A/N: There's no better day to write than on a rainy day! ^_^ so here I am. Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter, we're inching towards 50 everyday! I'm watching Fushigi Yuugi officially now, and I love it. Chichiri and Tasuki are hilarious. Speaking of those two, I'm listening to their character songs as I write this… \(*^*)z (Oh god, Chichiri has such a high voice! XD)
Disclaimer: I really wish I didn't have to admit this every chapter, but I do not own Fairy Tail. Or Fushigi Yuugi, which I did a rant about above.
Thesaurus
Chapter 7: Desolate
They turned a corner, and ran into an absolute unexpected disaster.
"The hell!?" This 'lovely' statement came from Gajeel, who'd run into the large person first. His first thought was that the mage they'd run into had been Helga, because they were so big. It was after this thought that a familiar scent overpowered his nose. 'No! It can't be…'
The larger male recovered first and was on his feet and glaring down at the Fairy Tail mages before Gajeel had even moved. "Ah…Gajeel-kun," His deep voice boomed. "So sorrowful, so sad!" The iron dragon slayer winced as he saw tears spill out from under blindfolded eyes, and carefully shifted so he was covering the shrimp and his cat. He wouldn't let this man hurt the two things most important to him.
"Aria," Gajeel could hardly spit the name out. How awful was it that the other three members of the element four had been given second chances, and that the most powerful member hadn't relinquished his ways. Totomaru had become a teacher, Juvia a wonderful mage of a prospering guild, and Sol a train co-captain.
"G-Gajeel?" Levy's voice quivered, recognizing the former Phantom Lord mage. This was a man who'd taken on Makarov, Natsu, and Erza. While the iron dragon slayer might stand a chance, she would be out of the picture with one strong attack from Aria.
"We need to get out of here," Lily spoke strongly, sensing something was wrong. Levy stood after Gajeel had and took a few steps back. What was going to happen if Aria tried something?
Just then the tears on the opponent's face subsided and he smirked down at the trio. And then he disappeared into thin air.
"Shit!" Gajeel cursed, grabbing Levy's wrist and scooping up Lily with his free arm. One aspect of Aria's Airspace magic was teleportation, so there was no telling where he would be coming at them from now. "Lily, where's the town hall?!" If there were mages there, or better yet, a strong leader that could help at least a little, they'd stand a better chance.
"Try for the obvious and check the center of town!" Pantherlily was struggling in Gajeel's tight grasp, wanting to fly up and get a better look. Levy was all but dragged behind as Gajeel sprinted for all he was worth, not wanting to be caught by his sadistic former comrade.
"There it is!" Levy yelled at her partners, trying to be heard over the rushing of wind in her ears as the iron mage sped on. The spire of a majestic building peeked over small houses and stores; a beacon of hope and safety.
Gajeel made a sharp turn down a side street, wondering where all the citizens of Valletta had gone. It was mid-afternoon, surely there should be more people out and about? Suddenly his feet went out from under him and he lost his grip on Levy's wrist, but managed to snatch Pantherlily's tail, much to his chagrin.
"Shrimp!" Gajeel struggled to his feet after seeing the large figure making several hand signs in quick succession. 'Isn't that Zetsu?' It was indeed Zetsu, an attack which left Aria's palm splayed open and pointing at the target.
The iron dragon slayer charged at Aria's unprotected back, preparing a roar to aim at him at point blank range. Though his mind should've been blank and focused only on crushing Aria, it was filled with various thoughts.
'Please let me kick his ass in time, let the shrimp be okay… At least he isn't using Metsu, that stupid attack that almost brought Makarov down.' He neared the broad back of his sadistic enemy and sucked in a large breath. "IRON DRAGON'S ROAR!"
Somehow, Aria hadn't seen this coming. 'How sad! He shouldn't have been quick enough to attack me!' The lingering wisps of magic that had been circulating around his open palms dissipated and he began to cry again. "So close, how depressing!" He peeled himself off of the ground and pouted at the pain that flared in his back. The injury of the iron dragon's roar would put him out of commission for a while, but he would return!
"Teleport…" Aria wheezed, and then he disappeared. Gajeel sighed in relief and realized he was still holding Lily by his tail. He released him with a barely audible 'sorry' and bent down to examine Levy.
She was curled on her side, her dress marred with a few dirt stains from skidding across the worn path of the alleyway. Gajeel carefully eased his arms underneath her and lifted her into his arms. Two doe brown eyes met his and she smiled at him. "I'm okay," she laughed at the expression on his face.
"I thought you were out of it," he admitted, starting to walk. "I guess ya hit the ground pretty hard though." He discreetly eyed the bandages wound around her legs, checking to make sure they were still intact.
"Thank goodness you are alright, Levy," Pantherlily settled down on Gajeel's shoulder and tugged sharply on his ear. "Full speed ahead, stubborn mule. The town hall is a turn away!" Said 'mule' glared at the Exceed on his shoulder but didn't lash out. He was too relieved that the shrimp was okay to argue.
As Lily had said, the town hall stretched above their heads after one right turn. It was the only building in Valletta that demanded all attention, with intricate designs and paintings adorning its walls. Levy's eyes were glued to an inscription above the door, and was trying to translate it even when Gajeel stepped into the threshold; craning her neck to see it better.
Inside, a desk sat in a corner, unmanned. "Hello?" Levy called out, confused as to why no one was there. Or at least, she didn't think anyone was there. This was proved wrong when a crashing noise came from above them and a person came stumbling down a spiral staircase.
"Oh…Uh, hi?" The man mumbled. He was a scrawny man, with owl-eye glasses and a short mass of blonde hair cropped close in front. His small eyes took in his company and widened comically when they saw the guild signs on Gajeel's shoulder and Levy's back.
"You're from Fairy Tail!?" He exclaimed, rushing forwards. "My name is Tono Rabbits, mayor of Valletta and former Fairy Tail mage!" As soon as the words left his mouth, Levy squirmed out of Gajeel's arms and hugged the lanky man.
"Tono, it's been ages!" She completely missed Gajeel's dark look at the sight of her embracing someone else, but released him nonetheless. "Does the Master know you're out here?"
Tono adjusted his glasses and said, "yes, I believe I informed him a while back about where I was…I heard about Tenrou and I'm sorry to see Fairy Tail so small nowadays." He grinned, "but it's very nice to see you. Who are these gentlemen with you?"
By now, Gajeel wasn't stewing anymore and gruffly stuck out his hand. "Gajeel Redfox," he glared at the man. "I think I recognize ya." Tono blinked owlishly and examined Gajeel.
"Gajeel…where have I heard that name before?" He paled instantly. "You're one of the mages that joined Fairy Tail after Phantom Lord!" He took a couple of steps back when Gajeel's eyes narrowed. "I remember fighting the Shades and then celebrating afterwards…"
A cough interrupted him, and Tono looked at his feet, where Lily stood with his arms crossed. "I am Pantherlily, Gajeel's partner." Tono nodded silently and stared at the cat.
"Then you're a flying cat, like Happy?" Tono asked. He was amazed at all of the memories that rushed back into his head from when he'd been a member of Fairy Tail. Now he almost regretted leaving to become mayor.
"Um…I hate to intrude, but we were looking for someplace to stay for a while so we can take care of a dark guild," Levy said, trying to gauge Tono's reaction. Would he be afraid of Gajeel, even though he'd changed?
"You can stay!" Tono said quickly, trying to avoid the iron gaze peering at him from over Levy's shoulder. "There's extra rooms upstairs! If you'll excuse me, I've got something to do! See yourselves to your rooms…" And then the odd man was gone.
"Was that weakling really from Fairy Tail?" Gajeel asked, incredulous as they walked up the stairs. Surely someone like that couldn't have stood up to one of Jose's shades…
"Yep. He wasn't in all that much; he took a lot of missions, escorts mostly," Levy said. "I'm going to throw my things in a room, then I'll meet you guys out here and we can plan for action, sound good?"
Two noncommittal nods followed, and Levy disappeared. 'Is this really what's become of so much of Fairy Tail?'
A/N: Before you jump on me, Tono Rabbits WAS a member of Fairy Tail before the Tenrou arc. He's seen fighting shades and partying on several occasions. I didn't want to make an OC for a semi-important role. Look him up and laugh, because he's kind of a dork.
And shameless happiness rant? You bet your apples. There was a dance Friday night, and I got to slow dance with the boy I like…so I think it's safe to say I nearly exploded with happiness! :D
Oh, and more importantly, I have two requests. One, if anyone would ever want to draw fanart or coverart for any of my stories, I'd die. Second, I'm putting up a poll for yes or no as to a third installment to this mini series.
REVIEW REPLIES:
1fairytaillover: XD you've got to love Lily's secret evil side!
Nadeshiko Redfox: I know right, no da? It's pretty awesome. A jealous Gajeel is a prize for many fangirls…;) Ha, Lily gets me going and I just can't help but run with his antics. :O I must go read it immediately! And you'd better get that chapter up so I can swarm it with love! Thank you for reviewing!
RoronoaZoro87: Lol, yes master. Your wish is my command! Thanks, ^_^ and here you are.
Kitsuri Mizuka: Lol, he's certainly wonderful. Thank you for reviewing and liking my story! Here's your update!
Kurisu313: ^_^ Again! *dies from happiness* Thank you! I'm glad you get time to read GaLe. Oh no, I saw it! It's wonderful and tasteful, too! *facepalm* like a dork I did…sorry. Thanks again! Their twilight phase makes me go a little crazy though, as I'd really just like to bash their heads together and be all like: NOW KISS! ;) thanks for reviewing, and keep up your work on that story of yours.
Miss Rune: That's alright! I like the new username a lot. It's unique! Of course I liked your story, it was flipping awesome! Just the right balance of suspense and fluff… Haha, it was my first piece of work, so it isn't all that great. \(*^*)z why thank you! :P Ha, I did totally cop Naraku's laugh, didn't I? Oops!
Darkmyr-InuYashaFan: YOUR WAIT IS OVER! XD Thank you for the refreshing enthusiasm!
Review, or I'll tell Sherry that you've been secretly hitting on Ren. (you'd better run from the love…)