So it is Friday morning not evening...but it's still Friday! Do I get brownie points for that?
...Anyway, I have to tell a little story, it's short. Remember I mentioned that I have been working on this fanfic for months? Well, I originally wrote this out on a notebook during the summer. When it was late September early October I decided to finish the story typing it out and stopped writing in the notebook after I finished Chapter 9. So this chapter was not in my notebook a few months ago...So in November, I was going to use my laptop, I bumped my flash drive into something and well...I could no longer access my flash drive...the chip became disconnected (cue "It's the end of the world as we know it" by REM) what made the situation worse was that I had a rough draft for a paper due the next day. Thank my lucky stars that I did not close out off of Word, my rough draft paper was still up on my computer when it happened...but that did not go for the same for my typed out fanfic...I typed out 15 chapters and I was planning on going on this site and just uploading them T-T. When I went home for Thanksgiving break, I remembered I had an old flash draive that I used to use...so I'm using that and I'm just glad I wrote out all the chapters months ago when I did!
Chapter 10: Marco Polo
Gajeel ran through the darkness, using his nose to lead a majority of the way and using his eyes trying to see if Levy was hiding in a small corner crying.
After a few minutes of running, he began to call Levy, "Oi, Shrimp! Where are ya at?"
"Gajeel!" Lily hissed, "do you want them to find us faster?!"
"We gotta find Levy and then we can kick their asses when the time comes,"
Pantherlily rolled his eyes and let Gajeel call Levy through the darkness, "Short stack?" Gajeel called again.
…
As soon as the lights went out, Levy put the pin in one of her pockets.
The girl tried to move around to see if she could, but she was blind, because of the darkness, which greatly reminded her of when she activated a trap door and fell into the library.
She kept bumping into things, walls, books, and book shelves.
"I'm going to have bruises all over," Levy complained to herself.
Finally Levy stopped walking; she did not want to have any more bruises than she did now. Standing still for a moment, Levy thought she heard a familiar voice.
"G-Gajeel?" Levy asked out loud, hoping that she did not call out to the wrong person.
A few seconds later, Levy got the response she wanted, "Shrimp?"
"I'm over here!" Levy shouted.
Then there was silence, she could not hear footsteps, breathing, or Gajeel cursing because he bumped into something…it was dead quiet.
"G-Gajeel…where are you?" Levy stuttered.
Levy could feel her heart pounding out of her chest, breathing became short and fast, she also began to tremble.
'The darkness,' Levy thought to herself as she shook like a leaf. She remembered ever since she was little, she had trouble with the dark. It had a lot to do with her past. The fact that when she was little. There was a dark guild that had come to attack her small town one quiet night. Her parents had told her to stay in her room and to be quiet. However, unknowingly to her, one of the members was able to go through solids and attacked Levy in her room. The guild member came out of the shadows and little Levy screamed and begged for her life. Just when the guild member was about to pull a dagger through Levy her mother pulled her out of his hands and her dad tried to protect them both…This selfless action angered the mage.
Somehow, Levy and her mother ran outside and just stopped in the woods, Levy's mother told her to forget about them and run for her life and that she was meant to do great things. Levy obeyed and ran, never to see her parents again.
The memory caused Levy to go deep in thought. What snapped her out of her thoughts was a large hand rough hand that had touched her from behind.
Levy memories and the events happening in the present combined into a pot of emotions and instincts, she closed her eyes tight and screamed bloody murder.
"Oi! It's me!" Gajeel shouted turning Levy around the face him.
Levy stopped screaming and opened her eyes. She saw a pair of faint red eyes that looked down at her.
"G-Gajeel," Levy managed to say as she was about to sob
"Let's not forget me, shall we?" Lily said from the top of Gajeel's head.
Levy gave a small laugh a bit then went back to her tears. They were not tears of sadness, they were relief. Levy hugged Gajeel unexpectedly; tears were streaking down her face.
"I-I was so scared-d," the crying mage hiccupped.
Gajeel was surprised by the unexpected hug from Levy. However, he allowed it. Since Levy is afraid of the dark, which did not make matters for her any better.
Gajeel slowly and awkwardly wrapped his arms around levy's small frame. He placed one of his arms around Levy's shoulders. With his other hand, he placed his hand on the crown of her head. He slowly and gently rubbed her head with his thumb through her feather like hair softly messaging her scalp.
Levy continued to sob and soak Gajeel's clothes. Although, Gajeel could care less, as long at Levy was okay and safe then he could care less what happens to his clothes.
They were like this for a few minutes this, Gajeel's senses were only focusing on Levy and Levy alone, not realizing how close the mob of hooded figures were.
"Uh, guys," Lily interrupted, "I hate to ruin a lovely and very rare moment, but we have some unwanted company," Lily said turning his voice into a low whisper.
Gajeel tried to give Lily a hard look, but the cat was right. The other mages were on their way. He could hear their soft footsteps and shouts in the distance, they had to find a hiding spot and fast.
So without thinking, Gajeel let go of Levy and moved his hands to her small waist, lifting her off the ground with ease tossing her over his shoulder.
"G-Gajeel," Levy stammered, "What are you doing?!"
"Shrimp…shut up," Gajeel ordered.
Levy blinked a few times, but did not say another word. She let the dragon slayer sneak around the maze of bookshelves. The large man finally stopped in one of the many aisles. In the middle, there was a very long ladder that lead to the top of the book shelf. He began to climb the ladder with Levy still on his shoulder and Lily still on his head. They reached the top without any incident.
Gajeel gently placed Levy and Pantherlily down.
"We should be okay for now," Gajeel whispered to the other two.
Both Levy and Lily nodded.
Gajeel crept to the edge of the book shelf to keep a close eye on the hooded mages. Levy and Lily decided to sit down and keep quite.
However, Levy began to think about the events that have happened and she began to get a bit depressed.
'This is my entire fault! If I wasn't so careless and less clumsy, none of this would have happened!' Levy thought as she pulled her knees up and curled into a ball, placing her chin on her knees.
Levy was in a battle between parts of herself. That being it was her fault and other saying she could not have prevented it.
She sighed in defeat and gave in to the fact that it was her fault, it was easier too.
Levy felt like crying, but with Gajeel and Lily here they would think that she might have gotten hurt. The blue haired mage did not want their concern or even to burden them anymore than she was now.
"Levy?" a familiar male voice grabbed Levy's attention.
Levy didn't need to turn her head to know had called her, it was Lily.
"Yes?" Levy turned her head facing the cat with a small smile.
"Is something wrong?" Lily asked with a slight concern in his voice.
The question grabbed Gajeel's attention and turned to look at Levy.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Levy trying to convince the two that she was fine.
Lily gave a slight frown, but did not question it.
Levy gave Lily a big smile, still trying to reassure the cat. However, with the burn that she got from Natsu prevented her to do so and Lily did not look very convinced.
'If you say so," Lily said.
Levy mentally gave a sigh of relief that Lily was not going to question her anymore. She was about to go back to her thoughts when a large hand was placed gently on the crown of her head.
"Shrimp," Gajeel began, "stop lying,"
"B-But I'm not," Levy countered.
Gajeel raised a studded eyebrow, "Is that so?" he challenged.
Levy nodded.
Gajeel sighed and sat down next to her, "I don't believe ya,"
Levy frowned, 'Why do you care?!'
"That's not what is important right now," Levy said with a hint of venom in her voice.
"What is?"
"Getting out of here," Levy gestured to the library.
"Well that is high on my list right now," Gajeel said looking away from Levy to look at the ceiling, "But if yer brain ain't working like it usually does, I doubt we'll get out of here alive,"
"Why can't you use your magic and launch yourself out?" Levy asked annoyed by Gajeel's persistence.
"Can't," Gajeel shrugged and then looked at Levy.
Levy scrunched her nose, "Why not?"
"Apparently, we can't use magic; there is a pin that allows mages to use magic in the library," Pantherlily said deciding to join in the conversation.
Levy frowned for a moment, "Oh," Levy spoke as she pulled out a pin from a pocket, "You mean this pin?"
She held out the pin for both Pantherlily and Gajeel to see.
Gajeel leaned in a bit to get a better look of the pin, and then he grunted in confirmation.
"Wait, Levy where did you get that pin?" Pantherlily questioned.
Levy blinked a moment and both of the two were looking at her with curiosity and some amount of concern.
"I found it on the floor," Levy shrugged.
"If you put that pin on," Lily spoke out loud, "You'll be able to use magic,"
"Alright, put that sucker on and lead the fucking way!" Gajeel grinned.
"Gajeel, wait," Pantherlily warned, "what if there are consequences if she puts the pin on?"
Gajeel raised a studded eyebrow, he hadn't thought of that. He turned to look at Levy. The girl looked at Gajeel, then lily, and then the pin…it looked like she was weighing the options.
Gajeel did not want to risk Levy's safety; they had just found her several minutes before. What if something were to happen to the poor girl…what would he do then?
He took a breath and sighed…he was defeated.
However for Levy, this was her chance. A chance to show how strong she has gotten, but the opportunity was quickly closing…she had to act and fast.
"I'll put the pin on," Levy said with confidence.
Both Gajeel and lily looked at Levy. Her body language spoke confidence and strength. Her eyes showed a small fire in the back of her eyes. She was ready.
Gajeel frowned for a moment and then smiled crept on his lips. This is why he had a crush on the girl. She may not be the strongest, but she a spit fire when she needed to be one.
"Alright shorty," Gajeel nodded
"But Gajeel," Lily countered.
Gajeel only smiled at the cat.
After a few seconds of none verbal communication Pantherlily huffed in defeat. "Fine," Lily said bitterly, "but if this back fires-"
"Damn cat," Gajeel muttered under his breathe.
"Gajeel…" Pantherlily said in a harsh and serious voice
"I will take responsibility alright!" Gajeel yelled at the cat.
Lily nodded, satisfied with Gajeel's response, "Fair enough,"
They turned to Levy who was staring at the both of them. Not really sure what to make of the situation.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Gajeel asked, "Put the damn thing on!"
Levy obeyed and pinned it to her clothes.
They all waited for a moment. Either it being that Levy claimed that she could use magic or she would be on the floor curled up in pain begging for the pin to be removed.
"Well?" Lily asked Levy, hoping that the first option would happen and not the second.
"…Nothing," Levy admitted.
She was telling the truth; normally mages could feel magic in and around their surroundings. So when she didn't feel magic, she didn't feel magic.
Gajeel rubbed his temples; he was really hoping it worked right away. The only bright side was that Levy was fine.
"Well, at least nothing serious happened," Lily admitted crossing his paws over his chest.
However, as soon as lily had said that, Levy was feeling strange. She became tired all of a sudden. Her eyes were getting heavy and it was hard to keep her balance.
"I don't feel we-" Levy began, but did not finish because she fainted and was falling face first to meet the bookshelf.
Thankfully, Gajeel caught the girl right before she face planted on the wood.
Gajeel let out a sigh of relief, that he caught her. Now it was time to check if she was breathing. The man gently flipped Levy over so she was on her back. Gajeel could feel her soft breath escaping her mouth and her chest moving up and down.
After he was sure Levy was okay, he relaxed.
Behind him, Gajeel heard a small chuckle. The man turned around and lily stifling a small laugh.
Gajeel was confused to why Lily was laughing, this was serious!
"Let the responsibility, begin," Lily said telling Gajeel why he was laughing.
Gajeel gave a ferial growl, "Shut up!"
The outburst made Lily laugh a little more, "Well, you wanted to spend more time with her,"
Gajeel frowned, narrowing his eyes, and then looked away from the cat turning his attention to the little mage in his arms, "Not like this," he muttered.
"Let's make sure sleeping beauty is safe," Lily said teasing a little bit and then getting serious again.
"Yeah," Gajeel sighed getting up with Levy in his arms. He was carrying her bridal style, "We better hurry before those librarians kick our asses."
"Agreed," Lily nodded.
Both made their way down the bookshelf. Gajeel placed Levy in one of his large arms, cradling her. The other arm he used to help him down the ladder. They quietly sneaked their way through the library until they found an unused room.
Gajeel opened the door, letting Lily in first and then himself.
The room was very dark, "Lil', do you think you can find a light lacrima?"
"Yeah," Lily's voice said through the darkness.
There was some movement in the room until Lily found a light lacrima and returned to Gajeel with it in his hands.
The faint light allowed both Gajeel and Lily to see their surroundings.
The room was a small study room with a few bookshelves that sat against one of the walls, a table, and chairs.
Gajeel gently sat Levy down against the wall and he sat next to her sleeping form.
"I'll take first watch, go snuggle with the midget," Gajeel said poiting his thumb at Levy.
Pantherlily walked over to the other side of Levy and then he curled up into a ball. The cat closed his eyes, for a while, there was silence.
"Gajeel, we both care about her, you especially," Lily said with his eyes still closed.
"Yeah, yeah," Gajeel waved his hand knowing that Lily's eyes were closed that could not see his gesture, but he still did it anyway.
"Do we need another therapy session?" Lily teased.
"Don't even think about it," Gajeel hissed.
Lily chuckled and things went quiet again.
After about an hour, Gajeel sighed. He knew Lily was right; he just didn't want to admit it.
Gajeel kept his ears open for any movement near them near them. Thankfully, Gajeel could only hear footsteps and voices in the distance, but never near them.
It was possibly about three hours since he and Lily last spoke when Gajeel heard movement. It was close.
Gajeel turned his head toward the door…it was not coming from out there…Gajeel realized it was either Lily or Levy moving in their sleep.
"You still awake?" Lily asked.
"You want to switch?" Gajeel asked.
Lily stood up, stretched for a moment and walked around Levy to face Gajeel. "Yes, do you want to snuggle with Levy too?"
"Yer joking at a time like this?" Gajeel raised studded eyebrow.
Lily shrugged, "I enjoy her company too."
Gajeel huffed, he was getting nowhere with this conversation, "Fine, I'll rest,"
"That's a good dragon slayer," Lily patted Gajeel's foot as if he were some kind of pet.
"Do you have a death wish?" Gajeel asked giving Lily a frightening look.
"You know that look doesn't affect me and Levy anymore,"
Gajeel didn't say a word for a moment, "I liked you better when you were asleep,"
"I would say the same to you too," Pantherlily smiled.
"Damn cat," Gajeel muttered before he closed his eyes.
Lily stifled a laugh at Gajeel's comment.
While Gajeel, himself, tried to ignore the laugh as he feel asleep.
So I have a few comments and I have not responded to them...and I feel like a jerk for not responding...so my response to the reviews!
To ThreeDarkAngels, Thank you for reviewing to my story, it makes my day when I see a review on my story!
To JinxedCalinet, Thanks! I generally do not like to write, so when someone tells me that it is written well, I want to jump up and down on my bed like a kid again.
To Digi-fanCapp, I understand what you mean about people having cold hands in general, but that is not what I was going for...you may have to think outside of the box and also...during the winter or when I'm in a cold room. My hands and or my feet will get cold and I literally will not feel it until I touch them with my hand or my legs...
To Elfjefiederelfje, Thank you for the comment and I enjoy sharing my story with you guys and expect more stories to come...my ideas come out like rabbits!
** This is the Author, I have finished the story and I would to ask of you a favor, I would like you to go to the last chapter of the story called 'The Surprise'. Don't worry, it does not ruin the ending if you want to continue with the story And if you do not want to continue, this is your chance to decide on the next story I write...please vote before the end of February. I really want to know your thoughts :)**
