And here is Chapter 9!
I'm a roll with this story! It's finally coming together!
I hope you're enjoying this story so far.
Please let me know what you think so far.
I'm very curious to know.
Now, On With The Show!
It had been a few days since the incident with the totems and things seemed to be back to normal. Lucy even decided to go into the guild on a good note. When she entered all conversation stopped as all eyes shot to her.
Lucy blinked a few times before she smiled and waved. "Hi everyone!" She called out as she let the doors close behind her.
Lucy got various 'Hello's and 'Good Morning's before everyone back to their conversations. She continued to the bar where Mira was filling a mug and placing it in front of Macao.
Mira looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Lucy. How are feeling?" She asked going to prepare a strawberry milkshake without being asked.
Lucy loved that Mira knew her so well. "I'm feeling better actually. No more pain." She said with a wide smile as Mira placed the milkshake in front of her. "Thank you! I needed this!" She praised before wrapping her hands around the glass.
"That's great to hear," Mira said before she went to fill another mug and placed it in front of Master Makarov. "So, what brings you here this morning." She asked as she came back over to her.
Lucy scratched the back of her head. She didn't know how they would take this but she needed to get her rent money otherwise she'd be kicked. Her landlady was seriously no joke. The woman scared her and she was a mage but the tiny plumped woman scared her. She sometimes cursed her good nature.
Lucy let out a defeated sigh. "Rent money. Unfortunately, it's due in a few days and short. She's not giving me a pass either even though I was recovering." Lucy chuckled nervously.
Makarov narrowed his eyes. "I don't think it's a good idea for you to take a job by yourself quite yet, my dear." He said in finality.
Lucy sighed. She had a feeling that's what he would say but she didn't have a choice. She needed the money for rent otherwise she'd be afraid she'd have to sleep at the guild. Despite her love of the guild she didn't want to wake up to this every morning.
Lucy smiled sadly at the master. "I know, but I don't have much choice, Master. You know my landlady, she doesn't give breaks." She said and watched a shiver go through Makarov at the mention of her Landlady.
Lucy narrowed her eyes at the old man. She had a feeling he knew more about her Landlady than he was letting on but she didn't have the time to get into that. She needed a job that paid enough to cover her rent for a while so she could take a break for a few weeks. Whether she or master liked it she needed to work.
Makarov rubbed his chin in thought. He knew she wasn't going to listen. However, he could compromise with her and whoever he suckered into going with her to make sure nothing bad happened to her this time. He knew The Thunder Legion and Laxus were nearby last time, however they weren't close enough to prevent what happened. So, he had to come up with a team to go with her to make sure they were close this time.
Makarov's eyes scanned the guild quickly. He saw Gajeel sitting with Levy and Lily. Wendy was sitting with Romeo and Carla. Gray was sitting with Juvia, Natsu, and Lisanna. Laxus was of course with the rest of The Thunder Legion. He was probably going to regret this, especially since Natsu wasn't going to be happy, however, he couldn't take the chance.
Makarov nodded to himself before turning his attention to Lucy. "All right, you can take a job," he said watching her light up. "Under one condition," he added after a pause. He watched her face fall. "You take a team of my choosing with you," he said narrowing his at her, daring her to argue.
Lucy narrowed her eyes back at Makarov, and for a beat there was silence. She thought he was up to something but she wasn't sure what. In the end, however, she sighed in defeat. She knew there was no way she was getting out of this and there was no way he'd let her go without sending a group with her.
"Fine. Who are you torturing me with?" Lucy asked with a half smile showing she was joking.
Makarov nodded with a grin. "You're taking Gajeel," he watched Gajeel and Laxus' heads pop up. Laxus had his eyes narrowed at him, while Gajeel just looked shocked and confused. "And Levy, Wendy," he added two more names while watching Gajeel narrow his eyes at him with a small growl. He couldn't help but smirk. "Also, I would like Freed to go along," Makarov said, happy with himself that he came up with that on the spot.
Laxus let out a low growl when he mentioned Freed's name but Makarov ignored him in favor of focusing on Lucy and her reaction.
Lucy blinked at him before tilting her head. "And how exactly did you come up with that group?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
Makarov raised his eyebrows in shock. "What do you mean? I thought long and hard on that one." He said in mock innocence.
Lucy giggled with a shake of her head. "You obviously didn't think that one through." She said picking up her milkshake and taking a sip.
Makarov bristled. "What do you mean!?" He said sounding slightly outraged.
Lucy shook her head before holding up a fist. "One," she lifted a finger. "Wendy I can understand. I work with her all the time on Team Natsu. So, yes, she was a given. Two," She lifted another finger. "Levy? Never really worked with her but she's one of my best friends. So, I kind of get that one too. Three," She held up another finger. "Gajeel, only because where ever Lev goes so does Gaj. And with Gaj and Wendy going of course you have Lily and Carla. Those are a given. Now, four," She lifted a fourth finger. "Freed? Really? Where did he come from? I get he and Levy work pretty well together. However, they do clash with the way their magic styles differ. So, master, explain that one." She said crossing her arms under her chest.
Makarov's jaw dropped before he grumbled under his breath. He didn't like being called out like that. He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the blonde who gave him a knowing yet smug smile. He didn't know exactly why he picked Freed other than the fact that Freed was part of the group that was able to help save Lucy originally. He didn't want to send Laxus, only because of how Laxus reacted when he appeared with her that day. He was almost possessive, not wanting to let her go. Evergreen didn't seem like a good idea and neither did Bickslow. Bickslow only because he had been having issues with his totems lately. Evergreen to him just didn't seem to fit the group he put together.
Makarov looked over at the table that held the Thunder Legion. It seemed Bickslow fixed the issue with them because they were acting like their normal selves. They seemed to be better behaved than what they were. He remembered all the complaints he had gotten about those things. Including from Lucy herself. He really didn't want to subject her to Bickslow and the totems not after she had just recovered.
Makarov looked up to meet Lucy's eyes. He wanted to tell her something that made sense but he couldn't come up with one reason why he said Freed. He scanned the guild hall again looking for a possible replacement when a hand landed on his shoulder. He looked and saw Freed standing there with a smile.
Freed looked up to Lucy with a soft smile. "I asked him to let me go on a certain job a few days ago but he said no because none of my team was available to go with me. They all just returned and need some rest. If you're okay with it, I would be honored if you could join me. And the others too, of course. It's always good to work with others if only to know that if something comes up you know how you work with them." He explained wholeheartedly, his arm coming across his chest, and he placed a fist over his heart with a small bow.
Lucy sat gaping at him with blinking eyes. She wanted to say something to that but she found it hard to turn it down. She never had a problem with Freed. He was always respectful toward her. Maybe overly so. After a moment she tilted her and narrowed her eyes at him. She was trying to get a read on him but it seemed he was being truthful. She was finding it harder and harder to argue with him.
Makarov looked at Freed with a raised eyebrow. He knew half of what Freed said was true. He did come to him about a job a few days ago and he did tell him to wait till his team was fully back. The only one truly away was Evergreen since she went on a job with Elfman and Lisanna. However, she returned yesterday evening meaning she should be good to go.
Makarov knew Laxus wasn't getting much sleep due to watching Lucy's apartment at night in rotations with Gajeel and Natsu. Wendy found an excuse to stay with Lucy inside her apartment with Levy saying that the plumbing at Fairy Hill's was being worked on. It seemed Lucy bought it and let them stay with her. Which was the only reason none of the Dragon Slayers had left the guild or Magnolia since Lucy was injured. They all thought it would be better to have her protected without her knowing it.
Lucy released a defeated sigh. "All right." She conceded knowing she didn't have an argument against Freed.
Freed clapped his hands together. "Wonderful. We'll meet at the train station in an hour." He said with a bow before walking back to his table.
Lucy blinked at his back before turning to Mira. "What just happened?" She asked the giggling barmaid.
Mira wiped a tear from her eye as her giggles calmed down. "You said you wanted to go on a job. You never said with who," She said before busying herself with drink orders.
Lucy finished her milkshake before setting it down. She stood and sighed. She didn't like the idea but she supposed it was better than being told no off the back.
"All right, I better go get ready," Lucy said before taking a step away from the stool. She stopped when a thought struck her. "How long is this job going to be?" She asked turning toward Makarov.
Makarov blinked at her question before chuckling. "Three days at most, my dear." He said nodding toward the door. "Now, you better get going. Freed can be a stickler when it comes to being on time." He said waving her away.
Lucy grumbled under her breath but sighed and walked away toward the doors. She didn't know if the master knew what he was doing but she'd follow orders. Plus, she was being allowed to go on a job so that was a bonus, it didn't matter that it wasn't by herself or with her normal team. She was just glad to be allowed to go on a job in general.
Once the doors closed behind Lucy an angry-looking Natsu walked up to Makarov. He expected it. He knew how Natsu was when it came to Lucy. Natsu was overprotective at the best of times. He normally tried to shield Lucy most of the time. Especially if it was after Lucy was injured.
"Why didn't you have us go with her?" Natsu demanded.
Makarov raised his mug to his mouth and raised an eyebrow as he took a drink. He was considering what to tell him. He could tell him the truth of why he didn't choose the normal Team Natsu or he could lie and tell him something to just appease him for the time being. He put the mug down with a sigh.
Makarov looked Natsu over as he considered his answer. He watched as Gray, Juvia, and Lisanna came up behind him followed by Gajeel, Levy, and Wendy with their exceeds. Now, he felt a bit nervous as he watched his grandson and his team minus Freed stand and walk over. He rolled his eyes thinking that they all were being a bit overdramatic about the whole thing.
Makarov sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "Answer me this, Natsu. Would you let Lucy do anything? Would you let her fight and defend herself if needed or would you treat her like she was made of glass and protect her from anything and everything?" He asked his face and tone stating he was serious.
Natsu blinked rapidly at the question. He didn't know how to answer that one. He wasn't sure how things would go, it all depended on the enemy. If he thought of them as weak, yeah he'd let Lucy fight but if he had the slightest feeling of them not being weak he wouldn't let Lucy and he knew that. However, it seemed Makarov knew that too. He went to open his mouth to give an answer when Makarov held up a hand stopping him.
Makarov shook his head. "No matter how you think you'll react now, your first instinct will be to protect. You'll always jump in front of her to shield her without giving her a chance to defend herself." He explained before letting out a sigh and crossing his arms over his chest. "The others won't. Lucy wasn't wrong when I picked the team I did. Levy, Gajeel, and Lily are a package deal. The same with Wendy and Carla. The only one that wasn't predictable was Freed. Which I needed someone who wouldn't go on a complete rampage at the drop of a hat." He explained before shooting a look at Laxus.
Laxus looked caught off guard but quickly masked his features to look outraged at the thought. However, Makarov knew better. He knew his grandson better than anyone else. Lucy was part of the guild meaning she was family in his eyes. He'd jump in and protect at the drop of a hat whether he wanted to or not. It was ingrained into his DNA to protect his own. Added to the dragon lacrima's influence it was a deadly combo. He knew sending Laxus wouldn't be a good idea.
"Okay. Why not Gray or even Juvia? They wouldn't jump to protect Lucy." Natsu tried to argue.
Makarov raised an eyebrow and looked at the two in question. He watched as Juvia looked down while she fidgeted with her fingers. Gray just sighed and shook his head. He knew right then that Natsu was wrong. Juvia was there that day Lucy was brought in and was even called in to help Wendy. He didn't think Juvia would be able to not jump in to help Lucy. Gray, he wasn't sure, Gray looked conflicted which means he would go with the safer option which was protecting Lucy.
Makarov shook his head. "Try again, Natsu. By the looks of it, you're wrong about that." He explained nodding his head at Gray and Juvia.
Natsu looked over his shoulder and let out a growl of annoyance. He knew looking at Gray and Juvia that Master was right about that. He thought about the other options but he was coming up short.
"What about Evergreen and Bickslow?" Natsu tried again in a desperate need to make Makarov see sense.
Makarov chuckled at his attempt. "Bickslow? Definitely not. Lucy was ready to murder him and his totems the other day, if you don't remember. I'm not going to subject her to them so soon after that." He explained watching Bickslow sag but nod his head understanding that he was right. "Evergreen I could send, but she only returned late last night so it makes more sense to give her a day or so to rest before throwing her into a possible fight." He explained receiving a grateful nod from the mage in question.
Makarov turned his attention to Natsu waiting for him to retort. Natsu looked to be having a hard time finding fault in his reasoning. He was about to turn back to his drink when Natsu spoke.
"Then let Happy at least go with," Natsu said his tone not leaving room for arguments.
Makarov stopped and turned to him. He blinked in confusion wondering why in the world he'd want Happy to go with. He couldn't figure it out so maybe the only way to get the answer was from Natsu himself.
Makarov sighed. "Why Happy?" He asked.
Natsu nodded like he was a genius. "Because you have Carla and Lily going. Carla always carries Wendy. Lily can easily carry both Gajeel and Levy, I've seen him. And Freed can make his own wings. This way everyone in the group has a way to fly if needed." He explained like it made sense, which if Makarov thought about it, it kind of did.
"Did you bother to ask Happy if he'd be willing to go?" Makarov asked with a raised eyebrow.
Natsu looked up slightly to where Happy sat on his head. Happy nodded with a determined look on his face. Natsu knew that Happy would be more than willing to go with Lucy. Happy loved Lucy just as much as they all did, even if he did complain about her now and then.
Natsu grinned. "He'd be fine with it, right buddy?" He asked in triumph.
Happy nodded sternly. "Of course. It's Lucy, she always gets into some kind of trouble having me there I can get her out of it quick." He said standing and posing as if he was some kind of superhero.
Makarov raised an eyebrow and chuckled. He didn't know if this was the best idea but he'd go along with it for now.
Makarov sighed and waved them away. "All right. Now go, if you plan on making it on time." He said picking up his mug again.
Natsu nodded and took off with Happy on his head. Gajeel sighed and motioned for Levy and Lily to go. They nodded without a word and walked out the door a moment later. Wendy and Gajeel shared a look before nodding and leaving. Makarov could have sworn Gajeel was about to lay into him but he was surprised he didn't. However, when he looked over to his Grandson he knew he wasn't going to be so lucky as to avoid that discussion. He braced himself for the tongue-lashing he knew was coming.
Laxus could barely hold back his anger but after a moment he deflated with a huff and walked away surprising Makarov. He stared at his grandson's retreating back. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. His grandson never walked away from a fight or an argument.
Evergreen giggled behind her fan. "He knows you're right, he just didn't want to admit it. So, in true stubborn Laxus fashion, he just walked away." She said sitting cross-legged on the stool next to him while watching as Laxus walked out of the guild doors.
Makarov let out a breath. "I supposed I should be grateful." He grumbled.
Evergreen giggled. "Don't be so sure. He may calm down but still come back and give you that tongue lashing you're owed." She said grabbing the drink Mira put in front of her before walking away toward a table that held Elfman.
Makarov grumbled under his breath about how annoying it was that she was probably right. He knew this wasn't the last he heard from his grandson. He sighed hoping he made the right decision.
Makarov was doomed if he didn't.
Lucy was packing a suitcase when a gold flash of light lit up the room. She looked up and saw the ginger-haired lion spirit appear. She blinked in confusion at the long face he was giving her.
"What are you doing?" Loke asked as he tilted his head looking at her suitcase.
Lucy looked back and forth between the spirit and her bag. "Oh!" She exclaimed. "Master asked me to go on a job. Why?" She asked with a tilt of her head.
Loke sighed but nodded giving a sad smile. "How long will this job take?" He asked.
"Master said about three or four days. Why?" Lucy asked narrowing her eyes at him.
Loke sighed. "Nothing important. It can wait till you're back. Call if you need." He said before he disappeared in another flash of light.
"That was weird. Even for him." Lucy mumbled before finishing up her packing.
Lucy checked the time and saw she only had fifteen minutes before she needed to meet up with everyone at the train station. She sighed before grabbing the bag and heading to the door. She knew she had to be on time or early when it came to Freed. As Master said earlier, he was very strict when it came to being on time. She one time ran into Evergreen and Bickslow who were running late and were complaining how Freed was going to kill them if they didn't get there soon.
Lucy thought they were exaggerating but saw how both of them were carrying all the luggage for everyone when they returned. Evergreen told her that was the punishment for being late, you get to carry all the luggage. After that, she saw that Evergreen started packing light when they went on jobs. She found it kind of funny.
Lucy looked at her suitcase and wondered if she unconsciously packed light because of that. She didn't think when she was packing but it was possible. She shrugged and continued to the train station. Once she got there she saw everyone showing up at the same time. Freed was just coming back from the ticket booth carrying everyone's tickets.
"Lucy! Wait!" Lucy heard yelling from behind her.
When Lucy turned to the call of her name she saw Happy flying up to her.
Lucy braced herself as Happy flew right into her chest almost knocking her over. She had gotten used to this because Happy thought it was funny to try to knock her over. She caught him keeping herself standing. She narrowed her eyes down at him.
"Happy? What are you doing here?" Lucy asked confused.
Happy flew up and sat on her head like he would do with Natsu and let out a sigh. "Natsu." was all he said.
Lucy sighed and nodded. She knew how Natsu was so it didn't surprise her much that he made Happy come with her. She was just annoyed that he did.
"All right, let's get going everyone." Freed called out.
Lucy looked over at Levy, Gajeel, and Wendy and nodded before they all followed Freed onto the train.
That's how the interesting adventure began.
And That's all for Chapter 9!
One of the longer chapters in the story I have to admit.
Thank you for your constant support!