Moving on

Chapter 22 : Family

Laxus slowed down once he had reached the backyard of the apartment block. He was quickly cached up by Gray, Mira and Juvia.

- Gray? Juvia can't see a thing, said the worried blue haired girl.

- I don't like it, simply said Gray, expressing out loud the exact thought of Laxus at the moment.

For once, the black haired young man didn't try to push away Juvia's grip on his arm. Everyone was on alert. They knew something was going on and that the apparent quietude was only an illusion. However, it was a mental torture to not know what danger was coming for them.

Finally, something clicked. The sound of it froze Laxus's blood. He had heard it way too many times in the past few weeks. It was the sound of a loaded gun, ready to kill, no doubts about it. He let out a swear between his clenched teeth, slowly turning towards the source of the sound. Not far from them was standing a man, pointing Juvia with his weapon, Ivan Dreyar next to him. Despite the darkness, he could see Mira's face, so pale it was almost transparent. He felt her slide her hand in his. He didn't stop her, closing his fingers on hers.

- If you don't mind, I would like to have a family reunion, said Ivan, an horrible smile on his lips.

- We'll... never let Laxus alone with you! Said the most courageous women he had ever known despite her trembling hands.

- Really... he answered in an uninterested voice. In that case, it's such a shame to have to kill such a beautiful girl. Don't you think Mrs. Lockser?

- You bastard... started Gray, boiling with anger, but Laxus cut him off.

- Let her go, old man, he growled. I'll go with you. Just let the others go.

Juvia gave Laxus a look filled with sadness. The later nodded, indicating he'd find a way to get out of this mess. Then he turned to Mira's direction, tightened a little his grip on her hand before letting it go, but Mira never let that happen.

- No Laxus. He'll kill you...

- Do not take any stupid decision. Go with the others.

- Oh! I think we have a misunderstanding here, snickered Ivan. Your little bitch comes with us! I also have things to settle were her.

- No way Mira is going at the same place as a rotten man like you!

- If you say so...

His henchman prepared himself to shoot.

- No! Cried Mira. Go, she said to Gray and Juvia. Well be fine, she added with a blink that seemed odd even with those numerous years of practice.

In silence, she followed Ivan. She was guessing they wouldn't be alone with that monster. As expected, many of his goons were waiting for them in the isolated place where they were taken.

- Laxus, know that betrayal has a cost. Makarov is paying it right now with the imminent death of his little protégées, and yours...

His men threw themselves on the blond man, constricting him like before.

- Enjoy the show, he concluded with a sadistic grin.

***

Mira had barely time to dodge the hit Ivan was throwing at her face. He was fast. He seemed even stronger then when she fought him at the port. Was it his threatening that was getting stronger in her mind, convincing her he couldn't be defeated? Or maybe it was simply because fighting a veteran of the organised crime was a lost cause?