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The train had already left Magnolia Station headed towards Dandelion. Although once it had been a large city full of tourists who visited it every year, there was a popular old saying concerning it: "only those born in Dandelion can live there". Even now, it hadn't been a tourist destination for a very long time and you could tell by the number of people who had boarded that same train: only the six Fairy Tail wizards. It had become a desolate place by now, one of those that you only set foot in to change trains at the station. In any case, Mei didn't pay any attention to those — useless for her — gossips and made herself comfortable in the seat next to Laxus, who already had his arms crossed on his chest and his eyes closed, probably too concentrated on trying not to vomit, not wanting to show the nausea he held like any other dragon slayer.

-Are you all actually here with us without knowing anything? We're talking about an S-Class quest, you know?-. Instead, Mei much preferred to ask the people who had settled in around them, after asking what kind of job they had to do. Freed and Evergreen sat up in the front, while Bixlow and Ray took the seats next to them. And all four did not appear repentant or regretful at all.

-We are Laxus' bodyguards, Mei, you know that. Where he goes, we come as well.- Freed concluded quickly and the other two Raijinshuu members proudly agreed.

Ray gave a shrug, instead. -On the other hand, I was intrigued by the thing about our grandmother and mother. Is it true that they never managed to complete this mysterious job?-

Bixlow nodded, asking instead what this mission had to do with the house they were looking for, to move in together: it was something the couple had decided while Mei was away with Team Natsu on the hundred year quest which they had just recently completed and, obviously, the Raijinshu were the first to know the news. Indeed, they had even helped Laxus make a list of possible houses to buy for when Mei returned after clearing the job quest, so the couple could visit them all together.

-It’s true. It seems strange, given how intent you were on finding the right house.- Evergreen nodded thoughtfully. -If I'm not mistaken, after returning, you also told us that you didn't want to work for at least two weeks-.

“Yep… I said that”. Mei believed it was the tiredness of having to deal with those dragons and all that mess: luckily everything had ended well and Gerard had even joined their guild, much to Erza's happiness. Putting those thoughts aside, before answering, she glanced at her boyfriend and sighed, noticing how he didn't say a word, too caught up in nausea. Mei understood then that he was leaving all the explanations to her. "Okay, let’s do this."

-I think it's better to start from the beginning… Make yourselves comfortable.- In the end, Mei turned to the others, changing her crossed leg. -It all started when that real estate agent showed us the house of my dreams…-
 
_______________
 
Mr. Uva, or rather the real estate agent they had contacted to visit the various houses they were interested in, had taken them everywhere, but none of them were ever able to satisfy all of Mei’s and Laxus' requests. In the end, driven to exhaustion, the man decided to rely on the only card he had left to play: a house on the outskirts of Magnolia, but not too far from the guild, just as they wanted. Two-storey, with a garden and even an old oak tree to embellish the view. Not too big, but not small and it contained their every desire.

Mei Vrubel fell in love with it at first sight.

-Oi, are you sure it's within our budget?-. Laxus, on the other hand, had remained quite reluctant and had not hesitated to glare at the short man to understand if he was playing with them or not. It just felt too convenient to be true.

-You won’t come up with an absurd amount of money, huh?-.

-B-but no! No sir!-. Mr. Uva was in a cold sweat, but continued to rub his hands undaunted. -The last buyers changed their minds at the last minute and it recently went back on sale! You're lucky, yes sir, you can even move in immediately! And it will be all yours for the modest sum of 500 jewels! A pretty good bargain, don't you think?-.
 
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-Five hundred?!-. The three Raijinshu chorused in shock.

Ray, however, gave them both a long, judgmental stare. -It's clearly a scam! I can't believe you two took it seriously!-

Mei ignored him, waving a hand in the air. -Can you let me continue, please?-.

The brother snorted, but said nothing else, making Bixlow smile after watching that reaction of his. Mei, however, thanked her brother with equal irony on her tongue, before continuing the story.
 
_______________
 
After finishing the house tour and exiting through the door, Mei stopped herself from taking in the sight of the house with brightly lit eyes, immediately turning around with a stunned expression. She and Laxus glanced at each other, before returning it to Mr. Uva.

-Then you're seriously fucking with us.- Laxus crossed his arms over his chest with the look of someone who didn't want to joke at all. -A house like this for only five hundred jewels? Spit it out. What’s going on?-.

Mr. Uva tensed up even more as he tried to deny everything, but Laxus didn't give him any respite and was forced to reveal the reason for that absurdly low price.

-Haunted?-. Laxus and Mei exclaimed at the same time, looking at each other as if to see if they’d heard wrong. Yet, there was no problem with their hearing and it all seemed rather true, considering the man’s reaction.

-Whoever buys it, runs away and wants to resell the house after less than twenty-four hours. Every time this happens the price drops until it reaches today's... I must confess, it's the only house my grandfather never actually managed to sell.-

-Your grandfather, even?-. Mei was still shocked. -I’m sorry, but since when has it been on sale?-.

Mr. Uva looked down with a hand in his head. -This year it turns one hundred years old. I've tried to fix the problems, but I can’t seem to find the cause. Since you two are Fairy Tail wizards like the original owners, I thought maybe nothing would happen to you this time-.

Both Laxus and Mei were astonished by the news, instilling some doubts in the former: if it was all true, Laxus definitely didn't want to have to deal with strange phenomena of any kind. It felt too troublesome to him, but he also knew how Mei might think. In the end, Laxus turned to his girlfriend.

-What do you want to do?-.

Mei took a long look at the front view of that house, of the garden... finally placing them in the tree. Nodding, she knew what to do.

-Let's buy it-.

Mr. Uva was the only one who looked rather stunned, because Laxus was smiling at her instead. He knew she would say that.

-Yes sir… I'm pleased but, well, are you sure?-.

-The house of my dreams is in front of me and it’s even low costs… It won't be a mischievous and vengeful spirit that will take it away from me.- Mei placed her hands on her hips, showing confidence. -And then, we've faced worse. Modestly talking, I know how to deal with spirits. Don't worry, Mr. Uva!-.
Laxus shrugged, turning to the man, not wanting to go against her decisions. It helped that he also rather liked the house, but Laxus loved her too much not to give in. And then, all that was needed was to find a way to deal with whatever was infesting that place.
-You heard her, right? Where should we sign?-
 
_______________
 
-And what happened next?-. Freed asked, as curious as the rest of them about this whole spirit and haunted house thing. Ray perhaps more than anyone, because he barely kept his intrigued streak as a horror lover in check.

-It was a real ghost, right? One of those which often appear in the books I read?-

Mei barely held back a smile. -Sorry to disagree, but it was only a nature spirit. Exactly as I thought.-

Ray hunched further in his seat, lowering himself with displeasure and Bixlow shook his head, thinking that obviously he would have preferred the paranormal option to the more — for him — "boring" one.
-You should know by now.- Bixlow prodded his forehead with his finger. -Where there’s Mei, in most cases there’s also a request made by some nature spirit-.
Ray groaned a little, but Mei ignored him again.

-It was about the spirit that resides in the oak tree.-

Mei explained how the spirit had bonded with the couple who had built that house, two Fairy Tail wizards: neither of them could see it, but they cared so much about the garden and its roots that she had taken a liking to them. One day, however, they left on a mission and never returned. The spirit waited patiently for them, but someone had put up a "for sale" sign on their land.

-They didn't want some stranger to take over their special place and home. They’re still looking for the couple and hoping to meet them again.- The tone became sadder and the others understood what she was implying.

-After a hundred years… if they never returned from that quest, I don't think they're alive.-

Mei nodded at Freed's words.

-That's what we tried to make her understand... but in the end we managed to strike a deal with them. Seek the truth.-

The spirit wanted to know what had happened to them and only then would it accept them without question: the spirit promised so only because they were aware of Mei's reputation and trusted the nature binder. In turn, Mei was intent on bringing to light what had actually happened. Not only to be able to live without problems in the house of her dreams, but also for the peace of mind the spirit… yet after going to ask Makarov if he knew anything about it, being the original mage owners affiliated with Fairy Tail, they discovered something interesting that led to accepting an S-Class Quest.
 
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Makarov Dreyar sighed, showing a frown as soon as Laxus and Mei had told him everything: why did every Vrubel, like it or not, end up getting mixed up with that quest?

-Yes… I know what you're talking about.- Seeing how much they cared, however, Makarov explained what little he knew. -I didn't know them, since it was before I was born, but I was told about the wizards who lived in that house.-

Their names were Harry and Olivia, a newly married couple. This was a very turbulent time, with many feuds even within the Kingdom of Fiore itself, but despite this they felt confident in completing a quest on Dandelion. However, neither of them returned. At the time, some of them had gone to that city to look for them, but none of them returned as well. Subsequently, a certain news made them all give up: two dark guilds had clashed in that very city and had caused much destruction and innocent deaths. They closed the matter, believing them as dead, and their house was put up for sale. The craziest thing, however, was the mission they accepted.

There were no longer any details of the original one, which was mysteriously replaced by another and no one, after a hundred years, had ever managed to complete. For this reason, it became S-Class.

-In the city of Dandelion, defeat the fairy-eating witch… What a strange name.- Laxus read aloud, picking up the request sheet Makarov had shown them. Mei's eyes widened when she saw the amount of money as the reward.

Without thinking too much, Laxus decided to accept it, asserting his title as an S-class wizard.

-I'll take it. It's the only clue we have, after all. There's no harm in trying.-

Even though she knew how right he was, Mei couldn't help but sigh and feel already exhausted. -A hundred year quest… again. It hasn't even been a week since I came back.-

Laxus placed the paper on the counter. -Then I can go alone, if the young lady is still tired.-

Mei snorted at being teased like that. -Hey, I didn't say that!-.

Makarov then interrupted them, stating that it would be better if Mei also accompanied him: she wasn't S-Class, sure, but Mei could be the only one to help him.

-What do you mean, old man?-.

The Master then spoke to them about the reason why no one had ever managed to complete that mission: just outside the city, on a cliff, there was an old villa surrounded by a forest and a thick fog and it was said that the fairy-eating witch lived in there. Anyone who entered the path, however, got lost and found themselves outside without being able to get close.

-Only two people managed to overcome the obstacle. One of these is Fine-.

That name made Mei very interested, showing surprise.

-Grandma? Did she also accept this quest?-

Makarov nodded.
 
-A fairy-eating witch? Interesting. It's the perfect mission for a Fairy Tail mage!-.
 
The Master still remembered how she had accepted all perkily and proud, only to see her return empty-handed and annoyed.
 
-I entered the villa, but…-. Fine clicked her tongue, still angry.

-This mission is impossible. I won't say anything else. No one must try it!-.
 
-Really…?-. Mei looked strange, not knowing what to think, but the surprise didn't end there. Indeed, Makarov let her know that Ingrid had tried too, shortly after becoming S-Class.

“Ingrid as well?”.
 
-A mission that woman has never completed? Perfect! If that's the case, I'll take it! If I complete it, I’ll be able to consider myself stronger than her… don't you think so, Reine?-.

The younger sister shrugged, not at all as cheerful as the older one, but still intrigued.

-Think of it however you want, I find the fairy-eater thing much more interesting.-
 
However, they too returned empty-handed and irritated.

It's just a joke, I tell you, Ingrid had replied irritably.

I don't want to talk about it... I don't think anyone can defeat her, Reine concluded instead. And those same exclamations made both Mei and Laxus confused, but equally determined.

-We will be careful, Master-. Mei nodded, after exchanging a knowing look with her boyfriend.

-We must at least try.- Laxus agreed and then Makarov didn't object.

-Whatever happens, come back. It doesn't matter if you don't finish it, but if your life is in danger... come back. That's my only request.-

The two smiled at him, before exiting the guild and preparing to leave.
 
_______________
 
-…And you know the rest. Natsu getting all indignant because he wanted to come too, Erza and Gray stopping him, the usual fight starting and you joining us.-

Mei felt particularly thirsty now that she had finished telling how things happened. She quenched her thirst with her own water bottle, while the others thought about everything. As Freed exclaimed, they didn't know much so it will be hard to get to the truth and find the right clues.

-Not to mention that witch…-. Ray agreed, thoughtful about the detail that neither Fine nor Ingrid and Reine had managed to defeat her.

-There must be something lurking underneath.-

Mei nodded, repeating that they should be more careful than usual.

-Of course, it's important... but I say we should relax a bit for the moment. We'll see what to do when we arrive.- Bixlow stated, reminding them that there were still half an hour before arriving. Ray looked at him with a raised eyebrow instead.

-I've seen you particularly cheerful since before, now that I think about it, you know?-

Bixlow pretended nothing happened. -You think so?-.

Evergreen, however, claimed that she understood him.

-It's the first time we go on a mission with Mei. I no longer remember when the last time was... and now we have Ray with us too. It will be fun.-

That statement made them smile. Mei was struck by this because she hadn't thought of it. Yet it was true: it was since her argument with Laxus that they hadn't gone on a mission together and several years had passed. Even though they had now made peace for quite a while, she continued to carry out jobs with Team Natsu, occasionally with Ray, while Laxus was always with the Raijinshu.

Right then she felt Laxus holding her hand, squeezing it, despite the nausea. So she understood then that he too, hundred year quest or not, found it decidedly interesting. Finally, Mei smiled too, happily.

-It's true, how nostalgic! Let's do our best, then!-
  
**

When the train stopped at their destination, they all got off much to Laxus' happiness. Yet all the carefreeness of the journey was attenuated at the sight of the city: desolate was the only adjective that could fully describe it. They had never seen anything like that. It could already be guessed from the state of the station — dirty, full of dust, rusty or broken noticeboards and signs, with only one employee, an old man who was taking a nap — but when they left everything was probably worse.

The weeds and soil were dry and on the verge of dying, with lots of animal droppings lying around. The buildings seemed disused, if it weren't for certain lights that showed that someone actually lived there. An acrid, stuffy smell was in the air and only a few old people were walking down the street. None of the inhabitants, however, paid any attention to them. Both Mei and Evergreen wouldn't be at all surprised to see some revolting insects scurrying around.

-Desolate is an understatement...-. The only Raijinshu woman commented, turning up her nose at the smell.

-Now I understand why they say that only those born here can live here... I would run away as soon as possible-. Bixlow stated, continuing to look around.

-Let's hurry and find the client.- Laxus stated, however, reflecting how he didn't like that place at all and not for the desolate and rotten air it gave off.

The same thing was true for Mei, who looked for the nature spirits of that place, but no one was in sight and this was really strange. “Usually, no matter how desolate a place is, there is always some spirit fluttering around.” She didn't like that reflection at all, combined with the strange sensation she felt coming from the city itself. However, Mei couldn't define what it was exactly and this frustrated her because she had usually always been very sensitive to ethernano.

-There’s no name on the request sheet, but only an address...-. Freed mused, reading it. -We better follow it-.

-But are we sure that they’re still alive, whoever they are?-. Bixlow asked next, and Ray theorized that they might have been dealing with a son or some other relative.

Mei thought back to the client from the Hundred Year Mission she had done with Team Natsu. -I say instead to keep an open mind to anything.-

Unable to do anything but agree, they followed some almost illegible directions until they found a small house on the outskirts of the city, covered in climbing plants and with a small vegetable garden, now destroyed and not looked after at all. From that place, however, they were able to see clearly the large villa that stood on the precipice, covered in a thick, intense and sometimes dark forest.

-Could that be the witch's villa?-. Evergreen commented that she didn't like it at all.

Mei nodded in agreement at her, while Laxus opened the half-closed and rusted gate wider. -Let's go inside.-

He was the first to enter, followed by Raijinshu and Ray, who stopped immediately after seeing his sister distracted, still looking towards the villa.

-What is it, Mei? Did you see anything?-

The girl shook her head shortly after and denied. -This place is strange, that's all.-
  
**

The figure of a woman immersed in darkness spread one corner of her lips upwards, tightening her grip on the half-broken and frayed curtain of the window from which she was looking at the view of the city. In particular, a small detail made her heart beat, cheering her up. She had noticed them as soon as they stepped into her Dandelion and got off the train. With her free hand, she stroked the fur of the beast at her side.
-Some fairies have arrived... aren't you happy, Dandy?-

The beast let out a small roar and the chain tied to their collar moved slightly. The woman began to chuckle.

-Me too, darling, me too... Who knows if I'll have some fun this time?-

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Laxus didn't have time to knock, when an older woman's voice called out that it was already open. So he opened it, despite his vague surprise. The door creaked and the smell of stuffiness hit their noses. Laxus seemed to be the most disturbed by the smell, but he didn't show it and was the first to enter that small house. The view immediately led to the living room and kitchen, with a small corridor with two closed doors. The person they were looking for had her back to them, standing on the small table in the center of the room, finishing preparing the tea and pouring it into seven white and slightly cracked cups.

-Sorry for the mess.- That's what they heard from the amiable-looking old lady. -I hope you like oolong tea. It's the only one I can get in such a dump.-

The Fairy Tail members shot each other curious glances — the detail of the cups was not lost on any of them. How had that lady noticed their arrival and their exact number?

-Oh, don't worry.- The lady started giggling, taking her time pouring the tea into all the cups. -I immediately notice when a group of wizards enters the city and approaches my house. I have a certain… intuition, let’s just call it that. So I thought I'd make tea for everyone. You enter Dandelion for just one reason, after all.-

Immediately afterwards she motioned for them to sit wherever they wanted, apologizing that there weren’t enough chairs for everyone, but they could also use the sofa. Mei was the first to thank her, moving forward to get the cup of tea, stating that she'd take care of it, not wanting to push her too hard.

-Thank you, dear.- The old woman smiled at her and then went to sit on the rocking chair nearby, while everyone took their cups and sat in the free seats: Mei, Ray, Laxus and Freed in the four chairs, while Bixlow and Evergreen on the sofa. -You're just like Reine, an exquisite and kind person. The sister was more lively I’d say, wanting to get straight to the heart of the matter… even though I understand. That's what you want as well, isn't it?-

Mei was surprised to be compared to her mother because she hadn't said anything to imply their connections, but Mei told herself it was normal given how much she resembled her: her hair color was one of the few traits that separated her from Reine.

Not only Mei, the others were also struck by her words and those particular ways of doing things. It was as if the old lady already knew everything. Even the future, as strange as that thought was. It vaguely reminded Mei of the fortune teller from her past life.

-Why these surprised looks? You're here to defeat the fairy-eating witch, right? There’s nothing else to do in this poor city.-

Now the smile became more mysterious, introducing herself as the "old Hergel" and apologizing for not having done so immediately.

-So who’s this witch?-. Laxus didn't beat around the bush and the old lady seemed to appreciate that spirit of initiative.

-That’s right. Why is she called “fairy-eater"?-. Ray continued showing his curiosity.

Hergel’s mood soon darkened, recalling certain memories.

-To answer you, young man, I have to start from the beginning… That woman… One day, Ecate arrived in Dandelion suddenly-. Hergel began the story, rocking in her chair. She was holding the cup in her hand without paying attention and hadn't taken a sip yet.

-The Second Commercial War had recently ended and here in the city two groups of criminals were fighting in a constant struggle with each other. It was at that moment that she arrived, immediately gaining the sympathy of the inhabitants by defeating both groups with just a simple magic. Fortunately, a young couple, mage of Fairy Tail, had come to town with the same reason and observed everything. I don't know what made them suspicious, but they started investigating the unknown wizard.-

The old woman only stopped to drink. Everyone listened to the story without saying a word, reflecting on how they finally knew what the original mission Harry and Olivia had accepted, was about.

-That's how they found out about her experiments using the lives of the criminals she had defeated: she intended to settle here, use them and the lives of the city's inhabitants for her experiments, but I don't know what they were about. However, I know that the young couple tried to defeat her… in vain.-

As she continued, because of Ecate, none of them could escape without risking their lives. The only thing Hergel could do to protect them all was to raise a barrier with magic, so as to influence people outside not to want to set foot in Dandelion. However, she also managed to modify the original mission of the young Fairy Tail couple: this was how she created the "fairy-eating witch", hoping to arouse the curiosity of wizards from outside enough to come and see and perhaps help them.

-That's how you knew we were coming… You heard us enter the barrier.- Freed mused aloud, confirming that the old lady couldn't see into the future.

“Mm, could this be why I felt a strange sensation before?” Mei thought, confused and not so convinced. This, however, was followed by a moment of silence which served to fully register everything they had heard.

The story had certainly answered many of the questions they had previously asked themselves, but others were added: for example the end of Harry and Olivia, the nature of the experiments, who exactly that "witch" was.

Ray openly expressed one of the questions that tormented them.

-Excuse me, but if this city is in danger, I don't think at all that grandmother and mother, that is, the various Fairy Tail wizards who came here, I don't think they would turn their backs on you.-

That was a question that actually tormented Mei as well: she didn't know her grandmother, but Ingrid and Reine would never do that.

Hergel looked guilty. -This… I think it's because of me, I’m sorry.-

-What do you mean?-. This time it was Bixlow who asked and the old woman reminded them of the barrier she had set up to protect people, both inside the city and outside.

-I thought it would only hit people without magic, but wizards get hit too… I realized this with Fine. She promised to return, after contacting her guild because she couldn't do it from inside Dandelion. So I realized that, instead, the barrier was influencing her memories, making her change her mind and believe that the whole witch thing was a joke.-

-That's why she reacted like that.- Mei commented, placing the now empty cup on the table.

Subsequently, Hergel explained that she had warned Ingrid and Reine about the barrier, when they also returned to her with a defeated look: they too wanted to contact the guild for a helping hand first, but they were convinced that they could protect themselves from the effects of the barrier… in vain. Unfortunately, it hit them too and they had the same reaction as Fine.

The other wizards who came after or before them had not been spared: they had not even managed to overcome the obstacle of the fog that surrounded the witch's villa and they left with their tails between their legs, abandoning the mission.

-Basically, this would be our only chance to defeat the witch, right?-. Evergreen asked thoughtfully, and Hergel nodded sadly and guiltily.

-If not even a mage like mother was able to protect herself from the effect of the barrier, I don't think we'll be able to do anything.- Ray continued, soon after, with a hand on his chin.

-If we defeat her, the city will be saved. Am I right?-. This time it was Laxus who spoke, having remained silent and thoughtful until then.

-Yes, everything will turn out fine.-

That's how he got up. -Okay, then I don't need anything else.-

And just as he had exclaimed, Laxus placed the cup, also empty, on the table before leaving. Hergel was surprised by his behavior, but the Raijinshuu let her know that Fairy Tail accepted the job.

-Don't worry, we'll take care of it!-. Mei added, before following the rest of the group out, along with Ray.

-We don't need to contact others.- The younger brother nodded, while Bixlow and the Raijinshu confirmed that they would take care of everything.

The lady got up from her chair, following them to the door, to warn them to be careful. -Only two can enter the villa! All the others are thrown away by the witch's magic!-.

Those wizards nodded and then told her again to leave it to them, putting a small hint of a smile on her lips. Holing up in her home, Hergel sat back in the rocking chair and looked out the window, from where she could glimpse the villa.

-For them… To let them rest in peace... I sure hope so, young fairies. Don't let yourself be eaten.-

Leaving the house, they continued on for a while, before stopping and planning what to do with no one to disturb them.

-That old woman is hiding something.- Laxus immediately stated and the others were of the same opinion, especially Ray.

-I don't think she's lying, but… it's true that she didn't tell us everything.-

The question they asked, therefore, was why. Mei interrupted their musings.

-It's useless to sit here and think about it. If only two can enter the mansion, then Laxus and I will take care of it. You stay here to investigate the rest.- Mei looked down at the ground. -There's something underground… but I don't understand what it is. From the condensation of ethernano it seems like a lacrima to me.-

-Is this why I've seen you confused since we arrived?-. Laxus exclaimed, asking if it was some kind of lacrima-bomb, but Mei denied it.

-I don't know, I don't think so. But I don't like it.-

Evergreen then commented that it was better to take a look at it and investigate further, to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially if Mei had a bad feeling about it.

-It's true, at this point dividing is the best choice.- Freed nodded and the rest agreed too.

-For anything, we’ll use the communication lacrima.- Mei warned them, showing her little phone like lacrima, noting that it worked if she contacted Ray or Freed, but if she tried to call Erza or others from the guild, it didn't pick up at all. Just as Hergel had told them, Ray thought it must be the effect of the barrier. In the end they accepted that plan, having faith in the strength of Laxus and Mei: both the Raijinshu and Ray were not worried about sending them alone to fight with the witch. Sure, they obviously wanted to go with them, but even without the problem of the witch only receiving two people at once, they were convinced that it was best to keep as clear a picture of the situation as possible; someone had to investigate.

-Be careful-. Laxus and Mei recommended them, before entering the path that would take them towards the villa.

-You too.- Freed and the others replied, before watching them disappear into the fog.

Just as Hergel had said, something like a barrier made of ancient runes rose up: Freed was the first to notice.

-Come on, let's go… I'd say we start in the square. Maybe we’ll find a secret passage or something.- Ray commented, pointing the way to the city center.

-A secret passage?-. Bixlow noticed his boyfriend's mood become decidedly intrigued.

-There are always some in stories like this!-.

Saying this, Ray was the first to set off with a pace that was decidedly too excited for the kind of mission they were on.

-At least someone is having fun.- Evergreen commented, before following him and Freed agreed with her.

-It's cute when he does that.- Bixlow nodded. Ray interrupted them, exclaiming for them to get a move on.

**

Ecate continued to smile, especially noticing the couple who had just entered her territory and were heading towards her: they both held a good amount of magical power, already making them particularly interesting in her eyes.

But first… why not play with them a little?

-Dandy, darling, how about giving that lovely couple a warm welcome?-.

His tender beast roared again. With a snap of her fingers, she untied the chain holding him and he ran down, jumping from a balcony without hurting himself. She, however, decided to go and prepare to meet them: if they were like the previous guests who had come to her, then she necessarily had to show herself at her best condition. "After all... this time she brought a man with her, kufufu! A charming one too, to boot!"

With an almost skipping step, the woman approached the wardrobe. -Who knows, he might be perfect to replace Dandy. By now it was starting to tire me... Do you think so too?-.

The woman turned behind her holding two similar dresses, two sheath black dresses with few differences between each other. -You won't be jealous, I hope.-

Ecate smiled at the large lacrima, laughing at her own joke.

-Relax, I know. You will be free soon… Obviously only if my guests are interesting enough! It's about time someone came, you're starting to rot.-

In front of her, the person trapped in the lacrima made no sign of having heard her. Her gray hair covered her face, but at the height of her deteriorated chest, like the rest of her body, the symbol of the Fairy Tail guild still stood out.

The woman didn't seem to notice as she chose the clothes to change into.

-You are always so quiet, my dear Olivia. I hope the other girl is much nicer.-

**

Ever since they entered the path, Mei had started using her magic: she understood, indeed, why a normal mage would get lost in the midst of that magical fog. It was done in such a way as to make one lose orientation, despite the awareness that the road ahead was strictly straight. Instead, with her Vision, Mei could find the true path without getting lost.

She held onto Laxus's hand, guiding him carefully.

-What's worrying you?-. Laxus broke the silence that had formed between them, immediately understanding her changes in mood. And even Mei knew she couldn't hide it for long. Not with him.

-It’s about the spirits of nature.- She confided in the end. -I haven't seen them since we entered Dandelion and that worries me a little. It's okay not to see them, very often they hide, you know… but not listening to, or sense them? It's definitely strange.-

Laxus nodded his head affirmatively: he knew how sensitive Mei was about it. -Actually, I don't see them around either, now that I think about it.-

Immediately afterwards, however, he tightened their hands even more, intertwining them. He stopped her for a moment, bringing his free hand to her cheek. -Don't worry too much. Maybe it's the barrier or that witch's fault. Either way, we just need to defeat her and everything will be solved.-

Mei placed her hand on top of Laxus', before nodding. -You’re right. Let's think about one thing at a time.-

They started to continue, but this time it was Mei who suddenly stopped. Before Laxus could ask her anything about it, she warned him.

-On your right!-.

He didn't hesitate to turn in the direction she had indicated and he defended himself in time, striking in turn, with a fist imbued with his lightning magic, the shadow that was leaping towards them.

-And now we know one of the reasons why no one manages to reach their destination…-. Laxus exclaimed, charging up with his lightning. -If it's not the fog, it's this beast that's making them retreat.-

The aforementioned beast had the appearance of a large gray wolf, bipedal but hunched over. It growled softly, while shaking its head to recover from Laxus' attack and then not hesitating to attack again, charging with head down, snarling jaws and sharp claws.

The wizard struck it again using the lightning dragon's jaw, knocking it to the ground. At first glance the beast didn't seem to take the damage and this made him surprised, but Mei noticed some details, staying behind to observe the scene.

-Laxus, the collar..! Look at the name!-.

The wizard had frowned at first, watching the beast step back and shake its head, smoke billowing from its body at the same time. Then Laxus saw the writing: the name Harry had been crossed out with an x ​​and underneath, in the same red ink, was the name Dandy.

-You mean…-. Laxus widened his eyes at the thought that this "beast" could actually be that Harry. Unfortunately Mei was of the same opinion.

-I also believe that your attacks are working, but the witch forces him to keep getting up, despite his wounds and pain.-

To prove her theory, Dandy-Harry charged at them again, but Laxus had protected himself, thinking about how stubborn he was. If this beast really was the person they were looking for news about, Laxus didn't want to hurt him, but still couldn't just keep defending himself either. However, before he even knew what to do, it was Dandy-Harry who suddenly stopped.

He had stood up completely and had his ears pointing upwards, his muzzle pointing downwards. He acted as if he had heard or noticed something wrong: suddenly, he lost interest in them because, in fact, he started running away, leaving the two wizards stunned.

-Where is he going?-. Mei wondered, shocked and curious, but also worried. -I hope not to the others..!-.

Laxus continued to look his way and when he turned, he noticed that the fog had cleared and the villa they were trying to reach appeared a few meters away from them.

-I don't know, but maybe it's best to hurry up and defeat the witch. In any case, that one won't give Freed and the others any problems.-

Mei nodded in the end, albeit hesitantly. Together they approached the door of the large brass door: like the rest of the city, that villa also gave a sense of neglect and desolation. Furthermore, Mei could only feel the fairy-eating witch's incredible magical power since the fog had cleared; she wondered if the fog had hidden it, acting as a barrier.

-Let's be more careful than usual, Laxus. This witch seems to be as strong as Irene Belserion.-

Laxus agreed with a hardened expression. -Yeah, now I notice it too.-

With a nod, together they opened the doors and entered.

**

The Raijinshu team plus Ray, meanwhile, had arrived in the square. The latter, indeed, was convinced that there was a secret passage there somewhere, because in his opinion it was the only plausible place considering how the city was built. Furthermore, according to him, "you can clearly see everything from the villa".

So Bixlow helped him, while Freed and Evergreen decided to ask around... but no one stopped. It was as if no one was able to recognize them and their presences. They almost looked like dying puppets, who moved only by inertia: all their faces were haggard and their eyes dull, without any light. They were definitely scary.

-Shortie, can you tell me why you’re obsessed with that old fountain?-.

Bixlow sat cross-legged with his babies fluttering around, repeating the word “obsessed". Ray, on the other hand, became even more stubborn.

-I'm not obsessed. I know there’s a secret passage here!-.

-Of course… Because they say so in the usual books you read.-

By now Bixlow found it much more fun to watch him work and play around than to help him.

-No!-. Ray froze because he felt that very eyebrow raised on him, despite the mask, so he stopped from where he had climbed to touch the dandelion flowers carved high in the fountain, turning to him and muttering. -Okay, partly yes, but it's not just for that! I know there is an entrance to a passage because I noticed it while searching the land thanks to my magic.-

When Mei had talked about what might be underground, Ray had tried to feel how deep that lacrima was situated with magic, touching the ground, thus noticing empty parts: that meant only one thing. Namely, that there were secret underground corridors and, just as he had imagined, the entrance was located right in the square.

-Oh, so it's not just you being delusional.- Evergreen commented jokingly, approaching the couple with Freed.

-I’m not delusional!-.

Both Freed and Evergreen ignored him, however, telling them about their impressions of the inhabitants.

-We can't expect much from them. If we want to discover something it’s better to find this passage and explore it ourselves.- Freed explained, making Bixlow sigh.

-We've reached this point, huh…-.

Hearing them, Ray jumped down and decided to change his plan. -I see. If option A is complicated, then it’s better to move on to option B.-

With that remark he caught the attention of his companions, who asked him what he meant.

-Well, obviously the fastest and most typical way of a Fairy Tail wizard-. Turning, Ray lowered himself to the ground, placing a hand on the mossy marble of the fountain. -Destroying everything!-

In an instant, just as Ray had exclaimed, he destroyed that small area and created, instead, stairs that led to the corridor that passed right through there. While Evergreen thought about why he didn’t do that earlier, Ray got up and went down without waiting for anything else, noticing torches lit on both sides.

-I think we have to divide ourselves further. This is also a classic, it always happens.- Then, Ray turned to look both innocently and also excited at them. -Well, who's coming with me to the left?-.

Bixlow then asked him why the left, but the answer did not reassure all three very much.

-Isn't it obvious? People instinctively always turn left at a crossroads… so it will certainly be the most dangerous part! We could have some unexpected special meetings, you know!-. His horror-loving spirit had now fully engaged him and it wouldn't go away so easily. Bixlow knew that all too well.

-Do we all have to go down there? I don't think it's safe.- Evergreen commented, hesitant, but Ray told her that she had to be careful if she wanted to keep watch, because they were usually the first characters to die in a horror story.

-Okay, I understand! Freed and I go right. You and Bixlow will take the left-. The woman finally decided, hoping that her friend would soon put an end to those exclamations that only gave her shivers. Freed sighed that it was the same for him, while Bixlow thought that, as cute as his boyfriend was, talking about death, dangers and particular encounters with that smirk only added more anxiety. Not that he was upset about it: he would have gone to the ends of the earth with Ray Vrubel. Just… maybe he’d like less talk about things like death and constant dangers.

-Let's go, then.- Bixlow started to go down the stairs first. Freed reminded them to use the lacrima like phone to communicate if they found anything.

-Yeah, yeah. You too-.

Meanwhile, Ray placed a hand on the wall and used magic to understand the layout of that underground passage: it was long, extending on both sides throughout the city, most likely. There were two large areas on both the left and right, becoming more and more curious about the matter.

Suddenly Ray stopped himself, because he could pick up fast footsteps approaching them from outside. Without thinking too much, Ray leapt towards Bixlow, knocking him down by his head.

-Be careful!-. Ray shouted, instinctively swinging Redhorn and blocking the shadow's attack with his blade. When his eyes focused on the large growling wolf, Ray grinned because it only increased his curiosity, making him believe that his theory was correct: first the well-maintained passage, then the lit-up torches and finally this.

-A gatekeeper to guard an unused passage? Of course, I’m so believing it. It appears right when we open the door, of course the situation stinks a bit, don't you think so?-. Ray exclaimed to his friends, quickly eyeing the name in the collar, narrowing his reflective gaze at the details he was noticing.

-What is that witch hiding?-.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

-Ray! Are you okay?-. Bixlow was back on his feet, looking at the scene before his eyes. Ray had quickly nodded and was now holding back the large wolf that had attacked them with his sword, sticking it into the ground.

-And where does this beast come from?-. Evergreen asked, getting ready to attack if necessary. Same thing went for Freed, but Ray stopped them with his free hand.

-Wait!-.

The Raijinshu were taken aback to see the beast slowly take on human form, with worn-out clothes. The collar around his neck had broken into a thousand pieces.

-As I thought…-. The earth wizard continued. -That witch must have enslaved him all this time. With the Redhorn I only broke the spell used on him.-

The man’s hair was gray tending to white and his emaciated physique was reminiscent of that of the locals, if it weren't for the wounds and scars that covered him: some old, some new. However, the Fairy Tail guild mark still shone, as if new, on his left arm.

-Harry…-. Freed whispered his name, while Evergreen and Bixlow wondered how it was possible and what happened to Olivia instead.

At hearing that name, Harry finally opened his tired eyes, bringing them towards the group and noticing right away the mark they wore, trying to smile, relieved at seeing comrades from the guild.

-I knew Fairy Tail wouldn't abandon us… You really came to help us.- Harry managed to say, but his was only a feeble whisper. He was kneeling on the ground, unable to find the strength either to stand up or to lay down.

-What exactly happened to you?-. It was Evergreen who asked, and Harry began to explain his point of view, however faintly. He couldn't remember exactly what he had done while transformed into a beast; his last memories were of their confrontation with Ecate. Not only had they failed to beat her, due to the almost-invincibility she seemed to have, but she had even forced them to fight against each other for her own twisted amusement. It was in this way that Hecate transformed him into a beast that obeyed her orders, imprisoning Olivia in a large lacrima. After that, Harry was forced to blindly obey the witch, like a slave.

-Please… destroy the lacrima… free them… Only like this you can defeat Ecate.-

Harry had tears in his eyes, broken and desperate for his beloved. That's when Ray put the Redhorn away, looking him in the eye and placing a fist to his chest with seriousness on his face. He would always hate it when someone made fun of other people's lives and took away their freedom to live. His scars throbbed at the fleeting memory of those distant years spent as a slave.

-Sorry for the delay, but Fairy Tail is here now. Leave it to us!-.

Bixlow rested an arm over his boyfriend's head, agreeing determinedly.

-Don't worry! We may have just met, but we're part of the same guild. So we’ll fight for you too!-.

-This is the spirit of Fairy Tail, after all.- Freed nodded and Evergreen was also of the same wavelength, stating the same thing. No one there among them would have backed down and that was what Laxus and Mei would have thought too.

Harry was greeted by a warmth in his chest that he hadn't felt in a long time, making him smile and reassured. Much more serene, he thanked them in a soft whisper... allowing himself to close his eyes for the last time. Soon his body lit up with a small light, breaking down into as many small ethernano luminescences before their eyes.

Finally free from all burdens and pain.

-Olivia...-. Harry whispered to the wind, having faith that they would soon be reunited. -Hergel...-.

They remained silent with distressed looks until Harry completely disappeared.

-Hergel...-. Evergreen exclaimed, noticing that he was talking about their client. -What kind of relationship they have?-.

Freed stated that, for now, it was best to think about it later. For now it was better to hurry, indeed.

-If the same thing happens to Laxus and Mei, we have to find a way to help them.-

Evergreen and Bixlow simply nodded, thinking about the detail about the witch's "almost-invincibility", while Ray turned away, lowering his head and hiding his dark face with his hair. He reached out to gently grasp Bixlow's index finger with his own.

-Mm. Also for Harry.-

Bixlow grabbed his hand tighter, squeezing it to give him the comfort he was looking for.

-For Harry as well.-

Together they went down the stairs and split up, as previously decided.

**

The internal state of the villa was no different from the external one. Full of walls with torn wallpaper and moldy parts, creaking floors, broken furniture and glass everywhere. Certainly, it could not be considered habitable.

-She doesn't like cleaning, I see.- Laxus commented, looking around and stepping on some broken glass, noticing a closed trap door nearby, no longer hidden by the long carpet. He wondered where it could lead, when he was distracted by Mei urging him to follow.

Mei indeed was more focused on understanding where the strange concentration of ethernano she was feeling, was coming from. Passing the stairs, she started running towards the next room, a large central hall, stopping suddenly when she witnessed a chilling sight: a woman, at first sight elderly, with long grey-white hair covering her face had the most of his body stuck inside the large, dimly lit lacrima. Before even wondering who she was, they managed to notice the mark of the Fairy Tail guild and only then did the two understand, with disgust, who exactly had done all this to her.

-Olivia...-. Laxus called out to her with wide eyes. -If she's alive, then the wolf from before really was Harry.-

-Oh goodness, what have they done to you.- Mei immediately approached the woman, touching her face gently. Only then did she open her eyes and it took a while before she could concentrate on the figures that had appeared before her. When she succeeded, a small smile of relief appeared on her face, lighting up her face and eyes, which had until then been dull, as they came into focus on Laxus.

-Yuri... is that you..?-.

Mei and Laxus turned to give each other a knowing look, vaguely understanding who she had mistaken him for: it could only be Yuri Dreyar, one of the founders of the guild together with Mavis Vermillion and Makarov's father.

-He's my great-grandfather.- Laxus approached, not wanting to lie. Seeing her confusion, Mei quickly showed her the guild mark on her back to calm her down and let Olivia know that they were only there to help.

-Now we'll set you free. Be patient for a little while longer, Olivia.- She continued, trying without too much hesitation to break the lacrima. Both Mei and Laxus combined their magic and hit her at the same time, but the only effect had been Olivia's cries of pain.

-Shit, we can't do anything right now!- Mei stated, realizing what was happening. Laxus nodded, equally frustrated.

-If we destroy it, we’re going to hurt her!-.

That realization made them hesitate, not knowing what to do, but Olivia's voice distracted them, startling them at the same time.

-Do it... Don't think... about me.-

Olivia tried to make them understand that it was the only way to beat Ecate, but neither of them wanted to hurt her.

Instead of speaking, too tired, Olivia preferred to show them her memories through magic: gathering her last efforts, she transmitted to both of them what she had experienced. In particular, they saw Ecate force the two of them to fight, until Harry completely lost his mind and the witch completely transformed him into a beast unable to understand and take action. Olivia, on the other hand, should have been thrown immediately into that lacrima, created specifically to transmit lifeblood and eternity to Ecate herself. That was what she was looking for; eternal youth and consequent strength.

But what had shocked the couple most was not the plan the witch had in mind, or what she had done to Harry, Olivia and the city. Ecate had thrown all the inhabitants of Dandelion into the same conditions, containing their ethernano as a supply in underground lacrimas scattered beneath the city. They were terrible actions, obviously, but seeing how she had treated Olivia when she found out of her pregnancy… it was perhaps worse. In fact, she didn't immediately throw her into the lacrima. Oh, no.

Ecate had never been interested in children, but thought it was the right time to try a certain lacrima: it was quite rare and she had modified it properly so as not to consume too much magical power, using another lacrima as a base again which she had stolen from a certain village. Ecate wanted to see if it really worked and finally had the right subject to test it. So she began her experiments, throwing Olivia to a lacrima that was able to "speed up" the time of the human body by consuming ethernano.

It worked well with Olivia: by aging her body by a couple of months, the Fairy Tail mage magically gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

Olivia tried to protect the little girl, but Ecate managed to separate them by force and, in the end, she accepted the blackmail: if Ecate didn't touch or harm the little girl, then Olivia would stop rebelling, accepting her fate.

So, to protect her... Olivia ended up in that current lacrima as nourishment for Ecate's life force. If the lacrima was destroyed, she would die, but at the same time they would have a way to defeat the fairy-eating witch.

-My Hergel... Harry... I just want them to find peace. For this reason, please destroy the lacrima... please.-

That was the last message the woman sent to the young couple, before fainting from having strained herself too much, leaving them stunned.

-Hergel... sure! The client is their daughter!-. Mei understood some of what the old woman had hidden before, although she still didn't know why. But the thought of what Ecate had brought to the young couple... made her shiver with anger and frustration. Same emotions that Laxus felt too.

-Can't you ask the spirits if they know a way to break it without hurting her?-.

Mei wasn't sure, but she nodded that she’d at least try: their goal didn't change, they still had to defeat the fairy-eating witch. Not for the reward, but for Olivia, Harry and Hergel. For the city of Dandelion.

She was about to summon them, when Mei was interrupted by an unknown female voice.

-Can I join the party? How rude, starting while I was getting ready.-

Turning, they saw a woman in a little black dress and a wide-brimmed hat, also black, placed over her long purple hair left loose behind her back. With strange long pointed ears, she held a long wooden staff while his equally purple gaze scrutinized them intently. They immediately understood who she was.

-The witch!-. Mei exclaimed, making her roll her eyes.

-Oh, that silly nickname that Hergel girl gave me. I don't like it very much, I prefer to introduce myself as Ecate, the enchantress. Very pleased to meet you, young fairies.- She commented, before stating that the only good thing about that nickname was the wizards who had come to her.

-I would have preferred to welcome Fine Vrubel's descendant better. She and her daughters particularly delighted me, you know? However... you find me rather irritated today. Someone out there has broken the spell I placed on my dear Dandy.- Ecate put her free hand on her cheek, appearing to sigh.

“It was Ray and the Raijinshu.” Mei thought, giving a knowing look to Laxus, who silently nodded at her and they both stood on guard, ready to spring.

-But that's fine. I still would have discarded it with what you brought me, dear.- Ecate's look showed excitement at the idea of ​​starting, giving shivers to the two Fairy Tail wizards.

-So, as they say… Let's stop talking and let's get started right away. What do you think?-.

**

Ray looked around, walking alongside Bixlow on that corridor that never seemed to end. The torches lit the way and only their footsteps could be heard; it didn't seem like there was anyone besides them.

-Oh, finally a room.- Bixlow commented, increasing his pace to enter the large room that emerged before them, without any door separating them.

-Let's be careful.- Ray advised, before showing surprise at what lay before them.

It was a circular room made of stone with several marble columns and objects such as vials, papers thrown in a haphazard manner and books of all kinds that were dusty, ruined and spilled all over the floor. At the end there was a large door that took up the entire height of the room, made of stone with letters that Ray didn't know: they both wondered if Levy would have been able to read them, it was a shame she wasn't there with them.

-These books and papers too... are all unusable and illegible.- Ray continued, reaching down to pick one up. However, in his eyes they looked like scribbles. The only thing he could read was a certain "Yggdrasil Project" repeated over and over again, but even so it left him more confused than ever.

-It's better to show them to Freed, who knows maybe he’s able to read and understand something.-

At that moment, however, Ray became distracted by his own boyfriend: in fact, he had instead approached the large circular and completely dusty object, covered with a cloth.

-What are you doing?-. Ray dropped everything when he saw the other remove the cloth, standing up to come closer. -It could be dangerous, you don't know what it is!-.

Bixlow, however, was too curious. -It looks like a lacrima, but I don't understand what it is…-.

Ray was about to point out that for this reason it was better not to touch anything, but obviously Bixlow started rubbing the surface of that lacrima. His face went pale for a moment, but Bixlow tried to calm him.

-See, shortie? Don't worry, it must be turned off. Rather, it seems to me like there’s something inside... but I don't understand what it is.-

Bixlow tried to peer inside, rubbing the surface better to remove the dust. In the end, this made the other very curious too, because Ray moved closer to the object.

-It's true... it's like, a shadow?-.

Overcome by curiosity, Ray raised his hand and placed it on the surface, also trying to clean it to understand what was inside. The hand, however, plunged easily into it and Ray felt as if he were falling into some kind of void. His eyes widened in panic, stopping himself from falling completely inside, but his hand remained submerged.

Suddenly the lacrima lit up; Ray felt his magical power being sucked away and was somehow forced into his oni form. He also felt that strange shadow wrap around his hand and it sent a shiver running down his spine.

-Ray!-. The same thing had happened to Bixlow, but he had somehow managed to pull his hand away before the lacrima sucked more magical power away.

-I can't pull away..!-.

Closing the distance, Bixlow managed to wrap his arms around Ray’s chest and tried to pull, so that he too would fully come out of the lacrima. When he managed to pull his boyfriend away, they fell a few meters backwards due to their haste. Sitting up, Bixlow didn't let go, noticing how pale the other had become; the strange lacrima had taken some of the magical power of both of them, but it seemed like Ray was in a worse condition than himself.

-Hey, Ray! Damn, it took a lot of magical power from you, are you okay?-. He apologized immediately, thinking that if he hadn't been so curious, maybe it wouldn't have happened. And to think that he had also warned him earlier.

Ray opened his eyes again, placing a hand on his grip. -Calm down, Bix... I'm fine, I'm just tired. That's all.-

Looking back at the lacrima, Ray saw a flash. He didn't like it at all.

-Rather, look... what's happening? What have we turned on?-.

Bixlow looked ahead, worried. -I hope not a bomb.-

-No... I don't think it is.- Ray managed to express, despite his tiredness. -The shadow inside... was warm.-

Ray looked at that same hand before placing it on the ground. He was starting to tell Bixlow to check what they had turned on, when he felt that hand collapse. Lowering his head, then, noticed that he had just moved a tile that he shouldn't have pressed.

-Fuck-. It was the only thing Ray managed to comment on before everything around them shook. The columns begin to fall and shatter, as do the ceiling tiles.

-Let's escape!-.

Ray didn't have to be told twice, but when trying to get up, he lost his balance. Bixlow caught him in time by the shoulders, immediately noticing how he was barely standing, so he picked him up and jumped over his dolls which he had lined up in a straight line.

Flying away, Ray spontaneously clung to his neck: everything around them fell quickly and they would have been buried under the rubble, if it were not for the readiness of both of them; Bixlow pushed himself as fast as he could, while Ray moved his fingers to keep the rubble from hitting them with his earth magic. Finally, they fell to the floor once they had gone all the way backwards and into a large room on the side where Freed and Evergreen had gone to search. Behind them the rubble completely covered the exit.

-Perfect... We truly are two idiots-. Ray commented, pointing his tired eyes in the direction of the rubble. Bixlow sat up, still holding onto his boyfriend, winking at him.

-But we’re still alive, at least-.

-Not for long, since that was our only way out.-

Evergreen's voice stopped them. Turning around, the woman had her arms crossed over her chest, talking about how the only other door in that room was sealed with magic, while Freed looked equally surprised.

-What happened?-.

Back to his normal human form, Ray let out a long sigh, closing his eyes and abandoning himself to using his boyfriend's chest as a pillow.

-Your turn, Bix. I'm too tired.-

Bixlow kept one hand stroking his head and supported him with the other arm, while searching for the right words to tell his friends about the stupid thing they might have done.

**

Mei continually dodged Laxus' blows, trying not to get hit to prevent the pain from pouring into her boyfriend.

-Laxus! Come back to your sense!-.

Through it all, Ecate was enjoying the fight, waiting for the two mages to succumb with their own hands without lifting a finger. In fact, just when they were about to start the fight with her, Ecate had slammed her staff on the ground and made the Maguilty Sense appear on their wrists. That was a lost magic and at the moment Mei and Laxus only knew Meredy who could use it — it had been particularly useful in sealing Acnologia's physical form during a year ago’s battle.

Now Mei considered it particularly painful to deal with and would definitely have done without it.

The more she tried to talk to Laxus, the less she listened to him. He continued to charge all the magic he had in his body against her, forcing her into that stalemate created due to a spell cast by Ecate on Laxus, taking advantage of the moment in which they were distracted by the Maguilty Sense.

Mei glanced quickly at the red collar that had sprouted around Laxus' neck: not only was the Maguilty Sense enough, but if she didn't hurry Laxus would truly become Ecate's new pet beast.

Mei felt she had to do something, quickly. Not only because she wanted to save him from those conditions, but because she could feel Laxus' feelings, feeling them so magnified that it made her heart ache.

She didn't want Laxus to feel even more guilty than this.

Mei Vrubel was incredibly frustrated. Even without the Maguilty Sense, she could understand Laxus' desire to not harm his loved ones, those he considers his family.

Now her eyes were watery and she didn't know if it was frustration, or if it was caused by her boyfriend's feelings. Mei, however, decided to act to protect him without thinking twice.

The "game" they were forced to play because of Ecate was cruel, but Mei wouldn't let her play any more at their expense.

-Laxus, I've already told you and I'll tell you again every time if necessary. You will never hurt me, so come and attack me with everything you have! I’m going to avoid your every blow, trust me!-.

Laxus broke a wall of the villa and Mei took the opportunity to get as far away from Ecate's vision as possible. Taking advantage of the smoke that prevented the witch from seeing what she was doing, Mei quickly summoned Pan and Sylph. The two Higher Spirits of Nature fluttered around her, as she continued to avoid each strike and create even more smoke through the rubble of the walls or floors hit by Laxus' magic. Whispering her plan to the two spirits, they immediately complied and began.

Only then did Mei grab the lightning-covered fist that Laxus was about to use against her. With her eyes Mei began to see the first changes in his appearance, which became more and more animalistic. She realized that they couldn't go on for long and mentally prayed that the two spirits would hurry up and play their parts of the plan quickly.

Despite the anxiety of not making it, combined with Laxus' fear of hurting her, she still managed to smile at him.

-Don't worry. It’s going to be fine, you'll see!-.

They just had to trust their companions… because they weren't alone.

Laxus widened his eyes, feeling that heat surrounding his entire body. That smile… why would he ever erase that precious smile that he loved so much?

Even though his mind knew how wrong it was, his body didn't obey him and it made Laxus incredibly miserable.

"I promised myself not to hurt her... and that's what I will do!". With that purpose, Laxus focused on the positive emotions he felt for Mei, feelings that he felt perfectly reciprocated thanks to the Maguilty Sense.

He would prove to that fairy-eating witch that she had made a wrong step by hitting them with that magic.

“I need to hurry..!".

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Recovering from the exhaustion of being stripped of half his magical power all at once, Ray Vrubel looked around the room after Bixlow had finished summarily explaining to Freed and Evergreen what had happened to them. The more Ray looked around, the more his face wrinkled with disgust that sight conveyed.

-So many..?-. He exclaimed with evident surprise at the sight of the numerous small, dark and certainly active lacrimas, judging by the strange purple light. Numerous pipes came out of the ceiling and walls, connecting with each of them.

-What are these things?-. Bixlow commented, frowning back.

Freed nodded, understanding their reaction, letting them know about how they had rummaged around a bit and believed it to be a particularly important location for the infamous witch, noticing how they could feel her magical power within each lacrima.

-Also there’s this strange name that we read around, this "Yggdrasil Project", but we don't understand what it is.- Evergreen continued, looking at how Ray was approaching one of those pipes, placing a hand on it.

-Hey... it could be a risky theory.- Ray speculated, after focusing on what was flowing inside the pipes and throughout the surrounding earth: he definitely wasn't sensitive to ethernano like his sister, but even he could feel such a high concentration of magical power.

-Mei told us how she felt strangely and thought there was a big lacrima underground, right? What if they were these ones? She felt strange because these things gradually drain the magical power of every inhabitant of the city.-

Bixlow and Evergreen were surprised by that theory, while Freed showed a pained expression.

-I also came to the same conclusion, especially considering the desolate state of the entire city, inhabitants included. They're probably part of the secret behind the witch's almost-invincibility. If not, the secret itself.-

Evergreen then moved her fan, figuring out what to do. -There’s only one thing we can do then: destroy everything. Am I not right?-.

The others agreed, but were all afraid of making the whole room collapse, but examining the huge door — the only one not blocked by the rubble — they realized that they couldn't do anything. It was sealed with magic and not even Freed understood how to break it.

-Can you erase it with the Redhorn, Ray?-. Evergreen asked and the boy admitted he could try. They then started to formulate a plan of action, when that same door was suddenly broken down… by a kick from a calm and smiling Higher Spirit of Nature. It was Pan.

-Yo, Mei's companions! Are you all okay?-.

**

Mei Vrubel's plan was simple, all things considered: trust her comrades. Having no way of being able to call and explain everything to the others with the communicator lacrima, she had sent Pan to the Raijinshu plus Ray so as to use a second passage to get there and help them with the destruction of the lacrima. Mei then would distract Ecate (and tried to keep Laxus at bay) while Sylph, in the meantime, would separate Olivia's body from the lacrima, so as not to harm her anymore.

Mei considered it perfect plan… if it weren't for one small problem.

Ecate did not let the spirit get close to the lacrima, even sending against her the villa itself using some spell unknown to them. The surroundings rotated constantly, disorientating them and even got attacked by it, so Mei ended up having to avoid attacks from the furniture and traps thrown by the same damn house, along with Laxus’s ones.

“I'm starting to get annoyed.” Mei complained in her head, trying to think of a way out because making the spirit invisible didn't do anything either; it seemed that Ecate could still see her.

-What do we do, Mei?-. Sylph fluttered near her, whispering that she didn't know what to do because Ecate wouldn't give her a chance to get closer.

-Always keep in mind where the lacrima is.- Mei whispered back, blocking Laxus' movements using both earth and wind. -And we’re gonna wait for the right moment.-

Sylph partly understood what the nature binder meant: waiting for the group of other humans and Pan, together with the right distraction to allow the two of them to act. And the right moment came once Ecate got distracted, just as they thought, turning her gaze away after feeling someone sever her connection to all the lacrimas that contained her power, from which she got her invincibility. Mei didn't notice either the explosion of the ethernano hidden underground, or the angry reaction of the enchantress — or rather, she noticed but didn’t get distracted by it, more caught up in not wanting to miss that opportunity.

By moving the fingers of her right hand, indeed, Mei tightened the grip that held Laxus blocked and accumulated the six elements in a single sphere in her left. Throwing it, she spread the spell so that it hit and destroyed whatever was in front of it, providing a direct path for Sylph, who immediately fluttered towards the lacrima, starting the job.

By manipulating the elements of nature, Mei managed to attack Ecate as well. Just then, however, Laxus broke free and lunged at Mei. Avoiding a lightning strike at the last second, she made sure to use his magic to direct that attack towards the enemy.

Unfortunately, Ecate had protected herself with a gesture of the rod, as if she wanted to show that, for her, erasing that magic was nothing. Mei then landed on the ground in front of the lacrima to protect the spirit of nature. Laxus was standing a few feet away from her with his transformation progressing; he would soon take on the complete appearance of a beast resembling a lion, if they did not do something to restrain the spell.

Mei could still feel and experience Laxus' feelings through the Maguilty Sense and was sure that, despite the mind control, he could feel what she felt too. "Laxus..!".

She felt perfectly well how Laxus was trying to break free from the mental control with his own strength, even though his body wasn't obeying his will. Thus, Mei focused on giving him as many positive emotions as possible, using the Maguilty Sense to their advantage. And she didn't know if they succeeded, but Laxus didn't attack anymore. With a scream, indeed, the man poured all the lightning with which he had charged himself onto the ground beneath him, spreading across the entire structure of the villa… which was completely destroyed, shattering brick after brick.

Nothing was left standing except the lacrima: Mei was able to protect herself, Laxus, and Olivia from the rubble thanks to her quick use of magic, using wind and earth together.

-But how..?-. Ecate's voice showed all her surprise, how shocked she was. No one had ever managed to go against that spell. -It's not possible!-.

-Laxus...-. Mei whispered, watching as he remained kneeling on the ground and holding himself back with all his being. Her chest hurt and Mei just wanted to put an end to that fight and that spell that did nothing but hurt them all.

Throughout this situation, Ecate had begun to stare at them with two cold but irascible pools: there was no longer any trace of the previous fun.

-One worse than the other, you Fairy Tail wizards are…-. Ecate commented in a rather disgusted way, thinking about how nothing was going the way she wanted. -It all started with Olivia and Harry, then those two women, and now… You really want to prevent me from living in peace at all costs, don't you?!-.

Mei saw no reason to hold back. It reminded her a little of the events that had brought them to Edolas for the first time and this made her quite furious. -Not at the expense of other people's lives!-.

-The inhabitants of this city are my oxygen, I don't see anything that deserves your anger-. Ecate, however, did not seem at all attacked by the mage's words. -Actually, I should be the furious one.-

Suddenly Ecate had an idea.

-You call me a "fairy-eating witch", don't you? Well, I really think I’ll become worthy of this nickname... using all you fairies as my oxygen!-. Ecate tightened her grip on the staff, bringing it forward with her gaze widened by anger and turned red.

-You will become the roots of my sacred tree!-.

"Sacred tree?". Mei wondered what that meant, but had no time to think further. Ecate applied an enchantment to the very surface of the destroyed house: every brick and destroyed part began to levitate all around and a light appeared on the ground, shooting multiple rays at the same time.

Mei's eyes widened at first glance, feeling the concentration of magical power ready to explode. However, she did not lose heart. Mei smiled determinedly and held her head high, because she also noticed something else underneath them. So instead, she brought her arms crossed in front of her chest, showing her open palms.

-Not if I can prevent it!-.

Soon after, the ground cracked beneath them, forming a ravine. Earth was commanded by Mei with the help and support of Pan, who moved to her side and kept Ecate occupied, while the Raijinshu and Ray jumped from below. Just as planned — informed by Pan — the group had juggled among the rubble, which they had caused after having broken the various lacrimas, thanks to the Higher Spirit. Beyond that sealed door, there was a long underground passage that led right up to Ecate's mansion and the group used it to get there quickly, so as to help Laxus and Mei.

Bixlow, Evergreen, and Freed quickly went to break the last lacrima, where Sylph claimed that she had just finished separating Olivia's soul and body from the lacrima and it could be broken without hurting her.

-Perfect, let's do it!-. Bixlow exclaimed and the other two Raijinshu members agreed with him, preparing to use their magic at the same time.

In the meantime, Ray brandished Redhorn. With a leap and a confident expression on his face, he moved towards Laxus and slashed, erasing Ecate's magic and making him fully human again. Even the Maguilty Sense got broken.

-Do you feel better now, Laxus?-. Ray urged, putting the weapon away.

The other held himself with one knee on the ground and his head lowered; they could now hear Ecate screaming and cursing that she would make them pay — wouldn't even dare touching that lacrima! — trying to hit them all with the magic Ecate wanted to throw earlier, but Laxus raised his arm and then closed his hand in a fist. At the same time, lightning fell from the sky, striking her and stopping her magic for the second time.

-Thanks, Ray-. Laxus stood up and turned towards his opponent. -I owe you a favor.-

In response, the boy shrugged. -Just knock her out and we'll be even.-

-There's no problem, then.-

Laxus moved forward, not needing to look at Mei to know what she would do. They didn't need the Maguilty Sense; fighting alongside each other was natural for them and increased their magical power. Supporting and protecting each other.

And Ecate alone could do nothing against them.

Without wanting to, but in the most natural way possible… during their last attack their magics merged into one. A powerful Unison Raid that not even Ecate could extinguish.

____________

-Leave and never come back. From this moment on, you are exiled from our family.-

Ecate felt desperate: her life force had been taken away from her and those words were like a curse for the woman.

Without a home and deprived of everything, she wandered. Wandered everywhere, aimlessly and looking for something to fill that void… constantly telling herself that she didn't want to die.

Everything changed when she met an alchemist working for a guild outside the borders of Ishgar, Black Phoenix. A young man with short, curly bluish hair and charming gray eyes went by the name of Adler and had made her a rather interesting suggestion. Something that someone like her, a woman with nothing to lose, couldn't refuse.

It all started with a broken rod that Ecate wanted to repair, her only memory of the village.

-You’re Ecate, right? If you want to live… why don't you join my guild? If I recommend you to the Master, he will certainly accept.-

The smile the man showed her became mysterious, but at times captivating.

That time, Hecate had initially appeared cautious, not knowing what exactly he wanted from her.

She didn't know whether to trust or not.

-And why would I ever want that?-.

-Well, Riley was the one who told me. You know, she whispered to me quite an interesting and intriguing story...-.

Hecate raised an eyebrow, but Adler indicated that it was the name of the staff he had adjusted and modified for her through his alchemy. The woman was surprised to learn this, but on the other hand it was made from a thousand-year-old tree wood and she told herself that it made sense.

-So?-. The alchemist resumed the conversation. -Do you want to continue living like this, being able to die at any moment as a weak person? Don't you want to take revenge on those old people who exiled you?-.

Ecate's eyes brightened for the first time in a very long time, intrigued by that word. Revenge.

Adler noticed this, which is why his lips took on a mysterious smile: everyone in the Black Phoenix guild, without exception, had the same goal. And Hecate was no different from them either.

They were all homeless outcasts with the one and only desire to live and take revenge for their wrongs and sufferings.

-How about creating a sacred tree all for yourself? I will help you make it a reality... but only if you come among us little phoenixes. Take it or leave it, Ecate. What are you going to do?-.

____________

Her guild mark lit up, as did her staff, reacting to the anger Ecate openly displayed. For her, losing meant dying a second time... and this would be the decisive time. She had only joined Black Phoenix for that goal and had finally managed to achieve it. She had to make the Elders of her village regret having chased her away... and only because she had dared to express an opinion on their monotonous life, locked within the confines of the roots of the sacred tree Yggdrasil.

"My revenge can't end like this! I can still start over again!".

But as soon as she finished thinking it... she stopped at the sight of the destruction of her last lacrima, of those mages who didn't want to leave her alone, who continued to fight undaunted. For a miserable second Ecate thought she couldn't win against them, especially when she saw the magic of the lightning dragon slayer join the nature binders’ six elements of nature in one great Unison Raid.

Their looks reminded her of why she wanted to leave the confines of her village: she had always been curious about the world and the magic of humans. Yet that curiosity of hers had been killed by her own family. Ecate had forgotten about that curiosity of hers the moment she lost a part of herself, together with her family after the forced exile.

Losing everything had changed her completely and she had only noticed it now.

Ecate also had another realization. Or rather, she understood an error of judgment. She had been wrong to focus on that abandoned city, to let that Hergel put a bounty on her head for those fairies to reclaim. That maybe... she had made a mistake in distancing herself too much from her guild, from the only people who had managed to understand her.

"Looks like I'm not that different from them, dammit." Tasting the life that her sacred tree had given her back, she had ended up behaving like the people who had exiled her.

As soon as she realized she couldn't win, Ecate simultaneously lost control of her staff, Riley. Without magical power, Ecate was unable to defend herself or cast a spell to cancel or deflect that incredible attack. She was completely overwhelmed by that extremely powerful magical wave and fell into the ravine, powerless and defeated.

Tears of frustration began to well up, streaming down her cheeks profusely.

**

As soon as Ecate was defeated, something miraculous happened to the city of Dandelion. All its inhabitants began to vanish in small lights of ethernano, light that also formed from the ground and from the houses, rising up towards the sky as if they were dandelion petals carried by the wind, taking away with them the desolation that reigned supreme in that city ​​for a hundred years.

Mei immediately understood what that sight meant.

-The curse that Ecate brought to this city has been broken...-.

This also meant that they were all passing away. And no one would have been saved. Even Hergel and Olivia.

-Wizards of Fairy Tail… thank you.-

The old woman had appeared behind them, making them jump.

Now that they knew the truth, the happiness they had felt at the sight of the defeat of the fairy-eating witch turned into sadness for what was happening, unable to do anything to save their lives. Hergel, however, continued to smile at them, grateful for their work.

-You all saved us... and saved my parents as well. I'm sorry I didn't tell you the whole truth, but Ecate wouldn't let me. But I believed that you would put the pieces together even without my help... and you didn't disappoint me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, young fairies.-

Hearing that voice, Olivia opened her eyes and turned towards that direction, seeing Hergel for the first time in the hundred years they had been separated. Despite her tiredness and lack of strength, Olivia managed to stand, even though her body was fading away in the same way as that of Harry and the rest of the inhabitants of Dandelion.

Despite her appearance, the woman recognized her instantly.

-My Hergel...!-. Olivia opened her arms and threw herself into that embrace with her daughter with tears of happiness and relief blurring her vision.

The Fairy Tail mages looked at that mother-daughter reunion with a small smile painted on their faces, genuinely happy for having managed to conclude the mission successfully and help them be reunited again, even if for one small fleeting moment.

Mei squeezed Laxus' hand, intertwining it with her own for support. Ray also grabbed the end of Bixlow's sleeve, for the same reason. And everyone remained silent and watched them vanish before their eyes.

Looking up at that magical sight of tiny lights, this time Mei Vrubel thought that they had finally found peace. And that was what she would tell the spirit of the oak tree which was still waiting to learn the truth in Magnolia.

Mei would tell her about a young couple who had fought against an enchantress for a hundred long years, together with their daughter, even though they had been separated, and about the smile they had exchanged at the end, hugging each other for the first time.

Mei squeezed her lover's hand even tighter, who reciprocated with equal force.

-You saved me, once again.- Laxus whispered and Mei smiled at him spontaneously.

-We just joined forces and saved each other. That's how we usually deal with stuff at Fairy Tail, right?-

Laxus smiled back, thinking that she was right: this was how their guild was made and nothing would ever change that.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

There were no living inhabitants left, but on the other hand the vegetation came to life again and the city of Dandelion was repopulated by all kind of Nature Spirits. This made Mei much more relaxed and relieved... even if it meant having to take the train to the nearest town and walk all the way to there. Fortunately for them, the barrier that Hergel had erected had also broken and they could exit Dandelion with their memories intact.

-I still don't believe it.- Ray snorted, continuing to complain as they walked down that path. -Our reward is under the rubble and we can't even take it.-

Mei reminded him who exactly had destroyed those underground corridors and Ray, possibly, snorted even more, feeling deeply involved but saying nothing at all.

-Come on, we saved the town.- Bixlow tried to reassure him that, sometimes, the work was based on the heart. And even though Freed agreed with that statement, that this time it was okay not to get paid, Ray remembered a job the Raijinshu and Laxus had once, where they forgot to get paid and gave those same excuses.

"Be that as it may, I'll never go on an S-Class quest again if they're all like this." Ray commented at the end, sounding thoughtful about a certain detail: they had never understood what that strange lacrima was the one which had stolen part of his and Bixlow's magical power. When he talked about it with Mei, she didn't know exactly what it could be either. Ultimately, they decided it was a prototype that didn't work well... and then it was buried under piles of rubble. If it had been dangerous, she would have known.

-But are we certain that the witch, Ecate, won't do the same thing again?-. Evergreen admitted her concern, but Mei let her know she could rest easy.

-Since we defeated her, her ethernano has kind of disappeared. And that only means one thing. I don't think she will be a danger to anyone anymore…-.

**

Ecate's breathing and heartbeat were becoming slow and short. Inside that ravine the woman could only glimpse the sky, but could no longer move. She didn't want to die, but couldn't do anything but accept it.

-They're gone. I made sure they thought you were dead.- A familiar male voice reached her pointy ears, not expecting it.

-Adler... you...-.

Her violet eyes slowly moved on that man who, in those hundred years, had not changed a bit: he had the same young appearance as when they had met for the first time.

-Hello, Ecate. We haven't seen each other for a century. I'm sorry to do this under these conditions.- Adler lowered himself to his knees, looking at her face with a cold but also sad look. -I wanted to come to warn you that I'm the new Master, but when I arrived they had already defeated you. Riley told me what happened. Sorry, I arrived late.-

Her eyes filled with tears as she heard those apologies. She now felt even more guilty because of all her unexpressed regrets.

-No... it's my fault. I'm the weak one.- Ecate bit her lip, admitting in a whisper that she didn't want to die, not yet.

Adler nodded seriously. -Don't worry, you won't die.-

He held out his left hand and brought it to her unsurprised face. In just a few moments, he transformed her body into a purple liquid contained inside an ampoule with a label indicating a name, that of the enchantress.

-You will live forever in the form of a powerful weapon that I going to create myself. You can be sure of it.-

Adler promised her that he would continue their Yggdrasil Project: now he knew what was going wrong and what needed to be improved. "In a few years I should be able to complete it...".

His thoughts were halted after sensing something extremely interesting. Standing up, Adler placed the ampoule in the inside pocket of his long black coat and moved through the rubble without any problem, using a special weapon of his own creation so as not to get stuck and be able to continue undisturbed, reaching a large almost destroyed room. Every piece of the broken lacrima in front of his very eyes still shone, and Adler recognized it immediately. It was the special lacrima that Ecate had managed to steal from the Oni village: she wanted to try to use it for her experiments, but in the end she threw it away in that room because only those who had oni blood in their veins could use and light it. Unfortunately, a red-horned half-oni had exterminated his own race and it had become a more unique than rare event to find one.

“Apparently, such a person is hiding in that guild full of fairies… Fairy Tail, huh?” Adler smiled at the sight of the little girl with short black and blue hair, lying asleep among those broken pieces. She looked to be about three years old.

Adler picked her up and suddenly a beautiful idea crossed his mind. The little girl opened her eyes, waking up, showing a dark red shade that became brighter when they rested on him, as if they were scrutinizing something inside her person. Adler was surprised to see that she was using magic: unfortunately he was just an alchemist and therefore didn't know much about it, but Derek would certainly have understood what magic the little girl must have. Even if he didn't want to, she would force him to train that little girl who exuded magical power.

-You aren't my mom. And not even my dad.-

Adler's smile widened even more at the sight of a beautiful goose that laid golden eggs.

-I know, but don't worry. Come with me and I'll help you look for them, what do you think?-.

**

Ray walked down the street towards a certain destination, but his legs walked on automatic while his mind was lost to the feeling of a shadow grabbing his hand. He shook his head as Mei's and Laxus' new home came into view before Ray's eyes. The first noises he heard were those of practically almost the entire guild who, in some way, had occupied the garden with food and beer. He smiled, much more relaxed at the sight, entering through the door left open to place other boxes of beer that he had brought for the occasion.

Once they returned to Dandelion, his sister had told everything to the oak spirit, who cried after listening to the truth: both from sadness at not being able to see Harry and Olivia again, and from relief at how it had ended. Thanking them, the spirit promised Mei and Laxus of behaving and keeping their part of the promise. And that had brought them to that afternoon, where pretty much everyone had decided to help them fix up the house, but most were just using that excuse to party.

-Thanks Ray!-. Mei entered the kitchen, busy but even so exuding happiness from every pore. And if she was happy, he certainly was too.

-Don't worry, I got everything from the guild. Gray and Gajeel are about to bring the rest.-

Mei was about to reply, but just then the two wizards he mentioned earlier came in with more alcohol and more food.

-Master's Orders, Mei. You can't refuse.- Gray grinned and Gajeel supported him, stating how he and Levy had been there too.

-As you wish-. Mei sighed, but ultimately accepted "that order". Then she brightened, remembering something. -Oh, Ray. Can you go to the garden? Natsu has decided, for I don't know what reason, that he wants to grill meat on the barbecue because he's the "fire dragon slayer", using his words. An extra pair of eyes around Natsu wouldn't be bad.-

Gray commented that Natsu's outburst made no sense, while Gajeel hoped it didn't burn all the meat.

-Laxus and Lucy are there to hold him back, fortunately. And the Master checks that no one accidentally damages the plants.-

Ray laughed, shaking his head. -Okay, I'll go see what happens.-

Coming out of the kitchen, he vaguely heard his sister thank him. Juggling the various boxes on the floor, Ray saw Gerard and Erza actively helping Mei tidy up, along with Freed, Evergreen, Lume and the three Strauss siblings: the only ones who actually helped, while everyone else seemed to be out in the garden.

-Where's Bixlow?-. Ray quickly asked Freed, who pointed to the barbecue. Thanking him, he went outside the house, where the rest of the gang was already making the usual mess. Ray knew that any excuse was good to party, here in Fairy Tail, and this afternoon was no different; that noise was almost a cure-all for him.

Natsu's laughter could even be heard from inside and now he noticed Laxus and Lucy jousting between him and the dishes. With his eyes he saw Bixlow, who was placing two more on the enormous table. With a small smile, he approached his boyfriend.

-So we're ultimately opting for the buffet?-.

Bixlow winked at him, before nodding. -Take advantage of it now, everyone is eating a bit of everything anyway.-

-Then I'm gonna do just that.-

Ray took a plastic plate and placed a bit of everything on it, taking advantage of the fact that it was still warm. Feeling his boyfriend's gaze on him, Ray turned to look at him, asking silently for an explanation with a raised eyebrow.

-Well, I just thought you were down in the dumps.- Bixlow exclaimed, leaning better on the table. -But if I was wrong, it's okay.-

Ray had to admit of feeling decidedly surprised, because he had tried not to show it, but Bixlow had noticed it and now Ray was overwhelmed by a nice warmth at chest level. For this reason he smiled, placing the plate on the table for a moment.

-It seemed because I was.- Now Ray lowered his gaze to the ground, becoming thoughtful. -The more I think about Dandelion and that lacrima, the more I... you know, it's strange, but I have this feeling that we forgot something important.-

Bixlow frowned, asking what it was about, but Ray admitted he didn't know.

-If you want, we can come back and check.-

But Ray shook his head. -No, it won't be there anymore. Whatever it is, we've lost it.-

Seeing that sad look return, Bixlow didn't know what exactly was worrying him, but was ready to cheer him up whenever Ray needed it. So Bixlow put a hand on top of his head to ruffle his hair and Ray let him do it, albeit with a small pout.

-If we have lost something, it means that we're gonna find it again.-

Ray's eyes widened again, amazed. -But... I don't even know what it is.-

Bixlow shrugged, bringing now his arm around his shoulders. -It means that we'll know once we have it in front of us.-

Those very genuine words initially made the other blink several times, but then smiled and burst out laughing.
-You make it so simple... but I don't mind the way you see it at all.-

-I've always told you that you make yourself too many problems in your head.-

-Too many! Too many!-.

Ray pouted again, watching his boyfriend and his dolls flutter around him with an impassive look.

-Hey, I give you a compliment and you offend me?-.

-I cheer you up and you accuse me like this, shortie?-.

______________

It was late in the evening when everyone left, bringing with them the noise and confusion. Mei lay down bodily on the sofa, tired and slightly tipsy.

-I refuse to clean. I'd rather do it tomorrow.-

Laxus fully agreed, sitting down on the same couch, in the free space next to her.

-Tomorrow I'll force Natsu to help us.-

Mei laughed at the scene he had just made her imagine, then admitting that the Raijinshu were certainly gonna help them as well. -We don't lack helping hands. I'm also expecting to see Gerard at one point. He wanted to stay to help, but I sent him away to tame a completely drunk Erza.-

Mei thought it was because he had recently joined the guild and felt obligated to help, but it seemed like he was slowly starting to get used to their constant mess.

Now bringing her gaze to her boyfriend, she changed her position so she could rest her head on his shoulder, absentmindedly stroking his hand.

-We have a house...-. Mei whispered softly, showing the inherent emotion she held within her.

Laxus returned the caress, intertwining them together. -We have one.-

Bringing her eyes to his, Mei couldn't resist any longer. She leaned in to kiss him passionately, ending up placing her free hand delicately on his shoulder. She felt his hands rest on her hips and only then noticed that she had moved on top of Laxus, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Mei didn't care, because it was the only place she wanted to be.

-Didn't you just say you were tired?-. Laxus broke away from those inviting lips only to continue kissing her neck. He brought her closer to his chest, making sure to sneak his hands inside her shirt, caressing her back and gradually moving up. Mei held her breath for a moment at that touch, closing her eyes and letting herself immerse in those sensations that Laxus was always able to make her feel as if it were the first time.

-Never too tired for this.-

-Mm? "This" what?-.

Mei was starting to hate how much she loved the times he teased her with that way of his; furthermore, she was also starting to believe that Laxus already knew that. And yet, she could never help but blush. -You know, come on!-.

-If you don't tell me clearly what you want, how can I help you?-.

Mei decided to grab him by the cheeks, lifting his face so she could silence him with a kiss and show him with facts exactly what she meant. And Laxus felt like they were on the same wavelength, because for better or worse, there was no other person he intended to be with and have by his side. And now, from today, they had just taken a small step towards their desire of wanting to spend a life together and soon, when they felt ready, they would take others.

Step by step, but walking side by side... possibly with a ring on their finger and, why not, even little ones around them to liven up their already hectic life.

This was perfectly true for both Laxus and Mei and they showed it with their love that same evening, under the roof of their dream house.