On Another Mission

The day after, Magnolia hot springs...

"What? Swear it!" shrieked Lucy, earning a few stern looks from some ladies at the other side of the pool.

"Upon my word!" Dalila put her hand to her heart. "He said 'Shrimp, behind me, now!' " Lowering her voice and frowning deeply, arm wrapped around a very blushing Levy and tucked it at her side, Dalila growled soundly, in a way-too-funny imitation of a certain iron dragon slayer. "Grrrr!"

"Hahahah!" Lucy bursted into laugh. "Oh my Mavis, I wished I was there! Hadn't I been that tired..."

"You missed nothing!" Huffed Levy, wiggling out from Dalila's grasp. Really, Levy thought that it was far better than Lucy hadn't been present to last nights events. Of course, the main topic of discussion for the girls immersed into the hot water was not the Invisible attack, but her and Gajeel. "We got enemies in the guild, Dalila-san almost got stabbed, and all that you can think about is just... this?"

"Yes!" Cried Dalila and Lucy, clapping their hands in the steamy water of the pool.

Next to her, Wendy and Charle were chuckling. "It was just like that, Levy-san!" Wendy had to admit. "It was finally time!" Charle wrung out her tail. "It means Gajeel cares deeply for you!"

"You are not helping..." Levy sighed.

"Aww~, come on Levy-chan!" Lucy hugged her. "We are just happy for you! How was the job anyway? Dinner together? Sleeping all curled up?"

"The job was ok, we completed it! And no, we didn't sleep all curled up! We did normal stuffs, as in a team..." "Not even a nice goodnight kiss?" Lucy asked, eyes sparkling. Everyone in the guild knew that there was a fat, fat reward from Mirajane to whoever brought piece of news about the Script mage and the iron dragon slayer. And an even fatter reward for the one that decided to help Mira in her devilish intent of closing them into the storage closet. Thought Lucy. Maybe I should consider it...

"No, no kisses!" Levy threw her arms in the air. Of course she had dreamt about that, but the sole idea of kissing Gajeel was sending her into a spiral of panic. That is never going to happen... Unfortunately!

"Oh, but Gajeel has been dancing around you for months now!" Lucy crossed her arms on her chest. "You could have granted him a kiss! Or at least pretend you couldn't sleep, or something..."

"We had our own rooms, thank you very much." Levy rolled her eyes. "And sleeping all curled up would be you and Natsu, you know!"

From her corner, Dalila whistle. "Even I know that!" she snorted when Lucy glared at her.

"I do not sneak in his bed at night!" Shrieked a very flustered Celestial mage. "And right today I have kicked him out of the window! Let's see if he dares to enter my place again!"

"Dragon slayers always manage to get what they want." Dalila smirked, winking shamelessly to Levy. The wind slayer felt good, relaxing in the water with the other girls. But let's go back to our main topic... Leeevy~..."

Oh no... thought the poor Script mage, as all eyes turned to her once more.


A few hours later, the girls were still there, jesting, laughing and splashing in the hot water. Erza had joined them after her training, long red hair clasped above her head. She also had regretted not having been at the guild the previous night, but for a very different reason than Lucy. "I would have ended anyone that had dared entering our guild!"

Right on that moment, the girls were still talking about Levy, but other mages were involved. Two, in particular.

"It's a pity you promised Jet and Droy you would have gone on a job with them!" Lucy sighed. "You could have gone with Gajeel and Lily again, you form a good team!"

"Don't say that, Lu-chan! Jet and Droy are my friend as well and we are an official team! I have been taking some more solo jobs these last months, and it has been a long time since last we went on a job together."

"Why don't you take Gajeel with you, as well?" Asked Lucy hopefully. "I mean... The job you are going to is in the Great Muds, right? It's a dangerous place!"

"Gajeel doesn't get along very well with Jet and Droy" mumbled Levy - who had already considered that and had to drop the idea. Truly, Jet and Droy wouldn't have appreciated the presence of the dragon slayer! "And the job is about retrieving a book hidden by ancient runes, so we will not be in the Muds..."

"But you are very close to them, Levy-san!" Wendy eyes were filled with worry. "The Great Muds are full of dangerous creatures, that are likely to venture out of their territory. I have heard that quite often."

Charle nodded. "What Wendy says it is true, Levy! Are Jet and Droy aware fo that? I guess breaking the runes will be your job... Will they be able to provide you the enough protection?"

"I don't need protection." huffed Levy.

"Right Levy-chan, but if you are busy working with runes and language spells, you can't afford to lose you concentration to fight!" Dalila looked around to the other girls, earning approving nods.

Erza shook her heads. "Are you sure about this job, Levy? In the Muds there are trolls, and giant snakes and hydras."

"There are hydras in the Great Muds?" gasped Lucy.

"Yes, there are." The Requip mage nodded. The Requip mage had been in the Muds a couple fo times, and it had not been a pleasant experience. Hydras, monster enormous and quick, and venomous, were living down there. "Even if you are not exactly in the Muds, it would be good to have someone guarding your back properly. Can't you take someone else with you? Maybe Elfman?"

Levy sighed. "I don't think I can. I am afraid Jet and Droy would feel like I consider them weak, and I... I don't think that of them! And the runes shouldn't be that complicated..."

Dalila looked at the Levy. The Script mage looked honestly worried now that Erza herself had suggested taking another person with them. "Levy, you should insist." The wind slayer stated. "You can't go to a job that is potentially risky and not taking with you the adequate mages."

"But what can I do?" asked the girl, looking desperately around. "I don't want to hurt them!"

Dalila smiled. She understood Levy's reservations. "Then disguise it." She said. "Bring a friend and tell them he or she needs money, or take with you someone that they think is weak. It would not be lying, and you will feel better, right?"

"Yes, that is a good idea." Levy frowned for a moment, looking attentively at the wind dragon slayer. Then she smiled widely. "Hey, Dali-chan, why don't you come with us?"


A week later, on a train directed to Magnolia...

"It was so good you were with us!" "Yes, Dalila, thank you for coming!"

Dalila couldn't but smile weakly at the two mages beaming and bowing in the seats in front of her. The few anti-nausea medicines Levy had given her were of little help. I guess the main problem is the seven-hours train ride from the Muds back to Magnolia. Thought Dalila, fighting a sudden burst of gastric juice rolling up to her throat. At least the mission had been successful!

She thought, moving carefully on her seat, trying not to empty her stomach onto Levy, sleeping next to her.

Right, the mission had been successful. But Jet, Droy and Levy had thanked all the gods and goddesses they knew for the dragon slayer to be with them.

Getting to the place where the book was supposed to be hidden was relatively easy - Dalila's nose had proven very useful, despite the stink of putrescent leaves coming from the Muds, that were indeed close. Anyway, Levy had busied immediately herself with the protection spell, and it took to the Script four hours merely to understand how to encode it.

In the meantime, Dalila, Jet and Droy had plenty to be busy themselves.

The magic emanating by the book had driven around the cave a whole series of magical creatures from the Muds. Trolls, fat, slow and stupid, attracted by the book but too stupid to know how to get it, where in great number. Then there were goblins, less fat, less slow, and less stupid and just as much as numerous. They were the ravagers of the Muds, and had not Dalila been there, smelling them way before they showed themselves, and hitting them from the sky, they might have prevailed over Jet and Droy.

After those first four hours, Levy had started working on a counter-spell - that was going to take her five hours to complete.

"Can't we go back to the town and come back tomorrow?" Had whined Droy, after a troll had almost hit him with his spear. "We can't keep this up for much longer!"

"No!" Sweaty, with eyes red for concentration, Levy had been irremovable. "These are Changing Runes! They do change periodically. If we come back tomorrow, tomorrow I will have to start decoding all over again! I have to finish now!"

Personally, Dalila had thought that Levy was right. Get the job done as quickly as possible, and then go away from this hideous place! I am not going to come back tomorrow! "No worries Levy-chan! We are good!" Had said the wind slayer, hitting a troll with a stone. "Go ahead! We got your back!" Coming back tomorrow? No way! Smelling trolls for a day straight is bad enough, thank you very much! Bleah!

Indeed, even if Dalila, Jet and Droy were getting tired and tired every hour, but things were still under control.

Until the hydra had showed up.

It was not very big - just ten meters long or so. A baby, practically. Had thought Dalila with a shiver. A terribly fast and ferocious baby, with poisonous teeth, three heads, and a quick intelligence. It has dispersed the trolls and the goblins with its presence only! It must have been driven here by magic!

Speaking of magic, by the time the hydra had emerged from the marsh, Dalila had very little left to use. And Jet and Droy had even less.

With only the stinky, bitter breeze blowing from the Muds to feed - Bleah! Nutritional value: close to zero! - Dalila had to dodge the hydra's teeth and think about something that was possibly effective and required little energy at the same time.

Finally, the right idea had come to her right when the hydra had almost bite off her leg. Maybe the cold will drive it away? Had thought the wind dragon slayer.

The hydra had just smashed the last of Droy plants, and was about to snap its jaws around the mage's neck - the other male mage was was too skinny for its liking! - when it felt the source of magic, and before it could get out of its way, the hydra had been invested with... "Wind Dragon's Frost Breath!"

Calling the cold air of the upper layer of the atmosphere to the ground, Dalila had enveloped the baby into a frost blanket of wind. At first disoriented, the baby hydra had hissed and snarled, but after a few seconds it was forced to retreat into a marsh.

Hydras: two rules, do not behead them, and they suffer cold. Dalila giggled, moving on her seat on the train, trying not to empty her stomach onto Levy, that was sleeping next to her. Had the hydra been older, its skin would have been too thick to feel the change of temperature so soon, and it would have needed much more time and energy to send it away. Definitively I am not strong enough to kill it!

From in front of her, it seemed like also Jet and Droy were thinking about it. "That had been amazing!" Droy said, pulling some chips to his mouth. "You-h a-r very-h s- h-ong!"

"Right!" Jet smiled. "Neither me or Dory had thought of that!"

Dalila smiled comment. "I have done nothing. I just remembered that I had read somewhere that hydras didn't like cold at all."

"Still, Dalila, you have saved us!"

Dalila shrugged. They had worked as a team, and that was all that counted. Her eyes landed on Levy, snoring softly. Levy is still exhausted. She thought. She has worked for nine hours straight after all. Four to decode the spell, and five to write a counter spell... And the client hasn't been of any help, actually.

Indeed, after the hydra had disappeared, the spell broken and the book retrieved, Levy had protested with the client.

"The job request didn't talked about the creatures surrounding the area, and the level of the protection spell was much higher than what you have written!" she had stated angrily.

Later, Levy had confided tot he others that she thought that the client was well aware of the complexity of the language she had translated in such little time, and that the fact that he hadn't advertised properly the job was to keep the payment lower. "There are clients such as this, Dali-chan" had sighed the Script mage. "This time we did it, but next time... Just go back and tell him off! For what we did, we got a very miserable payment! Trolls, goblins and... and a hydra!"

"Had it been a job meeting the description, the payment would have been just." had said Droy. "We are going to tell Master and ask him to write a letter of complain!"

For the little payment they had, they couldn't afford to spend two days in town to recover, and so, after a few hours of sleep, they had taken the first train back to Magnolia.

And here we are! Dalila yawned soundly. She had never felt so tired. Her magic was slowly coming back to her, but in two days, she had regained barely half of it.

"You have tired yourself a lot, Dali-chan!" said Droy sympathetically. "You need to train a little more to regain your strength in one or two days! I think you are doing great."

"Thank you Droy." Dalila smiled. "But I believe Levy is the most tired of us all."

Well, truth was that even Jet and Droy were barely able to stand. Really, that job had worn them out equally. Even if they have been mages for all their life, that had been a hard also for them. But we made it! Thought Dalila, snorting as Droy fought to gain the attention of the hostess to order something to eat.

From his seat, also Jet was sneering behind his hand. He winked at the wind slayer, murmuring "Someone is regaining his energy fast!"

"I heard you!" Hissed Droy, but his anger was quickly washed away by the new pack of chips the hostess gave him.

Dalila smirked. Lucky you, Droy! I can't even think of eating, that I feel like throwing up the food of yesterday! A wave of nausea remembered her on that moment why she wanted to have an empty stomach. But we are halfway thought it, right? Three hours have passed. Thought Dalila happily. Almost home!

She looked outside the window, trying to distract herself. It had started to rain, and the sky was dull grey.

Four hours, and they would be home. Maybe I should get a little sleep. Dalila thought, accommodating herself on the sit.

But before she closed her eyes, the train rolled, shivered, inclined slightly on one side, and then...

"Oh, what now?" cried Jet angrily. "Why have we stopped?"

Dalila raised a brow. Right, she wasn't nauseated anymore, so the train must have stopped indeed. "What has happened?"

The answers came in a registered voice from the loudspeakers: "Attention please. The train has stopped due to a problem on the engine. We are waiting for assistance. In the meantime, the company will offer you some snacks. We will resume the ride as soon as possible!"

"Mmmh, snacks!" Droy licked his lips. "Why are you two so worried?"

"Because if they give you snacks, it means that it will take them forever to resume the ride!" cried Jet, huffing and looking exasperated to the huge sandwich the hostess had just given to Droy. "And you already have had two lunches at least today!"

"Well, I don't see anything wrong with that!" Droy looked at the sandwich he was holding in between his hands, and shrugged.

Dalila stretched on her seat, and giggled when Jet huffed again. "I do not mind a little break, personally. My stomach is thanking me! Maybe I might be able to have lunch myself."

With Jet and Droy teasing one another, the rain tapping on the windows, Levy continuing to sleep next to them, almost one hour passed.

"How long will it take?" asked Dalila at a certain point. She wasn't necessarily afraid of closed places, but she liked to be in the open air. I am the wind dragon slayer, right?

Droy was busy looking at the door, checking if the hostess was bringing them some more snacks to eat - he already had two packages of biscuits, another one of chips, and a couple of muffins, right what he needed to start feeling hungry!

"Last month I had been stuck in a train like this." Grunted Jet. "It took them three hours to adjust the train!" Jet groaned. "And it was just thirty minutes from our destination... I could have waked home in less time! It was ridiculous!"

Dalila grimaced. "Ah, I see. Let's hope they will start soon"

Droy nodded. "Levy was with us, too! It was not possible to get off from the train, we had no idea on what to do, right Levy? Lev?"

Levy was still lost to the world, and made no answer. She must be tired indeed. Though Dalila, watching down at her. But she looked quite energetic this morning... And it's strange that she hasn't woken up yet...

Instinctively, Dalila leaned forward, smelling the girl.
Jet shook gently Levy by her shoulder, but the Script mage didn't move nor flinch.

"Let her sleep!" mumbled Droy. "she had worked with that language for a whole day! She must be still tired."

"But she never takes naps!" Jet shook her more forcefully, but still he got no reaction. "Ei, Levy, wake up!"

This smell... Dalila frowned. Levy was smelling Levy-like, but there was something that wasn't settling with the dragon slayer. I smell books, and tiredness, and still the smell of marsh, mud and trolls... But there I feel there is something else here... Her guts twisted painfully, warning her. Something is not right in the smell of Levy-chan!

Forgetting she was on a train, surrounded by other passengers that were starting to look curiously at her, Dalila buried her nose in Levy's hair, sniffing behind her ears, down to her neck.

"Dalila!? What are you doing?" asked the other two mage in unison.

The usual smell of Levy was distorted, and when the wind slayer caught flavour of death, she withdrew with a horrified gasp. It... Oh no! It can't be! But it could be, and it actually was. Her nose could not lie.

Well hidden below layers of other smells, so faint not even the sensitive nose of the wind slayer had caught it at start, there was the unmistakable smells of poison.

"Levy has been poisoned." breathed Dalila. "Maybe snake or... a spider, I don't... It happened.." She sniffed Levy one more time. "...Two days ago."

"Poisoned?" cried Jet. "But how-when... She hasn't said anything!"

"She might have not realised something had bit her." Dalila stood up, trying to think clearly. Now that she had smelled the poison running in Levy's veins, it was like there was no other smell in the whole cabin. Some animals have this type of venom. It is absorbed by the organism and activates a later.

"What-what do we do?" Droy lower lip trembled, his sandwich forgotten in his hands.

"A doctor!" Jet stood up ay once. "Let me run over the train, maybe there is one!" "A doctor! Yes, right." Dalila nodded forcefully. "Jet, find the conductor, and tell him

that there is a case of poison at wagon..." "Wagon three!" "Good! now, go, go!"

Droy saw his friend disappear in the blink of an eye. "Let's hope there is one!" He bit his lip, trying to make it stop trembling. "Maybe he has an antidote, or something!"

Dalila gritted her teeth, and made no answer. After those few seconds of panic, her mind was running fast, considering al the possible scenarios. We haven't many options. She thought. The smell is strong, Levy is not good. We don't have time! The train is blocked in the middle of nowhere, far from cities or hospitals. We can't wait for the train to be repaired. Even if there was a doctor on the train, what could he or she have done? Did they have some sort of antidote, with them? The chance is low.

Around them, the other passengers were exchanging worried looks. Someone suggested wetting Levy's forehead with cold water. Another one proposed to make her lay down on the floor, raising her legs up.

No, none of this would work! Dalila felt Levy's feeble pulse on the wrist. We need a healer, like Wendy, or something!

"We haven't anything for poisoning!" Droy was fumbling with the first aid kit they had brought with them. "No, anything!"

"Emergency at wagon three! Emergency at wagon three!" Cried the speakers all around the train. "If there is a doctor on the train, please direct yourself at wagon three. I repeat, a doctor, in wagon three! We have a case of poisoning This is an emergency!"

"Jet has found the conductor!" Droy brightened. "See Dalila, there will be a doctor for sure!"

But the wind slayer was not that optimistic.

A long, painful minute passed, before Jet arrived with the conductor.

"There is no doctor on the train!" The conductor breathed out. He glanced down at Levy, with a worried look on his face. "We have searched..."

"I have been to all the cabins!" Jet panted. He had used the bit of magic he had regained from he mission in the Muds. "Asked to everyone! But no doctor."

Droy whimpered. "Oh my... What can we do now?"

"The engine should be repaired soon..." The conductor said, but his worried eyes betrayed him.

Not even he knows how much time the reparation will take. Dalila realised. We are as well as stuck in the ground...

Stuck in the ground? Wait a minute...

"Working in the Great Muds?" Was crying the conductor. "Do you know there is the obligation to go under a medical check before leaving that place?"

"Of course we know!" Huffed Jet. "But the job wasn't exactly in the Muds! But close enough for the medical check to be advisable!"

"I guess the client didn't want to pay for that!" Droy squeezed the sandwich in his hands, like it was the client himself. "He didn't even advertised properly the job!"

"One more thing to add to the complain letter." Dalila clicked her tongue. "But we will have time to think about this later. Droy! Help me lift Levy, and Jet, go and open the door!"

Dory, Jet, the conductor and a good number of passengers stared at Dalila. "Dalila, what do you want to do?" Frowned Jet.

The wind slayer shrugged, but her eyes were determined as ever. "Levy has won a piggy back ride home."

Outside of the window, the rain hadn't stopped. Dark clouds crowded the sky, and in the silence that had fell on the cabin, the wind could be heard howling.

"You want to bring her to Magnolia?" cried Droy, eyeing the dark clouds crowding the sky. "But-But it's far!"

"It's four hours by train from here to Magnolia." Dalila tone was sharp as a knife. "I can do it in less than two hours."

A lighting tore the sky open, and immediately a thunder followed, making the glass of the windows tremble.

Jet swallowed. "Are you sure? There is a storm out there!"

Dalila couldn't help the crooked smile raising to her lips. "I've been made to go into the storm."


Dalila perfectly knew it was a blind bet flying for so long with a person on her back. And in the state she was, the bet was blind and dangerous. But there was no other choice. Levy needs Wendy!

She had been fighting against rain and thunder, riding the wind like only she could do, orienting herself based on her senses only to go back home.

She had lost track of time, but sure a lot of time had passed. She knew it because she was exhausted.

I have no intention of letting Levy die! She thought, taking an upright.

She was drenched, cold, and Levy seemed every second more heavy. No matter how her will was strong, the truth was she couldn't keep up that pace for much longer.

Finally, among the rain, she saw the profile of the city. I see it! She exulted. Only a few more minutes...

But the storm had other plans for her. From the clouds clashing above her, came a blinding lighting.

Dalila cried in surprise, and in the attempt of avoiding it, she lost balance. "Aaaah!"

The wind that sustained her disappeared, she lost control of the current and of her magic, and Dalila, with Levy on her back, fell in the forest that surrounded Magnolia.

"Ahi! Ouch! Damn!"

Bouncing on the branches of the trees, Dalila hugged Levy with arms and legs, praying that they could make it to the bottom without any broken bone, and she sighed in relief when, the two of them landed on a pound of mud.

Thank Mavis! Dalila hastened on her feet, manoeuvring Levy as best as she could. Disgusting, but it could have gone worse! Levy seems ok as well.

"Levy, are you ok?" Asked the wind slayer, patting the cheek of the Script mage. But Levy made no sign of life.

Dalila smelled her once more. She is alive, but I must move! I don't have much magic left. Maybe I could walk a little, before flying again. If only there wasn't this rain...

Dalila started to move a few steps in the mud. Magnolia was in that direction, right? She thought, looking around.

Strangely, the view she met was familiar. Wait, I know this place... It was like she had already been there.

But when have I been around Magnolia? She thought, walking among the trees with Levy thrown on her back as best as she could. This muddy path... And what is this smell?

A sneer, coming from behind a huge trunk, made her skin crawl. She turned, and distinguished a huge, green and purple form among the trees, and on top of it, a glowing eyes looking down at her.

"Oh my Mavis!" Dalila cried in horror. "The... The Vulcan's nest!"

Right! It had been when she had flew for the first time, unintentionally dragging Cobra along with her in the forest. We had fallen here! Oh no, what am I going to do?

The Vulcan jumped in the middle of the path, blocking her. He sneered maliciously, baring his fangs. "Gruunt, grunt grut!" he cackled.

It was quite clear what she had to do now. Dalila bared her teeth and tighten her grip on Levy. "Go away, monster!"

But the Vulcan cackled again, evilly eyes staring at the two girls. "Prr-Prety!" he grunted, extending one of his huge arms towards them.

"On my dead body! Wind dragon's roar!"

From Dalila's mouth, gusts of wind exited, spiralling into a vortex that hit the Vulcan and sent it flying a few feet behind. "Yes! Take that!"

But Dalila's victory didn't last. Her roar was still very weak, and she was tired, and had Levy on her back hindering her movements.

Damn! she thought, seeing the Vulcan slowly getting up, growling and huffing.

I need to take a different route! Thought Dalila, turning to her right and moving a few steps. Just a little, to gain the strength to fly again, and- but she had not yet moved ten steps in the new direction than another Vulcan blocked her run.

"He. He." The monster, even bigger than the other one, licked its lips. It looked stupidly at them, but it lasted little. He jumped right in front of Dalila, swing his arms around, trying to grab Levy and her. "He he HE!"

Dalila dodged it, crawling under its huge underarm, and managing to put a few steps in between her and the beasts. I have missed them for an inch! She realised with horror. They don't even need to use magic to fight me right now!

She shivered, seeing that the first Gorian had stood up, and was snarling, walking towards them from another direction.

I can't even fight one of them, I definitively can't fight two! Dalila swallowed, hoping that a blow of wind come down front he sky, giving her the chance to rise again.

The Gorians moved another step. "He, he!" "Pre-ty!" "Stay away!" cried Dalila. "You won't get us!"

The thought of Levy, leaning on her, rose a wave of magic Dalila didn't believed she possessed. She saw the Vulcans advancing, and waited for them to be close enough. Come on... Just one more step...

The Gorians attacked her together, but Dalila was ready. "Wind dragon's roar!"

This time, it was a real roar. Well, it could not rival the ones of her fellow slayer but... The small tornado that erupted from her mouth, caught in its wake rain, mud and the two huge beasts ready to take over her and Levy.

The Vulcans swirled into the air, crashing their heads together, and ending up in a mess of green arms and tails several feet.

"Yes!" Hadn't Dalila had Levy on her back, she would have jumped. "And now-Oh no! Another one!"

The third Vulcan appeared among the trees at her left. Smaller, but smarter than his companion, it dodged Dalila's wind dragon's claw and wind dragon's elbow.

"No!" Dalila threw herself and Levy on the side, getting away from him right before he grabbed Levy.

The mud was making her movements slippery and difficult, and Levy was bouncing on her back. Dalila could feel her breathing on her neck, but, even with the stick of the Gorians around her, the wind dragon slayer could tell that she was getting worse.

Behind the third Gorian, she saw the other two slowly rising again on their feet. We-We need to-I need to fly! She stomped with her feet, rose a few, but then land again. I am not... There is too little wind!

She turned to the left, and to the right. The three Vulcans were surrounding them, and Dalila almost despaired, seeing no way out.

There was only one thing Dalila could think of. Fairy Tail is not that far away... Collecting the magic she had left, Dalila took a deep breath.

"Wind's dragon whisper..." she started to chant in a soft, hypnotic voice. The wind rose, listening to her words. "Carry my message, to the one meant to hear it! Fairy Tail!" she cried, "We seek help! At the nest of the Vulcans, outside Magnolia!"

Responding to her command, the wind was quick to capture her words. She saw a silver thread collecting in front of her, and then launching itself in the sky, disappearing among the clouds and the rain. The sky thundered, and a lighting lit for an instant the whole scene, every detail of the hideous beasts growling in front of her.

"If it is a fight that you want..." growled the dragon slayer under her breath, carefully landing Levy on the side, without tearing her eyes from her enemies. "Then, a fight you will have! Wind Dragon's Claw!"


In the meantime, Fairy Tail guild hall...

Cobra and Gajeel were drinking together. Strange it was, but the iron dragon slayer had just lost a bet. And now he had to pay several drinks to the poison dragon slayer.

"I will be kind, and not make you pay until I get drunk." chuckled Cobra.

"I know yer fucking ass can't get drunk, thanks." Gajeel growled. "Ya've been showing off enough."

"Oh, have I?" Cobra snorted. "Don't tell me!"

Behind his mug of beer, Pantherlily sneered. The fact that Cobra and Gajeel had just finished a job together, collaborating in a way that had surprised even the Exceed, didn't mean the poison slayer had ceased to be an ass. On the opposite, I would say.

The job consisted in finding a band of thieves that had robbed a leathery shop in the slums of Magnolia. It had been easier than expected, with the magic of Cobra and the perfect knowledge of the city that had Gajeel. And when on the robbers had thrown a knife aiming at Cobra, it was the iron scales of Black Steel that had protected him.

The owner of the shop had been so happy that he had insisted for Gajeel and Cobra to take one of those beautiful leather jacket he sold as an addition to the reward. And when they refused, he had insisted for them to come back and choose anything of their liking. "I can even make things on measure!" The owner had said to Pantherlily.

On their way back to Fairy Tail, they had met Juvia. "Juvia is looking for Gray- sama!" she had said with sad eyes. "It is the anniversary he and Juvia met, and Juvia had a present for him! But she can't find him anywhere!"

The two of them had consoled the girl - well, Gajeel had tried consoled her, and Cobra had warmly suggested her to get herself 'a good piece of ass and stop thinking about that fucking idiot', which coming from Cobra was a great proof of affection for Juvia.

"If Gray turns her down even this time, I am goin' to kick his ass for real!" had grunted the iron dragon slayer, as they waved the water woman good-bye. "Head up to his ass, that's what he has."

"Says the one who has not even asked that 'shrimp' out." had sneered the other slayer.

"Mind your own business."

"I bet a few drinks that you have never asked her to come at your place for dinner."

"No wait, I have!" Sneered Gajeel, trying to look angry but in fact blushing he heavy he was the same colour of Cobra's hair. "Shr-Levy has been at our place several times!"

Cobra shook his head sympathetically. You are never going to learn, iron head? "Have you invited her, idiot?"

"Of course I ha-" "No, he hasn't." said Lily with a small smirk. "I have invited Levy, all this time!"

"See?" Cobra smirked, as Lily ignored the death glare Gajeel had thrown him. "And, now, metalhead, you owe me."

And there they were, under the careful watch of Mira, who was serving Cobra the seventh plain vodka.

"Payin' you a fucking meal..." Gajeel muttered angrily.

"Your fault." Chuckled the poison slayer. "I said 'several drinks'!"

Gajeel was ready to kick the poison slayer in the face, and to start one of those friendly, boisterous brawls that were first of all a proof of affection at Fairy Tail, when the door fo the guild hall slammed open.

A great wind run inside, turning off a torches, tossing around chairs and tables, and the unfortunate mages sitting on them. "Careful!" "My beer!" "You brats!"

"What is that?" cried Natsu, making Lucy jump on her sit and Erza almost the drop the fork full of strawberry cake. "Fire Dragon's-"

"Fairy Tail!" a voice cried. "We seek help! At the nest of the Vulcans, outside Magnolia!"

And as soon as the wind had spoken these words, it died, and the guild fell into silence.

"If that's not Snow White..." Cobra had talked in a whisper, but everyone in the hall had heard him.

"Is it Dalila?" Makarov searched for Lucy with his eyes.

"Yes, Master!" Lucy nodded. It was Dalila indeed. "But how... She should be with Levy, Jet and Droy! They left for a job together!" Weren't they supposed to be back by train?

"Featherweight is with Shrimp?" Gajeel was on his feet in a moment. "Lily! We gotta go. They are in trouble! I knew Jet and Droy were not enough for that job!"

"We are going as well, Happy!" "Aye sir!"

Lucy looked around for Wendy - maybe they were wounded, having Charle and the sky dragon slayer with them could be a good idea.

Right, Wendy is already home with Charle... Better run to Fairy Hills and call them!

"Natsu!" said the Celestial mage, grabbing the fire dragon slayer by the arm. "I am going to ring Wendy!" Lucy stood up from the bench.

"Good idea Lucy! Run!" Erza had stood as well, plate of cake in her hand. "Natsu, Gajeel and you should suffice for some Vulcans, but if you are not back in thirty minutes, we will come as well."

"I will count on you." Natsu grinned, before he and Happy stormed out of the guild hall. Or well, tried to, because the doorway was blocked by other two people.

"You are not going, metalhead!" "Hands off, you prick!" "I know where the fucking Vulcan nest is?" Cobra hissed exasperated. "Snow White flew there when-never mind. Cat!" he called for Lily, already in his battle form. "Move."

Pantherlily frowned. "If Cobra knows where to go, it is better if you stay here, Gajeel. I will promise to bring Levy back at the guild, safe." Reassured the Exceed.

The dragon clenched his fists at his side but he knew Lily was right. Cursing in his mind whoever was attacking Levy and her incompetent team, he stepped aside. "Bring them home safe." he growled.

"About time." Cobra moved past Gajeel, and exited in the pouring rain. Wonderful, He thought. I was hoping I could blast some Vulcans in the middle of a storm, today...


In the meantime, at the Vulcans' nest...

The Gorians surrounding Levy and her were now four, and Dalila wasn't sure she could keep them at bay for much longer.

How long ago have I sent my message? Has the wind delivered it? It was three, two minutes ago? Or just a few seconds?

She had had to put Levy to the ground, and had been moving around her, doing her best attacking the Vulcans, in the attempt to shoo them away. But her attacks were growing weaker and weaker, and were now barely enough to impede the monster grabbing the two of them. Flying is totally out of question.

"Wind dragon's claw!"

The Vulcan covered itself with one of its green, furry arms. The gust of wind passed over him, and Dalila could see the malice and victory in those gleaming eyes. Damn... I haven't even scratched it!

Another one appeared from behind, a lecherous grin plastered on its ugly face. "Pre-ty!"

Dalila crutched next to Levy, decided to protect the small mage with every bit of her strength. "I am not surrendering!" She cried angrily. "You will not get to Levy, or to me!"

The Gorian next to her cackled mockingly. Its green fur started to glint, and his eye looking maliciously down at them. The other Vulcans jumping around them, feeling that the mage was drained, her magic almost gone.

They knew it. She knew it. But she was far from surrendering.

"I am not afraid of you!" the wind dragon slayer snarled. "Come to me if you dare! Wind... dragon's..."

"Roar!"

A voice sounded in the muddy clearing. The Vulcans turned their eyes upwards, and the last thing they had time to do was going from victorious to surprise, before a torrent of yellow flames came down from the sky and swiped them away.

Uh? Dalila looked at the Gorians, shirking as their fur caught fire. That was not me.

There was only one person Dalila knew that could roar fire. She looked upwards, and saw exactly what she had expected. A blu, flurry ball was descending with incredible speed, holding the resident fire dragon slayer of Fairy Tail.

"Natsu!" cry Dalila, happy and relieved. "You are here!"

"Don't you worry about them!" Natsu grinned landing. "We will take care of them! Fire dragon's claw!"

"Dalila, are you alright?" asked Happy from above her. "Why is Levy on the ground?"

"Levy has been poisoned!" Dalila crutched behind Levy. "We need to bring her to Wendy immediately!"

Levy was still alive, but her smell was worsening, covering the one of the Gorians and of the mud and the rain. "We need to hurry!"

Happy landed next to her, inspecting Levy. "Is she bad?"

At the hem of the clearing, Natsu was roasting all the Gorians that his fire could reach. "Fire dragon's fist! Fire dragon's claw! Fire dragon's roar!"

"Levy's still alive." Dalila swallowed. "But there isn't a moment to lose! Come on, Levy!" she whispered then. "We are almost there!"

But a scratching laugh made her blood run cold. "He. He. He."

"Natsu! There is one here!" Happy cried, but Natsu was busy with other three Vulcans.

The beast sneered "He! He!"

"Happy! Take Levy!" Dalila was quick to throw Levy into Happy's paws. "Go, go!"

The Vulcan howled angrily, seeing the blue cat rising in the air with one of his prey. But then it seemed to remember of the other mage in front of him. "He!"

"Stay away from me!" Dalila was on her feet, struggling with the mud, the cold, her own blurred vision and trembling muscles. "You beast..."

"Dalila!" Happy cried from the sky, but the wind slayer didn't hear him. She was solely focused on the Vulcan in front of her.

She saw it prepare to strike. The cries of fear of Happy confound with the thunder and the buzz that suddenly she started to hear in her head.

This is it. She thought. I am ending here.

The giant, green hand of the Vulcan moving towards her, and Dalila was prepared to feel all the strength of that evil monster, when she was harshly pulled out of its reach, and found herself pressed against something. Or someone.

"Poison dragon's roar!"

A deep voice reverberated against her back, with a power that made her whole spine quiver, the muscles on her back tense, and her ears deaf.

The Vulcan in front of her let out strangled cry of fear, before it went under a flow of purple and black smoke. A smell of acid, burned fur and skin invested Dalila, and had a retch. Who on Earthland...

The Vulcan didn't lose time counterattacking. It turned and flew as fast as poison burning his whole body would allow him, howling in pain, and disappearing into the woods.

It took the wind dragon slayer a few seconds to regain control on her body, before her nose piqued, above the smell of burned Vulcan, a salty, savoury scent she remembered all too well.

As soon as she thought that, Cobra - who else could it be? - released her as if Dalila was burning herself.

Dalila wanted to thank her saviour, hoping he hadn't in mind to reserve her the same treatment the Vulcan had undergone, when another face appeared in front of her.

"Dalila! Oh my god, Levy!" Lily put away his blade - it was useless, for Natsu was already taking good care of what remained of the other three Vulcans - and rushed over were Happy had just landed with his precious load.

"Lily! Cobra!" Cried the blue Exceed, sighing in relief. "That was so close!"

I couldn't agree more! Thought Dalila fighting to keep her balance. He legs were still trembling, and this time not only for tiredness.

"What happened?" Asked the black cat, studying Levy closely. "Why she is not awake?"

"She has been poisoned during the job!" Dalila breathed. "We were close to the Great Muds but-" "Shut the hell up."

Dalila closed her mouth at once. Cobra had leant over Levy, studying and sniffing her closely. "There is little time." he murmured. "The poison is spreading quickly. That's a deadly one. Lily, take her to Wendy, now!"

Lily didn't need to be told another time. He pulled Levy from Happy's graso, and a second moment, he had launched himself int he sky.

We made it on time. Dalila fell on her knees. Wendy is going to solve this... Oh heaven, we have been so damn close... She thought at Jet and Droy, back in the train. Hadn't I bee with them...

In the meantime, Cobra had been staring at her back. He nodded to himself. Now it's clear. He had wondered if Jet and Droy had finally died in one of their attempts to impress Levy, or if they had simply be overcome by the Gorians. What a pity they have not. I guess it will be for their next mission.

The poison slayer couldn't stand their whining souls seeing Levy and Gajeel dancing around each other, always trying to get the attention of the Script mage in the most idiotic of the ways. In between the two, that dwarf girl has chosen the best one. Fucking Metal brain is lucky.

"Fire dragon's Flame Elbow!"

One Vulcan had been invested by vaporised acid by Cobra, and was gone. The other three, who had been unlucky enough to be within Natsu's flames reach, were sprawled in the mud, all black and smoky. But their immobility wasn't enough to satisfy the dragon slayer.

Had Dalila had slightly more force, she would have laughed.

"Now you are overdoing it Natsu!" chimed Happy from next to her. "They are already dead!"

"How come that Vulcans are so close to Magnolia, Happy? It is dangerous!" the pink-haired mage walked next to one of the half-burned monsters. "Do you understand?" he cried, lifting its head with a hand and screaming in its ear. "Go away from here!"

"Stop that, flame brain." shouted Cobra. "And stop that fucking fire, or I am making you!"

"It can't hear you Natsu." Dalila snorted. "I think you have already burned his whole ear."

"That's for the better!" grunted the fire dragon slayer, letting go of the Vulcan and walking to them. He hadn't even a scratch, and look as fresh as if he had just woke up from a nap. "Oi Dalila! Are you ok?" he asked, crutching next to her. "What happened?"

Dalila took a deep breath, glanced at Cobra, and started to talk. "Levy had been poisoned next to the Great Muds. We haven't found out until we were on the train back to Magnolia. But the train was blocked by a problem at the engine. Jet and Droy are still there. I came flying to Magnolia, but..." Dalila huffed. "I was hit by a lighting, and my magic was not enough to-" "You did great!"

Dalila looked up surprised. Natsu was smiling brightly. "You arrived here and hey, four Vulcans are not easy if you are already worn out!"

Still... Dalila bite her lower lip, but smiled. "Thank you, Natsu. Now, we shall go back to the guild, right?"

As if underlining her words, a lighting exploded in the sky. Cobra looked up, examining the sky. He stretched his magic towards the city, and heard the frantic heart of Pantherlily pounding in his chest. "Salamander, go after the other cat and dwarf-girl."

Natsu raised and eyebrow, but before he could ask, Happy supplied. "Lily is afraid of lighting!"

"You said it." Cobra chuckled at the surprised expression of the fire slayer. "That cat is dead afraid of thunder. Just because it's dwarf-girl he is up there. You two better go after them."

"All right!" Natsu jumped up. "We need to hurry, Happy!" "Aye sir!"

Natsu eyes went to Dalila, then to Cobra.

"We're good, Salamander." grunted the poison slayer. "Stop that lame ass shit in your head and just fucking go."

The fire dragon slayer nodded. "I will see you there! Let's go, Happy!" "Aye!"

"See you later, Natsu! Thank you!" Dalila tried to sound cheerful from her spot in the mud. Her eyes followed the two forms rising in the clouded sky, part of her wishing they had stayed.

Now she was alone with Cobra.

Another lighting tore up the sky, illuminating with its white light the three dead Vulcans, the mud and pools on the clearing, the tall dark trees around them.

The thunder that followed boomed in the sky, shaking Dalila to her very bones. It reminded her of Cobra's roar, still resonating in her ears. That had been strong. Sure it's good to see it when it is not directed to you...

"You want to stay there all fucking day?" Right. Speaking about Cobra.

Dalila gaze fell from the sky to a more closer individual. "I am good." she murmured with a small shiver, trying to send away the analogy she had just made in between him and the thunder. "Thanks for... before, by the way."

The poison dragon slayer huffed, but didn't tear away his gaze from those pools of shining diamonds, looking straight at him.

"Are you going to keep staring at me, or do we want to move?" he barked after a while.

"No, not at all!" she gasped. I hadn't realised I was staring! Where do I have left my brain today! She thought, fighting to stand up. But once her feet, she grimaced, and almost fell down again. "Damn." she hissed. My ankle!

She tried to move it, but a stung of pain rose from her foot to her brain, making her grit her teeth.

She glance at the poison slayer, and saw him shake his head, turn and walk among the trees.

"Wait!" She cried. "Don't leave me here!"

A few seconds of terror and silence passed, before Cobra's voice reached her. "You are not that lucky." The poison slayer emerged again in the clearing, holding a bifurcated branch.

A crutch! Realised Dalila with surprise. He is giving me a crutch so I can walk? "Clever of you, Snow White." The poison dragon slayer threw the crutch at her feet.

"Move, or I am leaving your pretty ass here."

A smile started to pull to Dalila's lips. But when she lifted her gaze from the crutch to the poison slayer, she saw his deep scowl. His face was as hard as stone, and the coldness in his eye made her feel even colder. Alright. She bit her lips, murmured a 'thank you', and then, slowly, pulled up.

Doing her best to look stable when in fact she was risking to hit the ground every second, the wind slayer moved towards the path in the woods, hearing behind her the soft steps of the poison slayer following her.


Cobra and Dalila were walking in perfect silence. The rain had diminished, but the wood was full of the ticking sound of the drops falling from one leaf to another. The wind was making the crown of the trees rustling, and a few birds were crying in the calm after the storm.

Thunder and lighting could be heard in the distance, and one of the ways Dalila was occupying her time was by counting how far the storm had moved. Anything, but thinking about her pulsing ankle.

The speed of sound must be 300 meters per second. So, if I could 5 seconds in between the lighting and the thunder, in means the storm has moved one and a half kilometre away.

Another way she was occupying her mind was by checking that she was not stepping over any hole, pool, mud, that would have for sure make her lose her balance.

I am getting better with this. She thought, looking at the crutch and praying that it didn't broke. Still, I should get an Exceed sooner or later. Pointless, since I can fly, however...

She was ready to start counting sheep, but thinking about her pulsing ankle, and about the dragon slayer moving silently several steps behind her.

If it was to avoid any risk of conversation, or because he just didn't like to be close to her, Dalila couldn't tell. Probably both. She wasn't exactly afraid - not like a few months ago. Embarrassed and not at ease were the right words to describe her state of mind at that moment.

She wanted both to show him that she was thankful for his help - or simply for not having left her alone with the crutch as companion - and not bother him further. So, torn in between saying a few words of courtesy and not disturbing him, she had resolved to stay in silence, hoping he wouldn't mind too much her thoughts.

In fact, Cobra was thankful she was keeping silent. Otherwise I would have to answer you and maybe even be fucking polite. No way.

Step after step, following the muddy path, slaloming among puddles of water and slippery rocks, they were slowly advancing towards Magnolia.

Last time I had to get out of the wood it took me... How much? Three, four hours? Dalila was mentally trying to recall that time. I got lost several times, so I probably took more... But we are going very slowly, so... Can't we meet someone that can transport me? We are going to grow white beards here!

She couldn't see Cobra smirking behind her. At least you are as much annoyed as me, Snow White. But I will be dead cold before I carry you!

Dalila put involuntarily a little weight on her ankle and hissed. But who would ever go out with this weather! No one, in fact. There was only her and a silent poison dragon trailing behind her. I am soaked. The wind slayer grunted in her head. And I do stink. I do stink of troll and Vulcan, to be precise. I need a thousand showers. The rain doesn't count like a shower.

Really, wouldn't he be stuck on her same muddy path, stinking himself of Vulcan burned fur as well, Cobra would have laughed. Yes, you do stink of troll, Snow White, I can tell. But it is not strong enough to cover your damn smell of flowers and... and winter mornings or whatever!

Slowly, the trees became less thick and tall, the path was a little less muddy, until they finally reached the end of the forest.

Dalila breathed freely the cool air. Aah, about time! She thought, feeling the wind running aver her skin. I fee I could almost fly again!

Cobra thought to tell her she was very welcome. So I can fucking stop walking behind your slow ass, and get to somewhere warm! Idiot!

Unaware of the strain of insults of her companion, Dalila kept crawling forward with the crutch. Her joy increased even more when she saw the doors of the city.

I couldn't be happier to be in Magnolia again! Maybe we will find a ride to Fairy Tail as soon as we get into the city...

Sure they were going to be to Fairy Tail soon, she hastened to the door that lead to the city. As any other entrance, it was guarded by a small contingent of Rune Knights, that were randomly checking people going in and out.

And indeed Dalila saw five of them peeking at Cobra and her from the window of their small building.

She didn't mind when she saw them confabulating among themselves, and even when she saw them exiting to meet them at the entrance, she didn't thought much of it. They are supposed to check travellers. She mindlessly thought. Maybe they will give us a ride to the guild?

Dream it, Snow White. Dalila could think all that she liked about the Rune Knights being kind and fluffy like fucking puppets. A whole load of insults had come to Cobra's mind in the blink of an eye. Can't fucking exit the city that... Having to do with these bollocks... Shit head, those motherfuckers...

As they were about to pass the archway that lead to the city, the five Rune Knights exited, and one in particular advanced towards them, stopping right in front of them with a deep scowl and blocking their way.

"Names!" He barked, looking at them with wary eyes.

Dalila raised an eyebrow. Eh?

A moment later, she decided to ignore the impoliteness of the guard. I don't want to lose time. "Good afternoon, sir. We are two Fairy Tail mages, and-" "What were you doing outside the city?"

Well? Where does this attitude come from? The wind slayer eyed the Rune Knight up and down, and immediately she had to pushing down an uneasing sensation that was growing in her guts. Last time I hadn't been treated like that!

It's because you are with me, Snow White. Cobra tried to relax, but his closed fists at his sides had no intention of opening. They haven't stopped us for your pretty ass... It's me these fuckers want to put their hands on!

Cobra wasn't exaggerating. When he had been assigned at Fairy Tail on probation, the Rune Knight department in Magnolia had been alerted. Cobra knew he wasn't allowed to go out of the city but with a member of Fairy Tail, and the Rune Knights were free of detaining him whenever he crossed the border of the city alone.

Which is exactly what they are fucking planning to do right now.

Sure, he was with fucking Snow White, but the little shit-eater that was standing in front of them was well decided to detain him anyway.

Dalila, who didn't possessed Cobra's Soul Hearing magic and had no idea what the Rune Knight real intentions were, straightened her back. "We have been fighting some Vulcans out of the city. As I said, we are Fairy Tail mages."

The Rune Knight raised an eyebrow. "Are you?" He asked to Dalila. "Do you have your guild mark?"

"Yes." Dalila frowned. "It's on my tight." Are they expecting me to undress? She thought with terror.

"I have never heard of you."

Why is he looking at Cobra while he is speaking to me? Dalila raised her chin. "I am a new member. You can check at the guild whenever you want."

I would take me a minute to make him piss in his pants. The poison slayer could feel venom wetting his fingertips. He knew what the man was thinking, and he didn't like a bit of it. And it would take me another minute to turn him into a babbling fucking mess of shitty pants.

As the Rune looked at her from head to toe, the uneasing sensation was slowly rising from her guts to her chest. She cleared her throat, trying to ignore it. "We need to go back to the guild, sir, as-"

"You weren't allowed out of the city."

"Excuse me?" First of all, Dalila didn't like to be interrupted. Second, what was that guard talking about?

The wind slayer felt Cobra stiffening behind her. She saw the other Knights exchanging knowing glances, small contemptuous smiles. She pressed her lips together. "And why is that?"

The Rune Knight didn't even looked her. His gaze passed over her as if she was made out of thin air, and landed on the poison slayer. "You. Come with me."

The bastard! Cobra growled. Soundly.

Enough for Dalila to have her heart hammer in her chest, thought starting to crowd her mind. What is going on? Oh my Mavis, why do they want Cobra? And then. I need to do something!

"Ehm, sir." She cleared her throat again. "Why wouldn't we be allowed out of the city?"

She did her best to ignore the other Knights sneers, as their companion turned to them with a mocking grimace. "Tell me, Miss." he said then to Dalila. "Do you know who is your companion?"

Dalila swallowed. "He is Cobra." She said slowly, the uneasing sensation rising to her mouth, filling it with the bitter taste of bile. "On probation at Fairy Tail."

"Right." The Rune Knight smiled viciously. "He is a criminal. He is now allowed to exit the city."

"This is not how my fucking probation works." Cobra's deep voice cut in, menacing, terrible. You lurid bastard. Don't you fucking dare...

Dalila pressed her lips together. Unfortunately for you, young man, I can smell a lie. And my nose is telling that you are lying on Cobra's probation rules. But Dalila knew she had to play nice. "We are coming back inside the city." She pointed out. "I don't see-"

"There is no need for you to stay here any longer." The Rune Knight spared a disdained glance at the wind slayer - in particular to her dirty clothes and hair - before turning to Cobra with a malicious sneer. "You. Come with me. And you better not playing any of your dirty tricks."

Dalila eyes snapped open. How does this little petulant boy... The second later, she heard Cobra growling from behind her. And then, she smelled it.

... the closed space in between four dirt, cold walls, with no air nor wind... the dark, long, deadly silent nights, spent on the stone floor, with stomach torn by hunger, tormented by pests and ants...

Dalila skin crawled. I smell fear... and despair, and anger and nightmares... Pain lashed her heart, as she understood what that was. It's Cobra. He is...

Afraid, Snow White. Usually he would have been more angered than afraid, but that only ought back in his cell had been enough to make his remember all those eight years all together. But I am scared as hell. I don't want to fuck go back there.

"Well, haven't you heard me?" Barked the Knight. He hadn't seen the flash on pain on Cobra's eye, and sure he wasn't able to smell it. He only thought the poison slayer was openly ignoring him. "Come here, I said!"

I don't want to fucking go back to prison! Shit, they have even handcuffs back inside...

Dalila was frozen on the spot, the worst smell she had even felt assaulting her nose with a force that made her want to vomit. The prison where he had been for almost eight years... This is what I am smelling...

Her eyes travelled back to the poison slayer. His face was void of any emotion as only he could make, but the fists closed at his sides were betraying him. And his eye - oh his eye! - holding so much hatred, that Dalila felt her guts twisting in anger. They won't lay a finger on him!

She turned to the Rune Knight. And you... you smell bad. You smell of pride and malice... You stink of bad words, small victories over defenceless people...

"Hey, Cobra! Weren't you the one with the good ears?" The other Rune Knights sneered.

And Cobra, even if every finer of his body was screaming for him to run away, made a step towards the Rune Knight.

The sight of the poison slayer capitulating to those spiteful sneers, made Dalila felt like something glacial had stung her very heart. This is not going to happen.

Not bothering to calculate the consequences of her actions, she held out a hand, blocking Cobra from doing another step. "He is not going anywhere."

If Cobra was surprised - and actually he was - he didn't show.

On the other hand, the young Knight in front of them bursted out laughing. "Says who?"

"I say so."

"Miss, I think you are not understanding the situa-" "Did I say I was done?" Her tone, sharp as a razor, commanding and hard, was enough to make the sneer of Rune Knight disappear.

"If you do not know that I am part of Fairy Tail guild, that is not my problem." She said, eyes fixed on the guard in front of her, cutting through him like a spear. And indeed, had she been able to, she would have impaled him gladly, much was the anger boiling in her eyes.

"Miss, we-" "I am injured, as you can see." continued Dalila, ignoring the hard stares of the other Knights. "And I hope you are not going to prevent my guild mate to escort me back to our guild, where I can be healed."

Cobra had to remember himself not to fell with his mouth open. What was that harsh tone she had suddenly adopted? Where was she hiding that glare that could rival Erza and Mirajane?

The Rune Knight chuckled nervously. "We have to make some checks, Miss, I am afraid-" "No, you have no checks to make." Hissed the wind slayer. "You are not allowed to keep us here." I can smell a lie from thousand miles, you little annoying kid!

Snow White, the lie detector. Cobra wished he had some pop corns.

"I think we are not-" "You will be allowed to speak when I have finished all I have to say. Do not interrupt me one more time!"

She was a teacher. Cobra reminded. That explains a lot about her handling pretentious little bastards.

But that was not explaining how her soul had suddenly turned on like a roaring fucking hurricane. He was tempted to cover his ears, so much it was loud. Talking to us like this! And threatening... Without any evidence... I smell the rattling sound of iron, the hunger and the dirt of a cell... He heard her thinking - or better, howling angrily like a thousand of fucking storms.

The Rune Knight on the front was trying to make his reasons prevail, but Dalila would not have to any of it. "We have to check-" "What?" "That he is not... Not escaping, and-" "We are going back to Magnolia." "Yes, but-" "And as I am part of

Fairy Tail, he is perfectly allowed to exit the city." "Sure, but-" "My ankle is hurting. I do believe my Master will not be happy to come here and having to deal with you." "Master-" "Makarov, as I said."

Nah, I don't even need the pop corns. It's already perfect as it is. The Rune Knight being scolded as a spoiled child, was something Cobra could enjoy even without snacks. I would have preferred she having him impaled like she wanted to for a second... I miss seeing all that blood...

"But Miss-" "No 'but' and no 'miss'." Dalila rolled her eyes, and decided it was time to say the magic words. "May I know your name and the name of your superior?"

She saw with immense pleasure the cool attitude of the Knight fade in the blink of an eye. All cocky until we say we will tall your superior of your idiocy, aren't we? Dalila fought to hide her smirk. I know your kind, you little spoiled kid!

"My-My name, Miss?" stuttered said Rune Knight, glancing worriedly at his companions, who were taking slowly small steps away from him, as if they were saying 'we have nothing to do with this.'

Dalila looked severely upon him, using her best I-am-going-to-tell-your-parents look, and then turned to the other Knights of his party. "Well?" She raised an eyebrow. "Am I asking for the moon, maybe?"

The young Rune Knight was quickly thinking that the woman seemed well decided to find out who his superior was, and he perfectly knew that his superior - who was Captain Lahar himself, no one else! - would have not tolerated such a behaviour from his Knights.

The Captain is going to send me to direct traffic in Crocus if I am reported for misbehaving... Even if it is Fairy Tail and that one sneering there is Cobra... That little ...

"Yes, fuck-face would be glad to be a pain in the ass, as he always is." yawned Cobra, from his position of spectator. "Now Snow White, are we fucking done here? I can't wait for your soul to stop complaining for that ankle!"

The Knight turned to him. His eyes burned with hatred, and considered for a moment the need to stop them and make them come to their quarters and giving them, and especially him, troubles of any sort. Even if only for a few hours...

One of the men behind him, sensing the growing tension and now wanting to have any more troubles, cleared his throat. "Ehm... Maybe they could pass... They were doing nothing wrong after all..." he said tentatively. The others hummed and mumbled their approval on the comment.

Dalila scolding face didn't change, and she stood silent, watching the young Knight in front of her struggling in between letting them go and having no troubles with

Lahar, and making them follow him at the quarter and being sent in the middle of a cross signalling the directions to carts and wagons.

Finally he seemed to opt for the first option. "Fine." he hissed. "You can go on. But this will be reported, and..." "Good evening."

Dalila passed under the arch, not bothering to look a second time to the Rune Knights.

Nice show, Snow White. Cobra flashed the Knights a pointed-teeth smile, and in a few steps he was next to her again.

The angered mutters of the Rune Knight soon were covered by the sound of the light rain and their steps on the road.

So annoying! The Rune Knights were far behind them, but Dalila was still fuming. Who on Earthland selects the Rune Knights! I would like to tell him few things! They should help and secure people, not arbitrarily stop them and be a nuisance...

Cobra gave in to the rumbling, angered choir of tambourins that was Dalila's soul. "You sure know how to handle brats." He commented, glancing at his companion. Even with an ankle out of use, all dirt and filthy as you are, you made a striking impression.

"I was a teacher." Dalila shrugged. "I know how to handle petulant, I-know-all kids."

"That was a full-grown-up asshole."

Dalila snorted. "Surprisingly, sometimes it makes no difference."

They went silent again, and Dalila went back again trying her best to concentrate on something else that wasn't her pulsing ankle. Even if she was putting little weight on it, even the movement of her knee was painful.

And her arm and flank was not doing any better with the crutch. I want to arrive at the guild, see Wendy, and sleep for a week. She groaned in her mind, repressing a whimper when she almost fell to circle a puddle. And I am going to protest with Master for the job! Good, she was right in the mood to think about the complaint letter she wanted to write. And it made her not think about her swollen ankle. The job had been bad advertised, and we had no medical care after we got practically attacked by creatures of the Great Muds! And the hydra - baby hydra, but still a hydra! That asshole of a client...

"Now now, that's a pretty fucking bad word from you."

Dalila frowned at the poison slayer, and rolled her eyes. Of course, he was hearing her. "The client didn't told us that there were beasts coming from the Muds. And it seemed the client should have provided us with a medical check afterwards." Dalila huffed. "We met an hydra!"

"A baby hydra." corrected Cobra, ignoring Dalila's glare. "You said it, not me."

"Baby or not, that thing almost bite a leg out of me." Dalila clicked her tongue. "Levy should have brought Gajeel and Lily."

The poison slayer glanced at the fair woman walking next to him. Realising on that moment that they were walking side to side on the pathway. When did I allowed her to walk one next to me? Cobra rolled his eye at himself.

Maybe it was when she had given a good lesson to that ass Knight, or when she had made no comment on the whiff of fear she had felt at the mention of the word 'prison'. Or maybe because she was being silent enough not to be too much annoying?

Well, she is silent because she doesn't know what to say. Not everyone is wise nought o keep their mouth shut when they have nothing relevant to say.

And yet, he surprised himself by listening closely to her soul. I don't want to say something wrong another time, was the underlying thought, and Cobra was left in between angry, because he didn't like when people were tiptoeing around him, and grateful, since she was not pestering him.

But she is afraid of me. He realised.

"She is going to remember that."

The words Gajeel had spoken to him months ago suddenly came to his mind. What an absurdity! Everyone was fearing him after all. Why should she be any different? Because I attacked her. Cobra mentally answered himself. I attacked her, and she fears it might happen again. I don't need to hear her soul to know this.

"She might forgive you, but you are never going to forgive yourself."

Now this is just stupid. But before Cobra could get more annoyed with himself, the slayer next to him lost her balance.

Distracted by the thought of what write into the complain letter, Dalila felt the crutch broke into pieces, and the ache in her ankle explode and expand in her whole body.

She gasped in pain and surprise, and she was about to hit the ground, when a pair of arms scooped her up.

"Uh?" This is higher than where my usual eye level...

She turned, just in time to see a bronze, scolding face a few inches from her nose, and a single purple eye was staring severely at her.

"You are such a pain in the ass." Cobra grunted. "Do not move too much, or I am taking you back to the Vulcans."

"No please!" Dalila felt herself stir at the thought. Ok, ok, Dalila stay calm, for Mavis sake! She told herself. You don't want the Vulcans, right?

But the fact that the poison slayer had caught her and was now carrying her in his arms, wasn't something that helped her relax.

"You don't have to relax." Muttered the poison slayer, moving swiftly under the rain, directed at Fairy Tail.