A few passengers eyed the two men somewhat enviously, huddled in their too light jackets against the brisk spring morning, a light rain misting the streets, adding to the miserable chill. The men stood side by side on the covered platform, awaiting the train which would take the older one to his home in Margaret Town. Each wore what one would expect to be proper attire for a late summer's afternoon, save for the long sleeved button down the younger one wore.

Lyon saw as Gray flipped the lid of his tactile watch again, checking to see how much time they had before the train would be boarding. He was noticeably fidgety, not looking forward to Lyon's parting. This isn't the first time he's left for several days, but this will be the first time Gray would be left on his own for more than half his waking hours.

Before, his friends had taken turns staying with him, keeping him company against his anxieties of being alone in his house. They were using this opportunity to gauge how well he could handle this new arrangement, but of course, his friends were only a lacrima call away if he needed them.

Lyon, wanting to distract him from his nervousness, asked, "Do you want me to bring back anything?"

"Hmm?"

"From Margaret Town. The merchant district really comes to life in the early spring. I can bring something back from that bakery you always go to when you visit. The seasonal treats are always something to look forward to."

"Bet they are. Honestly, I usually just go there to pick something up for Erza. She's the one who loves that place, but she hardly ever takes missions out there."

"She's missing out, then. ... Maybe something decorative for your room? Or how about the new bathroom? It's pretty spacious, but it could do for a splash of color."

"I'm kind of a minimalist when it comes to those things. I was gonna set Lucy and Erza loose on all the decorating stuff. They seem to know what I like, and I'm sure they'll will have fun spending someone else's jewels. I prefer landscaping over interior design, anyway."

"I noticed. I can bring back some house plants. Bring the outside indoors?"

"We have garden centers here. No reason to carry a bunch of plants all the way from Margaret Town."

"Guess you're right…"

Well, at least he got some conversation out of him. He searched his mind for something to add, before the pause would grow too long and awkward. They both must be nervous. The two of them could usually fill the whole afternoon with idle chit chat, but nothing came to mind.

As he looked around the platform, seeking inspiration for another topic, his eyes fell upon a person he'd very much prefer to see as little as possible.

It was one of Gray's detractors, the worst of them, actually. Oftentimes, it seemed like the jerk, Fen Cardis, had made it his life's mission to slander Gray to anyone who'd listen. Thankfully, the vast majority of the guild paid him no heed. Lyon couldn't fathom why the guy had it out for Gray so much. He wondered more about the man beside him, though.

He was a member of the Phebian race. He'd run into quite a few of them during trips to the Magic Council's headquarters in Era. This one was rather well built for one of his kind. Lyon wondered what they were talking about. Probably just small talk between bench mates to pass the time. He sometimes wished he'd had Gray teach him how to read lips, but shook his head at the thought. Whatever they were talking about was none of his business. He couldn't imagine Fen was so obsessed with his antipathy towards Gray that he'd share it with some stranger while waiting for a train.

Meanwhile, Gray wondered what Lyon was thinking. He turned his head slightly towards him, waiting for his next attempt to fill the silence. He felt a little better knowing he wasn't the only one who was less than thrilled about separating. He didn't want Lyon to worry, but he also didn't want him to think he'd failed to put his mind at ease. He could just come out and thank him for the attempt. He really did succeed, at least a little. But why break character?

"What's the name of that place outside Margaret Town, the one that borders the mountain range?"

Shaken from his previous musings, Lyon furrowed his brow at the change of topic.

"You mean the Neutral Grounds? It's just a vast plain between Peace Village and Mountain Village."

"Really? Peace? Mountain? The naming conventions in that region are pretty dull, aren't they?"

"Simple names for simple people. Why do you ask?"

"I've traveled through there a few times. It's got some nice botanicals. If you really want to bring something back, I wouldn't mind some scented soaps from there, or bath salts."

"Yeah? If that's what you want, I'll try my best to find some. I didn't think you liked baths all that much. You've always taken showers when you could."

"I can't stretch out in the tub downstairs, and I haven't felt all that eager to visit the guild's hot springs lately, for obvious reasons."

"Of course. I'd figured you wouldn't care for the heat… or the dress code. Is that why you sprang for that large garden tub for your ensuite bathroom?"

"With jet sprays. Hell yes! I can soak for as long as I want without a bunch of gawkers present, and the water can be ice cold if I choose. Heck, I might even indulge after your train leaves. I've got a few hours to kill before the team comes over."

"Ugh! Don't remind me. I don't know why I chose the first train out. It's still pitch black out here."

"It was your idea to leave so early. Just imagine all the extra time you'll have with your friends. Oh! Did you remember that package for Chelia?"

"Of course. You know, you didn't have to get her anything."

"What are you talking about? It's just her bingo winnings."

"Which she never won since she never played."

"Participation prize."

"For simply showing up?"

"Door prize, then."

"She'd never fall for that."

"Why not?"

"A deluxe package to a five star Day Spa in Magnolia?"

"What a coincidence. Wendy and Carla got the same prizes."

"They also never played. And she'd have to come here to use it."

"She and the others can plan another girls' day out together."

"You're really spoiling everyone, you know that?"

"What else am I gonna do with all that cash the kingdom keeps sending me?"

"You can invest it. Or start a retirement fund."

"You do remember I'm only 21, right? I'm not ancient like you."

"Hey, 29 is not ancient. Besides, it's never too early to plan for such things."

"Can't really picture myself retiring one day."

"Why not?"

"You really think we'll make it to old age? It's a miracle we've survived this long."

Lyon was growing uncomfortable with this topic, not knowing how to respond to that flippant remark. On the one hand, he knew Gray wasn't being serious, and any other day, he'd see the humor in how their often crazy and dangerous lifestyles have led all of them to some pretty harrowing moments. On the other hand, it was mere months ago that Gray had almost run out of those miracles.

"Sorry. That was too soon," Gray said contritely.

"It's alright. I just didn't expect you to be so… relaxed about such things already."

"You're not worried I'm gonna fall into a spiraling vortex of dark humor and nihilism?"

"Should I be?"

"No."

"Good. It's settled then. Like I said, I'm happy you're able to joke about serious things. You used to do it all the time. It's nice to see that side of you again, even if your jokes are in poor taste."

"Don't hate on me because you lack a sense of timing."

"As if. My humor is just more sophisticated."

"That's way too many syllables just to say boring."

"Keep it up. I'll tell Chelia exactly where this prize came from."

"She'll figure it out eventually. She's a smart young lady. You raised her well. You did a wonderful job watching over Wendy, too. I never thanked you for that."

Lyon smiled at the praise, even though he didn't feel a need for it. Sure, he'd taken the young dragon slayer under his wing due to a sense of fealty and obligation to his brother, but it wasn't like he hadn't thought of all the status she'd bring to his guild too. Plus, Chelia had been ecstatic when she'd joined, and he wasn't going to disappoint the girls by putting them on separate teams.

"She fit right in with my team. It's been fun spending so much time with her again… It looks like they're getting ready to board," he said, seeing the yard workers doing final preps on the train.

"Westbound to the royal capital, Crocus, with stops in Hargeon, Margaret Town, Peace Village, and Era! All Aboard!" called the conductor.

"Guess this is it. Have a good trip. And don't worry about me. I'll be fine," assured Gray.

"I know. You watch yourself during your mission. Stay safe, and don't forget to wear sunscreen. You're gonna be outdoors a lot."

"You know Wendy won't let me forget. See ya when you get back."

Holding out his hand, he waited for Lyon to grab it, before pulling him in for a brief hug. Lyon wasn't all that surprised by the open show of affection, returning the same.

They parted ways, Lyon grabbing his bag and boarding the train, while Gray pulled out his new cane, flicking his wrist as he turned to orient himself, and skillfully finding his way towards the exit.

As he made his way out, he walked by that Phebian from before, and Lyon didn't miss how his large reptilian eyes seemed to study him with interest as they passed each other. Lyon's eyes narrowed, feeling an anger brewing at the idea that Fen really had been talking smack about Gray to that frog man.

He deflated, though, reasoning that maybe the guy just hadn't encountered that many blind people before, and couldn't help staring. He's seen plenty of Gray's own guild mates do the same early on, along with many of the local citizens, until they got used to him.

Finding a seat, he stored his bag in the overhead bin, and made himself comfortable, pulling out a book to keep himself awake. Thumbing through the chapters he'd already read, his attention was pulled away when he caught a glimpse of orange in his periphery. That Phebian had boarded his train. Well, it made sense. One of the stops was in Era. Maybe the guy had some business with the guild, and was returning to report to the Magic Council.

Even through all that rationalization, he couldn't help the feeling of dread he felt in the pit of his stomach when the guy met his gaze as he walked by, smiling at him in a greeting that felt less than sincere. Why did it feel like the Phebian knew who he was?

'It's probably nothing. Lamia Scale always places highly in the Grand Magic Games. He's probably a fan. Gray's not the only one with a fan base out there.'

Satisfied, Lyon leaned back in his seat, book propped in his lap, and skimmed the first page of his current chapter, all thoughts of conspiring slanderers and mission worries drifting away.

Not everything which seemed sinister on the surface proved to be so. It was such a simple matter to allay such fears after some thoughtful reasoning, after all.


Lisanna blinked the sleep from her eyes as she wandered into the kitchen, not too surprised to find Mira fixing herself a mug of coffee. Her lack of surprise was only due to the fact that she's gotten use to this sight within the last couple of weeks. Her big sister preferred to rise earlier than most, since she and her siblings were often the ones who opened the guild each morning; but lately, she's found her puttering around the house long before sunrise.

"Bad dreams again?" she wondered.

Mira looked up, not quite caught off guard, but neither having been fully aware that her sister had been standing there. She gave her a small grin as she nodded towards the steaming carafe with hand reaching for another mug, inquiring if she'd like to join her for this early morning jolt. At Lisanna's tired nod, she filled the mug as she replied, "Not bad, just... intense? Like the other nights. I don't even know why I feel so unsettled when I wake up. I can barely remember what happens in them."

Sitting down, Lisanna sipped from her mug, trying to think of anything that could have prompted these recent dreams. She knew they'd started shortly before the Hanami Festival, but she'd figured it was due to stress from all the preparations Mira had been involved in. Now, several weeks since the festival, her sister was still having these recurring bouts of sleepless nights.

"Did something happen to stress you out?"

Mira quirked an eyebrow as she gazed over the rim of her mug. Right. This was the She Devil of Fairy Tail. They'd fought a war together. A few weeks of festival prep wouldn't have fazed her big sis.

"Silly question. Sorry."

Mira giggled, putting her mug down, and replied, "It wasn't silly. It was thoughtful. Who else but my little siblings would see past the scary facade and ask me if something's wrong? But no, nothing I can think of."

"That's good, I guess. What can you remember from your dreams?"

"Nothing I can see. Just... feelings? Sounds I can't really distinguish. And I always wake up with this sense that I'd forgotten something, or I'm glancing over some clue or detail that's right there, but I keep missing it. It's like I know there's a mystery, but I can't even tell you what that mystery is."

They both looked up at the sound of heavy shuffling from the den, and Mira pulled down another mug, filling it as Elfman walked bleary-eyed into the kitchen. She'd barely set the mug down before it was swooped up and emptied in barely two gulps. Placing the empty mug down with his usual clatter, he slumped into a stool by the counter, propped his head up with his free hand, and asked, "So what are we talking about?"

Both women giggled at his tired attempt to join in their late night/early morning musings, but didn't want to start his day off with reasons to worry.

"Just dreams," said Lisanna, "Sorry if we woke you."

He shrugged, eyes still closed as he responded, "Good dreams?"

Smiling slyly, Mira leaned on the counter, asking softly, "You tell us. Anything good lately?"

He nodded, answering almost in a hum, "Evergreen."

Mira and Lisanna stifled their laughs as best they could, Lisanna joining in with, "What's she doing in this dream?"

His next breath sounded almost like a snore, but he wistfully breathed out, "She's so manly."

That almost did them in, but they weren't new to this particular declaration. Soon, the caffeine would kick in, and they'd all be awake and alert, and ready to start their days. Mira smiled into her mug, cherishing this peaceful moment with her siblings. The cloud of uncertainty had dissipated, and the previous night's visions were barely afterimages in the back of her mind, soon to be forgotten for another day.


"It's really shady where we're walking, but you can see the sun peaking through the trees. Most of them are deciduous, with a few evergreens in the distance. The path is pretty smooth, with shrubs and wildflowers along both sides. It veers a little to the left up ahead, maybe thirty or so meters, but I'm sure it straightens out soon after."

Lucy diligently kept a running commentary of the surroundings as the team strolled idly through the forests between Magnolia and Peony Shire, the small village due east of them. Gray opted to wear his wrap around sunglasses during the mission, deeming the free use of both hands a very big asset in a sudden attack. It was simply a matter of opening his eyes, as opposed to having to remove a cloth barrier to his sight. Natsu was eagerly contributing his own observations, cheerfully pointing out and describing interesting flower groupings, calling out sudden rises or drops in the path, or locating the sources of all the different sounds one would expect in a forest.

"That's definitely a bunch of baby birds I hear. Sounds like six- no, seven. Oh! The mom just arrived! They sound pretty happy now."

"So do you. Why are you so giddy and talkative this morning?" wondered Erza.

"Why wouldn't I be happy. There's no train service in Peony Shire. We're not riding a stinkin vehicle! I can't remember the last time we all just walked to a job. I'm all fired up!"

"It usually takes more than a stroll through the woods to get you fired up," said Gray.

Natsu, never one for mushy feels, wouldn't elaborate the true reason for his mirth; that he was simply thrilled to have the whole team on this mission. Instead, he went for misdirection.

"Happy, look! Lizards! Let's see how many we can catch!"

"Leave the wildlife alone, Natsu," admonished Erza.

"Aw! I was gonna stick a few in Lucy's bag!" lamented Happy.

"You stay out of my things, you stupid cat!"

"Simply childish," Carla scoffed, turning up her nose.

Happy, quickly changing his tune, replied, "Yeah Natsu. You should leave Lucy's underwear alone!"

"Who mentioned anything about underwear!" Natsu cried back.

Wendy giggled, understanding where Natsu was coming from. She'd missed this too. The atmosphere was so different compared to before, much more lighthearted and cheerful. Other than to Callah Valley back in December for Gray's graft surgery, she hadn't been on any jobs outside of Magnolia since August. She could see why Natsu was so excited for what ordinarily would be a boring, run of the mill mission.

It was very nice having the whole team back together.

ooooo

Peony Shire wasn't an isolated village, though it wasn't exactly a tourist destination either. The lone road leading into and out of the main square was well maintained, used by merchants and local farmers to supply the village with most of its needs. It was the lack of outside engagement, coupled with the decent supply routes, which made it such a desirable den for smugglers.

The team approached the largest home in the village, directed to them by an old shopkeep, as that belonging to the headman. Wendy acted as Gray's guide through the humble yard, and by his request, described any special details she saw. It was good to get a reading on a client, and he was a firm believer in the idea that one's home presented a snapshot of one's personality.

There were a couple of servants milling about, a gardener tending to some overgrown shrubbery, and an old woman showing little enthusiasm as she hung some clothes on a line to dry. The house itself looked clean and well maintained, though very quiet for a place that also served as the seat of the local government.

Erza wrapped on the door, and was soon face to face with another servant, who looked surprised to see them. He smiled, however, and escorted them into the headman's office, who also looked surprised to see them. He seemed very harried, and his desk was a disorganized mess. Lucy hadn't expected the leader of such a small community to have so many responsibilities as the mess would suggest.

The servant was dismissed, and the headman now wore a tired smile as he greeted them.

"I welcome you to my home, mages of Fairy Tail. My name is Eldrin Rhein. I appreciate you coming all the way out here, but I'm afraid you must have missed the last communications I sent to your guild," Rhein, apparently a very busy man, picked up a random document and started filling it out as he spoke, "We are no longer in need of your services. I'm terribly sorry to have inconvenienced you."

Erza felt more disappointed than inconvenienced.

"Oh? What of your problems with the smuggling ring? Did they decide to move along on their own?"

"That is precisely it! We were just as surprised to hear of their quick departure. Perhaps word of your return had somehow reached them, and they didn't want a repeat of what happened before."

As Rhein and Erza talked, Gray listened, very attuned to the sounds around him. He thought it very odd that the ring would vacate like that. Perhaps they were in hiding, waiting until things calmed down, and would return when they felt they were safe from the guild's interventions. He listened not just to the man's words, but also his tone. He sounded stressed, hurried, and somewhat nervous to him. Maybe he was wrong, since he didn't know him, but he didn't think the man was just eager to get back to the business of running the village.

Standing in the back, he knew he had a fair amount of privacy. He reached to the side, knowing Wendy was still near, and pulled on her sleeve to gain her attention. Putting a finger to his lips, he bade her to keep quiet and, turning a bit to face her, silently mouthed his next words to her.

"Tap your foot once for yes, twice for no. Is he nervous?"

Not expecting such a question out of the blue, she took a moment to tune into Rhein's heartbeat. She was surprised to find it so rapid. She could also smell a hint of fear rising off of him. He's very stressed for some reason.

The soft hitch in her breath gave Gray his answer, but he waited for confirmation anyway.

Tap

Nodding, he then continued, revealing, "He's lying about something."

For whatever reason, Gray wanted to keep this conversation secret, even from their friends.

...

Or from others who could be listening in?

Casting her senses outward, she couldn't hear or smell anyone outside the door or windows. Did Gray suspect some sort of listening device was being used? Something sensitive enough to pick up even a whisper?

She needed to know what was happening that would make him come to such a conclusion, but had to be discreet in asking.

"How?" she whispered.

"His voice gives it away. I've listened a few times while Erza talked to him over the crystal lacrima at the guild. Right now, his voice lacks sincerity, and his tone is off from what I remember."

Wendy wasn't sure what to say to that. She trusted Gray's judgement, but what could she do? She wasn't exactly the decision maker on this team.

"Just play it cool until we leave," said Gray. He must have known she was unsure how to proceed from her lack of response. He then did something she hadn't expected him to do: He removed his sunglasses, stowing it and his cane away, and watched the proceedings.

She gave a quiet "Okay," and returned her attention to the other conversation.

"I feel quite awful that you all came all this way for nothing. I'd like to pay you anyway for your troubles."

"We couldn't accept such a generous offer. It wouldn't look good for Fairy Tail to accept remuneration without effort."

"I insist. In fact, I'm convinced the anticipation of your arrival is what scared those smugglers off, so in a way, you did accomplish what you set out to do. Please accept your reward with my gratitude."

He reached into a lower drawer in his desk, pulling out a small sack of what they assumed was the reward that had been set aside for them. He opened it to peak inside, and closed it again, tying it off before setting it on the table.

"It's all there. Please, do take it with my blessings."

"Erza, it's fine. It's what the man wants," said Gray.

Turning around to sharply remind him how that's not how Fairy Tail does business, she was just as surprised as Wendy had been to see his eyes out in the open. He hadn't used magic all week. What was so important here that he'd be willing to waste the ethernano to see? What detail was he trying not to miss, that he'd expose the scars in order to have more light to see by? Also of note was how he wasn't looking her way, but was instead completely fixated on Rhein's actions. He looked very serious.

Erza, understanding he knew something she didn't, remained a bit perplexed as she turned back to face Rhein. She gave him a respectful bow as she took the sack, saying, "We thank you for requesting our services. If you ever have need of them again, please do not hesitate to reach out to us."

"I will certainly keep you in mind. Good day, everyone."

They all turned to leave, Gray replacing the glasses as he followed the sound of footsteps towards the way they'd come. Curiously, he didn't bring his cane out, relying instead on sound and the proximity of the others to navigate. Now that Erza was watching him, she discovered something else not adding up. It was rather strange how Rhein didn't seem to have an issue with a blind man showing up for a guild-sanctioned mission. He wouldn't have missed the cane. Most clients would have at least voiced some doubts about Gray's capabilities in the field. She supposed Mr. Rhein just didn't see the need to bring it up since he was dismissing them anyway.

It was when she turned down the road which led away from the house that Gray spoke up.

"Wendy, what kind of clothes was the old woman hanging?"

That left everyone confused.

"Um, from what I can remember, there were some towels, a sundress, a couple of dress shirts and pants, and some pajamas."

Gray seemed to have latched onto something she'd said. He stopped walking, forcing everyone else to stop too.

"Could the pajamas be Rhein's?"

At what sounded to Natsu like a ridiculous question, he snickered as he answered, "No way. They're about a size too big for Happy. They're definitely for little kids."

"Why do you ask, Gray?" wondered Lucy.

"He wore a wedding band. The sundress belongs to his wife. The house was quiet, but the old woman was hanging kids' pajamas on the line. Where is everyone?"

Now everyone was alert, Natsu dropping his jovial attitude.

"I didn't hear or smell any kids present, but I could definitely pick up their latent scents. They're at least two or three days old, nothing more recent."

"Which means they're not just at school or out running errands with their mother," said Erza.

"He slipped a note in the bag. What does it say?" said Gray.

Eyes wide in realization, Erza brought forth the bag, untying the drawstring as Wendy asked, "How did you know about the note, Gray-san?"

"Cana suggested I take up learning card tricks—sleight of hand, things like that—thinking that would be good for my hands. I know a misdirection when I see one."

That's why he'd insisted Erza take the bag. Sure enough, amidst a bundle of jewel, was a poorly folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, she found a page from one of those generic receipt books, with scribbled nonsense on the provided lines. Rhein had just been going through the motions as he was filling out paperwork earlier. Turning it over, they found the message he'd really given them.

"Please help me. They're going to kill my family."


As promised, here's the long awaited next chapter, hopefully a fun, somewhat suspenseful intro into this next arc. Any ideas what might happen on this mission? And what do you think is going on with Mirajane? Weird.

The production went very well! So well in fact, that I was asked to take on the role of Fine Arts Director of my church. I'm really flattered and humbled, and more than a little overwhelmed, but excited at the same time. It's gonna be a balancing act scheduling everything else I do, but I think I'm up for the challenge. I promise I'll schedule time to write. Having creative hobbies is healthy and good for decompressing after a busy day, at least for me, so I'm not about to give up on my favorite pastime. Wish me lucK, and say a prayer for success if you're so inclined!

Next Chapter: An ordinary mission gets complicated, and the team wonders if Gray should sit this one out.