CHAPTER ONE

"GAJEEEEEL!" I wailed as both Gajeel and Bradman disappeared into Mavis-knows-where.

Lily kept his hold on me as we both cried out into the starless night. I don't know how long we just sat there, using each other as leverage to stay upright, but when I could finally collect, I turned around in Lily's arms.

"I'm sorry, Levy," Lily croaked, his voice raspy from yelling. "If only I had gotten here sooner, then may…"

I caught Lily off with a frantic shake of my head. What happened to Gajeel was nobody's fault, but that damn demon's, Bradman. Rage seeped into my bones, overtaking any fear or despair that had been caused by Gajeel's apparent death. I was angry at Bradman for taking Gajeel away from me, at Gajeel for not letting me help him, at Lily for holding me back, and myself for not being strong enough to save the man I love.

This is not how our story is going to end. Not by a long shot.

I untangled myself from Lily's grip. All of the pain and anguish must had taken its toll on Lily physically, because as soon as I was out of his grasp he reverted back into his smaller form. I stood up from the ground and turned my back towards Lily, facing the spot where Gajeel had disappeared. The Magical Barrier Particles that were still in my system made it difficult to gather and focus the rest of my magical energy, but I ignored the jolts of pain.

This pain is nothing compared to my broken heart.

"Levy… What are you doing?" Lily asked as he made his way to my side.

"I'm going to bring Gajeel back."

Lily stared at me, eyes wide with shock. Suddenly, he was in front of me, in his battle form, looking very pissed off.

"I swore to Gajeel that I would bring you back to the guild in one piece. You are not doing anything to break that promise, Levy, "Lily growled.

He moved to grab me, but I was faster and sprinted around him. Between spending my free time at Magnolia's Grand Library and the Council's Archives, I had found out a very important fact about all Script Magic. Just like Maker Magic, as long as I had the magic power and could imagine it, or in my case spell it out, I could create anything. Gajeel may have helped me grow stronger physically, but during my year at the Council, Councilman Warrod had helped me develop a number of powerful Script spells, one of which could help me bring back Gajeel.

-Flashback—

"Levy you are much more powerful than you think you are," Warrod announced as he walked into the secluded section of the Council's training grounds.

I had just finished a sparring session with Gajeel and Lily. We had only been at the newly reinvented Magic Council for two months, but Gajeel had already been promoted to Captain of the Custody Enforcement Unit, with Lily being his second-in-command. I was the tactician of the unit, but that did not stop Gajeel from making me join in on their private training sessions. As always, it started out with Gajeel and Lily going at it in hand to hand combat, getting out any excess stress they had accumulated during the day. After they were done, Lily took me aside and we went through the defensive maneuvers that they had taught when we first got here. Soon after that was done, Gajeel would drag me over the mats and we would work on my offense.

The first time I had asked Gajeel about sparring together he looked like I had just slapped him in the face, and immediately refused. After lots of begging, failed surprise attacks, and getting his ass handed to him by Lily, he finally agreed to be my sparring partner, but only if Lily taught me defensive moves first. After our weekly practice was over, I always stayed behind to go through some yoga poses and meditate. I had found over the years, that meditating helped me increase my magic power and at the same time allowing me to organize my spells.

"Wha… T-thank you C-councilman Warrod," I stuttered, surprised by the sudden appearance and compliment of the Fairy Tail Founder.

"Your only weakness is that you doubt yourself too much Ms. McGarden," he started. "You have quite a large quantity of magical power, have achieved your Second Origin, and are the greatest tactician of Fairy Tail since Mavis herself."

I was speechless as Warrod made his way over to sit next to me. If it was anyone else, I would have just kindly thanked them for their praises, but Warrod was a founding member of Fairy Tail and one of the Four Gods of Ishgar. He ruffled my hair as he sat down, giving me a kind and knowing smile.

"If you would like, I can help you develop your Script Magic. Script Magic is a very old magic, and is even considered to be one of the very first forms of magic ever used. Your Solid Script Magic is really no different than Maker Magic and can have unlimited possibilities. All you need is some practice, a good teacher, and an unrestrained imagination."

If I was in shock before, then I must be dead now. Warrod chuckled at my expression, and ruffled my hair once more.

"Th-that would be an honor, Councilman Warrod!" I exclaimed, tears of joy spilling from eyes, no matter how hard I tried to keep them from falling.

He chuckled once more, "Warrod is just fine dear."

"We will start tomorrow. Meet me here with Gajeel after breakfast," Warrod said standing up.

"Gajeel? Why do I need to bring him with me?"

"You are going to need a target."

-End of Flashback-

I wonder if Warrod has the power of premonition.

"Levy please don't do this!" Lily cried as my magic power began to manifest itself around me.

I looked back at Lily, who was unable to get close due to my magic, mouthing an apology before releasing my magic in a desperate final attempt to bring back Gajeel. If this spell doesn't work the way I want it to, then Lily will be unable to keep his final promise to Gajeel.

"SOLID SCRIPT: PORTAL!"

"LEVY!" Lily wailed, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

"UNDERWORLD!"