Dawn of Adventure {Book One of The Paths We've Traveled}

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu

It took Gray and Erza many long minutes to figure out their next steps. Their thoughts were distracted by the collapsing building behind them and their hearts were distracted by worry for their friends. Erza's legs ached from where the black light had wrapped around her. Gray's head pounded as his body rebelled against having ethernano reintroduced before getting sucked out immediately by using too much magic. They supported each other as they stumbled up a nearby hill, clothes torn and limbs trembling and skin scratched. Erza's arm draped over Gray's shoulders, his opposite arm wrapped around her waist while his other hand held hers to keep it in place.

"Do we have any idea where they are?" Gray grunted out, foot stinging as he nearly impaled himself on a rock. Erza shook her head, knotted hair brushing against his bare shoulder.

"There's a trail going into these hills that looks like it was caused by a great group of people in a hurry, so I'd assume that's where they went. But for all we know, Natsu went back into that building to get his scarf and he's currently digging his way out of tons of rubble."

Gray snorted, recognizing the truth in her words. Then he cursed. "All our stuff is gone, isn't it?"

"I'm sure some is recoverable. And we did leave a majority of our things with Seck. Besides, anything that was destroyed can easily be replaced."

Not everything, Gray thought, remembering the fragile lacrima he had hidden at the bottom of his bag despite Erza's urging to leave it behind. Something about having the device near made him feel closer to Juvia, even if he'd never admit it. And he'd hoped that he'd be able to call her as soon as magic returned. But if the lacrima was gone... Warren's miniature communication lacrimas had yet to arrive in Coracre, and they definitely weren't in Benos. So he had no choice but to wait. He just hoped she wasn't too mad about his lack of communication. Maybe he should find her a present in the harbor town before they left for Ishgar again. As Erza had said before, Juvia could be downright terrifying when she was angry.

For a moment, their labored breathing and shuffling footsteps filled the empty countryside as they approached the top of the hill. Grimstone Manor still trembled and groaned behind them, and every so often a large crash would make Erza catch her breath or Gray turn to look. They might have succeeded in defeating Verlane and Ajax, but at what cost?

"Erza! Gray!" The pair looked up into the sky at the call of their names, and their eyes were drawn toward a laughing Exceed flying high above. He soared through the open air, waving and showing off to whoever saw him.

"Good to see you Happy!" Erza replied, smiling at the blue cat. He continued to laugh, dipping down so they were close enough to speak normally.

"You guys look awful!" He remarked, eyes twinkling. Gray ignored the jibe and instead frowned at the Exceed.

"Where's everyone?"

Happy pointed, and the wizards followed his paw to the base of the hill they'd been cresting. No one was visible, but now that they were paying attention, they definitely heard the raucous shouting only a certain pink haired Dragon Slayer could do. Gray shook his head with a smirk.

"I'm guessing Lucy's fine if he's already acting so obnoxious."

Happy nodded vigorously. "Yep! She's okay, just beat up. Wendy's helping her right now, along with anyone else who needs help."

"Anyone else?" Erza questioned.

"Everyone we found we led over here. I think all of Grimstone Manor is at the bottom of this hill!"

Erza smiled. "Well then, let's join them, shall we?"

"Aye sir!" Happy crowed, spreading his wings wide and catching an updraft. Soon he vanished, blending into the cheerful blue sky that stretched as wide as the eye could see. Gray chuckled softly at the Exceed's antics. Then they set off down the hill, eager to be reunited with their friends and all the companions they had made throughout the many months spent at Grimstone.