It is after the Grand Magic games and Ivan wants revenge against his spy that betrayed him.
The guild hall was buzzing with excitement. Everyone was present other than a select few that were returning from last minute jobs. Once they arrived they would all have to stay in preparation for the upcoming Harvest Festival.
Levy looked around the hall excited to see everyone that she hasn't seen for a few months. She was sitting at a table with Lucy, Erza and Juvia. They were all deep in conversation with each other. The thought of Gajeel popped into her head, she was overjoyed that she would see him soon.
"What is wrong, Levy?" Erza asked her.
Levy looked up shock and realized she had sighed overly loud, her face turned beet red. "Oh, Nothing."
Juvia jumped up across the table and got into Levy's face, her eyes wide. "Juvia does not believe that."
Lucy bursted out laughing. "She's thinking of seeing Gajeel."
"Oh," Erza started. "What juicy images are you thinking." Erza pressed.
Levy quickly shook her head, "Nothing!" She argued further, her hand thrusted out in defense as she backed herself against the bench.
Erza and Juvia both giggled. They loved teasing Levy about her confusing relationship with Gajeel.
"Well why are you so red?" Cana asked walking over and laying down over the table.
The other four girls laughed and Levy's blush just deepened.
"Oh, Calm down Levy." Lucy started. "We know you like him and that you guys have done things. That you both have seen each other…."
Levy threw herself at Lucy covering her mouth with her petite hand. She didn't need the whole guild to know what they have done. All the girls bursted out laughing again.
Jet and Droy looked over at the girls, they knew what the 4 were teasing Levy about. It struck both of them at home but they accepted the relationship between the two. They did warn Gajeel though that if he ever hurt her they would kill him, and to their surprise he said he would welcome it. They both sighed in unison in their shared depression that neither of them got Levy. Suddenly the door opened and everyone's eyes went to it to see who would be joining them.
Gildarts entered the hall and the whole building roared like the walls were going to fall down. And then chaos started… wait that was normal… Natsu ran up to Gildarts demanding a fight and the floorboards were broke by his face hitting them, and he was knocked out.
Gildarts walked over to Cana and handed her a small box. She looked at it a little irritated because she never wanted anything from him but then a small smile crept on her face as she took the small present. Gildarts then grabbed his bag off his back and dumped the contents over Cana. The contents where all call cards.
"I DON'T NEED THESE." Cana erupted. "I ACCEPT THE SMALL GIFT BUT NOT THESE!" and the argument between the two continued.
Levy smiled at the little argument, she got up from her seat and headed to the bar. She sat down near Master Makarov and Mirajane and ordered a juice.
"What's up?" Mira asked her.
"Just curious if you've heard from Gajeel and Lily."
"No I haven't yet, they should be back soon though." Mira smiled at her and walked to a few of the tables making sure no one need refills.
Levy sighed agitated, Makarov looked at her and then patted her on the head. Levy giggled at his fatherly display. She turned on her barstool and watched the whole hall next to Makarov. It was peaceful even with all the chaos going on around the hall. Levy smiled to herself she loved her friends and the life she was building with them.
There was suddenly a loud crack above them. Makarov and Levy looked up at the ceiling as a giant sphere lacrima came crashing down in front of them. Everyone jumped and looked at the giant sphere as an image started to focus within it.
Levy gasped, her hands flew to her mouth she thought she was going to be sick. Tears crept into her eyes as she looked at the image, her chest aching.
The image was Gajeel. There was gashes and bruises across his abdomen and chest. There was an ugly large blackening bruise on his left shoulder, the other shoulder appeared to dislocated. There was a steel collar tight around his neck with 4 chains going to lacrima pillars. His lip was broke and still bleeding. His right cheek was swollen and 2 of his piercings were ripped from his brow, blood streaming from the gash that took their place. His long raven mane was gone, it was crudely and unevenly cut, some places too close to his scalp that they were bleeding as well.
Lucy and Erza joined Levy at her side. Natsu, Grey and Juvia stood nearby watching the lacrima.
A buzzing started within the lacrima. The guild hall was silent. Suddenly the buzzing stopped and there was a loud crack as lightning went up the chains. Gajeel reared as the lightning hit him.
"GAJEEL!" Levy screamed as she jumped of the stool.
Lucy grabbed Levy's, not knowing what would happen if she touched the lacrima. Levy took a step back toward Lucy as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Finally a scream of agony ripped through Gajeel's clenched teeth. Levy whimpered at the sound and finally fell to her knees. The lightning stopped and Gajeel went limp against his collar.
Sickening laughter started from within the lacrima.
Makarov growled at the sound. Laxus walked up next to him and crossed his arms across his chest.
Ivan finally came into view. Levy felt like she was on fire and wanted to jump and strangle the man.
"What are you doing?" Makarov growled.
Ivan laughed again. "Getting my revenge." he grinned wickedly. "Give me what I want and I might release my traitor."
"Traitor?" Levy whispered to herself in question.
"You can have whatever you want, just let him go right now." Makarov said.
"Just fucking forget about me." Gajeel finally said, Levy jumped at the sound of his voice. "Don't fucking give him…" a loud crack erupted as Ivan's fist connected with Gajeel's left cheek.
Levy stared at Gajeel as he remained still and quiet.
Ivan turned back to them. "You have 3 hours to get me what I want or he is dead." Ivan walked out a view as the buzzing started again. And the lightning started again.
Levy screamed but didn't hear what she said herself as the lacrima cracked and shattered in front of them. Levy put her face into her hands and started to cry. She wasn't sure if she was upset for what was happening to Gajeel or for his condition. All she knew is she was now just pissed. And her face was now hot.
"You're a fucking dumb ass." Gajeel growled when the lightning stopped, his chest was heaving from the pain. Ivan was standing next to the door.
Ivan stepped towards him, grabbed him tightly around the neck. "Now why would you say that."
"Your father will never give you what you want…" Ivan tightened his grip, but Gajeel fought on. "Your own son beat you and 4 of your minions to a bloody pulp…" Gajeel was now wheezing. "And you just pissed off the whole guild…" Gajeel grinned at Ivan as he clenched his other fist, "You just started a fucking war."
Ivan growled and tightened his grip more. "Either way I can still kill you if I so wish."
"But you won't cause you don't have any other hostage." Gajeel grinned widened as his face started to redden, he felt the need for air grow but he kept his grin wide and his glare on Ivan.
Just as Gajeel was about to lose consciousness Ivan finally released him and started cursing at him. Gajeel coughed from the air hitting the back of his throat and he wheezed.
"You can say whatever you want but the moment they show up without what I want I will be here to kill you." Ivan threatened as he pulled a remote from his coat pocket and hit a button. The buzzing from the lightning lacrima started again and Ivan left the room.
"Fuck." Gajeel said closing his eyes. "Lily, please be okay," he whispered to himself. "I am sorry Makarov for failing you," he continued as the buzzing suddenly stopped. "Levy…" and he was his by another charge of lightning.
Levy was watching the spot where the lacrima was, she couldn't even think after watching the one she cared for the most being tortured. She almost hated herself knowing she couldn't just walk up to the door of the disbanded guild and demand him back.
"Mirajane find out where Gajeel and Lily were completing a job at." Makarov shouted the instant the lacrima had shattered.
"The mountains just outside of Crocus." Mira answered instantly.
"Happy, Carla, Jet Hurry that way and search for Lily," Makarov shouted across the hall. "Once you find him rush him to any medical help he may need. QUICK."
Jet nodded and was instantly out the door Happy and Carla hanging onto him as he went into his quickest pace.
Makarov looked up at Laxus, "I need you and everyone that is willing to go to head to Raven Tail." He then turned to Laki, "Head to the Rune Knight's post here and tell them what happen and escort them to Raven Tail, make sure they have medics." He finally turned to Levy and Lucy. "And finally, Levy, Lucy and Wendy I need you 3 to go with Laxus but when you guys are inside go directly to Gajeel, deactivate the Lacrima, get him stable and get him to the hospital as quick as possible."
Levy was still in a daze but did hear what Makarov had said. In an instance Lucy grabbed her hand and they were on Laxus's heels as they raced out of the guild hall.
Everyone was following them as well, everyone was ready for war. Levy smiled to herself, she knew everyone was bored with not having anything to do but some jobs.
Makarov watched as the guild hall emptied. Mavis suddenly appeared next to him. "Ivan is at it again?"
"This time is the end, I will make sure he is arrested and this does not happen again."
Mavis nodded, "If he isn't arrested you can bet that Laxus will make him regret every decision he has ever made."
Makarov nodded, "I have to go postpone the festival, I promised to force Gajeel to be in it this year." He headed out of the hall and headed towards the mayor's house. Mavis looked around and saw she was all alone. She hated not being able to use her magic to help.