Thanks to my reviewers from the last chapter: Ogro, Emo, Vixen, Tare-chan, Kashi Sakana, DemureFeather, PisceanPal! That was a very tough chapter to write, and I was nervous about the response I would get. I really do appreciate it, as writing death scenes can be very depressing and taxing, emotionally. Thanks for making a gal's bday weekend pleasant!
As usual, love my reviewers. Love my readers. Love my adds. Love writing. Superlove the encouragement you all give me! Thankyouthankyouthankyou--I'll never be able to say it enough.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail, only the OC's--which I reserve the right to kill off (ok, not so funny, but true, ne?)
*****
*****
Adie was slumped over, her head in her hands as she wordlessly sobbed into the cool night air. Her shoulders shook with each wracking heave of her chest as the tears splashed onto the soft earth, silently disappearing as if they had never existed. It was unlike her to be emotional and vulnerable—she felt they were weaknesses that people could feed upon. She didn't like weakness, and detested it even more when it was hers. Barsky had died and her only living relative was missing. Adie had no idea if her sister was even alive.
What the blacksmith did know was that Lilith had—or possibly still was—unleashing unspeakable horrors into the human world. She had no clue as how to find Lilith, much less how she would find her own courage to face off against her long-lost twin sister. Their inevitable confrontation was something Adie knew would soon be forced upon her. It was something she dreaded, though there was no other way. Lilith had to be stopped, and that would most likely involve thwarting the plans of whomever was controlling her. Adie had a deep, nagging feeling that she knew who was behind the wrongdoings—and Faux's testimony concreted that fact.
It was that girl from years ago.
It was Ultear.
It had to be.
Whether she was controlling Lilith directly, or whether she was using someone else to do her dirty work, Adie had no clue. But, she did know one thing: Lilith was sought after for this purpose. Whatever that purpose truly was, the blacksmith didn't want to know. She pushed the thoughts of her sister aside, focusing on the passing of the only other person she held dear. She couldn't deny that she hadn't noticed Barsky's coughing fits or his weakening demeanor over the past several months. The fire had slowly died in his eyes a long time ago, though Adie wanted to deny Barsky's mortality. He had raised her like her father would have, had he been alive. Barsky had never taken a wife or had children of his own, and Adie knew it was because of his devotion to protecting both her and Lilith.
There had been one woman....in his younger years, but nothing had come of that. Adie had no doubt that, had it not been for her and Lilith—and their secret to outsiders of Wisteria, a long-lasting marriage could have blossomed from his youthful bond. Barsky had always said he never regretted his decision, though Adie had noticed his silent mourning during the years following his break up. She had tried to talk him into rethinking his decision, but he had only told her to never speak of it again. Instead, he delved into his career, focusing on new and intriguing forms of weaponry. He had revolutionized firearms, at least in Adie's eyes. It wasn't a well-known trade of his, but Adie had helped him from time to time, when he had allowed her to.
He had been working on a particular type of armor for Adie during the past few months, saying very little in the process about his endeavor. What he did say was mainly in the form of requests for various parts or specific welding he wanted done. Adie knew that he was making something special--something that would pale even his greatest triumph. She just didn't know what.
She had been utterly speechless when she saw his final creation. It was only a partial exoskeleton, but its design was phenomenal. It was to fit over both arms and shoulders, like a small jacket she could slip into. She had a hunch that the target scope that was left with it was purposeful, though she had no idea what power source would fuel whatever ammunition the armor could produce. She had never seen anything like it, and she didn't know if the world had, either. Perhaps he had known that whatever threat they were to face, they would need an advanced technology on their side. Whatever his reasoning, she still couldn't bring herself to touch it. It was a fitting reminder of Barsky's trade and self, and she didn't know if she would ever be able to summon the courage to use it. Though she didn't understand while he was creating it, she understood now: he was trying to give her a gift before he left.
A parting gift.
Something to remember him by.
He knew his death would be devastating for her. The shop had always been her home, and she knew nothing other than her profession. Sure, she had made a few, brave ventures to other towns when Barsky needed supplies, but she had never really left Wisteria. And that had been his dying wish: for her to leave—to find a new home and a new family.
"So I can watch them die, too," she whispered to herself, as her forehead sank into the palms of her hands.
It was a depressing thought, but she knew that it rang some truth. She wasn't confident that she would ever find happiness living with humans, but she was bound to stay in this world out of duty. She had to uphold and protect.
The sound of the door scraping along the floorboards startled her, and she jumped at the sound. She quickly wiped the flooding tears and her running nose. Her posture became more rigid as she heard the heavy, hesitant footsteps. She knew it wasn't Lucy—the one she would have expected the most. It was a man's footsteps. Unfamiliar, but specifically his.
She was surprised at his appearance, as she had only spoken to Lucy's friends on occasion. Instead, she observed their conversations and interactions. There were times she wished she could unbridle herself, partaking in their lives and relationships. She wanted to be human, wanted to live a life of carefree emotions. Instead, she felt doomed to watch as a stoic outsider, hoping to one day be allowed inside their world. She studied each of them, learning their weaknesses and strengths. How they acted under duress. How they treated one another.
In her own emotional lability, she hadn't been aware that Gray had observed Barsky's passing. She knew that he, too, had one lost his mentor—a woman who had taken him under her wing, filling the void that only a mother could. It had been Lilith's own misstep that had contributed to Ur's ultimate sacrifice in order to save her disciples. Adie wondered if she should be the one to tell Gray that his master's daughter was the driving force behind all of this. It would be devastating to him to know that Ur hadn't been honest about her daughter's true whereabouts. It would only drive him to seek revenge. Adie knew that feeling all to well.
She had an overwhelming hunch that Barsky had shared that information with Lucy. And if Lucy hadn't told Gray, then Adie decided that there must be a reason for her silence. She, for one, didn't know Gray well enough to decide if he would or wouldn't act in a hasty and dangerous manner. No, she would trust Lucy's discretion in regard to such matters. It wasn't her place to interfere. Besides, she had only heard this information from Lilith, and she didn't know how she would answer Gray's obviously questions.
The footsteps grew closer and Adie raised her head, wiping her eyes one last time. She stared out through the early morning mist, silently wondering what he could possibly want. Her only answer was the gentle pressure of his palm against her shoulder. She glanced up at him, only to find that he, too was staring out into the distance.
She could tell that he had never totally recovered from Ur's death, always carrying the burden of self-blame—even partly—in her dying actions. He glanced down at her, momentarily, confirming Adie's silent suspicions. Oddly enough, it was a slightly comforting gesture, even for her. It was the best Gray knew how to do. He knew her pain. He understood what she was going through.
"Sorry," he muttered under his breath.
His words were filled with empathy. He slowly withdrew his hand, taking a seat beside her. Adie said nothing for some time, feeling slightly comforted by the presence next to her.
She licked her lips, her voice soft, "How long?"
"Huh?" Gray asked his eyes flickering over her face, confusion written in his features.
"How long until it doesn't hurt?" she asked, her eyes drifting to the ground. Her cheeks flushed slightly at her vulnerability. Why did she have to sound like such a child?
Gray nodded in understanding, realizing her meaning. He glanced toward the narrow street as he gathered his words, "I don't know. I don't think it ever really goes away."
She said nothing, the tears glistening in her eyes. "I expected that answer."
Gray remained silent as a few tears slid down her cheeks, dripping from her chin. She wiped her face, sniffling softly.
"But it gets easier," he promised, his eyes wandering over the dark horizon. Tiny wisps of color were streaking upward, announcing the morning's hastening arrival.
"Yeah?" she asked, her voice suddenly hopeful. Her eyes shone like a kid's—full of honest vulnerability.
Gray understood completely.
He had been there once.
It wasn't like him to be emotionally pillar of support—it wasn't in his nature. But, he knew what such a loss could do to a person. It would drive them insane; cause them to be careless with their own life. He could see how much Lucy cared for her spirits, as well as the spirits that were begin affected by whatever massacre was going on at the moment. He also saw how much Natsu cared for Lucy and her beliefs. Grey concluded that Adie was the missing link in all of this, though he was not sure how. If that complicated rationale made his third-degree-removed-attitude-of-support both pathetic and unmanly, then so be it. He couldn't deny that he felt a connection with Adassandra, since they were both involved with Deliora in some shape or form. Gray knew that there was more to the story than the demi-spirit had shared, and he would patiently wait out that truth. Until then, he would prove himself trustworthy.
"Yeah," he nodded, smiling slightly before staring out into the distance, waiting for the new day to dawn.
***
***
Lucy yawned, her neck stiff from the awkward angle she had laying. She rubbed her eyes, blinking as the light of the rising sun peeked through the drawn blinds. Her eyes wandered over to Barsky's bed, before quickly flying open in realization.
She sat upright, "Oh no no no!"
Her voice was both soft and frantic as she clamped her hand over mouth and moaned into her fingers. She shakily pushed herself from the bed, her legs wobbly from both sleep and fear. She could see the drawn cover over what she assumed was Barsky's face. She could see the point of his nose and the bony curve of his ribs contoured by the sheets. She saw his long, withered fingers protruding from the cover's edge. Lucy's eyes watched for the rise and fall of his chest as she approached the bed.
She stretched her fingers toward his, quickly drawing back as the chill of his flesh penetrated her fingertips. Her breath caught in her throat as she clasped her other hand over her mouth to stifle her terrified scream. Before she realized it, her fingers were peeling the sheet back from the wizened man's face. Tears stung her eyes as she saw the smile that was spread across his face. Even in death, he had managed to find something humorous. Lucy smiled through the tears as she gently touched the cold cheek.
"I'll keep my promise," she whispered, hoping that somehow, somewhere, he could hear her.
She slowly replaced the sheet, saying a silent prayer for the kindly man. Her eyes wandered over the room, realizing that both Adie and Gray were missing. She could see the door slightly ajar, and quickly found her way outside of the shop. There, she encountered the two mages. They were seated, their backs to her, both sitting in silence. She smiled slightly, glad that at least someone was able to comfort the blacksmith.
"Adie?" she spoke softly, taking a hesitant step.
Adie's head turned slightly, and Lucy could see the pallor of her face and the dark bags under her blood-shot eyes. Grey turned to look at Lucy, his lips spreading in a slight smile of acknowledgment.
"I'm sorry," Lucy offered, quickly taking a seat on the other side of Adie. "I'm so...so sorry."
Adie glanced at her hands, her lashes still damp. Lucy felt the lump growing in her throat as the tears burned her own eyes. Death was never easy when it was someone you love, she knew. And even the stoniest of people would crumble under that realization.
"I knew it was coming," Adie admitted, her voice throaty. "Just not this soon, I suppose."
Lucy was taken aback by that admission, considering Adie's reaction and denial the day before. Lucy quickly realized that knowing someone was dying and actually accepting it were two different things. She reached out and patted Adie's hand as the trio sat in silence for some time. The sun slowly danced across the horizon as the songbirds announced the new morning. Somewhere in the distance, a rooster called forth the morning alarms. Adie pushed herself from the stairs, standing and stretching her arms. She rubbed her eyes, turning to look at her two companions.
"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes still puffy.
"Don't mention it—" Gray nodded, doing his best to look disinterested.
"No, I mean it," Adie interrupted. "I won't be sayin' it again."
Lucy smiled as Old Adie returned. She had some idea that they would be seeing a newer side of the blacksmith, though she didn't want to jinx that hope just yet. She glanced up at the pale-haired woman.
"So, what's next?"
"First, I'm going to re-stock," Adie admitted, chewing her lower lip. "Got some stuff I need to get together."
Lucy glanced at Gray, both knowing that the demi-spirit would continue her quest to find her sister. They had to now decide if they would accompany her. Lucy wanted to return to Fairy Tail, but it was most likely not the time to broach that subject.
At least, not yet.
"Are you sure you're ready?" Gray asked, glancing at the blacksmith.
Adie closed her eyes, nodding slightly, "I need to. I promised him." The pained look that crossed her face spoke a million words she would never utter.
"I understand," Lucy smiled. "But what about..." she trailed off, her eyes darting toward the door.
Adie glanced at her, understanding her inference. "I will inform the mayor about it," she whispered. "About Bar..."
More pain.
"I can do that if you want," Lucy offered quickly.
Adie stared at her, incredulous at the offer. "Okay," she said after some time. "T-thank you."
"I'll go with Lucy," Gray murmured from behind her. Adie shot him a look of disbelief.
"It's what we do. For our friends," he explained coolly, shrugging his indifference.
"Friends..." Adie repeated, the soft wind carrying her voice. Her eyes began to grow misty again as she quickly turned, pushing her way into the shop.
Lucy watched her disappear, before looking at Gray. "Thanks for staying with her."
He shrugged, "Eh, don't mention it. She needed it, and I couldn't sleep."
"Well, it was nice of you, Gray," she smiled.
"I remember what it was like..." he trailed off, his eyes averted.
Lucy was quiet for some time, a teasing smile crossing her face. "And you kept your clothes on, too."
Gray's ears grew red, "What are you saying about me? I can't help it!"
"I'm just saying that you were professional in your support," she winked. Her smile disappeared as her expression grew more serious. "Really, though, how's she doing?"
He shrugged, glad for the change in topic. "About as good as anyone can expect. She'll survive. She's tough."
Lucy glanced toward the door. "Yeah. She is."
***
***
The morning had passed quickly, with mostly everyone staying out of Adie's way while she clamored through the shop. She had apparently restocked and re-equipped, though Lucy didn't know the difference. The only thing she had seen change was Adie's clothes. Lucy had chosen to spend most of her time downstairs, where both her and Erza tidying and making a meager breakfast for the bunch. They group ate in silence, Adie coming by to grab a few morsels before returning to her shop.
Erza had disappeared into the back room, returning an hour later and sharing nothing of what she had seen or done. No one asked any questions, only verbalizing their sympathy for Adie's loss. Despite not knowing him for long, they knew that he had been an honorable man, deserving of an appropriate burial.
The mayor had stopped by and Adie had taken him aside, speaking in hushed tones. His face had been a mask as he listened to her. Despite Lucy's attempts to eavesdrop (and Erza's chastising), she had been unable to gather anything that was shared between blacksmith and mayor. He had offered Adie a meager hug, accepting some odd item she had slipped into his palm. He quickly shoved it into a coat pocket, nodding and tipping the brim of his hat to her. He smiled at Adie sadly, his hand on her elbow as she continued to speak in muted tones.
"Whatcha doin'?" Natsu had interrupted Lucy's prying.
"Wondering what she's saying to him...they look so intense," Lucy admitted.
"Yeah, they do, don't they?" Natsu nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. "Sad."
"Yes," Lucy agreed, her lips upturning in a frown. "It's never easy to lose someone."
"No," Natsu murmured his eyes slightly unfocused. His tone caused Lucy's to study his expression. He appeared to be dwelling on some long-forgotten memory.
"You alright?" Lucy asked softly, reaching out to touch his arm. He jumped at the contact, blinking a few times before glancing at where her fingers were resting.
"Huh?" he glanced up at her, confused. "Yeah...I'm fine."
His eyes darted to the object Lucy was holding in her hands, an ivory-etched box. He thought he had seen it before. Somewhere. "What's that?"
Lucy glanced down, realizing what she was holding. She hadn't been prying, she had merely found the box on the floor in a far corner of the parlor. She knew it contained things that were dear to Barsky-- and most likely Adie's parents.
"It's something...for Adie," she answered as she bit the inside of her cheek.
"Eh?" Natsu eyed the box suspiciously. "Does she know you have it?"
"Does she know..." Lucy began, quickly deciding that she didn't like Natsu's tone. "Stop asking me questions! I'm going to give it to her, alright?"
She stamped her foot lightly, causing Natsu to roll his eyes and mutter under his breath. "Geez, chill, Luce..."
"What?" she snapped, catching part of what he said. "Wanna say that louder?"
"N-No!" Natsu yelped, quickly deciding to leave Lucy to whatever plans she had for that box. "The box is all yours."
Lucy nodded her head in affirmation, deciding that going back to eavesdropping was far more interesting than arguing with Natsu. He, too, decided that there were other things more intriguing than listening to her berate him. He slowly stepped back, hoping to avoid another round of Lucy's wrath, though he couldn't help but to find her tirades slightly cute.
Probably better off not telling her that, he thought to himself as he glanced over his shoulder. She was craning her neck to hear what was being passed between the rotund mayor and the grieving blacksmith.
Morning passed by uneventfully, and early afternoon had quickly descended up on them. The group of Fairy Tail mages had opted to wander around Wisteria as the townspeople passed in and out of Daylon's shop—paying their respects to the late shopkeeper. The group of mages had felt out of place, choosing not to be present for such an intimate gathering and quietly taking their meager belongings and enjoying the many shops that dotted the main street. Most were closed, however, the owners visiting Daylon's.
The quintet enjoyed a small lunch together, relishing the meager downtime they were able to share. No one spoke about Barsky--avoiding the subject altogether. Instead, they wondered about the goings-on in Fairy Tail. Did the guild know the news of what was occurring in the magical world? Lucy had voiced her opinion about asking Adie to return to Magnolia with them, if only to speak with Makarov.
"Maybe he'll offer to help," Lucy conjectured hopefully.
"It's possible, especially if it is as dire as we have been told," Erza agreed
"Gramps will definitely help her," Natsu nodded. "Especially if it's important to you, Luce."
Lucy flushed slightly, realizing that her friends had been dragged around at her own will. "Thanks. All of you. For everything," she muttered, rubbing her neck awkwardly.
"Thanks?" Happy echoed, confused.
"Yeah, what are you thanking us for?" Natsu asked.
"For coming along. It's all my doing--" she began to explain waving her hand at the room around them.
"Stop," Erza warned, her tone sharp. "If it's important to you, then we are here. No explanations, Lucy. You should know that by now. We will go to Fairy Tail, inform Master Makarov of what's been occurring and what we have learned. Then we will see how he can help Adie."
Lucy's mouth fell open at Erza's concise command. She looked at her companions, who were nodding their agreement—even Gray, who was normally disinterested. She said nothing, simply staring in amazement at the wonderful people surrounding her.
"If it's important to you, Luce, you know you can count on us!" Natsu's jerked a thumb toward his chest, grinning from ear to ear.
Erza smiled while Happy nodded vigorously. Lucy returned the grin, her cheeks red. "Thanks.."
"Don't mention it. Just tell us when and where the fight is!" Natsu pumped his fist into the air.
"Idiot, this isn't about fighting!" Lucy barked, while Gray and Erza knowingly glanced at one another.
"Sure it is. And I'm gonna be in the front lines," he solemnly promised.
Lucy shook her head, deciding it was best not to argue with him. She was sure that he wasn't really agreeing to help Adie purely for the promise of a fight. She sighed, deciding it was best to return to the shop.
"We should return to Daylon's," Lucy looked around the table. "I'll bring up the idea of returning to Fairy Tail after the funeral..." she trailed off, her voice dying completely. She looked at the table, her face suddenly solemn.
"Lucy?" Happy asked, peeking up at her from the table.
"Huh?" she looked around slowly. "Oh, yeah!" she laughed, scratching her head. "I'm sure we can convince her to go if we promise that Makarov can help her!"
Her smile returned, though this time it was less confident. "Well, let's go say our goodbyes to Barsky, shall we?"
Adie was standing outside of the shop when they returned, a few yards from the entrance. A bag was at her feet, and she looked like she was ready to go somewhere--anywhere. Lucy looked at her questioningly as they approached, avoiding Natsu's own confused look as it passed between her and Adassandra.
"Did we miss the burial?" Gray asked, unsure of what was going on.
"No....I have no idea," Lucy admitted as they drew closer. She could see something in Adie's hand. The blacksmith was holding it between her forefinger and thumb. It was dark and oblong.
"A cigar?" Lucy asked no one in particular.
Adie looked up, noticing them for the first time. A grim smile crossed her face. She glanced at Natsu, waving the object that she was holding between her fingers. "Gotta light?"
Natsu's brow furrowed in confusion at her question. "Light?" he echoed.
"Uh, you know? A light. Unless you can't make a flame," she taunted Natsu almost playfully.
Lucy's could feel an odd wave or premonition prickling the hairs on the back of her neck. She hated that feeling. Natsu glanced at Lucy, unsure of what to do.
What the hell? he mouthed, though she could see he was just as baffled by the mellow challenge.
"You're smoking before the funeral?" Lucy asked as Natsu provided a flame for the blacksmith.
Adie watched the end turn red as it slowly burned down. She waved it in front of her, sniffing the air as the smoke billowed upward. She avoided Lucy's question, scrutinizing the cigar-like object.
"Smells like garbage. This was one of Barsky's, of course," Adie pointed at it, raising an eyebrow in distaste.
"You don't smoke!" Lucy pointed out, surprised at the demi-spirit's uncharacteristic actions.
"I don't?" Adie asked, both eyebrows shooting upward. She held the lit object out from her body. "I guess I don't..." she murmured, tossing the offending item a few yards behind her.
Lucy watched it roll backward, as a light breeze began to pick up. She caught a whiff of something—it wasn't malodorous, but it was definitely recognizable. Her mouth shot open in protest, as realization hit her. Natsu's eyes widened, as he, too, recognized what was about to happen.
"What the--" he started to ask, quickly grabbing Lucy and dragging her backward.
Erza watched, confused by the exchange. Adie stood, her back to the shop, her face unreadable as the odd object suddenly burst into slow-flickering flames.
"What are you two do--" Gray began, nonplussed by their reaction.
The ice mage was answered by the loud explosion that tore through the air. A large, white flame shot up from the item that Adie had tossed behind her. It quickly spread toward the shop, angrily engulfing the front of the building. A second, much louder, explosion followed, the flames hungrily reaching skyward. This time, a wave of pressure blew toward them, practically knocking Lucy off of her feet. She covered her ears with both hands, slowly sliding against Natsu's body until her knees hit the ground. Lucy glanced up, watching Adie's hair blow around her face as she stared past the mages, her back taking the brunt of the explosive pressure. The blacksmith remained motionless as she listened to the explosions and crackling of the fire.
"What are you doing?" Lucy yelled, her eyes wide as she stared at the shop. "That's your home!"
"I'm keeping my promise," Adie answered, her voice strained and her face unmoving. She closed her eyes for a few moments, as if in silent prayer.
"Th-that cigar," Happy began.
"Wasn't a cigar," Adie answered, her eyes still closed. "I said it was one of Barsky's modified explosives. I guess I didn't specify what I needed a light for. Sorry."
Lucy's mouth fell open in realization. She had smelled the gasoline when the wind picked up, immediately understanding what was about to unfold. Adie had intentionally had Natsu light the tiny explosive—most likely being unable to light the device herself and initiating the sequence of events. She needed someone else to help her keep her promise to Barsky. Adie wordlessly turned to watch the fire slowly engulf the shop. The sign with her father's name detached from its rigging, hanging loosely on one end, the words no longer legible as it limply swung back and forth.
"But why?" Lucy asked, the first to recover from the shock.
She slowly climbed to her knees with Natsu's assistance. She trudged to Adie's side, staring at the woman incredulously. Her face softened when she spied the tears that were silently streaking down Adie's face as she watched her home slowly burn to the ground.
"He asked me to. He wanted to be buried with the shop," she answered simply.
From the corner of her eye, Lucy could see Erza nod her understanding. "It's no different than Makarov wanting to be buried with the Guild if anything were to happen to him."
Lucy's gaze wandered over each of her companions, as their faces reflected the light from the dancing flames. She knew that each and every one of them understood Erza's explanation. They, too, would want to be buried on Fairy Tail soil as a final resting place. Lucy noticed the townspeople as they slowly gathered to watch the shop deteriorate. Not one of them looked surprised by the event, not even the mayor—who was dabbing the corners of his eyes as he watched the scene in muted understanding. Had they expected this?
"Where are you going to go now?" Lucy asked softly, her eyes trailing back to the burning shop.
"I don't know," Adie answered gruffly, the flames dancing in her eyes. "I have no idea."
"Then come back to Fairy Tail. We can get information from Makarov. You can decide what to do from there," Lucy boldly offered, taking advantage of the opportunity.
From the corner of her eye, Lucy saw her friends nod their agreement. They would best be able to help after seeking Makarov's expertise. The demi-spirit said nothing in reply to Lucy's suggestion or her friends' encouragement. Lucy knew that Adie would most likely take her up on the offer, accepting the blacksmith's silence as an agreement.
There was nowhere for her to go, after all.
Lucy met Natsu's gaze as she quietly turned and watched the fire devour the old building. The tears that slid down Adie's cheeks were the woman's silent farewell to the only life she knew. Lucy, along with the rest of her team, shared some of that pain as they watched the only thing Adie had left, burn into nothingness
*****
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Some of Gray's POV for you. I wanted to make it obvious that he's suspicious for some sort of revelation about Ur, making the news less shocking for him if he ever learns it (though what he'll hear will still be even more mind-bottling (haha, movie reference, guess it!) than what he expects. He's not stupid, so I just wanted to touch on that, before anyone says he's OOC. I think he shows his supportive side from time-to-time. I wanted a change of pace from Lucy's constant hovering over Adie, so who's better than someone who's mentor died as well? It really wasn't meant to be some sort of super-mystery or revelation--sorry if you expected some awesome twist. I suck.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter!