The Iron Dragon's Mark

The Battle

Once reaching the area, they cautiously looked around to make sure the ruffians were not there. Lily located a good place for them to do a "stake out", as he called it.

It was a tight squeeze and Levy found herself pressed up tight against Gajeel. Sighing, the iron dragon mage pulled her onto his lap and wrapped an arm around her. Levy's face felt so hot, she was sure it was bright red! Gajeel didn't see it as a big deal and rested his chin lightly on the top of her head. Lily was positioned on one of the rooftops and would alert them if there was any sign of activity.

"Um, Gajeel, you don't have to do this," Levy squirmed uncomfortably in his lap.

"Shrimp, if you don't quit moving, there's going to be a problem!" he whispered harshly at her.

Her eyes widened at his implication and, if possible, her face got even redder. Gajeel chuckled softly, his arm tightening around her.

"Now's not the time for that," he teased. "Maybe after this, though, we could do something about it."

Was he talking about what she thought he was talking about? Oh my Mavis! Maybe those signs she decided weren't there really actually were!

"Just relax, short stuff," he sighed. "Your brain's been on overdrive. Give it a rest. I'll let you know if anything's happening."

His arm encouraged her to settle back against his hard chest and she closed her eyes. How could she sleep in this position? Gajeel's scent flowed around her and she was in his lap! However, the sharp scent of iron had a relaxing effect on her, and soon she was lightly dozing.

Gajeel could hear her breathing even out and he allowed himself to smile. He buried his head in her hair and breathed in her scent. He enjoyed teasing her - he didn't know why - but what was even better was when she showed how much she trusted him.

Even though he was enjoying the feel of her in his arms, he still kept a sharp lookout on the area below, as well as watching for Lily's signal.

He didn't have to wait long.

"Shrimp," he whispered in her ear, shifting her in his lap. Levy immediately woke up. "It's time."

Below, a group of mages stood, looking around.

Gajeel whispered in her ear. "Stay low. Let Lily and I handle this. You'll be backup." It was the only way he knew to keep her safe. He hoped he didn't need backup.

Levy started to protest, but then thought about what Gajeel said. It made sense. Her type of magic could be thrown at a distance, while Gajeel liked to fight up close and personal. Plus, there was the element of surprise if they didn't realize there was a third mage along.

Gajeel jumped softly to the ground, Lily fluttering down next to him. For such a large guy, he had a really stealthy approach, Levy thought,watching the scene below.

"Looking for something?" Gajeel announced his presence. The group turned and immediately started attacking.

Levy watched. It looked like Gajeel and Lily - who had grown to his human size and had his sword out - were pretty much handling things. Already they had taken out two of the wizards! Wait - there was one sneaking up behind Gajeel, who was too busy pummeling the explosion wizard to notice.

"Script magic hammer!" Levy called out, watching as a large hammer fell on the wizard's head, knocking him out. Five points, she thought to herself and giggled.

Gajeel didn't look up, but gave a nod like he acknowledged her help. He doesn't want to give away my position, she thought.

She threw some other spells, including one of iron, when Gajeel started to look fatigued. After, he was able to do his iron dragon roar and that cleared out the last wizard!

Levy jumped down from her spot, surprised when Gajeel caught her. She rolled her eyes - she would have made it to the ground just fine! Still, she wasn't complaining.

"Nice job, Shrimp!" he told her, grinning. "You're like our secret weapon!"

Lily looked up from where he had tied the group together with magic-blocking rope. "Don't get too cocky. This is just a small group. We don't know if the rest of the guild is involved."

"Yeah, ugly!" one of the dark wizards called out. "We're just the beta team! Our alpha's already at the other area!"

"Shut up!" one of the other dark wizards spat out, and head butted the one who talked. "Are you stupid?"

"I'll get them to the local authorities and you two head off the alpha team!" called Lily, lifting the bundled wizards in the air.

Gajeel was about to protest, but then closed his mouth, his lips in a firm line. "Come on, Shrimp!" he called, grabbing her and throwing her over his shoulder. She knew it would be faster but come on! Wasn't there a less embarrassing way?

Gajeel and Levy worked together, but were having trouble fighting off the three strongest mages from the dark guild. Lily arrived and things started to look more in their favor.

Exhausted, the three mages were victorious and once again, Lily produced the magic-blocking rope and tied them up. This time, though, the authorities were there so Lily didn't have to "deliver."

"Ugh, I feel gross," Levy said, slapping at her dress to knock off the dirt and sand. She winced as the fabric rubbed against her thigh and discovered a gash there.

"Levy - you're hurt!" Gajeel frowned, picking her up and carrying her in his arms.

"Gajeel! I can walk!" she began, but he was hearing none of it.

"We'll get you patched up and cleaned up," he muttered, ignoring Lily's smirk.

"Shut it, cat," he grumbled, which made Lily laugh out loud.