AN: Holy moly, the latest OST has finally arrived, friggin' excited so I'm listening to it whilst I'm trying to complete this chapter! Enjoy!
==[o0o]==
The morning sunlight started to pool on the floor to the bedroom. Jet woke up to the sight of Droy's feet, instantly rolling over to the edge of the bed, stretching.
He got up and left Droy to sleep for longer, heading to the shower. Getting changed, he shoved Droy's body under the duvet,
"We gotta get ready and head off" he said as he buttoned up his purple shirt.
"Mm.. No its my pet pineapple..." Droy murmured.
Jet pushed him again, causing Droy to roll over onto his back.
"Mm... Yes I'll buy that accordion..."
His tall muscular thin frame lent over Droy's open mouth. He held his breath as he put two hands above his sleeping friends head trying to hold back a laugh.
CLAP
Droy's eyes snapped open, "Wha- Why you gotta do that every time?..." feeling drowsy and slightly irritable. It soon faded.
Jet chuckled, "C'mon, we'll be late otherwise!"
The short black haired man slithered out of bed, walking over to the bathroom and switching on the light, showering before they both had to head off.
Levy woke up as the light fell across her bed. Her body splayed out underneath the sheets, she had managed to fall back to sleep but prayed that Gajeel and Lily heard nothing of that night, only when she had to get up to use the bathroom in the early hours.
Her mind flashed back to her vivid dream, remembering Gajeel's body as he loomed over her, imagining the sensations again of his piercings brushing against her skin, making her ache once more. She sat up flushed slightly, and rubbed her tired eyes, scanning the room, Gajeel was no-where to be found.
"He's waiting in the lobby" Lily came out of the bathroom, using a hand towel as a real towel, he'd used the sink to wash his small cat frame, he loved soaking in a tiny sink, far easier than washing in his battle form, couldn't quite fit into normal tubs.
"Well I should hurry up too!" Levy smiled, her cheeks fading.
Lily smiled to himself, pleased that Gajeel might actually attain some true friends out of this trip.
The first day of the job was the most exciting for her, she found that from time to time the job's were never what they appeared until you met the one's who had sent out the request to the guild.
Showering and changing into her khaki shorts and a orange strap top, matching her bandana, she beamed in the mirror of the dressing table. Grabbing her gear and picking up Lily, she flew out the door, running down the stairs to the lobby.
Gajeel found the nearest sofa to the exit and had closed his eyes, he hadn't slept a wink, he hated the fact that this young girl thought of him in such a way. He remembered the potent scent that stirred his loins. He couldn't stand being someone's cuddly toy, he wasn't a nice man to be around, and for someone to start breaking down his walls it angered him. He needed to rebuild them as quickly as possible, and to put as much space between him and Levy as manageable. The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt her again.
The two boys sauntered down the hotel stairs, waiting for Levy at the base, both looking upwards as they began hearing the pitter-patter of her tiny shoes running along the carpeted landing. They watched her closely, she looked excited. A wash of relief fell over the two as they couldn't stop thinking of what could of happened.
"Levy! Good morning!" they called in union.
She giggled "Good morning!" she loved the close nit relationship she had sometimes. They really felt like big brothers to her.
Levy turned her head over to the door, catching something in her eye. It was Gajeel's facial piercings glinting in the morning light. She blushed slightly remembering again. "Good morning Gajeel!" she called out.
"Yeh." he responded flatly,
What was he doing? Ignore her or somethin'!
She hopped down the last step, anything higher felt terrifying, it was so high up to poor Levy.
"Lets get going" she squeezed Lily as they headed out the hotel doors.
==[o0o]==
They were an hour late to the appointment.
"Where is it?" Gajeel asked irritably.
"If I knew that, we wouldn't be lost!" Levy had started to get annoyed at Gajeel constantly asking where they were going.
"I thought you three had been here before" He started poking at her cracking persona.
Bristling, "We have. We just haven't been to this part of the city before, that's all" trying to keep calm
Deep breaths Levy
"Well we have now, several times by the looks of it! Gi hi" Gajeel had done it.
Levy stomped her feet, "FINE – you map read then idiot!"
Gajeel grinned,
Perfect.
"Nah I'm good thanks" and patted Levy's head, she puffed out her cheeks.
"Then be quiet!" her handbag started to swing.
Jet and Droy had tried to stay out of the argument, they knew Levy's wrath could be scary, especially if her handbag came into it. Lily had moved onto Gajeel's shoulder, but quickly darted off into Droy's arms.
He knew better than to wind up a woman at the best of times.
They hadn't realised that they'd stopped outside the house that requested them. Having to decide on having a blazing row in front of it.
"Excuse me? You there," an elderly man wearing a butlers outfit stood in the door way. "Are you from Fairy Tail by any chance?"
Levy went white, she hated being seen angry. Snapping back to a smile, "Yes! We're here to help out with a job?" she stepped forward.
"Very well." he eyed up Jet and Droy, they seemed harmless enough, looking over at Gajeel, his face soured looking at his piercings, and the shoulder feather ornament. In general this man looked ferocious. He overlooked Lily, not realising that he was with the group.
"Please, the Master has been waiting for some time," As he stood to one side to let the group in, he stopped Lily.
"No pets"
"I'm an exceed, I'm not a pet!" Lily got defensive
"I'm a member of fairy tail!" he turned around showing his guild mark on his back "I used to be Magic Militia's First Division Commander of the Royal Army I'll have you know!"
"Hmm... I'm sure." Raising an eyebrow to the cat, allowing the grumpy feline to proceed forwards.
The group were lead into a small entrance hall, with high ceilings, the house decorated with an almost Victorian feel.
The butler walked off towards a nearby double doored room. Knocking once. He entered, before long he returned, holding the door open to the now apparent study.
"The Master will meet with you now." observing the guild members enter before closing the door silently.
Levy stood at the front of the group, with Jet and Droy standing directly behind her, Lily sat on Gajeel's shoulder as he hung back, leaning against the wall folding his arms. His red eyes watched the man behind the chair, furrowing his eyebrow piercings, he sniffed,
Something familiar about it... What was it?
The room had tall ceilings, well decorated, with a large maple oak desk on the far side the room positioned In front of floor to ceiling panelled windows, large drapes flowed beside. A tall backed chair faced the window, turning around slowly.
"Welcome Fairy Tail. Let me introduce my self." A tall man with thin glasses looked at the group, he felt his heart leap.
"My my, Miss McGarden. Or should I say." Licking his lips "Levy, what a wonderful surprise this is for myself."
"Mr. Galbraith, its lovely to see you again!" he strode out from behind his desk, he lent in and kissed her cheeks.
"It truly is lovely to see you again, but please. Its Ethan to you." Levy blushed slightly.
Gajeel snorted. Who the hell did this man think he was?
Smarmy bastard.
"Mr. Galbraith to you however." Glaring at the man at the back of the room.
Jet and Droy observed silently as the brown haired man came around from the desk. Kissing Levy on the cheek didn't feel right to either of them, the man didn't even shake their hands. They both wanted to say something, but the last thing they wanted to do was sabotage the job. Sharing glances between one another, trying to relax they reminded themselves that they have worked with a lot of characters in the past and this man was just one of the unusual crowd.
"Now. Shall we get down to business?" Gesturing towards some sofa's near an old fireplace, bookcases sat either side, filled with bright sleeved books. Levy's eyes had scanned every one, she knew them all, but nothing exciting jumped out at her, disappointing her.
"Ah, Levy please, beside me?" Patting the seat next to him.
She blushed again and nodded, picking herself up and sat next to Ethan.
Everyone aside from Gajeel had moved over to the sofa's who had begun struggling with how to handle the situation. He wanted to distance himself, but he wanted to keep her all to himself. He watched the well dressed man like a hawk. Trying to rack his brains at where he remembered that smell from and why it emanated from him.
"I have recently come in contact with a old colleague of mine who has procured a particular artefact that I must have. However the text the surrounds it makes no-sense, I can't decipher the language, moreover I must be brutally honest, I wasn't overly sure if anyone could work it out."
Levy's eyes lit up, "I'm sure it wont be a problem! I'll decrypt it for you!"
"I'm sure you will my sweet, upon meeting you last night, I truly felt it to be a meeting of fate, to encounter such a blossoming young woman" smiling at Levy directly,
Focusing his eyes solely on her. He caught Gajeel's face as he held onto her hand, placing her palm into his. Clasping them between his hands, looking directly at Gajeel as if challenging him.
Gajeel struggled to hold back a growl.
I know this man, but from where!
Jet and Droy coughed "Where is the artefact for us to look at?"
Annoyed Mr. Galbraith turned his attention to the orange and short black haired men.
"Its just a few miles outside of the city, in a deserted town, I cannot go as its far too dangerous for myself. But I'm sure you will be safe, Levy." Ethan was enjoying this far too much. His plan had almost come full circle, the last part was almost in place.
"But I must be blunt, I need the text translated as soon as possible. Its vital to my-" He faltered, "Its important to complete my collection" readjusting his glasses.
"Now, I must bid you adieu, as I have a meeting."
The group stood up, taking Levy by the hand once more "Be safe my Levy" He pushed it too far with that last phrasing.
"She ain't yours now fuck off!"
Gajeel roared as he grabbed her by the wrist, hoisting her up onto his shoulder, carrying her out the building, Jet and Droy looked horrified, they had potentially lost the job, bowing, they apologised profusely,
"We'll find the town and decipher it for you, please give us time" they said in union as they ran out the room behind a livid Gajeel.
He stormed to a nearby alleyway, throwing her onto the ground
"What the fuck do you think yah doin'?" He bellowed "Why the fuck are yah lettin' that bastard talk to you like that, Huh?"
Levy was in shock, she wasn't sure what had happened,
"I-I was only being polite" responding timidly
"Gajeel!" The boys ran up behind him,
"Stop shouting at her!"
Growling, "Oh? Its OK for some pervert to kiss yer nakama?"
Flummoxed "N-no..."
"An' I suppose its OK to let some weirdo hit on a young girl huh?"
Jet and Droy turned their attention from Gajeel to Levy, "No. Its not alright..." Jet put forward.
"Levy..." Droy added "You should listen to Gajeel, he's right."
"You can't allow strangers to flirt with you like that" Jet looked at the poor bluenette on the floor,
She felt so confused, her best friends were agreeing with this man?
Standing up to the three of them, "I was just being nice!" she stomped, she had enough being treated as a child,
"I maybe short, but I'm not a little girl!" she started to pout "I'm a woman and I act how I want!"
And with that, Levy turned around and thundered off to the location of the town as fast as her petite frame could take her.
The three looked at each other,
"What's her problem?" Gajeel rubbed the back of his head,
"Just leave her, she'll calm down soon." Droy commented.
"Lets head after her, she'll be heading to the town if I know Levy" Jet began walking the same direction that she'd had run off in, carrying the backpacks.
Lily watched the scene. Taking flight he avoided being seen by the boys and flew beside Levy who was nearing the edge of the city.
He said nothing as he flew. Suddenly he was grabbed, as the girl hugged him, big salty tears flowed down her face, he tried to wipe them with his paw.
"Its OK..."
He wasn't that great at reassuring, but he was always there to listen to anything a guild member had to say. He had been around and witnessed a lot, gaining knowledge from troubles. However, he wasn't sure what had upset the girl, he agreed with them, she should be careful who she lets get close, but on the other hand, she was becoming an adult. And she could make her own choices.
Silently they headed up the hillside, passing a few fields, Levy's tears had subsided as she realised that she was on the job and needed to focus. Thankfully she still had everything in her possession after being man handled by Gajeel.
==[o0o]==
The town itself wasn't huge, but on the other hand, wasn't small either, housing perhaps a dozen families or so and enough room for a large market square for travelling merchants. A church sat in the middle of the town as the focal point.
Levy walked slowly through the deserted town, "Didn't he say it was dangerous here?" asking Lily before a large explosion eradicated a house in front of them.
Levy had walked into a mine field of script magic. On almost every object had runes written on with the potential to explode.
Lily transformed into Battle mode shielding the girl. He looked around for the attacker, "I don't see anyone!" exclaiming.
"Its a minefield!" pulling herself up, dusting herself down.
"LEVY-Y!" a cry could be heard on the other side of the town, the trio had picked up the pace at the sound of the explosion.
"Lily, please hurry and fly up. Tell them its a mine field! I'll be fine! Please!" Nodding he flew up,
He scanned around for the boys, his red eyes caught sight of Jet who was about to storm in, he flew as fast as his wings could take him, grabbing Jet, he only just managed to catch his wrist as he pulled up from a nose dive,
"Wh-"
"Its a mine field!" Lily's teeth clenched as he saw how far Levy had made it into the centre town before the explosion. Setting Jet beside Gajeel and Droy, he explained the situation to them. They looked at each other.
How on earth were they going to reach her?
Levy pulled out her light pen and started to rewrite some of the runes nearby. They almost rivalled Freed's, she was enjoying flexing her mind.
Maybe I can backtrack and defuse some of the runes so they can reach me, be much safer for all of us.
An explosion went off, followed by another, then another, suddenly Levy saw in horror as Jet had used High Speed, he was advancing closer to her.
The explosions were getting closer behind him, reaching out his arms, he grabbed Levy and held her tightly as he turned abruptly down a narrow passage way, the buildings increasing all around them, she held a hand above her head as rubble showered down.
Jet turned again heading back in the same direction as he had come from, managing to set off only a few remaining runes, the last one was too close he thought.
He realised that the explosions had started heading towards them as well as coming up from behind, before he had time to act, a massive explosion engulfed them, throwing Jet backwards releasing his grip on Levy sending her flying out of his arms as they flew above the town from the blast, her eyes widened as they were going to hit the ground hard,
She screamed,
Jet cried out to her, he tried fruitlessly to catch her hand as they fell.
Two tall men running as fast as they could, their feet pounding on the stone slabs, the building erupting around them, they both focused on saving the pair. Looking at each other nodding in mutual understanding.
"Holder Plant!" Droy yelled, several giant leaves sprung up as they fell, cushioning their fall,
Gajeel and Lily rushed in after, Lily grabbing Jet as he neared the ground, Gajeel had leapt and caught Levy, standing up, holding her with one arm as she perched on it.
All of them looking at one another, a small smile sat on Gajeel's lips briefly before setting her down,
She opened her mouth to thank him,
"If only you were taller Shrimp"
Instead, Levy immediately puffed out her dusty face.
She became sandwiched between Droy and Jet as they scowled at Gajeel for his inappropriate comment.
They were all covered in dust from the rubble, a few scraps and bruises from where the debris had hit them in the explosions. Luckily no-one was injured any further than that. Levy's face softened as she smiled, she was glad that they had come.
"Half the village is demolished, do you think the artefact is still in one piece?" Lily questioned as he shrunk to his small form in a puff.
Levy poked her head out from the embrace "Yes it should be located just beyond the first explosion we encountered"
"What makes you say that?" Jet enquired as they released their grip but stayed close by,
"The runes were strategically placed, once I rewrote one, another showed up, after a few decryptions I noticed that the closer to the centre of the town the fewer the runes appeared, therefore it must be at the middle!" she looked proud of herself
"But... how did you even get that far without an explosion being set off in the first place?" Droy wondered
"Um... well, they had a few rules..."
"Rules?" Gajeel suddenly became interested
"No injury to children or elderly" she looked down her face became bright red.
"So. Short people" Gajeel watched Levy as she pouted, desperately wanting a come back but being ignored instead.
I'll take the pout.
Brushing themselves down, the boys started to walk slowly behind Levy as they made their way back to the center, rewriting the few remaining runes to make safe passage and placing a few Solid Script Markings to ensure they knew the correct route if they had to return.
Looking upon a large derelict building, almost once resembling a church, It had stood the explosions and still looked stable. Droy opened the door as Levy walked in.
"Just as I thought!" She clapped, feeling giddy "No runes here! The artefact should be in here somewhere"
Shadow Gear spread out and started searching the church.
Gajeel moved to a pew and sat down, kicking his legs out, no way was he going to be involved in looking for some old rock, Lily looked at him, motioning him to come and help.
Irritably he stood up, and walked over to a large pile of rocks, he had stuffed his studded fists into his pockets, kicking a few stones along the ground.
Something caught his attention as he followed one the stones, it looked familiar, at least, some of the letters looked familiar to him,
"Oi..." he went, the others were still too busy looking around to notice
"Oi shorty! This it?" Gajeel shouted without looking up.
Levy was too excited to get annoyed at the insult, she skipped over to raven haired man, she squealed with delight "Yes! This must be it!"
She bent down to pick it up, her eyes bulged, it was incredibly heavy. It hadn't even moved an inch.
Gajeel bent back down and picked it up in one swift motion "Where yer want it?"
She looked around, "The altar should be fine"
She bent down and picked up her bag, searching through it she pulled out pencil and a note pad. Levy retied her hair, pulling her bangs off from her face so she could concentrate on the artefact.
"I thought it would be something much simpler..."
"Is that bad?" Lily enquired
She shook her head "No, it just means it'll take a bit more time, but I should be able to solve it..."
She looked worried, she hadn't seen some of the words before. Let alone what language it could originate from.
==[o0o]==
Sorry if the "dramatic scene" isn't great, but it took about 4 rewrites and I'm happy with this version.../
Such a good OST o-o;; Made me re-watch and re-read some scenes T_T! Sorry about the wee delay! (Of a few hours ;3)