Dragons & Demons & Wizards, oh my!

The scarf

"No holding back uncle Gajeel! You better give me your best!" Nashi yelled across to the iron dragon slayer.

Gajeel spit into the dirt of their makeshift battlefield. The towering presence of Almagest castle casting a shadow over the fighters. The only two nearby spectators were the tall marooned hair gentleman, Ignatius and Fairy Tail's resident solid script mage, Levy. Gajeel noticed that both of them were focused on the hushed conversation they were having rather than the fight. Probably for the best, I can end this quickly and move on to the main event; my fight with that fire breather in his true form, Gajeel confidently thought to himself.

"Alright matchstick, I better get this over with" Gajeel grunted as he leapt from his feet charging straight towards his small pink haired opponent. Once he was close enough he reared back his fist, "Iron Dragon's Club!" he shouted half-heartedly. He didn't want to seriously hurt the girl and the dragon slayer figured only a fraction of his magical power would be enough to strike her once and be done with it.

He expected the seven year old to panic at the speed of his attack. She wouldn't have time to dodge but at least she could brace for the inevitable impact or try to block it. Nashi did none of those things. She remained completely still; with her arms at her side. She was utterly vulnerable to the impending strike but showed no sign of fear. If anything she looked angry. Her eyes were slanted in a murderous gaze. Her large chocolate brown iris engulfed in flame.

Gajeel began to worry as his iron first was about to make impact with the girl's exposed skull. Why isn't she protecting herself!? He yelled in his head. Just as the iron club was about to strike Gajeel suddenly stopped it inches from Nashi's face. The girl remained in silent stillness. Gajeel now only a few feet from his opponent could feel an intense heat radiating from her and what was more troublesome was it seemed to be rising in temperature exponentially.

"Hey what's the big idea squirt! You already giving up or something? At least try to block! You won't be a good warm up without a little fight" Gajeel yelled with authority, trying to mask his actual concern for the child's well being behind boisterous bravado.

"I said..." Nashi spoke through gritted teeth, like a snarling beast, "don't...hold...back..."

Gajeel blinked twice in astonishment at the small warrior's ferocious tone. He had no intention of insulting his opponent but he couldn't help it, she was just so adorable when she was angry. Gajeel broke into a loud and mocking belly laugh. "Gihi, I'll give it to you kid you got spunk but you're just-"

"Suck on this metal mouth!" An angry voice cried out.

Gajeel's laughter was interrupted by a small flying fist that just barely grazed his face. Fortunately, for the iron dragon slayer, he saw it at the last second giving him a chance to dodge out of the way. Gajeel leapt backwards to create some distance between himself and his attacker trying to make sense of what just happened.

"You're quick for an old man" Nashi confidently exclaimed with a cocky smile.

"Old!? Who you calling old, matchstick!" He retorted flustered. I could barely see that punch, how is she so fast? Maybe I really am old? Gajeel embarrassingly thought as he looked around to make sure nobody could read his thoughts.

Off to the side Levy and Ignatius were trying to hide their snickering faces like a couple of school girls gossiping in the lunchroom. For some reason that made Gajeel erupt in rage. I won't be embarrassed by thi-

"Think fast uncle!" cried that angry voice again. Nashi had sprung another attack leaping at her opponent with astonishing speed. She whirled around while raising her leg hoping to land a kick square into his chest.