Frost and Iron: Gajeel x black oc

The Ice Queen and Iron Dragon

Chapter 4: The Ice Queen and Iron Dragon

The path north took them deep into the heart of the forest, far from Magnolia's warmth. The air had a bite to it, crisp with the onset of early winter, and the ground was littered with patches of frost. Trees loomed high above them, their thick branches casting long shadows that shifted with the cold wind, making the place feel even more isolated.

Aislyn tugged her cloak tighter around her shoulders, her breath escaping in small clouds in the cold air. The temperature didn't bother her—being a Water and Ice Dragon Slayer had its perks. She reveled in the crisp air, the familiar bite of frost on her skin reminding her of Glaciara, her long-lost dragon mother. The cold was where she felt most in control, most powerful.

Beside her, Gajeel was a different story.

He trudged alongside her, his large frame cutting an imposing figure against the snowy backdrop. His iron-studded arms flexed beneath his thick coat, but even with the layers, the chilly air seemed to irritate him. He'd been silent for most of the trip, but every few minutes, Aislyn could hear a disgruntled grunt from him, followed by the sound of him pulling his coat tighter.

"You look like you're about to freeze to death," Aislyn teased, her voice breaking through the otherwise quiet forest. She shot him a sideways glance, her lips curled into a sly smile. "A little cold getting to you, Ironhead?"

Gajeel scoffed but kept his eyes forward. "I'm fine," he grumbled, his breath forming a thick fog in front of him. "Just don't see why the hell you're so chipper. You're barely wearing anything."

Aislyn glanced down at her outfit. Beneath her cloak, she was wearing her usual—combat pants, a fitted tank top that cut off just above her belly button, showing off her toned stomach and her silver belly piercing. She was used to shedding layers when things got uncomfortable, and the cold didn't faze her.

She shrugged. "Some of us are built for this weather," she replied, adjusting the straps on her braids, which were freshly done up into a tighter style, making them easier to manage during missions. "It's like home for me. You should've thought ahead and packed warmer clothes."

"I didn't realize I'd be hiking through a damn icebox," Gajeel muttered, his sharp black eyes flicking over to her with a glare that didn't quite hold its usual edge. "And you're telling me this is comfortable for you? Not buying it, Ice Queen."

Aislyn's smirk widened. "Trust me, I'm good. And don't worry, I'll keep you warm if you start to shiver."

Gajeel snorted, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a faint grin. "Yeah, right. I'll be fine as long as I don't have to listen to your mouth the whole time."

Aislyn chuckled softly, feeling the familiar ease of their banter settle over her. It was strange how quickly she had adjusted to Gajeel's presence. She wasn't the type to trust people easily, and she sure as hell didn't let people get close to her. But Gajeel was different. His rough edges matched hers, and there was something about him—maybe the shared Dragon Slayer bond—that made it easier to tolerate his company.

Still, even with the camaraderie growing between them, Aislyn wasn't about to drop her guard. They had a mission, and she wasn't naive enough to think that their enemies wouldn't be prepared. The dark guild they were tracking was dangerous, and the reports of them targeting Dragon Slayers had put her on edge.

Her eyes scanned the path ahead, every rustle of the trees and flicker of movement drawing her attention. They were getting closer—she could feel it. The air itself seemed heavier, charged with an unfamiliar energy that made her Dragon Slayer senses tingle.

As they rounded a bend in the path, Aislyn suddenly stopped, her hand instinctively reaching out to halt Gajeel.

"Wait," she said quietly, her voice sharp. Her eyes narrowed, focusing on the treeline just ahead.