Ghosts of the past

Chapter 16 : Run

When Levy opened her eyes, she noticed that the weather was rather grey. "Too bad" she told herself stretching, but she stopped as soon as she did. Every single inch of her body was painful. However, it didn't really bother the young woman. On the contrary, her achiness was the proof that Gajeel's training was worth it. Another positive point, Levy had to admit, was that she appreciated the time spent with him despite the circumstances. Maybe one day she could spend some time with him, without any threat, without being constantly taken by surprise by another disturbing news that she couldn't really deal with... "Stop Levy!" she thought. "Its not the time for thinking about those kind of things".

Then she got out of bed, scanning her surroundings. "That's weird. Usually Gajeel is already up when I'm waking". She continued looking around her until spotting Juvia who was coming back from her morning jogging.

"Good morning Levy!" she greeted her with her usual joyfulness.

"Good morning! Hey, Juvia, did you happen to see Gajeel? I'm looking for him."

A dark expression crossed Juvia's face making Levy worry even more.

"He's gone for the day" Said Juvia after hesitation.

Levy rose an eyebrow. This time, she really was intrigued.

"Gone where?"

Noticing that the ex Phantom member was hesitant, Levy insisted.

"Juvia, please."

"Gajeel went to deliver a letter to Phantom..."

"What?" Exclaimed Levy who lost most of the strength in her legs.

"Levy must not worry!" Said Juvia as soon as her new friend stated to loose her grip. "He's only delivering something without getting spotted and will come back as soon as it's done".

"But why?" Insisted Levy.

"He went giving a letter that explains that king August is a fraud. Juvia thinks Phantom could make a truce with us and help Levy's cause rather then hunt her down".

"But I thought Phantom was in the city where you... abandoned your mission". Said Levy confused.

"Gajeel and Juvia where only in that city for the mission" denied Juvia. "In fact, Phantom's base is in Clover".

"Clover? I thought it was a secret base. Why put it in an important city?"

"Phantom is a little apart from the city in what looks like an abandoned warehouse... at least from the outside".

Levy didn't know what to do whit this information. After all, Phantom's support could make the difference and they desperately needed all the help they could get. But putting Gajeel in such a dangerous situation...

"But why letting him go alone?" She thought out loud, worried sick.

Juvia smiled to her, then came closer to take Levy's hands in hers.

"Gajeel is extremely talented when it comes to infiltration missions. Levy has to believe in Gajeel".

Reluctantly, Levy nodded, sighing.

"I'll go for a run myself to clear my head a little" she announced.

Seeing her starting to run in the pathway she usually used herself, Juvia couldn't help but sigh. She was a lot more worried about her best friend that she let out, but the only way she could help him at the moment was to keep Levy safe like she promised.