Chapter 11: Searching for Wendy

[Gray]

It's been two hours and we still haven't found that damn brat. Or her cat. Lucy and I have searched all the docking ports and a few train stations. Nothing. We even went to Hibiki but he wasn't of much use. I'm almost ready to quit. Right now, Lucy and I are sitting on a bench at one of the train stations.

"Do you think she could have been kidnapped?" Lucy asks.

I shrug. "It's possible. But who would want to kidnap Wendy of all people?"

"I don't…" she pauses then suddenly says, "The Jiggle Butt Gang!"

I frown. "Who?"

She turns and faces me. "Don't you remember? She is their 'goddess.' They admire her to no end. Kind of like Fried with Laxus."

"So you're thinking that they want her all to themselves?"

She nods. "That's exactly what I think."

"But they could be anywhere."

"All we need to know is if there's been any shipment of something valuable today. They're probably gonna be there."

I nod. "We should contact Natsu and Erza. They need to know about this."

"How do we do that?"

"Couldn't you send one of your spirits?"

She frowns. "I suppose I could ask Virgo…"

"Hurry up and decide. Wendy's getting further away."

She nods and stands. "Open! Gate of the Maiden, I call upon thee! Virgo!"

A yellow light surrounds Lucy for a few brief seconds. Then Virgo is standing next to her.

"You called, hime?" Virgo says.

Lucy nods. "Virgo, I need you to track down Natsu and deliver a message to him."

Virgo nods. "What is the message?"

"Tell Natsu to meet us at Magnolia Station as soon as he can."

"Anything else?"

Lucy shakes her head. "No that's it."

Virgo bows. "I shall depart now."

"Hiyaku!"

"Sumimasen…punishment?"

"Just go!"

"Hai." Then Virgo disappears underground.

Lucy stumbles and I catch her. "Oi, are you alright?"

Her face turns pink and she looks at me. "Just a little dizzy is all."

We sit down and I take a closer look at her. She's pale and looks tired. I knew she should've stayed home! But did she listen? No. I admire her dedication, but risking your health isn't something I support.

"You're kinda pale." I say, trying not to show too much concern.

She look at me and sighs. "I know…"

I hesitate but reach out my hand and feel her forehead. She doesn't have a fever. Yokatta. That's always good. I remove my hand and look at her.

"I'm just a little tired…" Lucy says. "I don't know what's wrong with me." She smiles sheepishly.

"W-well…until Natsu gets here…you can use me as a pillow." My whole face gets hot and I can only pray that it's not too pink.

She smiles a little and blushes. "I just might take you up on that."

A few minutes later, she lays her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes. I try to contain myself, which is really hard. My whole body tenses. I take a few deep breaths and loosen up a little bit. I look down at her face. She looks so peaceful…

I people watch while I wait for Natsu and Erza to get here. If Lucy's right, this should be easier than I thought. From what I've heard, this Jiggle Butt Gang is about as harmless as a fly. But they do pack a powerful stench, like a skunk.

Don't worry, Wendy. We'll find you. We won't stop searching until we find you.