Finally! After a nasty 10 month case of writer's block and several changes, I have finally finished this chapter!

There's just one problem; I got too into the chapter; The end result was a massive 7100+ word chapter. And by now you should know that I hate having super long chapters. So I had to split it up into 2 chapters, roughly around 3500+ words each. Unforunately, this chapter sort of feels like a cliffhanger. But don't worry, the second part of this story with be out by next week.

I pinky promise!


Chapter 5

It was quite a busy time for the small town of Nieve. Fall had just started and the town was filled with migrant workers who were hired just in time for the harvest season. These men were giving this town's economy quite a boost. From the inns to the local markets, every place of business was seeing record breaking profits as usual for this time of year. And the tavern was no exception. The bar was packed with unruly and dirty workers who had just finished their shifts in the local apple orchard. However this didn't bother the waitresses. In fact, most of them welcomed these customers, who were very generous tippers when it came to pretty girls in lascivious uniforms. Many of the girls were actually fighting over tables. Some were ever as desperate as to cram tissues in their bras and pull their uniform dresses higher, just to look more appealing to these men. Mika Fullbuster, on the other hand, could honestly care less about making extra tips.

As Mika waited by the pick-up window for one of her orders, all she could do was think about Silver. She had last seen Silver in May and the three month of separation were starting to make her a bit anxious. Though she really had no reason to feel this way. It wasn't s as if Silver just stop coming without giving her any explanation. Silver had told her back in towards the end of spring that he had important business to attend to and he would be back by the end of summer. And Silver could take care of himself. For goodness sake, she had witnessed his hand being pierced by a knife without even so much a flinch.

And he did promise me he would come back soon. She thought herself, hoping to give herself reassurance. But even with Silver giving his word, Mika still couldn't shake this terrible fear that she held within her heart. He said by the end of summer, but it was now the beginning of autumn and still no word from him. There were nights that she would fall asleep near the window that overlooked the street below, waiting for Silver to return. Just like before, when she waited for her parents to return from their month long sea voyage for 42 days before finding out that their ship had been lost at sea. Silver. She closed her eyes as she clenched her pendent. I pray for your safety.

"Earth to Mika!" Saya called out from behind, breaking Mika's train of thought. "You're holding up the line!" Mika popped her eyes open to see not only her order, but a handful of other plates waiting to be picked up.

"I'm sorry." She said as she hastily laid her order onto her server's tray and stepped to the side.

"That the third time today that I've had to pull you outta LaLa land," Saya said as she gathered her dishes as well. "What the hell is going on with you?"

"Nothing is wrong, Saya. It's just…" she paused a brief moment to reflect on her thoughts. "I have a lot on my mind."

"I'm gonna go out on a limp and say that it concerns Silver." Mika gave no response as she walked towards the table with Saya close behind. The last thing that Mika wanted to do was talk about Silver with Saya. Because usually the conservation ended with the same question… "And how is that moody ass boyfriend of yours doing? It's been a while since I last saw his sulky self."

Every time. Mika thought to herself as they both rotated to their table and began serving their customers.

"For the last time, he is not my boyfriend." Mika replied as she turned back to her friend. "Silver and I are just friends. Nothing more. Nothing less." Mika walked backed towards the kitchen, hoping that this would have ended the conversion. But Saya kept following her.

"Oh whatever. What kind of friend gets so green-eyed that he tries to tear off another man's arm when he catches said man trying to slap your rear end? That idiot is the reason why most of our regulars are afraid to have you as a server. They don't want to invoke the wrath of Silver."

"He's…." Mika started off but paused. As much as she hated to admit it, Saya was right. Though the two weren't dating or anything, Silver was quite the jealous type when it came to her interaction with other men. How many times had Silver threatened someone for even looking at her in a suggestive matter? "He's just overly protective of me, that's all. After what happened the last time, I really can't hold it against Silver to act the way he does." But to that, Saya rolled her eyes.

"Oh, is that what you're telling yourself?" She shot back as Mika was filling another pitcher of ale. "I don't understand why you keep denying it. Why don't you come out and say that you and Silver are dating. You two practically live together"

."He has only slept over at my place twice." Mika replied defensively. "And that is only because it is a much cheaper option for Silver than to spend money on a room at the inn."

"And I'm pretty that you two have slept together those two nights." Suddenly Saya heard a crashing sound as she looked again towards Mika. Her cheeks as red as a tomato, with a broken pitcher laid scattered at her feet.

"Let….me get a broom." Mika quickly retreated to the kitchen.

"Ohh my god," Saya exclaimed as she pushed the doors behind Mika. "You two still haven't…"

"That is none of your business!" Mika cried, the hue of her face growing redder by the minute. How could Saya even suggest that Silver was capable of something like that. Yes, she and Silver were very close, but they weren't intimate in the slightest bit! Just the very thought of it was making Mika's heart beat rapidly. "Like I've told you, Silver and I are just friends!"

"I see. So not only is Silver crabby, but he is also a prude." One of her eyebrows lifted as she gave a mischievous grin. "Or maybe Silver isn't interested in you."

"And just what are you implying, Saya?" Mika asked, taking a more defensive stand against her coworker.

"Mika, had it ever occur to you that Silver might be using you for a free place to stay?" Mika gave her coworker a hard glare as she shoved the broom and dust towards her. "What! Don't tell me the thought hasn't cross your mind. I mean, what type man sleeps over at a beautiful girl's apartment and doesn't try and make a move."

"A good man who has nothing but respect for a woman!" She cried as she headed towards the exit. "I'm taking my break."

"Mika." Saya tried to follow her angry friend. "It's only my opinion. It's not like anyone else thinks he's a conman." but she was met with the door as Mika slammed the door behind her.

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"The nerves of that Saya." Mika ranted to herself as she stood in the ally, hoping that the brisk autumn breeze would calm her down a bit. "How dare she make such outrageous accusations about Silver!" why was it so hard for everyone to comprehend that just because Silver was protective of her, it didn't mean that they were in a relationship. But Mika then let out a sigh. It's not like she could blame Saya for thinking such things about Silver. For hidden deep within her own mind, even Mika was forced to question her association with her cold protector known as Silver. His behavior was weird to say the least. He couldn't stand large crowd and would often isolate himself from the rest. He never really engaged in any sort of conversations with other. And to those who would to start up one with him, Silver would reply with a simple one word response or an annoyed grunt, unless he was threatening someone for making unwanted advances towards her. And even though Silver was always worried about Mika's wellbeing, he never seem to show any other feelings for her, besides annoyance and indifference. He was always so uncomfortable with any type of physical contact. How many times had Silver suddenly pulled away from her whenever she had gotten too close to him? Even something as innocent as holding hands was enough to make this man cringe. But the worst was that, in the months that they have known each other, he seemed just as uninterested in her as the first day they had met. It was especially disheartening when she loved him so much. Mika felt her heart fluttering around in her chest. Though she had knew she had fallen for him from the first moment they had met, this was probably the first time that she actually admitted to herself that she was in love with Silver. Yes, he may be socially inept and his callousness towards her was hurtful at times, but she knew beneath that cold exterior of his, he was a benevolent man with a heart of gold. Maybe that is why Saya's comment had upset her so much. The thought of Silver feeling nothing for her filled her heart with fear. If Silver really was using her for his own benefit, it would practically break her heart.

"Hey there, sweet cheeks." Mika was so deep in thought, she didn't realize that three workers had approached her until one of them was standing in front of her, his beer drench breathe blowing hot air into her face. "Now what is a beautiful girl doing outside, all by yourself?"

"I'm just taking my break. But it's over now." Mika said as she tried to go back inside, only to have the one of other men blocking her escape. "please, I need to get back to work."

"What's the hurry, pretty young thing?" he said with a licentious grin while the other two boxed her in. he placed his grimly hands on her bare shoulders. "Why don't you stand a little longer? I bet we could have lots of fun." Not even a second later, another hand wrapped his wrist and forcibly twisted it behind him. And standing behind him was none other than Silver, his eyes burning with sheer rage.

"You fuckers must be new to town." Silver growled as he pushed Mika's would-be attacker's arm upward, causing the man to let out a painful yelp. "Because every single drunk in this town is well aware of what happens when you mess with this woman." the other men charged towards Silver in a futile attempt to save their friend. But with a swift blow to the gut with his free hand, Silver effortlessly took down one idiot. He took the jackass by his arm and thrusted him into the last man, sending both morons hurtling into the wall behind Mika. All the while, holding on to the bastard who dared to laid a hand on Mika. Silver brought the man closer to him. "Now tell me, you little shit, do you still want to have fun with this girl." Silver hissed as he tightened his grip. The frightened man vigorously shook his head. "Good." Silver said before tossing the man into a nearby trashcan, knocking him out cold. Silver turned his focus to the other men, who were struggling to pick themselves up. "As for you two clowns." He effortlessly lifted the two men by the collar of their coats. "You have to the count of ten to get the fuck out of my face before I beat you bastards to a bloody pulp! And pass this message to your buddy when he wakes up; if I even catch his sorry ass anywhere near this girl again, I'll drown him in a pool of his own goddamn blood!" He let the men fall to the ground. "One, two," Silver started to count. The men, fearing the worst, quickly got to the feet and ran to their fallen friend. They lifted him up before running away. "Stupid assholes," Silver let out a sigh as he walked up to Mika. "Damn it, Mika. It's like you're a damn beacon for trouble. I'm surprise your ass is still alive after three months"

"Silver…" suddenly Mika lunged herself towards him, hugging Silver tightly. "Thank goodness you're back." "What's going on with you?" Silver asked before his facial expression grew stern. "Did those bastards do something to you!? I swear when I hunt them down, I'll gonna tear off their fuc…."

'"it's not that." She began to tear up as she buried her face into his chest. "I'm just so happy that you've return. I was so worried about you." Mika was expecting Silver to push her away by now, but instead he wrapped his arm around as he drew her in closer. Mika looked upward to see a melancholy look on Silver's face. "Silver, what's wrong?"

"Mika, I…" Silver started but was cut off the sound of a door slamming.

"I should have known you were the one causing all the commotion out here." Saya said as she approached the pair, causing Silver to suddenly let go of Mika. "And why the hell are you attacking customers this time!?"

"Customers?" Silver repeated as he narrowed his glare as he turned to Mika. "You're telling me that there are more of those animals in there?" Silver asked, to which Mika gave a hesitant nod. Knowing him, he was ready to charge into the bar and beat every man in the bar senseless.

"Of course they're our customers, you giant jackass!" Saya replied for the silent Mika. "They're here for the harvest se…." and before she could finish her sentence, Silver grabbed Mika by the hand and began to lead her away.

"We're leaving, now." Silver demanded, tugging the girl away.

"But Silver," Mika tried to oppose him, but the man cut her off.

"Don't even argue with me, Mika. As if I would be stupid enough to send you back into the wolf den!" Silver replied. Mika simply sighed. Once Silver had decided something, they was nothing on this earth that would change his mind. But the way Mika saw it, it meant that he at least cared.

"Hey!" Saya called out as she tried to stop him. "You...you can't take Mika away from work, you freakin' psycho! She still has three hours on her shift!"

"So you work them then, you annoying ass bar wench!" Silver roared at the small brunette. "Because I'm sure as hell not letting Mika step foot into here, until you clear out all those vermin!" and with that, Silver took Mika away, leaving Saya standing alone in the alley.

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Looks like she is enjoying herself today. Silver thought to himself as he and Mika, now dressed in a more modest outfit, strolled down the crowded streets in the late afternoon. Mika clinging tightly to his arm as she admired the changing colors of the leaves. On any normal day, he would have spent all afternoon irritated off his ass while trying to shake her away like a dog trying to shake off some fleas. But today, he decided to let this girl do whatever made her happy. After all, today was the last time he would ever return this town. And more importantly, this would be the last time he would ever see Mika again. Though he was reluctant to part ways with the human girl that he had grown quite attached to in these last few months, Silver knew leaving her was essential for good of his mission. He was supposed to be looking for F.A.C.E, the ultimate weapon that would ensure the demons' victory over the lowly human garbage. Instead, he was wasting time, entertaining Mika with his constant visits. And even when he was miles away from her, all he could do was time about Mika. Worrying about her safety, wondering if she was doing alright without him and longing to see her beautiful smile again. And he couldn't stand it anymore. He was an Etherious, a demon from the book of Zeref, the greatest to ever threat humanity. He wasn't supposed to feel things like this for a human. He was supposed to detest them and show no mercy to these filthy creatures that roamed the earth freely while his brethren were forced into the deepest shadows of the world. But there were brief moments where he found himself questioning the goal of his mission, actually showing sympathy for these vile beings. At times he felt as if he was sabotaging his own mission because he didn't want any harm to come to Mika Fullbuster. This human girl was making him soft.

I can't have that. Silver's sight veered slightly towards Mika, who was going on about something called an apple candy or something around that line. He couldn't let this human turn him into pacifist wuss, not when they were so close to achieving their goal of reclaiming this world from the humans.

"Silver," Mika called out to him as she came to a stop. "Do you want a candy apple?"

"Um, sure." Silver said with a vacant look on his face. Mika looked at him with concern in her eyes, with a temptation to ask what was troubling with him. But she just turned the other way and walked to a nearby vendor. As he watched the girl walk off, Silver felt a sharp pain in his heart. The thought that this will be the last time he would ever see Mika alive again was so terrible for the ice demon. And to think that her end would come by his hand was even more excruciating. But if Mard Geer were to sense any weakness in Silver, his death would be a slow and painful one. In the end, it was either him or her. And He would rather help destroy the humans than be at the mercy of the Underworld King.

After Mika returned with this weird looking ball on a stick, they decided to seat on a nearby bench to fest on this bizarre apple concoction. They both ate in silence; Mika trying her hardest to read Silver's emotion and Silver trying to find the right way to say goodbye to Mika.

"Silver," Mika started off the conversation. "Do you know that our town has a Fall Festival at the end of next month?"

"You don't say." Silver dispassionately replied as he was more focus on eating this rock hard ball of sugar.

"Yes, we have one every year as a celebration for a great harvest season. They have a lot of great activities such as face painting, really fun carnival games, and booths with great food. I remember when I was little, my parents and I would always go. Of course my favorite part was the petting zoo. I just loved looking at all the cute baby animals."

"Fascinating." Silver said, uninterested in hearing about some silly human customs. How the hell were trivial celebrations responsible for having a good harvest?

"And at the end of it all, they have a harvest dance. You know, It's a tradition for this town that the women to ask the men to the dance." Mika grew quiet as she began to twiddle her fingers in a nervous manner. "And I was wondering…" Mika hesitated for a moment. She knew that in by asking Silver to the harvest dance, she was forever changing their relationship, which at this moment was clearly one-sided on her part. But she was ready to take this to the next level, because she loved Silver and she hoped that he would return the feeling. "If maybe you would like to go to …the …dance….with …me." Silver responded with a groan. He was always well aware that in by spending too much with this girl, he ran the risk of this girl growing attached to him. And judging by the redness of her cheeks, she was quite infatuated with the ice demon. He guess if he was going to leave her for good, now would be the best time.

"Mika," he sighed as he set the sugary treat down. "We need to talk." In a normal situation, Silver would go for the direct approach, telling this girl that he was done wasting time on her and was moving on. But the part of him that sort of liked this girl didn't want to hurt her feeling too much. This time, he was going to let her down easily. "You know that I think you're an okay girl. In fact, you're probably the only human alive that I don't hate being around. But…" he looked at Mika, sadness covering her lovely face. She probably knew where he going with this. "It's just that I can't keep doing this…" Suddenly he caught whiff of an alarming scent. It was the irrefutable smell of a familiar demon. And he was close by. "Son of a bitch." He murmured under his breath as he shot up and started making his way into to the forest.

"Silver," Mika stood up with him. "What's the matter?"

"Stand here." He ordered. If a demon was spying on him, he couldn't risk being catch with Mika. Not until he had dealt with the threat. "I'll be right back." He didn't even give Mika the chance to respond as he rushed into the forest alone.


A/N: So there you have it. And like I said, the next should be out by next week.