The Runaway

Chapter 20:Festival

Sting was discharged from the hospital first. His injuries were were less fatal but he more in cuts. Natsu on the other hand, has more broken bones, especially on his ribs. Sting payed close attention to that.

Though, both hot-blooded idiots were not left easy by the Demon President and the Dark Shadow. Sting got another earfull from Rogue and house arrest from Jellal for reckless use of magic and property destruction. Assuming that Sting was the one who initiated. House arrest was suggested by Rogue. He said something about Sting needed the comfort of his own home to calm down. What he didn't know was that he is Sting's source of comfort.

Natsu, after getting discharged, also got a an earful from both Jellal and Rogue. A week of suspension from reckless use of magic and property destruction, addional of community service and an apology letter. Natsu was not happy about that. However, it was better than House arrest. He doesn't know what to say to Igneel about this. Jellal knows that.

Despite all this, after going back to the dorms, he was able to start an argument with Gray, that later turned into a fight. Resulting for both to be pusnished. Natsu and Sting weren't able to settle their differences and hadn't seen each other since the sparring session.

And so~

Everyone in Magonlia was busy. The Spring Harvest Festival is within a week and everyone in Fairy Tail needs to participate in the preparations. But because of a certain duo the load of work increased. Erza eventually made Jellal to make those two work together. But, it turned to give more damage than normal.

Jellal sent Gray to mission that involves the icey mountains, Gray showed no complains. Since Natsu was destructive and loves fire a lot, Jellal sent him to the volcano outside of town to retrieve a magma stone that came from the erupted mountain. It was a request from a blacksmith. Three days after that, Gray came back, since the mountain wasn't really far and the cold never bothered him so it was easy. Natsu probably enjoyed the steaming atmostphere.

"Gray. Welcome back," Juvia greeted him with a gleeful smile, he nodded in return.

"Where's Sting?" he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Sting went to Sabertooth along with Rogue because they had a few arrangements," she answered. "And Natsu isn't back from his mission yet," she added.

"Oh, he isn-- Hey! I didn't asked anything about that flame-brain." Gray hollered. Juvia tilted her head. 

"Oh. Juvia's bad then?" she giggled. Gray sighed.

"No, I was gonna ask about Lyon," he petulantly added. Juvia beamed.

"Oh, I see.Lyon is helping Master Bob with the preparations for tonight," she answered. "Well, Gray. Juvia'll see you later," she bid and started to walk away.

Gray nodded and started to pull a rope. Everyone sweat dropped, He pulled a huge block of ice and moreover, he was only in his boxers, yet he didn't notice it. Eventually he felt a terrible pain in his head, he bended down to his knees and looked up. Only to see a scary Jellal lifting his fist.

"Gray, if you simply don't mind.Wear some clothes!" he ordered. Gray looked down and saw himself in his boxers. He sweat dropped.

"Sorry!" he quickly apologized and started to search for his clothes. After finding them and changing in the middle of the street, he continued to pull the rope up to it's destination.

He gave the block of ice to the one who requested it and got paid. He roam around the town for awhile. Secretly smiling from the sight of the happy children. As much as wants his parents to be there, they can't because their too busy for work. Gray dismissed the subject before he gets all sentimental.