p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Chapter 14—The First Job/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Akira/span/em/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My eyes were focused. Nothing could disturb me from my concentration. I watched as the master took another swig of his beer mug. He felt safe, completely at home in his guild. And yet, little did he know, there was a killer in his midst. And she had her sights set on spilling his blood./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"It had been four days since I spent a full night crying myself to sleep. After that night, I was calm and collected. The mask I wore to shield all emotions was stronger than ever and I had my focus set on the mission at hand. I had to figure out a way to get the Master alone so I could deliver the final blow. I gripped the mug of coffee I was holding as he laughed at something Mira said. He thought he was safe. He was gravely mistaken./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Gray had tried several times to break past my walls as he managed to do a few times before. But now, all my emotions were gone. All that was left was a cold, icy girl who cared about nothing but completing her mission. I hadn't allowed him to touch me once since that night. I knew he was frustrated, but it was better that way. He should be separate from me so that when I shattered his world, it would be easier to let me go./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The only way I could think of to get the master alone was to wait until I had the guild mark planted on my skin. I just needed to bide my time without drawing any attention to myself. I knew that if I continued to drag this out, Albian would get angry. I couldn't afford to try his patience./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I turned my head to survey the rest of the guild hall. It was business as usual and everyone was doing their usual things. Cana was drinking, probably trying to get better so she could beat me. Levy was reading something with Gajeel not too far away, glancing at her from afar. Macao and Wakaba were smoking and drinking together. Mira and the master were talking to each other while the master indulged himself in Mira's looks and special concoctions. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My eyes flickered to the job board where Erza, Natsu, Lucy, and Gray were all standing. It seemed like Erza and Gray were arguing about something. Erza looked down and sighed in defeat as a smile spread across Gray's face. For a spilt-second, the sight of his smile melted my icy heart. But only for a second. I clenched my jaw and straightened, looking away from him. He was dangerous. I couldn't afford to look at him that way./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I focused on my steady breathing as I brought the coffee to my lips. Just as I was about to swallow it, someone whacked me on the back, causing me to spout the coffee out of my mouth and almost choke on it. I coughed and spluttered as the coffee sprayed all over the table. I angrily whirled around as Mira hurried over to clean the mess./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What the hell? You don't just go hitting people like that! What if I had choked?" I shouted at a grinning Natsu. He laughed and pointed at me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""God, your face! Your eye bugged out like saucers! It was hilarious!" he and his stupid cat laughed continuously, Natsu holding onto his stomach. I growled and narrowed my eyes, standing up from the table. I clenched my fists./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Oh, sweetheart, you are just em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"asking/em for me to rip of your arms and legs. You won't be laughing when I shove them down your throat and force you to set yourself on fire." My eyes flashed in rage as Natsu's grin faltered, staring into my eyes. He gulped and stopped laughing, backing away from me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I-I… uh, heh… um…" he stuttered awkwardly, backing away and rubbing the back of his neck. I took two steps towards him, making him cower even more./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Is there something you would like to say to me?" I hissed menacingly. He gulped and fell to his knees, raising his hands in surrender./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm sorry! I didn't mean to almost make you choke! I'll be good, I'll do whatever you want! Please don't kill me!" My lips quirked as he begged for forgiveness on all fours. Soon, I couldn't keep a straight face and smirked at him. He lifted his eyes and looked at me, a look of confusion passing over his face when he saw that I was smiling./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You're so pathetic." I taunted, laughing a little. "I expected a little more hutzpah from the Salamander. Maybe you aren't as strong as you think you are." I could tell my words hit a nerve because he stood angrily and shoved me backwards slightly. He scowled at me and spat in my direction./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I am not pathetic. If you want to see how strong I can be, then why don't you just fight me now?" he slammed his fists together and lit them on fire. "I'm all fired up!" I laughed and threw my head back./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""There's the Natsu I know! Sorry pal, I'm not really in the mood to get my hands dirty. I think I'll pass on this one." I stepped next to him and patted his head, laughing at his bewildered expression. "Maybe next time, champ." Natsu stared after me, jaw dropped as I made my way over to Cana. She laughed at the scene and took another drag of her drink./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You know, I'm starting to think you enjoy putting your life on the line. Having a death wish doesn't really faze you, does it?" she said, smirking. I sat at the table with her and shrugged, smiling slightly./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What can I say? Making people angry is just a part of my charm." Cana laughed again and passed me her drink. I took a swig of the alcohol and passed it back, watching as Natsu angrily stomped over to the bar, upset that he didn't get to fight. I shook my head at him. He was really something, that one./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Suddenly, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me off the seat. I gasped and jerked my hand away. I looked up to see Gray's cobalt eyes grinning at me. My defenses immediately raised as I crossed my arms and forced my grin down, an ice sheet forming over my heart. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Did you need something?" I hissed coldly. Gray faltered at my tone but didn't back down as he forced his smile back on his face./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I have a proposition for you."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't want to go to another festival. The first one didn't work out so well." My eyes flickered over to Erza who wasn't looking at me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""No, that's not it." Gray sighed and raised his arms like he was going to touch me again. I side-stepped him and avoided his searching arms. He blinked and frowned. He looked down in hurt but looked up again, his smile now completely forced. "Come with me." he turned around and walked back to Erza and Lucy. I reluctantly followed behind him, glancing back at Cana who gave me an encouraging smile. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Okay, your probation is almost up and you still haven't gone on a job. I wanted to take you on a job just the two of us, but Erza insisted on all of us going." Gray's tone turned slightly bitterer as he cast a glance to Natsu, still at the bar. I crossed my arms, waiting for him to continue./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So, now we have a job that we're all going to do together. And you're coming with us. It'll probably only take a day. When we get back, you'll be a full member of the guild." Gray said cheerfully./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"may/em be a full member. Nothing is decided yet." Erza corrected sharply. I glanced at her and smirked./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So you're letting me go on this job because…" I said, prodding her for information. Erza glared at me and sighed, crossing her arms./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I am short on money, so I need to go on a job myself. But I can't leave you alone in the guild, even if there are others watching you. I need to know that you aren't going to try anything. So that's why you're coming with us. Maybe you'll prove your worth to me on this job." I narrowed my eyes./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So I don't have a say in this? I have to go with you?" I questioned./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Do you not want to go?" Gray asked slowly. I looked over at him and sighed./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""This wasn't really my idea of spending the last days of my probation, but why not? I mean, who knows? You might need my help on this mission." Erza's hand was suddenly latched around my bicep, causing me to hiss in pain as she squeezed hard enough to leave a bruise./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""If you even think about trying anything on this trip, I will not think twice about ending you right then and there. Do you hear me? You are on probation as much now as you would be if you stayed. Don't you dare get any ideas. Just stay quiet and out of the way unless you really need to help. You're here to observe, nothing more. Am I clear?" she said firmly. I smiled as sweetly as I could at her, even though I was trying not to wince at how hard she was holding my arm./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Crystal." I said, my voice an octave lower. Erza released my arm and I let out a breath, forcing myself to pretend like it didn't hurt at all. I glanced back at the master who was looking at me gravely. I looked away and followed Team Natsu out the door, determined to prove my worth to all of them so there would be no shred of doubt that I was trustworthy./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I needed their trust. Once I had it, it would be easier to shatter it like glass when I killed their precious master./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"We were riding on a train on our way to the town where we the job was located. Natsu was hanging out the window, throwing up. I sat next to Lucy across from Natsu, Erza and Gray with an empty seat beside me. Erza was explaining the job to us in detail./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So what the request says is that we must retrieve a glass orb that was stolen from a man and his family. It is sky blue and round, but it's not a sphere. It's about the size of an apple. Apparently, it has magical healing abilities that is worth a lot of money. The man says that it has been in his family for generations and he can't bear to have it stolen." She explained, looking at the paper./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So we walk in to where the bandits are and snatch the orb while kicking their butts, lickity-split, Fairy Tail style." Gray said, cracking his knuckles. I smirked as Lucy let out an awkward chuckle. Erza frowned and gave Gray a disapproving look./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Not exactly. I wish it were that easy. The reason he has called on wizards is that the orb was stolen by a shaman. I'm not sure what a shaman is, but it says here that they are very powerful wizards. I think we need to be more careful when going after this shaman." Erza said, peering at the job sheet. I crossed my arms and sat up slightly./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Can I see the paper?" I asked, holding out my hand. Erza gave me a look and I pulled my hand away, sighing. "I just want to see what they said about the shaman." I explained. Erza tucked the paper away in her bag./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I told you what they said. Do you know something?" She asked accusingly. I rolled my eyes./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm not working with him, if that's what you're thinking." Erza's eyes flickered away before returning to me. I sighed in exasperation and shook my head. "I've heard of shamans is all, okay? I know that they are powerful wizards who specialize in one element. And I also know that their power multiplies when faced with a strong opponent. It just makes me feel uneasy about all of us going to stop someone who will be even more powerful just because we're present." I explained quietly, peering out the window. Gray sat forward, now slightly more interested than he had been./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""How does their power multiply? Do they absorb magic energy or something?" he asked me. I looked at him and gave him a grave shrug./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't know anything else about them. Albian never taught me about them. I only heard about them from Raymond's father who had to battle one. He may have been exaggerating. It was someone's birthday and everyone was drunk. He was probably making it seem harder than it was just to brag. I'm probably worried for nothing." I rested my chin in my hands with my elbows propped up on my knees. Erza grunted in irritation./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""If you don't have something useful to say, you should just keep quiet." She snapped harshly. Gray looked at her disapprovingly while I lifted my eyes to meet her piercing gaze. I rolled my eyes and sat up, crossing my arms./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sorry, ma'am, I'll do better next time to think of something more interesting to say." I said sarcastically. Erza scowled at me as I turned my head away from her to look outside. I knew this was a bad idea./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I leaned against the seat next to me and clenched my fists, telling myself that I just had to get through this job with Erza and then I could shatter her world and disappear in style. It gave me sick pleasure to think about what the master's death would do to her. I knew she was a good person at heart, but my personality was hard-wired to hate everyone before knowing them at all. So I hated her. And unless she proved to me that she wasn't despicable, I would continue to hate her until she killed me or I killed her./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I stared at the passing scenery, lost in thought, when suddenly, there was a beam of gold light. Lucy squealed in surprise as I came to realize that after the light went away, I was no longer leaning on a seat. I was leaning my head on the shoulder of a living person. I jerked up and gasped, knocking against Lucy's shoulder. I stared up at the empty seat next to me. Only it was no longer empty. Now it held the body of none other than the king of the Celestial Spirits himself: Leo./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Don't leave, baby, your head feels good against my shoulder." He said smoothly, smirking at me. I narrowed my eyes and turned to Lucy who looked just as shocked as I was. Then her shocked expression turned to one of anger as she brandished her fists across my lap./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What are you doing, Loke? I didn't summon you, why are you here? What's wrong with you? You can't just pop up on us like this!" I looked back over at Loke and couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked in his black tuxedo and glasses. He grinned at Lucy and threw his arm around my shoulders./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Well, it seems like I just did." He said, cheekily. "Besides, I never got the chance to truly meet this lovely lady. I'm Loke, but you can call me your knight in shining armor." He said huskily, lifting my knuckles to his lips. A smile worked its way onto my face as I giggled. He pecked my knuckles as I shook my head in disbelief./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Does that line usually work?" I taunted. "Also, we did meet once. Remember when I saved your ass from a griffin?" Loke scoffed and brushed my comment away./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""That's not exactly how it happened, but you can be sure that I would never allow a big bad griffin to ever touch you again… princess." He dipped his head down and the hand around my shoulder found its way to the back of my neck. Lucy shouted in protest and I realized that Loke had just called me by Lucy's pet name. I had heard rumors about Loke's flirtatious ways but I never thought they were this bad./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Loke's hand still held my own gently and he rubbed my fingers gingerly. Suddenly, a hand shot forward and grasped Loke's wrists. He released my hand as I turned to see Gray's looming figure over the two of us. He looked furious./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Take your filthy hands off her." He hissed threateningly. Loke smiled but didn't make a move to release me. Instead, he pulled me closer and grinned up at Gray./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Looks like somebody's jealous. I didn't realize you had a girlfriend, Gray. Excellent choice, she is quite spectacular." He turned back to me and gave me a heart-breaking smile that had me grinning back at him. I couldn't help it. Loke had a way of making me feel, quite simply, like a girl. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She's not my girlfriend, I just don't like you taking advantage of her." He snarled angrily, squeezing Loke's wrist tighter. I frowned and grabbed Gray's wrist, pulling it off of Loke's. I shoved Gray backwards and he stumbled back into his seat./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Why don't you stay out of it, Gray? I don't need you to protect me and I can tell very well when someone is trying to take advantage of me, myself, thank you very much." I gave Gray an angry scowl as I felt Loke's arms tighten. I looked over at him to see him give Gray a smug smile. A wave of anger passed over me and Loke's presence didn't feel as good anymore./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""And em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"you/em," I seethed, pulled Loke's arm away from my shoulders and thrusting it back against him. "Keep your sullied, man-slutty hands off me. Don't think I don't know who you are or what you're known for. You may pretend to be all high and mighty as a spirit who can open their own gate but do not, I repeat, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"do not /emever take advantage of someone you don't even know. This was fun as joke at first, but you sure as hell shouldn't take it any further. You can go back to your own world now." /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I crossed my arms and turned away from him. Lucy gaped at me in disbelief and I was sure that Loke had the same expression on his face. I closed my eyes, refusing to look at anyone until he went away. I didn't know why I suddenly felt so angry. At first, I was all giddy at the thought that Gray was jealous. Then I scolded myself for feeling happy about it. Then I was even angrier at myself for allowing myself to be touched by someone even if I had no feelings for them. I had broken all my rules in a matter of minutes and I was furious./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the beam of light which told me that Loke had gone back. Once he was gone, I leaned back on my seat and avoided Gray's eyes. Instead, I looked at Erza, which proved to be an even worse mistake. She was giving me a scrutinizing look as though I was a ticking time bomb and she wasn't sure when I was going to explode. I closed my eyes and pulled out my archives so I could pull up my emotionless mask./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Once it was firmly back on my face, I allowed myself to open my eyes again. I gave Gray a neutral stare. He was giving me a strange look with emotions that I couldn't decipher. I looked away as Natsu lifted his body back into the train, his face a pale shade of green./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What did I miss?" he asked, coughing. Nobody said anything as he lurched back out the window to empty his stomach. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Nobody had said anything for the whole train ride. Even after we got off the train and into the man's house. Nobody said anything as we were ushered inside and asked to sit in the living room. I made a point to sit in the loveseat so no one could sit next to me. Erza remained standing while Natsu, Gray, and Lucy squirmed to fit on the couch./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"A man walked into the room and greeted us as the man whose orb was stolen. He explained the orb is of great importance to his family and the traditions in his family. He explained that if he couldn't get the orb back, he might be excommunicated from his own heritage. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I frowned as a couple of kids ran into the room shouting and laughing. The man scolded them and they stopped, casting their eyes to the floor in sadness. I felt a pang of empathy for them as they trudged away. Something told me that this wasn't the first time that they had been reprimanded for having fun. I looked back at the man who had barely giving two glances at the children. I finally understood him. This orb was just a tool for power. All he wanted was the heritage he would receive with his rob. He had no feelings for anything or anyone else. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I looked over at the others to see if they had seen what I had. Lucy was still staring after the children. Natsu was giving the man a burning stare. Erza, however, remained calm and collected. I dared not to look at Gray or I had a feeling I would melt again. Erza had thanked the man and assured him that we would get his orb back. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"We left the house in a cold silence. I looked over at Erza whose collected expression hadn't left. However, she was not like me and she couldn't hide the emotion in her eyes. She was furious at what she had to do for the sake of greed. She was upset that she had to use her resources to help someone who probably would do nothing good once he had what he wanted. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Quite the performance you put on in there. I don't think I could have controlled myself if it were me doing the talking." I said, breaking the icy silence. Erza looked at me sternly and then away, as if she was trying to ignore me. "Tell me I'm not the only one who wanted to strangle the life out of that man."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I realized immediately that it was the wrong thing to say. Erza looked at me with a wide look that told me she had caught a hidden meaning behind my words. Gray looked over at with shock written on his features. I mentally slapped myself. Of course, they would think I actually wanted to kill him. Why was I so stupid? In a blatant attempt, I tried to cover my mistake./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You know what I mean. All that man wants is power so I was feeling annoyed at him."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Yes, but not enough to want to kill him." Erza snapped. I glared at her and looked away. I figured it was already out there now. I couldn't take it back. I crossed my arms and huffed./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""God, I can't even joke about death. And I thought you guys would be entertaining."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""As long it was just a joke…" Gray whispered. My heart clenched as I turned to look at him. This was the first time he had doubted me since I told him about my glamor. Had I been damaging our trust by distancing myself from him? em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Of course!/em I yelled at myself. em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"What's more suspicious than closing yourself up? He probably thinks you're going to murder him in his sleep!/em/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My mood instantly soured and I crossed my arms, hanging back from the group. When I looked up to see Gray looking doubtfully at me, I gave him a nasty smile and stuffed my hands into my pockets. I felt like an idiot. The least I could have done was pretend to be my usual self instead of obviously putting on a show of shutting myself away from everyone. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Now it was too obvious that I didn't belong. It was obvious I em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"couldn't/em belong./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Akira/span/em/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My eyes were focused. Nothing could disturb me from my concentration. I watched as the master took another swig of his beer mug. He felt safe, completely at home in his guild. And yet, little did he know, there was a killer in his midst. And she had her sights set on spilling his blood./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"It had been four days since I spent a full night crying myself to sleep. After that night, I was calm and collected. The mask I wore to shield all emotions was stronger than ever and I had my focus set on the mission at hand. I had to figure out a way to get the Master alone so I could deliver the final blow. I gripped the mug of coffee I was holding as he laughed at something Mira said. He thought he was safe. He was gravely mistaken./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Gray had tried several times to break past my walls as he managed to do a few times before. But now, all my emotions were gone. All that was left was a cold, icy girl who cared about nothing but completing her mission. I hadn't allowed him to touch me once since that night. I knew he was frustrated, but it was better that way. He should be separate from me so that when I shattered his world, it would be easier to let me go./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The only way I could think of to get the master alone was to wait until I had the guild mark planted on my skin. I just needed to bide my time without drawing any attention to myself. I knew that if I continued to drag this out, Albian would get angry. I couldn't afford to try his patience./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I turned my head to survey the rest of the guild hall. It was business as usual and everyone was doing their usual things. Cana was drinking, probably trying to get better so she could beat me. Levy was reading something with Gajeel not too far away, glancing at her from afar. Macao and Wakaba were smoking and drinking together. Mira and the master were talking to each other while the master indulged himself in Mira's looks and special concoctions. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My eyes flickered to the job board where Erza, Natsu, Lucy, and Gray were all standing. It seemed like Erza and Gray were arguing about something. Erza looked down and sighed in defeat as a smile spread across Gray's face. For a spilt-second, the sight of his smile melted my icy heart. But only for a second. I clenched my jaw and straightened, looking away from him. He was dangerous. I couldn't afford to look at him that way./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I focused on my steady breathing as I brought the coffee to my lips. Just as I was about to swallow it, someone whacked me on the back, causing me to spout the coffee out of my mouth and almost choke on it. I coughed and spluttered as the coffee sprayed all over the table. I angrily whirled around as Mira hurried over to clean the mess./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What the hell? You don't just go hitting people like that! What if I had choked?" I shouted at a grinning Natsu. He laughed and pointed at me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""God, your face! Your eye bugged out like saucers! It was hilarious!" he and his stupid cat laughed continuously, Natsu holding onto his stomach. I growled and narrowed my eyes, standing up from the table. I clenched my fists./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Oh, sweetheart, you are just em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"asking/em for me to rip of your arms and legs. You won't be laughing when I shove them down your throat and force you to set yourself on fire." My eyes flashed in rage as Natsu's grin faltered, staring into my eyes. He gulped and stopped laughing, backing away from me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I-I… uh, heh… um…" he stuttered awkwardly, backing away and rubbing the back of his neck. I took two steps towards him, making him cower even more./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Is there something you would like to say to me?" I hissed menacingly. He gulped and fell to his knees, raising his hands in surrender./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm sorry! I didn't mean to almost make you choke! I'll be good, I'll do whatever you want! Please don't kill me!" My lips quirked as he begged for forgiveness on all fours. Soon, I couldn't keep a straight face and smirked at him. He lifted his eyes and looked at me, a look of confusion passing over his face when he saw that I was smiling./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You're so pathetic." I taunted, laughing a little. "I expected a little more hutzpah from the Salamander. Maybe you aren't as strong as you think you are." I could tell my words hit a nerve because he stood angrily and shoved me backwards slightly. He scowled at me and spat in my direction./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I am not pathetic. If you want to see how strong I can be, then why don't you just fight me now?" he slammed his fists together and lit them on fire. "I'm all fired up!" I laughed and threw my head back./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""There's the Natsu I know! Sorry pal, I'm not really in the mood to get my hands dirty. I think I'll pass on this one." I stepped next to him and patted his head, laughing at his bewildered expression. "Maybe next time, champ." Natsu stared after me, jaw dropped as I made my way over to Cana. She laughed at the scene and took another drag of her drink./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You know, I'm starting to think you enjoy putting your life on the line. Having a death wish doesn't really faze you, does it?" she said, smirking. I sat at the table with her and shrugged, smiling slightly./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What can I say? Making people angry is just a part of my charm." Cana laughed again and passed me her drink. I took a swig of the alcohol and passed it back, watching as Natsu angrily stomped over to the bar, upset that he didn't get to fight. I shook my head at him. He was really something, that one./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Suddenly, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me off the seat. I gasped and jerked my hand away. I looked up to see Gray's cobalt eyes grinning at me. My defenses immediately raised as I crossed my arms and forced my grin down, an ice sheet forming over my heart. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Did you need something?" I hissed coldly. Gray faltered at my tone but didn't back down as he forced his smile back on his face./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I have a proposition for you."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't want to go to another festival. The first one didn't work out so well." My eyes flickered over to Erza who wasn't looking at me./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""No, that's not it." Gray sighed and raised his arms like he was going to touch me again. I side-stepped him and avoided his searching arms. He blinked and frowned. He looked down in hurt but looked up again, his smile now completely forced. "Come with me." he turned around and walked back to Erza and Lucy. I reluctantly followed behind him, glancing back at Cana who gave me an encouraging smile. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Okay, your probation is almost up and you still haven't gone on a job. I wanted to take you on a job just the two of us, but Erza insisted on all of us going." Gray's tone turned slightly bitterer as he cast a glance to Natsu, still at the bar. I crossed my arms, waiting for him to continue./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So, now we have a job that we're all going to do together. And you're coming with us. It'll probably only take a day. When we get back, you'll be a full member of the guild." Gray said cheerfully./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"may/em be a full member. Nothing is decided yet." Erza corrected sharply. I glanced at her and smirked./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So you're letting me go on this job because…" I said, prodding her for information. Erza glared at me and sighed, crossing her arms./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I am short on money, so I need to go on a job myself. But I can't leave you alone in the guild, even if there are others watching you. I need to know that you aren't going to try anything. So that's why you're coming with us. Maybe you'll prove your worth to me on this job." I narrowed my eyes./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So I don't have a say in this? I have to go with you?" I questioned./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Do you not want to go?" Gray asked slowly. I looked over at him and sighed./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""This wasn't really my idea of spending the last days of my probation, but why not? I mean, who knows? You might need my help on this mission." Erza's hand was suddenly latched around my bicep, causing me to hiss in pain as she squeezed hard enough to leave a bruise./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""If you even think about trying anything on this trip, I will not think twice about ending you right then and there. Do you hear me? You are on probation as much now as you would be if you stayed. Don't you dare get any ideas. Just stay quiet and out of the way unless you really need to help. You're here to observe, nothing more. Am I clear?" she said firmly. I smiled as sweetly as I could at her, even though I was trying not to wince at how hard she was holding my arm./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Crystal." I said, my voice an octave lower. Erza released my arm and I let out a breath, forcing myself to pretend like it didn't hurt at all. I glanced back at the master who was looking at me gravely. I looked away and followed Team Natsu out the door, determined to prove my worth to all of them so there would be no shred of doubt that I was trustworthy./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I needed their trust. Once I had it, it would be easier to shatter it like glass when I killed their precious master./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"We were riding on a train on our way to the town where we the job was located. Natsu was hanging out the window, throwing up. I sat next to Lucy across from Natsu, Erza and Gray with an empty seat beside me. Erza was explaining the job to us in detail./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So what the request says is that we must retrieve a glass orb that was stolen from a man and his family. It is sky blue and round, but it's not a sphere. It's about the size of an apple. Apparently, it has magical healing abilities that is worth a lot of money. The man says that it has been in his family for generations and he can't bear to have it stolen." She explained, looking at the paper./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""So we walk in to where the bandits are and snatch the orb while kicking their butts, lickity-split, Fairy Tail style." Gray said, cracking his knuckles. I smirked as Lucy let out an awkward chuckle. Erza frowned and gave Gray a disapproving look./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Not exactly. I wish it were that easy. The reason he has called on wizards is that the orb was stolen by a shaman. I'm not sure what a shaman is, but it says here that they are very powerful wizards. I think we need to be more careful when going after this shaman." Erza said, peering at the job sheet. I crossed my arms and sat up slightly./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Can I see the paper?" I asked, holding out my hand. Erza gave me a look and I pulled my hand away, sighing. "I just want to see what they said about the shaman." I explained. Erza tucked the paper away in her bag./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I told you what they said. Do you know something?" She asked accusingly. I rolled my eyes./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm not working with him, if that's what you're thinking." Erza's eyes flickered away before returning to me. I sighed in exasperation and shook my head. "I've heard of shamans is all, okay? I know that they are powerful wizards who specialize in one element. And I also know that their power multiplies when faced with a strong opponent. It just makes me feel uneasy about all of us going to stop someone who will be even more powerful just because we're present." I explained quietly, peering out the window. Gray sat forward, now slightly more interested than he had been./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""How does their power multiply? Do they absorb magic energy or something?" he asked me. I looked at him and gave him a grave shrug./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't know anything else about them. Albian never taught me about them. I only heard about them from Raymond's father who had to battle one. He may have been exaggerating. It was someone's birthday and everyone was drunk. He was probably making it seem harder than it was just to brag. I'm probably worried for nothing." I rested my chin in my hands with my elbows propped up on my knees. Erza grunted in irritation./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""If you don't have something useful to say, you should just keep quiet." She snapped harshly. Gray looked at her disapprovingly while I lifted my eyes to meet her piercing gaze. I rolled my eyes and sat up, crossing my arms./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sorry, ma'am, I'll do better next time to think of something more interesting to say." I said sarcastically. Erza scowled at me as I turned my head away from her to look outside. I knew this was a bad idea./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I leaned against the seat next to me and clenched my fists, telling myself that I just had to get through this job with Erza and then I could shatter her world and disappear in style. It gave me sick pleasure to think about what the master's death would do to her. I knew she was a good person at heart, but my personality was hard-wired to hate everyone before knowing them at all. So I hated her. And unless she proved to me that she wasn't despicable, I would continue to hate her until she killed me or I killed her./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I stared at the passing scenery, lost in thought, when suddenly, there was a beam of gold light. Lucy squealed in surprise as I came to realize that after the light went away, I was no longer leaning on a seat. I was leaning my head on the shoulder of a living person. I jerked up and gasped, knocking against Lucy's shoulder. I stared up at the empty seat next to me. Only it was no longer empty. Now it held the body of none other than the king of the Celestial Spirits himself: Leo./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Don't leave, baby, your head feels good against my shoulder." He said smoothly, smirking at me. I narrowed my eyes and turned to Lucy who looked just as shocked as I was. Then her shocked expression turned to one of anger as she brandished her fists across my lap./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What are you doing, Loke? I didn't summon you, why are you here? What's wrong with you? You can't just pop up on us like this!" I looked back over at Loke and couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked in his black tuxedo and glasses. He grinned at Lucy and threw his arm around my shoulders./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Well, it seems like I just did." He said, cheekily. "Besides, I never got the chance to truly meet this lovely lady. I'm Loke, but you can call me your knight in shining armor." He said huskily, lifting my knuckles to his lips. A smile worked its way onto my face as I giggled. He pecked my knuckles as I shook my head in disbelief./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Does that line usually work?" I taunted. "Also, we did meet once. Remember when I saved your ass from a griffin?" Loke scoffed and brushed my comment away./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""That's not exactly how it happened, but you can be sure that I would never allow a big bad griffin to ever touch you again… princess." He dipped his head down and the hand around my shoulder found its way to the back of my neck. Lucy shouted in protest and I realized that Loke had just called me by Lucy's pet name. I had heard rumors about Loke's flirtatious ways but I never thought they were this bad./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Loke's hand still held my own gently and he rubbed my fingers gingerly. Suddenly, a hand shot forward and grasped Loke's wrists. He released my hand as I turned to see Gray's looming figure over the two of us. He looked furious./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Take your filthy hands off her." He hissed threateningly. Loke smiled but didn't make a move to release me. Instead, he pulled me closer and grinned up at Gray./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Looks like somebody's jealous. I didn't realize you had a girlfriend, Gray. Excellent choice, she is quite spectacular." He turned back to me and gave me a heart-breaking smile that had me grinning back at him. I couldn't help it. Loke had a way of making me feel, quite simply, like a girl. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She's not my girlfriend, I just don't like you taking advantage of her." He snarled angrily, squeezing Loke's wrist tighter. I frowned and grabbed Gray's wrist, pulling it off of Loke's. I shoved Gray backwards and he stumbled back into his seat./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Why don't you stay out of it, Gray? I don't need you to protect me and I can tell very well when someone is trying to take advantage of me, myself, thank you very much." I gave Gray an angry scowl as I felt Loke's arms tighten. I looked over at him to see him give Gray a smug smile. A wave of anger passed over me and Loke's presence didn't feel as good anymore./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""And em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"you/em," I seethed, pulled Loke's arm away from my shoulders and thrusting it back against him. "Keep your sullied, man-slutty hands off me. Don't think I don't know who you are or what you're known for. You may pretend to be all high and mighty as a spirit who can open their own gate but do not, I repeat, em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"do not /emever take advantage of someone you don't even know. This was fun as joke at first, but you sure as hell shouldn't take it any further. You can go back to your own world now." /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I crossed my arms and turned away from him. Lucy gaped at me in disbelief and I was sure that Loke had the same expression on his face. I closed my eyes, refusing to look at anyone until he went away. I didn't know why I suddenly felt so angry. At first, I was all giddy at the thought that Gray was jealous. Then I scolded myself for feeling happy about it. Then I was even angrier at myself for allowing myself to be touched by someone even if I had no feelings for them. I had broken all my rules in a matter of minutes and I was furious./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the beam of light which told me that Loke had gone back. Once he was gone, I leaned back on my seat and avoided Gray's eyes. Instead, I looked at Erza, which proved to be an even worse mistake. She was giving me a scrutinizing look as though I was a ticking time bomb and she wasn't sure when I was going to explode. I closed my eyes and pulled out my archives so I could pull up my emotionless mask./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Once it was firmly back on my face, I allowed myself to open my eyes again. I gave Gray a neutral stare. He was giving me a strange look with emotions that I couldn't decipher. I looked away as Natsu lifted his body back into the train, his face a pale shade of green./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""What did I miss?" he asked, coughing. Nobody said anything as he lurched back out the window to empty his stomach. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Nobody had said anything for the whole train ride. Even after we got off the train and into the man's house. Nobody said anything as we were ushered inside and asked to sit in the living room. I made a point to sit in the loveseat so no one could sit next to me. Erza remained standing while Natsu, Gray, and Lucy squirmed to fit on the couch./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"A man walked into the room and greeted us as the man whose orb was stolen. He explained the orb is of great importance to his family and the traditions in his family. He explained that if he couldn't get the orb back, he might be excommunicated from his own heritage. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I frowned as a couple of kids ran into the room shouting and laughing. The man scolded them and they stopped, casting their eyes to the floor in sadness. I felt a pang of empathy for them as they trudged away. Something told me that this wasn't the first time that they had been reprimanded for having fun. I looked back at the man who had barely giving two glances at the children. I finally understood him. This orb was just a tool for power. All he wanted was the heritage he would receive with his rob. He had no feelings for anything or anyone else. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I looked over at the others to see if they had seen what I had. Lucy was still staring after the children. Natsu was giving the man a burning stare. Erza, however, remained calm and collected. I dared not to look at Gray or I had a feeling I would melt again. Erza had thanked the man and assured him that we would get his orb back. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"We left the house in a cold silence. I looked over at Erza whose collected expression hadn't left. However, she was not like me and she couldn't hide the emotion in her eyes. She was furious at what she had to do for the sake of greed. She was upset that she had to use her resources to help someone who probably would do nothing good once he had what he wanted. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Quite the performance you put on in there. I don't think I could have controlled myself if it were me doing the talking." I said, breaking the icy silence. Erza looked at me sternly and then away, as if she was trying to ignore me. "Tell me I'm not the only one who wanted to strangle the life out of that man."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"I realized immediately that it was the wrong thing to say. Erza looked at me with a wide look that told me she had caught a hidden meaning behind my words. Gray looked over at with shock written on his features. I mentally slapped myself. Of course, they would think I actually wanted to kill him. Why was I so stupid? In a blatant attempt, I tried to cover my mistake./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""You know what I mean. All that man wants is power so I was feeling annoyed at him."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Yes, but not enough to want to kill him." Erza snapped. I glared at her and looked away. I figured it was already out there now. I couldn't take it back. I crossed my arms and huffed./span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""God, I can't even joke about death. And I thought you guys would be entertaining."/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""As long it was just a joke…" Gray whispered. My heart clenched as I turned to look at him. This was the first time he had doubted me since I told him about my glamor. Had I been damaging our trust by distancing myself from him? em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"Of course!/em I yelled at myself. em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"What's more suspicious than closing yourself up? He probably thinks you're going to murder him in his sleep!/em/span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"My mood instantly soured and I crossed my arms, hanging back from the group. When I looked up to see Gray looking doubtfully at me, I gave him a nasty smile and stuffed my hands into my pockets. I felt like an idiot. The least I could have done was pretend to be my usual self instead of obviously putting on a show of shutting myself away from everyone. /span/p
p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 121.55pt;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Now it was too obvious that I didn't belong. It was obvious I em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"couldn't/em belong./span/p