Greetings to you reader! This is a little story set in the world of the Fairy Tail Anime TV show and Manga. Before we get onto the main adventure, I'm setting off our main ship! I'm not the best writer and this is my first fanfiction, so please be nice. I'll try my best to do Fairy Tail justice.

Conquering the Dark: Part 1

Levy awoke to the single most delightful scent that one could ever have the pleasure of waking up to. The pages of an old book. She sat up, stretched her arms out wide and sighed in contentment, had she fallen asleep at her desk again? Her groggy eyes surveyed the dimly lit room around her and she gasped in horror. No - it was so much worse than that, she'd managed to fall asleep in the guild's resource room again. Master Makarov would not be happy even though he had no right to complain. She laughed groggily.

In between jobs she had become an almost informal librarian for the guild. She found peace amongst the shelves filled with her beloved books and in the tower where they were kept. It was more of a private resource room, separate from the more readily available resources found downstairs and therefore if wasn't often her guild mates used it. She could almost guarantee solitude when she came up here thanks to Makarovs tight restrictions on when people were in enough of a pickle to need this stuff - although that never deterred the likes of Gajeel, Lily or Lu-chan. However this time, after returning with Jet and Droy from a particularly lengthy job south of Magnolia, she discovered that her guild mates had basically destroyed the whole library. There were even singe marks on the walls and books, implicating Team Natsu for sure. She'd have to give Lu-chan a piece of her mind regarding the reigning in of her flame brained lover boy.

She looked down at the book that had become her pillow and closed it, caressing the thick spine with delicate hands. 'Ancient Geographical Spell Anomalies' was the title. She yawned a little, it couldn't have been a page turner.

As she could see no clock in the dim room with no windows she had no way of knowing for sure what the time was. Although, she guessed it must be after three - mainly due to the absence of screaming and crashing characteristic of her guild mates in the day time. Even Jet and Droy went home without her.

"At least I'll have prolonged my peace- ough." The ache in her back made her cry out, her punishment for all that time spent slumped over her desk. And she could only imagine what a mess she must have looked, not that it mattered when she was alone in the dark. She began to giggle whilst she massaged the sore spot on her spine, then stopped abruptly.

"Oh..." She half whimpered, all wide eyed, as her true predicament hit her. She adjusted her (Gale-force) reading glasses, one of a variety of her nervous fidgets. It was not an ideal situation for someone so fearful, she was really alone and it was really dark. And quiet. But this was Fairy Tail's main building, there was really nothing to fear and aso really nothing to do but get up off her ass and go home. Although she was distraught at the thought of that trek all the way back to Fairy Hills in the dark. But pouting about it wouldn't help.

Levy entered the pitch black stairwell that would take her from the tower down to the guilds swimming pool area and descended quickly, her breath hitched both out of exertion and genuine panic. The dark was scary! Especially with her being so small and everything. If a big, hairy beast were to come at her now - she'd be a goner.

She flung open the door at the bottom of the stairway which brought her to the area of the swimming pool.

"Oh my Mavis..." She gasped and brought her hands up to her mouth to distort a delighted squeal. The pool room she currently stood in had a particular feature meaning that although it was indoors the light and general feel of the area was supposed to emulate the outside world, but this was nothing short of a fantasy. The whole room was washed with an iridescent blue shimmer with what looked like tiny slivers of silver light writhing in the air, perhaps mimicking stars, and the water had an unearthly glow that easily chased the shadows away. Yup. There was no way she was about to run through a horribly dreary guild hall all the way to the door where the real night time paled in comparison to this illusion.

"Is anyone there?" The corners of her mouth pulled upwards as she whispered into the empty room, her voice echoed but she received no reply. "This is so cool!" She let out a shriek and spun around giddily, yanking off her little shoes and frilly socks to skip over to the side of the pool. Imagine a guild having a pool, she rolled her eyes and let the cool water wash over her feet sending a delighted shiver up her back, how indulgent they were.

Levy was definitely a goody two shoes in comparison to many of her guild mates, she never fought or swore, and that had always given her pride. But in this moment of childish glee, some very unused and very devilish part of her decided that it might be fun to exchange those strong morals for a night time swim. One night embracing the devil in her couldn't hurt.

"Lu-chan would be so proud!" She declared with glee as she tore off her bright yellow headband and tossed it away somewhere near her shoes, before she hastily pulled her orange dress over her head and threw that as well. She grinned wickedly now feeling very much like the promiscuous characters in the stories Erza liked as she stood unabashed in just her under garments. She liked this set. They were a delicate white and blue colour with pretty frills and bows but were very comfortable, as was specified when she let her friends take her shopping - though their loveliness could not make up for her pale and boyish figure. She shrugged it off. There are many things more powerful than breasts and curves, as she had told Wendy one day in the bath house when the younger bluenette was feeling self-conscious.

Levy sat down on the edge of the pool and kicked her feet, watching the water glimmer in the silver-blue faux moonlight. She allowed her eyes to flutter closed whilst she took a deep breath in, holding it for a moment, tilting her head back and exhaling slowly. She hummed with pure bliss as more shivers ran over her body. The small bluenette was completely unaware of the dark mass looming in the doorway behind her, watching her with amusement. She hummed a sweet tune as she relaxed completely into her setting, giggling when she would kick water up and splash herself. She was unaware of darkening red eyes upon her. She dipped her fingertips in the water and wrote names, like Lu-chan and that of a certain pierced and beastly dragon slayer. All in all, she was enjoying the hell out of this little risqué moment she had allowed herself. But just as she was about to jump down from the side of the pool and into the cold blue water she heard a particular kind of laugh from behind her.

"Gihi. What the hell, shrimp." Came a familiar voice that seemed to have the ability to send her head spinning. She stopped what she was doing. It was as if Natsu had burned up all the oxygen in the room and Gray had encased her whole body in ice. That was the dizzying, cold and breathless fear that gripped her when that dragon slayer spoke.

"G- Gajeel?" Of course it was him, he was the only one who called her shrimp. She didn't feel she could bring herself to turn around and look him. She prayed that this was a nightmare, or if it wasn't that Gajeel would simply disappear into the shadows, embarrassed or bored she didn't care so long as he would disappear.

"The' fuck are you doing shorty?" He said slowly as she heard his huge feet begin stomping towards her. He wasn't going to disappear then. She she shook with the vibrations his hulking metal body sent through the floor and she was finally able to spring to her feet, just narrowly escaping a tumble into the pool as her body twisted to face his. She squeaked. He was literally right there. Or his chest was anyway.

"I was j- just sitting..." She stuttered hurriedly.

"Were you now?" his large arms crossed over the wide expanse of his chest. She didn't want to look up and see his signature and terrifying scowl. He was too dark, and too scary - like the stairwell. "I didn't take you for an exhibitionist Shrimp, that's for sure..." His chuckle had a dangerous edge, but also something else she didn't like, especially when very nearly pressed up against him. The chuckle made her want to shrink within herself but she didn't let on.

"Yeah well, I didn't take you for a pervert" She said defiantly, throwing her shoulders back as she attempted to move past him and pick up her dress. But he stepped to the side, effectively blocking her path and causing her to run into him. Her body was electrified where they touched, the rough leather and cold studs on his jacket felt almost pleasant despite the fact that she was drowning in humiliation, and this made her face red.

"Seriously, Gajeel, it's not funny."

"Aw Shorty, you shouldn't be embarrassed." Levy's brows furrowed as she stared up at his huge form, the blush fading as soon as he spoke. She waited for the punchline. He always had a punchline. "Cause' those are some real nice panties you got on." There we are.

"You beast!" She struck his chest with her small fist and kicked his shin with her little feet, her white hot rage dulled the pain of striking someone who was dense as iron in more ways than one. "I was having a good time, I didn't know anyone was here! I wouldn't have done it if-"

"I could tell you were having a good time... Gihi" She glared up at him, in stead of a girlish blush she knew her face must have been scarlet because she was seething.

"Disappear!" She yelled and struck his chest again, this time sucessfully dashing away to get her dress and shoes. "How long did you watch me for idiot?" Levy made a run for the door, clothing all bundled up in her arms, but her way was blocked again by Gajeel who seemed to be a better door than and actual door was a door. Oh Mavis, her brain cells had literally been incinerated by her mortification.

"You're not going anywhere Shrimp. Not until you get dressed." She raised an eyebrow and took a small step back? This felt familiar somehow. Her eyes widened, she needed to get out of here.

"I need to go" She informed him, the panic as painful memories surfaced were making her dizzy and she couldn't conceal her unease. But he didn't seem to be getting it. He merely grinned and leaned against the doorframe, appearing to relish in the situation. That drove her deeper into panic. The memory of the branding came back with force, she could feel the intense heat on her stomach. Levy couldn't take his eyes on her anymore and attempted to make a run for it underneath his elbow. "Eugh!" She cried as he caught her round the waist and threw her roughly back into the pool room with terrifying ease. She skidded across the floor and ended up sprawled out on her knees, clutching her dress and shoes in front of her. Her chest heaved. She wanted to cry but stopped herself and stood up immediately, this had gotten a bit out of hand. Levy's eyes widened as she relived her and Gajeels first encounter, parts of it clouding her vision sporadically.

"You're not leaving, Short stuff. As if I'd let you run through the streets of Magnolia looking like that." He said this with a growl, his red eyes seeming somewhat darker than usual. What was possessing him to act this way? Another wave of panic hit making her nauseous. She thought she had forgiven him despite what he had done to her, Jet and Droy. Why was she getting these feelings. It was like she was unravelling. The attack seemed fresh now. Her anger increased. Though it was difficult, she forced herself to stop shaking now. He had thrown her about like a ragdoll then too - laughed at her for being weak and small. "Shrimp?" He eagerly awaited her comeback, that was observable. They had fought before, many times, but never had she felt like this.

"Well Gajeel." She paused and contemplated what bringing the past attack up could mean. She had been kind to him, never really held him accountable for the damage he'd done to her and her teammates. The feelings she was getting now, how had she kept them locked away? An uncontrollable shiver ran over her body, if she revealed these feelings to him it would mean the end of the bond they had forged - however dysfunctional. His chuckle broke her train of thought and the darkness it put her in mind of cut into her like glass. She ground her teeth and clenched her fists, she would have to say it. "It's no more humiliating than the beating you gave me Gajeel, before you hung me up for the whole of the town to see. You branded me, Gajeel. Like an animal. Do you remember?" His laugh stopped immediately as he seemed to realise what was going on, now it was his turn to avert his eyes in shame. Though her voice shook, Levy stood straight and lifted her chin up in defiance. "Are you not having fun anymore? Is it harsh to bring up such things?"

"Shrimp- I didn't..." He seemed startled. As if he'd just flipped the page and got caught up on what they were reading. She stared at him until his red eyes, now absent of the dark tainting, finally met hers. "I..."

"Let me go home," She whispered hatefully, "Black Steel Gajeel." Her tears threatened to fall once more as she saw a look of horror pass over the brute's stony face. The giant of a dragon slayer moved aside immediately. She may have been nothing but nice to him from when he joined Fairy Tail but that had never stopped him starring in many of her nightmares, this seemed to be breaking point. It was as if, in order to continue functioning as normal, she had chosen to force the memory of the attack away. By sealing away those memories she was able to push down the fear that was born of it. The fear that she wasn't strong enough to protect herself.

She kept her eyes on the iron beast. The fact that he seemed to show remorse for this encounter was the only thing that allowed her to begin to function normally. And that drove her further into her fear. The fact that she was relying on Gajeel to not harm her in any way. She knew he wouldn't, although.

Levy took her time as she pulled on her dress, deep in the new nightmare of her truest ignored fear. Gajeel just stood unmoving by the door. Her breathing was slow as she slipped her socks onto her feet followed by her shoes. The silence between them was terribly heavy but Levy kept her eyes on Gajeel, he released the memories (and caused them) but it wasn't truly his fault. She just couldn't console him right now. She had to get out of here and as the Dragon Slayer dared not look at her she could stand to let him stay there. She was wrapped up in her own chaos for a moment. When she'd finished dressing, she adjusted her glasses and moved towards the door, right past him and straight ahead into the darkness of the guilds main hall. Distracted with a new sense of her own helplessness.

From behind her she heard a pained beastly groan and nodded to herself. As much as she felt bad for bringing up his past, there was no need for him to treat her like that. So objectively and uncaring. They were supposed to be guild mates. And she wasn't the type of mage to let anyone get away with that kind of behaviour, even when she wasn't having a crisis. On top of all this, Levy wasn't afraid to admit that what he had done shocked her, normally he was so withdrawn that it was endearing. And when they did argue, it usually ended up with them becoming closer. She shook her head, surely he should have left as soon as he saw the state she was in. But tonight he had stayed to taunt her. No wonder she was having these flashbacks, the Gajeel back there was scarily reminiscent of the Gajeel from Phantom Lord, with him being so brutally domineering and perverse. Black Steel Gajeel was the one who had hurt her in the name of his Guild. Levy had thought that version was gone.

Levy shuddered as she thought about what must have happened to her. Almost immediately after his attack, where she realised the true extent of her weakness, he joined Fairy Tail. And then ended up becoming her protector. With the new Gajeel, she never felt helpless. He'd always distracted her from her fear. And she had allowed this to go on for too long. Relying on Gajeel to make her strong just wouldn't cut it now. It wouldn't have lasted forever anyway, guilt wears off. That was the only reason he protected her.

The bluenette didn't understand. She had thought herself strong before the Phantom Lord disaster, it was enough for her to be clever - wasn't it? And it wasn't as if solid script magic was useless. Master had chosen her to take part in the S-class trials! Although without Gajeel she may have perished on Tenerou. Surely that was proof of her capability. She sighed and her shoulders sagged. The world was just more dangerous now, especially for Fairy Tail. She wouldn't survive much longer if she didn't get strong... She couldn't rely on that brute to protect her anymore, especially after how he made her feel.

She had reached the front door of the guild hall now and before she pushed it open, she realised something. She turned around and looked into the black abyss she had just now walked through. She smiled sadly. 'I have conquered the darkness' she though. It just didn't seem as scary anymore. She had a far more pressing fear to deal with.

Me oh my! What a right old mess we have here! What the hell iron breath!?

I do love Gajeel and I don't like writing him like this, but as a grey character I think it works. He doesn't usually think much about what he's saying. And for Levy to grow into the character I need, a push was necessary and this seems like the right way to go. She needed to confront what Gajeel put her through in order to start making changes. It's not nice to have your life in someone else's hands, especially if you don't feel like you can rely on them *Gulp* But don't worry, I would never deny GaLe fluff for too long.

Anyways, thank you so much for reading if you got this far! I'm hoping to have another part for you next week! We shall see the aftermath of Gajeel and Levy's standoff as well as our beloved blunettes breakdown. We may even get caught up with our other fairy tail friends and ready ourselves for a new and exciting adventure!

Long Live GaLe!