AN: Hello everyone! SO! This is Trials. This was a Gajevy story I started a long time ago, probably when I first started FF, and I ended up taking it down because I wasn't happy with what I was writing and how things were going so I have left it alone until now! I finally worked out what I really wanted to write and what I wanted to play out and decided to edit majority of the chapter and change certain things that will happen.

For those of you who did read this story before, I think I was 7 or 8 chapters in, I did change some stuff so please read it again! (besides it's been years and I don't think you'd remember what was going on, hell knows I didn't!) so anywhos, please enjoy this Gajevy story! I have to go over the rest of the chapters and I don't know when they will be posted so please be patient with me. I went over this chapter and made lots of edits, still probably missed a few things, but hopefully I didn't or at least made everything make sense lol

For those who follow me and my other stories, please don't hate me for not updating in so long, work has been crazy busy and I'm getting married at the end of this month so I've been very busy with that as well! I'm hoping to get a chapter of Centaur posted by the end of the week!


Levy was just a small child when she first saw the dragons flying in the sky above her. She sat there in the middle of the open, green meadows in awe, staring up at the blue sky as dragons of every color flew by. Her best friend, Gajeel Redfox, was sitting next to her the whole time. He was just a year older than her, with tanned skin from head to toe, and hair as black as the darkest of nights. It was spiked wildly across his head. He had crimson red eyes, and a smile that could melt anyone's heart. Levy's blue hair blew to one side as the powerful wind from the dragons went by. She held back her short blue hair and giggled.

"Look Gajeel! Dragons! They're so pretty!" She exclaimed as she pointed upwards.

Gajeel leaned back on his arms as he watched the dragons above them. As he listened to Levy, something deep inside of him stirred. A powerful urge made him suddenly stand up excitedly and made a fist with his hands with a determined look on his face. "One day, I'm going to become a dragon slayer! I'm gonna be the best, Levy! Just you wait and see!"

Levy giggled again and looked up at her friend. "You can't become a dragon slayer Gajeel! There's no such thing as dragon slayers, silly. Besides, I thought you were going to become my bodyguard and protect me forever. Did you already forget your promise?" She blushed slightly as she held up her hand. A small flower sat upon her pinky that was wrapped around her finger by a small vine. Gajeel looked at her hand and blushed slightly himself. He crossed his arms across his chest and looked away.

"No I didn't forget! And I will be your body guard one day. I'm just going to go find a dragon and train with it first! Then everyone can fear me while I'm protecting you! Gihi!"

Levy smiled and closed her eyes happily as she turned her head up at Gajeel. "You always laugh funny!"

Gajeel became a bit flustered and thought quickly for a good comeback. "Yeah? Well...you...uh... you're a bookworm!" He said as he pointed at her and the book that was settled in her lap. Levy was always one to have a book in her hands and her face buried deep within it. Her parents couldn't remember a time when she didn't have a book in her hands once she was able to read them on her own. Gajeel put his hands on his hips, a smug look on his face as he looked down, claiming victory. His smile faded as he watched tears form in her eyes. "H-Hey... what's wrong?"

Levy sniffled and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. "Everyone calls me a bookworm... I... I just like to read books. Why is that so funny?" She looked up into his red orbs, anger and hurt in her own eyes. Gajeel jumped back slightly, surprised by the expression she was giving him. "Why do you have to be so mean, Gajeel?!" Levy scooped up her book and started to head back in the direction of the castle, leaving Gajeel standing there, thinking about what he said.

"I don't get it. Everyone else calls her that, but she just smiles at them whenever they say it. Why did she get so mad at me?" Gajeel looked back up to the sky. The dragons had already disappeared. A smile came across his face once more. 'I will become a dragon slayer. I know they're real!'

A voice called out for Gajeel in the distance. The dark haired boy looked across the meadow to see his older brother Rogue walking his way. His brother was more mature for his young age. His hair was always kept short, but spiky like Gajeel's. He had dark green eyes and a smile that would one day, find him a very lovely bride. He was good to his little brother, always taking up jobs to make money to support them both. He would also cook food for the two of them seeing how their parents weren't in the picture. Rogue was already in training to be part of the royal guard for the McGardens'. He always said that it was a high paying job, and he didn't quite mind having a sword in his hands. "Hey Gajeel, I thought you were out here with Levy?" He asked as he reached Gajeel.

Gajeel put his hands behind his head and looked up at his brother. "I was with her. But when I called her a bookworm she got all mad for no reason and stormed off."

Rogue closed his eyes as he laughed. He ruffled Gajeel's' hair before speaking. "You need to be nicer to her Gajeel. A friend wouldn't make fun of another friend because they like to read books."

"But she said I could never be a real dragon slayer!" The smaller child said with a pout expression over his face.

"Gajeel..." Rogue knelt down to his little brother, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Dragon slayers are very rarely heard of. It is said that it is impossible to even find a dragon, let alone train with one. I'm sure Levy was just kidding. You know she supports you in anything you do. She's your best friend."

Gajeel looked away from his brothers' gaze. Levy did seem to support him anytime he did something reckless. But that's just because she would join in with him. She wasn't one to care if she got into trouble and she would always get him out of it in the end. She was training to be a powerful script mage and her parents want her to become the next ruler of the kingdom. She was their most precious treasure and when push came to shove, they would give in to her demands. They only wanted Levy to be happy as she went through her magic training and balanced her duties as a princess all at the same time. Perhaps that's why they didn't mind a scruffy looking child, like Gajeel, to play with their daughter. Rogue could tell Gajeel was deep in thought. He smiled and stood back up, taking his little brother by the hand. "Come on, let's go home Gaje. I'll make us something good to eat."

"Don't call me that! It's a stupid nick name!" Gajeel said as his cheeks flushed slightly. Rogue started walking with a laugh. Gajeel mumbled to himself as he walked along side with his older brother.


Hours later, Gajeel was lying down outside his house, looking up into the night sky. Most nights, after Rogue would fall asleep, Gajeel liked to come outside and would sometimes fall asleep out there. He enjoyed the soothing sounds and smells around their little house. The small dark haired boy would do a lot of his thinking while he stared up into the night sky. Tonight, his restless mind was thinking about one thing; becoming a dragon slayer. One who would put fear into people's hearts with just the very mutter of his name. He smirked up at the night sky. 'I should just run away from here... go find a dragon myself... demand he train me and then come back here to protect Levy and be her bodyguard.' Crimson orbs cast down from the sky as another thought entered his mind. 'But… if I do leave without saying goodbye to Levy… I'll make her sad again….'

Gajeel could hear rustling in the bushes near him, causing him to jump up and make a fist, ready to fight anything or anyone who came out. Levy stumbled out of the bushes and fell right on her face with a thud. Gajeel relaxed his body and went over to his friend. He helped her up onto her feet and dusted her legs off. She was wearing the same clothes from this morning; a dark green, loose fitting dress with a white flower pattern running along the bottom of the fabric with her favorite headband in her hair.

"What are you doing here Levy? It's super late out... aren't you supposed to be in bed?" The dark haired boy asked.

Levy finished dusting herself off and looked at him. "I could ask you the same thing!" Gajeel rolled his eyes and sat back down on the cold ground. Levy could tell he was troubled by his own thoughts. She sat down next to him and held her legs close to her body. They sat there in silence for a few minutes. Gajeel glanced over at her and noticed she was shivering. He stood up and went inside quietly. He grabbed his blanket off of his bed and tip-toed back outside, wrapping the blanket around her tiny body before sitting back down beside her.

"So why are you out here Gajeel?" Levy asked.

He stared off into the distance before saying anything. "I was thinking about running away."

Levy quickly turned to him and grabbed his arm. "Why would you be thinking about that?! It's dangerous!"

Gajeel snapped his head in her direction quickly. "I was serious Levy! I want to become a dragon slayer!" His voice softened as he turned his head away from her, blushing slightly. "So I can protect you..."

Levy's expression grew sad. She didn't want to see her friend run away, but she didn't want to stand in the way of his dream. "If you leave… can you promise me that you'll come back by the time I become old enough to take my parents place on the throne?"

Gajeel looked at his friend, dumbfounded that she was supporting him. "Uh... yeah."

Levy looked up at him with slightly angry eyes and a pouty lip. "Yeah what?"

Gajeel rolled his eyes and sighed. "Yeah I promise to come back before you take the throne." His red eyes traveled back to the blue haired girl who had a sweet smile on her face. He was going to miss that smile. He didn't know where he was going or how long it'll take, but he sure was going to miss his friend and brother. He stood up quickly and made a fist with one of his hands. "And when I come back, I'll be the greatest dragon slayer the world will ever know!" Levy giggled and stood up next to him. She wrapped her tiny arms around his body and nuzzled her face into his chest. He blushed slightly and stood there not knowing what to do at first. His arms finally went around her after a minute of hesitation.

Levy pushed off of him and started back to her own home. "You be safe Gajeel! Make sure you come right back to me after your training! You promised!" She said as she waved her hand goodbye, the flower ring still on her finger.

Gajeel waved back and smiled. Once she was out of sight, he ran back inside to grab his bag he had hidden from Rogue the day before. He set out the note he had written on the table and went to the door. He placed his hand on the handle, pausing for a moment. He turned back to look at his brother. The fireplace was still lit slightly, he could see Rogues' sleeping face. 'I'm sorry for leaving you like this, brother.' And with that thought, he opened the door with a smile across his lips. He was ready to become the dragon slayer he had always dreamed of becoming.


11 years later….

Levy's twenty-first birthday had finally arrived. She had been training for years now to perfect her magic and was ready to complete her trials to become the next ruler of the kingdom. She was getting dressed into her ceremonial gown when her mother stepped in the room. She walked over to her daughter and hugged her shoulders. "You look absolutely beautiful my dear. You're father and I are so proud."

Levy smiled and placed a hand on her mothers' hand. "Thanks mom. I'm really nervous about this... what if I screw up during my trials though?"

Levy's mother just smiled down at her daughter. "Levy, you'll do fine. You have gotten a lot stronger with your magic over the years so I'm sure the trials you will have to face will be a piece of cake. You only have to complete three of them… then you can become the new queen." She kissed her head and left the room as Levy's two friends came into her room.

"Hey Levy! How's it going?" They both said in unison. Levy smiled and turned to her friends.

"Hey Jet. Good morning Droy. I see you two are ready for today." They were already dressed in their ceremonial attire. Both of them put a hand behind their heads and laughed slightly. Jet was the first to speak.

"So... did you figure out who was going to escort you to the grand hall? I mean, it's going to be such a great honor if you choose one of us, Levy." He asked with a slight blush on his face.

"Well..." Levy started.

"It's totally me, isn't it Levy?" Droy cut in.

"You see..." Levy continued to say.

Jet made a fist as he turned to face Droy. "What the hell are you talking about!? Levy has always liked me more so she's totally choosing me!"

"You guys-" The blue haired girl said, trying to cut in between her friend's argument.

"You're an idiot! Who would ever choose a guy like you!?" Droy said as he matched Jet's stance.

The two of them continued to bicker back and forth when Levy finally had enough. "I've chosen someone else!" She shouted over them. The two friends stop fighting and looked at Levy. Her tiny frame was still so cute even when she was mad at them. Levy cleared her throat and stood up straight. "I'm having someone from the royal guard escort me. And no I'm not telling you who it is."

Jet and Droy both look disappointed at this point. They had been in love with Levy for years now, they both even asked her out but she turned them both down. The two were never ones to give up on her heart. Any chance they got, they tried desperately to win her over, but to no prevail.

"Now if you two will excuse me." She said as she gracefully walked past them.

The two tall men watched her walk away out of the room. They looked at each other, Droy spoke first. "I feel like we are forgetting something. Something important that involves Levy…."

"Yeah but what?" Jet asked back. Both of them shrugged and left the room in silence.


Levy made her way to an empty room where she waited for the Captain of the Royal guard to escort her through the crowd. She paced back and forth, wishing she had a book in her hands to read instead of having to deal with this whole thing.

"You seem a bit nervous, my Princess." A smooth voice said in the doorway.

Levy turned to see Rogue standing there in his armor, one hand holding onto his helmet and his sword hilt with the other. He lowered down to one knee in front of her like he always used to do. Levy rolled her eyes and told him to stand. "You don't need to do that Rogue, you're a Captain now." Rogue stood up and smiled sweetly at her.

"Old habit I guess. So are you ready for tonight?" He asked.

Levy went back to pacing the room. "I think so... but then again, maybe not. I've read about the trials so many times, I know what is going to be expected of me when my parents tell me of the trials I will have to face. I'm just afraid I'll screw something up. It's very important that I complete these tests… otherwise I can't take on the responsibility of running this kingdom." She stops and is silent for a minute. She grips the fabric of her dress as her mind shifted to a different thought for the first time this night. "Has... has there been any word from him?"

Rogue looked down, sadness across his face. "No, I have not heard from him in several months. And over the years, I've noticed a decline in the amount he's been sending me. It worries me that he... is no longer of this world. But then again, he could just be busy with his training."

"I see." Levy said, gripping her dress tighter. After a minute, Levy brought a hand to her face, wiping away the tears that began to form. 'I wish you were here with me right now... I can't do this alone.' She turned around with a smile on her face. "Well then… better not keep everyone else waiting any longer. Shall we Captain?" She holds out her small hand to him. He smiles slightly and takes it into his own, walking her out of the room and down the hallway in silence.


Long black hair swayed with the cool night wind as crimson orbs looked down from the hill to the castle below. A devilish smirk came across a pair of lips. "So he ended up coming here, eh?"

Solid blue eyes too were looking down at the quiet castle as well. "Do you really think he came here?"

A long nose breathed in deeply. "Oh yeah… I can smell him and his lackeys."

The deep blue eyes from a woman glanced over to the large man standing next her. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

The man simply responded with a light laugh. "Gihi…"


Levy was sitting at the grand table with her parents and Rogue. She kept her smile on her lips throughout the whole time her parents, along with the elders who stood before them, spoke to her about the three trials she would have to complete and the rulers in charge of them. Her thoughts were elsewhere this night, however. 'He broke his promise to me...' She thought to herself as she sat at the table. 'He wrote to Rogue but never to me… why didn't he even try?' Hazel eyes shifted around the room, not truly concentrating now on what her parents and the elders were talking about. 'Was it too risky for him to tell me what he's been doing this whole time? I wish I just knew that he was ok. Rogue said he hasn't heard from him in months… are you really still alive out there… or did something bad happen?'

A loud, booming laugh echoed throughout the grand hall, pausing all thoughts running through the blue haired girls' head. Everyone looked around the room to see where it was coming from. Rogue stood up quickly and went to Levy instinctively. He pulled her from her seat and moved her behind his back, his free hand moving to his sword. His men followed his actions and circled around Levy and her parents who had gotten out of their own seats to stand with their daughter. "Show yourself fiend!" Rogue said as he drew his weapon.

A large man appeared a few feet away from Rogue and his men. His arms were crossed over his chest, his eyes darting right into Rogues' dark green ones. He towered over the captain which made Levy shake in fear. He had short blonde hair that spiked up on the top of his head with a nasty scar dawned over his right eye. He wore a jacket, lined with gray fur over his dark tunic. He continued his evil laugh as he looked down at the small group before him. "Well, well, well... what do we have here? Am I interrupting something important?"

Rogue gritted his teeth as his hands gripped his sword tighter. "Laxus." He said with distaste in his mouth. "What are you doing here? Dragon slayers are forbidden in these lands! Especially after what you did three years ago."

Laxus let out another laugh. "Still mad about that I see. I bet that burn I left you didn't heal properly. Having trouble getting the ladies now, Rogue?" He said with a smirk. Laxus looked past him and right to Levy. "My, my you've grown... well, into a young lady that is. Still tiny as ever I see!"

Levy made a fist at her sides, fear no longer in her heart. 'If I don't do something now to help, all those years of training will have been for nothing!' She shouted at Laxus in anger. "What are you doing here?! This is a ceremony that the likes of you are not welcome!" Levy pushed Rogue aside as she pulled up one side of her dress, taking her magic pen off of its small holster around her leg. She wrote out STORM, sending a powerful gust of wind towards Laxus. Laxus covered his face with his arm and grunted, his body being pushed back slightly.

He looked over his arm and glared down at the tiny girl. 'How could she have this much power for such a small girl? She gained more power in the last three years….' He thought. "You'll pay for that little wench." Lightning began to form around Laxus as his stare burned into Levy.

"Levy, get back!" Rogue called out as he grabbed her arm to pull her back. Laxus sent forward a bolt of terrifying lightning. Levy put her arms up in front of her to brace for the impact, thinking that this was the end for her. There was a loud booming sound and within seconds, smoke had formed, filling the entire hall. Everyone standing around the hall stood there coughing while the smoke cleared. Laxus was smiling, thinking he had hit them all in one shot.

"You still think you're all that, don't ya?" A deep and gruff sounding voice said through the smoke. Laxus's eyes widen as he could recognize that voice almost immediately.

"No... It can't be you. I saw you fall!" Laxus said in frustration. The smoke finished clearing and Levy looked up at a tall figure. All she could make out was long, wild black hair and what looked like an iron rod sticking out in front of the man before her. Rogue moved quickly. He grabbed Levy by the arm once again and began to pull her away. Levy could swear she saw two crimson red eyes looking back at her as she ran with Rogue away from the danger. Her eyes widened. "Gajeel...?"

The man clad in a tan trench coat simply smirked towards her. Moving his gaze back up to Laxus who now had more lightning sparking from his body. "You saw me fall yes," The iron rod that was where his arm should be, changed into a giant iron sword with spikes covering the edges. "But I guess you weren't smart enough to make sure I was actually dead."

Laxus just grins widely at the man. "Lucky for you, Black Steel... I don't make the same mistake twice!" He said as he lunged forward. The dark haired man kicked off from the ground and lunged forward towards Laxus. Lightning and smoke filling the room once more as everyone scattered and stumbled to get out of the grand hall.

Once outside, Rogue continued his tight grip on Levy's' arm. She was running out of breath but he knew they were still too close to danger while near the castle. They were making their way to his house when three figures stopped them in their path. Rogue moved Levy behind him and held onto his sword tightly. "I know this isn't how you wanted to spend your birthday Levy, but stand behind me. I'll keep you safe."

One of the figures laughed to herself. "Oh that's precious... Let's see how well you keep her safe when you face all of us." The woman said as she moves her glasses slightly on her nose. "This game is just about to get interesting."

AN: Ok so that's the first chapter of Trials! Please let me know what you think in a review! I will always respond to reviews in the new chapters that I write :)

Also thank you all for reading and I hope you are looking forward to the next chapter! ^^

I might go back over this chapter again eventually and make more changes, but like I said, hopefully this chapter made sense from the edits I already made to it :)