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!

137. Adventure 137

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

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

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LAST TIME, on Fairy Adventure: Cane and Cana have a mysterious heritage of being descended from Roamers, a group of people blessed to see the outcomes of destiny and also cursed in heartbreak. But Cane has his own mystery going for him as he investigates the alternate Cane that has been infiltrating the ranks. For what purpose? You might want to ask Coeus for a good theory on that one. Cane's visit back to see godfather Goldmine and reclaiming his goody Orthrus has him remembering the times when he and Bacchus were close. But between a doppelgänger, a wiped-out culture, and the cause of his fallout with his father, Cane holds more cards than he knows what to do with. At least he has Luna's suckers to fall back on when he's in a bind.

"I think this one is vanilla bean. And just as sweet as you."

One day, Cane, Luna might catch on your innocent flirting isn't all that innocent. Even so, it looks like Cane has fallen victim to the same curse that took his mother, grandmother, and ancestors—if only Cornelia could have told Cana why their family was cursed in the first place.

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Chibi-Nashi pops up. "Hey, guys! Ready for some more Fairy Adventure? Make you're your reading with a dim light on and try not to put the screen too close to your face! Today's episode will feature a mild spicy scene featuring masturbation, so look for the following symbol for the start of the scene!"

X — X — X — X — X

"And this symbol for the end of it!"

Y — Y — Y — Y — Y

Chibi-Nashi winks. "See you at the end of the episode!"

---

The practice room had been locked away as Vinyl watched from outside. Four string students (two violinists, a violist, and a cellist) swelled into their last refrain of String Quartet No. 2 in D Major. The violinist laid down the next downbeat, though the violist caught on a hair too late for their cute and their expression said it all. But Vinyl signaled to her to take a deep breath and keep herself composed as she caught up to her peers in the movement while she herself jotted a note n her score.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Vinyl's studio where she gives private lessons to her students and doubles as a professional recording station. Gary was the one to offer her a studio within his art building. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The movement ended as the violinist led them all into a bit of a pitchy D that decrescendoed from a mezzo to a pianissimo and faded into an emotional silence.

Vinyl clapped for the four students. "Very good! Bravissimo! Well done, all four of you!" It made her proud to see her students' relieved smiles. "I took some notes down in the score, but you should all be incredibly proud of your hard work. The ensemble contest is next week and I think we'll see a one with this piece. Your downbeat coordination might need some fine-tuning, but that's what our last rehearsals are for, right?" She checked her watch. "Is there any more you guys wanted to practice today?"

She grinned when she caught her students' playful shaking heads. "All right. Pack up. I'll email you each some individual notes and the recording from today, and I'll also email you, Belle and Zach, about your solo pieces and recital."

Her students nodded and got to work with shutting down their L-Pads and packing away. Though, one student—a fair-headed eleventh-year young man with a face full of freckles—called, "What are you doing for the break, miss? Are you going to spend time with your boyfriend?"

⌜MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

Name: Zachariah Smith

Age: 15

Occupation: Year 11 Student

Likes: pranking his crush Dislikes: science dissections

Special Note: Zach might not look it, but he does competitive cup stacking! ⌟

Vinyl dramatically sighed. "Oh, I wish. But for that to happen, I'd need to have a boyfriend."

"I thought that grumpy guy was your boyfriend?" The lead violinist asked this with her hair in beautiful cornrows with traditional beads. She grinned and teased, "He seems pretty much like your boyfriend during Family Day when Aimee's dad was flirting with you."

⌜MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL

Name: Belle Stuart

Age: 15

Occupation: Year 11 Student

Likes: imported chocolate Dislikes: mac and cheese

Special Note: Belle plans to use her talent in violin to get into a Minstrish conservatory! ⌟

Vinyl barked a laugh as she saved her notes on her L-Pad. "I think you guys watch too much LV."

Although… She sweatdropped as she remembered how bold one of the students' fathers had become with her after her set for Family Day. He was a little aggressive…

• — • — •

"Y'know, Aimee gets all her skill from me."

Vinyl had her guitar in hand as she forced an awkward smile while the father—a tall, lanky man in a suit above her pay grade—kept her pinned to one of the columns backstages. "Oh, um… Is that so?"

His smile widened. "Yeah. She was blessed with inheriting my talent." He held up his hand with a glint in his eye. "And my fingering."

"A-Ah…" Vinyl forced a chortle. "Is that right?" She inched away when he leaned closer. 'Why can't he leave me alone?' Thinking on her feet, she told him, "I-I should get back to the kids. We all need to do our part in breaking down the set—"

"You know, I'm a pretty big donor for the school," the father told her with a leer towards her breasts. "I'd be willing to donate more to the arts. We should discuss it over dinner." He closed in with his smile turning into a smirk. "Maybe some wine? I know someone with great taste when I see them, and you look like you have expensive taste."

'Is that a compliment?' Vinyl put on a firm smile. "I appreciate your consideration towards the arts, but you should speak with the director. I'm nothing more than their private teacher and an occasional conductor—"

"So if I make my donation directly towards you, does that mean we could have dinner?" the father questioned with a sleazy gaze dragging up and down her physique. "I'll make my donation worth your while."

TICK!

Vinyl forced herself to keep smiling as lightning struck around her. 'This little motherfucker…' She opened her mouth—

"Hey, kid."

Vinyl and the father were startled when Thirteen's large frame cut between them. He spared the other man no passing glance or pardon and focused his murky oranges onto Vinyl instead with a quirked eyebrow. "Your kids are asking for you, and I'm not a babysitter. You should go take care of them."

"E-Excuse me?" The father scowled, gathering his wits from the sudden intrusion. "Sir, I'm not finished with my conversation with the lovely lady. She was about to accept my invitation to dinner—"

"Was she?" Thirteen turned his head to show how cold his eyes could be. "Shouldn't you be worrying about paying alimony to all five of your ex-wives for cheating on them with girls half your age, bub?"

Floored, flushed, and mortified, the father scurried away.

Vinyl blinked before smiling up at Thirteen in a teasing way. "You know, before you stepped in, I was about to let him have it. I didn't need a big, strong man to save me, but since you did…"

"Don't worry about it." Thirteen stopped sneering at the low-life father to look down at Vinyl. "Kids like you are prone to attracting trouble."

Vinyl puffed a cheek. "I'm not a kid. I'm twenty-five in May, y'know. Can't you at least see me as a woman?"

Thirteen grunted and walked away. "Stay out of trouble, kid."

• — • — •

Vinyl held her cheeks, blushing. Gah, he really is so dreamy! He looked like my knight-in-shining-armor! If only he'd stop calling me 'kid'. I'm twenty-four! She held up a determined fist. All right. Tonight, I'm going to make him see me as a woman!

Unable to help herself, she internally squealed, squirming. And then he'll ask me out and then we'll date and tell each other all our secrets and he'll kiss me under the moonlight and we'll go dancing and…!

Her students sweatdropped watching their instructor look like a lovesick lunatic. Miss Vinyl lost it again, didn't she?

°•°•°•°

The Fairy Tail dormitory for girls had a busy day today. Fridays and Saturdays tended to have much more traffic than before as the girls shuffled in and out, some hanging out on the property while others had gotten dolled up to head to Crocus or New Azalea for a party or two. Vinyl kept on her headphones and hummed along to a new mix track a friend had given her to sample before his team released it to an animation studio, but she smiled as she watched a few of the younger girls laugh as they told juicy gossip and swapped stories on the lawn.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

rararai rararai yamanai

ai wo shiritaito negau onoroi

toki wo koete asakara yorumade

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

She waved helloes to a few girls coming out before sweeping inside the dorms. The mail had come, and it came to no surprise when Vinyl had a hefty amount, all from local coupons, official sponsor letters, and a few others she would tend to later. But when she left the room, Aine caught her attention. She shut off her music and yanked off her headphones to trill, "Oh Miss Den Mother!"

Aine saw her and shook her head with a smile. "What is it now, Vinyl?"

"Off to see your Romeo tonight?" Vinyl teased her.

Aine simpered. "Not tonight. He has some things to do with his family, so I'll be in the den mother suite this evening." Her browns faltered and so did her smile. "I…don't think it's a good idea for me to be home tonight."

Vinyl frowned, but she understood Aine's words. "Why don't you talk to Ena about it?"

Aine sighed. "I always end up saying the wrong thing and…" She shook her head. "And besides, it would be awkward with me at home. I'm fairly certain Silver will be coming over for another sleepover. Neither one of them would be at ease with me there."

"Again?" Vinyl chuckled. "I'm jealous of her to have such a dedicated man chasing after her. He looked like a smitten kitten when I came to see Ena for a fitting."

Aine's expression warmed. "He's good to her and good for her. I just hope she sees it too." She ribbed, "Though I guess you're more jealous you're the one doing the chasing with your own crush."

"He's going to accept my invites one day!" Vinyl swore. "Tonight, I'm going big! And I'll make him see I'm a full-grown woman and not a kid!"

Aine cocked an amused eyebrow. "Don't you say that every time you ask Thirteen out? And doesn't he always say, 'no'?"

A dreary aura held over Vinyl. "You could at least be a more supportive den mother," she lamented.

"Good luck tonight then," Aine wished as she walked away. "And Vinyl? I don't think the problem is he doesn't see you as a woman." Her grin turned roguish. "I think the problem is that he does." And she left Vinyl with that.

Vinyl puffed a cheek and grumbled, "What does that even mean? He's the one who calls me a 'kid'."

Forgoing the advice, she hauled herself to the elevator and sifted through her mail with half her mind still on Thirteen. I just need him to see me as a grown lady. She wanted to pout. But whenever I try, he just ignores me and pretends I don't exist! All her failed attempts at seducing the elusive Thirteen with racy numbers always left her alone when he speedily walked away from her.

DING!

Even so, she bucked up as she stepped onto her floor. Come on, Vinyl, you've got this! If I think hard enough, there's no way he can reject me tonight!

Her room resided at the end of the hall and she was grateful for that. Music theory books, musician biographies, and bountiful scores, CDs, and vinyls took up her bookshelves. All her instruments had in their own cases with her guitars on their stands. The ivory grand piano she had been using for composition had an excellent view of Fairy Hills thanks to the corner windows. A few antique metronomes had their place, but the antique musical grandfather clock was her biggest prize yet.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Vinyl's dorm room which matches her musicality to a tee! She rents two connected rooms, so her rent is 200,000 jewel a month! »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Vinyl waved an absent hand to turn on her LV as she kept sifting through her mail and humming. Coupons and papers she would recycle ended up on her grand piano in one pile, but she kept the keepers in an alternative stack. However, a letter had snuck into her mail pile, one that had penned calligraphy of her name. What the…? She read the sender:

CADENZA DE LA MUSE

Aguamarines widened. Great auntie sent me this? But how did she get my address? And why would she send me a letter now? Her heart pounded. Did something happen?

Swallowing, she turned the letter to see a wax seal stamped on. It's… Her fingers danced over the symbol—a combination of a treble clef and a bass clef. This… This is my family's official seal…

She set down the rest of her belongings to go into her kitchenette and find her letter opener. A swift tear to the envelope later gave her the opportunity to look into the contents. Moments passed as Vinyl gathered the courage to dip her hand in. A letter and a stock card had been incorporated into the envelope, but her attention went to her great aunt's handwritten note and…

Vinyl's stomach dropped. What…? What is this?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"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!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Driving through Magnolia Town was not rare but it was not common either. Most used the trolleys roaming around the city, their bikes, or walked, but today was a good day for Gale to make use of the truck since his parents did not need it.

He glanced over at Julia as she texted and jested, "Texting your boy toy?"

"Ha!" Julia snorted and shoved her Compact back into her pocket. "Maybe." She went for her water bottle and guzzled down a few swallows. "One of these days, we need an all-out fight to figure out who wins. We're basically at a tie for wins, losses, and ties." Her leg jittered.

Gale noticed, but he paid attention to the road. "We're going to be fine, Lady J," he murmured. "Stop freaking out."

"I'm not freaking out," Julia instantly snapped. Upon Gale's flat look, she sighed and combed through her messy ponytail. "Sorry. I'm just on edge." She glanced out the window. "We head to Shamballa tomorrow, and we still don't know what we'll face while we're there. All we really know is that we'll be attending parties and auctions, but…" Navies darkened. "I'm still not sure why Maxim invited me to it in the first place. Not even Zelda knows."

She clutched her seatbelt. If only I didn't get myself involved with Maxim in the first place, but… He was my only option to turn into a Magic Hunter. I can't have regrets about it now.

Gale clutched the steering wheel. "You know we could catch Hell if anyone finds out we're going to Shamballa under fake names, right?"

"And that's why we have a cover story," Julia bit.

"How's that working for you?" Gale retorted. "You know it's been years since you've used Magic—"

"And I have it handled," Julia asserted. "Look, if this is to work, we have to be on the same page."

Gale sighed. "Yeah, I know. We're on the same page, Lady J. But you know that's not why I'm saying this." Two beats. "You being exposed as a Magic Hunter and not on your terms could get messy. I don't know Maxim. I don't know Zelda. You do, so you know the risks. But I'm still worried." Rubies flickered. "I get why you did what you did. I'm not judging you. But going on secret missions like this, hiding your powers and your weapons, meeting up with other Hunters…" He added quietly, "Planning to kill Tesla's old man…"

Julia said evenly, "I get you're worried for me and I appreciate it. But I know what I'm doing. I don't know why Maxim invited me to Shamballa, but I can't miss this sort of opportunity. If you don't want to come—"

"I never said that," Gale muttered. "I'm just lookin' out for you, Lady J. This is some pretty serious shit we're about to wade in."

Julia did not disagree with that. "Yeah, I know."

Her lips pressed into a deep frown. But… I can't let this opportunity pass me by. Maxim isn't trustworthy by a long shot, but I have to do this. He wants me to see something during this auction, something I know will be a hint about where Gary was taken. And I can't afford to dismiss that possibility. I'm going to find the son of a bitch who tormented him.

Navies thundered. And I'll make sure they don't breathe the same air as me.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure 137

•

Let's Go Together

•

一緒に行きましょう、ね。

•

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Kill yourself."

GA-GA-GA!

The black hawk with the galaxy in its eyes preened its feathers as it sat on its master's shoulder, unbothered by the bloodshed.

A dying man lay across the sleek floor with bullets shot through his head, mouth, and heart. No one bothered to remove the corpse. No one bothered to clean the blood. That was not their job. That was the job of the Vultures.

No. They all stayed in silence as they waited.

Sitting on the chair was a phantom stranger with the collar of his trench coat up and his angelic locks fluffed out and unblemished. He fed his black hawk a treat before his hands moved to sign, 'He won't die like a Hawk. Tell the Vultures they can have the traitor.'

Someone scuttled along to get the Vultures to circle in on their new prey.

The hands continue to move in sign. 'Now then… I have a job for you to do.' The phantom stranger got up from his chair to move towards the focus with his black hawk. 'And I expect my prized Vultures to get the job right.' His hands stopped signing for one hand to press down on the focus' shoulder. "Or I'll make her kill herself in front of your eyes."

• — • — •

Thirteen woke up like he did every time he napped—with a bad back and bad memories. The couch had been comfortable enough as he swung his legs off it and scrubbed his face. Sleep medication and antipsychotics were on his coffee table, capped and nearly drained. Potted plants and feeders took up a lot more space than people would think in his home, each plant healthy and lush.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is Thirteen's apartment. He and Coeus live in the same building. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

A low whine.

Thirteen pulled back his unruly bangs to see a standard poodle had come to his aid with concerned eyes. "What now, Georgette?"

Georgette prodded at his medicine bottles and looked disapprovingly at her master.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« Georgette, like Bruno, is a "Data Dog" or a dog that was experimented on to have human intelligence and powers. Unlike Bruno, however, Georgette cannot use human speech. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Thirteen grunted as he got to his feet. "Yeah, yeah, you can spare me the glares, Georgette," he grumbled. "It's not like those stupid pills work anyway. Keeping having those same damn dreams and getting not enough sleep." He made it to his kitchen to see a Siamese kitten rolling on the ground, mewing with her knitted sweater on. In one swoop, he cupped the kitten and put it on his shoulder before rummaging through the refrigerator with that same haggard look.

At this rate, I'm never going to sleep again with this insomnia. He paused in looking for food. Deathhawk… What the Hell is Vicious up to this time? Murky oranges darkened. And what has he been using his Voice for this time? He locked his jaw as he grabbed a steak he had been marinating and shut the refrigerator. That damn Voice. Murky oranges stormed. If only—

A little girl on a swing as she serenaded the magical creatures around her with her golden harmonica and the story she told with it.

The anger in Thirteen suppressed into gutted melancholy. There's no point in thinking about it now. What's done is done. He moved towards his stovetop—

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!

"Oh, Thirteen…!"

Thirteen's face flattened as he heard Vinyl's call. Goddammit. Not her again. Quietly, he tried to keep going only to loudly curse when the Siamese kitten used its claws to shimmy down his back. "Shit! Gina!"

The Siamese kitten scurried to the door and started crying. "Mow…! Mow…!"

"Oh, is that my precious Gina crying for me?" Vinyl cooed from the other side.

Gina the Siamese kitten continued wailing and pawing at the door. "Mow…! Mow…!"

Thirteen stomped over to the kitten with a scowl. "Traitor." He scooped her up again and cradled her to his chest with one hand as he looked at the peephole. A grimace went through his face when he saw Vinyl standing before his door. Dammit. With great reluctance, he unlatched his door and opened it enough to give her a grumpy look. "What do you want?"

Vinyl beamed at him. "Oh, c'mon, Thirteen! The day's pretty young, so I was thinking if you're not busy tonight, we could get some drinks—!"

"I'm busy," Thirteen bluntly inserted. He stepped back to shut the door—

Vinyl stopped it with a hand and a larger smile. "Pretty pleasure? It's on me!"

Thirteen ruffled his hair, agitated. "I can buy my own drinks. And shouldn't you hang up with people your own age and not someone twice your age?" he huffed. "It'd look suspicious if you were caught hanging around a man my age. Don't you know that? They'd probably think I was some perv or your father."

"You could be my daddy though."

Thirteen's eye twitched, mood dreary against Vinyl's sunshine aura. This little brat… He let out a loud, exasperated sigh. "I'm not in the mood for drinks, kid." He grabbed the door. "Go home, Viñella. Hang out with girls your own age for once—"

"Please?"

Thirteen opened his mouth to reject her again—

"Thirteen."

He stopped when something in Vinyl's body language made him. He examined her pasted smile and pleading eyes. She…doesn't look that good. Murky oranges weathered. Did something happen to her?

"So how about that drink?" Vinyl quipped with forced enthusiasm. "C'mon. I completed a pretty high-paying job last week, so I can get you some good whiskey…!"

Thirteen studied her for a moment more before sighing, resigned. "I can pay for my own drinks," he muttered. "Sure as Hell won't let a pretty little thing like you pay for my drinks—"

"You think I'm pretty?"

Thirteen's eyebrow twitched when Vinyl peered up at him with her doe blue eyes, hopeful and twinkling in mischief. He averted his eyes to grumble, "You don't need an old man like me to tell you that, kid. You shouldn't take it to heart like that. If some random guy compliments you and you get all doe-eyed, you're in for trouble."

Vinyl simpered. "But that's why I have you to bail me out of trouble, right?"

"You can fight your own battles," Thirteen gruffly reminded her. He reeled back when Vinyl crowded his personal space with a hand on his chest.

"But why should I when I have a big, strong man to fight them for me?" she purred to him.

Thirteen cleared his throat. "I've seen you fight. You don't need a big, strong man to fight your battles for you," he told her, stilted. He stepped away from her. "Goodbye, kid."

"Wait!" For a moment, desperation hit Vinyl's voice, but she quickly smiled again to hide it. "We're still on for drinks, right? You already agreed, remember? I mean, maybe not in so many words, but still, drinks?"

Thirteen frowned as he watched her. What's got her so frightened today?

Vinyl pursued, "It could be like a mini-date—!"

"Not on your life."

She puffed a cheek. "Well why not?"

Thirteen felt he aged ten years from his conversation alone. "You should be dating guys your age, kid, and not the ones making you pay for his drinks."

Vinyl crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "I'm not some kid who needs to be taken by the hand, y'know."

"Maybe if you weren't such a persistent brat, I'd believe it," Thirteen said dryly.

"Do you like it when I'm bratty?"

Shadows covered Thirteen's eyes against Vinyl's hopeful look. This little… He took hold of his door again. "Go home, kid," he told her. "And stop coming around here." Before Vinyl could protest, he shut the door and locked it.

Vinyl trilled, "I'll be at Wayback if you change your mind!"

Thirteen scrubbed down his face as he listened to Vinyl walk away. She says that every time. I've never changed my mind once. What the Hell does a little girl like her want in someone like me?

He put a fussy Gina back down on the floor to head back into the kitchen to start prep work. As he brought out onions and peppers to rinse and cut, he thought back to Vinyl. She seemed a little more out-of-sorts than usual. I wonder if something happened… He shook it off as he loaded the vegetables into his colander. Not my problem. I shouldn't get involved.

SHA…!

He sprayed his vegetables and shook them dry before going to his cutting board. After getting his spices and bowl ready, picking out the chopping knife was the easy part.

SAKU-SAKU-SAKU!

Chopping fell into a rhythm for Thirteen and a therapeutic one at that. But his mind wandered a little. Gajeel said he found that ex-Avatar in Mikage with a black feather. I knew Deathhawk had been involved, but the connection is fuzzy. If a demonic summoning truly happened, does that mean Deathhawk is more involved with these cults now? Why would Vicious be interested in Demons when he has his Voice?

Murky oranges flickered. This isn't making any sense. What's his angle? He kept chopping.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

SAKU-SAKU-SAKU!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Blood splattered before him with the knife dripping in it. A fresh tongue squirmed in his other hand with the bright light from above making sure the focus saw the terrified victim weeping and their tongue-less mouth bleeding a smile a minute. Soon, she would choke on her own blood if someone did not pick her up.

A hand slipped onto his shoulder and a sly smile could be felt. "There now. She can't tell anymore secrets."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

WAN-WAN-WAN!

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Thirteen's breath turned ragged as his eyes refocused and saw his knife had come inches to his wrist. Sweaty and out of it, he shakily dropped his knife and held onto the counter for support. Georgette whined, nosing his thigh as though to console him, and absently, he stroked her fur.

"Ha… Ha…" His hand touched his temple as the throbbing memory that surfaced pushed back down into the recesses of his mind. Dammit. Not again. These damn memories. He tried and succeeded in getting his breathing under control with his shoulders slouching on his last big exhale. I need to get this under control.

He ignored his shaking hand to get to his fridge. A couple imported beers were left, and he quickly helped himself to one, nearly downing half the contents in a few hard swallows before pressing the cool bottle to his forehead. Shit.

He closed his eyes. Maybe I could use that drink tonight.

---

SLAM!

Gale made sure to lock the truck doors with his duffel over his shoulder as he came to the house. The neighbors were out today, not that it concerned him. He knew from experience the girls who lived next door were nothing more than trouble with personalities that only existed online. A retired couple across the street had gathered with a few friends to share some iced tea and shoot the breeze.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Redfox Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

3:57 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

His ears pricked to hear quick steps and faint voices, but when he came inside the house, no one had claimed the living room. He threw the keys onto the hooks by the door and took off his slides before following where the voices were.

BAKI-BAKI!

CLACK!

Sparring caught his attention when he came to the back of the house. Panther Lily and Galileo had taken to the grass for a hand-to-hand combat session with their hands and feet wrapped. However, as well as Galileo did avoiding Panther Lily's attacks, he looked a fraction slower than he should have been. In that, Panther Lily's follow-throughs always landed with Galileo's blocks not fast enough to shield him. The final straw came when Panther Lily did a jab combo before cutting into a harsh kick that had Galileo stuttering onto the ground.

Gale came outside as Panther Lily loomed over Galileo, both heaving. He growled, tail lashing, "You're not focused."

Galileo sighed and sat up, but he did not get to his feet. "I'm doing my best—"

"That's not your best," Panther Lily spat. "That was a mockery. Had an enemy been here instead of me, you would've been killed or worse."

Gale could see Galileo did not have the heart to respond, so he intervened. "Hey, Uncle Lily, cut him some slack," he called as he came out to the yard. "I'm sure he's kicking himself already for losing to you, all right?"

Panther Lily sighed. "You're right. My apologies. I just have a lot on my mind." He turned away from both brothers. "That's…enough for today." Without preamble, he disappeared into the woods like a shadow.

Gale frowned as he watched Panther Lily drive deeper into the forest. What's up with him? He looked down at Galileo and his lost expression. "Dude, you okay? I mean, I have your back and everything, but Uncle Lily was taking it easy on you." He offered his hand.

Galileo absently took it. "Yeah… Yeah, I'm fine." He yanked himself to his feet—

Gale caught his brother when he staggered and nearly fell. "Whoa, whoa, take it easy." Taking in a deep inhale, concern filled him. He doesn't smell right. And he feels…lighter than normal.

Galileo cut Gale a weak smile. "Sorry. Guess I lost my balance."

"Have you been hydrating? Eating?" Gale questioned. "You look like shit."

Galileo chuckled, even if it held no amusement. "You don't have to worry. I'm fine. It's just one of those days, y'know?" He walked back to the house. "Sorry you had to see that."

But Gale would not let it go and caught up to Galileo. "Y'know, I was just about to make my post-workout snack. I'll make extra for you too. It's whatever."

"You don't have to—"

"What was that? You wanted double portions?"

Galileo stopped, but against Gale's raised eyebrow, he could only sigh and slump his shoulders. "Sure. That sounds…fine. But I'm not all that hungry, so don't make me too much." And he passed Gale to get back into the house.

Gale's worry broadened. How long has it been since he's actually had an appetite? And when he could not find the answer, his worry turned to dread.

°•°•°•°

"Here."

Galileo sat at the island and looked at his plated chicken, roasted vegetables, and rice. "Thanks."

"Sure." Gale finished drying his hands before grabbing his plate and sitting next to his brother. While he was ready to heartily dig into the well-deserved meal, he waited with bated breath for Galileo to go first. It took a few seconds until Galileo picked up his cutlery and divided up his food into small portions. Only once he had taken his first bite could Gale eat comfortably.

Silence passed between siblings with Galileo's slow movements and Gale's ravenous ones. After guzzling down water, Gale broke the quiet to ask, "You're getting back into training now?"

"Yeah." Galileo had only taken a few bites and pushed around his food at this point. "Uncle Lily thought some training would do me some good. But honestly, I think he was more wanting to take out his frustrations than spar with me."

"Looked like it to me," Gale agreed. Is he thinking of that tigress? Turning back to Galileo, Gale watched his hazel-rubies looked listless as he pushed around his portions. He eats as much as me, but now, he's barely eating anything at all. And he looks exhausted. His scent… He smells like how Mom used to smell when we learned about— The thought made his throat catch.

Careful, he broached, "How's…everything been going with you? You've been like a ghost for a little while."

"Not much to do," Galileo supposed. "You? How's Looney?"

Gale huffed. "She wouldn't even let me touch her because I was sweaty and I smell," he complained. "Like, what the fuck? She's never complained about that before." He tried not to sulk remembering Luna's firm rejection. "I thought she liked me all sweaty?"

Galileo said, dry, "If Igneel heard you, you'd be up in flames right about now."

Gale coughed and tried not to flinch remembering how intense Igneel's fire could be. "Yeah, well, he's not here, is he?" he snipped. And besides… He paled a little as he thought about Igneel's angry return. I need to hoard as much time with Blondie as I can before the psycho comes back to burn me alive.

"You know," Galileo started, "Igneel's always been a good guy." Gale looked at his brother like he was insane, but Galileo softly laughed. "I know he was pretty hard to handle, yeah. He sort of just…did what he wanted. Dad would always say getting Igneel to do anything felt like he was in a hostage situation."

Gale sweatdropped as he thought back to how cautious people were around Igneel. Yeah, that's accurate.

"But even so, he was still a good guy," Galileo remembered. "Maybe to other people, he looked out of control and terrifying, but… He did a lot of good." He glanced at Gale. "He saved you when none of us could."

Gale's appetite waned at the reminder. Yeah… He did…

• — • — • — •

"I mean it." Emeralds so hateful that Hell could combust. "Don't ever come near him again."

Flames rolled and toiled, obedient to their war-driven master and eager to burn all in their path. "If you do"—fanged teeth showed as scales pressed against skin—"I'll make sure even your ashes burn."

• — • — • — •

"You have to admire him in a way," Galileo murmured.

"Yeah." Gale had to agree with that. He might've been intense, but he never backed down from a fight. If it wasn't for him… In the blink of an eye, he remembered the harsh and bloodied indents on his wrists. I wouldn't be alive. An uncomfortable thought came to him. "Did you ever…?"

Galileo blinked over to Gale. "Did I ever what?"

"You know." Gale shifted. "Did you ever blame me? For, well…" He could not get out the words.

"Not once." Galileo was honest in that. "Gale, everything that happened wasn't your fault. It was never and will never be your fault." He took a bite of his food. "The way Emma treated you… None of that should've happened to you or him. You both weren't to blame. You were victims. And I'm sorry…" He swallowed. "I'm sorry that you both endured that sort of pain."

He clutched his fork. If I had done something… If I had listened to him… All his ire faded for depressive exhaustion. Then Gale wouldn't have been hurt….and he would still be alive. Hazel-reds wavered. He would still be here… If I'd just listened…

"Leo?"

Galileo closed his eyes for a moment. "Sorry. I'm just tired, I guess." He took hold of his plate. "I'll wrap his and eat it later. Thanks for the food. Seriously." He ruffled Gale's hair. "You're becoming more and more of an actual adult. It's sort of freaky."

Gale scowled and knocked Galileo's hand away. "Fuck off." His irritation melted for worry as Galileo went away. He looks grayer, almost. He really hasn't been eating. He called, "Leo?"

Galileo used saran wrap on his plate. "Yeah?"

"Are you sure…everything's okay?" Gale asked, tentative. "I mean I know I'm not like…the best person to talk to and all that, but you just seem"—he fudged around for the word—"down."

"I'm just tired," Galileo dismissed breezily. He put his wrapped plate in the refrigerator. "I haven't been sleeping that great lately." He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "I'll be fine after some rest." He walked away—

"Everything okay with you and Nashi?"

Galileo slowed to a stop, but he did not look back. Silence held him captive for a while before he murmured, "I made a mistake."

"And what was that?" Gale asked.

Something in Galileo's posture changed as he laid his metal hand on the wall. "Just…" A deep sigh. "I'm happy for you, y'know. You're in therapy. You're doing great. I mean that. And I think if Luna and you ever started a relationship, you'll be better off."

"Okay…" Gale said slowly. "But… What does that have to do with your mistake?"

Galileo looked up for a moment, eyes in the past. "I should've done what you did. That's all." Hazel-reds dimmed. "That's my mistake." And he left the kitchen with those words behind him.

Gale wanted to call him back, but he stopped himself. What the Hell does that mean? Appetite dissolved, he sat on the stool and mulled Galileo's words. I should text Mom and Dad. He just sounds so off. He made a mistake…by not doing what I did? But what does he…?

He rubbed down his face. Leo… Rubies saddened. I think you need a therapist more than me.

---

The apartment door swung open to show an unimpressed Zelda on the other side with her cat familiar in her arms. "You're late."

"Then it's a good thing punctuality isn't in the agreement," Julia shot back as she came inside with Kore. The apartment looked neat as usual and untouchable, like it was on the cusp of being personalized and decorated with that homey touch, but it never would be. Some good wine and cheese sat out and she had paused an episode from a drama series.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Zelda's Apartment

Ixia City

Fiore, Ishgar

4:17 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Julia hiked up an eyebrow when she saw the pause on a strange bathroom scene between two teenage protagonists. "I didn't take you to like this sort of stuff."

"It passes the time," Zelda said with a shrug as she put down her familiar. Within seconds, Sheik wound around Kore, purring up a storm with her back arched. Cute, of course, but now was not the time to focus on it. "Are you sure about this?"

Julia made sure her eyes were looked into. "I'm not here for my choice to be doubted," she bit.

"And I'm not here for your attitude," Zelda snapped back. "So check yourself or you can leave. I'm not in the mood to deal with any more bratty teens than I see on LV. I have other things I could be doing."

At that, Julia dialed back her hostility. "Sorry," she muttered. "I'm just a little on edge."

Zelda observed her for a moment. "Take off your shoes and sit." She went back to the couch to gather her PAL while Julia placed her shoes at the door. As she readied her PAL, Zelda asked, "Your boyfriend upset you didn't choose him for a romantic getaway in one of the most advanced countries in the world?"

"He's spending the week with his little sister, so we have a date tonight," Julia told her as she sat down.

"A 'date'?" Zelda echoed. "Kids still do that?"

Julia shrugged. "It's new to me too."

Zelda hummed and sipped her wine, letting the silence marinate for a moment. "I've already told you I think it's a bad idea to give into Maxim's game," she started, tone frank. "I'll say my piece one last time." Her grays went to Julia's navies. "My father and Tesla's are monsters. Even Maxim recognizes that Tesla's father would kill him on the spot. That's why he doesn't do anything that could make Gannon notice him as anything more than an insignificant accomplice. But…" Grays darkened. "That doesn't mean Maxim doesn't like playing games with those associated with my uncle. He dishonorably left his position within the Magic Council to become a Hunter. So you know he has connections."

Julia knew that very well. "Yeah. I do."

"Then you know his little invitation for you to go to Shamballa isn't him doing this out of the kindness of his heart," Zelda made clear. "In vampiric terms, he's your Maker. You've been in his debt when you dug deep to find a Hunter willing to take you in and force your body through those surgeries. Nothing you do will get you out of that debt. He knows your identity. And he knows why you want to become a Hunter."

Julia tensed. "Yes. I know that. But I can't miss this opportunity. I'm aware Maxim has leverage over me, Zelda. But, and as much as I hate to say it, he's the only one I can even think about listening to when it comes to my goal."

Zelda's eyes flickered for a moment. "Yeah, I know," she murmured. "But the more you listen to him, the higher your debt to him goes. So think very carefully about the cost. Because Maxim knows how to play the long game. He might not be as smart as my father or uncle, but he at least knows some of the rules to the game, just like Lee. That's why it makes him dangerous to you and to your family."

"I know." Julia stared at her lap, cheek twinging. I know all of this. But I've come so far. I can't turn back now. Not when I'm so close to my goal. She looked back at Zelda. "What do you have?"

"From my sources, nothing you shouldn't have already been informed about." With a flick of her hand, Zelda shared her PAL screen with her LV to show a slideshow of images. Each image flaunted the wealth of Shamballa with women in string pearl bikinis pouring champagne for powerful men to erogenous parties where secret deals were exchanged behind the scenes. "The Spring Silent Auction and Fundraiser held in Shamballa is a week-long event with the biggest auction at the end of it. Between that are tiered events and smaller auctions—auctions and events you need an invitation for."

Julia nodded. "My source confirmed my invitation is an unlimited pass."

"No doubt because Maxim pulled strings," Zelda alluded. "But that's not what I meant. At these types of things, the invitation you received gets your foot in the door. You'll know when you receive an invitation for a private event."

"How?"

"You'll know," Zelda assured, ominous.

Julia nodded.

"These events don't have an age restriction," Zelda added when one of the photos showed a child no older than ten in a dapper sherwani suit, turban, and royal sash. One eye had been slashed and glossed over, but he was far from helpless with black-suited bodyguards all around him. "But that doesn't mean the kids you see at these events are snot-nosed no-nothings who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. The children invited to the events aren't normal children." She showed another image of a saintly little girl with soft, delicate features with a handsome knight shadowing her. "Some of these kids are rumored to be geniuses or from nobility. That boy you saw was a royal who has ties to the Magic Council. And this girl is an Enchanter from the Holy Eye. "

That surprised Julia. "That megachurch? And the Council? But what do they have to do with Shamballa?"

Zelda kept showing more pictures. "What don't they have to do? For publicity, it makes sense the Council and the Holy Eye send envoys to participate in events and shake hands. Both of them are trying to gain steady ground. But as you know, Shamballa's underbelly is rotten with filth. And I'm sure both the Council and the Holy Eye are a part of it."

Julia watched the screened images. I suspected that much, but still… For the Church and the Council to take the stage, I can assume the Faction and other gangs will send their own too.

A particular image came up and snapped Julia's attention. "Wait, hold on!"

She took in the picture. A family had come out with their guards keeping the people at bay. A fearsome man with a thick beard and turban walked out first with a dark-skinned woman arm-in-arm with him. A veil covered her face, but the three-piece embroidered evening gown looked radiant in strong golds and calm burgundies. Two sisters and a younger brother came out. The eldest sister carried herself with her chin high with a more modern evening dress on while the younger brother looked like a scrawnier version of his father in his sherwani suit, yet the way he looked at his mother said things about him.

But the other daughter carried herself with her head down. Her dress played up her beauty, yet she was a flower who shied from sunlight and wanted nothing more than to turn away from the crowd.

That's… That's her… Julia asked Zelda, "That woman in the middle… She's Shamballa's second princess, isn't she?"

"Yes. Fatimah bint Khuwaylid Al Marwan," Zelda named. "She's the princess who tried to run away from home and got dragged back. The entire thing was buried in the media, thanks to the Emir."

Julia studied Fatimah's profile. "Have her siblings escaped?" She took a look at the family. "Is this her entire family?"

"Well, the ones who survived."

Julia shot Zelda a confused look. "What, there were others and they were killed?"

"Exactly that," Zelda confirmed. "Emir Karim has had eleven wives, but they were more prizes from other kingdoms than anything. They lived lavishly, but none of them lasted long. Each one of them asked for a divorce after bearing children or they were abandoned if they were found infertile. But it slipped under the news those women and their children died in mysterious accidents." She pointed at the dark-skinned woman hidden behind a veil. "Sheikha Inayah is his twelfth wife and the alleged favorite, but she's a step-mommy to the kids. She came from Andüsa, but her marriage to the Emir was pretty legendary."

"How?"

Zelda stretched her feet onto the ottoman coffee table. "The Emir wasn't subtle about wooing her. His seduction tactics were publicized and very extravagant. From how their love story started, he met her when he was meeting with Andüsan leaders and fell for her right then and there. For a month, he kept it up with gifts upon gifts until she quote-unquote 'agreed' with his proposal. But as a result, she's worn that veil and there's not a picture anywhere on the LacriNet with her face. Even her name was changed to a more Alakitasian name. I guess rumors state the Emir made her wear the veil so her beauty isn't exposed to others in temptation, but…" She waved a hand.

Julia narrowed her eyes as she looked at Inayah and then at Fatimah. Something about that family… Why would a princess spend almost two months running away from home? I know in some cultures and religions, women wear headscarves and coverings, but… A veil?

She tried to put those thoughts aside. "Will I be seeing any of the royal family at the events?"

"The first princess and the first prince are much more active," Zelda said, and she had the photos to prove their appearances. "But the second princess has always been out of touch with the auctions and fundraisers to the point where she earned a reputation for being 'ungrateful'. And the Sheikha attends as long as the Sheikh is there, but he's very protective of her. No one gets the chance to speak to her."

"I understand." Julia crossed her arms. Maxim must have pulled a lot of strings to get me to this. I just need to understand the connections. Noko did his best to crack through the invitation list to profile, but even I know that guarantees nothing. I'll just have to hope his new tech and the assistant he left behind works out for Gale and me.

Her eyebrow pinched when she noticed someone strange in the photos. "Hold on." She sat up and pointed. "Who's that? That man?"

Zelda squinted as she took in the man in the trench coat with his brimmed hat and angelic locks. "I…honestly don't know." She zoomed into the picture, but he still came through pixelated. "He's not tagged in the photo. He could be the press, considering his attire. But I honestly don't know who that stranger is."

Julia's lips dips into a deep frown as she looked at the stranger. Something about him… I don't know why, but he feels…different. And maybe it was her imagination, but she could have sworn she saw a black feather poking from his hat.

---

With the holiday causing kids to be out of school, the park was the perfect place to pass the time for children and parents alike. Most of the littler kids had monopolized the playground and a rag-tag game of hide-and-seek had started between old and new friends. Others older in age had taken to pick-up football, though the basketball court saw some actions as well. A band of rollerblades from the Magnolia High hockey team had come barreling through with carefree laugher.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

West Gate Park

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

6:16 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

For some reason, everyone and their mother wanted to pet Georgette while she was working.

And she was not happy about that.

Thirteen sat on a shaded bench with Georgette in her mesh red harness and little pack. Even her padded dog vest stated PTSD SERVICE DOG and WORKING DOG DO NOT PET to let all those around her know she was at work with her human. But of course—

"Can my son pet your dog?"

—people still asked questions.

Thirteen stopped reading his newspaper to look at the pregnant mother and her fingers-in-his-mouth son. "No."

She smiled prettily at him. "Just for a moment? He really likes dogs, and he'll be extremely gentle, I promise."

"No."

Her smile bittered into a scowl. "You don't have to be such an asshole about it."

Thirteen went back to his newspaper as she upturned her nose and ushered her child away. "Entitled woman," he muttered. He glanced down at Georgette. "Did you want that kid to pet you?"

Georgette shook her head and made a motion to put her paw against her muzzle.

"Yeah. I wouldn't want some kid still sucking his fingers to touch me either," he agreed. He straightened up his newspaper and continued to read. This is why I hate coming outside. He skimmed over some of the articles, but one article struck him as interesting about Shamballa. The title read:

"This year's week-long auction will show never-before-seen objects to be sold for the greater good," a spokesperson for the annual spring silent auction says.

Thirteen thumbed the corner of the paper as he read the article. The silent auction in Shamballa. How long has it been since I had to attend one of those? Murky oranges glinted.

• — • — •

"Please, don't let them do this!"

Feminine hands burned and scared desperately reached through the bars to reach for him, but her swollen stomach would not give an inch. "Please! Get this monster out of me! Please! Please!" Bloodshot eyes pierced desperation from all the drugs and tears. "SAVE ME!"

• — • — •

A quiet throb made Thirteen wince, but Georgette rested her head on his leg so he could pet her to calm himself down. 'Objects to be sold for the greater good', huh? He wanted to spit on such words. Every year, for nearly three decades, this auction and fundraiser has been operating to bring about socialites and royals and the rich to bid on rare objects and trade.

His jaw went taut. But if people knew what the real action house looked like…

He blinked when someone sat down beside him, and he straightened out his newspaper. "You're not one to come out for fresh air. Didn't persuade your little shrink to go on a date with you?"

"She doesn't date patients," Coeus said with his mask still on and a light jacket. "Do I lose her and go through more psychologists, or do I keep her and try to see if she's as mad as me? That's the question."

Thirteen folded his newspaper. "You need to get out more if your therapist is the only person you attracted to—"

"I'm not attracted to her," Coeus patiently interrupted. "I just want to test her limits and make sure no one else ever does."

To Thirteen's credit, he did not freak out. Instead, he looked more exhausted. "You're going to creep her out one of these days. The only reason she's your therapist is that Master pulled some strings."

"It's not like I've broken into her apartment and waited for her."

Thirteen gave a calm Coeus a long look. "You didn't?"

"No, but I thought about it to see how she'd react."

Thirteen felt his headache cramp up at Coeus' sparkling (and disturbing) sincerity. Why the Hell do I talk to him? He sat back on the bench and put his folded newspaper to the side. "Just don't ever tell her that."

Quiet.

Thirteen shot Coeus (who pretended not to hear the suggestion) an eye-twitching look. Seriously? He ruffled his hair. "What is wrong with you?"

"I was told I had to be honest in therapy," Coeus said. "And she took it well. She said if I did that, she'd make sure to have a godfather waiting for me." He paused and asked, Thirteen, thoughtful, "Do you think that's an invitation to break into her apartment?"

Georgette sniffed while Thirteen had a dreary aura over him. Maybe he should get a new therapist. "Why did you come and bother me this time? I'm guessing it's not to get romance advice." Please let it not be that.

"No." Coeus reached into his inner jacket pocket to pull out an envelope. "I came to give you this." As Thirteen took the envelope, Coeus explained, "It looks like Miss Hendrika Sandström has been a busy, busy lady."

Thirteen opened the envelope to flip through the pictures provided. Clear pictures of Hendrika showed her speaking to cloaked people. But one of the cloaked people showed their rosary with a clasped-hands symbol on it. His eyes narrowed before a revelation occurred. "The Holy Eye?"

"Correct." Coeus crossed his legs. "I was trying to connect the dots. The church she and the cultists were seen going into was a church acquired into Holy Eye property to be renovated and reopened. The Holy Eye's influence isn't that deep in Bellum, but that doesn't mean they don't have a branch there. In fact, it's rare to find a country without the Holy Eye denomination than with."

Thirteen looked at the images. The Holy Eye has been growing for the past three decades too. Just like the spring silent auction started back then. Could it be a coincidence and I'm paranoid?

One photo made him pause when he saw Hendrika speaking to the Prime Minister and a Holy Eye Primate. "What's Bellum's status with the Council?"

"So far, the protests are going on," Coeus informed. "The Faction is subsequently growing in Bellum, thanks to the large number of Independents. Legal Mages are standing with the Council. But with the government being overturned into a purely Spiritless administration, guilds and legal magic academies are catching more and more pressure financially. Two guilds had to close due to taxation and sudden fines that the Council legal team couldn't fight. Many are wondering when the King of Bellum will wake up, but it'll be too late if he wakes up even now."

"Right." Thirteen frowned. "What about that conspiracy theory? The one about the king escaping before being dragged back?"

"Whoever is keeping it a secret is good, but they aren't good enough to outwit me," Coeus said. "I don't think the king escaped at all. That's a myth. But what I can confirm is that one of his nurses went missing when he was during the first stages of his treatment fifteen years ago. But her identity didn't show up in any sort of medical system. Driver's license, NIN, bank records, medical records, residence, and family—she'd been stricken from everything."

"Like she was erased from existing." Thirteen looked up at Coeus. "You think she was killed off?"

"No." Coeus pulled out another envelope. "I think she escaped." He turned them over to Thirteen. "But I don't think her disappearance was an act of the government. I think her escape came from someone else."

Thirteen opened the envelope to see documents inside. He checked them to see someone of them had been copies of a conversation and news articles. "This article says that the Bellish administration donated over one-hundred thousand to an organization that reunites undocumented children with their parents or vice versa."

"The first and last time the administration donated to that organization," Coeus noted. "I looked into it. The organization was founded five years prior to the donation fifteen years ago—or so the website and faked paper trails wanted people to think. But when I looked deeper to all the stories of reunited success, those names came from people who had died years ago. But an organization like this would obviously have the technology to, say, track down an undocumented runaway."

Thirteen arched an eyebrow. "So you're saying there is the nurse who escaped fifteen years ago ran from the government. Is it because she found out something about the royal family or the prime minister?"

"I'm still searching for the answer as to why she ran away," Coeus said. "But the question you should be asking me is where she is now?" He took out one last photo to show to Thirteen.

Thirteen saw the blurred security photo of a hooded woman in a Sky Port. But the sign of the port she was entering read the words— "She's going to Shamballa?" He looked up at Coeus. "And you're sure this is recent?"

"Yes." Coeus nodded to the photo. "Profiling her wasn't easy. It took Genius a lot of time. She's done a good job keeping her life a secret. From my assumptions, she's been able to live off the grid with cash alone. The identity she chose is Patricia Williams, both names the second most common last names for Minstrish-speakers, especially in Minstrel. 'Patricia Williams' has a common background, a NIN, and even bank statements that day back at least twenty years."

"A stolen identity," Thirteen rationalized. "But why would she steal an identity to go to Shamballa fifteen years later? Unless…" Murky oranges narrowed on the blurred photo. It's not a stretch to say she's trying to escape, but it's a much better fit to assume she's trying to go to the silent auction. But why would she risk doing all of this to get to the auction? Is she trying to get to the Black Auction to place a bid?

"How long was she a nurse for the king?" Thirteen asked.

"For a whole summer."

"Is that considered long for all the healthcare professionals around the king?"

"I'd say so. They 'rotate' staff almost every week to two weeks."

So then she stayed on longer and must've discovered something, Thirteen reasoned. But what did she find out? He slipped everything back into the envelopes. "Thanks. I'll put this to good use."

Coeus nodded.

Thirteen made a curious look. "You never ask me why I ask you for this information."

"Because that's not the question," Coeus said simply. "And besides, I'd find it natural you'd want information on the subject. After all"—his unusual eyes glinted as they pierced Thirteen—"it makes sense a stray vulture wants to understand what happened to his half-dead prey."

Thirteen tensed. "I can't change what I've done. But I can fix what'll happen." He clenched his hand. I'm not that man anymore. But this is still my responsibility to put all my sins to rest.

Coeus got up. "I need to get going."

Thirteen looked up at him. "You're not going to break into your therapist's apartment, right?"

"No." That should have relieved Thirteen until Coeus followed up with, "I'm going to ask her if I have her permission to break into her apartment." He turned away and waved a hand. "Have a good night."

Thirteen facepalmed as Coeus walked away. He's a lost cause. I hope to gods his therapist doesn't sic the Guard on him. He weighed the envelopes in his hand. Shamballa, huh? He pinched the bridge of his nose. What a mess.

WHINE!

Thirteen peered down at his poodle and scratched behind her ears. "Come on, Georgette, let's go home. That's enough outside time for today." He tucked his newspaper and envelopes under his arm to get a hold of Georgette's leash.

As they left the way they came, Thirteen thought, I never thought there'd be at a day I'd go back to that backwards country. He tightened his hold on the leash. But it looks like I have a reason to now.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Fairy Adventure

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

SLAM!

Vinyl let out a loud exhale as she trudged back into her dorm room. The giggles and gossip from the other girls of Fairy Hills was lost on her as she made her way to her couch and laid down onto it. Well, at least it wasn't a 'no' this time, she glumly supposed.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Vinyl's Room

Fairy Hills, Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

6:46PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The opened letter and stock card on her piano lay in her line of vision, so she sat up and went back to her grand piano. She did not dare touch the letter and stock card, but she took hold of the cut-open envelope to look again at the beautiful calligraphy on it. My great aunt Cadenza… For her to send me this letter?

She put back down the envelope to pick up the fallboard. Her fingers hit the keys for a run of an Eb scale before resetting herself. Her thumb hit mid B before her left hand started the haunting Eb major chord to Nocturne Op.9 No.2. Her hands remembered the 12-8 andante lilt, her feet automatically legato pedaling. As the haunting melody whirled around her, her mind could not help but think over the letter she received.

It's been a couple years since I left home, she thought. I haven't spoken to any of my family. I even changed my name to Vinyl and made my new address private. Master Erza was kind enough to make my joining of Fairy Tail as private as possible. How did my great aunt find me? Aquamarines flickered. Not even my parents tried to find me. It's not like I expected them to. Their perfect daughter running away from an arranged marriage? No. They wouldn't want me at all.

The graceful lines of the melody trilled into upward leaps. With the sonorous waltz-like foundation set down, her right hand was free to skitter across the keys with dramatic, chromatic sixteenth notes.

If it wasn't for Misses Dragneel, I wouldn't have made it this far. Part of me wants to tell her I got a letter from my great aunt, but… I know she's on vacation. And she's already done so much for me. Aquamarines glinted in memories. She's the only reason I could leave Minstrel and break free from my family.

The memories of such a past felt like a dream within the swaying song of the melody, like drops hit the water and showed another flash of that history.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

"Do you want to get out of here?"

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

The wedding had been tailored to perfection. Nothing could afford to be out of place on such an auspicious day. Even the guests had been checked to make sure their hair and make-up was properly styled. The emphasis of innocent white and marital pink and blue made her nauseous, not to mention the dozens of wealthy guests who had come to see her tied to a man she had no love for. Suffocating—this all felt so suffocating to endure. But she was supposed to endure. She had to endure.

That was her purpose as the next matriarch of the family line.

Until…

She looked up at such a gorgeous woman before her. She looked different from the guests, but it was clear she was invited, considering she had that same damn invitation in her hands. But nothing about her leveled with the others. Stardust twinkled on her deep blue dress, a shoulder-less number, and her hand carried a strange tattoo hardly recognizable. Hair that stole the color of the sun pinned into a tasteful updo that made her look regal—like a queen.

A man had been her accompaniment too, but he looked abnormal too in his tailored suit and sunglass… Did he have cat ears?

"I don't mean to impose," this woman—this queen—softly spoke with her eyes showing fleeting gold flecks in them as though the starry heaven's glossed her regard. "You don't look happy with what's going on." Something in her smile turned bittersweet. "I understand that completely. But you don't have to worry anymore. Because you can lead your own life and your own freedom."

She extended her hand with that strange tattoo on the back. "There's a place you can go where we'll see you for you, not for what you represent. Where you can grab your own happiness." Her eyes twinkled. "Would you like to go there?"

The music resounding in the chapel changed. It was her warning. Her father would come to walk her down the aisle.

She was trading one prison for another.

Her fingers felt so weak as she lifted them, but she could not help it. Maybe this was an illusion her mind had desperately made to help her control her drowning despair, but she so very much wanted this to be real. "Please," she whispered. "I want to go there."

This woman dressed in stars gentled her gaze. "I'll take you there. And I promise you"—she gripped those trembling fingers—"you'll know more warmth and love than you've ever felt before. Because we're all in this together."

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

DRIP…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Vinyl's sustained her Eb/G before pitching up the octave and ending on a sustained Bb chord to bring nocturne to its resolution. The chord faded into a perfect silence to let her quietly breathe out. With care, she released the pedal and closed the fallboard before her stare drew back to the open card and letter.

Either way, she took the time to track me down. I'm sure she used an MPI to do it. And the address… It wasn't the address of the main house. I can assume no one else in the family knows where I am, then. Her fingers clenched. But still… If what she wrote in her letter is true, then I don't have a choice.

She took hold of the stock card that read:

We request the pleasure of your company

AOIDE VIÑELLA DE LA MUSE

For the Spring Silent Auction & Fundraiser

April XX, XXXX | Cocktails at 6PM

Burj Al'umi Hotel | Dinner at 8PM

Aquamarines hardened. I guess… I'm headed to Shamballa.

---

Julia had shut the door to her room to pack up her belongings in peace. The heavy metal might have sounded grating to others, but it relaxed her as she tucked away the formal wear she would need for this trip.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Fullbuster Household

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

8:28 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Even as she packed, her mind continued to stray. So Princess Fatimah… And Sheikha Inayah… The images of both women resonated with her in some way she could not understand. Why do they both bother me? I'm sure living their lives aren't easy, being under public scrutiny and all, but… For Fatimah to run away…and Inayah to be forced to renounce her name and wear a veil to cover her face… What's going on?

Unable to stop thinking about it, Julia went to her Compact to find a contact with a glowing lightbulb. She sent a quick text:

« Hey, babe. U up? »

Without any warning, her Compact lit up for a call and she accepted it—

"Why'd you have to call now?" Noko complained. "I'm kinda busy here. You're lucky I like you."

Julia frowned when she heard a flash of background noise. "Aren't you some crippling shut-in? Wait, don't tell me. Were you about to actually go outside your house?"

"I do go outside," Noko huffed, miffed. "But seriously, I'm a little busy with prep work for my beautiful lady. Can we make this quick?"

Julia obliged. "What do you know about the second princess of Shamballa and the queen or 'sheikha' or Shamballa?"

That gave Noko pause. "Outside of the second princess running away, I don't know too much and I'm not near my system to do a deep dive," he said slowly. "But Inayah? I know a little bit more about her thanks to a past project."

"Can you tell me more about her?" Julia requested. When Noko sighed, she pressed, "Please, Supreme Overlord of Everything and Tech God?"

Noko snorted. "The world must be ending." He did some shifting. "All right, look. I can't tell you all the details, but Inayah was some illegitimate daughter from some political figure and a witch doctor. I mean, I know that's not the correct Andüsan term and borderline offensive, but my name is blanking on what they're called. She got treated like a leper, basically, for being born and worked since she was a kid. Her mom did everything she could for her, but the town was old school and basically shunned her for having her kid. Props to her for raising her kid right. Even supported her chess career."

Julia clenched her jaw. "Yeah. But that bastard of a baby daddy deserves a lot of bad karma."

"Amen." Noko continued, shuffling things around: "But rumors circled around the daughter. Village people noticed she was strange."

"'Strange' how?"

"I'm getting there," Noko said, amused. "Let's just say she had a knack for helping people. Farmers with shitty hauls or their land couldn't be culled—if she worked on their property enough, they'd suddenly have an abundance of crops. She did stints as a midwife with her mom, and every birth she was at turned out to be the easiest thing and the babies and mothers healthy. See a pattern?"

Julia's brow furrowed as she thought about it. "Wait…" An idea pinged in her head. "Does she have Fertility Magic?"

"Bingo," Noko answered. "Yes and no. Rumors stated she did, but Fertility Magic is still a Lost Magic and, even if someone had it, it's a red-taped Magic. But there technically is a way for her to do all of this."

When Noko said nothing, Julia gave a frustrated growl. "And that is?"

"Not something I'm at liberty to tell you."

Julia huffed. "Noko—"

"Sorry, not sorry, but she's not your mark," Noko told her point-blank. "And you know there are things I can't say because someone else has claimed that information exclusively. But you know more than the average person and you can conclude, yeah, Inayah wasn't randomly chosen like her love story states. She's still a mystery. As for the second princess, you can ask my assistant for more information if you need it. Now I really need to go. Sorry."

Julia sighed. "It's fine. Thanks for your help."

Noko hummed. "You be careful in Shamballa, Jules," he warned her. "Don't turn your back on everyone. You might think you're being sneaky profiling people, but they're doing the same to you. The MagiTech I gave you was stuff I had to specifically get tailored from a fashionable friend of mine. If someone scans you, a pretty convincing profile should come up. But be careful. I'm not the only one who can make deep fakes."

"I understand." Julia meant it. "Have fun on…whatever you're doing."

"Being a manservant to my hot girlfriend—what else?" Noko happily chirped. "It's been, like, five-ever since I've gotten to hold her instead of my body pillow, so I'm all for being her trophy boyfriend for the week if it means she lets me cuddle her."

Julia facepalmed as Noko eagerly raved about all the ways he desired to be of service to his lover. I shouldn't have asked. She sighed. "Well, I hope you invite me to the wedding then." A prolonged silence made her think he hung up, but she double-checked to see the call was ongoing. "Noko?"

He cleared his throat. "Yeah. The wedding."

Hearing the glumness in Noko's tone prompted Julia to ask, "What? If you two don't believe in marriage—"

"There's nothing we want more than to run off and elope," Noko said. "Heck, we even talked about kids. Obviously, I want them to take after her because she's a fifteen out of ten knockout and she's hella smart and even if she worries about it, she'd still look hot as hell pregnant—"

He really does like bragging about her, Julia thought dryly.

"—but we've got a long way to go until that dream becomes a reality," Noko grimly explained. "It's in the cards for us—I double-checked that—but for now, I have to be a patient man." He added poutily, "But it drives me insane how many people fantasize about my woman. She's basically a goddess and all these mere mortals think they stand a chance with her? Ridiculous!"

Julia felt a headache coming on. "Didn't you say you had to go?"

Noko laughed. "Yeah, I do. I need to look my best for my girl. Later!" And he hung up.

How old is he, really? Half the time I feel like I'm talking to a grown man and the other half, it's like I'm talking to some kid who just discovered women exist. Julia put down her Compact to think on Noko's information. So, Inayah was rumored to have Fertility Magic only it wasn't that. So what was it? It couldn't be a Curse. Even so, it would make sense for a leader to claim her if she has that sort of power. But still…

Thunderous footsteps and voices pulled her attention. She paused her music to abandon her room and caught Luna and Silver leaving the basement. "Hey," she called. "Where are you going?"

Silver poked back his head. "I'm walking Lulu home, and then I'm going over to Mistress' house." And he left again.

Julia jogged down the steps to see Luna and Silver getting on their shoes. "At this point, Mom and Dad might think you moved in with her," she ribbed. "You pretty much spend almost every night at her house. Should we be worried about your chastity?"

Silver flushed and defended, "I-It's not like that!"

"Right," Julia snorted. I think the only one who believes that is Ena. She took note in the small bag Silver had slung on. "You're bringing your knitting stuff to her house?"

Silver stiffened. "Yeah…"

"Oh."

Silver frowned at her. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I didn't realize she knew you like knitting and stuff," Julia said. She grinned. "Maybe you two could knit together as your 'thing'." She made air quotes. "Girls love that type of stuff."

Luna tersely muttered, "It's not just 'girls'."

Silver took hold of Luna's hand to stop her from saying anything else, and he said to Julia without looking at her, "Thanks, but I'd rather not. " He murmured to Luna, "C'mon, Lulu, let's go."

Julia frowned as Silver and Luna quickly left the house. What was that about? She dismissed it as she went back upstairs. He's always been so sensitive.

As she climbed the steps, her eyes glanced over the various family pictures her mother had been insistent to frame. One picture in particular she took comfort in. Before she had become a Hunter—before Gary had been a human experiment and living tool—this picture captured the bliss they all experienced going to the beach. They had successfully made a sandcastle with a moat in ice embellishments. Silver was a bubbly baby and looked much happier to splash the moat for the photo while Gary held him steady. Julia had wet sand on her hand as she waved at the camera. And their parents looked proud of their kids in the background.

Navies softened. I wish we could go back to the days like that—when we were happy.

She mounted the rest of the steps, but rather than retreat to her own room, she went down the hall to a closed door. She opened it with care to see the bedroom neat as the day it had been left. The blues and whites and grays made for a calming color scheme. Most thought of this as a guest bedroom, and in some ways, they were correct. But stepping into this room made everyone's heart ache.

Julia glided a hand over the dresser. Mom and Dad still can't get rid of Gary's old room. Navies dulled as the past played tricks. Even now after all these years, no one wants to take down Gary's room. He took all his clothes and belongings, but… Her lips flattened. We just… We couldn't…

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

GYAA… GYAA…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Waking up to crying was never a good thing, but even groggy, Julia recognized the sounds of her little brother's snivels. Drooling a little and mind foggy, she tumbled out of bed to see what happened. The sniffles and sobs came from a partially closed door that she recognized so fast, it woke her up. She pushed open the door to see her mother and Silver crowding Gary's bed. Silent tears pressed against Juvia's cheeks as she soothed her weeping son and curled him against her.

"Silver's all right," Juvia cooed. "Juvia's precious prince shouldn't cry."

"I m-m-miss hi"—HIC!—"him," Silver cried. "I w-wa-want him to come"—HIC!—"home!"

Juvia stroked through Silver's hair as she held back her own weeping for the sake of her son. "Gary will come home soon," she promised him, even if those words sounded empty and broken. "And Silver will have to greet his big brother with a big smile because he missed him so much." She snuggled Silver under her chin as more tears fell and her voice shook. "Gary's going to come home soon so Silver won't cry anymore. Mama promises her precious Silver that, okay?"

But as Silver nestled in his mother's arms for comfort, Julia was the only one to witness how close her mother was to breaking into her despair.

• — • — •

Julia stood before Gary's childhood bed, but she did not sit, not now. Almost every night, Silver would sleep in here. And so would Mom. They barely ate anything. Dad was afraid when Silver got so sick from malnutrition and dehydration. He almost locked the room to force Silver to drink and eat. It was such a mess. And that was when Silver was getting bullied too…

A deep inhale. Navies sparked in sorrow. I hated being so helpless back then. I hated watching Silver waste away like that. I hated knowing Gary was out there, hurt, and my Magic—that power I was told could protect the people I loved—could do absolutely nothing to get him back and make Silver's tears ago away. And when Gary came home… Her hands clenched into fists. He was like a ghost. People did that to him. We were powerless to save him from all he went through.

Her teeth gritted. But not anymore.

She forced herself to leave Gary's old room. I won't give up when I've come this far. They called him a "monster", but they don't even know what the word means. She went straight to her closet and parted her hung shirts for the back wall. Her hand scrapped the wall before her palm pressed down.

Runes appeared before the glyphs broke apart part of the wall to show a safe door big enough for a shorter adult to get into. With a biometric confirmation and a confirmation code, the safe unlocked. She pushed open the door. A pocket dimension room laced in otherworldly material was at her disposal. Various guns lined with walls with their own purpose and rounds of ammunition. Knives soaked in Anti-Ether had their own glass case to keep them fresh and sharp.

Julia found one of her handguns and checked it over. I didn't come this far to be a Hunter to half-ass it. I'll show them which one of us is the "monster". She got into position with her firearm before she moved the barrel to point at her bulleted targets. Photos captured Maxim, Lee, Lennox, and Gannon. But her main public enemy number one had a question mark with two words associated with their name:

THE DOCTOR

Navies darkened in bloodlust. And I'll have no regrets when I put them down like the filthy dogs they are. A gray reticle appeared in her eye as she honed on the picture and cocked her gun—

CLICK-CLICK!

---

Spring break plus bars meant drunk young people with money to burn.

Or, in other words, Thirteen's worst nightmare.

The crowd in club looked unruly in their grinding and gabbing. The miniskirts and low-cut dresses had been broken out with drinks sloshing and shots knocked back with ease. The DJ hyped the crowd up with (in Thirteen's opinion) a horrible beat that somehow made everyone throw their hands up in the air and croon the lyrics to the rap song.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

« This is the Wayback Nightclub, a popular club for 21 and up. »

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In a sea of twenty-somethings to thirty-somethings, Thirteen knew he was the odd one out. He had no interest in whatever went on in this nightclub and made it abundantly clear with the scowl on his face. Of course a kid like her would pick a place like this.

He shook his head when he caught a pair of amorous adults unable to keep their passion at bay. What the Hell is she thinking, inviting me out to a club like this?

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Wayback Nightclub

New Azalea City

Fiore, Ishgar

10:01 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

He shouldered through the throng without so much as a pardon or an excuse me with his gaze scanning through the strobe lights to find any sort of sign of Vinyl. It took him a moment until he recognized her at the bar. There she is. He meant to step towards her until he understood the situation.

A man had decided to keep Vinyl company and from the look on the face and the pill he kept hidden in his fingers, he was hopeful for more.

Thirteen clenched his jaw. Dammit.

°•°•°•°

"So when can I expect those private lessons?"

Vinyl faked a laugh as she kept her drink clutched to her person. How about never? How old is he, eighteen? She tried not to roll her eyes and scoff when his gaze pointedly went nowhere near her eyes, and instead, she checked her Compact again with a bit of a pout. It's not like I gave him a time or anything, but…

She sighed and sipped her drink, ignoring whatever the man before her tried to say to entice her. Well, it's not like he said a 'yes' either. Aquamarines dimmed a little. But… I was hopeful to at least see him so I wouldn't have to think about that letter and the invitation.

"You wanna dance, babe?"

Now Vinyl had enough. She gave a tight smile with her pearly whites and chirped, "No. Please get away from me before I scream bloody murder."

The man forced a laugh and grabbed her shoulder. "C'mon, it's just a dance—"

"Just like you have just one little pill in your hand, bub?"

The man paled upon seeing Thirteen's imposing frame and dangerous phoenix eyes. Trying to get in the last word, he inserted quickly, "She looks dead in bed anyway." And he scurried away before anyone could retaliate.

Thirteen glared after the man. "Kids like that are the reason I'd start fighting again."

"Well, I'm so glad you fought for my honor," Vinyl purred, pleased to see him in the nightclub. "I told you I need a big, strong man to rescue me, didn't I?"

Thirteen, however, was in no mood to play along as he pinned her with a glare as well. "What are you going in a place like this, kid?"

"I'm not a kid," Vinyl muttered. She fluffed out her hair and explained, "And besides, it's a Saturday night. Nightclubs are the places to go. And the drinks are really good here."

Thirteen sneered at the establishment with an icy look when he saw body shots happening on one of the counters. "This is the kind of place you want to go to for drinks?" He shook his head. "You really are just a little kid."

"And you're just an old grump," Vinyl mumbled.

"Yeah, I am," Thirteen said flatly. "I'm old enough to be your dad."

Vinyl simpered. "Oh, please. You're not that old. And my dad was young when he knocked up my mom anyway, so ha." She patted the vacated seat with a smile. "C'mon. I didn't expect you to show up, but since you did, drinks are on my tab, okay?"

Thirteen did not take a seat, but he eyed Vinyl's one-shouldered dress that went to her upper thighs and the gladiator heels that looked more dangerous than functional. "You didn't expect me to show up, but you still wore that?"

Vinyl shrugged. "Well, if you weren't going to show up…" She snickered over Thirteen's scowl. "I'm kidding—mostly." Something in her smile tarnished its brightness as she looked at her half-empty glass. "I just…needed a distraction tonight. That's all. A lot on my mind, y'know?"

Thirteen studied her. "And a one-night stand would've fixed all your problems?"

Vinyl winced, but she weakly argued, "Well, I'm sure you're not a saint either…" Puffing her cheeks slightly, she added in a low voice, "And I heard they can be good for relief, so…"

Thirteen's eyes narrowed when he saw the pink on Vinyl's cheeks. Wait. So she's never…? He felt a headache come on as he rubbed his jaw. "Shit, you really are a little kid." Before Vinyl could squawk in protest, Thirteen jerked his head to the exit. "Come on. Let's go."

Vinyl hesitated. "Go where?"

"To get drinks," Thirteen grunted as though it agitated him to say the words. "I'm not drinking in a place that smells like sex." He perused the liquor shelves with a curled lip. "And I doubt a place like this has any good whiskey. And I have a feeling I'm going to need it. So let's go." He growled when Vinyl stared at him. "What?"

BISSHA!

He became startled seeing Vinyl's nose suddenly drip with blood. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, sorry." A steamy blush worked Vinyl's face as she gazed at him. "Seeing you take charge like that got me all hot and bothered."

Shadows covered Thirteen's eyes. I'm going to need a lot more than whiskey tonight.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

And then…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Vinyl (with her nose done bleeding and her face cleaned) entered the speakeasy with a few curious glances. The bartenders—a lithe man with half-moon glasses and a stouter man with an impeccable mustache—were the only ones on duty tonight, ready for clientele. Outside of them, not a soul lived within the speakeasy. Smooth piano jazz played from the Jukebox Lacrima.

Thirteen stepped in behind her, but Vinyl asked, "What is this place?"

"A place for a good drink." Thirteen nodded to both bartenders. "I'll take my usual." He glanced down at Vinyl. "You?"

"Oh!" Vinyl ordered, "Ah, I'll have a Perench seventy-five?"

The taller bartender smiled in approval. "Excellent choice."

Thirteen placed a hand on the small of Vinyl's back and called to both bar tenders, "We'll be in one of the backrooms." His brow furrowed when he saw Vinyl pinched her nose with her cheeks red. "What is it now?"

"It's just so soon." She looked up at him with half-lidded eyes and a sly grin. "But if you want to get right to it, I won't stop you."

Dark clouds hung over Thirteen's head. How delusional is she? He huffed, "We're not doing anything like that, kid. The backrooms just give us some privacy." He sternly added against Vinyl's excited look, "To talk only."

She grinned. "I can work with that."

"I should've stayed in my apartment over this," Thirteen grumbled as he opened one of the backroom doors. He firmly put Vinyl on one side of the U-shaped couch while he took the other side, a table between them.

Vinyl looked around, intrigued. "But really, where are we? I've never heard of this place."

"It's not a place that's pretty advertised, as you can see," Thirteen told her. "Coeus and I come here often. Sometimes Gajeel. It's a good place for great drinks." Murky oranges scanned Vinyl. She seemed in a mood when she saw me earlier today. I'm sure this is a better place to talk than that nightclub, but… His eyebrow twitched as red burned his ears. Still… He grunted, "Don't you have anything to cover up?"

Vinyl blinked twice. "Huh?"

More red piled onto the back of Thirteen's neck as he crossed his arms. "You heard me the first time. You should cover up."

It took Vinyl a moment until she realized she had cleavage showing. Rather than embarrassment for the display, she reveled in it and teased her neckline with a finger. "Why cover-up when I want you to see all of it?"

TICK!

A tick mark bulged against Thirteen's temple with his annoyance battling against Vinyl's seductive aura. This little brat… He refused to look at her as he groused, "You shouldn't say that sort of stuff to a man twice your age. Have some dignity."

Vinyl pouted. "But why should I have any dignity when I'm telling you I wore this to seduce you and I'd rip it off if you told me to?"

TICK!

Another tick mark twinged Thirteen's cheeks. This girl…

KNOCK-KNOCK!

To Thirteen's relief, one of the bartenders came in with Thirteen's regular drink and a Perench 75 for Vinyl, ice waters for the pair. He left and closed the door behind him.

Thirteen was quick to take a sip of his drink, but he observed Vinyl over the rim of his glass as she preferred to stare at her drink than suck it down. What's been making her feel so off? She's normally much more hyper than this. He set down his drink to widen his legs and sit back in his seat. "What's bothering you, kid?"

Vinyl sighed as she dipped a finger in her gin cocktail. "Nothing, really." Carefully, she toyed the wet tip of her finger along the rim of her class. "Just… Family stuff, I guess. I got a letter from my great aunt, actually."

Thirteen hummed. "That a good thing?"

A sardonic smile twisted Vinyl's lips. "Well, it's not like I hate her. She was one of the few family members I actually cared about, but…" She sighed. "Well, I left that life behind when I joined Fairy Tail. All my friends, my acquaintances, my family—I thought I'd never see them or hear from them again."

"And then a letter shows up," Thirteen added.

"Yeah." Aquamarines wavered. "And then a letter showed up."

Thirteen took another sip of his drink. "And what sort of letter did she send? Based on how you look, I'm guessing it wasn't a nice 'how are you doing' sort of letter."

Vinyl's laugh barely carried any weight. "No." Her smile tinged. "Not exactly." She kept playing with the rim. "My family bloodline is responsible for merging Magic and music together. Everyone in my family has always been a musical and magical genius. But things aren't always that simple with my family." Two beats. "I probably went to my great aunt's much more than any other house. Her house was the only place I didn't feel all the pressure from being the next head of the family. And I know when I left, it probably hurt her." A brittle laugh escaped her. "But I doubt my family feels the same."

Thirteen tilted his head slightly to scrutinize Vinyl. "What's your family like?"

"Well…" Vinyl's chest heaved in a breath. "Like I said, they're all geniuses and talented. I'm the only child of my parents. My mother and father only married for business benefits and acclaim. And lucky for them, they had me, the one in the family to inherit the de la Muse Requip. My cousins loved high society and had arrogance for days. But my great aunt was the only one in the family I genuinely cared for.

"She had planned to marry for love, but her fiancé ended up dying in a war. So she stayed single and left the main house. I was the only one who visited her. She was a talented pianist, but she stopped playing when her love died. She couldn't hear the music. And because of that, no one wanted to speak to her, and no one objected to her moving to one of the adjacent villas to live alone."

Thirteen nursed his drink. "Your family sounds like a piece of work," he muttered.

"I'm sure they do," Vinyl agreed.

A hush fell between them.

"I have to go to Shamballa."

That effectively froze Thirteen. What?

Vinyl went on: "The letter my great aunt sent me… It was an ask for me to go the spring silent auction in Shamballa. Officially, only the head of the household receives an invitation and a recognized heir. From there, we can invite whoever we want. I guess I'm still technically the recognized heir to the de la Muse family. So…" She heaved a breath. "I guess…it means I have to go to the auction."

"Why exactly does she want you to go to the auction?" Thirteen asked slowly.

"Ah…" Vinyl smiled. "Sorry. It's a little personal. I guess I'm a little frazzled from the request. She was hopeful I'd accept, so she already had a suite and Sky Boat tickets arranged for me to go. To be honest, if anyone else asked, I would've declined, but…" Aquamarines glinted. "She did a lot for me. This is the least I can do for her, right?"

Thirteen's mind was reeling, however. Rich families definitely go to the auction, but she seems ignorant about what actually happens during the auction. I don't know her great-aunt, but for her to send a kid like her alone… He gripped his glass. It's not her fault she's naïve. She can defend herself, but I know the types who come to Shamballa for the auction. And they'll prey upon her innocence and status.

Vinyl stretched her arms. "But I guess the good thing is, is that I get a free vacation. Shamballa's a pretty advanced country, and the suite my great aunt booked for me looks amazing. So I should look at this as a glass-half-full sort of thing." She delivered a teasing grin. "But it'd be so much better if you'd come with me. You could be my big, strong date." She sipped her drink—

"Fine."

Vinyl blinked as she finished her swallow. "Huh?"

"I'll go," Thirteen said.

Vinyl blinked twice. "What?"

Thirteen huffed. "I said I'll go." I can't let her waltz into a room filled with people like that with no backup. And knowing her, she'd stumble into someone bad one way or another. He sipped his drink—

"For reals?"

He nearly spat his drink when Vinyl had stood up to lean over the table and his eye level ended up with her cleavage. Ears red, he growled at it, "Get off the table—!"

"This is like my dream come true!" Vinyl squealed, leaning in more with her blues shining. "I mean, I was just joking, but if you really want to come with me, yes, I one-hundred percent accept!" Internally, she was saluting her perseverance. I knew he'd fall for me. It was only a matter of time. Now I'll finally get him in bed with me and he'll rock my world for sure!

Thirteen looked disturbed at the lustful look on Vinyl's face (was her nose steaming? And was that…drool?). It's written all over her face what she's thinking.

To his surprise, Vinyl opened the door and trilled, "Oh, Mister Bartenders…! Could we get more drinks? We have a lot to celebrate tonight!" She winked back at Thirteen. "But I promise I won't get too drunk for you. I'll be perfectly sober when you take me home tonight."

Thirteen wanted to slam his head into the table, but instead he hunched over, defeated, while Vinyl merrily went on about how the rest of their night would turn out. I'm too old for this shit.

---

Unfortunately, the house a few doors down was filled with Magnolia High and Lake Sciliora students kicking off their spring holiday weekend with distasteful music, solo cups, and games involving liquor, kissing, and stripping. The entire street had cars lined up on the sides—a few partiers had taken their tête-à-tête into their cars and one vehicle was steamed and rocking—but the neighbors had been warned beforehand. Adults had come together to have their own drinking parties to catch up and reminisce.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Redfox Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

10:35 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

ZAAA…

A hard and heated shower felt good after a long day. The ice bath might have helped him relax his muscles, but a hot and humid shower like this was what Gale needed. Water sluiced down his scars and his Fairy Tail tattoo as he combed through his wet hair with his fingers. Steam fogged the entire bathroom and crowded the glass of the shower and the bathroom mirror, but it did nothing to clear the wandering thoughts dirtying his mind.

X — X — X — X — X

His hands slipped down his stomach before he palmed his half-hard cock. The heat of his water and his rough hand made him twitch, but his mind kept wandering through all the fog and humidity until…

"Gale…"

A shudder rippled down his spine when he imagined Luna's breathless whimper in his ear. Against the slices of water droplets, he grabbed himself before his hand stroked down to pull back his foreskin.

"Gale, please…"

His eyes closed as his imagination took over with each stroke. The haziness of the shower mist spawned an image of her with her skin flushed from the heat and her eyes glossed over from this intensity, this pleasure. Little mewls and breathless cries left her as she shivered. "More, please, ah…!"

His hand gave a harsh squeeze before forcing himself to go slow, but all his desire fed him the illusion she was pressed up against the shower with her legs wrapped around him. He could feel the little indents her nails rake into his shoulders when he held her taut with an arm and lined himself up with her.

A small grunt left him as he dragged his hand from the tip of his head to the base.

"I-I… Nnngh!"

Imagining pressing into the most intimate part of her—connecting them in that way—made his stomach fluttered. With fervent jerks, he tried to get lost in that feeling of how right it would be and how tight it would be in his fantasy. How she would cling to him and sniffle a little, but she give her own little thrust to encourage him for more. How one second fed into two fed into three of their lips locking under the spray until every inch of him was inside her.

Precum leaked as he worked from his base and could feel pressure build. Nature snapped at him. The Wild part of him failed to understand this. It always failed to understand and confused him. Why commit to self-pleasure when it promised no future for him? It tugged for him to leave and find his only to mate instead of using a useless hand, cheap fantasies, and future-less pleasure wasting his legacy.

If he proved his worth, maybe Little Moon would let him—

He dove back into his fantasy in an anxious attempt to control his Wild.

Slaps of flesh filled his ears as he imagined such desired intimacy. He was a bastard for thrusting into her like this, pistoning without holding a single thing back. She deserved soft strokes and handholding and chaste kisses. But her whimpers, how slick she was, the way she cried his name—his name—unleashed that savage part that urged him to go deeper, faster, harder. Her thighs would shake from the pleasure-pain with her begs of wait, ah, s-s-slower falling onto deaf ears the moment he felt the beginning flutters about to overtake her by storm.

"Ha, nnngh, Gale…!"

A bone-deep shudder made him moan when he tried to simulate how she would tighten him, contracting, the force pushing him out and gripping him at the same time. He needed to catch up to her. He needed to finish.

The Wild surfaced against his wishes to remind him how much better it would be to forget his human debauchery and indulge in Nature's Intent with his little moon—

Growling, he gave hurried strokes along his cock and his mind pictured himself frenziedly thrusting into her. Human and the Wild merged to shove him over the edge—

• — • — • — •

Scaled and clawed, he covered his little moon with his body and her on all fours, his fangs biting down on her neck to keep her still. The wet slaps of skin meeting skin and her aroused scent spurred him to have a future. She whimpered into their coupling with claiming bites puckering her silky skin and her thick scent washed with his. Gushes of slick from her eased his frantic rutting until his base enlarged and something kept catching her heat with each thrust.

She clawed at the ground, shivering as her back arched from the pleasure-pain, and a surge of mine mine mine made him bite down harder. A tightness gripped his cock when something inside him shifted. His thrust tied them together intimately, throwing her into the throes of pleasure—

"Gale…! More, ah, I'm g-g-gonna…!"

• — • — • — •

That proved to be all it took when the pressure could not be held back anymore.

Scales scratched his skin as he put a clawed hand onto the shower wall when the first spurts hit him hard and he throatily snarled, "Luna."

The Wild fed him hazed images of what his Nature would have done. Sputters of cum came out in jilted intervals, messed his hands, and splashed onto the shower floor, but the Wild pinned him with the imagery of his legacy filling his Female. How he would rock into her and keep his fangs clamped on her neck. She would shiver and pant, overwhelmed by their coital lock, and maybe she would shy away from it, but he would purr and nuzzle her as though to soothe you did well you're mine now my little moon.

Y — Y — Y — Y — Y

SPLAT… SPLAT…

The fantasy faded as the water was quick to clear away his useless legacy even as he squeezed out another few rivets with a couple more pumps. The bliss that tricked his mind faded.

The Wild tried to make him displeased he wasted his legacy on self-pleasure, but he fought it down for human satisfaction and slight exhaustion. That bliss from before cleared as he looked at the remnants of the mess he made with guilt.

I'm still thinking about doing that to her—taking her like that. More shame gutted him. If Blondie knew… After everything she's been through…

Thinking about Luna knowing his fantasies crafted her frightened and repulsed image cowering away from him. His touch acting as a catalyst to her agony and screaming. How she would hide in his king's arms to get away from him.

Rather than her only, he became her never.

The Wild retreated as though terrified such a powerful fear could come to light, of its little moon thinking it a hideous monster instead of a worthy mate. It would take useless self-pleasure over the second devastating loss of its little moon any day.

Gale could feel his mind feel human and any sign of his scales and claws vanished. The instincts driving him dialed back to leave him alone, and he let out a shaky breath. Dad warned me it'd be a balancing act between Dragon and human. But I didn't think it'd get this bad. That'd I want to… Rubies filled with remorse. That'd I even think for a second about claiming her like that.

He sighed as he got to work cleaning himself. Any advice, Sycaña?

Now that I am more familiar with human pleasure and customs, I believe you are learning to sustain yourself from mating rather successfully, Sycaña praised him. Dragons had no need for self-indulgence unless they were halflings, of which there were too few to articulate their mannerisms. Our mating cycles varied. It could take decades to a century for a cycle to come and, once it did, almost all Dragons heeded our urges.

Gale chilled. Is that going to happen to me?

I don't know. Sycaña was apologetically honest. I have never encountered a Dragon like you. You will know if a cycle is coming to properly prepare. Some Dragons refused to mate. Resisting felt like death, but they did. Others had no care who they mated. But it would seem your generation of Dragons prefers to be mated and with one life mate. She gravelly inserted, I'm sure little moon's sire is aware of this.

That made Gale feel worse as he lathered his hair. I wouldn't—

No one is saying you would, so think no such thought, Sycaña soothed. You are a growing anomaly. Your urges might cater to a growing human adolescent's libido, but your Dragon half will think you are in a cycle. You've learned how to balance both growths. She added, amused, Now you must keep in control around your little moon.

Yeah, well, hiding a boner from a pretty girl has been a man's job since Adam and Eve, Gale thought dryly. As he rinsed his hair from the shampoo, he hesitantly questioned, How exactly does Dragon mating work? He flushed, grumpy when Sycaña laughed. What's so funny?

It's amusing to explain it. Most Dragons do not keep their young for long, so we have no need to teach about mating, but I'll try my best. Sycaña explained as Gale went for his conditioner, In my day, once the cycle came, it was a battle. Dominant Dragons had to prove themselves—

Gale stopped her. Dominant?

Yes. Dominance isn't a male-only thing. Cycles might have made us mate, but like humans, Dragons mated with whichever gender they desired.

"Well that's progressive," Gale murmured under his breath. "Have you, y'know…with a female Dragon?"

He could feel her amusement make him flush, but Sycaña was candid. Once. I was young. She was powerful. Sorrelo is much more powerful than she is.

Gale snorted. Go off then, Mama S.

Sycaña throatily laughed and continued: If no other dominant competed for a Dragon, they had to present to them why they were worthy enough for mating. And if they accepted the victor or the offering, they would mate. It typically took a day—

Gale choked and dropped the bottle. Did you just say a 'day'?

For a healthy couple, yes. Sycaña spoke as though it was as normal as ever. Juveniles might have lasted an hour, but more experienced and virile mates could take a half a day or full day.

Shakily, Gale picked up the bottle and capped it, mind reeling. Sex takes a whole fucking day…

Sycaña continued: Dragons mated for eggs, Little Gem, not for pleasure. Some I had been with might've been kind enough to preen my scales and scent-mark me to find me later and make sure I laid my clutch, but it wasn't necessary. In your case, you'd bite your Female to keep her still. She sighed. Younger Dragons often didn't understand how long mating could take, or so Sorrelo said. It's why their dominants bit them, to hold them still or they'd hurt themselves on the spur—

"Jesus fuck, what the Hell do you mean by 'spur'?" Gale sputtered. "Are you sure any of this is ethical?"

'Ethical'? It's natural, Sycaña pointed out.

It's still fucking weird, Gale muttered. Privately, he thought, I'd be there with her like that…for a whole day? Explicit images tried to skew his mind in one direction, but face bright red, he dismissed those thoughts and felt thankful that the stir in his lower region had no strength for anything more any time soon. I'm a fucking pervert for thinking of that. What is wrong with me?

Conditioner finished, he took down the sprayer and went through his hair. Still, though… I need to be careful. Or I might be like the parents and end up with a baby at nineteen even with BC.

Rubies glinted in somber contemplation. I don't want to hurt Blondie ever again. I need to figure this shit out quick. If I trained under Jura… If I learned how to feel the earth like he does… Would it curb my other instincts?

SQUEAK!

Finished with his shower, he shut off the water and stepped out. He gathered his towel to ruffle his hair first before drying the rest of his body. But before all of that, I still need to tie up loose ends. I can't leave to train with him. Not yet. I get it now. There are still things I need to settle for I leave.

His efforts to dry himself slowed as he thought of Luna's shining eyes and shy smile. I…don't want to leave with any regrets. I want to be able to train with my mind free of distractions like that. So before I go, I'm going to make it right.

A gravestone, small and concise, with a bouquet of flowers and a framed picture of a young family.

Rubies decked with despair. And… I should visit him before I go too.

He finished drying himself off and all his hygienic processes before leaving the bathroom. A duffel and a suitcase sat on his bed, packed and ready to go, but he snorted when he saw them both. Shamballa put restrictions on PDPs. Guess we have to go old school. He suppressed a sigh. I hope Lady J knows what she's doing with this.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Two weeks ago…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

"Are you shitting me?"

Gale did not care if he hissed at Julia on the front porch, but he was tired and irritated he had left Luna sleeping alone in the basement to come up for this. "So not only did you open a file from an—surprise, surprise—untrustworthy source; now you want to follow that source's instructions and go to an illegal auction—"

"Keep your voice down," Julia hissed back, quieter. "Look, I know it's insane—"

"Oh, it's fucking beyond insane," Gale retorted scathingly. "It's suicide, Julianna—"

Julia's navies flared. "Don't full name me for this," she snapped. Huffing her vexation, she hissed, "I understand you're not happy about this, but I am going to Shamballa. I don't know why or how Maxim was able to arrange this for me, but what I do understand from this auction is that I'll be able to look the bastards who robbed Gary three years of his life square in the eye. I'll know what sort of despicable beings they are."

"And that makes you an Avenger now?" Gale jeered. "What you're doing at this point is unnecessary revenge. You're risking your life, for what? A hunch? A gut feeling you'll be able to look these people in the eye and then what? Kill them?"

Julia kept her gaze level. "I'm going to do what I have to do."

Gale shook his head and muttered curses under his breath as he turned away to pace. He rubbed his forehead as he stood before her again in deep thought. "You know I don't agree with this. And if Gary heard you were doing this on his behalf with his trauma, you know what he'd say."

That was a low blow, and they both knew it.

Julia quietly countered, "I'm not about to let the people who drove him into a constant state of suicidal thoughts and nightmares get off scot-free. I will do whatever it takes to make sure each and every one of those people are in the ground because Gary and all those victims don't deserve living in fear that they'll be captured again and brutalized." When Gale shook his head, she added, delicate, "I'm not Emma."

Gale froze.

Julia's shoulders dropped. "I'm not her, Gale. This isn't at all like her." Navies dropped. "What she did… It was completely deranged and psychopathic and abusive. Both you and him were the victims of that. And her 'revenge'…was at the cost of your life." Her gaze lifted, resolute. "But that's not what I want for Gary or Silver. Twice my brothers were stolen. For months, Gary was a wreck." The nightmarish memories of how uncanny Gary's despair expressed would make her fury rise all over again. "And for years, he's been forced to live with the memories of his torture. I was lucky Silver was gone for hours, and I shouldn't say that. I shouldn't because I saw them bring him in so broken and bloodied and nearly dying. Twice, Gale. This happened to me twice."

Her bottom lip trembled, but she stubbornly saw this to the end. "Am I supposed to wait for a third time to come? Is that what I'm supposed to do? I'm supposed to wait until both Gary and Silver are taken and tormented? Because three is a fucking – magic – number and third time's the charm?" An edge bit her words. "Yeah, I crossed a line. I basically said 'fuck you' to Magic and turned into the same predator that preys on my brothers. But I'm not doing this as a suicide mission—at least not for me. I'm doing this so I don't ever have to see someone I care about get tormented to the point where their mission in life is to commit suicide."

She straightened her back. "I'm sorry, but I don't give a shit if you disagree with me or not. The auctions in Shamballa might be risky. It'll be swarmed with enemies. I'm walking into the lion's den, but I will do it over and over again if it means Gary and Silver don't have to look over their shoulder. You didn't have to hear them crying in their sleep—I did. You didn't have to watch how they'd practically starve themselves—I did—"

"I get it," Gale cut in, voice defeated. "I get it, Lady J, fuck…" He rubbed down his face and inhaled deeply. "You think I'm not worried about our family? Of course I am." Rubies sparked. "I wasn't at your house when Gary was going through it. But Silver… I remember that. He got so thin… It was like a breeze could kill him. And hearing about what happened to him under those Hunters…" He flexed his hand. "I know, Lady J, I know."

He rubbed his jaw and tried to calm his teeth from coming out. Something about his scent bothers me. He doesn't smell as…human anymore. He smells like me—Dragon. I didn't believe it at first, but the more I was around him, the more it felt like a concrete answer. And it would answer the question why Hunters chose to torture him. And if Hunters know he's another Dragon, then it's only a matter of time they'll swing back to finish what they started.

The thought of Silver's entrapment and subsequent enslavement made his blood boil and War ring in his eyes.

"So?"

Determined navy clashed with intense ruby.

Gale made his choice. "Fine. I'll come with you. I don't like this," he warned her, "but I'll come with you. You don't go to shit like this without sizable back-up."

"Magic might not work on them," Julia cautioned.

Gale smirked. "Good thing I know how to use a gun. Hate to break it to you, G.I. Jules, but unlike me, you aren't bulletproof." His ears pricked, and he listened intently when he heard Luna's soft whimpers. She's crying again. The Wild fed his urge to soothe his little moon.

Julia sensed Gale's shift in priorities and softened her posture. "How's she doing?"

"Nightmares," Gale said in a grim tone. "Luke warned me she's been having them. He didn't want her to come over since he normally sneaks in to help calm her down before she goes into a panic, but I said it's no problem."

Julia broached, "Don't you think it's possible the person responsible for Luna's nightmares might be in Shamballa?"

War raged in Gale's eyes, and scales laced his biceps and cheeks. If that son of a bitch Hemlock is there… For all he did to Blondie… Dragon and human merged in his voice as he snarled, "Don't you dare touch them." He made it clear in his eyes this was a threat and not a promising warning. "I'll take care of it."

Julia nodded. "I understand." She moved her motorcycle helmet to the other side and jerked her chin to the door. "Go back downstairs to her. I'll let you know the details later. She needs you." She put on her helmet. "Talk to you later."

"Get home safe," Gale called.

Julia responded with a thumbs up.

Maybe on a normal night, Gale would make sure Julia zoomed up the street safely, but when Luna's slurred words became erratic, his instincts took over common courtesy. He went back inside and booked it for the basement. Icarus was wide awake as he tried to keep Luna from hurting herself, and Gale's heart broke seeing Luna's sobbing struggle. Careful, he took over Icarus' job with his purr triggered at her distress.

Her night terrors are getting intense, Gale worried. How am I supposed to leave her alone for the week? When she's not even comfortable in her dreams?

Batting away his own rage and heartbreak, he kept purring and scenting. Gradually, Luna's distraught whimpers diminished back into a sniffle or two until she could sail back into peaceful waters. Gale held her close, even as he fought down his despair. I'm going to find that son of a bitch, he promised her. And I'm going to kill him.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

The present…

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

In some old shorts, Gale sat on the edge of his bed as he finished towel-drying his hair. A Black Auction House seems like the perfect place a rapist and pedophile would want to indulge in, he thought darkly. I'll have Lady J's back on this job. But the second I see him, I'm not going to hesitate. I know Fairy Tail doesn't kill. The Wild, feral, shone in his eyes. So I'll make sure this is personal.

He glanced at his charged Compact and looked at his notifications. She still hasn't texted me back. He did not want to pout like an irate child, but it felt like he was. She wouldn't even let me hold her. It's not like I have the right to do that anymore, but… A tick mark twinged his brow as he remembered Luna having no issue nuzzling Silver. It still pisses me off her precious baby gets more of her than me.

He tapped his screen to bring up Luna's contact. It wouldn't hurt to call her again… I just wanted to spend time with her before I leave for a week. In the end, he placed the call. It kept ringing and ringing until he grew crestfallen she would ignore his call again—

The call connected. "Yeah?"

Relief hit Gale and he smiled. "You are one hard princess to get a hold of, Blondie."

Luna clapped back, "Maybe because I didn't want to talk to you."

Gale whistled as he got up. "Damn, Blondie-girl. What did I do to deserve that?"

"You—!" Luna wrestled with her words as Gale chucked his towel in his laundry bin. A sigh. "Nothing. I guess," she grumbled. Some shifting crackled through. "Sorry for ignoring you. I have a lot on my mind."

"It's cool," Gale dismissed as he went through his closet for a hoodie. He teased her, "Any way I could take your mind off things?"

Luke's unexpected voice made Gale freeze. "Not on his life."

Luna simpered. "Luke says, 'no'."

Gale groaned as he set down his Compact to put on his hoodie. "Shit. Why did you answer my call close to him?" He popped his head through the neckline. "Now I actually have to watch what I say or I'll wake up in a casket."

Luke called, "You should be watching what you say regardless. I hope you're not using any vulgarity around Lu."

Gale snorted as he slipped on his sunstone bracelet before he picked up his Compact again and drawled, "I'm bilingual in uptight gentleman and dirty talk, Your Highness. Let's not forget Eleven Shot Lukas."

He rooted around for another shirt and grinned to himself. He might outclass me in some ways, but the little prince is a spunky little drunk. He thoughtfully remarked, Huh. Maybe that's why they say it's always the quiet ones.

When he heard quiet, he asked, "Did he ditch you?"

"Yeah." Luna replied, bemused. "But who is 'Eleven Shot Lukas'?"

"My leverage," Gale said, cryptic. He internally sweatdropped. And my worst nightmare. "Enough about him." He found a worthy shirt, an old one from a metal concert. "How was your day?"

"Good," Luna said through a muffled mouthful. In a clearer voice, she gushed, "E is taking me with her on her business trip to Caelum. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Silver was no match for me."

Gale chortled. "You've got some fucking dangerous eyes there, Blondie-girl. Of course he was a sucker." He blinked as rubies wavered. Caelum, huh? She's never been that far away from home before. His hand tightened. Not by choice. Tender, he murmured, "Will you be okay out there in Caelum?"

"I'll be fine." Luna's smile touched her words. "I'll be with E and Silver and Icarus. And I don't want to keep being afraid. I want to do this."

"M'kay." Gale grabbed his charger and turned off his bedroom lights. "Stay close to them. I know you'll have your Com on you, but keep your Call Cards on you too, just in case your Com dies. And you call me if you need to, all right? I'll come runnin'."

"Yes, Papa."

DOKI-DOKI!

Red flushed Gale's face. What the…? He awkwardly laughed. "Didn't know you were into that, Blondie."

"What do you mean?" Luna questioned, curious.

A dreary lament cursed Gale as he facepalmed. Of course. He sighed as he climbed down the steps. "You're so innocent sometimes."

"What?"

"Nothing, nothing." I'm not explaining daddy kinks unless I know I won't be hunted down. "So." He grinned as he went for his slides. "Can I come over?"

"Nope!"

Gale grinned through Luna's playful rejection. "Aw, c'mon, Blondie, ya gotta give me somethin'," he needled. "I'm all showered and squeaky clean and my ego's hurt from Lady J kicking my ass today." He got the keys to the truck. "And need I remind you, I have my flight tomorrow. I need a good dose of Blondie before I leave or I can't function. You're like my coffee but sweeter and way more delicious."

A snort. "Ha-ha. Nice try."

Gale's grin broadened as he waited at the front door. A niggle of doubt made him worry she would refuse him again. "Had to chance it. So…? Is that a 'yes'?"

Luna made a show of hemming and hawing. "I don't know…"

Gale pinched the bridge of his nose. I didn't want to resort to this, but she left me no other choice. He reluctantly compromised, "I'll even throw in we could watch stupid Magia."

The response came instant. "'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series' or you can't come over."

Gale's eyebrows slammed together. "What the fuck sort of title is that?" He twirled his lanyard. "C'mon, Blondie-girl, have a little mercy on me."

"Oh, I think Cane is free tonight—"

The Wild surged as envy filled Gale's mind with Cane and Luna tangled together. The snarl ripping from his throat and the need to eliminate the competition came quick—

Luna taunted him, singsong. "'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,' Gale. My baby and I wanted to do a rewatch, but we couldn't, so you get the honor."

Gale struggled to leash back his instincts. Shit. I don't need to go nuclear like this. She doesn't deserve that. He forced his tone to be light. "Ugh. He gets 'baby' and I get an innocent 'Papa'? Gotta say, you do some wonders for my ego, Blondie. Makin' me damn jealous of Little Fullbuster."

"Time's ticking, Gale…"

"Okay, okay, we can watch your… What the Hell is it called? No, never mind, I don't want to know, it sounds stupid and dramatic. I'm just going to bitch about it the entire time."

"Yeah, yeah."

Gale understood Luna moved away from the Compact, and he glanced up at the steps. I'll come back over in the morning. I'll just text him I'm leaving for the night. Uncle Lily is in the forest. I'm sure it'll be fine. But the ache in his heart disagreed.

Luna came back. "Luke said it's okay."

Gale hesitated to push himself out the door. "Well thank the gods Geek Charming gave me his blessing," he muttered dryly. "I'll leave in five then and I'll even be nice and bring you a shirt. Want to know what it's made of?"

"No, not again—"

"Cotton. Want to know what I'm made of?"

"Gale—"

"Boyfriend material."

Luna groaned. "Bye, Gale."

Gale snickered as Luna ended the call. See you soon, Blondie. He hazarded another glance to the steps. Maybe…I should say something? He hollered, "Yo, douchebag! I'm headin' to Blondie's for the night! Tell Uncle Lily for me, all right?"

Silence.

Gale tried not to let the quiet unnerve him. He might've gone to bed. He's been going to bed earlier. He opened his mouth only to close it again. I don't want to push him. It might drive him away. But I… His lips twitched into a sad frown. I really…don't want to lose someone else. With great reluctance, he left the house and locked up, but not without placing another call.

The call connected on the second ring. "What the fuck do you want?"

"Don't be pissed I'm saving Mom from sixth mistake, shitty old man," Gale volleyed without a second to spare.

Gajeel chuckled. "None of you were mistakes. Happy accidents."

"Key word is accident as in accidentally on purpose." Gale shook his head as he climbed into the truck. "I didn't call for the worst advice ever to lock down a woman, Old Man." He started the truck. "It's about…" He glanced at the house. "It's about Leo, Dad."

A hush.

Gajeel rumbled, "He still not eating?"

Gale grimaced. "No. And he looked like a wreck training with Uncle Lily when I came in. I'm pretty sure he's up in his room, but I just wanted you to know…"

Gajeel sighed. "Right. Don't stress yourself over it now. What Galileo's going through…" A long beat. "It's hard to help someone who doesn't want it," he murmured. "But when he needs it, we'll be there. Keep doing your thing, Pipsqueak. Your mom and I will handle it."

Gale leaned against the steering wheel. "Yeah, sure. Okay." He exhaled through his nose. "Lady J and I are off for break tomorrow, so I'll see you in a week." He yawned.

"You two be careful out there," Gajeel warned. "If you start something, you better finish it and have witnesses under control."

Gale's eyebrow twitched. Most parents would discourage fighting, but he just coaches me where to hide the bodies. He half-grinned. "Understood, sir."

"Good."

Gale synched his Compact to the truck. "See ya—"

"Gale."

He froze.

"Stay safe in that country."

Rubies widened. Does he …? Rubies glinted. I should've known. Gale closed his eyes. "Shitty old man. You're actually acting like a good dad for once if you're worrying about me." He opened his eyes, regard soft. "I'll be safe. Promise."

"Good. And don't call me this fucking late unless you want me to do the same to you when you end up winning Squirt over."

Gale blinked when the call cut off. What a nasty temper. Though he could imagine his father following through on his threat. They do say spite is a good motivator. And he's a spiteful fucker. He snorted as he reversed the truck. And he wonders where I get my attitude from?

°•°•°•°

The East Magnolia Forest might have been scary to those unfamiliar with it, but the Dragneel house in the dead of the forest thrived buried within the trees. Gale came up the main sidewalk and noted he could see Luke's light still on and the porch lights had been kept lit, but nothing more than that.

His sunstone glittered, eager.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Dragneel Residence

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

11:15 PM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!

The front door clicked as locks came undone before Luna opened the door, but she dared not unlock the screen door quite yet. "You're here."

Her moonstone twinkled, content.

Gale grinned. "Isn't it impolite to leave your house guest out in the freezing cold?"

"Oh, please." Luna unlocked the screen door and pushed it out for Gale. "Like you would ever complain about cold. All of you people run hot. Luke, Mama, and I are the ones who have to suffer being freeze babies all the time—Oh!" She flushed when Gale loomed over her. "Y-You're really close…"

Gale peered down at her with rubies glinting in mirth. "Do I smell good enough to be this close to you, Blondie?" When her blush darkened, he beckoned her. "C'mon. You can take a sniff. I don't mind."

"I'm not an animal like you," Luna muttered, trying to push him away. "I don't go randomly smelling people." She turned away only to be accosted when Gale hugged her from behind. Body completely red, she sputtered, "G-Gale!"

"You were the one who wouldn't let me touch you, principessa," Gale murmured into her neck, taking a deep whiff of her scent. "So you have to put up with the consequences." Fuck, she smells like home. But he could not revel in her scent when Luna's elbow to his stomach left him choking.

She hurriedly wriggled out of his grip with a mischievous grin of her own. "Sorry, but I never said I'd let you touch me just because you came over," she reminded him in good humor. "I'll have you know that I don't associate with nasty Dragons. My papa warned me to stay away from your kind."

"My kind, huh?" Amused, Gale snorted as he took off his shoes. "Hate to break it to you, Blondie-girl, but your dad is one of my kind—a nasty Dragon." He prowled towards her with the Wild coiling in anticipation when she backed up onto the stairs. "And he captured a fair maiden from her tower, just like the fairy tales say," he murmured, caging her. "It's in our nature to steal pretty things."

"Really?" Luna drawled. "That seems pretty shallow."

"Forgive me, little princess. I meant to say we like stealing very"—he leaned closer as the Wild held his eyes—"very beautiful things and hoarding them for ourselves. Your dad might've warned you away from 'my kind', but you already invited me in, didn't you? I'd say you're hopeful a Dragon comes to get you."

Luna swallowed, her amusement surrendering for meekness under the intensity of Gale's stare. "You're wrong."

"Am I?" Gale reached a hand to touch her cheek. Her little shiver made the Wild urge him for more. "Prove it."

That changed Luna's attitude and made her smile. "Okay."

Galen early fell over when Luna bolted up the staircase in a fit of laughter. "Shit!" He looked up at her, exasperated and amused all at the same time. "Oh, you little…!" He raced up the steps to give chase. "Don't think this is over, Blondie! Running away just makes it more fun!" Her laughter made the Wild purr in glee and egged him to go faster before she could get to the hallway.

Luna simpered when her efforts to escape were thwarted as Gale pinned her to the wall the moment she got to the top of the steps. "You're a little slow for a Dragon, you know that?"

"And you, you little tease"—he leaned forward and could not stop himself when he kissed her forehead—"smell amazing." He bent his head to nuzzle her neck. The Wild could not help the purr in Gale's chest when her sweet scent mixed with his own.

Luna giggled when she felt Gale's smile against her skin and half-heartedly tried to get away. "Gale, don't!"

Tightening his hold, Gale mock-growled, "Then don't be such a cute tease, Blondie." The purring made it almost impossible to keep his voice human the more he inhaled her heady scent. Each lungful made him feel punch-drunk and feeling her warmth—that she was in front of him—made it all the more intoxicating and impossible to stop. The Wild made his fangs feel heavy and, for a moment, his mouth watered when his lips accidentally parted—

Someone cleared their throat.

Luna locked up. "O-Oh!" A flush came about her when she realized she and Gale were under Luke's disapproving stare and she quickly ducked out of Gale's arms (though she could have sworn she heard a low whine). "Sorry. Did we disturb you?"

Luke narrowed his eyes. "No," he grunted. "But keep your door open when you're both in there." His stare honed on Gale and he stressed, "I can hear everything."

Gale's eyebrow twitched as he grinned. "Don't be so uptight. I won't dare touch a princess in her own castle, Your Highness." Needing to touch Luna again, he pinched her side and his grin broadened when she yelp-laughed. Gods, I've missed that sound.

Luke looked like he was ready to drink. "Just… Keep it down."

"We will," Luna squeaked, a bit mortified.

Gale leaned down with a frisky smirk and whispered for her ears alone, "I'm gonna make sure we break that rule immediately."

Luna playfully shoved him away and mouthed shut up before abandoning him for her older brother. She pecked his cheek. "Night!"

Luke smiled and patted her head. "Night." But his smile dropped when Gale tried to coast by. "Gale, wait."

Luna frowned when Gale stopped, and she looked between both boys. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine," Luke soothed. "I just need to talk to him for a second."

Gale murmured to a hesitant Luna, "I'll be there in a minute." He knuckled her cheek. "Wait for me, yeah? Go do what you need to do."

Luna nodded, still frowning, but she disappeared into her room. For a moment, she wanted to eavesdrop, but what was the point of trying when both people outside could easily track her breath and heartbeat without trying. She shut the door behind her. I hope they don't fight again. Gale's dying form and Luke's demonic eyes felt fresh in her mind, but she shook it off. No. It's fine. I'm sure everything's okay. Luke's probably giving him a big brother talk or something.

That made her puff a cheek in annoyance. I thought when Igneel left, I wouldn't have to deal with that. Igneel's overprotection was nice when she was subjected to unwanted flirting, but she nearly let him have it when he would sneer at poor cashiers who wanted to do their job and earn their paycheck. That dummy.

Sighing, she took off her clothes in exchange for the old metal band shirt Gale imparted to her. As she went to brush her hair for the evening, she ended up getting on her bed to look out her window. The stars twinkled bright on a night like tonight with the clouds hitting mild traffic. Her brushstrokes were slow and concise as she went down her winding locks.

I wonder what he's doing now. Is he having a spring break too? She smiled. I doubt he'd be happy I was going to Caelum with E and Silver. But for as much as he never liked E, he seemed to trust her when it came to me. He was just too protective. Chocolates sparkled. But still… I know he did that to show he cared. Just like he showed Mary Jane he cared.

Her shoulders fell. I know Peter's Mary Jane's boyfriend, but… I'm worried about her. Peter seems like a nice guy. I know he wouldn't force Mary Jane into anything she wouldn't want to do. It was actually comforting to hear she was afraid, just like me. Of…sex. The word made her nauseous. I hope everything works out for her. I tried to give my best advice, but still… I can't help but feel selfish. Part of me wishes she doesn't really love Peter…so she could love Igneel. But I want her to be happy first and foremost.

She closed her eyes for a second before glancing up and looking at the moon. Well… As long as she's happy with her choices, then I should be happy for her. She set down her hairbrush to unlatch her window and open it. The springtime air threaded through her hair as though wanting to undo all her hard work, but she did not mind. It felt good to feel the breeze and taste the wind.

By now, Silver and E are together. A puff left her. If someone asked me before, maybe I'd say Luke and E were a good fit. But now… It's so hard to not imagine Silver and E together. And Silver's still jealous of Luke, even though it's clear who E likes. She could imagine puppy-Silver all jealous of a smiling Luke with question marks around him. And Luke…

Her smile faded. That woman who bonded to him… We still don't know who she is or why she did what she did. To be honest, I'm scared for Luke. Even if she hasn't come back for him now, it doesn't mean she won't one day. What happens when that day comes? Will he be okay? Her heart clenched. I just want the people I love to be happy.

The door opened. "Good choices in PJs there, Blondie-girl."

Luna's smile was back, but she wanted to feel the wind for a little longer. "I can give it back to you—"

"Nah." Gale got on the bed to hold her from behind, and their bracelets pulsed in the presence of their harmonic half. "It looks better on you than it ever did on me." He rested his chin on her shoulders and restrained himself from letting his hands roam. "Mmm… So. What'cha thinkin' about?"

"How I want everyone to be happy," Luna murmured.

"Yeah?" Gale smiled as he breathed her in. "You're sweet to want that. It's cute."

Luna puffed a cheek and mumbled, "You're making fun of me, aren't you?"

"I'm not, honest," Gale promised. "I think it's sweet to want everyone to be happy." Rubies blinked up at the moon. "I know I want more than anything for Leo to be happy. It might take some time, but… That's all I want for him."

Luna looked up at Gale. "Is he still sad right now?"

"I'm pretty sure he's depressed, yeah," Gale affirmed. "Even if I wanted to shake him out of it, I know I can't. He'd just ignore me or find somewhere else to go to be alone, and I don't want that. All I can do is hope he sees we're all right here when he wants to talk." He closed his eyes when Luna placed her hand over his. I don't want to lose anyone else.

"You feel sad now."

Gale hummed. "Maybe a little." He opened his eyes for rubies to connect with chocolates. "But I'm a lot better with you here." Instinct made him lean down and badly, he wanted to press a chaste kiss against her lips, but he stopped himself from making another mark on their roadmap of mistakes. "Sorry," he choked.

Luna swallowed. "I-It's okay." Her eyes averted to the side. "We're…learning how to be friends again, remember? Things happen."

"Yeah, I know." Gale rested his temple against the side of her face with a deep sigh. "It's fucking hard." He tightened his hold when Luna stiffened. "I didn't mean it like that," he calmed. "I'm still fifty shades fucked up. I know this is best. It's just…" He tried for the right words, but frustration made him when he failed. "Shit, I'm saying it all wrong—"

"No, it's okay," Luna soothed. "I-I… I get it." Hints of pink dusted her cheeks. "I, um, really do understand."

The emphasized sweetness paired with Luna's blush made Gale groan into her skin. "Shit, Blondie, you can't be pullin' that face and smelling like a fucking snack or you'll make me lose my mind." He grinned when her worries faded for quiet laughter. "We work like this. I get it. But damn do I miss makin' out with you like the world is ending."

Luna choked in partial amusement and partial disbelief. "Gale!"

"What? I'm an honest man." He yanked her down with him when he flopped onto the bed and she lay on top of him. "You make me an honest man."

"More like a perverted one," Luna muttered. She colored when Gale started sectioning off her hair. "H-Hey! I was going to braid it—!"

"Relax, and let me take care of my bratty principessa," Gale teased.

Luna huffed, but she let him do as he pleased. A thought occurred to her as she felt his fingers work her hair. "You're still wearing your gloves?"

"Yeah." Gale's stare dropped back to her curious one. "Still haven't learned to turn off the psychometry, so it's better for me to keep these bad boys on than take them off and see something I shouldn't." A solemn moment passed between them as Luna's gaze fell and remorse hit Gale. "I'm still sorry for…"

"It's okay," Luna murmured. "I know it wasn't on purpose. And…" Gathering her courage, she met his eyes. "I'm…glad you found out. I'm always nervous Luke will make me talk about it—"

"He wouldn't," Gale soothed her. "He knows better than to push you, and so do I." He concentrated on her braid for a moment before quietly confessing, "I thought about using my powers on the case Luke and I were on."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Gale shifted, and Luna shifted with him. "Those people who died… They deserved peace. Outside of less than a handful of people, no one knows about my Time Magic. It's already a Lost Art and if it got out that we had these abilities, it wouldn't go that well with all the questioning we'd have to go through and testing. But during the case, I made a deal with myself. If Luke couldn't use Necromancy, I'd take off my gloves, use my powers, and out myself."

Luna rested her chin on her hands. "Have you told Luke about your powers?"

"No. Not yet," Gale corrected himself. "I plan to."

"You do?"

Gale nodded as he finished Luna's braid. "Mmm-hmm." Done, he smoothed his hands down her back until his arms loosely caught her waist. "I figured if I'm gonna be in the trenches with him, might as well. I trust him with my life." He smiled at Luna's visible relief. "You were worried we were going to kill each other, weren't you?"

"Maybe a little," Luna tittered. "It's nice to see you guys as friends." She added in a mutter, "If only you'd get along with Silver that way."

Gale snorted. "I get along with him fine."

"But how do you know that?" Luna argued, her irritation making a fierce and bristling comeback. She struggled against Gale's hold to sit up. "Maybe you think you're getting along with him, but maybe he thinks differently—!"

"Woah, woah, easy, easy, baby girl." Gale frowned, jarred at the spice in Luna's scent and the hostility in her posture. He refused to let her go and kept her close even when her eyes threatened him. "What's got you all wound up now?" He warned when Luna pointedly would not look at him, "Blondie…"

"Don't you 'Blondie' me, mister," Luna grumbled.

"Hey, you're the Telepath-Empath out of the two of us," Gale pointed out. "I can't read your mind, so ya gotta tell me what's goin' on in that pretty little brain of yours, all right?" He kissed Luna's chin when she refused to look at him. "Hey." He nosed her cheek. "Blondie, c'mon… Don't make a Dragon whine."

Luna hmphed. "I'm just saying you could be nicer to Silver. Maybe you think it's funny, but not everyone thinks it's funny when you joke around like that." Her ire lost the battle when Gale's purring and nuzzling tickled her skin. She laughingly-scolded, "Gale, I'm serious here."

"And I hear every word you're saying, serious girl." Gale pulled back to rub his nose with hers, eliciting a giggle from her. "I'll be nicer to him—"

Luna beamed. "Good—"

"—if you give me something in return."

Luna's beam fell for a scowl. "I should've known there'd be a trick. What do you want?"

Gale chuckled. "You make it sound like I'm going to make you strip down." His chuckles quieted when a brittle scent intertwined with Luna's natural scent and her face faltered. "Hey…" He palmed her cheek. "I'm kidding, Blondie. I wouldn't make you do that. I told you to fuck all that sort of stuff. I'd take cuddling and cutesy shit like this over whatever your mind went to any day of the week."

"You mean that?" Luna asked, voice small.

"I do," Gale murmured.

"You don't miss"—Luna blinked downwards, self-conscious—"doing that? A-Are you holding yourself back because of me?"

Gale sighed through his nose. This sweet princess… He combed back her bangs. "You worry too much." He pinched her cheek and stretched it. "You'll get wrinkles in your youth at this rate if you keep worrying." Carefully, he nudged her onto the bed to sit up and pull off his hoodie.

Luna laid on her side to watch him and see the scars stretched across his flesh before her gaze dropped to the side. "I just don't want to get in the way." She plucked at her comforter. "You should be happy too." Her lips quivered. "We're just friends now. You should find someone who—"

"Who what?" Gale shifted atop of Luna with rubies half-mast.

Luna could not look at him. "Who can give you…those sort of things." Her body curled. "B-B-Because I…" She rubbed her arm. "Well, I can't. And we should find people who can give us what we want, shouldn't we? So we can be happy?" Her words came out shaky and unsure.

The Wild prowled as envy stung Gale thinking of his little moon with another, but he swallowed it back. No. I don't have the right to be jealous…even if I want that right back. With a hand, he cradled Luna's jaw. "Blondie, look at me."

Luna did so—

Anxious chocolates met with intense rubies.

Luna fidgeted and tried hard to meet his eye as pink lightened her cheeks. "What?"

Gale tried to hide his flush when he became acutely aware of his position and hers. The Wild could not help but preen seeing his little moon beneath him with her skin an adorable pink and his scent mixed with her own. The innocence in her eyes made his thoughts darken and stray from the words of comfort he wanted to give before to silky words in the hopes he could be her first. Those feelings came back—those memories he could not help but cling to and selfishly use for his desire. The feeling behind every kiss they shared and how soft and small and his she felt. When her trembling fingers touched his chest, even without her realizing. And when she would sweetly say—

"Gale?"

The Wild gleamed in his eyes.

Luna pouted in worry when he would not answer. "Are you okay?" She touched his cheek, but her breath hitched when Gale stopped her. The kiss he placed on her palm made her tingle, but it made her flinch when she felt a soft bite to her wrist. "Wh-What are you—?" She hard-swallowed when he leaned down to press his face upon her throat. Her heart pounded in trepidation and confusion. "G-Gale?"

Her body stilled when she felt that eerily familiar scrape of teeth on her neck. Involuntary fear made her tense up and whimper—

The second Luna's fear hit him, all of Gale's thoughts blanked into horror. Fuck. He pulled away to see Luna's face, his eyes wide and regretful. "Blondie—"

"I-It's okay," Luna quickly pardoned. "Don't worry about it. We're both tired, right? W-We should sleep."

Gale's face broke. "Blondie—"

"Please," Luna insisted, on the cusp of begging.

Gale hesitated. "Are you sure you want me to—?"

"I'm okay if it's you."

Gale shut his eyes. "Don't…say that," he asked of her raggedly. "I should go—"

"Please don't." Luna hugged him, pressing her face to his chest. "Please don't leave. Please stay. We're just tired." Shakily, she brought up, "You promised you'd be fine with cuddling. Can't you just hold me for a little while? Please?"

Gale tried not to let his body get excited feeling Luna press against him. "You know I can't say, 'no' to you." Careful to shift his hips, he settled down on the bed and snuggled Luna close to him. Her accidental brush of his lower region sparked desire, but his guilt chased it away. "You're too good for me, Blondie."

"I'm really not," Luna answered, words muffled into his chest

No. You are. Gale kissed her hair before thumbing her back. I'm just the sorry bastard hopeful you don't realize how good you are…and how much I'm not. Rubies glinted. If you knew what went through my mind, you'd run away as fast as you could. I'm fine with what we have, but… Other times, when I look at you… Images spawned from sleepless nights and wet dreams volleyed. But I… I can't say that.

He held her tighter. "You know I'm gonna call you every day, right?"

Luna nodded. "Mmm-hmm. And you'll bring me back souvenirs?"

"What do you take me for, an amateur? Only the best for my princess."

Luna's smile pressed against his skin. "Did you know I was going to Caelum with E and Silver before I told you?"

Gale cleared his throat. "I reserve the right to hold my silence." He snickered when Luna swatted him. "Don't worry about money. I—"

"Cane already sent me some."

It was like a record scratched as Gale scowled in disbelief. "That damn son of a bitch," he growled. "Don't touch any of his money, Blondie, you hear me?" He mock-bit her when she shook with laughter. "I mean it! I'll give you money for your little trip with Red and my cousin, so don't touch a single jewel that asshole sent you."

"I already scolded him for sending me money," Luna told him, "so you can calm down."

Gale grinned. "Atta girl. Don't let strange men give you money."

"Is he a 'strange man' when he technically proposed to me first?"

Gale's grin slipped for another angry scowl. "Dammit. Bastard. Don't tell me you said, 'yes'?" He growled when Luna giggled. "Don't tease me like that, and don't you dare get married to that walking STD. If you even try to, I'm stealing you and locking you in a tower, ya got that?"

Luna simpered, "Yes, Papi."

Gale stilled. "What did you call me?"

Luna frowned. "'Papi? Miss Tesla said it's okay to call friends that when she was teaching me some Sinnish, so I just thought…" With Gale's lengthy silence, she fretted, "Did I pronounce it wrong?"

"No, you…" Gale heaved an exhale as he imagined Chibi-Tesla sticking out her tongue at him. Goddammit, Tesla, what the Hell are you teaching her? And she sounds so innocent when she says it too. And it's worse that I'm into it. "You…" He forced out the words, "You…said it right." At the sake of my sanity.

"Really? Oh, thank goodness." Luna snuggled against Gale, reassured. "I was worried for a moment there."

You and me both. Gale's eyebrow twitched. "Just…don't say that to anyone else. It's not something you should say to just anyone. It can be a you and me thing." Fuck, I'm going to Hell for this, but it wasn't like I was going to Heaven before this anyway.

Puzzled, Luna agreed, "Oh. Okay. But I already called Carlisle that."

TICK!

A tick mark ravaged Gale's temple as he imagined a pleased Chibi-Carlisle with that stupid peace sign. That little… If he wasn't Dante's boyfriend, I swear to gods… "Fine. You can call him that in public. But when it's us two, you call me that, okay?"

Luna giggled. "Sure, Papi."

DOKI-DOKI!

Gale swallowed thickly as red caked his neck and cheeks. Well, I'm not getting any sleep tonight. Great. He rubbed her back. "Go to sleep," he murmured. "I have to head out early in the morning so I can make my flight out with Lady J. Sorry I can't see you off."

"That's okay," Luna chirped. "Can you wake me before you go so I can say goodbye?"

Gale smiled. "Yeah. Sure thing, Blondie. But you're not exactly a morning person, so you're not allowed to get all angry when I wake you up."

"I do not get angry—!"

"What was that?" Gale squished her to squander her argument. "You'll cling to me and beg me not to go? Aw, Blondie-girl, that's sweet of you, but I'm not a big fan of the clingy types—Hey!" He laughed when Luna pinched.

She huffed. "Good night."

"Aw, now, now, don't be all pouty," Gale teased, shifting for a more comfortable position. "I'm gonna miss you while I'm over in Shamballa, Blondie, so you better answer when I call you. And don't hesitate to call me if something goes sideways. And also—"

"Good night."

"I thought you wanted to watch your shitty Magia—?"

"Good – night."

Gale chuckled and cradled the back of Luna's head. "Buona notte, mia principessa." He kissed her hair before closing his eyes and inhaling her intoxicating scent to lull him into sleep. I love you.

And the sunstone and moonstone bracelets pulsated.

---

SLAM!

Thirteen flicked on the lights to see Georgette and Gina patiently waiting for their favorite haggard human. Gina gave a big stretch, instantly ready to chirp and mew about anything and everything that tickled her fancy, while Georgette yawned and trotted over to her human.

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

— • — • — • —

Thirteen's Apartment

Magnolia Town

Fiore, Ishgar

1:03 AM FST

— • — • — • —

• — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — •

Thirteen petted the poodle. "Thanks, Georgette. It's been a long night." He felt ready to sleep for a week. That brat was going to drive me insane.

• — • — •

"C'mon, Thirteen, do a body shot with me!"

He had no idea where to look when Vinyl had a shot between her breasts, salt on her neck, and lime between her fingers, all with that smile on her face. "You know you want to," she sang. "Do me and I'll do you. Just go easy on me, big guy, okay?" She leaned in with a saucy wink and kittenishly whispered, "My neck is my sweet spot."

• — • — •

A bit of a blush worked his neck as he went over to the kitchen to get a cold glass of water. How the Hell do all these young girls have so much energy? She was about to drive me out of my damn mind. He took a few guzzles of water before going over to the treat jars. Is this how she is with every man?

His imagination decided to run wild.

"Hello, boys." Fantasy-Vinyl laid herself out on the edge of a bar counter with a racy number with a shot in hand. "Who wants to do body shots off me?"

He put down his glass to fish out a couple of treats for Georgette (with a jealous Gina pawing at his leg so she could be spoiled too). If this is what I have to put up with for an entire week in Shamballa, I might use my gun on myself.

He scooped up Gina to handfeed her special indoor-cat treats. Murky oranges softened when Gina purred her gratitude before munching on her treaties. What does a girl like her want to do with an ex-mercenary like me anyway? It's not like she doesn't know what I used to do. Oranges darkened. But if I told her I was a Hawk…

Gina mewed she was finished and made it clear she wanted back on the floor.

Thirteen sighed and crouched to let the kitten back onto the floor. No use thinking about it now. I don't need an innocent girl like her caught up in my mess. He looked at his calloused hand. And all my sins.

He stood back up and would have tripped over Gina had she not been so chatty. She told me we have to be at the Sky Port by three and our flight is at five-oh-five. I'll ask Coeus to water my plants again.

It felt like a bullet to the head was a better option when he remembered Coeus' conspiracy theories acting up to try and feed his plants "natural" remedies. That idiot better not try and kill them again. Maybe I should ask his therapist to supervise him. That's the only time he behaves. He hunched forward, dreary. I feel so bad for her to have him as a patient.

He rubbed his jaw. I must be out of my mind, going with that girl to Shamballa like this. But it'd be a good opportunity for me.

He left the kitchen to go down the hall and into his bedroom. Digging out a suitcase was challenging (and he would thank the welcome committee of Fairy Tail for making sure he had one), but he flattened it on the bed and started loading in his necessities for the trip. From what I remember of the Shamballa auctions and events, everything has to scream rich and lazy. I attended the Black Auctions with my mask, so no one should recognize me. But I need to be on my guard for any old Loose Feathers. If they recognize me and Viñella…

He gritted his teeth. I can't think like that. I'll make sure she's not hurt while doing my own investigation. Murky oranges glinted. I'm not letting another innocent get caught in this crap. He went to his door to see his trench coat hung up. Reaching into his inside pocket, he pulled out a rustic gold harmonica that had many more years to serve.

A sonorous melody that soothed the soul. Sun-bleached locks flowing in the wind. A little girl in her new dress on a swing as beasts and creatures set aside their differences to listen to this sweet song.

Murky oranges dimmed for grief. Never again.

He clutched the harmonica and decided it would make the journey with him, alongside his trench coat. As he packed away more belongings, his thoughts strayed once more. There's no doubt Vicious will be there and one of his 'ladies'. He'd never miss a Black Auction. He wouldn't kill me if he saw me in those god-forsaken Black Auction houses. He'd probably greet me like I was still part of the nest. So I wonder… How do you think he'd greet you if you met the old boss again…

He shut the suitcase.

…Gajeel?

---

— • — • — • —

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

— • — • — • —

---

A pretty bird needed a pretty cage—was that not the saying?

Splendors and treasures encapsulated the gilded suite. Everything glittered and gleamed, as it should. The best of the best was only allowed in her quarters, so the master of the house declared. The mistress of the house deserved nothing less the perfection and worldly delicacies.

But she was nothing more than a pretty bird trapped in a pretty cage.

The servants who scrubbed and tended to her were not permitted to see her face. Her veil would stay on her person even while she was in her porcelain bathtub. Any servant who dared tried to lift her veil had been blinded and returned to service.

They looked at what did not belong to them.

She stayed huddled as they put her in a milk scrub and compressed her tears so she could be numb and blank. Crying would get her nowhere. Begging them to help her escape would result in nothing. She knew better than that. In their native tongue, she learned they called her ungrateful. She had been blessed with a wealthy husband and gifts as far as the eye could see yet she touched nothing and stayed in her chambers.

What an ungrateful pretty bird in a pretty cage.

The waxing from two weeks ago still kept up, so she was fortunate all her attendants needed to do was lather and lotion her. The revealing lingerie crafted for her should not have gotten a reaction out of her anymore. The innocent pink against her dark skin felt more like a burden than beautiful, but she stayed still as her ladies' maids made sure her garter was on tight enough and her bra fitted her correctly.

Finished, they bowed their head while the head of the attendants stayed behind and let her know, "His Majesty expects you without makeup, Your Majesty. We have laid out your nightly facial tools on the vanity at your disposal. Your escorts shall come for you in a half an hour." She bowed. "I will take my leave. Have a pleasant evening in His Majesty's chambers, Your Majesty. We shall attend to you come tomorrow."

The head attendant left, and the doors closed.

She was alone now.

The pressures did not leave her, though. Everywhere she looked, she was reminded of the pressures, of her position, or the expectations. Light feet carried her to one of her dressers to take ownership in a handcrafted music box gifted to her with such intricate designs that made it looked like a puzzle. The DE LA MUSE family insignia had been etched into the design to show its authenticity. A gift, she had been told upon her marriage, and one she should treasure from such an influential magical bloodline.

Like on autopilot, her light footsteps carried her into her large bathroom made solely for her comfort and pleasure with touches of her homeland woven into the décor to show how much effort her husband wanted to give in combining their cultures. Her lips trembled behind her veil as she saw all the crème and kits and oils left behind. The attendants still labeled the order, but she knew it by heart by now.

She sat at her vanity and set down the music box with the key already in the lock. What a beautiful gift. The servants had been so happy their mistress liked it and all gossiped how she must like the music that came from it.

But she did not like it for the music.

Her fingers went to the little ball at the top of the music box.

She pressed down—

CLICK!

The small top came off to reveal a secret compartment inside. With lithe fingers, she reached inside to pull out the chess piece of a queen made of something that looked otherworldly. But the other item inside was one she would die over.

An agate locket with its silver chain pooled into her hand. A shaky exhale left her as all the barriers she kept up to block out the past started to crumble seeing the locket. But this was her only strength. This would be how she survived another night of being "Her Majesty".

With a finger, she opened the locket—

Two pictures blossomed into Lacrima Screens.

Her eyes clouded with grief and a cry caught in her throat. She pulled up her veil to show teary orange eyes with her teeth sinking into her bottom lip to stop a sob. Why?

The first picture to her left contained a picture of her youth. She had been so young to be a mother, but she had no choice. But she had done those taxing hours of labors and tears and blood to be rewarded with a little boy with mixed skin, orange eyes, and red lashes and eyebrows. I miss you so much.

Watery oranges swept to the other picture. Both of you.

They could not be more different in their youth, him and her. Her Andüsan dark skin held stark contrast to how pale and ghostly his flesh was, not to mention her honorable braided black hair that went down her shoulders against his blazing red hair that covered one eye. They held up their matching chess pieces—hers a queen and his a king—as they both beamed for the photo. Well, she was. He was more focused on her.

And in the back of the photo…

…was the Bellish Prime Minister.

---

Voices of Characters in Order of Appearance

— • — • — • —

Vinyl de la Muse – Alison Viktorin

Thirteen – Matthew Mercer

Aine Fernandes – Carrie Keranen

Gale Redfox – Greg Cipes

Julia Fullbuster – Michelle Ruff

Panther Lily – Rick Keeling

Galileo Redfox – Josh Grelle

Zelda Lynk – Gabrielle Union

Coeus – Orlanders Jones

Lucy Heartfilia-Dragneel – Cherami Leigh

Noko / Genius – Derrick Snow

Silver Fullbuster – Yuri Lowenthal

Luna Dragneel – Brynn Apprill

Juvia Fullbuster – Brina Palencia

Gajeel Redfox – David Wald

Luke Dragneel – Alan Lee

Inayah – Chipo Chung

• — • — •

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⌟

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•

•

•

•

— • — • — • —

Next time, on Fairy Adventure

•

Episode 138

•

SHOWTIME IN SHAMBALLA

— • — • — • —

•

•

•

•

SHALL WE GO?

---

Chibi-Luna greets her class with a smile as she messes with projector "Good day, class!"

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

"Today's Fairy Lesson is…!" Chibi-Luna clicks her remote to show an online website featuring children, teens, adults, and the elderly playing chess. "The International Chess League!" she cheers. "The ICL was founded in Bellum. If you remember back a few arcs, both the Bellish Prime Minister and Head Mistress Karma spoke that Bellish royalty had a power called 'Chess' and Harley, Inez's roommate, is an active member. The Bellish royal bloodline is responsible for the invention of chess and founded the ICL to share their skills with other!"

She shows the website's scheduling. "All of these dates show chess competitions all over the world. A chess club can register as a team in the ICL and no one is too old to enter!"

A student questions, "Didn't Ena compete?"

Chibi-Luna enthusiastically nods. "She did, she did! Misty used to compete too, and Auntie Erza says they take after their dad with their chess-playing skills. And as Harley mentioned briefly, there is a reigning ICL champion who remains undefeated. The international championships are normally hosted in Bellum during the summer. The ICL even has separate federation for Magic Chess, four-D and three-D chess, hexagonal chess, and regular chess. They even partner with D-and-C Beyond for chess camps and roley-playing chess too! Isn't that cool!"

SHIIN…

Chibi-Luna reddens with how quiet her class is and pouts, "Well, I think it's cool."

"And you still think Poko is cool, Teach!" a student drawls.

Chibi-Luna reddens further when her students laugh, and she manages, "Y-Yeah, well, he is cool!" She huffily shuts down her projector. "Lesson's over! Here's an afterword from the author."

•

「We have explored Caribbean, East African, Samoan/Polynesian, Colombian, Hispanic, and Chinese culture, a little bit of Filipino and Vietnamese culture, and while the Alvarez Arc delved a little into the middle east, we'll be exploring it a bit more with this arc. Dubai, Psycho-Pass's setting, and Marvel's fictional Madripoor inspired Shamballa's creation. I don't speak a lick of Arabic, Urdu, or Hindi, but I'll do my best with terminology and slang. They will mainly be speaking in English unless otherwise stated.

I set up some of these characters since the Lucky Duck Casino Arc, so I'm excited to see them in action and to show much more about Shamballa and its underbelly. This arc will include dark themes, but I am enacting AO3's Dead Dove Do Not Eat and will reiterate that once the black auctions are shown. This will not be for the faint of heart.

The Disappearance of Igneel Dragneel is up with Episode 1 and will continue to have an episode posted for each Shamballa episode. If you'd like to read it, please feel free! If not, then still, thank you for your support.」

•

Chibi-Luna shoos her student. "You heard the author. All of you can leave for being so mean to me."

CRASH!

The students look in alarm to see Igneel with his first blazing in flames and his green eyes bright and intense. "Who the Hell has been messing with my sister?"

Her students gape. Teacher wouldn't rat us out, would she?

SNIFF-SNIFF!

A teary Luna clings to her brother's arm and whimpers, "My own students are making fun of me, Igneel."

The students gawk at the audacity while Chibi-Luna hides her evil smile. Teacher, how could you!

MERA-MERA!

Flames build off Igneel's arms and hair as he coldly stares down at the students. "Then let's see how well they can speak"—his flames emblazon his hair—"when they're on fire."

Her students huddle together in wide-eyed panic at being left with a pissed-off maniac while Chibi-Luna bounces away. Teacher, we're sorry, please forgive us, don't leave us with him!