Hi guys! Here's another one! Hope you'll enjoy! :)

            When Mira was done with Gajeel's visit, she greeted Mr. Makarov, crossed the road and made a quick stop home to grab her sport bag. Then she went out again, letting her mind wander while walking. She thought about Gajeel's expression while receiving a place of his own. Despite his gruff tone, it wasn't hard to tell he was grateful. However, for some reason, he refused to show how he felt to others. His detached attitude didn't fool Mirajane. Most of the time, she could sence those kind of things, know went people were lying or when they were starting to get attached to another person. She was indeed the matchmaker behind Lucy and Natsu's couple. The poor pair was a lost cause with external help. Also, she could dig out the truth in those who pretended not to care. That was, for the matter, not only Gajeel's but also Laxus's case.

            Sadly, after all those years, she couldn't go through the thick shell Mr. Makarov's grandson had put on. She was not fooled however. If none had witness any sign of fragility form the young man, Mira knew he was hiding something. No one could be that angry all the time without any valid reason. No one could be indifferent to everything surrounding him. Letting out a sigh, she entered the gym where, since many years and keeping it from everyone except Mr. Makarov, she trained.

            Once changed, her long white air tight in a ponytail, she started to hit the punching bag, again and again. She couldn't forget. She just couldn't. By her fault, Lisanna, her young sister, was dead. Because of her weakness, she couldn't do anything when they killed in cold blood her little sister in front of her own eyes, without even knowing what had really happened. Six years later, the young woman, seen as the hostel's little angel, hardened herself. She now had the strength to protect those she loved. Even so, it was too late. Regardless how hard she had trained, she could never change the past. And about her brother, she haven't see him since he left on his journey around the world with his girlfriend Evergreen and her friends.

            Mira gave more punches. She missed her chance to protect her loved ones, but she needed her lone time in that gym. She needed to know she wasn't anymore the weak and defenceless girl she once was.

            After a long hour of training, she droped herself on the mattress, leaning against the wall while catching her breath. She wiped her forehead with a towel then stood up, thinking she should head back to the hostel. To her surprise, she met Gajeel on her way back, a black cat in his arms.

-          Hi Gajeel! Didn't know you have a cat! She said joyfully.

Gajeel made an annoyed pout.

-          Yes, the little buddy just follows me wherever I go.

His tone left no room for discussion.

-          He's cute!

-          Cute's for girlies, he grumbled. Pantherlily is a reel cat.

-          I do not doubt it! Mira exclaimed before resuming to her path.

-          Bye.

-          Oh Gajeel! I almost forgot! Did you went to Levy's?

-          The blue haired shrimp? Why would I go see that little girl?

-          She's older than you think, she giggled. But yes, I am talking about the one living in the apartment you broke in, the one you slammed on a wall, scared and ripped her library apart while fighting Laxus...

Mira completed her enumeration with her usual smile, as if each element of it wasn't serious matter. Gajeel outfaced her, visibly annoyed. She turned her back on him and continued her way to the hostel. Mira shook her head in a sign of discouragement. He'll probably be as difficult as Laxus. When she finally arrived at the hostel, she saw the blond man she was thinking about barely a minute ago.

-          Laxus? She asked intrigued.

-          Mind your own business Mirajane! Was is one answer as he slammed the door behind him.

"What's up with him?" she asked herself before giving Mr. Makarov a questioning look.

-          Mira?

-          Yes sir?

-          Can I ask you a favor?

-          Of course! She said, curious about the serious tone of her boss.

-          Laxus seems... How can I put it... worse than his usual self. He looks like a timing bomb about to explode. I... can you keep an eye on him for me?

-          Me? He barely speaks to me! 

-          Since Freed, Bickslow and Evergreen's departure, he doesn't seem to have anybody to talk to.

She had a twinge of sadness thinking, for the second time of the day, about her brother's absence.

-          I understand, she said with an uncertain smile. I'll do my best.

-          Thank you dear.

***

A few hours earlier

            After witnessing how low his grandfather could get, Laxus's anger reached another level. He couldn't ignore it anymore. He grabbed his head with both hands, trying to think about a starting point or at least some information he could use somehow. He had to find a way to find his father ASAP. He was certain of one thing, the old geezer wouldn't be the one helping him. He asked Freed, one of the only person he trusted, a couple of years ago to make some researches for him. Much to his frustration, Freed came back empty handed. Laxus remembered his nervous friend while announcing her he hadn't find anything on Ivan. Laxus left his head, looking blankly at the wall. Thinking about it, something about that scene looked odd. Normally, Freed would have apologise at least a thousand times and said more of that bullshit he always blabbered about. But the green haired man didn't do any sort of thing, simply justifying his failure. The more he thought about it, the more he believed Freed was hiding something from him. The doubt took more and more space in his mind. Laxus decided to call him. After all, it was the only lead he had.

            The phone rang a couple of times without answer, but Laxus knew better. When it came to Laxus, Freed will pick up the phone each and every time, recognising his number on the display. As expected, he finally answered, out of breath because of the run he just made to his cellphone.

-          Laxus! He cried as if his life depended on it.

-          No time for small talk Freed. I need your help.

-          Of course Laxus!

The young man sighed. Freed might be his most loyal friend but he was also the most intense... too intense to his taste.

-          I need you to tell me what you found on my father.

A silence settled. That quietude was a sign in itself that something was wrong.

-          But.... I... Already told you Laxus... I didn't find anything.

At the beginning, Freed was denying. But as he went on, with Laxus's insistence, he finally confessed.

-          Your father's in prison Laxus. I don't know why, but he was condemned to a life sentence.

As solid as the young Dreyar could be, he almost dropped the phone. His stupefaction only lasted a few seconds, soon replaced by a new wave of anger.

-          What?

No answer.

-          Why didn't you tell me sooner?

-          I thought you were better off not knowing...

-          Better? Where's that prison?

-          Laxus...

-          Where? He repeated.

-          Crocus. But Laxus, I beg you, don't...

The young man had already hung up. Without hesitation, he put some random clothes in a bag and went straight to Fairy Tail. He would have preferred not to make such of a detour but he needed a car and didn't owned one. He didn't have any other options but to take one from the ones his grandfather used for the hostel's needs.

            He barged in, ignoring Makarov, took one key set and left under his grandfather's worried eyes.  

-          Laxus? Asked the young receptionist.

No way he was talking to her! He didn't care to deal with everyone's worried looks.

-          Mind your own business Mirajane! He barked.

Then he slammed the door behind him. He found the right car easily and sat in it. He took a map out of his back pocket, found Crocus and started the vehicule, submerged by his own frustration.

Here you go! This time, a chapter mostly centered on Mira and Laxus but don't worry Gale fans, Gajeel x Levy moments are coming up in the next one!

Please don't forget to tell me what you thought of the chapter! :)

Lily xx