Chapter Three

Gajeel

Lily and I decide to head back to the guild hall after another day of training. The area around us is silent as we walk. The only thing to be heard is our heavy breathing. The setting sun makes the air warm as sweat trickles down the side of my face. I find myself slipping into my own world when Lily breaks the silence, "Do you think you'll have to put that girl to bed again tonight?"

"I hope not," I grumble, "And her name is Yukimi."

Lily prods, "Is someone warming up to the new girl."

"Hardly." We continue on in silence as we reach the fence surrounding the guild hall. Everything is quiet as Mira starts to close up the bar. I push the doors open and, instinctively, look toward "my" table only to find it empty. I walk to the bar like I never even noticed, but no one fools Mira.

She smiles, "She left shortly after you two did this morning." Lily and I look at each other. Our attention is drawn back to Mira when she continues, "I'm actually a little worried about her. I hope she hasn't done anything to get hurt."

That sparks a reaction out of Lily. "I'll go look for her," she sighs as he gets up to leave. I sit at the bar trying to wait patiently for any news.

Panther Lily

I turn toward the East back near the guild hall after finishing my search of the town. I see a glimpse of dark color against the grayish-tan of the mountain behind the guild hall. Flying closer I recognize the girl, Yukimi, sitting with her back against the stone facing the west. The last light of day shining on her silver-gray hair. I swoop down landing a few feet away. "Yukimi," I start. She raises her head and looks at me.

"What do you want," she asks. Her voice stops me in my tracks. It's as if all the sorrow in the world rests on her shoulders. Her eyes are sad and dull, empty dull, and red-rimmed.

I swallow hard, "I came to find you. Mirajane is worried about you." Frankly, so was I after figuring out what she'd tried to do.

"Why does she care what happens to me when not even…" she trails off as a sob escapes her lips. Yukimi buries her head in her arms as she continues to cry. I approach and sit next to her placing a hand on her arm to comfort her.

Quietly, I ask, "Why do you hurt so much?" Yukimi doesn't reply for a while so I sit there waiting patiently.

"I lost the person I loved the most," she whispers eventually, "He meant everything to me and he left me."

I sigh, "I'm sorry he broke up with you, but…"

"He didn't break up with me," she interrupts, "He jumped off of a twenty story building two weeks ago." I'm completely shocked by this revelation. Sitting there stunned I watch as she begins to cry again. "I was there," she sobs, "I saw it all." Her body shakes with the force of her tears.

I stand so that I'm roughly at the same height as she is and hug her as best I can. "I'm so sorry," I whisper as even I am hurt by this news. We sit like that for a while before I realize that night has fully fallen. Pulling back I tell her, "We should get back before we have Gajeel and Mira hunting for us." She nods and stands. I use my aero magic to unfurl my wings and take to the air. Grabbing a hold of the underneath of her arms I lift both of us into the air and make our way back to the grounds of the guild hall.

Once I set Yukimi on the ground I land beside her and disperse my wings. I go to take a step forward when my feet leave solid ground. I'm in the girl's arms as she pushes the double doors open. The lights are off and Mira sits at the bar waiting patiently. She smiles as we come closer, "Gajeel went on home, Lily, he said he'd see you there."

I nod to her as Yukimi starts climbing the stairs back to the little infirmary room she's staying in. Once there and in bed I take my leave. My path turns toward home as I think about what I was told by the mysterious girl. The poor girl. Maybe we should invite her along on one of our missions…

The Next Day

Gajeel

"We should WHAT," I explode at the breakfast table.

Lily scowls, "We should bring her with us on a job. She wouldn't feel so intimidated with a fewer amount of faces around her and she could really use a friend." I'm staring at him like he's speaking a foreign language. He sighs aggravated and turns to leave. "Think about it Gajeel." The door closes behind him.

Placing my dishes in the sink I head toward the guild hall. It's not a bad idea, actually. I mean, I am the one who tried to help her out maybe she'll open up a bit to me. I shake off the thought as I enter the building. Even this early the place is bustling with activity. Over at my usual table is Lily who's talking to Yukimi. She nods as he speaks. I clench my jaw, Apparently she's coming with us on a job whether I like it or not. I walk over to the request board to find a job. It should be easy so she can actually do something. She might feel better about her situation if she does. The perfect job practically jumps out at me. A small escort job.

I take the flyer off the board. At the bar I tell Mira that I'm taking the job. "Mira, I'm gonna take the girl with us," I confide.

"No you will not, Gajeel," Master Makarov states. We both look toward the old man sitting cross-legged on the bar.

Mira chides, "Master. I think it would be good for her. If it's the matter of her not being a guild member then make her one." I cock an eyebrow at the Strauss girl then look toward the master. He seems to be contemplating a decision. He grunts with a consenting nod several moments later. Mira smiles as she places our names on the job registry.

I take the flyer to my table and sit down. "I got us a job Lily. We leave at noon," I tell the black cat. Yukimi casts her eyes down perhaps avoiding eye contact or hiding her disappointment, evident in the way her posture has changed. I look at Lily surprised. He shakes his head with his hands held up. I sigh in exasperation. "Yukimi, you're coming with us, too," I state, "As long as you want to go."

Her head snaps up as her face registers surprise. She nods with a whispered, "Okay."

"Do you know where the train station is," I ask. She shakes her head in the negative. "Okay. Lily stay with her and show her the way. I'll meet you there at a quarter till noon," I explain, "There's something I gotta do first." They both nod as I stand and leave heading for town.

Not far from the Sakura trees is an outdoor clothing store. I detour into the front door. At the desk is a little short round man who smiles at me. "Yes? How may I help you today," he asks trying to suck up so I'll buy something.

"You make cloaks here for magic users correct," I question. The little man nods furiously. "Good. I need a cloak made….."