Hot and Cold

Aria's Journey

~*****~

We'd been gone for three months. After listening to Master Makarov disband Fairy Tail, Ballad and I grabbed our things and headed for the northern continent. "Can we stop for something warm?" Ballad stammered as she shivered against my back.

I peer over my shoulder at her, smiling warmly. "The town we're looking for is just down this slope." I mention softly. "I'll get you some warm tea and a bite to eat, how's that sound?"

She nodded lightly, rubbing at her arms. "I also need to check your injuries if we have the time," Ballad murmured. 

I don't respond. I've been mostly mute since crossing the border. It's kinda strange being back here without Natsu or Lucy whining about the cold. I stared up at the mountain where Everest's cave sat, unused and lonely. I sigh through my nose and push into a loud tavern on the edge of the town. No one bats an eye as I take a seat in one of the booths, discarding my jacket and bundling Ballad up like a child.

"Would you like anything?" A sweet voice echoes out. I peer up at the young girl holding a tray of drinks. She looked tired and ragged. There were faint bruises on her neck and face, but I didn't comment on it.

"Hot tea. Something warm to eat for my friend." I hum as I pat at Ballad's still shaking head. "And a map if you've got one."

The young girl nods and scampers off to the bar. I peer after her cautiously. The man behind the counter could pass for her father. But the way he looked at her-- that kind of wrath wasn't something a father should look at their child with. My brow quirks delicately as he gestures to the men lining the bar with a scowl before snatching up what looks like our tea and food. "Enjoy," the man snaps as he sets down the platter with a harsh thud that nearly sends the food crashing into my lap.

I snatch the edge of the plate and tug it to the side for Ballad. "And a map?" I ask irritably.

He clicks his tongue and slaps down a piece of parchment. I unravel it and tug out my journal. "I don't like it here, Miss," Ballad murmurs into her tea, her eyes peering around cautiously.

I hum in acknowledgement. "I know. Towns had a problem with bandits and slavers since we got caught on Tenrou," I mention. "Relax and eat your food, if anyone gets out of hand, I'll freeze this entire tavern."

Ballad nods sullenly and sips at her tea. My nose crinkles at the scent of something unusual. I snatch the plate of food before Ballad can eat any of it and sniff again. "Miss?" Ballad hums, her tired eyes staring up at me with worry.

I hum in response and stand up, the plate of food in my hand as I step up to the bar, peering up at the man behind the counter. "Is there a problem with the food?" The man asked, brow twitching with either nerves or fury.

I slap it onto the counter, sending it tumbling over the edge. "Yeah. Next time you wanna slip a potion into the food, don't make the mistake of putting it into mine." There's an immediate uproar and the bar erupts into a huge mob, all aiming their magic attacks at me. I let out a soft breath as I lean against the counter of the bar, staring up at the bar owner as all his friends are frozen in place, groaning in pain from the frost biting into their skin. "Who's runnin' the trade here in town?" I ask in a calm tone. "And I'd be honest, otherwise you'll end up like your buddies."

"No one comes into my town--"

I snatch his shirt and tug him down until he's eye level. "Your town?" I ask in a cold tone. "I don't see your name on any of the deeds in my possession. Your town?" I repeat. "Your town is owned, by yours truly. Now you'll tell me what I want to know so I can purge your filthy urges from these once peaceful streets." When he doesn't speak, I grasp his face, claws sinking ever so slightly into his face. "And I'd be polite speaking to me," I retort. "I don't like men who beat young girls."