It was the big night and the servants had carried out their well laid plan. In his room, Laxus was sitting in the bathtub, being washed and scrubbed by two of his coat rack servants.

"The cutie pie's gonna love your new look," the first servant named Erik said. "I can hear the crowds going wild for you!"

The second servant named Sorano added, "When we're through with you, you'll look so beastly handsome, Miss Mirajane won't recognize you."

Natsu entered the room and announced, "Tonight is the night, Boss. The night that everything finally changes for the better! Isn't this exciting?"

"I-I-I'm not sure I can do this," Laxus said nervously with his hair drooped on his face.

"Come on, you don't have to be timid, Boss Man," Erik smiled.

"Erik's right. We've prepared this night for a long time. We don't want to let it go to waste, do you?" Natsu gestured to the enchanted rose on the table. "You have to be your best, Boss."

Laxus nodded in understanding, "Yeah… be my best."

Sorano added, "You must be bold. Daring."

"Bold… Daring…" Laxus said with growing resolve. He shook himself off, but caused Erik and Sorano to get wet with water in the process, along with Natsu's candles extinguished.

"Water's ruining my lovely hair…" Sorano sighed, referring to her hair being a little bit wet.

As Laxus sat at the mirror with Erik and Sorano, Natsu stated, "Everything has been prepared for this moment. There will be music provided by our distinguished court composer, Freed Justine, decorations set up by our official castle decorator Evergreen, and romantic candlelight, provided by myself and Bickslow, of course. And when the moment is right…"

"That's the thing," Laxus interrupted. "How will I know when the moment is right?"

"You'll know it when you feel it right here," Natsu said, gesturing to his heart, with Laxus feeling his own by touching it. "You gotta speak from the heart."

"Speak from the heart?" Laxus asked.

Natsu chuckled, "Do I have to spell it out for you? You gotta let your heart out. You know, confess your love."

"Yes… I will… I'll confess my—" Laxus began, but chickened out and looked away from the mirror. "No… No, I can't."

"You care for Mirajane, don't you?" Natsu asked.

"More than anything," Laxus replied, with his hair forcefully but gently trimmed by Erik and Sorano with their hair equipment.

"Hold still," Sorano insisted. "Don't struggle."

Natsu asked again, "Well, what are you afraid of?"

"Nothing," Laxus shook his head, but Natsu raised an eyebrow at him. He admitted, "I'm afraid she might…"

"She might what?"

"Laugh at me."

"Then you just have to find the courage to tell her. You have that chance, you take it," Natsu informed. "Besides, I can tell she has the same feelings for you."

Having finished their trimming, Erik and Sorano stepped back, admiring Laxus's new look in the mirror. Erik spoke, "Voila! Good as new! You look so… so…"

"Stupid." Laxus's hair was tied up to pigtails and bows.

"Erik, that's not how it's done," Sorano said sternly, taking the comb and scissors from Erik. "Allow me. Perhaps a little more at the top…" She began grooming Laxus the right way, just as Gray entered the room clearing his throat.

"Your lady awaits," Gray announced and gestured to the door, as he bowed and chuckled.

Meanwhile, Mirajane too, was preparing for the night, humming to herself as Juvia helped her put the finishing touches on her glittering silver ballroom gown.

"I hope tonight goes well," Juvia chuckled with a blush.

"So do I," Mirajane smiled. "But I wonder why he's so nervous."

"Master Laxus does have his shy side, you know," Juvia stated.

Down in the newly refurbished great hall, Mirajane emerged from the East Wing and descended the grand staircase. While she made her way down, Laxus emerged from the West Wing, dressed in a royal blue prince outfit. He instantly spotted Mirajane and felt his heart beat rapidly. He couldn't believe how enchantingly beautiful she looked in her silver evening gown. He could've stood there all night just staring at her, had not Natsu nudged him forward. Never taking his eye off the lovely Strauss girl, the Lightning Beast made his own way down.

As the two drew closer, Mirajane was surprised to see that Laxus was looking quite handsome, less like a beast and more like a royal prince attending a ball. Looking over his attractive blue attire and toned physique, Mirajane couldn't help but smile.

Without a word, the two stood in front of each other and paid respects in silence; Laxus bowed to her, while Mirajane curtsied, before they both went arm-in-arm down the last set of stairs and on their way to the dining table. At first, they were stopped on their trail by Happy, who was happily scampering around, but nonetheless pressed on. Erza then emerged from the stairs standing on the tea cart with Wendy and Romeo as it followed the couple into the dining room, and Erza began to sing.

Erza: Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly

Laxus and Mirajane sat enjoying the delicious meals Gajeel had prepared. The chef was so excited about the dinner that he made all his signature dishes and enough food to feed an army. Once they were full, Mirajane stood up, took Laxus's hands, and playfully dragged him on their way to the ballroom.

Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast

Laxus gulped nervously, as he and Mirajane slowly prepared for a waltz. Natsu and another candle-holder named Bickslow watched on with smiles. They were standing on top of a piano, which was actually the castle's official court composer Freed Justine, who magically played his keyboard.

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise

As they continued dancing, Laxus was surprised to see that it wasn't going so bad and started to get more confident. It was Laxus's turn to lead the dance. Meanwhile, the decorations set around the ballroom by Evergreen glowed with illuminating lights. The castle decorator in question, transformed into a Christmas angel ornament, stood with Bickslow and Natsu.

Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

Laxus glanced over to Natsu, Bickslow, Evergreen, and Freed who looked excited and nodded in approval, while Natsu simply gave the thumbs up.

Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast

Natsu gestured Bickslow to lower the light in his candles a little.

Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast

Laxus and Mirajane slowly concluded their dance. The servants watched as Laxus held out his arm for Mirajane and led her towards the balcony outside. They all waited till the glass doors closed.

Erza turned to Wendy and Romeo, "Alright, kids, off to bed with you. It's past your bedtime." She kissed the two of them, "Good night, my dears."

Yawning, Wendy and Romeo slid off the tea cart and hopped out of the room. Before leaving, Wendy glanced back towards the balcony at Mirajane and Laxus with a delightful look on her face.

As soon as Mirajane and Laxus were already outside, Natsu, Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen let out tremendous cheers.

"YEEEEEESS!" Natsu cried excitedly. "WE DID IT!"

"You mean, 'they' did it, Natsu," Bickslow smirked. "Those babies just had the most romantic night of their lives!"

Evergreen added with a chuckle, "All the decorations I've set up around the ballroom finally paid off!"

Natsu called out to the ballroom door with a loud voice, "Hey, everybody! The coast is clear!"

Soon, the rest of the servants emerged from the door and began cheering as well.

"Great job, everyone!" Natsu smiled. "Tonight was a total success! We all deserve a good rest… and a swinging party at the kitchen! Follow me!"

All the servants cheered with joy and quickly headed towards the kitchen to celebrate, with Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen staying behind.

"They really pulled it off, haven't they?" Evergreen asked Freed.

"Of course," Freed nodded. "Master Laxus has matured greatly and considerably. At any rate, the spell will be broken and we will finally be human again. If they fall in love, of course."

Evergreen agreed, "They'd better be. I can't stand being an ornament for Christmas all day. I want my old beautiful looks back!"

"Me too! I miss my handsome face!" Bickslow added. "Baryon Formation doesn't run itself, you know!"

Outside, it was a brisk clear night. Laxus led Mirajane over to a stone bench and sat down side by side. As they contently looked up at the starry sky, Laxus inched his hand closer to Mirajane's and carefully laid it on top of hers. A huge smile plastered on his face, Laxus decided it was time to break the ice.

"Mira?" he asked timidly. "Are you… happy here with me?"

"Of course I am," Mirajane nodded happily. "Everything and everyone in this place has been so wonderful. Natsu, Gray, Erza, Lucy, and Wendy… But most of all, you. I've never been so happy in all my life."

"I'm glad I made you happy. Seeing you smile always makes me feel good inside, too. If you weren't around, I don't know what I'd do. That's why I… I…" Laxus began, but before he could express his feelings, he noticed that Mirajane wasn't paying attention and was instead looking off into the distance. He also noticed a sudden sadness that appeared in her eyes which were now wet with unshed tears. "What is it?" he asked.

Looking up, Mirajane blinked away the tears that formed in her eyes. She said, "I'm sorry, it's just that… I still miss my brother and sister. If only I could see them again, just for a moment. I miss them so much."

Seeing how sad she was, Laxus felt a wave of guilt overcome him. After all, it was his fault that she couldn't see Lisanna and Elfman. Just then, an idea popped into his head. "There is a way."

Up in the West Wing, Laxus led Mirajane inside his room. She was surprised to see how different the place looked; all the broken furniture and wall decorations were refurbished and replaced, the floor had been swept, and the walls and windows had been dusted. In short, Laxus's room was now shining as bright as Evergreen's decorations at the ballroom. The only thing that looked out of place was the enchanted rose on the bell jar, which was wilting and had only a few petals left.

Leading her towards the table were the rose stood, Laxus picked up the silver magic lacrima and handed it to Mirajane. He told her, "This is a Mirror Lacrima. It will show you anything, anything you wish to see."

Mirajane gently took the Mirror Lacrima and said, "I'd like to see my sister Lisanna and my brother Elfman… please."

Instantly, the lacrima flashed a bright green light and it presented an image of the inside of a familiar house. She spotted Lisanna, dressed in clothing bought from Akane Resort's gift shop, alongside Meredy and Yukino, sitting on the sofa together and laughing merrily over tea and cookies.

Mirajane said incredulously, "Lisanna? How did she change her clothes? And... haven't I seen those two before? They look familiar..."

"…my favorite part is the Fantasia Fireworks Concert," Lisanna said to Meredy and Yukino. "Every Sunday, magical fireworks ignite all over Akane Resort!"

"That's my favorite part, too," Yukino smiled. "Whenever I see the angel-shaped fireworks, they remind me of my long-lost older sister Sorano."

"You have an older sister?" Lisanna asked.

"Yes," Yukino nodded. "Sorano was my inspiration and my support. She's a guardian angel. We had a lot of fun together, until she suddenly vanished seven years ago." She rubbed her chin in deep thought, "I wonder where she went?"

Meredy giggled, "First Mira, then Wendy, now Sorano? Guess you, Liz, and Chelia got a lot in common."

Lisanna giggled back, "Yeah!"

"Lisanna, you've got to try these almond cookies," Yukino said. "They taste so good!"

Having watched the entire image, Mirajane said happily, "At least Lisanna's okay. And look, she's made some new friends! I'm so happy for her." Just then, her expression turned into curiosity. "But where's Elfman?" She turned to the lacrima, "Show me Elfman, please."

The image on the Mirror Lacrima shifted to the vision of a dark forest. Mirajane spotted Elfman and Chelia breaking through a thicket of branches as they collapsed on their knees, coughing severely. Mirajane was shocked to see how terrible Elfman and Chelia looked, like they had gone for days without food or water. Their clothes were torn and dirty, the supply bag held by Elfman was completely empty and ripped to shreds, and their faces were full of cuts and bruises from wild animals.

"C'mon, Elfman…" Chelia weakly urged on. "We still haven't found that castle… It's been days... But we can do it. For Mira… For Wendy…"

Elfman wheezed, "The wind is so… manly intense… I can't… move…"

"Me… neither…" Chelia cried. Letting out more severe coughs, she and Elfman fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Oh, no!" Mirajane exclaimed worriedly. "Poof Elfman… He's sick. He was trying to find me, and he brought someone with him to help. I can't believe he'd go out on his own like that. Elfman and that other girl… They could be dying, and there's no one around to help! I have to do something!"

Seeing Elfman in such a bad state, Laxus knew he wouldn't last long. If he died, Mirajane would be awfully sad. Laxus wouldn't want to see her sad. He swore that he would do anything to make her happy, even if it meant taking the hardest choice of all. Casting a glance at the wilting rose, Laxus knew what he had to do. And finally, he made his heart-wrenching decision.

"Then you… you must… you must go to him."

Mirajane looked at him in surprise, "What did you say?"

"He's your brother, right? You should be there for him," Laxus said with a heavy heart. "Get to your brother, before it's too late."

"But what about—" Mirajane began.

"I release you," Laxus told her. "You are no longer my prisoner. You haven't been for a long time, anyway. I know now I can't keep you for myself anymore. You're free to go, whenever you like."

"You mean… I'm free?" Mirajane asked in surprise.

"Yes," Laxus nodded sadly.

Immediately, great relief overcame Mirajane. She said, "Oh, thank you, Laxus. Thank you." She looked back into the Mirror Lacrima, "Hold on, Elfman. I'm on my way."

Turning to leave, Mirajane realized she was still holding the lacrima and walked back to Laxus. She tried to give it back, but Laxus pushed it back towards her. He said, "Take it with you, so you'll always have a way to look back, and remember me."

"I'll never forget you, Laxus," Mirajane smiled sadly.

"Mira, I…" Laxus attempted to confess his love again, but he couldn't bring himself to tell her. All he could say was, "Thank you. Thank you, Mira, for giving me the greatest kindness I could ever ask for."

"And thank you, Laxus, for being so kind to me as well… and for understanding how much my brother and sister need me," Mirajane replied, and she gently caressed her hand around Laxus's cheek. She then pulled him into a hug, prompting him to return it with his own. Both of them enjoyed the warmth and protection of each other's arms before reluctantly pulling away. With one last glance, Mirajane turned around and walked out of the room.

For a while, Laxus stood silently in front of the rose. Soon, Gray entered the room.

"Well, Master Laxus, I gotta say, everything's going quite well. I always knew you had it in you," Gray smiled confidently. "So, where'd Mira run off to?"

Laxus looked away, "I let her go."

"Oh, I see. That's—" Gray then paused as he registered what Laxus had told him. "Wait, what?! You let her go?! How could you do that?"

"I had to," Laxus replied.

"But… but… why?" Gray asked, trying to make sense of everything.

"Because…" Laxus spoke his answer with all his heart. "I love her."

"HE DID WHAT?!"

In the library, Natsu, Erza, Lucy, Wendy, and Romeo were completely shocked at what Gray told them.

"Yeah… It's true…" Gray nodded sadly. "It's official. Mira's leaving the castle."

"She's going away?" Wendy asked in disbelief.

"But he was so close!" Natsu shouted.

"Yeah! Just as we're all about to celebrate!" Romeo pouted.

Lucy added, "Why did he suddenly decide to let her go?"

"He didn't say exactly," Gray explained. "He said that he had to let her go… because he loved her."

"After all this time… Master Laxus has finally learned to love," Erza thought out loud.

"That's it, then!" Natsu said in realization, his candles bursting excitedly. "That should break the spell!"

"I'm afraid it's not enough," Erza shook her head. "She has to love him in return."

"And now it's too late," Gray said sadly. Lucy instantly burst into tears and cried onto Natsu's shoulder, the latter trying to comfort her. As the group continued musing over Mirajane's departure, no one ever noticed Wendy quickly leaving the room.

Except for Romeo, of course. "Hey, Wendy! Wait up!" With that, he hastily followed Wendy out of the room.

Outside, Laxus sadly watched as Mirajane climbed onto Parakeet's back and began racing away from the castle. His heart throbbed as depression wrapped itself around him. Fixating his gaze on the night sky, he unleashed his anguish in the form of a loud, mournful roar to the heavens, the thunder and lightning in his body pulsating his pain and sorrow.

From afar, Mirajane could hear the sorrowful roar, her own heart breaking along with it. She was close to tears herself, but she had to pull herself together. The safety of her siblings came first.

"Elfman!" Mirajane shouted her brother's name over the howling wind, with Parakeet galloping as fast as he could. "Elfman? Elfman!"

After half an hour of searching, Parakeet finally spotted Elfman and Chelia lying unconscious in the snow. Mirajane looked where her horse was looking and gasped as she spotted them.

"Elfman!" Mirajane called out as she disembarked from Parakeet and raced to Elfman's side. "Are you okay? Wake up!"

At first, Elfman didn't respond, but then he suddenly let out a raspy gasp followed by shallow breathing, with Chelia moaning slightly in her unconscious state. Relieved that the both of them were still alive, Mirajane took off her cloak, placed it around Elfman and Chelia simultaneously to warm them up, and lifted them unto Parakeet's back. Once all three were onboard, Parakeet rode off.

Just then, during the ride back to the village, Chelia slowly lifted her eyes open, and her vision was blurry when seeing Mirajane's face.

Chelia moaned, "W-What happened…? Where am I?"

Mirajane sighed with relief, "Good. You're alive, too. What's your name?"

Chelia answered weakly, "Chelia… Blendy…"

"Don't worry, Chelia. You're going to be fine," Mirajane assured comfortingly. "We're taking you back to my place."

A moment later…

"Hey, look! It's Mirajane!" Yukino exclaimed.

"And Chelia, too!" Meredy added.

"Big Brother Elf!" Lisanna cried, tears suddenly streaming down her face. "Mira's come back with him!"

The three were surprised and delighted at the same time to see Mirajane carrying Elfman and Chelia's slightly conscious bodies.

"You're back, Mira!" Lisanna tearfully screamed, hugging Mirajane's body. "And Big Brother Elf, too! Where have you been? I'm so worried about you!"

"No time to explain," Mirajane said. "They need help! Let's get them inside!"

As Mirajane, Lisanna, Meredy, and Yukino guided Elfman and Chelia inside, a snowman next to the porch shivered, before it crumbled to reveal Kain Hikaru, who had been watching quietly from his hiding spot out in the cold. Once they were inside the house, Kain popped out of the snow with a triumphant look.

"Good, they're back!" Kain grinned to himself, before he dashed away.