Chapter 15: Meetings
-Laxus POV-
I slowly opened my eyes and looked around me. We were still on the train. I could tell by the horizon it was almost morning. 'I slept longer than I thought I would.' Natsu was still knocked out in Erza's lap while she was still asleep on the window. I closed my eyes once again wanting to go back to sleep but I had too much on my mind to sleep. I worried about Lucy, gramps, and this mission. From what I had heard this guild was part of the Barram Alliance. Made up of nothing but vicious dark guilds. I've destroyed plenty of dark guilds before. With the Raijinshu that is. I was pretty sure that this wasn't just any ordinary guild. It had six members. They must be tough if they have to make an alliance of four legal guilds just to take them down. This wasn't going to be any ordinary mission. A feeling of tension started to settle in my heart. I opened my eyes once again and noticed Gray was slowly starting to wake up. I looked back towards the window. Trying to think of a way to break the silence. These were Lucy's best friends and I don't think they trust me completely yet. 'I need to figure out a way to get them to trust me. I think that's what Lucy would want. For me to be friends with her friends. I might as well start with Gray since he's up. Here goes nothing.' I was surprised however to hear him speak first.
"Laxus…I don't trust you completely. I honestly don't know if I ever will but I know that Lucy is happy. Just…don't ever forget about her feelings. You're going to be starting a family with her. Put her and the baby's needs first. Protect your family and never forget the vow you made to her in front of everyone. Cherish that girl. Lucy is a little piece of sunshine. Don't ever let the sunshine fade."
His words were like an arrow that struck my heart. I could tell that Lucy was precious to these people. I really never expected Gray to be so upfront with me though. He was telling me how it was though. I really didn't know what to say to him. Erza must have woken up sometime during Grays little rant because she started putting her input in.
"You need to think Gray. If Laxus wasn't serious about making her happy do you honestly think he would have asked her to marry him. I can tell by his actions now that he is nowhere near the same man he was a month ago. He is serious about his future with Lucy. Aren't you Laxus?"
I couldn't believe she was semi standing up for me. She glanced over at me and gave me a small smile.
"Yes Erza. I am very serious about my future with Lucy. And Gray, I know now how much Lucy truly means to you all and I swear on my life I will never do anything to hurt her. Day by day I am slowly starting to fall for her. I care about her and our baby. No matter the outcome I will always be there to protect her."
-Gray's POV-
His response must have startled us all because we all gave him looks of surprise. Even Natsu had woken up and gave him a strange look. It didn't last long however because his face turned a pale green and he started making barfing noises. This almost resulted in Erza knocking him out again until we heard the conductor state that we had arrived at our destination. As soon as the train stopped moving Natsu stood up and was acting as if he was never sick at all. Still I couldn't believe the words that had came from Laxus' mouth. He sounded so sincere. Not cruel or coldhearted. Not the Laxus I was used to. My mind went back to the day he basically blamed the Phantom Lord attack on Lucy.
~Flashback~
"You two. You two were Phantom's personal punching bags. I'm thankful I didn't even try to remember your names.
Everyone was shocked at Laxus' words. He then turned his attention to Lucy.
"And you. Rich little celestial wizard wannabe. This is all your fault."
Everyone was starting to get royally pissed off at Laxus. How could he be inconsiderate of peoples emotions.
~Flashback End~
That man and the man sitting in front of me were two completely different people. What exactly had Lucy done that made him change so drastically. I snapped back to reality as I noticed Erza get her stuff. We left the train and made our way to our destination. It was only a five minute walk but it seemed so much longer than that because none of us said a word. Even Natsu kept his mouth shut which was highly unusual. This was going to be a long mission. We kept walking for a pretty good little while till we came upon this big white mansion looking house. 'This is our meeting place? It's really fancy.' We opened the door and walked in. It didn't take long till we were greeted by some of the others that were gathering. Three boys that looked like total playboys approached us. They immediately started flirting with Erza and Natsu tried to stop them. Me and Laxus laughed at his failed attempts. I glanced over at Laxus and seen a genuine smile on his face. Something you rarely ever seen from Laxus Dreyar. Ichiya decided to make his appearance now. He was more creepy than the other three. He kept on sniffing Erza. Erza was about to hit him square in the face when we heard the door open once more. In walked the members from Lamia Scale. Sherry, Jura, and….Lyon! To say I was surprised would be an understatement.
"Well hello again Gray."
"Lyon! You joined a guild."
I looked at him with total surprise and he just nodded in agreement. Me and him carried on a casual conversation as we waited for the people from Caitshelter to arrive. I was completely shocked when Jura said they were only sending one mage. Everyone started freaking out. Talking about how incredibly powerful this one wizard would be. We were all surprised to see a little bluenette girl stumble into the house. She had the Caitshelter emblem on her shoulder.
"They sent a little girl!"
Everybody's response was the same. The little girl finally responded.
"Um…I'm Wendy. I'm not very good when it comes to fighting but I know some good backup magic that would be of some use. So please don't leave me out."
We were all surprised by the girls sudden confession. Laxus was the first to move. He slowly made his way over to the girl and got down on his knees slightly ruffling up her hair.
"Don't worry Wendy. We won't leave you out."
