Frankly, Gajeel would love to make use of everything he learned working under Sovereign to punch him in the face one or two or a dozen times. But the guy didn't get to where he is now by luck alone, and even Gajeel knows that taking him down will take some doing.

The idea that this may be the first step toward that is pretty encouraging.

"If this goes off right, that won't have to happen - not yet, anyway. Might as well save it 'til we've got a good chance." He kicks a bit of debris off the path in front of him, sending it tumbling down the cliff face. Oh, he's definitely determined to make sure they get that chance eventually. The sooner, the better. He doesn't even know how long he went along with that guy's orders, going above and beyond what he was told to, making sure he did his job and did it damn well, without knowing just what was being held out of his grasp.

Gajeel had been loyal, he had tried so hard to keep Sovereign's approval, and he had been manipulated. That isn't something he's going to forgive easily.

He pauses briefly, red eyes narrowing as he glances around for something. He definitely heard something, but right now he can't be sure if it's significant or if he's just jumpy.

After a moment, he starts walking again. "Shouldn't be too much further. Maybe a couple more minutes."