Ghosts of the past

Chapter 23: Keep the promise

Levy's heart was pounding so fast in her chest. She could even feel her own pulse in the twinge in her arm's injury, but the young woman put all her focus in front of her. August, the coward who used the murder of an entire family to satiate his own ambitions, as disgusting as they were, and entrusting the kingdom to the monster that José was. Lucy and Natsu by her side, she started to run, ready to put an end to all of this once and for all. Gajeel was counting on her and she didn't plan on disappointing him.

She tried her best to chase the fear that threatened to freeze her every muscles anytime now, but the smile the king was showing her, seeming to defy her, didn't meant anything good: someone on the edge of loosing couldn't simply have such a reaction. Then, before she even reached the throne where he stood, she sensed multiple step sounds. When they busted in the room, Levy's heart tightened, recognising Phantom members. "We'll never see the end of it" she thought with discouragement. But then, she almost started to laugh when Gajeel's voiced filled her mind, Levy guessing how her boyfriend wold scold her for putting herself down "You're sure to lose thinking like that, shrimp. Stop whining and go kick those bastard's asses!". Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip on her sword kept on fighting until she crossed paths with a man with white hair on one side and black hair on the other.

"Well, well! If its not Redfox's little bitch! Still alive as I can see..."

Levy's blood was boiling. This was the guy Gajeel had described as Totomaru, the one that had injured and almost killed the one she loved. If she already hated Phantom members for what they had done, this one was one of the worst to her.

"Well, well! If its not José's lap dog" she spat in return.

"Since when was she replying that way?" thought Levy. "I'm probably spending a little too much time with Gajeel" she mentally laughed. But reality quickly took her back from her thoughts. She had to vanquish this man. The task was however more than laborious. Her left arm made her suffer, the right one was burning from the effort. As for her lungs, they barely kept up with how out of breath she was. But she continued, again and again until a hit from Totomaru sent her on her back, her enemy putting a foot on the arm that was holding the sword.

"It reminds me when I almost got rid of your useless boyfriend" he snickered. "Since you took that pleasure away from me last time, I could make up with you, taking my time... Oh! I can't wait to see Gajeel's face when I hand him your shattered body..."

She felt tears rushing to her eyes but she couldn't let him that satisfaction despite the fact that everything around her pushed her to let the tears flow freely. The pain, the fear... What she saw, taking a look at the others didn't help either. Natsu was disarmed, holding his ribs that seemed painful. Lucy herself didn't have her weapon anymore, a sword pressed to her throat, keeping her in respect.

She heard another series of steps. Why would they even call for reinforcements? They had already won. But rather than seeing another set of men in blue uniforms, she saw the most noisy, chaotic and disorganised gang ever. This gang was also full of life, strength and energy. This gang was her family.

"Okay Fairy Tail!" Called out Laxus. "Hit this band of assholes with all you've got!"

"Yeah!" Cheered the others, following his movement.

This time, Levy allowed the tears to fall on her cheeks, tears of relief. Then Totomaru was pushed on the side, freeing her.

"Levy! Are you all right?" Asked a smiling Mira, helping her to get back on her feet.

"I'll be fine. Thanks Mira!"

With the barmaid's help, she quickly had the upper hand against Totomaru, forcing him in the same position she was a few minutes earlier. The blue haired girl was soon on top of him, her sword ready for a hit.