The Skull Hidden in the Sand

The Ships Take A Beating

An hour and a half later - about the halfway point

In the 'Gajevy and NaLu' compartment (as named by Mira)

It was surprisingly quiet. Natsu had been loud as normal, but Gajeel wasn't fighting with him per usual. Actually, he was grumpy as all get-out and told Natsu to "fuck the fuck off" before retreating back into his dark corner. Eventually the group sat in silence.

Now, Natsu was leaned back snoring and Happy was curled up on his lap. Lucy was staring out the window watching the countryside go by and Levy was reading a book, absentmindedly scratching Lily behind the ears as he dozed. Gajeel was also looking out the window, but with the air of not actually looking at anything, and was projecting a dark aura. Other than Gajeel's grumpy vibes, the silence was a comfortable one.

Happy twitched in his sleep, mumbling something about Charla and fish, and Lucy giggled. Levy closed her book and sat back with a contented sigh. "Finished?" Lucy asked, turning to her.

"Yes and it was so good. I love happy endings."

"Which book is that?" Lucy asked, checking the title. "Oh, that one. Hmm, I didn't like this one as much as the first one."

"Really? I thought it was good."

"It's just...the whole 'sacrifice-a-couple-people-for-the-sake-of-everyone' thing doesn't sit well with me."

"Fairy Tail certainly doesn't operate that way." Levy giggled.

"Right! And the author killed the main character's brother and his men! Why?! They were so strong!!"

"I know right?! I cried so hard!! They were my favorite!!"

"Stupid Shrimp, they're not even real." Gajeel mumbled. Lily stirred and gave him a look, which the slayer ignored, but the girls continued talking like they hadn't heard him.

"And then the main character went to the prince to get training!! And she turned him down, like, five million times!!"

"He creeped me out to be honest. I was kinda glad."

"Yeah, totally. And then she finds out her brother's killer was her dragon friend from the first book!! Like why?! He was actually evil the whole time and masterminded the brother's death, so the main character would go to the prince, and end up marrying him so the dragon could control the kingdom from the shadows?! Why?!"

"I know!! I was freaking out!!"

"That dragon was such a freaking evil traitor!! But that's why I didn't like it! The whoooole first book he's a friend, but then he was actually evil the whole time?!"

"What the hell are you insinuating?" Gajeel snarled suddenly.

"Huh?" Lucy asked.

"Don't worry, Gajeel." Levy said soothingly. "We know most dragons aren't evil. The story is fake; it never happened."

"I know that!! I'm not as stupid as you clearly seem to think I am!!" Gajeel snapped back.

"What's your problem?" Lucy asked.

"Shut up, Bunny Girl!"

"Hey!"

"Don't yell at Lu-chan!" Levy stood up and glared at Gajeel. "I don't know why you're so cranky, but don't take it out on us!!"

Gajeel hmphed and stared out the window again, clenching his fists in his lap. Levy put her hands on her hips for a second before stomping over to the door. "I'm going to the restroom." She snapped and stalked down the hallway. Lucy followed, slamming the door shut behind her.