Electrolite Chapter 21: Care, a fairy tail fanfic

Care

Digit and Gus had just taken a seat at their table when the noise hit Digit. Only dragon hearing could catch the wails seeming to slam into Digit's head. With a startling yelp, Digit leapt up from her chair, polished utensils clattering to the ground. All of the civilians seated nearby turned to the source of the clatter only to see a black haired girl hastily retreating from the café with a redhead on her trail.

"Digit, what the hell is going on!" Gus yelled, scrambling after Digit's wildly running trail. Her face was in a panic he had hardly ever seen. Her very expression seemed to scream worry, making all other statements dry up in Gus's mouth.

"Levy!" Digit screamed, tripping over her own feet as she bolted around the building into the alley. "LEVY!" Her breath was ragged, as if someone had just ripped out her lungs. The sound sent Goosebumps crawling down Gus's entire body. Digit had never sounded so frantic.

Only with Kai.

Despite his inability to get tired, Gus couldn't even attempt to keep up with Digit. Every stride she took sent her shooting forward at a speed Gus could only describe as flying.

Digit peered down the alley, desperately seeking the source of the cries. A pair of hazel eyes gleamed in the light of the shadowed alleyway and Digit felt her heart seize up in her chest.

There was Levy, lying in a crumpled heap on the ground, deep violet-green bruises battered across her fair body. Her blue hair was viciously spiked in all directions, more so than usual, with her yellow headband sprawled beside her head. From across the alley, Digit could even see the unnatural direction her knee was bent. Her foggy hazel eyes were staring straight at Digit and the dragon slayer felt bile rise in her throat.

And beside her were two figures. They disappeared in a blue flash.

Not wasting another second, Digit launched forward again towards the bluenette, watching the light fade from Levy's big beautiful eyes.

"LEVY!"

Digit dropped to her knees beside the bluenette so hard she heard a pop in her joints. She paid no mind to it and instantly dragged Levy's limp form onto her lap. Levy was so small. So small. Digit gathered Levy against her, breaths raggedly tearing out of Digits agape mouth. Levy was cold. So small. So cold. So hurt.

Gus finally entered the scene only to step back in horror and jam his hands into his hair.

"Oh Mavis…"

Digit didn't even seem to hear him as she cautiously raked her shaking hands across Levy's beaten body. Something dripped onto Digit's right arm, trickling down her pale skin and over her ever-present bracelet. It was warm, not like Levy's freezing body.

With a frightened glance down to her arm, Digit screamed aloud at the blood coating her side where Levy's head laid. Digit panted, running her fingers delicately through Levy's matted blue hair until she found where the crimson liquid blended with the blue to form a huge purple clot on the back of the bookworm's head.

"I… I can't…" Digit's chest heaved as she swept the bluenette further into her embrace, uncaring of the blood drenching more of her body than Levy's. "Gus!" Digit cried helplessly.

Gus fluttered at the two girls' sides, looking conflicted and unsure. Digit noticed how he was pointedly avoiding looking at Levy's body or the blood running down Digit.

"Babe, I don't… I'll get help. I-I'll find a hospital!"

"No!" Digit swept Levy's tangled curls out of her pale face and grimaced. "We need to get her to Wendy. Fast."

Gus nodded weakly and helped Digit rise to a stand with Levy cradled bridal-style in Digit's arms. He offered to carry Levy, but Digit looked like she'd snap his arm off if he or anyone touched the girl.

"I'm going to the guild," Digit barked heavily. She put up a strong front, but despite that her legs were wobbly and all the color was drained from her face. "Gus, I saw who fucking did this." Digit's flaming pink eyes lazered in on Gus's, a predatory growl rumbling in the blackette's chest and reverberating through the air so strong Gus could practically feel it. "It was the hoodie guy! The one who pushed me off the church!"

Gus knew who she was talking about. He never got the chance to see the guy due to being in the bracelet at the time, but Digit told him of what had occurred after when they were with Cole and Lance.

Before Gus could respond, Digit snapped. "Use your scanners. I want a trail. Find the fucker who did this! He and that bitch Maria! Find them now Gus."

"Digit-"

"I'M GONNA KILL THEM, GUS! FIND THEM!" Digit roared, causing Gus to stumble back.

With that, Digit turned tail and bolted through town towards the guild. Gus was left frozen in her leave, a dozen thoughts drifting through his perplexed mind.

Hoodie. Maria.

Gus dropped to his knees in realization. He raised an artificial hand to his missing ear, body powerless to the horrid conclusion of who must have attacked his friend. The only one who could have.

"Ice…"

XXX

Not many things scared Digit. She wasn't scared of the dark. Spiders were a small trivial insect that did nothing but annoy her. She had her fair time in a cage to fear closed spaces. Heights no longer frightened her after the church incident, and even before that she wasn't as much scared of heights as she was uncomfortable with them.

Kai didn't allow her to fear much.

Only himself.

So when Digit saw Levy lying in that alley, she was confused at first. Not confused at the situation, she was very aware of what had happened. No, she was confused at how scared she was. She was terrified. Fear was not something she experienced much if at all, but when Digit's eyes fell on Levy, sweet innocent Levy, she was frightened.

Digit shoved people aside roughly as she plowed through Magnolia's streets. Being polite was insignificant. They were of no importance to her. Only Levy. She had to get to the guild.

Finally crunching her feet into the dirt trail leading away from town to the guild, Digit spared a look down to Levy in her arms. She was so still, not her vibrant happy self. A stabbing sensation occurred in Digit's chest. It was fear again. Digit was scared she'd never get a chance to see Levy the wonderful way she was again.

Levy smirked at the soon-to-be-couple she and Mira would arrange and squeezed Digit's arm one last time. "Thanks again for standing up for me!"

Digit flinched in surprise. "It was nothing… are you hurt?"

Levy shook her head and smiled brightly. "Not at all! Anyway, I have to run! See you later, Dig-chan!"

Digit felt a wave of emotion lump in her throat and propelled herself forward faster.

"We were so worried, Dig-chan!" Levy cried, her small form practically trembling. "When we heard what happened nearly the whole guild piled into your house to come visit…but you were completely out…and…and we thought…AAH!"

Digit covered her ears at Levy's way too loud wails, a smile still managing to spread across her face. The bluenette was really sweet. Digit couldn't process it. Someone crying for her sake? What a…nice thought.

Digit tripped along the dirt path, almost face planting. She righted herself however and just ran faster. She had to get Levy to Wendy.

"Well I hope you guys have fun…as much as you can. I know the town where the caller is, it's sooooooooo pretty there. Not to mention they have one of the biggest libraries in Fiore!" Levy's hazel eyes sparkled.

Digit scratched behind her wired ear and saw the raised eyebrows Gus was directing at her. She was just so awkward with these kinds of things.

"Would you maybe want to come with us? I can handle it on my own," Digit defended quickly. "But… if you wanted to go with us that would be… cool."

"Aww, thanks, Dig-chan! That's sweet, but I promised Jet and Droy we could go on a mission today. Maybe next time," Levy sighed.

She was scared. So scared.

Digit found a pair of old leather gloves and slipped them on, clenching and unclenching her fists. They were a good fit and looked brand new. The leather was brown and tough, great for working with metal tools. Levy and Erza both already had pairs for reasons Digit know. She asked them specifically for help because Levy was super smart and Digit knew Erza knew all there was to know about forging metal with her armor and swords, making the two girls perfect for the job.

"Thanks again for helping, guys," Digit said.

"No problem, Dig-chan! Gus is our friend too," Levy exclaimed, tugging on a pair of safety goggles. "I want to do all I can for him."

Digit was almost there.

"Thanks again for having lunch with me, Gus-chan, Dig-chan!" Levy exclaimed happily.

Digit nodded and Gus winked at the small bluenette. Digit didn't mind at all going places with Levy. Out of all the people in the guild, she felt she could most connect and felt most comfortable around Levy. While she still wasn't that comfortable around anyone, Levy was one of the girls she had to stress the least about.

Plus, she considered her a… friend.

With a roundhouse kick, Digit busted down the wide front doors of the guild.

"You two get a table," Levy waved, pointing to her lacrima. "Ever-chan is having some boy-trouble with Elfman again and needs to talk. I'll be there shortly."

"HELP!"

All of the mages in the guild instantly drew their attention to Digit. The blackette was coated in blood and shaking all over from how hard and fast she ran. Her black hair was thick with sweat and her eyes were blown so wide in a fear none of them had ever seen on Digit's face.

"MINA! HELP LEVY!"

And the guild exploded.

All of the dragon slayers, minus Gajeel who was out on a mission with Lily, leapt up at the stench of blood and Digit's disheveled state. Natsu was flaming and rushing forward while Wendy screamed. Laxus was seated at the bar with Lucy, both of which who dropped their drinks in terror. Cries erupted from the guild members when their eyes fell on Levy, people yelling over each other about what happened. Erza was frozen in fury with Gray and Mira was hastily dashing towards the two girls.

"Digit! Oh, Mavis! Levy… Digit, what happened!" Mira asked frantically.

Digit panted and dropped to a crouch, causing another wave of worry from everyone around.

"Levy… was attacked… in alley… they… two of them… she's hurt. Help her!" Digit swayed. "She needs Wendy! They hurt her bad… I… her head is bleeding."

Mages were piling around Digit and Levy and the blackette felt very uneasy at all the attention on her. Enraged and worried eyes locked on her from all angles and Digit instinctively held Levy closer and tighter.

Mira stepped aside from the circle of mages and Wendy stepped through and fell beside Levy and Digit quickly. Her big brown eyes were full of sorrow at Levy's battered body, but also raging with determination to help. Her eyes casted to Digit's, almost asking permission to touch Levy and Digit nodded hastily. Digit moved Levy so her small head was rested on Digit's lap.

Wendy laid her hands flat on Levy's colorless forehead and a blue light illuminated the bluenette's body. The healing light spread across Levy's form and bringing life back to Levy's form. Her bruises all faded slowly and Wendy gently pried her hands away.

Digit hadn't realized she along with many others had been holding their breath until Levy's body flushed with color once again. A smile almost came to Digit's face, relief rearing up when Wendy flinched back.

Digit was about to ask why when the techno mage felt a new surge of warmth across her lap. Several yelps sounded when scarlet pooled from Digit's thighs onto the floor from Levy's head wound.

"T-the wound is too deep!" Wendy wailed, tears springing to her eyes. "We need Porlyusica now!" Fumbling to her feet, Wendy ran up the stairs to Master Makarov's office.

Digit felt dread weigh her down to the point she could barely sit up straight anymore. She didn't know who this Porky-musica was but… but Levy was still hurt… hurt bad. The blackette slumped back, mages talking all around her but her mind blocking all of the sound out.

Moments later, Wendy returned with Master Makarov in tow. The old man plowed through the mages and flinched when his eyes came upon Levy.

"Oh my brat…" Makarov didn't have to kneel to be even with Digit and Levy and casted a hand gently across Levy's arm. "Who did this?" he asked Digit, a steel in his voice that made her get chills down her back.

"Kai."

Makarov nodded slowly. "I see."

"THE FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY!?"

Before Digit could react, a hand locked around her throat. Mira and Makarov instinctively swept Levy off of Digit as the techno mage was lifted in the air and slammed hard into the floor. Wood panels splintered under Digit's body as she gasped.

Gajeel had returned from his mission and was flaming above her. His ruby eyes were so cold and piercing Digit felt as if he could kill her just by his stare.

"THAT BASTARD DID THIS TO SHRIMP?" he snarled, closing his fingers tighter around Digit's throat.

Digit clawed at his gloved hand, a warning light flashing at the corner of her eye. She ignored the light and focused on trying to pry Gajeel away so she could breathe.

Gajeel snatched her up and shoved her down again harder, making Digit groan. She'd never seen Gajeel so livid. He looked ready to murder. Murder her.

"I knew you'd cause shit the moment you joined!"

The hand was slowly pried off her neck and Digit gasped for air. She coughed loudly and rubbed her throat, watching as Natsu and Gray restrained Gajeel with arms locked around each of his.

"What the fuck, Tin Can!" Natsu growled, yanking the iron dragon back. "Why the hell are you attacking Digit?"

Gray gripped harder and gnashed his teeth. "You need to chill the hell out! We're all upset! Don't take it out on Digit, she's helping!"

Gajeel bared his teeth and Digit raised her chin. Internally she felt the need to back away from the raging man, but she would not let anyone see her that pathetic.

And here she thought she and Gajeel had finally become acquaintances.

"It's her fault Shrimp is hurt! The damn doctor is after her so he got Shrimp!" he spat. "She's even covered in Shrimp's blood!" Gajeel tore out of Natsu and Gray's grips and was about to pounce on Digit again when Lily, in his full form, secured an arm around Gajeel's neck and yanked him back hard.

"Gajeel! Enough!"

Digit clenched her fists and opened her mouth only to snap it closed. She had no response. He was right. Kai most certainly attacked Levy because of Digit's connection to her. It really was her fault.

Gajeel looked ready to snap again when Makarov stood between the two, facing Gajeel.

"Pantherlily is correct, brat. That is enough. If you even mutter one more accusation at Digit, I will take action to escort you out of this guild until you get you control yourself," Makarov said sternly. At times like this, with his voice the epitome of power, Digit remembered how this tiny man was truly a guild master. "I will not tolerate my brats casting blame on each other."

Gajeel's nostrils flared, but he remained silent in Lily's hold. Makarov took that as a good enough response and turned to address Digit. She avoided his eyes and glared daggers into the floor. Master or not, she didn't need his sympathy. She didn't need any of this. She just wanted Levy to be fucking okay.

Makarov took note of her defiance and decided to address the guild instead. "Doctor Kai Arian has attacked Levy, one of our own. While her life is not yet in danger, she will be sent to Porlyusica's house to be healed." Makarov casted a sad glance to Digit before continuing. "Gajeel, Wendy and Lucy will accompany Levy to Porlyusica's."

Digit bit hard on her tongue. Of course. It's better if I, the fucking danger, doesn't go.

The guild murmured among themselves.

Lucy appeared beside Wendy, pale at the sight of Levy in Mira's arms. Gajeel seemed content with the arrangement, constantly sending spiteful looks over at Digit. He was such a child.

Mira carefully handed Levy over to Gajeel, who took her in his arms tightly. His face turned to stone as he looked down at the pale bluenette. Lucy and Wendy hovered at his side, Master Makarov leading them out.

Digit had just risen to a stand, and the trio were just about to leave when Gajeel flipped around and stared straight at Digit. Digit prepared herself for whatever nasty things he had to spit at her and narrowed her eyes.

Gajeel tightened his told on Levy and frowned. "If this was going to happen, you should never have fucking joined the guild."

"Gajeel!" Mira screeched.

Several people yelled at Gajeel in anger, but the iron dragon had already turned and left to hear any of the reproachful remarks.

Digit didn't hear any of it. She couldn't hear anything at all but one thing.