Nic exhaled deeply as he sat comfortably in his chair. His arms were crossed as he looked to be half-asleep.

"What's wrong?" Erza asked from across the small table. "Not feeling well?"

"No, I'm fine." Nic lethargically dismissed. "Believe me, it's not the first time I've been up for a while."

Erza crossed her own arms across her ample caboose. "I see, couldn't sleep well after last night. Yeah, things certainly didn't end on such a high note, I'll give it that. Still…" She moved her hand so that her chin rested on the palm. "We should try to relax a little. Your stomach's probably the one paranoid. We haven't had an outgoing breakfast for some time."

Nic chuckled. He knew his wife was right. "Yeah, probably the bile talking."

A very early morning shined upon Astral and its residence. The sunshine glimmered along the mountain ranged far beyond the city limits. It was so bright that glaring at it would leave one blind. Nic and Erza had to shift their seats just to prevent that. To start off their morning, Erza proposed breakfast outside a diner, to which was very much willing. After last night, he needed something to fuel up.

A waitress with short blonde hair tied in a high ponytail stepped up, bringing the two out of their conversation to see their orders have arrived. "Here you go." She landed Erza's plate first, which was a balanced breakfast of sausage and fresh squeezed orange juice.

"Thank you." Erza nodded.

"And for you." The waitress leaned to Nic to place the western omelet in front of him.

"Thanks." Nic replied.

"My pleasure. Feel free to let us know if you need anything else. Enjoy!" With a chime in her charisma, she turned went back inside to tend to the other early morning customers. Nic and Erza watched her go with grins.

"She's certainly lively." Erza commented.

"Yeah, she is." Nic proceeded to skewer his breakfast omelet with his fork. The slice of the thin edge carved into the omelet, letting melted cheese showed that layered the ham and vegetables inside. He couldn't keep himself from salivating so hard.

Erza giggled as she watched Nic eat at his own pace. Her dreamy smile on him as he munched rather profanely made it look like she adored the scene, even when it's anything but. She watched him lift his head and open side to let the massive slab he picked off fall to his mouth. "Napkin, Nic." She handed him a napkin.

Nic swallowed. "O-oh, right. Sorry…" Nic took the napkin with both hands, wiping the cheese off his face. His serious expression showed. "So about this crown, is it true you think it has to do with the ritual?"

Erza closed her eyes and frowned. "Jellal's hunches are never wrong. If he says this artifact is important then it's wise to not doubt him. He has a knack for being rather persistent with gut feelings…something that you both seem to share."

"Are you trying to flatter him or me?" Nic raised an impish brow.

"So, what exactly is this crown?" Nic and Erza looked at the flier in Jellal's possession, staring at the artifact intently. It looked fancy for just a mere crown.

"It's an artifact to have been made from ancient blacksmiths in this region." Bellona informed. "Jellal and I did some investigations and learned the alloy that it's made of is made of extinct gold."

"Extinct gold you say?" Erza narrowed her eyes and looked skywards. She could see herself wearing golden armor. It actually fitted her quite well in her eccentric imagination.

"This is all sounding like basic marketing. Commandeering and thieving for a profit." Nic stated.

"Believe me, we thought the same thing." Jellal answered. "It's no secret that the metal is special and can be worthwhile, but…" his gaze grew fiercely seriously. "There's a legend behind it as well. When we looked into the tablet in front of the casing, the document said an old tale about those in command of stars. It was faded incantation, so it wasn't much we could scrounge, but it was enough to raise a red flag."

"And that's when you learn about this ritual I take it?" Nic pieced it together. His gaze hardened. "Yeah, this is a big coincidence."

"Thanks to Erik, we were able to track down the artifact to this area. If you both have any suspicions of where it might be, let us know. We'll be around investigating."

Nic looked down one more time at the flier in his grasp. He looked at the crown and its eccentric jewels encasing it. He knew something about this was off, he could feel it.

"'Those in command of the stars', those were Jellal's exact words." Nic reiterated. "And the king said something about using the stars to bring back Aquarius."

Erza put a hand to her chin. "Yes, that does bring up general concern now that you mention it." She faced him. "And now you're suspecting the king's lying?"

Nic looked down at his omelet., his appetite appeased for the moment by his investigation. "…no, that's not it. I'm sure he genuinely means it when he wants to bring Aquarius back for Lucy. That's what worries me. I know something's wrong, those eyes never lie." He thought back to the eyes of hatred when he fought Gray and END. "But this is for Lucy. If we mess up, she'd be even more broken. I doubt she'll recover from that."

Erza placed a hand on Nic's shoulder, making him look at her. "It's sweet of you to consider Lucy. I'm sure that no matter what happens, she won't fault anyone for what happens. She's never one for grudges."

Nic smiled and huffed. He lifted his fork. "Alright, let's start our day on the right foot."

Erza tapped her fork with Nic's before digging in.


Also up early this morning, the library doors have just opened, and already someone was inside tending to her studies. A loud yawn came from Sophie that echoed in the main lounge.

"Hm, Sophie? It's impolite to yawn aloud." Kadabra pointed sagely.

"Right, sorry. A-ni a-ye-fa (I'm tired)." The blonde mused. She groggily sighed as she resumed her readings from last night. 'Still can't believe that libraries open this early here. It's certainly not like the one we have in Fiore, I'll give it that. Now…'

She reached for the stack of books she loaned from the library last night and reached for the bookmark wedged halfway into the paper. She put on a pair of Gale-Force Reading Glasses she rented from Levy before leaving. Kadabra used his psychic powers to make a book float in his face.

"Sophie, I do apologize in advance, but I'm not familiar with your human written manuscripts." He stated.

"Really?" Sophie hummed, invested in the reading.

"Yes." Kadabra cleared his throat. "Still, though I must say, I've never seen you this focused before on reading texts. Especially not in a biblically expanded location."

"I always went to the library back when my parents were still together. It was fun." A smile crossed her pink lipstick. "Rufus and I would study often together…that is until we got older. I started studying a little Hebrew and other subjects, and Rufus would be into any spells for his magical benefits." She snorted rather mockingly. "Still glad I was able to smack some sense into him back in the Grand Magic Games."

"Sounds like quite the sportive times for you." Kadabra mused.

Sophie chuckled. "You can say that." She wouldn't lie when she admitted that she somewhat missed those times before her parents divorced. Her traveling with her father until she finally took to her heels and joined a guild was when matters spiraled. Nevertheless she resumed her studied. "Okay, let's see. Volume 3, verse 7…"


His majesty was but a skeptical man of his age, a man who had the condolence of his people who looked up to him. Not just as a wise man, but a humble one. Perhaps this what lead towards his and Aquarius' first meeting. Ever since that one night, Achilles went out by the sea on clear nights, waiting for Aquarius like it was a sworn promise. Some believed he fell for the spirit, but many others found it confusing. Some officials questioned his sanity even until it became common of the king to swim in the sea on clear nights.

Weeks after the meeting with Aquarius, he was relentless, but wanted to know more, exploit as much as possible about spirits. He never asked how many there were. He surmised it had to be millions equaling stars, but he had to be sure. When the next month passed and the dates changed, it soon came time. The stars shined bright, and the Celestial World opened itself to him once more. He was ready to meet Aquarius again…but it was a new date of the year, and with that the constellations changed. He met not the mermaid, but two giant fish that spouted from the water: Pisces. And that only the beginning. For the next cycle of spirits to come and go, Achilles would meet a new spirit once in a single night of a different month, within a certain time period. He met Taurus in the fields overlooking Astral. He met Cancer along the beach snipping some fine seaweed into silky strands that could be used for wigs. In various locations within Astral's range, the young king would be on the lookout to find and see these 12 spirits for himself. That's when he realized the truth amongst Astral's geography.

The king had inscribed to many of his peers, of studying stars, to naming them. He conducted searches and findings, leading to the invention of telescopes. This was the concept of Astrology that was broken into the world. And it turns out, Astral is the one place that is that bridge of land and stars alike. Due to the geography, the land is concentrated with starlight, giving it an atmosphere that resembles much of the so-called Celestial World that few have seen through the ocean at night. More accurately, after months of studying, Achilles noticed the magical potency notably stronger on the nights the Zodiacs visited the realm. With his encounters, the more reactive he gets to sensing celestial energy.

Finally, after a whole year of astrology and documentation, he accurately predicted when he would meet the next spirit. However, his encounter with Aquarius and their conversation lead to another direction…

"What?" The king stepped backwards in the sparkling seawater, he was shocked at the proposal Aquarius said. "Come beith again."

"I said, I have offered you a chance to meet your king."

Achilles stood motionless in the water, his half-naked body glistening from the starlight minerals that filtered in the water when meeting Aquarius crossed over. He wanted to see the spirits again, sure, but he never expected to be able to meet the king. This was the first time he's heard of such a proposal. He was flattered to get acquainted with another king like him, but a king that's able to use magical abilities foreign to them, that's where it gets terrifying. If he made a wrong, callous mistake, there could be a chance that the lives of his people could be endangered. Yet if he didn't, who knows? Would anything actually change? What would he get out of this venture? Sure he's interested in these spirits, but his people and friends came first.

"Excuse me, are you still there?" Aquarius' charming call eluded him back to reality.

"Forgive me for that. I was…just momentarily perplexed is all."

Aquarius chuckled. "I can see why. This is the first time I've seen the king take interest in humans, let alone you. Us spirits let word travel quite fast in our world."

"Aye…" Achilles looked down at the ankle-deep water. It reflected endless streams of starlight and pixilated twinkles from faraway galaxies. He was invited yet he knew better. "I apologize, but I feel my obligations are here."

Aquarius watched him turn away, slowly trudging one leg with the other through the cold gateway.

"And where are you going?"

"Back to shore. I have a public that needs my help to grow. We're expecting a harvest by week's end that needs tending to."

"Just one moment." Aquarius sighed. Much to his chagrin, Achilles stopped in place. "I understand what you are saying. A king must tend to the needs of his people. They are whom that makes the king."

"Aye, that'd beith one way…"

"But a king must also try to salvage what he can for himself. Without his own provisions, what good is a lone king?" The spirit levitated across the water closer to his back. "It doesn't have to be this minute, but my constellation won't last all night. It's fine that you don't want to meet the Celestial King now, it can wait. But the offer won't stand for long."

Achilles stayed silent as he looked ahead. He wasn't certain if this was intentional or not but it didn't seem like Aquarius was lying.

"Very well…" She turned her back towards him, her tailfin barely grazing his toned back to make a shiver run up his spine. "I'll be around if you're still available." She smirked. "From one king to another, he's not as frightening as he seems."

As she started levitating off slowly, Achilles' initial spine twitching dissipated from Aquarius' tail brushing. His brow furrowed as he considered the options that were made, and he wasn't exactly confident about the idea…but Aquarius' offer managed to offer a small wedge into his temptation. Temptation. That's a word that got to every human. It wasn't something he liked showing, but ever since meeting Aquarius last year, he's been nothing but tempted.

It was a no-win for him, not the way he saw it.

"Wait."

Aquarius stopped.

"…if I were to go with you, would this presentation take very long?"

"Not long at all." She answered. "However, our world isn't like yours. I should warn you about that."

After a pause, Achilles finally exhaled. "…okay." He turned around. "Then if his majesty wishes for a prompt meeting with thy humble me, then make haste."

Aquarius grinned. "There's the sprit. Now, then…" He grabbed hold of his shoulder. "Let's go!" Without another second, she dove into the water, dragging Achilles with her.

Achilles instantly felt a dense mass of liquid consume him, no doubt seawater. He closed his eyes as everything went black for a moment for him. Air had gotten light as the drag and force made him black out. When he awoke, he found himself feeling dry. Stirring onto his feet, he shook his head of the dizziness. "What in tarnation was-!" His eyes shot wide when he realized where he was. Everywhere he looked, there was nothing but starlight. It looked like space, but only more majestic. He stepped on the porcelain pathway, reaching out towards space. "This…this is…" he trailed off, completely speechless. He sharply turned towards Aquarius. "Wait! Is this really…?!"

"Yes. Welcome to my realm." She chimed. "Oh, and hope you don't mind the wardrobe change."

Achilles looked down, confused by what she meant. He realized he was earing a black mantle with green edging, which exposed his midsection. He had gray pants and black gloves that he gripped tightly. He starred in amazement. "How did this happen so fast? Did you cause this?"

"It's by law. We've studied human physiology since you all arrived in that place…what was it called…Astral? Anyways, the point is, it's like fish out of water. These clothes will help you breathe here in our world."

"Interesting…"

"Now, then…" Aquarius started floating down the pathway, leaving him be. "I believe that there is someone who you must meet."

Achilles looked around when he realized she was leaving. "Wait a minute…" he stepped towards her direction. "Where are you going? Aren't thou my lead to-!"

"So…you are the one who has been talking to the stars?"

The sudden voice caused the man to stiffen. He couldn't explain why, but the deep, strong voice behind him made every semblance he had grew cold. 'What…is this feeling…?' he shuddered in place, the tension from the rapid heartbeat making him almost want to quiver. 'This beith…but could it…?'

He shakily turned around, only for his expression to flatline. His breath escaped his lungs. "What is this-?!"

Flaoting before him, in a dominating demeanor, there was a gargantuan humanoid creature. It had a massive moustache, with a blue flowing cape that adorned his accented armor. On the knees and the forehead were golden star-like assortments. There was an everflowing, sparkling aura around him that gave a more refined stature. It was like looking at a god itself.

The Celestial King stared down at him with crossed arms. "…"

Just his presence alone was enough to bring Achilles to a standstill. He kneeled before him, lowering himself in presence of the mighty celestial. "Your Majesty…" Achilles stated as calmly as possible, in stark contrast to his racing heart. "T'is an honor to finally meet thy spirit. Please, forgive thy self."

The king was silent as he looked over Achilles. It seemed like he was silently inspecting him for some reason. His lack of an answer was unnerving the lesser king, much to his chagrin.

Finally, after what felt like forever, the greater king raised his head. "Rise, my friend."

Achilles raised his head.

"You have no need to bow before me. I welcome you." Achilles slowly stood on the King's behalf. "I must say, I was surprised when my fellow spirits told me about the human species. What startled me more, was how one was so ambitious enough to interact with them. My friend, may I ask why are you so interested in my kind?"

Achilles humbly lowered his head. "…for as long as thou remembered, mankind has never been beyond the stars. Many wondered what another life would be like beyond the current reaches we have now. Many in our troubled times would do anything to find a safe haven…" he paused to collect his deeper thought. "However, I believed that perhaps the heavens themselves were alive."

"Heavens, you say?" The King raised a brow.

"Aye. Beith the place beyond our own lives. I humbly apologize once again." He curtsied before the King. "My name is Achilles Seraph, King of Astral. Beith thy honor to meet you, your majesty."

The Celestial King paused for a moment as the fellow Zodiacs converged behind him. They all stared at Achilles as the King dominated before all of them with his overpowering presence. Slowly, his massive moustache began to move on its own in opposite directions. A massive grin formed on his face, showing white teeth.

"And to you, our new friend. We bid you welcome to our new kinship."


Sophie's eyes widened as she sat the manuscript down on the table. "So…this is how the first human crossed over to the Celestial World…." She narrowed her eyes. "And thus…" They widened again. "He also made a contract with the Celestial King?" The shock on her face didn't go unnoticed by Kadabra.

"Is something the matter, Sophie?"

"…no. Sorry. I was just surprised is all." The Memory-Make Mage stared down in momentary perplex, trying to collect her thoughts. She recalled back to the grievous fight against Jackal while teaming up with Lucy. Lucy had to sacrifice a Zodiac to bring the King to their world, and could only be used once.

She put a hand to her chin as she started pondering. 'So back then, humans could actually summon the King at will? I wasn't expecting these kinds of conditions. But…how is it that wasn't the case when Lucy summoned the King. Aquarius said the King had no key. Did something happen to make him lose his own key?'

As the blonde was looking into the missing pieces to this puzzle, Kadabra looked over at something. "Hm? Sophie."

"Yes, Kadabra, what is it?" A slightly begrudging Sophie looked over, her eyes meeting with what her Pokémon saw. "Wait…excuse me?"

There, over on the other end of the table, there was a familiar figure sitting in a wooden chair, his own business lying in a textbook.

"Duncan?"

The aforementioned Trainer heard his name called and glanced at Sophie.

"What are you doing here?" she calmed down. "No, scratch that, what are you doing here, within the library?"

Duncan scoffed. "It's nothing. None of your business."

Sophie sighed angrily. "Fine. Sorry." She watched Duncan return the attention to the next page over. 'Even in the mornings he's like this. I wonder how Joey and Dereece put up with that. Now that I think about it, why did Duncan come along anyway?' It was a hard-pressed thought that prodded in the front of her mind. She took a look at Duncan's book, but the page wasn't shown well from her angle. "What's that book you're reading?"

Duncan chose to ignore her, minding his own interests. Rude as ever, making Sophie all the more irritable.

"Please, allow me Sophie." Using Confusion, Kadabra used the psychokinetic powers to move the book from Duncan's clutches and passed it towards Sophie.

"Hey!"

The book landed in Sophie's grip. She minded herself as Duncan got up from his seat and marched over to collect his belongings. "Hey, what's with you?"

As if falling on deaf ears, Sophie hummed as she looked at the title on the front cover. "The Assessments of Magic & Origins" She reiterated. "A book based on magical history…?" Suddenly the book was snatched from her by Duncan. "Duncan, you're studying magic?"

Duncan shot glares at her as he tucked away his book. "Yeah, so what?"

"It's nothing."

"Then what's with that face you're making?" he squinted.

"I swear. It's nothing…it's just, now that I think about it, I've never seen you invested in anything other than Pokémon. Since when have you been so interested in magic all of a sudden?"

He harshly turned away. "Since I first discovered my own magic." He huffed. "Might as well since I'm here, wouldn't that be the most sensible thing to do?"

"I suppose."

Duncan scoffed. "Good. Now please, stay out of my belongings." He started walking away. "I'm gonna go find a better place where I can't have my books flying off on me. Next time, teach that Kadabra of yours and yourself to respect other's space."

Walking off, the mage/Trainer only earned the ire of Kadabra as he watched his back. "A most imprudent individual."

"Yes, I can agree." Sophie watched him go, but a strange sensation boggled around her head. It felt like something was missing in the picture that was Duncan. It's not the first time Fairy Tail was left revelated from a secret kept from them, but this wasn't anything that was exploited before.

For as long as she's known him, Duncan has always been an enigma. He wasn't as open as the rest of the other Trainers or mages in the guild. Nic wasn't the easiest at first either because of his stubbornness and reclusive nature, but overtime loosened greatly. And Vanessa was as easy to talk to as baking pie. There was no effort needed to get Joey babbling with Dereece backing him up, but Duncan…he was aloof. There wasn't a single thing she knew about him. Some impulse was telling her to act now. So she did.

"Duncan, wait."

Despite his urgency, he stopped on behalf of Sophie's words.

"We've known you since the conference two months ago about The Crossing. You're a very straightforward Trainer with exceptional battle knowledge and abilities alike. You were able to give Vanessa a run for her jewels as well at one point. And yet as capable as you are you haven't explained enough why is it that you joined our guild."

"That's because I didn't." he countered.

"Then let me be the first to ask. Duncan…" A moment's hesitation caused the air around them to grow silent, setting a serious tone in play. "…why did you join our guild?"

Duncan looked over his shoulder, giving her a neutral glare. "…I have my reasons."

"Does that include leaving Joey and Dereece behind?" she scolded, getting up from her chair. "I've heard how you left them on their own job when you declined them. Last I checked, they're your teammates." She started for him, stopping in front of the table as her Kadabra levitated over the other side. "I'm not sure what motives you have for making such a decision. Sure, Joey can be over-eccentric, but he's suffered enough."

"Isn't pain supposed to be the greatest teacher?" Duncan input his own logic to counter. "Besides, I told him to his face I needed time for myself. He gave his consent."

"Because Joey trusts you. He worries about you as much as he does for his own well-being."

Hearing this made Duncan huff as he glared over his shoulder at her. "If you're so worried about him, you go check on him? Doesn't affect me either way."

The blonde huffed again. "Well, as tempting as that is, I'm afraid I don't know where he is. But if he were here, what would you think?" She halted as she processed another possibility. "You don't like him, do you?"

Duncan was stone-cold silent, giving no verbal response. That was all Sophie needed.

"Duncan…"

"Look, if you're trying to tell me that I should be more attentive of my 'Captain', fine, I get that." He harshly rebutted. "But in case you haven't noticed, I have my own life, and my own purpose. I don't have time babysitting and telling someone how to live their life when I should worry for myself."

"And what exactly is your life? What are you trying to accomplish that makes you want to stand out?"

Duncan lowered his head, looking at the ground. "I already told you, that's none of your business. I can get strong on my own…unlike some people." He started for the exit again. "See ya around."

Sophie stepped forward, but by the time she processed it, Duncan was already gone. She just watched his figment fade in the distance, a frown on her face. In her mind, she was processing that last sentence he spoke. She wasn't one to be insulted or take them lightly, and this was no exception. But for some reason, that struck a nasty chord inside her heart.

"Honestly…"

"I don't mean to intrude on the matter of alarms here…but his personality is rather inhospitable." Kadabra noted.

"I can't disagree with you there." Sophie smirked. She thought back for a moment how because of Duncan's battle tactics, she was able to capture Finneon. 'Still, believe it or not…he's actually a smart Trainer. I suppose he isn't so bad if he's committed to that much.'

It was an intrusive thought that crossed her mind. Commitment. That was a word that never was a high priority to her…at least not growing up.

Sophie looked towards the skylight, seeing shining blue yonder high over her head.

'You want to be a mage?" Sophie's father was stunned as he held the reigns that kept the steeds moving forward. It was his turn to take the trail ahead again, while Sophie sat in the carriage with their possessions.

"Yes, father. I've made up my mind." Sophie declared. "Between merchants and mages, I think this is my best course."

Sophie's father sighed. From the way that it sounded he didn't seem too pleased. "What have I told you about mages, dear?"

"That they're cheap and destructive distractions?" she answered matter-of-factly.

"I never said that." He denied.

"Not according to my memory. But father, if you're so ill-will on this, why go out of the way for me to learn Memory-Make?"

"It was because of your mother." He answered. "She thought it would be best to try and find you something that you can use in life."

Sophie fell silent. She could tell her father wasn't so interested in the idea of magic compared to her mother. She was a lively girl, and she loved the exploits of magic. It's true to what her father said about mages and magic having destructive properties, but that's because of his experience and not her mother. Her father was less lenient on mages because of a few incidents involving bandits and Dark Guilds raiding their loot on trails that weren't checked up on…it's how her grandparents lost their lives when her father was 12. Even now, that little grudge of magic lingers in the back of his mind, and compared to Sophie's mother, it was a complete contradictory. She wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but she meant well, and she was very open-minded. She loved to exploit new places and ideas for trade, or otherwise personal ventures to help her grow. Suppose that's how she ended up with her father and having Sophie. Everything they could agree on, except for magic. Magic. Guilds. Anything that related to anything supernatural didn't sit well with her father, and that's where the wedge was placed between them.

"I feel it'll be safer if you just went this way." Her father continued. "I'm sorry Sophie, but sometimes life doesn't work the way you want it too. You know I love you, and I'll support whatever you wanna be…but a mage can lead down a dangerous path."

"I know." She said quietly.

A pause fell between them.

"Father."

"Yes?"

"Are you still mad at Mom for what happened?"

Her father lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose rather tight. "…no. Not anymore." He said it low, with hints of grief that Sophie picked up on. "She chose her way, and I chose mine. This is what I feel is best for me, and the safest for you. That's what we agreed on…it's as I said, dear, sometimes life doesn't work the way you want it too. You just have to get by the way you know how."

Sophie looked down sadly. "I understand…" She looked down and resumed her book she's been studying, partly to pass the time.

Sophie sighed heavily. She turned back towards the manuscripts and textbooks still to go through. She hesitated for a moment before sitting down, putting on her Gale-Force Reading Glasses. Kadabra got the message and used his psychic powers to lift a book.

"Now where was I…?"


All of Astral was tending to its daily activities for the day, or as normal as could be in the eyes of many. However, amongst the morninggoers, there notably less of them on the streets. Normally there'd be a few people exercising on the beach, preferably men. But rather than bask sun on a sandy beach, muscles were being put to use elsewhere.

On a high plateau overlooking valleys, the land was being flattened and paved cleanly. People were on their knees using flattening metal to smooth out the fresh concrete around a large, circular mirror that was being cleaned. Even with many of men on it, the pressure wasn't making it crack. It was like time hadn't touched its value.

Watching from a higher point, Oberon as the men were at work fixing and conditioning the atmosphere. Since first light, the preparations for the ceremony were going about smoothly.

"How are things looking, Oberon?" Coming from behind, King Melchior surprised the advisor as he turned around.

"Your grace." He greeted with a hapless expression.

Melchior walked up besides him to overlook the progress of the plateau grounds. "Looks like we were able to enlist a few more volunteers than necessary." He noted the numerous men.

"I do apologize or that. I'm afraid Auriol was a rather…persuasive with the numbers. You know how she can be." Oberon glanced at him. "Is this a problem?"

Oberon grinned. "No, just a surprise is all." He chuckled. "But I don't mind. It's not often you see such a big community work towards a united goal as big as this one."

"You're their king. Whatever you want, it's their command. T'is the role of man and servant; he who seeks a goal must have those who support him."

"Come now, Oberon. This isn't Bosco, remember that."

"Yes, I apologize." He turned to face him. "Still, I cannot thank you for allowing me to beside you, even after your endeavors for Bosco's slave abolishment. Though it wasn't for fruit, had naught it been worthwhile."

Melchior grinned passionately. "That's all part of the past, my friend. You are free now, that's what's important." He turned towards the work on the plateau. "...and that same endeavor shall be set for the young maiden's spirit tonight."

"Your wish shall come true yet, sire. Tophet's encryptions of the hill's power have proven faithful yet." He turned his gaze towards the mountain range. There, lying beyond the valleys and caverns, there was a staggering hill with a nearly perfect vertical cliff. "Up there. That's the point where the wish has been cast. To this day, the die had been cast for your ways, all because of your sacrifice."

"Your modesty is starting to wear on me." Melchior smirked. "But it's appreciated." He turned towards the workers as he watched them apply extra shine onto the mirror; he could see his own face from the distance.

Another prolonged silence fell before the king spoke.

"Come. We must prepare ourselves."

"Indeed."

The two made way from their positions overlooking the plateau to ready for the ceremony. Unknowingly, from an even higher point, they were being watched by Jellal and Bellona. They were looking through a large magnifying glass lacrima that they positioned between two rocks.

"Seems that the pieces are moving in their favor." Bellona commented.

Jellal offered no input, instead gazing steadily with anticipation.

"And he's the suspect you believe. A ceremony to be held under Aquarius' constellation tonight, on top of that, he's summoned all the Zodiacs in one place. There's not enough room for signs of clarity."

"Don't worry." Jellal finally answered. "I'm well aware of the possibilities. Even with the information Sorano got from her sister, there's still a trail to go on. Even if it's not him, the culprit's still somewhere in Astral. They have to be."

"Suppose we'll have to wait for Sorano to report back…" Bellona sighed. "As soon as she stops groveling over her sister. Speaking of which…" She looked around, noticing another of their company missing. "Has Erik reported in yet?"

Jellal shook his head. "No. Frankly this worries me."

"He's never gone this long. Should we look for him?"

Jellal was hesitant to answer for a moment, but the ceremony took priority. "No, not yet. He's surveying the area. Even if he's not here, nothing can escape his hearing…unless if he's on a vehicle." He groaned.

"Guess we should just wait then."

"For now apparently." Jellal's gaze steadied on the site through the magnifying glass, watching the king and his servant walk off. "Let's hope our friends are on the case as well."


As the sun rose across the atmosphere, someone else had woken up to their own revelations. While the Fairy Tail Mages were having their own adventure, Joey, Dereece, and Kevin were gawking at something that ended up in Kevin's sleeping bag last night. It wasn't a frog, or a snake. Heck it wasn't even his newly caught eccentric Sewaddle…but a little girl.

This girl, despite any and all accusations, she looked healthy, or at least well enough to be nourished. It was hard to say considering her enigma. She looked about 7, or maybe 8, and looked a lot like Kevin. But that wasn't even the tip of the Never-Melt Ice. What struck them as off…was her calling Kevin "Papa".

It took a long time for any of them to process what was said, but Kevin was the first to speak. "Uh…b-beg your pardon…?"

The girl tilted her head, smiling. "I said good morning, Papa."

Kevin gulped. For some odd reason, his heartrate couldn't lower, even if he was trying. Though he was slightly older than his acquaintances, his mind wasn't as coped to these situations. It didn't help him as he slowly turned around, giving Joey and Dereece a nervous stare. "W-what…?"

"Kevin…" Joey started. "I don't mean to alarm you, but, eh…WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON?!"

His sudden outburst alarmed the Blue Pegasus Mage. "I-It's not what it looks like!"

"Then why is there a little girl in your bed man?! Dereece, you're the smart guy, do you know what's happening?"

"All sorts of wrong in my eyes." The advisor of the party-animal noted.

"What?" Kevin looked back at the girl, catching a glimpse of what he meant. He sharply looked back. "Hold up now! What are you saying? That I brought along a little girl with me just to sleep with?"

"Well you have that big kite thing, don't ya?" Joey noted.

"Uh, well I-."

"You've got other things inside those pockets other than kites and Pokémon? Maybe little girls for your fetishes now? You never told me you were into that kind of thing!" He sharply turned away. "You know what, nope. Just nope. I don't wanna hear an explanation mister. You see this?" He showed his arm up high with a leveled palm. "This is the respect bar. And you see this?" He brought it down slowly as he whistled, simulating some kind of harsh descent from the sky to a crash sound. "This is your respect level! My respects for you, just crashed and burned mister!"

Kevin shook his head. "C'mon, give me a break. I'm not even into that kind of stuff man."

"Into what specifically do you mean?"

Kevin and the others stiffened when the little girl's innocent question alarmed them. Kevin looked back at Joey and Dereece to see what they would say, but were just as stunned.

"Uh, nothing. It's nothing important right now." He lied.

The little girl tilted her head in confusion. "Is everything okay, Papa?"

"Uh, uh…y-yeah, just fine. Just…just fine…" Kevin tried scrambling for words, but he wasn't having any luck. "Uh, just hold on for just one second, okay?"

The three looked towards each other, huddled around suspiciously, much to the girl's confusion.

"Dude, what the heck's going on?" Kevin whispered nervously.

"I don't know, I thought you knew." Joey replied. "Dereece?"

"Don't look at me, I'm just as clueless as you."

"Well she's not mine. As far as I've known, I've never had kids. Or even…" He trailed off as he was given suspicious stares from Joey and Dereece. He got to the point. "Anyways, point is, she's not mine!"

"Well if she ain't yours, where did she come from?" Dereece asked.

Kevin calmed down, putting a hand to his chin. "Yeah, and more importantly, how did she end up in my sleeping bag of all places?"

Joey crossed his arms and hummed. He was just as stumped as them. But he was trying to be reasonable right now. His eyes widened. "Wait."

"What?"

"Kevin, you said something about going on a job to find some people, right? There's a lot missing, and it was just us when we got here. Do you think…" He slowly turned towards Kevin. "You think she's one of the missing people?"

Dereece gasped. "Wait, you think?" He turned towards Kevin. "This true?"

"Hold on a sec, guys. I gotta get my bearings please." Kevin sounded rather desperate for a breather, and Joey and Dereece complied. "…let's see if it works now." Concentrating or a moment, Kevin activated his Search Magic. He started scrolling into his saved files, mainly for his work. 'Phew. Okay, guess my saved files section still works. That just means my Search function doesn't operate.' He started looking into the many faces, which were mainly highly revered scholars and expedition leaders. As he was going through the names and pictures, he furrowed his brow. "Huh, that's weird. Her pictures not on here."

"Well that isn't creepy." Joey sarcastically murmured.

"But if she's not on the list, then what's…someone like her doing here?" Dereece asked.

"Oh! Maybe a tropical vacation! With her folks! That sounds like a party!" Joey chimed.

"Doubt it." Dereece grumbled. "We would've seen some signs of lifeboats along the shore when we landed. And even if there were any manmade stuff here, we couldn't tell because we didn't stay on the beach long enough."

"Guess you're right." Joey sighed. "Great, now what do we do?" He looked towards Kevin. "Uh, go talk to her…or something."

"Why me?" Kevin pointed to himself.

"I don't know, you're the Papa, you do something."

"Fine." Huffing, Kevin walked over and kneeled before the girl. She looked innocently up at him, like any child would.

"Is everything okay, Papa?"

"Uh, s-sure uh…sweetie?" He felt a bitter taste in his mouth when he said that. 'Geez, I don't do little girls.' Shaking his head, he focused. "So, how are you feeling?"

The girl blinked, smiling innocently yet again. "I'm fine."

"Great. So, uh…sweetie…you mind telling us how you got here? Anyone else you know is here?"

The girl paused again. "Uh, let's see. There's…uh…" She tried to think of something, but her brow furrowed the more she thought. "I believe…no, that's not it…I…"

"Are you okay?"

"I…" Her head lowered with slight regret. "I can't remember."

"Nothing?" Kevin saw her shake her head. "Well, you have a name we can call you?" Once again, she shook her head. He turned back towards his peers with a discouraged look. "Nothing. She's completely wiped."

"Well ain't that a big help." Joey sarcastically sulked.

"She can't remember? You mean like amnesia?" Dereece speculated, looking up with a raised brow. "I guess that could explain a little."

"Yeah, but it still doesn't explain how she ended up in Kevin's bed last night." Joey pointed out.

Dereece crossed his arms. "Hmm…"

Kevin was just as conflicted. While Joey and Dereece were cooperating with him, the other side there was a little girl who came from out of nowhere. He could see her anxious stare leaning onto him and him alone. He was conflicted, and very much worried of what to do about the situation. He knew in the pit of his gut that something was definitely wrong here, and most certainly about this abrupt meeting with this little girl who calls her 'Papa'. But the longer he stared, the more he could see the resemblance, as well as the uncanny view of her eyes. They were much like his own, and the hair color was the same. It really was like looking at a younger-self, in a weird kind of way.

But being human also had good qualities, no matter how foolish they were deemed. He knew leaving her here would be plain cold, and he'd regret it for the rest of his life. There was no way that was gonna slide.

He walked towards her, looking at her intently. The girl looked just as worried but said nothing. "Guys…I think we should bring her with us."

"Kevin." Dereece worried.

"I'm serious. Look." He gestured towards the girl. "Would you really say no to that?"

The two looked at the girl and saw her worried face. Joey was smart enough to know there was something off about this mystery, but he was also aware of his morality. He and Dereece exchanged worried looks, but ultimately came to an agreement.

Dereece groaned loudly. "I know I'm gonna regret this, but…okay." He smiled.

Joey shrugged with a toothy grin. "Yeah sure, okay. Besides, we're not those kinds of people."

"Figured you weren't." Kevin turned back towards the girl. "So it looks like you're with us, kid. That okay?"

The girl jumped with a chirpy smile. "Yay! Thanks so much Papa!"

"No problem. But…we can't just keep calling you whatever. I guess for the time being, we should give you a name." He put his hand on his chin and fell silent. An idea sprung in his skull. "I got it. We'll name you after my late-grandma. So sweetie…how does 'Ella' sound?"

"Ella…?" The girl scrunched her face in confusion. "Ella…and…this is my…name now?"

"Yes. Ella."

"Ella…" The girl softly smiled, perhaps even more genuine than before. "I like it! I have a name now!"

Before they could enjoy the happy notion, everyone heard some stirring around them. Meek rustling alarmed them with hisses.

"Huh?" Joey sharply turned around. "Guys, did you just hear that?"

"Oh, I heard something alright." Dereece shuddered nervously.

Kevin's brow furrowed. He looked all around and saw shifting in the shrubs and bushes. He could feel anxious stares looking them down. His gut as a Trainer was telling him something was wrong. He looked back at Ella, seeing her worried stare as well. He shifted to the front to guard her.

"Ella, stay behind me." Kevin told.

"Okay." She nodded.

Kevin turned around as the shifting grew louder. "Looks like we got an early morning stir going guys."

"Must be from our earlier outbursts." Dereece figured. "Must've stirred up some of the Pokémon around here." He swallowed another lump as he shakily pulled put a Poke Ball. "Man, just how many are there?"

"Who knows. But don't let your guard down." Joey pulled out a Poke Ball of his own. 'I may not be at home working out on my magic, but better somewhere than nowhere I guess.' Joey smirked. "Alright, let's get this party started!"

"That's what she said." Kevin sneered.

The statement didn't go unnoticed by Ella, who stood behind. Joey and Dereece raised a brow and looked back in shock that he said that before her. "What?"

"Huh? I didn't say anything, Papa." Ella stated.

Kevin finally caught when he looked behind. "Oh, uh…it's uh…" He cleared his throat with a quick cough. "It's uh…it's nothing."

"Are you sure? Your expression turned mallow."

"N-nothing! It's just an inside joke!" He pulled out a Net Ball. "Anyways, just stay close!"

Dereece raised a brow, vague curiosity entrancing him. Something about Ella struck him as odd, and not just because of her elusive background. 'Hold on. Did she just say…mallow? How does she know a vocabulary like that? She's looks like 7 or 8…what if…?'

"Focus, Dereece!" Joey scolded. "Here they come!"

On cue, the rustling in the surroundings peaked. They stopped for a moment, allowing a dark silence to fill the atmosphere. In a flash, numerous Bug-types popped out of the shrubs. Caterpie, Ledyba, even Sewaddle jumped out with territorial frenzy. Tropical Vivillon and Butterfree also appeared. It was nothing short of a hissing, buggy frenzy.

"Woah!" Dereece gasped. "Okay now, what's the big idea?!"

"Bug-types, a lot of them." Joey's eyes widened. Suddenly an idea came to him that made him smirk. "Alright, then let's see how they like this! Go, Magikarp!" He threw the Poke Ball into the air, popping out his flopping fish.

Magikarp adhesively gasped for air, his flopping form making him splash a little in place. Everyone – even the wild Pokémon – stared at Joey's choice before turning towards him.

"Seriously?" Dereece chided.

"What? He needs the experience." Joey's excuse didn't offer any confidence buildup. "…fine." He groaned, pulling out another Poke Ball. "On the double, Tranquill!"

Besides the flopping Magikarp, Tranquill stretched his wings, letting out a morning battle caw.

Catching his breath, Dereece threw out his choice. "Okay, then go, Yanma!" Dereece threw out his Yanma, who hummed as she was in the air.

Holding his Net Ball, Kevin braced for battle. "Okay, time to break this new guy in. Go! Sewaddle!"

The Net Ball flung open, summoning Kevin's newly caught Sewaddle. The larva smirked as he stood proudly. "Hey guys~, who's ready to play?" he chimed happily.

The wild Pokémon attacked. Some were just being territorial, and others looked a little hungry. And others were of miscellaneous proportions. But that didn't stop the intruders from making their move.

"Tranquill, up!" Joey shouted.

"Aye!" Taking to the air, Tranquill flapped his wings and soared beyond Yanma's elevation. Below him, wild Sewaddle and Caterpie were firing String Shot and Razor Leaf at the ascending predator, whereas Ledyba were climbing with Tackle.

"Gust!"

Tranquill's wings glowed bright blue as he flapped his wings. The bird's strong tempests blew apart any strings and leaves heading his way and repelled them back. The enemy Bug-types were either immediately blown away or barely held their ground as the Flying-type attack and Tranquill's Super Luck were beyond them.

"Alright!" Joey cheered. He heard buzzing from the side and noticed a few were fluttering from the sound. "On the sides!"

"We got this!" Dereece shouted. "Yanma, Double Team!" Yanma shined briefly before she started dividing through tangents of illusionary clones that swarmed about the area. She hummed constantly as her vast numbers alarmed the crowd. A red aura indicated an evasion increase.

Some weren't so easily fooled though. A wild Butterfree's own wings glowed bright blue, unleashing Gust as well that stormed into the area. The wild wings dispelled the clones and powered towards them.

Joey pushed forward. "Barrier-Make: Barrier!" He conjured a large, rectangular teal barrier that looked like glass. It positioned between them and the Gust, keeping them and their Pokémon from damage. "Nice try! Dereece, take that one out first!"

"On it!" Dereece reached forward. "Go, Yanma! Sonic Boom!"

"Take…THIS!" Yanma's wings flapped, shooting out a white crescent-like shockwave that struck the Butterfree square in the face. It was enough to repel it back a couple feet. "Okay!" A red aura enveloped Yanma, her Speed Boost Ability activating. Suddenly she passed Butterfree, alarming the butterfly.

"Quick Attack!"

Turning around, Butterfree could barely process the bright red and green blur that was Yanma. She shot into its face, making a white shockwave that grounded the butterfly almost instantly.

Many wild Sewaddle gathered around Kevin's Sewaddle. They all shot glares at him, but he seemed flattered. "Oh my, what's this? A party?" he chimed. "Guess we better get started then, huh?"

A rogue wild Sewaddle suddenly shot at Sewaddle with Tackle. The impact was enough to make him stumble back.

"Oof!"

"Hang in there. Sewaddle! Use String Shot!" Kevin commanded. Stirring back into place. Sewaddle huffed as he opened his maw. A mass of thread expelled across the area, startling and holding down many of the Sewaddle that weren't as nimble as he was. All at once a blue aura lowered their Speed. "Now, use Bug Bite!"

Sewaddle closed in on the nearest wild Sewaddle – the one that tackled him. "Oh, so you wanna play rough huh?" His teeth glowed. "Guess I can get that way, too~." He got behind and started nipping the poor wild Sewaddle's backside. The larva shrieked at the pain at being violated.

"Keep it up, Sewaddle!" Kevin encouraged. "Tackle!"

Taking a moment to process the command, he ceased the nipping – much to his inner chagrin – and darted with a hurried ram, slamming the whole body that shot the wild Sewaddle into the wild occupants.

"Just like that, Sewaddle." Kevin continued commanding and doing his part for the battle. Unknowingly he was getting an awed look from Ella as she observed them and the Pokémon battling.

Joey was back to making his move. He watched his Tranquill evade a wild Ledian's Mach Punch attack, albeit narrowly. Seeing that everyone else was on their own terms, he turned towards his Magikarp. "Okay Magikarp, time to show them your bearings. No more sitting on the sidelines, time for some experience. You with me?" The fish flopped in place, looking at Joey with slight eager. "I'll take that as a yes. Okay then…" He saw the Ledian pivot in the air and turn around to attack Tranquill from behind. "There! Magikarp, use Tackle!" The fish made as big as a flop as he could, heading skywards towards Ledian. At the arte he was going, he looked like a torpedo. Joey's eyes eagerly reflected Magikarp. 'Those hours of jumping out of the water paid off! Maybe it'll work after all!'

Ledian readied another Mach Punch when she saw an orange flopping fish that was in midair after jumping for her back. She angrily punched it with the attack, sending it back towards the ground.

'Or…maybe not yet.' Joey watched Magikarp descend swiftly, prompting him to hurry and catch him. "I gotcha!" He reached up and seized the falling fish with a quick bend to the knees. "Okay! Phew! You okay bud?"

"Oww…" Magikarp whined.

Tranquill turned around, hearing the punch. He saw Ledian present, alarming him.

"Tranquill, Quick Attack!" Joey roared. In vengeance for Magikarp, the bird's body was outlined in bright blue and zipped with a blur and slammed into Ledian's abdomen. The impact made a harsh gag that shot Ledian towards the ground.

"Yanma, Detect!" Dereece shouted.

Wild Caterpie and Sewaddle shot at Yanma with either Tackle or Bug Bite. Yanma's eyes flashed green and she suddenly vanished, thanks to her intense Speed from her Speed Boost Ability. She suddenly appeared behind, hovering with a swift buzz.

"Quick Attack!"

Yanma blindsided the insects and blitzed pass them, knocking them all away. Another red aura flared around her, making her vanish to attack elsewhere.

The Ledian that fell from Tranquill's recent attack was fluttering dazedly over the ground a few meters beside Joey. She shook her head to rid of any lingering dizziness.

"Gnnngh…what just hit me…?" She noticed the blonde Trainer with the fish in his grasp. Immediately her guard went up. "You."

"Uh-oh." Joey murmured.

"Get off this island, this place is not for you. It's for us, no outsiders allowed!"

"What? What's that mean?" Joey was alarmed when she saw Ledian readying a Mach Punch. "Oh crud!" He had to think, and fast. He hardened when he realized Magikarp was still in his possession. He looked at him, then back at Ledian. Him, then her. Him, then her. Almost immediately it kicked in what he needed to do. "…what the heck. Experience is experience."

"En garde!" Ledian rushed at Joey with no consequence.

Joey spread his legs. "Get ready for a real experience, Magikarp!"

"Yeah…wait, what?!"

"HIYAH!" With all his might, Joey grabbed Magikarp by the tail and swung him into Ledian like a bat. The impact was enough to throw off the territorial insectoid. Joey stepped on a rock and hoisted Magikarp high into the air, whirling him around like a lasso with an Indian battle howl. "ALALALALALALAAAAAAH~!"

Dereece and Kevin looked over, seeing Joey go mad as he used Magikarp to smite his foes. They watched him swat the fish into Sewaddle physically as Tranquill attacked from above.

"There he goes." Dereece groaned. "I told him that's never a good idea."

"Huh…Joey definitely seems…different than before." Kevin insisted. "…oh crud!"

"Papa!"

Kevin looked over his shoulder. To his horror he was seeing wild Paras gather around Ella as she was left alone. "Ella!" With gusto, he moved to shield her as the wild Paras lowered their backs and fired green lasers from their mushrooms on their backs via Absorb. Green waves turned to red as Kevin felt his energy getting drained, making him look groggy.

Ella gasped with surprise at the heroic act.

Joey batted one more Sewaddle with Magikarp and looked back at the site. "Kevin!"

Kevin winced as his energy was being drained. He was looking tired, despite having woken up recently. "I'm fine…just hang in there! Sewaddle, String Shot!"

"Come right over here!" The bug spat a large mesh of threads at the few attacking Paras, getting a harsh hold on them and slowing them down. With a big tug, Sewaddle turned his body around and slammed the bugs into his already slow foes.

Ella gasped when she saw an opportunity. "Hurry! They're al gathered in one place! Go!"

"Sewaddle, Razor Leaf!"

"Tranquill, Air Cutter!"

"Yanma, Sonic Boom!"

All three Pokémon unleashed their moves at once, sending razor-sharp leaves in a funnel with a barrage of white crescents and X-shaped blue waves. The combined might created a massive eruption of dirt and shockwaves that caused the ground to shake. Joey moved in front to create a barrier that stopped the dust from getting to them.

Once the dust passed, the area began clearing. Their Pokémon all converged as they saw the wild bug horde vanished. They were able to win the fight this time around.

"Phew, that was close." Joey held up his Magikarp. "How you feeling, buddy?"

"Feeling…just…grea~t…" Magikarp was in a deep haze as he was used as a bat. It didn't feel pleasant, but it was better than being worthless. Though his multitude of concussions say another thing.

"We'll get you some Super Potion." He turned towards Tranquill. "Nice job, Tranquill. Way to help out."

"Thanks for the save there, Yanma." Dereece praised.

Both Pokémon chirped and nodded; Yanma perched herself happily on Dereece's head, earning a disgruntled groan.

"Geez…" Kevin shook his head as he tried to get his bearings together from that earlier attack. "I thought Absorb was supposed to be weak…"

"Papa?" Ella looked up to Kevin. "Are you okay?"

Despite being lightly drained, Kevin grinned at the little girl. "Don't worry. I've hit a tower flying a kite. I'll be just fine." He turned towards his Sewaddle. "Sewaddle, great job. Thanks for the help."

Sewaddle bashfully smiled. "Aww, now you're just flattering me. You sure know how to make this little buggy feel welcome~."

Joey sighed in relief. "Well at least we're in the clear now. Let's get some Repel on us as soon as we heal up." He heard some mumbling from close by. Looking over, he saw Dereece looking perplexed. "What up bud? Something bugging ya?"

"Oh, now that was just bad." Sewaddle huffed. "I hope you feel bad, because that was bad. I hope you feel bad."

"…nah, nothing." Dereece answered dismissively. "Those Bug-types were pretty territorial is all."

Joey furrowed his brow, catching onto Dereece's inquiry. "Yeah, you're right. Here I thought Beedrill were mean in a swarm. Those guys weren't even provoked and they still attacked us. What did we do?"

"I don't know, but I don't think we should stick around to find out." Dereece advised. "We need to get our things together and leave as soon as we can. Doubt they'd wanna go another round after that one right away."

"That's what she said." Kevin said. Once again he earned raised brows from his associates.

"Um, excuse me, Papa. But I didn't suggest that." Ella advised.

Kevin cleared his throat again. "Uh…sorry Ella." He apologized. "It's just another joke."

"I'm not following how you wanting me to say something is labeled as comical."

Kevin looked back at Joey and the others, giving worried expression.

"Are you sure she's your kid?" Dereece wondered.

"Dude, please don't…" Rather than make the situation worse, he pressed his fingers between the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Fine. Let's just pack up, and we can settle this along the way."

They all began assessing their belongings, readying to move out as soon as they were healed and recharged. Meanwhile, Ella watched in silence as the men and their Pokémon helped gather the objects needed.

She stared at Kevin's back, an awkward silence befalling them all as the morning concluded.


"Ugggh…" Cana moaned as she laid on the inn bed with a bored expression. Around her were a couple cases of booze bottles that have been drunk clean. She made sure of it last night.

Purrloin was curled up on the edge of her head. Hearing her Trainer's complaints made it impossible to sleep. "Mmm, keep it down…" the feline muffled. Moving her tail over her face. "Can't a cat sleep in peace?"

"Can a woman sleep in peace?" Cana retorted. "Man, this place really packs some wine." Her testimonies were slammed shut with the door that opened and closed. "Heh?"

"I see you're awake." Walking across the dorm, Vanessa carried a tray of breakfast foods. Behind her was Delphox providing aid with another tray of fresh food, specifically produce. "I was worried we'd have to get Wendy to handle with your hangover."

Cana raised a brow at her friend's relaxed demeanor. "Huh, where'd you run off to?"

"To get breakfast. I was able to get something to eat just before they closed down the morning kitchen. Sophie already filled before she went out."

"Sophie?" The name rung a bell. Cana looked around, realizing the third inmate was nowhere to be seen. "Aw yeah…forgot about her. What happened again?"

"We both slept in. Sophie left a note saying she'd be at the library if we needed her. You were in such a hangover from last night it was impossible for you to respond."

Delphox approached Cana with a drink in her paws. "This has Heal Powder mixed in with it. It should speed up your condition recovery."

Cana turned her confusion towards the gurgling seltzer in the cup. The white powder mixed into it could be seen boiling on the top. "Thanks." She took one small sip, immediately getting a taste that made her almost choke on it. "Bleh. Bitter."

"Heal Powder usually is." Vanessa commented. "You should feel better in a few moments."

True to what Vanessa said, Cana was feeling her headache lighten some. Though it still lingered, it wasn't as bad as it was before. Delphox came back with a small mesh of fruit to start off the late morning for her. She picked up the plastic fork and started her the healthy breakfast.

As the lush filled up, Vanessa reached for her purse with a brush. She went to grooming Delphox.

"So Cana?"

"Hm?"

"Are you excited for this ceremony tonight? I'm hearing a lot of people are preparing for the occasion."

"Huh?" Cana swallowed before answering. "That? Yeah, guess you can say that. Honestly you should be asking Lucy that. I'm sure she's bouncing off walls like a jacked-up kid on a sugar rush."

Vanessa stroke Delphox's back hair with the brush; the soft bristles tickled the mature fox as she let her Trainer make her comely. "It's not like it's obvious. We're all here to see a guildmate feel happy for themselves. After everything that's happened, all this fighting, even the smallest silver lining is enough to lead us to where we wanna go…then again, you never know what kinds of paths the light leads you too."

The mood Vanessa was making Cana frown. She could feel a forewarning of the Aura Mage's argument. Even her Purrloin was wide awake.

"I didn't really have the chance to talk about it to anyone yet, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt this…that king, Melchior was his name. I felt a strange aura coming from him."

"Strange how?"

"I'm not certain, but it's like…he was there, yet he wasn't. There was genuine in the cause of bringing back Aquarius, but the rest of his aura read on other notions." She nipped on the tip of her thumbnail. "I may not know much about Celestial Spirits, but if they have anything to do with this king, then I am not at liberty to say."

Cana looked towards Purrloin, who shared equal amounts of suspicion before abruptly licking her arm fur like a normal cat. "Maybe you're just overreacting. Don't you think you're jumping the gun a little? You guys and Erza are always on the nose, sure, but come on, lighten up. I swear, you and Nic are such jitterbugs." She looked over to see Vanessa's knowing face. She knew this wasn't sliding. "Geez…look, if I use my Fortunetelling and prove it that you're wrong, will you get a grip?"

Vanessa smirked. "It might."

Mumbling beneath her breath of Vanessa and her intuitive habits, Cana started setting up her Fortunetelling. The cards were being set up and she started concentrating. "Alright, give me a sec…"

Vanessa moved to the other ear, continuing to brush Delphox while Cana worked her magic on the cards. As the Pularis girl was casually grooming, the lush barely on a hangover was coming around.

Once the cards were setup, Cana was sitting over the table with arms spread. "Alright, let's get this over with." She closed her eyes, silently pooling her magic into her mind. 'Now…!'

BA-DUMP!

"STOP THEM!"

A pulse went through Cana as her body quivered. She gasped from shock by that harsh warning.

Vanessa immediately picked up on the heed. "Cana?"

Purrloin raised a brow as she went over by Cana. She tilted her head as she saw the lush perplexed. "Girl? You good?"

Cana however was in her own little world. She was staring in complete disarray as that vague and odd pulse filtered through her system. Her lavender eyes shuddered as the warning echoed through her head. 'What the heck was that? Did I…was I hearing voices?' She paused to process. '…no, that wasn't my imagination. Someone was telling me something that moment. But who?'

The strange feeling didn't settle as she looked down at the cards again.

"Cana?"

"I'm fine, Vanessa. Just thought someone was talking about me." She lied. "I'm getting right on it."

Vanessa and Delphox exchanged awkward looks. The Aura Mage could tell from reading aura Cana had a strange feeling. She opted to investigate herself. She nodded towards Delphox, the humanoid animal nodding in understanding back. She whipped out a long wooden wand with a flaming tip and started staring ito the fire.

"Delphox is able to see into the future if she stares long enough into her flames. We'll help in any way we can." Vanessa assured.

"Uh, right…" Though hesitant at first, Cana resumed her Fortunetelling. She managed to focus on the cards this time, but awkwardly enough that sensation wasn't taking over. 'Guess these Pularis' do have a knack for keeping me on my toes. So much for my hangover.'

The inn's one room was silent as sunlight filtered into its window, making it impossible for anyone to see the flames inside.


Joey, Dereece, and Kevin all traveled up the island forest, minding themselves as Kevin kept Ella close, much to her discretion. It really was like parent and child, though Kevin seemed more annoyed than anything. With all their Pokémon healed up, and a quick snack on provisions, they were back on the road. Dereece suggested using aerial surveillance with their Pokémon, to which they agreed would help cover more ground faster.

With their scouts out and about, Joey nonchalantly walked up his barrier-made staircase to the next ledge. "Come on, Slowpokes, the sun ain't shining any brighter."

Dereece wheezed as he staggered up the steps, looking completely out of breath. "I…I, ugh…" He babbled consistently as he was out of air. He finally fell to his knees, panting. "Can't…climb…anymore."

Disregarding his partner's warning, Joey looked to see Kevin following next. Once he was up, he looked down.

"Ella, you okay?"

"Yup! I'll be right there!" Ella took careful steps up the barrier stairway. Once she was in the clear, she stepped onto the ledge, but tripped over a rock. "Wah!"

"Woah!" Kevin moved to catch her. "Easy now." He helped Ella adjust on her bare feet. "You really need to watch your step when you walk."

Ella frowned. "I'm sorry, Papa."

Kevin sighed and turned around. "Don't worry about it. Just stay close, okay?"

"Okay, Papa."

They all continued their trek around the island, minding themselves as well as their surroundings the best they could. Ella stayed close behind while the three men ahead of her had an awkward air around them.

"Is it me, or is this all getting weirder by the minute?" Dereece whispered.

"You mean this place, or the fact that Kevin has a kid?" Joey replied, earning a furrowed brow from the mentioned.

"You know what I mean. This. Everything. This island's been nothing but creepy from the moment we set foot on it." He thought back to when they were on the beach, inspecting the woods. "Those just weren't tropic trees. Those were also deciduous. I know you took wildlife biology class Joey, you know that wasn't right."

"Uh…that depends, what does deciduous mean again?"

Dereece facepalmed. "Of course."

"Deciduous."

Everyone stopped in their tracks at Ella's sudden answer. Kevin looked towards his "supposed daughter" with awe. "What?"

"Deciduous. Annual foliage shedding in place of new ones on a seasonal basis. The old deposits are composted to fertilize the soils and provide nutrients for the minerals for new buds to grow." She noticed the awkward stares given by the three. "What is it? Was it something I said?"

"Uh...Ella, uh…sweetheart?" Kevin tried to put lightly. "Um…where did you learn that kind of vocabulary?"

"That?" Ella looked towards the sky, putting an index finger to her chin. "Hmmm…I…I don't know." She answered, earning furrowed brows. "It's just something I know. Like you're my Papa."

"That's…interesting, Ella." Kevin's awkward notion lead to him looking back at the Fairy Tail men. "You fellas following this?"

"I wish I wasn't." Dereece nervously noted. "How did she know that? First she comes out of nowhere in Kevin's sleeping bag, next thing you know Bug-types are after us. Now she's able to tell of vocabulary of such big things her age."

"Maybe it has to do with her amnesia?" Joey pleased for a more reasonable explanation.

"You think?" Dereece argued. "I'm telling ya, if we don't figure this out what's going on soon, we'll only be digging ourselves in a deeper pit."

"Look buddy, I really hera ya. And I have my hearing aids on this time, promise." Joey shot a look at Kevin. "But we got a job to do. We wouldn't be real men if we dig all the way to the bottom now wouldn't we? Besides, this…" He reached into his pocket, pulling out the hand-sized stone and crystal that he picked up from sunset. "We still haven't found out what these can do. Maybe they were artifacts left by someone here before they disappeared." He put them away. "We can probably kill three birds with one stone if we try a little harder."

'We'd need a boulder than a stone.' Dereece sighed. "Fine, let's just try and get a sense of where we are first."

"Master!"

Everyone turned around to find Tranquill flying from the forest. Coming from the south was Yanma, and northward was Beedrill s they all converged.

"You find anything?" Dereece asked his Yanma.

Yanma shook her head. "No, no humans. Only Pokémon." She hummed, perching on Dereece's head to rest. This time Dereece chose not to resist.

"Beedrill, what about you?" Kevin asked.

Beedrill pointed his stingers at his Trainer. "I sting yo face!"

"Nothing, huh?" He looked down at his feet. "That's not good. This is where the searches lead to. What could've caused them to just up and vanish like that?" he thought of the possibilities at that moment. Magic? That might be the case. Wild Pokémon? And even bigger possibility. 'Those Bug-types were pretty hostile to us now that I think about it. Maybe it had to do with the victims before us.' He looked at Ella. 'Or maybe…'

Joey looked at his Tranquill. "What about you, Tranquill? Found something?"

Tranquill flapped his wings a little harder. "Master! Master Joey!" he chirped. "I found something!"

Joey raised a brow. "You did? Where?"

"Up there." Tranquill deadpanned as he pointed one in a direction. The others followed the direction towards the massive cliff that hung atop of the mountain-like top at the highest point of the mountain.

"You mean that mountain." Joey clarified.

"Yup!"

"Actually…that might not be a bad idea." Dereece proposed. "If we can get to a higher point than where we are, we might actually be able to tell where we are. For all we know, we could be walking in circles and went through the area." He turned towards Kevin. "Plus you're having trouble, right? We can spot something up there or make a map with your magic. That's how it works, right?"

"It's Search Magic, it's not a GPS." Kevin said. "But it's worth a shot I guess."

"Then what are we waiting for? On with the show guys." Joey cheered. "Thanks a lot Tranquill, get some rest." He recalled the helpful avian back to his Poke Ball and looked towards the mountain. "Alright, shall we?"

Kevin and Dereece nodded. Ella followed behind as Kevin kept to her front, while Joey turned trail boss.

When they were out of sight, the forest area fell silent. Eerie silent. The winds that usually blew along the canopy tops dropped several leaves, one of which fell in place of where the group was originally. By the time the leaf touched the ground, however, something that's been observing them through the underbrush moved silently off.


The way towards the slopped mountain was a rather quiet and easy path taken. The group managed to find some clearance beyond the woods that led up towards a nice, steady climb up the plains that the group trekked over. It would've taken hours for them to get around the cliffs and the harsh climbs, but thanks to Joey's magic molding staircases and flattened areas, they got near the summit in almost half that time. And, as insisted, Kevin helped Ella up wherever she couldn't reach. It wasn't the most favored task of his, but he couldn't lie when it was starting to get easier with her being around.

The gang walked along the higher hill area where they were beyond most landscape. It was a large slope of smooth grass that carried them up.

"I think I can see the top from here." Joey pointed out. "Guys, you see?"

"Oh, I see!" Ella smiled. "It's another hundred meters!"

Dereece breathed heavily, sweating profusely. "Okay, good…huff…cuz I think it's time for a nice break…"

"Yeah, it's gotta be around lunchtime or something." Despite not having service, Kevin did have an intuition of his own. "The sun's right over our heads. That means passed afternoon."

"But don't time zones change too?" Dereece countered. "Plus it's the middle of June. Maybe the sun sets in another position."

"You think so?" Joey looked at the compass he was holding that was used on the small rowboat. "Looks fine to me."

"I'm just saying this island's still creeping me out. We don't know if it has something like magnetic field or something crazy like freeze us in time or something!"

"Now you're just being a big baby, Dereece." Joey scolded. "Come on."

"How are you feeling, Ella?" Kevin looked over, checking to see if Ella was still able to walk. She may be young, but he didn't know of her energy limits neither. "Ella?" Kevin turned around, wondering if she was responding.

She wasn't even there.

Immediately his worry spiked. "What the fu-I-I mean, snap! Ella? Ella!" He looked back down the trail. "Ella?! Don't tell me…did we just…"

"Hm? What's up buddy?" Joey noticed Kevin's frisking of the surrounds and realized Ella was nowhere to be seen. "Eh…where's Ella?"

"She was just here a minute ago, wasn't she?" Dereece pondered. "Kevin, I thought you were taking care of her?"

"That's what she said, for one. And second, I swear she was here!" he backlashed. "Where did she-?!"

"Papa?" a voice called from upfront.

Kevin sharply turned around to look beyond Joey and Kevin. They all looked up towards the plateau peak to find Ella waiting for them.

Dereece's eyes widened as he sulked forward, dumbfounded. "Woah…that was sure quick."

"That's what she said." Kevin murmured, staggering passed the bewildered duo. "When did she get ahead of us?"

"When you were all discussing your sensations for nutrients of course." Ella answered, startling the three men. "While you were using breath to relieve any stress, I used my energy spared to make it up."

The guys all turned towards one another, nervously dropping beads of sweat.

"Eh…okay, maybe that's a little creepy." Joey admitted. "A~nyways…" In a sudden leap, he got onto Dereece's back, piggybacking on his friend. The momentum almost made him fall over. "Looks like we're just about there! Hurry up, ya Slugma! Hiyah!"

Trying to resist the urge to roll down the hill, Joey spanked Dereece's backside, yeehawing him up with gusto of a Skiddo. Kevin followed behind, finding the scene – as awkward as it was – amusing.

Wheezing like he had never seen oxygen before, a red-faced Dereece stammered up the hill until he reached the top. He fell to his knees and Joey happily skipped off and walked towards the ledge nonchalantly.

What he saw made his eyes widened. He gasped.

Kevin, who had arrived last with what breath he had, reconvened with his "daughter" and she followed up towards Joey.

"Look, Papa! See?"

Kevin's eyes widened underneath the pairs of transparent sunglasses he wore. "…woah. Now this is a view."

Dereece crawled up towards the ledge once he was able to catch his breath. Joey and the others just stared ahead like he wasn't there as he coughed. "Oi…are we…there yet…?" He wheezed once more and opened his eyes. That instant, any air he regained left his lungs out of sheer awe.

Before them, there was a large panel of what could be best described as beauty. All across the horizon, they could make out the woods far below the curved cliffside beneath the sheer drop. Deciduous trees, with masses of large pines, valleys, and streams were everywhere. Beyond those reaches lied the beach area. They could made out even the blue yonder that was the sea that twinkled with dazzling sunlight across the flowing waters. In a sum, it was wonder and beauty beneath clear blue sky.

"This…this is…" Dereece paused, trying to gather his thoughts. "Is this really…the whole island?"

"Woooow." Joey awed.

"I'll say. You could see everything from up here, Captain."

"Yeah." The Captain whistled admirably. "Woo-boy, I can us having a party up here."

As Joey and Dereece awed at the view, Kevin also took in the sights. He didn't relish too much as he was still more concerned with other matters. 'Man, this view really is something alright.' As beautiful as it was, his dreamy thoughts took over. He began fantasizing of his own interests, particularly women of essential towards him. 'Wish I had a better view if anyone gets what I'm saying.'

He chuckled low, something that made Ella blink. "Papa?"

Cringing out of his thoughts, he turned towards Ella. "Huh? Yeah?"

"Why are you standing there with a roguish grin? Are your thoughts on a perpetual basis?"

Kevin held a calm face, ignoring the thump in his rapid-beating heart. 'Crap! How'd she find out?!' He cleared his throat. 'Relax, Mister P, relax. Just try and be formal.' Dismissing his heads of womanly assets, he feigned a smile. "Um…nothing, Sweetie. Daddy was just thinking is all."

"Is it of lustful satisfaction?"

"…uh…no?"

"The tone and your facial discomfort says otherwise." She pouted with a leer. "Papa is being dishonest."

"Hey, don't go pointing fingers at daddy now, c'mon!" Growling, Kevin ignored the huffs and went back to using his Search Magic. He got the panel up and started to search for signals.

While admiring the view, something didn't escape Dereece's eyes as he looked far out. "Huh?"

"What's wrong, Dereece? You feeling sick?" Joey asked. Dereece squinted, remaining silent. "Eh, bud? Buddy? You okay?"

"Captain…"

"Yeah?"

"Tell me, did we come from that direction?" Dereece pointed over the island towards the beach area. Joey followed his gaze with question.

"Yeah, I…think so? Why?"

"Because…didn't we set a boat right there?"

As deaf as he was without his hearing aids, Joey wasn't blind. He squinted to focus further beyond the burning sun. Barely, just barely, he could make out the beach-like area afar. Along the area, he saw a lot of rocks laying around.

"Huh? What are you talking about, Dereece?"

"There! See? Our boat we left was sitting right beside that spot?"

"Isn't that another rock?"

"We had it beside the rock!"

"I don't know about that. From here it could look like a rock…wait, are you just being paranoid again?"

"I'm serious, Captain! Look!" He pointed ahead again. "When we first entered, those pines weren't there before. And over there, I most certainly saw a waterfall there yesterday."

Joey put a hand to his chin, raising a brow. "Eh…huh? Now that you mention, I guess it is weird."

"Right, exactly. So Joey…" The tone around them feel awkwardly silent. "If those weren't there before, where did they come from…?"

Joey held no answers as he tapped his finger against his chin. A bad chill was running up his spine rather quickly.

Once the screen was uploaded, Kevin finally got a signal that flickered into view. 'Alright, we're getting something!' He tapped the screen, this time thankful the last thing he didn't save was a bunch of his "special files" first. 'Let's see, where are we…?' He started typing in his own name, and his picture came up. However, what he saw shocked him. 'Wait, the personality and other stuff is there. But why is it feeling so…' He moved down towards the location settings, only to find them insecure. 'The location setting…why is it…?'

KER-CHUNK!

A lurch beneath them almost made them lose balance. They all froze in wonder and slight anxiousness.

"Uh, guys? What was that?" Joey asked worriedly. "Dereece?"

"Not me."

"Mister P?"

Kevin shook his head. Ella copied.

Slightly feeling a shift forward, Joey could feel a small movement beneath him. The flat rock they were on at the very edge was losing touch on its base. It began to tip over…with them on it.

It was starting to tilt downwards…facing the gorge that seemed like a monstrous drop to the depths of the forest below.

"Ooooooh…" Joey's mouth formed an 'O' as the rest of his body paled in terror. He knew what was coming next.

"Uh, Captain…?" Dereece quivered.

The creaking of the granite beneath them churned slowly as the whole slab was dipping further into the gorge. Joey's teeth chattered as Ella was remaining completely calm out f all of them.

"I've heard of double-dipping, and I always wanted to try it…" Kevin gulped. "…but not like this!"

"I believe this is another one of your…jokes, Papa. Isn't it?" Ella inquired.

"I really wish it was, Ella…I really wish it wa-AAAAAS~!" His breath hitched into shock as the whole slab finally plummeted.

As the slab slid downhill, hitching along a rock, the small boombox Dereece carried was accidentally turned on.

[North Mississippi Allstars – Mud]

They all screamed loudly as the slab slid down the mountain cliffside. With all of them facing the wrong way. The slab jerked to the side, then back into place, surfing along the ground until the entire board jumped from a small break in the rock's underside. A piece fell off, causing the entire slab to pivot, and put Kevin and Ella in the front, and Joey in the middle, and Dereece in the back.

Up ahead, they all covered up as they came towards underbrush. With no momentum to stop, the slab made a beeline through the foliage and shrubs, dragging leaves and other materials onto everyone else.

When the slab landed and slid along, Joey was raising a brow as briars surrounded him, with leaves stuck in the sides of his ears and holding a stick. Kevin's face was covered in leaves that shaped into a beard. Ella was shielded thanks to Kevin, but she got an apple from out of the blue. Dereece was screaming frantically as a wild Zigzagoon was attached to his head, clawing and attacking him. Eventually it jumped off, leaving him screaming in blood-filled panic.

"ROCK~!" Joey pointed ahead.

In their path far up, there was a massive boulder wedged into the ground. It stood as tall as a Mamoswine at least. And from the looks of it, it wasn't gonna be budging anytime soon.

"I'm too young!" Dereece panicked fearfully. "Captain! Any plans?!"

"Yeah…HOLD ME!" Joey and Dereece hugged each other as they screamed for their lives.

They were closing in fast; it'd be seconds before they crashed and burned.

"Papa, quick!"

Kevin looked down at his daughter. "Bad time, little lady! Very bad time! What?!"

"That tree!" She pointed at the tree beside the rock. "Use Sewaddle's string to pull us there!"

Kevin paused for a moment to register what she was thinking. His eyes widened when he realized what she meant. "…yeah, sure!" He pulled out a Net Ball, summoning Sewaddle in his cutches.

"Oh~, getting handsy there boy." Sewaddle was astounded by the first impression, but he looked forward and all breath left him. "Okay, bad idea! What's going on!"

"No time! Use String Shot to pull us towards that tree!" Kevin barked fearfully. "Now!"

"MOMMY~!" Joey wailed in epic fright. Dereece screamed no higher than he ever could as his life flashed before his eyes.

Sewaddle mustered up his guts and aimed thread afar. The thin yet sticky silk tapped itself towards the tree adjacent to the rock. Ella grabbed onto Kevin as he held onto Sewaddle. Joey and Dereece held on by the shoulders as they tied towards Ella. They all felt a harsh jerk as the slab tilted by Sewaddle reeling himself towards the tree, taking everyone with him.

They managed to bypass the rock, spared by Sewaddle's thread that was released from his mouth once they were clear.

"Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about!" Joey cheered.

"Yeah, wait a…MORE ROCKS!" Dereece's praise was short-cometh when he saw more rocks and tree up ahead.

"Hang on, give me a sec!" Joey started adjusting himself. Dereece still kept a grip on him due to his own lack o balance. Joey bent his knees and put one in front of the other. 'Alright, time to see just how well those hours of playing Empoleon Surf Squad pay off!' "Yo! Kev! Ready!"

Kevin pointed Sewaddle in front again. "Sewaddle, String Shot!"

Sewaddle shot more sticky thread, and everyone held on tight as they were dragged along slowly. Using his body stature, plus his experience in surfing video games, Joey leaned further to one side. They were directed beyond the rocks between trees and smooth grass. Joey shifted his weight to the other side to help balance out as they were under his momentum. He leaned t one side, moving the slab a little to dodge another tree. They had momentum as Joey leaned forward, sliding right over a small ledge that fell into a ravine. They flew right over, continuing their path downhill. When it came towards a slanted log, Sewaddle's String Shot slung them off to the side, and Joey rebalanced. With Sewaddle spitting thread to make turns and Joey helping balance out, they were flying through the area, until finally they made it out of the woodland area and onto grassy plains.

"WOO-HOO! FREEDOM!" A free-spirited Joey cheered.

"Yay!" Ella cheered. "You did it!"

Kevin smirked. "Now that's what I call surfing. Nice directing there, Sewaddle!"

"Aw, now y'all just embarrassing me." Sewaddle bashfully teased, before he raised a brow. "…oh gosh now."

Ahead of them, there was a slant that sloped skywards. Beyond that they could only see clear skies. Without clear view of any pines, there was no telling where they'd end up.

"…well it was fun while it lasted." Joey deadpanned.

With a loud scream, they all let the air escape their lungs as the rock slab left ground. It shot into the air, shooting over the atmosphere and the far reaches of the valleys below.

All the guys saw was a vastly incoming forest before everything went black.


A large flock was flying over the forest that it almost blacked out the sky for a few seconds. Their harsh caws of panic could've been heard from miles away, alerting other Pokémon in the area. Those grazing turned around suspiciously at what caused such a huge crash sound. Whatever it was, it sounded like a Golem that crashed into a mountain. In this case, they weren't too far off.

In the depths of the lower forests, the air had grown quiet as a cascading wave of dust obscured the small trail that dug into a ditch. Around the ditch were millions of splinters from the logs that were beneath, crushed by the fallen rock that crushed termites stuck on the underside.

The dust slowly vanished to allow view it the pit the shattered piece of the mountain lied in rest. Amongst the tomb, something flickered on and off. Slowly, shades of turquoise vanished in and out of view, until it finally broke apart. Sprawled in the base, dazed but fine, Joey and everyone were stirring awake.

"Gnnngh…" The first one up was Joey, his wobbling frame turning over. "Okay…I'm gonna feel that in the morning…" His mouth formed into a satisfied grin, either from the adrenaline finally ceasing or the dizziness. "…but damn, talk about a rush…"

Dereece, Kevin, and Sewaddle groaned, stirring themselves awake.

Joey sat up, only to be supported by his hands and arms behind. "Guys…is everyone good…?"

"Oii…well, I felt better…" Dereece replied. He felt his stomach gurgle and his cheeks puffed. "But…I don't think I feel so good!"

Joey kept eyes on Dereece as he shuffled his aching body towards the nearest bushes. Taking liberties extirpating, Joey cringed as he heard his pal's internal issues solving themselves. "Yo, Mister P…you good over there, too?"

Kevin coughed as he laid on his side, struggling to stand. "Ugh…and here I thought crashing into a tower was something…only this time there's no thick chicks." His frown darkened. "So no."

"So yes then, okay."

"I'm okay too, don't you mind little ole me." Sewaddle punctuated from the side. He didn't sound too desperate for a response, but from keen hearing it was best not to second-guess his attention.

"Yeah, glad you're okay too Sewaddle." Kevin's eyes shot wide when he realized someone else needed attention. "Wait! Ella!"

Joey hummed in shock. "Wait, what?!" He sharply turned around, looking in all directions in shock. "Ella? Hold on, didn't she fall with us?"

Dereece crawled back over, wheezing from his liberties left in the bush.

"Dereece! Quit your complaining and get up! Do you know where Ella is?!"

Wiping his mouth with his arm, Dereece came to realization. "Ella?"

Suddenly a shadow whiffed overhead, catching all of their attentions.

"What was that?" Joey shouted, looking up. "A bird?"

"Hope not. Better be a plane to get us out of here." Dereece said.

"There's no planes in this world, Dereece. You know that." The shadow shifted overhead again. "There it is again! Look!"

Everyone looked up, seeing the shadow fly over their heads. They could see it gently lower, allowing a better view of it and its kite-like shape. Slowly descending in a steady glide, the men all went wide-eyed for the umpteenth time as the little unknown girl that's been tailing them landed on her hands and knees with Kevin's lacrima kite.

"Wait…Ella?" Kevin pointed a finger. "What did you…when…"

"How the heck did she get out of that?" Joey wondered, a show of jealousy in his tone.

Ella got off the lacrima kite, where she stood and faced them. "Papa, are you okay?"

Kevin furrowed a brow, trying to fight his curiosity for logic. "Yeah, we're fine. Joey put up a barrier around us at the last second to cushion the blow." He tried to walk, but staggered a little in a cringe.

"Papa, you're hurt." Ella said in an emotionless tone. It was more statement than worry.

"It's nothing. Ella, how are you not hurt? What happened?"

Ella turned towards the lacrima kite, seeing its wide wingspan still in full view. "When we were in descent, we were within a moment's worth of free fall. That lack of gravity might have unhinged a few of your belongings as the plummet started catching up." She frowned. "It wasn't intentional. The small lacrima was slipping out and I caught up. But when I touched it, a flash of light happened." As to what she said, the lacrima kite began shining before reverting to a small sphere again. "I was picked up and I watched you all fall. I'm sorry."

'So that's what happened.' Dereece thought. 'I knew she was resourceful, but being that lucky with someone's belongings is insane…wait, did she even know it could turn into a kite?' Once more, his suspicions increased. He took another look at Ella, staring long and quiet as she walked over towards Kevin. 'Something off here, I can definitely feel it now.'

Ella proceeded to handing Kevin back the lacrima. "I'm sorry again, Papa. I didn't mean to make you worry."

Kevin looked back at the lacrima he held and Ella. He looked at it, then her. He wasn't mad per se, sure he was annoyed someone touched his stuff, but that's what saved Ella's life from a plunge. In a sense he couldn't blame her. He was actually impressed that she was able to get so lucky. Even though he wasn't sure of her, it was enough for him to be sure she was well. Better him than her. He reached over Ella's head, patting her with a grin.

"It's fine, don't worry about it. I forgot how sensitive the thing is with touch anyway. Just good to see you're in one piece, kid."

Ella smiled wide at Kevin, who smiled back. Both could feel a small warmth around them.

Joey slumped onto his back, his energy drained. "Oof! Man, is anyone else as sore as I am right now?"

"I don't blame you. You used a ton of barrier to get up that mountain." Dereece pointed out. "Maybe we should get a place to take another break instead."

"Yeah, you're right. Let's find some water, I'm parched." They started getting up once more. "Dereece?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you carry me?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No~."

"Please?"

"No!"

"Pleeeeaase?"

"NO!"

Dereece growled incoherently beneath his aching breath as he was piggybacking Joey down the small slope. He didn't even know why he argued when it was clear Joey was gonna get his way regardless. Besides that, he didn't use his magic as much as the Captain did. When he argued those pros and cons, he was in a no-win situation.

"Giddy up!" Joey knocked his shoe into Dereece's thigh, sending shock through him.

"Ugh!" He stumbled downwards a little faster. He was wheezing like he was on the verge of asphyxiation. "Please…tell me…we're near water…" he even sounded like Magikarp: dry and frail. Joey of course disregarded the plea.

Kevin trekked down the grassy trail with half a mind. A part of him was still sore from that last fall; it could've been worse had not for Joey's quick thinking. He was actually surprised that a guy like Joey had such talented wits around him. Granted, they're not guildmates, and maybe their interests aren't matching up with each other at the moment, he had to respect him for what's happened. A guy who he met on the boat ride towards Alvarez, who got along very well with him because they had things for bottom-heavy feminine wilds; to Kevin gaining something and Joey losing a life. And hearing him further about how he lost the one girl who had feelings for him, it really made him…sad. Not just for Joey, but for himself. He was upset because here he was, being perverted and living his life, and now he has something Joey had that he wasn't sure how to handle: Responsibility. It's not like Joey ascertaining magic, but something that felt too great, even for a mage/trainer/pervert. Another part of him was saying other matters. He was invested in seeing where this would go, but to what lengths is what he feared most. Believe it or not, Kevin – against his own wishes – was actually getting attached to Ella. It was weird, having feelings for a little girl that's your daughter. He always preferred older women that are full grown, and in his dreams such a thing is in a blue moon, hell in an eclipse! But it wasn't like that kind of attraction, no. It was more…of protection. Normally he doesn't feel too bothered with others, but Ella's instant connection with him left him all sorts of confused he hardly knew which way was up. He felt like he was gonna throw up.

"Papa." Ella's monotone brought the pervert out of his sickened reality. "I understand if this counts as intrusive, but are you feeling well?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine, kid." He shrugged off. Ella stopped in front of him. "What?"

"I am not convinced. Please, let me feel your forehead."

"What?" he raised a brow. He was sure she was joking. "Haha, very funny, Ella. Good one."

"I am not laughing, Papa. If you're implying a 'That's what she said', then in literal context, this is what I am saying right now. Allow me to check your temperature."

Kevin cringed at her practical demand. For some reason, it reminded him of his own less than pleasing familiars back home. 'She's just like my mom…wow, is she really my…' He shook his head to dismiss the thoughts. 'No, stay logical Mister P. Let's just play along until the sun sets. Maybe this whole nightmare can just end.' He knelt down in front of her. "Okay, now what?"

Ella suddenly pressed her palm against his forehead, causing the man to turn slightly pink in the cheeks. Ella closed her eyes as she and Kevin were still.

For some strange reason, Kevin felt a tingling sensation coming from Ella's palms. 'What is she…?'

After a long silence, the strange moment faded and the tingling in the forehead ceased. Ella pulled back and ran the diagnosis. "You have an increased heartrate with mild to intense anxiety. Your body is stressing from mental dissension. You are torn between your sexual interests in voluptuous women over your forced responsibilities."

Kevin was stiff as stone. His mind was completely offline as he was found out. "…"

Even Joey and Dereece, the latter who was near-dying, stopped and raised a brow. "…woah. Square on."

Kevin tried to come up with whatever words he could to try and delude Ella's diagnosis. "I…I don't know, uh…"

"Denial is part of the steps in acceptance. It is okay, Papa."

"I'm not! Are you sure you're okay?"

Ella nodded. "Yes, though I believe that I'm thirsty."

"That's what she-!" Kevin caught himself at the very last second and cringed. He looked at Joey and Dereece, who offered nothing more than curious stares. He looked back at his daughter, who smiled innocently. "…let's…let's just go." He started down the trail again. "I'm too tired for this."

The others followed behind, sharing no words as Ella skipped to the front of the pack to led them.

Minutes later, the little girl stepped out of the woods and onto stones. The gravel pressed against her feet, but she didn't seem fazed as she frolicked, while Dereece hauled himself towards the large river with Joey on his back. He fell on his face and Joey used his as a footstool to skip towards the water. Kevin was last in tow, perking at the sight of water.

"Huh. What do you know, water. The kid actually found it for us."

"Come on, guys! Over here!" she cheered.

"Water…water…" Dereece crawled weakly with gasps like Joey's Magikarp. He never thought he'd be so happy to see water again, not after training over a pond and plunging into it after every failure.

"Thank Arceus, I thought I was gonna end up dry as a Sandshrew!" Joey cupped his hands and scooped up water. He brought it to his mouth and sipped gently from it. "Yeah, that's the stuff."

They all converged to drink from the large river. They kept sipping until their quenched thirsts were appeased. They felt alive again!

"Phew! Man, this calls for a Rain Dance!" Joey was feeling jumpy and energetic, shadowboxing a figment ahead of him as he shuffled like a dancer. "Ready for a rain shower? Here's a downpour!"

Dereece ignored the Captain's energy and looked back at the PokeDex. He scrolled through the sections as he listed the Pokémon. "Nothing too different from yesterday from what we've recorded. A couple of Butterfree and Ledian, but that's it. I didn't think there'd be that many Sewaddle here either." His mind went back towards Kevin's, making a shiver crawl down his spine. 'Yeah…others.'

"Guess that makes them a common theme in this area." Kevin commented. "A lot of Bug-types are in the area, and Mankey too I bet."

"Yeah, saw a couple of those yesterday too…though." Dereece squinted. "Just what exactly made Bug-types specifically attack up this morning? I never got that."

"I never got around to answering that myself. Sewaddle said that Bug-types can be territorial, and he lives here so he's the best bet we have. But still…that is weird. We didn't do anything to bring them to us, right?"

"Not that I'm aware of. And secondly, don't you think it's odd we haven't found a single person here on this island besides you and us?"

Ella looked between Kevin and Dereece's conflicted thoughts. While invested, she turned towards Joey, who ws having a small booty-shaking streak over yonder.

"That's something off, too. When we were at the top of that mountain, I was able to get a signal…" His eyes squinted. "But…"

He started typing in his own name, and his picture came up. However, what he saw shocked him. 'Wait, the personality and other stuff is there. But why is it feeling so…' He moved down towards the location settings, only to find them insecure. 'The location setting…why is it…?'

"When I tried scanning ourselves, I couldn't pick up our location. My Search Magic enables me to locate a person and know everything about them from personality to past affiliations. Not once did that happen, especially to one specific setting."

"So you're saying something besides you is doing this?"

"I'm not sure…but if we stay moving, maybe we'll pick up on the source. That can lead us towards those people, and quite possibly that horde." He and Dereece got up. "Then I guess we have a plan. Ella."

Weakly mimicking the infectious Joey's dancing spree, Ella straightened up in attention. "Yes, Papa?"

"We're leaving, get ready. We're gonna cross the river."

"Okay." She walked on back towards Kevin, and Joey managed to cool his jets enough to come along.

"You hear that, Captain?" Dereece questioned.

The leader nodded. "Yup, sure did. We'll be crossing this river." He turned around and faced the calm, rippling stream. "Doesn't look too deep."

"Maybe, but there's the undertow too."

"Yeah, guess you're right."

"Can you try and make another barrier?"

Joey raised a brow as he hummed. "Hmm…yeah, I think I can. I should have enough juice in the tank by now. C'mon, let's go."

As Joey and Dereece prepared, Kevin was quiet. The pervert observed them walk towards the water, and yet something didn't seem right.

"Is something wrong now, Papa?" Ella asked.

"…no, nothing like that. It's just…do you ever get the feeling that you're not alone…even when you don't expect it?"

"I do not believe I follow. I've been with you three the whole time."

"It's nothing." It was a lie. Something was definitely wrong, Kevin could feel it. He had a very trained eye for a damn good reason. He could scope out the smallest details in women, that's for sure. That's how he knew what certain things they were into, but that wasn't the topic. But his trained eyes were scoping the river. It was calm, very calm. '…' His eyes narrowed.

"Wanna try looking for a log or something?"

"Nah, I think my barriers will be just fine. And if not, you can carry us over, Dereece."

"I am not like the Skiddo Service! This ain't Lumiose City!"

As Dereece and Joey were devising a way across, they were unaware of shadows beneath the surface of the water, something that didn't go unnoticed by Kevin.

'Wait…don't tell me…'

"Alright, let's get going." Joey took a stance to prepare turquoise barriers. "Barrier-Make…"

"GUYS! WAIT!" Kevin shouted. "GET AWAY FROM THE WATER!"

Joey stopped his magic and looked back. "Huh? Why?" He suddenly heard splashing from behind and sharply turned around. His guard barely off, he and Dereece were blasted by water and bubbles, sending them into the stone inland.

"Gnnngh, oww!" Dereece groaned.

Kevin and Ella looked up from the shock to see who blasted them. Joey stirred and one eye opened towards their attackers.

Amongst the still water, they could see it. There were several Buizel with their flotation sacs inflated around their necks, allowing them to observe their intruders. Amongst them were several Poliwag and Barboach.

However, that wasn't the worst of it. Beyond them, they could see that within the center of these amphibians, there was a large goldfish that swam in place, eyeing them hospitably. It was a large, orange fish with black watery accents, like a tiger or lionfish. It had a massive horn atop the head, with big black eyes and small teeth beneath the pink lips.

Joey backlashed from the shock he and everyone had on their faces. "Woah! Snap baby, where'd they all come from?!"

"Buizel, and Poliwag." Dereece gasped. "There's Barboach, and…is that what I think it is?"

The massive orange fish gurgled as it splashed in place. His tone was low, but it was formidable no less.

"A Seaking." Kevin pulled out his PokeDex, choosing to analyze with his distance. A picture of Seaking appeared as the PokeDex started to analyze the fish.

"Seaking, the Goldfish Pokémon. Its horn spins like a drill to steadily hollow out rocks-even harder ones. The coloration of the male is more vivid."

"All those Water-types gathered in one spot, what is this? Rush hour on the high stream?" Joey questioned.

"I don't think they're in a traffic jam. Just look at them." Dereece pointed out. "They look angry."

The wild Seaking gurgled bubbles at them as his colorful body rifted in place. The Buizel, Barboach, and Poliwag all complied and eyes them warily.

"Hold on. Are they seriously trying to barricade us?" Kevin asked.

"I believe that is to be the case." Ella nodded. "Normally such behavior spawns from environmental disturbances. Which, in this case, must be your prolonged anomaly on the island."

"Maybe those Bug-types passed it on." Dereece's worries skyrocketed when the Seaking was glaring at him. "They certainly don't look too friendly."

"Friendly or not, that doesn't change what we gotta do." Joey spoke on a serious note. "Look, over there. If they're playing bad cop, then something's gotta be on the other side of that river. And I bet that's what's causing all this."

"You think it's someone controlling them?" Kevin speculated.

"Heck if I know, but there's only one way to find out." He pulled out a Poke Ball. "You guys know what that means, don't ya?"

At the same time, Dereece and Kevin got out a Poke Ball and Net Ball respectively. "Sure thing."

The Seaking's expression soured. He gurgled a hiss that aroused his party to combat.

"Okay Seel, showtime!"

"Go, Krabby!"

"We're by the river, so second time's the charm! Go…Magikarp!"

All three Pokémon exited their capsules, entering the water for battle. The sea lion, river crab, and fish felt the cool water give them power.

"Checkers?" Krabby questioned, holding up a gameboard out of the blue.

"By gosh, looks like a big schooling we be facing now. Better stay on your fins there, fellas." Seel warned.

Magikarp breathed in and out with his gills, sighing relieved. "I…can breathe again…phew." He took notice of the school of amphibians ahead of him. "Another one?"

"Krabby, put that gameboard down! We'll play later!" Kevin scolded. "Time for battle!"

"Okay~." Krabby nonchalantly tossed the gameboard away. He snipped the air with his pincers as he glared at his foes.

Seaking let out another roar that made the Pokémon attack. Almost instantly, several Buizel shot out of the water with Quick Attack. They all were closing in remarkably fast. Before they knew it, the few Buizel crashed into Magikarp and Seel, buffering them in the stream.

"Krabby, use Leer!" Kevin commanded.

"My turn to move!" As if simulating his own boardgame to make his turn, Krabby's eyes flashed as a blue aura enveloped all of the enemy Pokémon, lowering their Defense.

Seaking gurgled bubbles at a wild Poliwag close by. As if understanding, Poliwag let out a cry as rainclouds were summoned over the river. A few drips fell, and then it started downpouring.

"Rain Dance?" Joey questioned.

"This is bad, now all their Water-types are boosted." Dereece explained. "Captain, what do we do?"

Joey glared. "If they're a lot more powerful, then we gotta work around that. Let's try lowering stats again!"

"On it!" Dereece reached out. "Seel, Icy Wind, now!"

Seel inhaled as a bright blue glow came from the mouth. She exhaled, unleashing a large frosted wind with blue sparkles against the horde ahead. Being Water-types, Buizel and Poliwag weren't as affected as Barboach were, but that did siphon their Speed stats.

As the frost dialed down, some Barboach that were covered in it temporarily dove underneath. They resurfaced with their slimy bodies refreshed again. One fired a Water Pulse, while two others used Water Gun. However, due to the rain, they were far stronger and larger in volume.

"Dodge it!

The three opposing Water-types took action in diving beneath the river water, avoiding the three attack that erupted in shuddering mist by the rocky shore.

The mist billowed around Joey and the others, but faded as rain poured. "Man, this is really gonna screw my makeup." Joey whined. "Guys, now that they're distracted, let's make our move!"

"Right Captain, lead the way!" Dereece declared.

Joey took a stance with legs spread apart and facing the river. He concentrated and reached out with glowing turquoise hands.

"Barrier-Make: Bridge!"

A turquoise glass barrier arched in front of Joey to stretch over the river. Due to the battle, the others were oblivious as the archway went over them until it reached the other side.

"Alright, let's go!" Joey turned towards the others. "Keep those guys busy, Magikarp! Do your thing! Come on!"

"Right." Dereece followed Joey up the path. As he made his way up next, Kevin looked back at Ella.

"Hold my hand, sweetie. Okay? Don't want you to fall." Ella complied, offering her little hand to the mage. Once again, an odd, tingly sensation tickled Kevin upon touch, but he powered through as he slowly guided his daughter up the bridge.

Some Buizel made their moves instantly, using powered-up Water Gun that shot across the water. Behind them, a random Poliwag fired its own Water Gun.

"Seel, Aqua Jet!" Dereece yelled from the bridge.

"Y'alls hang on tight!" A cloak of blue water surrounded Seel before she used her tail to shoot skywards. "Woo!" With grace and swift speeds, the sea lion arched and swerved at her opponents, dodging the blasts of water that grazed around her stream. Normally they'd be faster, but thanks to her Icy Wind lowering their Speed, she had the upper hand and snaked a nosedive above a gathered Buizel and Poliwag. The impact created a massive splash that did incredulous damage thanks to their Defense lowered. However, while Buizel were blown away, the one Poliwag was carried adrift and landed on a small stone popping out of the water.

A green aura encased it, signaling the Water Absorb Ability doing its thing. "Hmph." She sneered.

Suddenly from below, the river burst with Krabby popping out. The Poliwag went wide-eyed.

"Rock Smash!"

Krabby's right pincer began glowing on an orange-red energy that looked a lot like a heat signature. He raised his pincer up and smashed it down on Poliwag's head. The ripple effect made an airwave above her as the shockwave broke the rock beneath to sunder. It wasn't called Rock Smash without a good reason.

"King me! One player down!" Krabby cheered. However, a silhouette appeared on the side. "Huh?" He looked over, only to receive a tail whack from Buizel's Pursuit. He screamed out as he was pushed back into the water.

A Barboach fired a massive brown glob of mud, via Mud Bomb at Magikarp. But the Fish Pokémon saw it coming.

'Okay, relax…just remember what that guy taught ya…uh…right!'

The brown bomb was closing in fast like a missile.

"Splash!"

The brown glob made impact into the water, creating a slight tremor as bedrock and water sprayed everywhere. The rain kept pouring while the Barboach looked ahead with anticipation – not counting the Ability.

SPLASH!

Alarmed, Barboach turned around to see an orange blur skip out of the way. It looked around confusedly, until another splash was heard nearby. Turning in that direction, it didn't catch it as another was heard, and then another. It looked in all directions, startling and annoying it to no end.

Magikarp kept skipping around, his Splash making him bounce across the water like a springy stone. With each drop he picked up water to keep him lively. The rain helped just as much. In fact, he even felt livelier than before!

Joey observed from above, shooting glances as Magikarp kept bouncing up to his height. 'I know Magikarp isn't good on land, but the water's much better! And with his power to spring over mountains, that should keep them distracted for sure. But wait, how is he so fast…?' His eyes widened. 'Snap! I forgot Magikarp's Ability! Swift Swim!' He smirked. 'Alright, this just worked in our favor!' "Keep it up, buddy! You're doing great!"

Magikarp bounced up again, flopping over Joey's head. "Thank you!"

A Buizel watched Magikarp bounce around with great speed thanks to Swift Swim. He looked like an orange comet. Looking around it randomly shot at him with a Quick Attack. However, just as Magikarp landed in the water, he left just as quickly, leaving Buziel in the path of a Barboach. The attack struck it instead, quite hard in fact. A critical hit; enough to defeat the Barboach as it dropped back into the water.

Magikarp kept splashing around, skipping in open spots of the water as attacks were being thrown at him. As he landed and bounced off, jets of water and other attacks were hitting some of the other Pokémon; some being knocked out.

As the carnage was unfolding, the only one watching from afar was the Seaking. It wasn't like the others, he hasn't as distracted. He looked away to see Joey and the other walk across the bridge, glaring daggers.

"SEAKING!" His massive battle cry echoed in the river.

Some of the Poliwag, Buizel, and Barboach still able and not paying attention were caught off guard. They looked up and saw the humans over the bridge making their getaway.

Looking down, Dereece caught on. "Uh-oh, we've been spotted, guys!"

"Just stay low!" Kevin ordered. "Ella, you too!"

"Okay, Papa!"

Some Buizel swatted their tails and fired Swift from below. Along them, Poliwag fired Bubble. The attacks struck the underside of Joey's bridge. However, it was indestructible, so nothing was getting through. But the burst along the side were causing them to cover up.

"This is bad…we can't move forward…" Dereece grunted. "Captain Joey, can't you make another barrier?"

Joey grunted as he tried to find his own balance. "Sorry buddy, I can't!"

"What do you mean you can't?!"

"My barriers are indestructible, but the drawback is that I can only make one at a time! Plus this bridge-!" He grunted as a burst of water deterred him. "…it's taking my concentration for this bridge! Pull yourself together and get moving!"

Staying low and crawling, they made slow, steady progress across the bridge. While the long-ranged attacks the riverdwellers were using were less than effective, Seaking continued glaring at them. Slowly, its maw opened wide, where a large sphere of water conducted and grew thanks to the rain's influence.

It took steady aim, ready to fire…

SPLASH!

"Incoming~!" Magikarp splashed into Seaking head-first, via Tackle. The impact caused Seaking to misfire the Water Pulse as it glided skywards pass Joey's barrier. It continued its path until a large blue explosion engulfed the sky.

Magikarp plopped back into the water, looking confident. "Pick on someone your own size!" That little remark would have costed him dearly. He immediately regretted it when Seaking slowly turned and glared predatory daggers at him. "H-h-hold on you! I was just-!"

"SEAKING~!" The large goldfish went on the attack as he swam for Magikarp.

Magikarp screams with watery, glossy eyes as he swam away. Thanks to Swift Swim, he was swimming fast and keeping a distance…but for who knows how long. "SOMEONE HELP ME!"

Krabby jumped into the air once he was recovered, his eyes glowed again. "Leer!" All the enemies were enveloped in another blue aura, lowering their Defenses yet again. He came down onto the water between a gathered group with his pincer glowing. "Rock Smash!" The impact created a shockwave that traveled across the water. The harsh spray created volumes of water to push Poliwag, Barboach and Buizel into the air.

Seel cloaked herself in water once more, using Aqua Jet to propel herself out of the water once more to soar like a passing comet into several Buizel and Barboach at once.

They all plundered back into the water, whereas Seel and Krabby landed on two small flat stones sticking out from the water.

A Poliwag shot up from underwater and fired a Bubble in midair at them. Krabby moved his pincers to try and block the attack, using himself as a guard. "G-go! It's your turn to play!" he grunted.

Seel nodded. "Okay!" Using Krabby as cover, she dove into the water behind. She snuck up on Poliwag as she kept hammering Krabby with bubbles. While not very effective, Rain Dance kept going. The water shrouded Seel until the last possible second.

"Headbutt!"

Crashing horn-first into Poliwag's spiral, the tapdole's eye went white for a second before being sent skyrocketing. It plummeted into water nearby, splashing hard. After it receded, it wasn't shown coming up.

"That'd be the last of them I reckon…" Seel trailed off, her energy siphoned from battling those Pokémon back-to-back.

"Yeah…king me." Krabby raised his pincers, but a cry from the distance made him turn. "Huh? Who's…oh!"

"GAAAHO-HOO-HOO-HOOOH!" Magikarp was crying comically as he was swimming away from the enraged Seaking. The superior fish was treading water fast and was catching up to the poor fish. "I SAID I WAS SORRY!"

Seaking's horn glowed for his Horn Attack. Magikarp gasped and bounced out of the way with his Splash. Bedrock beneath was punctured as Seaking looked back at Magikarp, who was skipping around him to keep him disoriented.

"SEAKING!" Seaking roared angrily as Magikarp skipped around the surface. He fired another Water Pulse, but it crashed into the water instead.

"Tackle!" Magikarp dropped onto Seaking again, buffering him only by a little. The fish roared up as Magikarp flopped skywards like a trampoline and came back down.

"Yeah! I'm not the same fish who was gonna be Pelipper food! This time, you're…!" As he descended, he trailed off as he could feel the rain diminishing. The Rain Dance from earlier finally cleared up, allowing sunlight to give view to Magikarp's helpless form once more. "…or maybe not." He dully despaired.

Looking up, Seaking had time to act as Swift Swim was no longer active. Magikarp flailed as he plummeted, allowing Seaking to strike him with by flailing his beautiful fins around, via Flail. The tailfin smacked into Magikarp, sending him back into the water.

"Crap! Magikarp!" Joey worried.

Seaking looked up at Joey and the others, taking notice of them. As he glared, he gurgled low as his body had a bright blue aura around it.

"What's it doing…?"

They watched as Seaking remained still as the aura materialized into liquid matter. The water divided into a multitude of rings that surrounded it. A green aura wave surrounded it, recovering health.

"Aqua Ring?! Aw man, can this get any worse?" Dereece grunted.

"Well I'm not sticking around to find out." Kevin barked. "Krabby!"

"Seel!"

Krabby and Seel drew closer as per their Trainers' orders. Seaking turn and gurgled, opening wide for a Water Pulse that he shot at them. At the last second, Seel and Krabby dropped under as the blue orb exploded with the liquid surface.

Magikarp grunted as the shallow stream was his bed. He wasn't hurt too bad thanks to Flail damage depending on health. And thanks to his weak Attack, he shouldn't have sustained too much. But he was so tired, his stamina was drained.

Seaking drew closer towards the damaged fish with another green aura that recovered more energy. He was looking at him with a hungered look that told him to stay down. "Seaking…" he sneered. It was like a taunt. And Magikarp knew it.

"Magikarp, hang in there!" Joey encouraged.

Seaking looked up towards Joey and the others once more. Apparently Joey got its attention for certain. He swallowed a lump. 'Aw shoot.'

Seaking angrily scowled and the horn glowed. He shot out of the water and stabbed the underside of the bridge. While the barrier was superb, there was an intense magnitude that almost made everyone lost balance.

As Ella was starting to lose her balance and slip on the glass-like barrier, Kevin grabbed her by the wrist. "I gotcha!"

"Papa!"

Kevin held onto her as he tried hoisting her upright. "Hang…in there…"

"We gotta get off now! Dereece, c'mon!"

"I'm coming!"

The two started for the near-end of Joey's bridge when Seaking came out of the water a second time and struck the underside between them. The palpitations were enough to make Dereece fall forward onto Joey, causing his little purse he had to fumble and unbuckle. The stone and crystal that were lodged together were dangling from the side.

"Gnnngh…Dereece…get up!" Joey managed to squeeze under Dereece and around him. He looked over and gasped as he saw the purse about to fall over. "NO!" He took a sharp lunge for it, landing on his stomach. He snatch his tiny purse in time by the strap, but the bungie recoil caused the buckle to fly open, causing the stone and crystal to fall into the water.

A moment of silence had fallen along with the stone. With a 'PLOP' sounds, both sunk into the shallow stream.

Joey bent over and looked down at the stream, a horrified look in his gaze. "Aw man…" A splash came up from below and the Seaking shot out of the water, eye-level with Joey with a Water Pulse with his name on it.

"Captain! Look out!"

"Yo buddy! Duck!"

Joey's pupils shrunk as a blue light gathered in front of him. He was too stunned to know what hit him. He only petrified as Seaking readied the shot…until Seel crashed her horn with Headbutt into Seaking's side, and Krabby's Vice Grip snatched the fins.

Both attacks were enough to slam Seaking hard into the water. Seel and Krabby landed again in the shallows where they could feel bedrock.

"What a save…" Dereece was amazed until he realized the situation. "Captain, are you hurt?"

Recovering from his daze, Joey's eyes unscrambled from his life flashing before his eyes. "Y-yeah, I'm fine." He looked around, seeing no sign of the stone. "But that stone and crystal…!" he found something useful. "Yo! Magikarp!"

Gathering his bearings, Magikarp looked up. "Heh?"

"Over there!" He pointed towards the spot where the stone and crystal had fallen. "Something dropped in there! Get it, quick!"

Magikarp didn't understand why, but he'd rather not question. After the experience he's had, he'd much rather take his chances treasure hunting than stick another second around that Seaking. He looked around hastily before dipping into the water. He swam towards the spot that Joey directed him towards. In the shimmering water, he could see something wedged between two rocks. Its crystal shinning made it almost impossible to miss.

'Almost…there…' With a quick snatch with his mouth, the rock fit inside and he surfaced. His head popped out to show Joey the prize.

"Great job, Magikarp! Now use Splash!" Joey smiled.

"Okay!" Magikarp picked himself up to reach, but a harsh splash of water knocked him completely off. Seaking had risen again.

"Magikarp!"

Magikarp flailed in the air and ended up wedged between two rocks. The recoil made him gag out the rock and made it plop back underwater. He fret terribly as Seaking's Aqua Ring emitted another rejuvenated aura.

"Awww! You've gotta be kidding me!" Joey turned towards Dereece. "You! You! Fix! Now!" He pointed between Dereece and the Seaking.

"Me?!" Dereece looked petrified as he pointed at his own chest area.

"Yeah you! You're the only one who can get down there! I can't make another barrier, and Kevin's got the kid. We're kinda tight right now man. Look, just get Magikarp and the stone unstuck and we'll you on the other side. Can you do that?"

The last sentence Joey did not sound like a question. Dereece backpedaled some slight fright over his Captain's serious change of pace. "I-I-I…I'll…do what I can, Captain." He swallowed a lump, getting himself together.

"Good. C'mon Kev! C'mon Ella! This way!" Joey ushered his pals over the bridge passed his shaking pal. Dereece was left alone to stare down at the Seaking as it was glaring at Seel and Krabby, who were only making it mad.

A shaking mess as he was, Dereece knew what he had to do. "Okay…stay calm, Dereece. You got this." He told himself. "Just remember what Vanessa taught you. Now…" He took a deep breath through his nose, and out through his mouth. In, out. In, out. Once he could feel his heartbeat settle he started gathering magical energy towards his feet. 'Okay…let's do this!'

His Element Walk Magic activated, and he took one step over. He felt solid stairs from the particles his magic made and started for downwards. Slowly, step by step, until he got down towards Magikarp. His magic made him touch the water surface with his boots, but thankfully he wasn't slipping too bad.

'Okay, so far so good.' He found a small rock nearby that he could use and jumped over there. He sighed in relief. "Phew! That was stressful." He looked back over, seeing the Captain on the other side already. 'He's seriously going to be the death of me, I swear! All this for that stupid stone?' Turning around, he saw it sparkling in the water nearby within arm's reach. He got on his knees and reached into the cool water. "Almost…there…"

"SEAKING!"

Just as Dereece was about to grab it, he heard Seaking from close by. He perked up with the rock and stone in his hand. All color on his face fell as he saw Seaking glaring at him.

"Seaking…!"

Seel popped her head up in front of Dereece, startling him. "Woah! Seel!"

"Sorry for rattling ya, but this bugger needs to get wrapped up fast!" She braced herself. "Dereece, I'm ready!"

Gathering his courage, he glared forward. "Right, let's go! Seel, Headbutt!"

Lowering her head, Seel shot across the water in a harsh ram into Seaking's face. The impact was a critical hit, making a shockwave in the air that almost made Seaking capsize in agony.

Seaking, however, wasn't having it. He lowered his horn as it glowed and used Horn Attack square in Seel's belly. The blow shot Seel across the air in a twirl as she cried voluminously in agony.

"Seel!" Dereece shouted. He watched Seel crashed in front of him. She laid in the water with bruises and her fur damaged. "C'mon, hang in there girl!"

Seel grunted as she heard Dereece, but that last attack left her dazed. She was so drained from battling the other Pokémon that her health felt really know. She was running out of steam, and fast.

"Seel…" Dereece looked up, seeing Seaking shake his head to get upright. 'That one's strong…but…we can't give up. We've made it this far, right?' As he was trying to keep his confidence together, his fortitude strengthened.

The more he clutched the stone, the more the white crystal started to shine.

Along the stream's other end, Kevin helped Ella down the bridge. "There. Alright Jo-ster, we're good."

"Alright." Joey faced the barrier bridge, finally dispelling it. He sighed heavily as he almost collapsed. "Man, that was a pain…" he sighed heavily. "Where's Magikarp and the stone? Dereece?" He looked towards the stream, but what he saw was raising questions. "Hm? What the…?"

Ella looked back at the river, her eyes at full attention.

Seaking was glaring daggers at Dereece, staying wary of the next possible move to be made. But he can't help but feel something was wrong.

"C'mon Seel, just one more push! We can do this! You with me?!"

Seel took a deep breath, finally arising to the occasion. "Right!" She glared daggers ahead, lowering herself. "Okay, I'm ready!"

"Good!" Dereece was finally noticing the white stone giving off a glowing pulse. He felt a tingling sensation that he couldn't ignore. 'What's this?' He moved his arm up with the stone. 'Is the stone…reaction towards us?'

Suddenly the atmosphere around them darkened briefly as a segment of a symbol was seen on Dereece. He gasped, but the same symbol and force surrounded Seel. Together, yellow energy connected them like electrical aura fields, similar to Mega Evolution.

"Woah! What the heck?!" Kevin exclaimed. "What's that guy doing?!"

"I don't know! I-is that Mega Evolution?" Joey gasped.

Ella said nothing as she continued observing, a more steadily gaze afflicted onto her.

Dereece looked at his arms and hands as he continued holding the stone. He could feel a whole lot stronger all of a sudden. 'This power…I feel incredible. Is it because of this weird rock?' He looked back at Seel, who was glaring at him. 'Well whatever it is, we can't let it go to waste!' He held the stone and crystal embedded in it out. "Get ready, Seel!"

A strong force surrounded Seel as she lowered her head. "I'm ready!"

"Okay…" Dereece slid his foot forward, punching with all his might. "GO~!"

With a glossy glow over head eyes, Seel suddenly summoned a raw yellow pressure that followed her as she zipped across the bedrock. Her breakneck speed and force was so tremendous that rocks stirred as the river water actually broke apart into a path leading towards Seaking. The goldfish was helpless as he only stared at the white sea lion that closed in at a speed even he couldn't match. Seel's reflection was in his eyes as the actual thing collided head-first. The water imploded around them for a split second before the shockwave erupted like a volcano. Dust and bedrock blew everywhere, severing the stream and everything in it. The shockwaves were enough to push Magikarp out of the wedge and shot him and Krabby back to shore, where their owners caught them and turned around, using their backs to shield from a harsh spray of freshwater.

Once the attack settled down, the tidal waves receded slowly back into place. The rush of water and porous rock fumbling over another was what made them turn around with shock in their eyes. They saw the trail leading towards Seaking had slowly diminished back into a river. The energy that Dereece and Seel once had was gone as both panted breathlessly. The stone and rock returned to normal as they looked at Seaking.

The creature was swirly eyed as it was laying at the base of a rock still in place. It was battered and mowed over bad. It was like a truck hit it. They didn't have long to question what s the water covered up the defeated goldfish.

Finally having won the scuffle, Dereece fell to a knee on the small stone. He panted deeply as Seel looked back at him. "Dereece…"

He looked up, trying to remain composed. He grinned. "I'm okay, Seel…I think…" He tried getting back up. He was able to stand, albeit wobbly. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm…I'm okay." She huffed, sinking just a little to lay in the bedrock a little. "But…I can't move anymore…I'm sorry…"

Dereece sighed. "Don't worry about it…we're okay, that's what matters."

"Dereece!" A voice called behind, catching him by surprise. He saw Joey and Kevin running along the water to fetch their tired comrade.

"You guys…"

They were able to drag Dereece and Seel back to the shore to recover. They ignored the partially wet clothes they had and sat down on some nearby fallen logs that resided on the bedrock, possibly from rolling down at some point.

"Hey…you okay?" Kevin asked Dereece.

"Yeah, I think I'm calm now." He huffed. "Man, talk about a rush."

"That's what she said." Kevin earned another curious look from Ella when his whisper reached her ear.

"I'll say, where the heck did all that speed come from?" Joey said, enlightened with surprised. "Seriously, it was faster than you at a buffet!"

Dereece powered through Joey's unintentional insult and crossed his arms to think. "…I don't know, honestly. Really, it was all just a big heat that just came to me. The strangest thing is…when Seel was in trouble, I-I just bring myself to just back down."

Kevin and Joey exchanged awkward looks. They weren't sure of what Dereece meant by that, but they were smart enough to know something like this had to be serious. They let him continue.

"It's like millions of pop rocks just went off inside of me at that one moment. I think Seel felt that too, didn't you?" He looked down at Seel, who was too tired to answer. All she did was look up as Krabby scuttled around her. "And when it hit, all that force just went 'kaboom'. Really it's…kinda hard to explain."

Joey raised a brow. "Wait."

"What?"

"When you kinda felt that way, did you look at that rock and crystal I told you to get?"

Dereece's eyes widened at the realization. "Yeah! That's it! That's what happened. Right when I was feeling that, the stone was reacting to what I was feeling!"

Dereece looked at his arms and hands as he continued holding the stone. He could feel a whole lot stronger all of a sudden. 'This power…I feel incredible. Is it because of this weird rock?' He looked back at Seel, who was glaring at him. 'Well whatever it is, we can't let it go to waste!' He held the stone and crystal embedded in it out. "Get ready, Seel!"

A strong force surrounded Seel as she lowered her head. "I'm ready!"

"That odd flow when we were going at it, the energy must have slipped out somehow." Dereece looked at the rock and white diamond crystal, a suspicious vibe overflowing him. "I'm not sure what you found back there Captain…but whatever this is, it's something really wrong about this thing."

Joey took the crystal and examined it himself. He turned it upside-down to see what would happen, but nothing occurred. He glared with one eye to inspect the stone if it had something like a lock or a code needed to break it; no good. "Well I ain't getting nothing. Was it really just a whim?"

"Beats me."

Kevin walked over between. "Let me see that." He took the crystal and rock, much to Joey's chagrin. "Look, until we figure out what's really going on, let's not get carried away. Whatever that power was, maybe it has something to do with those Pokémon attacking us, just like you said. Or it could belong to someone important, Joey, like you said."

"I said that?" Joey confusedly pointed at himself.

"Well I have enough space to put it in. I'll hang onto it for now so we can think this better." He looked up towards the sky, seeing the hue of the blue darkening. "It's getting late. We should probably gather whatever water we can and find a place to sleep for the night."

"Yeah, I'm with ya there. I do not wanna be here if that Seaking comes around." Dereece walked with Joey to mend to their Pokémon and get river water for the night.


The sun had begun setting over the other side of the mountains west. The atmosphere around Astral was beginning to calm as the folks were dining out in the areas restricted for plans. Soldiers were guiding people and elderly home for well-deserved rest. Everyone in the cosmic city was enjoying themselves and talking about random subjects, from their daily lives to the rumors of the king's plans and Celestial Spirits.

Up on the mountain plateau, the massive mirror was cleaned and shimmering. All dirt was officially removed for the ceremony to begin. The kind was in his chambers with his associates to conduct their business, leaving Jellal and Bellona to observe from afar. The two sat between a fire, all alone for hours.

Bellona's foot swayed flimsily with impatience. She didn't look too pleased either. "Where are they? Honestly. Sorano is one thing, but that venomous fool is another!" she seethed.

"Calm down, Bellona." Jellal said.

Bellona exasperated through her gritting teeth. "I've been calm for hours now, Jellal. Don't tell me you aren't trying to play tough and not say you're annoyed."

Jellal sighed. "As usual, Bellona, you're always the first of us to guess."

"It's not a guess if it's been proven right before, isn't that right?" She impishly smirked. "Besides, whose idea was it to come here 'as soon as possible' again?"

Now it was Jellal's turn to be apprehensive. "It was a good measure. I thought we could hurry and ambush the culprit before he entered the vicinity. We would've made it sooner if not for Sorano's need for breaks."

"Breaks that you caused, and Erik's ears were more than aching along the trip thanks to that."

"It's not my fault that his Dragon Slayer hearing is hypersensitive that way." Jellal reasoned.

"And yet here we are." Bellona pridefully smirked. She was starting get things in her point of view. "Now tell me who's made the wring move in this little game?"

Jellal sighed in defeat. He was too contemplative to continue.

When the silence came about them, it was a still one. Perhaps what made it awkward was how awkward it felt between them. When it came to that logic, Bellona looked at Jellal with a little glint in her eyes. Jellal looked at her, his dark ones gaining some light that was seen in the fire. The two shifted away nervously as the atmosphere became cooler. It's been so long since they've been alone this long. Aside from their confrontation with Pluto, they've been traveling in a pack until recently. Now everyone was starting to move on; even Jellal was missing Ultear and Meredy. Being surrounded by those two women for so long, he never pegged to ascertain any affections from them, it was all professional. Also, it was because partially of his own guilt of Erza. While he no longer has those feelings for her, he can't help but feel a little…steadfast running in that direction again. Not towards Erza, no. She was married and moved on. He did too. He just didn't think too hard on love this whole time until the fall of Zeref. Now that he's gone and their pasts are forgiven, finding a new kind of life to live for…and with whom. He didn't want to be alone, that was certain. And since Bellona had nowhere to go, the two had been practically inseparable. The more he thought about Bellona, the more he started to question their dynamic. Just what were they to one another? Friends? Yeah. Guildmates? Yes. And…people of interest? That didn't sound right, but Jellal didn't know how else to put it. Between him and Bellona, it was tough to decide what their affiliations would be from here on. But he couldn't leave her, and she couldn't leave him…did this mean something?

Trying to break through the awkward silence, Jellal cleared his throat. "So, er…"

"Yes…?" Bellona asked. There was slight anxiousness in her voice as well.

"Are you perhaps…hungry?"

Bellona cleared her own throat. "Well…I suppose so. Something sounds good right now, better than being here all day. Let me just…" She moved to get up, but at the same time Jellal did. They awkwardly bumped their heads. "Ow!" She grimaced. "Uh, are you alright…?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it…"

"Well isn't this just adorable." A very sarcastic and dull voice rung from close by, getting their attention. "So that's what you two were up to. Kinda figured with all the small talk going inside your heads."

"Erik." Bellona shot a look at Erik, one of particular annoyance to hide her awkward sentiment. "You're late."

"You've been gone for a whole day." Jellal explained dully.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I just got a little sidetracked is all." Erik said nonchalantly.

Jellal and Bellona stared at Erik passively. He wasn't smirking at all. His hands were in his coat, trying to act cool. They didn't need his hearing to know they were up to something.

"Were you able to get a clear head up there I suppose?" Bellona continued.

Erik sneered and looked away. "I did, but then I could hear Sorano's clattering echo in my head. I swear, sometimes maybe deaf isn't as bad as I thought."

Jellal snickered. "Then I suppose that means you've been listening on what's going on around Astral."

"Yeah, you can say that?" He straightened up as Ekans slithered up his back. She hissed at them in a warning.

"Erik, Ekans is out of its Poke Ball." Jellal informed. "Is there something wrong?"

Erik glared as he could feel another chill run down his spine. This was beyond unpleasant. In his mind, he heard a very sharp voice that grated his ears. The memory and what he saw in the caves were starting come back to him, and what he saw offered no less discomfort.

Bellona noticed Erik not responding to Jellal's question. "Erik? What's happening?"

Jellal stepped forward. "Erik, say something! Erik!"

Hearing their echoes inside his head, Erik snapped out of it. He looked back at Jellal and Bellona with slight shock on his face. "Huh? Sorry, I missed that. What were you saying?"

They exchanged worried glances again. "Erik…"

A moment of silence fell once more before Erik turned away.

"Where are you going?"

"Don't worry about Sorano, she's just fine where she is." He called. "If you really wanna know, just follow me."

Jellal and Bellona exchanged looks again. They were curious on the culprit being in the city, but Erik's intuitions were always on the important matters. If his attention was elsewhere, then something must be definitely wrong. They dropped the subject and left the site to investigate themselves.


Cana sat cross-legged on the carpet that she was using for her magic. She bit her thumbnail as she was trying to get a sharpened sense of clairvoyance. But strangely enough, that ambiguity wasn't being solved anytime soon. Even Delphox was taking a while to solve.

There was another knock at the door. Vanessa went over to see who it was. Using her aura, she read instantly who it was.

"Wendy. Carla."

The Sky Dragon Slayer was standing at the door with the white Exceed in hand. "Hey, Vanessa. It's good to see ya."

"We wondered where'd you've been all day. Everyone's been all over the place except you." Carla peered inside. "Is everything alright?"

Vanessa chuckled. "Come in and you'll see."

She moved to the side to invite them in. "Uh, thanks…" Wendy stepped inside, and immediately the smell of alcohol filled her nostrils. As a Dragon Slayer it was extra sharp. But she powered through the best she could. She noticed the shades were down, so not enough light was getting in compared to the skylight that cascaded down the center of the room, right where Cana was sitting. Delphox was sitting in a chair looking at her own stick flame. Both seemed totally into it, despite how mentally worn down they perceived.

"Uh, is everything okay?" Wendy nervously asked.

"What in heaven's name is this about?" Carla sniped. "Has anybody even seen the sun today?"

Cana looked up, ignoring the many empty alcohol bottles surrounding her. "Heh? Ey, when did you two lovely ladies get here?" she surly asked.

"Hey, Cana." Wendy smiled.

Cana hiccupped, smirking as she held up a small wine bottle. "You came to get something to drink?

Wendy nervously sweatdropped. "Eh, thanks…but I'm good."

"Have you been drinking all day?" Carla sniped. "How are you not evicted from the inn yet?!"

"The services were willing to extend our stay by an extra day. It wasn't easy." Vanessa tried her best to stay casual, despite two warning calls and a personal visit from the manager about their hazards of alcohol and fire. "But Carla…I asked you because we need your help."

"You do, you say?"

"Yes. Tell me, how has your clairvoyance been as of late?"

The feline's brown eyes widened slightly. "My clairvoyance…?" She was getting flashes in her head about her past experiences with seeing into a future. She stopped one FACE because of it, but since then, because she was able to escape a fate she couldn't control, the ability had since simmered away. Hell it was barely coincidence it could be active against Dimaria's God Soul.

"You see, my aura's been proactive…for a lack of better words." Vanessa turned towards Delphox. "We've been trying to deduce whether or not this sense of this ritual and the king were false, but we've been having some setbacks."

"Setbacks?" Wendy chimed.

"Yes. You see, Delphox has the ability to see the future as well. She has to look at her flame long enough to see it. And Cana's been at it for hours with her Fortunetelling…and drinking."

"So if they can see the future, then what exactly is my purpose in being here?" Carla questioned.

Vanessa skipped to the point. "The problem…is that our powers aren't seeming to have affect."

The news rose some concerns amongst Wendy and Carla as they looked at one another.

"Normally it wouldn't take long for either, but we've been in limbo for hours. We're not sure, but something's wrong with their abilities. We were wondering if you were having that same problem."

"I see." Wendy looked towards Carla. "What do you think, Carla?"

Carla crossed her arms and looked down at the ground. She fell silent at the possibilities afoot. 'It's true that my foresight has been accurate to say the least, in the past I was able to make haste because of those instances.' In her mind, she still saw flashes of the false future back in the Grand Magic Games, how she mistook Lucy for singing instead of crying, and she couldn't even see beyond the hell of the Dark Legendaries. 'Even then…my powers aren't totally accurate. The events of time and space must have scrambled my visual accuracy.' She thought about Tartaros again. 'Still…there's no way for sure telling if I can still control it. Only one way to find out.'

She stepped forward, transforming into her human form. "Okay, I'll see what I can do."

Vanessa grinned. "I thought you'd might."

While they were talking, Delphox was off in her own little world, yet Cana was in a dark pit. She closed her eyes again and tried to concentrate for the umpteenth time, but again everything just went dark. 'What's this strange feeling? It's like something's blocking me from seeing.' The thought of the voices rung in her head again. 'And that voice…just who was it?'


The waters of the Astral sea shifted in and out. The cool tides continued to bring up deposits from the waters, ranging from clamshells to seaweed. At one point even a Pyukumuku was picked up along the sea…until a harsh kick by a human foot shot back into the sea unwillingly.

"Ow!" The culprit was none other than Natsu. He's been on the beach for hours allowing his Pokémon the fresh air they need. "I think I hit something."

"Hey, Natsu!" The shout came from Happy in the distance.

"Yeah, what up?"

"I think I got another bite!"

"Alright, let's see! C'mon guys, over here!" Natsu ushered Charmeleon, Darumaka, and Tyrunt as they were all playing in the sand and running around with one another. They followed him back to the fishing lines.

"Good grief." Lucy sighed. She looked back towards the sea, watching the waves roll about absent-mindedly. The sun was setting on the western end, giving the sky a nice, orange-red hue that made it seem like fire. "It's so pretty…"

It's been some time since Lucy marveled at life and sunsets like this. Excluding yesterday with the starry sea, she hasn't thought too much since she goes near water. The reason was obvious, and the answer wasn't clear until last night. Now there might actually be a chance to see everything get fixed again. A friend whom she had to sacrifice was in another world and well, but though worlds apart, Lucy could feel their connection still. Though by now Lucy figured Aquarius would say something like "GET LOST YOU LITTLE BRAT!", but deep down she really does care about Lucy. She chuckled at her tough love act in her head. She missed this. Being scolded by Aquarius. It felt so long that she almost lost track of time.

In her memorial daze, she was almost oblivious to the sounds of a collision nearby. She turned and saw a wild Tentacool dropping back into sea.

"Yeah! That's showing 'em!" Happy cheered. "Take that sucker down!"

"Nice going, Tyrunt! You nailed that one no problem!" Natsu smiled as Tyrunt landed back in the sand. It only took two Bite attacks, but he was still impressed by the results. Tyrunt's reply was a snort from his nostrils as he glared at the sea, watching the Tentacool sink back in.

Lucy smiled warmly at the sight. It was good that things are changing, but certain people never have to.

Her Poke Ball suddenly popped open, bringing out Staryu once more. Its red core beeped.

"Staryu?"

Staryu beeped excitedly at Lucy. It faced the sea and beeped a couple more times before facing her again. It seemed to want something.

Recalling last night, Lucy calmly accepted. "Sure, go ahead."

Staryu spun over the sand with joy. It turned and dipped back into the sea.

Lucy watched as Staryu swam freely around the seawater. She could see Staryu blinking excitedly as it spun out of the water and rolled back in. It swam in a spinning glide as its red core faced the sky. It seemed to be waiting.

'I guess Staryu's just as excited as I am.' Lucy realized something else. 'Now that I think about it, it's rather strange. It's a lot more active at night. Is it a nighttime Pokémon?'

"Hey, Lucy!" From the borders of the beach stairs, Lucy turned around and saw Yukino with her sister, Sorano.

"Yukino, hey."

Yukino walked closer, standing several meters away. "Lucy…it's almost time. Wanna get ready?"

Lucy's eyes widened. "Already?"

"Yeah. His majesty had just finished preparing, but he has outfits to help us channel our magical energy for this occasion. He needs us for the fitting just so we're wearing the right size."

'Wow, this is a bigger deal than I thought it's be to him.' She powered through and smiled. "Yeah, sure. Natsu, you coming?"

Natsu came back around, looking better than ever. His Pokémon were all in their Poke Ballsand resting after some good experience on the beach all day. "You bet, Lucy. This is gonna rock." He gave her his trademark toothy smile. "Bet you're really excited, huh?"

Lucy's smile softened. "Thanks, Natsu." She faced the sea. "Staryu, you ready?"

The starfish laid in the ocean water, not moving. Its core was a weak red as it stared up at the sky.

"Staryu?" She called again, but no answer. "Is it okay?"

Natsu shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it. Besides, it looks fine to me."

Lucy was hard-pressed to agree, but Natsu had a point. She had to admit it looked peaceful and anxious. Like her, it was just as excited about something, though she couldn't entail what, but it must relate to spirits.

"Well…okay. But you better not leave the area, okay Staryu?" Lucy received a brightened blink from Staryu. "Okay, well that settles it. Ready, guys?"

"You bet." Natsu answered.

"Aye, sir!" Happy cheered. "Let's go fix that key!"

Lucy's second Poke Ball suddenly popped open, summoning Klefki with the magical word that she could never miss. "Keys?! I love keys! Where? Where?!" she looked around, seeing Yukino again. "Oh! Keys!" Before she could make a charge for Yukino's keys, however, a harsh kick hurled her into the sand. "Owwie…!"

"Lay one metal ring on my little sister, and I swear to you!" Sorano angrily defended. Her teeth her gritting as tick marks reigned all around her. Clearly no one was having their way with her sister around her.

"Uh, Sorano…" Yukino whispered.

"Oookay…anyways. Let's go." Lucy walked towards the city, pulling Klefki out of the sand by her key ring. She and everyone left the area, leaving only Staryu to be.

The lone starfish drifted along the sea's top, gazing as the first twinkles of twilight shined. Its red core shined just as equally.


Joey lead the way along the island trail. Like everyone else, he was searching for a good place to stop for the night. Normally he'd also be in any mood to boogie or battle, but after the day he's had he thought better of it. For good measure, he put Trubbish in front for her Stench Ability, and so far it was working.

Behind him, Dereece was dragging his feet lazily. "Ugh! Captain, please tell me you intend to stop soon? We've been walking for hours."

"I know, Dereece…just…a little further, okay?" Joey moved a large bush leaf out of the way, not minding that it indivertibly smacked into Dereece's face, making him fall back. Kevin and Ella paid no heed as they ducked under. "We just gotta find an open spot to sleep tonight. We can't risk another horde run like we did earlier."

"I know. We're almost out of supplies." Kevin voiced. "Joey, got any spare Super Potions?"

"Yeah, I think a few left. That should get us towards tomorrow."

"So we gotta find a spot where we can be safe from the open. Maybe we should look for something like a cave. I saw in a video game once the players use an alcove between two cliffs to find cover."

"I believe that would suffice for a small quantity such as yourselves." Ella stated. "Plus as long as little fire is used, predatory action will be at a minimum."

Behind them, Dereece caught up quick, though he looked a little roughed up from the earlier swing. "Captain, where exactly are we going to find this shelter anyways?"

"Chill, okay? We can use like a big tree or a rock or something."

"Yeah, plus Krabby knows Rock Smash. We can use that if we need to." Kevin turned towards Ella. "Sweetie, you okay?"

Ella nodded. In spite of everything that's happened today, she was keeping a leveled head the whole way. She wasn't complaining nearly as much as Dereece and Joey were; mostly Dereece. Aside from the earlier comment, she hardly wasted her breath. She didn't even complain how filthy her long dress was getting.

"Yes, I believe that I feel well."

"Okay, good. Just a little further. Think you can handle that?"

"I am not worried, Papa."

"Okay kid, have it your way."

They continued their course as the sun was gone, but the lingering blue was still in the distance. Between night and day, dusk was setting in. The rays of such a time was something Ella was taking in. She slowed down to bask in the views of the skies and look out passed the tall trees. Even far, they were still high enough to see bits of the ocean, especially the horizon. The rays of the set sun with the red-orange turning purple was a sight she was pouring into her eyes.

She looked back at Kevin, watching him walk away. An odd feeling overcame her, but she didn't know how to describe it. But as she walked on, she pressed a few steps before her senses stiffened her.

Kevin stopped and looked back at her. "Hm? Ella, you coming?" He watched her walk off slowly instead. "Ella…?"

Ella silently walked off the dirt into the tall grass. It was like she didn't hear Kevin. He watched her curiously as she sauntered away. His brow furrowed.

She walked through the forest to potentially no aim. She didn't know where she was going, but her senses were tingling. It was something she just couldn't ignore, like a homing instinct. Something was drawn towards her, she could feel it.

She slowed down and looked around. She was completely alone, away from the others. She gazed lower and looked around at the grass. Whatever she felt was near. She could smell it…

She frisked passed several bushes to search. When she moved a tropical leaf, her eyes remained still as she looked at something on the ground.

It was hard to make out, she remained completely calm in the face of an odd, dark blue mesh. It looked dried up, and had squiggly limbs and super thin arms. It had the shape of a stick figure human almost, with a raisin-like head and thin neck connected to a dried up blue body. Looked more like something of a childhood drawing brought to life and dry.

She stared down at the bizarre – and possibly dead – creature with a tilted head. She blinked once and curiously closed in. She shadowed almost directly over the figment. Whether it was by impulse or her own feelings, something was telling her about it.

Dazed somewhat, Ella's eyes flashed sapphire before she reached for the figment.

"Ella!"

A wrist snatched her arm before she was mere inches from touching the dried face. She was pulled back upright, clutched by her father.

"Papa?" She looked shocked at Kevin's sudden appearance.

"Ella, where the heck were you? I thought you went to whizz and…wait." He looked at the weird thing she was about to touch. "What the hell is that? Is…is that…?" Beneath his translucent sunglasses, his gaze widened. "What is that?"

The more the two looked at it, the more bizarre it felt. An odd blue, dried being was lying possibly dead, and in no way could it be alive. It just felt too…unnatural.

Kevin swallowed. "Just…man. I almost feel sorry for it." He turned towards Ella. "Ella, what were you doing just now?"

"I…I was, uh…"

"You know it's not bright to touch something unless you know it's okay. What if that thing has decaying disease? You could end up getting infected."

Ella was stone silent for the longest time. She wasn't sure how to respond, let alone come up with words. But she retained calm as she looked down at her bare feet. "I…I didn't mean to…" she took one final pause before awkwardly answering. "I'm…sorry."

Kevin sighed. "It's okay. I'm sorry I snapped like that. Just don't make me worry like that again. We've had enough today, and besides, you're my…" he trailed off, his eyes widened. "Oh my…Ella!"

Ella caught Kevin's warning in time and turned around just as a squiggly, wrinkled glove reached for her. Kevin pulled her away so she wouldn't get touched.

"KRRRRRR!" The supposedly dried being stumbled about as it sensed Ella and Kevin. It hissed with a venomous tone.

"It's alive?!" Kevin looked at Ella. "Ella, stay away!"

"Papa…"

The creature stumbled forward closer, crackling a croaking tone as its limp frame made it appeal as much as a twitching zombie. It shakily reached for the pair like it was its last hope.

Kevin reached for a Net Ball and whipped it. "Sewaddle, Razor Leaf!"

The Net Ball flew open and out popped Sewaddle for the umpteenth time today. "Oh no, something gross and impulsive wanna touch us, oh no!" He fired glowing green leaves with razor-cutting precision at the creature. It frivolously sliced into the entity, causing it to shriek out in crying agony. "Sorry, but this touching factory is for VIP only. Nothing personal~."

"Krrr…krrrr…" The beast laid on the ground with most of its body in shambles. With a low, venomous cry, its remained slowly dried to dust. They all watched it disperse to flakes that scattered in the wind.

A cold silence fell around the area as Sewaddle looked back at Kevin and Ella. The Trainer looked at the spot where the entity dispersed and felt a chill run down his spine. "Okay…weird…"

"Kev!"

Kevin turned around, seeing Joey and Dereece running towards them. "Guys?"

"What was that? We heard a small cry from other there." Joey said. "We saw Sewaddle pop out, and…wait, what did we miss?"

Kevin and Ella gave each other stares. The little girl looked at him confusedly while the older man was furrowing his brow. He wasn't so sure himself how to word it without sounding too lunatic. Anything at this point was possible. First the kid, then the location malfunction, and now this thing that attacked them. Something was definitely wrong with this island. And he was smart enough to know to stay on the move.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it right now." He lied in a serious tone. "Let's just hurry and take cover."

The two shot strange looks at Kevin, but they were too tired to argue with him. "Sure thing." Dereece turned away.

Kevin returned Sewaddle and ushered for Ella to go. She complied, though she couldn't help but look back one more time at the spot before following her father.


Two weeks. That was the span of time in Earthland years it was compared to the Celestial World. Achilles returned after his meeting with the Celestial King, only to have realized that time had gradually passed by, a lack of perception of spirits but a bitter cost of man. With Achilles gone, Astral's crop were unconducted, and the people were in disarray. Some even went as far as to look for him pass the mountains only to end up as dragon food, or another possible fate. Achilles' return was stunning, but bitterly renewed. When he realized that almost half the livestock was chowed down on and crops were starting to reduce, he blamed himself for that. The Celestial King, in humble regret for this transaction, sent Pisces when it came time for their turn. Though they were met with a less than appeased Achilles, they acknowledged him and offered him something entirely new – a key. But not just any key. A golden key, but the end were shaped like a star and the other was a crown. As apology for the timespan, they offered Achilles their own keys, making him the first Zodiac Mage.

The king documented and learned all about the spirits by that point. While in the Celestial World, he learned of their varied strengths and weaknesses, as well as how to summon them and use magic properly. But only for a short time before he had to go back. When on their monthly visits, the spirits would come by and teach Achilles the ways of magic, channeling it into the keys to summon them. It really was magic.

But that magic was also what many feared.

Astral was growing within the years in populace and stature, so did ire from Kings and nations around. Rumors of his magic spread to earn a greater reason for their jealously. It didn't take long before the wrath of the nation's armies coming together to put an end to this malarkey.

Some nations sent spies in Astral to document and event replicate the notes Achilles made on the spirits. Some were even successful in using magic, though they still required keys. Enchantresses were extremely rare, but the gifted could enchant keys with magic, thus creating substitute gateways for the spirits summoned. The spirits were forced into contracts, and were used as tools to take some nations down for their foods, women, and territory. Power was everything, and these so-called Celestial Spirits had them.

With the town growing, it was poor in defense since it solemnly relied on high mountain ranges and steep atmospheres as borders, but that didn't keep nations out for too long. Achilles had no choice but to go out and defend Astral, as a one-man army. With everything Achilles had, he had to summon all 12 Zodiacs, including the King for one big clash. The resulting eruption of Magic Power and the Zodiacs were proven too much for the army and their spirits, who immediately surrendered upon seeing their king siding with Achilles.

The army and its high-powered king were defeated, shamed, and beheaded in battle. The justice of spirits was rectified, but at a tragic cost. With the use of all the spirits and Celestial King, Achilles' body quickly reduced due to Magic Deficiency Syndrome. He died two days after winning the land over.

To honor his legacy, the citizens of Astral sought to make it known what good spirits can do. They spread the Zodiac Keys afar across the lands, and the messengers spread the ideology to others. The promise of the great man, who became a great friend to spirits, to forever bind two unlikely souls into one.

Sophie look a long breath and put down the Gale-Force Reading Glasses. She read over the abridged version of her notes of the last contexts about Achilles and the birth of Celestial Magic. It was clear her head spinning from all this research. "So that's the end of the beginning it seems." She huffed. "So the king died defending his nation, that's a noble way to end I suppose."

Kadabra looked up at the skylight, seeing that night had fallen again. "Sophie, it's getting late again. Shouldn't we be heading for Lucy's ceremonial ritual?"

"In a minute, Kadabra. I just need to catch my breath." She looked over to her notes and stacked them together. She didn't realize how much notebook paper she had used the whole day. It was enough for a mini novel almost. A part of her was actually chuckling on the inside. 'I wonder if I could actually turn this all into a book? Lucy said her novel's coming along smoothly. I wonder what her face would be if I published this before her?' The actual visage of Lucy comically whimpering while Sophie was on a stage with a globe-like award was enough to almost leave her laughing aloud. If it wasn't for her headache from cramming so much all day she would have. "Alright, guess I should bookmark the next part…"

"Sophie?"

The blonde heard her name called and looked up. To her surprise she saw Nic, Erza, and Greninja inside the library.

"You guys? Wait…what are you doing here?"

"We were about to ask you the same thing." Erza said. "Have you been in here all day?"

Sophie looked away shamefully. "Perhaps…but what about you guys? You guys don't usually come to libraries, you especially, Nic."

"Funny." Nic grumbled. "We're just checking out the place is all. Erza and I spent the whole day touring the city. This was just the last place we wanted to go before rendezvousing with the others."

Greninja looked at the stack of notes Sophie had beside her. "You did all this?" he asked.

"Aye, she did." Kadabra said sagely.

"Intriguing. Let me see." Erza grabbed one of the scripts Sophie made and skimmed over it. Her eyes slowly lit up as she went through the notes pretty fast. "My word…it's so legible." She looked back at Sophie. "Sophie, is this what you've been doing since last night?"

"Surprised? Well I'm not Levy, but I can make do." Sophie beamed pridefully.

For once invested in a reading, Nic walked over with Greninja and looked over the books that Sophie went through compared to the stack that was relatively smaller. 'She went through all this in one day. I wonder how she's even awake?' A better look showed that she had small bags under her eyes. She looked like she could use a couple Oran Berries.

Greninja looked over at one book with a black cover with gold binding on it. "Hm?"

Nic looked over, seeing Greninja's curiosity. "What is it?" He looked at the black book as well. "Hey, Sophie."

"Yes, Nic?"

"What's that book right there about?"

She turned and saw the book. "That? I think that's the epilogue version. I just finished the first set so I'm getting to that."

"Intriguing." Erza looked at the book as well. "May I?"

Sophie raised a brow. She was a little surprised at their sudden interest but she was too disturbed with her headache that she didn't bother. "Sure, by all means."

Erza picked up the book and flipped open the context. Immediately she started reading through the passages, or what she could manage at least.

"…the text is all old…I hardly know this language to begin with." Her brow furrowed at some of the phrasing. "This must have been hundreds of years old. It's amazing how well conditioned this is."

She continued flipping through the pages until she stopped at one page with a picture on it. The man had slick hair and a beard and moustache combo. He adorned the classic kingly attire as he sat on a throne.

"Nic, take a look at this." Erza pointed towards the picture for Nic to follow.

"Yeah, I see. It's an illustration." He squinted a little. "I can't tell if that's just something copied from a painting or something they've revised."

They continued flipping the pages again, mulling over context they couldn't understand. It was only they reached another picture that Erza's eyes widened.

"Nic."

"What?" He looked at the portrait again, copying the shock that Erza had.

What they were seeing was another art piece of the king again, but he was facing sideways, his palms facing up as something was above him: A crown. But not just any crown. It seemed heavily accented with a large jewel in the center.

"A crown?"

"Yeah, no doubt about it. You don't think…"

This brought alarms up for both of them, something that didn't go unnoticed by Sophie's intuition. "Guys, is everything okay?" She was met with anxious looks, causing her to grow nervous. "Um…is that a no?"

"Sophie." Nic approached carefully across the counter. "Listen, we need a quick favor from you."

"Me?"

"Yeah, we can't go to Lucy because she's at the ritual, but you can. We need you to decipher this text as fast as you can." He pointed towards the book. "This is important, you think you can do that?"

Sophie blinked in surprise over the request. Of course she would do anything for Nic, given their history with one another, and right now it sounded important if it came out in this kind of tone. "I'll see what I can do. Just give me a minute." She took the book and got another piece of paper. 'Well…here goes more headache fuel.'

"Thank you, Sophie. We're in your care." Erza said. All they had to do was wait, but time was not something they had. She looked up towards the skylight that showed stars. 'I have a bad feeling about this.'

Nic and Greninja looked towards the other, silently exchanging their presumptions as Sophie deciphered like her life depended on it. From the way things seemed, it may as well be.


In a dark chamber, everything was quiet. The palace of Melchior was absent as the staff left for the night since the king would be out. Inside the darkness, Oberon walked in, looking ahead with his usual grin.

"Your highness. The others have made it to Topeyaka Plateau for the ceremony. I shall take my leave when you are ready."

Melchior looked ahead in the trifold mirror, staring at himself. He was wearing his usual attire, but the kingly gown he had was replaced by a cosmic fixation. It had stitched white orbs to resemble stars of their own, all of which came to a full circle to represent the Zodiacs.

He turned around, facing his associate with his crown shimmering. "I understand, old friend. So, shall we give our honored guests our company?"

"Lead the way, sire."

Melchior passed Oberon as they made way towards the nearest exit.


It wasn't long before Carla was in the same slump everyone else was having. Gathered in a circle, the Exceed, Delphox, and Cana were all holding hands to help channel their clairvoyance to higher levels and tried to pour it into Cana's Fortunetelling.

They've been at it for a while now. Even for someone as patient as Carla, this was taking a while. Every time she tried to focus, she would only see black; a pitch-black. It was as though something was deliberately putting blinds over her mental images. The strain was enough to make her crossed legs fidget.

"Well Carla, anything?" Wendy asked for the third time in an hour.

The human-Exceed kept her eyes shut as she tried to process it all. "…it's very strange. It's like…something is stopping me from seeing things. Do you feel it?"

"Yes." Delphox answered. "Nearly half a day, and our abilities aren't in any effect. This is not common."

Cana groaned loudly. "Can't believe this. We've been channeling our magic into each other but we still can't see a thing…maybe you're right after all, Vanessa."

"Cana…" Vanessa murmured.

The room fell silent as Cana tried to ascertain focus again. She closed her eyes again and furrowed her brow. She tried to concentrate her magic into her cards, but all she was seeing was black. It was enough to give her a headache.

'This is hopeless. C'mon! Work already!' She tried to concentrate harder, but to no avail. 'Damnit, what does it take to get at least one glimpse of-!'

Suddenly a sharp pain enflamed her head. The brunette cringed as everything around her faded in and out.

"Cana?" Wendy gasped.

Vanessa's eyes widened. "What's wrong?" She looked over, seeing Delphox cringing. "Delphox?"

"Carla!" Sure enough, even Carla was feeling something. Wendy got to her side to assist her. "Carla, can you hear me?! Carla!"

All three future-seekers were feeling something flowing from Cana. With their hands/paws joined together, their shared links were feeling Cana's harsh pain from earlier.

"Hurry! Stop them!"

The harsh warning and tone caused a shock that separated all three psychics. They leaned on their backsides, barely keeping themselves up. Vanessa and Wendy held up their partners respectively.

"You all alright?" Vanessa felt an odd aura quickly fade, but she felt a glimpse before lifting. 'That aura just now…was that someone trying to break in?'

Cana rubbed the back of her head. "Gnngh…man, that one actually hurt."

"Carla, are you okay?" Wendy asked.

The white-haired feline winced. "Yes, Wendy. I'm fine." She faced Delphox and Cana. "Did you all hear that just now?"

"Yes, I did." Delphox answered. "There's no doubt about it. That was a voice."

"Yes, it was. But whose was it…?" Carla put a hand to her chin to think. Her shock arose when she looked down. "Cana!"

"Eh? What now? I'm barely sober already."

"Look down already!"

Cana did as told by the snarkish cat and looked down at her deck of cards laid out before her. Her own shock showed. "What the…?!" To her own disbelief, some of the tarot cards flipped over, revealing symbols that only she knew. "You're kidding me! You mean the Fortunetelling actually worked?" And in the center of the cards, in the middle, a special card with four symbolic ends was flipped over. 'Wait, that card! No way-!'

"Well what's it say?" Wendy asked.

Cana's face scrunched. "Give me a sec, would ya?"

"Okay…"

Cana fell quiet as she tried reading off what the fortune her tarot cards read. As she was reading, she couldn't help but think back to that voice she heard in her head. She couldn't help but feel like she's heard it somewhere before, but where? The card she also had showing was equally as pressing. That card never came up in her fortunes, at least not of this point.

Ignoring her own thoughts on the matter, she continued reading away. What she gathered at the end only made her nervous, which Vanessa's aura picked up on.

"Cana, what's the matter?"

The brunette was stone cold silent for a moment as she tried gathering her bearings. She suddenly stood up, alarming her friends. "You guys, this is bad."

"Why? What's wrong?" Wendy worried.

She faced Vanessa. "Vanessa, we need to get Nic and the others right away! Get everyone to the plateau as soon as possible!" She picked up the golden tarot card in the center, looking at it for a moment before resigning to the conclusion. '…I think your Pularis intuitions are right after all, Nic.'


After several minutes of writing, Sophie put the pen down and held up the script. "Okay, I'm finished!"

"What's it say?" Erza asked.

"Well, this is as brief as I'm going to get, so pay attention…"

Nic and everyone held their tongues as Sophie took a deep breath.

"So, after Achilles' death and the scattering of the Zodiac Keys, the kingdom of Astral had to move on. In place of Achilles, his son, Tiberius Seraph, took charge. And unlike his father, he had a different image. Due to his father's interests in the Zodiacs and spirits, the family was left neglected, so the son grew to loathe the spirits, and that hatred stemmed taller when they were the reason they killed his father. So to seek revenge, instead of choosing to see them as friends, he'd see them as tools. With this, he'd sent messengers from around the world to recollect the Zodiac Keys. Due to his heritage, he had all claims bestowed to him. In no time he got them back, and he tried to force them to do all his labor and work for him. It seemed to have gone on for a while, but it ended up with Loke pressing his foot down."

Nic and Erza looked at one another. They remembered Loke doing something like that against Karen when she bullied Aries. She continued.

"So after Loke chose to defy the king, he went on an irate and threatened the Zodiacs because of what they did to his father. But with lack of respect, the spirits refused work and returned to the Celestial World. That's when Tiberius devised a method. If they won't willingly work for him, then he would make them…one way or another."

"Force them, you say?" Greninja's blank eyes turned serious at Nic. "You don't think…"

Nic held his tongue at Greninja's assumptions. His eyes narrowed as he thought to Jellal's request.

"And how exactly would he do that?" Erza asked, staying on topic. As far as she knew it was a clear guess.

Sophie pressed on. "After years of mining and searching for lacrima, he gathered the toughest blacksmith he could to make an item that could help him control actual Celestial Spirits. It was embedded in ancient alloy that was indestructible." She turned the book around to show them the page of the crown. "And this was it."

A silence fell over the library. What they feared was most certain now. This was all the proof they needed.

"So that's it. That's what Jellal and Bellona were warning us about." Erza realized.

"They said the culprit had to have been here for the ceremony. Now we know why." Nic grimaced. "We're almost out of time, quick!"

"Everyone, what's the situation about?" Kadabra inquired. "Is there a problem?"

"We'll explain along the way, right now we need to get to Lucy and Yukino as fast as possible." Nic pulled out a Poke Ball, tossing it skywards.

Out of the Poke Ball, Staraptor spread her wings as she was brought out.

"Staraptor, find Duncan and the others! Tell them to meet us at the plateau as soon as possible!"

Staraptor nodded. "Got it." She glided downwards towards the nearest exit, which were a pair of glass doors that a young woman was coming through. She shrieked as a brown blur passed right over her, causing her to look outside while adjusting her glasses.

"Erza, Greninja, we gotta move too." Nic realized.

Erza nodded. "Yes, let's hurry!" Together they darted off, with Greninja following Nic by his side in a ninja dash. "Sophie, c'mon!"

"I'm coming! Kadabra, hold the texts for me, would you?" Sophie got out of her seat and rushed off to catch up with the darting duo. Kadabra was close behind, using Confusion to transport the books as he floated. She didn't know what was going on exactly, but deep down, she knew it was big, and she had to be ready.


"Right this way, ma'am." Two soldiers lead Lucy and Yukino up a large flight of stairs that guided them towards the plateau that stood far outside of the city outskirts. Together, they were adorned in special dresses that a tailor hired by Oberon fitted them for.

Lucy's dress resembled much like her Star Dress: Leo Form. It had a primarily black color scheme, with a ballroom gown. The frilly edging went all the way around in gold, with that same kind of frilly end at the cuffs. With her hair tied in a neat bud beneath a black cap, a purple rose finished the whole ensemble.

For Yukino, her attire was like her gown from the Grand Magic Games. Only difference was that this time, it was a bright blue, with the gown's skirt being a silky-smooth sapphire. A sapphire rose was held in a neat yellow lace around her head.

Lucy had to give them props on the wardrobe; it even felt comfortable! She and Yukino pressed on as it was the two of them. They were a little bummed that Natsu and Sorano couldn't come along – and their hissy fits weren't helping neither. They were probably still yelling and complaining at the guards at the bottom of the stairs. Lucy told them not to worry, but knowing Natsu he wasn't gonna have it for long. 'Hopefully he's smart enough to not mess this up.' Lucy knew better than to think this way, but she couldn't help it. She was anxious. She couldn't let this opportunity go to waste at a time like this. This was a one-shot opportunity.

The guards escorting them reached the top of the stairs and split apart. They stood on either side and allowed the ladies safe passage up the last step. Together, they looked around at the refined, clean stone plateau they were on.

"Wow…" Yukino's eyes glowed as she saw the various accents along the ground. "So this is the plateau."

"I've never seen a land piece like this, not even in storybooks." Lucy admitted. She looked ahead at the massive black circle in the distance. The mirror in the ground was showing stars that shined brightly above. "That's the mirror we're gonna use, huh…?"

A pair of feet walked from the side. "Glad you all could make it."

Lucy and Yukino turned towards the voice. They saw Melchior present, along with all his advisors in the background. They followed him as he greeted them with open arms.

"Your majesty." Lucy smiled.

"You ladies dress up quite well in those." Melchior complimented. "I hope they aren't too uncomfortable."

Yukino worriedly shook her head. "N-no, not at all. Honestly, they fit just great."

"Good." Melchior looked towards the sky once more, seeing stars shine brightly. Amongst them, there lied Aquarius' constellation. "Seems that the timing is just about right. We were able to get in under the wire." He faced them again. "So…are you ready?"

Lucy nodded. "Definitely."

"It would be my honor." Yukino bowed.

Melchior's grin widened. "Good…then let us begin."


"Up there. See?" Erik directed. "That big opening in the valley."

The winds howled in the mountainous hills, making the cool night air less than pleasant compared to the other night. Normally the hills could have peaceful winds breezing by. But where Erik was taking them, the peace would be goosebumps at best.

Erik stopped at the cavernous entrance with Ekans and the others. They all stared at the dark cave with suspicion.

"This is the place?" Jellal questioned.

"A cave." Bellona surmised.

"Trust me, that view's more than just a pretty face." Erik warned.

"And you said you heard something from far in?" Jellal asked him.

"Not just hear. I saw…" he grimaced painfully. "Trust me Jellal, it's better you just see for yourself."

Jellal opted to listen to Erik and looked inside. He stepped closer towards the entrance towards the cave, only to feel the temperature drop. He could feel a strong force from inside that was trying to push him away. Surprisingly, he slowed down to where he remained afoot.

He glared inside, remaining quiet as he glared at something in the dark.

"Jellal…what is it?" Bellona asked.

With heightened magic sensory, Jellal was picking up on harsh traces of a strange, stirring force. As if by an invisible, in sound force, his eyes widened as he stared petrified in place. What he was feeling – what he was seeing – it was making his bones crawl.

'What in the world…this Magic Power. Can I really be…?

The insides of the cave howled with winds of warning. Whatever was inside, it was not welcome to visitors.


Staryu drifted merrily along Astral's shores as his red core blinked at the stars in the sky. The individual stars twinkles like faraway Volbeat in return. Red blinks flashes against the night sky. Little did Staryu realize, his blinking was but a lone red light in the sea of stars he was swimming in, and it was going to be a deep sea to exploit.


Okay, before you guys say anything, I am SO, so sorry for taking so long to update! I swear, it's my fault entirely. I mean it when I could've been working on this whole thing a lot earlier and have it up last week, but my schedule went psycho on me. My folks and I are moving again after two and a half years, and instead of writing, I was forced to clean the house for showings so people would wanna buy ours. I swear, between moving and my part-time work life, this was just a rotten month for me. I'm sorry again for that guys, but hopefully after next month's move things will cool down again for me to write at a faster pace.

Originally, this chapter was gonna be a LOT longer, but thanks to my planning, I was able to trim it to this length. I know that 33K is still…like a lot, but I made sure the quality of the dialogue was at least reasonable in tone. I've actually been watching old walkthrough of PMD: Explorers of Sky to get my dialogue and actions simplified. I've also kicked it up to 11 by adding the little details like Heal Powder, the stats and Magikarp's Swift Swim Ability.

I won't go too much into it right now, but you can probably guess what that stone and crystal was that Dereece used with Seel. And yes, I'm also aware that Gen 8 will also be coming out at the end of the year, but no. I've barely introduced Z-Moves for crying out loud. So as far as I see it, Gen 7 might be the limit, though let's see what new moves are made in the new games.

I know Kevin is just a supportive character in the story, but I thought making this and the mysterious Ella would help show off more of his character development. Plus this was good use for his new Sewaddle in a lot of situations this chapter.

I know we didn't get a lot of Nic screen time this chapter, but don't worry, for next chapter we'll have the 'Reversal'! Get it?! XD…anyways, this chapter was mainly about The Freaks (minus Duncan) on their side of the story during the day, and since it's night now, next chapter will feature mostly of Nic's side of the story. So sorry to those who've been waiting again, but please understand that all this stress of moving and preparing is bane to my mentality.

Looks like Staryu is gonna be playing some kind of part in the following chapters. How? Let's find out!

Also, I normally don't do this anymore, but I wanna give a small shoutout to some of my peeps like Ultimate10, who's become one of my good fanfic buddies as of late. He and Dracoknight545 are peeps who I talk to on usually a regular basis, so thanks for being therefor me guys! An to my review peeps like Coral the Leviathan, Kallerston, epicvictory2025, BlueRaptor629, Jalarious27, Javier the WordSmith, sparkydragon98, Arie Draconoid, lenz012696; thanks for taking time to make long, detailed reviews every chapter you possibly can. Your extended feedbacks are very appreciative!

One more thing, I'm gonna be making this story Rated M soon like A Contender's Bonds was. Mostly because of what I have planned that'll rattle bones.

Okay, with that rant off my chest, I gotta rest up, catch up on a few stories, art, and usual stressing of moving, so the next update will be delayed for a while like this one was, I hope you guys try to be patient until then. So like, review/share thoughts on what you think so far, and see y'all later! :)