Sands of Change

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 7

Hermione had known she was being watched by the guild. Mostly by the men. Which was new for her. But knew they were mainly impressed with what she can do. Even though a deep part of her was informing her, it was mating season.

That feeling was enough to want to run. Only to see what would happen. But her logical mind had other plans. Knock them over, if the few that keep coming up. They might be worth it. But she didn't know how to play those kinds of games.

Cana had caused an issue that Hermione had not thought about. Nor she wanted to face, at least not until she was ready. She started to feel an itch in her inner core. It was very faint, but it was there.

Hermione turned to Lucy. 'Do you think the master would let us do a job? Just so I know what to do,' she mouthed. Knowing that Lucy could read lips.

Lucy nodded, grabbed Hermione's arm and together, tried to get to Makarov's office. Only to be blocked by Gajeel.

"Where do you think you're going," he grinned at them.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Turned on the spot. Taking Lucy with her. Popping back in, at Makarov's door. Opening it, closing it right after. With Hermione raising a ward on the door. Blocking many others from entering.

"What the Hell is going on," asked Makarov, with a surprised look in his eyes.

"The males are hunting me, it seems." Hermione wiggled in disappointment. "We have a question. Since I am new. Would it be alright if Lucy takes me out on a job?"

Makarov sighed, "Normally I wouldn't, but after seeing what you could do. Yeah, you can go. Let's see if I have one here for you."

He looked through the fliers and paperwork. Only to come up with something.

"The archeologists that knew your father, Lucy. Had asked for some help." He handed her a flier.

Archeology dig site, asking for some research help. Will pay 75,000 j. A Celestial gate key. As well as any books we would gladly give. Hoping that Lucy Heartfilia will be one of the mages.

Lucy smiled, "We will do this. But where do we need to go?"

Makarov reached out to the archeologist in charge. Letting them know to be at Hargeon Town harbor, by eight in the morning.

Lucy grumbled, "The last train out is nine o'clock at night. With a three hour train ride, we'll be there at midnight."

Hermione nodded, "We should leave now. Get a hotel and be up fresh in the morning."

Makarov nodded, gave them 1,000 j. "Pay me when you get back."

Hermione smiled, she grabbed Lucy and popped out of Makarov's office. Popped back in and quickly packed some of Lucy's things. Popped out and back in at the station. Paid for a ticket and left, just as the train was ready to board.

Once the train left the station. They had looked out the window. Only to see a handful of people from the guild. Trying to find them.

Lucy gasped, while fighting a giggle. "Bickslow, Freed, Gajeel, Elfman and Cobra!" She looked at Hermione with a smile. "I'm surprised I hadn't seen Laxus."

"Bickslow, I think it is because of this hijacker," she pointed to Popo, on her shoulder. "As for Laxus," she shrugged her shoulders. "To me, the less, the better. I don't want to test my energy with a lot of them. But Freed and Laxus might be more into you than me. If I was to be honest."

"That leaves Gajeel, Cobra and Elfman. Two Dragon Slayers and a take-over mage." Lucy smiled. "Three choices in beasts. Reminding me of the Beauty and the Beast."

Hermione sighed, "One Fairy Tale I like, a princess who loves to read. Falling in love with the library, before she knew she loved the beast."

Lucy giggled, "My favorite too."

For the rest of the train ride. They talked about their favorite books. Family lives they had. Just two friends bonding.