Sands of Change
Lady Countryrose
Ch. 18
At four in the morning, the girls woke up. Took turns in the shower. Ate breakfast and then went to the train station. Where they sat on the bench at 5:45. Just moments before they needed to depart, the guys showed up, each had paid for their tickets.
After boarding the train. The guys led them to a private booth for themselves. The girls sat by the window. Leaving the guys to lay their heads on them.
Hermione had been told about Dragon Slayers and their motion sickness. Only to find that neither Lucy nor her, have that kind of sickness. Which Hermione was grateful for not having.
Lucy was subconsciously playing with Laxus's hair. "I never really asked before. But what was life like, long before the war?"
Hermione smiled softly. "A crazy, fun mess. Every year, my friends and I would solve a castle full of mysteries."
She told them about the Sorcerers' stone, the chamber of secrets. Just to name a few.
"The three-headed dog was real," gasped Lucy with fear. "I had always thought that was a myth!"
"So did I," hissed Hermione. "But Hogwarts had taught me otherwise. Along with a killer mythical snake. No, thank you."
For the rest of the train ride. The girls talked more. The males relaxed on them. After a few hours on the rail. It was time to get off. After seeing Laxus sitting up for the first time in a long while.
After leaving the train, they followed Laxus to where they needed to go. Before stopping in front of a mansion that was overlooking the town below. Lucy had rung the doorbell, and a maid came to the door.
"Yes," the maid asked.
"We're from Fairy Tail," stated Lucy. Showing her guild mark.
The maid opened the door, allowing them in. Before leading the group through the mansion. After some time of walking. The maid knocked on a door.
"Come in," a male voice called out. After being waved into the room. Only to see that it was a study. "Thank you for coming." He wiggled his nose at seeing the two women. "Can't you travel without your women?"
Lucy and Hermione looked at each other. Before, Lucy turned to the man, giving her best heiress air. "Sir, I imagine that you have asked Fairy Tail for help. I see it's not important enough to see it finished. I will let Fairy Tail know that you will not use any of our services in the future."
"Wait," the man rushed to his feet. "Sorry, I have nothing against women. But… they are expected to stay home."
Hermione glared at him. "Women, regardless of class, have a right to make a living. In order to help with keeping their families safe and alive."
"I do see your point." The man groaned. "I know it's an old view. But I was raised that women keep the home. While men go out and make a living."
The man took a deep breath. "Even my daughter fought for her freedom. Only to get herself and others kidnapped by a new Dark Guild that moved in. Using my mines to hide within."
Lucy smiled softly. "You were worried about our safety because of what's happened?"
"Yes," the man nodded his head. "I am Travis Weasley. I am the town's trade manager."
"Weasley, which Weasley did you come from? From 800 years ago?"
"William Weasley was my ancestor. Why do you ask?"
"Bill and Fleur?"
The man glared at her. Before turning towards a painting behind him and switching it around. Only to see a face that surprised Hermione.
"Hermione Jean Granger, as the years have escaped me! Why are you here?!"
"Bill," Hermione shook her head. "This is too much." She fell into a chair before the desk.
"Travis," Bill turned to the man harshly. "She will get your little Molly back. Out of anyone that I have ever trusted. She'll get her back."
The man looked at the others. "Who are the rest of you?"
"Gajeel Redfox, Iron Dragon Slayer."
"Laxus Dreyer, Makarov Dreyer's grandson."
"Lucy Heartfilia."
"Dear lord, you're Jude Heartfilia's daughter?" The man bowed. "I'm deeply sorry. Please, help my daughter and help get the town's daughters back."
Hermione sighed, "We will get the girls back. But once this whole thing starts. It's going to get worse, once they realize they're gone."
Gajeel nodded, "You're going to have to get your town together. Those girls are going to need their support."
Hermione asked, "Is there a keyword that you have with Molly?"
"Joyful, Molly," smiled Travis Weasley.
Laxus raised his eyebrows. "Why use that phrase?"
"It's something that I have always called her. After hearing William saying it, once."
Hermione smiled, looked over to her group. "We should head out soon. When do they hit the town?"
Travis gave a worried look. "Nine, from the mountain road to the east. That is where our mines are located."
"Do you have any maps on the mines," asked Laxus. "It could really help us."
Travis smiled, pulling some folders out of his desk. He turned to Hermione. "Can you make copies for us?"
With a wave of her hand. A few copies popped up from the originals. He handed the copies over to them. On another map, he pointed to an area map.
"These are entrances. One on the southeast is closer. But the northeast is where they come and go from. At least that is what I was told."
"We will get Molly back for you." Hermione told Travis firmly, before leaving.
Once outside, Gajeel asked, "How are we going to get his daughter back?"
"For you to not make me a liar." Leading the group towards town. They had some planning to do.
Laxus chuckling behind them. "She has you there, iron rod."
After walking to a park. They sat around an outdoor table. Glanced through the maps.
"I'm going to hate doing this," Laxus looked at the two girls. "You're going to have to act like a helpless damsel."
Lucy glared at him. "I am tired of playing that." She waves at herself. "I get kidnapped without trying."
Hermione kept her eyes on the maps. Not liking what she was hearing. She would rather hit something than be the helpless damsel.
"I'll play it. But I will not play nice when we see the girls." Hermione spoke with conviction in her voice. "Expect he will, once things get started."
Gajeel chuckled deeply. "I can't wait."
Laxus looked at the nearby clock. "It's seven. We should eat dinner. Then start on our plan."
So they packed up their stuff and went off to find a diner.
