Laxus slowed down once he had reached the backyard of the apartment block. He was quickly cached up by Gray, Mira and Juvia.

- Gray? Juvia can't see a thing, said the worried blue haired girl.

- I don't like it, simply said Gray, expressing out loud the exact thought of Laxus at the moment.

For once, the black haired young man didn't try to push away Juvia's grip on his arm. Everyone was on alert. They knew something was going on and that the apparent quietude was only an illusion. However, it was a mental torture to not know what danger was coming for them.

Finally, something clicked. The sound of it froze Laxus's blood. He had heard it way too many times in the past few weeks. It was the sound of a loaded gun, ready to kill, no doubts about it. He let out a swear between his clenched teeth, slowly turning towards the source of the sound. Not far from them was standing a man, pointing Juvia with his weapon, Ivan Dreyar next to him. Despite the darkness, he could see Mira's face, so pale it was almost transparent. He felt her slide her hand in his. He didn't stop her, closing his fingers on hers.

- If you don't mind, I would like to have a family reunion, said Ivan, an horrible smile on his lips.

- We'll... never let Laxus alone with you! Said the most courageous women he had ever known despite her trembling hands.

- Really... he answered in an uninterested voice. In that case, it's such a shame to have to kill such a beautiful girl. Don't you think Mrs. Lockser?

- You bastard... started Gray, boiling with anger, but Laxus cut him off.

- Let her go, old man, he growled. I'll go with you. Just let the others go.

Juvia gave Laxus a look filled with sadness. The later nodded, indicating he'd find a way to get out of this mess. Then he turned to Mira's direction, tightened a little his grip on her hand before letting it go, but Mira never let that happen.

- No Laxus. He'll kill you...

- Do not take any stupid decision. Go with the others.

- Oh! I think we have a misunderstanding here, snickered Ivan. Your little bitch comes with us! I also have things to settle were her.

- No way Mira is going at the same place as a rotten man like you!

- If you say so...

His henchman prepared himself to shoot.

- No! Cried Mira. Go, she said to Gray and Juvia. Well be fine, she added with a blink that seemed odd even with those numerous years of practice.

In silence, she followed Ivan. She was guessing they wouldn't be alone with that monster. As expected, many of his goons were waiting for them in the isolated place where they were taken.

- Laxus, know that betrayal has a cost. Makarov is paying it right now with the imminent death of his little protégées, and yours...

His men threw themselves on the blond man, constricting him like before.

- Enjoy the show, he concluded with a sadistic grin.

***

Mira had barely time to dodge the hit Ivan was throwing at her face. He was fast. He seemed even stronger then when she fought him at the port. Was it his threatening that was getting stronger in her mind, convincing her he couldn't be defeated? Or maybe it was simply because fighting a veteran of the organised crime was a lost cause?

She dodged many other hits, then he reached her leg. He knew exactly were she was shot and had aimed right at it. The young woman dropped to her knees, holding the wound that hadn't completely heal yet. Despite all her will, she couldn't avoid his knee hitting against her face, her bottom lip now cut and bleeding.

She wouldn't go off that easily, swore Mira to herself. "Make him at least pay a little" she encouraged herself. She rose with pain. This time, after avoiding some other hits, she managed to reach him. In her impetus, she was able to inflict him some solid hits, extracting even some pained expressions on Ivan's face. Then, with a nicely done kick, she broke his nose. However, Ivan wasn't done with her and, almost instantly, replied with a solid punch. Black dots clouded the young woman's vision and she collapsed.

***

Laxus couldn't bare it anymore. He simply couldn't bare the sight that was happening in from of him. But when she disappeared in the shade, the fight taking Mira and Ivan further, he would've hope to know how she was doing. He struggled to get himself free, but there where more adversaries then the last time. And that not considering the fact that they were probably remembering the method he had used the last time, preventing another head-but by holding his head steadily. ¸

Then a gunshot attracted his attention behind him. Only seconds later, one of his opponents jumped to avoid the bullet at his feet. Another shot made his enemy at his right dance. Then Laxus heard someone swear.

- Shit! Well have to find another way, said the voice with a ruff tone realising he was short on bullets.

Laxus knew that voice and never he would've imagine to be that glad to hear it. Despite the empty gun, the diversion was enough for Laxus and he managed to dislodge himself from their grip. The men charged back, but Laxus wasn't alone anymore; Gajeel was now next to him, his back against his for a better battle position, fists up.

- Not beaten up too much? Asked Gajeel.

- Just a lot of cleaning to do. Everything's rotten here.

- Gihi, that's what I do best, he answered, hitting one of his fists on the other. Just try not to be in my way Dreyar, he said, his smile still on.

- As long as you're not in mine, Redfox.

Teaming up, they quickly managed to beat most of the attackers. During the battle, Laxus had to fight against his will to not run in Mira's direction, but he knew he couldn't do a thing if he had some of Ivan's lapdog bothering him, his father alone being a formidable adversary. He was about to take care of the last one when Gajeel blocked him.

- That one's mine, he said seeming to wish he could kill the man only with his eyes. Go to her.

Laxus didn't need to be tell twice. He ran as fast as his legs could go. When he reached them, Mira was collapsing on the floor, Ivan ready for the final blow.

- IVAN! He yelled, throwing himself at him before he could hit Mira.

Ivan was strong, even more then he was expecting. If at one moment, the fight seemed fair, Laxus's father managed to have the better end of the fight, throwing hit after hit on him, just as he did with Mira.

Laxus gave another punch at Ivan. A smile of satisfaction rose on his face when the man lost his balance. However, his smile dropped when Ivan picked up a rock, using it to amplify his punches. When he couldn't dodge his last attack, Ivan's hand holding the rock made contact with his side. He collapsed, a hand on his ribcage. At least one rib was broken, maybe more. Breading was painful. He clenched his teeth. How could he possibly beat his father?

Then a red light brightened the sky.

** Sixteen years earlier **

- Grampa! I don't want to go! Sulked the blond boy.

- Why not Laxus? Asked Makarov, an eyebrow lifted.

- I.... I just don't wanna, he said his arms crossed on his chest.

- It's only for a night! And that summer camp will be a great opportunity to make some new friends.

To the lack of answer from his grandson, Makarov placed a hand on his shoulder.

- Something is bothering you my boy, isn't it? You know you can tell me anything.

The boy hesitated and finally answered, a glimpse of worry in his voice.

- You wont forget me there, hen grandpa? Not like daddy...

Makarov's heart tightened before Laxus's obvious sadness. While Makarov loved Laxus more than anything, Ivan never should've become a father. Well, even if he had a son, no one could consider Ivan as one. Since Laxus's birth, he could only count on one hand the moments Ivan had made a significant appearance in his son's life.

- Listen to me Laxus. I would never forget you.

Big eyes were looking at him. He wanted so badly to believe his grandfather, but Ivan had marked him in such a way that a scar was left on his heart. Sighing to a sadness no seven-year-old should ever know, Makarov told him:

- You know what? Before going to bed tonight, look at the sky. You'll see beautiful red fireworks shining.

- Like those we lit up last summer? Exclaimed Laxus, his interest caught.

- Yes, answered his grandfather. And you know what that will mean?

The kid shook his head in a sign of negation.

- When you'll see them, you'll know that I may not be able to see you, they may be hundreds of miles between us, but I'll always be looking your way. I'll be watching over you forever. I promise.

** Present **

A new energy took over Laxus. What ever anger, even hatred, he had had against Makarov during the past years, never he had lost faith in him. Never he had let go. And, today again, while Laxus was about to loose everything to the hands of the one who always disappointed him, his grandfather was right behind him.

Laxus hit the ground with his fist, using it as a support and rose again. It wasn't easy. His whole body was protesting from the pain, but he had to continue. He had to fight. Looking one last time at the sky, then at Mira laying not far from him, he stood tall, ready to fight once more his father to protect what was his real family.

I was watching the scene in witch Laxus fight against his father in the grand magic games and I was immediately inspired for this chapter. I also wanted to make a parallel with one of the most touching moments of Fairy Tail: when Laxus is out of the guild. Finally, I put the moment I was really exited to write: Gajeel and Laxus teaming up :D

I hope you liked that 22th chapter!

Lily xx