A/N: Hey everyone! I just wants to say that I’m so grateful that I received a lot of support. Thank you very much. Here is the second chapter I hope you liked it. Also, special thanks to @silvermidnightprincess @acaigawrites and @whereisthefood123 for helping me with grammar. Thank you so much!!
Genres: Romance, Hurt/Comfort
Summary: Tired of being “the damsel in distress”, Levy left the guild without telling anyone except Master Makarov. She spent three years far away from Magnolia learning new spells to improve her skills. But finally, is time to return home. What’s that strange magic she learn?
Chapter One:https://otakugirlkrod.tumblr.com/post/158442724445/three-years-have-passed
Chapter two: The mistery begins
Footsteps sounded from the entrance of the guildhall.
“Jet! Droy! It’s time to go. The client is waiting for us,” Levy said cheerfully. “It’s been a while since I got up early to catch the first train.” She confessed to her teammates.
“Hey Levy!” She turned her head towards the voice. “Are you sure about this job?” Jet asked, sounding somewhat worried. “Beating a small dark guild is not an easy task.”
Levy smiled reassuringly. “Of course! I want to show you just how much I’ve improved in a hand-to-hand combat. I’ve grown in magic power, and…” Levy leaned forward. Curious, Jet and Droy leaned closer to her, eager to hear what she had to say. “I have a card under my sleeve,” she revealed quietly to them.
Jet and Droy glanced towards each other with confusion invading their facial features. “Why don’t you pick a translation job or something more… you know, peaceful?” Droy suggested.
The blue-haired girl sighed. “Guys! It’s time to show everyone what we’re made of!” She stretched her arms and held them close to her. “Shadow Gear will come back at full force!” She exclaimed positively.
Levy extended her arm towards her two teammates. Jet and Droy followed suit, each placing their hands on top of hers. “Shadow Gear is back! We will never break apart!” The team said in unison.
Magnolia’s most cheerful guild was making their everyday destruction, drinking and singing routine. Keeping his distance from the calamity, our favorite dragon slayer couldn’t take his eyes off a certain someone.
Shadow Gear came back from that job four days ago and I’ve noticed a few things… Gajeel thought, “He looks so pathetic.” He let his hand rest on his right cheek, still contemplating his comrade’s condition.
“Are you staring at Jet again?” Pantherlily asked.
“How am I not supposed to stare if he looks like hell! Just look at him Lil’” Gajeel replied irritated.
“Both of them sure seemed terrified.” Lily replied referring to Shadow Gears male members. “What happened on that job?” A tone of concern was now heard in Lily’s voice.
“I don’t know. Something smells fishy and it ain’t Salamander’s cat food.” Gajeel replied. Why are Shrimp’s lapdogs acting so different? Every time someone says Levy’s name they change the subject. They didn’t even answer Demon girl’s questions. His eyes turned to the blank space that is the blue haired girl favorite spot. And Levy…she hasn’t shown up in the guild either. He thought. “All this shit is confusing!” He thought out loud.
“Indeed” The exceed answered as he crossed its paws in front of him.
Gajeel got up abruptly and walked to the brown haired Shadow Gear member. He slammed his fist to the table to catch his attention. “Oi! What the fuck happened? All the guild is feeling worried for your sorry asses.”
Panicked, Droy looked around and attempted to explain. “Things got… out of control, ok?!” He yelled. A few guild members turned their looks away and continued with what they were doing. “We were getting our a**es kicked for Levy’s sake but something happened.” Droy continued in a low voice. “I’m not going to say anything more, so back off.”
Droy’s answer caused a bunch of “what if” scenarios to cross the iron dragon slayer’s mind. “What do you mean for Levy’s sake?”
“Droy, is not his fault either.” Another voice entered the conversation. “If we had done the plan the way we were supposed to, we wouldn’t appreciate what happened with our own eyes.” Jet said sarcastically, causing Lily and Gajeel to give him a confused look.
“You’re still not answering my fucking question, you scumbags! What happened to Shorty?” Gajeel was furious, tired of this word game they were playing.
“Her magic power is divided. It’s different somehow.” Droy replied.
“Kinda dark in my opinion.” Natsu’s voice interrupted as he walked in the circle.
“What the-” Gajeel turned over.
“How do you know?” The orange haired mage asked confused.
“I sensed it before. I noticed since I saw her.” Natsu replied.
“Now that you mention it. I did sense something strange.” Gajeel replied. Natsu’s statement made Gajeel even more confused. Dark magic? Why would Levy want that?I don’t know if that’s true but I’m sure as hell that something bad happened and THAT is going to have consequences. He thought.
Meanwhile, darkness and silence took over Fairy Hills except for some tears hitting the floor of a specific room.
Jet…Droy…I’m so sorry guys. I didn’t want you guys to get killed because of me. Levy tightened her fist. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t do anything about it. I told you I could do it, but you wouldn’t believe me. She thought as tears fell from her face like waterfalls.
“Oi! Crying doesn’t suit your personality.“ a voice commented from the direction of the window.
Huh? Levy’s hazel eyes widened. "G-Gajeel…What are you doing here?” She asked, not daring to look at his red eyes.
“You thought I wouldn’t notice you haven’t showed up at the guild.”
“I-I haven’t been feeling very well. I have a fever and-” She tried to lie nervously.
Gajeel interrupted. “You should know by now that you’re a really bad liar. Gee hee”
“What do you want?” Levy sniffed, wiping away the fresh tears but still refusing to look at him.
“I got us a job.” She raised her head at Gajeel’s comment. “We’re leaving in two hours. Don’t keep me waiting.” He looked at her over his shoulder as he walked away, smirking before leaping out of the window and down to the ground below.
Team Gajeel arrived at the train station and hopped on the last available train. Levy sat in the opposite from Gajeel and Lily. As soon as the train started moving, a green color took over the dragon slayer’s face. He shut his eyes as his gut began to twitch, forcing him to drop to the edge of the seat. He slightly opened one eye.
I don’t know what’s worse? This crumbling in my stomach or the weird feeling in my chest because of her eyes filled with sadness. Levy was watching her reflection in the train’s window as they passed a town near Magnolia.
“What’s wrong?” Lily interrupted her thoughts. She turned her head towards him.
Trying not to worry him, she faked a smile. “Oh Lily, it’s nothing. I’m just a little bit tired, that’s all.”
“I hope that’s the truth.” Lily replied, slightly doubtful as he positioning himself in her lap to get some rest.
Patting the exceed’s head, Levy let out a small sigh. “Of course,” she lied.
Somewhere near Magnolia, there was a small luxurious valley in Onibus Town. A few mansions on both sides. Each of them had gigantic well sculpted gold gates. Levy’s eyes brightened.
“They are so beautiful” she breathed, admiring every detail.
“It looks so damn fancy that makes me want to puke.” Gajeel’s irritated tone didn’t go unheard. People outside their residences frowned at the dragon slayer’s comment.
“Bunch of morons” He murmured, giving them a death glare.
“Now I know why the reward is high.” The small feline replied.
Gajeel looked at the request paper and recognized the house. “This is it” He opened the gates and the trio climbed the stone steps to stand in front of the marble-sculpted door. Raising his left hand, Gajeel hit the door a couple of times, the thudding sound resounding within the mansion.
From within the house, a young woman stood in the library, respectfully clasping her hands behind her back. “Master.” The red-headed maid bowed her head as she interrupted a young man’s reading. He looked up from the book he was engrossed in to the woman standing before him. “The mages of Fairy Tail are here.”
His mouth turned to a smirk. “Let them in”
Outside, the trio waited patiently. “Hey Gajeel,” Levy’s voice caught Gajeel’s attention. “How do you think the client is?” She asked.
“Probably an asshole” Gajeel grumbled and turned his sight to the fancy white door before them.
“You may come in. Master is waiting for all of you in the meeting room. Please follow me.”
As team Gajeel walked into the stunning mansion, a pair of brown eyes focused on the blue-haired mage. She is so cute and beautiful. His glasses slipped down a little.
Levy’s hazel eyes widened. Why is he staring at me like that? She looked at the brown haired man’s expression. The object he was holding in his left hand caught her attention. A Solid Script Magic book? Does that mean he is a mage? A puzzled look formed on her face.
Gajeel looked at Levy. “Oi! What’s wrong?” He asked, perplexed. “You’re all red.”
“It is an honor to meet such a beautiful mage like you” The tall man walked directly to Levy, took her hand and kissed it. “May I know your name?”
“I’m L-Levy…Levy McGarden. And y-yours?” She stuttered.
The man replied. “Call me Yasu.” still holding Levy’s hand in his.
“WHAT THE HELL!? HE DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE THAT I’M HERE AND NOW HE’S FLIRTING WITH LEV!” Gajeel said, infuriated.
Lily looked at him. “Are you jealous?”
“Fuck no! ‘Course not,” Gajeel replied instantly.
“It looks like you’re upset about him giving her all this attention.” Lily stated.
Am I? Gajeel thought, confused.
Maybe I feel this way because no one has treated me like this, besides Jet and Droy…Such delicacy, elegance… Levy sighed. He is a gentleman. But her thoughts were interrupted by a very familiar raspy voice.
“OI FANCY PANTS! CAN WE GET TO BUSINESS AND TALK ABOUT THIS STUPID JOB.” Gajeel grew impatient. His eyes turned to Levy. “Could you drop that face?! It’s annoying me.”
Why does he have to be so rude? I won’t forgive him for interrupting this moment. Levy thought.
“Who is this guy?” Yasu said noting the dragon slayer’s presence. His face looked confused as his gaze drifted to the floor. “What is a cat doing here?”
“I’m an exceed, to be more specific, Sir.” Lily clarified politely.
“Don’t mess with my cat, sugar boy.” Gajeel growled, sending Yasu a threatening glare.
“Let’s get down to business.” Yasu led them to the meeting room, seating himself at a detailed, gold-engraved table. “Tonight, I will have a formal party to celebrate my engagement.” Levy sat beside him.
Too good to be truth, I knew it. Levy sighed, forcing yet another fake smile onto her face. “Congratulations!” She smiled. “Who is she?” She asked curiously.
“You, of course.” Yasu said blatantly, as if it was obvious.
“Wait-what?!” Levy’s blushed, her entire face turning scarlet.
“That’s the reason I asked for a woman to get take this job.” Yasu winked at her. “Don’t worry; it’s fake. Think of it as… a play.” He said almost seductively.
“Play, my ass” Gajeel grumbled, furious. Of course, Yasu ignored his outburst.
Yasu regained his posture and donned a serious demeanor. “In this house, I have a very valuable book. Which is the one you saw me reading.” He looked at Levy. “This Solid Script Magic book is not an ordinary one. It contains the most powerful spells of this type of magic. Including the dark and forbidden type.” He leaned forward putting his arms on the edge of the table. “I’m pretty sure a skilled mage will try to sneak in tonight during the celebration to get this book in her hands. The small dark guild she belongs to are after every type of spell that eradicates one’s life force. Their beliefs and motto is to 'cleanse’ this world of the people who try to maintain any semblance of order. In this book is a simple yet powerful spell called 'Instans Mortem’.”
“…Instant death…” Levy murmured a little terrified.
“Correct.” Yasu confirmed, looking directly into Levy’s hazel eyes. “From what I’ve heard, two members of that guild have already mastered it, which is why we have to be very careful.”
Levy gave him a confident smile. “Don’t worry, the job will be done in a blink of an eye. Gajeel, Lily and I will take care of it. I won’t disappoint you.” She smiled.
Yasu got up from the meeting table and headed straight to the door. He stopped and turned around. “About the clothes for tonight, don’t worry, I’ll get them.” He gave her a smile. “Good luck, Levy-chan. I can’t wait until tonight to see you looking even more beautiful and stunning.” Levy’s eyes widened and a crimson hue formed on Levy’s cheeks.
“As for you,” Yasu looked directly to Gajeel, “please behave.”
Gajeel growled, walked up to him and seized the collar of his shirt with one hand. “I can behave how I want! Who are you to give me orders, Fancy Pants?!”
“Well, I am your client after all. I’m the one who will pay you if you succeed in this job.” Yasu replied dryly. He sighed. “What I mean to say was that you need to act as calm as possible to avoid suspicions.” The tension was so thick, Levy fancied she could cut it with a knife.
“Hey guys, could you please calm down?” She hissed. “The party is in a few hours and I don’t want any of you to do something you might regret now.” She turned to Gajeel. “Gajeel, stand down. We need to save our energy for when we confront the mages.” She looked the other way. “And Mister Yasu, could you please let me borrow that book?” She asked with her hands clasped together in front of her chest as if praying.
Yasu smiled. “Of course my dear.” He offered her the book. “Here, take it.” Yasu’s face coloured a little when their hands brushed one another.
“DEAR?!” Gajeel repeated, dumbfounded.
Levy blushed and smiled cheerfully. “Thank you so much.”
Later on in the mansion, Pantherlily and Gajeel were alone, making their way through all the grand house’s magnificence. They were looking for possible entries where bandits could sneak in and sealed them with Gajeel’s iron.
“Can you believe that asshole? First, he flirts with Levy, then he wants her to pretend to be his fiancée ! And don’t get me started with how he tried to give us orders and make us wear some fancy, stupid suits.” Gajeel’s voice echoed in the long hallway.
Lily’s ear twitched. “DEAR MAVIS, GAJEEL! GET OVER IT!” He snapped, annoyed at the repetitive statement. “That happened over an hour ago and you’re still dwelling on the same thing. I can’t focus when you keep whining.”
Gajeel huffed and looked forward. A familiar scent was getting closer with every step they took. That’s her scent, I guess she really is reading that stupid book. His studded eyebrows narrowed, sharpening his facial features, but relaxed quickly. What does she think of that bastard? He sure looks like a bookworm. Gajeel stood still in the middle of the hallway, forcing Lily stop in his tracks as well. Could it be that she liked him? He fell silent for a long moment.
“Hell no!” He said aloud and continued his path following Levy’s scent. “Ughh!” Gajeel released a frustrated breath. What am I thinking? Gajeel placed his hands on either side of his head.
When Gajeel and Lily found Levy, they kept their distance. Gajeel stood by the doorframe, watching her read. Some day she will find someone. A breeze came through the window and brushed against Levy’s blue hair. But not today, I don’t want her to be with this jerk.
“Ahh” Gajeel complained quietly. Why did I feel that strange sensation when I saw her blushing because of him? Suddenly, a particular smell hit Gajeel’s nose. Wait a minute, I can sense his scent…That jackass doesn’t give her a minute to breathe.
“I finally found you.” Yasu said happily.
“Huh?” Levy looked back over her shoulder and saw Yasu coming out of a door that connected the relaxing room with his bedroom.
“How’s the book?” He asked, getting closer to her before stopping behind her and leaning over to see the book. “Pretty interesting, right?” Levy looked away nervously, most likely due to his close proximity.
“This book is the pure definition of perfection!” Levy agreed, adjusting her reading glasses as she closed the book. Stretching her petite body, she got up off the sofa, sighed and held the book closely to her chest. “I can’t believe it. I’d love to learn all of this.” She turned and gave Yasu a bright smile. “Thank you for being so kind to me.” Yasu blushed.
“Something wrong, Gajeel?” Pantherlily asked curiously while watching the scene before them.
The iron dragon slayer practically bristled. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” He tightened his fist and walked away with a dark aura surrounding him.
Characters belong to Hiro Mashima.
