The World Is Ugly

by StevMarie

It was just a mission. That was how it started. It wasn't pain, it wasn't agony, it wasn't Laxus in a rage of lightning and Gajeel helpless in his wake. Feelings weren't supposed to be hurt, blood wasn't supposed to be spilled; now the world is spinning out of control and they're plummeting to the ground unable to stop it. What can be said? The world Is ugly.

128. Chapter 128

Author's Notes:

Happy New Year beautiful beans!

This chapter was just me having some fun and world-building. It is completely unnecessary and could have been a throw away "Gajeel had to go to town and came back", but here I am, thrusting this upon you. You're so welcome.

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Chapter 128:

He'd accidentally grabbed Laxus's shirt. At first an annoyance once he'd realized, the oddness of how it puddled around his hips, the long sleeves that hung just a little too lowly on his wrists, and the loose neckline covered by his red scarf. Now, it was a comfort as he walked through Oak Town. A checklist was in his head of places to go, things that needed replaced. The ruined bedroll, food he could cook quickly for a warm meal, a kettle and tea to warm his love, some expensive bourbon whiskey, a visit to an old acquaintance, and – of course – iron. His back ached, his spine sore from sleeping in an awkward position. The duffel bag tugged at the marks left from talons that hadn't quite healed enough to not be split back open again. He was still tired, but not so exhausted.

Things had changed since Phantom Lord had been disbanded. The vacancy where the guildhall had once stood was now filled with vendors and stalls, a hub of commerce foreign to him. It was bizarre to look at the places where walls once stood and see brightly colored tents in their place. The cathedral, a place of nightmares for him, was now a cobblestone street filled with the scent of sweet rolls and a line of shops. People frequented the place, the likes of which Gajeel had never thought would be in a town like this. Families, and not the ragged, strapped-for-resources kind that he was accustomed to. These were wealthy people, people of standing, and they'd swooped in and done what people of standing do. They'd scooped up the vacant, soot-stained places (at a reduced price, of course, because who would invest in such a miserable place?) and made it to their standard, driving away the things that had existed here before, chewing up what remained and regurgitating it with a different hue, sold at a much higher price.

If Gajeel had been asked ten years ago if he thought Oak Town could be gentrified, he would have said no. And he would have found himself corrected.

But the foundation was still there, the old stones that were too costly to remove made the bones of this place. After he got the few things he had to from the market, he wandered westward, past where the first few rings of shiny new things were placed and onward to what hadn't been touched by the reaching claws of the rich. Dingier shops turned into rundown houses tinged grey and rotting, broken windows and metal bars, and the rowdier balk of poverty breaking through the street. Potholes and mud and cigarette butts. Shadows slumped where they'd collapsed in the embrace of a vice, whiskey bottles or needles in hand, packs or bags tucked beneath arms in the hopes the few possessions they had weren't taken from them. Familiarity, a sour nostalgia that brought wickedness out of him. His streets. His people. Some things truly don't change, and that was the underbelly of Earthland. Like a weed, being cut off at the head had done nothing but make it spread its roots deeper into the dirt.

What would Laxus do if he brought him here? Showed him these places he used to haunt? Would it be pity in his gaze or that deep curiosity he kept around him like a cloak? Maybe he'd ask him if he wanted to come here before they went home. Come, see where the wounds came from, what remains of the sword that did harm. It's just the hilt now, and it has an odd charm to it, doesn't it? How strange to have survived the deep slash of it. How strange that the scar seems to fade with time.

He whistled as he came to an old shack, hearing the sound of things being torn apart. A scrap pit where he'd dumped hundreds of thousands of jewels over the years. Iron sold by the pound that the owner was nice enough to clean for him of oil and grime so it wouldn't mar his teeth when he ate. And of course, the generosity was paid in kind with a handsome tip. Gajeel pushed the door open and heard the familiar, broken tink-ting of the bell as he stepped in. The owner glanced up, did a double take.

"Well, blow me blind! Look who finally crawled out from under a rock!" he had a lopsided grin, missing a canine tooth from a right hook in a bar over a decade ago.

"Hey Smiley," Gajeel drawled, dropping his bag on the ground, "How've ye been?"

"Grand now that I've seen me favorite customer!" he beamed.

He had more wrinkles since the last time Gajeel had seen him, his pallid skin dingey from working in the heap and a sheen of sweat always on him. It was always unbearably hot in the tiny workshop, and if asked Smiley would just grin and say he liked it hot. Old bones get cold. The reality was because of the extremely unregulated and illegal smelting he did in the basement that definitely lacked proper ventilation and may or may not have caused an explosion or two in the past. Allegedly.

"What can I get for ye, lad?"

"How much iron do ya think ya can get me in an hour?" Gajeel asked, "I'll make it worth the effort."

His eyebrows raised, a bemused look on his face, "H-how much ye needin'?"

He lifted the duffel and threw it onto the counter. Smiley's eyes widened. He cleared his throat and shot him a bit of a look.

"If ye can fill that, I'll give ya ten thousand jewels... small pieces if ye can manage it."

"Ah, lad..." he looked pale, "It wouldn't be worth half that much-"

"It is to me," Gajeel stopped him, "I appreciate yer work."

"No one in the place yer at willin' ta do it fer ya?" he laughed nervously, inspecting just how large the duffel was, "You, uh... takin' a long trip?"

"Could say that," Gajeel crossed his arms, "I'm in a hurry, though, Smiles."

"Course, course... I'll... yeah..." he rushed off, and Gajeel could hear him yelling for someone to drop what they were doing and help him with a project.

Gajeel sighed. The bell at the door went off and he stepped to the side.

"He's gonna be busy a while," he said, and was utterly surprised by the response.

"Yes, well, we were actually looking for you."

Gajeel couldn't stop the groan even though he tried. He rubbed at his forehead with his palm, "This ain't yer jurisdiction, Major. Unless somethin' happened ta Wesick I ain't heard about."

"Major Wesick decided he didn't have the time to investigate the claims of locals in the area regarding a strange phenomenon in the Casraines... and I'm still on the Colonel's bad side for the prison riot," Davian spat angrily, venom in his tone.

"You have the least seniority," Serrill's voice was a bit more reserved, but still clearly held back a laugh.

"I'd call it discrimination, but I'm doubtin' the background check went over yer pedigree. Else ya probably wouldn't've made it." Gajeel finally turned to look back at them. "What phenomenon in the Casraines?"

Humor on the Major was just as bizarre to Gajeel as all the changes to Oak Town, "Oh, well, the thunderbird, of course. Have you not heard the talk around town? It sounds dreadful."

"Thunder all hours even though there's no storm in sight," Serrill continued with a chuckle, "It's a little late in the season for autumn thunderstorms."

"People 'round here always have been a superstitious lot," Gajeel muttered.

"Ye look a little worse fer wear, there. Thought I'd give ya a little somethin' while ye wait."

Gajeel heard Smiley's voice before the door to the back opened. At seeing Davian and Serrill, he stopped. They had tried to be inconspicuous, both of them wearing plain clothes and work boots. It was more the fact that their outfits were specifically tailored with matching cloaks that gave them away. And, of course, the sabres that would have been carefully concealed to anyone else but people on this side of town knew to look for from years of experience. No matter how they had tried to conceal it, they were Rune Knights on business, and it caused Smiley to get immediately cautious, shooting Gajeel a look as he set down the scrap in his hands.

"Thanks, kindly," Gajeel said, immediately picking up what must have been a pin in some machine and worrying it in his teeth like a cigarette.

"What's all this then?" he demanded.

"They're here 'bout the weird shit happenin' in the Casraines," Gajeel said smoothly, diffusing him with just that explanation, "A thunderbird?"

"Ye mean ye ain't heard it?" Smiley asked, giving him a look up and down, "I was sorta figuring that was why you were here. Fightnin' it or somethin'."

"Can't say I even noticed it," Gajeel replied.

"Oh yeah, ya know Newt's boys? They was out bringin' in lumber when they felt it. Said it must be some massive thing. All their hair stood on end, like lightnin' bout ta strike. Said it was movin' quick, too. Northeast. Inta those damn mountains."

Gajeel turned his head a bit to hide his smirk, "Ya don't say."

"Wasn't you from out there?" Smiley asked, "I mean, er, ain't that where you came from?"

"Sure was..." Gajeel said, snapping the iron in between his teeth, "Don't remember any thunderbirds, though, gotta say."

"How long have you been here?" Davian asked, steering the conversation back to where he needed it, "Once we heard the rumor you had been spotted going through town, we assumed it had to do with you and your lover up to something."

"Lover?" Smiley wrinkled his nose, "Like yer girlfriend er somethin'?"

Gajeel sighed, immediately annoyed, "I really need that scrap quick, Smiley. I can handle this."

"What? I can vouch fer ya. He ain't with no dame. Brisco saw 'em get off the train with some blonde. Some famous guy, or somethin'."

"I'm good, Smiles." Gajeel said again, agitated now, "I'm in a hurry."

Smiley shrugged, "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'm just sayin', I got yer back if ya need it."

"Yep," Gajeel replied tightly, "Preciate it."

A tense silence descended once Smiley went back, and Gajeel found himself shooting the Major a glare. It wasn't his fault, and Gajeel knew it, but he was in a bad mood now. He hopped up onto the counter, crossing his legs as he leaned over and picked up more scraps of iron to eat.

"Fuck, I'm tired," he muttered, "Ya'll know where we're at, don't che?"

Serrill cocked his head to the side, "Oak Town?"

"This is where Phantom Lord used to head at," Gajeel explained, "Ya'll know anythin' 'bout the people 'round here?"

The two shared a look, because of course they didn't. Why would they suspect this place to be any different from Ember? From the Capital? From Magnolia or anything else?

"Ya need ta know, the locals are a bit... old fashioned, if yer gettin' me, and suspicious. They see things a certain way," Gajeel started, and then decided he didn't have the patience for the long talk and just cut to the chase, "Th'last openly gay couple on this side a' town was run out pretty quick. I don't really care, but he is the guy givin' me my food."

"Ah... my apologies," Davian said, crossing his arms, "but it is you two that have caused a stir, isn't it?"

"Seems ta be," Again, Gajeel sighed, "I really tried ta avoid it. We're a solid twenty miles out... or that's what it feels like, anyway."

"Twenty miles?" he asked, exasperated. His eyes turned thoughtful, reticent, "You're not still fighting, are you? About what happened?"

Gajeel ran his tongue over his tooth as he took another bite, choosing his words carefully, "We, ah, we're workin' through some things. He'd be mortified if he knew the locals were so upset they reported it."

Davian and Serrill both gave him confused looks.

"Isn't that par for the course for your lot?" Serrill laughed, "Aren't Fairy Tailers always stirring up trouble?"

"Yeah..." Gajeel drawled again, "Is there some sorta fine we gotta pay? Disturbin' the peace or some shit?"

"Hm?" Serrill asked, laughing slightly, "Of course not. They just needed someone to put eyes on it and say it's not an ancient, legendary, electric bird."

"You two will need to stop whatever fight you're having... or at least move it somewhere else," Davian said, his brow furrowing as he looked him over, studying him. He had begun speaking slower, and Gajeel realized that he was starting to notice something about him was off. Something that wasn't just him being agitated with Smiley or the two of them showing up when he wasn't expecting it.

Gajeel was used to making people uncomfortable by no more than just the look he had about him. Even his father had always told him he had a nasty look in his eye. There was a reason why people had othered him when he'd shambled in from the woods so long ago, why he no longer cared about people staring at him or even being intimidated by his proximity. He knew that right now he was probably downright uncanny, though he doubted anyone would be able to pinpoint exactly why. There was ferocity under his skin, something that didn't belong. The angles about him weren't right, a little too rigid, holding waiting violence. The slope of his spine carried the look of a creature ready to pounce. He wasn't a man, he was a predator, a dragon. The Casraines made that primal thing surge up to the surface, and Laxus's claim to him had stoked its ferocity to a fever pitch. The longer he was away from his love, the more he frothed at the maw to return. He probably looked like one wrong move would make him snap.

Gajeel tried to remember not to stare so intensely, not to rake in the two of them like the wolf that sizes up the lamb that wandered too close to the wood's edge, but it was difficult. Maybe it bothered the Major less, given what he was, but Serrill was clearly becoming unnerved by him, though he doubted he'd ever figure out why unless told. So, Gajeel sat on the counter, trying to appear tame and failing, trying not to smile and reveal his teeth to the chameleon that recognized animality like this in his own kind and rarely saw it in others, if ever. He had, however, witnessed it in Ember Island Prison, when Gajeel had been on the edge of being in heat and fighting Zahir, called upon to be a guardian by a god flickering to life in the form of a military uniform. Davian knew that couldn't be happening again, he couldn't sense it and it wasn't spring, so he didn't know what to make of him, just knew he needed to be cautious.

Gajeel smirked and the Major went quiet. Serrill looked between the two of them in bewilderment, wondering if for some reason they were about to fight.

"I wouldn't mind, but I think the problem will be getting Laxus to move," Gajeel said honestly, "We only got so far because I know these mountains well. He caught me pretty quick."

The Major narrowed his eyes slightly, and Gajeel sensed the question. Caught you? Gajeel could tell he was locking away some emotion behind prudence.

"Well, he does have a dreadful temper."

"Comes by it honestly, Major. You should see Gramps angry," Gajeel said, eating, always eating. He popped metal between his teeth like hard candy and received a rush when it made it to his stomach, never minding when Serrill would flinch when iron snapped beneath the strength of his molars. A bite force strong enough to break bones easily.

"You certainly seem hungry," Davian noted, looking at him over his glasses, his eyes shifting between blue and green. Gajeel shrugged, eyeing Serrill and the anxious way he stood by the door.

"Regaining my strength," he said, again honest, again letting the silence speak on its own. Davian studied him again.

"You are fighting… still?" Davian asked.

"That's what he said, Davian," Serrill hissed, giving him a look like he didn't understand why Davian would continue to press the issue.

"You've been here... for three days?" Davian asked, ignoring him, "And it's a fist fight?"

Gajeel chuckled, forgetting not to show his teeth. He plucked at his scarf, "Can I ask ye a favor, Major?"

"Well, that depends," he replied, guarded.

"I was real serious when I said Laxus would be upset about all this. Do y'think we can keep this conversation between us? I know you guys are sorta friends and all..."

"Does that mean you're going to tell me what's actually going on?" Davian asked plainly.

"Just so y'know, fer once, you ain't the one I'm worried about." he flashed his eyes to Serrill and grinned. He stabbed a piece of iron towards the Lieutenant who looked startled, "Yer the one that's gonna be the issue. I can tell already. Yer gonna piss me off."

"Me? What did I do?" Serrill asked, dumbfounded.

"I see," Davian said slowly. "Well, would you like to join us for lunch, then?"

Gajeel lifted a brow at him and the Major just shrugged and gestured towards what he was eating.

"You're hungry, and I do feel quite guilty about what happened at the Temple. A meal certainly won't make up for it, but it would make me feel better, at any rate."

"Shit happens, Major, and I'm currently in the business of lettin' grudges go." Gajeel said, running his fingers through the ends of his hair, shaking the strands free from his hand, "Ye did what ye thought was best. How many times have I done the same?"

"I insist." Davian said, his tone flat.

Gajeel worried his lip, "I gotta go somewhere first."

"Of course."

"You guys are weirding me out," Serrill said, sulking by the door.

Gajeel laughed, realizing immediately the tone was off, "I'm just real tired, Serrill. Ain't nothin' to worry about."

He heard a clamor in the back and knew it meant they were filling his bag with metal. He pulled out his wallet and counted twice as much as he'd promised Smiley. One half he slipped beneath the container he'd brought the spare scraps out in, the other he threw onto the counter. Smiley lumbered into the room and rolled the heavy duffel onto the counter.

"Never change, Smiles," Gajeel said, grabbing it with much more ease than the older man and hefting it over his shoulder. "Tell the missus I said hi."

"Course! She'll be happy knowin' yer still skulkin' around." he smiled, "Come back anytime."

"Well, since yer here, lads, let's go make you two some friends," Gajeel hummed, sliding between the two of them and walking out the door. "I'll warn ya, though, I've pissed off a lotta people in this town. We're bound ta get inta a fight."

"A fight?" Serrill asked, "Like, a bar fight or a fight fight?"

"I'll keep ya safe, Serrill," Gajeel grinned, all teeth, and ignored the way he recoiled slightly.

He hummed as he walked, eyes roving over dilapidated buildings. He spotted familiar rooftops and alleyways, memories bubbling up from everywhere. Everything was grimy, dark, like light couldn't quite penetrate these streets or his memories. Gajeel pointed to an empty building, boarded up years ago and rotting away.

"That used ta be a smoke shop. Owner was a guy named Lysander Prescott. Used ta do odd jobs fer 'im for cigarettes when I was a kid," he said, twirling a twisted piece of scrap between his fingers, "Came up dead one day. His wife skipped town real quick after."

Serrill snuffed judgmentally, "She ever get caught?"

"Hey, now, I never said it was her, Serrill," Gajeel grinned at him, "Gotta hide that prejudice a little bit."

"It's always the spouse," Serrill said.

"Is it?" Davian asked.

"Why else would she skip town?" he countered.

"Wasn't the spouse. It was her piece on the side who owned... that buildin' down there, 'round the corner. Liquor store," Gajeel chuckled, "Byron Glass... and the bastard got away with it fer 'bout... eight years?"

"Oh... close enough," Serrill muttered, "How'd he get caught?"

"Not caught. Killed." Gajeel said, "By sweet Mrs. Prescott. Rumor was she found out 'cause he told one of the ladies at the Sable Iris who was a friend of her sister-in-law... that same sister-in-law also bein' there when he spilled his guts. Paid for a double feature and couldn't hold his booze. Word was to her 'fore he even left the bed. Was dead two days later. The business went ta her sister-in-law when she got busted. Heard she sold everythin' she could get her hands on and moved ta Les Lilas out east."

"The Sable Iris is...?" Serrill frowned, trying to follow what Gajeel was saying.

Gajeel raised his brow at him, his expression keen, "A whore house."

Serrill blanched. "Oh."

"What an enthralling tale," Davian said, holding in a chuckle at his expense, "Was there a point in telling it?"

"Rumors are like bushfire here," Gajeel said, giving Davian a meaningful look, "Pay attention ta who yer talkin' to... and what yer sayin'. Where we're goin', they use information like currency. Everyone wants dirt on ya to use... and you lads stick out. Anyone can see yer Knights."

"We're in plain clothes," Serrill said, picking at his cloak, "Everyone wears cloaks around here."

Gajeel gave him a critical look up and down, "Oh, yeah, Serrill. Master of disguise ye are. Like I can't see yer sabre."

He huffed, fiddling with his belt to try and hide it.

Gajeel led the way through a close alleyway, stepping over a glassy-eyed man who didn't even blink at their passing. A few more twists and turns and they could hear the rowdy sounds of bars and taverns. The smell of alcohol, piss and cigarettes made Gajeel wrinkle his nose. He traced familiar signs, nodding his head at recognizable faces that regarded him when he passed. He didn't stop to speak to anyone, just continued quietly on his trek. Once, he heard Davian make a disgusted noise when a fight broke out at one of the places they passed.

"It's not even noon," he hissed.

"They ain't got nothin' better ta do." Gajeel said, not even glancing their direction.

It seeped into his bones like the whetted chill of winter. He remembered so many times it had been him in those bar fights. A young idiot rattling his cage to be the loudest, and then older, putting kids just like him in their place. He remembered dragging himself through these streets so high he couldn't see straight, getting another fix before he limped back to Phantom Lord's dorms. He remembered passing out in the alley and waking up damp and cold and sick.

He decided he didn't want to bring Laxus here, but he'd ask him anyway. So desperate to know all his secrets, he'd think it a blessing. Really, they were hazy shadows that haunted drunken memories, an itch for drugs he knew he didn't need anymore when he was listless and searching for something he couldn't name. Not that he'd felt that way in a while. Actually, when was the last time...?

Gajeel stopped walking. He'd gotten too far into his head.

"Lose your bearings, Kurogane?" Davian asked, making a point to be gentle with the question.

"Nope," he said, making a sharp turn into another side street, "This is where we're goin'."

This one was a bit wider than the others, with the entrances to a grocery and more bars down the way. He didn't head for any of those ragged and chipped-paint doors. He sidled up to the one that looked to be made of steel and riveted in place. Far from inconspicuous, but it didn't matter. The point was to keep people out, and it did its job. There was a square in the center with a metal slide that could be removed by someone on the other side to speak through, and it was this that Gajeel knocked on and then waited patiently to open. There was scuttling on the other side before it pulled open.

"Yello-oh-holy shit!"

Gajeel could only see brown eyes, but it didn't matter. He knew who was speaking.

"Rat." Gajeel's greeting held more than a little contempt.

Rat was a man who fit his name well. Excitable, twitchy, and small, with brown hair he kept in a greasy ponytail and teeth in desperate need of work. It didn't matter what he wore, he was always, somehow, dirty, like he'd stepped in a puddle and proceeded to dab it all over him. He had never been particularly fond of the man, not that he had ever done anything noteworthy, more he was always trying to get under everyone's skin, and was very good at it.

Brown eyes looked him up and down as best they could, "Where in the hell did you come from?"

"I need ta see Sal," Gajeel said, not acknowledging the question.

"Sal don't take personal visits no more," Rat said, his voice hitching up a bit with petulance, "Need an appointment."

"I'm callin' in a favor," Gajeel snarled.

"Oh yeah?" Rat narrowed his eyes, "What's the favor?"

"None of yer fuckin' business."

"Well ye ain't gettin' in! Unless..."

"Unless, what, Rat?" Gajeel crossed his arms, barely keeping himself in check.

"Ya know the password?"

"A password, Rat? Are ya fuckin' kiddin' me?" he raised his voice even though he knew he shouldn't. The guy on the other side of the door, filled with hubris from the little power he had, reveled in him getting angry, "I ain't been near here in nay five years. How am I s'posed ta know yer fuckin' password?"

"Well then, Kurogane, guess yer stuck out there! Ha!" he slammed the window shut.

Gajeel snapped a piece of iron between his teeth. Anger seeped up the back of his skull but he had the wherewithal to reach a hand forward and knock again. And then again. And again. Picking up speed and intensity until he was nearly banging down the door. After less than three minutes of his incessant banging, he heard Rat yelling and sliding open the door again. He didn't hear what he said, focused on the metal sliding back just enough so that he could thrust his hand inside, grab the small man's arm and drag him screaming into the door. He yanked his arm straight and twisted it, kicking up his boot to trap his shoulder against the frame. He could see the wicked angle that his shoulder was bent, hear him stammering as he vainly attempted to pull back.

"Listen, Rat, I don't wanna get ya in trouble, now. I just need ta call in a favor," he twisted until the man on the other side started babbling.

"Yeah, ok, ok, ok, a favor! I got it! I got it!"

"Now, I need ya to track down Sal and tell him exactly what I'm about ta say. Ya listenin'?"

"I'm listening! I'm listening! I'm aaahhh! I'm listening!"

Gajeel let the tension ease slightly but didn't let him go, "You tell Sal, Hajime's boy is out here callin' in his favor from that job in Sequoia. You hearin' me, Rat?"

"I'm a hearin'! I'm a hearin'!" he devolved into mumblings of being let go, but Gajeel didn't budge.

"Say it back ta me."

"I heard ya, I promise!"

"Say. It. Back. Ta. Me." he repeated, putting weight into his arm again until the man screamed.

"Hajime's boy! F-Favor from Sequoia! K-K-Kurogane needs a favor-aahhh!"

"I don't need a favor, Rat, I'm callin' it in. Big difference. I need ya to get it right."

"Callin' it in! Callin' it in! I got it! Hajime's boy! Callin' in his favor from Sequoia! Please let me go!"

Gajeel did and heard the man crash onto the ground. A groan eased out from the window and then the telltale sounds of him scrambling to his feet and running deeper into the building. A door opened, voices, the door shut again. Gajeel let out a huff, rolled his shoulders to ease his tension and temper. He could feel that the scratches along his back had healed some even in just the short time after he'd been able to eat iron. They weren't gone by any means, and some of them had been quite nasty even if not so deep they needed stitches. Those would last another evening at least. Remembering how he got them made his blood sing. He ignored it.

Instinctively, he patted his pockets only to realize he'd left his cigarettes in the jacket he hadn't taken because he'd grabbed a too-large-shirt instead. He sighed, ran his fingers through his hair.

"How fun," Davian said demurely, his lips twisting a bit, "What was the job in Sequoia? Or do I want to know?"

"Sal was movin' merchandise across the lake. Haj and I were just on guard duty. Storm hit and we ran aground on a sand bank," Gajeel stretched as he spoke, still tired, "I kept us from sinkin' by puttin' up iron pillars. No casualties... and we stayed pretty dry all things considered."

"And that's all it took to earn you such a favor?" Davian asked, prying and pretending not to be.

"Apart from me savin' 'im millions?" Gajeel asked, chewing on another scrap, "His wife was on the boat."

"Doesn't that hurt your teeth?" Serrill asked after once again wincing when he bit into something that resembled a railroad spike.

"No." Gajeel chuckled, "Like chewin' on ice."

"Chewing on ice doesn't hurt your teeth either?" Serrill wrinkled his nose.

"Don't you use reinforcement magic?" Gajeel prodded him, "If it bothers ye that badly, ye have it in ya to do somethin' about it."

"Why would I use magic to eat ice?"

"You think my magic doesn't make it so I can eat metal?" Gajeel cocked a brow at him and Serrill considered that a moment, "I can make my body twice as hard as steel."

"He is the odd one, darling. You're simply human." Davian leaned against the wall, amused. At Serrill's curious look, he gave a bit of a bashful smile, "When I was a child, I used to snap chicken bones in my teeth for fun. I found it satisfying. A treat."

"Chicken bones?" Serrill asked, dubious.

Davian shrugged, "We try not to leave anything behind out of respect for the animal. They gave their life. It should be appreciated fully. Well, that and scarcity, I presume. You certainly can't raise chickens underground."

"Even the feathers?" he asked.

"You can't think of anything down can be used for?" he furrowed his brow, still smiling but clearly a little insulted, "Pillows, cushions, mattresses…?"

"Oh," Serrill blushed, "Right."

"Smooth," Gajeel hummed and laughed at the sharp look Serrill gave him. "Can you unhinge your jaw like Rut?"

Serrill blushed, "Gajeel. What the hell? You can't just ask things like that."

"Technically, yes," Davian answered, eyes narrowing. A show of good faith, Gajeel realized. I'll talk about me if you talk about you. "It's the human parts that cause an issue."

Gajeel cocked his head to the side.

"I have the hinge. And my tendons are flexible, but not quite what they could be," Davian said, curling his arm and wrist in a languid, dance-like motion that reminded him of when they'd all danced in his backyard, displaying flexibility, "I could, probably, but it would be dreadfully painful."

"Would that change, ya think, if...?" Gajeel began offhandedly, but immediately cautioned silence with his hand. He heard the sound of a door opening and straightened, "Rat's back."

The door eased open. The small man on the other side of the door was clearly anxious and seemed to have been humbled, "He's clearing his schedule."

"Yer a lifesaver, Rat," Gajeel replied coolly, only a little sarcastic. Rat's eyes darted over to Davian and Serrill, looking them up and down, "They're with me."

"They're cops," he hissed.

"Not here on business," Gajeel said walking up on him, using his size to intimidate him into moving from the doorway.

"Right, right... not on business," he muttered, giving a wide berth. He shut and locked the door, rushing to open the next for them. There was a bar just on the other side, with dim lights that doused the place in a faux stygian like dusk. Gajeel's eyes fell to a doorway on the other side of the room and he immediately headed for it, but Rat headed him off, "Mitzi is comin' up. He'll take ya back."

"I know my way," Gajeel growled.

"Sal's sendin' 'im. Says he wanted you escorted. Place is different... you understand?" he said shakily, "Don't want his guests gettin' lost. Sal's real big on hospitality, you know."

"I know," Gajeel huffed, "Fine."

"Th-thank ye for yer patience," he said, backing away from them like he was scared Gajeel would reach for him, "Sorry 'bout the door. No hard feelings, eh?"

"Course not, Rat," Gajeel assured him, which seemed to just make him even more nervous. "No hard feelings."

"Ah... you-you've mellowed a bit. Oh, thank the gods..." he whispered, backing up until he made it to the other side of Serrill and then walking quickly back to his post.

"Don't tell me you used to terrorize him?" Davian asked, watching him go.

"Not personally. But I gotta reputation," Gajeel said, leaning against the wall with crossed arms as he waited. He let his head fall back against the wall, his eyelids drooped until they fluttered closed. "Who knows what Sal said to 'im."

Mercifully, neither Davian nor Serrill said anything about his obvious fatigue, not that he would truly be resting. He could hear the people around him, sense tension in the air. A conversation was quickly turning into an argument, and Gajeel heard a voice breaking above them, looking for a fight. It was when loud voices turned into yelling that Gajeel opened his eyes and watched four guys stand up, getting in each other's faces. One of them pushed another, making him stumble back. Guys around them were moving seats, only slightly agitated by the raucous. He realized if they broke into a fight, he, Davian, and Serrill were in a good place to get caught up in it. He observed patiently, without much concern, until a flash of light caught his attention.

"That kids 'bout ta do somethin' stupid over a bar fight," he muttered, gaining Davian's attention.

"What do you mean?" Davian asked.

"S'gotta stiletto," Gajeel sighed, curling his lip, "Kid shit."

"Aren't those illegal?" Serrill asked.

"This whole place is illegal, darling," Davian replied.

Gajeel shot Serrill a look over Davian's head, silently asking about the pet name. Serrill gave him an unamused look, rolled his eyes. Don't think too much into it. Gajeel raised a studded brow. He called you darling. Twice. Serrill looked away from him with a scoff. It doesn't mean anything.

"I told Laxus I'd try not ta get inta a fight while I'm here," he snarled.

The kid with the switchblade was pushed hard into the table behind him. Gajeel's eyes swept to the bar and noticed the keep was pointedly ignoring them, washing mugs to appear busy. They were young guys, none of them could be over twenty. Shoves became angrier, and finally, one of them threw a punch. A fight devolved, inching closer to the three of them. Gajeel finally moved, taking a step in front of Davian to position his body between the two of them and the fight.

"Your concern is unwarranted," Davian said coolly, "We can handle ourselves... dragon slayer."

Gajeel tensed all the same. He was ready to fight, wanted to fight, but he'd told Laxus he'd try his best. His protective instinct was screaming, though. The knife flashed out and Gajeel moved quickly, grabbing the kid's wrist to stop him from stabbing the man in front of him. They both snapped their attention to him, but the one with the knife immediately turned and threw a punch at him. Gajeel grunted, but hardly flinched, much to the guy's dismay. It wasn't Gajeel's fault, he enjoyed intimidating people. When the guy's eyes widened when he realized he'd hardly hurt him, Gajeel grinned and exposed each of his sharp teeth.

"Let me give ya a tip yer daddy obviously didn't." he sneered, "Ya don't punch at someone, you punch through'em."

The wind flew from his lungs when Gajeel's fist connected with his stomach. He stumbled back, groaning, and fell to his knees. The other two stopped their fight immediately, looking from the guy on the ground to him, trying to assess the threat in front of them.

"Yer too loud. If yer gonna fight, do it outside," Gajeel growled.

He stepped back to where he'd been waiting, ignoring the chuckles of veterans at him putting a couple of pups back in line. He heard footsteps, though, and knew what it meant even before he spun on his heel. He caught the knife with his shoulder, snapped forward and grabbed him by his knife-wielding wrist. He twisted until the kid cried out and released it, leaving the blade sticking out from his skin. Gajeel smirked, unfazed, and watched his eyes get impossibly wide while the color drained from his face.

"That hurt," Gajeel said lowly, "Yer lucky I don't break yer wrist."

"What the fuck?" he whispered.

"Take it outside, b'fore I drag ya there," he snarled through his teeth, "Got it?"

"Ayo, Kurogane," a gruff voice said from the doorway, "Ya done scarin' the piss outta Mads?"

"He stabbed me," Gajeel said, kicking him in the knee for good measure as he let him go. Mads yelped as he tumbled to the ground, scrambling away and pulling himself up with the edge of a table. The guy sitting there laughed at him, saying: Pissed off a real one this time, Mads? "When'd ya start lettin' little shits in here, Mitzi?"

"Like ye weren't no bigger than a minnow ina fishin' pond when ye started knockin' around here. Practically walkin' on Titan's boots like a kid learnin' ta dance on their da's feet," Mitzi laughed, thrusting out his hand to grab Gajeel's as he approached.

Gajeel took it heartily and with a genuine smile. Mitzi was someone Hajime used to hang out with, so he automatically assumed he was at least a straightforward guy. They'd never run together personally, but he'd listen to him and Hajime swap stories when they'd shared a fifth on winter nights. He wasn't quite Hajime's age, but he looked far older, his dark brown hair overrun with grey and silver.

He led them deeper into the bar and down a hall where a wide metal grate stood. It was a cage of an elevator, abnormally large, and it looked like a death trap. Mitzi grunted as he pulled back the door and held it open so the three of them could step in.

"Figured we'd be seein' ya when I heard ye was in town. Didn't expect ye'd have two Rune Knights in tow. Odd fer you."

"Well, yanno, can never have enough connections," Gajeel replied simply, a lopsided grin on his face.

"Ye need ta watch it, now, the Titan's comin' outta ya. Maybe Haj raised ya up right after all." he hit a large red button and the elevator started, the entire thing shaking before it started downward, "Heard ye was gettin' straight, that right?"

"Tryin' my best," Gajeel said, fiddling with the knife still stuck in his shoulder. He summoned his magic, felt the particles of him closing together. It wasn't low carbon steel, but it was shit steel. He could absorb it, and at this point he needed all he could get. He breathed deeply, let magic make metal one with his body, and when he was done he took his fist and snapped the handle of it off. The springs of it scattered, slipping through the grated floor and tumbling into pitch black oblivion beneath them, "These things ain't worth their weight in aluminum."

"He's just a pup, yet. He'll learn," Mitzi said, "He's Jones's boy."

"Jones?" Gajeel sighed, rolling up his sleeve. He cringed, remembering this wasn't his shirt, and now there was a hole in it. He inspected his arm, looking past the strikes from talons that had encircled his arms hours ago to check where the knife had entered, making sure it was gone before dropping his sleeve again. He pretended not to notice the way Mitzi was staring, his brow furrowed and a frown on his face, "I remember that name..."

"Pretty sure you was the one that did 'im in," Mitzi said.

"Did I?" Gajeel asked slyly, "Don't recall."

"You took the job, didn't ye?"

"I was given a job by Jose," Gajeel said, eyes flashing up to him, "Because he didn't think Jones could do it."

"That right?" Mitzi said, his lip curling in a grin, "That ain't what I heard."

"Maybe ye shouldn't believe everythin' ya hear, then."

"Hey, now, no need ta be defensive," Mitzi said, throwing up his hands, "I'm just an old man who's curious."

"Oh, I bet." Gajeel needled him, giving him a glare for good measure, "Think ye can get me in the neck, Mitz?"

It was then that Mitzi paused, giving him a hard look. The machinations around them clicked and whirred, taking them steadily downward. Despite Mitzi's good humor, Gajeel knew exactly where this was going. There were only a few reasons people would ask for job specifics around here, especially on an old hit. Gajeel played it up probably more than he should have when he blinked slowly and expectantly, telegraphing clearly that he already had an idea of what was going on. He made the decision to free his hands from where they had held his bag, just in case.

"Ah, now, you bein' Titan's boy…" Mitzi broke, his smile fading, "You should know, Sal's gonna be asking 'bout some things… in case ya need ta get some stories straight."

"Stories?" Gajeel pressed, and again Mitzi put up his hands.

"I just know about Jones, honest. There's a rumor goin' round that someone was spotted down south lookin' a helluvah lot like 'im." Mitzi said, his voice dropping as light began to enter from below, "He was… damn good at his job."

"Not good enough," Gajeel said.

Just then, a low rumble began. It crescendoed until the elevator around them shivered before it vanished. Gajeel felt something in his stomach twist and swoop low. He held his breath, counted backward from ten until the feeling passed.

"Ain't natural," Mitzi said, looking up above them, "We're fifty feet underground. How we hearin' thunder?"

"Ye really weren't kiddin'." Gajeel murmured. He felt Davian's eyes and glanced over at him.

"And he's twenty miles out, you said?" Davian asked, "Because that feels close."

"Who's twenty miles out?" Mitzi asked.

"My boyfriend," Gajeel said, stunning the old man silent.

Mitzi's face twisted with a disgusted look.

"Don't say shit like that, lad." he scoffed, "People will think yer some sorta-"

"What?" Gajeel snapped, punctuating the t with an extra bit of venom. Again, Mitzi was left speechless, "I'm some sort of what, Mitz?"

The older man narrowed his eyes. He didn't attempt to hide his distaste, immediately taking to staring down his nose at him. The elevator was starting to slow, the whole thing rattling once again. When it stopped, the two continued to stare each other down, broken only when a smile tore across Gajeel's face.

"Appreciate the hospitality, Mitz," he said, enjoying how Mitzi squirmed at the mention. They both knew well how Sal was with formalities. If Gajeel said something, Mitzi would be torn into for it. "I'll get us to Sal's from here. Thanks."

He shoved the grate open and let the Major and Serrill pass before he followed. Mitzi didn't leave the elevator, but he didn't take off right away, either. Gajeel didn't pay him any heed, just began walking across the mezzanine of the massive warehouse. He strode onward, trying desperately to loosen the knot that was forming between his shoulders. He was in half a mind to turn around and drag the old man out and dangle him from the catwalk. He didn't have time, or energy, for that. He was worried about the thunder. It did sound close, but he knew Laxus couldn't be near. He wouldn't... there was no way he'd head for Oak Town to track him down. He pulled out his receiver and worried it in his hands. Surely, he'd call if he needed him?

"Kurogane..." Davian called, his tone taking a bit of a singsong tune to it, "Do you plan to explain what's going on anytime soon?"

"Yer sharp, Major, I'm sure ye'll figure it out," Gajeel said, eating on some more iron.

"A question, if I may?"

"Shoot."

"Do you simply eat iron when you're hungry or tired? Or does it provide other utilities?" he asked, sharp-toothed and resembling his brother in a way that made Gajeel's skin crawl, "I believe your other half used his to heal, as well?"

"Why are you antagonizing him?" Serrill hissed, "What in the hell do you guys know that I don't?"

"My body turns it into energy, Major. Magic." Gajeel said.

"Is there a limit to how much power you can derive in such a way?" he asked, and Gajeel was sure he had a smug smile on his face.

"Yup."

"So... you're eating to heal, then?" he asked innocently, "From whatever sharp-clawed thing you seem to have run afoul of?"

"Incredible breakthrough, there, Major."

"Another question, if it's not too much trouble?" Davian asked.

"Go on." Gajeel muttered.

"When did Laxus gain talons?"

Gajeel slowed his walk and turned to face the Major. He crossed his arms and gave him a steady look. The Major pressed his lips into a stern line.

"I thought so," he said, returning Gajeel's stare with a pointed one of his own, "You smell of stale blood."

"Make ya hungry?" Gajeel asked, leaning a bit towards him to stress the provocation, "I gotta question fer you too."

"As you wish," Davian said.

"Did Laxus act strange when he was traveling with you? Anything... real outta character for him?"

Davian blinked, surprised by the genuine nature of it. All the secretive questions, the things left unsaid, the purposeful silences, he was sure Gajeel would ask something in that same guarded manner. He answered just as genuinely, attempting to appease him.

"No. Not that I saw or… observed. He was exhausted. Father was draining him. He'd have nightmares, so there was the scent of fear, but aside he was quite normal. Why?"

"Because I usually feel it comin' weeks out. It seems to have just hit him outta nowhere." Gajeel said.

Davian gave him a suspicious look, "Feel... what?"

"You know exactly what," Gajeel replied, much to Davian's chagrin.

"Well, I sure as hell don't," Serrill said, agitated, "I'd love to be in the loop, though."

"I thought this was a spring issue?" Davian asked.

"Spring issue? Where'd you get that idea?" Gajeel asked, chewing on another piece of iron as he tried to simmer down.

"Your lover."

"It's a spring issue for me. It's a summer issue for Natsu and Sting, a winter one for Rogue."

Davian's eyes flashed yellow where his façade cracked, "I... see..."

"I don't," Serrill griped, "I don't like you two getting along. It's like you're speaking a different language."

"To you, we probably are, darling," Davian replied patiently, without looking back to him.

"Ok, but why, though?" Serrill pressed, leaning over Davian's shoulder, "Why is it a big secret that they're fighting and Gajeel got hurt and is eating iron?"

"And he's going to see an acquaintance who happens to be in charge of the largest smuggling ring in Fiore... a man whom owes him a favor," Davian said, looking at Serrill out of the corner of his eye, "Where does that factor in, Lieutenant?"

"Wait... Sal is... LeSalle?" Serrill's eyes became impossibly wide, "The Sleeping Giant, LeSalle?"

"Don't call him that. Pisses him off." Gajeel scoffed, "That was what Jose called 'im before retirement. He hates it."

Serrill's mouth fell open, "You know him... personally?"

"I just did a few jobs for 'im back in the day," Gajeel clarified, "The Titan knows him personally. They're best friends."

"Who was your mentor, as our narrow-minded guide so kindly mentioned," Davian said, "I didn't realize Mr. Kaiyu was The Titan of Phantom Lord. It makes much more sense, now, why you're so... talented."

"Gods alive..." Serrill whispered, "I shouldn't be impressed but fuck that's so badass. Wait… you're the one who retired The Titan?!"

"Why shouldn't you be impressed?" Davian asked, "It's impressive. I'm impressed."

"I'm flattered yer both trippin' over yeselves over one of my darkest years," Gajeel said flatly.

"Wait, we can't be here," Serrill hissed, dropping his voice as if just realizing they could be heard, "We're Rune Knights! They won't let us leave this building."

"Oh, Sal don't care about that," Gajeel chuckled, "You won't be able to talk about this place once you leave. That's how he runs such a tight ship. It's a bitch of a spell. Took him years to figure out."

"What?!" Serrill gaped.

"You won't even be able to give someone the location," Gajeel smirked, "And if that wasn't enough? Wesick is in his back pocket."

"Major Wesick is in on all this?!"

"Aye… he's about as crooked as they get," Gajeel said, "Knew everythin' about what Phantom was doin' too. He's real inta gifts… and women."

"I knew it," Davian sneered, "I'm taking him down when this is over."

"Now, Major, you ain't thinkin' straight," Gajeel gave him a meaningful look, "That ain't how you deal with people like him. He's been in service, what? Thirty years? And he knows the Colonel real well? It'll be your word against his, and you're in hot water. What are you gonna do if he turns around and points out shady shit you've done?"

The Major blinked, "What are you saying?"

"I'm sayin' it's a game and you can play it better," Gajeel said, realizing too late that the smile crossing his face was a little too wild, "and Irena is a beautiful woman who knows how to make a man happy without even touching them. Imagine she goes with ya when ye need a favor, bats her eyelashes, and gets ya outta a lotta trouble? Trouble that is bound ta catch up sooner or later?"

Davian gave him a long, hard look. Yellow bloomed in his eyes where he slipped with his glamour once again. He searched into Gajeel, more and more confused as he looked for something that wasn't there.

"Why are you looking out for me?" He asked, his voice betraying how unsettled he was by it.

"Because you looked out for Laxus. He'd be dead right now, if it weren't for you," he answered honestly.

Davian's eyes widened in dismay, "I just… I mean…"

"Listen, Davian, I can't do a lot. I been real humbled recently, as far as my magic goes, but I got this," he motioned downward, "Connections, which you need. My name carries weight 'round here, and we've been spotted together a lot. Yer real good at gettin' people to see things your way, and there are a lotta people desperate for a Major, or even a Lieutenant, in their corner."

"I have done… terrible things to you," Davian said, his voice hardly a whisper.

"You did right by him, and I reaped the benefits," Gajeel shrugged, "Besides, you'll pay it back. Assumin' I have time, I got some things ta talk with ye about regardin' yer Dad… and yer brother."

"Of course," Davian said, his tone still quiet and astonished.

"We gotta get movin', and there's a couple people you need to know about before we get there," Gajeel said, stepping away from them, "If he calls me, lunch will have to wait fer a few days, assumin' yer in town."

"I still don't understand," Davian said, following close behind him, "It's one thing to pay me back for what I did, but this is-"

Gajeel looked at him, really, raked his eyes up him from boots to head like he was sizing him up. Davian startled into silence. Gajeel's eyes burned into him, and when he spoke it scared Davian even more because it was Draconic.

"I can't do this alone anymore, and you can't either," he said, eyes flashing to Serrill and back to him. "You got people who would be real upset if you don't make it out of this. I do too."

"I am, heh, annoyingly loyal to a fault, Major. I take care of mine. May yer god help ya if you break my trust, though," He chewed on another piece of iron like the Major wasn't looking, somehow, even more wide-eyed and astonished, "Now come on. You need to meet the ladies."

The ladies were, of course, the ladies from The Sable Iris. Four of them were perched on crates of dubious origin, surrounded by little trinkets men had no doubt left for them when they stopped to talk. They'd always been that way, enjoying anything that glittered. It didn't even have to be expensive, and Gajeel had just their favorites in his pocket pulled straight from the depth of a cave on his way into Oak Town. As they got near, four sets of eyes snapped over to them. The tallest among them, an ivory-skinned woman with a perfect hourglass frame and long black hair she kept in ringlets down her shoulders, covering her shirt in such a way it gave the appearance she wasn't wearing one, smiled wide. Her cheeks tinged with rose and she waved them over excitedly, though none of them moved from where they waited. They never did, and they never would until the warehouse had cleared out. Devoid of anyone around, they'd follow the underground tunnel back to The Sable Iris. Men had tried laying in wait for them before, thinking the darkness would aid them in whatever nefarious plot they'd conjured in their heads to overpower them where they couldn't scream for help. Those men were never seen again.

"I got you a gift, Nyx," Gajeel said, and pulled from his pocket chunks of hematite he'd collected, the rounded crystals arranged in circular patterns that resembled the jagged leaves of a rose, giving them their name. "I hope you like it,"

An iron rose for each of them, and the four of them grinned excitedly as they cupped each one given to them delicately, eyes glittering with colorful hues that were both human and impossibly spectral.

"How beautiful, Kurogane…" she smiled widely, her eyes going round and tender, catering to what the man before her desired to see, her eyes even shifting to a color sinfully close to one he adored, "It has been so long since someone gave us something so thoughtful."

"I doubt that, doll," Gajeel said calmly, watching the way she swept her hair back over her shoulder, revealing soft skin and her bare collarbone. Her head tilted slightly, enticing. He tried to be careful with his eyes, but they were well practiced, "You ladies are so popular."

"Oh yes, popular, hm, Arethice?" she grinned, looking down to the woman at her side. Arethice wasn't pale like Nyx was, her skin almost coppery, and somehow losing some of its color the more Gajeel watched her. All of the ladies were that way, these four, anyway, and several others at the Iris, seemingly able to change their bodies on cue to whomever they were bedding that night. Gajeel had always just assumed they were witches who knew how to alter their bodies, because none of the ladies were wizards. Now, he was giving Davian a cursory glance to gage his reaction. Davian, who looked ready to run given the chance, and standing pointedly in front of Serrill.

"You are… Lamia," Davian said dumbly, and the women all smiled at him sweetly.

"Not so loud, lovely," Nyx said, leaning onto her hands so her breasts would hang nearly out of her blouse, "The men don't like it when you point it out."

"There are more of you?" Davian asked, his horror melting rapidly.

"Oh, yes, and not just us…" Arethice continued, uncrossing and crossing her beautiful legs, tattooed up to the thigh with depictions of vipers that coalesced around the snarling head of Medusa. Snakes that could, and would, spring to life at a moment's notice, "Sal is… a very unique man. He employs all sorts, love. You won't be lonely around here."

"The ladies at The Sable Iris know everyone around here, Major, and they're real protective of women. They run a safety shelter outta the other side." Gajeel explained, "Pretty sure that's where Sal put Haj's wife and daughter when you were making empty threats."

"Oh, little Maia is a spitfire. Her mother... protective. We were so pleased to hear you and Hajime were able to make amends," Nyx sighed, looking up at him with large, sophic eyes, "Although it was so fun to have you when you were miserable. It is good to see you happy."

Gajeel blinked, put off by what she'd said, "Gettin' in a better headspace."

"Love does that, doesn't it? You don't even need us anymore, do you?" she said breathily, a sound that was nearly perverse. She looked at him up through her eyelashes, alluring and seductive, brandishing her body like a prize for a hungry wolf and Gajeel was famished from being so far from his love... his extremely possessive love, "Bad men can do good things when they try hard enough, and you try so hard. He makes it all easy, doesn't he? But he can't take all the bad things away, like I can…"

Gajeel laughed nervously, "I'm good."

"Where she touched you still hurts, doesn't it?" she asked, innocent and sweet, while the smile she wore turned sinister and full of teeth. She had shifted in her perch, now barely on the edge of her crate, and her dress had slipped up her thighs. That was the point, to be desired. Gajeel didn't appreciate how persistent she was being, "I can take it away, if you like, Kurogane… Gajeel… like she never did those awful things. Would you like that?"

Gajeel's good mood fled him again, but he knew better than to glare at her. They ate men like candy, savoring their taste and leaving them devoid of sweetness. If he did allow himself to be tempted by her, and he had in the past, he would be left aching and empty. It wasn't worth the fleeting minutes of pleasure, fleeting minutes that would fade from his grasp in moments like mist. She watched him patiently, even extended a hand towards him, anticipating him falling into her, but he wouldn't. He knew better.

"Can you take it away forever?" he asked, and her smile dimmed, "Didn't think so."

"Well how am I to give you reason to come back if I did?" she said, pulling back her charm ever so slightly now that she realized she didn't have a hold of him.

"Ain't that the question."

"You should bring him to meet us. I want to see the man you're so loyal to," she grinned again, but this time it was much friendlier, "Don't let Sal trick you, my sweet, he has what you need. Keep that cutlass you have for a tongue sharp, and he'll give you even more."

"Sal in a generous mood?" Gajeel asked. She laughed at that, and any man near enough to hear it stopped in their tracks and stared.

"What you know is far more valuable to him than some magic powder," she smiled.

"Has anyone told you how gorgeous ye are, Nyx?" Gajeel said silkily, "More radiant than light shining through the veins of quartz in the mountain, and twice as cold."

Her eyes crinkled at the corners from how she smiled at him, "You can't flatter me, but I enjoy that you try."

Gajeel opened his mouth to speak but the lacrima in his pocket activated. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. A feeling travelled down his spine that felt far too akin to static. Thunder permeated the air, rolling distantly but still somehow making it to these depths. Laxus was calling him. Nyx's smile faded and turned into something on the verge of insulted.

"I gotta take this," Gajeel muttered, waving off Davian who looked more than a little concerned at yet another sudden shift in mood, "Take yer time."

He stepped off to the side where he didn't think prying ears would hear and activated it, not pulling up the image of his love for fear of how he looked and what it might do to him to see him. His voice was enough to drive away what little of his sense he had left.

"I'm in mixed company, mîn yst," Gajeel spoke lowly and braced himself as best he could for the man on the other side. "Guard your words."

"Gajeel…" he was strained, and his voice devolved into a breathy groan at the end. It made Gajeel's heart beat harder, "Where are you?"

"Oak Town. I gotta couple things to get yet," Gajeel replied, worrying a piece of metal in his teeth.

"You left me." It sounded like an accusation, a lament, and a plea all in one. Pain lanced through his chest.

"We had a-a conversation, remember? I had to. I didn't have a choice." Gajeel spoke gently, but in all honesty, it was physically painful to hear him in distress, "I'm torn up over it, really."

"You sound torn up." He was biting and sarcastic.

Gajeel snapped the iron between his teeth. He tried to sound upbeat, playful.

"Well, ya know, Hajime always did say tears were just wasted piss."

He chuckled, but it was still a dark and bitter sound, "I might know where your masculinity issues come from."

"You tryin' to imply the man who taught me how to drink, smoke, and kill might have been toxic?" Gajeel purred, trying to stoke humor in the blonde, "I'm appalled."

He heard someone clear their throat behind him and glanced back to see Davian standing with arms crossed, leaning against the crate near him, waiting expectantly. The look on his face said that Laxus's voice alone sealed his conclusion as to what was happening. He didn't look smug, but it was something very close to it. Serrill was at his side, a deep shade of red and looking horrified. Given that Davian was clearly amused and seemed incredibly pleased with himself, Gajeel could take a wild guess at what had happened. The ladies were always so kind to divulge any information you didn't want shared, especially when they found it scandalizing. And what would be more scandalizing than a lieutenant in love with his commanding officer and his girlfriend?

He'd typically ask what had happened, but there was something much more important speaking to him at the moment. So, he just picked up the path and walked deeper into Sal's busy hive of people moving crates, getting product packed, and milling around to the next task. Clinging to the far end of the warehouse, Gajeel saw the stairs that would lead to Sal's head of operations and made for it as quickly as he could.

"Any other nuggets of wisdom I should know about?" Laxus asked, "To be a good killer for hire?"

"Plannin' a career change?" he asked smoothly.

"Go on. Don't be shy... Kurogane," the way Laxus said that name made heat slip between his legs. He'd grown to hate that name, the moniker of him being a murderer, and now he'd kill if Laxus would just say it that way again. And again. Breathless. Uncompromising. Imperious. Dominating.

Focus.

Gajeel's heart skipped a beat. He cleared his throat and tried not to sound nervous.

"Lessee… there are no easy targets, only traps. Always plan for failure. If you're in pain, you're still alive. Never assume a target is dead, always confirm. Dead men can't talk…" Gajeel rattled, trying to remain calm, to keep his wits about him, "Oh, if yer gonna spend yer money on somethin', make sure it's a good pair of boots."

"A good pair of boots?" Laxus said distractedly.

"They're made for hard work," Gajeel said, "Unless an enemy shows their throat. Then they're made fer..." he hesitated, "...other things."

"Dark," Laxus chuckled, "Any more?"

"The blood on yer hands is what makes you a man..." Gajeel said, running out of steam the more his concentration frayed. He picked up Hajime's cadence, mocking his voice as best he could, "T'aint enough ta be good at what che do, lad, you gotta be necessary. That's what keeps ya alive. Don't matter how they done ye wrong, ye don't burn a valuable bridge. Don't ever crush the snake that crosses ye path, only the one that coils in front of ye. And no matter what, you keep lookin' for a way home."

"A way home?" Laxus asked, confused.

"Always… make it home," Gajeel said, though his voice was swiftly losing conviction, "No matter what it takes. Even if you come back covered in blood. Find a way to make it home."

"Gajeel," his voice was murky, and betrayed, "You left me."

"I know..." Gajeel's breath caught, "I'm... I'm sorry. G-Give me a couple of hours. I'll be back to you soon. I promise."

"You better… you should… you…" his voice was distant, growing weaker, "you probably shouldn't."

"Laxus," Gajeel warned, and caught himself running his fingers through his hair, getting agitated.

"I had a dream where I ripped your throat out, darling," Laxus practically groaned into the receiver, lolling his tongue over the syllables of darling like he wanted to lick the meaning straight from them, "why would I want something like that? Gajeel, I want-"

"I'm… in public," Gajeel reminded him, himself as well, "Yer angry, that's why. But it changes. You've felt it, I'm sure. It turns inta somethin' different."

"My blood feels hot, like I'm boiling from the inside out. Why?" he was distressed again, and it made his voice swing upward at the end of his sentence, "What am I supposed to do?"

"There ain't much..." Gajeel admitted, "Don't bite yourself. Makes it... worse."

"You did this... for how long?" Laxus breathed, "I'm going to go insane. I'm going insane."

"Not insane, fairy." he said, though he didn't sound convincing, "Just feels that way."

"I'm going to kill you. It only takes one amp to kill you or cause internal electrical burns. There's over a thousand in a bolt of lightning. One hundred million volts. Hotter than the surface of the sun..."

"Strangely, not the lightning that's causin' the problem," Gajeel pointed out, finally making it to the steps, "T's the blood loss, mostly."

"It's not?" Laxus snarled bitterly, "You could have your scales."

"My shield is convenient," Gajeel said, rolling his shoulder to feel the pull of healing skin, "But fer me… it's maddeningly numb. Just enough to start to feel somethin' but not enough to really feel anything."

"How do you stand it?" Laxus's voice had dropped to a labored breath, "I'm losing my mind. Gajeel… I'm going to kill you."

"I'd love to see you try, sweet oubliette," he was going up two at a time, a near sprint, not paying any heed to his companions who fell behind.

"What the fuck is an oubliette?"

"A dungeon," Gajeel said, grinning despite knowing Laxus couldn't see it, "You die slowly of starvation with only a grate to let light through, the grate leading to a banquet hall where the people above celebrate and feast, deaf to the screams of those begging for crumbs while they slowly go insane."

"You called me a sweet torture chamber."

"You kiss like a queen and love like a butcher, and I am starving for you, mîn yst, ravenous, practically howling for more, and yer tellin' me to stay away," Gajeel purred. He heard Laxus's breathing turning swift.

He spoke in a deep whisper that sounded like a growl. "Gajeel… you should stay away."

"It's so strange comin' from you. I'm the one who broods, not you," Gajeel hummed, making it to the door and finding it locked. It mattered little. He gripped the bolt, felt the metal within and knew by feel alone it was iron. Green sparks flittered into the air and there came the heavy sound of the inner mechanism sliding back. He threw the heavy door open, turned around and found Davian bemused at his trick. Serrill was still tromping up the stairs, grousing about how quick they both were and how he never realized he hated stairs until today. Gajeel held the door and Davian brushed by him, shaking his head.

"You keep getting hurt," Laxus drew out his breath into his words. Gajeel could practically feel it down his neck, "the whole campsite smells like blood. Maybe it's just my hands. I can't tell anymore. I can't keep doing this to you."

"Swête weder, I would be your thief star-crossed on a blade, if that's what you wanted, and I would still consider myself between heaven and the long shadows of dreams," Gajeel replied pleasingly, "Or, if you'd rather, I'd be the drum you beat on, thunder breaking the purple morning, midnight Raijin."

"You did not call me Raijin," Laxus laughed. It was genuine, so sweet Gajeel felt relieved, "Please don't call me that again. Gods alive."

"Aren't your friends called the Thunder God Tribe?" Gajeel asked, a smile breaking across his face, "Would that not make you the Thunder God?"

"Sixteen-year-old me would be so fucking thrilled right now," he snickered, "Kid shit."

Gajeel was sure he could hear his smile, "Thought you fairies liked codenames."

"Laxus is fine," he said warmly, "I even hate it when people use my last name."

"What's wrong with Dreyar?" Gajeel hummed the question and he heard Laxus sigh.

"Did you pick your name? Black Steel Gajeel?" he asked, changing the subject. Again, Gajeel's heart stuttered. He felt warm all over, and its focal point made him have to count backwards from ten again.

"It was given to me," Gajeel confessed.

"Yeah? By who?"

"Jose. Because of my... technique."

"Technique?" Laxus asked. "What technique?"

Gajeel sighed, running his hand through his hair as he thought of how to word his next sentence. Serrill finally caught up. He was catching his breath at the landing.

"Because I always struck at night... and used a knife," Gajeel said honestly.

"No shit." he said dryly.

"M'sure he thought it was clever." his tone was biting, because it wasn't a fond memory, getting his name. But they rarely were when Jose was involved.

Gajeel heard Serrill gasp as he stepped past him and into the room. He wasn't surprised. The first time seeing Sal's office always swept the person's breath away. He was a proud man, after all, and had been in the business a long time.

Just past the unassuming door, was a room of incredible opulence. Immediately upon entering, incense began to burn that Gajeel could never quite discern the scent of, just that it was warm and disarming. Orbs of different colored light floated overhead, steeping the place in an ethereal beauty. Most people didn't know they were creatures Sal had stumbled on in the moors, wisplings that the locals called blessings if they were spotted in the wild, and he had many of them just floating around near his ceiling, clustered around a chandelier Gajeel had never seen used ever since the wisplings had arrived. The stone walls were intricately carved, imported from somewhere out east and across the ocean, probably pillaged from a temple or tomb. Tapestries shimmered with an otherworldly energy, depicting wild hunts with animals the likes of which Gajeel had never seen, and seemed to move with life as if trapped inside, forever chased by hounds and men on horseback, stabbed with javelins and spears and arrows, oozing blood. The inside of the door was lined with wards that would only be activated once Sal entered and deactivated only when he left; a little extra insurance that whoever met him couldn't mean him harm lest they be locked in with him forever.

Sal's crest was mounted behind his desk, coming to life to tell of his exploits across Fiore in his many travels and escapades. An impressive man, though Gajeel suspected some of them might have been fabricated or stolen. Beneath it was a map detailing trade routes, many of which you wouldn't find on any traditional map, as these were owned exclusively by him, or picked up from his many acquisitions. Standing in each corner of the room were curio cabinets filled with items of dubious origin and legality. Phoenix feathers, dragon scales, daggers with spirits bound to them, mimics disguised as various pieces of jewelry, shards of a crystal Gajeel had seen in use once that ruined a wizard's concentration on their magic and made it almost impossible to fight, chains that could seal creatures in strange dimensions, a veil that, when worn, spread a magical plague that would turn an entire city mad in a short span of hours, and any assortment of other things he could only guess at the usages of, glittering and glowing and shivering all with lives of their own.

Gajeel didn't pay notice to any of these things. He'd been here before, several times, even. He needed to prove he still remembered how things went and put Sal in a good mood, as he was sure he'd be agitated about clearing his schedule for him, even if he never let it slip on the outside. He strode over to the far wall as Serrill and Davian both gawked and opened the carved wooden panels to reveal a fully stocked liquor cabinet. He delicately lifted crystal glasses and a decanter and walked them over to Sal's massive desk, a desk that any could see was made for a very large man.

"I'll have to get off when Sal get's here," Gajeel said, "I'll need to concentrate."

"Concentrate?" Laxus asked, his voice swinging low again, but this time it sounded defensive.

"He's gonna try to catch me in a lie. He's good at it, too. Real charming guy." Gajeel said, "You know how Haj can be? Sal's the one who taught him, and he's had loads more practice."

"Is it worth all this?" Laxus growled, "You could just... just stay... in town..."

Gajeel was done with the argument. He'd been done with the argument ever since Laxus had first made it in Magnolia. He ran his tongue against his teeth, glaring at the whiskey he'd bought like it had done him some wrong instead of Laxus. He didn't know, he was sure, how painful it was that he kept telling him to leave him. He wouldn't. When it had been Gajeel in his place, Laxus hadn't been as open to him as Gajeel was now. He was still constrained by his desperate need for control. Gajeel had no such qualms. He craved this reciprocation. He needed it like air, and it made his insides ache each time Laxus cautioned him away, like he was nicely telling him he was insufficient.

He took a steadying breath as he filled the priceless decanter and attempted not to sound half as angry and hurt as he felt.

"Is that what you want?" he asked.

Laxus sighed, "What do you mean?"

"Is that what you want? I told you, mîn luz, I worship the ground you walk on. If that's what you want, I'll do it." Gajeel replied, not quite able to hide the edge in his words, "Put the dagger to my chest and I'll cut out my ego. I'll do whatever you want, just say the word. I'm a degenerate desperate for your favor."

"Gajeel..." a warning, deep and reverberating. Thunder rumbled, a sound like a cave-in somewhere in the bowels of the place.

"Do I need to do the hard work for you?" Gajeel snarled into the receiver, quickly losing his temper despite his attempt, "You don't want to take my choices from me, but what if I played to your strings of my own will? I don't see anything wrong with throwing my agency away. Why do I need to make decisions for myself? Free me with servitude."

"There you go, saying crazy shit again. Why are you acting like this?" Laxus hissed, clearly uncomfortable. Gajeel could imagine what his words had incited. He was so possessive, the idea of owning him drove him wild. Gajeel proclaiming he'd surrender his everything probably made the discomfort of heat and needles swell to nearly painful levels. Gajeel was being vindictive and he didn't care, "I'm... I'm trying to... fuck! I'm trying to look out for you."

"And here I am, without any humility. Ah, then humiliate me. Power only ever corrupted me, anyway, so I'll be weak for you, mîn luz. I will be less than dirt to you, find my meaning in mediocrity," he set the bottle down too hard, checked himself, and wandered back to the cabinet ignoring the wild look from Davian and the confusion in Serrill, "There you are, I've put you in your rightful place above me. Go on. Demand it from me. Tell me to stay away from you and all your blistering intensity. You are my sun, Laxus, and I am just a shadow that moves to your command. Command me to stay or sear me off the face of Earthland."

There was a tense and palpable silence on the other end of his receiver. Static started in the background and grew until Gajeel had to lean away from it, wincing at the sound. He tried to pretend he wasn't rattled by it, by the cracking of thunder both in the receiver and the rolling response moments later in the distance, but he was worried he'd gone too far. Energy in his chest responded to a call from miles away, desperate, needy, urging him to take back his words. Submit. Gajeel didn't.

Laxus's response was a husky whisper, "If I don't?"

"Then I'm comin' back. And if you really don't want me, you'll have to run from me. Start now, give you a head start, but I know those mountains better than you know Magnolia. There's nowhere you can hide where I can't find you."

Gajeel heard a noise on the other end, a laugh and a sigh, something dark and angry. When he responded, the weight in Laxus's words nearly took his breath away. They sounded like a command even though they weren't, and profane in a way that made Gajeel dreadfully warm from his crown down to his toes. His stomach clenched, his hand trembled slightly where he held the receiver. He put on his best poker face, but he felt like searing sunlight had just kissed him and scorched all his insides.

"My love, for the same reasons you don't beg? I. Don't. Run."

Gajeel crossed and arm over his chest, trying to contain himself as he stared deeply into the cupboard without seeing much of anything. Energy was buzzing up his back, making him desperate to leave this place. Laxus laughed like he knew and found it amusing his little plaything would try to bite back.

"Do me a favor, darling?"

"What's that?" Gajeel whispered, all of his bravado shredded into bits as he clung to Laxus's every word.

"Tell me I'm not dying."

Gajeel's chest hurt, "You're not dying, Laxus."

"My heart is going to stop... it can't keep beating this quickly," he sounded like he was barely holding it together. There was more thunder, but this time it didn't penetrate underground, "I'm going to have a heart attack."

"Give me two hours," Gajeel said again, "and promise me you won't go fer a swim."

"I won't electrocute myself," he scoffed, though it lacked fervor.

"No... but you could become hypothermic. The water is cold, and I don't trust you to realize you've lost too much heat."

"Fine..." he sounded taxed, like he couldn't catch his breath, "Fine."

"I gotta go," Gajeel said shakily, "Would you like me to call you when I'm heading out of town?"

"Surprise me." He chuckled again, something menacing and covered in blood, like a fox grinning at the hare it had just caught, "You should hurry. Who knows what I could do when you're not here to stop me?"

He hung up and Gajeel realized he was holding his breath. He let it out slowly, dragging his fingers through his hair, "Damn."

"So," Gajeel nearly jumped out of his skin. Davian was right behind him. The chameleon didn't seem bothered at all by how he spun around and reared back as if to hit him, but he did grab Gajeel's scarf and in one fluid motion untangled him from it, revealing the many ugly bruises along his neck and clavicle, "Is it your provocations that are causing the issues or does he simply lack all control at this point?"

"Fuck, shit, Davian, what the hell?!"

"Was that fighting or flirting? I got mixed signals," Serrill said, peering around the Major. His eyes blew open when he saw Davian effortlessly get Gajeel's shirt off of him, revealing deep slashes all across his body, bite marks flowering with purples, blues, and sickening green. He stammered through a few words before he landed on: "Fucks sakes, did you get in a fight with a cougar?"

"You that desperate ta see me naked, Major?" Gajeel snapped, snatching his shirt back, "Should make ya pay for the service."

"Morbidly curious... Oh dear, this is my fear realized, isn't it? You wanted to know why I told Irena no?" Davian muttered and Serrill blushed furiously. He made a disgusted noise, "That is why. And fresh blood makes me unbearably hungry again. Could you imagine?"

"Bein' on the other side of that argument, do it anyway," Gajeel said, eyeing the chameleon's hands and remembering what his talons looked like. Davian frowned anxiously, "She'll leave if she feels unwanted, you know."

"That's what all of this has been about? Weird sex shit?" Serrill gaped, "Goddamn."

"Weird sex shit?" Gajeel said, his eyes wide and wild, "I'll throw you off the fucking stairwell, Serrill."

"Ignorance," Davian hissed, raising a hand to him and stepping between them, "He is human and it is ignorance. He's probably only heard of anything remotely similar to this from extremely bad romance novels."

Serrill looked dismayed and retreated slowly from them both, giving a nervous laugh to the raging dragon slayer he'd just inadvertently set off, "If you're about to tell me the Omegaverse is real, please don't."

Davian laughed heartily, making Serrill blush once again, "It is most definitely not."

Gajeel breathed slowly through his nose. His eye twitched, his pulse in his ears. He tried to calm down but it wasn't quite working.

"Weird sex shit..." Gajeel snarled again, "That's why I fuckin' hate talkin' about this shit."

"Feel free to discuss with someone else, then," Davian hummed, his tone making it clear he was well aware there probably was no one else.

"Like who? Natsu?" Gajeel curled his lip in disgust, "Just explainin' to him what his body was goin' through was like tellin' an eighteen-year-old virgin you can use your dick to do more than just piss."

"School the obscenities, they make me irrationally angry. Oros above, this isn't a locker room," Davian paced around him swiftly, looking him over before Gajeel could hide the damage Laxus had done. Davian swore as Gajeel covered back up, "Oros's Death and Rebirth, I thought you lacked restraint."

"This is what restraint looks like," Gajeel said, and the chameleon just seemed even more dismayed, "You've lived with your claws for how long? You understand, don't che, how little pressure it takes to tear someone open?"

Davian grimaced, showing his teeth, "Ah."

"Imagine ya just got 'em one day, and it just so happened ta be the day you really wanted to rip somethin' apart," Gajeel growled, turning back to his original task of getting ice as soon as he was back to rights.

"Your scales?"

"He's a bit hard to control when he get's goin' and I'm a human lightning rod when I'm covered in iron."

"And I'm sure you'd prefer that to... being struck by lightning," Davian breathed, "How dreadful."

"If I promise to be more open-minded, will you please explain what's going on?" Serrill asked hesitantly, "I'm real confused."

"Laxus is in rut," Davian said pragmatically, "Odd, given how he was quite positive his physiology wouldn't accommodate such a thing."

"And it happened outta nowhere," Gajeel said, finding what he was looking for and strolling back over to the tumblers he'd set out. "Want any?"

"No, thank you," Davian said, "and I might have a theory on the change... less-so about the swiftness of it."

"Shoot," Gajeel said, pouring whiskey. He glanced at Serrill who ended up motioning for him to give him some. Gajeel poured him a generous amount, shooting him a keen look.

"He said he doesn't typically use his dragon slaying magic. He's used it a lot recently, and somewhat transformed after eating lightning on our trip," Davian explained, "But aside from nearly smothering us all in static, he seemed fine. I would have sensed it if he was going into a cycle. I certainly did in you."

"People don't do that," Serrill said quietly, looking between Davian to Gajeel and then back to Davian, "Do you?"

"Oh, no, dear," Davian smirked, and Serrill blushed deeply again, "My mother was human and my father didn't hold those traits. I have cousins who do. We regard it with the same amount of reverence as when a girl becomes a woman... which I suppose is far more reverence than wizards but cultural differences aside, you understand."

"Oh... got it..." he looked at Gajeel next, "You're human, Laxus is human."

"Dragon Slayers," Gajeel said, like that explained it all, "It's an Old Magic, it changes us. Gives us the attributes of a dragon. Like they did, heat cycles are a thing."

"And Laxus, being a Second-Generation Slayer, didn't think he could," Davian surmised, "I think eating lightning might have assisted the process but something else must have happened."

"I don't know what," Gajeel said, situating the drink and the decanter so it looked symmetrical on the desk.

"Is it not a coming-of-age quality for Dragon Slayers?"

"I thought it was, but Igneel told Natsu it was competition based. He thinks if I'd never come to Fairy Tail, or Wendy, and Laxus kept his magic dormant, he wouldn't have gone into heat. Sting and Rogue went through it when they joined Sabertooth..."

"Rut, not heat. Unless you're telling me you can get pregnant?" Davian stabbed at him, cocking a brow. Gajeel rolled his eyes, "What about you?"

"What about me?" Gajeel said, sipping his drink.

"Did it start for you when you moved to Fairy Tail?" Davian asked.

"No... uh... no I was... young," Gajeel said slowly, thinking back, "Fifteen."

Davian's head listed to the side, "Why are you different?"

"It happened... a couple months after I joined Phantom Lord," Gajeel said, his brow furrowing, "Aw, hell, I don't know. Initiation?"

"What was your initiation?" Serrill asked, frowning.

"I, uh... killed someone... for the first time," he said, "It fucked me up for a while."

"For a while?" Davian raised a brow at him.

Gajeel rolled his eyes, "Like, drinkin' and smokin' all the time, fucked me up for a while. Got me real stressed out. And Phantom was always insanely competitive. It was a dead sprint for the top as soon as I joined."

"At fifteen?" Serrill gasped, "You were practically a child. Who in the hell gave you booze?"

"No one stopped me," Gajeel shrugged, "Old enough to kill, old enough to drink."

"It's the alcohol that worries you?" Davian gave Serrill a look. Serrill threw up his hands.

"It's Phantom Lord. It doesn't surprise me murder was the initiation."

"Could it have been what happened with Erandi? That was quite traumatic... for him," Davian said and they all sat in silence for a moment.

"If that was the case... why not when I killed Bianca?" Gajeel asked, "He was... right next to me. Looked her in the eyes when she died."

"Something else, then," Davian said, crossing his arms.

"He was real pissed at Bix... but, eh, I think, given his response to a few of my questions, it was already comin' before he found out about that."

"About what?" Serrill asked.

"He... uh... got me drunk and tried to sleep with me." Gajeel sighed, running his fingers through his hair, "Laxus leveled an entire city block tryin' ta kill him."

"What the hell? Wasn't that the guy from your welcome home party?" Serrill asked, confused, "I thought he and Laxus were friends?"

"They are."

"Are?" Davian scoffed, "Surely not anymore."

"They've been friends since they were kids." Gajeel stated.

"And he sexually assaulted you? His chosen mate? Right before he went into heat?" Davian laughed darkly, "It's a wonder the wretch is still alive. I've been privy to Laxus's temper before. Imagine that rage coupled with a complete lack of inhibition? I'm surprised he only destroyed a city block."

"It wasn't sexual assault." Gajeel muttered.

"Then you imply it was consensual?" Davian dug into him, his teeth pointed as he spoke. At Gajeel's grimace, he scoffed again, "Why defend someone who meant you harm, whether successful or not?"

"I'm not ruining their friendship."

"He ruined their friendship," Davian spat, "You are a victim of circumstance. Your values are dreadfully skewed."

"Maybe I've also gotten women drunk to take them home before," Gajeel said through gritted teeth.

"Then you recognize you were a rake and a lecher and – I hope – that you are no longer. Unless you continue to behave in such a way? Though, I highly doubt Laxus would maintain interest in you if you did." Davian's words clamped into his skin like teeth. His black tongue flickered out in his agitation, "Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised, given you are the man who went out of your way to save the life of a fire demon who tried to kill you numerous times. You allow everyone around you far more grace than you afford yourself. Is it motivated by self-degradation or a martyr complex, I wonder?"

"Thanks fer the opinion Dr. Alexi, but I didn't ask," Gajeel snapped, "You done psychoanalyzing me? I'd rather figure out what happened to my boyfriend that he suddenly went through a drastic physical change."

"I think you're right about the... anger thing," Serrill cut in quietly, "It didn't happen after he fought Zahir, who laughed when he thought you'd been killed? I feel like that would get him angrier than his best friend trying to sleep with you."

"That means it happened the week I was away," Gajeel muttered, "Damn."

"You can't ask him?" Serrill asked.

"He's real... volatile," Gajeel couldn't help but smirk a little, "Hit er miss on the conversation stayin' where it should."

Davian rolled his eyes dramatically, "You are both inconsiderate towards each other."

"He's doin' what he can," Gajeel defended, shooting him a look, "He's such a fuckin' powerful mage. Burnin' himself out takes a lot."

"Well," Davian blinked at him, "At least he let you leave, which, I think, is more than you allowed him."

"And I feel like shit fer it. He's there and I'm... here, for fuck's sakes!" Gajeel growled at him, "Ye talk a helluvah lot but ye don't know shit. I did ask him to leave before things got worse. He wanted to stay, and I wasn't goin' to tell 'im no. I'm only here now because I don't have a choice."

Davian leaned back in his seat a little, understanding, or at least trying to. His eyes fell to his duffel and supplies, "The iron..."

"I brought two weeks' worth, just in case, and ran through it in three days."

"The magic powder your Lamia acquaintance mentioned?"

Gajeel ran his hand over his face.

"A PickMeUp. Bought it from Sal for a job years ago. Heals you real fast. It ain't the most pleasant thing, and the crash afterwards is wicked but... it's somethin'."

"Oh, something that I'm sure is completely unregulated and extremely illegal..." Davian snarled.

"And expensive, but it'll work. And it'll make him feel better," Gajeel muttered, "He's beside himself for what he's doin'. We've had that argument at least... five times? I'm doin' my best here. I don't like seein' him so upset... especially over me."

Davian huffed, "Fine. It's the bare minimum, but I'll allow you two aren't abysmal for each other. This is still quite insane. He was right. He could actually kill you."

Gajeel shrugged, his reply flippant, "I'll die a happy man."

"Crude."

"But not a lie," Gajeel grinned.

"I can't tell if you two are getting along, either. One minute it sounds like you're squabbling and the next..." Serrill groused, "Are we all friends now?"

Gajeel gave him a mischievous look instead of an answer, and he groaned, "So, what did the ladies say that got ya all bothered, Serrill?"

Davian's lips twisted as he tried to hide a smirk. He rested his chin in his palm, looking every bit a snake as he leaned towards Serrill with mock innocence, "Oh yes, darling, please explain. I am quite intrigued."

Serrill was immediately bright red once again, "I get it, you're friends now. Fuck you guys."

"That bad?" Gajeel smiled widely, showing his teeth. If looks could kill, Serrill would have murdered him on the spot.

"Shut it." he hissed, "Or I'm telling Alexi about your martyr complex the next time we're in therapy."

"Given what the Lamia said, perhaps it would be more apt to report that he's obviously an autassassinophile." Davian jabbed.

"A what?"

"If I wanted to fuck anything that could kill me, Major, I woulda fucked yer dad months ago." Gajeel sneered back.

Davian threw his head back when he laughed, "Ha! I wouldn't recommend it."

"Again, I can't tell if you two actually like each other…" Serrill hissed, scrubbing his face.

"You will be stuck with me, Kierin until I'm able to turn in our report to the colonel… which I don't plan on doing until they've finished their little soirée in the Casraines," Davian said coolly, calmly, and without looking at him, "Either you will explain on your own accord or I will make you. It is only a matter of which you would prefer… and time."

Serrill stared at his boots, looking nothing short of anxious.

Davian swiveled his head towards the other side of the room, his ear pointing towards another door on the far side, "I believe I finally hear your friend, Kurogane."

"Faster than I thought," Gajeel said, and at Davian's questioning look he shrugged, "Sal's a busy man."

They heard warm laughter before the door swung open. The man who entered had to stoop slightly in order to step inside. His salt and pepper mane was braided back at the sides, keeping it well managed while he went about his business, and decorated with gold rings to help hold them in place. His long navy cloak ended at his ankles, shimmering, metallic fabric embroidered with lightning bolts you could only see when they caught the light. His tunic was dark grey, and tucked into his pants with a large belt buckle resembling an oversized hammer and engraved with those same runes that matched the doorframe, both sets igniting as he stepped into the room. He had a large hammerhead pendant, crafted from a gem that swirled with trapped energy, though Gajeel always suspected it was only for show. He wore fingerless gloves that Gajeel had always coveted, embroidered with lightning arcs and made to enhance his grip on the massive weapon he held on his hip, an oversized hammer that constantly snapped with blue static, even now when not in use.

He was a large and intimidating man, dwarfing the three of them with his size. Amber eyes danced in the dim light with mirth. He was barrel-chested and built like a brick house with dark skin from working in the sun, and a large belly that made him almost seem jovial when he smiled. However, unlike most people who climb to the head of an empire, Sal didn't hold the physic of a man lax from food and drink who sat behind his office desk day in and day out. His was one of strength. It was clear that despite how he dressed, Sal was a man who knew hard work from a young age and could still attend to it if the need arose. Despite all of this, his smile was genial and his booming voice was warm.

"Kurogane! Or, I s'pose, ye go by just Gajeel now? Ain't it good ta see ya again, lad!" he strode up to him like they were best friends, extending his hand to him to shake and pulling him into a smothering hug. Gajeel tried not to wince and returned it, a bit more reserved than he did, "What 'as got ye on my doorstep, eh? And with these two in tow? A Major and a Lieutenant? A pleasure ta meet ye boys."

"Sal, this is Major Davian Bishop and Lieutenant Keirin Serrill," Gajeel said, motioning to each in turn. They both shook his hand graciously, if a little put off by his friendliness, "Major, Serrill, this is LeSalle Bastil, head of the Union of the Azure Hammer."

"Ye sure know how ta make a man sound important, lad. Call me Sal, and I'm at yer service," he said, his gaze landing hard on Davian as he spoke, "Well now... ain't ye special? No need fer the glamour, lad, I ain't one ta care 'bout that. Ye'll find my boys are a bit more amenable than your lot."

Davian blinked rapidly, "I... beg pardon?"

"Your people mostly stick to themselves, don't che?" he continued, unperturbed, "And you're a Major? Phew, can't imagine the work that took, eh? Those young wizards give ye a run for yer money?"

"They... try," Davian said, rattled, "You are quite perceptive."

Sal tapped the side of his nose, "I make it my business ta be. As ye can imagine, this business gets a mite dicey. The more ya know, the better yer chances."

"I'm sure," Davian replied.

"Well, have a seat boys, we can have a nice chat," he smiled, and looked past them to the handful of men that had followed him into the room, "Yer dismissed. Consider it a reward for a job well done. Talk ta Miss Belle on yer way out for your cut."

"Ah, don't let us hold ya, Sal. I didn't realize you were just gettin' back from a job." Gajeel said, handing him his tumbler. Sal threw it back like it was water and promptly poured himself some more.

"You buy me top shelf, lad? I'm touched." Sal sighed blissfully, his heavy boots filling the room with the full sound of him walking around his desk, "And ye know damn well you ain't holdin' me up. You asked fer a favor and I'm obligated to hear you out."

"Callin' it in," Gajeel corrected, and Sal smiled at him so wide the creases of his eyes crinkled, the only recognition he would give at being caught trying to swindle things more in his favor, "from that job in Sequoia."

"Ah, that's right. Did he tell you boys what he did? Lifted the damn boat outta the water, he did. Titan had ta scrape 'im off the ground when it was over. Bout killed yerself over that one, didn't ye? Shakin' like a leaf from how much magic 'e used up." Sal said as he reclined back into his chair, "Freshly eighteen, weren't cha?"

"Only 'cuz you wouldn't hire me sooner," Gajeel replied easily.

"Can't have kids runnin' 'round an operation like this, no matter how grown they think they are," he gave Davian a look, "Ye understand all 'bout that, I'm sure. These lads think they know everythin' 'til they get they asses handed to 'em fer the first time."

"You're not wrong," Davian chuckled demurely, and as Gajeel watched him it was like he flipped on a switch that made him much more amiable and warm. At first Gajeel thought it was glamour, but he quickly realized he was just mirroring the man in front of him, "That's why I'm so hard on my cadets. I'm loath to lose one to simple hubris. They're good boys, but they need focus. Though I'm sure you have much more experience in such things."

"Aye, watched hubris cut down many a man," his eyes gleamed as he spoke, and he glanced back to Gajeel, "Cept you. Somehow you keep on comin' on top, don't che, lad?"

"You sayin' I'm cocky?" Gajeel asked, sipping his drink, "Or lucky?"

"Maybe a bit a both, ain't it?" he laughed heartily, fidgeting with one of the many rings on his fingers, "Now, what was it ye wanted me so badly for?"

"It really ain't all it's been made out ta be, Sal," Gajeel smiled, "I just needed ta get some a' that powder from ya again. The shit that makes you heal real fast?"

"Vitalis Powder?" he said, his eyes widening, "Whatever for, lad? Goin' up against another lightning mage?"

"A lightning mage?" Davian smirked knowingly, "Do you often have issues with lightning mages?"

"Oh, does he. Strike that lad and he's done fer," Sal laughed, and patted his hammer for good measure, sending electric blue sparks into the air. Gajeel didn't flinch, less because he thought Sal a man of empty threats and more so because he couldn't begin to guess at how expensive the room was, "Don't handle it well, do ye?"

"Never have." he replied tightly.

"Wait, seriously?" Serrill asked, his expression all but screaming and you're dating one?

"Yeah, hurts him more than usual," Sal said. Though his smile never changed, Gajeel could tell by the tone of his voice what he was doing. He was trying to intimidate him with how much he knew, "How'd we find that out? Was Hajime wasn't it?"

"He hit me full on in a spar while my iron scales were up," Gajeel said, sipping his drink and pretending it didn't faze him. They were simply reminiscing over a fond memory, "Put me in the infirmary."

"Jose was pissed. You were s'posed ta go on a job, weren't ye? That next day?"

"Sure was. And you know Jose. Hated bein' disappointed," Gajeel replied, remembering and trying not to let the memory darken his features.

It wasn't Hajime's fault. He'd never struck Gajeel before. They had no way of knowing how badly it would hurt him, or how it would take him out of commission for a week afterward. He'd only been seventeen at the time and didn't bounce back as quickly as he could now. Hajime had done the job in his place, which caused a load of problems later because he hadn't been nearly as subtle as their Master had wanted. But Hajime was always so much better at dodging Jose's wrath than he was, talking him down and smoothing things over. He was also better at cleaning up his own messes.

"Anythin' ta do with that blonde you were walkin' round town with?" Sal pried, "Heard he was some important somebody."

"I'm shocked, old man. I thought you didn't forget a face?" Gajeel smiled, "Age catchin' up to ya?"

"Well it wasn't me who saw ya 'round town. I just heard the rumors. A Fairy Tail wizard, which makes sense seein's how that's yer guild now." Sal said.

"Maybe I'm goin' out ta fight this thunder bird I've heard so much about," Gajeel said, his tone smooth and the barest bit sarcastic.

Sal laughed, and the sound of it echoed throughout the grand room, making the wisplings shiver, "The thunder bird! How could I 'ave forgotten that thing knockin' around in the mountains? That must be it."

"How much?" Gajeel asked as Sal wiped a tear from his eye.

"How much?" he asked, his confusion genuine, "I didn't expect ye'd pay me."

"Course I will. I'm good for it."

"Ain't much of a favor if yer payin' me, now, is it, lad?" Sal said, his eyes narrowing a tad.

"Maybe the favor was just gettin' ta see ya? I know yer a busy man, busier now, too, with Phantom gone. Don't have someone meddlin' inta yer business," Gajeel said with a smile, "Maybe I just wanted ta say hello. Share a drink."

"Uh huh..." Sal said slowly, his eyes glittering in the dim light as he tried to discern something from Gajeel's words, "Forgive me fer bein' suspicious, now, but uh... I don't recall you ever bein' a straight shooter."

"What can I say? I'm a changed man," Gajeel said, displaying his hands for him to see he wasn't hiding anything. He blinked at him slowly, "And I'm in a hurry."

"That's it?" Sal asked, opening a drawer in his desk and withdrawing a lacrima, "It ain't nothin' else?"

"That's it," Gajeel affirmed, "I told ya, I'm gettin' straight."

"Shame that," he mused aloud, and activated the lacrima long enough to tell someone to bring him the powder, now, if they'd be so kind, "You were real good at yer job, yanno."

"Hurt a lotta people, too," Gajeel said, steering the conversation exactly where he knew Sal would want it. He finished his drink and set it down on the edge of Sal's desk. He took out a piece of iron to worry with his teeth, more and more agitated he'd forgotten his cigarettes.

"What was your official count, anyway? Don't think I ever heard."

Sal was moving his hands as he spoke, not glancing his direction. Casual, like they were talking about the weather.

"You mean Custody's count or Jose's?" Gajeel asked, running his tongue against his canines as he watched Sal closely, "Or mine?"

At the last mention, Sal looked up at him. A wry smile was on his face, "So you did overreport?"

Gajeel clicked his teeth and gave him a bit of an unfortunate smile, "Sorry ta say it, Sal, but my count has been grossly under reported."

Sal's smile vanished, "Under."

"Yeah, uh, I'd love ta give ya all the details but it don't just affect me, y'see. And like I said, I'm in a hurry," he said, his smile also finally fading a way, "So if ya gotta question for me, Sal, I'ma need ya to not play games with me. Just ask."

Sal, knowing full and well he was caught, chuckled a bit, "But you're so good at playin' 'em, lad. Really is a shame yer goin' straight. Would've loved ta have ya on my team."

Gajeel shrugged, disregarding the compliment, "Why ya askin' about old jobs, Sal? You know full well Jose was in charge of that shit. I got about as much background on 'em as you."

"Alright, I'll level with ye," he sighed, standing to use his height to look down on him as he spoke, "There's a few rumors goin' round that Jones is alive. I need ta know if they're true."

"I ain't at liberty to say," Gajeel replied.

"Don't tell me yer protectin' a guy like him. Piece a shit left his kid and started a whole new family somewhere else," Sal scoffed, "Mads ain't been the same since."

"No offense, Sal, but I don't trust ya with that kinda information," Gajeel said frankly, earning him an outraged look from the older man, "I don't trust anyone willin' ta sell information to the highest bidder."

"I'm hurt by ye, lad. I ain't sellin' this information. I need it," he said, his good mood soured, "He had talent. Talent I need."

"If he was alive, and I ain't sayin' he is, then what makes you think he'd want ta work with the man who sold him out to Jose?" Gajeel asked, cocking his head slightly as he spoke. He flexed his free hand, reminding himself not to clench it into a fist.

Sal narrowed his eyes at him, his tone flat, "That's a mighty big claim, ain't it?"

"You know why I was sent on that mission with him, don't che? Because Jose had to tighten the leash on all his guys after I let Hajime go, and someone let him know his wife worked for the Southern Wolves?" Gajeel bared his teeth as he spoke and didn't miss how Sal's eyes darted to the side when he mentioned Jose's name, "He sent Jones to kill his own wife. And me in case he couldn't. Now tell me, who around here made a habit of workin' with our competition and would know somethin' like that?"

Sal huffed, "I ain't the only one 'round here in the business of hiring mercenaries."

"Course not, Sal, but ye are the only one with the time and resources ta dig deep inta everyone in Jose's circle," Gajeel said darkly, "Real specific shit that Jose could use against us."

"Come now, lad. Yer talkin' about things that happened years ago," Sal dismissed, "You're scared of a man who's in prison."

"Jail, not prison," Gajeel snarled, "And you and I both know he ain't stayin' there forever."

"Can't do nothin' about that, can I?" he replied, crossing his arms and watching Gajeel steadily, not relenting, "I get you boys not sayin' nothin', but there were a lotta people quiet when he was put on trial. People who I was sure as hell shocked to see kept their mouths shut."

"Sal, Hajime can't say anything bad about Jose." Gajeel bared his teeth, "And neither can his wife."

"What do ya mean can't?" he asked, frowning.

"Who gave ya the last bits to yer fancy spell that keeps everyone so tight lipped, Sal? Was it The Titan?" Gajeel sneered. Sal stilled, realizing immediately what he was insinuating, "He can talk around things, but he can't give detail. He can't give a confession."

"I'm surprised yer takin' it so personal, Kurogane," Sal stepped around his desk, approaching him with purpose, "I ain't out here tryin' ta ruin yer good reputation."

"It ain't my reputation I'm worried about," Gajeel replied steadily, meeting him eye to eye, refusing to budge and not intimidated in the least by Sal's approach, "I know Jose, and I know sooner or later he'll come back lookin' for everything he left behind."

"Is that the root of it, then? Just out ta save yer own skin?" Sal stopped in front him, attempting to use his size to break him down. If their topic of conversation wasn't so serious, Gajeel might have laughed at the effort. He clicked his teeth.

"Do I seem yellow ta you? Jose can come after me, and I wish him all the luck for it. But I'm not stupid, either," he sighed, "Would you really be ok if Mads got killed because Jose found out Jones was alive? Because that's what he does. He doesn't just get revenge, Sal, he makes you wish you were dead first, so when he sends his phantoms after you it's a mercy. Extended family, friends, close friends, family... works his way up, and then he gets to you. If yer lucky, you're just dead. If yer not, he lets ya know it's all yer fault the people you care about were hurt, and then offers you salvation."

"You know I take care of mine," Sal said, his voice low and serious, "Any time Jose came after one of my boys, I got it taken care of."

"That right?" Gajeel said, raising his brow, "Every time?"

"Every time," Sal affirmed, narrowing his eyes at him.

A smile tugged at the corner of Gajeel's lip, "You'd give me your word on that?"

Sal's eyes narrowed a bit more.

"See, Sal, I really can't say if Jones is alive. I wouldn't know. We ain't friends." Gajeel said, crossing his arms and tossing his head back, trying not to seem too haughty, "But I could give ya a list of everyone I ever let get away... assumin' I can get yer word that if you do find them, that they and everyone they care about gets the full weight of LeSalle Bastil's protection, even if they don't accept whatever deal it is you have ta offer."

Sal's brows raised slightly, the only thing that betrayed what he was really after. Gajeel had suspected, of course. Jones was just another mercenary. He wasn't that great at his job, and he certainly wasn't as valuable as Sal or Mitzi made him out to be. It was, as always, knowledge that Sal was after, and to find out just how far Gajeel had deviated from his loyalty to Jose when he thought no one would notice. Gajeel had been sent by Jose to hunt down many people in his career, and they had a wide range of skills. Jones was a steppingstone, and Gajeel knew the whole route.

Sal watched him intensely, his amber eyes sparking. Magic made the air thick as he searched for truth in Gajeel's words. The wisplings above them shivered and flitted away from them, not fond of the change in atmosphere. Blue electricity snapped around Sal's hands, igniting his gauntlets so they'd reflect the light. The whole place became steeped in a deep cobalt. The pendant around his neck pulsed with light.

"I can give you my word," Sal said, extending his hand. A smirk tugged across his face as blue electricity snaked up his arm, "If ye think ye can handle it."

Gajeel snapped the iron in his mouth and summoned his scales on just his right arm. He flexed his fingers again, a clear hesitation. He set his jaw and reached forward, repeating what Laxus had told him in his head about completing the circuit. Sal gripped his hand firmly, eyes boring into him as blue ricocheted off glittering iron. Gajeel snapped his other hand forward, clasping Sal's wrist and trying his best to just allow electricity race through his body and back to him as he weaved his intricate spell. Sal's grin widened, lighting his face with exhilaration as the bond was set. His word, his vow, wouldn't be broken without Gajeel knowing it. He let him go and Gajeel grimaced, shaking his hand.

"Look at you... learnin' new tricks," Sal grinned, "Who taught ya ta do that, I wonder?"

"The blonde everyone keeps talkin' about," he grunted, dropping his scales. He could still feel energy zipping under his skin and his hand spasmed slightly. He opened and closed it experimentally, making a disgusted sound, "And he hits way harder than you do."

"Your thunder bird, ya mean?" Sal said knowingly, "Y'know, come ta think of it I do know about a blonde lightning mage from Fairy Tail. Don't know why someone like that would be knockin' around with the likes of you, though."

"That hard ta believe I can actually make friends?" Gajeel responded coolly.

"Course not, lad… 'cept I heard he has a reputation fer not enjoyin' the company of weaker mages," Sal said, "Not offense, of course, but… ain't he a Wizard Saint?"

"Could be, if he took it seriously," Gajeel said, finishing the rest of his iron scrap, "He's my boyfriend."

"Don't that just take the rag off the bush? You're dating Makarov Dreyar's grandson? Laxus Dreyar?" Sal said, incredulous. He gave him a look up and down, "Those are strong-blooded people, lad. Of all the families in Fiore, how in the hell did you snag a Dreyar?" He paused, "Didn't you destroy their fuckin' guildhall?"

"It was more like he snagged me," Gajeel chuckled, "Or maybe snared would be a better word fer it. I'm as shocked as you, believe me."

"I'd bet he knocked you down a peg er two, eh?" Sal laughed.

"And has me in a chokehold," Gajeel hummed, glad for the static rapidly dissipating. Sal's magic had left a mark. The busted blood vessels in his arm were already turning livid and red. He was thankful he'd be getting that powder soon. He wouldn't have to explain it away to Laxus later.

"No wonder yee humbled a bit," Sal's laughter subsided and he let out a sigh. His tone was amused, sly, "Yer really about ta walk outta here hangin' onta that favor, ain't ye?"

"That's the hope," Gajeel said.

"Really is a shame yer goin' straight," Sal said, turning thoughtful, "You still lookin' for those dragon books?"

"Any I can get my hands on," Gajeel replied easily.

"I see…" Sal nodded thoughtfully, "...you write those names down, lad. I got a few things ye might be interested in."

Sal lumbered out of the room and Gajeel let out a breath. He sagged, running his good hand through his hair, "Goddamn, I wish I didn't forget my fuckin' cigarettes."

"Kurogane... just how underreported are your numbers?" Davian asked, quirking a brow at him, "We have over four dozen on record."

"If I told ya, I'd have ta kill ya, Major," Gajeel said, rummaging through Sal's desk in search for pen and paper.

"Oh dear, and here I thought we were friends," he grinned, all sharp teeth.

"Why would you underreport to your Master?" Serrill asked, causing Davian's smile to fade as the question hadn't occurred to him, "Isn't he the one who... sent... you?"

He found what he was looking for and immediately began writing names down. Maybe it was because being in this place made him sentimental, but he found himself talking with little encouragement. The memories were dark and bubbled up like bloated bodies in deep water. Cold, glassy-eyed, and blue.

"Somethin' you probably don't know about Jose is he changed somethin' awful after Hajime left. Before, it was like, I dunno, bein' in an abusive relationship... yeah, that's a good name for it. He gave ya everything, put you on a pedestal. Upgraded the dorms for the guys who didn't have families, bought houses for the ones who did, gave us gifts, nice shit only Sal could get his hands on. He wanted us happy, obedient, and if that didn't work he fell back on fear. Custody Enforcement was always a step behind us, and without Jose, we'd all be under. Somehow, it was always the guys thinkin' about leavin' that got caught..." Gajeel sighed, "And then Hajime left, and he really leaned into the fear, bit. Started the public executions, diggin' into our pasts, into who we cared about, started usin' 'em against us..."

Gajeel sucked in a breath, let it out slowly, "Juvia... had a mental breakdown."

"Juvia... the rain mage..." Davian said slowly. Gajeel heard the inflection it held, and glanced up at him, observed how his lips were pressed together.

"Jose sent her to take on a target, conveniently left out he could breathe underwater. I was in the area..." he paused, staring down at his pen, "I was told ta be in the area. When the guy got back up after she was sure he was dead, I jumped in. Poured down rain for days after that, and Jose was pissed."

"And you are a sucker for women's tears?" Davian asked.

"I am..." Gajeel curled his lip in disgust, remembering the first time he'd held someone underwater until the bubbles stopped, because unlike him, Juvia killed with magic, "She didn't want to do it anymore, but she couldn't just quit. So, I started goin' with her. I did the hard part for her. Jose must have caught on at some point... Things had been goin' so well for a while. I was on his good side and... things were fine. Really started to think maybe they were back to how they were before Haj was gone. But then he sent me on a mission halfway across Fiore the same time he sent her on one."

"What happened?" Serrill asked, his brow furrowed.

"She failed it. Nerves got to her," Gajeel said simply, finishing his list, "And Jose punished us both in the worst way he could figure out."

Davian removed his glasses, aware of exactly what the punishment was. He rubbed at his eyes, looking as if the conversation had just exhausted him. He shook his head.

"You are... a marvel to me, Gajeel," he said at last, "The more I learn, the more I don't understand. Despite everything, you decided to turn over a new leaf in a guild that hated you, showed kindness to people who hurt you, fell in love with one of them. You spared Unaven, you talked Zahir out of suicide, and you helped me several times. You didn't have to help LeSalle, and yet not only did you, but you negotiated a substantial protection for those who would be affected by it. And, strangely, now I've come to understand you've been helping people, secretly, for a very long time despite what your old master would do if he found out?"

"I have one of the highest confirmed kill counts and one of the highest success rates," Gajeel replied, brushing off what Davian said, "I'm not a saint, Davian."

"I truly can't decide what you are," Davian said, giving him an odd look, "A good person who does bad things or a bad person who does good things?"

Gajeel shrugged, "Let me know when you figure it out. I'd love to know m'self."

Sal returned, a man with wired spectacles in tow who was going on and on about how he really shouldn't be giving away such a precious commodity to just anyone. Sal didn't mind him, of course, and instead just strode in with his usual large smile. When the man laid his eyes on Gajeel, he immediately stopped his fretting.

"O-oh... I see." he said.

"You remember how much a dose of this is, lad?" Sal asked, placing the pouch in his hands gently, "It don't take much."

"I know," Gajeel said, opening the pouch to look inside, "And it's only good for superficial wounds."

The Vitalis Powder shimmered with its own light, a glittering silver like fairy dust. He licked the top of his thumb and dabbed it into the edge, twisting it shut again before setting it to the side. Sal looked a bit dumbfounded as he took some right there, the bitter grains making him grimace. He felt his wounds close suddenly, something like a severe itch oozing over his whole body and vanishing once his skin had knitted together, worming its way into his flesh for the scar Sal had left. The deeper wounds he had already stitched together burned where healing happened rapidly. He shivered and rolled up his sleeve, noting unblemished skin.

"That'll work," he said, pulling out his wallet, "How much?"

Sal glanced over Gajeel's shoulder, looking at the list he'd made, "Ye've more than paid for it, lad."

"Really, Sal, I do have money."

He waved him off, and took from the man behind him another pack of items. Two large books, from what Gajeel could see, and a pouch.

"Don't know why ye need healin' items, lad, but in there's a little extra," Sal was saying, much to Gajeel's dismay, "Ever heard of a Steelvine Lotus?"

"No."

"Use it ta make tea," Sal said, and motioned to the man behind him who immediately began babbling an explanation.

"It boosts the body's resilience to physical injuries. It's been used for generations by elemental warriors before engaging in-"

"And metallic bandages," Sal interrupted.

"Steelweave bandages," the man at his side huffed, "They have magically treated iron fibers that help wizards specified in iron and steel magics to-"

Sal cut him off again, annoyed, "You do that thing, don't che? Where you stitch yerself together with iron?"

"You can do what?" Serrill blurted. Gajeel ignored him.

"How in the hell did you hear about that?" Gajeel asked.

"Titan thought it was mighty interesting," Sal smirked, "Didn't shut up about it after he saw you do it once. Figured ye'd find those useful,"

Gajeel's eyebrows shot up, "Yeah... probably."

"Consider us even, then." Sal said.

Thunder rumbled overhead, a slow build that grew until it sounded like the earth around them was falling in. Gajeel felt it in his bones, his atoms scattered and caromed off the borders of his body. His mind went blank, his muscles snapped to the ready, everything in him suddenly ready to run. Run to his love, frantic, his blood rushing behind his eardrums and adrenaline working. The thunder twisted into a new sound in his ears, a cry for him to return, a dragon's roar. It stole his breath and energy spread from his chest, electricity Laxus had set there when he'd dragged him up the mountain, sparked to life and sizzled to the surface of his skin, danced down his arms and snapped at the tips of his fingers. There was ringing in his ears, dampening sound as he attempted to hold his breath, to recover from what the sound of thunder had done to him. Different noises penetrated slowly, and after a long moment, he realized Davian was speaking lowly, slowly.

"I don't recommend that. He can be violent when he doesn't expect to be touched." he was saying, "Just give him a moment to collect himself. If I had to guess, he was just told none too nicely to hurry back."

Gajeel's chest ached like his heart had just been ripped out. It spread farther into his torso, his stomach, his throat. He would have sobbed from it if he wasn't so very aware of the bodies around him. Laxus was calling for him, distressed… and it made him think of the dragon that had screamed for his dad who never came. He wouldn't let that happen; he wouldn't be too late. He needed to leave, now, but the pain of it doubled him over. Thunder was fading, and he felt lightning in his veins calling him home. The electricity on his skin faded back inside of him and disappeared.

He spoke in draconic, because in his head he thought maybe Laxus would hear and understand, though of course he couldn't.

"It hurts… calm down, calm down..." he breathed, "Calm down, sweet storm, it hurts…"

"Master dragon," Davian said pragmatically, "Perhaps it's time for you to leave?"

"It hurts... I can't breathe."

"Then not being fifty feet underground would be better for you, I'm sure," he spoke calmly, like he was coaxing an animal from its cage, "Do you need help carrying your many things?"

"Do you think you can stand walking into the eye of a hurricane?" he snarled, eyes flashing up to him.

Davian's lips twisted. "No, I don't think so."

"Four days. Give me four days and meet me on the road heading into the mountains." He ground out, finally finding it in him to straighten. His hands trembled slightly as he raked his fingers through his hair.

"As you wish," Davian replied simply. Serrill looked downright unsettled, and scrambled out of the way as Gajeel gathered his belongings. Bags over his shoulders, he was itching to make a mad sprint out of there but knew he couldn't.

"I'll see ya later, Sal." his voice in tatters, more of a growl than actual words, Thanks for everything."

"You, uh, you gonna be ok, lad?" he asked, startled.

"Oh, yeah…" Gajeel grinned, not caring anymore about how feral he knew he looked, "I'll be just fine, thanks."

---

Author's Notes:

If any of you read Welcome to the Masquerade, you know who LeSalle is, though he got a major upgrade in this fic lmao

You can see bits and bobbles scattered throughout this fic from where I was once going to do an arc where Jose returns. All the way back in the chapters where Gajeel has flashbacks to Phantom Lord after his welcome home party, I was solidifying a setup where he was originally going to figure out something was wrong with Laxus because Laxus fights Jose and passes out from magic deficiency. I ended up cutting it because the fic is so large and I figured we already hashed through most of what that would accomplish for his character development back in the Unaven arc. I really, REALLY want to write Laxus beating the shit out of Jose Porla, though, so I'm thinking about having a side series based in TWIU where I explore that arc as well as other things that got cut from the story.