Chapter 11: The Meet

The train ride was for the most part uneventful. Although what stood out the most was Jet's and Droy's unimaginable enthusiasm towards the mission.

"We will totally protect you Leeevvyyyy" Jet cooed

"Yeah nothing's gonna happen while we're here Lev" Droy happily chimed.

It felt strange to have two men be so.. affectionate, towards her. Levy had to admit though, it was a nice change of pace to have so much positive energy around her.

Gajeel felt really uneasy about the men Makarov had picked for the mission. They were all over the little bluenette, it started to piss him off. They were to busy focusing on Levy's ass. There was no way they would be able to focus on the the actual important shit. He was very close to punching a hole through the wall several times during train ride. He just wanted them to back off and shut up. How simple is that?

He was already tense and distracted by the events that happened earlier. The image of the nearly naked bookworm kept popping into his brain, whether he wanted it to or not. It filled with an emotion that would be nothing but a nuisance on this journey. He had to distance himself from her. If he got any closer to her, he was sure if wouldn't be able to keep his hands off her. He would want to see more than what he saw in that bedroom. He want to feel her.

He quickly shook his head and rubbed his hands against his face. He had to stop thinking of that, now.

The sound of the train stopping took Gajeel from his thoughts and he saw they had reached their destination. "This is our stop. Lets go"

With that as his warning he promptly rose from his seat and nearly stomped out of the train. The others would just have to get their shit together and follow his lead, he didn't need any slackers. Anyway he needed the fresh air. Trains and really any form of transportation caused his to feel a little sick, motion sickness was a bitch.

"Hey, where are we going to set up camp?" Levy asked, huffing as a result of having to run with her suitcase to reach him.

Gajeel pointed to the forest "Top of the mountain."

He heard Levy's sigh "All the way to the top?"

"Yup"

Another sigh.

"Don't worry Lev I can carry you suitcase if you like!" Droy excitedly exclaimed with an unnatural smile on his face.

"Yeah me an Droy can take shifts. We can easily climb this mountain, even with the extra weight of the suitcase." Jet happily added in.

Why were they so goddamn happy to help? It bothered him, how they constantly tried to help her.

"Do you need a piggyback ride Levy. Your horse awaits" One dumb ass offered.

"Hey, do you need hiking shoes. It's going to be a tough climb. I can get you hiking shoes." The other dumb ass said.

"Oh no guys I'm quite alright, although I may take you up on that offer to carry my suitcase." She way to kindly replied to the idiots.

It was way to long of a journey to endure for Gajeel's mental state. The constant stream of nonsense spewed by Jet and Droy was nothing but a bother. Although Levy seemed to be enjoying the rantings of the two morons, which bothered Gajeel even more.

"You ok Gajeel?" Lily asked.

"Fine" was Gajeel's gruff reply.

"You don't look that way Gajeel"

"Get out of my business cat"

"Exceed"

"Whatever"

Pantherlily laughed like this was all some big joke. Gajeel gave Lily a well aimed scowl but all that did was make Lily chuckle.

Eventually through much effort on Levy's, Jet's, and Droy's part the group all managed to make it to the top of the mountain.

"I think I'm going to die" Levy said. She was bent over, her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.

A still breathless Droy still managed to let out a stupid comment "We can make the tent for you so you don't have to overwork yourself"

"Yeah we'd be happy to do it" Jet said after, not wanting to be left out.

"No guys, I would want to trouble you." Levy waved her hands to show how much she didn't need their fucking help "I can make my tent. It's real small anyway. We should focus on a fire though sense that's how Erza's going to find us."

"That's a good idea. You're so smart Levy!" Jet exclaimed with his stupid hands outstretched over his heads.

"Yes, as soon as Droy and I make our tent we will collect fire wood. Great plan Lev!" Droy clapped his hands at the thought.

Gajeel could feel his blood boiling. Could they just not for a whole second. He just distracted himself from the two dimwits by making his tent with the assistance of Pantherlily. Thank God he was there, he really needed someone with some common sense and who wouldn't distract him.

Though he had to give the idiots called Jet and Droy some credit. With the amount of dedication they had flowing through their veins they could do things at alarmingly fast speeds. Droy made their tent in record time, finding time to then help Levy with hers. Meanwhile Jet quickly scoured the area for all wood that would be useful. He then quickly produced a fire that ignited so quickly, Gajeel worried they would have a forest fire on their hands.

"She should be here soon" Pantherlily commented.

"Yeah she should" Gajeel agreed as he watched the sun set.

Now that the boys had finished their chores they were back to Levy. Asking her if she was hungry, cold, or if she just needed something. Honestly, he didn't need the two bothersome dolts. He could have done all of this on his own, in fact he would prefer it that way.

"Gajeel, Lily its been to long." A voice pierced through the chatter caused by Jet and Droy.

Gajeel found that Erza had an ability to get an audience. It must come from her undeniable strength and leadership that gets respect from everyone she knows.

"Did you find the book?" Gajeel eagerly questioned.

"Yes, I did. It's at the center of the throne room. It'll be difficult to get, there's no doubt about it."

Gajeel nodded at her remark "So what's the plan?"

"Well we are going to have to sneak in through the pipe system. I've already got it mapped out. I have an insider who's sided with us. He will keep all of you hidden till we can strike the throne room. Gajeel, Levy, and I will go to the throne room. I'm not sure how connected she is to the book, but she may be the only one who can hold it. So it's imperative we protect her from the man in the room, Jellal, while she retrieves the book. Jet and Droy, you will be waiting outside the room. Your job is to act as bodyguards and make sure no one enters, use force if necessary. Once we have the book and hopefully sedate Jellal we will sneak into the vent system of the tower and make our way out of there. I've arranged a ship to pick us up and act as our getaway. Any questions?"

There were none.

"Good. So the plan will be launched tomorrow night. So get rest. During the day you all can pack your stuff and go to the ship to drop it off, so you don't leave anything behind. I've given Lily the directions to the ship and where to meet me tomorrow night." She gave everyone a nod. She looked tense, in fact she looked worried. This Jellal guy must be really tough. Gajeel could she it in the way she acted, he was going to be a tough adversary to beat.

"Alright. Thanks" Gajeel nodded back.

Erza swiftly walked to Gajeel and handed him a small notebook "Here are the notes on Jellal. I have to go before the notice my absence. See you all tomorrow."

And like that she was gone.

"Well let's go to bed" Lily said to break the tension "Good night everyone."

"Goodnight" everyone said in unison before heading to their respective tents.

Gajeel went inside his tent and started to read the notebook. He could see why Erza was so tense. He was a brilliant mastermind and extremely powerful, an incredibly dangerous combination. Still he felt Erza's strength along with his strength would be enough to beat him. It would be enough to make this mission a success. They would be able to get the book and answer the questions he needed to know in order to stay alive.

And another chapter

I had fun writing this one but I didn't do a double check on my grammar so I apologize in advance for all the errors that I am sure are in this piece.

Thanks again :)