The early autumn air was crisp and cool as Gajeel and Levy sat on the edge of the lake along with Carmin and Lily. Juvia and Avery were sitting waist deep in the water, both meditating as their skin rippled like the water itself. Averys skin was a bit more solid, not completely fluid like her Aunts, but it was a start. It had been nearly a month since the news of Jose and Ivan, and the silence from them had Gajeels nerves on edge. "If you keep scowling like that your face will stick that way," Levy muttered as she flipped a page in her book. Gajeel snorted, wrapping an arm around her waist as he continued to watch the two in the water. Levy smiled and laid her head on his shoulder as she continued to read.
It was about noon when the two finished with their training, and the group headed towards the Redfox house. Avery was talking animatedly to Carmin about a new slayer technique that she wanted to test out, when Gajeel came to a halt. "Gajeel?" Juvia asked as she stopped beside him. She jumped slightly at the dark look on his face as he stared straight ahead, his house in sight. "What's the matter?" Levy questioned, tightening her arm around Avery who began to shake. "Someones been here, someone outside of the guild." Was his growled answer. The two older women stiffened and Lily grew to his battle form, but paused in drawing his sword when Gajeel held his hand out.
"I can't be sure, but I don't think anyone is still around. I'm not taking any chances." He turned to look at them, gently resting a hand on Averys head. "I'm going to go check it out, I want you all to stay here." At this, Levy huffed and prodded his chest with her finger. "I'm not standing on the sidelines Gajeel, I'll go with you." Gajeel sighed, but judging by the look on her face, he knew he wouldn't sway her. "Fine, but if I tell you to leave, you leave. Understand?" He was growling, but Levy wasn't fazed, and she nodded. Gajeel looked at Juvia, "Keep her safe." The water mage nodded, pulling Avery close to her and pulling her off the road.
Levy and Gajeel headed for the house, Levy with her pen at the ready, and they slowly checked the outside of the house before heading inside. Gajeel could smell Ivan everywhere, and it made his stomach turn in rage. The house looked untouched, and his rage built as he found the room where Ivans scent was the heaviest.
Averys room.
It was also left undisturbed, but he knew the house was no longer safe. "Gajeel, I couldn't find anything," Levy said quietly as she entered. Gajeel tried to take a deep breath to calm himself, but the scent that lingered only angered him more. "We can't stay here," he said quietly. "Gajeel?" Levy placed a hand on his arm worriedly. "He was in here... Ivan. His scent is the strongest here. He knows about Avery, he know where we live. It isn't safe for her." Gajeels voice was quiet and gruff, his fists trembling in anger. Levy gently tugged on his arm, pulling him out of the room so he could calm down some.
"Gajeel," she said firmly, grabbing his attention. "I will pack a bag for Avery, she can stay in the dorms with me and the other girls. We will go to the guild and talk to the master. Come up with a plan," she reasoned, gently rubbing his arm to calm him. Gajeel took another deep breath before nodding and running a had through his hair. Levy smiled gently before trotting back into the girls room and packing her a bag for a few nights. Once she was done she met Gajeel in the main room, where he had her own bag on his shoulder. "Thanks," she said quietly and reaching to take the bag from him. Gajeel simply grunted, taking both bags and heading back outside, Levy close behind.
They met up with the others, Avery quickly latching on to Gajeels waist with Carmin on her shoulder. "We're going to the guild, the house isn't safe anymore." Gajeel told them, holding on to Avery with one arm. The group quietly headed for the guild, each mage on high alert. Once inside the guild Gajeel handed Avery her bag so she could go change, before he went to the bar. The master was there, nursing a mug of ale while Cana and Laki chatted beside him. "Ah Gajeel, nice to see you. How is Averys training going?" He asked politely as the slayer sat beside him, "Fine." The short answer caught the masters attention, since Avery had arrived he had been so much brighter, happier. His sudden mood change was worrying. He waited patiently as the slayer thanked Mira for his own mug, staring into its contents before speaking.
"Ivan paid my house a visit."
Those in the immediate area froze, looking towards him. "We had been out at the lake so Avery and Juvia could train, and he was gone by the time we got back. My house reeks of him." The master was quiet as he thought. "We will keep Avery safe here, they wont be able to get to her with all of the mages. Take Natsu and Lily. Track him down." Gajeel though on the masters demand. If he tracked him, he could take him down easily, especially with Natsus help. But his heart ached because he didn't want to leave her or Levy behind. The last time he had left either alone, Avery had been kidnapped, and Levy almost died at the hands of those Grimoir Heart bastards.
"Do you promise that they will be safe?" Gajeel asked quietly, locking eyes with the master. Makarov smiled gently and nodded, "We will protect them with our lives." Gajeel took a deep breath before nodded and rising to his feet. He didn't have to look hard to find very and Levy, who were sitting at a table with Juvia, Lily and Lucy. He strode over, standing in front of Avery as Juvia did her hair for her. "What did the master say?" Levy asked as she set her book down. Gajeel took a deep breath, "Lily, Natsu and myself will go to track down Ivan. You and Avery will stay here where it's safer."
Avery jumped to her feet, "Your leaving?!" Gajeel knelt in front of her, taking her slim hands in his rough ones. "I don't want to hatchling, but I have to. The sooner this bastard is caught, the sooner we can get back to our normal lives. Jose won't be able to do much, not after what gramps did to him, but you'll be safe from him here." His voice was soft but strong as he spoke, crimson eyes burning into ocean blue. "Please, I need you safe. I can't lose you again," Averys fire at being left behind slowly fizzled out at the look deep in her fathers eyes. She could see the pain he had carried for the years she was gone, and she didn't want it there anymore.
"You have to promise to come back," she said quietly, looking down at her sandaled feet. Gajeel gently lifted her chin so they could look at each other, and he smiled, " I swear I will come back. And when all of this is done, we'll go to Akane. How does that sound? Just you and me?" Avery smiled alittle, "And Levy?" He chuckled at that, catching the bluenettes blush. "And Levy." Avery nodded, throwing her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Gajeel hugged her back tightly, standing as he did before gently setting her back down. He turned to Levy now, who was smiling gently up at him. "Guess I better pack a resort bag huh?" Gajeel chuckled and nodded, gently moving strands of hair out of her face.
"Look after my girl will ya?" He asked. Levy smiled, blushing lightly. "Like she were my own." Gajeel smiled brightly at that, before swooping down to gently press his lips to hers in their first kiss. Levy was blushing brightly when he pulled away, the three girls and exceeds giggled behind her. Gajeel turned, shouting for Natsu as he went. Lily chuckled and pat the bluenettes shoulder before following after the two dragon slayers.
