Hot and Cold

Cobra

~*****~

Inside the archbishop's chambers, Gildarts and what I assume the cardinal look like they're about to battle. "Hold on a second!" Natsu exclaims, leaping in the middle of them.

"Natsu? Aria?" Gildarts hummed curiously.

"I'm surprised to see that you broke out as well..." The Cardinal hums. "Coco."

"Cardinal." Coco greets, but there's no warmth to it at all.

"And you two... I know exactly who you two are." The Cardinal says. "You're Natsu Dragneel and Aria Tangia. Dragon Slayer wizards."

"How come everyone on this damn planet knows my last name," I complain angrily.

"Hey, wait a minute, I know that smell," Natsu comments. I sniff the air delicately.

"Oh, yeah!" I hum. "He smells just like that Zero loser."

"You don't really think it's him, do you?!" Laki exclaims.

Zero cackles. "I don't know whether this creep's Master Zero or not. But he is the one who's been controlling the archbishop." Gildarts comments.

I grimace. "I think I preferred the beefed-up version. That bowl cut ain't doin' him any favors."

"I just realized somethin'. If you're controlling the archbishop, then you must be the one who decided to use the phony Michelle to trick us!" Natsu exclaimed.

"And what if I am?" Zero retorts.

"You're goin' down! I'm gonna burn you to a crisp!" Natsu exclaims eagerly.

"C'mon, you got a turn, let me fight him!" I mention irritably.

"No, way!" Natsu complained.

"Hang on, kids," Gildarts interrupted us. "If anyone fights him, it should be me."

"Aw, c'mon, Gildarts!" We complain loudly. "Let me do it!"

"You don't have a prayer," Zero chuckles.

I hear Laki squeak in surprise. "Laki!" I exclaim as I turn my gaze onto her. There's a strange looking magic restraining her with a deadly looking point angled at her neck.

"Since you three seem to enjoy fighting, let's see what happens when you exchange blows." Zero commented.

"We ain't fightin' each other!" Natsu exclaimed.

Zero chuckles. "Defy me and I will kill the young lady."

"No way!" I hiss.

"Let her go! She's got nothin' to do with this!" Gildarts snapped.

Just in the nick of time, the magic is cut off by Byro. "Octo-Geezer!" Natsu exclaims.

"How dare you try to deceive me, Lapointe!" Byro snarls.

"Byro--" Zero gasps.

I falter in my spot as Gildarts moves quickly, his body nimble and agile. He cracks his fist up against Zero's chin, sending him sky high. I stare in awe before I purse my lips gingerly. "I said it once and I'll say it again," I comment loudly. "You're one hot dude, Gildarts."

Gildarts rubs at the back of his head; his cheeks tinted a slight pinkish color. "You kinda remind me of myself, to be honest. You're very forward. Say, you wanna go a few rounds when this is all over?" He flirts back.

"Hey!" Natsu complained. "Go find an old lady like yourself!"

I snort. "I'm telling Cana." I retort impishly.