AN - Ermm hey guys soo yeah... It isn't really an excuse except that I didn't get into the school I wanted after results day (haha barely sober..) but luckily got on this super cool course but its hard work and very stressful so at this rate I'm dropping out. I have only seen Dub twice since results day... But she is very busy with her job now :D It's her bday soon so lots of bday wishes for her :D She wrote you guys a chapter after all of Gajeel's shit has been sorted but that has at least 2 more chapters on. Thanks for anyone who reads this sorry this doesnt really exist.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: GAJEEL'S FAVOUR
Levy's POV
After Titania rudely woke us from our group nap she ushered us down to the kitchen where Icarus had prepared a chicken casserole. If I was one of the boys I would have made a pool of dribble by now.
"Right, we are going to sit down and eat this lovely dinner and Lucy will explain herself." Titania stated.
After a couple of minutes silence Icarus coughed to signal Lucy to start talking.
"Umm… well I guess I should start by apologising to you all about not telling you my actual surname. It's just that life at the Heartfilia mansion wasn't as pleasant as the papers made it out to be." Lucy stop to compose herself. "When I was 7 my mother passed away from an incurable sickness. From that day on my father turned cold and pretend I didn't existed." Oh how horrible I can't believe Lu had to go though that at an early age.
"I know that sounds pathetic that I was upset about that, I had loads of money what was there for me to be upset about. I needed love and support from my father - or Jude as I call him now - but he didn't give me any. One day I asked him if he would spend the day with me. I was hoping he would give me a hug and we would have a great day being together, however, instead I just got a slap in the face and him telling me he's too busy to deal with me. I still loved him even though he hit me, I thought he's just upset about mummy that he didn't mean to hit me." Tears had started to cascaded down Lu's face but she soldiered on with her story.
"I started school for the first time when I was 8 - as I was home schooled before - the children knew all about my family and only wanted to befriend me because of the money that I had meaning I never had any real friends. Until I met you all. This was when Jude found a coping method for his broken heart, beating me." At this point I was crying and Natsu and Gray were seething in rage.
"No one in the house notice what he was doing and even if they did they didn't say anything as he was their boss. At the start I didn't understand and used to cry myself to sleep. I then realized why but I could forgive him. I decided he wasn't worth my tears so I stopped crying when he beat me which made him beat me for longer and harder but I never let one tear slip. At the age of 15 I found that I had a skill for hacking computer. So I came up with the name Orion and started my criminal career. At first I used to steal money from Jude's account and transfer the money to charities around the world. Surprisingly this got Jude to stop beating me as he started investing his time in who was stealing him money. Although he never found out it was me." I could tell Lu was trying to lighten the mood. "Of course he wouldn't…" because she's so good. "he's ignored me my whole life." well that brought the mood right back down. "My work started to get recognised and I got payed to hack files. By this time Jude had cut me off of his money, not that I couldn't just hack into it." Lu laughed a bit at that which made us all smile a tiny bit. "Not that I ever took the money for myself. I was getting so many requests to hack files for companies my grades started to fall. So I started to hack into the school's computer to change them because if Jude found out the beating would start again. I wanted to leave the Heartfilia mansion once I had left school and was planning my leave when Titania recruited me to come here. I was going to change my surname to Ashley anyway that's why I told you all that name. I'm so sorry I lied to you about who I really was but you guys are my family now and I became Lucy Ashley as she is happy because she has you all." Lu smiled and cried whilst she said that.
I went to give her a hug but was beaten to it by Gray and Natsu who shot up from the table and brought Lu into a big hug. This just made her cry more as it showed her how much we loved her too.
"I'm sorry I lost my cool Lucy, I promise not to do it again. You're like a little sister to me, my little stalker of a sister." Gray said as he gave her a squeeze and quick kiss on the top of her head before letting go.
Lu just smiled back to show she appreciated it. Natsu carried on hugging her and rocking back and forth refusing to let Lu go. Lu just hugged him back in a tight embrace. I looked over to see them both still crying and whispering to each other and I swear I heard Natsu say that he would never let anyone hurt Lu like that again.
I turned away from them so they could have some privacy when Gajeel's phone rang.
Gajeel's POV
I looked down at the phone as it persistent rings begged me to answer. Jeez, doesn't anyone know I'm not picking up anymore jobs! Can't the garage just sort it out? I could just see that damn Rain Woman now having a hissy fit if I didn't pick up! God you should see the fit she pulls of when her boyfriend doesn't text back…
I quickly ducked out of the room and into the hall before answering.
"What's up? Aren't you on break, yanno travelling with your boyfriend" I asked in a gruff tone,this is the last thing I need on my mind.
"No I came back. He had to go back to work. Some of your staff seem to disagree with your constant absence…" What the hell did that mean?
"Cut to the point!" I was getting annoyed with her nervousness, What does she mean they disagree? I didn't even know they had enough brain cells to form an opinion. And she isn't called the Rain Woman for no reason surely she can handle things…
"Jose Porla has taken over." She squeaked out, It sounded like she was whispering...
"..."
"Gajeel?" She questioned, Jose Porla? Wasn't he new? The old guy? Who babbled on about being in the 10 wizard saints in his interview…
"I'm still here." Shit I will probably have to get Heaven's Judgement involved… "How come you aren't rebelling?"
"Juvia's loyalty lies with you not Phantom Lord." She stated as strong as she could since she was whispering. It made me feel warm inside, since we have known each other for so long. I guess she was my second in command.
"How come you are whispering?" I started to pace in the hallway, Ugh why have they decided to change things when I'm out of town.
"They locked Juvia up in the supply cupboard." They WHAT?
"I'll be there shortly sit tight. Have you told your boyfriend?" Last thing I want to deal with is a antsy boyfriend on my back…
"No, he is out of town on important work, I wouldn't want to worry him." I sighed in relief least that wouldn't be a pain in the ass. Since Juvia mentioned him being in the line of work based around security.
"Give me an hour." I said shortly before ending the call and waltzing back into the room where all of us were sat during Bimbo's explanation.
"Icarus?" I can't believe I am doing this! "I need my favour now."
I heard Shrimps intake of breath as she picked up on my mood, as she jumped out of her chair and ran up to my side. Natsu stopped hugging Bimbo as they both looked at me in question. Gray just raised an eyebrow, while Titania's face sculpted into a sly smirk. Damn that woman! I didn't need my favour till now.
"Gajeel what's up?" Icarus paused from clearing all the dinner plates away.
"They have took over Phantom Lord." I shouted in frustration, "And now my second in command is locked up! And some stupid wizard saint is leading them."
Everyone's expressions morphed into gold-fishes as they looked at me as if they wanted confirmation.
"COME ON FUCKING MOVE!" I yelled slamming my hands on the desk, Bimbo was the first one to jump into action as she flipped open her laptop and started to dial someone, while Levy still looked baffled as she muttered about going to find her kit. Natsu's eyes glinted in anticipation as he ran full speed back to his room, while Gray favoured the more relaxed gait as he headed towards the garage presumably where he stored the liquid nitrogen.
"Titania call for a group from Take Over," Icarus said as he already started writing things down in a notepad like a maniac. Like shit I need more people.
"WE. DON'T. HAVE. TIME!" I let out a frustrated growl but Icarus cut me off with a cunning sneer.
"And what have a measly 6 people take on the entirety of Phantom Lord, I'm flattered by your faith in us! But Gajeel it's time for you to swallow your pride!" Icarus said without even looking up from the notepad. Lucy wordlessly left the room in a hurry.
"Mira! No time for formalities, we have a situation here and need the extra fire power!" Titania was barking commands down the phone along with description of the team they needed. "Right I want Elfman - Are Alzack and Bisca back from the arms deal?... Yes! Great both of them! But Gildarts out of town? No Worries! Errr could we borrow half of the Thunder Legion just Laxus and Bickslow! Where's Loke? On a job for his boss? Well how convenient... No Mira don't worry we need you at Take Over, you just sit tight! WAIT! Could you ask Master if he could attend - yeah I know he is retired but if Gajeel's right our opposition could be another wizard saint! Okay just send whoever accepts the mission over to our place! Yeah the place on Strawberry Street! Thanks Mira!"
How many?! I doubt they will come though! We are all just a bunch of criminals anyway, there word means nothing. I thought as I saw Titania flit around the room, before disappearing, I guessing to go get ready.
Meanwhile Lucy had just returned into the room, with stacks of papers and blueprints as she and Icarus started drawing lines in marker pen, going through routes. Titania re-entered the room stating that she was looking all over for her asking her to call Virgo, Leo and Taurus. Lucy nodded swiftly before rising to her feet snapping out her mobile.
"Taylor? Hi, right! I have a favour to ask...Yeah could you come right away! Oh shut up you pervert! This is a job not a gathering!" She seethed down the phone, before dialing another number.
"Hello! - WAIT WHAT- No I will not punish you! No this isn't about you punishment! Vi just come here…" Lucy sighed in defeat before grumbling to herself to dial the last number.
"Don't even start… Just get here now! No you cannot bring her! THIS IS A JOB NOT A DATE!" And with that she hung up, and shot Titania a look that said 'Are you happy now?'
"Is everything prepared? All the mics and channels?" Titania quipped as she was rummaging around in the kitchen draw pulling out some wicked looking knives. I hope Icarus doesn't cook with those…
"No not yet I'll go do them now any ideas of numbers?" Lucy called as she got up and headed towards the garage only to bump into Gray who dropped the canister on his toe… Cue the curses…
"WHAT THE! HOLY SHIT THAT HURT! Fuucccck.." Gray died quietly in the corner when Titania shot him a glare to prove that he was interrupting their conversation.
"16 individual mics… Don't worry Mira said she will get someone to bring extra mics from Take Over's Supply (Warrens)," Titania mentally went through the people assigned to the mission in her head as she counted them on her hand. "And 5 channels, not including yours."
With a quick apology to Gray Lucy slipped out of the room towards her van where she would start setting up. Huh seems Bimbos job is important. I quickly ran up to my room to grab my trusty knuckle duster, baseball bat, tech-9 and a kevlar vest. I wonder how Shrimps doing.
I wandered into her room expecting to see her reading that damn picture book waiting till everyone arrives but instead she was throwing darts at a board. Huh a triple…
"Shrimp what you doing…" She didn't even turn to face me for a few seconds as she carried on throwing the darts in quick succession.
"Practising…" She said absentmindedly before going to collect all the darts and placed them back on her desk. Why was she practising? Surely she doesn't care about Phantom Lord they never do anything good to anyone…
"Pipsqueak you don't need any practise," I chuckled nervously as I met her gaze.
"Well of course I do, someone important to you is trapped and all of your friends turned against you. I want to be as much help as possible." Jeez I wasn't expecting that…
"Well Shrimp… I wouldn't call those people friends. Exception being Juvia." They were just people I tolerate and were my employees.
"Do you class us as friends Gajeel?" She looked oddly hopeful at my reply. Why should my opinion matter.
"You're stupid," I muttered as she looked angrily at me as her face blossomed red. I thought she said she was smart…
Lucy's POV
I was too busy in the garage to hear everyone come in, I am currently knee deep in wires and cables to really give a crap. What an exhausting day! First with Gray finding out that I was a Heartfilia, then the whole Natsu vs Gray then that other thing we don't need to think about AND to finish with whole Phantom Lord deciding to have a civil FUCKING WAR. This isn't a marvel movie…
"Luceeeeee." A familiar voice whined from somewhere behind, I just grunted in agreement as I started to prepare the channels on my laptop.
"Luceeee did ya need any help?" The annoying voice was closer, Ugh Natsu I love you- No - I like you but can you just leave me alone to finish this…
"No thanks Natsu, I'm fine. Go get ready." I said without turning around completely oblivious to his hurt expression that flitted over his face.
"I'm alreadyyy ready! Pleaseeeeeee I'd rather be here with you rather than Titania's briefing..." Shit was I meant to go to that? I must've looked panicked as Natsu quickly followed up with.
"Don't worry Titania knows you're here, I recognised a few of your friends here actually!" Taylor, Loke and Violet has turned up already!? I smiled warmly at him, not that I would admit it out loud but Natsu helped calm me, I silently passed him a cable to hold I'm not gonna tell him that isn't attached anything, he can just think he is helping - it's easier that way. While I was busy clicking away on the laptop. Yes everything has clipped into place!
"Right Natsu help me grab all these ear pieces, as soon as everyone grabs theirs we can all move out!" I shoved all of the ear pieces into his arm, before closing my laptop and sprinting into the kitchen.
Titania and Icarus were flitting around briefing 4 groups of people, Titania flicks her wrist at me and gestures for me to hand out the ear pieces. Causing me to swiftly take the ear pieces from Natsu and distributing them out. Not before giving Taylor, Violet and Loke a quick hug and a promise to catch up after the mission.
"Elfman will be our first driver driving the van, that will be where Lucy will be staying the for the whole time, then Virgo, Loke and Taurus ride in the van as well. Then we will a car driven by Laxus with Gramps, Icarus, Gray. The other car will be driven by Bickslow with Alzack, Bisca, Natsu and I. Gajeel will make his own way there on his Harley to lead us through the quickest route." Titania's voice commanded the room as we all rose in unison to get the job done, currently I was sat next to Levy who looked perplexed at Titania, before whispering at me.
"Which car am I going to be in?" She stressed as she looked around to where everyone was picking up their equipment.
"With me Shrimp." Gajeel grumbled as he popped a bike helmet on her head. "Safety first" he grumbled to more himself than anyone else. I had to hold in my laugh at my petite friend who's head was encased in a matt black helmet with overly exaggerated screws painted on it.
I felt an arm hang itself over my shoulder I naturally leaned into the weight, Natsu had been doing that more and more lately. Not that I minded. I sighed contently but was met with a chuckle - that wasn't Natsu's. I squeaked slightly as I jumped away from the arm, face blushing bright red in embarrassment sprinting straight into something solid. And warm… I pried my eyes open hoping to see a tuft of pink hair but is met with a mountain of a man. Phew only Taylor… WAIT WAIT!
"Luuuuucyyy," And I am now encased in a massive embrace a few seconds longer than a friendly one, before I manage to pry myself away with an awkward grin.
"Hey-y Taylor…" I laughed nervously before turning to look at the person who had hung their arm around me in the first instance. Of course… Loke. "Hey Loke, where's Vi?"
AN - Thanks for sticking with me ... once i have got my fitness (national squad demanding), school sorted this should be back on track.
Thanks to NaLuCrAzy215, Damntheluck, Jazzibelle90, JinxTitan, JolensGo, vG LOL I for fav this trainwreck.
and lots more followers :) it's hard to track who joined the family when i've been gone so long. Hope to hear from any of you.
- Insomniac