Fairy High
Chapter 4
Friends and Foes
As far as Natsu was aware, hospitals were the most depressing place on the planet. They weren't the clean, bright places they were on television. No, they were dull, dreary places full of human misery. Curtains drawn back to hide people crying at their misfortunes. Foul odours. Suffering everywhere.
Finally, he found the area where Levy was. She didn't even get a private room, but was on a ward, curtain pulled around her booth. He pulled back the curtain as he entered to find Lucy crying over her prone friend. Natsu winced a little. He didn't know Levy very well, but she was the sweetest thing he's ever seen. To think that anyone could hurt her so badly made him feel unwell on the inside.
"Natsu!" Lucy shrilled between her tears as she saw him and stood to hug him fiercely. He was here for her, after all. She wept into his chest as he held her. "Why would anyone do this to her? No one could deserve it less!"
"I don't know, Luce. I don't understand these scum either. How about you, though? Have you been here all night?" He felt her head nod into his chest.
"I want to be here for her when she wakes up. She… doesn't have anyone, you know. She has no one to look after her. She's too strong and stubborn to ask for help. I'll force her to live with me!"
"Jeez, that'd be nice. I can't even move at your place cuz I'm scared of getting it dirty!"
"My house is not that posh!" Lucy said with a thin smile.
"Luce, you have servants."
"Only a few! Jeez!" The pair stopped as Levy emitted a thin wail. Lucy rushed over to check on her, stroking her hair back from her forehead. "Levy-chan! Are you alright?"
"No, stop. Please Gajeel, stop," Levy whimpered before passing out again. Lucy wheeled around to ask Natsu if he'd heard that, but her heart froze. Natsu's expression… she'd never seen anything like it from him before. He was angry, furious, he mouth contorting into a snarl.
"Phantom…," he hissed. "They will pay for this!"
"Natsu, look at me!" Lucy snapped, getting into his face. He seemed to startle out of his murky thoughts as he looked into her eyes. "Don't do anything stupid! Look at her! The person or people who did this are sick in the head! You shouldn't try to fight them! This isn't some kind of cartoon; let the police do their jobs!"
Natsu did not look very convinced.
"Stay with me, please Natsu." Natsu's expression finally softened and he sat down with Lucy to wait.
===][===
Totomaru cried out in pain as Gajeel slammed him into the row of lockers, his crimson irises boring a hole into his very soul.
"It wasn't me, I swear!" He cried feebly, desperate not to the target of the anger in front of him. Gajeel slammed him into the lockers again.
"Tell me what you know!"
"I-I… okay, I've heard a rumour… just a rumour… that Jose had you followed." Gajeel's brow furrowed slightly and Totomaru pushed on. "Not just you, but anyone he doesn't trust. I hear that the crazy girl… uh, Juvia… has also been getting too close to a Fairy."
"Who was following me?" Gajeel growled.
"Please, Gajeel! I'm on your side! I have no idea! But it has to be someone Jose has sway over, or some sick animal who is happy to do things like that!" Gajeel relented, letting Totomaru fall to his feet. "But Jose had sway over the entire football team… any one of us could have been asked. Weren't you?"
Gajeel glowered at him briefly. "Word is, I'm going soft. Remember, Tots, I hate hitting girls, but if I find this bastard or anyone who stands in my way, I'll show you just how violent I can be."
Totomaru shivered, remembering the rumours surrounding Gajeel's expulsion from the world of boxing. If the rumours were true, Gajeel's violence only ended in death.
===][===
"Oh, hey, sweetcheeks," Bacchus said lewdly as he opened the door to find Cana standing there.
"Not now," she said harshly, pushing past him. "Get me a drink. A stiff one."
"Something up?" Bacchus asked as he took a pair of glasses and a bottle of sake from the shelf. Not stiff, but he knew better than to use alcohol as a salve. He joined Cana at his low table, pouring the drinks.
"Haven't you heard the news?" Cana asked bitterly. "Jeez, give me a cigarette."
"You don't smoke."
"I feel like it."
"No, you don't," Bacchus replied sternly, suddenly shoving the booze to one side. "Now tell me what's up."
"One of our girls was attacked last night," Cana said, tears forming her eyes, making Bacchus nervous. He'd never seen Cana so sombre. "She's such a gentle person, I can't believe someone would do that to her. And moreover, she's the most important member of our squad. Without her, we're ruined."
"Ah? She can't be more important than you."
Cana shook her head. "She probably considers herself insignificant. Hell, I know she feels insecure because she's the least 'womanly' of us, but she's the only one who can do what she does. Sure, we can put on a routine, but her high-flying acts were what made us special."
"I'm sorry," Bacchus said, surprising himself with how much he meant it. He didn't like seeing Cana upset.
"My dad's out there now, investigating. He's gone straight to Phantom High for a start."
"You don't think someone would beat up a girl for a football match, do you?" Bacchus asked. She looked up at him reproachfully and he had to agree. There was certainly a subsection of society that would, particularly in Phantom. Then he realised something. "This isn't a social call, is it?"
"You have information," Cana said slowly.
Bacchus looked perceptibly annoyed. He drummed his fingers on the table for a long moment, pursing his lips together. "You've heard of Gajeel. Totomaru. Sol. Aria. The rest are grunts, except one. A newer student. They say he might have come out of Juvenal detention."
"Who?"
"I've heard he went by a few names prior to his incarceration. Calls himself Shadow, because he likes to hunt there. Thinks of himself as a Rogue. But his name… his name is Raios Cheney."
Cheney!?" Cana exclaimed.
"That's right, princess. A family that rivals your beloved Lucy's in terms of wealth. That's how he got out early. A hell of a lot of money and clout to back him up. Arguably, he's a psych case, but he's undeniably dangerous. I've heard that he's a bit of a fanboy for our Gajeel."
Cana stood up instantly, going to leave.
"Don't do anything stupid," Bacchus said, not looking up. "In the real world, thugs like him carry knives or worse. Those like Gajeel have weapons called fists that they know how to use. This isn't some Glee-esque musical number where rival gangs fight by dancing and singing. Let the police – your father – handle this."
"You have something to learn about us Fairies," Cana said stonily. "We look after our own."
The door slammed shut and Bacchus sighed, looking over at the glasses. He pulled one over and stared into the liquor for a long moment. Uttering a second long sigh, he put it down and drew his mobile. He tapped in a number and waited impatiently as it rang.
"Hello?"
"Rocker. Gather the boys. We're gonna get wild."
===][===
"Juvia has seen him," Juvia whispered quietly. "A boy in a black hoodie. I've seen him so much recently that it can't be coincidence."
They were in Phantom High's library, a piss poor excuse for a literary archive. It had more cobwebs than books, but it was secluded. They found a quiet corner to talk.
"Anything more descriptive?" Gajeel asked.
Juvia shrugged. "Medium build, medium height. His face is always hidden."
"Damn it."
"Gajeel-kun… Gray-sama will not talk to Juvia. He is angry about what happened. He believes it to be Phantom's fault."
"What do I care about your problems?" Gajeel growled.
"Juvia is asking you to punch him once for her." Gajeel was taken aback by the strength in her eyes. He couldn't help the wild grin spreading across his face and he nodded. He left the library, a plan formulating. He'd have to hold on until he could spot this stalker himself. Passing near Jose's office, he doubled back in a hurry as he saw Gildartz leave. Damn it! The police were asking questions!
He would not trust his vengeance to due justice. He could not let the police find the criminal first.
===][===
"Damn it, is Natsu not here yet?" Macao snapped, looking over his assembled players.
"Um… I think he's gone to be with Lucy at the hospital," Romeo piped up. "They're looking after Levy."
"He called earlier," Gray confirmed. "Apparently, Levy identified Gajeel as the attacker."
A murmur passed around the crowd at the reminder, and Macao seemed contrite. He could see the hackles rising on some of his players. He knew what they wanted. They were angry, all of them. Except for Jet and Droy who just looked immensely depressed.
"Let's do our best," Macao said quietly. The low volume made everyone pay attention, turning their heads inwards. "Listen, I know how you all feel. Some of you want vengeance. Some of you are just angry. Some of you are sad. Some may be scared; there's no shame in that. But here at Fairy Tail, we are a family. Each of your well beings mean as much to me as my own son's. Only the classless would go out there and try to recoup this debt. We are better than that. We will show these scum how we operate on the field of battle; this goddamn football pitch!"
===][===
"Non non non non non non NOOOOOOOOON!" Sol cried as Gajeel rocketed into him and slammed him hard into the turf.
"Gihihi! Learn your place, thrower!" Gajeel crowed. It sucked that he had to waste his time with practise, but at least he could remind his team mates who was top dog around here. Of who they should be dangerously afraid of.
"Well played, Gajeel-san," a softly spoken boy said, trotting up. Gajeel glared at him. He knew his name… right? Raios, that was it. A little kiss up who seemed to look up to him for some reason. He looked like the quiet type to Gajeel, but he had some skills on the pitch.
"Well played? That was my spine!" Sol groaned as he got to his feet.
"If you can't keep up, you go down," Gajeel replied gleefully as Totomaru and Aria came over, forming the power of their team.
"Hey, did you see the news?" Aria chuckled. "Looks like one of those Fairies got what they deserved! How sad!" Gajeel tensed and Totomaru backed away slightly, but Aria went on. "Apparently it was that little runt. I bet she screamed like a bitch!"
"Watch your mouth," Gajeel hissed. "She was my… friend." The word felt wrong as it came out. He didn't have any friends, really. People that he scorned less than others, but no one he really liked. But the girl had dragged him in so quickly that he'd never even realised.
"She's a Fairy," Raios said sternly. "She'll lead you away from us."
Gajeel wasn't sure how to respond to that. Raios radiated some kind of creepy possessive vibe. Gajeel remembered the rumours of Raios' criminal record. He was spared further thought as there was a staccato impact of breaking glass. What the hell? It was after school hours, meaning the football team was some of the few people left on campus. They raced around the building, eager to confront the vandals.
As they reached the damaged windows, they looked around for the punks who had done it, bellowing for the cowards to fight them. Footsteps could be heard fleeing down the night streets. One of them shouted something, echoed by the others.
"Wild…"
"Four!"
===][===
"Please, Lu-chan. You don't have to do this." Levy looked a right mess, but the doctors had discharged her. Lucy had at least brought her a fresh change of clothes, since her uniform had been ruined in the attack. She sat in the back of a taxi, next to Lucy and Natsu. "I can just go back home."
"No, you can't," Lucy said, looking quite annoyed. "Right now, it's still a crime scene and you aren't setting a foot back in there until I have a locksmith fortify that place."
"I can't afford a locksmi-"
"You're not paying." Lucy waved away the protestations that followed. "You're staying at my place for at least a week. We've got lovely guest rooms you can stay in. You'll be doing me a favour, really. It's so lonely in that big house by myself."
"I'll stay there tonight," Natsu promised. "I won't let Gajeel come anywhere near you."
At the name, Levy underwent a violent convulsion of fear. She could remember it so clearly. She was expecting Gajeel for a study lesson, so when the door knocked, she hadn't thought twice about opening it. Then the hand had grabbed her throat. She remembered her back slamming into the wall, the punches, the knees, the kicks.
She had begged for him to stop. She didn't know why he was doing it. They were friends, weren't they? Even from under his hood, she could see the strands of black hair, the piercing eyes. He never uttered a word. It was emotionless, mechanical.
Levy startled, realising that she was crying and Lucy was hugging her tightly. She was stroking her hair and uttering that she was safe over and over again. Natsu was watching on with concern. The taxi pulled up alongside Lucy's house and the door opened as her butler opened the door.
"Greetings, miss. I am most saddened to hear of your friend's plight," Mr Leo said formally. "Please know that our mansion is very secure, Miss McGarden. You will be safe staying within these walls."
Lucy was struck by how fragile Levy was as she supported her up the long driveway. She certainly hadn't been happy that the crutch she had been given was a colourful child-size one. Every step was slow and laboured. Lucy was trying not to cry, seeing as how cruel this assailant must have been. And why? Over some high school rivalry? What was wrong with Phantom?
Lucy let Mr Leo lead the trio into the estate and through expensive corridors to the guest rooms. Levy watched with shock as he went through the en-suite facilities, television and details to contact the chef. It was like a five star hotel! It made her whole apartment look like crap, though it lacked books in her opinion.
Mr Leo retreated, forcefully tugging a clueless Natsu away so the girls could speak privately for a moment.
"Lu-chan, I can't… this is…" Levy garbled, looking at the floor.
"It's no problem, Levy-chan! You deserve a little pampering! In fact, why not stay here permanently?"
"Lu-chan! That's far too much!" The smaller girl squealed.
"You think about it. Please get some rest, Levy-chan. I'll see you in the morning." Before Lucy could leave, however, a small hand grasped hers, arresting her movement. She was crying again, her small body shaking with pent up emotion. "Levy-chan?"
"I-I'm sorry that I can't perform at the game anymore. Because of me, you'll have to change the routine." Levy's face began to screw up. "I… I thought that he was a good man, Lu-chan! I trusted him!"
Lucy grabbed Levy and hugged her tightly. "Don't you dare think such stupid things. This wasn't your fault, and we'll compensate. Your trusting nature is one of your best assets. Just remember how this shows how important you are to us. We needed you; you are important and we all care about you. Now, please get some rest. You need to regain your strength. I'll be close by; just knock on my door if you need anything. Anything, you hear me?"
===][===
"OI!" Cana shouted at the door she was pounding on to no avail. "I thought we had a date tonight! Men!"
Several streets over in the central park, Bacchus rested on a bench, staring up at the full moon. A good sign, the full moon. It was when hounds got wild, after all. He yawned at the sound of heavy boots approaching, clearly trying to be antagonistic.
"You got some balls, pulling a stunt like that," Gajeel rumbled, plonking down on the bench next to him. "If my team had caught you, you'd be sucking more than a few bruises."
"Oh? The way I remember it, you never got close to us," the hound replied lightly.
"But you let me chase you down. Why?"
"The girl. It wasn't you, was it?" Gajeel raised a brow, not making any movement bigger than that. "I told you; I don't trust anyone who hasn't shared a drink with me. We did, and I don't think you're that kind of person. You're wild, like me."
"No. It wasn't me, but what fucking business is it of yours?" Gajeel growled. Bacchus gave a reproachful glare.
"Maybe you're looking at this like purely your problem, but there was a girl involved too, y'know. She's got a lot of friends who want your head right about now. The rumour on the street is that she named you when she woke up. It doesn't seem to have reached the police yet, which suggests that there are people willing to take justice into their own hands. Possibly on a football pitch in the near future. Tomorrow, ain't it?"
"I can handle myself."
"You are a man of few words, I like that. But there's this expression – I forget who said it – a knife in the back is worth a hundred swords at dawn." Seeing the blank incomprehension on his conversation partner's face, Bacchus explained. "It means, the problem ain't the Fairies pounding you into the turf; it's the guys on your team you can't trust."
"I don't trust any of my team."
"Fuck, man! There's laconic and then there's just plain awkward. There's a difference when one of them might just be a psychopath!"
"Raios? He wouldn't cross me. He treats me with hero worship. It's that bastard Aria that I'm worried about. He's big like a brick shithouse and he's cruel. I can see him enjoying torturing…" His sentence trailed off and he clenched a fist in anger. Just imagining it made his blood boil.
"I'm with you on that," Bacchus said, leaning forward on his haunches. "I've had more than a few run-ins with the law, but that's some messed up shit. If you're wondering why I'm helping you, then I'm not. Cana wants justice for that girl and I'm gonna get it for her. Which means finding the right suspect."
Gajeel glowered at him for a moment, clearly deciding whether to impart information or not. "I've been tailed. If you can watch my back a bit, we might increase our chances of catching him." A broad grin split his face. "Then we show him the difference between fighting an unarmed girl and a champion boxer and a black belt."
Bacchus grinned. "Wild."
…
"Oh, fuck! I was supposed to be seeing Cana! Not wild! Wait for me, baby!" Bacchus leapt from the bench and sprinted into the night, leaving Gajeel chuckling with sudden mirth.
"Looks like you're in the doghouse! Gihihi!"
===][===
"The game's today," Natsu said, staring out of the window. He looked around his room with some dissatisfaction. Lucy's guest rooms might be nice, but he'd rather be sharing a bed. Unfortunately, her dad was home and that wasn't gonna happen.
He returned to watching the gardens outside as Lucy entered the room to wish him a good morning.
"How are you feeling, Natsu?" She asked, worried about him.
"Me? I'm all fired up."
===][===
"Welcome all to Fairy High's football grounds for the first match of this season! I'm your commentator for the evening, Jason! Cooooooooooool! The rivalries between these teams knows no bounds! Think of what we can expect to see! The bleachers are full and the cheerleaders are warming up the crowd! And heeeeeeeeeeeeeere come the players!"
The two teams lined up along the centre line and the crowd went silent. The tension was palpable. The cheerleaders tried to making a rousing display, but the main thing that could be heard was Juvia cheering for the wrong team.
"What'cha looking at, dumbass?" Gajeel snarled at Natsu, standing opposite him in the very centre.
"You're gonna pay for what you did to Levy," he promised.
"How sad! To think that this team believes that they can scare us!" Aria laughed. Laxus stepped up, equal in height.
"Laugh it up, big guy. We'll show you who the strongest is!"
"Non non non! I wonder if any of your other cheerleaders might suffer any accidents?" Sol gloated.
"What did you say, Frenchie!?" Elfman seethed. "You aren't going anywhere near my sisters!"
"We're gonna rock and roll all over your asses!" Totomaru declared loudly, causing Romeo to glare at him, but not actually respond. Words were pointless – only action mattered now. Raios seemed to be enjoying himself, catching the angry looks of Jet and Droy towards Gajeel.
A short man walked down the middle. "Alright, I am your referee and my name is Mato. I look forward to a nice clean game, alright? You two –shake hands!"
Gajeel and Natsu reached out, hands grabbing each other and squeezing. Natsu winced at the power on display here. Gajeel was clearly a physically powerful man, but football was a game of teamwork, not raw power.
"I hope you're ready for this, Fairy," Gajeel said, grin spreading across his face. He was feeling better. None of this emotional girly crap. None of this subterfuge. Now he could just be his old aggressive self.
"Bring it on, Metalface. We're going to crush you."