Bisca shifted the bag of groceries so its weight rested on her hip, freeing a hand as she reached for the knob of her front door. After receiving a hefty bonus from a very satisfied rancher for removing a colony of howler bats that had been threatening his herd, Bisca felt like treating her family to a nice home cooked meal. Opening the door, she was met with the unexpected, but very welcomed, aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Kicking her boots off, she could hear her daughter, Asuka, talking animatedly about wanting to try adding different things to each batch of cookies. Mint candies, peanut butter chocolates, big chunks of broken candy bars, and other tooth-rotting goodness were on top of her list. Walking into the kitchen, she placed her bags onto the nearest countertop, turning to greet her two most favorite people in the world, and to reel back Asuka's overly sweet desires, only to stop when she found just Alzack in there.

He turned and smiled in greeting, having heard her entry, and turned back to open the oven door, pulling out the first batch of chocolate chip cookies. Asuka was in the living room, still talking. It was apparent now that she wasn't talking to her daddy. As he placed each cookie onto a cooling rack, he saw his wife's curiosity, answering her silent query simply by calling, "Asuka, Gray, I'm ready for the next batch!"

Bisca's eyes lit up in amusement. Gray had called last week about having Asuka watch Joy for him. She knew he was supposed to drop her off sometime this afternoon while she was away, since both he and Lyon would be leaving very early tomorrow morning. She hadn't expected to see him today, let alone to find him still here, and baking cookies with her family to boot!

"Okay, daddy!"

Asuka came in, carefully carrying a cookie sheet laden with scoops of raw dough, when she looked up to see her mommy smiling down at her.

"Yay! Gray-ni, mommy's home!"

"Hey, Bisca!" Gray called from the living room. She now understood why Asuka was out there, instead of in the kitchen, which was being warmed by the billowing heat of the oven. Giving Asuka a brief pat on the head as she passed, she grabbed a couple of cookies from the cooling rack and headed for the living room.

There she found Gray standing by the small dinette set her family ate their meals on. On top of the table laid a large bowl containing chilled cookie dough and a cookie sheet. Despite wearing the blindfold he'd worn all week, he was skillfully and methodically rolling the dough into little balls before placing them on the sheet. Joy had found a spot on the floor by the window, basking in the late afternoon sun.

Sensing Bisca's approach, he offered her a grin and a shrug, saying, "Your daughter roped me into it."

With a soft laugh, she replied, "I'm dying to know how a quick trip to drop off your cat turned into a bake off in my living room."

"Totally not true... We started in the kitchen. We just ended up in the living room."

"Would you like to sample the fruits of your labor?"

"I'm good. Been using that recipe for years. I'll take some home, though. Asuka did most of the work. I just talked her through it. Alzack helped a little," he winked. By "a little", he really meant Asuka had her daddy gather all the ingredients, measure and weigh everything out, and operate the oven while the rest of the team retreated into the living room.

"More for me, then. You made these from scratch?" Taking a bite, she closed her eyes and sighed an "oh my God" as the soft and chewy texture melted into a rich harmony of the sweet and bitter chocolate, and a heavenly mixture of vanilla and almond flavors. "Tell me I can have this recipe."

"I'll recite it for you if you want to write it down."

"Thank you. So why are you guys baking cookies?"

"Hmph! The little sprite has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She originally wanted to make cat food."

"Cat food!?"

"Yep. I was on my way out when she asked about the container of food I left for Joy. Before I knew it, she was begging me to teach her how to make it. The reality of y'all not having a cat wouldn't deter her. I talked her down to baking cookies instead."

"I see. But you should be preparing for your mission. What dastardly sorcery did Asuka use to convince you to bake with her all afternoon?"

"Only the magic word."

"She persuaded you to stay with a single 'Please'?

"I'll have you know I resisted both the puppy eyes and the pouty lip."

"Is that such a feat if you couldn't see them?"

"More like I'd put up an impenetrable defense against her attacks."

"Which came down with the magic word."

"Maybe that's why we shout the names of our attacks. Lots of power in the spoken word, you know."

"Mmm hmm. Well I'm happy you two were able to spend some time together. You've been so busy since you got your powers back."

Finding no more room on the cookie sheet, he placed the bowl of dough aside, wiping his hands on a dish towel, the end of which he'd tucked into his belt, using it as a makeshift apron. He felt for one of the chairs, pulling it out and having a seat before he replied.

"I know. I've missed her too. Joy was really excited to see her. I'll have to schedule some lessons with her when I get back."

"She practices all the time, you know. One of the kids in her playgroup saw her doing it one day, and mentioned having a cousin who's deaf. She's been teaching him some Gestures."

"She told me about that. The kid's looking forward to surprising his cousin. I can tell you she'll be very grateful. It means a lot when someone puts effort into learning a new means to communicate with another."

Bisca felt pride swell for her daughter, knowing how much Asuka's own efforts had meant to Gray. They both did so much for each other.

"I know I've said this before, but you have a wonderful way with Asuka. I think you'll make a great father one day."

Though he tried to hide it behind a forced, bittersweet smile, she could almost feel his melancholy as he replied, "That's not really something I see in my future anymore."

Hoping she wasn't overstepping her bounds, or fueling any feelings of doubt or disappointment, she asked, "Is it something you've wanted before? To start a family of your own?"

"I already have a family… but… I don't know. I can't say I've never fantasized. I love children. I always have. You should have seen me when Romeo was born. I think Macao loved all the free babysitting whenever he brought him to the guild. You already know how I feel about Asuka. Plus, I've thought about passing my magic onto another someday. If I can no longer use it to its full potential, I can at least teach it to someone who can."

"If it's so important to you, you can always find an apprentice. Or if you're wanting to keep it within family, you can always adopt a kid."

"I couldn't do that. A child needs a mother," he said with conviction.

"A child needs both parents," she countered, not wanting him to think his role wouldn't be just as important.

At this, his face fell as he replied, "That they do."

Bisca knew she was skating on thin ice. She was willing to risk it, if she could help him find reason to hope.

"Is it really so far-fetched to believe you could ever be comfortable enough to be with a woman some day?"

The blush which tinted his face was adorable, and she was reminded that he was still rather young compared to her and Alzack now.

"You're one of the last persons I ever thought I'd have this conversation with."

"I know. I may be pushing some boundaries, but it seems to me like none of the others have been willing to bring it up. I get they want to protect you, but maybe this is something that needs to be discussed. Considering who you want to spend the rest of your life with, or if you even want someone like that in your life, is very important."

"… I don't know if I can. Be with a woman, I mean. I have to be constantly vigilant whenever I'm alone with Lucy or Mira… or you," he admitted apologetically, "I can let my guard down around Erza and Cana, since we've been friends for so long, but they still need my say so before they can touch me. It's not as bad as before, but it hasn't really gotten any better since Milky Way. I'm not sure it ever will."

"I know you well enough to know you're not one to let fear stand in your way. Even after all you've gone through, none of it should hold any sway in how you choose to live. I know you love the guild as your family, but I can tell you that creating your own is its own special kind of magic. You've done so much for mine; and Alzack, Asuka, and I consider you one of our own. We really want you to be able to experience that magic for yourself. If you're ever ready to talk about it, you can come to me, or Alzack if you prefer. But please at least consider it."

He sat there, mulling over everything she'd said. She hoped he wasn't feeling pressured, or that she'd pushed too far past his comfort level.

"What about Asuka? This isn't something for her ears."

She brightened at that, knowing he'd decided to open up now, so long as it was just the two of them.

"She's still in the kitchen. She likes watching desserts bake in the oven. That usually keeps her busy for a while."

Nodding, he went quiet again, gathering his thoughts. After a few more moments, he began to share them.

"What could I offer a woman? I need forewarning before one can even take my hand. Kinda kills the spontaneity of intimacy, doesn't it? I completely shut down a few weeks ago when a strange woman wouldn't stop touching me. Even with women I know, just the idea of laying together makes me shudder. I have no idea what would happen if we ever tried to go that far. I don't even know if I'd be willing. I'd likely melt down at the first touch.

"There's also looks to consider. Just these alone," he said as he passed a hand over the blindfold, indicating the scars underneath, "would scare most women away. As for the rest, I have enough trouble looking at my own body. What would she think the first time she'd see it?

"Let's not forget all the emotional baggage I'd bring along. She'd have to put up with unpredictable mood swings and anxieties, learn how to respond to sudden panic attacks, or go out of her way to prevent them from happening. God forbid I mistake her for something sinister during a flashback and attack her. I couldn't subject that kind of life to a romantic partner."

"What about Juvia? I saw you together at the festival. You two seemed comfortable with each other, and I can't picture her ever judging you over looks."

He gave a wistful smile, so that was something.

"You sound like Erza. Juvia's a great friend, and a wonderful person; but she puts me on a pedestal, and idolizes me. That's her greatest flaw. She's too willing to sacrifice herself for me, not even realizing how much of herself she loses in the process. I know she still feels for me, but a great deal of that comes from her unwillingness to take off the rose-tinted glasses whenever she looks my way. She fell in love with an idea, and it's not fair to get her hopes up like I've seen people do.

"She thinks she'd be happy taking care of me, and meeting all my needs. But I can't give her what she needs. That kind of one-sided relationship is doomed to fail. I won't be someone's project, and I won't let her throw her life away on someone who can't love her the way she deserves."

Bisca wanted so badly to refute everything he'd just said about himself, to tell him he was more than just all those things. That the scars weren't as bad as he thought. That a woman who truly loved him wouldn't care about the attacks, or the anxieties, or the extra precautions they'd have to take. That there was more to love than a physical relationship.

She knew he wouldn't receive those words. With how much thought he'd apparently given to all the negatives in his life, he'd likely already come up with counters to all her arguments. He wouldn't be off the mark.

The scars have healed a great deal, but his perception of them would always override those of others. A lover might not care about the extra burdens, but at some point, anyone would grow weary of them, and Gray would never blame them. There was more to love than sex, but it was still a major, vital part of it. He would never expect a partner to accept celibacy forever. What man could keep a woman under such conditions?

"But do you love her?"

"You really do sound like Erza now."

"Great minds. Don't change the subject. That next batch will be done soon. You've got maybe a minute before Asuka will want your attention again."

"You afraid I'll run out the clock?"

"I won't force you to answer if you're not willing."

"Or able?"

"Are you not sure?"

"I am. I've just not wanted to admit how much that bast—I mean, that bad guy," he corrected for the sake of little ears, "screwed up my perceptions on those kinds of emotions. I feel love and affection for my friends. I care about everyone in the guild, including the a-holes who won't shut up about me. I adore Joy like my own child, and Asuka like my baby sister… But when it comes to that kind of passionate love, I'm not sure if I'm even capable of feeling that anymore. I haven't felt an inkling of it, not with Juvia, or anyone since everything went down. I know it stems from my anxiety towards physical intimacy, but knowing the cause doesn't always lead to a way to fix it, you know?"

"I know," she said sympathetically, "Do you… want to, though? To be able to feel that love again? To be open to receiving it again?"

His lips pursed, but nothing came out, and she wanted to take the question back. The answer seemed very simple to her before. Just a yes or no, but there were so many aspects involved that he probably hadn't even considered yet. Before she could remedy the situation, Asuka came in, carrying a small plate of cookies, a bright smile on her face that fell as soon as she reached the table.

Brow knitted in concern, she placed the cookies down and climbed into the chair next to her brother.

"Gray-ni, why are you sad?"

Bisca was surprised by that question. She knew Gray would be feeling upset over this topic, but she hadn't been able to tell anything from his demeanor. It was hard to tell anything with nearly half his face covered. But as he turned to face her daughter, she could see the barest quiver to his lips; and when he took a breath to answer, she could hear a slight hitch to it, as he tried to stifle any sign of his sadness. Asuka was so perceptive when it came to her Gray-ni's moods.

"I was just thinking about how much I'm going to miss Joy. This is gonna be the first time I've been away from her for more than part of a day. I'm glad I can leave her here, though. I know she's in good hands with you."

Asuka brightened at that, reaching over to give him a big hug, which instantly improved his mood. He returned her hug, and the smile on his face now was so genuine.

"Don't worry. I'll take really, really good care of her! I'm gonna do my best for my very first mission for Fairy Tail!"

Bisca was indeed very proud of her daughter's commitment to succeeding in her first official "solo" mission.

"*chuckle* I know you'll make me proud. Have you tried the cookies yet?"

Releasing her hold, she answered, "I was waiting for them to stop being hot so you could eat them with me. I brought you some!"

Right! The heat! Bisca should have thought of that!

"Is there milk? Cookies are always better with milk," he declared.

"I'll go get some!" Asuka rose to do just that, pausing to grab the prepared cookie sheet on the way to the kitchen.

Bisca was glad for Asuka's timing, and happy to see Gray more relaxed now. She stayed silent as he reached before him, quickly finding the plate, and taking one of the cookies, but not eating it right away. As he kept his hands busy with slowly twisting and turning the cookie around in his fingers, he broke the silence.

"It's on my list of things to consider one day, when I'm ready."

It took her a moment to realize he was talking about her last question.

"I'm sorry for upsetting you."

"You meant well. It's good to have someone who can remind me that I have things to look forward to. That I can still have hope. Loren says I'm still in survival mode, and that focusing on the day to day things, the necessary things, is fine and reasonable. It keeps me going. But he also says it's okay to think about the future, and to not be afraid to desire more. Having hope is what separates those of us who are just surviving from those who truly live. I've been feeling that lately. I'm just trying to figure out what order to pursue them. I'll get there eventually."

"Glad to hear it. So… did talking about it help at least?"

"I think it did. My mind hasn't changed about anything, but… I'm grateful someone else knows. Loren and Lyon's always getting on me about talking my feelings out, but you were right. No one's ever brought up the topic, and I've never felt comfortable enough to bring it up myself. Voicing all these thoughts aloud helped me understand them better, I guess? Thank you."

"You're welcome. And you're always welcomed to call or stop by and chat about this again, or anything else for that matter. I'm sure Asuka would love to have you and Joy around more."

"I know," then with a small grin, "One of the drawbacks of going back to work."

The tension dissipated, with both parties relieved to be able to move on to different things.

"I wanted to congratulate you on that. It must be exciting. You'll have to tell us all about it when you get back."

"I'm actually more looking forward to hearing of the many adventures the kids will have while I'm gone," he answered, nodding his head towards where he knew Joy still laid, "Let Asuka know I expect a thorough mission report when I pick Joy up in a few days."

"I'm sure she'd include lots of drawings."

"Of course. Proper documentation is a must."

They were interrupted by Asuka's excited cry of, "Daddy's gonna eat cookies with us!"

"I couldn't miss out on the fun party you guys have started without me," Alzack replied. He carried a pitcher of milk and four small glasses, while Asuka balanced another plate of cookies.

Placing it down, she then ran to Joy, scooping her up and bringing her back to the table. Nonplussed, the cat yawned and stretched, before finding her daddy right away. No one was surprised to see Gray pull out a small bag of treats for her.

For the next little while, a happy family of five enjoyed a small party of milk and cookies together.

-Up North-

Juvia believed if Gajeel could stare any harder, the aged judge sitting behind the desk would have combusted by now. Laid before him were photos, witness statements, autopsy reports, and a great number of official reports, documenting the alleged existence of the mysterious second necromancer that has been plaguing villages throughout the kingdom of Fiore. Surely this was more than enough evidence to secure a permit for the exhumation of the original necromancer in question.

What was taking him so long to come to a decision?

'Perhaps the long wait is a good thing. At least he hadn't shut us down as soon as we breached the doorway.'

The look of absolute shock and dismay upon learning of the attacks had told the members of Team Gajeel that they had the judge's undivided attention. The length of time he was taking to peruse all the evidence hopefully meant he was giving their request serious consideration.

Mest stood by the door with Panther Lily, wishing he'd worn his uniform to lend the team that bit of credibility and authority it often evoked. He couldn't be seen abusing his position by taking part in an unofficial mission in an official capacity. The most he could do was show up wearing a clean, mostly wrinkle-free suit to at least look like a professional whose word should be taken seriously.

Everyone jumped when the judge, a wizened old man named Galt, suddenly moved to remove his glasses, finally finished with his evaluations. Now they all waited in anticipation for him to reach for the prepared permit just to the side, awaiting for his signature.

"I'm sorry, but I can't authorize an exhumation with what you've shown me."

"What!? You gotta me shi—"

"Easy, Gajeel-kun! You're scaring him. Let me handle this. Your honor, Juvia doesn't understand. Why can you not sign the permit?"

Pulling his frightened gaze from the irate dragon slayer, Galt directed his full attention to Juvia, cleared his throat, and explained.

"I've seen nothing here that proves any connection between the two necromancers other than coincidence and circumstance. You can't even prove the existence of the second one without a doubt. You say zombies were involved in the attack of Magnolia a couple of months ago, but other than conjecture from witnesses, there is no evidence to back you up. If even the Magic Council, with all its resources and access to more documentation than you've provided, hasn't come to a satisfactory conclusion, I certainly can't imagine why you think I can."

"But all the missing people! The empty towns and villages! All the evidence and eye witnesses! The locations of every mass disappearance all leading towards Magnolia! This must be enough to convince you that something evil is happening!" cried Juvia.

"Of course I understand something evil is afoot, but what can you show me that proves it's necessary to exhume this Wolfram Montaigne's body?"

"What about that old school our guildmates investigated?!" tried Gajeel, "One of them could smell death all over the place, and it looked like a whole dark guild was dragged underground!"

"Or perhaps they had an earth mage among them. These witness statements mention all the attackers traveling through the ground. Is it completely unfathomable for you to believe they may have done so from their point of origin?"

"Using any form of transportation magic for such a great distance, with so many people, and without eyes on your destination, is difficult enough above ground," said Mest, speaking from experience, "It's nearly unthinkable to do so through solid rock and heavy soil."

"I may not be well versed in magic of any sort, but I've seen some pretty impossible things in my many years on the bench. Even saying that, it's still more likely, in my opinion, that your attackers were powerful, but still very much living human beings, and not these undead creatures you kids are so eager to believe they were."

"But can you take that chance?" asked Panther Lily from the door, "We're talking about an unknown person who's taken the lives of thousands of innocents! He could easily do the same thing here. Don't you think it's worth the risk of being wrong to ensure your home and people are safe?!"

"According to these documents, my home is very safe from the monster you seek."

"What do you mean?" wondered Juvia.

"Your suspect has been steadily heading towards the southwest for quite some time, far removed from our location. I see no reason to incur his wrath if he's quite content to continue where he's going."

"It's not your problem, you mean," growled Gajeel.

"As cowardly as it may seem, yes, that's exactly what I mean. Look, I'm just a simple justice of the peace. This is a small town, and we are a very simple folk. The kind of folk who still cling to old, superstitious beliefs. If on the off chance your suspect really is connected to Montaigne, we have no interest in getting involved in something that may, God forbid, draw his attention to us. As far as I'm concerned, the danger to our home has passed."

Gathering all the papers and photos together, he placed them in a neat stack, handing them to a downcast Juvia, who stashed them into a messenger bag leaning against Galt's desk. Galt then reached for the exhumation permit, reading through all the information already filled out, needing only his signature and official seal to approve it. Shaking his head in regret, he leaned back in his chair, about to toss it carelessly onto his desk for his upset audience to take away—

—when he suddenly smiled, leaning forward as he reached for a pen, signing the bottom of the page with a joyful flourish.

Gajeel, Juvia, and Panther Lily stood in confusion, wondering what could have caused this sudden turnaround in the judge's attitude.

Galt looked up, the cheerful grin still on his face as he addressed them.

"In all my years of serving on the bench, no duty delights me more than presiding over a happy young couple's wedding!"

Gajeel and Juvia both looked at him wide eyed, with Gajeel's mouth hanging open while Juvia's face burned red in embarrassment and near panic at the unexpected nuptials.

"Juvia doesn't know what to say. This is all so sudden! Gajeel! What about Levy-san! What will my Gray-sama have to say! No! I cannot accept! Even if he refuses it, my heart will only belong to Gray-sama!"

"Knock it off! I ain't marrying you!"

"What!? Why not! What's wrong with marrying Juvia?!"

"Nothings wrong! I'm just saying—know what? Never mind! What the Hell are you trying to pull, old man?!"

Looking at Galt for answers, they were both again confused when that grin never fell from his face. In fact, it seemed like he hadn't even heard Gajeel's rant. Knowing something was amiss, they turned towards their two companions, finding Panther Lily bug-eyed and slack jawed as well, while Mest had a knowing, mischievous look on his face. His concentration was focused solely on the judge, though.

"Mest?!" Gajeel whisper-shouted incredulously.

"It's not for real. It won't be legally binding. Just go with it," he replied.

Understanding dawned, and though still embarrassed, Gajeel and Juvia both smiled in relief, turning back to face the judge. He still smiled at them expectantly.

Clearing her throat, Juvia pasted what she hoped was the smile of a blushing bride on her face, and said, "We are very excited to declare our l-l-love for each other, your honor." Oh how she hoped her Gray-sama would forgive her for this.

"Excellent. Now I see you have your two witnesses. Splendid. Let's get started."

Peering at the names written on the permit, now appearing as a wedding license to his eyes, he began.

"Do you, Gajeel Redfox, take Juvia Lockser as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to be faithful to her, for as long as you both shall live?"

"Yeah, yeah, let's hurry this along."

"Gajeel!" Juvia hissed.

"Fine! I… do," he grumbled.

"And do you, Juvia Lockser, take Gajeel Redfox as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to be faithful to him, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I… I… oh! I'm so sorry Gray-sama! I promise I'm only doing this for the mission! I do!"

Mest must have been fiddling around with the poor man's brain as they went, because he didn't seem at all fazed by the strangeness or reluctance in their responses.

"That's quite lovely. Do you have the rings?"

Gajeel had an 'Oh Shit' moment, wondering if he'd need to signal to Mest to play the rest of this stupid scenario out in the guy's head, when Juvia perked up.

"Oh! Panther Lily! My tote bag ! In the side pocket please. You'll find a small shopping bag from that cute little boutique we visited last week."

Panther Lily found the bag easily, emptying it out onto his large hand as he approached, a broad, toothy grin making Gajeel frown. Seeing what he held, the slayer bristled.

"Oh hell no! I ain't wearing one of those stupid rings!"

What Lily held were a collection of Gray-themed costume jewelry, including a set of rings featuring little chibi versions of the ice mage.

Gajeel was appalled, Juvia was whispering how adorable each and every piece of jewelry was, and Mest was failing to stifle his laughter at the ridiculous happenings he was partially orchestrating.

As Gajeel was shaking his head, he met Panther Lily's eyes, which were still full of humor as he whispered, "It's for the mission!" Gajeel called bullshit. He knew Mest could make the judge imagine this whole stupid thing without effort. Cursing under his breath, he decided time was of the essence and took a pair of rings, turning to face the judge once more.

"Let's get this over with already! We ain't got all day"

"Good! Mr. Redfox, place the ring on Juvia's finger and say, 'With this ring, I wed thee.'"

"Yeah, yeah. WiththisringIwedthee," he said hurriedly, a massive blush on his face.

"Miss Lockser, place the ring on Gajeel's finger and say, 'With this ring, I wed thee,'"

Juvia was still gushing at how cute the ring looked on her finger. She jumped when Gajeel and Galt cleared their throats.

"Oh! Yes! Um, with this cute-as-a-button Gray-sama ring, Juvia weds thee!"

"Such a sweet couple. By the authority invested in me by the Kingdom of Fiore, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Gajeel choked on his spit, while Juvia squealed in horror at her first kiss being stolen by someone other than Gray. Panther Lily was beside himself trying to hold in his laughter.

"Mest, I swear I will kill you!" seethed Gajeel.

"It's fine! I've got enough to sell the illusion. Just grab the permit and let's go!" he urged.

"Finally!"

Without further delay, Gajeel ripped the permit off Galt's desk while Juvia gathered the bag of evidence and her tote bag, handing the former to Panther Lily, who was still chuckling in mirth.

"The seal! Grab the seal!" Mest reminded.

Right. They needed the seal to prove the signature wasn't a fake. Gajeel hurried back, grabbing the seal right off the desk, and scurried out the door.

As they all hurried out, Galt blinked a few times, leaning back in his chair, perplexed at the hasty exit.

"Newlyweds. Always in a rush to get to the honeymoon."

I reached my first goal in that production commission this week, so I had time write this angsty/fluffy/funny chapter :D

Also, I've been getting a lot of notifications today from a new reader favoriting/following my works. Seriously, they read the whole series thus far in one sitting! So to ProbablyACryptid, if you read this note, I appreciate your love and enthusiasm for my stories. It gave me a desire to get this chapter out today!

Next Chapter: Gray and Lyon part ways, and the whole team embarks on their long awaited adventure.