is not common, but it's not rare either," the young man told him. "And your face is quite a familiar one." He grinned. "You're a very popular young man."

Luke flushed, tugging at his face mask. "I know."

The young man simpered, but he did not tease Luke further about his popularity. "I admire everything Fairy Tail has done in the campaign for justice for Wizard-kind." His deep blues glinted with bad memories. "The world's imbalance is far too delicate for comfort. Numerous deaths have been committed and yet it could take one death to break the board and turn this imbalance into rich chaos."

Luke heavily swallowed. Sensei says the same thing to me. I could see how exhausted Mom was after she came home from her tour. Civil wars won't remain civil for much longer. Honeyed-ambers darkened. But what will be the straw the breaks the camel's back?

He blinked when his Compact vibrated. A text dropped in from his father to alert him the boatman was close to the marina. "Oh." He gave the Wizard an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. I should go. But your shop is wonderful." He held out his hand. "I'm Luke." It was after he said his name he realized his error and blushed. "B-But you already knew that…"

"I did." The young man shook Luke's hand. "It's nice to meet you, Luke. I'm called 'Prospero'." His deep blues twinkled with hints of understanding, curiosity, and quiet fondness. "I'm sure we will meet again soon enough."

°•°•°•°

Luke left Proper Grocer with a lighter spring in his step. It's always nice to speak to knowledgeable Wizards. He laughed a little remembering Mystogan's cold expression whenever stuffy high society Independents and Wizards tried to match wits with him. Sensei hates going to fancy receptions since most Wizards have opinions without any facts to back them up.

Honeyed-ambers twinkled. I'll have to come back. Prospero seems like a nice shop owner. And if he's bringing in rare stuff, Sensei would like this place too.

He flinched when a strong wind knocked his hoodie and exposed his hair. "Ugh. Today's going to be windy, isn't it?" he muttered in a complaint. He took off his glasses to clean them. I'd better get down to the marina before—

BASHA-BASHA!

Luke quickly put on his glasses to whip his head around. What was—?

BASHA-BASHA!

He froze when he realized a few girls had taken his photo, giggling amongst themselves. Oh, no.

BASHA-BASHA!

A few other locals had taken a photo, murmuring to themselves.

Luke tucked on his hood and pulled up his face mask. He clutched his bag and tried to keep his head down creeping away. Just be calm, he soothed himself. Keep walking. Maybe they won't say anything—

"Oh my gods, it's him!"

Rattled, Luke sweated when a swarm of people cornered him with eager eyes and excited grins (and a few less than pure gazes). He gulped under all the noise and pressure. I should've asked Bambi to Enchant me before she left. His smile looked twitchy and uncomfortable as he raised a hand. "H-Hello. Um, thank you for your support, but—"

"Can we get a picture with you?" someone shouted.

"Are you going to be in the GMGs this year?"

"Are you and Gale dating?"

"Can I have your autograph?"

Luke's eyebrow twitched and it was harder to keep his smile straight. They're not even listening to me. A quick glance down made him see Cullen gesturing to his wrist. And I really need to get down to the marina, but…

He shrunk more as everyone spoke at once, vying for his attention. I don't know how to get through to them. What would Sensei do?

He remembered Mystogan's cool demeanor as he addressed fans. "Thank you for your support, but I don't have the time for this." Dark oaks intensified. "Get out of the way."

Luke wanted to cry as he flattened against a store wall when the crowd closed in. I can't say that! It's a wonder Sensei still has a huge fan club at all! He gripped his messenger PDP strap as his breath shallowed and his heart raced, eyes darting around. I don't want to be rude, but I really need to leave. And there's so many people…

A cloak fluttered.

Grunts and gasps of alarm and annoyance caught Luke's ears, but he had no time to process when someone grabbed his wrist. He nearly tripped over his own two feet, thanks to the cloaked stranger's speed. The crowd parted, perplexed and dismayed someone stole their idol, but Luke had to hang onto his glasses as the stranger forced them down the street.

Honeyed-ambers sparked in curiosity and confusion as Luke felt dazed letting this cloaked stranger speed them away. Who is this person? He flinched when his hoodie came off again to expose his hair—

"Is that Luke Dragneel?"

Luke cringed back when a few awed locals caught sight of him and pointed. Oh, no.

The cloaked stranger surprised him when they ducked into a nearby alleyway. Hargeon had cleaned up their alleyways so more than trashcans and strays could live. A few pedestrians pedaled through the narrow lanes with plants and benches and commissioned art alone the backside of stores and buildings. It might have been confusing to navigate for an outsider, but the cloaked stranger had confidence in their strides with all the twists and turns.

A panic welled within Luke's head. Wait a second. Where are they taking me? He wanted to facepalm and groan. Sensei would kill me for letting a stranger run away with me. He went to dig in his heels—

HOOOOOOOOOOOOONK!

His eyes widened as that sea salt and fish taste became more prominent. His ears tuned to the shots of the ferryman and fishers and even the stirred water from all the motors and Magic. Wait. The marina?

The cloaked stranger ducked them into another alleyway, but Luke saw the marina at the end of the passageway with a smile coming onto his face. The marina! I'm not going to be late!

The cloaked stranger slowed them to a stop to keep them hidden in the alley shadows. A gentle release of Luke's wrist came next. The stranger even checked for any more pedestrians before giving Luke a profiled nod that the coast was clear.

Luke smiled at them. "Thank you, um, for saving me back there and taking me to the marina." He adjusted his messenger PDP and fixed his glasses. "I guess I'm not really used to people recognizing me. I don't normally like to travel to areas with a lot of people, and when I'm in university, people are used to me enough not to bother me. I guess it's a little pathetic of me, huh?"

The cloaked stranger shook their head, not letting Luke catch their face. However, it made him frown when he felt the cloaked stranger's hidden gaze on him. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The stranger reached—

Luke flinched back…

…only to blink in realization when the stranger had taken hold of his hoodie and covered his hair. Their gloved fingers were careful to situate the hood so that it would not fall off him again before retracting their assistance.

"O-Oh." Luke beamed. "Thanks." He scratched his cheek. "I know should get a better disguise. A good friend of mine probably would've given me one if I had asked her, but she's going on a trip and I planned my own holiday a little too late to ask her."

The stranger gave a stiff nod in understanding.

Luke frowned a little. Did I say something wrong? From the corner of his eye, he caught Cullen gesturing for him to hurry, and he gave the Shadower a nod. Right. I need to go.

He moved past the stranger and flashed his canines. "Thanks again. Have a good—" His words stopped when the stranger's fingers feathered his face mask to pull it up. But their lingering touch gave him warm gooseflesh along his arms. What are they—?

The stranger snapped back their hand as though offended and, without a second glance, they darted back down the alleyway with graceful speed.

A warm flush broke out onto Luke's cheek. What was—?

He stumbled when Cullen nudged him and he irately pouted at the Shadower. "I know, I know, I'm going!" He rushed for the stone steps to get down to the docks, but his mind spared a straying thought towards the cloaked stranger. Who was that person? And how did they know I was going to the docks?

A washing and repair facility nearby had already started its work on a few cruisers and vehicles to a classic rock-and-roll playlist. A chandler opened early this morning and had a steady stream of customers to come in for fishing trips and yacht vacation supplies. Some of the earlier boatman had clamored into a mom-and-pop restaurant on the docks where they could have a drink and grumble about the wharf and their families. One of the slipways had a rookie father trying to get his trailered boat into the water while the grandfather and son guided him. The lighthouse would not be on until later tonight, but the caretaker went to greet a few senior boatmen.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Hargeon Harbor, one of the largest marinas in Fiore. In the year X792, Alvarez seized this harbor to offload over 300,000 soldiers, but Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, and other Independents liberated the marina from Alvarez's tyranny. The lighthouse has been renamed Liberty Point in honor of that liberation of Hargeon with an interpretative statue of Independents, Guild Wizards, and Spiritless uniting in the war and an enchanted stone that lists all who died in the fight »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luke got to the docks and checked the message from his father. Dad said a ferryman would be here to take me to Galuna, but he was pretty vague about it.

The message wrote:

« Hey, some guy your age will be giving you a lift to Galuna! Good luck! »

Luke had a dreary aura when his father sent him a sticker of a chibi-Salamander giving a peace sign and a silly grin. Yeah. Thanks a lot for the details, Dad.

He pocketed his device and looked at all the workers and travelers on the dock for a sign. Maybe I'll recognize them—

"YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS!"

If the people in the marina were startled, Luke was pale and shaken to the core at the booming call. Please don't tell me that—

TATATATATATATATA!

"Your Highness, it's an honor to be in your presence!" A chipper youth had rushed Luke and barely skidded to a stop before him (with Luke shaking like a leaf from all the pomp and circumstance). The boy looked mixed with his tan skin with frazzled deep blue hair and light blue eyes. His dramatic bow had more eyes pour onto the pair. "My name is Didi, Your Highness, and I have come to escort you to my humble home!"

⌜GALUNA ISLAND

Name: Didi

Age: 16

Ability: Transformation

Occupation: Year 11 Student

Likes: sneaking onto the mainland for parties Dislikes: homework

Special Note: Didi is a bit of a free spirit, much to the grief of his parents, but it helps he has hyperthymesia, which means he can recall every event in his life in great detail! ⌟

"Ha…" Luke's twitchy smile was back as he crumbled under the weight of curious stares. "I-It's…nice to meet you, Didi. But you don't have to call me that. You can just call me 'Luke', okay?" He wanted to hide feeling people's judgment. I don't want to bring more attention to myself—

SNIFFLE!

It spooked Luke when comical tears crowded Didi's eyes. Is he about to cry? Did I offend him? He hurried to correct his mistake, "Wait, it's okay, please, um, y-y-you can call me whatever you'd like—!"

SNIFFLE!

Luke looked even more alarmed when Didi trembled. Did I make things even worse? His eyes widened when Didi suddenly kneeled before him. What is going on—!

"Your Highness!" A teary Didi clasped Luke's hands. "His Majesty told us Your Highness is so kind and generous, but for you to allow someone of my low status to address you so informally…" He sniffled. "I could cry right now."

No, please don't do that! Luke wanted to beg. Instead, he kept up a calm appearance. "There's no need for that, Didi. Please stand up. I'm not any better than you, so you don't have to bow to me."

SNIFF!

Luke sweatdropped when Didi looked like he was trying hard not to weep. What can I say that doesn't make him cry?

Didi got up and cleared his eyes with his arm. "Y-You're too kind, Your Highness—"

"'Luke'," Luke corrected. "Please call me 'Luke'. I don't go by any other titles, so if you wouldn't mind…" Before Did could tear up again and draw more attention, Luke quickly inserted, "Th-That's a, uh…royal order?"

Didi blinked before giving Luke a large grin full of teeth. "As you wish, Your—Luke."

Luke silently sighed his relief. Oh thank goodness. He tried not to scowl when he saw Cullen's shoulders shaking in laughter. Yeah, that's right, keep laughing and I'll put you in a blacked-out room.

He adjusted his messenger PDP. "Didi, it's nice to meet you. Thank you for taking me to the island on such short notice. I don't mean to cause any trouble."

"No, no, it's an honor!" Didi assured him with an invigorated nod. "We're all so excited to meet you! Even the islanders who came to the mainland came home to see you! We're all eternally grateful for the privilege to be in your presence!" He gestured down the harbor. "This way to your boat, Your High—um, Luke."

Luke followed Didi, but he could not hide his surprise. "Everyone wanted to meet me? But… I mean… I'm just me."

Did shot Luke a puzzled smile. "Of course! And that's why we all wanted to meet you!" His smile turned a little rueful as he rubbed his neck. "Your Highness might not remember, but I met you when you were really little."

That stunned Luke even more. "You did?" But Mom and Dad never said…

"Mm-hmm!" Didi had a spring in his step. "But it was really long ago. You were just born and I was only a few months old. My dad's the chieftain of the island, so he came when you were born to honor you and acknowledge you as our new prince, and he brought me along." He laughed to himself. "Igneel didn't like me that much, but I think it's because he didn't want to share you."

Luke chuckled. "Yeah. Igneel can be a bit of a possessive brat when he wants to be." He sweatdropped remembering how a younger Igneel would cling to their mother's leg while their father tried to steal her back, and Lucy was stuck in the middle of father and son arguing over who deserved time with her. It runs in the family…

He sobered at Didi's words. I can't believe I met Galuna Demons when I was born. Why didn't Dad and Mom tell me? Then again… A glum thought struck him. Would I have really been ready to listen?

The swift trawler dubbed S.S. GALUNA docked at one of the stone ports. Didi had been careful in helping Luke get on and settled in his sea legs before going through the procedure of checking the lights, the plugs, and the fuel. A small boat technician came out to go over the float plan and double-checked the boat before clearing them to set sail for their reservation—

HYU…

Luke felt safer to take off his hoodie and mask as he sat within the lounge in the helm. The sun cleared away any remaining mist to showcase the blues of the ocean. Little isles forged amount the east coast showed signs of life with luxury yachts, but Luke could not help being mystified at the beauty of the sea.

Didi noticed Luke's staring and smiled as he adjusted the trawler. "Those islands over there are pretty much for vacation homes and yacht clubs. Thanks to His Majesty, we manage those islands as property dealers."

Luke turned to stare at Didi, eyebrows raised. "You manage those islands thanks to my dad?"

"More or less," Didi confirmed. "We know the sea better than most mainlanders. When my grandfather Moka was alive, His Majesty—your father—and his friends wanted to make sure we had better income. Those islands were uninhabited before, but they made it work to build luxury properties that didn't upset the environment. We bring in a lot of money from other means, but handling those islands help out a lot."

"I… I see." Luke blinked. "Your grandfather… You said 'was'…"

"Yeah." Accepted sadness glinted in Didi's eyes. "He passed away when I was very small. The war with Alvarez had done a lot of damage to him. He held on for as long as he could, but he was able to die on his terms."

Luke's gaze flicked downwards. "From how you speak of him, he was a good person and very respected. I'm sure my father held him in high regard as well." He would not give pity or grief. Honor and kindness couched his words. "I'll be sure to thank him for all his hard work."

Didi chuckled. "Thank you, Your Highness. I'm sure he'd like that. He really did want to see you take the throne, but life happens. I know, if he saw you now, he could rest at ease that us Demons will be in a better tomorrow."

Luke had no idea if he should say appreciative words or otherwise, so he ended up nodding and staying silent.

Didi glanced at Luke. "You might want to rest, Your Highness. It'll take us until sundown if that to reach Galuna. We made sure all three available rooms downstairs were to your liking. Let me know if you need anything. And I'll come get you once we're close to home."

Luke frowned. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Something in Didi's expression shifted as he scanned the coast. "Boats and ships can't come close to Galuna due to the confusion spell our island gives off. But rest of the sea is fair game for pirates. You might think it's better for both of us to be seen, but your life is much more valuable than mine, Your Highness."

"That's not true," Luke refused to believe. "That's—"

"Your Royal Highness."

Luke froze when Didi leveled him a firm blue-eyed look.

Didi broke into a low tone. "My father didn't want me to worry you, but you deserve to know. There's a pirate captain in these waters who is contracted to a higher Demon."

Luke's blood went cold. "A Warlock."

Didi nodded. "Yes." He looked out yonder. "We've been lucky evading their grasp, but we can't rely on luck alone. It's no secret they want to use Galuna Island as their base, and they'll do it by any means necessary. That's why you should get below, Your Highness. The cabins are protected with concealment spells to hide you." He tightened his grip on the wheel. "I understand you feel you're the same as me. But you're too valuable. And we can't take any chances. So please, Your Highness, get below."

Didi's blues stormed. "And I ask you not to come out until I come down for you."

°•°•°•°

The cabin Luke chose must have been the main one, given the kitchen and the small nook. The windows had been covered, but when he slid back the coverings, he could see the boat skimming the ocean waters. The bed had been made as comfortable as possible for his liking as he climbed into it. With a sigh, he sprawled onto his stomach before flipping onto his back.

Honeyed-ambers flickered. Pirates, huh? A Warlock Pirate Captain? Things keep getting interesting. He lifted his head when he saw Cullen. "What's wrong?"

Cullen pulled the Forever Container from his stomach to spill into Luke's hands.

Luke sighed as he looked at the dodecahedron. "Cullen, I told you. These Demons aren't good Demons." He grimaced when he traced the cracks in the container. "Letting them out would be a bad idea. We have no idea what they would do with their freedom." He set aside the container and took off his glasses to rub his eyes. "And I'm not taking any chances when I'm not even in control, okay?"

Cullen did not look all that happy Luke declined the offer, but he had no choice but to accept it and slink back into Luke's shadow.

Luke put on his glasses again. Well, if it'll take until nightfall to get to Galuna, I might as well do some reading.

He brought over his messenger PDP and summoned two books to choose from. The first was a read he had notated and could be considered a reread, titled CRITICAL PEDAGOGY THEORY. The second was LOST IN TIME: BLACK. In the end, he decided to continue his read on dark creatures and the chapter he was on—Contracts, Conditions, and Control—was in its midsection.

The boat strolled along as Luke picked up where he left off:

「 Modern perception of contractual obligation and the act of contraction has been skewed in favor of inaccurate media and entertainment. Contracting can be in written form, but the most common form of contraction is verbal consent [231]. The verbal negotiation would detail the nature of the contract and the services provided by each party that would become their "obligation". All contracts, however, had to enact a symbiotic relationship between parties in order for the contract to take. Once the contract was ineffective, addendums to the contract or withdraw from a contract had to be agreed upon by all parties.

Furthermore, throughout history, contracts were not a cohesive and exclusive agreement, but it was dependent on the power the creature and contractor had. Lower beings could only enter exclusive agreements to the summoner. A High Summoner could contract multiple lower beings. However, higher beings could maintain multiple contracts with summoners on the condition they had a primary contractor. Under these terms, the primary contractor's conditions and summoning would prioritize over lesser contractors and only the primary contractor would be conversant of all identities of lesser contractors [232]. 」

As the boat rocked and the more Luke read, he did not know what happened first. One moment, the passage swept him away. And the next…

…he was out.

• — • — •

Standing on water was more difficult than people thought.

Dragon Pond had a fruitful summer with active fish and curious dragonflies. The focus, however, looked down to catch his reflection. Luke could see exhaustion on his face as he used his power to meditate atop the water while three aquatic orbs orbited.

"Relax."

The focus shut for a moment before looking up to see a young Mystogan walking onto the water like he was a natural. Luke kept his complaints of fatigue to himself, but he commented, "I am relaxing, Sensei. I really am."

"Then relax harder," Mystogan instructed. "The reason you're straining yourself is because you're nervous you'll fall into the water. You won't as long as you keep yourself composed and relaxed."

The focus blinked as Luke tensed. "I'm trying." Giggles stole his attention, and the focus turned to the gazebo. Little Luna and Ena had gathered inside with Actaeon guarding the pair. He could see the little tea party the pair through as Luna giggled too much to follow Ena's instruction on manners, and Ena seemed too amused herself to be annoyed.

A tired sigh. "We'll stop here."

Luke could not help his bone-deep relief as the water dropped from rotation. He hurried to walk off the water and back on solid ground before his Magic wore him out while his teacher seemed more poised and took his time transitioning from water to land like it was nothing at all. "Did I do better this time, Sensei?" he yearned to know.

"You still aren't relaxing. You're forcing yourself to relax, which makes you more tense and makes your Magic harder to manage." Mystogan gifted a small, approving smile, however, when he caught Luke's face. "But you lasted longer than you have before. You're doing well."

Luke beamed. "Thank you, Sensei." He turned his head back to watch Luna cup her hand to Ena's ear and loudly whisper a secret that sent them both into a flurry of laughter. "If we're taking a break, could we go join Lu and Bambi, Sensei?" he wondered. "I really—"

"No."

Luke flinched and turned back to his teacher, though Mystogan's focus settled on the gazebo. "Sensei?" he called, uneasy. "Why can't we? I'm sure they have plenty of tea…"

It was a long time until Mystogan murmured, "Leave them be." He turned away from the gazebo to look at the pond. "Don't disturb them. We'll rest here and start again."

Luke wanted to pout, but he knew his teacher would not appreciate it, so he muttered, "Yes, Sensei." He stretched his legs out onto the grass instead and felt accomplished he had used enough Magic to keep his feet dry. 'It'd be nice to have tea that Bambi makes, though…' He determined pressing his luck once more would not hurt, and the focus looked up. "Sensei—"

He stopped when he saw Mystogan watching the gazebo again. Instead, he asked a different question. "Lu and Bambi really wouldn't mind if we joined them. They'd probably like it—"

"We shouldn't disturb them," Mystogan shut down, tone firm. "Ena doesn't need us over there. She's perfectly fine having tea with Luna." Even as he said that, he did not stop watching both girls.

Luna noticed both of them and wildly waved. "Misty! Luke!" she hollered. "D'you guys wanna come have tea?"

Luke beamed. "Sure—!"

"No."

Luke frowned when he saw Mystogan walking away. 'Sensei?' He scrambled to his feet and hurried after his mentor. Once he caught up, he insisted, "Sensei, I told you, Lu and Bambi wouldn't mind—"

"You are not joining them."

Luke quieted at the frost in Mystogan's bite. Head ducked low, he submissively whispered, "Yes, Sensei."

Mystogan stopped to pinch the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you." He meant every word. His gaze flicked back to the gazebo for a few meaningful moments. "Just…please be aware when you're around Ena."

"What do you mean?" Luke asked, confused.

"Just…!" Mystogan turned away. "It's…nothing." He glanced back at the focus, but the look in his eyes was difficult to decipher. "I understand you're friends with my sister. I respect that. But I don't want you getting too close to her. She doesn't need that." Dark oaks flickered. "She'll never need you."

Luke owlishly blinked. "Sensei?" His mouth moved to further question—

• — • — •

He could not breathe.

Luke woke up with a start to Cullen's hands over his mouth. Terror unraveled him until he saw Cullen's quick gesture to be silent and listen.

Luke stilled and pricked his ears.

LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB… LUB-DUB…

Honeyed-ambers widened. Oh, no. His gaze darted to the closed door of his cabin to listen closer. Multiple heartbeats. Footsteps. Three… No four people. Talons. Inhuman. And I can feel darkness. Dark creatures? Black Mages? I'm still rough telling the difference. No Warlock.

He strained his ears as his hands clenched into fists. And I can't hear Didi. Focus your senses. He closed his eyes and continued to concentrate. The boat isn't moving, but… I can hear other sounds. If use my senses, then I can sense a mass amount of dark energy. Multiple people. Not all of them are human. And… Okay, a little more and…

"Go check below deck."

Luke's eyes flew open as he froze.

A rough growl. "That Galuna bitch couldn't have been using this shitty ship alone."

Luke had to think on his feet. I can't use any of my Star Coins, not without verbal incantations. My silent spells are useless. And if they have Didi as a hostage, my resistance will be negated with Didi's life. All I can do now is make myself as unassuming as possible. I can't have them recognize me.

He hurried to put on his face-mask and draw up his hood. This is a pathetic excuse for a disguise, but it's all I have. He took off his glasses. And as much as I need these, I can't have them break these when they take me hostage.

He whispered to Cullen, "Take my bag." He handed Cullen his lenses and watched the Shadower root around in his chest to get out the glasses case. "Follow me onto their ship."

Cullen nodded. He poured the glasses case into the bag before he gathered Luke's messenger PDP into his stomach.

Someone had kicked one of the cabin doors in.

Luke spotted the Forever Container and hesitated.

They knocked another cabin door in.

He made a grab for the Forever Container and whispered to Cullen, "Last resort."

Cullen sharply nodded and stored the Forever Container in his stomach before slipping into Luke's shadow—

BANG!

It was easy for Luke to pretend to be a helpless person, forcing himself to flinch. He forced his breath to labor and hoped he had tears in his eyes. The blurred shapes looked bigger than him, and only one had the physiology of a human. He whimpered, "Wh-What's going on? Where's Didi?" He curled up when the group closed in on him. "Pl-Please leave me alone—Nnngh!"

The human intruder had grabbed his chin with bruising force. Luke received a crystal-clear image of the wicked star-scar on their face and their obvious glass eye. He inspected Luke's face before smirking. "That Galuna bitch found a little fairy to fuck while he was out here. Captain will like him. He's got a pretty face." He let go of Luke to nod to his associates. "Take him."

Luke feigned fighting back as his captors manhandled him. Their claws and talon were not appreciated, but a small mercy that their grips would not bruise or cut made him slightly relieved. They were not shy about yanking him around to force him to catch up to their broad strides. When daylight broke out and he fell overboard to land on a boat, he did his best to squint and catch his surroundings—

Oh, no…

The blackened galleon warship looked as imposing as it was dangerous with a sharpened beakhead crucifying a skeleton. Four masts stood erect and proud with crew-members shuffling and snarling as they worked the sails and rigs. Human and monster brushed shoulders as sailing masters and boatswains cried out orders to prepare for them to set sail again. The "monkeys" scuttled about, young in years and growing into their fur and scales and fangs, as they exhausted themselves with reinforcing protective enchantments.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Almadel's Avenger with a crew of one-hundred and seventy-five. This is the technical "guild hall" of Black or Dark Guild Siren's Song. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The pocket watch showed the time.

A vicious smile. "Well, then. We're right on time."

The pocket watch snapped shut.

"My Captain." The Quartermaster appeared, a sharp young man with one of those faces that made your heart beat a little faster. Orange locks tied into a braided ponytail with a bandana to hold back his bangs, he bowed before his captain and gave her a charming grin to match. "We have captured the Demon and his alleged lover. Shall we depart for our new home?"

⌜SIREN'S SONG GUILD

Name: Calico Max

Age: 26

Magic: Left and Right

Occupation: Quartermaster

Likes: flattery Dislikes: being told to cut his hair

Special Note: Calico's ability allows him to use the Black Arts in his left hand and the White Arts in his right hand, but because both power systems are conflicting, he has to take medicine every day! ⌟

The captain pocketed her pocket watch into her deep crimson long coat that rested on her shoulders. Her beaded braids fitted beneath her trihorn hat and her tempting skirt showed her tight boots. Yellow-oranges eyes peered onto the horizon. Our new home on Galuna Island, huh?

⌜SIREN'S SONG GUILD

Name: Sirene

Age: 35

Curse: Hell Water

Occupation: Captain and Guild Master

Likes: obedient men Dislikes: rebellious men

Special Note: Sirene might be the captain of the Almadel's Avenger and master to Siren's Song, but she is quite the mistress to her favorites! ⌟

Sirene's smile broadened. I do like the sound of that.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

BAKI!

Luke grunted when he was tied down to a pole below deck. With little light and his vision too blurred, he had his nose to guide him. Piss and shit and sweat and darkness cut through his senses with spurts of blood. Keeping quiet was the best decision he had made to keep them from gagging him, but he wanted to gag from all the conflicting scents.

SLAM!

Luke listened close and peeked to the side. I must be in some sort of brig. The smell of rust is clear. I'm in some sort of cell.

He tossed back his head. I'll need more time to differentiate scents. I can smell sickness here. And there are too many heartbeats for me to sort through each and every one of them. But I can't scent Didi near me. They must've separated us to see if he'll talk first and give up Galuna Island's location or guide. He won't talk. But if they use me and beat me in front of him, he'll talk.

Luke messed with his restraints. Smart. They used sealstone cuffs. I worked hard to learn how to conceal my powers, but I'm sure they don't want to take any chances. But they made the mistake in using sealstone. That means I can still use my other power. He gritted his teeth. If I could just control it better.

He stiffened hearing prominent footsteps. Boots… Leather boots broken in and…paws and claws. One human. Possible Chimaera or other dark creatures.

"Well, well, I was told we have a fairy aboard ship." Calico Max allowed the bull-panther Chimera to open the cell door for him to enter. The cell had barely been clean with old straw inside, but his focus was on Luke's fretting face. Interest gleamed in Calico Max's eyes. "And quite the pretty face." He laid an arm on the ball to leer down over Luke. "So you're the little boy that stubborn Galunan trash is messing with. He has nice taste."

He went for Luke's face mask. "Now let's get a good look at you, shall we?"

Luke flinched back, giving high-pitched whimpers, but he was growling in his mind. Crap! Not my mask! If he finds out who I am—!

FFT!

Calico Max frowned when the fax mask would not pull down. He tried again and again before going for Luke's hood. But when he yanked and tugged, the hood refused to be pulled off. "What the…?" He called to his cronies. "Hey. Didn't Hollow say this one's not a witch boy? Why can't we see his face?"

The bull-panther Chimera snorted and said in a thick southern Minstrish accent, "'Ollow said it, Quartermaster. The little fairy ain't a witch-boy. But his clothes might be made of Magic. We can't get it off him."

Calico Max let go of Luke with his frown deepening. "That's disappointing. Captain said she wanted him prepped for her interrogation of the Galunan. We need to pretty him up. But if his clothes won't come off…" He crouched down to grab Luke's jaw with keen yellow eyes. "Would you mind stripping for us, fairy-boy? Make it worth your boyfriend's wild? It might be the last time he gets to see you naked if he doesn't comply with the captain."

Luke kept quiet.

Calico Max examined Luke. He's awfully compliant. I guess he's realized resisting will put his boyfriend in even more dangerous. Captain will like this one. He rocked to his feet and told the guards, "Let's give fairy-boy some time before he gets to see his top. Captain wants to turn this into a show."

Luke shut his mouth and listened carefully as his cell was deserted and his captors' footsteps faded to another section below deck. The moment their range was far enough, he whispered urgently, "Cullen."

Cullen kneeled before Luke, worried out of his mind.

"Cullen, I need you to do a scan of the ship," Luke commanded. "We need to know how many crew members are on this ship, if there are any other prisoners or hostages, any slaves, and Didi's condition. We'll be anchored here since Didi hasn't revealed Galuna Island's location. Oh! And see if you can find the keys to my sealstone, okay?" He messed with his cuffs.

Cullen yanked Luke's Compact out and offered it to him.

Luke squinted at his Compact before shaking his head. "Yeah, I thought so. No service out here." He forcefully sighed. "We're on our own in this, Cullen. Scan and report back to me as soon as you can. And don't worry. I'll be okay here."

Cullen nodded before he slipped into the shadows.

Luke closed his eyes. I've done illusion simulations like this. Captured, powerless, and a hostage—and I haven't made it through simulations safely. But I have to try. Didi is one of my people. The darkness welcomed him and purred beneath his skin.

His eyes opened to show hints of red among honeyed-ambers. And it's my duty to keep my people safe and sound.

°•°•°•°

Calico Max nodded to the Black Mage and Chimera on duty guarding the great cabin before he stepped inside—

"Nnngh, ah…!"

The great cabin might have held their table maps and charted routes, and coveted souvenirs from past raids hung proudly on the walls, but first and foremost, this was known as "Mistress' Room". Captain Sirene looked like the queen of pirates in her throne, and it helped her pleasure servants were flushed and eager to please their mistress, even wearing collars and leashes if it meant she would give them attention. She cradled one leash of a broad-shouldered man who worshipped her leg, kissing her ankle with lust-filled eyes hopeful she would allow him to touch her more.

Calico Max grinned. "Frustrated, Captain?"

Sirene finished her large swallow of booze. "Not at all. He'll talk." She chanced a look at Didi.

Didi had been chained with ugly red bruises staining his human form and black blood coughed form his lips and dripped from the cuts across his body. He wheezed as he tried to get some semblance of relief from how deep his wounds gone, but he could not help but hiss when liquid deliberately sprinkled onto his wounds. He snarled, showing his teeth, but he refused to whimper and jerk about.

"If not?" Sirene raised her mug. "Then we'll kill him like the others."

Calico Max clicked his heels together as he nodded. "I'd expect nothing less, Captain."

"Hmm." Sirene lifted a chin. "The boy?"

Calico Max's grin faded for a troubled frown. "He's annoyingly calm. He puts up no resistance now. I couldn't sense any Magic on him, but it looks like his clothes were enchanted. I couldn't get his hood or his mask to come off."

That sparked intrigue within Sirene. "Really?" Her nails raked against her mug. With a glance down at her male submissive, she crossed her legs and found faint amusement when he pouted. "Are you certain you're not losing your touch and the little fairy didn't resist you instead?"

"I haven't lost my touch, but I prefer my littles much more female," Calico Max drawled with humor in his eyes. "But he has pretty eyes. You'll have to see the rest of him for yourself I'm afraid, Captain."

"Then I look forward to the surprise." Sirene flashed the injured Didi a smirk without teeth. "If that one dies, maybe I can make his bitch my own."

Didi spat blood at her, but his little rebellious act met with a swift kick to the stomach, and he violently shook when water dumped onto his head. His wounds festered and heady steam wafted from his flesh. The org that dumped water on him re-corked the ceramic bottle with an ankh cross and feminine hands clasped in prayer.

Through his busted eye, Didi gave the haughty captain a look full of malice. I would've healed sooner, but of course this bastards have Holy Water. He gritted his teeth as he missed with his chains, but they burned into his wrists. And they even have Divine Chains to keep me here. If these assholes have this and they come to my home…

Sirene shifted her attention back to Calico Max and asked him, "Have you heard any word from the Notoria about the possible hidden island…?"

As Calico Max and Sirene transitioned to inconsequential business, Didi attempted discretely gathering his energy, but it became futile every time. Dammit. The Holy Water won't let me gather enough energy to heal.

He closed his eyes for a moment. From what I understand, this ship wants Galuna Island to take us as slaves and use our island as a base. I thought so sure the boat wouldn't be detected. Only my dad knew I was escorting His Highness and a handful of people knew I had a mainland trip. To be safe, we even one of the mainland Enchanters add a few more spells. They shouldn't have found us. They shouldn't have even known about me unless—

The thought made him want to drop his Human Form and show his teeth. Unless there's a traitor on Galuna. As long as these people don't put together who His Highness is, we should be fine. He prayed, Please be all right, Your Highness.

KNOCK-KNOCK.

Sirene lifted her chin. "Let them in."

A creature of the night opened the door to reveal two women in their skirts and corsets. They did not dare approach their captain, so they curtsied in her presence, greeting, "You asked for us, Captain?"

"Yes." Sirene took pity on her attention-starved male submissive and stroked his hair, much to his happiness. "We bought you from a whorehouse, like the other girls you were with. You have the option to stay here and join my crew or you can leave. I don't need scared little women on my ship. But if you stay, you have to work for your keep. You won't be spreading your legs, but you'll be doing a lot harder work than getting some fat fuck hard."

The women exchanged a glance before kneeling before their captain. One woman with ethereal white hair streaked with gold spoke up, "We would like to stay here. We don't have any other home."

Sirene gave an approving nod. "Very well. Then your first job is simple. You mentioned 'home'. Coincidentally, I'm trying to find a home for this crew and that petty little shit over there isn't being nice enough to point me in the right direction. At least, right now he isn't willing. But he will."

She smirked at the hatred in Didi's eyes. Does he think I'm going to beat up his little boyfriend? I was planning on doing so, but my men say the little gay boy is a pretty one. And I do like pretty things.

Her decision was made. "You both are to report to the kitchen. Have our chef make a meal for our little Galunan's lover. He is our guest after all. And ask chef to take extra care of his meal to make sure he's ready to meet his lover here. You worked at a whorehouse. You should know what I mean."

A fist clenched.

The woman with white hair rose to her feet. "Yes, Captain." She went to gather her friend—

"What are your names?" Sirene asked, half curious. "You can choose new names or use the name given to you in your old whorehouse. It makes no difference to me."

The woman with white hair introduced, "My mane is 'Monday'. And her name is—"

"I can speak for myself, Monday." The other woman stood with tan fingers gripping her skirt to keep herself from doing something foolish. "I am…King." She forced a curtsey. "We'll take good care of the prisoner, Captain."

"See if he's as pretty as my men say," Sirene ordered. "If he doesn't get his top over here to tell us where our new home is, there's no harm in me keeping him for myself." She grinned down at her panting submissive. "I'm sure he'd look even prettier kissing my feet, don't you think?"

King gritted her teeth. "Yes, Captain." A subtle hint of psychedelic aura pulled from her knuckles, but she held back. "He would look pretty."

°•°•°•°

Luke kept his eyes closed to make the slow pacing guard believe him to be asleep, but his ears and nose were open to everything on the ship. All right. The guard on me doesn't think I'm a threat. He's bored. That's why he doesn't swing back this way as frequently. But that's fine. I'm learning more about this ship.

Pink lashes fluttered to reveal red embedded into honeyed-ambers. With just a fraction of my power, I've been able to analyze the abilities on this ship. It looks like most of the crew aren't that powerful. But I can sense the Warlock and a strong Black Mage—the captain and her first mate. I can tell her Curse isn't a match for me. The Black Mage is different. He also possesses White Magic, even if it's not as strong. But his body is constantly in a state of contradiction—I scented a stabilizer potion on him when he was near me.

He allowed a little smile. He can't balance both. That's not surprising. I use meditation to keep my demonic powers from affecting my Magic. Even if it's strenuous, I can use my birthright and my Zen simultaneously without committing a Taboo. He's using potions, but he'll commit a Taboo soon enough. He'll be easy to disarm.

He perked a familiar feeling came over him. Cullen? Relief made his shoulders slacken when Cullen crossed from the shadows to materialize. "Cullen," he whispered, "what did you find out? How many members are on the ship?"

Luke squinted when Cullen held up his hands. "Two-hundred and…seventy-six?"

Cullen nodded.

Luke stored the number for later. "And how many Mages?"

Cullen held up his hands again.

Luke read, "Only…seventy-five?" He thought to himself, For a crew of this size, seventy-five Wizards would technically be a good ratio. Around twenty-seven crew members per Wizard is manageable in Fairy Tail standards, but these Mages are too low-level. More than likely, they have Magic Weapons to help balance things out.

"Right." He whispered to the Shadower, "And Didi?" His expression went crestfallen when Cullen's gesture meant nothing positive. "He's injured that badly?"

Cullen made a cross symbol and clasped his hands before making waves with his hands.

Luke's brow scrunched. A cross…prayer…water… It was like he was sucker-punched. "Holy Water?"

Cullen sadly nodded.

Shit. Luke gritted his teeth. Holy Water…. And it even has the mark of the Holy Eye… If Silver was here or Nashi, it wouldn't be that big of a threat. But true Divine Water—Holy Water—is catastrophic against Demons, dark creatures, and even Black Mages. And if this ship has Holy Water—his fangs showed—then I know who gave it to them too.

• — • — •

"Holy Water exists?"

Natsu had them take a break in training to deep their aching feet into Dragon Pond. Luke was more comfortable sweating in his tank top, but Natsu had ditched his shirt and used his scarf as a headband for his unruly hair.

He gave his son a nod. "Yeah. It's powerful stuff. The holy water most churches dish out during services isn't actual Holy Water. It's been blessed without casting any sort of Magic on it." He picked his ear. "To be honest, Anna told me actual Holy Water had come from Spiritual Power back in the day. But Divine Magic, like Nashi's powers, works just the same."

His eyes darkened. "Divine Water—or Holy Water—is water enchanted with divinity. Nashi can make her divine tea, but it doesn't hurt you or me whenever we drink it, does it?"

That made Luke blink. 'Now that I think about it…' "No," he said slowly. "Honestly… Nashi's powers have never hurt me in any way."

"Thought so." Natsu scratched his shoulder for a moment. "Nashi's powers also don't affect Gary either. Unfortunately, without anyone else having her ability, we can't be certain why that is. We could argue she's half-Demon, but then again, her being half of me doesn't seem to affect her power."

"He's not wrong,' Luke thought. 'By all means, Nashi shouldn't be able to be half-Angel. Her powers shouldn't exist. But they do.' He questioned, "But about the Holy Water… How does it work? Could Bambi—? I mean, could Ena do it?"

"No."

Luke frowned. "But you said it had to deal with Enchantment, so I thought…"

"The reason Ena wouldn't be able to recreate Holy Water is because she doesn't possess any sort of divinity or spiritual power," Natsu explained. "You should know by now, when it comes to Enchantment, natural Enchanters have to have access to a Magic or power in order to Enchant it. Maybe in theory, if Ena was given a Lacrima full of divine energy, she could Enchant water to make it Holy Water, but divinity isn't something people can normally harness. That's where the Holy Eye comes into play. That whole organization holds true Holy Water. And it'll fuck you up. Trust me."

Onyx flickered with sanguineous red. "You don't forget what Holy Water feels like."

His father's tone chilled Luke. "If Nashi's powers don't affect us, then why would Holy Water?"

"Levy came up with a theory about that," Natsu raised a finger. "For one, Nashi's powers do work on darker creatures, but they don't work on us. It's the same with my fire. I can make it burn who I want it to burn, but it'll be completely fine around others."

'That's right,' Luke realized. 'If a Wizard has airtight control over their abilities, then they can control who is affected.' He put two and two together. "So that means Holy Water can be used for certain causes depending on the Enchantment's target," he concluded. "It could be used as a healing elixir or it could specifically target dark creatures, but…" One thing nagged him. "But if the Holy Eye created true Holy Water, why hasn't the general public demanded it be shared?"

"You think that church is kind enough to tell the public they have something like that?" Natsu quietly challenged.

Luke knew the answer.

Natsu continued: "Holy Water is still a secret of the church and only located in Ran. No one could steal it. No one. The reason I'm telling you is now that you're a full Demon, this is one of the things you need to be careful. Your Magic wouldn't be able to lessen the effects of it once that shit is poured on you or you're forced to drink it. It's enchanted to seek out and kill things like us."

Luke gulped. "H-How do you know so much about it if the general public doesn't know about it?"

Natsu sat quietly for many moments until he dropped a hand on Luke's head. "That's…a story for another time," he decided. "The Holy Eye might've done a lot of good for a lot of people. Even now, the Holy Eye gives a safe space for the Accursed to run to in times of crisis. But never forget they have weapons designed to kill us, you hear me? And if your enemy has Holy Water…" He looked out onto the water with a tight jaw. "Don't you forget who gave it to them and why."

• — • — •

Luke held in his snarl. Holy Water from the Holy Eye can't be stolen. Dad was certain on that. Which means a Holy Eye member gave this ship the water for a reason. And I'm certain it was to interrogate and eventually kill Galuna Demons and anyone else who crossed their path. Cowards. But this means I can't put up any sort of fight. If I fight back and Didi is force-fed the Holy Water…

He trembled a little thinking of Didi coughing up black blood and dying on this forsaken ship. I need to think this through. We need to get out of this. And if Didi was already dowsed in Holy Water, I need to get us both to a safe place. I might not have divinity, but my Zen Magic is close enough to pure Spiritual Power to help heal his wounds without furthering the damage. Hold on, Didi, just a little longer.

Cullen and Luke turned their heads when voices poured onto the floor.

"We're here to bring food and drink the boy," came a light and airy comment.

"Let me check it," came grouse.

Luke's stomach clenched. Food? Why feed their prisoner? A realization came. Are they going to drug me?

He grounded his teeth. Sensei has built up my tolerance to poisons, but if it's some sort of magical drug or a potion… What do I do? He messed with his restraints, but nothing good came from it. I'll have to figure out what the potion is and go along with the effects for now.

"You're clear. He's this way. Be careful with him. He's a pretty one," came grunt.

Luke urgently whispered to Cullen, "Find the keys to my cuffs. Once you do, stay in my shadow. Go!" He pretended to be a meek and pitiful prisoner the moment Cullen slipped back into the darkness and it was right on time when footsteps came to his cell. He did not dare look up.

The jailor unlocked his cell with heavy breaths. "Today's your lucky day, boy. You're getting fed by our prettiest and cleanest ladies of the sea. Get your fill in. Your boyfriend's waiting for you upstairs, but she'll help you get all dolled up for him." The door opened.

Luke did not look up when light footsteps and a swishing skirt came into his cell. However, it confused him when he heard retreating footsteps. My guard… He's leaving us alone? Silence dragged on between him and the mystery woman. And why isn't she doing anything? Will my mask be able to come off? No, wait, focus. I need to figure out what they're drugging me with—

His breath hitched when delicate fingers toyed with his face mask. He did not mean to flinch when those fingers padded the material over his lips, but the woman paused as though interested in his reaction. Carefully, she braced both sides of his mask and tugged it down to expose the bottom portion of his face. But her fingers did not leave him right away. They brushed his cheeks.

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

He tensed, holding in his noise of surprise. What is she doing? Why is she touching me? He deeply inhaled. I can't smell anything unique about her. She must not be a Mage. But the food…

He eyed the chunky soup offered to him with a grimace. Ugh. There's chicken in it. He delicately sniffed the aroma. If I scent past the strong basil and chicken… I get really faint hints of… Wait a minute… Is that—?

Honeyed-ambers widened. The subtle scent of wood, earth, and…spice—Red Jîn? They're giving me a magical aphrodisiac? It's addictive in large quantities, but even in small quantities, it can be highly potent. It's been made illegal in Fiore, but for them to have it…

The woman spooned the stew—

Luke had not mean to plea, but the words tumbled out in uncontrolled terror. "Please no chicken. I-I don't eat animals. I'm a vegetarian. Please don't make me. Please. I'll eat everything, I promise, but please."

She paused.

A bead of sweat crossed Luke's cheek.

She spooned the liquid portion of the stew and pressed it to his lips. It disgusted him when he opened his mouth and slurped it. He gagged a little and his lips stung. I can taste the chicken still. It's so gross. He had not meant to put up resistance when she spooned him the next portion but tasting the chicken broth made the back of his eyes heat. When her press became insistent, he reluctantly opened his mouth and tried not to shy away—

It perplexed him when she tipped his head so the stew never touched his tongue. She's…making sure I don't taste it? When she let him go and thumbed a stray drop from his mouth, he rasped, "Thank you."

She never acknowledged his gratitude.

A strange hush blanketed the pair. Luke kept his lashes low as the woman who had come to feed him took care in every spoonful and not letting a drop hit his tongue. Her movements were rhythmic to a point and coupled with her gentility and the bob of the ship—it felt peculiar to think that this quiet was peaceful, but it was.

Red Jîn takes up to two hours to start any sort of reaction if it's a minute serving, but there's still debate if it reacts quicker based on libido and sexual activity status, Luke listlessly remembered as his next serving came. The reason it's illegal is because it turns people into absolute inconsolable messes until they…relieve their desires. But it's takes over a century to cultivate such a plant and they grow in some of the most remote places of Zhōnguá and Josea. I don't understand why they think I'm Didi's lover, but I'm guessing they're hoping if they turn me into a mess, Didi will react in a way they want to.

He lowered his head and saw the bowl with only drops of stew and clumps of chicken left. I must've finished the stew.

He closed his eyes. Now to wait for the drug to kick in. I can get past this as long as I'm focused. Red Jîn makes people seek out satisfaction, but as long as you can maintain one singular strong thought, it's not as effective. I just… I just need to think about something—anything. A strong thought… A strong thought…

But even as he sorted through his memories for a thought strong enough to hold his concentration, it bore no use when the Red Jîn betrayed him so. The symptoms came in dishonorable phases. Minutes ticked by when he noticed the heat on his skin. It was nothing he could not handle—living with two pyromaniacs made one well-adjusted to hotter temperatures—but as more time piled on, beads of sweat tickled his brow and filmed his back and chest. His breaths came in short, labored intervals like he could not collect enough air to soothe himself.

A strong thought…he dizzyingly thought. A strong thought…

Heat took root in his veins and languid pulses. It crawled around his skin and forced him to sweat even more. A fever broke across his forehead, but the silence felt unbearable. Even with quiet to sate him, it made his head throb. Everything smelled so…wrong. The blood and the humid sweat and piss and sea smelled abhorrent. His clothes felt too tight. Everything was wrong. Nothing would bring him comfort. Nothing felt right.

Everything was too loud, too hot, too close.

I feel…strange, he thought. A pinch hung low on his stomach, twisting and twisting until it was in an inconsolable knot. It hurt. Everything hurt. I don't…like this. A wave of vulnerability passed through him, and all he wanted to do was curl into a ball and hide. Tears pressed against his eyes as fragile emotions were pushed and pushed inside him. I don't like this at all.

The mystery woman brushed his cheek—

Luke reeled back with a whimper when agony shot through his face at her touch. "D-Don't touch me!" Why was it so hot? Why did he feel so needy and distressed? He drew up knees as some sort of shelter from this heated pain, but everything felt worse when he moved. He sniffled, choking back a fresh sob. I… I have to focus, but it's so hard.

Her touch came back, but Luke turned away. Every single time she tried turning his head, her unwelcomed touch made him want to vomit the stew. Deep in his bones, he rejected her touch with hitch-pitched whimpers for her to let go. But he had no choice when she crushed his chin with one hand and pressed a glass to his lips with her other hand. She forced a thin and bitter liquid into his mouth even when silent tears fell. He wanted to clamp his lips and crawl away, but his limbs felt weak and limp.

The second she stole back the emptied glass, he begged her, "Leave m-me alone, please. Please—!" He broke into a sob because it was too damn hot and this neediness spurring him made him want to cry even more. All his beseeches he thought he could say turned into closed-mouthed whines.

Her hand came up, hesitant, before she pressed the back of his head into her shoulder for a loose embrace.

He shook under her hold and could not help his sniffles and tears. Everything felt so much. He felt so much.

Heavy boots came back that made his head ache, and he whimpered into her shoulder when rude bangs resounded against his cell. "Oi," came huffy call. "It's been long enough and if those fucking Chimaera and monsters out there can smell him, he's good to go. Get out so I can get him."

She tightened her embrace on him as though about to refuse, but she parted from Luke with noticeable reluctance. Her fingers caught his mask to pull it up, even when having that mask on his skin made him ache. If the woman's touch had felt cruel, then his guard's touch felt like his own personal hell. He writhed and cried when the guard touched him. He had not meant to resist, but he felt so much and the guard's unceremonious hand made his body screw up in unfiltered pain and revulsion.

"Shut up, you fucking fag," the guard grunted, perturbed by Luke's reaction. "You'll see your boyfriend soon enough." He did not care one way or the other when Luke twisted and turned. When the cuffs were freed from the pole, the guard was quick to catch Luke and grab his nape to force him to stand. He sneered when Luke's knees gave out. "You can't even walk straight with the shit in you, can you?"

He blinked as he watched Luke tremble with a flush coaxing his body. His tongue darted to lick his lips when he caught a glimpse Luke's teary eyes. He's not bad looking… Dark amusement filled him when he squeezed Luke's neck to result in a tight-lipped whimper. It's been a while since we had a fresh one to pass the time.

He snapped out of his trance when he saw the woman collecting a wanton Luke into her arms. "Hey—!"

"I'll carry him." The woman had no issue rolling Luke into a bridal carry. "Take me to the great cabin. I'll carry him there." She adjusted his weight to sneak his head into the crook of her neck and breathed into his ear, "Hâld mech fêst.

He never noticed her words were not Minstrish.

It felt like his arms were poisoned with led and he kept back his screaming from the pain, but he latched onto her and held in his weeping. He shivered as his fever spread its dragging hit to his stomach and made him cringe.

The guard leered at them, but he jerked his head. "Get a move on then."

Luke flinched with every step she took. Maybe if he remembered this moment, he would flush how this woman cradled him in his arms while he could not grasp at his confusing emotions and this crushing neediness that rubbed him raw. Maybe he would curse himself for not conjuring a strong thought to push through Red Jîn's trifling influence. Maybe this was his fault for living in libraries instead of bouncing between bars. Maybe it was his fault for never figuring out exploring complexities of sex and lust.

But all he wanted to do was lock himself in his room and let his mother stroke his hair until he fell asleep from this hell.

The steps up to this great cabin made him shrink into this woman's grasp more. No scent clung to her outside of perspiration—and he should have been more alarmed she was a scentless woman—but her firm grasp helped him not rock with the ship. He could feel hungry eyes latch onto him as they passed through all the noise of cloven hooves and scraping claws and clicking teeth. His nose caught their Scents of Interest by happenstance and it all confused him.

The Red Jîn whispered in his ear how all his neediness could be resolved with quick words. Images plagued his mind—ones he had glimpsed in his curious solitude but had rarely indulged in—to taunt and tease and coax him into mature pleasure. This drug was more a Demon than he ever would be with its pretty promises.

What could it hurt to give in just this once? Don't you want to know what it feels like? Everyone taunts you for your innocence and chastity—but what if you proved them wrong? You've never lusted over anyone, but you could change that, if you want. Don't you want to?

What pretty words.

What dark words.

What dark truths.

Sirene waited in her chair with a chained and bludgeoned Didi kneeling at her feet. Like a misbehaving dog, a collar shackled his neck with a second leash she beheld to humiliate him further. When the knocks came, she snickered and her hands plunged into Didi's hair to jerk his head up. "Would you look at that? It only took an hour and a half for your boyfriend to be squirming for you. My, my, aren't you lucky?"

"Don't touch him," Didi whooshed out in a breathy snarl.

"I won't." Sirene yanked his hair to whisper, "And neither will you." She called loudly, "Bring him in."

The door opened—

The scent of sin was a funny thing in the presence of dark creatures.

They stood at attention when they scented lust and tasted need. Even Didi could not hold back when his eyes went from human to Demon after one lungful of need.

All thanks to the quaking boy in King's arms.

Sirene did not hide her grin. This will be exciting. She grabbed Didi's battered jaw and made him look, whispering, "Can you smell him? They say Red Jîn more deeply affects those still untouched. Is that why he's driving you crazy? You haven't touched him yet?"

"Fuck you," Didi snarled, his voice darkening into demonic.

Sirene hummed her twisted mirth as she eyed the trembling Luke. "I don't stoop down to fuck animals. That's your little lover's job." She nodded to King. "Set him down." Her eyes narrowed when King resisted the command. "Don't tell me you're affected too?"

King hid her tightened jaw. Delicate, she kneeled onto the ground and set Luke onto the ground. Her fingers meant to do more when he flinched and shuddered, pained from the movement, but she was fast to retract her hands before she was caught. She curtsied to her captain before exiting the main cabin.

And Luke was stranded.

Sirene gave the attentive crew members all staring hungrily at her prisoner. She asked them in a purr, "Boys… Do you like what you see? Is he to your…taste?"

"Don't touch him!" Didi snapped at them all. His demonic eyes bled through as he showed capable incisors. He would snarl away at these monsters and match their teeth with his own. "You don't have the right to touch him!"

Sirene laughed. "Did you hear that? None of you have the right to touch this Galunan's bitch boy. But little Demon, don't you know the saying? Telling someone not to touch something"—her eyes glinted—"only makes them want to touch it more."

Luke crumbled into a heaving ball as he shivered. It's…so hot. Need to…focus… Through his blurred haze, he could see masses all along the cabin, but he instinctively recognized one of them. Didi… Need to…save him… He licked his lips, feeling parched—

A bitterness sliced through his thoughts. What is this? He panted as he tried to ponder the tang and hold on to his thoughts. So bitter and earthy… His brow creased with sweat dripping down his temples. Wait… Wait, I know this… This is…boldo? Was I given boldo? But if I was… His heart seized. The antidote. That woman—she made me drink the antidote when Red Jîn started giving me symptoms.

All the heat and neediness still had their rhyme and reason to persist through his body and make him shake, but his thoughts focused less on how everything felt too much and could be put into proper order. An anaphrodisiac potion made into tea. It's almost impossible to time it properly once an aphrodisiac is given. Some people think taking an anaphrodisiac right after the aphrodisiac would cancel them out, but the aphrodisiac would win—it would take longer to cycle out of the system, though. You have to wait for the aphrodisiac to show symptoms before you take the counteragent.

The more he focused on his studies, the more his mind cleared. So she really was helping me. But why? Is she also held hostage on this ship? Whatever it is, I can't let her help go to waste. Right now, I can still feel Red Jîn affecting me, but it'll fade soon enough. The monsters in here will notice when they can't smell lust off me anymore, but I can't let that happen. I need to take advantage of the situation and figure out how to get us out of here.

His lips pursed. There's just…one problem.

Now, Luke felt panicked and flushed for a whole new reason. How the heck am I supposed to flirt!

His mind reeled as he thought about how effortless seduction and flirting came for his fellow guild-mates like Gale, Cane, Dash, and even Igneel for Mary Jane, but he felt wooden as a board when people approached him with temptation and sin . I don't even know the first thing about this sort of thing except from books and those trashy movies Mom loves to watch!

• — • — •

SNIFFLE!

Luke had to live with being his mother's pillow as she sobbed on his shoulder in her fluffy robe with tissues all around her. She blubbered, "Oh my gods, it's so romantic! Look at them! They're star-crossed! Look at them and tell me that's not romantic!"

"Yes, yes, Mom, it's fate, it's so romantic, here's another tissue. Please blow your nose, okay?"

SNIFFLE!

• — • — •

His eyes spiraled in his mortification. I've never had to do this before! What am I supposed to do! I have to convince these people I'm all…wild when I've never acted like that a day in my life! I can't even get a Com number from someone without having a panic attack! Argh, think, think, what would Sensei do?

Mystogan's cold exterior came back to hm. "Don't you ever touch me, you filthy scum."

Luke wilted. Okay, um… What would Igneel do?

He could see his twin with flames on his arms and a chilling grin. "You want to play with me, huh?" His fists burst into flames to show those wild emeralds dancing with sinister delight. "How about we play with fire?"

He buried his head in his hands. That would make me sound like a terrorist!

"Eader!" Luke sweated nervously when Sirene's voice came across. "Get closer to the Galunan's little fairy. Let's see how long he'll hold out seeing his little lover in your arms."

Crap, crap, crap, what am I supposed to do! Luke cursed as heavy footsteps came to him in confident strides. Think, Luke, think! What can I do?

For some reason, Chibi-Gale popped up with a thumbs up and a wink. "You got this, Elven-Shot Lukas!"

Luke blinked. Wait. Eleven-Shot Lukas? He shakily swallowed when a shadow consumed him. I guess I don't really have a choice. I really can't be allowed pride or dignity at a time like this.

He sent a quick prayer. Let's hope this works and I never speak about this again. Ancestors, forgive me for what I have to do and also, if you're watching over me, don't tell Mom or Granny about this.

The Wolf Chimera had stooped over Luke's crumpled form to grab him and roll him towards him—

"Nnngh…!"

The Chimera was taken aback when glassy honeyed-ambers looked up at him with a flush across the boy's face. He held his hands close, small and weak, as he looked up at the Chimera.

"Please be gentle," the boy panted in meager plea. "I-I can't…take it much longer." Inwardly, Luke freaked out with a raring blush and horrified eyes. Someone, kill me now! Let this work, please, before I lose any more of my dignity! With desperation in his thoughts, flecks of reds danced in his teary eyes. "Please," he softly mewled. "I-I need you to be gentle."

The Wolf Chimera's pupils dilated without fail as he cradled Luke against his chest. "I can be gentle," he murmured almost automatically.

Luke noticed the Chimera's eyes. Wait… Did I…make him do that? Am I using my powers without realizing it? I think I am, but… This isn't possession. And I'm not giving any sort of Command and this isn't enslavement either. Dad said I'd know if I used a Command. All I'm doing is trying to be flirty, but…

It struck him. Wait a second… Inwardly, Chibi-Luke had steam coming out of his ears as he remembered his light reading. Am I using the power of a Siren or a Succubus right now?! No, no, stay calm, stay calm. This is good. His eyes sharpened to look around the room at all the lecherous creatures hoping to get their share in. If I can extend my influence, everyone will be under my charm.

He tried not to think about the death of his virtue. This is so embarrassing, but Didi and I need to get out of here, so I can't waste my time getting all worked out and anxious. I just… I just need to spread out my power. If I could just… A little more…

Sirene blinked as a heady scent pricked her skin and made her droopily blink. What…was I thinking about? It was though the world blurred out anything irrelevant out, and all she could focus on was the boy in the Wolf Chimera's arms. I… I want him. She licked her lips as she re-crossed her legs. He looks so sweet.

Didi struggled against his restraints. His wounds bothered him none with a laser focus on Luke. His tongue felt his fangs. He smells so good. A growl festered in his chest. I need…to get closer.

It took one sniff for Luke to want to bawl. Dammit! This place practically reeks of sin! I used my powers too much!

He buckled down, even if his ears burned from all the heated attention on his person. Focus, focus. I need to get to get to Didi so we can escape and get to safety, but… He shivered when he saw Didi's salivating and the steam puffing from his nose. I don't know if it's safe to even approach him in this state! I just need a…a distraction! But where am I supposed to—?

BANG!

GAGAGAGAGAGA!

Luke's focus shifted to the aggressive scuffle outside the door as shouts and yelps muffled. A fight broke out? It sounds nonmagical. A fangy grin as he made a fist. But that works for me.

BAKI!

The Wolf Chimera had no idea what happened when Luke tackled him to the ground with ease. He flashed his teeth and snarled, "Stay down."

"Yes… I…" Hearts bloomed in Eader's eyes with hot steam puffing from his snow. "I'll stay down if that pleases you, Master! I'll be a good boy!"

I didn't tackle you for that! Luke wanted to cry. He got off the Chimera to scope the cabin and took note as haziness and confusion warped everyone's expressions. Crap, I lost my focus. I just need to take advantage of this while I can—

Luke glared as a scowling Sirene held onto Didi's chains. "Release him," he gritted. "I won't ask again." He clenched his fists. Dammit. She broke free too fast. And I don't know how to redo that sort of hold on people.

"And you think I'm going to listen to a pretty thing like you?" Sirene sneered. "Don't you even realize you're fucking an animal? The reason he's even with you is because he needs a little pleasure slave to keep his instincts in check. He doesn't love you." She yanked on Didi's hair for emphasis, but she held a knife to his throat. "Things like him can't love. He's using you, baby boy, and the only thing he 'loves' is how much he feeds off your sinning."

Luke snapped his teeth at her. "That's not true! He's not a 'thing'! He's a person like you and me! And he can damn well love just like a person too!" He bristled as the dark creatures circled him to cut off a potential sprint to the door.

Sirene hmphed with a poisonous smile. "Oh, the little pretty boy is serious. You've really made him believe you love him," she mockingly cooed into Didi's ear, even as he jerked away from her. "Let's put love to the test, shouldn't we? Isn't that what happens in all great love stories? It wins overall. So let's make a wager."

Luke forcibly swallowed a warning growl when the dark creatures pressed closer in their circles, eyes glittering and their bodies reeking of bloodlust.

"Let's see what will win first," Sirene decided as she drew bits of black blood from Didi's skin. "Will your love for him win out and save your little bitch over there? Or will I win once you realize you're helpless to stop my crew from tearing your man apart? And I'll even make it fun." She called to her men, "Boys? Do you want to fight him?" Her yellows gleamed with unrepentant amusement. "Or do you want to fuck him?"

The pure aggression mixed with lust made Luke's hackles raise. He clamped down the need to make these lessers submit. Conceal it. Don't get angry. Stay in control, he growlingly coached himself. I can't reveal I'm a Demon too. I need to stay calm and focused.

He noticed Cullen slip into his shadow, and his lips twitched when Cullen deliberately showed him the shadow of keys. Good job, Cullen. A deep breath was all it took to stop all his bristling and keep his eyes clear of red. All right then. He could feel Cullen's presence be discrete as he spelled the key into his hand—

BANG!

A heaving boatswain had barged in, flushed and sweaty. "Captain, we've got an enemy fleet incoming! They're firing on us! Quartermaster Calico is requesting your permission to bring up the anchor and set sail!"

Sirene's eyes widened. What? An enemy ship? She ticked her jaw. But that shouldn't be possible. No other pirates could come this way—

That was when she saw it.

She saw Didi's bloodied grin.

She tsked. Dammit! We played into their hands! She thrust out a hand. "Do not draw up the anchor!" she commanded. "We're not letting a prime opportunity like this go and we do not run scared, you understand? Everyone, prepare for combat!"

Her crew obeyed. "Yes, Captain!"

I've worked too hard and too long to let this opportunity pass, Sirene growled. I will not turn back like this—

Her breath caught when energy slammed against her chest. She crashed back into her chair with her head ringing and nothing to comfort the aches and pains stabbing her body.

CLANG-CLANG!

Luke rubbed his wrists with his sealstone cuffs on the ground. Cullen took to his side and made sure all the creatures Luke had blasted were either knocked unconscious or too ailed and disoriented to rise back onto their feet.

"That's much better," Luke decided. "Thanks, Cullen." He sped over to Didi and concern touched him when he saw all wounds on Didi up-close. "You're hurt this badly," he breathed. He accepted his offer of his glasses and put them back on to see clearly.

Didi grunted, but he managed a grin. "Don't worry about it. These are badges of honors." His grin traded for a serious frown. "But we need to get out of here—"

BANG-BANG-BANG!

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

Luke held onto Didi when the ship violently jolted and dust and debris disjointed from the sudden blows. He pricked his ears to listen to all the cried orders and shuffling feet while Cullen figured out which key would unlock Didi's restraints. The ship hasn't taken water, but all hands are on deck for this. Which means leaving here without making too much noise isn't an option. And with weapons and ammo out and everyone in a fighting mood, I don't want to chance it with Didi's extensive injuries. I still can't risk exposing myself as a Demon let alone the Demon Prince. And with us stuck out at sea, I'm limited to my spells.

He held Didi tauter once Cullen managed to free him. He bore the brunt of Didi's weight with ease, but it shifted things into perspective. The Holy Water is festering his wounds. I need to get him somewhere to heal, but we need to leave first. Sweat curved his brow. What should I do? What do I do? I'm too limited in my options, but…

He glanced back to see Sirene still out cold. I don't have the time to wonder. She'll wake up soon. My Stun Spell was powerful enough to keep her down for a few minutes, but I can't cast it at a big enough scale to knock out one huge pirate ship.

He blinked when Cullen reached into his stomach to pull out the cracked Forever Container. Immediately, he shook his head. "Cullen, no—"

Cullen nodded and pushed the container towards him.

Luke put his foot down. "Cullen, we can't!" he insisted. "We don't even know what they'll do and we can't risk it—!"

"Captain! Captain!"

A flurry of footsteps and sound gunned for the great cabin. Luke had the privilege of seeing the company spearing for the cabin and watching their faces morph from anger to confusion and then rage when they saw Luke and their unconscious captain through the open door. Their vociferous battle cries were lost on Luke when he threw out a hand to slam the door shut and lock it tight, but some of the quicker company members had sprinted to batter the door.

Didi groaned when the boat rocked again. "M'sorry, Your Highness," he muttered.

Luke adjusted Didi and murmured, "Don't speak too much. I'm pretty sure you have a fractured jaw. Just rely on me, all right? I'll get us out of here—"

He flinched at the antagonistic door-ramming. But now we're pretty much trapped in here. I'm not Sensei. I can't create an army to help me. My Star Coins are for distance, except for my Leonis Sword, but that wouldn't do me good right now. Dammit, there has to be a way—!

He peered down at the Forever Container.

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA!

He looked up as more dust and dirt shuffled free from the wooden roof. The enemy mounted a larger attack, and the warship had no choice but to role with the punches. He closed his eyes. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. "Cullen?" He opened his eyes to give the Shadower a firm look. "If something goes wrong…" But his voice hitched, unable to force the next part of his grandiose speech.

Cullen put his hand on Luke's shoulder as though to employ encouragement.

Luke nodded before accepting the Forever Container. A harsh swallow. Opening the container was a puzzle in itself, but when your mentor was responsible for the creation of such a prison, it was easy to access which points to manipulate to make the container bloom. Two marble-like stones beheld the blossomed dodecahedron. They glowed in Luke's presence, responsive, but neither one of them dared to crack and release what they kept trapped inside.

Demonic Stones, Luke named. These stones belong to Zagan and Forneus. Zagan was the Demon in the Arborea Summit. From how he was described, he has servants and a militant force. Forneus was a Sea Demon that Igneel, Luna, and Gale fought against. In all honesty, he would be a good choice once I'm up on deck. His power could take this ship and the enemy out. But in here, he'd be useless. So that means Zagan's up.

Later he would apologize for his shoulder digging into Didi's side, but he needed both of his hands for this portion. He grasped the zebra jasper, pensive. The gemstone looked nothing out of the ordinary, but he could feel darkness leak out.

And he was the one to unlock it.

He brought the gemstone up to his mouth and breathed, "Zagan, hear my words and listen." Two beats. "I'll…let you out. I need your help. And I'm not afraid to put you back in this stone. This isn't up for debate. You'll help me or you'll remain trapped in there." He pulled the zebra jasper away and looked up at Cullen, who gave him a nod. Shoring up his nerve, Luke allowed his own darkness to grab him by the muzzle and blast through his eyes. "Awake."

The gemstone cracked.

Luke dropped the gemstone as a spiderweb of cracks appeared almost like an egg breaking. But rather than break apart, the gemstone shattered and shadows and darkness paraded out with such explosive gusto, Luke and Didi would have been blown back had Cullen not been there to anchor them. The murky black of it all shifted and morphed until a silhouette forged itself. Flesh, fur, and black blood came together to piece a body.

Yellows pierced through.

Luke tensed.

"This was…unexpected." A deep voice protruded through the smoke and shadow. "But how could I dare ignore the summons from His Royal Highness?"

A creature glided through the dying mass of smoke and shadow. From how the silhouette projected, the creature's imposing seven-foot frame was nothing in comparison to the twin horns curved and sharp on its head nor the griffin-like wings that had spread out in fanfare. But when the creature crossed from darkness to light, it did not look like a monster. No.

It looked like a man.

He came through with a debonair ensemble wrapped around his body and a chalice already in hand. He was all man, from his bare feet to his slicked back hair to his sharp jawline, but a normal person would feel power from him, something off about it. Maybe it was the way his yellow eyes contained blue pupils. Maybe it was his tall and muscles figure. Maybe it was his absurd nose ring that no person could possibly wear.

But this Demon looked human.

Luke tried not to show weakness around this unknown Demon and kept his head high. "You're Zagan?"

"I am." Zagan offered a courteous bow. "Your Royal Highness." His unnatural yellows darted to Didi in high disdain, but he made not a comment on him in favor of addressing Luke. "You called for my assistance. It would seem you're surrounded by enemies. But if you reveal your status now, it could cause trouble."

Luke could not afford to be surprised. "I do need your help. I need you to clear a path without killing a single soul."

Zagan blinked. "I can't kill anyone?"

TICK!

The tick mark throbbed on Luke's temple, but he had to keep up appearances. "No, you cannot kill anyone."

Zagan blinked again. "Really?"

TICK-TICK!

Luke smiled through bared teeth. This is why people think Demons are psychopaths. "Yes. Really," he stressed. "You really can't kill anyone."

Zagan looked at his chalice before he looked back up and raised three fingers. "How about three people?"

TICK-TICK-TICK!

A murderous aura pulsed around Luke as his smile showed off his fangs. This was a mistake. I knew it. Still, he conditioned, "You can't kill anyone. What do you want in exchange for not killing anyone?" He added quickly, "And it can't be any sort of organic life for you to kill, maim, injure, or experiment on."

Zagan muttered under his breath, "What a killjoy, taking away my fun."

TICK-TICK-TICK-TICK!

Luke restrained himself from whacking Zagan. How is brutalizing humanity a fun time!

GAGAGAGAGAGAGA!

Luke held onto the container and Didi when the sounds of more battering rattled the door. My barrier will hold in place, but if they bring out magical weapons, then we don't have much time. His gaze slid back to the contemplating Zagan. And I could give him a Command, but… He hid his terrified gulp. If I Command him and it fails… Or if I Command him and later lose my hold…

"I know what I would like," Zagan decided. "However, I will speak on these terms at a later time." He faintly sniffed over at Didi. "The divinity poisoning him needs to be drained out quickly if you want to keep him alive. I will give you an opening to summon Forneus, Your Highness."

Luke blinked when a racing heart hit his ears. Wait a minute… The stark realization slapped him as he stared at Zagan. His heart is beating fast… He's…nervous around me. A psychopathic Demon is nervous around me. He wanted to wilt. Does this make me the monster even monsters fear now?

GAGAGAGAGAGAGA!

Luke was quick to close the Forever Container again and pass it back to Cullen to store. "Like I said, don't kill anyone," he ordered Zagan. "You can injury them enough to stop their fight, but it can't be in a critical place where you hit them. Get me up to the deck and close to the side. Once I summon Forneus, we'll head to Galuna Island and we can talk about your…terms."

Zagan dismissed his chalice. "As you wish, Your Highness."

His hands moved to conjure gold coins to toy with, but he watched Luke with careful eyes. I can feel his power. Yet he didn't issue a Command on me. I had planned to use this as my time to escape and thought him to be naïve, but…

His eyes glowed and all he could feel was the overwhelming flow of darkness that threatened to consume everything in its path. His power… He could absorb me with a thought. He gave a small retreat. So this is the power of the true heir?

"Thank you for this, Zagan."

Zagan blinked. He's thanking me?

Luke nodded at him with Didi secure. "I'm ready when you are."

Zagan nodded back and turned to the door. "Yes, Your Highness."

He passed the coins between his knuckles. He did tell me I could at least injury these pesky insects, didn't he? Why does he want to keep them alive so badly? It came to him. He must be planning to torment them later once he has more time. He nodded his resolute agreement (and Luke had question marks going off around). I see. He likes to play games with his prey. Yellows gleamed. I respect that, Your Highness. Then I'll play too.

Luke flinched when Zagan unleashed his demonic aura. What is he…? He sweated a little feeling the intensity of Zagan's demonic presence. I don't have a good feeling about this…

Zagan curled his knuckles around his gold coins as gurgles and whispers and hisses and giggles—Curses—wound around him. It took one swift movement, but the shock it all took place a second last—

BOOM!

Coins bulleted through the walls on all sides with such speed that smoke trails whistled into the wind and it sounded like rounds of machine guns had gone off. Luke flinched back and drew up a sound barrier on instant to muffle as Zagan effortlessly shot coins through the walls.

He finished moments later.

Luke cautiously withdrew his barrier to gape at the surrounding scene.

"Your Royal Highness." Zagan gestured to the door. "Shall we leave? As you wish, I didn't kill a single Terran."

But you made it sound like a warzone! Luke hefted Didi and nodded. "Fine, let's go." Cullen came to help Didi's other side while Zagan took charge. The gunned down door came off its hinges with one simple push, but—

Honeyed-ambers widened. What the…?

Luke could not understand it when he saw the volatile crew-mates reduced to stumbling and obsessive fools. Some crawled on the ground while others dazedly stared up at the ceiling without any wits about them. But in their daftness, they never noticed three Demons and a Shadower parting through them to get to all the noise above deck.

"What…?" Luke looked at Zagan. "What did you do?"

"Hm?" Zagan sipped from his chalice. "What?"

TICK!

This is not the time to be drinking! an aggravated Luke wanted to yell.

Zagan glanced at the people he had taken down. "You asked me not to kill them. I did not." He showed a gold coin. "I used my coins to make them lose their wits. Now, they're reduced to brainless Terrans, or more brainless than they have been before. And I didn't kill a single one of them."

Luke withered at Zagan's serious sparkling aura. It's obvious he wants me to praise him for not giving into his psychopathic tendencies. He gave a wooden smile, eyebrow twitching. "Th-Thank you for…not killing them, Zagan. I appreciate your cooperation." He wanted to mutter, I don't understand how non-murderous methods need positive reinforcement.

BOOM!

The party stood still while the boat violently rocked.

You'd think with Mages on board, they'd power together to make protective barriers, Luke thought. But if the Mages are this low-level and the enemy ship as any sort of magical canon, then a barrier would shatter. But I can't let this ship take water. He called to Zagan, "Clear a path so we can be on deck."

Zagan exchanged his chalice for more coins between his knuckles. "As you wish, Your Royal Highness."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

BOOM!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Zagan, Luke, Didi, and Cullen broke to the deck with the crew out of sorts with their eyes glazed over. Luke did not hesitate to cast a wide-scale barrier across the scope of the ship, but it made his chest tighten in doing so.

BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!

Luke hefted Didi to Cullen to rush to the side of the ship. The enemy warship had brought along a fleet and slowly coasted as their weapons barreled cannonballs and magical attacks. The attacks predominantly sank into the ocean, but a few battered against the barrier Luke erected and made him wince. "My barrier won't hold on that long. I'm still not proficient enough to keep this big of barrier together."

Even if I used my long-range attacks, it would be pointless, Luke thought. Star Shot could work in theory, but that fleet is too large. He gripped the side. I don't have much of a choice. I'll have to stick with the plan. His ear twitched, and he whipped his head to the side to catch hurried footsteps. Someone managed to avoid Zagan's control. A traitor? No. They're rushing down the steps to the deck. Maybe to the Captain? If so, it could be the Quartermaster.

He pushed off the side. But I don't need to worry about them for now. He came to Cullen and offered his hand. Once Cullen had gifted him the cracked Forever Container, Luke did the work to get the device to open for him again and present fluorite in its kaleidoscopic hue. This is Forneus, the Sea Serpent Demon. He walked back to the edge of the ship and winced when attacks struck his barrier. He possessed Lance. He meant to kill my brother, my sister, and my friends. He gave Igneel that scar, but…

He rolled the fluorite marble between finger as red gleamed in his eyes. He will obey me. And he'll answer for what he's done.

He breathed onto the jewel, "Forneus, hear my voice and listen. I will release you into the sea. I want you to take out the enemy fleet without killing them. When you are finished, you will come back to me. Your work will be rewarded." He flashed his fangs. "But your crimes aren't forgotten."

He dropped the gemstone off the bow and whispered, "Awake."

PLOP!

The gemstone sank and sank into the ocean until—

HSSSS!

CRACK!

The pulse dwelled within the gemstone.

And in depths of the ocean, hiding within a shadowed chasm, two sea green glowing eyes went feral and a snarl ripped through the water.

Luke watched as the water foamed and fizzled, jarred from the churning energy below. More and more it sloshed until the ocean could not take it anymore. A giant shadow breathed for the surface until the ocean's crust let it break free. Water spewed upwards and slapped the side of the ship, but everyone's focus turned onto the looming serpent with its murky blue scales and dual sets of eyes. He threw back its shark-like head and—

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

(The creatures of the ocean instinctively parted when a winding body jetted through the water with cyan static clacking off its scales.)

Luke grasped onto the side of the ship for support and shouted in Dark Tongue, "Forneus!"

Forneus lowered his head to look at Luke. An unreadable emotion was in his four eyes, but he did not sneer at him or mock him. He truly looked at Luke before he hissed not unkindly, "I have heard your words, Your Royal Highness."

"Then you know what you need to do!" Luke pointed at the incoming fleet of ships. "Do not kill them!" He could feel Dark Tongue slipping from him as he glowered at the great Sea Demon, "You will not kill them."

That surprised Zagan a little. He gave him a Command?

Forneus' eyes slitted as he flicked his forked tongue, but he dipped his head as his blade-like fins fluttering as though to display his agitation. "Yesssssss, Your Royal Highness." His eyes flicked to catch Zagan's own before he moved away to slink down into the ocean—

BOOM!

Zagan caught Luke when the ship's barrier shattered, and the warship threatened capsizing. Water balefully hit the deck and would have knocked everyone under with the volatile shaking, but Luke's hands quickly moved to combine spells to keep their buoyancy in synch with the ship. But once Zagan steadied him, Luke could not believe his eyes at the scene before him. Is that—?

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!

Shenlong had emerged from the ocean with a score to settle and a Demon to condemn. He took no prisoner as his teeth sunk into Forneus' dorsal fin to drag him back under. Forneus had not the strength nor expertise as the thunderous Sea King as he shrieked and hissed, trying to buck off Shenlong's fangs, but Shenlong had too strong of a jaw lock and electrocuted Forneus with cyan lightning to bring the Demon into submission.

"No!" Luke flinched back as Shenlong violently dragged Forneus into the sea. "What is he doing!"

"That creature is a Sea King," Zagan told him, wary of Shenlong's abrupt appearance. "If I had to take a guess, the Sea King is trying to take Forneus into custody. We must be within his domain. And I'm sure he doesn't welcome Forneus' presence."

It struck Luke when he remembered the Festival of Gratitude. That's right… Shenlong's coiled body had been held captive in a revolving ring-like cage, but he did not look all that troubled. Shenlong… He was there when the Guardians went wild. So then…this really must be his domain.

His lips thinned as he watched with dread as Shenlong's ferocity would not be stopped. I can't let him take Forneus. I can't. I need Forneus to stop the fleet and fast before they realize this ship hasn't been firing and try to get the drop on us. But he's a Sea King. I know he's Lu's friend, but I'm… I don't know him. He has no reason to listen to some Wizard—

Honeyed-ambers sparked. But… I'm not just a Wizard.

Didi and Zagan felt the change deep in their chests. Zagan let go of Luke to watch as a translucent blackness filmed around him with Curses galloping, excited for the main event. Luke pulled off his hood and yanked down his face mask as he summoned a strained amount of his power to aid him. The underside of Luke's soft pink tresses blackened as he bit down on his bottom lip when he could feel horns wanting to emerge and tattoos wanting to nail his flesh. He would not allow that to happen.

I just…need as much power without changing. I need to stay in control. No. His knuckles whitened. No, it's not just control this time. I need… His fangs sharpened. I need to be the Demon Prince!

His eyes did not change this time, but his hair halved between pink and black with his Curses no longer ravenous for the thrill of the kill and drops of blood. His Curses did not need to be contain. His Curses did not need to submit—they worked with him. A snarl worked his throat as he thundered, "SHENLONG!"

The great Sea King throttled a wounded Forneus away from him to turn his snarl onto the one who dared call hi names—

Sea greens glinted when they caught Luke. It is him.

Shenlong turned away from his prey to lower his mighty head and breathe upon Luke. He cared little for the cautious Demon with his coins and opened his mind to touch Luke's own. You are Vel'la Lefela's brother. And you are a Demon. He did not curl his lips to show teeth. Curiosity and interest glinted in his eyes. And you have summoned that filth into my domain. Why?

"I apologize for disrupting your territory without permission," Luke told him. "I don't know the extent of crimes he's committed against you. But rest assured, his crimes will not be forgotten. Even so, I need his help in taking down that fleet. We might've defeated this ship's crew, but that fleet could become my enemy and Galuna's enemy. So I ask you not to hurt my people."

Shenlong's gaze turned shrewd. You claim that filth as your own people?

"Yes." Luke was unwavering. "I do. I'm…" He took a breath. "I am the son of the Demon King. I am the sole Demon Prince." He clenched his hands to keep them from shaking. "Right or wrong, Forneus is part of the people I will lead one day. And I will take responsibility for his crimes, Your Majesty, if you permit me. But I ask you to forget his crimes just this once for the sake of everyone's safety."

Shenlong stared him down.

Luke stared back and tried to ignore the sweat teeming his neck and his frantic heartbeat.

Shenlong pulled his gaze to sweep through the dazed crew mates. You did not kill a single life on this ship even though they have accosted you. If you would like, you could leave this place and allow the enemy to kill your enemy.

"I don't believe life has to end to win a fight and I don't believe it has to end for the sake of revenge," Luke told him. "I won't forgive them for what they've done to my friend and I today, but two wrongs don't make a right. That's why I need to stop the fleet in its tracks and leave this place right afterwards. People might be harmed, but…" He could not hold back his trembling even as his resolve held ironclad. "No life is worth more or less than another. So, please."

He resisted the urge to swallow. Please let this work. Please. Before the fleet starts their next wave of attacks from a closer range.

Shenlong drew his height up. I will aid you. He eyed a disoriented Forneus. If only to bring this filth into my kingdom for retribution. And also… He turned his stare back to Luke. You are brother to Vel'la Lefela. I cannot turn my back on you. He sank back into the ocean.

Luke staggered when his power seeped back and left him with pink hair only. Zagan steadied him once more, but Luke could see through his exhaustion two serpentine shadows prowled through the sea towards the enemy fleet. Good. We have the fleet solved. But we still need to get out of here. He glanced to the barely-conscious Didi. And we need to him to Galuna Island so he can recover.

He looked at the witless crew members. And about them… "Zagan, how long will the crew be indisposed of?"

"Forever, if I want," Zagan replied.

"Then we have more than enough time to secure our boat back and put enough distance between us," Luke understood. He glanced at the sky for any hints of orange. Judging by the height of the sun, I'd hedge we're looking at around half-past four. And Didi said it would take until sundown to see the island. But without Didi conscious enough to tell us the way…

BOOM! B-B-B-B-BOOM!

Luke glanced to see Shenlong and Forneus wreaking havoc on the enemy armada before turning to Didi and asking him, "Didi, I'm sorry to wake you up, but is there any way for you to point us in the right direction to get to Galuna?"

Didi nodded. "Yeah," he breathed. "I can."

"Thank you," Luke warmly murmured. "You'll be able to rest soon." He looked at his Shadower. "Cullen, is our boat close by?" He tried not to let it get him down when Cullen somberly shook his head. "I figured as much. I'm sure they tanked the boat to kill all evidence of us being out here."

"Will these do?"

Luke looked to see Zagan had uncovered an olden lifeboat with a Lacrima Engine to power it and a few nautical compasses that had seen better days. He hurried over to the lifeboat to examine the craftmanship. "This is pretty old school." He waved a hand over the Lacrima Engine before internally cursing. And it looks like these pirates didn't recharge the engine. It has power stored up, but I might have to use my own power in the end. But we can't sit around and wait.

"Everyone, get on the boat," Luke commanded. "We need to get out of here."

Zagan frowned as he looked at the dingy lifeboat like it offended. "But it looks so…plain."

TICK!

Luke reeled in his wrath for forced politeness. "I don't care. Get in the boat, please."

"But it's so unfitting for someone of our status," Zagan sniffed. "Why don't I change it to gold—?"

"Zagan." Luke loomed over the Demon with multiple tick marks twinging his face and a menacing smile. "Get in the mother-loving boat now."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

SLICE!

BASHA-BASHA!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The lifeboat plopped into the ocean with water spraying. Zagan looked unhappy and grumbled to himself how it was no trouble for him to make something more extravagant and fitting for whatever hierarchal status they had as Demons, but Luke could not care less. He powered the magical lifeboat with Cullen helping Didi sit up. Maneuvering in choppy waters for a first-timer never went well, but Luke had no time to get accustomed as he forced the boat to go.

"Didi!" Luke called. "Which direction?"

Didi pointed southeast. "That way."

Luke steered the boat in that direction. A look over his shoulder showed him the enemy fleet could not hold its own against beasts of the sea. While the enemy ships might be distracted, that doesn't mean someone isn't keeping an eye out on us. I'll put up a Cloak until we're further away.

A honeyed scent. "Minn hjerta."

Luke looked back at the warship they had abandoned. A woman with white hair looked over the port, but he could not make out her facial expression. Mystified, he watched as she disappeared into the ship. What was…? His brow pinched as he haltingly looked away. No. That was… That was probably nothing.

He shook off his daze. I should cast a spell to keep the boat running without my input so I can focus on Didi's healing.

He lifted two fingers into mid-air and a golden sigil blossomed. Shifting his fingers to make a square, he murmured the incantation. The sigil pulsed thrice before merging with the Lacrima Engine and taking it over. To the world, no such boat skidded on water. Only those on the vehicle would know the truth.

Luke felt the spell take root and sighed in relief. There. The Cloak is up and a protective barrier. An automation spell and a navigation spell—I even mixed in a water-cutting spell for good measure—should be enough to get us there. He turned his attention onto Didi and could not hold back his remorse for the sorry state of his flesh. Didi…

Didi cracked his eyes open to give Luke a grin. "Don't look so down, Your Highness," he soothed through shallow pants.

"You shouldn't speak," Luke shushed him as he took stock of Didi's extensive injuries. "Save your strength. Cullen? Potions, please?"

Cullen nodded and went rummaging around.

The knife in his chest twisted when he saw how the wounds had tried to scab and heal, but nothing looked clean or right. The Holy Water is preventing his body from healing correctly. Dispel Magic is easy enough to cast once you know the source, but… If I cast it, his wounds… They'll reopen and—

"Don't cry…Luke."

Luke blinked when he realized how burningly hot his eyes had gotten. He rubbed his face with his arm. "Ah, sorry." He pulled himself together when Cullen offered a few healing potions. "I-I can heal your wounds that weren't affected by the Holy Water, but for the ones that were… In order to do it—"

"I know." A bittersweet smile worked Didi's mouth. "My injuries will open back up. Don't worry about me. I don't want your hands to get dirty. I'll be fine until we reach the island."

"But—" Luke quieted when Didi's rough hand cupped his cheek.

Didi shook his head with his light blues gentle. "I'm the one who should be apologizing to you. It was my job to escort you safely to the island." Blues averted for a moment. "To be honest, we were all worried Siren's Song would show up. That armada attacking Siren's Song—we gave them a tip to the ship's possible location, just in case."

That certainly put things into perspective for Luke. "'The enemy of your enemy is my friend'," he cited. "That's a risky strategy, but considering all the manpower on that ship and the fact that they have Holy Water to use for torture—it was a choice you had to make to be on the safe side."

He looked back at the fading galleon ship with dark contemplation. But still, for them to have Holy Water… Why would the Holy Eye give criminals such a vital resource? I'd better investigate later. But for now… He turned away from the ship to look across the horizon. We need to focus on getting to Galuna safely—

PEKO-PEKO!

A red flush crossed Luke's face when his stomach growled.

Didi slyly teased him, "I should've known you'd be hungry after seducing half the ship, Your Highness."

"Th-That was the Red Jîn!" Luke cried. "That's not how I normally am!" More of Didi's laughing made Luke's face burned, and he shoved a potion at Didi. "Here. Drink this. It's a temporary fix to any injuries you got without Holy Water."

As Didi took to the potion, Cullen gave Luke a brief reprieve when he handed Luke his messenger PDP. As he combed through to summon the snacks he packed away, he mumbled, "Honestly, feeling like that… I don't think that's something I want to experience ever again. It didn't…" His shoulders dropped as he pulled out some water and protein bars. "It didn't feel…comfortable."

Didi frowned as he accepted the bottle, but he held himself back from overstepping. The second he was brought into the cabin, no creature could withstand how good he smelled. Even I couldn't control it. And that Captain too—even she wanted him. Not that I blame her. Red cupped his ears. To think I had those thoughts about His Highness. He covered his mouth as he remembered his tunnel-vision of a curled-up, teary-eyed Luke with a pretty flesh across his face. He looked…

"Please be gentle."

He gulped remembering Luke's breathy ask. …so delicious…

"Hey." Luke narrowed his eyes on Didi. "You're not still thinking about my"—he blushed a little, irked and ashamed—"indecency, are you?"

Didi blinked before sunnily grinning. "Sorry, Your Highness, but you looked pretty hot all helpless like that."

POOF!

Cullen did his best to fan away Luke's body flush as he sputtered, "I'm not normally like that! I'm not! I was drugged! Drugged! You can't say a person is attractive when they're drugged! Th-That's breaking a rule!"

Didi chuckled as Luke worked himself into a frenzy (and Cullen did his due diligence trying to calm Luke down before he had a panic attack). Still, to have all that power and still not want to use it… Light blues sparked as he examined Luke. I think I'll enjoy being under his reign.

Zagan watched Luke as he sipped from his chalice. He really is the destined king to our entire race. His power doesn't make me question it. If he had all that power yet was naïve, I could have—No… Every Demon would jump at the chance to be the one to whisper in his ear.

He could imagine Luke on his thrown with his crown and scepter while vicious eyes and a silver tongue kept to his shadow. However, it's apparent His Royal Highness knows his worth and his intelligence. He sweatdropped when Cullen gave Luke a paper bag to breathe in when he started hyperventilating from the stress. Even if he doesn't look it.

His yellows pitched up to the cloudless skies. But even for all his power and intelligence… Even though he is without a doubt the heir… Which side should I join? The prince and Mother? He gripped his chalice. Or Father?

"Zagan."

The Demon brought back his focus to a more collected Luke. He nodded in respect. "Yes, Your Royal Highness?"

The title bothered Luke, but nothing made him want Zagan to speak informally towards him. "You followed my words upon your release. And even now, when there is no one to stop you, you still stay with me." He made the hardness in his eyes known. "Why? Am I the better option between you and whatever ally you've partnered with?"

Zagan's yellows sharpened. As expected, the prince knows Forneus and I have loose allegiances. But if I reveal all my cards now… He turned the black liquid in his chalice into a sweet red wine. "I believe you and I have much to discuss, Your Royal Highness, and that discussion would be better behind closed doors. Though make no mistake…" He crossed his legs. "For as powerful as I am, my freedom is but a lie."

"I'm hearing a lot of pretty words and not an answer," Luke warned.

Zagan tilted his head, but his eyes lowered. "For now, the scale tips in your favor. Forneus will have no choice but to cling to you. The Sea King won't spare him if he strikes out independently and if he encounters the High King of the Sea, he's as good as dead. So we will stay with you."

"For now." Luke did not say it as a question.

But Zagan responded as if he did. "For now." He sipped his wine and cast his gaze out to the sea. Although, I'll need to make my choice quickly. If another Demon on His side senses Forneus and I are freed from those insufferable prisons, we'll be summoned to that place again. His brow furrowed as he touched his temple. Although… I can't sense my allies. Was it because the prince summoned me? No, it was before that. It was when—

• — • — •

Hair as golden as the setting sun.

"Please grant me my wish."

Shining browns but behind them was a glimpse of a place further than the universe.

"Let me protect the ones I care for."

• — • — •

The memories folded atop one another to place order into the moments before his imprisonment. That's right. That girl… The energy I had felt from her… It's all coming back to me. Her wish… Yellows flickered. Could she really be…? Yellows ricocheted to Luke as he tightened his hand on his chalice. And if they're related, then my choice is quite clear. I'm sure Forneus will realize it too.

He flicked a coin between his knuckles. My, my… I haven't felt this much curiosity in over a thousand years. A hint of a smile. I think I like it.

And the lifeboat pedaled on.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And so…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Luke decided sailing would be what killed him.

The sun had long-since bowed out, shirking his responsibilities early for a tryst, while the moon took over the skies with a firm hand and stars who would not dare defy her. Cold swept through the ocean as though the moon taunted sailors with her chilling breath.

For all the traits he basked in from his mother's side, being a freeze baby was nothing to be proud about.

Luke shivered as Cullen pulled out the emergency blanket tucked in the PDP and covered him with it. "Th-Th-Thanks, Cullen," he chattered. He rubbed himself from beneath the heavy blanket, cheeks rosy. "It's fr-fr-fr-freezing out here."

"That's why I wanted to get us to the island as quickly as possible," Didi told him, the temperature not affecting him. "It gets cold out here at night." He narrowed his eyes at Luke. "Isn't His Majesty born from fire? How are you this cold?"

Luke sniffled and pushed up his glasses with a petulant grumble, "Yeah, well, running hot wasn't in the cards for me. My twin brother is hot all the time but putting on a fan makes me feel like I'm in winter, thanks to my mom." He sneezed and smiled a little when Cullen gave him some tissues and a thermos. "Th-Th-Thanks, Cullen."

Didi snickered as he watched Cullen sort out Luke's belongings. "Is he your personal assistant?" He ignored the groaning aches from his awkwardly closed injuries to huddle closer to Luke.

Luke coughed into a laugh. "No, no, nothing like that!" He opened the thermos and felt right at ease when he realized his mother had made the soup for him. "No, it's… Cullen's technically contracted to my sensei. But to me, he's my friend." Honeyed-ambers twinkled. "He's…all I have left, now that Sensei is gone. He's been so supportive and good to me and really patient too." He sipped his soup. "I'm really happy to have a friend like him."

He thumbed the rim. Cullen's been such a great friend to me. But Shadowers are looked at as monsters too. They can't speak, they can't remember where they came from—they just want to exist. And people turn to pseudo-exorcism and entrapment spells and banishment spells to try and kill them. The wind combed his hair as he closed his eyes. If I took my dad's place… I want Cullen to be able to live life the way he wants to. He's a person, just like me.

He blinked when he was jostled, only to flush when he realized Didi had gathered him under his arm. "E-Excuse me!" he stammered. "Wh-What are you—?"

"You're freezing, Your Highness. My dad is going to be pissed about your capture, but I think he'd be even more upset I let Prince Luke freeze to death at sea." Didi kept his hold polite. "And most Demons tend to run hot. I figured I could be of service to my freeze-baby prince."

"It's a genetic trait," Luke huffed. "And my little sister inherited it too from our mom and she inherited it from her mom. It's some sort of recessive gene and we, unfortunately, are expressing it."

Didi chuckled. "Yes, Your Royal Highness."

Luke's lips dipped down. "You…" His lashes fell. "I told you to call me 'Luke'," he murmured. "I'm… I'm not really a 'royal highness' person. I'm not really a 'prince'. You don't need to speak to me so formally. I'm not above you."

Didi exhaled a slight laugh. "As you wish." He kept his counter to himself. But you are above me, Your Highness. He caught Luke's yawn. "You should sleep. We'll be on the island in no time."

"Mmm…" Luke rubbed under his eye and put up no fight when Cullen spirited away the thermos. "You sure?" he slurred, even when he started feeling the tugs of sleep. "Sorry. I'm normally better at staying awake." He yawned again. "Sensei's gonna scold me again…"

"I won't tell him," Didi promised in good humor. "But you shouldn't fall asleep with your glasses on." He was careful in removing Luke's glasses and gave them to Cullen when the Shadower had the glasses case ready.

Luke, however, could barely bob his head in understanding. "One of Red Jîn's comedown side effects is"—he broke into another yawn—"extreme fatigue. I should be better with emergency caffeine…" His head lolled, however.

Did was careful to put Luke's head on his shoulder and steady him. "'Emergency caffeine'?"

"Mmm." Luke sighed. "I don't like drinking caffeine. It's only for emergencies…" He strained himself to call, "Cullen?" He forced his eyes to crack open to see Cullen shake his head and encourage him to sleep. "You sure?"

Cullen rubbed Luke's head and nodded.

Luke closed his eyes with a smile. "Thanks, Cullen. You should rest too. You too, Didi."

Didi could not help the subtle flush on his ears. "I will. Get some sleep."

"Mmm." Luke could feel himself free-falling to touch the realm of sleep, but his ears half-heartedly stayed awake to catch intervaled muffled words. Nothing made sense to him in this headspace and sleep was too tempting of a mistress for him to give anyone else his attention. But a few sentences slipped through the cracks.

"Who are you?" Perhaps that was Didi, but Luke could not rouse himself for confirmation.

In the scraps of his consciousness, a canorous song played in his head as though he heard it in a dream, or in a dream within a dream. It was there soft fingers grazed his cheeks in such a meaningful way that it felt wrong to forget such a touch. A honeyed scent cradled him, relaxed him, while the song that never ended stroke his soul. A lullaby. Was this a lullaby?

"I'm sorry."

A hushed whisper slipped through the rising melody, sharply echoing in the hopes he would remember. But the song was quick to sweep the interruption up in mellifluous notes and runs.

It was unbeknownst to him if the warm tear came from him or someone else, but lips breathed upon his forehead.

"Minn hjerta."

---

— • — • — • —

Starry Sky nemurenai yoru nee aitai yo aitai yo

Kirameita ittousei osaekirenai kimi e no omoi wo

•

Gyutto dakishimete mou hanasanaide

"aishiteru" dake ga zutto kagayaki tsuzukeru

— • — • — • —

---

"Goddammit!"

WUH-CHU!

"Nnnngh!"

Sirene heaved with an angered red across her cheeks as she held the flopper. The subtle glow from the burning candle was enough for her to see the pleasure servant in her chambers with their naked and whipped back and the claiming collar around their neck. But their pain did not come without pleasure. They gripped the sheets with tars staining their face, but they bit their lip to hold back in begging their mistress for more.

Sirene gritted her teeth. "That damn Galuna scum!" She ignored the crying moans from her servant as she flopped them. "How dare he make a fool out of me! He brings enemies into my waters and thinks he can escape?" She stopped the flogging and another servant hurried forward to take it from her and give her a leather riding crop. "I should've killed that sorry excuse of a bitch instead of letting him live! Dammit! Dammit!"

WHK! WHK! WHK!

The pleasure servant did not hold back in their mewls feeling the fresh sting of the crop on their ass.

Calico Max watched from the shadows as he leaned against the wall closest to the door. Nothing about Sirene nor her pleasure servant interested him as he stayed deep in thought. Something about this… It doesn't make sense… He touched his temple, brow pinching. I remember that Galuna Demon, but… Was he alone? I can't remember anything. But the only thing I can remember—

Ambers honeyed and wrathful.

Calico Max deeply frowned. We brought in that Demon for questioning. We even used Holy Water. How did he escape that injured? I heard that Galuna Demons were low-level and couldn't use Curses. Did he manage to possess us? And why do I remember those eyes?

WHK! WHK! WHK!

As Sirene's hard breaths of anger persevered, she stopped in her next hit when she heard Calico Max move. She ignored the pleas of her pleasure servant to glare at him. "And where do you think you're going?"

Calico Max paused in opening the door. "Something about this isn't right, Captain. Too many things don't make sense to me." A quick smile slapped on as he glanced back at her. "And I need to vent my frustrations. But I prefer using my body instead of instruments."

Sirene gave a long-suffering sigh. "Do whatever but be discrete about it. You know if any of the Inhumans on this ship start hearing or smelling sex, this ship will turn into a frenzied orgy—again." She speared him with a displeased scowl. "No thanks to you."

Calico Max beamed like he was an Angel. "It's not my fault women can't help but scream my name, Captain. But if you don't believe them, you could always try first-hand experience—"

SHING!

Calico Max did not mind a knife had come within millimeters of stabbing his face, but it pierced the door. "You're going soft on me, Captain," he quipped.

Darkness swirled around Sirene in a deadly aura as she icily glowered at him. "Get out of my sight." She slapped the riding crop into her open palm as she turned back to her pleasure servant. "And have the navigator change course."

That surprised Calico Max. "Where to, Captain? I thought you wanted to head back to base to regroup?"

"We will, but this is more important." Sirene feathered the crop against the servant's lowered back and watched them shiver. "That Galuna Demon got away with our Holy Water and our divinity tools."

Calico Max's eyes sharpened. "Even in the vault in the great cabin?"

"Yes." Sirene tapped the crop between the servant's legs. "We can't afford to be at sea with all these Inhumans and have nothing to restrain them if they can't stop themselves. We need to make contact with the Church again. Set a course for the temple and prepare a messenger bird to let them know of our arrival."

Calico Max nodded. "Yes, Captain."

"And Max?" Sirene turned her head so he could see one eye that could chill the desert. "We'll need a new navigator."

Calico Max answered her with a smile that made your hair stand on end and a glint that spelled trouble. "Yes, Captain." But his smile dropped from a thunderous expression as he left the chambers and closed the door as Sirene hit the crop against her servant's ass check.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

WHK! WHK! WHK!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A fresh sigh. "Ah… The youth of today can be so violent. I don't know if that's out of environment or out of necessity."

Prospero sat upon his broom side-saddle without a care in the world as he watched the Almadel's Avenger change course. He could not help a fascinated smile watching Black Mages and Inhumans listen to commands to get the galleon ship setting sail on their adjusted course. Black Mages and Inhumans working together again. How long has it been? A millennium? How interesting.

He rubbed his broom's handle. "Don't you think this is fascinating research, Ariel? The others will certainly be jealous we got to meet him first, don't you think?"

The broom—Ariel—bobbed Prospero up and down with the gemstone on its intricate brush cap flickering.

Prospero hummed his laughter and guided his broom away from the ship. I had every intention of intervening, but by the time I was near the ship, it looked like I had come too little too late. It might be for the best. His Royal Highness is quite amazing. Internally, Chibi-Prospero dabbed a tissue as he wept. And that darn Mystogan has been hoarding him to himself. How cruel! He even threatened us if we approached his apprentice! How could he do such a thing to his superiors!

He sighed again. Well, never the matter. I just came to meet him. And he exceeds the expectations the Supremes had for him. He will make a fine addition to the Tower. He tried not to think about Mystogan's frightening expression. We just need to convince him before his terrifying teacher comes back.

He tapped his finger to his cheek. He befriended the Shadower. I'm sure that was Mystogan's doing, leaving his Shadower to care for his apprentice. If only Mystogan was smarter about understanding his Shadower. Because that Shadower…

°•°•°•°

Smoke came off his lips in a dance as he walked through the tunnel system. One hand jammed into his lab coat pocket while the other held his Devil's vice. He could see the light at the end of the tunnel with brutalized bodies bleeding out and their murderer—their killer—stood atop of them with blood dripping down his unnatural swords.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

'…already has a primary contractor.'

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He finished his cigarette when he got to the tunnel entryway and squashed it with the tip of his shoe. "NICE won't be pleased you encroached onto their territory like this." He came into the light to show locks colored scarlet. "You know how Exorcists can be…"—the mask covering his face became bathed in light. It was a masquerade mask, humble and mysterious with its cream color stroked with deep blues—"Hunter."

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Natsu Dragneel – Todd Haberkorn

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Prospero –

Didi – Sean Chiplock

Mystogan Fernandes (teenager) – Brina Palencia

Luke Dragneel (child) – Luci Christian

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Calico Max – Chris Patton

Sirene – Rebeka Thomas

Monday / Companion – Megan Franich

King / Checkmate – Jeannie Tirado

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh

Mystogan Fernandes – J. Michael Tatum

Igneel Dragneel – Bryce Papenbrook

Zagan – Paul St. Peter

Forneus – Jonathan Freeman

Shenlong – David Lodge

Scarlet Warlock – Robert McCollum

• — • — •

Additional Voices

Opening Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Description Narrator – Mary McGlynn

Closing Narrator – Melissa Fahn

— • — • — • —

⌜OPENING SONG

⟪ SAYONARA DILEMMA ⟫

Vivid undress

Lyrics by

yu-ya⌟

•

⌜ENDING SONG

⟪ Starry ⟫

ClariS

Lyrics by

丸山真由子⌟

---

•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 135

•

GALUNA ISLAND

PART III

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

TO BE CONTINUED…

---

Chibi-Luna is wearing goggles and a lab coat as she stands before a chemistry workbench. "Good day, students!"

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

"Today is a lesson in potions!" Chibi-Luna chirps. "So put on your gloves, your goggles, your mask, and your lab coats, and let's get ready for…" She does a ta-da! motion as she wheels in a whiteboard. "A science lesson!"

"Hooray for science!" her students cheer.

Chibi-Luna flips the board over to show isomers and equations. "And to help explain all this we have a very special! This is Science with Sensei!"

Chibi-Mystogan stands on the other side of the board with his goggles, lab coat, and gloves. "Hello, students. Today we'll be talking about magichemistry and potion-making." He gestures to the board. "All on this board is the scientific instruction and equation on how to make a potion called 'the Schaffensfreude Ichor'. A Bellish magichemist and Potion Master created this potion as an alternative to caffeine as his ballerina wife was allergic to caffeine and was crippled with insomnia."

He shows off the list of active, inactive, medicinal, and non-medicinal ingredients on the chemical workbench. "The list of ingredients is long, but two main ingredients to the ichor are seeds from Hobi strawflower, a type of carious strawflower that only grows near corpses to suck in their remaining nutrients, and the seeds of the Asphodel pomegranate."

As Chibi-Mystogan gets to work with the potion and adjusted his mask, Chibi-Luna educates her students, "When it comes to magichemistry and potion-making, the reason we have to wear masks and gloves is that many magical ingredients will release a scentless gas or secrete a fluid as a defense mechanism to bewitch predators. You must be extra careful in not only gathering the ingredients, but you have to know how long your ingredients will last."

"How come?" a student questions.

"Magical ingredients—even when stored in an Ether containment unit—can have detrimental effects if they expire and are consumed," Chibi-Luna explains. "Some side effects might be more silly than life-threatening, like having a lisp for two weeks or speaking in reverse all the time. But other things like rashes or severe dehydration can land you in a hospital."

Chibi-Mystogan tells Chibi-Luna, "Now we have to wait for the ingredients to hit their boiling point and settle."

"Right! But…!" Chibi-Luna proudly presents a glass vial. "I have the finished product with me and Misty and I will take it so the students can see the effect!" She pours equal portions into beakers and gives on to Chibi-Mystogan. "Mazzel tof!" And she drinks her potion.

Chibi-Mystogan is hesitant when he sniffs the beaker. "Luna…" His eyebrow twitches. "This…isn't how the ichor should smell. Did you leave the potion out for more than an hour—?"

"Hic!"

Everyone watches Chibi-Luna blush as she covers her mouth. "Um…" She nervously swallows. "No? Hic!" She practically gives a skip-jump when she hiccups. "Hic! Hic! Hic! Hic!"

Chibi-Mystogan sighs as he sets down his beaker and holds Chibi-Luna still. "You didn't read any of the instructions I gave you, did you?" He shakes his head when Chibi-Luna gives him a sheepish look before hiccupping. "And now, a quick word from the author."

「After re-reading and revamping the Galuna Island Arc, it has been split into three parts. I apologize. I hope you enjoyed this episode. The next episode will contain Galuna Island and how it has grown over the last three decades. I hope you enjoy Didi (pronounced dee-dee), how the Galuna Demons react to seeing their prince, and also the partially-reformed-not-really-still-psychopathic Zagan and Forneus. For all Forneus' faults, there is one thing about him: technically, he did not possess Lance by random nor was it his intention when his sigil was activated.

Do you have any theories on Mystogan's behavior towards Ena and Luke are yet? Or Igneel and Ena's frenemy relationship? I hinted at the reason—not the justification—bit by bit over the last cough 100 episodes cough, but I'm trying not to overdo it with clues until we get to Mystogan's arc.

In two weeks, I'll be back in the hospital for an in-patient procedure and some recovery. However, as the procedure is in the middle of the week, I'll be bringing my laptop so I can keep writing. We still have the Shamballa Arc left, but I really want to show Inter-Guild. Re-reading the arc makes me even more excited for the spring training camp and the exciting array of characters and interactions.

Also re-reading makes me even more certain the entire first three arcs require re-writing.

Thank you for your support.

よろしくお願いします。 」

"Hic! Hic! Hic! Hic!" Chibi-Luna tries to control her hiccups as she hurriedly squeaks, "That's all the time we have for"—HIC!—"Science with Sensei, so"—HIC!—"see you next class"—HIC!—"and we'll meet you on"—HIC!—"Galuna"—HIC!—"Island!" HIC!

The students sigh as Chibi-Luna becomes consumed in her hiccups. Poor Teacher has the worst of luck…