Fighting Oblivion

Chapter 16

 Chapter Sixteen

We were huffing for breath when we finally crested the ridge and spotted the cave. I could see Sting sitting on the ledge, feet swinging over the side. Anyone who saw him may think he looked bored, maybe zoning out. But I knew better. I knew his eyes were scanning for any hidden dangers. I could almost feel when those eyes landed on me, he leapt to his feet and lifted his hand in greeting. Then he waved us on, indicating we should hurry.

Luckily we had the exceeds with us, otherwise it would've taken us forever to climb the sheer rockwall to the entrance.

"I think some of us should stay here," Rogue suggested. The others nodded in agreement

"Gray, Wendy," Erza was taking charge. "You two go with Lucy, your powers might be the most useful in there. The rest of us will stay here to guard your back."
We all nodded and the exceeds grabbed each of us, ready for flight.

"Wait," said Rogue. "Yukino should go as well." Erza nodded in thought for a moment.

"Why?" Yukino asked. Rogue hesitated for a brief moment before responding.

"They've been targeting Lucy so far, but you're a Celestial Mage as well. You can keep Aquarius key from being used for Oblivion. If they figure that out they may target you...." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. A faint pink tinged his cheeks as he went on.
"If they come over that ridge...I...I'd be worried about protecting you...I don't want to make a mistake." Rogue's words had a visible effect on the white haired mage. As in, her face turned bright pink and she started sputtering in response.

"He's right," Erza cut off Yukino's floundering. "They'll aim all they have at you if they know what you are. Besides if the cave is large you may have to split up. If you find the key before Lucy you could form a temporary contract making the key useless for them."

Rogue seemed grateful that she had a logical reason for Yukino to come with us, and extremely embarrassed that he may have given her a hint at his feelings.

"How will we all get there?" I asked, getting attention off Rogue and Yukino. Probably more consideration than they deserved after all the knowing looks they gave me and conspiring to get me alone with Sting. I'll pay them back when this is over.

"Allow me." Carla transformed into her battle form. "I can carry Wendy and Yukino in this form."

With that settled Lector took a firm hold of my coat and we were off, on our way to Sting...and hopefully Aquarius.

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I waited for them just inside the cave mouth. I was surprised that so few of them came.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Guarding the path," said Gray. "They'll make sure no one surprises us. Let's go."

I led them over to the mural I had found, starting with the stars.
"I think this is showing the formation of Oblivion," I gestured to the stars. "Aquarius' constellation is right here in the first one." I saw Lucy's face when I pointed it out and I could feel pride swelling in my chest as she looked at me impressed. "This one must be the root of the tree of heaven," I pointed to the second picture. "This one though..." I gestured to the last only to find Gray staring directly at it, a pained look on his face.

"Gray?" Lucy placed her hand on his shoulder shaking him a little. "What is it?"
"It's...it's Iced Shell."
"What's Iced Shell?" I asked.

"It's the most powerful form of Ice Make Magic, you turn your own body into a sort of...ice prison...." I was obviously missing something here, sure it was creepy magic but I didn't understand why Gray seemed so affected.