Here is a short multichapter fanfic that I wrote in more or less two days. I wanted to get the pain of Gajeel's "death" out of my system so after the shock was gone, I started writing this non-stop. Hope you enjoy!
Itallics are when the characters speak a different language!
A long time ago, in a faraway land, there was a large kingdom that ruled for generations and the royal family was loved by all its citizens. They were noble and kind, beloved and brought prosperity to the whole country. King Makarov was on the throne at that time, widower, but his four children were all he needed. The first born, Laxus, was a strong and handsome man. Brave, as he always rode first into the battle. Second was Jellal, a much more mysterious man, always found cloaked roaming the capital offering food and clothes to the poor. The third son was Natsu, a cheerful person and never one to care if he was a prince or not. And the last child was a daughter. The precious Levy. Being the youngest and the only girl amongst three older brothers, she spent her days inside the castle, as a form of protection.
Levy was never ungrateful for her life, no. She was just yearning, as the years passed, to meet new people and make friends. Apart from her family and their servants, she never met a stranger or set foot into the city. The gardens were the only place she was able to enjoy the fresh air and the sense of grass under her feet. Her brothers and father were overprotective, she knew that, but she also knew that they were allowed to go to the city and do whatever they pleased.
"Brother?" Levy called and slowly opened Jellal's bedroom door.
"What is it, Levy? I'm busy." Jellal tried to tie his cloak in front of his neck. It was old and torn, a perfect disguise for the poor district of the capital.
"Are you going to the town again?" She asked as she fumbled with her dress.
"I am. Not a word to anyone, okay? You're the only one who knows of my late night 'expeditions'." He was right. Jellal was the brother closest to Levy. Their aunts and uncles always said they looked too much alike, because of their blue hair and kind spirits, so they stuck together from a young age.
"I know….Jellal?" She took a deep breath as her brother turned to her. "C-can I come with you?"
Jellal sighed and walked in front of her, patting her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Levy. But I'm not going to the poor tonight."
"Oh, you're going to the blacksmith."
"I am. You must never tell father or our brothers about her. They will have her exiled." He shook her.
"You love her, don't you?"
Jellal only blushed and pulled back, hearing Levy laugh at his reaction. Once his color returned to normal, he kissed Levy on the forehead and tousled her hair. "'Night sis." And with that he jumped out of the window.
Levy puffed her cheeks and pouted in frustration, jumping up and down. She walked, with fast strides out of the bedroom and headed to her own. The moment she entered, she saw her personal maid fix her bed with new sheets and blankets. The blonde woman jumped when she saw Levy, and quickly bowed at her.
"Princess, I'm so sorry. I am late in fixing your bed. I am worthy of punishment." She trembled.
"Lucy, what kind of act is that? We both know I would never say that." She sighed and went to her wardrobe to change.
"I apologize, princess Levy, but we must be careful. If anyone sees me talking to royalty in such a casual way, they would throw me out of the castle." The blonde lifted the comforter on the bed.
"No worries, Lucy. If I say to father you stay, you stay. Besides, where will I find another friend like you?" The bluenette exited from the wardrobe, now clad in a thin nightgown, and hugged her best friend. "Here, I know you love those." She handed her a couple of wrapped candy that they received after dinner. Levy always sneaked a couple into her pockets and shared them with the servants.
"Thank you, princess. Have a good night."
Levy wanted as much as anything to talk to her about her desire to go outside the castle. But she couldn't. She would betray Jellal if she did. So, she decided to let it go and got lost into the softness of her freshly made bed.
"Master, you asked for me?" A man said with a gruff voice. He stayed into the shadows, hiding his form.
"I did, Kurogane. I haven't seen you in months. Were you pillaging villages again?"
"Gi hee. You know I've stopped that habit years now. I find no fun in chasing helpless garbage."
"I have a new target for you. The royal family of the western kingdom. I plan on taking down that old king, Makarov, and take his kingdom under my command."
"Those rich filths? They're not worth my time."
"Stay, Kurogane. I have information that the second son in line has been spotted in the capital. The poor district to be exact."
"What do you have in mind for me?"
"Night is your expertise. And all alone with no guards around he will be an easy target."
"As you wish, Master." The figure walked towards the door.
"Make a good start and your payment will be waiting."
The next morning, Levy woke up to the light winter breeze and the braches of trees hitting her window. She stretched her muscles and wrapped the comforter around her, making her look like a caterpillar. She got up and dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. She skipped through the large doors that lead to the dining room, only to find her oldest brother, sitting alone and drinking his coffee.
"Good morning, brother. Where is everyone?" She sat on her chair, next to him.
"Father has gone to Edolas. Our informatives said that some psycho tried to overtake the king there. You know, King Mystogan is a close friend with father."
"I know. What about Natsu and Jellal?" The cook placed her dish in front of her and removed the lid, revealing hot pancakes and maple syrup, along with a glass of orange juice.
"Thank you, Mira." She smiled to the white-haired maid, who bowed in respect. Before she could leave, though, Laxus grabbed her hand pulling her onto his lap. Without any shame, he kissed her deeply and passionately, his one hand on her back and the other one on her backside.
Levy hid her flushed face from embarrassment. After some moments, Laxus let the woman go, sending her a sly smirk.
"Excuse me, Levy. I couldn't resist." He fixed his shirt and tie, that woman had really grabbed on them, and continued his breakfast.
"You don't have to be shy in front of me. Mira is a great person and an excellent cook." She said as she enjoyed her pancakes.
"About Natsu and Jellal, you know how these two sleep till noon. Jellal used to always be the first one up, but for the last year he changed his sleeping habits."
Levy stiffened. This was the first time anyone had gotten close to figuring Jellal out. He was always so full of secrets. She tried not to make any sudden movements and become suspicious.
Days passed and Levy thought more and more of sneaking out during the night. She wanted so much to see other people, go shopping, eat outside, and run on the streets. So, today was the day. She never told anyone of her plan, not even Lucy. She decided that for her safety, everyone would try to stop her.
She found a black cloak and tied it around her shoulders. It was late at night, around two, and everyone was fast asleep. She managed to slip through the guards and out of the castle. Soon, she was walking the main road to the capital. Houses started to show around her, of all sizes. The shops were closed and no people walked on the streets, but being able to be outside for the first time in her life was absolutely breathtaking.
This was the night Kurogane spotted the second prince walking around the city. His movements were limited and well calculated. He, of course, did not want to be discovered. He readied his bow and arrow, aiming right at his heart. He was ready to let it go, but when he saw the prince meet with the widely-known Erza Scarlet, the area's best blacksmith, he hesitated.
"Heh, I will let him enjoy it one last time. I'm not such a bastard. Besides, Erza makes my arrows, she would recognize them at once. And I don't want to be discovered." He said and sat comfortably on the roof, waiting for the prince to emerge from that door.
About an hour later, Kurogane had lied on the roof tiles, exploring the night sky. He had to admit he always loved to study the stars and find the constellations. Just when he was about to find Orion, a strange scent lingered close to him. He sat up, trying to find where it came from. He looked around and sniffed the air. It was like it was calling to him, the strange scent of rose petals and parchment, a strange combination but endearing nevertheless.
There she was. The source of that smell was a small woman, cloaked and walking disoriented in the empty streets. He wondered what she was doing there. She was short and thin, and her hair were bright blue and wavy. Based on her shoes and hair ornaments, she must belong to one of the wealthy families of the area.
He smirked. He didn't know where it came from, but it appeared on his lips without his command. He used to have flirts with lots of women before, tall and busty, but never had something as small as her catch his attention. But he lost it when she turned her head to his direction. She was so beautiful. The most beautiful girl he had ever seen. He felt a strange attraction to her and his blood run faster in his vessels. He clenched the fabric of his shirt above his heart, feeling it beat loudly inside his chest, almost reaching his throat. What was happening to him?
It was just his luck when on tile got out of its place and caused him to slip, hitting head first on the stone ground. The girl shrieked from fear, but immediately went to help the unfortunate man.
"Are you alright?" She bend over in front of him.
It only took her gaze to make him lose his words. He could barely distinguish the color of her eyes, which sparkled from the faint candle lights of the streets. They were large and hazel and bright.
"Are you hurt?" She asked again.
The man stood quickly and ran away, leaving the girl looking at his fleeing back in question.
"Huh. Way to go, Levy. First person you meet runs away." She pouted but continued her tour. Kurogane though had not gone far. The moment their eyes met he lost all control over his body. He didn't like it, but she was pulling him closer and closer with those hazel orbs. After he was out of sight, he leaned against a wall and tried to catch his breath and put his nerves to rest. That woman was captivating.
He mumbled a few curses and continued on with his life. Waiting for the prince to finish his business had become boring and tiring, so he decided to settle in for the night. The walk back to his home town would be long and there were no carriages this late at night, leaving his only option to crash on a bench or under some tree. It was the middle of the winter so he expected it to be a hard enough night.
He dove his freezing hands into his pockets and kicked a pebble with his boot. The second time he went to kick it, he stopped his foot midair. A loud scream reached his sensitive ears. Could it be? Who else would be outside at this hour?
He had long forgotten the pebble as he ran and ran and ran as fast as he could through the streets and alleys to find where the scream generated from. And he was right. The small girl was under a man, rather filthy man too, and was kicking her legs in order to get free. Her delicate hands were pinned on the stone floor and she was crying. Kurogane did not waste any more time. He dashed to her captor and landed a punch square on his face. The girl quickly pushed her legs until her back hit the wall and curled, hugging her knees close to her chest.
The possible rapist was on the ground, unconscious, still receiving iron-hard punches.
After the man had enough, he stood and approached the terrified girl, slowly not to scare her away. He kneeled in front of her and waited until she lifted her eyes to once again meet his. Her bright eyes were now puffy and red from crying, as tear drops slid down her equally red cheeks.
He reached his hand to touch her cheek, but she turned away embarrassed and startled. It was not like she did not want to make an acquaintance out of this man, but she was extremely shy and nervous. Also, he was so handsome with his long black hair and red piercing eyes.
"Let me…" He whispered out of nowhere.
Unfortunately, he was speaking in a different language than her. "I'm sorry, I do not speak that dialect."
"Why did you make me react like this, woman?" He spoke again, offering her his hand. Mere inches, though, before their fingertips touched, the man's shoulder was impaled by an arrow.
Levy turned abruptly her head at the direction of the arrow, only to see her middle brother, standing in front of a squad of soldiers. As he readied another arrow, Levy crawled in front of the injured man, shielding him from another attack.
"Move aside, Levy! That man is dangerous." Jellal shouted.
"No! He saved me! Please brother." Levy pleaded, but, small as she was, was easily manipulated by the soldiers. They immobilized the black-haired man first, tying him in chains despite her protests, and then picked her up by her arms.
The moment he saw the girl struggle in their grasp, he tried to break free, only to be hit unconscious at the back of his neck.
As soon as they reached the castle, Jellal ordered the guards to throw the man in a cell until his father returned, so he could have a proper trial. Levy, on the other hand, was locked into her room for the night.
The poor girl immediately ran to her bed, curling herself in the middle of it and crying herself to sleep.
The next morning, Laxus came uninvited into Levy's room and woke her up with the worst shouts possible.
"Are you out of your mind?" He snarled.
"W-what?" Levy rubbed her sleepy eyes, which had a tint of main form last night's crying.
"You dared walk out these doors alone? And in the middle of the night? God knows what that scoundrel could have done to you if Jellal hadn't shown up."
"Brother, please. He saved me from-" She sat up on the bed.
"Don't you 'brother' me now, Levy. What would I have told father in case you did not come back last night? Or if you were raped or abducted?"
"He protected me from an actual rapist. You must now hurt him." Levy stood and reached her hands to catch Laxus's shirt, but he pushed her arms away.
"Oh now you've grown to care for him? Tell me, Levy. Did he touch you in any way?" Now he caught her arms and shook her, from which she hissed. The guards from last night had actually bruised her arms trying to contain her.
"I told you already. What are you doing with him?" Levy said now calmly, avoiding his gaze.
"We're trying to make him talk. I cannot do anything more until father returns. Until then, you are forbidden to leave your room, except for the meals." And with that, he slammed her door and left.
Levy, though, was not going to be intimidated by her brother's loud voice and scolding. She quickly took a warm bath, changed clothes and headed downstairs for breakfast, like nothing was going on. She had cereal and milk along with Natsu and Jellal, the second refusing to even look at her direction. He knew she could open her mouth any time and reveal his secret. He felt a little guilty at that moment since she had kept his secret like it was hers, and he went and betrayed her. But he was scared seeing his little sister in an alley along with an unknown man. Maybe he had to ask first before shooting him.
The next days passed silently, with Levy not exchanging a word with the two oldest brothers, having only Natsu and Lucy to lean on. She told them everything about that night and they believed her, as everything was adding up. Natsu also told her that the prisoner had not spoken a word since he was jailed. To that Levy answered that he simply did not speak their language, thus he could not understand.
So, she decided to sneak into the dungeons and see him. As she walked down the stone stairs and reached the iron door, two guards blocked their way.
"We're sorry, princess. The oldest prince and heir to the throne ordered us not to let anyone pass."
"Oh? Are you denying my wish to enter? Are you forgetting your place?" Levy said, holding her head high.
"No, princess, but-"
"Maybe I need to tell my father…" Levy turned to leave, looking at the two guards with the edge of her eye.
"Wait, princess! You may pass." The two opened the iron doors and Levy walked inside, thanking them.
Hope you bros enjoyed. If you did, go ahead and give a review and a favorite. See ya in the next one.