The Iron Dragon's Mark

Backstory

Later, On the Train:

"Do you suffer from motion sickness, like Natsu?" asked Levy as they waited to board their train.

Gajeel shrugged. "Sometimes. It's more height related. I'm not as weak as flame brain," he stated.

Levy knew of the competition that existed amongst all the dragon slayers, in and out of their Guild, so she didn't remark on his comment about Natsu.

"So you should be good on the train, right?" Levy asked as it slowed down in front of them. She watched the passengers depart before the conductor announced they could board.

"Of course!" Gajeel scoffed. God, he hoped so!

He picked up Levy's bag before she could reach for it. "More rocks?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I found a few volumes that might help us with our mission."

"You know, not all knowledge comes from books. A lot comes from experience. I've been up against this guild before."

As they settled in their seats, Levy asked him, "So what should we know about this dark guild then?"

Gajeel had sat across from Levy, with Lily next to him. Gajeel's legs were stretched out in front of him, so it was good that Levy's legs, as she was sitting all the way back in her seat, barely touched the floor. Levy had pulled a notepad and pen from her bag as she asked Gajeel the question.

Gajeel leaned forward. "For one, it's smart that you did not mention their name." He glanced around them to make sure no one was listening. "You never know who's traveling in the same direction," he warned her.

Levy rolled her eyes. How naive did he think she was?

"Also," he continued, "our client said that they were busting up their town. Chances are, it's one of their main forces. That means that we'll most likely be facing a takeover wizard, a fire mage, one that causes explosions - I don't know what kind of magic that is - and..." He paused, looking at Lily. "I'm forgetting one."

"That one that uses dirt, wind, and thunder" Lily finished. He gave an inward shudder about the thunder. Although he hated to admit any weakness, if he had one, it would be thunder. A childhood incident had affected him and ever since, the noise tended to paralyze him...unless he knew it was coming and could prepare himself.

Levy chewed her lip, thinking, looking at the list she made. "Okay, this is good to know." She pulled out a book about the town. "I brought this, thinking we could figure out what exactly their motive is - I mean, why this town? Why now?"

She pulled out her special glasses which helped her read quickly. After a few minutes, she looked up at Gajeel and Lily, taking off the glasses.

"I think I know why they're targeting this town. According to legend, there's a powerful lacrima buried under the town. It's from an ancient race of magic users called the Plains People. They were attacked by a rival village known for annihilating their enemies - every man, woman, and child. In order to prevent this from happening, the village shaman cast a spell that turned every villager into the lacrima and hid it so no one could find it. However, he was killed before he ever revealed where he hid it. The current town of Penelope was built on the ruins."

"Wow, that was quite a story," Lily said after a moment of silence. He glanced at Gajeel. "I can see this guild going after something like that. Only, how did they learn about the legend? Also,why go after it now?"

"I don't know," Levy replied softly. "It might be good if we were to grab a newspaper once we get into town, figure out what current events have taken place. Or, we can talk to our client, the mayor."

Gajeel snorted. "Something tells me he doesn't know." He patted Levy on the head. "Good job, Shrimp!" He leaned back, closing his eyes. "I suggest we rest up on it. We'll be pretty busy once we get there!"