Gajeel's footsteps echoed in the dimly lit corridor, each step heavier than the last. His crimson eyes burned with a simmering rage that he didn't fully understand, his mind replaying the guards' cruel words. The image of Levy's pale face, her trembling frame, and the blood on her shoulder etched itself into his thoughts like a brand.
His fists clenched tightly at his sides, metallic scales flickering briefly over his knuckles before fading. The familiar weight of his Dragon Slayer instincts pressed against him, gnawing at his chest. It wasn't just anger—it was something deeper. He didn't understand it, but the overwhelming need to protect her—to shield her from further harm—was undeniable.
Leaning against a stone wall, Gajeel took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he tried to wrestle the storm raging within him.
"Get it together," he growled to himself, his voice low and rough. He slammed his fist into the wall, the stone cracking under the force. "You're losing it."
But no matter how hard he tried, the image of Levy's wide blue eyes—fearful yet defiant—wouldn't leave him. It wasn't guilt. It wasn't pity. It was something much harder to explain, something that made his instincts flare uncontrollably.
Lucy shifted uncomfortably against the rough stone wall, every movement sending sharp pains through her battered body. Her arm throbbed from the jagged cut she'd sustained during their fight, but she pushed the pain aside.
Levy sat beside her, her small frame hunched as she stared at the floor. Her fingers trembled slightly as they gripped the fabric of her torn sleeve, trying to stem the faint trickle of blood from her shoulder.
"How's your shoulder?" Lucy asked softly, her voice a mix of concern and exhaustion.
Levy glanced at her, managing a faint, shaky smile. "It's fine. Just a scratch."
"Levy, it's not fine," Lucy said, her tone firm. "That cut looks deep. You should've let me check it earlier."
Levy shook her head, her eyes dropping to Lucy's arm instead. "And what about you? You're bleeding too." She motioned toward the gash on Lucy's forearm, the blood starting to dry against her pale skin. "We're both a mess."
Lucy let out a weak chuckle, though the effort made her wince. "Yeah, we are."
The small moment of levity faded quickly, the weight of their situation pressing down on them.
"They'll come for us," Lucy said quietly, her voice resolute. "They won't leave us here."
Levy nodded, though doubt flickered in her expression. "I know they'll come. But what if they're too late?"
"They won't be," Lucy insisted, though her own doubts gnawed at her resolve. She couldn't let Levy see it. "Natsu, Erza, Gray... They'll find us."
Levy's blue eyes softened as she leaned back against the wall, her head tilting up to the small, barred window. "I just hope Plue made it. It's a lot to ask from such a little spirit."
Lucy smiled faintly. "Plue's tougher than he looks. He'll make it."
Gajeel paced the dim storage room, his boots scuffing against the stone floor. The room was filled with crates and barrels, their contents long forgotten. His sharp eyes scanned the shelves until they landed on a set of keys hanging from a rusted hook.
"Perfect," he muttered, snatching them and slipping them into his pocket.
"Gajeel."
Juvia's voice made him turn sharply, his crimson eyes narrowing as he faced her.
"You're going to help them, aren't you?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with concern.
"What's it to you?" he snapped, though the edge in his voice wavered.
Juvia stepped inside, her usual soft demeanor replaced by quiet determination. "Jose doesn't care if they're hurt—or worse. I don't agree with this either, but going against him is dangerous."
Gajeel's jaw tightened. "I don't care about Jose. Those girls didn't deserve this. And that blue-haired one..." He trailed off, clenching his fists.
Juvia tilted her head. "You care about her, don't you?"
"Don't be stupid," Gajeel growled. "I don't care about anyone."
"Then why are you so angry?" Juvia asked quietly.
The question lingered in the air, unanswered.
The cell door groaned loudly as the lock turned, the iron creaking with age and disuse. Lucy and Levy both tensed, their bodies coiling with a mix of fear and defiance. The dim torchlight flickered, casting shadows on the damp stone walls as the door swung open.
Standing in the doorway was Gajeel, his imposing figure silhouetted against the faint glow of the hall behind him. His crimson eyes glinted sharply, scanning the room before landing on the two battered women.
Lucy scrambled to her feet despite the pain flaring through her bruised limbs, positioning herself protectively in front of Levy. "What do you want now?" she demanded, her voice firm despite the tremor in it.
Gajeel raised an eyebrow at her defiance, crossing his arms. "Relax, Blondie," he muttered, his tone gruff but not threatening. "I'm not here to hurt you."
Levy looked up at him, her blue eyes wide with confusion. "Then... why are you here?"
Gajeel shifted uncomfortably, his hand drifting to his pocket where the stolen keys rested. "To get you out of this dump," he said, his voice softening just slightly.
Lucy's eyes narrowed, her body remaining tense. "Why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't," Gajeel replied bluntly, stepping into the room. "But you don't have much of a choice."
Levy stared at him, searching his face for any sign of deceit. Instead, she saw something she didn't expect—guilt, frustration, and an emotion she couldn't quite place. "Why are you doing this?" she asked cautiously.
Gajeel knelt in front of her, pulling the keys from his pocket. He avoided her gaze as he unlocked the magical restraints around her wrists. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to," he muttered.
Levy flinched slightly as the restraints fell away, the faint glow disappearing and leaving her skin raw and tender. She rubbed her wrists, her gaze still fixed on Gajeel. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Gajeel's jaw tightened, and he nodded once, quickly moving to Lucy. "Your turn."
Lucy hesitated, her instincts screaming at her not to trust him, but a glance at Levy's now-free wrists made her relent. She extended her arms, flinching slightly when his rough hands brushed against her skin.
"Don't make me regret this," Gajeel warned as he unlocked her restraints.
When the bindings clattered to the floor, Lucy felt a rush of relief, though the soreness in her limbs remained. She rubbed her wrists, her gaze wary. "I still don't get why you're helping us," she said, her voice laced with suspicion.
Gajeel smirked faintly, though the expression didn't reach his eyes. "Let's just say I don't like following orders," he said, standing and crossing his arms. "Now, are you coming or not?"
Levy pushed herself to her feet, wobbling slightly before steadying herself against the wall. Lucy immediately moved to support her, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Where are we going?" Levy asked, her voice quiet but steady.
"Someplace that isn't here," Gajeel replied, his tone clipped. He motioned for them to follow as he turned toward the door.
The hallway outside the cell was dimly lit, the flickering torches casting uneven shadows across the stone walls. Juvia stood near the corner, her watery blue eyes flicking nervously between the group and the darkened passage ahead.
"They're going to notice they're gone soon," she whispered, her voice tense.
"Then we move fast," Gajeel said, his tone brooking no argument. He glanced back at Lucy and Levy, his crimson gaze lingering on the latter. "Stay close, and don't slow me down."
Lucy glared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. "We wouldn't have to if you'd actually explain what's going on."
"Less talking, more moving," Gajeel growled, motioning for Juvia to lead the way.
The group moved quickly but carefully, their footsteps muffled against the damp stone floor. The air felt heavy with tension, every corner they turned a potential trap.
Levy stumbled slightly, her legs still weak, and Gajeel instinctively reached out to steady her. "Careful," he muttered, his voice softer than before.
"I'm fine," Levy said, though her cheeks flushed faintly.
"You're not fine," he retorted, his grip lingering for a moment before he released her.
Lucy raised an eyebrow at the interaction but said nothing, focusing instead on keeping an ear out for approaching footsteps.
As they neared the end of the hallway, faint voices echoed from an intersecting corridor. Gajeel raised a hand, signaling the group to stop.
"Guards," he muttered, his crimson eyes narrowing.
Juvia frowned, her hands glowing faintly with water magic. "We can't turn back now."
Gajeel's smirk returned, sharp and predatory. "We're not turning back. You two stay out of the way," he said, glancing at Lucy and Levy. "This'll be over quick."
Before Lucy could argue, Gajeel stepped into the corridor, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the two Phantom Lord guards.
"What are you doing here, Gajeel?" one of them asked suspiciously.
"Stretching my legs," Gajeel replied casually before lunging forward. His iron-coated fist collided with the first guard's jaw, sending him crashing into the wall.
The second guard barely had time to react before Gajeel grabbed him by the collar and slammed him into the floor.
"You didn't see anything," Gajeel growled, his voice low and dangerous.
The guards groaned in response, barely conscious as Gajeel turned back to the group.
"All clear," he said, motioning for them to move.
Lucy's eyes widened as she took in the damage. "Remind me not to get on your bad side."
Gajeel smirked. "Good plan."
The group pressed onward, the tension thick in the air as they navigated the maze-like corridors. Every sound—every faint echo—set their nerves on edge, but the promise of freedom kept them moving.
Levy glanced at Gajeel as they walked, her voice soft. "Why are you really doing this?"
He didn't look at her, his gaze fixed ahead. "Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to," he said gruffly.
But the way his fists clenched and his jaw tightened told her there was more to his actions than he was willing to admit.
The forest surrounding the Phantom Lord base was alive with the crackle and roar of magic. Fire illuminated the trees as Natsu's fists blazed with molten heat, each punch sending waves of flame crashing into the ranks of Phantom Lord mages.
"Get out of my way!" Natsu roared, his voice echoing through the chaos. His flames burned brighter with every attack, fueled by the thought of Lucy in danger.
Nearby, Gray created towering walls of ice to shield Erza and Cana as they advanced. The cold of his magic clashed against Natsu's heat, creating steam that added to the haze of battle.
"They just keep coming!" Gray growled, sending a sharp volley of ice spikes toward a group of Phantom Lord mages who attempted to flank them.
"They're stalling us," Erza said, her voice calm but edged with urgency. She swung her sword in a wide arc, a burst of magical energy scattering the mages in her path. "Their defenses are coordinated. They know we're here for Lucy and Levy."
"Doesn't matter," Natsu snarled, his flames flaring high enough to scorch the treetops. "I'll burn this whole place down if that's what it takes!"
"Focus, Natsu," Erza commanded, her sharp gaze slicing through his rage. "We'll find them, but we need to stay in control."
Cana stepped up beside them, pulling a card from her deck. "Let's wrap this up. The faster we deal with these guys, the sooner we can get to the girls."
She threw the card, its glowing energy detonating with a loud boom that sent several mages sprawling.
As the Phantom Lord forces began to falter, a loud crash echoed from the direction of the base. The heavy iron doors of the guild were forced open from the inside, revealing Juvia and Gajeel, flanked by Lucy and Levy.
"Lucy!" Natsu's shout cut through the battlefield, sharp and filled with desperation. His eyes locked onto her as she emerged from the Phantom Lord base, her steps unsteady.
The scene before him was enough to make his flames roar to life. Lucy's arm was wrapped in a bloodied, torn cloth, her bruised face pale and exhausted. Levy's blue hair clung to her sweat-dampened skin, and a makeshift bandage on her shoulder barely concealed the bleeding wound beneath it.
The battlefield fell into a brief, tense silence as Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord mages alike paused to register the sight.
"What the hell did you do to her?" Natsu growled, his flames flaring brighter as his entire body radiated heat. His pupils narrowed, flickering with a faint, feral glint that made his dragon side momentarily visible.
Gajeel stepped forward from the shadows of the doorway, his towering frame imposing. He crossed his arms, planting himself firmly between Lucy's group and the Fairy Tail mages. "Relax, Flame Brain," he said gruffly, his crimson eyes narrowing. "I'm the one who got them out."
Natsu's flames flickered erratically, and Gray stepped up beside him, his icy magic crackling along his arms. "You?" Gray scoffed, his voice dripping with skepticism. "You expect us to believe that?"
"Believe whatever you want," Gajeel snapped, his tone sharp as steel. "I'm the reason they're standing here right now."
Juvia shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the Fairy Tail mages' gazes. Her usual confidence wavered as she glanced between her companion and the hostile group in front of her. "It's true," she said softly, her voice tentative. "We didn't agree with what Jose was doing. We... we couldn't just stand by."
Erza stepped forward, her sword held loosely at her side but glowing faintly with magical energy, a clear warning. Her eyes were hard and calculating, trained on Gajeel and Juvia like a predator assessing a threat. "And why should we trust you?"
"You shouldn't," Gajeel said bluntly, his crimson eyes flicking briefly to Levy before returning to Erza. "But trust them. They'll tell you what happened."
Erza didn't lower her sword, her sharp gaze shifting to Lucy and Levy for confirmation.
Natsu, however, had no interest in listening. His focus remained on Lucy as he stormed forward, his flames flickering dangerously. He stopped just short of her, his expression torn between rage and concern.
"Lucy," he said, his voice low but trembling with restrained emotion. "What did they do to you?"
Lucy opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. Her knees buckled as the exhaustion caught up to her, and she stumbled.
"Lucy!" Natsu caught her before she could fall, his arms wrapping around her protectively. The searing heat from his body was almost too much, but she didn't flinch.
"I'm okay," she murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just... tired."
"You're not okay," Natsu growled, his arms tightening around her as though he could shield her from all the harm she'd endured. His jaw clenched so tightly it looked like it might snap. "Look at you."
"She needs rest," Levy said softly, her voice trembling. She leaned more heavily on Juvia, her own strength fading fast. "We both do."
Natsu turned to Levy, his eyes darkening further as he took in her injuries. His flames surged, and the ground beneath him scorched slightly. "They'll pay for this," he hissed.
Gajeel stepped forward, his posture stiffening as he placed himself between Natsu and the retreating group. "You're welcome, by the way," he said dryly, his tone laced with irritation.
Natsu's flames flared higher, his sharp glare snapping to Gajeel. "You think this makes up for what your guild did?"
"Think whatever you want," Gajeel retorted, his voice cold. "I did my part. You want someone to blame? Take it up with Jose."
Erza stepped between them, her commanding presence cutting through the tension. "That's enough," she said firmly, her voice brooking no argument. "We'll sort this out later. Right now, we need to get Lucy and Levy back to safety."
The forest was eerily quiet as the group moved away from the Phantom Lord base. The sounds of battle faded behind them, leaving only the rustle of leaves and the crunch of dirt beneath their feet. The tension in the air was thick, crackling like the remnants of magic still hanging in the atmosphere.
Lucy, too exhausted to argue, allowed Natsu to scoop her into his arms without protest. He held her close, her bruised body cradled against his chest. His grip was firm yet careful, as if he feared even the slightest jostle might cause her more pain.
"Natsu, I can walk," Lucy muttered weakly, though her head lolled against his shoulder. Her body betrayed her words, too drained to resist.
"You're not walking," Natsu replied curtly, his voice low and edged with something primal. His eyes burned as he scanned the forest for any remaining threats. "You're hurt. You need to rest."
Lucy sighed, deciding not to push the issue. Her arm throbbed, her ribs ached, and the warmth radiating from Natsu's body was almost comforting—almost.
As they walked, Natsu's jaw remained tight, his expression a storm of anger and worry. His flames had dimmed, but the heat still rolled off him in waves, evidence of the simmering emotions barely contained beneath the surface.
Levy glanced at Lucy, her steps unsteady as she leaned against Juvia for support. "You okay?" she asked softly.
Lucy managed a faint smile. "I'll live. What about you?"
Levy nodded, though her gaze flickered to Gajeel, who trailed at the back of the group with his arms crossed and his eyes sharp. She wasn't sure why, but the sight of him filled her with an odd mix of gratitude and unease.
Natsu's grip on Lucy tightened slightly. His body radiated a heat that wasn't entirely his flames. It was something deeper, more instinctual, and it made Lucy's skin prickle.
He bent his head toward her, his nose brushing against the curve of her neck as he inhaled deeply. His movement was subtle but deliberate, and the soft rumble that escaped his throat was unmistakable.
Lucy stiffened, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Natsu," she said, her voice sharp despite her fatigue. "What are you doing?"
"Making sure you're okay," he muttered, his voice rough. He didn't lift his head, his nose still close to her skin. The faint, calming scent of her was grounding him, easing the storm raging inside him. He didn't fully understand why, but it worked.
Lucy's cheeks flushed. "Well, I don't think sniffing me is part of any first-aid training!"
Natsu snorted softly, a flicker of amusement breaking through his intense focus. "You smell like you," he said simply, as if that explained everything.
Lucy blinked at him, her face heating further. "That doesn't even make sense!"
"It makes sense to me," he replied, finally lifting his head but keeping her close. His hard gaze softened as he looked at her, his dragon instincts still humming just beneath the surface. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
Lucy stared at him, her heart fluttering in a way she couldn't quite explain. "You're impossible," she muttered, looking away.
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Natsu's lips, but his focus quickly returned to the path ahead. The faint glimmer of his dragon side slowly receded, though the protective fire in his chest refused to extinguish.
Behind them, Gray and Erza kept a close eye on Juvia and Gajeel. The two Phantom Lord mages walked silently, their expressions unreadable as they followed the group. Gray's icy magic still flickered faintly at his fingertips, a clear warning.
"I still don't trust them," Gray muttered, his voice low.
Erza glanced at him, her tone calm but firm. "We don't have to trust them right now. We need to focus on getting Lucy and Levy back to the guild."
Gray's eyes narrowed as he looked at Gajeel. "If they try anything—"
"They won't," Erza interrupted, her gaze sharp. "Not while they're outnumbered."
Juvia remained quiet, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She kept her head down, avoiding Gray's piercing stare. Gajeel, on the other hand, met every glare with one of his own, his crimson eyes challenging.
Levy, despite her exhaustion, glanced back at Gajeel. "You didn't have to help us," she said quietly. "But... thank you."
Gajeel's jaw tightened, and he looked away. "Don't mention it," he muttered gruffly.
Natsu's ears twitched as he caught the exchange, and his eyes narrowed. His protective instincts flared again, but Lucy's hand on his chest kept him grounded.
"Don't," she said softly, her gaze meeting his. "Not now."
Natsu took a deep breath, the heat around him subsiding slightly. "Fine," he muttered, his voice still tinged with frustration. "But this isn't over."