Lahar's P.O.V.

When I unlocked my apartment door, stepping through it seemed... Abstract. 

The smell of Akemi's perfume lingered in the air, and her belongs lied around my rooms like bad omens. It had been more than a couple hours since I found out about the whole ordeal, and I still didn't know how I felt.

The only thing I knew so far,
was that I wanted nothing more than the truth.

'The truth,' I thought to myself, staring blankly into space, 'Truth...'

I furrowed my eyebrows, trying to formulate an idea inside my head that would deliver what I wanted. Leaving my suitcase on the ground, I went to my bookshelf and searched for the magic book I had in mind.

With a forceful tug, I pulled out a fairly large book and pushed it onto my desk. Stealing a lacrima out of the top drawer, I flipped through the yellowed pages as I called up a local guild master.

"Fairy Tail guild hall! What can I-" The white-haired mage Mira Jane answered, "Oh, hi Lahar! How are you?"

"It's a pleasure to speak again, Mira, however," I glanced up from the book I was skimming to speak to her face to face, "This is an urgent matter. I'm going to need to speak to Makarov."

"Sure thing!" She smiled, passing the lacrima over.

"What can I do for you, Lahar?" Makarov's aged voice spoke, "Have my guild members caused you more headaches? I knew it was a bad idea allowing that many of them to join an independent case..."

"No, it's nothing like that today. I'm not sure to the case you're referring to, but as long as it doesn't interfere with the council, I'm willing to overlook it for the meantime," I put more determination in my voice, "I'm requesting the aid of one of your wizards, Freed Justine."

"Freed? That's certainly an odd choice," He ran his fingers along his mustache for a moment in thought, "I believe you're in luck. The thunder legion just returned from a case this morning, so I'll send him to your location immediately."

"You have my gratitude, do you need me to send you an address?" I inquired,

"There's no need, the lacrima can give us the coordinates needed to find you," He seemed to be working on the lacrima from his end, before making eye contact with me again, "You're relatively close, so Freed should be able to make it there within the hour."

"I, as well as the council, thank you for your contribution. Freed should be returned to you by night fall."

"Very well. Until next time, Lahar," Makarov nodded in my direction,

"Until next time." I agreed. When those words were said, the lacrimas lost connection and became were reduced to their usual state once again. I placed it back in the drawer where it belonged, and continued searching the spell book for what I needed.

-45 minutes later-

It felt like it had been hours since I hung up with Makarov. That's why when I heard a knock on the door, I nearly sprinted to the sound.

"It's me, Freed Just-" I swung open the door and grabbed him by the shoulder, shoving him into my apartment with only a slight objection from him.

"I need you to cast a spell for me, Justine. Will you be so inclined to write this for me?" I asked, handing him the book I'd been holding onto.

He looked it over with a concerned look, "This type of inscription is meant to trap whoever enters it. Is that your intention?"

"Unfortunately, it seems so," I replied, looking away as I took a seat, "But there's no complications with the spell- are there?"

The expression he was eyeing me with showed his second-guessing right on the surface.

"Whatever you're thinking, stop thinking it," I ordered him, assuming he was bound to ask me questions about what I had in mind.

"It's nothing of the sort, Lahar," He told me without removing his eyes from me, "I've just never heard you use the term 'unfortunately' when using magic to capture a criminal. It makes me wonder if the reason you need this spell done isn't as much for the council as it is for a personal matter."

I shot him a glare, "It's not your place to question the Captain of the Custody Enforcement Unit."

"My apologies," He mumbled, returning his attention to the spell in hand, "As for complications, however, you may want to be aware of the enchantment's guidelines."

"I'm listening."

"The enchantment states that those who enter the trap may not leave until five questions are answered truthfully. If the person answers incorrectly, they'll be trapped within the enchantment until you give the word. I wouldn't consider this a problem, but you should keep this in mind when you're thinking about what questions you want answers to," He explained, closing the book and giving it back to me.

"I'll remember it," I nodded, taking the spells and returning them to their place on the bookshelf.

He drew his sword with a sharp sound, and pulled a nearby chair to a more open area in the room. Tracing a perimeter around the chair, he said aloud the ancient incantation that allowed me to acquire the truth I desperately needed.

"The suspect in question should arrive within the hour, so it might be best for you to head out once you've gathered yourself," I told him sternly, keeping my eyes on the ground. 

Part of me felt ashamed for setting up this trap against Akemi.

But was she Akemi?

I couldn't be sure.

Not until my questions were answered.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay close by as backup? I'm not familiar with the council's rules, but at Fairy Tail it's common for wizards to team up for a-"

"Thank you for your services, but that won't be necessary," I told him, pacing towards the apartment door. I held it open for him as he approached,

"Lahar, it's okay to ask for hel-"

"Once again, it's not your place, Justine! Mind your words or you could find yourself in the council's imprisonment!" I shouted harshly, feeling my conscious become more fragile. 

"Understood. I'll be heading out, then," Freed replied with a sideways glance before he left the apartment. I closed the door after  him with more force than I intended, but it definitely sent a message.

Freed's P.O.V.

I left the apartment complex with a curiosity I couldn't shake and a temper I couldn't feel. Council members are always so quick to threaten mages, it still seems to surprise me every time.

I pulled out the small lacrima tucked inside my coat pocket,

"Did you hear that, Master?" I asked master Makarov once I'd gotten a good distance away from the place.

"Loud and clear. Even though I couldn't see him, Lahar seems to be nervous about something. Considering that's rare for a man like him, make sure you keep an eye on the complex for whoever he's waiting for."

"Of course. Master..." I trailed off, wondering if I should continue.

"Yes, Freed?" He questioned impatiently,

"I should probably discuss this when we get back to the guild, but it relates to the case our top team is working on. There's been new information that-"

I cut off in mid-sentence as I found myself staring at a woman crossing the street. It wasn't just any woman. It was her.

The woman the others were working so hard on taking down.

Asmodai.

I stood, completely shocked in my stance. 

Was it true that she beat Jellal in battle like Wendy told me? 

Was it true she could beat someone on the same level as a wizard saint?

I felt her presence, overwhelming the air like pollution. Her essence swallowed the day whole, and made the sun shine coldly on my skin. This feeling... This feeling inside of me was pure fear.

If I was with the rest of the thunder legion, we could have a chance. But alone... I didn't stand a chance.

"Freed? Freed, are you there? What's going on?" I shook myself back into reality as the master's voice grew concerned.

"I'm sorry, Master," I replied with an empty tone, "Please forgive me."

"Freed what are you-"

I shoved the lacrima back inside my breast pocket as Asmodai entered the apartment complex I had just exited. I didn't have time to check if the connection was still on or not before I ran after her. I couldn't let Lahar face her  alone, it would be suicide.

I chased after her as I burst through the entrance and ran towards the stairs. She was already well on her way to facing him. I panted heavily as I climbed each flight as fast as I could; I knew Lahar's life was in danger.

When I finally got to his level, I sprinted down the hall to his door. Not seeing her there, I began banging on it,

"LAHAR!" I shouted, "LAHAR, YOU'RE IN DANGER!"

Lahar's P.O.V.

Akemi came home at the time she normally did. I greeted her at the door, to her surprise, and asked her to come in. I was explaining to her that there was something I needed to talk to her about, but she shouldn't worry.

Just as I had told her this, though, that Fairy Tail idiot began screaming at my door. He was ruining the act I was holding up.

"What's going on?" Akemi asked me with large eyes, "Lahar, are you really in danger?"

"No, Akemi, It's just some idiot who doesn't know when to quit. If you'll excuse me," I explained as I went to the door. Opening it slightly, I whispered harshly through the door,

"Justine, if you don't turn back immediately and let me do my job, I'll have no choice but to have you dragged away," I scolded him darkly.

"You're risking your life, Lahar," He whispered back with an identical tone, "I'm not going to let you go through with something like this!"

"If you're going to be an idiot, do it elsewhere! I don't have time for your interruptions," I watched as he stood still, unmoving at my words, "Don't make me apply more force than I have to with you."

He stared at me for a moment with eyes that could've pierced me, "I'm writing an enchantment that if any harm happens within this room's boundaries in the next twenty four hours, the magic council will be notified that there's a serious threat in the area."

"I'm glad. Now leave." I ordered him as I shut the door in his face. I couldn't have him interrupting my interrogation any more than he already had.

What a nuisance.

"It's sexy when you get all bad-cop on people, I don't see it often," Akemi laughed from behind me.

"W-What?" I stammered, turning to face her with a confused expression.

"You looked so terrified," She peaked an eyebrow, "You're still such a total Nerd."

I couldn't help it as I gave a subtle laugh. It was instinctive at this point.

"I suppose I am," I mumbled, "But there's something I really need to discuss with you. Please, take a seat," I motioned to the chair that Justine had set up.

"Very courteous of you," She smiled, taking a seat. As she did, purple text flared in a high-rising border around her, "Lahar, what's this!?"

"Don't worry, please," I tried to calm her as I sat down across from her, "I'm just going to ask you a few questions."

"So you set up a trap? What, you don't trust me?" She asked, a pained expression spilling across her face.

"I have to make sure," I replied, "If you pass this, I'll be willing to trust you entirely. But if not..."

"Then what?" She watched me with heartfelt eyes, wondering what I was up to.

I stayed silent for awhile before clearing my throat.

"Question one," I spoke, "Why are you in this picture?"

I pulled the image I had been carrying with me all day out of my pocket. I shakily held it out to show her.

Watching her reaction, I noticed that she wasn't surprised at all. She looked... Upset.

"That... Isn't me," She stated sadly, looking down at her lap.

"What do you mean it isn't you? I would know if it wasn't you- Akemi, I've been wishing all day that this wasn't you, but it is! It has to be you!" I raised my voice as the frustration escaped me. The emotions I had been suppressing were beginning to force themselves out of me.

"That girl isn't me," She repeated once again. I heard her sniffle, and I knew that she was beginning to hurt more, "That girl is my sister, Asmodai."

"Your... sister?" I leaned back in my seat, staring deeply into the photo once again, "You never mentioned having a sister."

"That's because we don't communicate anymore. She's... She's not like me," She spoke softly before raising her head to look clearly at me, "Has she done something wrong? Has she hurt anyone?"

Wondering if I should tell her what her 'sister' was truly up to, I decided it would be best to change the subject.

"She looks incredibly similar to you," Was all I said in response, "Are you twins?"

"Identical, yes," She nodded, "I'm really sorry if she'd caused you any trouble!"

"Question two," I kept my tone neutral and focused this time around, "Why aren't you in communication with your sister?"

She looked skiddish once again, "Because... Part of me died when she became what she is today. She's much darker now, after what we both went through growing up... It wasn't easy to begin with, and to make it worse she lost someone she loved very much."

"What happened while you were growing up?" I asked before realizing how outward that was. Regardless of the situation, it was rude of me to ask.

She began crying, and hugged herself tightly, "I-I-I can't,"

"It's okay," I kept my eyes on the floor, "You... Don't have to."

She continued to cry, which still caused my heart to ache. I hated seeing her like this. I hated doing this to her. I wish I could go back in time, to yesterday, when none of this ever happened. Before all of this came crashing down around me.

"M-My name, that I told you, was Akemi Clarke..." She wrapped her arms around herself tighter, "My r-real name, is Akemi Stanford."

"Stanford... That name, you're from the north, aren't you?" I asked, trying to keep myself from feeling the pain of watching her cry, "When I met you, you didn't even have the slightest accent."

"I left my family a long time ago, when I was fourteen," She tried to keep her shaking to a minimum, I could tell, "I've been living in Fiore for a while now."

"I see," I nodded gently before looking away from her again, "Fourteen is a very young age for a child to run away from home."

"It wasn't exactly 'running away'," She added, "I can't describe it, but it wasn't a choice."

"Question three, do you use magic?" This would be a major question, considering she told me she couldn't use magic. She stared downwards.

"Yes."

"What?"

"I... Use magic."

"You told me you couldn't. Are you saying that was a lie?"

"Yes."

"Akemi, why would you lie to me?" I felt my emotional pain begin to show in my eyes, "Why didn't you trust me?"

"It's not that!" She quickly responded, "It's because I rarely use magic, it reminds me of my past and I don't want to remember anything about then."

"Your past is beginning to worry me."

"I'm sorry," She apologized softly, "I'm sorry I hurt you..."

"Question four, what type of magic do you use?" I braced myself for the answer.

"I use many forms of magic... I can use transformation, letter magic, and, well..."

"And?"

"...Kinetic magic that Asmodai taught me."

"Kinetic magic!?" I repeated, completely astounded. That magic is more than a lost art, it barely even existed to begin with. It's said to be one of the strongest and purest forms of magic. I thought it was a myth, at least until now.

"I'm sorry..." She whispered, not allowing herself to make eye contact with me, "I'm sorry I had to keep things from you I never meant to hurt you... I care about you, Lahar."

I didn't know how to respond.

Firstly, the reveal of what magic she uses. Secondly, how would I respond to her confessing her feelings for me at a time like this?

"Thank... you," Was all I could manage to say. I instantly knew that was a mistake just by seeing the reaction she had.

Wanting to get this interview over with, I thought about the last question I would ask her.

"Question five," I swallowed, deciding the best question I could ask to make sure she really wasn't the same as her sister, "Have you ever worked for a guild that refers to themselves as 'The Damned'?"

She stared at me for a moment, as if wondering what to say. After this moment of self-doubt, she shook her head.

"No, I've never worked for The Damned."

With a sigh of relief, I allowed myself to smile. I was glad it was over. I rubbed my hands over my face to relieve some of my stress until I thought I heard her say something.

"Hm?" I directed towards her as a means of asking what she said.

"Nothing, nothing," She replied with a flicker of worry in her voice. Why would she be worried at a time like this?

I watched as the purple letters Freed wrote dissolve into purple ash, and then into ethernano that returned to the environment. 

She must've told the truth after all.

There was no way anyone could undo a spell written by a mage like Freed, especially one that's not familiar with magic like Akemi. She couldn't find a loophole, could she?

I shook my head at the thought.

Even if she could,

Even if she did,

I didn't want to think about it.

As she stepped over to me as an innocent person, I couldn't resist pulling her into a hug. She was important to me. More important than any case could be.

I believe in her.