Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters.
Elfman frowned and stared up at the now slightly crescent moon. They were past the midway point in the cycle and still no sign of Mira. What would he do without her? He didn't want to face a new moon on his own.
Life felt like it had ended for both of them when they lost Lisanna. Mira used to be so saucy and bold. She was fearless in her work with Erza as law representatives for the council. She had even been preparing to take promotion to a position on the mainland. She had been so talented and still was, what about the death of their sister had made her throw that all away?
Elfman recognized he was doing this to punish himself. That guilt that he hadn't been home to stop her, or at least go with her, was his constant companion. Lisanna was so good and sweet, she made their parent's inn into the most warm and welcoming spot on the island. She had her life all figured out. Even when Natsu came along, things seemed right. He fit into their family easily, he had already become the brother Elfman never had. Everyone thought Lisanna and Natsu would be married soon, they seemed happy, content. To this day, he still didn't know what had made them go to the altar.
That night Elfman had snuck out to be with Evergreen. He hadn't told his sisters. He knew Mira didn't really approve, so he wanted to be sure that the relationship was something real before breaking the news to them. Dating with two overprotective and stealthily nosy sisters was trying. Despite this, he couldn't help but be drawn to Evergreen. She was smart, beautiful, and strong, and, at that time, very sweet to him. Unfortunately, he broke her heart because in sneaking out with Evergreen, he had let his sister go off and lose her life. Now he just couldn't spend time with Evergreen without thinking about it.
At first she was willing to give him time, but days turned to weeks, weeks to months, and her waiting heart grew bitter. He knew he was letting her slip out of his fingers, but he just let her go, and Evergreen couldn't forgive him for it. It was for the best anyway, he had to focus on protecting the family he had left. Evergreen deserved someone who could put her first and he couldn't do that right now, maybe ever. Still, despite knowing this, tonight his thoughts were also full of her. She was over on the mainland as well, was she safe?
As much as they needed him here, with clearing the altar and preparing for his sister's return, Elfman really wished he had put his foot down and gone himself. It was hard knowing the two most important people in your life were on a dangerous journey and all you could do was wait.
When they finally came to a stop, Lucy gasped for breath. Her tent, her beautiful tent, that she hadn't even been able to spend one night in, was now completely ruined. She didn't have long to mourn it though, for only a moment later the tent was torn open, revealing a large, terrifying man with dark, unruly hair, and deep, merlot eyes. He was pierced everywhere, his face, his ears, his arms, and he reeked of sweat and copper. It looked as if instead of finding the metal mage, he had found them.
He grinned down at them. "Gi-hee-hee, looks like I got two for the price of one."
Mira bravely stood, placing herself between Lucy and Gajeel. "What do you want with us?"
Gajeel frowned, "Ya think yer in any place to be askin' questions?"
"Are you Gajeel?" Lucy asked, unable to hide the tremor in her voice.
Gajeel stood and stared down at them with his arms crossed. "How do you know my name?"
"We have been looking for you, we need your help. . ." Mira started.
He grinned, but his expression gave Lucy chills. She watched in horror as he freed an arm and the skin melted to liquid metal and began to change. "I don't help anyone but myself."
His arm reformed into a long oblong shape, around it a metal chain covered in jagged teeth. Lucy made a startled scream when it started moving. It was just so loud and the chain whirred so fast, melting into his arm and coming back out on the other side. Mira firmed her jaw and pushed Lucy farther behind her. Then she slowly started edging them back away from Gajeel and his terrifying arm.
"You know the problem with this place," Gajeel shouted over the sound as he took a step forward. "None of you will even get the reference! This arm is so freaking hilarious and I have to enjoy it by myself. Is it too much to ask for just one of you to say you found me beautiful once?"
"If I say it will you let Lucy go?" Mira asked.
"No, sorry, you little bunnies fell in my trap and now this wolf doesn't let his dinner go." He pointed back at Lucy. "'Sides that bunny girl is my ticket to freedom. No way in hell she's getting out of here."
Lucy wanted to vomit, why her? Mira gave her a reassuring squeeze then asked Gajeel, "What does Lucy have to do with anything?"
"Hell if I know, and it ain't my problem, she's gotta go." He revved the chain on his arm and returned to his slow march towards them.
Lucy screamed again. She wondered how Mira was able to stay so calm. Gajeel came closer and closer. The strange metal contraption just a hair away from cutting Mira's arm when he stopped.
He frowned, "Nah, this is too fucked up, even for me." His arm shifted back to his original form so quickly that Lucy almost missed it. He stroked his chin. "Just too messy."
Lucy looked around the room, there were crates everywhere, some broken open, some still intact. Everything was dusty and dirty. Old broken bottles and half eaten food. Though she was thankful for it, it seemed strange that he would be concerned about the mess. Maybe he wouldn't hurt them after all?
Her hope was short lived, disappearing when he grinned and said, "I know, I'll just beat ya into submission." Without missing a beat, he punched Mira so hard she went flying, breaking a few boxes with her descent. Then, Lucy's eyes widened in fear as he took a step closer to herself.
Even Lucy was surprised when Mira hopped back to her feet easily. Mira stretched her neck and didn't hesitate to sprint back towards Gajeel. "That was not very nice!"
Gajeel's eyes were wide when he turned to look in her direction. "What the hell? Are you made of metal too?"
Mira ran to meet him, her fist meeting his surprised face. With Gajeel properly distracted, Lucy tried to look for something, anything to help her. Why was she so useless!
There was an explosion outside, Mira grinned up at her opponent who was slowing righting himself and rubbing his jaw. "Looks like trouble is heading your way Gajeel. You should stop fighting now. Maybe we could work something out?"
"Or maybe I just kill you both first and I've got nothing to worry about!" He punched her hard, his arm exploding out in a long metal rod. Lucy cringed sympathetically, from the sounds Mira made, she definitely felt it. She hit the wall with a grunt, it took Mira longer to come to this time. Lucy began frantically tearing apart crates, there had to be something. Why couldn't she find anything to help them!
Somehow Mira pulled back to her feet. She ran to meet Gajeel again but he was ready, her kicks only met easy blocks and metal arms. Outside another explosion of light, and Mira was thrown again. This time the blow was to the head and she seemed to be staying down. Gajeel turned to Lucy with his sharp toothed grin. "That one was a monster for someone so tiny, but I bet you won't be so tough, will ya Bunny Girl?"
Outside another burst, it seemed to be getting closer now. Lucy hoped the guys got here soon! Another crate opened, but nothing of use caught her eye. Why did her father only ship useless crap! Gajeel was getting too close, so she pulled out the first thing she could get her hands on, unfortunately it was a small magic firecracker. A favorite for celebrations and festivals, not for battling metal magic wielding assholes.
"Whatcha gonna do with that Bunny Girl? We gonna have a party? Gi-Hee-Hee."
"When Natsu gets here he's going to melt you down into scrap metal if you touch me" she spat, not really believing it, but hoping her threat would slow him down.
"Natsu? You've got that little pipsqueak here with ya? I ain't afraid of him, not that it would matter anyway. All that I need to do is make sure you can't get to Tenrou and it all goes back to normal again. So, sorry Bunny Girl, your threats won't do ya any good." There was another explosion behind him and he grinned, "'Sides, your little torch ain't gonna make it, he's about to get trapped like the rat he is."
"How long are these damn tunnels?" Laxus complained. He shot a hole through to the ground behind them, creating a small avalanche of dirt in their wake.
Natsu coughed and ran on. "Do you have to keep making such a mess?"
"Suck it up, this is the only way to create a path for the other guys."
Natsu made a sound of annoyance, but kept running. They paused at a cross-section. "What is this guy? Mole man? How many damn tunnels does one guy need?"
Laxus frowned, "I guess this is why we were having trouble finding him, the guy's been underground."
"This place reeks of him too, its like the asshole never takes a bath. I can barely pick up Lucy's scent," He turned to Laxus and grinned mischievously. "You smell Mira at all? I bet you got that smell memorized by now."
Laxus didn't respond, only glared. Natsu laughed, then picked a tunnel. "I'm just kidding, I don't need your help anyway. Obviously I could do this on my own. You know, if you just want to wait here while I go save the girls, I'd be perfectly okay with that. Mira probably doesn't want to see you anyway."
"its really annoying that you keep making jokes at a time like this," Laxus growled as he ran along after Natsu.
"I've met Gajeel, I want him taking Lucy even less than I wanted you to take Lucy. Are you somehow saying that I'm not taking this seriously because I've made a joke or two? I take this very seriously," Natsu spat.
Laxus scoffed, "Are you kidding me? You don't take anything seriously. You know more than anyone how messed up this world is about to get, and you wanted to stay back in Magnolia. And why are you worried about Lucy now? I'm pretty sure if anybody else had kidnapped Lucy in the first place, you would have just left her. Hell, I was only fifty percent sure you'd come get her if I took her."
"Lucy can handle herself." Natsu frowned and then took the left turn at another intersection.
Laxus couldn't help but laugh. "I've kidnapped Lucy, Lucy cannot handle herself."
"Well I'm not her keeper, I'm not her anything!" Natsu exclaimed.
"So why are ya running to find her now?" Laxus grinned, maybe Natsu had a point. Getting under Natsu's skin was helping him take his mind off his concern about Mira.
"She was taken under my watch, and that pisses me off. It makes me look like an idiot!" Natsu frowned, "I still don't get why he took Lucy and Mira though. Think he's getting lonely out here living like some kind of filthy caveman?"
Laxus curled his lip in disgust. "Shit, I hope not."
Natsu sighed, "I hope this doesn't mean he's taken to hoarding women as well as stuff."
Laxus shook his head. "Nah, the Gajeel I remember wouldn't do that. He didn't know what to do with one woman, he sure as hell wouldn't know what to do with lots of 'em. He's always hoarded stuff though, I had to check his place when we were trying to find him after he disappeared. It was a damn disaster."
"Was he one with an itchy trigger finger though?"
"Nah, he really didn't like killing people, he just wanted their shit. Not that he won't hesitate to do it if he has to, but its not really his style." Laxus hoped this hadn't changed.
Natsu's foot depressed a square in the dirt ahead of him and there was the sound of gears engaging. The pair stopped. "What the hell was that?" asked Natsu.
"Probably not good for us," answered Laxus and he started forward again, Natsu sprinting along with him. The two were met by a sudden solid wall of metal. They turned and another wall fell down behind them. Just as Laxus was about to tear apart the dirt above them, they were boxed in, the walls, ceiling, and floor, all hard metal. "Damn it!" He sent his lightning into the wall in front of them, but it did nothing, it was just absorbed.
Natsu snorted, "Looks like we found your weakness." He enveloped his fist in hot flame and punched the wall blocking their way, it made a slight indentation. Natsu furrowed his brow. "Looks like this is gonna slow us down a bit."
Freed frowned, "its been quiet for too long."
Evergreen crossed her arms, "Do you think something happened to Laxus and Natsu?"
"Definitely," Freed said. "Bixlow, can you track Lucy and Mira?"
"Shouldn't we be looking for Laxus and Natsu?" Bixlow scratched his neck.
Freed shook his head. "They should be able to handle themselves, the girls have to take priority."
Evergreen stretched her arms. "Yes, rescue the girls and then we can go find Natsu and Laxus. Mira's pretty tough, but taking on someone with powers like Laxus' would be extremely difficult, especially alone. We all know Lucy isn't going to be much help."
Bixlow frowned and touched his forehead bringing forth one of his dogs. "Hey Peppe, can you find Mira?"
The hound nodded and stuck his nose in the air. Then he quickly disappeared into the night.
"How are we supposed to find him?" Evergreen asked.
Bixlow winked, "I always know where my babies are."
A very tired Happy landed on Evergreen's shoulder and rubbed his eyes. "Do you guys know where Natsu went? I woke up and he wasn't in the tree anymore!"
"I'm surprised you've been able to sleep as long as you did! The girls were taken by Gajeel, he went to rescue them. Unfortunately, we've lost contact," explained Evergreen.
This woke Happy right up, he leapt into the air and started flying around frantically. "Lucy has been taken! Why didn't Natsu wake me? What are we going to do?"
"Happy are you strong enough to lift a person?" asked Freed with a tilt of his head.
Happy nodded. "Yes, for a little bit. I can't do someone too heavy though, Laxus and Bixlow would definitely be too much for me."
Freed stroked his chin. "I think I've got a plan."
Mira struggled to get herself up. She could feel her body working overtime to keep up with healing the damage Gajeel had caused, and it made her ache, itch, and burn all over. She didn't have the power or the energy to keep this up much longer, but she had to try and keep him from hurting Lucy.
Lucy was throwing crate after crate in front of Gajeel as she ran deeper and deeper into his stash. She was going in the wrong direction, she needed to head towards the exit. At this rate Lucy was going to trap herself. The explosions had stopped, what did that mean? What were the bursts in the first place? Mira prayed the rest of their group would find them soon.
Mira had to help her. Using the last bit of energy she had left, she rocked herself forward and wobbled to her feet. "Don't . . .touch . . .her . . ." she breathed out.
Gajeel looked over at her with an expression of exasperation. "Crap, woman! Can't you just stay the fuck down! How many times are ya gonna to make me hurt ya?"
Mira pushed through the pain to take a few steps, moving helped the healing, she needed to keep moving. Before she could get too far, she took another metal rod to the gut, making her lose her breath and footing, falling back into another stack of crates.
There was a howling outside and Gajeel's grin grew. "Maybe I won't have to hurt you after all bunny girl. How would you like to go play with some puppies?"
Lucy looked horrified. Gajeel snapped her up easily, as if this whole time he had just been toying with her, and hauled her kicking and screaming out of the cave. In his excitement, he missed the relieved smile on Mira's tired face. She knew the howling didn't mean wolves or monsters, it meant the cavalry had arrived.
Lucy flailed her arms and legs with all her might, but her father's men had not been exaggerating, kicking Gajeel was like kicking a canon ball. He was so solid that she was hurting herself way more than she was hurting him.
Gajeel sniffed in frustration. "I can't find anything in this rain. I'm just gonna have to tie you up somewhere so they can find ya."
Lucy whimpered, "Please let me go you don't have to do this."
Gajeel shook his head. "You're wastin' yer breath. The lady says this is the only way,"
"What lady?"
"How the hell would I know? She comes to me in my dreams." Gajeel blew a snot rocket and then wiped his nose while he paused to listen for the direction of the howling.
"You're listening to some voice in your dreams? What are you crazy?" Lucy exclaimed.
He readjusted her on his shoulder and growled, "Back off bunny girl. You live in a world with wizards everywhere and you're gonna get on me for listening to a woman in my dreams? If she's not real then how the hell do I know what you look like when I've never seen ya in my entire life?"
The howling got louder and he smiled wide. "Look blondey, they want cha so bad they are letting us know where they are! Let's go meet 'em."
Suddenly, a tree to their left exploded into a tiny cloud of orange and yellow. It rained wood chips and ash over their heads. "The shit?" exclaimed Gajeel as he wiped the dust from his eyes. A tree just to the right of them exploded as well. Lucy took advantage of his disorientation and popped the firecracker right next to his ear. He screamed and dropped her in order to put a hand over his sensitive eardrum.
Lucy closed her eyes. She was so disoriented from the smoke and the wood shrapnel, that she couldn't see to catch herself. Lucy waited to hit the ground, knowing it was going to hurt. Her shirt was grabbed so swiftly, that she thought maybe Gajeel had regained hold of her. However, instead of slamming back onto his firm shoulder, she felt the breeze. She opened her eyes to Happy, struggling hard on tiny wings to keep them up.
Happy grinned down at her. "Geez Lucy, what have you been eating!"
Lucy started to scold him, "Happy you. . ." Then the relief set in, she was safe. Gajeel couldn't get her now. She softened her features to a grateful smile. "I'm just so happy to see you."
Beneath them Gajeel was shaking a fist at them, yelling every curse word he could think of. He didn't notice the dark spirits circling him until it was too late. He looked down at Bixlow's hounds and his eyes widened. "What the hell kind of dog is that?" His body was hard iron now, his fear making him cautious, but even with his armored body, he took a fearful step back. Lucy didn't blame him, they were not wolves or dogs, they were something unnatural. Dark shadows for bodies, and glowing red eyes, sharp teeth and powerful jaws. If Lucy was down there she would have wet her pants.
"Can you believe those came out of Bixlow's face? You've got some weird friends Lucy," remarked Happy.
"Bixlow's face?" Lucy looked back down at the creatures in wonder. The hounds moved around Gajeel, nipping at his heels and pushing him onward.
He cursed and ran, but between the explosions and the dogs, Gajeel had no control over his direction. He was being very effectively herded. Gajeel ran until he hit a barrier, his body painfully smashing against the bright purple flash of light. He leapt back to his feet and tried to run the other way but he was stopped again. The runes glowed around his feet marking his cylindrical prison. Gajeel growled in frustration, kicking and punching at the invisible wall.
Freed stepped out from the trees with a small smile. "Struggling will do you no good Gajeel. You are trapped, and you will not be going anywhere until I let you."
Happy landed with Lucy and then perched on her shoulder. He panted and leaned against her head. "I hope I never have to carry you again, you are way heavier than Natsu."
"Damn cat," she grumbled, "I'm not that heavy!"
The hounds stopped circling Gajeel and ran to greet a just appearing Bixlow happily, their sharp teeth pulled up in smiles and their tails wagging frantically. He patted them all on the head."You guys did a great job!"
Evergreen came out of the trees. "Are you okay Lucy? So glad he brought you out like that, we were worried we'd have to find a way to get him to leave the cave." She rested a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder. "At least it appears you are alright. Sorry it took us so long, it would seem we lost Natsu and Laxus."
Bixlow turned to Freed. "Should we send someone through the tunnels?"
Freed ran a hand through his hair. "I suppose that would be the next step, I'm just worried whoever goes down there will get stuck in the same trap that caught Natsu and Laxus."
"I could send one of my babies to check," Bixlow offered.
The ground blasted open behind them and Natsu leapt out, fists flaming and ready for a fight. "Where is that bastard!"
When he noticed Lucy, he released a deep breath and his flames went out. He stomped over to her, getting in her personal space, so close she could feel the heat still radiating off of him. He began looking over her hands and her arms for any signs of abuse.
"Natsu?" She exclaimed, pulling her arms away from him to cover her chest. His perusal was making her cheeks turn bright red. Didn't he realize he was too close?
"Did he touch you? Did he hurt you? Where is Gajeel?" Natsu asked, lifting her hair and looking closely at her neck.
"Natsu, I'm fine," she said shakily, taking a step away. "Freed trapped him with a barrier. Mira's the one who's hurt, she kept me safe. You guys need to go get Mira."
"Mira? Where is she?" asked Laxus as he pulled himself out of the hole.
Lucy pointed back in the direction she came from. "I think back at the cave."
Laxus nodded and dusted himself off. Then he turned and ran, disappearing into the night.
Deciding Lucy was well, Natsu stomped over to Gajeel. He was still trying to punch his way out of the barrier, but his attacks were slowing down. Natsu sat down next to him and frowned. "What the hell are you doing metal face?"
"Fuck off," Gajeel growled. He stopped fighting and crossed his arms, but he didn't look at Natsu. Instead he stared off into the woods behind them.
"No, you need to start talking. What the hell were you doing taking Lucy and Mira? I thought you were just taking stuff." Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Taking stuff is one thing Gajeel, taking people is another. I'm not good with you taking people."
"I ain't taking people and you ain't the police, so back off!" Gajeel motioned with his head to Lucy. "I just needed to get blondey over there, the other girl was just in the tent too, that's all."
"Lucy! Why the hell would you need Lucy?" Natsu exclaimed.
Gajeel frowned, the he sighed, "The woman in my dreams told me its the only way to go back, its the only way I'll feel good again."
"The woman in your dreams. . ." Natsu repeated back. Then his eyes widened. "You can't listen to her!"
"What the hell do you know?" snarled Gajeel.
Natsu stood, "You can't listen to her, shes a lying bitch."
Gajeel looked over at Natsu warily. "What? Are you telling me you know who it is?"
Natsu shook his head and shoved a finger in Gajeel's face. "No, but you have to ignore her!"
Gajeel furrowed his brow. "I don't have to do shit."
"Gajeel don't listen to the voice, it lies. It never makes good on its promises. All that voice brings is death and doom."
Gajeel smirked, "Maybe I like death and doom."
Thunder rumbled in the sky and the clouds started to release the rain. Tiny droplets splattered on Lucy's face and she shivered at the combination of the thunder and Gajeel's words. Natsu looked unimpressed. He held his hand out to feel the rain and grinned. "Well Gajeel, if you can't behave it looks like its going to be a wet night for you. We, on the other hand, will be spending a nice, dry night in your hovel back there." He turned and waved over his back. "Bye dipshit, see ya in the morning."
"Wait, seriously? You're just gonna leave me out here?" Gajeel yelled. "I don't even have enough room to lay down in this thing!"
"Not my problem," Natsu turned and grinned. "Maybe this way you'll learn to behave."
The entire group turned and began the walk back to the cave, ignoring Gajeel's groans that turned to growls. Lucy was surprised when Natsu placed an arm over her shoulder. He leaned towards her and tilted his head, studying her face carefully. "Are you sure you're okay Luce?"
"Ye . . .yes," she stuttered, feeling slightly off kilter from his strange behavior.
He grinned and put his hands behind his head. "Good. I hope that asshole has something worth eating in there, cause I'm starving!"
When Laxus found Mira, he came to a halt and stared. A strong feeling of rage and agony washed over him to see her strewn about the crates like a doll left behind and forgotten. Her lip bled, her right eye was swelling shut, and her breaths were slow and labored. He was torn between going to her and leaving her to tear Gajeel apart.
She made the decision for him by slowly opening her good eye and rasping out, "Laxus?"
He took a few hesitant steps in her direction. "You look like hell Mira."
She chuckled and gave a weak cough. "Oh, this is nothing. Is Lucy okay?"
"Yeah." He knelt next to her and gently wiped the blood from her chin. "Shit Mira, I can't believe he did this to you."
She looked at him with her one good eye. "Where is Gajeel? Is he going to come with us?"
"Who gives a shit if he's going to come with us?" Laxus asked in exasperation. He couldn't believe she was half dead in this messy hellhole, and she was worried about fulfilling the goddamn prophesy. What the hell was up with her priorities? Laxus breathed deeply from his nose and frowned. "If you want, I'll beat him unconscious and we can drag him back in a bag."
"Oh, you don't have to do that," she breathed out, closing her eye again.
Laxus smoothed her hair and whispered, "God Mira, look at your face."
She gave the faintest of shrugs. "Once I rest it will heal. I always heal fast, I'm just tired right now."
Laxus raised a brow and motioned to the boxes and trash she laid in. "You wanna rest here in all this shit?"
Mira breathed out a laugh and frowned. "No, its actually really uncomfortable, but I can't move anymore."
He lifted her gently, cringing when she hissed at the pain. "Damn, sorry, your limbs are everywhere," he murmured as he gathered her into his arms.
She curled into his chest and closed her eyes, "No, no, you're fine. You feel nice, you're so warm."
He had intended to put her down, but he couldn't find anywhere that looked the least bit clean. He couldn't believe Gajeel lived like this. Laxus found a corner and slid himself down into a seated position, trying to make himself comfortable without moving her too much. She burrowed deeper into his shoulder and sighed.
Laxus hated this, he should have been here sooner. He should have reacted quicker or he should have been with her in the first place. He hated to admit it, but he was lucky Natsu had been there or else he would have been trapped in that metal box for an eternity. He was also lucky to have the people he was starting to consider his team to make sure Lucy wasn't harmed. Laxus was sure she wouldn't have been able to take the beating Mira had taken and live. Then it would have been on him, because he was the reason she was here in the first place.
Natsu was the first to enter the cave. When he saw them he started to grin but then his face melted to concern when he noticed Mira's injuries. Instead of a snarky comment, he gave Laxus a nod and turned to regard the mess that was Gajeel's home. "Alright Lucy, where's the food?"
Lucy shook her head and gave him a look of disbelief. "How the hell would I know that?"
"I don't think even Gajeel would know where it is from the looks of this place." Evergreen wrinkled her nose with disgust.
Bixlow leapt onto a busted mattress that was tossed in the corner. "I don't know, its not so bad. Maybe he has some kind of system."
"We need to clean up this mess." Freed frowned and crossed his arms. "We should also use this time to restock as much as we can, some of these supplies will be useful for the journey home. Unless, of course, you have any issue with that Lucy?"
Lucy widened her eyes. "Me? Why would I have an issue?"
Freed gestured to the boxes. "Well, I'm assuming these are mostly your father's wares from the Heartfilia stamp on the crates. Won't you want to make sure it is all returned to him? We could send him a letter about this location once we get to Hargeon."
Lucy tilted her head and tapped her chin. "Yes, we should send a letter, that is an excellent idea Freed. However, I think we should take whatever we need." She smiled. "After all, there should be some reward for removing the thief."
Natsu put his arm around Lucy and offered her a cookie from a tin. "I like the way you're thinking Lucy." He grinned with a mouth full of food.
"How did you find that so quick?" Lucy asked. Though she gave him a look of disgust, she still took the proffered cookie.
Natsu just grinned wider and pointed to his face. "This nose always knows!"
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