Smeared in Colors of Always

Chapter Nine

Part of me really didn't want to be a part of the whole stolen S-class job request. Mainly since I knew it was one of the biggest impacts upon their bond as a team. It was also when one learned more about Gray's past and what pushed him to be stronger.

Though after this we'd be dealing with Phantom Lord, Fantasia Parade, and finally that of the Tower Arc. Each one heavy with impact and bonding moments.

Each moment also a test of wills and strength for the members of our guild.

"Come on," ordered Natsu with a huff as he finally just grabbed me and tossed me over his shoulder while Lucy watched on with a frown. "If we complete this job, then we can show Gramps that we're more than ready to become S-class."

Yeah, because that was the main reason he was doing this...

"I don't want to," I shouted while trying to wiggle myself off the other's shoulder, but man did he have a good grip on me. "Put me down, Natsu!"

Even then the other ignored my wants as he continued on his way with Lucy behind him wearing a slightly constipated look. Seems she wasn't behind the whole kidnapping me thing.

Though in the end, Natsu got what he wanted.

Gray ended up catching up with us as we settled into the boat just as I figured he would making Natsu huff and get into an argument with him. One that ended with him knocking the other out when he got distracted trying to untie me, seeing as I had also tried to run away.

Sometimes, Natsu could be such a damn caveman.

"Was that necessary?" shrieked Lucy as Natsu cackled before dragging Gray onto the boat and tying him up right beside my own tied up form.

"Did you want him to go back to the guild and send back Erza?" shot back Natsu.

Which, he had a point there.

From there we were off and heading to Galuna Island where Gray would be forced to face his past in the form of Lyon and Deliora. It would be a trying time but something he needed to face.

Especially if he ever wanted to move on from his past.

"Where did he go?" muttered Natsu as Lucy screamed about the huge wave heading for us while I summoned Eris to help me get free. "He was just here..."

Being thrown from the boat, and swept forward due to huge waves, was not my idea of fun.

I was thankful when it finally stopped, and I slammed into the sand.

We'd made it to the island.

~ Time Skip ~

Gray was almost too enraged to listen to anything we said after we found Deliora's body.

Not that I could blame him considering the demon had taken his family and teacher from him.

"I'll stay with the villagers," I stated simply when we ended up speaking about our next plan of action. "You three are more than enough to deal with these idiots."

There was also the fact that I hadn't even wanted to be involved in this either.

Which is why I was more than relieved when Erza finally showed up, least of all because it kept Gray from taking off immediately while so badly wounded.

Lucy just looked about done with everything.

Being here, during one the defining moments for the team, was a bit nerve-wracking as I didn't want to say or do the wrong thing. Though I knew I wouldn't be able to stand by if Natsu was even a second late in stopping Gray from using that forbidden spell.

It was during this time that one realized Gray was a bit suicidal.

Luckily, I was worried for nothing as everything happened similar to canon that before I knew it, we were watching Erza and Natsu break the barrier surrounding the village.

Though I had to snort in amusement when the village leader complained about us not destroying the moon. Why he thought we'd do that I wasn't too sure.

Especially when it wasn't needed.

~ Fairy Tail ~

Getting back to Magnolia took a few days, and at that time we had to listen to Erza's scolding. I luckily got out of most of it when I pointed out that Natsu had kidnapped me.

But even then, she still scolded me for not fighting harder to escape and stop them.

Which, fair point.

When it came time to decide who would get the celestial key, I offered it to Lucy since she actually took full part in the job itself and took out Angelica.

"What?" breathed out Lucy as we took in the sight of the destroyed guild with large iron poles sticking out all over the place. "What happened?"

Seems it was time to face Phantom Lord.

"Let's head inside," ordered Erza with a frown as she stalked forward and through the broken door. "Seems everyone is in the basement."

Listening to Gramps describe how the place was attacked after everyone had gone home meant that the person who did this had been watching the guild for a while. At least long enough to get an idea of when people would be here and when it'd be empty.

Gajeel was smart like that though otherwise he'd have to face Gramps.

"How dare they," snarled Natsu with Gray right there beside him. "We're not just going to let them get away with this are we, Gramps?"

It took Erza hitting them on the back of the head to calm them both down.

This wasn't the time to lose our cool.

Afterward, as we all went home for the night, I remembered that Levy and her team would be getting attacked. A curse left me as I shot up in my bed knowing it'd already be too late.

My focus had remained on the fact that here soon Gajeel and Juvia would be joining us, and not on the fact that before then he'd attack Shadow Gear and hang them from a tree.

It would be that alone that would start the war between our guilds.

"Something wrong?" questioned Natsu making me yelp and reach for my magic to summon one of my celestial keys. "It's just me..."

"When did you even break in?!" I shouted back in disbelief considering I figured he would be stuck to Lucy's side right now as usual.

But no, the damn fire lizard was here at my place.