Sorry for the ultra late update. I've sort of had a small writers block. So while I was trying to figure out where to go with this story and the next chapter, I was working on the sequel. The fight has ended, which will be explained more in Natsu's P.O.V in the sequel. Couldn't really think of a good title. Anyway thanks for reviewing I'm glad you all like this story. This chapter's short sorry about that ^^;
Chapter 7
Gajeel Redfox
It was dark, I don't know how long I was out but when I started to hear voices, thats when I realized I was conscious again. I tried opening my eyes, but as I allowed them to crack open just a little bit, the light blinded me, and I shut it again. My head was pounding, my left side was sore, but other than that I felt fine.
I probably had bruises from the punches from that metal faced jerk, and maybe I hit my head when I went unconscious. I squinted, opening my eyes again, the light was blinding, but after my eyes adjusted pulled my self to a sitting position. The tavern was a mess. The front doors bashed open, the walls crumbled, and the town outside. The buildings were on fire, and some were burned down completely. But the majority of them were smashed, from either Natsu or Gajeel I wasn't sure.
I could hear screams outside, mostly the females. And the shouting, wasn't from fear but from rage. The knights I assumed. I looked around more, searching for the Dracians. None were around. And the battle it seemed, was at an end. Just how long was I out?
" Lucy?" I heard a sweet yet pained voice. I turned towards the sound. Behind me stood Mira, smiling gently. Her middle was bandaged, the blood could be seen through the white wrappings, it looked painful, getting sliced by a sword. But she looked as if nothing was wrong.
" Mira! Are you okay?" I asked, as I pulled myself up. Mira waved a hand.
" I'm fine. And you? Lucy, you were unconscious for at least half an hour…"
And for half an hour I laid there on the ground….
" I'm fine, maybe a bruise." I answered. I looked behind her, seeing Gray and Juvia sitting at the bar. Erza stood by a column with her sword drawn. " What happened?"
Mira sighed, " They made such a mess. The people are terrified, aside from the knights of course. A few seconds ago, Natsu and the man went around the other side of this building."
It was too quiet. I couldn't hear any signs of explosions nor yelling. They couldn't be fighting. I started to make my way around the building, ignoring Mira's plea's. Saying I was hurt and what not. The wall of the tavern out here was scorched, a sign that Natsu was here. I could still smell the burnt wood. I walked out further. Looking around the next corner of the tavern. Nothing. No signs of battle. I turned around and made my way through the town. Just one street and I could hear a mans voice.
" Why?"
" I told you."
Natsu's voice. It was him, I'm sure of it! I ran towards his voice.
" … But."
" It wasn't her. I swear. It was none of them. " he paused, " I never forget a scent, Gajeel. I can tell you they've been here. "
" Can you tell me where they are now?" I was able to see them now that I turned a corner. Natsu was shaking his head.
" It's all over the place, I can't pin point it."
" You better not be lying. "
" What's wrong with you Gajeel! How could you forget this scent?"
Gajeel 'tsked' and turned around. Now that I was able to see them clearly, I noticed both of them were injured. Bruises forming. Tints of purple began to show along Natsu's arm, some burn marks on Gajeel. But no blood was shed. Which relieved me.
Natsu twitched and turned around at once, meeting my eyes. Gajeel followed his lead and turned to face me.
" Lucy?" Natsu called my named, he ran toward me smiling widely, " You're okay." My heart leapt, he was smiling.
" I'm fine. My head hurts, but other than that…" I trailed off, noticing the menacing glare I received from Gajeel, I tried not to return the glare, instead I smiled. " So, what were you guys talking about? What wasn't us?"
Natsu shook his head, and turned to Gajeel, as if silently telling him not to answer my question. I tapped my foot on the pavement, and crossed my arms, " How am I suppose to help you if you won't tell me?"
Natsu sighed and faced me again, the smile fading into a frown, " I don't want to get you involved."
"I 'm already involved Natsu."
He shook his head again, " Don't worry about. It's not time yet." Gajeel walked on over to us, Natsu turned slightly and whispered something.
Time yet? Dammit Natsu.
" Lets go back…" Natsu said. Walking past me leaving me and Gajeel standing there.
" What about him?" I asked pointing the the metal faced bastard.
" Yeah, what about me?"
" He's coming isn't he?"
I motioned for Gajeel to follow. Glancing back now and then, making sure he wouldn't try anthing funny. I didn't hate him, nor did I like this guy. He destroyed my favorite place, the tavern. He hurt my friends. But I guess he had a legit reason considering his and all the Dracian's history with our town. But. What were they talking about?
Everyone was outside. Staring at our wrecked tavern.
" Your back. " Mira stated seeing Natsu and me return. Everyone turned around, immediately their relieved expressions turned into glares. Erza clenched her teeth pointing her sword up at the man who stood behind us.
" He's not welcomed here." She growled, " Turn back at once, If you're seen in this town again, I will not hesitate to cut you down."
" You say that but what happened the last time you did it?" He smirked pushing the blade away and stared her down, their noses inches away from touching, " I'm with Salamander here, nothing you say will make me leave. You're wasting your breath." Natsu shoved him away and turned to Mira.
" Sorry Mira… I'll try to keep him on a tight leash." Natsu said and walked past them. Gajeel tailing behind him.
" Mira." I started watching them disappear from my sight , " I… have a feeling something big is going to happen. Though, I can't be sure." I turned looking away from the last spot I saw the pinkette and looked Mira in the eyes, " He won't tell me what's going on."
" I'm sure he'll tell you sooner or later." Mira replied a small smile spreading across her face. I nodded slowly and took a step, about to follow them, " Please be careful around the other man Lucy. He did this," She waved her arms at the debris, " He seems like the type to not care what he does, he'll tear you apart."
" I'm sure Natsu will take care of that if he tried," I said smiling, " He doesn't seem like the type who'd want to see someone get hurt. Other than the knights that is."
" You're right."
I never forget a scent Gajeel…
It's all over the place, I can't pin point it.
But was it really just the knights? Natsu, just what is it that you don't want me to know.
I walked down the streets, finding my way to my house on Strawberry ave. I spotted Natsu and Gajeel a little way down, standing by the small river with someone standing in front of them. I ran over to them.
" Natsu!" His head turned, his black eyes glinted with light from the sun that was now starting to set.
" Lucy." I looked behind him, seeing a small girl with blue hair and a little yellow headband. She was wearing a little black cat purse that hung on her waist.
" Levy!" I pushed past Natsu and hugged the smaller girl.
" Lu-chan! Glad to see you." I stepped beside Levy and faced the others.
" What are you guys doing."
" Gajeel here has no where to stay. I'm pretty sure you don't want him in your place am I right?" Natsu asked.
" Of course not! I'm not having two guys in my house!"
" Then where the hell do you expect me to stay?" Gajeel snapped." Outside?"
" Yes." Gajeel 'tsked' and grabbed me by my shoulder, pushing me aside. " H-hey!"
" Oi, squirt." Gajeel said, leaning down to match Levy's height, " How 'bout you let me stay with you for a while. In return I'll keep the bad guys away."
" W-w-whaaaat?" Levy stuttered backing away. But Gajeel had her by the arm and was already dragging her down the street. Natsu ran after them and shouted.
" If I find out you tried to hurt her Gajeel! I'll beat you to a bloody pulp!"
" Lu-chan," Levy whimpered, her face turning red. I turned to Natsu and grabbed his hand.
" Natsu! Do you think that was wise of you? He just destroyed part of the town not to mention our tavern! "
" Gajeel won't hurt her. If he knows what' s good for him." I sighed. He better be right. Now how will I explain this to the others. Mira for sure will not be happy. Natsu grabbed my hand, tilting his head to the side, looking off into the distance. I followed his gaze, seeing nothing more than buildings and a few people.
" What are you looking at?" I questioned turning back to him. He straightened and looked me in the eye.
" Do...Do you hear something?" I stood still, listening to anything out of the ordinary. Only the sound of people walking through the streets in the distance, and Natsu's heavy breathing could be heard. I shook my head.
" What is it?"
He said nothing for a while, looking up into the sky cocking his head again. Then he looked back at me and shrugged, " Nevermind." He tugged my arm and started to pull me through the streets, towards my apartment. I unlocked the door and walked in, waiting for Natsu to follow, locking the door behind us.
" Try not to break anything," I said yawning suddenly feeling tired. Natsu said nothing as he walked over to his room closing the door gently. I walked over to my room and leaned against the window, feeling the cold breeze. Maybe I should get the bath ready.
