The Side Where No Stars Shine

Paper Cuts

Levy's POV

I'm out delivering papers around town.

I'd asked the owners if I could borrow them for a while, but I'd finished them.

I figured I should turn them in as quick as possible, before something happens in the guild and they get destroyed.

Jet and Droy were back at the guild, as I told them I could handle it on my own.

It took more the convincing of Gajeel, telling them I can handle myself.

I'll have to thank him later.

I notice as the first stop comes into my field of view.

"Hello sir!" I say with a smile, setting the man's papers on the counter.

He turns to look at me.

"Miss Levy! Did you enjoy them?"

"Yes, very much so. I appreciate your letting me borrow them."

"Of course. You may borrow them anytime you'd like."

I waved goodbye as I took off for my next destination.

I had two deliveries left before I could head back to the guild.

My next stop was nearby.

I stepped inside to see the sweet woman waiting for me.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"Not at all, dear. It's very sweet of you to go out of your way and bring these back for me."

I hand her the papers.

"Everything should be in the order you left it!"

"Thank you, sweet Levy. You're welcome back anytime."

I head out of there, trying to reach my last destination in time.

When I approach the building, I walk past a few men leaning on the wall.

"Sir, I have your papers!" I call, entering.

There was no reply.

I assumed the busy man was either at work or finally getting a break to rest.

I leave the papers on the table, a note beside them.

To my surprise, I exited the building to see the men now crowding the door.

"You're one of them fairies..." One says.

I hear the harsh tone of his voice.

Then, I realized who they were.

Black Rose members.

"Solid Scr—"

I'm cut off as another covers my mouth.

"What a weakling." He says.

I try to pull his hand off of me, but he was right.

I could feel a sudden rush of magic slam against me, though I was left defenseless.

They continued to attack me as I felt tears developing in the corners of my eyes.

When I finally got an opening, I ran as fast as I could manage.

I had to get out of there.

I wish I'd had Shadow Gear with me...

I wish I'd had Gajeel.

I opened the door to let myself in, slamming it behind me.

I collapsed by the door in tears.

"Levy!" I heard two voices call in unison.

Jet and Droy rushed up to me, shortly followed by Gajeel.

"Are you okay, Levy?!" Jet and Droy asked in unison.

I shake my head.

"Oi, Shrimp, what happened?!" Gajeel questions, displaying a mixture of worry and anger.

"I couldn't handle myself... I'm sorry. I..."

"That doesn't matter right now! Who did this to you?!"

"S-Some Black Rose members..."

"I'll kill 'em!" The iron dragon slayer yelled.

I sniffle, wiping my tears and standing.

"Gajeel, you don't need to—"

"I'll kill you first! It's all your fault that she went out alone!" Jet yelled angrily.

"Don't fight..." I mumble.

"Well, I'm sick of you treating her like a kid! She's a fully capable wizard, she just had bad luck this time!"

"We know that!" Droy yells.

"Do you?!"

I didn't want them all fighting.

They begin grabbing at each other with rage.

"Stop it!" I scream.

The entire guild goes silent.

"We have bigger issues than who blames who for what!"

I wipe the tears that had escaped my eyes at that moment, forcing myself in the direction of Master's office.

I had to tell him that Black Rose and Blood Thorn we're ready to resort to violence.

...You know I had to do it to 'em.

Gajevy is life.