So here's the new chapter :) I know it's really short but I'll try to make the next one longer! Anyways, enjoy!
EDIT: Just like the precious chapter, I've tweaked this a lil bit to match the plot I've got planned. The story will take a while to develop, so please be patient!
"Levy! Wake up! We're gonna be late for class!" She groaned, turning to plant her face to the pillow. Lucy, her best friend for years, was scurrying about the house, alternating between swallowing gulps of coffee, to buttoning up her uniform. Deciding it was about time she got up as well, she lifted herself up from the comforts of her bed, and rubbed her eyes. "What time's it anyways?"
"It's freaking seven o'clock!" Time seemed to stop, before speeding up exponentially as reality struck.
"Oh snap." Levy sprung out of bed and practically ran around their shared apartment, grabbing her uniform and a brush before slamming the bathroom door close.
"Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" A loud clang, followed by a muffled curse, resonated from the bathroom as Lucy dumped both of their stuff into the respected bags. "The alarm clock didn't work!"
The next ten minutes were spent in silence, both girls hurrying to get ready. A few moments later, they raced down to the bus stop, each with a slice of bread stuffed in their mouth. Levy's eyes widened as she spotted the bus, already closing its doors.
"Lucy! The bus is already here!"
But they were too far away to catch up, and by the time they reached the stop, it was already long gone. Lucy huffed as she plopped down on one of the seats. "To think I was aiming for no lates this year! Ugh, this is all that damn clock's fault. I'm using both of our phones next time." While Levy grunted her affirmative, she walked to the road and raised her arm.
"We can't give up yet! We'll just grab a cab!" A taxi swerved to their side almost immediately, and she grabbed Lucy's hand. "Come on!"
As soon as Lucy was in, she rattled down the fastest way to their school and put on her belt simultaneously.
"See Lu? We're not gonna be late!" Her friend beamed at her gratefully, and settled down in her seat. Levy, too, was just about to enjoy the ride, when she cast a glance at the front seat.
There were two people in front. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes but alas, she was not wrong. Huh. I must've bumped my head too hard. There's no way… Wait. That hair. It looks fam- no way. NO WAY. Aforementioned person just winked at her through the mirror as he saw the recognition on her face. Levy stuttered before finally screeching out a strangled, "Y-You!"
"Long time no see, Shrimp." Stammering and beyond shocked all she could say was, "It's you!"
"Geez Shrimp I thought you were smart? We've already established the fact that it's me. The real question is, why? Or how? Or-" Lucy jutted in and asked, "Wait you guys know each oth-" But was ultimately stopped by Levy when she countered him.
"Since when were you such a smartass?! You think wearing a uniform makes you sm- Uniform! That's my school's uniform! Don't tell me you're-"
"Gajeel Redfox of FFI Class C, Year 3. Pleased ta make your acquaintance Shrimp. Now can you stop gaping like a fish? Unless ya want me to start calling you fish instead of Shrimp? I still prefer Shrimp though."
"First of all, my name is Levy. Levy. Second of all, you're tie is crooked. Third of all, how can we be in the same freaking class and not know each other?"
"That's probably because I'm always late, and you're always early. Plus, you're seriously short. No wonder I've never seen you around."
"Why youuu-"
Meanwhile, Lucy was left clueless and couldn't bother to make another attempt to join in the conversation. So she left them to themselves and busied herself with making up her face, and preparing the payment. The driver shared a sympathetic look with her and also, tried to block the incessant bickering and focus on the drive.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the driver pulled into the school's main lobby. With a loud ahem, the pair finally calmed down enough to murmur a quick thanks to the driver and get off... Only to continue their banter, all the way to the classroom. Poor Lucy bore it all; not like she could do anything else.
"I can't believe you flunked you're midterm paper! You do know it takes up twenty percent of your overall grade right?" Gajeel sniggered, adjusting the strap of his pack as they walked towards class.
"Ah please. Who cares about grades when you're top player of the rugby team?"
"You are an actual, stereotype high school jock." Levy wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.
"That's why, just like in stereotypes, I'm gonna need a real smart girlfriend." Levy choked on her spit and nearly tripped over her sneakers as let out his trademark chuckle.
"Gihee." With that, he swaggered into the classroom, leaving Levy blushing from the roots of her hair to the bottom of her chin.
"Everything okay, Lev?" She quickly nodded her head, unsure if she could trust her voice for the moment. Lucy grinned, much too mischievously for her liking. She cleared her throat and kept her voice as stable as possible. "I'm fine Lucy. Just remembered something embarrassing, is all." Her friend merely shrugged, but still kept the teasing grin on as they too, walked inside the classroom, greeting their friends as they made their way to their seats.
Right before she cracked open her books, she risked sparing a glance at him. He was sitting by himself at the back, no wonder she couldn't recall meeting him before. Feeling a little brave, she waved at him, trying to get his attention. Gajeel saw it immediately, and sent her a questioning gaze. She mouthed the words, "Thank you for this morning." to him and before he could reply, she sat back down, ignoring the knowing smirk Lucy directed at her.
Little did she know Gajeel had grinned back and whispered under his breath, "Anytime, Shrimp." Reaching down to grab his own books, he smiled to himself, when his hand all of a sudden started to ache.
"What the..?" He looked down, eyes widening in dread as dark shadows started leaking from his piercings. They were spreading, and fast.
Shit. He abruptly stood up rushed out of the class, clutching his arm in his coat. If the professor noticed anything, he didn't say it. Probably used to the shenanigans you hear about in college.
Levy on the other hand, she had noticed, and her eyes had followed him until he was out of sight.
Shadows of death intricately wove in and out from the lone obsidian throne, situated at the center of the room. A figure sat atop it, apathetic to the screams of torture resounding from right in front of him. Dark, disinterested eyes turned to his robes, fingers picking at a loose thread.
"I'm only going to ask one more time. Where is Hades?" A strangled moan of pain came from the bleeding man, before he attempted to push himself up.
"I don't, ughh, I told you I don't k-know." The merchant he had brought to him was shaking, fear causing shivers to rack through his body; but yet, there was truth in his eyes.
"Fine. I believe you." Relief spread through his form, a smile appearing on his face as he bowed again and again, thanking him for his understanding and mercy.
"But it's still not the answer I wanted. Send him to the forest."
"W-Wait! No! I told you I don't know!" His shouts reverberated through the room, and even in the hallways as he was dragged towards the Forest of Curses, where no one ever returned from.
With a disappointed sigh, Acnologia stood up, and looked out the window. The outside was barely visible, as it always was. If not for the river of liquid fire cutting across the landscape, they wouldn't have been able to see at all.
"I will find you, Hades. One way or another. And then I will kill you. Make no mistake of that." He said, as a sadistic grin slowly formed on his face.
Well. That escalated quickly. As I said before, the story will unfurl slowly. Partially because I didn't want to get rid of what I already wrote, and also because I'm still working on how I want this to turn out. Also! To clarify things, Acnologia is Tartaros, and the Forest of Curses is a real place in mythology so I did not make that up. Just in case you guys were wondering. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this and please do leave a review! :)