It'd been three months, and Levy was seriously starting to worry about Gajeel. He was hardly ever at the guild anymore except for the occasional food or a new job. Pantherlily hadn't been going on jobs with him either, it was like they were alternating. The small bluenette couldn't help but wonder if the two had gotten in a fight. Or rather an argument that couldn't be solved with their fists.
Gajeel was at the guild now and Levy watched as he talked with Alzack. They seemed very serious about whatever they were talking about, but were also laughing. Since when were those two so close?
It wasn't like the dragon slayer was avoiding her, when he was around he'd say hi or drink a beer next to her, but she missed him constantly being next to her or watching her from the corner. The young mage sighed and went to sit outside, watching Gajeel from a distance was making her even more lonely, and she was starting to feel Juvia's stalking had rubbed off on her.
As soon as Levy stepped outside a small girl ran right into her and fell at the impact.
"Are you okay!?" Levy rushed to pick up the child who was crying profusely.
"Where's Fairy Tail!?" the little girl screamed, she was about in hysterics.
"What you you need in Fairy Tail? It's the building right here..." Levy said, only to be cut off by the little girl running towards the door, and screaming that she needed her papa. Levy didn't know of anyone in the guild who had a kid that young, even Asuka was quite a few years older.
"Papa! Papa!" Ira screamed as she entered the guild. Gajeel was already at her side as he'd heard her from outside.
"Ira, what's wrong?" he said, picking the girl up off the ground. He knew the entire guild was staring at him, but he didn't care. Right now something was wrong with his daughter, nothing else mattered.
"Lily's hurt! He needs help!" she managed to get out between sobs. Gajeel understood and ran over to where Wendy was. He told her she was coming with him as he threw the small dragon slayer over his shoulder and began to run, followed by Charla, who demanded he put Wendy down.
Levy watched as Gajeel bolted from the guild with Wendy over his shoulder, the girl from before in his arm, and Charla flying after him...Wait, is Gajeel that girl's dad? That...that's not possible. She can't be his. Levy had to know what was going on, so she started following the iron dragon slayer as well. Yeah, Juvia's habit had definitely rubbed off on her.
Gajeel had figured out most of what happened by the time they got to Lily. Ira was crying the whole time, but managed to explain that they were eating a picnic in the woods when a monster (which Gajeel figured was a vulcan) attacked. Pantherlily had jumped on Ira to protect her and took the dangerous swipe to his back. Apparently he managed to defeat the monster, but then collapsed, telling Ira to go find Gajeel.
When they found Lily lying on the forest floor he was back to his small form, making his injury bigger than it already was. Wendy jumped off of Gajeel's shoulder and ran to her exceed friend, immediately using her powers to help heal him. Luckily the cuts looked worse than they actually were, and Lily would be fine. He wouldn't be able to fly for a few weeks however, seeing as one of his wings was torn. Gajeel was just happy that his cat was alive and would stay that way.
A breeze went by and the dragon slayer caught the familiar scent of the bookworm. He knew she must be watching him near by, but right now he needed to get home where Lily could rest and Ira would stop bawling. He'd talk to the shrimp later.