Chapter 7: A Sky Dragon's Bite
[Previously:]
His voice was blunt, a low grunt from being woken up as I sneezed again, lightning blasting and singing the part of the wall. The sight had Laxus raising an eyebrow, especially at the broken mirror, before finally turning towards me with a grin.
"I see… Believe it or not she-devil, but you're my woman now—Technical terms, you'd be considered my mate since I chose you, and it seems your heart did as well. As for the lightning magic… It's mine. You now, have some coursing throughout your body. I'm not worried about you trying to control it, knowing your demon-self… You'll master it in no time."
Blinking in surprise, my mind tried processing all this new information—Sure, I was used to matchmaking in the guild, but never once have I thought about MY love life. Suddenly a flash of blonde and white babies flew into my mind, eyes widening when realizing who's children they were and faces exploding. I unconsciously fainted in the arms of Laxus. The lightning dragon slayer grunting, adjusting me in his arms before falling asleep once again, hoping you wouldn't disturb his rest for a second time.
I woke up, grumbling… It felt like my body was hit with a third origin. As my eyes fluttered open, I adjusted to the room only to see out the window that it was nighttime. I could still feel the same arms that were wrapped protectively around my waist, glancing behind to see Laxus dead asleep. A calm expression upon his face, instead of his usual grumpy one that he always wears.
Slowly, I untangled myself out of Laxus's grip without waking him. Although when Laxus didn't feel me near, low growls were heard but he didn't wake up. At this rate, Laxus will know I was gone for sure. Quickly, I fidgeted for something in my dress pockets before finding it—My perfume. Grabbing a pillow, I didn't waste time to spray it all over before putting it in his reach. Laxus immediately wrapped a single arm and pulled the pillow close to his chest. When he smelled the familiar scent, his tense body relaxed and calmed down.
Huffing out a slight relief, I nearly ran for the exit… Closing the door, being gentle to not make a sound, I finally looked up to see, down the hall was Levy and Lucy doing the exact same thing.
All three of us looked at each other in shock and relief.
(Levy POV.)
Groaning, I stretched and sat up a little, not being able to sit up all the way because of a certain iron dragon slayer. I looked at his sleeping face, sighing at Gajeel's tight grip around my waist.
'He's not gonna let me go or leave…'
Then a sudden idea popped into my head, looking around before spotting my bag on the floor in the same spot. Carefully untangling myself just enough to reach it, I practically dumped all its content out before grabbing my extra headband. Not wasting time, my fingers getting to work to wrap around a pillow to leave a scent. When it was clear Gajeel took the bait, I nearly fell to the ground with a thump, but before I made a run to the door, I noticed the book had fallen out of my bag. Picking it up, I all but crawled towards the door.
Sighing in pure relief when making it outside, the door closed as I leaned against it. I brightened up even more by noticing Lucy and Mirajane in the hall.
(Lucy POV.)
A loud snoring reached my ears that had me cracking an eye open in annoyance. Quickly getting up to deliver a Lucy-Kick, only to remember I wasn't in my apartment. Natsu felt the rushed movement, his grip tightening as a low growl rumbled deep in his chest. Panicked, I decided to brush my fingers through his pink hair, lullabying him back to sleep—It was surprisingly soft, despite how prickly and messy it looked. Natsu started growling in near pleasure now before transforming into soft purrs until loud snores were heard once more. His grip loosening.
Sighing, I glanced around and brightened seeing my belt with my spirits were on the nightstand next to me. Grinning evilly as a plan began to form, I struggled a bit but managed to drag the belt closer until I was holding a golden key. I had to whisper this quietly to not wake Natsu.
"Open, Gate of the Twins: Gemini."
A puff of smoke appeared before disappearing as floating blue-dolls took its place.
"Piri, Piri!"
"Shh, quiet. Alright Gemini, I need you to turn into me and just lay down. Pretend to be asleep," I whispered.
In a puff of smoke, another me stood in front. It still gave me the shivers to see myself standing in front or to hear my voice speaking out of another's mouth. "You are currently weak in magic Miss Lucy, there is another magic still fusing with the celestial world's power in you. So we can only hold this form for five minutes before going back to the spirit world, less if Mister Natsu can detect we don't own the mating mark."
My eyes widened when realizing it was true, there on Gemini's neck… Er, uh… Her neck, there was no mating mark. Biting my lip, I nodded in understanding before slipping out of bed to let Gemini take my place—Was it weird that I felt a little jealous? Shaking my head, I ignored the feeling before heading to the door.
As I walked out the room, I nearly cried in happiness to see Mirajane and Levy.
We all ran at each other, hugging one another and signaling to go downstairs where we wouldn't alarm the dragon slayers—Entering what was assumed to be the living room… The floor was carpet, with couches perfectly aligned and a coffee table in the middle. None of us bothered to turn on the light, the windows providing moonlight as it semi-lit the whole room. Sitting on the carpet, a spot near the fireplace. It wasn't on but there were piles of wood stacked nearby, like a small pyramid.
Levy was the first to break the ice, "Okay, did you guys experience something crazy as well when first waking up?!"
Mirajane nodded, "I found what looked like a tattoo on my shoulder-blade, and then… then I sneezed, and lightning came out of my mouth?"
"Yeah, me too! I found a tattoo on my neck, then next thing I know my hand was on fire and didn't want to go out!" I agreed, rubbing the spot where the mark was.
Levy clutched the book, nails digging into the cover as she slammed it on the floor in front of us, "It never said anything about this! There was a weird mark on me too, but my whole arm turned into iron… I mean IRON! Come on, you know how heavy that stuff is!"
We laughed at Levy's reaction, her face turning red with embarrassment upon her outburst. Mumbling a quick apology just as Mirajane noticed the book, pointing at it was a questioning gaze.
"Oh! Mira, you have to read this!" Levy and I shouted in sync, practically shoving the book in her chest. Mirajane looked at us as if we're crazy, slowly reading the title of the book before realization struck her—She must've remembered when we first admitted to keeping a book to ourselves rather than giving it to Master.
"Dragon Slayer… mating season?!"
Glancing at one another, we nodded eagerly. "Only read the introduction and chapter one to catch-up on what's going on—Don't read anymore… We'll do that together later on!" I explained.
Nodding, Mirajane was about to speak until we heard growling behind us. Stiffening, all three of us slowly turned to face the dragon slayers. Our jaws dropped at the sight of them.
Natsu was back into his full-dragon form the last time I saw him, snarling at me deceiving him earlier with Gemini… His whole body was literally on fire, burning in anger. While Gajeel's body was solid-iron, the scales upon his dragon-tail flexed as they spread like spikes… A dangerous aura of him that reminded me of Phantom Lord Gajeel—Laxus was no better… A dullish gold-scales littering his arm and tail, the tip crackling with lightning.
They growled; Angrily. Levy and I started to panic while Mirajane stood frozen in place, eyes widened in fear.
Quickly, I snapped my fingers as Levy helped to try and gain Mirajane's attention, snapping her out of it. "Quick Mira, show Laxus the area where your tattoo is! Display it, and then glance to the floor, showing off your neck in a submission position," Both of us demonstrated, showing the mating mark before brushing our hair to the side.
Mirajane seemed a bit shaken, doing what was asked.
The three watched our actions, eyeing in keen interest before softening their stance as they semi-went back to their regular form. Natsu came toward me, nuzzling my neck at the sweet scent.
Everything was too fast to process… Gajeel grabbed Levy, her feet barely brushing the ground and getting pulled into another room down the hall. Sighing, Mirajane decided to at least make dinner, exploring to find the kitchen while dragging Laxus with her—Now, it was just me and Natsu. The dragon slayer glanced at me like a puppy to their master. Sighing, I noticed a few books nearby before selecting one, smiling at Natsu I gestured to the couch as he followed suit.
After a while, Mirajane brought us food to eat… Natsu fell asleep immediately after, head resting on my lap. Reading, I played with Natsu's hair as he growled in content and nuzzled closer to my stomach. However a simple brush against his horns had a groan leaving him.
Blushing a deep red, I prayed Natsu didn't notice anything as I tried to calm down. Only to notice Natsu tense, sniffing slightly in his sleep—Oh Mavis, did he notice? Squeezing my legs together, teeth grinding, I watched Natsu pause before going back to sleep as soft snores echoed in the room. A breath left me that I didn't even know I was holding… That was too close.
Hesitantly, I continued to brush my fingers through his hair. Staying clear of the horns that were poking out and going back to finishing the book I was reading.
(Levy POV.)
Gajeel dragged me down the hall, into another room. When the lights turned on, I gasped in shock and amazement.
Right before me, there were books everywhere—A room full of them that consisted of all kinds, from new to practically ancient! My eyes sparkled with joy; Lips parted in awe.
"The human-side insisted you liked books… My nose picked up the scent of old books coming from this room."
Enough though I was still getting used to the fact that this was Gajeel's inner dragon, it was still him. Running and jumping in excitement, I wrapped my arms around his waist, too short to be able to reach his neck.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
A chuckle left him as I grabbed his hand, this time, my doing as I dragged him along to all the bookshelves. Almost tripping him in the process from the force. I scanned through all the books, picking some out as the two of us headed toward a table that had a view of the forest.
I was halfway through the books I've chosen, hand in Gajeel's. However a thump interrupted, turning to see Gajeel asleep on the table, snoring quite loud. Rolling my eyes, I started to play with the mess of his hair and continued to read. Only stopping when hearing a purr, an evil smirk appearing upon my face.
'Oh, I'm SO going to have fun with this when the weeks are over.'
Sighing, I closed the book and leaned back into the chair while still playing with Gajeel's hair. Glancing out the window, I couldn't help but miss the guild and everyone in it. Despite being gone for a few hours, it still felt like I haven't seen them in forever.
'I just hope they're okay… I wonder what they're doing.'
(Mirajane POV.)
I finished washing the last dirty dish that was used for dinner, Laxus's arms wrapped around me. Drying my hands with a small towel, I walked to the other side of the counter to pick up Gajeel and Levy's meals. Putting them away for later since I have no idea where those two went off.
Deciding to explore outside, I led Laxus out the front door and walked the concrete path, leading to a field of flowers—The flowers looked like they were glowing under the moonlit night, the sight was absolutely beautiful. As we reached the spot, I sat down instantly, pulling Laxus with me.
His stare never wavered, the intensity having me blush… After a while of just sitting, animals started to slowly show themselves. Laxus growled as they got closer, but I used my free hand to signal a shushing sign, squeezing his hand in reassurance. When he stopped, I looked back at the animals in amazement—There was a mother deer and her baby, bunnies, squirrels, birds, and butterflies. Although they seemed scared at first, the baby deer was the first to contact me as I just pet it softly on its head, smiling the whole time.
Soon enough, they all started to make their way toward us to provide their company. Looking up at Laxus, I laughed when a butterfly landed on my nose. He continued to watch as I played with the animals and picked flowers, however, seeing the smile upon my face, Laxus couldn't help but grin instead of his usual stoic expression. Making a flower crown, my thoughts wandered… Reminding myself I need to read that book Lucy and Levy suggested, until drifting off to the guild.
'I wonder what they're doing… I hope they don't blame themselves for us getting captured—Mavis, I hope Elfman and Lisanna are going to be alright while I'm gone. I don't know what exactly happened while I was blacked out, but I wish everyone is safe and unharmed.'
[Meanwhile: The Guild]
(Wendy POV.)
It all happened so fast… They attacked everyone—For the first time, I was scared that death was for sure to come. That I might lose my family for a second time. Now, they took Lucy, Mirajane, and Levy… I'm worried.
Everyone laid around the guild… Either knocked out or hurt. What's worse is that Master was nowhere to be seen, I only hoped he was okay—I'm completely exhausted, drained of magical power as I worked on healing everyone that had extremely bad injuries. I can't give up though… My friends and family are counting on me. I'm the only one that could physically heal them, and I'll put all my focus on them! Healing Gray, Erza, Happy, and Lily the most, the four started to slowly wake up. Winded pants left me and sweat rolled down my temple, but I smiled.
"Thank goodness… Y-Your awake. I w-was so worried," I gasped, huffing to try and regain my strength.
Erza immediately stood, wobbling ever slightly, "What happened? Where is Lucy, Levy, and Mira?! Are they alright—LUCY! LEVY! MIRAJANE!"
Seeing Erza stumble around the guild in a panic, along with Gray and Happy, I bowed my head in shame, bangs shielding my fallen tears. I'm on my knees, the wooden floor hurting, "They're gone… I'm sorry—I saw Natsu-san, Gajeel-san, and Laxus-san take them! I could've done something… I-I should've, but I was so scared."
Crying, everyone that was awake started to comfort me, their voices soft and full of understanding. Looking up at Erza and Gray with watery eyes, I smiled and wiped the tears away… If they can be strong about it, then so can I.
Suddenly, the guild doors burst open as I perked up, believing it to be Master.
"WE'RE BACK—Woah, what happened? Is everyone okay?!"
"This is SO not manly!"
There standing at the open guild doors was Lisanna and Elfman, totally shocked. The two siblings must've been on a job during everything that happened with the dragon slayers.
"They're gone…" I mumbled, words coming out as if I was stuck on a constant loop.
Gray and Erza turned to the floor in sorrow, the ice mage angrily punching a table nearby—But I knew it couldn't be stop… It was futile from the beginning. Although it was difficult to know if their inner dragon would hurt them by accident or not. The dragon slayers have no control over themselves… It was a scary thought to think it was gonna happen to me next.
"Wendy, what do you mean they're gone? Who's gone? …Where's Natsu?!" Lisanna panicked.
My mouth opened to speak again, but no words escaped, only tears. Thankfully Happy was able to answer, "He's gone Lisanna… So is Lucy, Levy, Mira, Laxus, and Gajeel—We tried to stop them but… The dragon slayers went into season to find their mates. This morning, they fought the guild for the girls and took them away… They were unconscious. I-I tried to save Lushie and get her away from Natsu, but he wasn't himself. I failed. I failed to get Lucy to safety! I just want her back, I miss Lushie!" Everything was blurry but I could still make out Happy sobbing as he rubbed the snot from his nose.
"WHAT—You mean to tell me that the dragon slayers took them to mate with?! What the… Why would Natsu choose Lucy of all people?! She's weak… He'd be better off with me. I bet it's because I wasn't here and on a stupid mission that he had to choose second best! Mavis, I should've been here and maybe then Natsu would've taken me instead of that bimbo-bitch!"
Everyone was in shock of Lisanna's explosion, no longer sobbing but rather staring. Clenching both my fist, I stood and walked towards her slowly, my bangs covering my eyes. It was only a few feet away and I looked up with hate and tears in my eyes. Lisanna flinched, cowering when I began yelling as the wind picked up all around and got stronger with each passing word.
"How can you even say that… Is that all you care about? That Lucy-san is Natsu-san's mate? What about your sister, huh?! Ever thought that maybe you might not see Mira-san again? No. 'Cause your thoughts are on a delusional high that you were supposed to be Natsu-san's mate—YOU'RE the fuckin' bitch Lisanna… Lucy-san is my friend, my family, and mavis, I'll be damned if I let you talk bad about her like that! Lucy wasn't second choice; She was the top pick that no one else could compare. I know this because unlike YOU, I'm an actual dragon slayer and I know more about this season than you do about yourself! When a dragon meets their mate, their inner dragon knows it right away… and when the time comes, you can't stop them from claiming their mate—I-I can't believe you're so selfish, thinking only of yourself… Not at all what Mira-san told stories to me about. The guy's inner dragons could potentially harm Lucy, Levy, and Mira if they do ANYTHING to upset them, there's no telling what will happen! They could come up dead the next day for all we know! But no, because Lisanna wants to be a whiny bitch and complain about how she's not Natsu-san's mate… Well news flash, you're not and never will be HIS mate. Not now. Not EVER! Not in another life or world, and I'm crazy glad for that too because Natsu-san is like my big brother, and I'd never want him to end up with the likes of you!"
Lisanna stared at me, mouth agape… In fact, the ones that were awake were in shock too. The wind was still swirling, dancing around me in a graceful but deadly motion, just as it got too dangerous… It vanished. My knees giving out as my bottom lip trembled, Carla, Happy, and even Lily coming over to comfort, with Happy crying the most—Just then, the guild doors burst open as Master Makarov walked in with Porlyusica in tow, the older woman rushing to our fallen comrades to check on their statues.
(Erza POV.)
My body felt numb at the argument that just happened between Lisanna and Wendy, glancing over at Gray… He was speechless too. Although I was relieved when Master showed up, blinking for a second only for the man to disappear again… Finding him at the bar; Calm and collected as he drank himself silly—I knew he was worried too.
Facing Lisanna, I wanted nothing more than to knock her out but didn't out of respect for Elfman. The take-over staring at his little sister weirdly before going to check on Evergreen that lay among the Thunder Legion. Everything was silent, besides the soft cries from Wendy and Happy.
"Lisanna, although I agree with Wendy… We have more important matters. Master, what will you have us do?"
Master had his eyes closed the entire time, opening them with full seriousness, "Nothing."
[Few minutes kicked in...]
"WHAT!" All of us shouted, completely baffled.
"Master, why must we do nothing?! For all we know our comrades are hurt, or worse… dead!" I gritted my teeth, trying hard to hold myself together and not break down like little Wendy—I must be strong for our guild.
He spoke calmly, "We can't do anything about it, child. We must let them go through this season alone and pray that the girls make it through. Returning back home unharmed and safe."
Gray clenched his fist, "But Gramps! They're out there somewhere, probably scared to death. We have to go out there and bring the girls back ourselves… Get a team and—"
A small voice interrupted the ice-mage, turning to see Wendy trembling on the wooden floors, scrunching up her dress in a tight grasp. "No, we can't go after them… Master-san is right. We have to leave them alone and hope they return alright… Grandeeney always said it will take two weeks until they have complete control back, less if the mating process is complete. But their inner dragon—It'll kill anyone who gets in between them and their mate with no hesitation. Dragon emotions can be too powerful to control sometimes."
Sighing, Gray and I agreed… Lisanna still wasn't too happy about not being Natsu's mate. The young Strauss sitting on a table that wasn't destroyed, sulking and mumbling to herself—Elfman, Gray, and Panther Lily decide to help carry unconscious guild members to the infirmary where Wendy and Porlyusica will heal them. Happy flew out of the guild… The exceed probably needed time to himself at the moment.
Slowly, I headed toward Master.
"Master…"
"Yes, Erza?"
"What shall we do about the guild damages? By the looks of it, the dragon slayers did quite a number on it… I calculated more or less the bill and what it may cost to fix everything." Watching Master read the paper, multiple calculations on specific materials and broken items… Especially the guild floors.
{Processing…}
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"YOU CHILDREN ARE GONNA BE THE DEATH OF ME!"
