Over the next couple of weeks, things began to return to normal. Everyone was happy and smiling, especially Elfman and Evergreen. Takeshi and Tarou trained together almost everyday. The two were practically inseparable. Riko also became stronger, going on jobs every week. Yumi and Simon admired their older siblings, wanting to be like them.

"Mommy, when can we learn magic?" Yumi asked, tugging on her mother's skirt.

Erza smiled at the two. "Soon." She said, "I promise."

About an hour later, lunchtime, Takeshi and Tarou came back inside. They were covered in dirt and sweat from intense training. "You boys look like you've had fun." Mirajane giggled from behind the bar. Takeshi wobbled his way to the bar and sat down. "Tarou's brutal." He mumbled. Mira placed a plate with a ham-and-cheese sandwich and some chips on it in front of the boy. "My nephew is that strong?" She smiled. "Sure am, Aunt Mira!" Tarou appeared, taking a seat next to his best friend. Mira placed a plate identical to Takeshi's in front of Tarou. "That's right!" Elfman shouted, "Cause he's a real man! The manliest man!"

The teenage boys inhaled their lunch in a matter of seconds. "Thanks, Aunt Mira! That was great!" Tarou smiled. "You're welcome, Tarou." Mira replied, grabbing his empty plate and putting it in the sink. "C'mon Takeshi, let's go back outside for more training!" Tarou said, excitedly fidgeting. "I'll meet you there in a sec. I've gotta use the bathroom." Takeshi replied. "Okay!" Tarou nodded frantically and dashed out of the guild. Takeshi didn't move from his spot at the bar.

"You aren't going to use the bathroom?" Mira asked, washing the dishes.

"I don't actually have to use the bathroom." Takeshi mumbled.

"Then why'd you tell him that?"

"Because I just need a break."

"A break? From training?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you just tell him that?"

"Something's off about Tarou." Takeshi blurted out.

"W-What do you mean?"

"Yeah, what do you mean!?!" Elfman shouted, walking towards the bar. Takeshi's statement caught the attention of Elfman and Evergreen. "Something's not right." Takeshi said, forming fists. He had just gotten his best friend back, but the problem is that Tarou didn't seem like himself somehow. Takeshi knew Tarou like the back of his hand. "Tarou's obsessed with training, not that he wasn't before, but it's different now." He explained, "I can sense that something's wrong with him."

Nobody said a word, leaving the bar silent for a few minutes. "I'll keep an eye on him." Mira finally said, smiling to lighten the mood. Takeshi nodded before standing and walking outside. Tarou was waiting for his best friend in the backyard of the guild. "There you are!" He shouted, jumping up and down. "I was getting worried." He added.

"Sorry." Takeshi chuckled.

"No biggie! Now, let's fight!"

"Ok." Takeshi sighed, getting into a fighting stance.

"Shadow Beast's Howl!"

"Take-Over! White Dragon!" Takeshi dodged Tarou's attack and charged towards his friend. He pulled his fist back, getting ready to deliver a punch. However, it didn't go as planned. Tarou grabbed Takeshi's fist with one hand before it made contact with his face. "Shadow Beast's Rampage." Tarou mumbled. Spirals of pitch black shadows came from Tarou's hand and surrounded Takeshi, sending him back with a force as if someone had pushed him.

The two had been training all day and Takeshi was exhausted. Tarou on the other hand looked unfazed which was oddly strange for a boy his age. No matter how strong you are, you're bound to get tired at some point. "Tarou," Takeshi panted, "aren't you tired?"

"Tired?" Tarou shook his head. "No."

"Well, I am. We should go take naps or something."

"A nap? C'mon, don't be a party pooper!"

"I'm exhausted, Tarou. I just need a little break."

"You just had a break!"

"Well, I need another one."

"I thought you wanted to be strong!"

"What? I do, but-"

"NO, TAKESHI! YOU DON'T WANNA BE STRONG, YOU WANNA BE WEAK! YOU'LL NEVER GET STRONG BY 'TAKING BREAKS' ALL THE TIME! I CAN'T BE FRIENDS WITH A WEAKLING LIKE YOU!"

Takeshi stood completely still, taking in everything that Tarou had thrown at him. Tarou turned around and started to walk away. "Wait!" Takeshi shouted, running after his friend. He grabbed Tarou by the shoulder, making him come to a stop. "What's your problem? Why are you so obsessed with becoming strong?"

The area went silent and a cool breeze blew by as moments passed without an answer from Tarou. Takeshi waited patiently for a reply and after what seemed like forever, Tarou spoke. The boy's head turned to look at Takeshi, but what the Fernandes child saw was not his friend. "Only the strong shall survive." Tarou glared, eyes completely pitch black; no cornea or pupil in sight. Tarou smacked Takeshi's hand away and continued walking while Takeshi stood still, completely stunned.

"W-Wha . . . W-Who was that . . . just now?" Takeshi breathed out after a long moment of silence. I have to do something! He ran back into the guild, breathing heavily. He really was tired; his body was screaming at him to go take a nap. "Takeshi!" Jellal, who was coming from Erza's office, gasped. He ran towards his son. "What's the matter?" He asked, taking note of how weak Takeshi looked. "T-Tarou . . . possessed . . ." Takeshi said as his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he collapsed in his father's arms.

"Tarou! Tarou, are you okay?" Jellal knew it was pointless to yell at an unconscious person, but it was worth a shot. "What's going on?" Erza, coming from her office, shouted. Her voice boomed throughout the guild and there was a hint of annoyance. Her mood changed when she saw her son unconscious in Jellal's arms. "What happened to him?" She ran up to Jellal.

"I-I don't know. He came inside and then he collapsed." Jellal explained. "But . ." He let his words drift off, deciding to keep quiet.

"But what?" Erza raised an eyebrow.

Jellal swallowed the lump in his throat. He turned his head to look at Erza. "Before he collapsed, he said something about Tarou being possessed."