...hey-o, what's up?
It was a Dark n Stormy Night
Levy groaned mentally as she ran down the cobblestone streets of Oak Town. Rain poured and puddles formed all around. However, the bluenette didn't mind. She was late for a very important deadline and had to get there as soon as possible before the punishment was too great to bear.
The girl kept running until she saw a building with a sign reading: Phantom Lord Records. She groaned. She had only been there for some very long, yet few months and the work was unbearable. She constantly was a victim of verbal abuse and always felt unsafe when she left work at night. However, Levy knew that tonight would be worse.
She slowly knocked on the door.
Not to her surprise, Jose Porla answered swiftly—slamming the door against the wall. He glared down at her in disgust before a sadistic grin painted itself on his lips. He snickered darkly. "You're late."
Levy tried not to start crying then and there, so she kept her eyes on the ground and nodded slowly. "Yes sir, I know."
"Then you also know, I don't tolerate lateness." Porla replied in the same dark, playful tone as before. His grin widen. "Get inside, your punishment awaits."
'Work day n night for 48 hours. If anyone catches you sleeping, then I'll add another three hours. Good luck'
Levy whimpered slightly as Porla's words replayed themselves in her mind. It was an impossible task. To work a normal 9 hour day was pure torture, and 48 hours seemed mind shattering. How was she not to sleep?
Levy groaned as she sat in her small, cramped office in Phantom's damp basement. Papers were stacked miles high, all work that she had to do in her 48 hour sentence.
The weather grew worse and a terrible storm was brewing. Lightning flashed from the small window and thunder cracked. The light above Levy's head continuously flickered before suddenly going out completely.
"Ugh!" Levy groaned out loud. She sat in the darkness before moving around.
Soon small flickers of light began to glow around the room, illuminating the room. Levy went around lighting candles and soon there was enough light for Levy to work.
The bluenette sat back at her desk and cracked her knuckles. I may be stuck in hell, but I'm definitely not going to let these Phantoms get the best of me. My dad made a sacrifice for me and I'm going to be strong and grateful for that!
*CLUNK*
Levy jumped at the sound and looked up to see a large figure standing above her.
"So sad to see that a sight would be lost if Porla would have found out that you were sleeping." Aria's eyes were hidden but in the soft, candle light tears shined and twinkled.
A shiver went down Levy's back. "You wouldn't please-," she began to plead.
Aria held a hand. "I wouldn't dare. I don't want to see such a simpleton be burdened even more; it would pain me."
Though insulted, Levy felt slight at ease. "Oh than-,"
Aria wailed. "Oh no don't give thanks, for Totomaru will surely know."
Levy was confused. "How should he? Are you going to-,"
"No, but you will fall asleep again and he will be there so see." Before Levy could ponder on about the man's words, Aria soon disappeared into the shadows.
Levy groaned and looked around the office. I need coffee. She looked at her desk and found a mug. She glanced at the clock and figured she had enough time to sneak upstairs and get some coffee.
The bluenette crept upstairs. She weaved herself between the crowds of people and finally made it to the staff break room. It was really for the big shots of Phantom Records, never the commoners, but Levy couldn't let that stop her. She was already on the verge of having a mental breakdown and passing out from exhaustion. Aria only came after she was asleep for 10 minutes.
Levy was happy to find that no one was inside and quickly made work of some coffee. She threw in unmeasured amounts of sugar and cream and barely stirred the drink. The gal rushed but made sure not to leave a mess that would reveal her actions and show her track.
Returning, the bluenette slowly made her way back down to her office—without drawing any attention. She sighed when she was finally behind her desk. Thank God no one saw me.
Levy really didn't know what time of day it was. There weren't many windows in the building and the sun didn't shine much in Oak Town. Either way, the gal knew that Big Momma would be worried about her since she had gone out late and didn't, well wouldn't be returning for some time.
I'm so dead when I get home…Well if the work didn't kill McGarden first. The paper piles seemed to multiply in stacks and height, some towering over Levy's head.
The determined young lady sipped her coffee and stretched her arms. I can't let this stop me. Pops can do it and I can too. It'll only be a matter of time before this nightmare is over and I'll be done working for Porla. You can do this Levy!
The gal took out a pen and began filling out paperwork. It would only be some time before-
The car bumped and shook as it rode on the wet cobblestone road. The driver drove a bit swiftly and didn't speak much. His passengers did the same.
Well until they passed by a particular building.
"Phantom Records…" one man grunted.
His female companion sighed. "Seems Jose has made a name for himself... well it doesn't matter. We have old friends to meet up with."
The man grumbled. "Yea, but I wouldn't be surprised if that Jiver starts making a mess with those Phantoms. Crazy girl she is."
The woman giggled. "Jade-chan would never. She wouldn't want any attention. Besides, she's doing well singing all that jive music."
"Tea tunes they are."
"Not all of them. Juvia knows that Jade has more heart than that. Gajeel-kun does too." The blue haired woman smiled.
A younger Redfox glared at Juvia with those same intense red eyes—a look that had no effect of the young lady compared to what it did on others. His friend only smiled. Gajeel groaned. "Ugh whatever, bloody gal will get herself shot sooner or later."
The ride soon began getting rockier as the stone road revealed to have cracked and broken stones all over. Gajeel growled. "Damn road, will never get fixed."
Juvia chuckled. "It's been this way since we were kids. You might be right about that."
The ride continued until a loud POP! errupted from below the car and the weight of the car shifted back n forth.
Juvia gasped. "Oh my! What happened?"
Gajeel grumbled. "Stop the car."
The driver's voice was nervous. "I would but this isn't the safest place in town. We have a flat."
"It's fine. We grew up here anyway." Gajeel grunted in reply. "Pull over."
The driver nodded. "Well alright, I'll find a good place to pull over." The ride was a bit rocky but it was soon over once the driver slammed on the brakes.
"What the hell!" Gajeel growled as he grabbed Juvia before she made contact with the seat in front of her.
Juvia gasped for air. "Wow, I knew we should have put worn our safety belts! Thank you Gajeel-kun."
The man shot out a low 'no problem' before getting out the car. He opened the door of the driver. "What the hell man? The fuck I'm paying you for if you can't drive goddamn!"
The driver pointed in front of the car. "I could have sworn someone just ran in front of the car!"
The young man rolled his eyes. What crazy idiot would walk in front of a car? Especially in this rain. Before he could suspect the car, a figure popped in front of the car.
"Oh Lord have mercy on my soul, He did!" It was an older woman who was dressed in a yellow suit. She dusted herself and began walking away as if nothing happened.
"Lady, you alright? You got to be more careful!" The driver got out the car and called out to the woman. She may have seemed delicate but she sure as hell was tough and moved quickly.
She didn't turn around and waved a hand. "My bad, I'd chat, but I got to go save my kiddo."
"You want me to call a cab? This rain is crazy." The driver replied.
The woman kept walking. "That will only slow me down. Evening." She was soon down the street and out of view.
The two men looked down in shock. Juvia finally made her way out the car. "Is everything alright?" She examined the unfazed, startled looks on the men's faces. She raised a brow. "Juvia must have missed something."
Gajeel sighed before rubbing his forehead. "…this town always has crazy things going on." He tapped the driver's shoulder. "Come on, let's get out this rain before we get a cold. We can worry about the car later."
The driver nodded and relaxed his hands on his hips. "Yea well don't worry about payment. I was too lazy to check the tires before heading out." He gestured to Juvia. "Well Miss and Sir, let's go."
Juvia went off with the driver while Redfox stayed for a bit and looked down the road, still thinking about the woman who had got hit with the car. …I wonder where she went. She said she had to go save her kiddo…hope she alright.
"Come on Gajeel-kun!" Juvia called. Gajeel grunted and began catching up with the two. I wonder…
Levy covered her ears and kept her eyes shut. She continuously shook her head. No. No. No. This can't be happening to me.
It was a muffled up sound, but Levy could hear what was being said about her and they weren't pretty things at all. "Haha, I can't wait to see the look on Porla's face when I tell him you've been sleeping. Gosh, can't stand having such a bitch around."
Levy didn't know what happened. She had a couple cups of coffee and didn't push herself too hard when she worked. This can't be happening. How did I fall asleep?
Totomaru laughed. "And the best part would be that he would never know that I put sleeping medicine in your coffee either! A good plan indeed!"
Levy couldn't believe what she heard. "You bastard! You set me up! I've never done anything to you!" she exploded with raw emotions. The bluenette couldn't handle being treated so foully.
Totomaru only tittered. "Haha! I love that reactions. The whole quiet, hopeless act was such a bore. Good to see that the doll can feel."
"Why you sickening fool! I'd-," Levy was cut off by the sound of someone going down the stairs that led to her office. She and Totomaru turned to see who was coming.
A man in a tall hat entered the room in a purple suit. He's presence was dark and cold.
Jose Porla glared darkly at Totomaru. "What was so important that you had to interrupt my more important work at this time of night?"
Totomaru snickered. "I was coming by to see how the doll was doing and I found her sleeping. Damn shame it is." He turned and finished the rest while looking at Levy. "She was such a treat to play with." He gave McGarden a smirk. Levy held back the urge to glare at him.
Porla raised a brow. "Oh did she now?" he chuckled then made his way passed Totomaru and stood in front of Levy's desk. "Well Miss McGarden, what should we do with you? We could drop you, but you have a fine to pay." The man snickered demonically before gently grabbing Levy's hand and holding it. He examined it. "Well there's always other work you could do that." He grinned. Levy gasped and quickly pulled back her hand.
"I assure you that's not necessary." A voice came surprisingly and startled the three occupants. Stepping from a corner, a woman clad in a yellow suit held onto a matching hand purse. She had a stern, yet gentle look on her face. Her eyes were directed to Jose. "I think you'd agree now, Jose."
The man's body grew stiff and frozen. "Bessie…" his voice trailed off. Nothing could shake Jose Porla. Nothing except the intimidating, tough woman named Bessie Ross. She was there when he was kid and messed with Makarov, but she sure as hell ended the fight herself. Jose could never get the upper hand against that woman.
Big Momma smiled. "Hello Jose, I'm surprised to see that Levy was working under you boy." She giggled. "But I know you're treating her well, right?"
The woman enjoyed the nervous look from her old comrade and the rather confused one from Totomaru. "I have…" Porla replied.
Levy shook her head quickly and coughed lightly. Big Momma caught the hint and subtly nodded at the young gal. Bessie turned back to Jose. "Well then you would understand why I need her back home. It's been almost two days; I've been worried. I thought I'd have to go kill an unlucky fellow but good that I found her, hmm." Her voice was sweet and light but all knew too well that she was serious and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Porla always let the woman get the best of him and this time was no exception. "Of course, go on Miss McGarden. Pack up and I'll give you two days to rest. I'll see you later." Jose spat out the words thoughtlessly. Totomaru let out a loud, 'What!?' but Levy quickly got her things together.
"Thank you Mister Porla. I will see you later." Levy smiled before swiftly making her way upstairs before anyone could take back the command.
When Levy was gone, Big Momma smiled confidently at Jose. "Thank you very much Porla, it was good to see you again Jose." She chuckled and tipped her hat to the man. She made her way upstairs—leaving the two men in quick shock.
Totomaru didn't know what to say. "…how could you let some woman push you around and tell you what to do. You-!"
"That is not just some woman boy, and I don't know who the hell you're talking to either. Bessie Ross is a damn blockade I know, and if I'm gonna have my way with McGarden, I'll have to move her out the way." Though I could never do it myself. "Don't forget who you work for. We'll get her out the picture sooner or later. I don't care if it's the hotsquat or we fill her with daylight! It will happen okay?!"
Totomaru was quiet but soon nodded and grinned devilishly. "Yes sir."
The room was thick n foggy. Smoke lingered in the air—scented from vanilla and cherry to a particularly unique smell. Juvia sat patiently in a comfort chair while fanning herself with a light blue fan. Gajeel grumbled as he leaned against a wall—eyes closed, nodding his head every now and then.
In the background, music played softly in the back. The record player was spun a single round n round with a fond tune that Gajeel even enjoyed.
Laughter broke through the song.
"Haha! The chances of you two hep cats ending up here was a dime a dozen." A young and slightly less reckless Jade Blueshepherd came out with a tray of teacakes. She turned to Gajeel. "What's eatin' ya Red?"
Gajeel turned his glare to the gal. "You're gonna kill yourself if you keep smoking like this. The whole room smells and is hazy."
The young doll simply laughed and handed her friend some teacakes. "I'll be fine." She went over to Juvia. "You want some tea, Locke?"
Juvia grabbed a few teacakes and nodded. "That would be nice, thank you." Jade laughed at her friend's courtesy and went to the kitchen.
Gajeel watched the girl prepare the tea. "How's the music business looking?"
Jade focused on her task and shrugged. "We got jazz boys in LA thinking they're doing something. Harlem is causing a racket, but I will say Magnolia is doing good here in Fiore."
Gajeel snickered. "I ain't worried about nothing going on in Louisiana or that Apple. But Magnolia is a joke. What they have going on there that we don't have in Oak Town."
By now, the tea was on the stove and Jade had filled her cigarette holder. "Light me please." She giggled at Gajeel. The man rolled his eyes and lit the girl's smoke. It had always been a common practice between the two since Jade started puffing. Jade took in a drag before blowing a thin puff of cherry-scented smoke into the room. She chuckled. Her light blue eyes met Gajeel's red ones.
"You slay me Red. Do you honestly not know a thing about Magnolia? This whole mindset of thinking that Oak Town has something is gonna keep you stuck here." Jade paused for a moment. "Gajeel, I hate to break it to you, but I have to tell you this." The woman looked sincerely in his eyes.
Gajeel raised a brow. "What is it?" his tone was serious.
"You aren't Black. Oak Town can do a bit for everyone else, but unless you skin is the smooth n brown, you gotta wait yo turn." Jade held back a childlike grin until she was done.
Gajeel scoffed and Juvia laughed. Jade joined in and poured some tea for Juvia. "Bloody woman! I thought this was serious."
"It is serious. Blacks are dominating Oak Town's jazz scene and you'd be an idiot to go against it. I know you want a serious music career, but you have to wait." Jade smiled.
"With what's going on in the States, I have a feeling those whites will be making their way here to escape. Then the biz will change. Though those boys don't know a thing bout jazz at all." Gajeel grumbled.
Jade tittered. "You right about that! Even if those Yankees showed up, I suggest gettin' a career up. Don't wait for them, go to Magnolia. They know what they're doing over there." By then, the record had gone on to a song with a lot of trumpet and a beautiful saxophone harmony. Jade knew this had caught Gajeel's attention.
"You hear that? That's a boy name Natsu Dragneel on trumpet n Gray Fullbuster on sax. They in Magnolia and doing well too. Go there. You too Juvia, you'd be great." Jade assured them.
The dark bluenette smiled. "It's a possibility."
"Yea, but if Magnolia is so great, how come you don't go?" Gajeel retorted.
Blueshepherd smiled gently at him. "You just want to know someone if you do go." She giggled and snacked on a teacake. "No, I'm staying in Oak Town. Jazz boys treat me well, and I don't want a lot of attention scattin' and jivin'. I'm good where I'm at. But I'll tell you what, go to Magnolia and do a few pick up gigs—see what it does for you."
"That's a good idea." Juvia sipped her tea.
Gajeel waved it off. "Well we won't be going anywhere since the car's broken and the driver has to go back to his company."
Jade chuckled. "You sure about that?" Suddenly, a knock was heard; someone was at the door. Gajeel looked suspiciously at the door. Jade laughed. "Come in," she song in a hearty tone.
"Hey, hey, hey!" A voice returned in song. At the sound, Gajeel rolled his eyes and placed his head back against the wall. The young, hip Lily came into the apartment in a new, sleek tan suit.
Juvia beamed. "Lily!" she stood up and hugged her friend. "Juvia didn't expect to see you here."
The man laughed. "Miss Jade over there, called me n said you cats needed a ride to Magnolia, and I figured it was a good time to stopped by for a visit myself. You hear about the music going on there?"
Juvia nodded. "Yes, Jade-chan was just telling Juvia and Gajeel about it."
Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Tch, whatever."
Lily laughed and shook his friend's hand. "Good to see that attitude of yours is still there. What's so bad about Magnolia? You know this town is gonna send you to the dumps if ya stay."
Gajeel sighed. "Yea, yea. How's the singing going?"
Lily smiled and rested a hand on Gajeel's shoulder. "Pretty good Red. The dolls love the songs n' the boys give me respect. I want you to join me to be honest. That bass would be the star of the show."
Gajeel smirked. "Maybe, you got somewhere we could stay? I'm beat."
"Yea, we can go now." Lily answered.
Redfox turned to Jade. "Well thanks, I guess kid. I'll see you around."
Jade nodded to her friend. "No problem Red. Juvia, ya wanna stay over the night? We could have ourselves a little girl time, ya know." The girl's blue eyes winked.
Juvia giggled. "Sure, Juvia doesn't mind."
"Well, we're heading out. Evening Miss Lockser. See ya Jiver." Lily winked at Jade. Jade chuckled and twirled smoke in the air as she waved.
Gajeel got his stuff and followed Lily out the door. They walked down the stairs and began their journey down the dark night road. "Car's a bit from here. Seems busy tonight, the town." Lily explained.
"Even with all this rain? That's fine I guess." Gajeel replied. The two walked in the dark silently not aware of what was going on in the shadows around. Soon Redfox caught on. "You hear it?"
"Sshh, I do. Keep close n ready." Lily whispered. Suddenly, four men jumped out of the alleys and surrounded the two. "Looks like we got trouble."
"Thugs as usual." Gajeel grunted.
One of them was armed with a broken bottle, another a knife. "Wonder how boss will like to see these two."
"Probably happy, especially the red-eyed one." A large one answered.
Out of nowhere, at the crack of thunder and a flash of lightning, all four man moved onto Gajeel and Lily. The only evidence of the night was a cry of pain and the scars that would soon remain.
It was just another dark, n stormy night.
Terms:
Hotsquat: an electric chair
Fill with daylight: shoot with bullets.
Hep Cats: someone who's hip or swing. A person with the times
What's eating ya: What's wrong?
*Avoids tomatoes and chairs* Oh how horrible am I? A slight filler and cliffy. Damn I've outdone myself…
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please review, and share your feedback. It's all appreciated. With season over, I pray I can update sooner.
Until then,
Ciao. ;)