Chapter 51:

Gajeel sprang with claws extended for Unaven's throat when chaos broke out through the entire arena. A shot was fired from the crowd, knocking him to the ground as suddenly every mage in the building flooded down from where they'd been waiting. Laxus didn't even have to signal the Raijinshuu. They sprang into action of their own volition, leaping into the fray and tearing into any enemy mage that dare got close. Freed drew his blade and charged, Dark Ecriture taking over his eye as he volleyed words of pain and incapacitation at the dark mages. Evergreen laughed haughtily as men and women alike were rushing for cover beneath her relentless barrages. Bickslow's babies took flight, firing rays down as their master cackled at fruitless attempts to stop him. Laxus rolled his shoulders and finally released the swell of magic that had settled in his chest for so long. Screams echoed around him as the shattering brilliance of white lighting filled the hall with deafening thunder that outmatched anything Unaven had previously wrought. Bodies blurred around him, shadows of movement attempting to come close but always splintering in the wake of his devastating strength. Laxus didn't waste his time on the fodder around him, didn't give them the indulgence of noticing or caring about their jeers and calls. His eyes were locked on Gajeel as he rose like a wraith from Hell, dashing towards his retreating foe with murder in his eyes and blood on his lips. Unaven was covered in crimson, flashing like a bullet towards a flight of stairs in a desperate attempt to escape the bloodthirsty man after him.

Laxus rushed forward, trying to reach them as best he could. He was so caught up in his advance that he didn't notice the beast of a mage that blindsided him, sending searing blue flames into his back and forcing him to stumble. He whirled on him and in a blink called a bolt of lightning so fierce and strong it took out anything within a twenty-foot radius. Searing sparks flitted into the air as the stage finally caught fire from the furious abuse it had sustained at both his and Unaven's hands. Men yelled as smoke began filling the air. Bodies scattered. Laxus turned his back to them all and continued his pursuit, dodging ice and water as people rushed to extinguish flames and somehow stop his comrades from overtaking the guild.

He reached the steps, taking them two at a time as he tried to catch up. He passed deep gashes in wooden walls. A man lay in his path, hands clutching at the side of his face as blood seeped between his fingers. The ceiling was singed as he rounded a corner. Mages scattered from him, eyes filled with horror at the raw power he exuded. He could hear Unaven screaming as he rounded the last bend and Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Roar ripped through the building. Everything shook as Laxus stumbled into the hall and he caught himself on a wall as wood and dust tumbled around him. The ancient building groaned above and below, threatening to buckle under the stress of Gajeel's attack.

"You weren't like the rest of us!" the sound of wood splintering echoed above Laxus and he cast his eyes about, trying to find another set of stairs and coming up short, "You had a home! You had a choice!"

There was a crash and an iron pillar smashed through the ceiling. Feet scrambled against the roof, desperately trying to escape. Laxus noticed a set of doors and rushed for it, finding himself standing on a mezzanine above the arena. He glanced down, steeling himself against the drop in his stomach at the height. The Phantom Risers were floundering against the unstoppable force that was the Raijinshuu. The stage still smoldered angrily as mages ran for escape that was always cut off.

"Laxus!" Freed's voice called from below and he looked to see him pointing up. He gripped the edge and leaned forward, craning his neck to find yet another balcony above. He gritted his teeth and clutched hold of the railing, pulling himself up to stand and jump to the next level. Red flooded Laxus's vision and he dodged out of the way of a stray bolt Unaven had fired recklessly as he tried to flee from his relentless shadow. Gajeel lunged, gripped him by his throat and slammed him into the wall. He gasped, clinging to iron fists that threatened to throttle him. Blood dribbled down Unaven's face, slipped from the gash in his cheek and fresh slices on his arms. Brown eyes filled with contempt and dread as he fought for his life.

"Is that all you remember?" he choked through despairing wheezes as electricity swelled around them, "Where I came from? Who I was?"

He consumed them in a haze of red lightning. A solid kick to Gajeel's gut made his grip slip just enough for him to wring himself free. He slammed his shoulder to the fresh bruise and they both fell. As Gajeel hit the ground another wave of lighting struck. He gritted his teeth through it, refused to show the pain that was turning his veins to fire. He dodged another attack, rolled to his feet and threw another pillar to attract Unaven's next assault.

"You don't remember what you did to me?!"

Gajeel punched him, sending him sprawling to the ground. Laxus startled as Gajeel stumbled, his eyes wide as he clutched at his side. Unaven pushed himself to his knees, his breathing tattered as scarlet dripped from his mouth and miniscule droplets splattered to the ground.

"I didn't do shit to you…" Gajeel seethed, his chest rattling as he fought to remain steady.

"You didn't?!"

"I SAVED YOUR LIFE!" Gajeel roared.

"YOU RUINED MY LIFE!" he screeched, throwing his body forward and erupting into a missile aimed for Gajeel's chest. They collided and Gajeel screamed as he was engulfed again. Unaven was over him, fighting to control his arms so he could no longer hit him with his unrelenting fists.

"What would you have had me do?! Leave you there to die?!" Gajeel growled, ripping Unaven's hands away and backhanding him. He forced his elbows into the ground and kicked up his knees, slamming into Unaven's stomach and sending him flying head-over-heels as they tumbled together, crashing into the banister and clattering to the ground again. Gajeel pulled himself up to lean against the railing as Unaven gasped for the breath that had been knocked out of him, the pain too much for him to try and stand again, "You were surrounded! Those fuckers from the Southern Wolves would have killed you if I hadn't gotten there!"

"You took my target! Jose punished mefor failing the mission you stole from me!" he forced himself to shaky feet, his eyes wild as his energy snapped and surged around him again, "You. Had. Everything. It was me who should have been at Jose's right hand not you! I gave my heart and soul to Phantom Lord! I slavedfor this guild, for the Master's favor! You didn't sacrificeanything!"

"Why would I sacrifice myself for a guild that gave me nothing?!" Gajeel snarled back, advancing towards Unaven with savagery in his eyes, "You think Jose cared about me?! You think he cared about anyone?! That bastard only cared about himself and the first chance he got he landed everything on Aria!"

Unaven's eyes widened, his eyelid twitched and he suddenly went still, "You… you take that back…!"

"Are you fucking serious?" Gajeel sneered, scales glittering menacingly as he approached him, "Did you honestly think for one second we weren't just fucking pawns in his power scheme? Newsflash, Unaven, that fucking coward didn't give a shit about us! As soon as we weren't worth his time he dumped us like fucking trash!"

"Shut up! You don't know anything!" Unaven's voice quavered and he clenched and unclenched his fist. His pupils dilated and he gnashed his teeth. Gajeel could tell he was spiraling, reaching desperately for something to come back at him with, "Jose wanted what was best for us! That was why he demanded perfection! He knew we could be better!"

"Why do you think he ordered me to take out Hajime?!" Gajeel raged and Unaven flinched back as Gajeel stood over him, glowering down at him as his body shook from rage, "Thirty. Years. Unaven! Hajime dumped his life into that Hellpit! All he wanted was to retire and live a quiet life! Our greatMasterordered me to kill the man that stood by him when Phatom was nothing! You think for two seconds I wasn't next?! Or Juvia?! Or you?! There's a million things in this fucking life worth dyin' for, Unaven, and Phantom Lord isn't one!"

"You bastard! I'll fuckING KILL YOU!" he shouted, lurching forward and filling everything with red. Laxus was blinded as Gajeel's scream was overtaken by wave after wave of thunder. The building trembled. Lightning surged, splitting the roof as beams fell from the ceiling. The smell of smoke consumed the atmosphere as the old building woodwork caught fire. The bite of electricity zipped up Laxus's arms and through his torso as he tried to cover his face from the sudden onslaught. When it finally subsided, smoke made it almost impossible to see. A feverish laugh bubbled from the swirling smog, broke in pitch as the last of Unaven's rationality finally fell pieces. He was babbling hysterically and Laxus felt his heart drop into his stomach as he stepped forward and felt the floor threatening to give way beneath his feet.

"Gajeel!" he called and held his breath.

There was no response.

"Do you… heh… do you have any-any idea how long I've thought of this…" Unaven's voice shivered quietly and as the dust finally started to settle Laxus thought he could make out his form in the midst of the smoke, "When I ha! When I found out it was you, you! Of all people fucking heh in that fucking cell… I couldn't helpit. Hearing you screamwas heh heh… it was too much…"

Laxus could barely breathe with the amount of smoke filling the space. He pulled his shirt over his nose and slunk carefully across the gallery. The place sounded like it was in agony from the flames, groaning and crackling from the small fires dotting the dry, old wood floors. This place wasn't going to hold for long. It was only a matter of time before it fell to pieces beneath their feet.

"The things I-the things I wanted to do… You were going to sufferjust like I did. You stole that chance from me but killing you? Killing you will work just fine." he stepped forward and froze. He was shaking uncontrollably, his voice feverish, the power and control he'd had before completely lost from him as he whipped his head around frantically, his eyes not finding the mangled body he was looking for. A shadow loomed in the fuming atmosphere behind him, grabbed him by the throat and dragged him screaming back into the mist. Laxus cursed and rushed forward, pushing past the horrified quiver in his heart as he danced through fire to find the two.

"You psycho motherfucker… you depraved, perverted piece of shit…!" there was a slam and Unaven cried out, anguish cut off into gurgles as he fought to breathe. Laxus could hear Gajeel's grip tighten, Unaven's choking and gagging beneath the crushing force of iron hands. Laxus scrambled across the uneven floor and smashed through burning pieces of furniture until he could begin to make out shapes in the haze. Gajeel's voice dropped and became no more than a guttural, wretched sound falling from his lips, "Why… why in the hell do you sound like me?"

For an excruciatingly long moment, Gajeel's grasp held with cold ferocity before finally his fingers loosed their hold and Unaven dropped to the floor. He fell to his knees gasping for air at Gajeel's feet and Laxus slowed his pursuit, worry etched across his face as he looked on. Through the smoke he could see him, blood smeared across his face with red sparks flickering around him as he stared in dismay at the Dragon Slayer towering above him. There was a distant look in Gajeel's eyes as he gazed down at him, looking past Unaven as if he weren't even there. He let out a brief laugh and it was so bitter and mournful that Laxus felt it ball into his chest; a heavy thing that spoke of a revelation Gajeel didn't quite want to face but found he had no choice but to.

His eyes glittered like rubies from the fire as he stared down at his foe, his voice strangely steady, "I know what it's like to hate someone so much it eats a fucking hole in your chest. Let me tell ya, Unaven… killing me, me killing you, it won't be enough to satisfy it."

Unaven's face twisted into a wry, panicked smile, "Hah… wh-what?"

Gajeel's red eyes blazed quietly down at him, "I'm done."

"You… heh… you can't be done!"

"It's over, Unaven," Gajeel murmured, stepping back from him as if he were some venomous snake at his feet, "I'm fucking tired… I'm tired of being angry and cold. I'm tired of pushing away important things over a stupid fucking need to endthis. The bloodshed, the nightmares, it's not worth it… and I'm through with you."

"No… no no no! You don't get to decide when it's over!" Unaven raged, his voice thoroughly lacking any restraint and reason. He was imploding, his eyes wide with rage and horror and he jolted to his feet only for Gajeel to slam him back to the wall. He writhed in his grasp but Gajeel didn't waver. He forced iron brackets through the oak of the wall, restrained Unaven so he couldn't get free. Emerald sparks flew as iron twisted around his calves, thighs, chest and throat. He thrashed but he couldn't break even the slightest bit free. The iron was unyielding and secure and when Gajeel stepped back he lacked all the mad hatred he'd held onto through their entire fight. Instead he just looked disgusted and miserable as Unaven cursed and swore and threatened, "You can't dothis! You fucking coward! You weak bastard! If you have any balls you'd just fucking kill me!"

Gajeel clenched his jaw and forced himself to step back as red lighting surged and shocked its master, tracing through the metal cage Gajeel had trapped him in. Laxus gritted his teeth as Unaven thrashed and screamed. He was trapped in his helplessness, unable to escape or attack, and in his madness he howled like some sort of wild beast. Despite everything they'd seen, everything Gajeel had been put through at Unaven's hands, Laxus's heart hurt for the man. He knew the pain in his eyes as seen the same in Gajeel. This for Unaven wasn't just the loss of a battle against his once-hero, this was a loss against everything he'd clung to; his last saving grace and will to exist was slipping through his fingers like sand with nothing to fill the space except a black void of desolation and shadow. As Gajeel regarded the madman before him, he could see some deep connection that neither could possibly begin admit out loud. One clung frantically to the past with every fiber of their being and the other was fighting to leave it behind. They were the same person, after all, just trapped in two very different places.

Ruby eyes turned slowly to Laxus, quiet fear and anguish meshing together as the place groaned about them. Laxus pushed his hands into his pockets and did his best to settle to the lightning still slithering around him, slim tongues of vibrant yellow splitting the deep shadows steeped in crimson.

"Ready to go, delinquent?"

"Yeah… I am," his voice wavered just slightly and Unaven screeched.

"Spineless pussy! You're nothingyou disgusting fag! You're not half the man you used to be! You're a disgrace against Phantom and everything we stood for!"

"It's a shame the bastard doesn't fight as well as he throws insults," Laxus growled, sending his lightning threateningly close to the iron bars holding Unaven, silencing him with the promise of pain far greater than what he could have beset upon himself, "But then, Phantom Lord mages always were more of a show than actually any good in a fight."

Unaven looked disgusted and he derided Laxus with manic eyes, "You don't know shit! Phantom Lord almost destroyed you! If Kurgoane had been half the mage-"

"His name isn't Kurgane," Laxus's voice was steady and passionate, and he silenced Unaven with another easy caress of his lightning just centimeters from the fresh gash on his face, "It's Gajeel Redfox. And he's a far better mage than you could ever dream of becoming. But you? Well… you just don't have it in you."

Laxus turned his attention to Gajeel whose eyes were wide with stricken wonder and a minute smile played at the corners of his lips. Laxus nodded in the direction of the exit and Gajeel followed wordlessly and he could have sworn the air between them was humming as they picked their way through the cracked floors and splintered wood. Laxus felt like he'd just let out a long-held breath when they'd rounded the corner and Gajeel was close enough for him to reach for him. He grabbed a hold of his wrist and pulled him close, wrapping his arms around the raven as if he was scared he'd disappear if he wasn't holding him tight enough.

"That was incredibly fucking stupid," Laxus growled in his ear. Everything he'd kept back suddenly swelled beyond what he could control and against his best efforts yellow strings of lightning danced in the air around them. He felt Gajeel flinch amidst his embrace and he reigned himself back as much as he could.

"Yeah… yeah I'm sorry,"

Laxus clenched his jaw, "I actually thought you were down for a minute… ya had me worried."

Gajeel grinned and despite it being forced it abated Laxus's worry slightly, "Geehee, compared to you dish out that was like gettin' shocked from a fuckin' doorknob."

A loud bang echoed through the place that made both men jump. Another bang and there was yelling from the bottom floor. Laxus led the way down the first flight of stairs and came to the lower balcony. The grand doors had been kicked in and wood was almost completely wrenched from hinges as men wearing white uniforms flooded in and mages began to scatter. Evergreen, Bickslow and Freed rushed to where Gajeel and Laxus stood.

"Custody Enforcement! Nobody move!"

"Shit!" Bickslow swore, "What do we do now?!"

"Custody Enforcement! You're all under arrest!"

Gajeel ducked back from the edge, drawing the eyes of his companions and he gave them a dubious look, "You guys have never run from Enforcement."

"Of course not!" Freed hissed, "We're not criminals like somepeople!"

"Ex-criminal," Gajeel snapped back at him.

"Now is notthe time!" Evergreen smacked Freed with her fan before addressing the Iron Dragon Slayer, "Laxus appointed you leader, lead."

Gajeel's eyes widened and he turned his gaze to Laxus who just smirked and shrugged. Gajeel clicked his teeth.

"Crash course, then," he growled, "No magic, we're going on foot."

"WHAT?!" Freed blanched, "You expect us to run?! For how long?!"

The sound of boots hitting the stairs made Gajeel flinch. He took another step back, his heartrate jumping in preparation for their flight.

"As long as we have to!" Gajeel hissed, "If they can see it, they can track us, and if they figure out the type of magic you use they'll find you. The only thing we got goin' for us right now is it's dark. Bix, take yer mask off or you won't be able to see."

"Aye sir," he grinned.

There was a flutter of a white cape, "Custody Enforcement!"

"Shit! This way!" Gajeel took off, hearing the clatter of Laxus and the rest of the Raijinshuu as they followed. They rocketed towards the other side of the balcony and Gajeel wrenched open the nearest door and ran in the direction of his and Unaven's fight just moments before. Very quickly he found the aftermath of his Iron Dragon's Roar. A gaping hole in the side of the building led to the frozen night and without hesitation he leapt from the four-story drop and landed solidly on the stone wall that encircled the fort. When he hit the ground he rolled, taking the brunt of the fall on his shoulder and faltering at the pain that lanced through his ribs from the harsh jar. Back on his feet, he turned and watched as Bickslow immediately followed, his babies giggling as they whisked by him. When Evergreen jumped, her wings fanned daintily out from her sides and she flitted above them, laughing haughtily the entire time.

"Bix!" he jerked his head towards Freed and Laxus who stopped just at the drop. Gajeel rushed for the edge and Bickslow grabbed his hand, holding him steady as he reached for the two, "Come on! We ain't got time!"

Laxus set his jaw, took a couple steps back and took the fall. Gajeel lunged for him, gripping on to his arm and pulling him down to the wall. He huffed as he landed but hid his trepidation well enough that Gajeel didn't bother him about it. He reached for Freed who promptly ignored him, almost missing his footing as he landed, but saving face enough to flip his green locks in Gajeel's direction as he passed. Gajeel rolled his eyes.

"Stop where you are! Enforcement!"

"Damn, they're quick," Bickslow gasped as two more officers came up behind him.

"You have no idea," Gajeel growled, taking his position back in the lead as he conjured his scales just enough to cover his hands and arms. He dug his talons into the stone and slid down the wall, stopping halfway and beckoning for Bickslow to jump. He caught him and let him drop the shorter distance down, then Freed, and finally Laxus, gritting his teeth as each one caused a sharp pain to flash through his chest. When he dropped he broke into a full sprint, tackling the distance between each of them as if he were racing children. His lungs were burning as he pressed on into the night, his eyes focused on the hills where they'd come from earlier. He knew if he could get them to the far side of the hills they'd be in desert canyons and could lose Enforcement in the maze-like terrain.

A whirr of magic rushed by him and hit the ground a few feet in front of him, causing him to leap to the side to avoid being hit. He tripped, cried out as pain ripped through his chest from the fall, and forced himself back to his feet just as Bickslow rushed by him. Another shot hit closer and he was sprinting again, eyes darting frantically behind him to ensure Freed and Laxus were still close at his heels.

"Evergreen!" he wheezed, grabbing her attention as she swooped overhead, "Freed? Laxus?"

"They're fine," she narrowed her eyes at him, "Are you?"

He brushed her off, charging forward and overcoming the first hill. His legs were sore and weak and his lungs were screaming. Each deep breath of air made his chest burn but he had to keep going. In the haze of pain he focused on a point on the horizon and as he crested the last hill he spotted the direction they needed to go. He surpassed Bickslow again, grabbing his attention and directing him towards the canyon. His maroon eyes sparkled wildly as they slid to a stop at the edge, Gajeel gasping for air as they waited for Laxus and Freed to catch up. Just as they came into view, Gajeel spotted two blurs of white quick at their heels and he cursed.

"What's wrong?" Bickslow huffed, following his gaze.

"We need more time,"

"On it," he grinned and with a flick of his wrist his totems whirled past, heading for the officers and slamming into them, knocking them down to roll in the dust.

"Great… get a running start,"

"What?"

"We're gonna jump," Gajeel pointed to the rock formation jutting up into the center of the ravine. They dotted the chasm like islands in a massive river leading to the other side. Bickslow's eyes widened.

"I can't make that."

"Ya can if I help ya, now hurry up!" Gajeel growled and Bickslow set his jaw, pacing back and launching forward. Just as Bix jumped, Gajeel placed a hand in the center of his back and pushed him with as much force as he could muster. He whooped as he sailed and landed hard on the rock, crashing to the ground before pushing himself back up again, incredulous to the fact he'd actually made it. Gajeel turned and made eye contact with Freed, telling him to do the same and was surprised to see Freed set his jaw and not slow. Again, Gajeel propelled him across and Bickslow caught him as he made the landing.

"C'mon Sparky! You're slow as hell!" Gajeel jeered and Laxus huffed, taking the leap with more grace than the other two despite the tightness around his eyes. Gajeel took a steadying breath as he gaged the distance. Shaking the doubt from his mind the best he could, he retreated back as far as he dared before tearing forward. Both feet landed on the edge and he put as much power into the jump as he could. He gritted his teeth as his eyes focused on his trajectory. The deep browns of the rock face rose too quickly for him to make it and he just caught sight of a pair of golden eyes before a hand grabbed hold of his forearm. He collided with the rock and let out a yelp as pain rent open his chest, far more ferociously than before, and Laxus hauled him up to safety.

"Shit… you ok?" Laxus breathed as Gajeel gripped at his side, not sure if it was pain that was making his mouth taste like iron or blood.

"Fine… I'm fine. We gotta keep movin'," he took a shaky breath and pushed himself back to his feet, ignoring concerned looks as he took the jump to the next platform, and then the next, leading their way across the ravine. He could hear the shouts of the Enforcement unit as they tried to find a way across. Evergreen yelled for them across the embankment and he skidded to a halt. Their last jump was far too wide for them to make. He cursed as Freed, Bickslow, and Laxus came up behind him, casting a glance back to where they came and seeing no alternative route. The stark white of uniform was desperately trying to catch up, tracking them as best they could through the hazardous obstacle course. Gajeel's mind whirled.

"Bix… how much weight can your babies carry?" he huffed, pacing back and forth across the ledge like a caged tiger.

"Eh… it takes all of 'em to carry me,"

"What about hopping across them one at a time?" Freed panted, "It'll take me too long to make a bridge with runes…"

"Babies!"

Bickslow's totems swooped overhead, evenly spacing the distance between the five of them. Bix took little hesitation as he jumped, each totem dodging downward with his weight as he quickly leapt from spirit to spirit, not allowing them enough time to fail beneath him. Freed gripped the hilt of his blade and followed in similar fashion, although being the lightest of the men they bobbled slightly less under his stress. Laxus shot a concerned look to Gajeel and followed, barely containing the thunderous energy that swelled with his anxiety as he swiftly made the jumps. Gajeel steeled himself, backed up a few paces, and pushed down the pain that threatened his resolve. Like a bow drawn to taut, he launched with speed and precision. Half way across he felt something whizz by his ear, almost knocking him off balance as a white blast hit the ledge before him. His eyes widened as he felt the energy before he could do anything to save himself. Mid-jump, searing heat slammed into his spine and he tumbled, fingers splayed as he reached for the next totem, unable to make it.

He covered himself in his iron scales just as the dull thud of Bickslow's totems slammed into his side, sending him careening into the rock face. He dug his claws into the hard, gritted his teeth as sparks ricocheted off his face as he continued to slip. His foot hit something and he stopped sliding but the agony in his ribs filled his vision with red as he clung to the side of the wall, arms and legs shaking. He could hear muffled noises, shouts for his attention but he couldn't tell if they were friend or Enforcement. His hands lost their grip and he slid again, growling in frustration as his arms refused to obey him, whether from pain, weakness, or from the strain of Unaven's electrical charges. The nervous chatter of something by his ear made him force his eyes open to see two totems flying at his side, chittering away at him frantically though his mind was having problems processing what they were saying.

"Look up! Look up!"

"Up! Up! Up!"

He winced, pulling his eyes up to see Laxus and Bickslow staring down at him, golden eyes wide with worry and maroon eyes that quickly turned brilliant green as he met Gajeel's gaze. A triumphant smile pulled across Bix's lips and for the first time it didn't enrage the Dragon Slayer to see that frenzied look. His control slipped from him as Bickslow forced him to climb clumsily up the wall, claws leaving deep gashed into stone as he made his way. Laxus grabbed his arms and tunic, hauling him up the rest of the way, frenzied murmurs bouncing through Gajeel's mind but not ever translating as Bix's hold finally broke. He glanced over his shoulder as Enforcement Officers stood in dismay, six of them he noticed, talking and raging and calling out at the group that made it to the other side.

Gajeel pushed himself up, stumbled and clutched his side. Hands gripped a hold of him as he rose and he shook them off, "C'mon. We ain't done yet."

"You need rest," Laxus stated firmly, eyes blazing as they took him in.

Gajeel had enough time to smirk when the sounds of a magic circle got their collective attentions. Freed's eyes widened, "They're making a bridge!"

"Shit…" Gajeel breathed, refusing to acknowledge the rattle in his lungs, "…time… anyone know the time?"

Four pairs of eyes at him in disbelief. It didn't matter, Gajeel caught the sound on the wind and he smirked. He pushed past them and took off again, nodding his head in a wordless motion for them to follow. Evergreen took after him, Freed and Bix close on his heels as Laxus took up the rear. He ignored the pain that each gulp of air forced through his body, almost feeling dizzy from it as he pressed on. He heard the whistle again and for the first time in his life almost rejoicedat the sound of a goddamn train. They slipped up the steep of gravel, climbing atop one last bluff before coming to a sheer drop down to another ravine. Iron tracks glistened in the night and Gajeel turned his head to see the blessed sight of steam puffing in the distance.

"Great… how do we get down?" Freed huffed at his side and Gajeel's mind was shifting through the best vague ideas he could come up with, but it was clear he wasn't function right. He was exhausted and in pain, all the adrenaline pushing him was gone and Godsalivehe felt like the air was getting thicker, harder to breathe as if he were taking in smoke. He desperately needed to rest and eat…

"I can't…" Gajeel panted, dropping to sit down for just a moment, "Ah, shit. I can't drop you guys down. It hurts too much… besides… I'm almost spent."

"We can't scale it in time," Evergreen mused, glancing back over her shoulder to the Officers still conjuring a bridge. Laxus knelt down beside him, reaching to smooth a hand across his chest only to have Gajeel push it away, later. He gave him a look but didn't press, noticing the way Gajeel's brow creased as he looked past him.

"Think we can make that?" he pointed at a gravel slope in the distance, just a short run, but with the train fast approaching it was hit or miss.

"Enforcement!" the sound of fast approaching footsteps forced their hand, "Stop!"

"Can you?" Laxus growled pointedly and Gajeel pushed himself up, ignoring the remark completely. They made a break for it, Gajeel leading the way as they rocketed for their last hope at freedom. Evergreen flew with Bickslow's totems to the slope, taking post to help if one of them should fall. As soon as Gajeel's feet hit gravel he braced himself and skid, rolling with rocks at an alarming rate down. He gritted his teeth, clutching at his side for fear of pain that would greet him should his balance waver and he hit the ground. The train rushed by as he sprinted, sounding its horn into the night so that it bounced off of the tall cliffs around them. He pushed the last of his energy into the jump that would finally land him to safety but he didn't stick the landing like he would have hoped. The wind left his lungs as he slammed onto the roof and damn him if he didn't cry out with tears stinging his eyes at the suffering his chest was forced to endure. He was driving himself to his feet when he felt Freed, Bickslow, and Laxus land.

Without thinking, he slid himself over the edge and caught himself on the side of the train. Wind whipped his hair across his face as he slammed his foot into the side of the door, wrenching the chains from where they held the massive doors shut. They groaned and slid open and he hollered up for his companions who peered down at him in dismay. One by one he got them inside, grabbing the heavy chains and throwing himself in after them. It took help from Laxus to shut the weighty thing and he was disappointed to find the chains were aluminum instead of iron. Finally, he let the pain have its way with him. He tromped across the space, pressed his back to the freezing aluminum wall and slowly slid to the ground, gripping his side as if it would somehow hold him together.

"Good job guys," he huffed, not truly meeting anyone's gaze as he gulped for breath from the soreness slowly dumbing his senses, "That was fun. We should do that again sometime."

"You look hellish," Freed derided harshly and Bickslow punched him on the arm.

"You don't quit, do ya, Gajeel?" Bickslow walked over to sit at his side, his babies still twittering with excitement around him, "No wonder they called ya Black Steel."

The sound of metal clanging and the scent of iron had Gajeel's stomach turning more than it should have if he were well. He was trying to save face and keep himself cool when Laxus was suddenly at his side, dropping iron railroad spikes heavily to the ground at his feet and he was ashamed to have to admit his motion sickness was already taking root in the base of his gut. There was no way he'd be eating anytime soon, which really was the worst. Healing would happen a lot slower without it. An agitated rocking made his stomach lurch and he didn't have it in him to stop Laxus's prying fingers from pushing up his shirt to reveal flesh that was already bruising. Massive splotches of purple and navy flowered across his torso from sustained abuse and despite how he tried not to he couldn't stop the snarl from working passed his gritted teeth. Evergreen lowered her glasses enough to stare at him critically over the top of them.

"I should numb this," Laxus's voice thrummed like a heartbeat beside him and Gajeel seriously started wondering if he was becoming delirious, "It's probably broken."

"Hah… no," Gajeel scooted away just slightly but Laxus clamped his hand on his thigh, impeding his movement, "This ain't shit, Sparky, I've been through worse."

"I'm not going to hurt you, Gajeel, calm down," the air charged and Gajeel lurched away again, panic written clearly across his face.

"I've been shocked enough today, thanks," he hissed, attempting to get away again just as his stomach tilted and his body gurgled angrily at him. Did he even have anything in his stomach to get rid of? He had a sinking suspicion he was about to find out.

"Hold still."

"No. No." Gajeel attempted to turn but pain ripped through him, leaving him breathless, and before he could move again Laxus's massive hands were on his bare skin, "Gods' sakes, Laxus…"

He felt the shock jitter throughout his entire body. His spine snapped straight despite his wishes and for the life of him he was pretty sure his eyes rolled back into his head as the electricity fried his nerves. It didn't hurtper se, but it was far from comfortable and that was the last push that his body needed. He bolted for the farthest corner away from the others and wretched so hard he saw stars. His legs felt like rubber and despite the lack of pain he was absolutely spent. He teetered back and collapsed, blacking out right there on the floor with the entirety of Raijinshuu staring, dumbfounded.

"…I guess he does quit, after all." Bix quipped timorously.

Laxus rolled his eyes.