Long chapter to make up for the wait! We're gettin' there, yes we are. Thanks for the encouragement, everyone! Many thanks to my unsigned reviewers (always feel free to leave me an email so I can kindly reply!) as well as new and old readers. RxR, if you feel compelled.
Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! Hope you have a safe holiday!
~OoOoO~
Levy chewed the tip of her pencil, tasting bits of the eraser as it crumbled in her mouth. The metal scratched her teeth, causing her to pull it from between her lips, instead tapping the damp tip against her cheek as she leafed through her journal She glanced at her notes from Adie's blood samples as she pushed her magical glasses up the bridge of her nose.
After a few moments, she sighed. It's just too odd. Unexplainable!
She leaned back, mumbling to herself and rubbing her stiff neck. She had been sitting there for hours on end, reading the thick, aging texts she had managed to scour from hidden corners of the library. It always amazed her what she could find there, and she made a mental note to recommend a restoration for the resourceful little place. She faintly heard the front door to Porlyusica's cottage open as she continued to ponder the chapter she had just read on dark magic. She smiled, her forefinger tracing over the deep blue frames of her Gale-Force Reading Glasses. It was the best investment she had made, as the relics were of the finest materials and the maximum speed available on the market.
Porlyusica's feet softly padded across the knotted wooden porch as she wordlessly made her way to its jutting edge. Levy raised her eyes, pushing her glasses up to rest atop her head as she curiously watched the older woman. They never said much to one another, though Levy had tried to talk to the healer. Her feeble attempts often ended in swift reprimanding from the older mage. Over the course of the past few weeks, however, Levy could see the change in the hardened woman. Perhaps it was Adie's presence that brought back old memories, or perhaps it was the unusual company filtering in and out of the often lonely house. Whatever it was, Levy could definitely see the difference in Porlyusica: a warm cup of tea left here and there, a few smiles and nods of acknowledgment, and, occasionally, a conversation or two. Levy never asked questions of the pink-haired woman, only doing what she could to help Lucy's friend.
She had come to know Adie somewhat better, understanding the aloof woman much more than she had anticipated. Adie was socially awkward, and her intelligence limited to weaponry and armor, leaving Levy with little gain from their conversations. The blue-haired mage gathered what she could from both Adie and whomever came into Porlyusica's abode, using that knowledge to fund her small scope of understanding of the larger picture. She couldn't deny her ongoing suspicions regarding Lucy's attachments to Adie as well as her own initial dislike for the blacksmith, but after some time with the woman, Levy had come to rather enjoy their short conversations. Perhaps it was a relationship purely forged from Levy's self-appointed duty to heal Adie, or perhaps it was her disapproval of Lucy's unhappiness, but either way, the blue-haired scholar couldn't deny that she felt a new sort of protective attachment toward Adassandra. She wasn't entirely sure if she grasped the overall importance of Adie's role in Porlyusica's past, her only source of knowledge garnered from the short conversations between the healer and blacksmith. Levy had some idea that the women's common ground involved a deceased man that was like a father to Adie and her missing sister as well as a former lover to Porlyusica.
Levy's smile was faint and filled with sadness as she watched Porlyusica place her withered hands on her hips as red eyes scanned the forest's edge. The wind toyed with her long, graying pink strands, a few wisps swaying in the gentle breeze. Her crimson eyes suddenly narrowed as she pursed her thin lips. Levy rather liked the mysterious older woman. She suspected that Porlyusica was a former Fairy Tail mage, though the latter would never admit it.
"That's enough." Porlyusica's voice was firm as she stared ahead.
"Eh?" Levy snapped upright, her back straightening as she glanced at the older mage expectantly.
Porlyusica did not turn to face Levy, her posture revealing nothing, "I think you should go back to the guild. Go home."
"What? Why?" Levy tugged at her glasses, lifting her journal with her left hand, "I think we've figured it out! Our original hypothesis-"
"I said," Porlyusica turned her red gaze on Levy, "that you should leave. Now. Do not question me, girl."
Levy's eyes widened, this newfound urgency most unlike Porlyusica's usual, reserved nature. Something was wrong. "What...what is it?"
"Girl, just listen to me!" the pink-haired mage snapped, her eyes darting to her left, "You've overstayed your welcome."
"What about Adie?" Levy asked, her eyes hesitantly flickering toward the entrance to the tiny cabin.
"She will be cared for," Porlyusica replied softly, her eyes once again scanning the forest. Her posture was more rigid as she spoke to the wind.
"I see," Levy replied, her voice barely audible.
She couldn't hide her disdain as she quickly stood, stuffing her papers into the tiny folder as she cast hurt-filled glances at her unknowing mentor. She really didn't see, but she could feel the impending doom edging closer; something was terribly wrong, though she didn't know what. Within moments, she was finished, and she turned to head inside the cabin that had become a welcoming place of study during the past few weeks. She was still stinging from Porlyusica's earlier commands.
"The door is that way," Porlyusica replied, her back to Levy as she nodded toward the forest.
"I-I just wanted to say g-g-goodbye to Adie," Levy tried to explain.
"No time for that," the pink-haired mage responded, her voice more forgiving.
"Oh," Levy replied, her heart beginning to race. What is going on?
"Be careful," Porlyusica's voice was strained as Levy wordlessly walked past her, stomping down the stairs in silent frustration.
"Yeah," Levy muttered under her breath, unsure of what to make of the entire situation as she hugged her journal to her chest. She cast one last look over her shoulder, quickly catching Porlyusica's crimson stare before the older woman turned and walked into her house.
"No time, no time," Porlyusica mumbled to herself as she entered the small room that had recently become the unwelcome guest's room.
Her eyes flickered over Adie's resting face. Porlyusica felt somewhat guilty at not sharing her fears with the young scholarly mage, but she didn't want to scare the girl. She had come to appreciate Levy's help around her cabin. It had been nice to have company, though she would never admit that to anyone, ever. She had become so used to being alone these past few decades. She sighed, closing her eyes, saying a silent prayer that Gajeel had found him.
"I know you're here," Porlyusica called out, her voice stern and unforgiving. She remained there, rigid and ready, until the softly approaching footsteps rewarded her patience.
"I'm only here for her," came the smooth reply, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Porlyusica did not turn, her body frozen with anticipation. "You should know better, intruder."
"I figured you'd say as much," the male voice confirmed, sighing, "I do not wish to hurt you, old woman."
"Yet your minions are attacking my guild," her voice was cold and full of disdain, "How noble of you to wish me no harm, boy."
She heard him hesitate, "Yes...that is not my will, ma'am."
Porlyusica laughed, her eyes on Adie's sleeping face, "So you're saying this is all against your will?"
She turned to face the newcomer, her eyes flashing their disbelief. She was somewhat startled by the...man...standing before her. He was tall and slender, his sickly gray skin sunken. Purple circles hung under his dark eyes—one of which was covered with a patch of some sorts. His raven hair was greasy and thin as it hung limply over his shoulders. Porlyusica could tell that he was wasting away, most likely a shell of what he had been. His thin lips stretched into a faint smile as his black fingernails raked the hair around his face, revealing more of the eye patch. Long, pointed ears jutted from his dank locks, showing her that he was far from human. Her eyes narrowed as she spied the shiny black choker, an object that omitted despair as it encircled his thin neck. She could see the crusted and oozing skin around the offending item. It looked painful, and she could only imagine that his current state was indeed related to that.
"It's not of your concern. I only ask that you yield so that I do not have to hurt you," his fingers unhooked the long string from around his ear. The patch dangled over his hidden eye.
"It is of my concern. You are in my house, which is trespass at the least. Do not underestimate me," she warned, her eyes flashing their annoyance. What is he hiding beneath that patch?
"Have it your way, old woman, but don't say I didn't warn you. I need to take her back. I have to. It's the only way..." he trailed off, snatching at the eye covering and dangling it on his long forefinger.
He twirled the string around his finger, smiling ruefully. Porlyusica followed the movement with her eyes, surprised by her overwhelming intrigue. Her gaze flickered back to his face, and she softly gasped from the vision that awaited her. His covered eye revealed itself to her in its patterned glory. She nearly jumped when it started moving, but the swirling patterns pulled her into its murky depth. She tried to tear her eyes away, but was fascinated with its moving lullaby.
"Excuse me," he murmured, after a few moments, stepping past her.
"Yes, of course," she replied kindly, suddenly feeling a searing, cramping pain in her abdomen. She looked down, gasping at the dark red pool gathering at her feet. She could see the thick blood sliding down her legs and dripping into the puddle beneath her. Her eyes grew wide as she touched her abdomen. It was much more rounded than she was accustomed to, though the feeling was not alien to her. Trembling fingertips traced over the her obtunded skin. She felt a flutter inside of her before all movement ceased.
No! she felt herself begin to panic. What is happening?
She looked up, but the dark-skinned visitor was gone. Her gaze snapped back to the warm puddle at her feet as her eyes filled with tears. She felt the warm fluid trickling over the sensitive skin of her thighs as her lower stomach cramped and relaxed. She did not cry out from the pain, too shocked as she dabbed at the gushing blood, bringing her damp fingertips toward her face.
Not again, she silently told herself. Why?
It didn't make sense. She was too old for this. But it felt so real. She looked for the intruder once again, but he was nowhere to be found. His presence was a dim memory for her. Had it ever really happened? Had she been dreaming? The collection of blood shimmered in the dimming light as it danced with each clotted drip from the miscarriage she was suffering.
No.
No.
NO!
"NO!" she screamed, ripping herself from the raw pseudo-reality she had been unwillingly shoved into. The tears continued to run down her cheeks as she tried to tell herself it was all trickery. She had been able to smell the metallic fluid, feel it trickle over her skin—it had felt so real to her.
Like when I-She shook her head, her anger replacing her former fear and agony as her heart began to race. She looked at the bed, quickly realizing that Adie was no longer there.
His eye! she told herself. There is no other explanation! That is it.
She knew his eye was the source of his power. Did he have the ability to see each deep secret within her mind, forcing her to relive them? It was cruel, and that violation infuriated her. She wiped the tears with the back of her hand, glancing at her abdomen as her hand felt the soft smoothness of it. Her heart pounded in her ears as the bile rose in her throat. She couldn't let him get away with this!
She would stop him.
Faux stepped off the last crooked stair of Porlyusica's porch with Adie in his arms. Her skin was oddly cool, and he was surprised to find that she was in such a deep slumber. It had confused and concerned him, mostly because she looked so much like her sister that it his heart felt as if it would break. It hurt to know that he was taking her to her inevitable death just to serve his own selfish purpose. Lilith would be saddened by her precious sister's demise, but she would eventually heal. She would still love him.
"Don't you dare take another step," came the hissing warning from somewhere behind him.
Faux stopped, surprised that she had been able to dispel his vision. Surely she would have succumbed to such a painful memory? How had she managed to free herself? He slowly turned to face her; crimson eyes returned his inquiring look. Her steely gaze was filled with a fury he had not anticipated.
"I cannot yield," he replied softly, feeling slightly sorry for what he had done to her.
She reached up, unclasping the robe at her neck. It fell around her, revealing the pale garb beneath. He knew that, years before, she had been a beautiful woman; he had seen it in her memories. She was now only a fraction of what she had been. As he pondered her motives, a sudden wave of pressurized power swept over him. The unexpected feeling momentarily overwhelmed him. Was she the source of this intense power?
"And I cannot let you leave," she replied, her eyes growing dark as her lips drew back in a sneer.
"Then we have a problem, no?" he asked, raising his eyebrow. A faint indistinguishable aura emanated from her. How had such a frail-looking woman suddenly looked so...alive?
"You have trifled with the wrong mage," she replied, stretching her arm out in front of her, fingers splayed and palm facing down.
Mage? Faux mused, as he watched her carefully. So it appears she does have some power.
The porch's wood beneath her hand began to flow like hot liquid. It slowly ebbed, rising from its framework and stretching toward her hand. With a snap of her fingers, she was holding a large wooden staff, the top curled around itself. It looked harmless, though Faux was beginning to wonder if he had indeed underestimated this woman. She swept her arm out in front of her, kicking up a gust of wind as she watched him carefully, red eyes flashing their challenge as she stepped back with her left foot. The large staff twirled effortlessly between her fingers as she arced her arm, bringing the tip of the staff to touch the ground. He followed the movement with his eyes, unsure of what was happening before them. His grip on Adie tightened protectively as he awaited whatever foolery his opponent was summoning.
At first, nothing happened, and a small smile stretched across his lips as the corners curled upward in amusement. He opened his mouth to speak, but the ground unexpectedly throttled him upward. In his surprise, he dropped Adie. Without waking, she plummeted toward the ground—which was far beneath him. Before he could think of how to get down, the pink-haired healer appeared before him, the wind forcing her hair from her face as her crimson eyes glared at him as she floated by some unknown means. Slumped over her left shoulder was Adie, still oblivious to what was going on. Porlyusica spun her staff once more, creating a vortex. With movements swifter than he had anticipated, she slammed the wizened staff into his chest. The move sent him reeling backward—his arms flailing as he plummeted to the ground.
His back felt as if it shattered into a million pieces as he hit the earth with an unexpected force. He groaned, his body screaming for him to accept his death. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the pain to disappear. In that darkness, he could see Lilith's face.
Lilith crying.
Lilith laughing.
Lilith telling him she made a mistake after Ultear made her a prisoner.
His last moments with Lilith before she was thrown into whatever hellish prison after bravely refusing to do Ultear's beckoning.
He had to save her; he only cared for Lilith. He would save her, even at the cost of his own life.
His eyes snapped open, and he forced himself to his feet, pulling his curved blades from his coat. He stumbled forward, his body screaming in pain. It was a pain he had was unaccustomed to, a pain no Spirit should feel. He swayed around the tall, wooden mountain he had been throttled from, his hands supporting him as he stared out from under his greasy locks. He found his target hovering over Adie's still body.
"Thought you got rid of me, did you, old woman?" he hissed.
Porlyusica turned, her eyes wide, confirming his suspicions that the mage had been hoping her blow had debilitated him permanently. She stood, this time much more slowly than before. Her attack must have drained her, as she most likely had not fought in half a century, he considered. Faux took advantage of the situation, aiming to maim, not kill. Despite his desire to save Lilith, he did not want to kill if he didn't have to; he had never killed anyone before. He wrapped his fingers around the blades, feeling the sharp metal edges dig into his leather gloves. Porlyusica waved her staff, and and he released one blade, feeling satisfied as it cut through her wooden weapon, much to the healer's surprise. The top of the staff hit the ground, and the blade arced around, slicing through the loose skin of her arm. She cried out, gripping the bleeding extremity in shock. Crimson eyes met his dark irises. His patterned orb began to spin, once again taunting Porlyusica.
"It...won't work," she gasped through the pain, "I know your magic."
"It always works," he promised, the corners of his mouth twitching upward, "Very little can be done to resist it."
Porlyusica looked away, finding the move difficult. Within seconds, she was swept into another vision, despite telling herself it wasn't real.
Morpheus gritted his teeth as he sped through the forest on all fours. He had faintly heard Faux's thoughts in the distance as he helped Lucy, and he had known what the other Celestial Spirit was searching for. He had been unable to keep his word to the Stellar Spirit, and he was aware that Faux was impatient when it came to Lilith's safety. Things had turned out much differently than the feline had anticipated, though those circumstances were out of his control. He couldn't blame Faux, but how had he known were to find Adie?
It had been a simple plan. He gave Faux Veleda's key, as the seer had instructed, and Faux would force the mages to do Veleda's bidding. In the end, it had been successful, though Morpheus had been hesitant to end Veleda's human life. He still felt badly for using the mages as pawns in their little game, but Faux had only done what he thought was best for Lilith. Saving Veleda was harmless enough: thwarting Ultear's plans and buying them time. Her ability would have allowed the dark mage to locate any spirit in the Human World, adding to Ultear's growing army of imprisoned Spirits. Morpheus knew that, after Veleda, Ultear's next target would be Adie, but he thought that Fairy Tail could protect the demi-spirit. If Ultear were to get a hold of both sisters...there was no telling what would happen. The King had refused to become involved in human affairs, though Morpheus had no idea how much longer even he could ignore the impending doom that was inflicted on both the Human and Spirit Worlds.
Dammit, Faux! Morpheus inwardly growled in frustration.
He ran faster, hoping that Levy and Porlyusica could fend off the Spirit—who was markedly deteriorated. Adie, he was unsure about. He knew that her prognosis was grim, but lately, he could hear thoughts of hope out of the blue-haired mage. There had been a change; something unexpected had occurred. But, neither she nor Porlyusica had any idea what this change would bring.
Dammit!
Morpheus could see the clearing up ahead, and the thundering thoughts of Porlyusica's tragedy overtook him. It was as if he had hit a wall emotion. Is this what she kept buried deep inside of herself? Was this her secret? He could hear the wails and rage. He could feel her self-blame, her broken heart. He pushed himself more, launching himself toward the clearing—toward the cabin. Far off in the distance, he heard Levy's whimpering-no doubt Faux had found her as well. He closed his mind off to her silent sobs over the dead body of dark-haired man with the piercings. A lover, perhaps?
Not the time to get involved in humans' affairs, he reminded himself as he pushed onward on all fours.
Faux smirked as he watched the elderly woman's body tense. It was a sign that his magic was working. Soon, her body would go limp as if she were in a deep sleep, and she would fall victim to whatever horror he bestowed upon her. It was cruel punishment, he knew, but his time was nearing an end, and he needed to do anything and everything to ensure Lilith's safety.
"It ends here," came the low hiss from behind him. Faux's eyes widened and he instinctively leaped behind the pink-haired healer, his arm snaking around her throat as he stared over her shoulder at the familiar presence.
"I'm sorry! I can't wait anymore," Faux replied quickly, his eyes narrowing.
Morpheus stood up, taking a cautious step forward, "This will accomplish nothing."
Faux pulled Porlyusica backward with him, only stopping when his heel hit something warm and solid. He glanced behind him to see Adie still laying on her back, her lids partly opened and her breathing shallow.
"Trust me."
"Dammit! Stop spewing your false hopes!" Faux screamed, "I listened to you enough! Look at where we are!"
Morpheus knew he was becoming angry, most likely more so at the fact that the feline spirit could read his thoughts. He would have to tread lightly, "We will find her. We will rescue her."
"NO!" Faux barked, "You promised that when I followed your plans back at the cave. Still, nothing has been resolved. Ultear is sending her army here as we speak. To kill off this weak guild!"
Morpheus has suspected as much. At least, it made sense with what little intel he had managed to gather from his dispatched Oneiroi. He knew Faux was becoming desperate, and he understood the spirit's impatience.
"We will find her-" Morpheus' voice was calm as his golden eyes remained on his former comrade's face.
"Lies! You are only looking out for your own gain. You blame Lilith for this. The King will most likely make her his prisoner! His own niece! You know the bounds of his mercy!" Faux's eyes were growing wild as he began fabricate imaginary scenarios.
"Lilith will be held responsible for what she can be held accountable for," Morpheus began, knowing that there was no use avoiding the issue-at-hand.
"That's why I have to save her! Get her to safety! She is innocent—she was being used. You know it, old friend!"
Morpheus nodded. "I do. And I have no intention of letting that happen. But we have to react in rational manners. This," he gestured around them, "Is not rational. You kill a human, and you'll be executed by the King. You know the laws."
"I don't care about your theories!" Faux screamed, tossing Porlyusica to the side. The woman tumbled to the ground, landing awkwardly on her shoulder. She cried out in pain, blinking through the fogginess of her consciousness.
"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY-"
Faux's eyes grew wide as he, too, felt what Morpheus had already known was coming. He stumbled forward as his head throbbed from the pain. Splinters of wood rained around him as he staggered, turning around. He reached up to his head, drawing his wet fingers from the fresh wound. Adie returned his look, her own eyes dark. She held the gnarled remains of Porlyusica's staff in her hands, drawing back to swing again. Her hair hung limply in her face as her teeth chattered. There was a ferocity in her gaze as the whites of her eyes blackened completely. Morpheus could hear the murderous thoughts scattered throughout the sad, loneliness that was normally Adie's mind.
Lilith.
Lilith?
Lili!
"What...about...Lilith?" Adie gasped between her shaking rigors. She looked down at her hand, examining the odd discoloration of her nails. They were triangular and sharply pointed.
"Ada...ssandra," Faux whispered, shaking his head to remind himself of his company.
"What about my sister?" Adie hissed again, the metallic taste of rage pushing its way up her throat.
"Adassandra, calm down," Morpheus murmured as he felt the oddly foreign presence inside of her.
"Listen to him," Porlyusica gasped as she pushed herself upright, her fingertips glowing as she touched them to the torn flesh on her arm. She ignored the bulge of her dislocated shoulder.
Adie sniffed the air, her head whipping around toward Porlyusica. The whites of her eyes grew darker and her irises brighter. Morpheus felt his stomach drop at the disgusting thoughts running through her head. It was a primal way of thinking, a bloodlust of sorts...
"No!" Adie groaned to herself, fighting the thoughts in her head.
"Lady, what is going on?" the spirit growled, his voice low with caution.
"I'm not sure," the pink-haired healer answered him as her eyes warily studied Adie. The pale-haired woman was grabbing her ears and crying out to herself, "But whatever had infected her is being held at bay, for now. It seems that in emotional distressing states, it has the potential to take over...though..that is purely speculation."
Morpheus wordlessly digested what he healer had shared; he hadn't needed her to explain that aloud, though he was sure it was more for Adie's convenience as well. The demi-spirit's mind was a jumbled mess of confusion at the moment, and Porlyusica's words had luckily reached her. Adie's head snapped upright, her eyes returning to their normal pale shade. The spirit watched her carefully. So her death sentence had been suspended indefinitely. His eyes flickered to her right shoulder, which was bare under the thin shift and robe that was hanging off of her thin frame. She had lost a lot of weight, and it appeared that her wounds had healed, most likely a result of her body's rapid turnover of cells, as Porlyusica had alluded to in her thoughts. That sort of regeneration was inherited from her mother, no doubt—as the lifespan of a Spirit was much greater than that of a human. Being half human still allowed for her to age, but her body's innate ability to quickly replenish dying cells was a process that kept her aging at bay, unlike that of a normal human. It also apparently bought her time, though he knew that Porlyusica was not sure the outcome of this new development. A suspected transformation into that beast? He had never heard of such a thing! He suddenly wished he hadn't pried into Porlyusica's thoughts.
"I want to know about my sister, and you're going to tell me," Adie hissed at Faux as she clenched and unclenched her fist. She noticed the familiar rounded shape of her nails had returned. She was sweating profusely, her attire clinging to her bony body.
"I have nothing to tell you," Faux took another wary step backward, his legs growing weak. He dropped to his knees as the remaining energy he had saved up quickly betrayed him.
Adie snarled, reaching out and grabbing at his neck. Her fingers slid along the slippery, grotesque item encircling his neck. She cocked her other arm back, ready to hit him with the staff again. "Where. Is. She?"
"Stop it," Porlyusica gasped as the sickening pop of her shoulder told her the joint was back in place.
Adie ignored the command, her steely gaze on Faux as he opened his mouth to speak. The words never had the chance to leave his mouth as another's voice called out in an unfamiliar tongue. All eyes turned toward the speaker.
"What the-" Adie leaped backward as the script softly floated toward Faux. Like a piece of paper, it folded around his neck, glowing bright gold against the smooth onyx of his imprisonment.
"Unfetter!" Levy's hand cut through the air, her eyes narrowed as she stared at her spell.
The script grew brighter, imbedding itself in the dark stone. It sizzled as it charred its way into the material, growing brighter still. Faux's eyes widened as he reached up to his neck, quickly drawing his hands away in pain. The faint sound of cracking glass was heard and Adie took another step backward, avoiding Faux's fearful look. His face grew more pale as the sound of breaking glass grew louder still.
"Unfetter!" Levy cried again, this time closer. Her voice was louder, more commanding.
The noise quieted, and, for a moment, everyone glanced around in confusion. Suddenly, the sound of glass shattering into a million pieces tore out. Faux yelped as the choker he was forced to wear crumbled into tiny pieces, slowly flaking away from his neck. His eyes were wide with panic as Adie watched it happen. She quickly reached out, catching a few falling pieces and holding them in her palm. Faux's eyes danced over it, and his fingers hesitantly reached up to touch his neck. The feel of tender flesh beneath his fingertips brought tears to his eyes.
"Is it...?" his eyes pleaded with Adie.
"Gone," the demi-spirit answered, her voice soft with surprise.
All eyes once again flickered to Levy, who stood there with her hands on her hips, her face contorted in an expression of rage. "What?"
"What was that?" Adie asked, her tone relaying her awe.
"That was my magic. I'm a mage, too!" Levy cried, her cheeks reddening as she averted her gaze.
"How?" Faux asked, hope edging its way into his voice.
"How? How?" Levy's voice was growing more shrill as she glared at him in anger. "I should have let you die after what you did!" Her eyes were bulging out of her head. Faux said nothing, though he understood her anger. He used her own insecurities against her. He lowered his head.
Levy inhaled deeply before continuing, "But you're lucky I'm not just any girl!" She tapped her temple, "I paid attention when Veleda and Lucy had mentioned you, so I knew your abilities. It was getting out of that vision that was the hard part! A good friend," her cheeks blazed, "he made a promise to me, and that's what helped me!"
Morpheus repressed a grin as he read her thoughts. So there was more between the iron dragon slayer and the scholarly mage, after all...
"And..." Levy rolled her eyes, "I had been reading up on ancient magic. Solid Script magic has its uses when effectively utilized. I studied foreign tongues and ancient script for a living, which is how I figured out how to get rid of that horrible sealing spell!" She pointed a finger toward his neck. "Despicable things, trapping unworldly creatures here, to be used at anyone's will!"
"You read about them?" Porlyusica whispered, somewhat impressed.
Levy nodded, her anger lessening momentarily, "You'd be amazed what one can find in that library. It was more of theory, of course, but I had nothing else to go by! I found an ancient script that was created solely to ward off dark magic—like what Ultear is using! An Unfettering Spell—it negates some black magic seals."
"You owed me nothing...yet you helped me..." Faux whispered, his eyes downcast.
"Damn right I did!" Levy replied triumphantly, "Because that's what we do at Fairy Tail! We help one another." Her gaze remained steady on the Celestial Spirit, her eyes trailing over the rotted flesh of his neck. It was raw and oozing something unfamiliar, and the sight made her slightly ill.
Faux said nothing, his head snapping upright. His dark eyes flickered over Levy before they went to Morpheus, Porlyusica, then finally resting on Adie. He shook his head, his mouth twisting into a rueful smile, "I'm finally free...but it's too late."
"Too late?" Adie and Levy asked in unison.
Faux didn't reply, only slumping forward onto his hands. His strength was momentary and he fell forward, managing to roll onto his side as he did so. Levy yelped as Adie immediately dropped down next to the spirit. She shuddered as the last of the chills shook her body. Her hair was damp and matted to her forehead.
"Can't he return? Lucy said they can heal if they do! Why isn't he returning?" Levy's voice was growing frantic, her former anger completely resolved. It was replaced with fear at the seemingly impending doom of Faux's condition.
"I've been here too long," Faux muttered dryly as he stretched his neck so he could stare at the sky, "I'm destined to die in this miserable world. Serves me right."
"You're not going to die! You have too much to live for!" Adie's eyes widened, "What about Lilith?"
"So this is about your sister," Porlyusica murmured, "Some things just never change, do they?"
Adie shot her an annoyed look, and the pink-haired healer simply pursed her lips. Levy glanced between them. She had only heard bits and pieces of this story, though she was sure it held some sort of secret as to why Lucy was so invested in the demi-spirit. Family sorrows were a weak point for the blonde Stellar Spirit Mage, as she had lost her mother at a young age. She knew the pain of losing a loved one, and was willing to do what it took to spare others of that same experience.
Faux shook his head, "I don't know...I haven't seen her for some time. Ultear had promised that if I obeyed her orders, I'd see her again. She knew how I felt...it was my first mistake...among many," his eyes clouded as his gaze slid to where Morpheus was standing. The feline spirit remained silent. Faux bitterly laughed, "But it was just words! She used me like the others! She uses our weaknesses against us!"
"Where is she? Tell me? I'll find her!" Adie's eyes grew round and her voice more frantic. Morpheus could hear the dangerous thoughts threatening to resurface. It was as if there was something hidden deep inside of Adie. A new presence.
"Calm yourself, Adassandra!" the cat hissed in warning. "You're going to lose control!"
Porlyusica was testing the range of motion in her shoulder joint, crimson eyes carefully watching Adassandra, "He's right. Until whatever this poison is has made its effects known, you need to remain in control."
Levy said nothing, wondering how much anyone could predict about what as occurring with Adie. At first, they thought her wound would kill her. But, after some time, it seemed as if her body had managed to create a symbiotic relationship with the foreign poison. The result, however? No one knew. Porlyusica seemed to think that, eventually, she would die. Levy had furiously looked up every text related to myths of Amarok bites, though no human had ever survived. Perhaps Adie's special circumstances helped her. Perhaps they would eventually work against her. Erza had been poisoned before, but Wendy's Sky Magic had been able to resolve it. It appeared the dragon slayer's magic did not work on certain injuries involving unworldly creatures...
"I-I don't know. Those creatures are still around, so that's the only hope I have that she's alive," Faux stared at Adie, his resolve slowly crumbling. "I failed...her," he whispered, his eyes never leaving Adie's face, "And it's only fair that her face stares at me in my death."
"What are you talking about?" Levy's panic was growing, "Go back to the Spirit World!"
"It's not that easy," Morpheus grunted, "Once a Spirit has been here so long or has been critically injured, they no longer have the energy to move between worlds."
"Energy?" Levy whispered.
"There is no such thing as free movement between worlds," Adie admitted, glancing at Morpheus. "Just like the toll it takes on Lucy to call her Spirits, they require energy to purposely move themselves between this world and theirs."
Faux shook his head, "I can't...I don't have the power to do that..." He looked up at Adie, "I'm sorry..."
"Tell me this: does this guild stand a chance against Ultear's army?" she fired back, her eyes narrowing. "Does Lucy have a chance?"
He hesitated. Finally, his lips parted, "Human resolve has always conquered, has it not?"
Adie clenched her jaw, "Do we stand a chance?" We. Morpheus' golden eyes grew wide as he realized what she was asking.
"You can't mean-" the feline spirit began. This wasn't just about finding her sister.
Adie held up a hand to halt him, her gaze on Faux, "Answer me. And quickly."
He dropped his head against the ground, his face masked by his hair, "She has resources. Tons of resources. A spirit mage...Angel. A necromancer. Black magic. She has a hatred for the human race and will stop at nothing to revive Zeref. And you're asking me if you and this measly guild have a chance at defeating her?"
"I thought that's what I said," Adie replied sarcastically, finding humor in the dire situation.
"Your sister believed that you would come find her. She believed that you would save her," his voice was tinged with bitterness, "But I wanted to be that person. Seems...seems that alone, no one will be successful."
He raised his head so that their eyes met. Adie said nothing, though Morpheus knew she could feel the spirit's concern for her sister. His devotion. He knew she hated the strange Spirit, thinking him ill-suited or her sister, but Adie could never live with herself knowing she allowed a person Lilith loved to die before her. It happened quickly: the jeweled lion's eye sparkled in Adie's hand as she thrust the key into Faux's chest, Levy cried out a the barbaric display, light enshrouded his body. Morpheus silently watched as Adie held him, her other hand supporting his back.
"Thank you..." Faux murmured, he eyes squeezing shut as tears sprang to his eyes.
"Don't thank me just yet," Adie growled, "I'm expecting you to do what you can on the other side. Don't do anything rash, you'll risk her life."
"I understand," Faux replied softly.
"Wait," Morpheus interrupted, "That mage'll know you're gone. How do you expect to fix that? "
Faux's eyes snapped open, terror in them as he realized that Morpheus was correct. Even Adie cursed under her breath and Porlyusica watched through narrowed lids. Levy looked around the group, somewhat confused. Morpheus took a deep breath; if what he heard in Faux's mind were true, he recognized the dire situation they were all facing. Human and Spirit—two races that normally coexisted peacefully.
"I'll go in your stead," Morpheus replied, his shape instantly changing. He grew taller, his body habitus thin and his long, dark hair tucked behind pointed ears. His skin was a light shade of gray as he added his finishing touches of an eye patch and ugly, infected choker.
Faux nodded his understanding, his eyes flickering back to Adie, "I'll do everything in my power."
"Better," Morpheus grumbled. "Anyone she has that'll be able to see through this?"
"No...she has a Sensor, but that won't apply to Celestial Spirit Magic, only Human magic."
"I see," Morpheus nodded. "Then get on it, boy, will ya? Try to get that old coot off of his throne. Tell him everything."
Faux smiled grimly, "I'm sorry I doubted you..." Adie withdrew her key, and the Spirit's body disappeared. Adie sat there for some time, staring at her key as she cradled it in her lap.
"Don't do it. It's not necessary," Morpheus told her as he placed a foreign hand on her shoulder, his eyes on her key, "You don't know what'll happen. We can still do something."
She stared at the key, turning it over in her hands, "I never used to believe in this human resolve. This desire to sacrifice everything for one another. It wasn't until I saw this guild...its people...that I thought it was possible to want to care for others, not related by blood. They all have their sorrows and yet, yet they still smile. If that's lost, then what is there left? I'm tired of being miserable. I don't want to lose everyone closest to me. I know Lilith has been stupid-"
"Stupid? That's an understatement, child," Morpheus grunted, half jokingly.
He could hear Adie's regret at letting her sister leave Wisteria. The demi-spirit's mind housed a lifetime of regrets, and it had become her resolve to not regret this moment, this war—whatever it may be. He understood her feelings, though he did not think them prudent. She may be King's niece, the Queen's daughter, but it was her life to live as she chooses, and he would not stop her. She had never asked for special privileges and he wouldn't give her any.
She looked up at him, her lips pulling into a sad frown, "You know, I really can't take you seriously looking like like that. It's ugly."
"Well, I need the practice before I leave," he admitted, "Bein' ugly isn't easy." Despite his jokes, he was nervous. It was the first time in a long while, but he wouldn't share his concerns with her.
"You're doing a lot to help with matters that do not involve you," she replied softly, "Have you grown fond of that Stellar Spirit mage as well?"
Morpheus avoided her gaze, grumbling under his breath, "I could care less about any of this! I'm watching over you."
Adie smiled knowingly, saying nothing as she looked to the horizon, "Do you think it's as bad as he's telling us?"
Morpheus looked up, his eyes scanning the distance. Before he could answer Adie's question, an overwhelming power suddenly introduced itself. A bright white light shot skyward, the clouds dispersing above it as the pulsating light began to swirl, dragging wisps of clouds with it. Porlyusica's eyes grew round as she, too, felt the raw power emanating from the direction of the guild.
"Shit," Morpheus mumbled under his breath as Adie quickly looked toward the roaring light.
"No!" Porlyusica gasped, fearful crimson eyes staring over the tree tops.
"What? What is is?" Levy worriedly asked, confused by the sudden display of concern. She craned her neck to see the cause of the chaos as well. She gasped, her voice a strained whisper, "Fairy Tail Law."
Porlyusica's eyes misted over as she held her fingers to her lips, "He can't withstand that much. No...oh no...idiot!"
"Huh? What's that?" Adie's voice was soft as she watched the pink-haired healer.
The pulsating power began to spread outward and Morpheus could see the bright light heading for them, though he wasn't sure of its intent. The wind blustered over them as a faint, yellow light blew through. As quickly as it announced itself, it was over. A few seconds later, Porlyusica was running for her cabin, a string of profanity being hurled from her mouth. Levy stood there in shock, unsure of what to do.
Adie rose, shocked and confused as well. She looked at Morpheus, "What was that? What's goin' on?"
Morpheus stared toward the village, his eyes wide and his human-like body rigid, "What you asked about earlier, if it's that bad? Well, it looks like it's gotten a lot worse."
"What do you mean?" Adie's eyebrows furrowed as she glanced toward Levy, who was nervously chewing her fingernails.
"If it's a real war you want to dabble in—real human affairs," Morpheus grunted, his dark eyes meeting hers, "Then I think you've just found your chance."