Part VIII
Columbine
(Foolishness; folly)
Levy is jolted out of her slumber by a near shriek of her name. She bolts upright, her heart racing in her chest in sheer fear that something has happened, that she's about to be sucked into another life or death battle. Instead, it is merely Natsu. Natsu bolts into Wendy's cave, shoving past the young dragon without hesitation when she tries to protest and stop him.
"Levy needs rest!" she screeches at him, even as Levy sits there, already awake.
"Levy can rest later," hollers Natsu in turn, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stumbles to a halt beside her makeshift bed with a wide grin that makes Levy interested in what he's found. It has to be something translation-wise, because he cradles his work like a child.
Wendy yells back, "I'm telling Gajeel and Lucy!"
Natsu pauses to roll his eyes over his shoulder, which makes Levy grin as Wendy sticks her tongue out and disappears, likely to do just as she said she would do. "What," teases Levy hoarsely, clearing her throat and trying to rid it of the thick film that seems to cloak it, "are you? Children?"
"Wendy is, yeah," he points out. "But seriously, look." Natsu shoves his translations into her lap, leaning in close as he shuffles through the parchment until he finds what he's looking for. "Here, look at this one. What do you think, Levy?"
Levy skims the spell, one hand holding the translation key they'd been making and the other the parchment he'd scratched the spell he'd translated onto. As she does so, she asks, "Where's Lucy?"
"Leo came with a couple other spirits and she's laying out some ideas and plans with them." He says it dismissively, which is entirely unlike the half-dragon who cares so deeply for anything regarding Lucy. His voice is filled with distress now. "Levy."
"Okay, okay," she mutters, furrowing her brow. When she finishes skimming through it, she glances up at him. He looks excited, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "Natsu…this is fantastic!"
If they've translated it correctly, then it will actually be quite helpful. The spell itself will warn them of an enemy's approach. She's concerned about some aspects of it - after all, people, dragons, and stars are fickle beings, regardless of who they ally with. Just because they are on the same side against the demons doesn't mean they don't have enemies among their allies. They'll have to try and alter it - specify that it needs to warn them of demons rather than just an enemy, but if they can-
"Do you think I did it right?" he demands, and Levy nods enthusiastically as she double-checks the translations, her eyes darting between the key and the spell he's written down.
"I think there's always a chance for misinterpretation. It's another language and none of us are fluent in it, but I think that you nailed this one."
Natsu looks so damn pleased with himself that Levy can't help but laugh at the look on his face, at the smug smirk he wears. His eyes gleam with joy at having succeeded at what he set out to do. Levy smiles, too, relieved. He's been so obsessed with translating spell after spell that it's started to concern Lucy. He's rarely stopped to eat or even sleep, struggling to find whatever it is he's looking for. Often, Natsu finds himself failing at getting an accurate translation in his desperation, and it only serves to upset him.
With that in mind, Levy tucks the translations to her chest and says firmly, "Now go and find Lucy, would you? Tell her about the spell, get something to eat, and rest. I'll keep working on it, to see if I can alter the spell, and tomorrow, we'll use you as our test subject to see if it works."
His smile vanishes, his fingers trying to nimbly pluck back the papers she's stolen. "Levy-"
Levy shakes her head, her messy blue hair falling into her eyes. "Natsu," she interrupts gently, "Lucy's worried about you, you know." And she is. Lucy has come to Levy more often as of late, stressed about Natsu's behavior. He grows irritable if he's interrupted, even with her. "She misses you. Take a break. You won't do yourself any good working yourself to the bone. You're not the only one working. Besides. I thought I was the one Igneel had entrusted with most of the translating. You've been stealing all of my work. I'd rather not ruin my standing with the Fire Dragon King, if you don't mind."
Natsu falters, his lips pressed into a hard line. Levy thinks he's going to argue with her. Instead, Natsu slumps and confesses, "I've been trying to find a way to get rid of it." He spreads his fingers, looking down at his roughened, calloused hands. "The demon part. I don't want it. I thought…you know, if I could get rid of it, maybe the stars won't hate me so much, and maybe Zeref will stop. I know it's stupid. He's still going to keep trying. But maybe I can take away what he wants so much and we can have a better chance of peace."
Levy's heart hurts for him. "Natsu," she says gently, reaching out to take his hand. She squeezes it, fearless of the supposed demon he thinks he is. "There's nothing wrong with what you are. Remember? We've talked about this. You're Natsu, not whatever Zeref thinks you are."
He shrugs. "Like I said. I thought I could take away what Zeref wants at least."
"So," Levy says, picking her words carefully, "after we translate a few more spells for the war, we'll look into it. We're going through the tome page by page anyways. We'll just keep an eye out for the rest of what we're looking for while we do so. Please don't work yourself into the ground though. Lucy really is worried about you." She smiles warmly at him, knowing she's calling the kettle black. Gajeel's berated her for similar things lately, ripping her work right out of her hands whenever Wendy comes to tell him she thinks Levy's pushing it too hard. "You and me both, actually. We're both working too hard."
Natsu's lips twitch, and some of the self-loathing and sadness fade from his eyes. Instead, it's replaced with mischief. "So that's why Gajeel told me to not come here."
Levy pauses. "What?"
His smile widens. "I ran into Gajeel on my way here, and he told me not to bother you because you were feeling sicker than usual." His smile vanishes at the mere thought. Natsu grows serious instead. His onyx gaze searches Levy's and he furrows his brow. "Is that true?"
Levy debates how she should answer. Does she lie and tell him they're all just a bunch of worrywarts? But then…he's been incredibly truthful about what he's trying to do, and Natsu deserves the same honesty. So she admits, "I had a nosebleed that wouldn't stop last night, and I couldn't keep my dinner down even with the tonic Wendy's been giving me. He was angry with me for pushing off my rest until I'd finished a page. He thinks it's what did it."
Natsu looks inclined to agree with it, so Levy hastily moves on. "Anyways, I've been sleeping for enough time that I should be fine, so I'll work on the spell and you take some time off to rest yourself, okay?"
Levy smiles brightly at him, but Natsu doesn't look so convinced. Another mischievous look appears on his face and he smiles slyly at her, smoke pooling around his face. "Okay," he agrees, and Levy finds that she's tightening her grip on the work, suspicious of him. Whatever he's up to…she's confident she won't like it. "See you later then, Levy."
He disappears from Wendy's cave, and Levy watches the entrance for a few moments, wary. When she's sure he's gone, she swings her legs over the side of the bed and sets the translations aside, pressing her hand to her aching head. It's not a lie, necessarily. Levy had slept for a significant amount of time. More than she is willing to admit to. But it doesn't seem like it was enough, per se, as her head is throbbing. She hurts all over, and her stomach rolls even with the slightest movement. Ignoring her symptoms, Levy rises to her feet, dragging herself and the parchment outside.
She finds her usual spot beneath a tree, deciding against attempting to track down one of the many quills she knows Wendy has hidden away to try and prevent her from working. It annoys her, but Levy knows their efforts are simply because they care, so she doesn't fault them for it. With care, Levy places each piece of parchment before her in careful order, aware that she won't have much time before she's interrupted by a grumbling dragon. Which grumbling dragon is debatable, of course.
Levy brushes her fingers over each character that has been scrawled onto the parchment, inclining her head as she compares it to the key they've been sharing. She mentally corrects here and there, though the corrections don't necessarily require her to physically fix them just yet. Her eyes dart between the pages, seeking an answer as to how they can alter the spell. It's on the tip of her tongue after some time of thinking, her fingers tapping impatiently on her thigh. Just a few moments more of thinking, and she might have even solved it.
Naturally, the parchment is snatched away a mere instant before she is sure the answer would have come with her.
"Damn it, Gajeel, give those back!" seethes Levy, trying to scramble and grab them. Her knees buckle and she can't. He stands over her, papers shoved unceremoniously together without a care for their content. His crimson eyes glare down at her, his mouth pressed into a hard line as he gives her a pointed huff. She flushes, knowing why he's annoyed with her. He'd made her promise to spend the entire day resting.
And here she is, breaking that promise.
She manages to get to her feet this time, and she tries to swipe the parchment, but he steps back, gaze darkening with frustration. "C'mon," she huffs, putting her hands on her hip, "I was close-"
"Your nose is bleeding," he rumbles, and Levy's fingers fly to her nose. Sure enough, crimson drips onto her fingers. She curses, immediately ripping the tattered headband from her hair and using it to staunch the flow of blood. She grumbles as she holds it to her nose. Gajeel, knowing she won't dare stain the parchment with her blood, doesn't move away when she steps closer to him now.
"Natsu brought those to me," she explains, knowing he doesn't care about what she is doing. He only cares that she's not sitting around doing nothing. "It's a spell that warns of an enemy approaching. I was almost done figuring out what we need to alter-"
Exactly as she thinks, he doesn't care. "And? What good is knowing when someone's comin' when you're half-dead? It ain't gonna stop 'em." His voice is almost mocking. Levy knows Gajeel doesn't say such things to be cruel. He's worried, the set of his face telling her so. His crimson eyes simmer with rage towards the illness none of them can fix.
Maybe Natsu isn't so far off from finding a solution for demon issues in demon magic, she muses to herself. It could solve a lot of their problems right now.
Levy shifts the cloth she's pushed against her nose, hoping the bleeding will stop. "Help me finish," she suggests, "and then I'll get some more rest."
"You've been sayin' that for days, shrimp." Gajeel narrows his eyes, adding after a moment's thought, "I'll work on it." It's the most Levy is sure he will offer as a compromise. He's as stubborn as can be, being a dragon and all.
"Fine, fine," she sighs. "Can I stay out here with you though? I'm tired of sitting in there by myself." She knows sleep won't come easy, her mind racing with thoughts of spells and magic. Better to at least have some company then sit there and dwell in loneliness.
Gajeel considers it, and then reluctantly agrees. "Yeah," he mutters, "but only if you don't try somethin'. The moment you do-"
"I get dragged kicking and screaming to my own little cave and left there, I know. I've heard you threaten the others with it." Levy waves him off, a smile tugging at her lips. She'd overheard him tell Lucy the threat the day before. "Thank you, Gajeel."
"Yeah, yeah." He drops heavily to sit on the ground, glaring pointedly at her. Levy lays a hand on his shoulder and uses him for balance as she sinks down beside him, her fingers lingering a little longer than necessary. Gajeel says nothing about it though, even seems to sigh a little when she finally removes them.
It takes everything in Levy to simply sit there beside Gajeel and do nothing as he studies the sheets of parchment, his shoulder and leg brushing hers every now and then. She finds herself soothed into a light doze before long, her body leaning into his. Gajeel says nothing about it, even adjusting himself until she is more comfortable.
When Levy eventually nods off entirely into the world of slumber, she swears the last thing she notices is a fond touch of Gajeel's lips to the top of her head.
Levy feels Gajeel's irritation like little spikes jabbing into her skin, even as he forces a fierce grin to his face as a young dragon grabs at Levy's hand with impatient fingers, demanding she come see the little area they've chosen to nest in. The pair had initially come simply to see how the cave is working for those sheltering in it, but now, they're shown around by the little ones. Wisely, the young ones ignore Gajeel for the most part. Levy's confident that if one dares to approach him at the moment, they'll be subjected to his temper. She doesn't blame him. It's hard, seeing one's home overrun by others. Luckily, he'd taken Lucy up on her suggestion and had taken his most precious belongings to a new hidden location, where they'd remain untouched until he could return to his den and find no one else there.
Levy smiles as the young dragons show her their sleeping spots, piled high with pelts and blankets that Sting and Rogue have brought back from the mainland. They take trips back and forth quite often, passing on news and information and trading for supplies that they think might be helpful for those remaining on Tenrou. The blankets they'd brought on their last trip have been a favorite of the little ones.
They show her their toys, too, and then, as children do, they become distracted and go back to playing under the supervision of three older dragons who have taken up residence in Gajeel's den alongside them. One in particular, an old male dragon who Levy's never met before, blocks the entrance of a side cave at Gajeel's request. He's hidden the rest of his things down that side cavern, and the dragon protects those precious things from the young ones who'd investigate if they could. His eyes are dulled and filmy, making Levy wonder just how old the dragon has to be. He has to be at least several millennia, perhaps even more, to look so old.
"Gajeel, Gajeel!" A dragon comes running over from where he's been working on something in the corner of the cave. He's a younger dragon, though not quite as young as most of them. Closer to Wendy's age, but perhaps slightly older. He prefers a humanoid form, it appears, though she can tell simply by looking at him that he is full dragon and can take on whichever form he likes at the moment.
Gajeel focuses on him with irritable crimson eyes, arching a pierced brow, and the young dragon shows no concern about the fact that he may be snapped at. Instead, he offers his closed fist. Gajeel holds out his own hand and the young dragon drops something into it. Mischief sparks across the young dragon's face and Levy knows he's going to piss Gajeel off before he even opens his mouth. "I found this in the corner over there, and I thought you might like to have it. You need it, don't you? Mother always tells me that humans use them in their traditions."
Gajeel furrows his brow, somewhat confused, until he opens his hand to peer at what he's been given. A look of utter horror flashes across his face. Levy leans in to peer at what he's been given, but Gajeel shoves it into his pocket and rounds on the young dragon. He seems fearless, only smiles cheekily at Gajeel. He scampers off to the safety that is offered by the older dragons, snickering. Levy furrows her brow. There's a look on his face - one of mixed fury, horror, and embarrassment, the last of which doesn't appear too often on Gajeel.
"What? What did he give you?" Levy demands, but Gajeel clamps his mouth shut and won't answer her question. Instead, he puts his hands on her shoulders and steers her right out of the cavern. An older dragon's booming laughter follows them out. The mischievous kid apparently decided to tell another what he did.
"Shut up," he grumbles, nudging her along. Levy cranes her head to try and look at him. Whatever he'd been given has certainly turned his face an interesting shade of red. She lets him shove her along for a while. When they exit his den, Levy swats his hands away to walk on her own, planting her hands on her hips.
"Seriously, what'd he give you?" she asks again, and Gajeel only gives her a rather impatient, narrow-eyed glare that warns her to let the topic go. She's not about to do so. Levy lifts her chin in a silent challenge, and Gajeel wavers just slightly at the look before giving in.
He grumbles under his breath about annoying kids and shrimps, which makes Levy narrow her eyes warningly in return. Nevertheless, he digs around in his pocket before slapping it into her hand. "Happy?" he snaps.
"Not with the attitude you're giving me again," Levy retorts, but looks down at what rests lightly in her hand.
It's simply designed, but beautiful. A ring that looks as if it's made of the strongest steel, twisted in an elegant fashion and shaped to resemble the trunk of a tree. It's carefully carved, delicate branches reaching out to cradle a gem that Levy is willing to bet is a real diamond.
Levy's heart skips a beat as she whispers, "This is beautiful." She snaps her gaze up to his, however, a moment later. Her face turns a bright scarlet when she recalls what the dragon had told Gajeel regarding humans and their traditions. She immediately pushes it back into Gajeel's hand, clearing her throat as she tries to hide her flustered cheeks by turning away to head off, intent on returning to their temporary base camp. They've set up in the middle of the island, close to Wendy's home, but not actually in it, figuring they'll work better if they can have a place only for the translating.
Levy can feel him watching her as they walk and when she risks a glance in his direction, he's studying her with a thoughtful look, any sign of irritation gone. "What?" she asks, turning her face to him entirely. "What are you looking at me for?"
Gajeel stops again, and this time, he takes her hand in his. Levy's heart skips a beat and she stills beside him as he presses the ring back into her hand, curling her fingers over it. "Keep it," he says gruffly. "If you like it, keep it."
Levy peers down at the beautiful ring cupped in her hand and runs a thumb over the shining silver. "Are…are you sure?" she whispers, glancing at him again. Gajeel has an unreadable expression on his face as he watches, waiting for her reaction. "Isn't this a part of your collection?" There's no way the dragon had lied about where he'd found it, and it certainly seems like such a delicate item would belong in Gajeel's hoard.
"Yeah, but I want you to keep it," he says, averting his gaze, and Levy smiles brightly, delighted. She does quite like it, after all.
"What's the story behind it?" she asks as she attempts to slide the ring onto the ring finger of her right hand, only to find that it's much too big for even her thumb. So Levy cradles it fondly in her palm, hoping that someone will have something she can use to tie it around her neck. If not, she'll ask Gajeel to get something for her to use.
Gajeel bends his head close to hers, and Levy can't help the way her breath catches in her throat as he touches the gem embedded in the ring. "My mother gave it to me. She said that it's old - really old. That it was given to a man by his lover. But the man's lover died, and he was so angry that he threw the ring into the sea."
His voice rumbles in her ear as she speaks, sending chills down her spine, and Levy can't help but think Gajeel would be a fantastic storyteller. "How tragic," she murmurs, closing her fist and pressing the ring to her chest. "Thank you, Gajeel. I'll keep it safe, especially seeing as it was your mother's." She smiles widely up at him, her eyes lighting with joy, and Gajeel snorts quietly at how easy it is to please her.
"You better," he mutters, dropping a heavy hand onto her head. He tussles her hair. His fingers linger for a moment, simply resting there, and Levy's smile widens when he suddenly leans in and kisses her. Levy swears she can taste steel on his lips, and makes sure not to drop the ring, even as she curls her arms around his neck. His hand slides down to rest on her waist. She shivers.
Something changes, and Levy isn't sure what it is, but she's entirely alright with the fact that the kiss deepens. His breath rushes across her face, and her free hand tangles in his hair, trying to trap him where he is. Her body leans into his. She likes the way his body bends back into hers, pressed as close as they can. She likes it even more when he cradles her face in the hand not pressed to her waist, his thumb brushing over her cheekbone. He touches her so gently in comparison to how he usually tosses and drags her around.
Levy could have lingered like this forever, but of course, she ruins it.
A coppery taste on her tongue catches her off guard, and Gajeel rips away almost immediately when it touches his own. She breathes heavily, staring wide-eyed at him. She's briefly alarmed by the sight of blood on his face. Not his, she realizes as it drips from her chin, but her own, pooling from her nose again.
She hisses in distaste, frustrated. She blindly checks herself for something to staunch the bleeding, but comes up empty-handed and huffs. "Damn it," she snaps, angry tears pricking her eyes.
Gajeel says nothing, only stilling her wild movements as he grabs her wrists in his hands and stops her with a look. Quietly, he rips a piece of cloth from her shirt with ease and presses it to her nose, mindlessly wiping at his face with the back of his hand. "S'getting worse," he rumbles, scowling at the mere thought of it. It's a phrase that he uses often now.
"I know," she murmurs back, suddenly exhausted. Not from physical exertion, but from dealing with this damn poison that has ruined everything. She misses her magic, wishes she can use it as freely as she once had. She cups her hand over Gajeel's, taking over holding the cloth there. He drops his hand, watching her with what she swears is concern though she knows Gajeel will never admit so out loud.
But Gajeel shows his worry in other ways as he mutters under his breath and promptly scoops her into his arms, making her gasp in protest at the sudden shift of the world. It makes her head spin in a bad way. Still, she finds it comforting and leans her head against his shoulder, knowing Wendy's going to immediately try some kind of tonic when they find her.
Levy wonders if Gajeel has even begun to consider that while Metalicana appears to be recovering, she is no longer sure she'll survive, even if they do win the war.
Her stomach flips nervously as she studies the spell that has been carved into the earth at their feet, her gaze darting between the parchment in her hands and the turned earth. Gajeel hovers at her shoulder, doing the same thing, and Levy admits it's fairly distracting. She says nothing about it though.
"Well?" questions Leo, who has agreed to help them in their endeavor. "Is it to your liking, Levy?" His voice is tinged with annoyance, which only makes Levy's lips twitch into the beginnings of a smile. He'd been the one she'd corrected most thus far on the written spell Natsu had successfully translated.
"I think so." She takes a deep breath. She's confident that she's figured out how to change it to their liking, but for the sake of testing the spell, they've decided to leave it as it was. With Natsu apparently being a demon, they'll be able to see if his original translation actually works when put into practice, as Leo reports that they do tend to see most demons as their enemy. "Alright. Wendy, your turn!"
Wendy, hovering nearby as they all are, tips her head back and utters a loud trilling sound that pierces Levy's ears and makes her cringe lightly. Still, it works, and they watch to find out what will happen.
Levy isn't sure what she expected. Perhaps a nice warning, like a loud alarm or a glow of the carvings on the earth. She is certainly not expecting the entire sigil they've spent so much time on to quite literally blow up in their faces.
Shouts erupt as the world is ripped out from beneath them. One moment, they're standing there quietly, simply watching. The next, Levy is on her back, staring wide-eyed at the sky as her skin, speckled with burns, stings violently. Her ears ring and she is dazed enough that it takes her a long, hard moment to gather herself. Finally, she sits up, immediately looking to make sure everyone else is okay.
Natsu is sprinting from the trees, shouting something as she does so. Lucy is a step behind him alongside a spirit or two. Leo is checking on Wendy, who is as shocked as Levy is. Gajeel is nearby, spitting out a series of curses that would likely make even Metalicana blush as he scrubs dirt from his face.
Lucy makes a beeline for Levy. "Levy!" she cries as she kneels beside her, hands fluttering anxiously. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Levy says after a few moments. She shakes her head to clear it. "Yeah, I'm okay." She looks at the spot where they'd carved the sigil, clearing her throat. "I think we need to alter a few things, Natsu."
Natsu chokes out a startled laugh, anxiously checking to make sure everyone is okay. He clearly feels responsible, seeing as he's the one who'd translated the spell. "You think?"
"We should have known it'd be more than we expected," Leo sighs after Wendy hops to her feet, brushing dirt from her ruined clothes. His green eyes burn with what Levy swears is amusement as he watches Gajeel haul himself upright and immediately check on Levy. She gives the iron dragon a thumbs up, grinning. "Demons are cruel creatures. The spell waited until Natsu was nearly on top of it, which likely indicates it's less of a warning and more of a trap."
The spirit who hovers at Lucy's side suggests, "It is quite a trap. Our allies will suffer if we use it though." Her blue eyes dart to Leo, blank but somehow still interested. "Perhaps we can find something to counteract it. We know what the spell does now. You say you can alter it. It is possible to protect our allies from its effects."
"Maybe," emphasizes Levy. She lets Lucy pull her to her feet. She feels tired and her body aches from the force with which she hit the earth. "We can at least try to alter it so it doesn't, you know, blow up in our faces."
Lucy snorts, and Gajeel snickers from where he stands, gaze skimming the torn earth. "At least we have something to report to Metalicana when he comes to visit," says Levy.
No one disagrees.
Much to their surprise, it isn't Metalicana who comes to them next, but Sting. With him comes Yukino and Freed, which delights Levy. Days after their attempt to test Natsu's spell, they've not been able to successfully alter it, so having someone there to help them who is nearly as good at translating as Levy is will be extremely helpful.
Curiosity lights Freed's gaze as he skims the beach Sting's massive white body has landed on. "I never thought," he muses as he studies it, "that such a day would come."
Levy bounces on the balls of her feet even as Natsu, who's brought her to meet them here, watches her with a careful eye. Levy knows that she looks unwell, having been unable to keep down her food for some time. It stresses poor Wendy out, who's taken to hiding in her cave and trying to create some kind of concoction that will help Levy. "It's good to see you, Freed. You, too," she adds to the other two.
Yukino, who looks much better now than she did when she'd first come to Hargeon with them, smiles warmly at Levy. Her dark eyes are no longer filled with immense, overwhelming loss. It lingers, but she can work around it now. "Likewise. I hope we can help you with the work you're doing. Metalicana wasn't entirely clear on what we're supposed to do though."
Sting shakes himself free of white scales and within moments, stands there in a human appearance, blue eyes glittering. "Rogue and Erza are gonna be a few days yet. There was another strike at Hargeon, and Metalicana decided they'd be more useful there for the time being."
"Was anyone hurt?" asks Natsu immediately, shifting anxiously.
"A few," admits Freed with a heavy sigh. His face darkens with sadness. "Makarov was caught in the attack." Levy's face goes white, and Natsu goes stock still. Freed hastily adds, running a hand through his green hair, "He's okay. Recovering. It was scarcely more than a glancing blow, and Laxus was there. But still. It was a frightening day."
Levy's heart aches for Hargeon, for her guild, and for every other person, fairy, and dragon fighting in this war. She still cannot believe the Council had initially refused to believe her that this would happen - cannot believe that they are dead and gone because of their own refusal to believe, while she, who insisted otherwise, stands here. Sick, yes, and concerningly so, but alive.
There is so much death in war.
"Well," she rasps, clearing her throat and trying not to focus on this disheartening news, "at least he's recovering. That's something." She says it aloud, more so for Natsu than herself, seeing as he looks absolutely devastated. Likely blaming himself once again. She nudges him reassuringly. "And you're here, which means we have a better chance at things moving swifter than they have been. You're a master with written spells, so-"
Sting cocks his head to the side, blue eyes sharp with interest. "Metalicana said something about written spells. What exactly are you trying to do?"
"Translate old demonic spells," says Natsu, his own voice thick with emotion. He shakes it off after a moment, though the self-loathing lingers in his eyes. He has shadows beneath them, notices Levy after a moment of thoughtful looking. He's not slept much in a while. "Igneel had these old tomes in his den, and we've been translating one. Trying to understand and manipulate the old spells so they aren't triggered by the enemies of demons, but the demons themselves."
Levy notes they'll either have to reveal Natsu's status to the trio before them or find some other way of performing tests.
Freed looks particularly interested. "Oh?"
"I won't be much help," Yukino says with a grimace. "I'm not too inclined towards language, Levy."
"That's the thing," says Levy firmly, "Freed can help the rest of us. But there were mentions of Zeref disappearing, and we have a feeling he's going to come here. So we need defenses, too. We've already helped the young dragons, but we need people to keep an eye out."
Sting straightens, looking furious with the idea of Zeref coming to Tenrou Island. "Where are they?"
"Gajeel gave up his den," says Natsu simply, and Sting looks stunned.
"Gajeel?" Sting wrinkles his nose in disbelief, unable to believe what he's just heard. After a long moment of comprehending this information, he mutters, "Who would have thought? In any case, we'll start doing patrols around the island. We'll set up two perimeters, with one of them circling more inside the island than the beaches, but we'll want to cover the beaches here and there just to see if we can spot anything coming…" Sting trails off, thinking of their plans and strategies that will help keep the occupants of Tenrou Island safe.
Natsu looks a little relieved to have someone who's thinking of such things with them, and Levy nods her agreement. "Let's get a move on," she says confidently. "The sooner we get to work on those spells, the sooner we can send help to those on the mainland who need them."
It doesn't take them long to get back to their little campsite. Natsu lets Levy do her best to get there on her own, leaning heavily on him for some time. It's only when her knees begin to buckle beneath her and blood begins to drip steadily from her nose that he makes her let him carry her there, and she ignores the wide-eyed looks the three newcomers send each other at the sight.
Much to Levy's relief, none of them say a word.
The nose bleed doesn't last long. Levy is back at it within minutes of their return to the campsite, even as Natsu trots off to who knows where. Likely to find Wendy and inform her of what happened. Levy scowls lightly at the idea. Wendy's young, but she's the one Gajeel and Natsu relay information to regarding Levy's wellbeing. At least, Levy supposes, she has someone looking after her. She's far too busy to do it herself anyways.
"Here's what we have," she tells Freed as he sits beside her on the ground. Yukino kneels on her otherside, and Sting simply drops into a crouch beside Yukino to listen, his elbows on his knees and his wrists dangling. Levy explains the spell Natsu had translated and what they've found it does, and then admits, "We can't figure out how to alter it. I've been trying and trying, but…"
Freed takes the translation work from her and scans it thoughtfully. "Give me a few hours to familiarize myself with the language and attempt a few tricks of my own, and perhaps we can give it another try come morning."
Levy sighs, but nods. "Okay," she agrees.
"Hi, Lucy," calls Sting suddenly in a friendly manner, and Levy looks over her shoulder to find Lucy emerging from the trees, frowning to herself. Natsu hastily scrambles over. Yukino hides a smile behind her hand at the way Natsu lights up at the sight of her. Lucy smiles widely at him in turn, greeting Natsu first and foremost with a small touch of her hand to his as soon as he reaches her.
"Hi," Lucy answers warmly, her gaze touching on each newcomer. It lights further when she sees Yukino, and Levy recalls hearing small rumors that Lucy had become quite good friends with Yukino. "It's been a while."
Yukino beams back at her, her dark eyes bright with amusement as she looks briefly between Natsu and Lucy. "It has been," agrees Yukino.
"Levy," Freed says suddenly, recapturing her attention. Though he's claimed to have needed a few hours, he stares harshly at the writing before him. "What language is this? I've never seen this before."
Levy bites her lip. "We believe it's demonic in origin. It's from a time in which gods were still around, from what we know."
Freed looks stunned by that information. Sting straightens his shoulders, frowning now, and Yukino merely inclines her head thoughtfully at the information, saying simply, "What better way to defeat an enemy than with their own tools?"
Levy finds she quite likes Yukino Auguria. "Exactly," Levy agrees before looking back at Lucy. "Where's-"
Lucy smirks and Levy wants to throttle her when she teases, "Gajeel? Worried he's found another in your absence, Levy?"
Levy turns red, huffing, "Honestly." They have so many other things to worry about, and everyone insists on focusing on her love life! Levy wants to throttle Lucy at that moment. Rather than reacting further, however, Levy brushes blue hair from her eye and says, "I was going to ask where he is so we can start planning out what we want to do to keep a better eye out for demons and Zeref. We'll want to include the older dragons that are here on the island."
Sting nods slowly. "I know where Wendy will be. I'll go there and fetch Gajeel."
"I'll go get one of the dragons from the den," adds Natsu cheerfully, happy to have something to do. "They can act as a representative for the others that are here. We'll want to make sure we start setting up posts near the den, too, to keep an eye out around that specific area."
"Make sure we start working Rogue in there," Yukino adds, "and Erza, when she comes. She'll hardly be satisfied with translating old languages. She'll much prefer to help protect the island."
"That's why I requested her." Levy rubs her temples, the beginnings of a migraine throbbing in the base of her skull. She finds that she's exhausted from her day, and it frustrates her immensely. Once upon a time, she'd have been able to go for a lot longer than she now can.
Noticing with ever-sharp eyes, Natsu speaks up quietly. "Levy, you should go with Sting and rest. Freed's working on the translating, and we can handle setting up defenses for the island." Levy glares half-heartedly at him, and he returns her glare with a serious look. "You aren't the only one working, you know. We've got more help now, too. Take advantage of it."
Lucy looks rather proud of him for that, and Levy wonders if something has soothed the frantic urge to search from him. He looks less desperate than he has in the last few days.
"You look as if you can use the rest," Freed agrees with a kind, apologetic look in Levy's direction when she looks to the others for help, frustrated.
It's the same cycle that has been repeating itself for days, Levy can't help but think miserably. Weeks even. She does her best to keep up with everyone else only for them to comment on how much rest she needs. And maybe it's true, she does need rest, but she needs to finish this war before she can truly feel content enough to rest properly.
Even so, her head really is beginning to hurt, and with a sigh, Levy gives in. She doesn't feel like getting scolded again anyways. Maybe if she gives in now, Gajeel won't be as irritable with her later. "Do you mind?" she asks Sting with a defeated expression, and Sting's face twists into a sorry grimace. He feels bad, but doesn't want to pity her, which Levy appreciates.
"'Course not." He forces himself to smile widely at her, and Levy feels as if there's more to that look. "I've got some words to pass onto you from some of your friends anyways. I can do it while we walk."
Levy doesn't like the sounds of that.
Nevertheless, she braces herself for bad news as Sting picks her up with her permission and gives her a moment to bid them all a good night and brief farewell. She fully intends to return as soon as she wakes up from her rest. They all return the favor before focusing on the work at hand.
Levy hates that she has to be carried like a child, but she doesn't have much of a choice in the matter. There's no way in hell that she'd have been able to get back otherwise. Still, Sting can't seem to help but laugh lightly as he notices the scowl that materializes on her face as soon as they are away from the others. In a teasing way, he says, "Don't your own legs work?"
"Sometimes," sighs Levy.
Sting cracks a grin again. It fades after a few moments as he muses, "Metalicana told us what you did. About bargaining with the stars and stuff. Thank you. Without them, I'm sure my dad would be dead by now. A lot of us would be."
Levy's heart swells. He's the first one to tell her such words. No one else had thanked her for daring to do so. They'd all scolded her, told her how much of a bad idea it was even as she tried to help them in what she thought was the only way she could help now. "Thank Natsu," she says quietly, offering a small smile. "The stars…well, they decided he would be a better prize than me."
"Even so, you were the one who bargained with them, and not many would. And even then, you altered a bargain with the Spirit King, which is pretty much unheard of." Sting squares his shoulders, shifting her gently. "So thank you, Levy."
They walk in peaceful silence for a few moments. Sting appears to soak in the comforts of the island he called home. Before long, he's speaking again though. "I don't know what he means by it, but Makarov wanted me to pass on to you and Natsu that regardless of what happens after the war, you're both Fairy Tail members. Even if you can't wield magic like everyone else in the guild can, you're still a member."
Tears well and Levy has to suck down a shaken breath to keep them from falling. Another thing she's worried about since she's been downed by that damn demon, and Makarov had somehow known it even all those miles away. And somehow, he must have known about Natsu being what Zeref sought, a demon of some kind, to offer the same reminder to him. "Please," she murmurs with that thought lingering in the forefront of her mind, "when you go back, tell Natsu. He needs to hear that more than anyone."
"I will." Sting considers what he says next carefully before adding, "Your friends, Droy and Jet, wanted me to tell you that they're doing well and hope the same for you. They've been pretty worried."
This time, Levy smiles widely. She's relieved to hear that her friends are alive. Maybe not well, but alive. No one can consider themselves well during such devastating wartimes.
It doesn't take them too long to reach Wendy's home, and she can hear arguing even before they step free of the treeline. Wendy sounds rather irritable, as she has lately, and Levy wonders if it's the frustration of failing time and time again with her concoctions. Levy hopes they can find one that works soon, if only to make Wendy feel better. Gajeel, in contrast, keeps his voice low and patient - something that Levy thinks is rather unusual for him.
Sting doesn't bother to try and eavesdrop, which disappoints Levy, because she's fairly certain she can take a good, confident guess on who they're arguing about.
"Hey!" he calls, and the arguing cuts off immediately. "Where's my hug, Wendy?"
Wendy comes sprinting outside almost immediately with a wide smile on her face, argument forgotten. "Sting!" she cheers, only to falter and frown at Levy. Levy smiles tightly in return as Gajeel grouchily emerges behind the young dragon, his crimson eyes sharpening immediately as he scans them to figure out what might be the problem.
Quickly, before Gajeel can turn sharp words onto Sting, Levy says, "Freed's taken over translating, so everyone thought it'd be better if I came back to rest for a little bit. Sounded like a good idea, seeing as my head hurts a little."
Sting snorts to himself, setting Levy down. She murmurs a quiet thanks and manages to shift out of the way in time for Wendy to slam into Sting for a hug. He returns it happily, laughing, and Wendy immediately demands to know if he has any information regarding her mother. As the two chat, Levy makes her way over to Gajeel.
Knowing he's unlikely to tell her and unable to help her nosiness, Levy asks him, "What were you and Wendy arguing about in there?"
Gajeel gives her a quick once-over, thoughtful. "Nothin'," he says gruffly. He's lying, of course. The way he won't look her in the eye is the biggest give away. She'd have known anyways, given she'd overheard their voices, but she doesn't pry. Gajeel won't tell her, no matter how hard she pleads.
So, she tells him the upsetting news she'd heard earlier, knowing that he might be interested in it. "Makarov was caught in an attack on Hargeon," she says softly, her hands curling into fists. "He was hurt. Freed said he'll be okay, but…"
Gajeel presses his mouth into a hard line. Rather than trying to reassure her as she'd expect from most, he says, "The demons are going to overwhelm our side if we don't do somethin' soon. We need to get some of those spells to the dragons and spirits."
Levy nods her swift agreement, relieved someone agrees with her about the urgency of getting the translations done. "The spell we tested the other day - the trap, the warning one, whatever we're calling it. Freed's working on understanding the translations so he can help us. Between the two of us, we'll have it ready to go shortly, I'm sure. I'll head right back out after a nap."
"No." Gajeel glances at Wendy, who is still chatting happily with Sting. "We're headin' out to the mainland."
Levy blinks, caught off guard. "Why? Sting didn't say anything about Igneel needing us there-"
"He doesn't, but that's not what we're doing." Gajeel returns his attention to Levy, and she furrows her brow anxiously, not happy with the distant look he wears. It reminds her of Natsu, she realizes after a few moments of struggling to think of where she's seen such a look. It reminds her of Natsu, when he'd turned an entire beach to glass after finding out he may lose Lucy to the stars.
It scares her.
"Where then?" she says warily.
"There's a witch." His eyes flash and he folds his arms, rocking forward, as if he'll leave at this very moment if given the chance. "She might have somethin' Wendy's missing. If we can get her help, we might be able to help you with the poison."
Something tells her this is what he'd been arguing with Wendy about. Levy has a damn good guess of who they'd been discussing, too. "Porlyusica. You're talking about Porlyusica." The witch had been one they'd tried to involve when Lucy had first come to them with news of war, though she'd never bothered to respond. Makarov has somehow always been on good terms with her, though he's never told anyone of how he does it.
"But…she's a witch," Levy says softly, unsure.
Witches are different. It is as simple a fact as it is that dragons are different. Witches are their own race, their own kind, and much like the stars, they dwell in bargains and deals. In fact, Levy knows that having a few witches on their side would have likely made a big difference in the war, given that witches were rumored to have occasionally dabbled in things of demonic origin.
Unfortunately for them, witches didn't give a damn about the rest of them. They were solitary creatures who preferred their own company to anything else.
"I don't even know if Porlyusica's alive, Gajeel," Levy says uncertainly. "She's not in Hargeon. She'll still be by Magnolia if she's alive, and that's so far into the ground we've lost in the war, it'd be stupid to go there."
Gajeel narrows his eyes. "Witches are powerful. She'll be there."
"Gajeel," Levy rasps, "Porlyusica hates dragons. More than she hates the rest of us."
There are rumors, among Magnolia's citizens, that Porlyusica had once been a part of a coven. Covens are rare, given that witches prefer being on their own, but they do occasionally gather into small family-like groups. The rumors state that a powerful dragon had annihilated every last one of her coven, leaving only her behind. Natsu once tried to approach her, too curious for his own good.
To this day, if Levy inquires, he goes white and won't talk about it.
Gajeel's grin is a sharp-toothed snarl. "Too bad."
Levy doesn't like this side of Gajeel, she decides, folding her arms. She has no desire to struggle as she has been, and it's true that a witch could very well be what they need, if not an actual demon themself, but at the same time… "This is risky. Really risky. I don't want to put anyone at risk, and I won't scare my friends by making them think I'm dead again. It's not fair to them."
"Then I'll go alone," he tells her, and she makes a face. That's even worse. Porlyusica will eat him alive - if she's even alive herself.
Still, Levy can tell he's going to go regardless, and it's a bad idea to let him go on his own. The fact that he's even given her this long to try and convince him otherwise tells her he wants her along with him. She appreciates that, even as she finds she wants to throttle him.
Levy rubs her hands down her face and sighs heavily. "I'll talk to Natsu," she decides, glancing over her shoulder in the direction they've come from. "He's met with Porlyusica before, though he won't say what happened. He can give us some good ideas of what not to do. And we'll have to stop in Hargeon and talk with Makarov. That's a must. Makarov was friends with her and might be able to give us some advice on getting on her good side, too."
Gajeel seems to ease somewhat, his posture relaxing. Levy wonders tiredly what's going through his head to make him suddenly so determined to seek out a witch. Levy hopes it's nothing she needs to be worried about. She's got enough on her plate to worry about.
"I'm going to go rest," she tells Gajeel, and he reaches out to roughly pat her head, ruffling her hair in the way he knows she doesn't like, but puts up with simply because it's him that's doing it.
"We'll leave tomorrow," he tells her simply.
Levy merely smiles faintly and ducks into Wendy's cave, hoping that things will go well.
Levy's stomach twists and churns when Gajeel's heavy body descends upon the sands of Hargeon's famous beaches. Though she's still uneasy about visiting a witch that Levy hopes is still alive, Levy's found that it's hard not to agree with Gajeel. A witch may be a good person to seek out regarding the issues she's had, seeing as the old magic Wendy's been trying to figure out isn't working anymore. Besides, if they can convince Porlyusica to ally with them, perhaps she can at least offer some suggestions on what they can do to bolster their success against the demons in their war.
Regardless, she's no longer nervous about Gajeel's determination to seek the witch.
Rather, Levy's worried about him as she slides with great care down to the earth, stumbling on unsteady legs. His blinding metal hide hurts her skin where the sun has beat down on it. It had taken Gajeel quite a bit of effort to take on this body, and now she worries he won't be able to shake it off.
She spins to watch as he shakes himself, as if using physical movements will help free him from his current form. The massive dragon growls in frustration when it doesn't work. He shakes harder, snarling when that, too, does nothing. Levy bites her lip. Soon, someone will come to investigate their presence. Likely Metalicana, who has become nearly a guardian of the port.
"Gajeel," Levy calls when he slams a foot down angrily upon the sand, sending up clouds of dust and dirt. She blinks it from her eyes, scrubbing at them irritably. "Watch it!"
He grumbles, temper evident in the way he glares at her from one large piercing red eye. After a third attempt, he finally succeeded, nearly tipping himself over with how hard he shakes himself. Metal flies like shrapnel from his flesh, and Levy yelps when a few pieces scrape her. He grimaces when he stands before her in his humanoid appearance, and she can see the exhaustion that lines his face. It had been incredibly difficult to become so small, and Levy makes a note to herself.
No more big dragon form unless that's how he wants to stay permanently.
Knowing Gajeel won't want to be reminded of such matters, she moves on, though it lingers in the back of her mind. Levy swipes at a stinging cut on her cheek. "Let's get moving. If they were attacked recently, there may be demons hanging around and we need to get back to Tenrou as soon as we can. Zeref might show up in the time we're away."
Gajeel grunts in agreement and together, they begin to head for town. Gajeel hovers closely, ready to help her along if he needs to. Levy is determined, however. She pushes on even when her feet begin to drag enough that she trips several times.
Hargeon is clearly struggling in the war. It's been damaged in this new attack. Many buildings have been ripped apart. Anybody they pass won't meet their eye, instead rushing for the nearest shelter as they race to get out of the open. It hurts Levy, who recalls Hargeon in its best of times. She hopes that one day, it will be a joyous port town once more.
As they near Fairy Tail's corner of town, Levy tells Gajeel, "Why don't you start gathering supplies for our trek to Magnolia? I'll see if someone can show me where Makarov is. I'll talk to him about what we're doing, see what he can tell us."
"We don't have any money," Gajeel points out. Even in times like these, people have to make a living.
Levy grimaces. True enough. "Mira might help us out," she says with a sigh, hoping that their likely stupid adventure won't harm the guild in some way. If the guild needs supplies, they can't take from them. There are plenty in the guild who simply aren't fighters - like Asuka. She won't take from Asuka, or those like her.
Gajeel thinks it over, and then nods. Curtly, he says, "Makarov first. Then I'll go."
Levy doesn't try to argue with him about the matter. Rather, she smiles faintly and pushes on. It isn't long before they reach the Fairy Tail quarters of Hargeon, and in an even shorter amount of time, they're recognized. Bickslow seems to be patrolling the area, because he looks rather serious as he stalks along. His expression lightens with some amusement. "Well, well, well," he drawls, and Levy sighs at the irritation that darts over Gajeel's face. "Look who came back."
"Nice to see you, too, Bickslow," Levy says with a twitch of her lips. "Sting told us what happened here, that the guildmaster was hurt. Was anyone else?"
Bickslow's amusement vanishes. "Evergreen," he mutters, scowling. "They got a good blow on her. Elfman was with her when it happened, so him, too. Alzack's out of commission for a while. Gray. A couple of Lamia Scale mages. We barely got away with a victory. It's not looking good here, Levy."
It twists her stomach. They're losing. She really, really hopes that this trip to see Porlyusica might do more good than bad. "Is Makarov up for visitors?" she asks softly.
Bickslow shrugs. "He might be if it's you. Laxus hasn't been letting too many people up to see him. Says he gets tired real quick. But he'll let you up, I'm sure. How's Freed?"
"Fine." Levy smiles reassuringly. "He'd already caught up with where I'd gotten to and was working on some things when we left." She shifts her weight, wavering somewhat. She's exhausted after their travels and pushing herself more than she probably should have. She turns to Gajeel. "Go find Mira, Gajeel, Bickslow can help me out if I need it."
Gajeel tosses Bickslow a quick look, and Bickslow's lips quirk at the corners. But he nods and turns on his heel, vanishing into the small clusters of people that litter the Fairy Tail square. Bickslow's smirk makes Levy roll her eyes. She's not in the mood for teasing. She's tired, and wants to sleep for a little bit after she gets the information she needs.
Bickslow takes her to a nearby house that Fairy Tail's apparently overrun. Levy wonders if the owners are dead, or if they'd offered it up to the guild. She hopes for the latter rather than the former as she's led inside. She passes a few people she recognizes on sight, including Erza.
The scarlet-haired woman stops her when she sees her. "Levy," says Erza with no small amount of surprise on her face. She waves off Bickslow, indicating that she will take over whatever it is that he has been doing. Bickslow shrugs and leaves them to it. "You should be on the dragons' island." Her dark eyes are wide, but serious.
Levy smiles ruefully. "Gajeel had an idea, so here we are." It does remind her that Rogue will be taking Erza to the island to join them eventually. "Hey," she says quickly, "we're making a trip further inland, but we could use a hand getting back. Could you let Rogue know to wait for a few days?" She doesn't necessarily want to take from the others, who need the extra hands if Zeref does show up at Tenrou Island, but at the same time…
Levy finds herself selfish. She doesn't want Gajeel to get stuck in a body that is far too large. He will always be Gajeel regardless, but she likes having him so close, and that will be impossible if he becomes stuck in such a large form.
Erza nods curtly. "We plan on leaving in five days. Should that be enough time?"
"Hopefully." She presses her mouth into a hard line, thinking hard. They'll need to find a way to get to Magnolia quickly. Magnolia is several days away on foot, and they'll need several more to get back - not including whatever time they spend looking for a witch who dislikes company. She runs a hand through her tangled blue hair. "Do you think," Levy says slowly, "you and Rogue might be interested in accompanying us?"
Erza is wary, and with good reason, supposes Levy. Magnolia is, after all, lost to demons now. Not that Erza knows that is where they're going. Cautiously, Erza says, "Where do you intend to go?"
"Magnolia," Levy says firmly. "We're looking for Porlyusica. I know she didn't evacuate with everyone else. I would've heard of her in the area if she had."
Erza thinks it over, her lips pursed. She glances over her shoulder as she studies the Fairy Tail members working and gathered in the square. "I don't think that's a good idea, Levy," she says after a few moments, sighing. "The demons have a hold on that area, and we're needed either here or on Tenrou to defend those who cannot defend themselves."
Levy bites her lip. She's expected as much in answer. She'd had similar thoughts, too, and she still does. It's a good thing to remember. They're needed in so many places, and Levy's even willing to bet that if she'd not been around, Gajeel wouldn't be on Tenrou with them. He'd be out fighting alongside most of the others.
"Gajeel thinks having a witch to help us might help us," Levy says. "Not only can Porlyusica tell us what we might need to know about our translations and the spells we're working on, but she's a good healer, Erza, and she knows a lot of things that might change things for us. And if one witch joins us, then maybe we'll get a few others."
Erza inclines her head, silently admitting that Levy isn't necessarily wrong about it. She tucks red hair behind her ear and sighs. "A witch would be rather helpful in this war…I presume you're on your way to speak with our guildmaster if you are here rather than heading straight for Magnolia. I'll join you. When we're done, perhaps we'll see if Rogue will accompany us. I cannot say I want this war to go on much longer. Too many of our friends and family are being hurt and killed, and if you think a witch may help end it, then it would only be right to help you."
"Thank you, Erza."
Erza only smiles warmly and offers her arm in a friendly manner for Levy to lean on. "You're still ill, I see. Perhaps Porlyusica will have some way of helping you in that regard."
"That's what we're hoping for." Levy accepts the help, and Erza guides her through the building.
Levy has a good guess as to which room Makarov's in when she sees Laxus standing guard in the hall, leaning back against the wall with his arms folded. He glances their way, narrowing his eyes, and Levy forces a friendly smile to her face. "Hello, Laxus."
"He's resting," Laxus says by way of greeting. He doesn't seem surprised to see Levy, despite the fact that she shouldn't be there. "No visitors."
Levy fights the urge to roll her eyes. "Freed's well, by the way. Made it safely to Tenrou." Laxus winces, recognizing he probably should have asked about his friend. But he doesn't respond to that, simply refusing to budge from where he stands. "We're going to find Porlyusica," Levy says confidently. "I wanted to ask Makarov for information on how to make friends." When Laxus still refuses to budge, she adds, "Maybe she can help Makarov, too, Laxus."
Laxus furrows his brow, thinking over that. Finally, he grimaces and pushes off the wall. "Fine. Don't take too long. He gets tired easily, and he needs to rest. He's been refusing to."
"We won't take long," Erza reassures. "I'll ensure it, Laxus."
Laxus grunts, rapping sharply on the door to alert his grandfather that he has visitors. Makarov's hoarse voice calls for them to enter, and Erza nudges Levy on. "I'll wait out here with Laxus," she says softly. "When you're done, we'll find Rogue - unless Gajeel has done so first, though I suspect he'll seek Metalicana first."
Levy nods and enters the room, rubbing at an eye tiredly. She's sure it won't be long before she's overdone it. She's already pushed past the limits that she usually sets for herself. Limits, she admits, she usually passes anyway.
"Levy," calls Makarov in surprise when he realizes who's come to visit. He's resting in a rather uncomfortable looking bed, face pale and lined with exhaustion in a way that makes him look older than Levy ever remembers him looking. Her stomach rolls anxiously. This is the man who'd taken her into his guild when she'd been nothing more than a child on the streets of Crocus. He means more to her than her own true parents, and she will never forget the kindness he'd shown a stray orphan who'd been taught for so long that magic was bad. "What are you doing here in Hargeon? Are you well?"
Levy goes to sit in the chair that has been placed at Makarov's bedside, taking Makarov's hand when he offers it. She gives it a friendly squeeze. "Not really," she admits. "Whatever that demon did to me…it's not gotten better despite Wendy's best efforts. In fact, we think it's gotten worse." She smiles ruefully. "Freed said you'd been injured. Is it bad? Will you recover okay?"
Makarov rolls his eyes, which makes Levy want to laugh. "All of you children," he complains, sitting up and hiding a grimace as best as he can, "all worrying about a scratch. I'll be fine. We have other things to worry about." He gives her hand a squeeze back before letting go, folding his hands neatly in his lap. "So. What brings you back to Hargeon when you should be busy with other matters?"
Levy launches into an explanation, paying close attention to Makarov to try and guess his reactions, but Makarov's face is carefully blank as he listens. When she finishes, ensuring to add in their hopes about what Porlyusica might be able to do to help them, Makarov shakes his head. Levy worries it's a denial, that their attempts will be unsuccessful, but she realizes quickly he's simply amused.
"Porlyusica hates everyone," he reminds her. "Even me. But we had come to an agreement long ago, in my younger years, before I'd even considered being Fairy Tail's guiding hand."
"That's why I thought we should come to speak with you before we went," Levy says eagerly. "We thought you might have suggestions."
Makarov hums. He looks upwards, as if recalling old memories. He's quiet for a while before looking kindly at her, almost sympathetic. "I cannot tell you if Porlyusica will be of any use to us in this war, Levy. It depends entirely on who she speaks with. I encourage you to refrain from allowing Gajeel to be the one in charge of that conversation. She hates dragons." Levy snorts. She'd known that much. "The problem is that witches are more like the stars than they like to think. They deal in bargains, not unlike the one you thought to make with the Spirit King."
"If it ends this war and helps those I care about, then I'll bargain away anything," Levy says quietly, twisting her hands.
Makarov gazes at her fondly before settling against his pillows, his eyes flashing with acceptance. He doesn't try to warn her of anything more. Instead, he says simply, "I hope you are safe, Levy, and as I've said time and time again, no matter what happens, you will always be a member of our family."
Levy fights back tears, and listens closely as Makarov begins to tell her of what to expect if she should be successful in her search for the witch that lives in the woods surrounding Magnolia.
Off to Magnolia again to seek Porlyusica! Next chapter's going to be fun. And maybe with some chaos and angst. ;)
Thanks to reviewers (rao hyuga 18, Lodemai04, Meow Orbit, and piranha pk!) as well as those who favorited and followed!