Then the morning of the final day arrived. They had pushed the training until the very last day.
Erza rose early, body stiff and sore as she climbed out of the bed she shared with Gavin. She reached over to nudge him awake. "Come on, we gotta get the car packed."
Gavin grumbled sleepily, then with a sigh he pushed the cover back. "Did they have to push us to the last minute?"
Erza chuckled as she grabbed the coffee pot. "Don't let them hear you complain. You know Astrid won't put up with it." She filled the pot with the last of their ground coffee and walked out.
The fire pit was still filled with embers. She grabbed a couple logs and tossed them on before a fireball ignited against the wood, quickly catching the new logs. She set the pot on the renewed fire before she stood and stretched her back.
"You glad it's over already Red?" A friendly voice called from her right.
Erza turned to face the newcomer, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Aren't you earlier than usual, Kara?"
Kara laughed and reached out to embrace Erza. "I wanted to see you guys off. I'll be honest. You two grew on me during this little training montage." She stepped out of the hug and smiled up at her. "Besides, I think I'm gonna miss my favorite punching bags." She gave Erza a friendly wink.
Erza chuckled shaking her head. "Gee, that is so comforting." She walked around and started grabbing their belongings.
Gavin walked out of the tent a few minutes later dressed for the day and narrowed his eyes on Kara. "Didn't think we had training today as well."
Kara loaded the chest she was carrying into Erza's SUV and turned around, one hand on her hips. "Really. I swear you both think too much alike. Maybe I just showed up to help you pack and get on your way."
Gavin cocked his head at her. "And I would believe that why?" He walked around to grab some of the camping chairs and carried them over to the vehicle.
"Quit bickering you too and help me get everything loaded up or you're going to be late! We have a long drive ahead of us." Erza tiredly snapped.
"You're grumpy in the morning." Gavin grumbled and walked over to pour himself a cup of coffee.
The snap of a twig was all the warning he got, as he ducked his head on instinct. A bag of trash came flying above his head to land nearby. "Quit your complaining." Erza retorted.
Gavin grinned and poured two more cups of hot coffee for Erza and Kara. "Shame that Aria, Lyla and Tessa left already. They don't understand the hell we went through."
Erza snorted. "No shit. They stayed for two days and left. Didn't wanna be dragged down to hell, as they said." She took the cup from Gavin gratefully.
"To think, its' only been two months since we started this, and already I feel so much stronger than when we started." Gavin said. He looked down and flexed his hand into a fist several times.
Erza stopped and turned to face him. "Don't get cocky. We've both grown, that's true. But," Erza paused and glanced at Kara. "Neither of us hold a candle to the Valkyries, let alone Drake."
Gavin nodded as he looked at Kara. "Yeah, even now I don't stand a chance in seven's hells against you." He flashed her a wide, cocky grin. "Though, I know I can at least make you work for it."
Kara snorted dismissively. "In your dreams, wolf. I'd still mop the floor and hang you out to dry." Her words lacked any venom. Instead, they were filled with a comfortable rivalry and respect.
Gavin shook his head chuckling as he finished loading the last of the supplies back into Erza's SUV. "Hmm, maybe."
Instead of answering, Kara held back slightly, gripping her right arm with her left.
Erza noticed her subdued demeanor and one eyebrow lifted. "What's wrong?"
Kara bit her lip. "Be careful out there, alright? There are some nasty rumors floating around Club Tempest locations."
Gavin heard the apprehension in her tone and turned around to face her. "What kind of rumors?"
Kara sighed. "I've only heard bits and pieces. But word on the grapevine, is the True Lord's Army is preparing for something big." She crossed her arms over her chest.
Gavin scratched the back of his neck. "Those guys again huh?"
Veronica, were those the guys behind the attack on the studio?
I can not answer with absolute certainty, Master Gavin. But, based on everything we have learned since then, I believe the possibility was high. Veronica replied.
"Bring them on. I've been wanting a piece of them for a while now." Gavin said after a moments thought.
It took them less than an hour to finish breaking camp and load the SUV. Kara waved them off as Erza pulled out. "It's going to be so amazing to take a shower and sleep in an actual bed."
Gavin nodded. "You got that right. " Gavin laughed as he held her hand while they drove.
It took them a few hours and they arrived back in Tristane.
Gavin sighed appreciatively as they pulled into his driveway. A hot shower, warm bed, and a few days of actual rest before we leave for Allario. Gavin got out and grabbed his bags before heading inside. His parents were already gone for the day as he walked his bags upstairs and dropped them on the floor.
Erza followed him inside, shutting the door behind her. "You're parents are gonna be so excited to see you again."
Gavin nodded with a smile. "It'll be nice to just rest for a few days before we leave." He reached out and pulled her into his arms.
Erza laughed, her nose wrinkled and she placed her palms against his chest, pushing him back. "I want an actual shower first. You can keep that," she glanced knowingly down at his pants, "tucked away for the meantime."
Gavin laughed and lifted his arms. One sniff told him everything. "Damn, I guess it's been longer than I thought since the last time we took a shower."
Erza chuckled and stole an a shirt from his closet and some shorts. "You won't mind if I steal these do you?" She cast a teasing look over her shoulder at him.
Gavin's mouth went dry, his mind blank. He grinned and shook his head. "Nope, not at all."
Her laughter rang throughout the room as she walked down the hall. He quickly grabbed a change of clothes and followed her. Perhaps rest can wait.