The Dragon's Mark

What Was In Those Berries?

Later....

Lucy opened her eyes. Why was her head pounding so much? By now, she was used to waking in Natsu's arms. Wait, they weren't in her apartment though. And why did her head hurt so much?

It took a minute, but Lucy realized where they were - in the middle of the forest looking for the Magic Library. She became aware that it was close to dusk. They had missed their opportunity to find the library for today! Soon it would become dark.

"Natsu," she whispered, rolling a little back and forth to wake her mate. His arms were around her so tight, she couldn't break out of them. "Natsu!" she said a little louder. He awoke with a grunt.

Slowly his arms relaxed and Lucy could sit up. Ugh! That was a mistake - her head pounded even more!

"What was in those berries?" she murmured. Remembering Cana's advice should she ever wake up with a hangover, Lucy located her canteen and took a long gulp. Hangovers were just dehydration, Cana had explained. Stay hydrated and you'll be fine. Lucy passed the canteen to Natsu, who had also sat up by this time. "Drink," she said.

Natsu also took a long swallow. Looking up at the sky through the trees, he grimaced. "Sorry, Luce. Looks like we better set up camp."

"It's okay," she said, giving him a soft smile. "The distraction was worth it," she said, feeling her face heat up. Natsu grinned. "Just think what we can do with more practice!"

Meanwhile, Back at the Guild Hall:

"You did WHAT?" screamed Erza. Levy cringed under the female mage's yell. When she looked up, she realized a tall body was blocking her view of Erza. Gajeel.

"Whatever your problem is, don't take it out on Levy!" growled Gajeel, his arms outstretched, although his body did well enough to protect her from Erza's rage.

He used my real name? Gosh, he must be serious! thought Levy.

"Erza! Calm down!" Levy tried to explain, peeking around Gajeel. "I'm positive that both of them are safe!"

Erza growled. "You didn't see Natsu like we did," she said, getting a confirmation nod from Grey. "Lucy is not safe with him! If he perceives anything as a threat, he very well may hurt her, even if he doesn't mean it!" She took a breath and let it out slowly. Gajeel still protected Levy, his look meaning business. In the back of Erza's mind, she thought it was cute how he immediately came to her rescue, but she didn't have time to think about that now.

"Levy," she tried to say in a calmer voice, "where did they go? We'll send a team out to meet up with them...for Lucy's protection," she added.

Levy walked around Gajeel but found herself leaning up against him for support. He was like a brick wall sometimes - well, an iron wall, she almost giggled.

"This is a journey Lucy and Natsu had to take on their own. Lucy has her spirits to protect her - if it's at all needed. However, we would only end up getting in the way and it's something they need to do on their own," she finished, breathless. It took a lot to stand up to Erza!

Gajeel patted her on the head, mumbling, "Good job, Shrimp."

Erza still frowned. " If you think so, Levy. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt. Natsu would never forgive himself!"

Levy nodded. "They should be back tomorrow. If anything happens, I'm sure Loki would inform us."

"True," Erza nodded thoughtfully. Still, she was worried about her two teammates.

"Erza, you're such a good friend!" Mira gushed, setting a plate on a nearby table. "Come and enjoy - on the house!" Erza looked over and saw her favorite strawberry cake. Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered at her favorite treat. They'd be back tomorrow, right? She found herself heading towards the table.

Levy gave a sigh of relief. Now that THAT was finished....she glared up at Gajeel. "Really? Patting me on the head? Am I a dog?"