"Hey…shrimp? You sure this is the right place?" Gajeel scratched his head, staring up at the building before them. The multicolored house, set at the top of the hill above the small town of Peiora, stood out against the rest of the buildings quite obviously. Yellow and green shutters covered wide square windows on the front, the blue paint of the house bright and a stark contrast to the gray and brown colors of the other residents. The structure seemed to lean a little to the left, as if it was built on uneven foundation.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6W7ZKuajc 維尼
Beside the house was a large, equally colorful, magical vehicle. It was bigger in size than a normal vehicle, with the main body being much rounder than usual. Attached at the front of it was another car, likely the man's everyday transportation. Small curtains covered the windows on the side of the bigger vehicle, so they couldn't see into it. The outside was covered in decorations; pinwheels, sparkles, long sticks with ribbons at the end poking out at random directions, making it both an eyesore and an interest point at the same time.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl3T6IIWQL 維尼
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure." Levy double checked the address on the job ad, comparing it to that on the mailbox right beside them. It was painted a neon pink, with white polka dots. "This should be the place."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ98Bs7pBh 維尼
The two Fairy Tail mages stood staring at the house for a moment, hesitant to approach. Something about it just…made them take pause.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbBOItkOkX 維尼
Then, Levy sighed, rolling her shoulders to loosen the tension. "Come on. Let's go meet the client."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlORdXP5rU 維尼
"Right." Gajeel muttered, following after the bluenette towards the front door.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1W6sMFjr0 維尼
They stepped up to the porch, and Gajeel rapped his knuckles on the door, knocking several times before stepping back and waiting for an answer.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vbf4cCaqn 維尼
A minute or so passed, and still they heard no noise from within the house. Frowning, Levy stepped forward this time and knocked quickly herself, more insistently. Still, nothing.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnFhLFZmhC 維尼
"He ain't home, shrimp. Let's go back to the town and-"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYY6MX9DJb 維尼
"Shit! God damn caravan…" A man's voice called from somewhere behind them in the distance. They both swung around, searching for the source of the noise. There was the sound of movement, and something metallic hitting something else. Gajeel and Levy stepped off the porch, walking back towards the large vehicle beside the house where the noise was coming from.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0qv3JXkh7 維尼
"Hello?" Levy called out, and the movement stopped. They could see a pair of boots from underneath the caravan, and the feet walked around the vehicle.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEjxfc2U4T 維尼
An older man, sporting a large black mustache with thinning hair atop his head, appeared from behind the caravan, eyeing them grouchily. "Who're you two? Get the hell off my property!"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM2602H7vj 維尼
"Uh, sir?" Levy tried to reassure, raising her hands defensively. "I'm Levy, this is Gajeel. We're mages from Fairy Tail. You sent for us?"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡVp5jj9Z97E 維尼
For a moment he said nothing, but simply stared at Gajeel as if he were a disgusting bug he'd just discovered. Gajeel, in turn narrowed his eyes and raised a brow, wondering what he'd done to offend the old man already. "You two?" He finally asked, glancing between the two of them.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzypoDlTgJ 維尼
"You asked for us specifically, didn't you?" Gajeel asked, confused and becoming angry at their less than welcome…well, welcome. They didn't even know this guy's name and he was already glaring daggers at them.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOYWnHxHRr 維尼
"The hell I did! All I asked for was for a couple of capable mages who wouldn't ask no questions and watch my back while I travel that god forsaken desert!" The old man ranted, waving his hands angrily as he spoke. "And look what I get! Two nosy teenagers with nasty looks in their eyes!"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaTDwMH1jM 維尼
Levy took a step back, intimidated by the man's unprovoked anger. Gajeel, who stood behind her, moved his hand to press against her back, preventing her from retreating any further. She knew it was his way of giving her strength, silently telling her to keep her ground, and not to let some old guy scare her. She was Levy freaking McGarden, after all. She'd faced more powerful people than this angry grandpa.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFaO76gs16 維尼
Taking a breath, Levy steeled herself and straightened up with a slight up tilt of her chin. Unbeknownst to her, Gajeel smirked, proud of her courage. She'd certainly grown from the petite and fragile mage he'd offered to help train for S-Class all that time ago. He bit back the urge to chuckle. Well, not in height, but definitely in fortitude.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRjFBNHzuS 維尼
That'a girl.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJsRRs0zE 維尼
"Sir, we're here to escort you across the desert. I believe you'll find us to be capable enough for that simple task, seeing as we are Fairy Tail mages. We've dealt with plenty of dangerous things in our time with the guild. Please don't brush that aside. Now, may I ask your name?" Her previous hesitation had disappeared, replaced by the desire to carry on with the job in her usual all-business expression.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTahVtQvAP 維尼
The old man scoffed, crossing his arms. "Heh. Simple task my ass. You ever seen the war parties that scout those dunes?" He questioned with a skeptical tone. Obviously they hadn't, but he continued on anyway. "You best pray we don't run into any of 'em out there. They aren't to be underestimated."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQwUN09Zpq 維尼
"Your name, sir?" She repeated more insistently, not to be redirected away from the issue at hand.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lUVqnJN5s 維尼
The old man stared her down silently, as if sizing her up and measuring her worth. This time, Levy didn't shrink into herself at the intense gaze, but merely waited for him to answer her question. With a smug up tilt of the corner of his mouth, he let out a short, humorless laugh. "Name's Clyde Gordon, sweetheart. Don't go wearing it out."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3n9WpZftM 維尼
Gajeel practically growled at the mocking implications of his words, and the way he'd said them, but otherwise gave no other reaction. Levy didn't seem phased either. She simply nodded.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCiDpsS2De 維尼
"Well, shall we discuss the job more at length?" The bluenette suggested, getting rather comfortable taking charge of the situation and flaunting her confidence. She could get used to this feeling.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡranUW41Lmn 維尼
"Sounds like you've already made up your mind about it." Clyde grumbled, sighing and turning away back towards the house. "Come on, then. Hurry it up."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlL4TJDpK7 維尼
They talked at length about what exactly they'd be doing while out in the desert. Levy did most of the talking, with Gajeel content just to sit back and listen. If he had any problems with the situation, he'd speak up, but it seemed like Levy had most of it covered. She knew exactly what to ask and how to get the old man to answer, when he felt like it. Which was a miracle in itself, since he was stubborn to the core and reluctant to give them any information whatsoever.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfPjrFwzgz 維尼
Gajeel could already tell that him and Clyde wouldn't be getting along during their time together. Something about the dragon slayer seemed to offend the merchant to no end, and he hadn't even done anything to be deserving of it. When he wasn't talking business with Levy, he was griping at him to stop slouching in his chair or to quit with 'that foul expression.'8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PsiayNyyf 維尼
He kept himself busy by inspecting the living room of the house, noticing that the interior was a complete shift of the outside appearance. While the outside was fun and bright, there was a distinct lack of color on the walls and floors. Besides the bare necessities of a house, there wasn't much in terms of decor or personal affects. Gray, brown, and black seemed to be the only color themes inside the house. It looked dull, lifeless, as if no one truly lived there.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNvjLdTTlS 維尼
His thoughts were interrupted by Levy speaking again.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡpenSV7gd2A 維尼
"So, you're moving locations to Crescent Valley, right?" Levy asked, sipping at the tea that he'd at least been gracious enough to make for her. Of course, that offer hadn't been extended to Gajeel. No surprise there. The bluenette crossed her legs, leaning back in the chair she was seated in.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeTKXpKeBV 維尼
"Yeah, that's right. And that's all you need to know." He replied gruffly, scratching distractedly at his mustache. "All I'm paying you to do is protect my stuff and make sure I get there in one piece. Now, we've talked enough about the job." He made to stand, but the bluenette tilted her head.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CQv5jGftC 維尼
Levy frowned, taking in what he'd said. "Sir, are there any other dangers you expect to present themselves? You'll have to be completely honest with-"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvAWt1MUAf 維尼
"You youngsters and all your damn questions, always demanding answers. Should learn your place." He mumbled, interrupting her sentence yet again.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡZueSVXa3y5 維尼
"Pardon me saying so, sir, but you're being irrational. We can't-"8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWfIafM4uu 維尼
"Didn't I say I wanted mages who shut their mouths and didn't ask continuous questions?" He scoffed, shaking his head as if proven that they had already fallen below his expectations.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiYR1c53Rp 維尼
Gajeel was getting tired of Clyde's innate habit of talking over the bluenette, who could be soft spoken at times. He could see her confidence begin to waver as Levy realized she wasn't getting through to him. Scowling, the dragon slayer shifted in his seat.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOUPf3gRwx 維尼
"I'd speak a little more respectfully to the lady." He warned, earning their attention. "We can terminate the job now and leave, and you can wait around for someone else to escort your sorry ass across that desert."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2tsi1Kh3g 維尼
Levy pursed her lips, frustrated with the whole situation, really. Things were getting rather uncomfortable, in no small part because of their client. Gajeel's alpha male personality wasn't helping either. She hated when people argued heatedly, and if Clyde's quick frown and glare at her partner was anything to go by, it was about to get heated.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNurcexDDK 維尼
"Now, you listen here, brat. Didn't your daddy ever teach you manners? Respecting your elders? I don't like your tone, boy." Clyde pointed an accusing finger at Gajeel, who narrowed his eyes, opening his mouth to reply.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHTkhKCL3v 維尼
"That's enough!" Levy cut in, frowning at both men incredulously. After several moments of locked gazes, boring into each other's eyes and daring the other to look away, the two men slowly turned their attentions back to the frustrated bluenette. "Can we get on with the specifics, then we can be on our way? The sooner we leave, the better." She dictated, crossing her arms resolutely.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsdTioMvgt 維尼
Both men seemed to reluctantly listen to her authoritative direction, Clyde less so than the her partner. Gajeel knew when Levy was pissed, and if the irritation in her expression was anything to judge by, they were quickly reaching that point. An angry Levy was a cute Levy, but now wasn't the time for that.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGkgAvRR4G 維尼
Luckily, Levy was able to steer the conversation back onto the matter at hand, and before too long, they'd finished discussing the details.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcUp2QJxoQ 維尼
"Now, is there anything you need help with before we get under way?" She questioned, and Clyde rose to his feet with a deep sigh.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOIcrOCe3L 維尼
"Gotta finish putting the caravan together." He answered, and they followed him outside.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡiItUvdFaLB 維尼
For the next few hours, Levy and Gajeel helped Clyde stuff bags and shove boxes into the car pulling the caravan, packing the rest of the man's store inventory in containers to travel. It seemed that the man's entire shop was actually the caravan itself, so now he just had to bring his personal belongings with him as well. That made things a little easier, but they were both still sweating by the time they'd finished stuffing the vehicles with Clyde's possessions.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MQ41mTdvU 維尼
"That should do it." Clyde finally said, finishing up tying the last of his belongings to the caravan and shut the door, locking it tightly. He turned, seeing Gajeel and Levy sitting down to rest now that they were finished. The merchant frowned, and pointed to the house. "Get off your lazy asses and check the house. Make sure there's nothing left."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHlQR1Wei8 維尼
Gajeel growled at the snapped order, but Levy reached over and set a hand on his arm. She sighed, but shook her head. He calmed down, if only for her sake, but that didn't stop him from sending his best glare towards their client as they returned to the colorful building, stepping through the door and checking all the rooms for any belongings. Nothing was left.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ95HwIQno7 維尼
"Looks like we've gotten everything. There's nothing left in the house." Levy said, approaching the merchant.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W2OvFAHKV 維尼
"Great. Now we can finally set off." He grumped, grabbing a loose bag and walking over to the front vehicle with it. Levy and Gajeel's bags were sitting by the porch where they'd tossed them for the time being. Now, they picked them up and followed after him.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0DkWuVQYa 維尼
"Where should we put our things, Mr. Gordon?" Levy asked with a small smile, her way of trying to bring back her own good mood.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV6TB1DJBP 維尼
The merchant turned and raised a brow. "Well, I don't see any room for them in my cars, so looks like you'll have to carry them. Might build your character." He said, shutting the passenger door after setting down his own things. Gajeel peered past him into the cabin and saw an empty space in the back seat. Clyde smirked, turning and walking around to the other side to get into the driver's seat.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5vU5pQrn1 維尼
"Lying bastard." Gajeel muttered, just loud enough for Levy to hear. She sighed again.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡezDVzI11Hx 維尼
"I don't think he'll be offering to let us ride with him either." The bluenette heard the vehicle begin to start up, Clyde probably having attached the magic cuff to his arm by now. "Guess it'll be a long walk to Crescent Valley."8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUZeO1usvh 維尼
The vehicle lurched forward, the caravan attached to the back jerked with the movement, and the decorations swayed around dangerously, close to falling off. Luckily nothing fell, and Clyde started down the road at a slow speed.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnTEJp2Aeq 維尼
"Why do I feel like it's just going to get worse from here?" Levy sweatdropped, shifting the bag on her shoulder as they started walking. Gajeel grunted.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlcXJxVH2g 維尼
"Well, it ain't getting better. That's for sure." He scowled.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV9DRj7U8j 維尼
Levy said nothing, but frowned, feeling like there was something important that she was supposed to remember at that moment, or that she was forgetting something. But for the life of her, she couldn't think of what it was. Shrugging, she figured that at some point it would come back to mind.8964 copyright protection537ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrMxaO0llB 維尼
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