Ch. 9
After the shower, the girls were back at the research tent. Where they were told that Hermione and Cobra, were to go into the temple. Taking pictures and taking notes as they wander within. Since Lucy couldn't go, requested to translate anything the archeologists found on the outer grounds.
The two set aside the notes that Hermione had managed to translate so far. Along with a key chart for Lucy to carry around.
"Hermione," Lucy called softly, as they organized the work area. "What do you think about all of this?"
Hermione fell into a seat, as Lucy sat before her. Hermione had taken a deep breath. "No matter the history. It was always written by those that survive."
She saw a surprise look in the blonde's eyes. "Yeah, it socks that your magic had gone to war. All because of jealousy. But that's what most wars have mainly started with. Because one set of people had something that the other didn't."
Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "Hate to say this. But your magic isn't that special. When other wars were fought over the same issue."
Lucy gave a soft glare. "You do have a point. But the Dragon Slayers were made for that war…"
Hermione shrugged her shoulders again. "If not your war, it would happen in another one."
"But the king ordered Draco…"
Hermione glared at her. "Something tells me that he would have ordered his dragons in another war. If the Celestial King didn't order him to do it."
"Why are you being harsh," Lucy hiccuped in disbelief.
"I am only telling you how it is. Logically." She glanced down at the papers before her. "No use worrying about 'what ifs', when it happened in ancient history."
Lucy had taken a deep breath. Turning to the Dragon Slayers. Seeing them loading borders on a cart. "Can't help but think. That I made them into Dragon Slayers."
Hermione waved her hand, causing a soft zap at Lucy's ass. Seeing her hop out of her chair. "What the," she gasped out.
"Now read my lips, Lucy." Causing the two Dragon Slayers to look over to them. After hearing a soft warning growl from Hermione. "Do you stand before the ancient war, calling out for the king to send the dragons?!"
"No."
"Did you order the dragons to take children from their families? Then demand them to teach their kind of magic!"
"I wouldn't," Lucy cried softly.
"Then," Hermione placed her hand on Lucy's shoulder. "...you didn't make them," she smiled.
Lucy's sorrowful tears became happy ones. Before hugging Hermione in a tight grip hug. Surprising Hermione with Lucy's strength behind the hug. Nearly wanting to wiggle out of the hold.
"Thank you," Lucy whimpered. Making Hermione still her movement. "Thank you for being my friend."
Hermione mumbled, "I just spoke logically."
"Indeed," Lucy pulled away with a smile. "You didn't sugarcoat it to make me feel better. Just telling me how it is. Like a true friend should."
With a nod, the two locked everything in trunks that surrounded the walls of the tent. Before making their way to their site. Sitting in their respective seats. Lucy called Virgo, who brought out a healthy looking feast.
A steamy looking meats, Iron and freshly picked veggies and fruit. With a sort of odd colorful mix of things, next to Hermione, in a Tupperware bowl.
Virgo had given the two girls some fruity mixed drink. Allowing the two to relax. While watching the sun making its way to the mountain passes.
"Where are the guys," asked Lucy. Causing Hermione to look around.
She shrugged her shoulders. "Don't know, but I hope it's to the shower. They worked up a sweat, while under the sun's rays."
"Point taken." Before digging into their meals.
About the time, their meal was over. The males showed up, just as the stars scattered the sky.
"Yum," Gajeel purred, after seeing more Celestial iron.
Hermione looked at Lucy with a thought. "How is Virgo able to come here, if crux couldn't?"
Lucy took a deep drink. "I was thinking about that. I think it's because this is the birthplace of the living Zodiac. Making them able to come and go. While silver keys were not. Making them restricted from coming here."
Hermione hummed, "The most logical at least."
At her side, she heard Erik purr from his toxic pleasures. "What are you eating," she asked curiously.
"Star shade, like Nightshade, but in Celestial form. They're mint flavored toxins with stardust, giving me a hint of healing magic. Helping me from the overwhelming sunburn on my skin."
Hermione looked at his skin. Only to see a sun-kissed tan. Not seeing a hint of any burn. 'How can he get any more sinful to look at?'
Erik smirked, "Awe, sweetheart, you don't need to shower me with complements."
Gajeel glared at him. "Dude, give a warning for that twisted shit. You've gone twenty-four hours without it."
Erik smirked, "Don't blame me. Not while I was under my peaceful, poisoned high."
Gajeel turned to Hermione. "Do you have any more of that shit? You may need it, since you're stuck with him tomorrow."
'Shouldn't have allowed my emotions to get the best of me. I HAVE GONE TO SEVEN YEARS OF MAGICAL SCHOOL TO ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN!' She noticed Erik had fallen flat on the ground from her inner yelling fest. 'Serves you right in listening in.'
Lucy glanced at Hermione. "What just happened?"
"I yelled in my head." She rubbed her forehead. "Now my head hurts."
Gajeel chuckled from his seat. "Should have used that on ya. Now I may do it, in our next fight."
Erik glared at him. Rolling over to his belly, covering his own head. "You're on guard duty, tonight," he whined.
Hermione stood up and stretched, as she fisted her hands. Just as something came out of the woods. Tried to strike her from her left side. Only for the thing to shot put, away from her.
The group of four looked at one another. Before glancing over to see a massive man on the ground, with a broken spear at his side. The two Dragon Slayers looked at one another. Then made their way to the man, who groaned awake.
Erik growled deeply, grabbing the man, lifting him off the ground. "Who the Hell are you, and what smart ass idea was it, to attack a Dragon Slayer's mate?"
"Cobra," groaned the man. "Message from... Tower of Heaven. Watching you…"
"NAME," Erik bared his sharp teeth.
"1135," the man then passed out. Erik dropped him, growling at the passed out man.
"Shit, I'll call, Master." Gajeel ran to his tent to make a call.
Hermione made her way to him. Only to find herself in his arms. Caressing her, making himself realize that she was alright. "Why can't I get away from my past?" Making him sound weak and small.
Hermione could only wrap her arms around him. Allowing him to find his anchor with his emotions. Raking her fingers through his maroon hair. Lightly gracing his elf-like ears. Which was the first time she noticed them.
Gajeel came back. "The Rune Knights will be picking this prick up. But Master is sending Jellal and Midnight over, since they're a couple of hours out."
Lucy asked, "What were they doing?"
Gajeel sighed, "Something about Bandit issues with a local town. They'll be on the way shortly." He turned to Erik. "I'll get my things from the tent. Take her and share a bed. I don't imagine you're going to let her go."
"Nope."
Gajeel just nodded. "When Midnight shows up?"
"Send him in…"
With that, Gajeel grabbed his belongings and took them to the girls' tent. Before sitting by the fire, keeping watch. Before Erik carried Hermione to his tent. Laid her down, then laid down, to wrap himself around her. Keeping her close and protected.
She knew from the look in his eyes. She wouldn't fight against him. Not when she could see the fear in his eyes. As she fell asleep, with Erik over her. Using his body to shield her against any threat.
'Whoever is attacking from the shadows to get to him. They will find more than just a Poison Dragon Slayer to skin their hides.' Causing the said slayer to chuckle darkly.
He kissed her temple. "No, my Avenging Angel, I won't allow blood to stain your hands." He kissed her again. "No, just allow your big bad dragon to stain their hands." Then the two fell asleep.