Five Little Sacrifices

Chapter 77

"If they were here, they would agree with me and we would be riding that little ferry!"

"I'm not in a mood for walking either", Imari grunted as he rubbed his forehead.

"I think it might be fun to try that ferry", Freed smiled and he acted like he didn't notice the look full of lightning from his husband.

"Let's ride that ferry, baby!" Bickslow cackled wrapping his arm around Freed's shoulders. "You guys walk if you want", he said to Laxus and Roscoe. "Just don't get lost."

"I'll go with them", Sanchez promised. "You ride the ferry, Imari", he smiled to the dark lion who grunted and nodded.

They sat down in the small ferry and Freed didn't wonder why Laxus and Roscoe were so reluctant to ride it. There was hardly enough room for them, but in a way it made it more exciting. For a moment Laxus was pacing around and nervously looking how the small ferry left the dock and he was sure it would sink. Yet it moved ahead slowly, heading towards the opposite shore.

"We better leave too", Sanchez smiled. "It takes longer to walk there", he said and they started walking along the bridge.

Freed looked around, enjoying sights and it was really interesting to see the town like this. The big fish in front of the ferry kept swimming without any hurry, but they were still moving faster than Laxus, Roscoe and Sanchez who were left behind.

They made some turns and finally headed into a canal. They followed it through one part of the town and came out, almost right at the shore where a road lead up to the big forest.

"Almost home", Imari grunted and he was glad. He was hungry and he needed some herbs for his headache.

The ferry stopped and Imari and Bickslow got up first, helping Freed and Evergreen to get up as well. For their surprise they heard quick steps and looked at Laxus, Roscoe and Sanchez who were jogging towards them.

"How did you get here already?" Imari asked confused, looking at Sanchez who was panting. Apparently he was not used to run around like that too often.

"When we lost you out of our sight, Laxus got nervous", he said and chuckled.

"We just had to ran after him, he almost got lost", Roscoe snorted and the lightning dragon slayer growled something.

"You should have just came with us", Freed said to Laxus.

"Whatever", he growled. "We're here so let's start moving."

They laughed and started walking up the street and the forest swallowed them instantly.

The rest of the day they spent at the house, helping with what they could. Laxus and Bickslow helped Imari to fix a few windows and change some planks from the porch and Freed, Evergreen and Roscoe helped Sanchez to get rid of weeds from his garden.

The sun was almost down and they were all sitting in the living room, enjoying some stew fresh bread and vegetables. The big door at the side of the house was open and they had a good view over the garden.

Laxus sniffed the air and looked at the gate.

"I know this smell", he muttered putting down his empty bowl. "Has been a while, though."

"Who is it?" Freed asked surprised. Who could they possibly know from here?

The gate was opened and they saw a figure with long silver cape which covered them completely. It was hard to say if they were a man or woman, but they all put down their food as the figure started walking towards the house without any hurry.