Part VII
Chamomile
(Patience in adversity)
How Natsu can go this long while carrying her and not need a break impresses Levy. Of course, she knows that the dragons themselves have fantastic stamina when it comes to such things. When she'd initially come to Tenrou to observe it all, she'd seen Wendy carry heavy baskets of supplies without breaking a sweat in the sweltering heat. Still, at least, she supposes, she doesn't have to be embarrassed.
The tunnel down into the massive hoard Igneel keeps is long and winding, and might have been pitch black if not for various lanterns Natsu lights along their way. They line the passageway and when Levy questions them, Natsu explains that Igneel installed them long ago, when Natsu had first arrived and knew nothing about how to control his own fire. It had actually been one of the activities Igneel had used to help him. The old dragon would send the young boy down the endless corridors in the dark, encouraging him to light each one or even himself aflame so he could see.
Some might think such a method cruel for a boy who, Natsu admits, was scared of the dark.
Levy tells him that she'd prefer darkness over the knives her mother's words had become.
After what seems like ages, Natsu suddenly stops and sets her down. He winks, cups his hands around his mouth, and unleashes an inferno. Levy is impressed by the control he has as flames burst to life in dozens, if not hundreds, of lanterns, and when the cavern is perfectly lit…
Her stomach twists. No wonder the dragons protect their hoards so carefully. Igneel's is filled with gold. Never ending piles and mountains of gold. Coins, crowns, jewelry, even a gown that looks as if it's been made of golden silk. Natsu grins at the look on Levy's face. "This isn't even all of it," he says, nearly bragging about his father's collection. "Come on."
He takes a hold of Levy's elbow and tugs her along, following a winding path through the collection. Levy's careful not to touch what she can avoid, knowing Igneel will seek vengeance if an inch is disturbed that he didn't give them permission to touch. Eventually, they reach a small cavernous door, and when they set foot in another cave, Natsu echoes his own actions, lighting it.
There, she finds that tears may or may not start pouring down her cheeks.
It's a library. A massive one, bigger than those she'd always longed to see in Crocus, bigger than Fairy Tail's dangerous collection of magical and cursed tomes. Books that could be well over a thousand years old line some of the shelves that have been carved from stone. All this knowledge…
It saddens Levy to recall that she is human, and will never be able to read even a fraction of it.
Natsu's snickering at her reaction when she wipes at her face and says hoarsely, "Where are the things we'll need?"
Natsu grows serious. "In a back corner. It'll take a minute to find it. It likes to move." Levy's lips part in surprise, but Natsu's already walking, guiding her along. "It shouldn't be too hard though, since Igneel said we could come in. The magic knows him, and it follows his will." He's quiet a few moments, then asks, "Do you think you'll be able to translate the old stuff?"
"I think so." Levy doesn't portray confidence she doesn't have, but she tries to be hopeful about it. They're certainly running out of options in the war against the demons and the last thing Levy wants is for something like what happened in Crocus and Magnolia to push out even further than it already has. The magic of ancient gods might very well be all they have left to try. "I think you and Gajeel should be able to help, too. You're old enough to have some concept of languages, I'm assuming."
Natsu looks mildly amused and insulted, at the same time. "Thanks. I'm not that old."
"You look ancient to me," teases Levy and he rolls his eyes, promptly dropping her. Levy squeals, and he snags her before she actually hits the ground, but his point has been made. Levy turns away from the topic, finding her feet with his help, and puts her hands on her hips. They've stopped in front of a massive shelf, and even from where she stands, Levy can tell which books they'll need. They snag her eye, those ancient tomes. They're rather boring to those who don't know what they're looking for - and that's precisely what she's looking for among a bunch of fancy books and scrolls. "There," she says, pointing. "And the pile of scrolls beside them."
He glances at her, curious. "How do you know?"
Levy wiggles her fingers, smiling. "My magic centers around words. Of course I'd know which books to look at. Didn't you ever wonder why I was so good at languages?"
"I just thought you were the weird orphan we brought in who was overly interested." Levy glares, and he waves her off, instead pressing his hand to the bookshelf. He murmurs something to it that Levy can't hear, and her lips part in awe when the books and scrolls seem to push themselves off the shelf, toppling right into Natsu's waiting arms. He passes a few to her, as there's quite a number.
"Are we okay to take them out of here?" asks Levy, concerned. "Grandeeney's cavern might be a good place to study them. There's a lot of space, and I'm sure Wendy won't mind helping at all." Her own little area wouldn't suffice. It wasn't large enough, and not nearly as well-guarded against the weather for books like this.
"Should be." Natsu hefts his armload up, frowning. "You're not going to be able to make it all the way there though."
"So we'll try and get as far as we can, and hope Gajeel and Lucy come looking," suggests Levy. "And Wendy."
Natsu shakes his head, rather amused with her determination, but decides that they don't really have much of a choice. So, the pair set off. Within minutes, Levy is exhausted and knows she's overdoing it. She's tripping over her own feet, her breath is ragged, and she's smeared blood beneath her nose. She finds herself to be frustrated by this. "I don't understand," she rasps when Natsu declares they're stopping to give her a break, "why it's still this bad."
Natsu sets his items down and gently grips her elbow, helping Levy sink to the ground. Her knees buckle halfway down and she slides awkwardly the rest of the way. Once she's no longer at risk of collapsing, Natsu drops to sit beside her, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. Levy doesn't miss this; she wonders if they're near a dragon's territory that might not be overly enthused with humans on the island.
"That poison was pretty strong stuff," he tells her with a shrug. "That's what Grandeeney was saying. She still hasn't figured out how to come up with an antidote, and she managed to extract a good amount of it from you and Metalicana. She says it's not like any poison she's ever seen, and she's worked with venomous dragons, you know?"
Levy bites her lip, wrapping her arms around her knees and resting her chin on them. They sit in the peaceful quiet for some time as Levy catches her breath. She's missed this peace, she thinks tiredly, wishing they could stay on Tenrou forever and forget the demons that haunt Fiore. It wouldn't be a bad way to live - if her family wasn't in danger.
Eventually, Natsu helps her to her feet and they push on, but it's only a few minutes before they have to stop again. "This is ridiculous," she snarls as angry tears begin prickling at her eyes. She wheezes, black spots dancing in her eyes. She feels like she's going to be sick, like she's going to pass out.
Natsu looks concerned, his eyes darting around as if he'll find something to help them. Instead, there's nothing. "We'll wait," he decides, nervous. "For them to come find us."
"We don't have time," protests Levy, but Natsu is firm in his decision.
"If we keep pushing you like this, it's not going to end well." Natsu begins piling their gathered tomes and scrolls together. "So we'll just stay here, and we can start working on the spells. See? We're not wasting any time at all." He slides her a crooked grin, and she appreciates his efforts to make her feel better about what's happened.
So, Levy pulls the first tome into her lap and pries it open, acknowledging she has nothing to write with. When she points it out to Natsu, he waves her off, telling her that he'll see if Wendy has anything to trade for them. Levy's fairly certain Wendy won't demand anything in turn, simply excited to have their company. Natsu opens his own book, and together, they lean over them, muttering at one another every now and then. Natsu appears to be surprisingly capable of understanding some of the language already, though he can't understand how. It clearly puzzles him, and when it clicks that it might be because of what he is, he quickly sinks into despair. Levy's just as quick to reassure him, declaring that she's happy he can do so.
After all, why not use what Zeref wants against him?
It takes some time for people to come looking for them. In fact, it's nearing dusk, and though they've not made much progress, Levy's relieved to see that they've made some. She's so focused on what she's been doing that when a familiar voice utters closer to her ear than expected, she jumps.
"The hell are you doing in the middle of the open?"
Levy squawks, snapping her elbow back instinctively. Gajeel narrowly avoids the blow, snickering as Levy squeals in apology. "I'm sorry!" she cries, relieved she's not struck him. "I'm sorry, you scared me-"
"Took you long enough to come looking," complains Natsu, slapping his own tome shut. He doesn't seem that upset though, especially as Wendy squeals his name, standing with Lucy. His eyes light with joy at the sight of the familiar blonde, and he hops to his feet, cheerfully scooping up their supplies. "We thought you'd never show up."
"Why are you waiting around here instead of coming to find us?" Lucy asks, amused. Her dark eyes look between them, gleaming with laughter.
Levy sighs as she begins piling her own ancient writings together, passing them to Natsu when he offers to take them. "It's my fault. I got too tired too quickly, and as great as Natsu is, he can't carry me and the books, so we just decided to wait until you guys came to find us." She smiles sheepishly at them, and then gives a huff when Gajeel scoops her up without prompting. "Gajeel-"
He ignores her, of course, and simply hoists her up a bit, grunting at the others, "Let's get going already. We got work to do, right?"
"Where are we staying?" asks Levy. "My little place is too small for everyone, or I'd offer it." She still has her little cavern, after all.
"We can stay in Grandeeney and my place," offers Wendy, still holding tightly to Lucy's hand as she bounces once or twice. "Well, at least we can work there. I don't have enough places for everyone to sleep there." Levy guesses almost immediately that Wendy's been clued in on what they're doing and will likely be helping them.
Immediately Natsu pipes up. "Lucy can stay at my place."
"Not subtle at all," mutters Gajeel under his breath and Lucy blooms a bright red, flustered. Natsu furrows his brow, downright confused by why Gajeel's smirking and why Levy's shaking her head. He doesn't say anything, only offers Lucy a bright, cheerful smile. Gajeel jostles Levy in a playful manner. "We'll stay with Wendy then. Levy still can't stay anywhere on her own."
Levy sighs. "I'm not helpless, you know. I get tired walking, not sleeping." She is fully confident that she'd be fine to stay at her own small home on Tenrou. But Gajeel ignores her, as he's prone to doing, and Wendy seems pleased enough that she'll have company staying with her. "Natsu," she adds, gesturing to the tomes. "Maybe you guys can take some with you and keep working for a little longer tonight?"
"I'll see what I can figure out," he promises. Lucy echoes him. Relieved, Levy directs Wendy to gather a few of the supplies she'd been working with. Wendy does so, looking rather amused as Gajeel refuses to set Levy back down. She grabs all of the books and darts away, grinning even as Levy manages to snag one from her awkward position.
"I'll meet you there," calls Wendy over her shoulder.
Levy furrows her brow as Gajeel rumbles, "We'll be there after sunfall."
"Where are we going?" she demands, and then swears when in one smooth movement, Gajeel has removed her book from her hand and tosses it back to Wendy. The younger dragon neatly snags it, and even winks before vanishing into the jungle. "Gajeel," complains Levy when she realizes Lucy and Natsu have disappeared, too. He's up to something, and she can't help but be suspicious that he'd planned this before they'd arrived on Tenrou.
Gajeel smirks and shuffles her roughly until she squeaks in protest. He starts forward, long legs eating up the ground far swifter than she could have walked. Levy finds her cheeks are burning as he walks, and she knows without a doubt that Gajeel can tell. She blames for it in silence, scowling lightly at him without meaning it one bit.
"Seriously," Levy says, tugging at a lock of dark hair that's fallen over his shoulder. "Where are we going, Gajeel?"
"You'll see when we get there. Just chill out, shrimp."
"Don't call me a shrimp." She narrows her eyes irritably at the nickname, but he only cackles. Deciding she's not got much else of a choice, Levy folds her arm and pouts, letting him carry her where he sees fit. Silence falls as Gajeel easily maneuvers around, ducking around trees and ignoring the heat that continues to wash over them. Levy finds that she's sweating, but Gajeel barely seems to notice.
Eventually, she speaks about the problem that's been burning in the back of her mind since their arrival on Tenrou. "You're…you're going to have to take us back to the mainland." She hates what she's bringing up, knowing that this bothers Gajeel just as much as it worries the rest of them. "Are you going to be able to?"
"I'm not." Gajeel's answer is gruff and curt. "Contacted my old man. He's gonna come grab us."
Us. She likes that he counts himself as a part of that "us." "I thought Metalicana's been thinking about returning to the front lines?"
"Igneel told him no." Gajeel grunts as he drops from a small ledge, stones scattering and clattering beneath his feet. "Not yet. He's still not up to par after that fuckin' demon did what it did." He scowls at the reminder, a low snarl gathering in his chest. "I dunno what kind of venom it had, but…"
Levy sighs. There's no hope for her regaining her ability to use magic then. If even a dragon can't, then what chance does she stand? And if even a dragon can't regain his senses…how long will she be like this? Annoyingly feeble and unable to walk so much as half a mile without keeling over? Levy scowls to herself at the mere thought, beyond angry about it.
So, she turns her attention to Gajeel's half of the problem again. "If there wasn't a war," she hedges carefully, and Gajeel's gaze drops to her face for a breath before lifting to watch where he's going. She starts again. "If there wasn't a war, would you stay in your other body? Would you prefer it or this one?"
"This one." He says it immediately, grip on Levy tightening.
Levy tries again, hoping she doesn't sound full of herself. "What about if it was just dragons on the island? If things were like before I came?"
Gajeel promptly drops her.
Levy screeches as she hits the ground, a mix between sand and rocks. She hisses in pain and rubs her hip where it strikes a particularly sharp rock. "Gajeel," she seethes, but he ignores her and puts his hand on his hips, staring above them instead with a sharp, flinty look. After a moment of glaring, she turns her gaze on where he's looking.
Her heart skips a beat - partially in fear, partially in awe.
They sit on a beach, the water lightly crashing against the shore a few feet away. The beach edges a rather large cliffside that perches over the warm sea water, and atop that rocky cliff is a series of shapes and shadows. A massive one overlooks the others, patient and gentle. A dragon - and Levy realizes the little shadows are the younger dragons, in their gangly four-legged forms. There are only three of them, and each is uneasily extending their wings slowly before folding them in again, listening to the older dragon's words, which are washed away by the ocean waves and wind.
Levy guesses immediately what they're doing. "She's teaching them to fly," she breathes.
Gajeel grunts, nodding. "Spotted 'em while we were out looking for Wendy," he tells her. "Thought you might wanna watch."
"I do." Levy scrambles to her feet, wavering for balance. Gajeel sighs heavily and catches her elbow to help her regain her balance. She barely notices, eyes locked on the dragons as the bravest of the three young ones unfolds his wings and beats them a few times, testing the air. It's like sparrows leaving their nest for the third time, and Levy fights the urge to gasp when the young dragon throws itself over the edge with a piercing shriek.
She can scarcely breathe as it plummets like a stone towards the ground - only to somehow manage to catch the wind, gliding the rest of the way with little control. It strikes the ocean with a splash, roaring in protest and drawing laughter from its companions. The adult dragon chuckles and urges the next little one on.
This one fares worse. It squeals as it tumbles through the air, barely gliding before it clips the beach. It yelps in pain and the older dragon bunches closer to the edge of the cliff, anxiously watching it until it hops to its feet. It limps a little, but shakes it off and goes to join its companion. The dragon sighs in relief.
Levy, cringing at the pain the hatchlings must be enduring, asks, "Is it normal? For them to hit like that?"
"Yeah." Gajeel's gaze is intense as he watches the next hatchling get urged forward, narrowing somewhat. A low rumble starts in his throat. "That one's not gonna make it. I've seen that one around. It's the runt of its clutch and it's already a couple o' years behind. It's always been a sickly one."
Levy's heart twists in realization. He doesn't mean that it'll just knock itself around like the second one had. This isn't just a testing attempt to find out where these hatchlings are in their growth. "Wendy's here."
"She can't heal stuff like this. She's barely past this stage herself." Gajeel runs a hand through his hair, grimacing. "The first flight's a ceremonial thing. It'll be done a little differently with the dragons at war, but..without that first flight, we can't be considered a proper dragon."
"But…why make it do that then?" Levy pulls her knees to her chest, breath hitching as the older dragon calmly nudges the younger one towards the edge. She doesn't want to see this. Not when she's lived on this island, seen these young dragons grow.
"Every dragon wants to. No one makes us jump." Gajeel's eyes dart to her before returning to the young dragon as it bravely rustles its wings. "And not all of 'em die from the fall, y'know. If they don't, they go right back up the next day and try again."
Levy barely hears him as the young dragon takes a deep breath and hurls itself over the side like the others, flapping its little wings desperately. It drops heavier than the one before it did, desperate. The other little dragons are watching anxiously, too, worried for their friend. The young dragon strikes the ground with a shriek, and there's a long moment as they all wait to see if it will get up.
The adult dragon that had been working with them glides down, landing with a rather heavy thud that shakes the ground. The younger ones hover where they were standing, reluctant to approach as it investigates.
And then, as if by some miracle, the little dragon shakily began clambering upright. It limps heavily and whimpers as the older one noses it, but it's alive, and it's already looking back up at the cliff.
Levy's willing to bet that it'll make its way up to jump again the next day.
Wendy is exceptionally pleased to have them visiting even a couple of days later, thinks Levy, glumly nibbling at the food she's been given. She sits outside Grandeeney's cavern, wondering if the sky dragoness knows that they're doing so. She doubts that Grandeeney cares, busy with the war efforts. Levy taps her other hand's fingers thoughtfully on the book in front of her, tracing a symbol thoughtfully.
She can't help but wonder what life will be like after the war - if there's an end to the war at all. For all she knows, they will be annihilated. Demons will reign, Zeref will have what he wants, and she and every other human - and dragon - will be dead because the stars have withdrawn and hidden in their home.
But if things go their way…what will happen?
Will she get to stay here, on this island filled with dragons? She can't stay on as a member of Fairy Tail. Not an official one. It's written into the rules of magic guilds that you have to possess magic. While she does, she can't use it, which makes her more human than mage. So, she wonders where she'll live.
And there's also the other half of that thought that's been nagging at her.
She really, really likes Gajeel, though she's too much of a coward to explain just how much. He's kissed her, sure, but… Levy sighs heavily. She's not sure just how he thinks, being a dragon and all, and to be perfectly honest…
It's not a very good match. For one, they're in the middle of a war. Stuff like this shouldn't matter. People, whether they be dragons or humans or stars, are dying every day. Where did she get the right to worry about things like feelings when that was happening? When she is sitting safe on the island of dragons, staring at a book she is struggling to translate and others are fighting for their lives? And that didn't even begin to cross into the fact that Gajeel is very clearly a dragon.
Even if he had a family ancestry that crossed with humans, he would outlive her by centuries.
She is nothing but a little blip of light in his life. Once, Natsu had mentioned his own fears of aging as Lucy remained immortal and young. Still, he'd have centuries with her if things go well in the war. Levy, even as a mage who might live an extra decade if she was lucky, would be dead before they knew it, a long lost memory of a friend they likely wouldn't remember the name of before long.
She can't say for sure if she is in love with Gajeel, but Levy knows for a fact that she loves him in some way, and she won't make him endure the level of grief she's seen Natsu endure.
Levy forces her attention away from her troublesome thoughts. Those are things she can think about later, she tells herself. When they win the war. If they win the war.
Her brow furrows as she runs her fingers over the notes she's made, held off to the side. She tosses the core of the apple she'd been eating aside as she leans in to study them. As she turns her attention between the tome and the notes, a clear thought begins to take form and a burst of sharp squealed laughter escapes her, signaling her delight with what she's realized.
The words have clicked, and while she still has to rely heavily on her notes, she's finally finished the final key to the puzzle. She lurches from her spot even as Wendy pokes her head out of her cavern to ask, "Alright, Levy?"
"Just fine, just fine. I need Natsu and Lucy though." Levy grabs her notes and darts into the cavern, her quill shoved between her teeth. "Go get 'em," she grits out, voice muffled.
She drops her tome and notes, quill still in her mouth, and bolts to find the rest of her work. She's got other notes she needs to clearly read this spell, which will allow them to carefully translate other pieces over the next few hours. She bumps right into Gajeel, who looks as if he's just cleaned up. He frowns down at her when she bounces off of him but barely seems to notice, squeezing past roughly instead of greeting him as she normally would.
"What're you so excited about, shrimp?" he says over his shoulder. She grabs her things and bolts back to where she's left the rest of it. Gajeel grunts when she shoves past him again, trailing after her.
She waves him off, tearing the quill out of her mouth. "Not now. Shush."
His eyes narrow, a hint of temper flaring in his red eyes, but she barely notices or seems to care, too excited by her discovery. She throws herself down onto her knees, spreading the work out carefully, and dips the quill into the ink she's nearly spilled all over. Wendy peers back in, confused, until Levy barks, "Lucy and Natsu, Wendy. Go."
Wendy looks a little offended, but darts away to fetch them.
Gajeel drops into a heavy crouch just across from Levy, the papers and tomes spread out between them. He props his elbows on his knees, hands tangling between them. He doesn't dare touch any of it though. "What'd ya find?"
"Shush."
"Don't shush me," he rumbles, insulted, but Levy doesn't care, not as she scribbles hurriedly, eyes darting this way and that. He reluctantly falls silent, watching her with some amused interest, until finally, after what seems like ages, Natsu ducks in, arms laden with extra materials he'd found in Igneel's stash.
"I brought what you wanted," he declares, and Levy hastily chucks her quill at the floor and orders bossily, "Put them here." She points to a specific spot, and snickering, Natsu does as she says. Lucy and Wendy pile in after him, each curious enough to not say anything. No one does. Not as they realize Levy's on the brink of an important discovery. She hauls a couple other tomes to her, double-checking what she's found.
Finally, she explains.
"This book," she says, holding up the heavy thousand-page book in her hands, "dates back well over a couple thousand years, right? Well, this one," she points to another, "is the same book, only more recent." Her eyes glow with excitement. "It keeps going, too. Natsu, these aren't just random books we stole from shelves, they're the same book someone's rewritten over and over and over, in more recent languages. This one is the most recent one, I think, but we'd have to go back to the library Igneel has and make sure." She points to the initial book she'd been working on for so long.
"There's more," Levy continues as they all begin to look excited by this discovery. They won't have to decipher several books - just one. "They're all written by the same person. See the handwriting? It doesn't change, and these are all handwritten."
That takes them off guard. "Wait," says Gajeel, rather wary of what this could mean. "Then it can't be a dragon. We live a long time, but not that long."
"So," says Lucy slowly, thinking, "maybe it was a star. When we return to the mainland, I can track down Leo and ask around. He would know, if not the Spirit King himself. He's not overly enthused with me at the moment though, so it might be a better idea to avoid him if we can."
"I don't think so. These spells," Levy says, "are dark. They rely on blood sacrifice and such. They're ancient, from before we humans walked the planet." She searches each of their gazes, trying to see if they got the idea. "A star doesn't play with life like these spells do. I've gathered that much from being around you and a few others, Lucy."
"We don't," she agrees. "The stars prefer to avoid contact with this realm at all, except for rare occasions."
Wendy says softly, adding in as she scoots closer to Gajeel and Levy, "Besides, stars don't dwell in darkness like you're describing, Levy."
"No." Levy takes a deep breath. "They don't." She's concerned about what the suggestion she's about to make might mean for the war, yes, but also for those around her. For Natsu, who struggles enough with the realization of what he is now. It's his gaze that she meets as she says gently, "I think these spells were written by demons." Natsu tenses, nearly recoiling at the idea of using such spells, but she pushes on. "Think about it. There are a lot of old stories people don't often tell, about the time of gods. Demons overtook them, much like they're doing today, and the stars fell from the sky to banish them from this plane of existence. Once the demons were gone, they created some bonds with a few humans," she glances at Lucy when she says this, "and lingered before finally disappearing when one of their favored was attacked here on Tenrou."
Gajeel reaches over and plucks up one of the pages Levy has scrawled out, eyes scanning the symbols. He grunts. "We can show Metalicana, see what he thinks. He'll know, or he can figure out how to get a hold of Igneel to confirm it."
"Igneel has to already know," Natsu says quietly, his face darkening with frustration. They all fall quiet at the accusation Natsu is making. "There's no way he doesn't. They wouldn't be in that collection if he didn't know."
"So he sent us here," says Lucy slowly, frowning deeply, "knowing that we'd figure this out? Why didn't he just tell us?"
"Igneel's hidden a lot of things recently." Gajeel hands the page he's taken back to Levy, and she neatly puts it back where he took it from. She runs her fingers thoughtfully over the page, eyes darting between it and her other materials. "So, what's this spell for?"
"I'm glad you asked." Her eyes light with mischief as she lifts her eyes to his, and a smile tugs lightly at the corner of his mouth. "I think it's a spell meant to trap gods."
Wendy perks up, bouncing excitedly at the thought. "Traps? They're traps?"
"I think so." Levy taps a word. "And I think it can be shifted and changed, you know? Reapplied. If we can figure out what the demons' words for 'demon' is, then we can change these spells. Imagine massive spells set as traps for demons on the battlefield. Dragons and stars and any mages out there helping them can run through them, no problem, but the demon gets trapped and becomes an easy target." She sits back on her heels, folding her hands neatly in her lap as she glances between each of those present. "The question is, how long do we stay on Tenrou before we get this back to Metalicana? We can't take these off of the island. If Zeref were to get a hold of them, they could very easily be used against us."
"We don't need to wait at all." Lucy rises to her feet, determined. "I'll return home, find a celestial spirit who can inform Metalicana that we need him here." She smiles reassuringly at Natsu when he utters a sound of displeasure. He doesn't like the idea of her going back to the stars trying to separate them on her own, but they don't have much choice. Not with Gajeel quickly becoming incapable of taking them back and forth as he's done for so long. "I'll go now. When I return, Levy, maybe we can make a key so the rest of us can start translating passages."
"I'll get right to work," Levy says firmly, already reaching for her quill, but Gajeel begins stacking things, ignoring her squawk of outrage when he disrupts the order of it all. "Gajeel!" He ignores her protests as he shoves some of it at Natsu.
"See what you can find in Igneel's den," he says. "If we can figure out how far back these go, then we might be able to identify the author." Gajeel's red eyes burn with a look Levy cannot read. "If we can figure it out, maybe they can help us come up with even more spells."
Levy briefly forgets about her agitation over the fact that her work has been disrupted by Gajeel, even as he snatches up the rest of her notes. Her eyes light with proud excitement. Maybe, just maybe, if she gets enough of this language… Maybe she can write spells, too. She rounds on Gajeel. She tries to grab it. "Give it back," she demands. "I want to try something."
He ignores her, holding it out of her reach with ease. "Tomorrow," he says firmly.
"You do need rest, Levy," Wendy says. She comes to stand beside Levy, pressing the palm of her hand to Levy's forehead. "You've got a fever. You've worked yourself to the bone the last few days. Get some proper rest, and then maybe you can try something."
"We don't have time," seethes Levy, scowling at the dragons that are all working against her.
Lucy gently pushes at her shoulder. "Then we make the time. You're a good friend to all of us, Levy. Your health is important. Rest, and then when I return, I'll help you with whatever it is you need." She smiles soothingly, and Levy gives in after a few moments of annoyance.
"Fine," she grits out, admitting only silently that she really is exhausted. Even now she's wavering on her feet. She steels herself, locking her knees so she doesn't let it show. Gajeel finishes passing everything to Natsu, who hoists it up with a grimace.
"I'll help you before I go," Lucy murmurs, taking some of his load from him. Her dark eyes gleam as she bumps Natsu with her hip. "C'mon, let's go. See you soon," she adds over her shoulder to the others, smiling warmly. Levy meets her gaze meaningfully. She'll keep an eye on Natsu while Lucy is away. Lucy blinks in gratitude and slips from Grandeeney's cave.
Gajeel, satisfied with the results of his efforts to send Levy's work away, prods at her shoulder forcefully. "You eaten?"
"An apple-"
"I'll get her something more to eat," says Wendy cheerfully, and Levy grumbles. She folds her arm, lip jutting out in a frustrated pout. Still, she doesn't protest, and she forces herself to eat at least one of the spits of meat that she's given a short while later.
Her stomach heaves again, and Levy tries to keep her retching quiet as she kneels in the dirt a couple dozen feet from the cavern. Her head spins, nausea heavyset in her gut. The meal she'd eaten earlier this evening is gone, emptied into the grass. She rocks back onto her heels after a few moments, her chest heaving for breath. She feels shaky, her face slicked with sweat, and she forces herself to admit the truth.
Even the amount of work she's done over the last few days is too much for her.
The small, miniscule amount of work she's done, which is merely a fraction compared to what she's done in the past - the insignificant amount she's done when she's run around like a chicken with her head cut off for hours doing physical activity…
Her eyes burn with tears of self-loathing and frustration.
Levy wipes her mouth on the back of her hand, ignoring the small drops of red that stain her skin in the moonlight. Her nose is bleeding. Again.
She stumbles back towards the cavern, only to falter when she realizes Wendy has emerged. The small sky dragoness fiddles with her fingers, unsure if she's allowed to approach, but Levy smiles faintly, trying to reassure her. Wendy relaxes, stepping over. She carries a wooden bowl, filled with fresh, clean water.
"Thanks," rasps Levy, voice hoarse.
Wendy searches her face for something she doesn't find. Her gaze drops back to the bowl Levy sips from now. "Gajeel left," she says softly. "I don't know where he went."
Levy glances at the moon, studying its beautiful silver light. "He'll have gone to Natsu. He's…had a rough time recently, and for all Gajeel's gruff bravado, he cares enough to check on him." She takes a deep, shaky breath, and then blinks when the young dragon suddenly begins dabbing at her face with a piece of cloth, likely ripped from her own clothes, wiping the blood away.
There's a determined look on Wendy's face when she pulls away. She looks oddly confident as she says sharply, "Stay here."
Levy's brows lift as she disappears into her mother's cave. Levy chooses to sink to the earth when the nausea sweeps through her. She's surprised when Wendy doesn't re-emerge. Rather than calling out a long hour later, Levy simply remains where she was, figuring Wendy'll come back for her when she's ready. Levy chooses to enjoy the fresh night air in the meantime.
"The fuck are you doin' out here?"
Levy's proud to say she doesn't even jump when she glances over her shoulder. Gajeel looks agitated, his eyes narrowed into irritable slits. His pierced brows are furrowed as he pokes at her bony shoulder. She swats his hand away, rolling her eyes. "I got sick," she grumbles, "and then Wendy told me to sit out here, so I'm waiting to see when I'm allowed back in."
Gajeel glances at the cave, curious, and then returns his attention back to levy. He settles comfortably beside her. Levy fights the urge to shiver when his arm brushes hers. She wants nothing more than to lean into him, but she doesn't. Her earlier worries are back, reminding her of all of the issues that might arise some day.
"She say what she's doing?" Gajeel questions, and Levy shakes her head.
"Nope." Levy pulls her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them. "How's Natsu?"
"Who says I went to check on Natsu?"
Levy fires him a small glare, accompanied by a roll of her eyes. "How's Natsu?" she repeats.
Gajeel grumbles, but leans back, propping himself up on his hands. "Fine. Focused. He's been workin' all night on your translations. Said he'd rather keep his mind busy." He bares his teeth. "Thinks he's halfway done with another spell. Something that will limit what the demons can do." Gajeel considers the matter for a moment before adding, "The bastard's lookin' for a way to alter what he is. You can see it in the way he looks at the writing."
"He doesn't need to alter what he is," says Levy softly. "All that matters is that he's Natsu."
Gajeel doesn't agree or disagree, only grunts, but Levy knows that it means the former rather than the latter. They sit in peaceful silence for a few moments before Levy suddenly grimaces, lurching unsteadily to her feet. She doesn't bother to give Gajeel an explanation as she staggers away, returning to her spot in which she has some peace to retch.
She knows it doesn't matter. Gajeel likely hears every sound she creates. The thought turns her face red as she stumbles back a few minutes later, exhausted and sore. "Sorry," she chokes out, voice thin and hoarse. She drops heavily back to sit beside him, pressing her forehead to her knees. She's exhausted, but sleep simply won't come half the time. Between her fears, worries, and the illness that racks her every time she thinks it's done…
Her thoughts freeze as a heavy hand rests on the back of her neck, fingers working the muscles there carefully. Cautiously. Uncertainly. Levy's lips tremble. Grateful, she leans into the touch as it drives away some of the nausea, soothing the migraine that is beginning to build in the back of her skull.
It's not much longer before Wendy finally emerges, cradling a hot drink in her hands. "Here," she declares, dropping to kneel before Levy. She doesn't bat an eye at Gajeel's presence or what he's doing, only smiles in encouragement as Levy weakly lifts her head. "Try this."
"What is it?" rasps Levy, even as she lifts it to her lips, trusting Wendy. She immediately chokes on the bitter, horrid taste and sputters, coughing. She shoves it away from her nose, wrinkling it in distaste. "What the hell, Wendy?!"
Gajeel cackles at her reaction as Wendy insists, "Just drink it!"
"It's the worst thing I've ever tasted. No way." Levy holds it out, trying to spit the taste out off to the side, but Wendy rolls her eyes and shoves it back towards her.
The look in her eye is rather intimidating when she snarls, "Just drink it."
Levy stares at the furious young dragoness and grudgingly just chugs it, figuring it's better to get it over with. When she's done, she gags and tosses the small bowl aside. Gajeel snickers in her ear and she elbows him, half-tempted to make him drink some of whatever little potion Wendy's created. "Can you tell me what it is now, Wendy?"
Wendy's irritable snarl vanishes and she beams. "I got an idea, while we were doing some work with those spells. I went digging through Grandeeney's hoard, and found some old healing spells. Grandeeney wouldn't have thought to try them on you since you were away, and she doesn't look at them very often. Our magic as sky dragons is really reliable, but what's better to combat old demon poison than magic that is equally old? It's a tonic of some kind. I have a few others we can try if this one doesn't work."
Levy stared at her for a few moments. Gajeel looks startled and mildly annoyed that he'd not come up with the idea himself. But Levy smiles broadly a moment later, tackling Wendy in a tight hug. It draws laughter from Wendy's lips. "You're brilliant," Levy declares.
She smacks her lips, trying to figure out if she feels any different. Only time will tell, Levy supposes.
But the look on Gajeel's face is enough to give her hope.
Metalicana's hide is marred with fresh scars. Levy knows she isn't the only one pretending not to notice as the massive dragon slams into the beach, his heavy metal wings flared wide. His metallic hide clicks and rattles as he shakes himself before showing them a piercing red eye. He's been in battle recently despite not being up to par. Levy's stomach flips. They're losing again, then. If Igneel is willing to put one of his oldest friends at risk in such a way.
No one addresses it. Not as Metalicana lowers his head until it brushes the sand a few feet away, exhaling loudly. "What's with the sour look, brat?"
Gajeel crinkles his nose up in a hint of a snarl, annoyed that the first thing his father does is start picking at him in a playful way. "Mind your own business."
"He's mad," Levy says bluntly, ignoring the look of furious betrayal shot at her, "because we tried something this morning and it didn't work." Wendy had tried several other tonics and potions and spells over the last few days. None had helped with her condition, though they'd found at least one that kept the sickness from her stomach, meaning she can keep food down now. She's sure she's put on some weight. "It's good to see you, Metalicana." She smiles widely.
Metalicana's gaze softens as he prods her a little roughly, making Gajeel grab her arm to prevent her from collapsing. His massive maw parts in a sharp-toothed smile. "And you, little one. Where are the others?"
"Workin'." Gajeel's answer is blunt, but truthful. Natsu and Lucy, who had returned as quickly as she could and been concerned by Natsu's intent on the translations, were doing just that: working on the translations of spells in the hopes that they could find one that might be of use. They'd even tested a few on Natsu, seeing as he was their best way of knowing if they worked. They'd all been exceptionally excited to discover that the trapping spell Levy had initially translated did work, though it had taken them nearly a full two days to figure out how to release him. Wendy was doing similar work, albeit for Levy rather than the war.
Metalicana grunted. "Igneel's brat?"
"He's alright," Levy says softly, her gaze warm, "though he struggles sometimes. Lucy's been a good help for him."
The iron dragon tips his head to the side and settles more comfortably into the sand. Levy wonders why he doesn't change his form, though she's sure it's because he doesn't intend to stay too long. He'll want to get whatever information they have back to Igneel as quickly as possible. His red eyes flicker with wary concern. "I'd like to speak with him before I leave. It is vital that I do so."
Levy exchanges a quick look with Gajeel, and Gajeel sighs heavily. "I'll find the bastard," he grumbles, reluctantly spinning on his heel and starting forward. He grumbles as he goes, and Levy shakes her head. She feels bad that she can't offer to do so. She'd never make it back on her own. It's clear that Gajeel wants to stay with Metalicana, to make sure he's alright.
"Have you recovered entirely?" Levy asks, hopeful. If there's a chance that a dragon can recover, then there's hope for her. Maybe. Dragons are entirely different from mages.
"No." Metalicana's growl shakes the beach beneath them. His red eyes sharpen with agitation. "My power remains blocked, though some has returned to me. It will be centuries before I am able to access most of it."
Centuries. Levy's hope fades somewhat, then returns in full force. Maybe Wendy can find some combination that will help them both. Gently, Levy reaches out and pats his large nose. "I'm glad that you're feeling at least a little better," she says sincerely.
Metalicana's hot breath washes over her. "And what of you?"
Levy makes a face. "Wendy's found something to keep me from losing my meals, but that's as far as I've recovered. Even coming here will knock me out for the rest of the day." She's already thinking about the time she's going to waste sleeping when she returns to Wendy's and Grandeeney's home. She groans in frustration. At least she's got the others to help her out with the translations now that she's started them.
Despite her hope, however, Levy admits, "I'll never fully recover. Not if it's going to take you centuries."
"Likely not." Metalicana doesn't sugar coat it. He looks at her with sympathy, but not pity, which Levy appreciates. "But it does not mean we will stop looking for a way to help in your recovery." He lifts his chin from the sand. "Tell me, girlie, what is it that you have learned from Igneel's hoard?"
So, Levy begins to explain. She tells Metalicana of their success with the trapping spell, explains in excruciating detail what it entails and their confidence regarding the matter of it working. Metalicana listens intently, the sun reflecting off his metallic hide and warming his body as he does so. Levy has to shift away at one point, realizing the light will likely burn her skin before long.
She tells him of their progress with a few other spells, too, and when she finishes, Metalicana grins in wild, brutal victory. "Your plans," he rumbles, delighted, "will most certainly further our side against the demons. Perhaps focus your efforts on their regenerating abilities, if you would. They are quite adept at it."
"We'll see what we can find." Levy's eyes light with excitement. They're helping, even while sitting here looking at boring old tomes. "Tell Igneel that we're really grateful that he's allowing us access to these books." Well, singular book. They'd returned all but the one, realizing that now that they had a good grasp of the language, they only needed the one.
The pair exchanged pleasantries after wrapping up the business side of things. Levy inquired as to the state of her guild and the dragons, and Metalicana happily filled her in, telling her how well a few of her guildmates were holding up after being requested at the frontlines. Gildarts, as suggested, had made his way there, as had Laxus and Erza. Erza alone had taken down an extremely difficult enemy, though she'd retreated back to Hargeon to recover following the battle. Levy is relieved to hear that they were all doing well, and hopes that Jet and Droy in particular were alright.
It's as they're discussing the wellbeing of the other guilds that have taken up residence in Hargeon that Natsu gracefully makes his way from the trees, onyx gaze unreadable. Lucy and Gajeel follow at a small distance, muttering to one another. Levy greets them all with small smiles, feeling much better after being filled in on her family.
Metalicana grows serious as soon as he sees Natsu. His eyes flicker with sorrow as he lifts his head, towering above them all. Natsu fires a grin at Metalicana in greeting, although they can all see through it. It's one that betrays his nervousness. He's had a lot of bad news lately, and Lucy knows he's waiting to see what blow will come next.
It's not one any of them are excited to hear.
Metalicana's voice is grim when he rumbles, "Igneel wishes for me to inform you, Natsu, that Zeref has vanished."
Natsu digests this information for some time before saying hoarsely, "He's looking for me." He clenches his jaw, rage fluttering over his expression before settling into a look of cold fury. "All this 'cause he wants me."
"All of this," says Metalicana with surprising kindness, "because he craves the control you took from him, Natsu. Nothing more. He seeks to control those around him. It is why he surrounds himself with creatures who need a firm hand to lead them." Metalicana lowers his head once more. "We believe he may be searching for a way to this island."
Natsu's eyes fly wide with fear. "He can't. There are hatchlings here."
Levy remembers the young dragons, completing their first attempts at flight. Her stomach twists with horror at the thought of them staring down a demon like those she'd fought with.
"They will do no such thing," Lucy snarls, her eyes flickering with fury at the very idea. "We will keep the dragons that remain here informed of this, and ensure the young ones are kept safe."
Gajeel growls his agreement, eyes glinting with a lethal look.
Metalicana looks at the four of them with warmth and pride. He tips his chin high and rumbles, "When I return to the mainland and to the war, I will send Sting and Rogue to help protect those that linger here. Grandeeney and myself reside in Hargeon most of the time. There is no reason they cannot come and help you in your work."
Levy's shoulders eased at the thought of having more dragons on Tenrou. Logically speaking, having older dragons back on Tenrou Island would be preferable, but…Sting and Rogue were trustworthy companions, who would help protect the island with all of their strength should Zeref truly come knocking.
"He knows where Tenrou is, too," she points out softly. "He could very well be on his way here now, if that is truly his intention." She whirls on her friends, eyes flickering warily. "We ought to start using the spells we've found ourselves. Hide traps, ensure that the others here know where they are and what to avoid. Move the hatchlings into a central area, so that they are kept out of danger. A secretive one. One that no one finds unless they know what they're looking for."
Levy can tell that it takes every bit of Gajeel's desire to win this potential battle to grit out, "The hatchlings can hide in my den. I'll take 'em there. Wendy and their protectors, too." His hands are already fisted, eyes blazing with vicious irritation that he has to give up this secret.
But dragons are social creatures, who treasure their young immensely, and he will do what it takes to help them.
Levy's heart swells with that familiar warmth, and she flashes him a proud, wide smile. She puts her hands on her hips. "We should try and find more ways to defend the place, too. We have mages back home in Fiore that are experts in such things, mages with powerful magic. It would be helpful to maybe have a few of them come, too. If," she hastily says to the pair of dragons, "that might be feasible. I know it's not a common thing for me to come here, let alone others."
"Igneel sought an alliance with your kind," muses Metalicana. "Perhaps this will help with such a thing. I will speak to him about it. Are there any particular mages you think would be best?"
Levy lists a few names. Erza, of course. She'd be insane to not name Erza. She's careful to not pick too many of the strongest mages, however. She knows they're needed for fighting, too. So, she selects Erza, Freed, and Yukino, though the last name is mostly for the sake of Sting and Rogue. Even so, she's heard of Yukino and knows her to be clever. Levy cannot say that she knows entirely about what kind of magic Yukino performs, but it has to be powerful. While not the kindest guild, Sabertooth had a number of powerful members before its annihilation.
Metalicana repeats the names and states he will see what Igneel thinks.
"We'll start prepping the island while we wait," Levy tells Metalicana as he flares his wide wings, preparing himself to take off and get started.
"Good." Metalicana's red eyes flare with pride and excitement. "And continue your work. It is good, and will likely give us the chance we need. Be careful, and take care of one another." His eyes flick to his son, and Gajeel inclines his head, face unreadable as Metalicana takes off, wings snapping downward. The downdraft nearly wipes them off their feet.
Lucy's fingers grip Levy's arm to keep her from falling. "Perhaps I can speak with some spirits. Leo and a few others would be more than happy to join us here. I'm sure the King would allow it."
Unease wells on Natsu's face at the thought. He wipes it away when he notices Levy watching him. He forces a smile to his face, but Levy doesn't believe it for a moment. She's not blind. Natsu is uncomfortable with the idea of stars joining them on Tenrou Island, and with good reason. The last time the three had come together where Zeref was concerned, he'd lost Lucy. Who knew what he'd lose this time?
Gently, Levy steps forward and takes his hand, giving it a tight squeeze. "We need all the help we can get, Natsu," she says quietly, offering him an understanding smile. Lucy watches them nervously, confused. Gajeel only grunts, as if he, too, recognizes what is happening. "And this could be the chance to change what others think. Perhaps even a chance to change the stars' mind about you. Take advantage of it."
He presses his mouth into a hard line. After a long moment, Natsu nods. "Yeah," he agrees, and this time when he smiles, it's a true, crooked one that reminds her of the friend she knew before this war started. "Yeah, it's a good idea. Luce, you should go as soon as you can."
Lucy exchanges a swift look with Gajeel, who inclines his head. "I'll return by sundown," she vows, darting forward to press a small kiss to Natsu's cheek. He turns a scarlet red, flustered, and it makes Gajeel snicker. Levy can't help but grin, too, amused by his embarrassment. Regardless, he brushes his fingers against her cheek in turn before she turns and bounds off, determined.
Levy is confident that they will do their best to make sure Tenrou Island is safe from Zeref's touch.
She just hopes their best is enough.
"Where are we going?" It's the second time Gajeel has dragged Levy off on some side-activity that doesn't do much good for the war. She wonders if it has to do with the young dragons they'd seen several days before. Regardless, she leans heavily on him, refusing to let him carry her this time. He's shockingly patient about guiding her through the dark trees - and irritatingly quiet about it.
"Stop asking already. You'll see when we get there."
His voice leaves no room for argument. He's not going to tell her until they get there. Levy grumbles about it, but gives up. Surely she'll find out sooner rather than later. So, she asks instead, "How many young dragons are on this island?"
"A dozen or so." His voice is quiet, gruff. Gajeel is worried for them, though he hides it well. "Maybe fifteen at most. They're spread out through the island, in different nests." He nudges her around a series of massive boulders. Levy eyes them with interest. They have some kind of carvings on them. She tries to stop and study them, but Gajeel forces her to keep going. "Natsu's already goin' around letting everyone know what the plan is."
"How many adult dragons?" she checks.
"Less." He looks displeased about it. "Used to be a hell of a lot more."
Levy remembers the time she'd spent here before the war and longs to return to it. It had been a good time, those months. She'd loved it here. Still did, even with the broiling heat that often drives her crazy. "Where are we going?" she asks again, just to annoy him, and the scowl that he shoots her makes her smirk in response. Realizing she'd asked just to annoy him, he shoves her lightly forward. Levy stumbles, yelping, and then blinks.
They stand at the entrance to a little cave. It's buried in the side of a hill, much like a mine. Carvings decorate the rocks that line the entrance, intricate and delicate. Someone has spent a significant amount of time working on them. She traces her fingers along one and can feel the power radiating from it. "Beautiful," she breathes. "Who made these?"
"My mother." Gajeel watches her warily, and Levy thinks he might even be nervous. He gestures with a rushed, hasty movement to the cavern in the hill. "This is my den."
Her heart skips a beat, and she can't help the smile that blossoms to life. She'd expected to see it, but…he'd taken the effort to show it to her before everyone else knows where it is. Before it's no longer purely his. She traces another carving with her finger, and then smiles over her shoulder at him. "Can I-"
"I didn't bring ya here just to stand outside, did I?" he retorts, and she elbows him before eagerly ducking inside. Gajeel follows closely. Levy barely notices, distracted by the beautiful artwork carved into the walls. Her eyes are round with awe at the intricacy of such designs. As they follow a rather dark tunnel, which grows dimmer with every step, Gajeel moves closer so that he can help guide her.
Eventually, after they've spent a good portion of time descending into the hill, they step into a massive cave with an opening in the ceiling, scattering the area with sunbeams. It is surprisingly well-lit, and when Levy cautiously goes to stand beneath the circular opening, she can see layers upon layers of earth. Someone had spent a long time carving that hole into the ceiling of the cavern.
The area is surrounded by a variety of things. Unlike Igneel's hoard, filled with tomes and gold, Gajeel's is made up of far less things of value. He has a mass of metal that's carelessly hidden in a corner. There's a few weapons that line another wall. She goes to peer at them with interest, in awe of the ancient bronze sword she finds. She runs her fingers over the rusted metal. It comes from a time long lost.
Just as the dragons do.
A lump forms in her throat as she takes in the age of these items. She can't seem to swallow it as she wanders to the next thing she finds. A mound of books and papers and scrolls. Every dragon seems to recognize the importance of knowledge - something she finds to be incredible. Humans can't always recognize such a thing like she does.
As she explores in relative silence, fascinated by a harp that appears to be centuries old, a blood-stained shield, and an old silver-backed mirror, Gajeel simply watches her, his gaze wary. As if waiting for her to make a comment about something he's collected. And she does. Rather than a statement, however, she asks, "Why do you choose these things to keep? What's special about them?"
Gajeel gives a half-hearted shrug. "Dunno. Just interesting histories, I guess."
She glances over her shoulder at him. "Histories?"
He meanders over to join her, taking a helmet from her hands. He smooths a calloused thumb over the old metal. "This is from an ancient battle. Long before my time, but one Metalicana remembers. He watched it happen. Said the owner of the helmet fought to his very last breath to defend his homeland. He lost, of course. Everyone does in war."
Levy points to the harp. "What about that?"
"A girl who lived as best as she could in her fifteen years. It was cut short by illness." Levy runs her fingers along the harp, startled by the clarity of the sound that filled the den. She turns her attention to another item, and then another, and so on. Gajeel tells her about each and every one of them, knowing the history of each item without having to think about it.
That lump grows before long, and she turns to look at him. He's close to her, leaning over her shoulder as her fingers mindfully rub along a beautiful gown that's half-hazardly thrown in a corner. Levy wonders if magic preserves these old items, for it should have rotten away long ago. "Gajeel," she says softly, "thank you. For showing this to me."
He grunts, averting his gaze. "Figured you'd wanna see it before anyone else."
Levy's lips curve into a smile, but the lump in her throat is too much. There are tears pricking her eyes as she drops the gown and admits in a soft, pained tone, "I get so upset sometimes. That I can't be a dragon like you, or a star like Lucy, or something else that lives longer than a measly hundred years.
"I'm just a little candle," she continues, grabbing another item. This time, she holds a delicate brush in her hands, the horsehair stiff and barely used. A hair still curls among the strands. "I burn for a short amount of time, and then I go out. I die. I barely see anything before I'm gone. I'm a part of this crazy war now, but I won't see the lingering effects of it. I won't see what history says about what I did. I won't see the knowledge that comes from such a war.
"I hate it. I want to live forever, but that's just not in the cards for me. But this…" She smiles, turning to face him entirely, and her eyes light with warmth. "This must be what it's like, to live that life I wish I could have. So thank you, Gajeel, for showing it to me."
He watches her closely, red eyes burning with something she can't read. He often wears emotions she doesn't understand as of late. Levy wonders if he understands them himself. "What happened to living in the now?" he rasps, voice hoarse.
"The war, I suppose," Levy muses, smile fading somewhat. "Reminding me that I'm mortal, that one day I will die - and that it might happen sooner rather than later. That doesn't mean I'm not living in the now though. Of course I am. I have to, with the idea that I might die any day now." She shrugs. "We don't know what the poison of demons does to people who have been infected with it. Just because Metalicana's recovering slowly doesn't mean I'll get the chance to."
It seems hypocritical to say such things when she constantly worries about the future. About everything and anything that might separate her from those she cares for, whether it be disease or war or age.
But those fears are easy to forget in the sunlit cavern filled with reminders of history, and Levy wonders if one day he'll keep some small reminder of her in these walls. If one day, he'll look at an item she's left for him and recall the tiny, strange mage that had uprooted his life. She opens her mouth to ask if he will do so - only to falter.
She doesn't want to know the answer, she realizes, so instead, she murmurs, "Seriously. Thank you." She draws herself onto her tiptoes, gently gripping the collar of the simple torn shirt he wears to tug him down to her level. She presses her lips to his cheek, lingering there. She pulls back after a moment, smiling warmly at him, and he rumbles a sound that sends a tingle down her spine. Rather aggressively, in her opinion, he yanks her close and roughly kisses her, trapping her where she stands.
Perhaps when she steps from this cave filled with history and knowledge, Levy will remember those fears. Perhaps she will remember that they are at war, and that soon, this beautiful hidden sanctuary will be taken over by youthful, energetic dragons that might ruin portions of it.
For now, however, she is content to forget about all of that.
For now, Levy only thinks of the dragon with his hands on her hips, the dragon with his lips on her own - the dragon she loves more than anyone else.
AT LONG LAST ANOTHER PART. Hopefully there's no mistakes because I'm rushing to get this out before I head off to work. Regardless, I hope you enjoyed, and hopefully the next wait won't be so long!
Thanks to reviewers (avwrites, thelemonroll, Onionsaur, Skid, piranha pk, jazzkat4199, LyraLore, kaniyah1979, rao hyuga 18, nerdy12, and Guest #1!) as well as those who favorited and followed! And thank you again for your patience!